Showing posts with label Southland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Southland. Show all posts

16th Annual Prism Awards

Interviewing Tony Denison of The Closer.

If you thought awards season was over, don't worry, there is always an awards show happening in Hollywood.  Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to cover the 16th Annual Prism Awards which honor the accurate depiction of social issues in TV and Film.  Honorees included shows like Parenthood and Southland as well as actors and TV personalities from William H. Macy, Craig T. Nelson, and Dr. Drew for focusing in on issues like substance abuse, mental illness, and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) in military veterans.  The yellow carpet was filled with celebs and I got the inside scoop from some of your favorite television actors.

From Gugu Mbatha-Raw of Touch:  I learned that her co-star, Kiefer Sutherland, is an avid chess player.  Hmmm, I was looking for a more exciting story, but who knew Kiefer was so focused on set? See our interview here.



From Michael Cudlitz of Southland:  I promised that I would watch his show over three years ago via Twitter and it hasn't happened yet.  I made a new promise to him that he now has his Twitter followers bugging me to honor and we caught it all on camera--including a little bit of heckling from Mr. Cudlitz himself.



From Leigh Anne Tuohy whom Sandra Bullock portrayed in her Oscar-winning role in The Blind Side:  I asked her about the scene in the film where her friends question taking in a young black man into their household and had her friends' attitudes changed after all of the success.  I was surprised to hear her response and I think you will too.  See her interview here.

My Twitter feed has been a lot of fun lately with tweets from Leigh Anne Tuohy, Michael Cudlitz, and Deborah Norville.  Make sure to follow me for even more entertainment scoop!  

From Craig T. Nelson of Parenthood:  He has hit the actor jackpot with a long career in TV and Film.  It is rare for an actor to have lightning strike even once with a successful television series, but he has succeeded over and over again with Coach, The District, and now Parenthood.  When I said he didn't need the affirmation because he is on the right track in his career, he said, "You always do. You always want to know that your work is not only appreciated but is touching somebody."  Ah, spoken like a true professional.  Now that's how you have longevity in your career.  Take note, actors.  See my interview with Craig T. Nelson here.

For more videos from the event, head on over to Red Carpet Report.





ITVFest Highlights

Since we are a little over halfway through the 5th Annual ITVFest,  I want to share some highlights of what I have experienced so far:

Screenings:  Let me start right off with The Wine Guy.  I know a lot of you will say, "Isn't this just a copy of Gary Vaynerchuk and Wine Library TV?"  Well, it's not even close, one is a video blog, the other is a structured travel and food show.  Host, Anthony Gilardi, knows he isn't a wine expert like Gary, so he brings along an entourage to get you to understand more about wine, how it is made, and how to pair it with food.  Included in his merry band of colorful characters are a sommelier, a chef, a cheese maker, vineyard owners, and somehow he manages to collect actor, Michael Cudlitz, of TNT's Southland along the way.  The show is entertaining, well-produced, and perhaps, the best thing I have seen yet at ITVFest this year.  Unfortunately, all of the screenings of The Wine Guy are completed, but you can check the website for more information on the pilot or check out the trailer below:

**UPDATE**: There is one final screening of The Wine Guy on Thursday, August 5th at 5 PM.  Check it out if you are going to be down at ITVFest and let me know what you think of the show!


Panels:  I have been trying to hit as many panels as possible.  It has surprised me when I sit down to a half-empty theatre.  Content creators, get out of the house and down to Sunset 5!  The panels are affordable and they offer a powerhouse group of people who can help you with your show.  ITVFest is intimate enough that you can grab face time with some of the studio executives, agents, and production companies that are changing the face of independent television.  The Representation Panel I attended on Sunday, was a terrific opportunity to hear what the lawyers, agents, and managers are looking for in writers and producers.  I think actors are programmed to understanding how important representation is, but it was great to hear from the production side how having a team can help you and your work.

The Innovator Award:  The award this year was presented to Illeana Douglas at the gala last Thursday night.  She has made a big splash in the web space with her show, Easy to Assemble, and the support of the show sponsor, IKEA.  In honor of her contributions, here is my interview with Illeana from the red carpet.  Boy, that girl can rock a yellow jumpsuit like no other:


ITVFest runs through Thursday, August 5th.  For more information, check out the ITVFest website.

Follow my blog with bloglovin
 
© 2009 Oscars Red Carpet Live | Powered by Blogger | Built on the Blogger Template Valid X/HTML (Just Home Page) | Design: Choen | PageNav: Abu Farhan