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Monday, July 31, 2017

LIGHTS...CAMERA...ACTION! On the movie set of "Not Cinderella's Type", pt 4

And the series continues...

Today I'll be talking about my visit with the Producer of this movie - Brian Brough
He was such a busy guy that day, but thankfully, he was sweet and took a few minutes to answer a couple of my questions.

I was so very lucky to have met this special man, especially now that I've seen some of the movies he's produced - which I've seen and LOVED!!  Here are a few movies that I've seen that are on the list of his films from the IMDb.com website:

Nowhere Safe

An Hour Behind 

Singing With Angels 

Austentatious (TV Series)

16 Stones 

You're So Cupid

Christmas Angel

Passage to Zarahemla

Saints and Soldiers



My first question to Brian was "What do you look for when choosing your next project?"

He told me he looks for a fun story first, and then decides if it's marketable. Of course, I couldn't help but think back through all of my 42 stories, wondering if any of these might make his list... lol

I asked him how he gets these stories. Do people submit them to him, or do they go through an agent?

He said that word of mouth is a great way to get him interested - which was what happened with this particular movie, "Not Cinderella's Type.". He also mentioned that writers could email him through his website. (Don't quote me on this, but I *think* it's through this website since this information wasn't given during our interview - http://silverpeakpro.com/)

Another fun thing about Brian, is that he created a new place to watch wholesome, family movies! It's similar to Netflix. You won't have to worry about what your kids are watching if you sign up for this. It's called - lumintv.com - https://www.lumintv.com/pages/sign-in. I was THRILLED to learn about this site! THANK YOU, BRIAN!  Family oriented people definitely need clean, wholesome movies for their family to watch!!




I want to thank Brian for getting to talk to him. It was a privilege!

Now...here are more pictures from what my daughter, Chrystal Higgins, took while the crew was setting up for a scene.  Oh, and let me do a quick little plug for my daughter. She has worked on a small film before, and she would LOVE more experience as one of the crew. So if anyone knows anyone...let me know so I can let her know.

THESE ARE THE PROPS PEOPLE







SCRIPT FOR THE DAY!!

ISN'T THIS COOL??
STAY TUNED FOR PART 5 OF MY BLOG... MORE PICTURES AND INFO COMING SOON!
















Friday, July 28, 2017

LIGHTS...CAMERA...ACTION - On the movie set of "Not Cinderella's Type", pt 3

Welcome back, everyone, and thanks to all of you who have shared my posts and commented.

Today, I'll talk about my interview with Utah's famous, Scott Christopher.

BIO (from IMDB.COM):

Scott Christopher was born in Michigan, then moved to Utah at age 11. Along with three siblings Scott was raised by a divorced mother. He began acting at age 4 and went on to win the Irene Ryan National Acting Scholarship while attending Brigham Young University. Long-time radio and television veteran. Stand-up comic and show host. Acclaimed keynote speaker and author "The Levity Effect" and "People People." "Coach Austin" on the WB's Everwood. "Frank Quincy" on Granite Flats (Netflix/BYUTV) Splits time between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. Married with five sons.

Some of the movies I've loved him in are:

Single's Ward

Everwood (TV series)

The Best Two Years 

Mobsters and Mormons

Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration

Granite Flats (TV Series)


When I first arrived on the set of NOT CINDERELLA'S TYPE, he was the one I looked for right away. When I didn't see him, I felt let down that I wasn't going to meet an actor whose films I'd enjoyed over the years.

And then...as I was chatting with Jenni James (author), Scott walked in with his son. I started jumping in my chair. My daughter, Chrystal (who took the pictures), had to remind me that I was a professional interviewer...NOT a fangirl. Believe me, it was hard.



















Jenni, and her husband, Jason, greeted Scott, and told him that I wanted to interview him. He politely explained that he needed to get ready for the scene first. Of course, I wasn't going to fall to the floor, wrap my arms around his legs, and beg him to stay. I WAS A PROFESSIONAL - not a fangirl! So I let him leave.

When I saw him again, he was having his make-up put on. That was fun to watch, too!






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I saw him at lunchtime, and he was eating a pizza while some of the extras on the movie set went up to him to get his autograph and have their pictures taken with them. I decided that although I was anxious to talk to him, I wouldn't bother him during lunch. (sorry, no pics for this one!)

AT LONG LAST... I was able to take a few minutes out of his schedule to ask him a few questions. Once again, I reminded myself that I was NOT a fangirl...but a professional interviewer. lol  As we started talking, I realized something. He's as sweet as can be! He was very polite and didn't act as though he walked on clouds (which, of course, was where I'd put him in the first place). He was a regular guy, and he was great.

We talked about our glasses (yeah, funny way to start out talking, right?). But I asked him how he prepares for a scene. He told me that he doesn't stress over it and he uses common sense. He reads his lines, and goes with the flow. Sometimes he doesn't say his lines word-for-word that's on the script, but he just lets the words come out naturally.

I asked him out of all the movies he played in, which were his favorites? His answer (two of my favorites) - The Best Two Years and Mormons and Mobsters.

We discussed how the movie gets put together, and he told me about how the music is added in. This is called "Score" - Movie Score / Film Score. I definitely learned something new!

He plays the part of a father in NOT CINDERELLA'S TYPE, and I'm sure I'm going to love him in this movie, to.

And of course...the fangirl in me was able to get my picture taken with him, too!!! Don't ask me why I didn't get his autograph...

I think I'm going to frame this picture. What do you think??





STAY TUNED FOR PART 4 OF MY BLOG - MORE INTERVIEWS AND PICTURES COMING SOON!!


Wednesday, July 26, 2017

LIGHTS....CAMERA...ACTION! On the set of a movie - part 2

Today I'm going to tell you about four AWESOME actors I met on the set of "Not Cinderella's Type". These four play the main characters in the movie. I couldn't help but love them all. They are so adorable!


Indy - Paris Warner
Bryant - Timothy Flynn
Maxton - Tanner Gillman
Jayda - Mary Neville





Indy (Paris Warner - girl with long brown hair)

Paris has been in other films before. Once I was a Beehive, The Christmas Dragon, and Mythica: The Iron Crown.  She was such a sweetheart--very kind to everyone.


ME: Paris, what pulled you toward and acting career?

Paris: When I was young, and I was in trouble for something - like most kids are - I would go in the basement and watch movies. I LOVED "Death Becomes Her", and I adored Meryl Streep. I watched that movie so much, I had it memorized. I used to act out the scenes that Meryl Streep was in...until I realized she had more movies for me to watch. It was at that time when I realized I wanted to become an actress. Meryl Streep inspired me in several ways. It is my dream to become a younger version of her.


Bryant (Timothy Flynn) 

I loved talking to Timothy. He loved to tell me about his life. He made me laugh several times, and he's such a charmer! People can't help but grin whenever he walks by.

ME: What pulled you toward an acting career?

Timothy: When I was a baby, I was a model for ZCMI. Once the fame wore off, and as I attended school and I was a sports fanatic, and then when I started college, I realized how much I loved acting. I didn't have any interest in school, because I wanted to make something of myself. I have auditioned for parts every time I get the chance. I believes one day I'll get my big break.


Jayda (Mary Neville - the auburn/brunette)

This was one girl who couldn't stop smiling. Mary was so very sweet when I chatted with her, and she is very friendly and outgoing. You just gotta love her personality!

ME: Mary, how do you prepare for a scene?

Mary: Just as most actors, I read through the script several times. I start memorizing my lines right away. Once that is done, I study my character so that I can step into the role and be ready when it's time to shoot a scene.


















Maxton (Tanner Gillman)

Maxton's character is Indy's best friend. And believe me, he would be a great best friend in real life. He was so much fun to chat with, and I love how animated he is when he talks. Of course, he's funny, and he loves to make people laugh. He talked a lot about the differences between the theater and being in a movie. I wish I could have seen him on the stage. He would have been great!

ME: Tanner, what pulled you toward an acting career?

Tanner:  I started out in theater, actually. In school, I loved to be in plays. One thing led to another, and soon I was auditioning for movie roles.





















Here are more pictures of some of the cast and the extras on the movie set.
























STAY TUNED FOR MORE CAST INTERVIEWS (AND PICTURES) COMING SOON!

Monday, July 24, 2017

LIGHTS....CAMERA....ACTION - On the set of "Not Cinderella's Type"

Only a few short days ago, I had the great privilege to meet an author friend of mine who is having her Young Adult Romance turned into a MOVIE.  Yes, you heard me right. This baby will be a MOVIE!  She invited me to come on the movie set and interview the cast and crew.




I interviewed a few people, who I'll never forget. The cast and crewe of "Not Cinderella's Type" are the best. I fell in love with all of them. And...I met an actor I've seen on other films, and it was so exciting to meet someone in person that I've only seen on movies.

I'm going to start this segment by telling you about the book and the author. Jenni James is a bestselling Young Adult author. If you have teenage girls in your house who love to read, then I'm sure you've heard of Jenni James.



"Not Cinderella's Type"

Indy Zimmerman has a new stalker who won't leave her alone, no matter what she says to him. Never mind the fact that he's one of the most popular guys at school—she’s positive Bryant Bailey is only trying to appease his own conscience after pretty much destroying her life. But when Bryant doesn't back down and insists on having some sort of bizarre friendship with her, his magic works, and her walls slowly start to crumble. He's not her type. She's never been into guys like Bryant, but then again, she's never really known anyone quite as stubborn, or caring, or who can get her to confess stuff she wouldn't even tell her best friend.




I asked Jenni to tell me how she was inspired to turn her story into script to get it into a movie.

Jenni:  The Lord helped me. (she pauses, waiting for my reaction before continuing)  I have always asked the Lord for help with my stories and He helped me, yet again. It all happened rather quickly as if it was meant to be.

I started feeling a push toward learning about script writing. I was searching the internet and ran across an article. I almost skipped over it, but I was prompted to look at it. Once I read the article, I couldn't get the idea off my mind. Night and day it was in the back of my mind, and I knew I had to figure out a way to learn how to write a script.  

During this time, a radio DJ friend of mine happen to know a producer, so she told him about my books. He was interested, but he wanted me to submit a story to him in script. Because I had never done this before, I contacted another friend of mine who I knew had taken classes. I asked her to teach me. Over the next few weeks, I met with her and she walked me through how to change my stories into scripts. 

I actually started with my story, "Beauty and the Beast" (one from my fairy tale collection), but then I'd heard from the producer and he asked about "Not Cinderella's Type". He wanted a modern-day story because it wouldn't take very long to make the movie. 

I quickly turned this story into a script and submitted it. He read through it and requested some edits. Five days later, I had it edited, and sent it back. He was shocked to think it only took me five days. Of course, not knowing how long edits are supposed to take, I asked him how long he thought I was going to take. He told me 3-5 MONTHS. 

He read through the script and offered me a contract. I was stunned...not believing any of this was real. Even as I'm here on the set, watching everything happen, I still can't believe it's real.


ME: Jenni, what are the programs you used to write scripts?

Jenni: The two programs that are highly recommended by producers are "Final Draft" and "Movie Magic Screenwriter". 

ME: Jenni, what is the best way for people/producers to notice your work?

Jenni: Word of mouth and networking. In today's world, it's who you know.

ME: Have you turned any of your other books into scripts?

Jenni: YES! Once I was finished with "Not Cinderella's Type", I started on my other stories. My husband and I decided to go to Pitch Fest in California, and we decided to have several stories to pitch. Three more producers were interested in my work, but as of yet, no contract has been offered.


STAY TUNED FOR MORE CAST INTERVIEWS (AND PICTURES) COMING THIS WEEK...



Monday, July 17, 2017

Welcome back - Linda Weaver Clark

I'm very excited to have Linda back on my blog. She has a new release that she wants to tell us about.






Bio: Linda Weaver Clarke is the author of 22 books: historical romances, period romances, a romantic cozy mystery series, a mystery suspense series, a children’s book, and non-fiction. She has also traveled throughout the United States giving lectures on writing techniques. All her books are family friendly. She lives in Color Country, which is located in southern Utah among all the red mountains.


 
Linda Weaver Clarke is having a Book Giveaway, which will last until Aug 21st: Every visitor will receive 7 EBOOKS FREE if they preorder the Historical Romance: The Fox of Cordovia. For these promotional giveaways, go to https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com.

1. Tell us how your writing career got started.


I have always loved writing. After writing my ancestors’ and parents’ biographies, I couldn’t stop writing. So I turned to historical fiction. Since my ancestors’ stories were so vivid in my mind, I actually gave some of their exciting experiences to the main characters. So my ancestors were the inspiration for getting me started. My first historical romance, Melinda and the Wild West, actually won an award for the Reviewers Choice Award. I have written several different genres since then. All my stories are family friendly.




2. What genre(s) do you write, and why?


My favorite genre is historical romance with adventure. I also have written a romantic cozy mystery series and a mystery/suspense series. I absolutely love stories that are page-turners, which have some mystery, romance, and suspense. I love a romance where the man and woman know they are meant for one another. Even though there are trials along the way, they never give up on the other. I also like strong women characters in a story.




3. What inspired your book, The Fox of Cordova?


All three books in this series are love stories set in the late 1700s. The Rebel Series was inspired by the stories of the American patriots who fought to be free from the dictatorship and tyranny of a king. It’s a theme that is dear to me. Liberty is something that I cherish. It’s a precious gift given to us by those who fought so valiantly. When I read the stories of the American Revolution, my heart swells with gratitude for those loyal patriots. When I look at our flag and pledge allegiance to it, tears well up in my eyes. When I listen to The Star Spangled Banner or God Bless the U.S.A., I get choked up. Especially when it’s sung by a choir.








4. Tell us about your upcoming release and a little about The Rebel Series.


In this swashbuckling romance, a sinister plot has just been uncovered and its up to a former patriot and a young nurse to discover who is behind it. Caroline is engaged to the future mayor of Laketown, a man of influence and greatly respected. But all that changes when she overhears a conspiracy behind closed doors. After being discovered, she runs for her life. Caroline needs to report her findings, but whom can she trust? When she asks Jesse Conover for help, the adventure begins.




For my book launch celebration, every visitor will receive 7 EBOOKS FREE if they preorder the Historical Romance: The Fox of Cordovia. For these promotional giveaways, go to https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com.




6. Where can readers find you?
To read a sample chapter from each of my books in The Rebel Series, go to http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/historicalromance.html and click on the title of the book that you want to read. Here are two book trailers for your readers to watch, so they can understand what these books are about.


The Rebels of Cordovia:





The Highwayman of Cordovia







To purchase a book, visit http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/purchasebook.html.  

Saturday, July 8, 2017

Welcome Alicia Dean

I'm excited to have an author on my blog that I've not had before. Everyone, this is Alicia Dean. Alicia...this is everyone.



1.        Tell us how your writing career got started.

I’ve wanted to write for as long as I can recall. I wrote my first romance at age ten. I wrote a lot as a teen but in my early adulthood, I married and had three children and put my writing aside. In 2001, I took a class with Mel Odom, a successful writer/teacher and my desire and ambition for writing was refueled. I sold my first book in 2006.
2.        What genre(s) to write, and why?

My favorite genre to read or write is suspense. I find it exciting and the adrenalin from the tension keeps my interest. Plus, I’m way too interested in murder. It’s not healthy. J

3.      What inspired your latest book?

I was invited to participate in an anthology with 5 other authors. All of the stories were to be set in Africa, which I knew nothing about. The premise was inspired by the television show Drop Dead Diva. (It ended a while back, but I only recently watched the series) 

4.      Tell us about your upcoming release.

 Dying to Love You is a short romance with paranormal elements. Even though suspense is my first love, sometimes a story in a different genre comes to me, and I go with it. As I said, I got the idea, loosely, from Drop Dead Diva. My story is about a woman who has died a handful of times. She should have been sent to purgatory the first time, because never in her life has she done anything selfless. However, no one has ever loved her, so rather than being immediately sent to purgatory, she is offered chances to redeem herself by performing a selfless deed and finding someone to love her.  So far, she has failed. Each time, she lives a new ‘life’ and, in this latest life, she is to be a safari guide in the Serengeti.

5.      What will your next project be?

I am currently working to finish Perilous, a novella in a Martini Club 4 series with three of my close author friends. We published a 1920s novella in the series two years ago, and now we are writing the next, which is set in the 1940s and is about the offspring of our 20s characters. Then, I’ll be writing a proposal for a request from Amazon’s Thomas & Mercer line, a suspense novel that will be the first in a series.


6.      Where can readers find you?

Everywhere!! J Specifically…

 *** Sign up for my email list where you’ll receive no more than two emails per month, and one will be when you receive the Novel Notes Newsletter, a multi-author newsletter where we give away a $25 gift card each month: http://aliciadean.us14.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=f9c8c221a4835a2e758fdcea6&id=1d2610c888









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You’ll uncover tales of an undercover operative in Casablanca, a safari guide in the Serengeti, students on holiday in Morocco, time-traveling agents in Tripoli, vengeance in Algeria, and deadly secrets in Carthage. Each of these stories will captivate you with love, danger, intrigue, and excitement. What better way to Escape?


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