Rych McCain Hollyhood Notes

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Nick Nervies - Movie

Nick Nervies

Secures The Party Of Parties In Project X!

By Rych McCain, International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist

Nick Nervies (Photo by Deidra Fahey)

At first encounter, he may seem unassuming and low key but behind that reserved exterior is a mega-ton bomb of charisma, talent and very clear mindset as to the direction he is headed in and how he is going to get there. Seventeen year-old actor Nick Nervies (pronounced Nervye), plays Tyler, who is a security guard at the wildest teen party ever in the new Warner Bros. Pictures flick “Project X.” Nervies is a native Los Angelino who began his acting career young. He explains, “I had a friend that was actually an actor before I was. I was eleven back then. I went with him to his agency’s office to drop something off. When we got upstairs his agent said you have a look; do you act? I’ve always been curious about acting. I’ve always watched shows and said hey I want to do that. Since he asked me you should start; my mom and I began looking into actually getting into acting. That’s how it really all started.” Of course after his training and sending out head shots etc., he got signed to a major talent agency, Nervies started booking TV roles including “Will and Grace,” “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Monk” to name some and his current TV show “Curb Your Enthusiasm” where he plays Daryl Black. Nervies has also appeared in films “The Soloist” and “Role Models.” He has been nominated twice for a “Young Artist Award” and now ranks along side with the top young actors in the biz such as Justin Bieber, Taylor Lautner and Josh Hutcherson to name some. Getting back to his current film, Nervies runs down his role. “Tyler is the security guard over the whole party which is kind of strange because my character is like thirteen years-old and he’s the security guard over a bunch of college students. I try to keep the party from going out of control which I don’t do too well as the movie goes on but we try.”

How he secured the role has a different turn as well. Nervies laughs, “At first the characters were like seven and eight and it just wasn’t working having them play security guards so they upped the roles. I was talking on set to one of the producers and he told me he was familiar with my role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and he gave me the script for the actual Tyler role and told me to come back the next day and practice some of the lines when I got home. So the next day I did the lines for him and they booked me as the role of Tyler. So that was pretty interesting.” When asked if he sings, he is quick to say no to that one but adds, “I do music though. I actually rap. I signed with Soulja Boy’s management company. I’ve been good friends with him for about three or four years now and when I started rapping, he was the first person who kind of gave me a shot. We’ll see how that all unfolds.” Nervies had a good time on the set of “Project X” because of all of the teenagers but when it came time for work, everyone transformed into game face mold and got down to work. Nervies has been home schooled most of his life only attending regular school for kindergarten and the third grade.

Does he feel like he’s had a so-called normal life as far as his socialization with people goes or will he turn into a show-biz misfit later on down the road? He laughs, “Not at all! I have a great social life. A lot of the other kids who are into acting are home schooled and we hangout a lot. We try to do as much fun stuff as we can. We go bowling, to the movies etc., and try to do as much as we can together because we all know what it is like to sit in the house and go straight to set. So we have a good social life.” Even though it is an everyday common thing to him, Nervies running pals reads like a list of the Who’s Who in the teen TV and movie worlds

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Jordenn Thompson - Movie

Jordenn Thompson

A Charismatic Mountain Of Sweet Child Charm!

By Rych McCain, International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist

Photos Courtesy of RMMS

(L) Jordenn Thompson (R) Thandie Newton

She has sweetness and charm in such abundance that it is difficult not to melt in her presence. Eight year-old Jordenn Thompson also has the gift of acting talent to combine with the charm that is bound to take her far in the realms of TV and Films. She has a major role in the new Tyler Perry film “Good Deeds” playing Ariel, the daughter of Lindsey played by Thandie Newton. Being in a major motion picture is a big step for an eight year-old, especially when one considers the mature mindset and discipline that it takes to act on that level. How did Thompson arrive at that point so young and what motivated her to get into professional acting? She smiles and says, “I started acting when I was four. I don’t actually remember when I got started. I think I just kept watching movies and I told my mom that I wanted to be in a movie. So I started acting.”

Of course the training came and she began booking child modeling gigs for Gap, Old Navy, Children’s Place, JC Penny, Walmart and Target to name some. This was followed by commercials with McDonald’s, Sears, Humana, The Disney Channel and others. TV roles eventualized such as “Fake It Til You Make It,” which lead to films. In the movie “Good Deeds,” Ariel and her mom become homeless and have a very emotional rollercoaster ride with scenes that called for a wide range of reactions. How difficult was it to cry among other emotions? Thompson snaps that one up without losing a beat. “That was hard because when I went in for the auditions, I was so excited that I couldn’t cry that much at all. But I didn’t actually cry, I just put my head down and was pretending to cry so it was funny. I was trying not to laugh too.” The movie on screen takes place in San Francisco where all of the exterior shots were filmed but the actual shoot of the project happened in Atlanta. So what was Thompson’s experience working with Mr. Perry?

She lights up, “He was so cool. He always treated me like a princess. He was so nice to me. He gave me flowers everyday so it was cool.” What was her initial reaction seeing him in person for the first time? Thompson reflects, “He’s the biggest star I’ve seen before in a movie.” Thandie Newton and Thompson looked very realistically close as mother and daughter. How much was she like a real mom to Thompson? She flashes that charming smile and says, “She always took care of me and she was the sweetest girl that I’ve every met before so it was fun working with her. She helps me out a lot. She makes me be Ariel. She does the part really good and it helps me do the part really good.” In dealing with the subject of homelessness, what does Thompson hope the movie goers will take from this film? She says, “They would go home thinking, what if I got homeless? And say if I ended like that, I’d be really happy.” Of course she is referring to good fate she and her mom has at the end of the film.

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2012, 43rd NAACP Image Awards - TV

The 43rd NAACP Image Awards

Dazzles Again!

By Rych McCain, International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist

Photos by Earl Gibson

KeKe Palmer wins her 4th Image Award

     Once again it was that time of year when the best of the best come together to celebrate red carpet fashion and bling; reunion and camaraderie amongst friends, peers and colleagues and recognize great artistic achievements by people of color. Of course we are describing the 43^rd NAACP Image Awards which broadcast live, Friday, Feb 17, 2012, on the NBC/Universal Network from the famed Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The red carpet arrivals were on fire with excitement from all of the dazzling gowns and bling. One of the highlights was the presence of a group of Tuskegee Fighter Pilots from Word War II. Even though they are well in their 80’s, these distinguished American war heroes drew the applause and admiration from the beginning to the end of the red carpet. They were greeted the same way during the telecast.

     The two hour live special was hosted by Sanaa Latham and Anthony Mackie. Special awards that were given included the NAACP Vanguard Award to film maker George Lucas; the NAACP Chairman’s Awards to Radio One/TV One Founder Cathy Hughes and the NAACP President’s Award to The Founding Members of the Black Stuntmen’s Association. Some of the individual award highlights included Regina King for “Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series,” KeKe Palmer who collected her fourth Image Award for “Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children’s Series or Special” and of course “The Help” for “Outstanding Motion Picture,” Viola Davis for “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Pictures for “the Help” and Octavia Spencer from “The Help” for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.”

     Performing for the evening gala was Lenny Kravitz, Jill Scott, Kirk Franklin, Ne-Yo, Jennifer Hudson and a moving tribute to the late Whitney Houston by Yolanda Adams who took it home and had church. After the cameras went to break, one choir member decided to breakout in a holy dance a ski bit but nobody really got into him so he faked calming down. Not everybody is impressed with that kind of carrying on in a crowd like that. Highlights also included the pairing of Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson and Diahann Carroll as presenters. They are definitely up in age but the love and respect for them as Black Afrikan sho-biz royalty was at a favor pitch high via the overwhelming, rousting, standing ovation they received upon coming out to the podium . For a complete list of the winners go to www.naacpimageawards.net

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The 2012 Grammys - TV

The 54^th 2012 Gammy Awards!

By Rych McCain, International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist

Photos Courtesy CBS/Grammys

Bruno Mars

The 54th Grammy Awards went down into the record books with the triumph of victors who took home the big prize and the dark shadow that loomed over the entire evening as a result of superstar singer/actress Whitney Houston being found dead in the bath tub of her 4^th floor room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel the night before. British pop sensation, singer/songwriter Adele led the pack winning six Grammys including album (“21”), record and song of the year. She answered any questions about her recovery from throat surgery last October when she effortlessly sang her hit “Rolling InThe Deep” in what was her first public performance since the operation.

The boss, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band opened the CBS broadcast performing his new single, “We Take Care Of Our Own.” After which, host LL Cool J came on and started by reading a prayer for Whitney Houston. The audience reverently fell silent with many bowed heads. The Foo Fighters pulled in second behind Adele with five Grammy wins followed by Kanye West with three wins. West and Jay-Z won “Best Rap Performance” for “Otis” off their “Watch The Throne” album but were no shows due to their opinion that too many major rap artists continue to be overlooked. There was also speculation that West may have felt snubbed for not making it to the “Album of The Year” category. To add more controversy to the mix, the Academy ruthlessly cut 31 categories this year that were mostly dominated by Latinos, Native Americans, Blacks and other people of color. Superstar Carlos Santana, the Rt. Rev. Jessie Jackson and others have joined in to protest.

The night included tributes to Glen Cambell who masterfully performed his signature “Rhinestone Cowboy” and will do his final tour this year due to his battle with Alzheimer’s disease and the reunion of The Beach Boys who’s geriatric performance was totally lackluster. Had it not been for Foster The People and Maroon 5 basically carrying them, a couple of the Boys may have fallen asleep. Being in their 70’s, I know it was way past their bed time. Their reunion tour may be better fit hitting a string of senior citezens homes and events rather than major venues. They clearly don’t have it anymore. Other tributes included one to the late, great Etta James by Bonnie Raitt and Alicia Keys. Nicki Minaj did her satanic act which upset and shocked only the folks foolish enough to not expect nothing less from her to grab attention.

Chris Brown bounced back from last year’s man handling of Rihanna with Best R&B Album for F.A.M.E. and Bon Iver walked away with Best New Artist which lit up the tweet board with people asking who is this guy? Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood provided class and jazz smoothness with their duet of “It Had To Be You,” and Sir Paul McCartney performed twice with his first tune “Valentine” being done with a full orchestra. Go to Grammys.com for a complete recap and list of all the winners. .

(You DID Hear It From Me)!

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Roshon - TV

Roshon,

Making His Dreams Into Reality!

By Rych McCain, International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment columnist

Roshon, (Photo by Jon Santana)

There is a certain assurance about being in the presence of a person who is not only full of life from a positive side but radiates the go getting confidence to make it happen! Roshon Fegan, professionally known as “Roshon,” is a young man on a mission with a pretty solid idea of how to accomplish it. The Los Angeles native grew up in a showbiz family carefully observing his dad Roy who is a professional actor with major TV and movie credits as well as directing and producing. So it is no small wonder where Roshon’s wise guidance originates and why he is on target with his goals. However, Roshon was not one to rest on the family name alone. Like all great professional children in the biz, he put in his share of training with acting lessons and performance arts school. Roshon broke into the biz with a small role on the blockbuster “Spiderman 2” at age 12. TV roles and commercials followed.

The break through movie that put his name on the map was the Disney smash hit film “Camp Rock” where he played Sander Loyer and performed songs on the soundtrack. His popularity continues to soar through the roof as Ty Blue on the Disney mega-hit “Shake It Up.” Roshon currently has a hit single released on iTunes titled “Got Me Like,” on his own “3 ina Ro Entertainment” label (pronounced three-in-a-row) which he and dad runs. He has a show on YouTube called “The Ro and Co Show” with his fellow actor friend Cody Linley. Roshon’s website is loaded with the 411 on everything he is into and you can check it out at www.yaboyro.com

Being the fodder of the teenybop gossip and fan magazine, how does Roshon handle the intrusions on his privacy? He laughs with his upbeat demeanor and explains, ”It is kind of crazy. I don’t know. People want to know what I’m about so that’s just what happens I guess.” Roshan has a new three song EP dropping in March that he is super excited about and he runs it down. “That’s going to be hot man! That’s something I’m really looking forward to.

It’s called “I Am Ro, I Am Roshon.’ Its three tracks that I fully produced and wrote myself. And its three tracks that are really important to me because I’ve made a lot of songs in my life, I’ve dropped a lot of stuff on the internet but it didn’t really represent me as who I am as a person and an artist as well as these three songs do. So it’s really just my introduction to the world with my music. So that’s why it’s real important.” Being that he is equally creative with the music and the acting, does one have more pull than the other in terms of what gets first priority? This one makes him pause to ponder but only for a half a second. “Aw man, I’m just getting the hang of it now but I’ve been doing it all of my life. It is crazy. As an actor, I’m on the set Monday through Friday grinding it out but right after I’m off set, I’m in the studio working on the music. So on the acting tip, since I have a steady job, it’s really no way to try to put that on hold, I have to split time. And by splitting time, that means it really is 50-50. I’m acting 24/7 and I’m doing music 24/7 and just splitting the days in half to make it work.”

(You DID Hear It From Me)!

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Marcus T. Paulk - Movie

Marcus T. Paulk

Honors Tuskegee Airmen With A Great Performance!

By Rych McCain, International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist

Marcus T. Paulk (Photo Courtesy of 20th Century Fox)

It took a minute to track down the actor who played one of my favorite roles in “Red Tails,” the much talked about George Lucas film about the heroic Tuskegee fighter pilots who were the first Black Afrikans to fly combat missions for the U.S. Army Air Corps in WWII. With all of the promotional stops various cast members are making, it was worth the wait to finally have a moment to chat with Marcus T. Paulk who turned in an outstanding performance as David “Deke” Watkins. Paulk is a native Angelino and has been acting since early childhood. He may best be known from his six seasons as singer/actress Brandy’s little brother Myles Mitchell on “Moesha” and the smash hit movie “Roll Bounce” with rapper/actor Bow Wow as well as a string of TV appearances on shows like “Grace Under Fire,” “Ma

Because George Lucas put up his own money to get this movie made after twenty years of studio decision makers saying no, was their any unsaid pressure on the cast when making this film? Paulk responds, “We all knew that we had a huge responsibility. But it actually kind of put a fire under us, made us go harder and I think the outcome kind of shows that in the film. We had a great time making it and we came together as a team and everybody was excited. But I don’t think we tried to think so much about all of those small things that were negative or some what like obstacles because when we got to the set and things and we were studying for this film, we didn’t think too much about that stuff. It wasn’t so much that Hollywood really didn’t want to make it. To me George is Hollywood so somebody wanted to make it and it got done.”

When Paulk first got a copy of the script, what impression did he have of deke and how did he approach playing him? He ponders, “It kind of got changed around a little bit. Actually, I thought it was necessary in a film like that. In the military and anywhere you go there are people who are very religious and there are always believers around so it was important that, that role was in the film. When it came to me going out for it, I was like, it’s cool. It’s something that I can embody and something I can relate to. So I was excited about it.” They had a boot camp to get the actors acclimated to a real military feel of 1944. What was Paulk’s experience with that? He really lights up on this one, “Aw man, boot camp was so intense. We were doing a large amount of marching, we stayed in a bunker, it was freezing cold, we did a nine mile hike through the mud and we had water training. I learned how to make a floating device out of my pants which was pretty cool. It was a great experience, kind of like a beautiful nightmare.”

The actors actually sat down to talk with the real Tuskegee pilots. How humbling was it to converse with the guys who actually did this stuff? Paulk expresses, “It was definitely an honor. To be able to be that close and talking with American heroes and also going to be portraying them is something that you can only dream of because it’s like putting us in the new position to be the new rock stars. Because in 1944, the 1940’s, they were the Black men who stood out at that time. There was nobody really doing what they were doing and they were smart, educated Black men. And then meeting them face to face to see that they are 80 years old but they are so full of life, watching them talk about the stories and how they happened. And they get into maybe a little oh that’s not how it happened, it was like this and we were watching them go back and forth and it was really fun for us guys to watch and soak that up so we could portray these great men.”

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Landry Bender - Movie

Landry Bender

A Charming Little Package Of Vintage Talent!

By Rych McCain, International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist

Landry Bender (Photo by Patrick rogers)

Just when I think that I have met all of the most seriously talented professional child actors in Hollywood, “whamo;” I meet another one! We’re talking about eleven year-old. Landry Bender. With her latest role in the 20TH Century Fox Pictures movie, “The Sitter,” Bender plays Blithe; the baby sister wanna-be “celebutante” who was one-third of three misfit children that Noah (played by Jonah Hill) had to baby sit for a night that turned into an evening of “you-name-it---it happened!” Bender was born in Chicago but her sports caster parents moved to Phoenix when she was two, then relocated to Los Angeles. Bender is named after the late, legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry. She began acting at age five doing stage plays then moved into commercials and TV roles.

At the beginning of this interview Bender greets me with a warm and charming hello. The conversation that followed was relaxed and fun because Bender’s sweet nature flowed with the moment which is something you can’t fake. Her film character Blithe was way off the chain in terms of a nine-year-old trying to act like a teen. What was bender’s first impression of Blithe when she initially read the script? She lets a giggle out and says, “My mom read it first and then she told me to read it and she let me do because of all that sad stuff. I thought of her (Blithe) as a swearing maniac who wants to be 21. She’s just crazy. She wants to go to clubs all night and party and really should be in bed reading or watching little kid shows.” How much of Blithe was on script and how much of herself did Bender put into this character? Bender explains, “I put a lot of my own self I really think because I just kind of made her my own. At first they made her into a sassy little chick. Some of it is myself a little bit. The dancing is all me, the songs I made up, so there’s just a lot of stuff I put in there.”

What was it like working with director David Gordon Green? Bender lights up, “He’s the best. We pulled a bunch of pranks on him. What were some of the things that Bender learned from Green that she can use in future work? She reflects, “He taught me a lot of improve. I just love his style. He would say now you can just do what ever you want and me and Jonah would just scream at each other. We would just go crazy.” What did the children on set learn about Jonah Hill that a lot of us don’t know? Bender is all smiles with this one saying, “He loves bulldogs. I bought a bulldog when I was in New York (where the film was shot).We brought it to the set when the maid would clean our apartment and he would say I need to get one of these. He was like obsessed with it and it was kind of creepy. He said he was going to get two of them.” Bender even named her bulldog pup Blithe after her character.

Many people have the perception that showbiz youth don’t have a normal childhood but in these times what is normal? Living in the hood and getting shot at or living in poverty around the world is not normal. So what is Bender’s opinion? “She laughs, “I go to regular school in Beverly Hills and when I’m working I take my school work with me on set with a tutor. Its normal for me just like a kid going to soccer practice everyday is normal for him to. Everyone has their life and its normal for them.” Bender will be shooting a pilot for the Disney Channel in a couple of weeks so we can really not only expect to see more of her but she may blow up into a super-star with the mighty Disney machine behind her.

(You DID Hear It From Me)!

E-Mail: feedbackrych@sbcglobal.net