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The Reel Deal Interview Archive
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May 2005 |
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At ten years of age, Alex Etel is unaware of his new found fame. Born in Manchester, England, he plays the leading role in Danny Boyle's latest film, "Millions," a heartwarming tale about two boys who end up with a suitcase full of cash only weeks before the British Pound is retired. It's an imaginative, magical adventure, one that puts Alex in wonderful light. And even though thefilm has yet to open in the U.K. (May 27th), if it's anything like the critical acclaim received in the States, it's boundto make him a star. Read the interview |
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May 2008 |
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Born to the legendary Hollywood actor and filmmaker, Robert Redford, one might automatically assume that acting was in Amy Redford's blood. But, says Amy, "I sort of prayed that it wouldn't be!" In fact, the New York native pursued many different majors from religious studies to humanities to photography across many different colleges from Boulder to San Francisco to London. She even referred to herself as Amy Hart to avoid any unwanted attention. But ultimately, the call of the theater prevailed. Says Redford, "I think, it beckons you or it doesn't. And it beckoned me." Read the interview |
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March 2008 |
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Denver native, AnnaSophia Robb, has the kind of sparkle that is both endearing and pure. "Ever since I was really, really young, I loved to perform in front of people. I loved to be the center of attention!" And the center of attention, she has become. At the tender age of 14, AnnaSophia has put together an extensive resume - acting, singing, and writing with some of the best performers and filmmakers in the business. Read the interview |
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November 2008 |
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If ever there was an actor who epitomized the "guy next door," it would be Bill Pullman. Wholesome, easy going, and downright friendly, Bill Pullman has found success, to a large extent, by playing honest characters. Characters as dependable, relatable, and close to the common man as depicted in "The Accidental Tourist," Sleepless in Seattle," and "While You Were Sleeping." Equally, characters as diverse, heroic, and conflicted as the President of the United States in "Independence Day," a convicted wife killer in "Lost Highway," and a schizophrenic father in "Igby Goes Down." Says Pullman, "It's not you asserting your 'you-ness.' It's you being available as a conduit for truth." Read the interview |
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November 2004 |
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Carly Schroeder turned 14 less than a month ago and yet, speaks with a confidence and professionalism attributed to an industry veteran. Perhaps that's because she began her career at such an early age? After all, she was only three years old doing print campaigns for Sears, Spiegel, and Land's End. And she was only seven when her enthusiasm and humor in a Shake n' Bake commercial led to a starring role in the long running soap opera, "General Hospital" and its sister, "Port Charles." Cast as Serena Baldwin, Carly participated in more than 480 episodes of the hit soap and earned back-to-back nominations for her role at the Young Artist Awards in 1999 and 2000 - all before the age of ten! Read the interview |
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July 2009 |
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Childhood career ambitions rarely turn into adult realities. But for Carrie Preston, classically trained actress and star of the HBO hit series "True Blood," acting was always her passion. At the tender age of 12, she began her own front yard theater group and dedicated her life to the art. Says Preston, "I was bitten by the bug the first little community theatre play I did and that was it. I became what you would call a lifer!" Read the interview |
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June 2005 |
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Connor Price is enthusiastic about his latest film, "Cinderella Man." And why wouldn't he be? The film is a heartwarming and respectable biopic of Depression era boxer, James Braddock. And it features some of the industry's hottest filmmakers in Ron Howard and Brian Grazer. In the film, Connor plays Braddock's oldest son, Jay, who struggles to deal with his family's lack of necessities during the Great Depression. And it's a standout role because it demonstrates his abilities against the best in the business, Academy Award winners Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger. Read the interview |
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February 2009 |
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Nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards and both Best Director and Writing nods at this year's Independent Spirit Awards, first time writer/director Courtney Hunt is just getting warmed up. Her sensational debut, "Frozen River," tells the story of two women, both mothers, along the US-Canadian border, who get caught up in the world of illegal immigrant smuggling. Through necessity and desperation, they travel back and forth across the frozen, St. Lawrence River. And put their lives and those close to them in jeopardy. Read the interview |
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November 2004 |
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From humble beginnings in Spokane, Washington, Craig T. Nelson began his career as a talented comedic writer and performer for the "Lohman and Barkley Show." Although his work earned him an Emmy early on, it wasn't until many years later that he found success as an actor. That success came at the hand of his close friend, Barry Levinson, who had just written an award worthy satire about the American justice system entitled "...And Justice for All" and wanted Nelson to play a part. Starring Al Pacino, the film put Craig T. in the limelight and helped usher in other minor roles such as "Private Benjamin," "Stir Crazy," and "The Formula." Read the interview |
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March 2008 |
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Welcome to the wild world of Dave Navarro - artist, musician, humanitarian, and internet talk show host of the widely popular, Spread Entertainment. Read the interview |
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July 2007 |
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"Now run and tell that," says Elijah Kelley's equality loving Seaweed J. Stubbs in the Broadway musical adaptation of "Hairspray." Set in Baltimore during the 1960's, "Hairspray" explores the issues of racial intolerance and interracial relationships amidst the backdrop of The Corny Collins Show, an "American Bandstand" like show for teens. Filled with colorful song and dance, the film features the many talentsof John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, and more. However, this updated version would not stand out were itnot for the dazzling array of showmanship from newcomer, Elijah Kelley. Read the interview |
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October 2009 |
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Elisabeth Moss is a woman among Mad Men. As the young, aspiring secretary turned copywriter, Peggy Olson, on AMC's Emmy winning show, Moss carefully balances innocence with determination, helping to convey the story of feminism in the 60's workplace. It's a role and performance so captivating that it earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series this year. Read the interview |
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November 2005 |
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Humble, honest, and full of good humor. Ellary Porterfield was born and raised in the quaint township of Bend, Oregon. There, she was discovered by a national talent search known as "Best New Talent" in 2001. After performing a comical impression of her seventh-grade teacher, Ellary was awarded first place in the Junior-Teen Actor competition as well as first in the Comedy category. But more importantly, it was at the talent search where she landed her current manager and agent. And became introduced to "pilot season," filming several television pilots for NBC and CBS before landing a role in her first feature film, "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio." Read the interview |
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March 2007 |
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"I've always wanted to act since I could talk," says the sixteen year-old teen sensation, Emma Roberts. And it's blaringly obvious. Born in Rhinebeck, New York to actor Eric Roberts and Kelly Cunningham, and niece to Academy Award winning actress Julia Roberts, Emma has certainly been there, done that, and walked the red carpet. Read the interview |
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March 2007 |
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Santa Barbara native James Taylor has California on his mind. Specifically, Los Angeles, where he makes his home with his wife and manager, Allison. Not to be confused with the popular singer/songwriter, this James Taylor is emerging as one of the most prolific voice over artists in the country, amassing a resume of animated features, video games, commercials, and more. Not to mention, providing the voice for a superhero Turtle named Leonardo in the animated adventure, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Read the interview |
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May 2008 |
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Soft spoken and extremely modest, it would be easy to write off Jesse Eisenberg's mannerisms as awkward nerves. But Jesse is not uncomfortable nor is he aloof. Rather, he is nothing short of spry - smart, engaging, and filled with the rapid word play and witticism of a Jon Stewart. Read the interview |
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November 2005 |
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Josh Hutcherson is one of the busiest 13 year olds in the business. And his career just got a mega-boost from the "Jumanji" inspired intergalactic adventure, "Zathura." In the film, Josh plays Walter Budwing, the oldest of two brothers, who is pulled through space by way of a magical board game. And it lends itself to lots of action - battling lizard like Zorgons, avoiding a malfunctioning robot, and hiding from deadly meteor showers. Of course, it's all in a day's work for this amazing young actor. Says, Josh: "I just love to do anything physical." Read the interview |
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April 2007 |
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At 13 years of age, Keke Palmer is one of the finest young actresses around. There was her sentimental turn as the abandoned young girl in "The Wool Cap." Her beautifully uplifting performance in last year's hit, "Akeelah and the Bee." And now, one of her most challenging and dramatic roles, as Samuel L. Jackson's daughter in the upcoming mystery/thriller, "Cleaner." Read the interview |
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April 2009 |
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Writer-director Kevin Smith is widely recognized as one of independent film's most distinguished voices. With such works as Clerks, Chasing Amy, and Dogma, Smith has built a universe askew, replete with slacker characters, stylized dialogue, and pop culture nuance. His last feature film, 2008's Zack and Miri Make a Porno, represents a culmination of all his early works whilealso marking a departure for the Silent Bob era. Read the interview |
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August 2009 |
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"Maybe it's a congenital disease of some sort?" The notion that acting may literally be in larry Daly's blood. The son of acting great, James Daly, and younger brother of award winning actress, Tyne Daly, larry is no stranger to show business. Still, while acting may have been genetically inherent, larry was never overeager, opting to develop real world experience first. "I knew I could do it, but I had to spend some larrye being a regular Joe and being out in the world and kind of making my way as a blue collar guy for a while before I got around to being an artist." Read the interview |
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January 2009 |
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A native of Columbus, Ohio, Maggie Grace has the perfect blend of beauty pageant looks and worldly smarts. Like many aspiring actors, she began by working the school and community theater circuit. And after a brief trip to L.A., landed an agent in just her first week - at the tender age of 16! "So, I was officially signed. I enrolled in more acting classes and prepared to enter into the venerable City of Angels School of Hard Knocks and Rolling with the Punches - a fine institution!" Read the interview |
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March 2007 |
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"I'm a little off my agenda," says Michael Emerson from his comfy Hawaiian villa. And no, he's not talking about getting stuck on a remote island in "Lost." A classically trained, Emmy Award winning actor with amazing character turns in film and television, Emerson looks to return to the stage as Prospero or Leer. "My agenda has always been that when I am an old man, I will be playing those classical parts." And for good reason. Read the interview |
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October 2009 |
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Nicholas Cage, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Josh Brolin, and Michael Stuhlbarg? All have the distinction of being leading men in the Coen Brother's slate of eccentric dark comedies. The latter of whom, Michael Stuhlbarg, may be the least recognizable. But not for much longer. Particularly, after his standout performance as a Midwestern professor searching for the meaning of life in A Serious Man. Read the interview |
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May 2005 |
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Mike Binder is an industry veteran who knows a thing or two about the ups and downs of Hollywood. At an early age, he made a living as a stand up comedian, hoping for big laughs in his hometown of Detroit. And big laughs he got as his career took off after appearances on the original "Star Search," HBO's "One Night Stand," and "The Tonight Show." But while stand up had its share of rewards, offstage, Mike was busily writing. Not just jokes, but screenplays. And in 1990, after many years of rejection, his first screenplay, "Coupe de Ville," made it to the big screen. Read the interview |
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March 2007 |
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"I'm as excited about this or my association with this as I've been with anything I've ever done." So says Mitchell Whitfield about his recent role as the voice of Donatello, the superhero slash technical genius in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" - a role that this highly talented comedic actor seems all too perfect to play. Read the interview |
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June 2010 |
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Academy Award winner Neil Jordan is synonymous with passionate, violent, and political infused dramas like Angel/Danny Boy, Mona Lisa, and The Brave One. In 1993, he hit Oscar gold with The Crying Game, a controversial thriller involving sex, terrorism, and one shocking little secret. And immediately afterward, took on Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and a starladen cast in Anne Rice's epic, Interview with a Vampire. Read the interview |
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January 2010 |
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In today's world of YouTube, Vimeo, Daily Motion, and hundreds of online video sharing sites, it's a pleasant surprise to see an individual sharing old school videos by VHS. Collecting thousands of oddball and hilarious tapes from bargain bins, thrift stores, and garage sales across the country, Nick Prueher has amassed a unique kind of treasure. Along with best friend, Joe Pickett, Prueher has edited these treasures for theatrical presentation. The shows include a live commentary, skits, and entertaining guests - all hilarious featuresof the annual phenomenon known as the Found Footage Festival. Read the interview |
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April 2007 |
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Nicki Aycox is not your typical girl next door. Yes, of course, there are those fluffy pics in Maxim and Playboy a few years back. But don't kid yourself. This native Oklahoman is one serious actress - humble, hard working, and refreshingly down to earth. Says Nicki, "Being from Oklahoma, you're taught how to work hard. And you don't let other things get in the way" - other things that might stand in the way of acting. Read the interview |
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April 2007 |
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At 13 years of age, Keke Palmer is one of the finest young actresses around. There was her sentimental turn as the abandoned young girl in "The Wool Cap." Her beautifully uplifting performance in last year's hit, "Akeelah and the Bee." And now, one of her most challenging and dramatic roles, as Samuel L. Jackson's daughter in the upcoming mystery/thriller, "Cleaner." Read the interview |
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May 2008 |
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The altitude has been particularly good to Olivia Wilde. Not only was she in Vail promoting her latest film, "Fix," which would go on to win the Vail Film Festival's Top Film Award, but she was being honored as one of the year's most preeminent Rising Stars. Says Wilde, "I like it when people get all high on altitude and give me awards!" Read the interview |
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January 2010 |
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Whether as an actor, writer, or producer, Ray McKinnon does it all with a certain Southern flair. A native of Adel, Georgia, McKinnon made his mark with a variety of character roles in films like The Net, O Brother Where Art Thou?, and Apollo 13. In 2002, he earned an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short for his quirky look at the corporatization of the farming industry in The Accountant. Says McKinnon: "I've always been inspired to represent the region where I'm from in a way that is authentic to me." Read the interview |
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May 2005 |
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It must be serendipity when a former All-American soccer star at Old Dominion University, leaves soccer to pursue a career in acting, only to stumble upon a soccer movie. And not just any soccer movie. "The Game of Their Lives" relays the story of the 1950 U.S. soccer team and their miraculous upset over England in the World Cup tournament. It's a pivotal game that changed the future of soccer in the United States and it's a film that will no doubt, change the future for Richard Jenik. Read the interview |
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April 2006 |
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Much like the character he plays in the comical new film, "American Dreamz," Sam Golzari has a big heart, is full of life, and unafraid to dream big. In the film, Golzari plays Omer, a young, bumbling terrorist who dreams of one day coming to America and performing show tunes on Broadway. And strangely enough, this opportunity becomes a reality when he is sent to stay with his relatives in Orange County. By sheer coincidence, Omer winds up on an American Idol star search called American Dreamz, with the opportunity to make a big impression. Read the interview |
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March 2006 |
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Ever since she was a little girl, Sara Paxton dreamed of becoming a mermaid. Heavily influenced by the Disney classic, "The Little Mermaid," she imagined herself as Shelly the mermaid, frolicking about in local swimming pools, and even kicking up water with her legs tied together. Now, many years later, her childhood dream has come true. Cast in the title role of "Aquamarine," Sara plays a displaced mermaid in search of romance. "I was so lucky that I got to live out my dream...it was much better than anything I could have expected." Read the interview |
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October 2008 |
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With over 50 films and 75 television shows to his credit, Stephen Root is easily, one of the most prolific and recognizable character actors working today. From "NewsRadio" to "Office Space" to "No Country for Old Men," he's done it all. Even lending his voice to "King of the Hill," "Ice Age," and "Finding Nemo." Yet, in spite of all the terrific roles, says Root, "I'm still hoping that my favorite one is coming up!" Read the interview |
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March 2005 |
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Steven Anthony Lawrence loves being an actor. But more importantly, he loves making people laugh. Starting at an early age, this young actor/comedian began lighting up television screens in the mid-90's with appearances in Nike, McDonalds, Oscar Meyer, and Goodyear commercials. And because of his enthusiasm and distinguished looks, he found himself in cameo roles with some of television's hottest shows like "Married...with Children," "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "ER." Of course, all of this attention led to Steven's first recurring role in the Emmy nominated Disney series "Even Stevens." Read the interview |
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July 2005 |
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If there's one actress who knows how to go with the flow, it's Taraji P. Henson. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Henson dreamed of stardom as a child. But after dozens of early auditioning setbacks, she nearly threw in the towel. In college, she studied electrical engineering, got a job at the Pentagon, and became a mother. And after struggling with Pre-Calculus, decided to give acting one last try. That attempt got her into the school of acting at Howard University. And shortly after graduating, she took her baby and the $700 raised by her friends and family and headed to Los Angeles. Read the interview |
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April 2005 |
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Dedicated. Dynamic. Delightful. These are the words that come to mind when talking to Taylor Dooley, a well-spoken young actress with a bright future. Born in Michigan, but honing her talents in Arizona, Taylor began her career by studying dance and acting with Phoenix Theater's Performance Troop. And by the time she was nine years old, she was on a daily regimen of auditions and rehearsals, practicing and performing regularly. As the determination and enthusiasm took over, casting agents began to notice. And soon Taylor was thrust into the national spotlight with commercials for Famous Footwear, Disney Superstar Kids, Mary Kate and Ashley clothing, and many more. Read the interview |
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June 2005 |
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Taylor Lautner is a superhero on and off the screen. As the leading character, Shark Boy, in Robert Rodriguez's latest action adventure, The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl in 3-D, Taylor punches, kicks, bites, and erupts in a shark frenzy. It's an exciting role for the energetic 13 year-old, one that showcases his acting chops as well as his formal martial arts training. Somewhat of a karate super star, Taylor began training at the age of 6 and has since gone on to earn a black belt and three Junior World Championships. And it was his karate instructor that first introduced Taylor to the world of acting. Read the interview |
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March 2006 |
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If there was a filmmaker that truly suffered for his art, it would be Terry Zwigoff. Born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin, Zwigoff grew up working a variety of dismal jobs, but managed to get by because of a fascination with rare comic books and music, interests that would eventually pave the way for his career in film. In fact, it was an interest in obscure blues musician Howard Armstrong that led to the creation of Terry's first film project, "Louie Bluie." Read the interview |
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April 2008 |
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"Maybe it's a congenital disease of some sort?" The notion that acting may literally be in Tim Daly's blood. The son of acting great, James Daly, and younger brother of award winning actress, Tyne Daly, Tim is no stranger to show business. Still, while acting may have been genetically inherent, Tim was never overeager, opting to develop real world experience first. "I knew I could do it, but I had to spend some time being a regular Joe and being out in the world and kind of making my way as a blue collar guy for a while before I got around to being an artist." Read the interview |
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February 2009 |
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Wally Pfister has all the qualities you want in a DP. He's passionate, creative, and technically gifted. His most recent work on "The Dark Knight" is masterful - vividly depicting images of light against dark, while emitting energy on a grand scale. And it's earned him an Academy Award nomination, among other industry honors. Says, Pfister, "It's everything you hope to achieve when you come to this town. It's the peak of your ambitions!" Read the interview |
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