Jordin Sparks - Movie

Jordin Sparks - Movie

By Rych McCain International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist

Jordin Sparks

“Sparkles” In Her Film Debut!

Photos Courtesy of TriStar/Sony Pictures

Jordin Sparks

    Determination and preparation are the cornerstone to achieving any desired goal. For singer/actress Jordin Sparks, the road to success has been a journey of sweat and sacrifices. The 23yr-0ld Phoenix, Arizona native is the youngest contestant to win “American Idol” at age 17. 

Jordin Sparks American Idol Winner Fox-TV photo

She then went on to become one of the most successful contestants with a post Idol career by churning out a platinum self-titled debut album with two top ten hits i.e., “Tattoo” and her dual with Chris Brown, “No Air” that got a Grammy® nomination. Sparks’ second album “Battlefield” reached the top ten with the single “S.O.S”. (Let The Music Play) hitting #1 on the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play Chart. Sparks’ is the only Idol alumni to have their first five singles reach the top 20. With 1.3 million albums and 9.8 million singles sold in the U.S. alone, Sparks’ is one of the most successful Idol alums of all time. Sparks’ made her Broadway stage debut in the smash hit musical “In The Heights” in August 2010 and has made several TV guest appearances.  

 As well as all of this may be, Sparks’ latest project will take her to the next career level and definitely put her on the direct radar of film studio bosses, producers and directors, She won the coveted lead role as Sparkle in the new movie version of the 1976 original movie 
“Sparkle.”  

Jordin Sparks in Sparkle

       This role has allowed Sparks to showcase it all; her beauty, poise, personality, singing and acting which she does to perfection. Jordin fully related to the script from the start. She explains, “You know what’s crazy? When I first got the script, I felt like the words were jumping off the page to me. I was emotional, I was crying, I was excited, I was angry. When something like that jumps up I was thinking whoever gets this part is going to be really, really special. And I went in to the audition going, you don’t have any experience so know that not getting it is a real possibility. But I thought OK it will be good for the casting director and director to see me and who knows what can come from this? So when they called and said I got the part, I was beside myself because I couldn’t believe I had gotten it. And I made sure not to know who else was auditioning. I didn’t want to know, I didn’t want to know how many people, who it was, I probably couldn’t have handled that.”

     Jordin came in four times with call backs. She reflects, “The first one was just acting with the casting director giving me notes and doing a couple of different scenes. The second was with the casting director and the director. The third was the screenwriter, director and casting director and the fourth one was chemistry testing which I had never done before.

Derek Luke & Jordin Sparks

     There were a few other guys and Derek Luke. There was a scene where they have to kiss me and I was like potentially I could add a couple of more guys to the list of people I’m kissing. I don’t just go around kissing people I don’t know and I was so nervous. But Derek came in and we were talking about things and discussing the script. My heart was pounding because I was like oh my God, that’s the guy from Antwone Fisher. I’ve seen his work and we were sitting there and they said OK are you guys ready to go in and he said yeah, one second. Then he turned to me and said can we pray before we walk in? And all of my anxiety, everything just went away and I said yep, OK, this is going to work. And it was so much fun. We had a blast on set but the audition process was so different because I had never done it before.”

L-R Tika Sumpter, Carmen Ejogo and Jordin Sparks

   Sparks does relate to her character’s desire to not only be a good song writer, singer and performer but she to wants to be a star in real life. Un-like many parents who don’t want their children to go the show-biz route for religious reasons, the drugs, fast life and other pitfalls, Sparks had the support of her parents from the git-go and American Idol launched it all. What did she take from working with the late, great Whitney Houston? Sparks lights up saying, “For me, just being in Whitney’s presence, I love the fact that she had this knowing behind her eyes. She had this wisdom and she wasn’t afraid to confront that. 

Jordin Sparks & the late, great Whitney Houston

 We never had the conversation about any of that stuff that she had gone through but it was almost like she had this ‘yeah, I went through that and I’m hear now and that’s OK and I’m going to keep going.’ I thought that was just great not to be ashamed of anything that happens.” 

© 2012 Rych McCain Media/Syndication tm 

(You DID Hear It From Me!) 

 E-Mail: feedbackrych@sbcglobal.net 

Eaddy Mays - TV

Eaddy Mays - TV

By Rych McCain International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist

Eaddy Mays

A Teen Wolf’s Scariest Nightmare!

Eaddy Mays photo by James O'Keefe 

     Every now and then a TV character comes along who is so attention commanding that you have to tune in weekly just to see what they will do next. These types of characters are the one’s you love to hate, yet you actually admire and respect them in the deepest subconscious way. Even if they are right in their pursuits, you still root for them to lose just because they are that scheming and conniving.  When one thinks of some of the most beloved hated characters in TV history, names like Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing from the CBS night time soap “Dallas” and Joan Collins as Alexis Carrington from the other powerhouse night time ABC soap “Dynasty” easily come to mind. Well move over folks and make room, there is another name and character to add to that long distinguished list of legends and she is Eaddy Mays who portrays Mrs. Victoria Argent, wife of werewolf hunter Christopher Argent on the MTV smash hit series “Teen Wolf.”

Victoria Argent (Scariest Mom on TV)  MTV Photo

     Mays’ character on the show has been labeled by many as the scariest mom on TV because she will protect her family at all cost doing whatever is necessary regardless of the ethical or non-ethical stigma attached to it. She can hold her favorite weapon (a knife) up to a werewolf’s throat without batting an eye one second then turn right around the next and be the sweetest mom on earth serving sweet treats. Mays, a University of Georgia – Athens, graduate with a degree in history, like all actors paid her dues via training and working up the ranks. Her latest film role is that of Agent Thomas in Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Witness Protection.”

Scott (Tyler Posey) the wolf  MTV Photo

    On “Teen Wolf,” Victoria Argent is the arch nemesis of Scott McCall (played by Tyler Posey) who is a teen werewolf and is learning to control his powers as well as try to be normal while not only being hunted by Argent and her husband but be plagued by rival supernatural creatures as well. At the conclusion of the last and second season, Argent was bitten by Derek, another werewolf (played by Tyler Hoechlin). Rather than transition into one of the beast, she committed suicide to end the season. Will she be back? Only the writers know for sure. If not, she definitely made her impact on the show.

Eaddy Mays RMM photo

   I was able to catch up with Mays as she walked the red carpet for the Tyler Perry “Madea’s Witness Protection” premiere in New York. She was looking amazing. With all of the supernatural themes in TV floating around now, what is the set like for “Teen Wolf?” Mays responds, “It seems like there’s that culture of vampires and zombies and oh, werewolves now! Um-um, this is not like anything else that’s out there. It’s a totally re-imagined treatment of this teen wolf. It’s romantic, sexy, but its plot driven and its exciting and it can be scary and violent. You can’t take your eyes off of it and I do some crazy stuff this season.” 

Victoria warns her daughter Allison (Crystal Reed) MTV Photo

     Since MTV is basically known for her reality show’s, is scripted TV an area that the network is drifting into? Mays examines this by saying, “Teen Wolf has become MTV’s #1 scripted show and the reason is largely due to the show’s creator Jeff Davis. The man truly is brilliant and has re-imagined Teen Wolf in such a way that it is compelling. And he is supported by a cast and a crew that are very close knit and incredibly professional but at the same time fun!” 

Victoria even threatens with a pencil MTV Photo

      Now that the subject of fun is on the table, how much of it is Mays having with her role? She laughs, “When you watch the show, it really is the scariest mom on TV. The show’s creator Jeff Davis writes to our strengths which  makes me a little nervous because I come off a little odd and people just think I’m crazy and very scary obviously and that’s how I got that nick name the scariest mom on TV. But it is a real exciting role to play and nothing like I’ve ever played before. I have found a pension for playing the bad guy – the person you love to hate. Those tend to be the roles that I gravitate to so I’m really honored to get to play it in Teen Wolf.” The show airs on MTV, Mondays at 10/9 CST. 

Cast shot  MTV Photo

© 2012 Rych McCain Media/Syndication tm  

(You DID Hear It From Me!) 

 E-Mail: feedbackrych@sbcglobal.net 

Dylan Snyder - TV

 

Dylan Snyder - TV

By Rych McCain International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist

Dylan Snyder

Kicks Out The Laughs!

Dylan Snyder M&H Photo

       The Disney XD Channel broke new ground last season when they premiered a teen martial arts comedy titled “Kickin’ It.” The show’s theme is based on a strip mall martial arts studio which is the worst dojo in the Bobby Wasabi Karate school nationwide chain. To make matters even worse, the entire Bobby Wasabi  nationwide chain is under-performing. The dojo consists of six lovable but whacky teen misfits who make up their competing karate team. The show is now in its second season.

     One of the team members is Milton, an honors student who enrolls in martial arts to defend himself after being bullied for taking French horn lessons. He is oblivious to his own shortcomings and has an awkward sense of confidence. Milton is played by fifteen-year-old Tuscaloosa, Alabama native Dylan Snyder. As a child, Snyder was inducted into acting almost at birth by virtue of the fact that his mom was involved in local theater as was his older sister who took him everywhere she went which included auditions, rehearsals and plays. After early training and some local stage appearances, the family moved to New York where at age nine, Snyder won the role of young Tarzan in Disney’s Broadway hit “Tarzan.” He also secured roles on the soaps “Guiding Light” and “One Life To Live.” Then came the inevitable; the family relocated to Los Angeles. 

L-R Olivia Holt, Dylan Snyder, Christian Jones, Jason Earles, Leo Howard & Mateo Arias. Cast of "Kickin' It"  Disney Photo

      Before we got into the meat of the interview, I had to clear up the difference between regular Disney and XD Disney for those who don’t know. Snyder explains, “The original Disney Channel is more centered toward girls. That’s the way its always been. They wanted to branch out and make a channel specifically for the boys. So the boys would be like oh yeah, well I’m watching this show about skate boarding and the girls don’t have to watch it. XD is more extreme; skate boarding, karate, that sort of thing.”

Dylan on set Disney Photo

     In describing his character Milton, Snyder runs it down, “He is an awkward but very smart kid and very good in school but he just doesn’t connect well with others. The way he does connect and become social is through his karate because he goes to the dojo and he opens up and he becomes really good friends and popular among his clique. He gets confidence from his karate.” Most martial arts shows and movie involve the actors taking theater combat training so they can look authentic fighting on camera. Has Snyder had any real life karate training outside of the studio? He lights up, “I have. Actually tonight I’m going. I haven’t done a whole lot of it but what little I have done, its all for fun. We’re just doing it to keep in shape and make sure that our fights look the best they can.” 

     Of course, you have fans who have difficulty separating the on camera fantasy from real life reality. With that being said, has Snyder run across a nut case that actually expected him to be like his character and karate chop something? He laughs, “Not always. I have gotten one offer for a fight but I turned it down saying no, I’m OK.” This is why Snyder has done his best to project a normal persona for Milton on camera.  As he puts it, “With Milton, I try to make him not a sit-com nerd. I try to make him a normal lid. He’s a geek of sorts, he likes school, he likes normal things he just doesn’t connect well. There are more of those kinds in the world then there are sit-com nerds and that’s what I’m trying to go for.”

L-R: Top; Olivia Holt, Leo Howard, Jason Earles, Bottom: Mateo Arias, Christian Jones and Dylan Snyder Disney Photo

     When it comes to changing things, Snyder even got rid of his southern accent when he went to New York to make the adjustment go easier. Having a New York theater background coupled with the LA TV show has made Snyder a well balanced actor. He is one regular teen dude who likes to hang out with his friends, listen to music and play video games.

Kickin' It airs Monday nights 8:30 PM - 9: PM EST on the Disney XD Channel. 

 © 2012 Rych McCain Media/Syndication tm 

(You DID Hear It From Me!)  

E-Mail: feedbackrych@sbcglobal.net 

Wizkid - Music

 

Wizkid - Music

By Rych McCain International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist

WizKid

Nigerian Superstar Takes The World!

Wizkid photo TCD

           The world’s motherland Afrika (yes many of us spell it with a hard “K” for emphasis) is not only the birthplace of humanity tor every race (including Europeans); she is the most bountiful continent on earth for natural resources. This explains why covert governments outside of her borders have colonized her and continue to keep intercontinental strife going so they can exploit and rip-off Mother Afrika’s resources. One of those resources includes natural talent. After all, the basis of every Black American art form i.e., blues, jazz, r&b, funk, soul, jazz, zydeco even country has its roots in the Black Afrikan people who brought their melanin dominate rhythms, beats, vocals, instrumental playing styles and dance moves with them via the inhumane slave trade to the U.S. to create what is now categorized as the music forms mentioned above. 

Wizkid  TCD Records Photo

   American radio, TV and music venues traditionally have been slow to promote talented artists from Afrika but with the emergence of the internet this barrier has been broken down where music lovers in the U.S. have become more aware of the exciting sounds of global music especially from the motherland. As Bob Marley exploded Jamaican reggae around the world, Afrikan artists are now globalizing their sound. Even though he follows a long line of great Afrikan artists, 21yr-old, Lagos, Nigeria native Ayodeji Balogun PKA “Wizkid” has begun a journey to set the world on fire with his brand of music and live performances. 

Wizkid on stage in Dallas, TX  photo ACIRFA

     Wizkid is a complete lady killer package with his handsomely, boyish looks, silky-smooth vocals, dynamic rapping and seductive body moves in a hard-hitting, non-stop fast pace show that keeps the ladies screaming and swooning while scrapping competively with each other to steal a touch of his leg or out stretched hand as he glides past on stage.

Wizzy in concert in Dallas, TX  ACIRFA photo

  The magic and appeal of Wizkid has been validated via major award shows such as “The Music Of Black Origin Awards” held in Glasgow, Scotland where he won the “Best African Act” for 2011. At this year’s 2012 BET Awards, Wizkid shared the “Best International Act Award” with Ghanaian sensation Sarkodie. Wiskid burned a hole in the stage a couple of nights before the BET Awards when he performed at the Pre-BET Awards week International Reception at the classy SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. He was clearly the hottest act of the night and it was an all out scrimmage to get to him for this interview when he came off stage.

 

Wizzy  file photo

     When asked to describe his music, Wizkid smiles, “Basically, my kind of music is fresh. I listen to all sorts of music so I try to draw inspiration from everything I listen to create a unique sound. I’m kind of like, just create that global music. Even though I’m from Nigeria and may not be speaking what you can understand, at least you can dance and get me. I just create fresh music.” 
 

Wizzy's current album "Superstar" EME Records

   Wizkid currently has an album released titled "Superstar" on the Empire Mate$ Entertainment label out of Lagos but he is working on a new one. As he explains, “Right now I’m working on an international album. I just got a deal with Konvict Music so right now I’m working with Akon so it’s pretty crazy. I’m going to be dropping my album before the end of the year with a couple of singles and collaborations. For me it’s all about global domination.”

Wizkid  file photo

      What is the music scene like in Nigeria? Wizkid lights up, “Everybody draws inspiration from everything. Everybody listens to everybody. We follow the music in the U.S. and I think that’s why we come two-times stronger because we know this is the competition right there. We’ve got to get our music up to that level. It’s a great movement right now. Afrika is doing her thing. Wizkid is quick to emphasize the love and camaraderie between Afrikan musicians and their countries despite the divisive picture painted to us in the U.S. news sources. He laughs, “A lot of people are saying the Nigerians are flying high, we’re doing our thing but you just have to give honor to what is due. We’re putting in work into what we do, but at the same time, we’re still one Afrika you know. 

Wizkid  facebook photo

    There is no competition like that. We all are just having fun, we’re trying to push our music out there. So for me, it’s not really a competition man. It’s about putting in and letting people know your talent, know what you sound like and know your music. Wizzy, as many fans call him, is currently on a U.S. Canadian Tour through September. Catch him on twitter @wizkid; facebook; wizkidmusic and his website, wizkidonline.com or empirematesentertainment.com.

© 2012 Rych McCain Media/Syndication tm 

(You DID Hear It From Me!)  

E-Mail: feedbackrych@sbcglobal.net 

4TH Annual Merge Summit - Event

4Th Annual Merge Summit - Event

Posted by Rych McCain, International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist

THE MERGE SUMMIT RETURNS FOR 

FOURTH YEAR  

AUGUST 23-25, 2012

Integrating Faith and Entertainment

At The Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles

Weekend-long Program Features Top Entertainers and Industry Executives including Suzanne de Passe, Clint Culpepper, Will Packer, Donnie McClurkin, DeVon Franklin, Kirk Franklin, Essence Atkins, Hezekiah Walker, Debra Langford, Stephen A. Smith, and Rushion McDonald, among others

   Relevé Entertainment has announced that THE MERGE SUMMIT 2012 will be held August 23-25, 2012 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles. 

ALL Photos are from last year's 2011 Merge Summit taken by Maury Phillips, GQ Media & PR/Front Page Firm

L-R: Kevin Frazier, Wendy R. Robinson Deitrick Haddon

 
   The event, presented in association with partners EMI Music Publishing, Verity Gospel Music Group, and UPSCALE magazine, integrates faith and entertainment and provides a platform for men and women of faith to interface with, learn from and partner with leading executives and talent in the entertainment industry.

L-R: Kenny Lattimore & Lamman Rucker

  "We are so excited to announce that we will return for the fourth year", said SUMMIT Founder and Chair Holly Carter. "Each year, THE MERGE SUMMIT has grown and changed to represent the evolution of the entertainment business, while always remaining true to our original purpose: to give a voice and opportunity for the gifts and talent of creative men and women of faith who have stories to tell".

   Added SUMMIT Co-Founder & Co-Chair Robi Reed: "Each year, I grow more excited with anticipation of the Merge. It has proven to be an invaluable source of information for all who attend. I have no doubt this time around will be even greater."

L-R: Kimberly Elise & Robi Reed

    Gospel superstar Kirk Franklin said, "I'm excited about the Merge Summit ... by partnering faith with media... we are able to cast a wider net, impact culture in unimaginable ways."  

 The multifaceted program, one of the largest entertainment industry events for people of faith, is a complete weekend of education, inspiration and entertainment. Nearly 100 of the industry's top entertainers and executives will lead more than 20 interactive panel discussions, workshops and Master Class sessions, covering the spectrum of music, television, film, radio, creative development, branding, management and new media.

 Confirmed presenters (in alphabetical order), as of July 3, 2012:

 Austyn Biggers, Sr. Director of Development, BET Networks 

Charlie Jordan Brookins, Senior Vice President, Original Programming, BET Networks 

Clint Culpepper, President, Screen Gems 

Debra Langford, Entertainment Industry Veteran 

Detavio Samuels, Executive Vice President/Director of Client Services, GlobalHue 

DeVon Franklin, Vice President of Production, Columbia Pictures 

Endyia Kinney Sterns, Executive Director, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) 

Essence Atkins, Actress (Are We There Yet?, Half & Half, The Smart Guy) 

Harry Lennix, Actor (Man of Steel, A Beautiful Soul, The Matrix, The Five Heartbeats) 

Holly Carter, President/Producer, Relevé Entertainment (A Beautiful Soul, The Gospel) 

Jazzy Jordan, Executive Vice President/General Manager, Verity Gospel Music Group 

Jeff Clanagan, CEO, Code Black Entertainment

Jon Platt, President, North America Creative, EMI Music Publishing 

Kary McHoul, President, Nigel Lythgoe Entertainment

Kelly Griffin, Sr. Director, Music Programming, BET Networks 

Kirk Franklin, Author/Host/Recording Artist 

Mali Music, Recording Artist 

Michael Elliot, Screenwriter (Like Mike, Brown Sugar, Just Wright) 

Myesha Chaney, Kingdomanity Recording Artist 

Niija Kuykendall, Director of Development, Warner Bros. Pictures 

Rob Gibbs, Music Talent Agent, ICM Partners 

Robi Reed, Vice President, Talent and Casting, Original Programming, BET Networks 

Rose Catherine Pinkney, VP, Development and Original Programming, TV Land 

Rushion McDonald, CEO/Executive Producer, NuOpp, Inc. 

Sheldon Candis, Director (LUV)

Sheilah Belle, Editor in Chief, "The Belle Report"

Stephen A. Smith, Journalist/Commentator/Analyst, ESPN Networks 

Suzanne de Passe, Co-Chairman, de Passe Jones Entertainment 

Tirrell Whittley, Principal/CEO, Liquid Soul Media 

Touré Roberts, Pastor, One Church International 

Tracey Edmonds, Producer (Jumping the Broom, New in Town, Soul Food The Series) 

Traci Lynn Blackwell, Vice President, Current Programming, The CW Network 

Will Packer, Producer (Think Like a Man, Obsessed, Stomp The Yard, Takers, This Christmas) 

Wendy Raquel Robinson, Actress/Philanthropist 

Zola Mashariki, Senior Vice President, Production, FOX Searchlight Pictures 

For more information and to register, please visit  www.themergesummit.com

© 2012 Rych McCain Media/Syndication tm 

(You DID Hear It From Me!)  

E-Mail: feedbackrych@sbcglobal.net 

 

Danielle Campbell - Movie

Danielle Campbell - Movie

By Rych McCain International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist

Danielle Campbell

Challenging Medea Under Protection!

Danielle Campbell (Lionsgate Photo)

     She is a relative newcomer on the Hollywood scene but her acting skills says veteran. Seventeen year-old native Chicagoan Danielle Campbell had what some would consider a role of a life time playing the rebellious, poor little rich girl Cindy Needlelman who challenges the authority of none other than the infamous Madea in Tyler Perry’s latest flick, “Madea’s Witness Protection.” 

    Campbell’s passion for acting blossomed at the tender age of ten. She began doing national commercials in her home town and broke into TV as a guest star on the hit drama series “Prison Break,” appearing on seven episodes. This was followed by her first TV Movie leading role as Jessica Olson in the Disney Channel Original Movie “StarStruck.” This was followed with a Disney feature film “Prom.”

Danielle at Madea Premiere (RMM Photo)

  Campbell not only possesses the cutie-pie looks and bubbly, warm personality that attracts like a mega-ton magnet; she has both feet on the ground in terms of the reality of the business in which she works. She was a hands down favorite on the red carpet at the New York Premiere of “Madea’s Witness Protection.” 

   When asked to break down her experience working with the renown Tyler Perry and the fun associated with it, Campbell lights up, “That was all that we did while we were filming. We were cracking up the entire time. They would call cut and you could hear the entire crew roar in laughter. It was so much fun to film. I had a great time.” Campbell has to explain the bedroom scene where Madea dumps the bucket of water on her when she refuses to get up. Again, Campbell is laughing, “That’s my favorite scene. Before I got the water poured on me, Madea had to scream at me and I screamed back at her because I didn’t want to get out of bed. So were arguing back and forth to get ourselves really ramped up with anger and it got to the point where it was so funny, we started cracking up.”

Danielle Campbell (Disney Photo)

      Rich and spoiled Cindy Needleman was so filled with resentment and anger. Where did Campbell go inside to create that personality on screen? She flashes that sweet innocent “who me” smile and says, “You know, I think it was just kind of like me playing off of Madea’s energy and kind of what I’ve seen in movies and stuff. I hope I would never get that mad at somebody. There’s no reason to.” When she looks back at the entire experience with this project, what did she take away from it? Campbell reflects, “The people that I got to filmed with are going to be life long friends. I had such a blast with all of them. They were veteran actors that I’ve been watching since I was a little girl and I just had a blast filming with everybody. Honestly, I was honored to take this role. I’ve been watching Madea movies since I was so young growing up and I could not believe when I heard that I got the role.” 

Madea - Nuff said! (Lionsgate Photo)

   What was it like for a Chicago girl working in Atlanta? Campbell lights up, “Oh my gosh, it was so fun! There are so many great things out in Atlanta and the people are so nice. Honestly, I have nothing bad to say about Atlanta.” “Madea’s Witness Protection” may be the best Madea movie yet!

© 2012 Rych McCain Media/Syndication tm 

(You DID Hear It From Me!) 

 E-Mail: feedbackrych@sbcglobal.net