January 2014 – Critics’ Choice Movie Awards

It was an evening of awards and conversations with some of our favorite and most talented celebs… not to mention Paul’s first awards show!

Check out all the winners at: www.CriticsChoice.com.

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES  SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Best Actor in a Comedy Winner Leonardo DiCaprio for “Wolf of Wall Street”

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES  SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Oprah was a presenter and was nominated for her performance in “The Butler.” We snapped a quick picture and then a friend captured us from afar during the moment:

photo  DSC08056

Best Actor Nominees… Bruce Dern, “Nebraska” and Chiwetel Eliofor, “12 Years a Slave.”

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES  SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Matthew McConaughey beat out the two talented men above to win Best Actor for “Dallas Buyers Club.” Plus caught up with Best Actress Nominee Brie Larson and Director Destin Cretton, “Short Term 12” — Destin is a fellow PLNU alum, whoot-woo! 

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES   SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Always a fun night, and especially with two of my junketeer favs… Tara from Phoenix and Nancy from Dallas. Join the Conversation #CriticsChoice

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURESSAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Posted in Critics' Choice, Entertainment/Celebrity, Hollywood, Movie Awards, Premiere, Red Carpet | Leave a comment

Joy Unspeakable… Beach Wedding Blessings

Two thousand thirteen marks the year I tied the knot.

It was a day filled with family, faith, and yes, joy unspeakable. Set on the ocean cliffs overlooking La Jolla Cove and surrounded by loved ones, I married Paul, the man God handpicked for me.

BlogCrop

So I couldn’t resist sharing some of my favorite photos showcasing our beautiful day and confirmation of a promise fulfilled.

  • The Venue: Scripps Seaside Forum in La Jolla, California
  • Photography: Jackie Wonders
  • Florist: Sweet Blossom Designs

PK 0330

PK 0486

My Dad walking me down the aisle and handing me over to Paul!

CropDadPK 0204

PK 0566

BlackWHiteKiss

My fantastic family!

PK 0705

And Paul’s fabulous family, that welcomed me with open arms…

PK 0262

The wedding party… comprised of family and our dearest friends!

PK 0237PK 0241

BridalPartyBlog

The reception had a hint of a travel theme with each table label by cities around the world that we have traveled, a “Guest Globe” that was signed by all in attendance, and silver luggage tags to mark where to sit… an absolutely perfect transition into a picturesque Fall evening.

PK 0366PK 0351PK 0343

PK 1011

I think this photo captured so much from the day… the sun is setting on us as individuals and the new journey together begins as husband and wife. The simple joys, the excitement, the challenges ahead, and the devotion to doing life as one.

PK 0855

Thank you Lord for the many blessings you bestowed upon us and for the hope in a future with you at the center of it all!

Posted in Beach, Entertainment/Celebrity, Faith, Family, Love, Style, Travel, Wedding | 2 Comments

Snapshot of 2013: Better Late Than Never

If you’re wondering why I’m just doing one yearly post for 2013… it’s because it was a milestone year for me… I got married! Needless to say, there were parties, and showers, the wedding and a honeymoon. My next post I’ll share a few favorite wedding photos but in the midst of all the wedding planning, I was able to squeeze in several film events and junkets.

So here is a snapshot of 2013….

The year started off star-studded per usual with the 2013 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards. My brother attending with me marking it our sixth year of this fabulous brother/sister tradition. From Les Miserables to Silver Linings Playbook… it was another big year at the movies. We had such a great time with the uber-talented Hugh Jackman, felt honored to get a “smile” out of Robert DeNiro, hugged one of my personal favorites John Krasinki, and even made the opening of the show as Jon Lovitz did a bit about the critics that had everyone laughing!

DSC00957   DSC00991

DSC00966   DSC01012

A few moths later it was off to London for Star Trek into Darkness. Interviews with Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana and director J.J. Abrams. Plus my dear friend, and former co-worker, Trish got to meet up with me in England for always welcomed exploring of favorite sites in one of our most beloved foreign cities.

DSC01247StarTrek

Later that Spring I flew up to global headquarters of Google in Mountain View, California for Fox’s The Internship. Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson starred and we had all our interviews across campus including this one with Josh Gad, Jessica Szohr and Max Minghella. Plus we got to try out a bunch of Google’s fun new tech toys!

DSC01405DSC01412

Once Summer hit, June took me to Washington, D.C. for the film White House Down. Hit the red carpet with Jamie Foxx, Channing Tatum and Maggie Gyllenhaal for the premiere and then did stand-ups in front of the famous zip code in America, that’s right 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. So much fun spending time in our nation’s capitol!

photo-3DSC01653

July in San Diego means COMIC-CON! Once again I co-hosted San Diego 6 in the Morning with anchor Marc Bailey. We had a fantastic set up on the pool deck of the Omni Hotel downtown overlooking the Convention Center. Not only did I work the red carpets all day long but many shows, talent, and filmmakers came to us including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the cast from Workaholics.

DSC01909DSC01906DSC01922DSC01918

In the Fall it was off to Las Vegas for Last Vegas starring Michael Douglas, Robert DeNiro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline. The interviews were so fitting because I got to talk to these guys as the last junket before my wedding! That’s right, as I mentioned at the beginning of the post, I got married at the end of 2013 which is why this year had a little less travel and all of it was documented after the fact…  I had a few other things on my mind 🙂 Nonetheless, still a great entertainment year!

photo-2IMG_2474

Posted in Critics' Choice, Entertainment/Celebrity, Hollywood, Movie Awards, Premiere, Red Carpet, Travel | Leave a comment

San Diego Union-Tribune Style Profile Feature

Kelli Gillespie accomplished what many women in media dream of: Land a San Diego-based job that enables you to jet-set across the globe and work alongside the film industry’s greatest actors. It’s the best of Hollywood glamour, without any stress of Los Angeles lifestyle, complete with plenty of passport perks.

You probably recognize 32-year-old Gillespie from her entertainment reports on San Diego 6. But this ambitious blonde’s resume extends far beyond the local news. Gillespie moved to San Diego to attend Point Loma Nazarene University, where she studied mass communications while hosting a radio show and writing for the campus newspaper. Multitasking is one of Gillespie’s most valuable talents, and she continues to juggle multiple professions to this day.

For the past decade, this La Jolla resident has traveled around the world to attend film premieres and interview celebrity stars of the cinema for XETV. From Bora Bora to Egypt and back, Gillespie has been up close and personal with Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Anne Hathaway and Tom Cruise. The globetrotter is also a national magazine editor and an aspiring film producer. When she’s not working, Gillespie can be spotted eating lobster tacos with friends at Miguel’s Cocina in Point Loma or sneaking away to her private refuge of relaxation in Newport Beach.

Get to know Kelli Gillespie in this week’s San Diego Style Profile.

Q: Your current profession?

A: Simply, I help people share their stories with others and I absolutely love it. Currently those stories are shared through movies, television, magazine, and radio… I’ve been so blessed to be able to utilize the skills God has gifted me with to encourage, inspire, and bring a little laughter to others through several forms of media.

This June will mark my 10th year at XETV where I continue to commute regularly to various domestic and international locations on assignment interviewing top celebrities about their latest film projects. Entertainment reporting for San Diego 6 has taken me to exotic locations like Egypt, Russia, and Bora Bora for movie premieres, most of Europe, and all the top film festivals including Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, and Sundance. I love to travel and seeing the world with stars like George Clooney, Angelina Jolie, or Robert Downey Jr., well that just makes it all the more interesting!

I wanted the opportunity to go deeper with these celebrities because they have such an influence on society – regardless of whether you think that’s good or bad, what these stars do has direct impact on the worldview of millions – so I wanted to focus on the heart and soul of these actors, athletes, authors, musicians, and bring light to the positive ways celebs use their sphere of influence or power. The perfect showcase for this is Risen Media. On the tagline of faith, hope, and love… Risen is comprised of a film division, magazine, and non-profit. I’m Editor-in-Chief of the national publication Risen Magazine, and under Risen’s film division I co-produced my first feature film Hardflip, starring Rosanna Arquette, John Schneider and Randy Wayne which is set to hit theatres nationwide on June 1, 2012. I also served as Executive Producer on a western called The Sorrow with Michael Madsen and John Savage set for release later this year.

Q: Your background in education and media training?

A: I graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a BA in Mass Communications. In school I produced a sitcom, had a radio show, and wrote for the campus newspaper. I did several internships with TV stations and always looked for opportunities to get involved in media events ranging from the Super Bowl, to golf tournaments, concerts, or film shoots.

Q: What was your first job, and how did you break into the media business?

A: It’s all about internships and building relationships. My first internship was at KFMB News8. I specifically remember the interview because I told them I’d like to work on the morning show, and the coordinator at the time said, “We don’t usually have interns on the morning show.” And I asked, “Why?” She said, “Well the shift is 3am to Noon.” And I said, “Then you must have never interviewed anybody that really wanted the job.” If I was going to let tough hours keep me from pursuing my dream, then I knew I wouldn’t get very far in the field. Needless to say, I got the internship with KFMB, which then parlayed into my first job writing news copy for their morning show. I then field produced for the sports department conducting sideline and locker room interviews with the Chargers and Padres.

My first on-air job was actually in sports. My senior year of college I was a reporter on the UT-TV High School Sports Show that aired on COX. And then when FOX launched their morning show I went over to XETV, which is now the CW, to produce their morning show segments and transitioned from sports to entertainment reporting. Eventually my focus shifted to just entertainment, highlighting all the celebrity interviews and latest film releases.

 Q: Who are the most exciting celebrities you’ve interviewed? Most memorable interview experience?

A: The most exciting celebrities for me to interview are those whose work I respect the most… effortlessly talented stars like Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Paul McCartney, and Anthony Hopkins to name a few. A handful of celebs have a special place in my heart like Kate Hudson, Channing Tatum, John Krasinski, and Anne Hathaway… we are all similar in age and spent our twenties seeing each other grow, take risks, and really come into our own.

The most memorable interview would have to be with Tom Cruise & Cameron Diaz. In the summer of 2010, I went to Salzburg, Austria and Seville, Spain with them to highlight Knight & Day. Aside from regular sit down interviews, and red carpet premiere interviews, both stars thought it would be fun to recreate a stunt sequence from the movie with a few select journalists. This was an experience unlike any other. Cameron Diaz behind the wheel of a BMW Roadster, me riding shotgun. We sped through the streets of Spain drifting, spinning, and chasing Tom Cruise on a Ducati. All the action was caught on a 9-camera shoot.

It’s pretty tough to catch me off guard but Russell Brand succeeded in a way I never thought possible. He is super sharp and unpredictable but this particular time interviewing him for Get Him to the Greek, during our interview he asked me to kiss him. I laughed it off and said no. He then began with his quick wit and next thing I knew he grabbed my head and full-on kissed me on the lips, on camera. I’m not going to lie; I didn’t really know where to go from there. So naturally Russell continued on with the charade and I sat speechless. Oh you better believe that got a lot of play… not only locally, but the web, CNN. We get a good laugh out of it when we see each other now.

Q: Upcoming spring / summer movies we have to see?

A: I’m a huge fan of the Christopher Nolan Batman franchise so I’m most looking forward to The Dark Knight Rises in July. And what kind of producer would I be if I didn’t plug my film? I definitely have my calendar marked for Hardflip to hit theatres June 1.

 Q: Big picture, what are your ultimate career goals?

A: I would absolutely love to be able to continue making movies. I get this stirring inside of me when I’m working with talent, developing stories, and on a film set. I know it’s exactly what I was created and gifted to do. While I’m definitely a goal-setter and thrive on structure, I’m also savvy enough to know that there needs to be flexibility within a plan. I know where I want to go; but I don’t know what the exact blueprint looks like to get me there. My faith in God is the only absolute I know and trust. Any industry favor, talent or influence comes from the Lord and as long as I remember to always put Him first in my life, everything else just seems to naturally fall into perspective. Every day I feel as though I’m living out my dream. I’m beyond thankful and continually humbled. It’s my prayer that everyone would be courageous enough to step out in faith and lead the life God intends for them. There is no greater joy.

Q: When you were 10-years-old, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: It has changed so many times, but it is always big. I never had any small dreams; I still don’t. My parents were the best at encouraging me to be creative and not let anyone or anything limit me. But then in turn, they also made it crystal clear as to exactly what would be needed to achieve that goal, and then helped equip me with the needed skills to see my dreams come to fruition. So at 10 years old? I think that was when I wanted to be the first female President of the United States. When I learned everything I’d be responsible for as leader of the free world, well I quickly shifted to wanting to be an Olympic athlete instead. Just seemed more attainable. Then I wanted to be a lawyer, or an actress… but I think it was around high school when I really thought about what would I want to spend my life doing and it boiled down to something very simple: I love people and I love hearing their stories. I knew if I could find a way to surround myself with all types of people and share their stories then that would truly be a dream job. It was then I knew I wanted to go into television broadcasting.

Q: Who is the most significant female role model in your life?

A: Without question my mom. I’m so blessed to have the most incredible family. I grew up in a home of love, encouragement, and support. My mom is a writer. She is an author, a copy editor, she was a columnist, a publicist and so much more. So clearly she was instrumental in helping me develop my creative voice, and in understanding the sacrifice and discipline that was needed to really stand apart from the masses. But more importantly she gave me confidence and an unshakeable foundation of core values. She is a personal example of someone who lives her life by conviction, puts others ahead of herself, and values real relationship. She exudes love in every detail – she still hides notes in my room when she visits, or slips cards in my suitcase. She sends unprompted thoughtful gifts in the mail, and is the only person who can ever remember my schedule. You can’t help but feel special around my mom. We talk almost every day and honestly I can’t imagine where I’d be without her unwavering commitment to our family, her wisdom, and her ability to keep me grounded in the kindest ways possible. I hope a reflection of her can be seen in me.

 Q: In what ways do you give back to the San Diego community?

A: I think every single person has a unique sphere of influence and there is a responsibility to how that influence is used. For me it comes in many forms; from speaking on college campuses, to volunteering, or financially committing to key organizations whose passions align with mine. I’m extremely involved with The Rock Church. From junior high and high school ministry, to signature events and the Pervasive Hope campaign. I’m also a faithful supporter in varying capacities of Urban Youth Collaborative, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The Risen Project, and Mercy Ministries.

Q: How do you describe your personal fashion sense?

A: I definitely like to dress. I don’t think any one would classify me as casual. While I don’t always have to be dripping in designer labels, I am definitely drawn to fabrics and textures. Nothing beats a great cut or the feel of finely made clothes. I’d like to think I take risks, but I always find myself gravitating to styles that are classic and timeless. I love jewelry, dresses and handbags.

Q: From head to toe, what do you feel the best wearing?

A: Well first of all, if they make it in black, I’m buying it! In winter I love my J Band black pencil leg jeans paired with any Leifsdottir blouse. I won’t leave home without my Calvin Klein black peacoat with gold hardware. I’d be wearing my knee-high Michael Kors boots or maybe my Vera Wang crystal-toed gold flats. In Summer I love mini-dresses from French Connection, Juicy or Joie paired with a Splendid sweater and strappy heels or an embellished sandal. Cynthia Steffe, Tina Turk, and Free People also populate my closet. I’m definitely a regular at Anthropologie, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s Impulse, Leohmann’s, and DSW.

Q: San Diego hair salon and stylist you can’t live without?

A: I have the most amazing hair stylist: Jessica Krueger. She used to work in Beverly Hills and because she’s so talented when it comes to color and cut, actresses like Brooke Shields and Debra Messing trust her with their locks. Now Jess either works from her home in Costa Mesa or makes private house calls.

Hand and hand with hair is the appearance of flawless skin. I have two favorite places in San Diego I frequent for facials, peels, and massage: Jean-Michel and Lorena Balensi at Balensi Spa and Kathleen Rocca at Eastlake Rejuvenation Center. I know I’m in good hands with them.

Q: What must-have items do you always carry in your purse?

A: I love handbags and switch often based on my outfit. But most regularly I’ll be carrying my Louis Vuitton Batignolles bag, or my Gucci GG Twins bag. But if I’m at a premiere it’s probably my simple Tory Burch clutch. Regardless of which bag, the items you’ll always find in it are: my iPhone, camera and Christian Dior Ultra-Gloss in Pearl.

Q: No matter how busy you are, you always make time for ___.

A: Family and close friends. I can’t emphasize how important this is to me. I think time is the most precious gift we have. I don’t take one minute for granted. I choose to invest my time in building and maintaining the relationships with the people closest to me. Because I have worked crazy hours, and I travel quite extensively, there is always someone bidding for my attention, and I have to be quite protective, and disciplined, with the time I do have. Navigating what that looked like wasn’t easy. Fortunately I’m blessed to be surrounded by the most amazing core group and we all make each other a priority. When all is said and done the experiences that I’ve had with my family and friends are what has shaped who I am and regardless if I’m on TV, or produce a movie; they love me the same. But make no mistake, they still love the international travel, and celeb encounters too… it’s just brings more joy to share it!  

Q: What is your favorite meal at a San Diego restaurant?

A: Lobster tacos and chips with the delicious warm white salsa at Miguel’s Cocina. And it has to be theMiguel’s in Point Loma. The food tastes better there, or maybe it’s because I associate it with college and every person that came to visit me, got taken to Miguel’s.

Q: What is your favorite weekend getaway?

A: Newport Beach. Our close family friends have this incredible additional home right on the beach. They’ve been generous enough to let me escape there ever since I first moved to San Diego for school. Some of my favorite memories are in the simplicity of being inaccessible to my daily responsibilities and just getting on a beach cruiser and riding the boardwalk or sitting still while sipping a latte on the balcony watching the sun set over the ocean. It’s sheer bliss.

Q: How do you stay in such great shape?

A: Do stress and anxiety count as exercise plans?! And I’m sure a caramel latte doesn’t pass for a healthy meal. Hmm, didn’t think so. Well, I wish I could say I put as much discipline into my fitness routine as I do into all the other areas of my life. Most mornings I try to make it to the gym, but sometimes sleep wins out. When I do go, I mix it up between the elliptical machine, treadmill, and weights. I’m also very active. I love walking. Whenever I travel I walk the whole city to get my bearings and to see the sights. Rain, snow or sunshine you can usually find me out and about. But nothing will ever be as fun or as physically grueling as when I played organized sports in high school and college.

Q: Three unique or surprising things we don’t know about you?

A: 1. When I was 12 years old I won a nationwide contest and was on Nickelodeon. It gave me the TV bug…

2. When I was younger and would go to the movies with my friends, I would make them sit through until the very end of the credits because I thought it was amazing just how many people it takes to make a film. And I would tell them one day my name will be in those credits.

3. I can actually sleep on airplanes!

 

Posted in Entertainment/Celebrity, Faith, Fashion, Hollywood, Movie Awards, Newspaper Article, Premiere, Red Carpet, Style, Travel | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

February 2012 – “John Carter”

Scottsdale, Arizona

For Disney’s new epic sci-fi fantasy John Carter, all us junketeers were taken to The Boulders Resort in the desert of Arizona. The setting was breathtaking as it was supposed to look like Mars since the film is based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ 11-volume Barsoom series. The interviews with Willem Dafoe, Taylor Kitsch, and Lynn Collins were set against the most picturesque boulder and desert landscapes.

And because the movie was so physically demanding on the actors we got the opportunity to choose an activity and I decided to try rock climbing for the first time! It proved to be a mentally and physically challenging trek. I started on the smaller boulder with the guide teaching me but then tackled the 80 foot boulder. Every single person in our group pushed themselves to the top. Successful and fun day!

Posted in Arizona, Entertainment/Celebrity, Rock Climbing, Sports, Travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

February 2012 – Berlinale & European Film Market (EFM)

The 62nd Annual Berlin Film Festival runs February 9-19th in Germany. Alongside it is the European Film Market where producers, distributors, buyers and sales agents converge at the Martin-Gropius-Bau (MGB).  The open and lively environment of MGB allows for ample opportunity to meet and network with a wide variety of industry colleagues and where both commercial art-house and specialized mainstream are given star billing. Risen Media‘s movie Hardflip starring John Schneider, Rosanna Arquette and Randy Wayne was highlighted and a special screening was shown.

The weather was absolutely freezing! Temps at -15 degrees but that didn’t stop me from slipping away for a few hours to walk around this historical city and take in the sights of Reichstag, Brandenburg Tor, Checkpoint Charlie, The Berlin Wall, the Holocaust Memorial and a few more sights.

And I couldn’t resist ordering apple streusel and espresso, plus German chocolate as the Ritz Carlton made me a chocolate film board with my name for the festival. Sweet treats!

 

 

Posted in Berlin, Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Entertainment/Celebrity, Film Festival, Germany, John Schneider, Reichstag, Travel | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

January 2012 – Critics’ Choice Movie Awards

Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, it’s one of my favorite nights of the year… as a broadcast film critic, this is our show to celebrate and honor the best films and performances from 2011, and all of the actors are guests at our party!

In the past it’s provided some unforgettable conversations with everyone from Paul McCartney to Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep and the list goes on as all the actors are at ease eating and conversing as we (junketeers) are mixed amongst the tables with our celeb friends we see a handful of times each year. 2012’s event proved to be just as exciting at the Hollywood Palladium. My brother and sister joined me once again for the annual show, along with dear friend and former colleague Francesca Rodgers, but it was “Moneyball” Best Actor nominee Brad Pitt, who was the true highlight on the uniquely Grey Carpet…

The coveted Best Picture Award went to the black and white, silent film “The Artist.” But as we stand in the Best Picture circle you can see it had quite the competition with 10 films in the category including a few of my other favorites, “Midnight in Paris,” “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” “The Help,” and “Moneyball.” And inside on the Palladium floor, the room was decorated to impress.

I was most looking forward to seeing and hearing Bob Dylan perform live as part of the tribute to Martin Scorsese who received the Music+Film Award. “J. Edgar” Best Actor nominee Leonardo DiCaprio presented the award along with Olivia Harrison. The always charming, and incredibly warm George Clooney is the man who actually took home the Best Actor statue for his role in “The Descendants.”

I caught up with several other nominees including “Young Adult” Best Actress nominee Charlize Theron who brought her mom to the show. ” Two of the Best Supporting Actress nominees Shailene Woodley for “The Descendants,” and Jessica Chastain for “The Help.”  Plus couldn’t pass up one of my favorite funny females also from “The Descendants” Judy Greer…

After all the winners were announced, everyone headed a few blocks down the street to Boulevard 3 for the After Party!!

Well it was so much fun celebrating the best films and performances of 2011… every year provides for plenty of laughter, tears, thrills, and drama… bring on the slate for 2012!!

Posted in Bob Dylan, Charlize Theron, Critics' Choice, Entertainment/Celebrity, Hollywood, Movie Awards, Red Carpet, The Descendants, VH1 | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

HARDFLIP: Hollywood Premiere – My First Feature Film

November 16, 2011 will always be a special night.

I don’t know what your checklist looked like when you were little and dreaming about what you would do when you grew up… travel the world, influence others, teach, start your own company or run somebody else’s, have a family, be a good friend, own your own jet, tell impactful stories, or maybe even make movies… some were most likely superficial and material, while hopefully more of the list was dominated by things that are relational and eternal.

I’m extremely grateful to be able to experience so much of my list, and then continue to be blessed with ridiculous opportunities that I never even dreamt to put on my list in the first place! I also so appreciate the gifting of being able to recognize the blessing in the midst of the excitement and chaos.

This year I got to make a movie. And last week I was surrounded by family, friends, co-workers, and industry executives as my first feature with co-producer credit premiered in Hollywood. And I don’t take one second of it for granted.

The red carpet, screening, and after party all took place at the famous Arclight Hollywood on Sunset.

The whole Risen Media team was in attendance and I feel so blessed to work with such an amazing group: Allan & Megan Camaisa, Jimmy Rippy, Rob Springer, Brett Schoeneck & Samantha Ruiz. Once everyone packed into the theatre eager to see HARDFLIP, myself, Executive Producer & Risen Media founder, Allan Camaisa, as well as our Director Johnny Remo all introduced the film.

At its core, HARDFLIP is a story about forgiveness, set against the backdrop of the skateboarding world.

Randy Wayne (To Save A Life, ABC Family’s The Lying Game) stars as Caleb. A typical teen dealing with the fact that he’s never met his father, (John Schneider, Dukes of Hazard, Smallville) and is having trouble connecting with his mom (Rosanna Arquette, Pulp Fiction, The Whole Nine Yards) who is suffering from a brain tumor. He’s working through his family dynamics while also becoming more confident in his own right. Much of the main talent and credited cast were on hand for the event including skateboarding legends Christian Hosoi and Brian Sumner

.

Response was overwhelmingly positive; some great constructive notes; and the question I got asked repeatedly, What is next? It’s a fabulous question. Usually followed by, How can I help? or Here’s how I can help? or Keep me posted on the film slate and production schedule for next year. All phrases that are music to one’s ears after venturing out on a new project – and all I have to say is there are definitely more films to come and I’ll be sure to let everyone know and include as many people as I can along this incredible new journey! Thanks for the love and support… it doesn’t go unseen.

www.HardflipMovie.com

Posted in Brian Sumner, Christian Hosoi, Entertainment/Celebrity, Hollywood, John Schneider, Premiere, Red Carpet | 2 Comments

11.11.11 — Inaugural Carrier Classic

Naval Air Station North Island on Coronado

It’s an event that’s never been done before… an outdoor college basketball game on the flight deck of an active duty aircraft carrier.  The USS Carl Vinson to be exact. This is the ship that carried Osama bin Laden’s body to sea. Such a unique way to spend Veteran’s Day and honor our troops while watching Michigan State University Spartans take on the University of North Carolina Tar Heels in their season opener.

I went with my friend Mark Johnson, but did I forget to mention that President Obama was there too?! There was tons of protection by land, sea and air, but all of a sudden a rather large plane appears and everyone turns and stands, clearly recognizing it as Air Force One. It was so neat to watch it fly onto base and land and then to have the President and First Lady Michelle attend the game. President Obama addressed the crowd and then sat front row on the sidelines to enjoy the game.

Obviously it was an event with intense security. I had to give everything but a blood sample to secure the tickets. But once on the ship, because you had to be active duty military to get tickets, or a VIP guest, everyone was so well behaved and access was quite remarkable. Mark and I found ourselves on the deck near the teams and even Magic Johnson! Fortunately the weather cooperated and it didn’t rain until after the game and the post show concerts too.

One of the sponsors of the game was Relativity Media with their upcoming film Act of Valor which follows a Navy SEAL squad on a covert mission to recover a kidnapped CIA agent, and in the process takes down a complex web of terrorist cells determined to strike America at all costs.  The filmmakers had unprecedented Naval access resulting in high-octane combat sequences and never-before-seen military operation scenes which are composited from actual events in the lives of the men appearing in the film and their comrades. Thanks to my good friend Tom Parker and the rest of the Relativity gang for a great day and game!

Posted in Basketball, Entertainment/Celebrity, Military, President Obama, Sports | Leave a comment

October 2011 – “The Three Musketeers”

London, England

All for one and one for all… that’s the motto of The Three Musketeers and this new version of the classic tale stars Luke Evans, Matthew Macfadyen, and Ray Stevenson as the famous trio. Orlando Bloom is the Duke of Buckingham and Milla Jovovich is Milady.

If you know the story then you are probably thinking why wouldn’t I go to Paris for the premiere since The Three Musketeers are the inseparable friends from France… well, the Tower of London is integral to the plot so I spent a few days in England. Which included stand-ups in front of Tower Bridge and a cast party prior to the screening.

 

 

It is worth noting the incredible weather in London. It was a record-setting weekend reaching the hottest temperatures EVER in England in October. Absolutely gorgeous. And it brought all the Brits outside filling the parks and streets!

Posted in Entertainment/Celebrity, Travel | Leave a comment