Category Archives: Academy Award Winner

Frank Sinatra Romanced the Movies

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Sinatra is with Grace Kelley in "High Society."
Sinatra is with Grace Kelley in “High Society.” | Source

Frank Sinatra Albums

What Better way to say “I Love You” Than With a Frank Sinatra Song?

You will agree with me when I say Frank Sinatra is synonymous with love songs. A true fan holds their favorite Sinatra love song to heart.

Though some of his love songs are about love lost, they instill the value of making sure you hang on to the one you love.

“Look to Your Heart” is the third collection album of Frank Sinatra singles and B-sides with long-time collaborator Nelson Riddle. The Frank Sinatra album is an example of those favorite torch songs sung by Sinatra.

A combination of vocal jazz and classic pop, the album was released through Capitol in 1959. However, it was recorded between 1953 and 1955 when Sinatra’s film and television career hit one of its highest points. He won an Academy Award for From Here to Eternity in 1955.

Interestingly, a couple of long-lost songs from the 1955 live television musical version of Our Town, in which Sinatra played the Stage Manager alongside Paul Newman, are included on the album. “I Could Have Told You,” a favorite torch song, eventually became a standard. “Same Old Saturday Night’ reflects his newfound swing and wackiness with “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die,” suggesting his inclination towards living a rather pleasure-seeking, hell-bent lifestyle complete with beatnik bongos.

Sinatra's album covers have some of his best photo opportunities.
Sinatra’s album covers have some of his best photo opportunities.

Interestingly, two long-lost songs from the 1955 live television musical version of “Our Town,” in which Sinatra played the Stage Manager alongside Paul Newman, are included on the album.

“I went with a friend to see Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas, in the last year that he was performing. He wasn’t necessarily on top form, but the way he could connect with an audience and the way he communicated through the lyrics was something I hadn’t ever really seen before.”— Ron Howard – Movie Director, Producer, and Actor.

“From Here to Eternity”

Montgomery Clift (Robert E. Lee Prewitt) and Frank Sinatra (Angelo Maggio)
Montgomery Clift (Robert E. Lee Prewitt) and Frank Sinatra (Angelo Maggio)

“The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.”— Frank Sinatra

I have to admit that Sinatra’s “My Favorite Valentine” song is very appropriate for today. A perfect way to say “I love you”—a gift for any Sinatra fan.

Best of Frank Sinatra Songs

After listening to the album a couple of times, I noticed the diverse arrangement of songs. None fit together, but each song is a sensual pleasure in itself. One can’t help but appreciate Sinatra’s versatility as a singer, with songs ranging from the uplifting and rhythmic “Same Old Saturday Night” to the whimsical and delicate “Fairy Tale.” The fact that the collection reached the Top Ten means the album became available as a reissued compact disc, alongside the Capitol Years disc box set. All tracks are included in the box set The Complete Capitol Singles Collection.

With that said, I have to admit the “My Favorite Valentine” song by Sinatra is appropriate for today. A perfect way to say “I love you” — a gift for any Sinatra fan.

Summer Wind

“Frank Sinatra – My Way”

“Strangers in the Night” was released by Frank Sinatra on Reprise Records in 1966, continuing his celebration of his comeback to the #1 spot on the pop album charts, which began in the middle of the 1960s.

It is the last album he will produce with long-serving arranger and conductor Nelson Riddle.

Jonathan Schwartz of WNEW wrote this about Nelsen Riddle (I edited his quote for clarity):

“Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and Nelson Riddle stand, in my judgment, at the spine of American popular music. Nelson’s voice, like the others, changed our thinking, pushed us forward, and addressed us with startling originality. The scope of his talent dwarfs all other arrangers. He obviously took great pleasure in delegating authority to the oboe, flute, bass trombone, muted trumpet, organ, bassoon, and vibraphone while remaining in full control of his administration. He is overseeing without overstating the strings. His own private melodies whisper respectfully under the Gershwin, Kern, or Rodgers on the table. He sings out and out with the passion that informs every bar of every arrangement. All these things are actively combined in the immense body of work that stands as one of the great achievements in American arts. To find that Nelson, personally, is a droll, tender, reclusive, and richly intelligent fellow adds a special kind of luster to my fondness for him, devotion to him. The book you are holding is about music. There is no more qualified author available…Anywhere.”

“Strangers in the Night” knocked the Beatles off the charts. The rendition made it to #1 on the pop singles charts, and “Summer Wind” gradually developed into a timeless classic, achieving a more permanent commercial success than its forerunner.

“Frank Sinatra Greatest Hits”

“Strangers in the Night” blends popular Sinatra favorites like “Downtown” and “Call Me.”

Then show tunes like “On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever)” and with standards, too, like “My Baby Just Cares for Me” and “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.”

“Strangers in the Night” knocked the Beatles off the charts. The rendition reached #1 on the pop singles charts, and “Summer Wind” gradually evolved into a timeless classic, achieving a more enduring commercial success than its forerunner. The song was heard on television commercials and played while the credits rolled for the movie The Pope of Greenwich Village.

The album received two Grammys for Sinatra, including Best Male Vocal and Best Record of the Year. The album became certified platinum with 1 million copies sold in the U.S. alone.

Riddle used horns, strings, and an organ, making a swinging rhythm while Sinatra sings in a relaxed mood, feeling confident and jazzy, delivering a sensational gust of breathtaking vocals. The album appealed to Sinatra’s faithful fans and attracted pop radio.

Sinatra's trademark trilby is a narrow-brimmed hat resembling a fedora.
Sinatra’s trademark trilby is a narrow-brimmed hat resembling a fedora.

Frank Sinatra – “Come Fly With Me”

Sonny Burke produced the 1966 album and released it through Reprise Records with Frank Sinatra, working once again with Nelson Riddle as the arranger and conductor.

Burke was best known as the musical director of Reprise Records and as the producer of many Frank Sinatra albums. He graduated from Duke University in 1937. While at Duke University, Burke formed a big jazz band called the Duke Ambassadors. He led the group until he graduated.

Burke became a bandleader in New York’s big bands in the 1930s and 1940s. During the 1940s and 1950s, he worked as an arranger for bands like Charlie Spivak and Jimmy Dorsey.

Burke teamed up with Peggy Lee and wrote the songs for Disney’s Lady and the Tramp. He even wrote songs with John Elliot for Disney’s Toot, Whistle, Plunk, and Boom, which won the 1953 Oscar for Best Short Animated Feature.

Reaching for the Moon

“Moonlight Sinatra” was thought of as a minor recording, yet many fans enjoyed listening to the Sinatra and Riddle collaboration. Half of his recorded songs connect with Bing Crosby, whom Sinatra idolized, thus turning the album into a casual tribute.

Frank Sinatra Album

The album’s title refers to “Moonlight Sonata” by Ludwig Van Beethoven.

In Moonlight Sinatra, each song’s prevailing theme is the Moon, a perfect album to make love with Frank Sinatra. The album’s title refers to “Moonlight Sonata” by Ludwig van Beethoven. Riddle drives the music with lush, effervescent arrangements, creating a romantic tone and elegant theme, with every song having the word “mo”n” in its title.

Although the concept is not strong enough to qualify as a concept album, the title is apt. Riddle creates a succession of charts that offer a warm and pleasant evening, including various moods and tones. He forms soft Latin ballads, playing rhythms, while Sinatra gently sings a perfect blend, stretching each lyric with light touches.

Moonlight Sinatra is considered a minor recording, yet many fans delight in the collaboration between Sinatra and Riddon. Half of the recorded songs are associated with Bing Crosby, whom Sinatra idolized, making the album a casual tribute.

Sinatra and Riddle chose some unfamiliar songs, such as “Reaching for the Moon” by Irving Berlin, accompanied by a string bass. Burke includes “The Moon Got in My Eye”,” Oh, You Crazy Moo”, and the endless “Moonlight Becomes You”. A unique rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “Moon Lo” uses Sinatra’s soft touch. Yet, the instrumentals are strong with refreshing strings. Moonlight Sinatra is worth owning for any Sinatra fan and is accessible through Complete Reprise Studio Recordings.

Making Love with Frank Sinatra

Making love as you and your partner listen to Sinatra croon in the background inflames your passion. These Frank Sinatra albums are on your playlist, with the lights turned down. Relax with someone, and you will see what I mean.

Taylor Taylor, Kathryn Stockett Friendship

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Friendship

The making of The Help has a backstory about two friends who helped each other break into two competitive fields: publishing and filmmaking.

Director and screenwriter Tate Taylor and author Kathryn Stockett were childhood friends in the 1970s. They grew up together in Mississippi. Their friendship lasted into adulthood when they collaborated on a book and movie about social standing in the 1960s South – The Help.

Friend Helping a Friend

Stockett took five years to write the novel and over 60 rejections from literary agents. Then, she approached Taylor with her dilemma of not getting published. Being a close friend, Taylor was sympathetic and decided to read her manuscript. He was “blown away” and emotionally moved by the story’s truth because he grew up in the same southern culture as Stockett.

Taylor supported Stockett, saying that her manuscript was fantastic and that she shouldn’t give up. He promised he’d make it into a movie if it didn’t get published.

Black Versus White America

The story concerns unlikely women coming together to make a change in Mississippi in 1963. One woman is a writer researching Black women raising children in White households. The black woman and the writer become friends as they try to change the terrible conditions of black women working for white families in Mississippi.

Taylor and Stockett were both raised by single mothers who worked full-time. Like the women in the story, they needed help raising their children. Taylor and Stockett called these women who helped them grow into adulthood “co-mothers.”

Great Interview

“I didn’t think so, honey. Every day you’re not dead in the ground, when you wake up in the morning, you’re gonna have to make some decisions. Got to ask yourself this question: ‘Am I gonna believe all them bad things them fools say about me today?’ You hear me? ‘Am I gonna believe all them bad things them fools say about me today?’ You hear me today? All right? As for your mama, she didn’t pick her life. It picked her. But you, you’re gonna do something big with yours. You wait and see.”— Constantine Jefferson in the movie.

Promise Pays Off

So, Stockett’s career took off with her bestseller, and Taylor wrote the adaptation for the silver screen and directed it with a great cast.

The Help was published and became an ultimate bestseller. But Taylor remembered the story because of its authenticity. It continued to resonate with him from the moment he opened the book. He thought the story reflected his childhood friendship with Stockett, even though their lives differed from those of the characters.

Their story offers a solution for those who want to break into writing or filmmaking, reminding them of their childhood friends as sources of inspiration or help. Either way, collaborating on a project with a childhood friend is a rewarding way to keep the friendship growing and lasting forever.

Having friends who help you is meaningful and gives value to life. The story of Stockett and Taylor assisting each other and working their way to success in their chosen careers tells us who they are as individuals.

Tate Taylor and author Kathryn Stockett were childhood friends.

Strange Friendships

Tate Taylor continues writing and directing. He directed the movie MA, which starred Juliette Lewis, Octavia Spencer, and Luke Evans. Taylor and Blumhouse produced the film. It is a psychological horror-thriller about a lonely woman who becomes friends with a group of teenagers and allows them to party at her house.

The teenagers think they’ve got it made, partying like adults. The woman begins acting strangely in a horrific way, and it turns out she is not as friendly as they thought. Octavia and Tate were roommates before their careers flourished.

Roommates

In a couple of interviews with MA producers, they reveal that Taylor is one of the kindest directors and makes friends with everyone. Taylor and Spencer were roommates for seven years. It turns out they are the best of friends. Because they were roommates and friends, he knew Spencer would want to play Ma’s role because she loves true crime stories.

Again, friendship in the film business helps build careers. Keep that in mind as you develop your film career—create relationships.

9 Best Drama Schools in the World

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This article examines the top drama schools where movie stars like Meryl Streep, Paul Rudd, Angela Bassett and Paul Newman attended.

1. David Geffen School of Drama at Yale

Meryl Streep graduated from Yale Drama School.

Yale School of Drama’s reputation claims that each graduate acquires an agent within one month. Another added benefit is that the school is now tuition-free, thanks to a grant from David Geffen. 

Cole Porter, Angela Bassett, Julie Harris, Thornton Wilder, Paul Newman, Meryl Streep and Paul Giamatti are just a few well-known alumni.

Since its establishment in 1924, the school has offered programs in every theatre discipline.

Yale Drama School Free

Tuition and Expenses

The tuition is free, based on a remarkable gift from David Geffen. His generous donation ensures that full-time students in degree and certificate programs receive 100% tuition remission from each day forward. Rightly so, the school’s name changed to the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University. Books and estimated living expenses come to $21,000, including Yale Health Hospitalization/Specialty Coverage.

2. The Juilliard School

The list of talent that graduated from The Juilliard School is endless.

In her memoir, Patti LuPone felt truly educated when she arrived at Juilliard. The drama school’s founder, John Houseman, instilled in her an unthinkable discipline, pushing her diction problem to the brink of strangulation if she did not overcome her plight.

The Juilliard School approaches the study of drama in the most creative way.

There are high success guarantees in a handful of disciplines: Oscar Isaac, Patti Lupone, Viola Davis and Jessica Chastain are a few reputable alumni.

An agent says students learn and understand the classics, turning young talent into classical masters of the technique.

Tuition and Expenses

Tuition is estimated at $39,720, with living expenses varying depending on whether students live on or off campus. The cost includes room and meals, which range from $14,790 to $18,460, depending on whether students live in a double or single room. Books and supplies are $3,440, so the total per year is $57,950 to $61,620.

Those who decide to live off-campus face much higher housing and food costs, including transportation costs of around $1,008. Potential students should note that there are also application fees.

3. Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama

Award winners attend CMU.

Holly Hunter and Ted Danson are among the famous alumni of CMU, including Stephen Schwartz, the creator of Wicked and Pippin, who is also a graduate. CMU graduates earned six Oscars, 31 Tonys and 99 Emmys. Carnegie holds the most graduates with awards of any other drama school.

Tuition and Expenses

Tuition for both resident and off-campus students is the same at $49,610. Other fees apply at $1,055, and room and board cost $14,972. Books and supplies cost an estimated $2,400. The university includes part-time tuition at $465 per unit.

4. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Here is one of the best actor training schools on the planet.

The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art speaks to the history of theater. Playwright George Bernard Shaw asked RADA for a third of his royalties.

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Anthony Hopkins are notable graduates. Sir Laurence Olivier taught at RADA and bestowed one-third of his royalties on it.

Tuition and Expenses

Tuition fees are in UK currency for local, island, and overseas students. They range from 9,000 pounds to 17,200 pounds. Students living in the UK and with low incomes can apply for scholarships.

5. San Francisco American Conservatory Theater

Actors train and perform.

San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater (ACT) is a hard act to follow. The school collaborates with one of the top regional theaters, and the drama program attracts undergrads.

They attend the school’s 15-week semester. Ed Davis, Annette Bening, and Denzel Washington are just a few well-known graduates.

Tuition and Expenses

Tuition and fees are estimated at $26,750 and total $48,131, including supplies and the cost of living. The school offers child care and other services for an additional fee.

6. Northwestern University School of Drama

Tour the school before deciding to enroll.

Northwestern University graduates include the talented Charlton Heston, Warren Beatty, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Stephen Colbert, and David Schwimmer, the founder of Lookingglass Theatre.

Tuition and Expenses

Financial aid is available for low-income families, and resident and out-of-state tuition does not appear to vary. The total for one year of schooling runs about $63,554. The cost includes miscellaneous fees, room and board, and books and supplies.

7. CalArts

Disney’s daughter founded CalArts.

CalArts’ Center for New Performance is part of a school established by Walt Disney. Don Cheadle, Alison Brie, and Ed Harris are a handful of graduates who graced the school. It is not considered a drama school, but a theatre school that allows students to work with the likes of Ron Cephas Jones in the production of Prometheus Bound at the Getty Villa.

Tuition and Expenses

Tuition for an academic year runs about $45,030 for full-time enrollment. Payment plans are available, and other fees may apply. Tuition includes instruction, facilities, and some materials used in regular programs. Students must be financially able to pay for other supplies required for most projects.

Christopher Pheiffer, CalArts School of Theater MFA

8. The Academy of Dramatic Arts

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The school is costly, so ensure you get your money’s worth.

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts of Los Angeles and New York (Manhattan) are private institutions that serve as a performing arts conservatory.

The students earn an associate degree and audition for an invitation to be in the third-year theater company. Most students transfer to another higher institution to earn a bachelor’s degree.

The academy is the oldest acting school globally and is an English-speaking school. Both schools have impressive alumni, including Lauren Bacall, Anne Bancroft, Danny DeVito, Paul Rudd, and Robert Redford.

Tuition and Expenses

The undergraduate tuition and fees at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles total $36,190. About thirty-seven percent of enrolled undergraduate students receive grants or scholarships, with the average amount being $8,835. The total tuition and fees at AADA Los Angeles are $42,940, including education, books, fees, living costs and supplies.

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts New York undergraduate tuition and fees for a full-time student are $59,219, regardless of their residency. This includes $34,410 for tuition, $19,555 for housing, $570 for supplies and books and $750 for miscellaneous fees.

9. USC School of Dramatic Arts

USC offers production opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience. Source: USC School of Dramatic Arts

Tuition and Expenses

The University of Southern California, School of Dramatic Arts, is inclusive and recruits for diversity. Faculty member Ahmed Best works to mentor black directors with the help of Lucasfilm.

All faculty members are working professionals who have collaborated with industry actors such as George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Connie Britton and Forest Whitaker.
The estimated cost of attendance for two semesters or 12 to 18 units is $66,640, though many scholarships are worth considering.

Other expenses, including fees, books, supplies, housing, meals, and incidentals like transportation, add up to $90,921 for two semesters. The tuition rate is the same for out-of-state and in-state residents. The first semester requires a $450.00 New Student Fee.

Become a Film Producer

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Should you go to film school to become a film producer?

Becoming a film producer is a process of learning the ropes. This article offers advice from successful movie producers.

Go to Film School?

You can say, “No film school.” You save money that way and then work up the industry ladder to become a movie producer.

I talked with the owner of a puppet artist company. He has worked in the film industry for decades and told me he hires not fresh out of film school. He enjoys working with individuals who are diligent and eager to learn, rather than assuming they already possess all the knowledge. He explained that film school students often have preconceived notions of what it means to work in film. “They don’t want to work hard and work their way up the industry ladder.”

The film industry has its fair share of movie producers who were college dropouts or didn’t attend secondary education. Self-taught directors and producers seem endless if you look at the list. Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, and Francis Ford Coppola are just a few to name. Each has their own story of how they worked their way into the film industry and became successful without attending or finishing film school.

What Makes a Good Movie Producer?

Becoming a movie producer is a bold and challenging profession. A producer makes a production happen. In Myrl A. Schreibman’s book Creative Producing from A to Z, you learn that the producer is the one who can obtain the creative ingredients to prompt a project to go or the person who can raise the funding to give the project a green light but who then turns it over to another producer who makes it happen.

I recommend reading Schreibman’s book because it covers all aspects of filmmaking, from location scouting to funding a movie.

To become a movie producer, you need to understand what a producer does and how to assume the role by adopting the mindset of being the creative force behind the project, whether it’s a movie, TV show, cable show, or theatrical play.

Some producers take on filmmaking responsibilities, such as earning tax or industry incentives, financing, product placement, or distribution deals. They specialize in the business’s niche until they become professionals and have a comprehensive understanding of the particular aspect of film production. They become part of a movie production because their experience is beneficial for that production.

Tom Cruise Award-Winning Producer

Tom Cruise, at one time, sponsored a film website, which Google highly ranked. The site said, “… learning how to become a movie producer puts you in the driver’s seat of film production. The producer is possibly the most misunderstood yet most important person involved with any movie. The producers – people like Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, and Jerry Bruckheimer – all join a film project at the very beginning and commit themselves to see it through to completion. In short, they’re the generals running the entire production, doing it all.”

Nothing could be closer to the truth. Producers are the ones who ensure the project is completed. They are the CEO or the general of the camp. It’s hard work, yet it has many rewards, such as an Oscar or a steady income.

Film producers are responsible for many aspects of the production.

Advantages of Film School Alumni

You can attend a film school with a proactive alum network. There, you can meet students who share the same desire as you: to produce movies. Writer and director Nicole Holofcener told me in an interview how she met her producer while attending film school in New York.

They met in film school, and he produced her first movie called Walking and Talking. The film was her first feature film, launching the careers of Catherine Keener, Liev Schreiber, and Anne Heche.

Holofcener told me that her producer friend was instrumental in getting the film completed and into the movie theaters. During the same interview, she advised me that attending film school is a great idea, provided you have the necessary funds.

Example of a Movie Producer

Jordan Peele, best known for directing Get Out, wears many hats in the movie industry. He’s an actor, director, and producer. He understands how to make movies.

He knows what it takes to become a successful movie producer. His so down-to-earth and realistic about the movie-making process. It’s hard for me to believe he starred in Mad TV and is a comedian.

“The producer is the one who is able to obtain the creative ingredients to prompt a project to go or the person who is able to raise the funding to give the project a green light but who then turns it over to another producer who makes it happen.” Mryl A. Schreibman

Movie Producer Salary

A movie producer’s average salary ranges from $44,000 to $176,000 per movie, with additional bonuses. Bonuses are a key factor in the movie producer’s success in the industry.

Those pleasant perks are what make being a producer so much fun. The bonuses include profit sharing and commission. Profit-sharing involves sharing the profits, whereas commission refers to bringing in investors and receiving a percentage of their investment. Then, there is the good old bonus, which is whatever the producer’s contract stipulates. An example is producing a movie under budget.

Movie Producer Benefits

The character of being a producer and the related jobs that go with the position are nothing short of an adventure. Once a producer is successful, they rarely quit the movie business because it is creative and rewarding. When you become a producer, you will have to work very hard and hustle because many people will depend on you. Their duties will be in your hands.

The 25 Best Film Schools Rankings | Hollywood Reporter

From the American Film Institute to France’s La Femis, see which institutions made The Hollywood Reporter’s inaugural list.

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How to Become a Talent Agent

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A talent agent recognizes what gets their client to the top of the A-list in their trade. Here’s how to become an agent.

Being an agent is a creative job dealing with creative people.
Source: Moose Photos

Do You Need a College Degree to Become a Talent Agent?

Skilled talent agents recognize talent and know what will put their clients at the top of their particular trades. In movies, we call this the A-list.

Being a talent agent is a demanding job for any newcomer to the film industry. This field requires knowledge of marketing, law, promotions, and public relations.

It would be best to have a college degree, at least an AA in marketing. Most successful talent agents hold a degree in business law.

A talent agent may represent various people with specific talents. The most common, of course, are actors, but others who work with talent agents include models, singers, musicians, directors, screenwriters, authors, and professional athletes.

“Being a star is an agent’s dream, not an actor’s.” Robert Duvall

Ari Gold in “Entourage”

Is Beind an Agent Like Ari Gold in Entourage?

Whether or not being a talent agent is like Ari Gold in Entourage, it is crucial to know that the entertainment business is all about the “business.”

If you want to be a talent agent, you need to be dedicated and willing to work hard and be a part of the business of making movies, taking in sports, or reading a lot of scripts. Whatever niche you pick, make sure you love it to death and are willing to support your clients for blood.

How Does a Talent Agency Work?

Talent agents usually pick a talent to work with and stick with that type throughout their careers. Many choose to work exclusively with children, professional athletes, or authors. Some work with television series actors, commercial actors or film actors, or high-profile celebrities.

The larger agencies create package deals with studios where they include the actor, screenwriter, and director clients in the same movie production deal.

The larger talent agencies provide training programs, called internships, for individuals interested in a career as a talent agent. At first, the agency requires the intern to do errands and paperwork; there’s very little to do with working directly with talent.

“I wish to be cremated. One-tenth of my ashes shall be given to my agent, as written in our contract.” Groucho Marx

As an agent, you’ll be part of the filming business.

Successful Talent Agents Learn the Rules

When you join a talent agency, it is very wise to learn the rules of the land. You need to find out the dos and don’ts of the group. You do not want to step on anyone’s toes or make a blunder that could cost the agency money and reputation.

When an agency hires you, you begin as an assistant. The agency assigns you to an experienced agent, and you help them with their clients. How long you are in that position depends on how hard you work and how well you get along with other people in the agency. If you have a speciality like law or public relations, you can move up relatively soon, within a year or two.

What Does a Talent Agent Do?

Here are the everyday tasks an agency does:

  • Meet with current or potential clients to find out what type of talent they need for their upcoming projects and make talent suggestions.
  • Promoting talent to different clients through networking and public relations is primary in setting up auditions and jobs.
  • Schedule or book appointments to attract talent. Regulations and appropriate working hours need to be adhered to by the agent and agency.
  • Market the talent agency itself to obtain more talent. Procuring talent is a very competitive aspect of an industry town. So, keep your wits about you.
  • Collect fees due upon booking of auditions or securing talent. Billing requires a 30-day cycle.
  • Arrange classes and workshops, such as voice, acting, and specialized training, so that the talent can advance in their craft.

Agencies Keep Track of Residuals

A friend of mine heard a commercial she starred in went regional, which should have meant more pay (residuals) for her as an actor. Without an agent, it would have been trying for her to prove the increase in residuals.

She contacted her agent and explained to him what had happened. He immediately called the company responsible and got her residuals plus penalty fees. The agent earned his 10% fee, as well.

An agency’s job is to keep track of its clients’ residuals. Clients should receive residuals each time a commercial, TV, or movie airs on a network, cable, or streaming outlet.

“Every time I try to retire or even think of retiring from acting, my agent comes up with a script.” Anthony Hopkins

Differences Between “Union” and “Non-Union” Towns

In “union towns,” union agencies are registered with the unions and follow the rules as established by the organization. Working for a union agency is the ideal way to go because everyone in the business is on the same page. Study the union rules on your own: the right way is the union way.

Non-union agencies are not regulated, so they operate under different rules than union agencies. They can throw you a curve and present you with unexpected situations.

Your options are limited when looking for work as a talent agent in a non-union or non-industry town. Try locating and listing the agencies within a 100-mile radius. Meet with each owner or manager and explore how you can assist the agency. Ask to intern for three months and then be considered for a permanent position.

Is Being a Talent Agent for You?

I don’t think being an agent is a cushy job. It takes hard work and dedication to work with the talent you support to the core. It’s also a people-person job that requires handholding and knowing when to offer sound advice to your client.

Favorite Sushi Movie Scenes

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Movies that have scenes with sushi. Look at my list, and you’ll find some films you recognize.

Sushi in Film

Before we look at sushi movie scenes, I want to share the first time I ate sushi with you. I thought eating raw fish was not a delicacy. I thought I’d develop a super long worm in my stomach if I ate any of it.

A Japanese friend invited me to eat at a sushi restaurant near me. I told her of my fear of eating sushi. She told me the place she had in mind served her favorite sushi rolls, saying, “I will make sure you eat the good sushi.”

One day, I started thinking about sushi scenes in movies. I am excited about the idea and perused movies with sushi themes or scenes worth mentioning. I even asked some sushi masters if they knew of any sushi scenes in film. I went further and asked some sushi experts if they recalled seeing any sushi scenes in movies.

I discovered that there are nine movies with sushi scenes while writing this article. Two I left out because they are not my favorite.

The result of my search is fruitful, and the list is below. Most people will recognize these movies. They are well-known and made tons of money at the box office.

Seven Favorite Sushi Scenes

  1. Isle of Dogs (2018)
  2. The Breakfast Club (1985)
  3. Sex and the City 2 (2010)
  4. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
  5. Defending Your Life (1991)
  6. John Wick 3: Parabellum (2019)
  7. Johnny English (2003)

The sushi scene in Wes Anderson’s 2018 stop-motion animation classic, “Isle of Dogs,” took nearly six months to complete.

1. Isle of Dogs (2018)

Stop-motion animation movies by Wes Anderson take a whole new level of the filmmaking process. Anderson’s stories keep the audience interested in the sparky dialogue and visual touches of humor. For some, the movie may seem a bit quirky. The sushi scene in Isle of Dogs is a masterpiece of stop-motion animation.

The whole premise of the scene is to poison the despotic leader of the Asian nation that sends dogs to the remote island. If you haven’t seen this movie, I recommend it. All of the Anderson movies entertain.

2. The Breakfast Club (1985)

John Hughes wrote and directed The Breakfast Club. A few years later, he wrote and produced Home Alone. The movie is about five high school students sharing detention, who eventually talk about their problems and discover they have a lot in common. Each student is different, but all are exaggerated stereotypes.

The poignant movie stars Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, and Anthony Michael Hall. Even today, I can safely say this is a movie that cuts deeply into the overall problems of public education in America.

My daughter relates to this movie because each student is very different from the others. They become friends while serving detention. Each student copes with the social pressures of high school, adapting to the high school scene as best they can.

The sushi scene is so funny because Ringwald opens up her bento box, and the others look at her like she opened up a can of sardines.

Kim Cattrall (far right) was also a sushi champion in “Sex and the City 2” (2010), but for different reasons. Source: Martamenchini, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Sex and the City 2 (2010)

Sex and the City 2 takes a silly look at sushi to entice a romantic interlude. Samantha covers sexy areas of her naked body. She is waiting for her lover when the phone rings. She obviously can’t answer the phone.

Honestly, I have never seen the cable show or the movies. I did watch the clip, which is age-restricted. Unfortunately, the clip with sound is no longer available. I posted one without sound. Hopefully, you’ve seen the movie and or gotten the idea. The visual of this scene is what is funny, not the dialogue.

The above video is restricted because the content has suggestive characteristics.

4. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

One of my favorite Pixar movies is Monsters, Inc, where we watch Mike Wazowski, the green, one-eyed friend of Sulley, take Celia out for a special sushi dinner. We see the exaggerated greetings of sushi chefs upon the monsters entering the restaurant, and Mike’s girlfriend, Celia, is very impressed.

The scene is hilarious because Mike tries to keep it romantic despite the slapstick humor from Sulley, who’s trying to keep the monsters from finding out about Boo, a child forbidden in the monster world.

5. Defending Your Life (1991)

Defending Your Life follows Albert Brooks’ character, Daniel, who dies after getting hit by a bus while driving his brand-new BMW.

He ends up in Judgment City defending his life. Going through the rigors of Judgment, he decides to dine at the sushi bar. I have a clip of the scene below poking fun at the over-the-top hospitality of sushi chefs.

The movie is fun to watch and also stars Meryl Streep. Her character goes through Judgment better than Brooks’ character, the prevailing theme of this deadpan funny film.

6. John Wick 3: Parabellum (2019)

A sushi scene in a John Wick movie fits the production design with vibrant reds and metallic undertones. Of course, Chad Stahelski directs a dark and rainy scene. Though Keanu Reeves is not in this scene, Asia Kate Dillon, playing The Adjudicator, approaches the sushi bar. Here we see how skilled the assassin is at being a sushi chef.

If you know anything about Blowfish, it’s one of the most difficult to prep. True, you only need to cut it. Incorrectly preparing Blowfish releases toxins and could have killed Dillion’s character.

7.  Johnny English (2003)

The hilarious Johnny English film series stars Rowan Atkinson in the title role, with Ben Miller and John Malkovich in supporting roles.
It is a parody and tribute to the James Bond franchise and Atkinson’s Mr. Bean character.

Watch this sushi scene and enjoy the bumbling character Atkinson, who is so brilliant at portraying.

Remember

Academy Award Winner, drama, movies, suspense, thriller, , , ,

Remember_3D_BD_OcardThis is a gem of a movie directed by Oscar nominee Aton Egoyan and written for the screen by Benjamin August, stars two very talented, Oscar-winning actors Christopher Plummer and Martin Landau.

I must digress and tell you I saw Plummer perform his one-man play about the late John Barrymore. I was fortunate to meet the playwright of Barrymore as well. I am compelled to praise Plummer’s performance and the play.

Remember is a story about very dark truths, lying just under the skin is the truth that comes to light when you least expect it. The movie is an intense thriller, and I was fortunate to see it on Blu-ray. We follow Zev, played brilliantly by Plummer, who has dementia and is recently widowed. He is a Holocaust survivor and will stop at nothing to get justice for his family. Being an Auschwitz survivor and with the aid of a friend, played by Landau, they discover that the Nazi guard who murdered both their families some seventy years ago is living in America under an assumed identity. Zev sets out on a gripping journey that tests both his will and his fading memory as it brings him closer to the retribution he seeks.

The movie has several memorable scenes. One is with the State Troop, son of a Nazi, with a German Shepard that Zev visits looking for the Nazi guard. Dean Norris plays the State Troop with such a gripping edge. I was so afraid for Zev. I was literally on the edge of my couch telling my husband, “This is such a good movie…”

The supporting cast is priceless including two talented child actors, Peter DaCunha, and Sofia Wells, offering the innocence of people unsuspecting the horrors of Holocaust.

The ending is so good and meaningful, which makes me wonder. For some perhaps, dementia or forgetting is just a way to protect those from transgressions who care not to reveal to themselves and others.

I applaud Egoyan, Plummer and Landau, great story and great performances.

The Blu-ray features an Audio Commentary with Director Atom Egoyan, Producer Robert Lantos & Writer Benjamin August. It also includes “Performances to Remember” Featurette and “A Tapestry of Evil: Remembering the Past” Featurette.

Room

Academy Award Winner, drama, movies, , , , ,

RoomDirected by Lenny Abrahamson, Room is a hard film to watch, but worth watching because the story is told so well. Brie Larson won an Oscar for her portrayal of a kidnapped survivor. Since she is from my home time, I am very excited for her achievement.

The story arrives where Joy Newsome, played by Larson, is 7 years into her disappearance when she was a teenager in Ohio. She and her son, Jack, played brilliantly by Jacob Tremblay, celebrate his 5th birthday imprisoned in a 15′ by 15′ shed. “Old Nick,” played by Sean Bridgers, captured Joy, who is Ma to Jack, and regularly rapes her. Thus, they produce Jack. Abrahamson keeps the rape scenes off camera, which helped me get through the movie.

Because she cooperates with Nick, he feeds and provides shelter for her and Jack. Yet, they are still prisoners and never leave the shed with a skylight as their only view of the outside world.

Now that Jack is a big boy, Ma teaches him about the outside world. One scene, which I really like, is where Ma teaches Jack about walls. That there are two sides to a wall. Each side had different things. This builds to the point where Jack escapes, and they both become free.

Once freed, Jack is shy and limited on how to survive in the real world.  Still, he is a kid and learns how to adapt quickly. Nancy, played wonderfully by Joan Allen, is Joy’s mother. Nancy and new husband, Doug, played by Tom McCamus, try to help them both as best as they can.

Jack starts to do better, and we see Joy’s mental condition worsen.  Larson is brilliant as Joy changes from a loving, protective mother to a woman struggling with mental anguish. Anguish she has tamped down for 7 years while in captivity with Jack. Larson is so believable and remarkable in these moments that I can see why she won the Oscar.

The movie is based on Emma Donoghue’s novel, which she adapted for the screen.  Like I said, I usually shy from topics like this because it is so sad, but in the end, I smiled.  I recommend this movie.

Simon Wiesenthal Film Collection

Academy Award Winner, documentary, , , , , , , ,

simonwiesenthalSimon Wiesenthal passed away in 2005. He was a Jewish Austrian Holocaust survivor and became well-known for his unrelenting work as a Nazi hunter.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Moriah Films collection of documentaries, which features narrations by Morgan Freeman, Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock and others, is now available as a DVD set worth owning.

The collection includes two Academy Award-winning documentaries: The Long Way Home, featuring Freeman’s narration, and Genocide, the 1982 best documentary Oscar winner narrated by Elizabeth Taylor and Orson Welles.

The Long Way Home takes an in-depth look at post-WWII and the survivors of the Holocaust. It also includes the voices of Edward Asner, Sean Astin, Martin Landau, Miriam Margolyes, David Paymer, Nina Siemaszko, Helen Slater, and Michael York. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1998.

The story focuses on the contemptible state of affairs for Jewish refugees in Europe after the war. Antisemitism was still predominant, and destitution was common. The movie indicates how emigration to the British Mandate of Palestine developed into a goal for many. Yet, the British immigration rules often concluded with them being in custody in camps on the island of Cyprus. The eventual formation of the State of Israel resulted based on the debates at the White House between Palestinian Jews, President Harry S. Truman, and the United Nations.

Genocide follows the courage and torture of the Jewish people before and during World War II. Elizabeth Taylor’s simple voice reads letters from fatalities of the Nazis. The letters are heart-wrenching, hearing the farewells to friends and other loved ones—first-hand accounts of horrifying images. One particular read is about someone who observed a massacre. I was shocked and disheartened, which is the aim of the movie.

Other narrators in the collection include Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Douglas, Sir Ben Kingsley and Christoph Waltz.

The documentaries are in a DVD case with Simon Wiesenthal on the cover. Susan Margolin, president of Docurama, a streaming service for documentary movies, called the collection “historically rich and profoundly important.”