HawaiiWood

Rogue City Productions was started by Titus Chong to develop and produce local TV and film projects. He studied at UCLA and is a graduate of the University of Hawaii. Titus is the executive producer of the feature All For Melissa by Gerard Elmore. The movie stars Jane Benney, Andy Bumatai, Milan Tresnak, Lew Lappert, Nicholas Gianforti, Larry Wiss, Scott Francis Russell, and Kimberly Estrada as “Melissa.” Titus recently organized a fundraiser for the film at the K.K. Kaminaka‘s ArtZone Hawaii, and what a beautiful venue it is.

Titus has interests other than movies. Culinary-themed events or just restaurant hopping are his favorite things to do. He’s known to frequent The Plumeria Cafe at The Kahala. Titus worked for Fox, Disney, HBO and Warner Bros. before he moved back to Hawaii. Another of his talents is playing the piano, and he trained with Ellen Masaki. Next up is a script he wrote together with Suzi Shimoyama titled The Art of Wedding. Titus definitely has a running start for 2007 ...

Sharon “Shay” Fukayama was born and raised in Honolulu and recently received her master’s degree from Chaminade University. She graduated from high school in White Plains, N.Y., followed by earning her bachelor’s from Keio University in Tokyo. Shay is a well-rounded talent who mixes artistic, athletic and scholastic endeavors. She won the Miss Hawaii Teen America Pageant back in 2000. Her focus now is on her acting career, but she makes time to practice dance, golf, gymnastics, judo and karate. Her credits are Local Bruisers, Lost, and Hawaiian Humane Society and HMAA commercials. Down time is spent watching Sean Penn movies and going to California Pizza Kitchen. Keep an eye on this up-and-coming actress ...

So long Honolulu, hello Hollywood! Dezmond Gilla is relocating to Los Angeles to make waves in acting. He’s one of the most talented young actors to emerge from the local ranks. I have no doubt that he’ll be appearing on the silver screen this year. He’s an alumnus of Aiea High School and the UH-Manoa. Dezmond became a household face when he was cast as “Interisland Steve” in the Island Air commercial. He achieved celeb status in the indie scene and starred in many award-winning films. His recent appearance was in Criminally Inept, directed by Ryan Ishii and produced by Nelson Quan. Both filmmakers are Iolani school graduates. Dezmond’s breakthrough role was in the The Orb by Scott Lee Mason. Blue Crush, Kava Kultcha, Lessons Learned, Lost, Seeking Rainbows and The Stevens Get Even are some of his credits. I’ll keep you informed on Dez’s booming career ...

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Actor Garret Sato is back in Hawaii enjoying the holiday season with family and friends. On NBC’s medical drama ER, Garret guest stars as Detective Drummond. The episode, titled A House Divided, airs tonight. Check it out. His extensive credits include 24, Alias, Pearl Harbor and the new ABC comedy series In Case of Emergency starring Kelly Hu. The life of a working actor is tough, but Garret managed to maneuver his career quite well. He recently stopped by at Kathy Muller Talent Agency to talk to acting students. His candid talk about the business side of acting was well-received. Agency actors Edison Erorita, Anna Fernandez, Dezmond Gilla, Serena Karnagy, Lew Lappert and Nicole Pfeffer were in attendance. Award-winning film-maker Dean Ishida happened to be in the Islands, so he swung by the class. Now Hollywood beckons Garret, and he’s jetting back ...

According to astrology books, people born under the sign of Capricorn fare well in the entertainment industry. Here’s the local lineup: JanDee Abraham, Carmen Ah San, Mahealani Diego, Anna Fishburn, Ann Mata, Sherrie Robertson, Hannah Thomas, Chad Burch, Shane Curtis, Renato Fontaine, Clint Scofield and yours truly. Happy birthday and thank you for significantly adding to the betterment of Isle talent ...

Jaeves Iha is a University of Hawaii student majoring in English and theatre arts. He’ll be on stage in the Kumu Kahua production of Living Pidgin by writer Lee Tonouchi. Go to the web-site www.kumukahua.org for curtain times. Jaeves makes the transition from screen to stage smoothly. His last film was Restless by Renato Fontaine starring Leanne Nakamura. Jaeves comes from a dance background and studied ballet with Stephanie Palumbo at Leeward Community College. His spare time is spent on the track in the new form of racing called drifting. To catch a glimpse of this rising young talent, check out his play opening this week ...

Serena Flores studied under started in grade school when she placed in a national video competition. She also graduated from the Leeward Community College’s TV production program. Most recently she produced Blindsided, directed by Chris Potts and starring Zero Kazama, Phillip Rios, Greg Juliano and

Hope Hiranaka. Serena loves the classic Gone With the Wind and the ‘80s flick Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. She’s currently working on the sequel to Blindsided, with which she’ll be making her directing debut. Stay tuned ...

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Katharin Dombrow is originally from the windy city of Chicago. In the sixth grade she was introduced to the world of dramatic arts. She excelled in gymnastics, judo, softball and track, but her love for acting led her to the stage. At Wheaton North High School she became a member of the award-winning speech team. After graduation she decided to try out for the Philadelphia 76ers dance team. Katharin made it to the top-60 of the Sixers dancers. She eventually relocated to Hawaii last year. Currently she’s hard at work as the host of Infinite TV and Model’s Night Out at Fashion 45 by music producer Ace Grant. Katharin also goes by the single-monickered name of “Ladie K.” Stay tuned for more on this multi-talented actress ...

Actor Ron Lake is a former police detective from Phoenix. After retiring from his law-enforcement career he decided to embark on another challenge called acting. Ron moved to the Islands because of his love for the ocean. He’s been steadily acquiring roles in local films such as Grandma’s Recipe, Street Wars and The Sand Island Drive-In Anthem. Ron’s priority is studying acting with Roger Wilco and Wayne Ward. Ron enjoys watching movies with Jodie Foster or Al Pacino for their excellent acting. His time away from the set is spent near the water either fishing or scuba diving. Ron is available for work through the Kathy Muller Talent Agency. He loves In-NOut burgers, only available in California, Nevada or Arizona. We’re both wishing someone would bring some back. Ron is raring to land a speaking part this year already ...

Actress Malia Verdadero currently attends Waipahu High School as a senior. She was crowned Home-coming Queen during half-time at the varsity football game between Kaiser and Waipahu. Fellow student Joshua Manuel was selected as the King. After graduation in June, Malia will be juggling acting, model-

ing and studies. Her film credits are two award-winning movies, Kamea and Valtor The Great Vs. The Universe. Favorites are hula dancing, photography, surfing and going to Genki Sushi in Waikele. She also starred in HSTV’s public service announcements for Bright Ideas, Kamehameha Shopping Center and Therapeutic Foster Parent. In the movie business, beauty and talent are considered a dime a dozen. Malia’s got something magical that can’t be taught. A star in the making, for sure ...

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Congratulations to Serena Karnagy on winning the title of 2007 Miss Hawaii Teen USA. The pageant was held at the Sheraton Waikiki and produced by Takeo Kobayashi and Eric Chandler. I met Serena through photographer Rick Bernico, who raved about this student from Punahou. The most impressive quality about her was humility and maturity. A year later she lands her first starring role in Brown by Renato Fontaine. The film premiered at a sold-out venue at the 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival. Filmmaker Mark Ganialongo cast her as the lead in a New Hope commercial recently. Her talents include ballroom dancing, hula and get this, she’s a four-time USA karate national champion. Serena definitely has “star” written all over her ...

Actor James Larson was born in Honolulu and spent his early years in Kaneohe. His father was an Army doctor, so they were stationed in many states and eventually settled in Minnesota. James graduated from Stanford University and San Francisco Institute of Architecture. He currently resides on Kauai, but flew into Honolulu to attend the Actors’ Showcase. His movie credits are Windtalkers, To End All Wars, Jurassic Park III and Fifty First Dates. When he’s not on the set, he enjoys playing guitar, photography and writing poetry. I worked with him on the war film To End All Wars on Kauai. It was fun playing enemies and then eating lunch together. It’s all in a day’s work as actors. You can rent the movie, starring Kiefer Sutherland, Robert Carlyle, local actors Dennis Ihara and James McCarthy, at Blockbuster ...

The month of December brings us birthdays of the following people: Aubrie Allen, Moon Yun Choi, Christa Curtiswittmier, Noel Nielsen, Nicole Pfeffer, Sarina Smith, Kimi Tupuola, Laine Yoshioka, Noel Bragg, Wayne Ward and Seong Kyu Whang. Their contribution to the local film industry is well-recognized. My thanks to all for your support ...

Promoter Alan Arato sends greetings from Thailand, where he finally settled down with wife Kanjana Kongkoon. Alan is doing marketing and public relations work for the trendy nightclubs in Bangkok and Pattaya Beach. He was in Hawaii visiting family and friends a while ago. My favorite production of his was the Shock House during Halloween season. Working together with Tom Moffatt, they brought the biggest musical entertainment here. I still remember the incredible Michael Jackson concert at Aloha Stadium a decade ago. Drop a line to Alan at www.myspace.com/hawaiicasting to say hello. On a closing note, he said to give his love and aloha to all the people of Hawaii. He’ll be back ...

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Star-Bulletin and MidWeek had a fabulous Christmas party at E&O Trading Company last weekend. It was a first-class event with great food, entertainment and giveaway prizes. Star-Bulletin president and publisher Dennis Francis started the evening with encouraging words. The restaurant had a full house, and singer Erika Kauffman provided the entertainment with her beautiful voice, accompanied by slack key talent Jeff Peterson. Among the guests enjoying the holiday festivities were Terri Hefner, Susan Sunderland, Linda Dela Cruz, Lucy Young-Oda, Carol Chang, Betty Shimabukuro, Alison Stewart, Roy Chang, Randy Cadiente, John Berger, Frank Bridgewater, Dan Boylan and Charles Memminger. I headed straight for the buffet line, specifically for the Malaysian fried rice with huge prawns. I’m also celebrating my 100th “HawaiiWood” with today’s column. Thank you to all the readers here on Oahu and Neighbor Islands. Keep the e-mails coming ...

Waialae Country Club was the venue for the 2006 Actors’ Showcase produced by Wayne Ward. The event attracts talent agents, producers, local celebrities and casting directors. Filmmakers in attendance were Gerard Elmore, Jason Suapaia, Jeff Katts, Jose Corpus, Josh Margulies, Mark Ganialongo, Nelson Pires, Renato Fontaine, Titus Chong, Vince Lucero, Sherrie Robertson and Christina Simpkins. Wayne’s been teaching acting in Hawaii for three decades. He also directed and produced many theatrical productions, and toured extensively in the U.S. His TV credits include The Jeffersons, Vegas, Jake and the Fatman, Magnum P.I. and
Hawaii 5-0. Wayne is currently in pre-production for his upcoming 2007 Spring Actors’ Showcase. Stay tuned ...

I recently saw Shelley Krawchuk at the Actors’ Showcase. Her performance on screen was one of the evening’s best. New to the film scene in Hawaii, she’s steadily making her presence known. Her credits are Larry Wiss, Daniel Marks, Tomomi Kawasaki, Nick Gianforti and Leslie Brown at the 2006 Fall Actors’ Showcase on The Presidents’Son, Lost and an Ohina Short Film Showcase commercial. Musically speaking, she studied both classical piano and the bassoon. Her favorites are movies starring Meryl Streep and Christopher Walken. Shelley performed onstage at Paliku Theatre in the dance production of Jasmina & the Jansher.

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Lincoln Jacobe is chief executive officer and founder of Hawaii Pacific Entertainment. The decade-old company produces TV shows and concerts, and handles entertainment marketing management, media and publicity communications and special event promotions. His clients include American Idol beauties Camile Velasco and Jasmine Trias. Lincoln was appointed by the Hawaii Filipino Chamber of Commerce as the 2004 Young Entrepreneur of the Year. The U.S. Small Business Association named him 2005 Journalist of the Year. If that’s not enough, he also serves as the Pacific Technology Foundation CEO. I attended the 2006 Flavors Of Technology industry award show at the Sheraton Waikiki. This incredible event featured many of my favorite local restaurants. It was truly my highlight of the year, being a gourmet. Lincoln also represents talented singers such as Azure McCall, Kristian Lei, Nohelani Cypriano and Traci Toguchi. If you want to launch an event beyond this hemisphere, than look no further. Log on at www.hawaiipacificentertainment.com and Lincoln will bring pizzazz with class to your production ...

Happy birthday and thanks to the following people for their continued excellence in the industry: Tara Sweatt, Ryan Kawamoto, Rene Garcia, Duane Char, Mariah Serine, Colin Fong, Consulina Wong, Bryan Sato and Chieko Roberts. You’ve seen their work in Magnum P.I., Lost, Blue Crush, Baywatch Hawaii and many local commercials. Hawaii definitely has talent in front of and behind the camera. A special thank you to Star-Bulletin writer John Berger for his support of local filmmakers. It’s his birthday this week too ...

In the Diamond Head Theatre production of Cinderella, Sean Jones stars as Prince Charming. The leading lady is Ashley Ingersoll, who plays Cinderella. Rounding out the talented cast are Alison Maldonado, Jessica Doyle, Kristin Jann-Fischer, Melissa Bustamante, Renee Noveck, Dan Kunkel, Friston Ho’okano, Kimo Kaona and Viet Vo. The production is directed by Greg Zane with musical direction by Emmett Yoshioka and choreography by the late Tim Albrecht. Sean is the best actor to emerge from Mid-Pac Institute in recent years. He can also dance, sing and play several musical instruments. His movie credits are Finding Aloha, Grandma’s Recipe, Jonathan Gullible, Tangled and Valtor The Great vs. The Universe. Sean’s down time is spent golfing, horseback riding, playing paintball or watching Jim Carrey movies for comedy acting techniques. At www.diamondheadtheatre.com you can get ticketing information for Cinderella, the classic musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Go see Sean this weekend and enjoy the show ...

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Former Miss Hawaii Traci Toguchi will perform live onstage at Kahala Mall on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m., and will sign copies of her Feel the Breeze CD at Barnes & Noble Kahala following the performance. As a child, Traci was cast in Karate Kid, Part Two and made her movie debut with Ralph Macchio. Tracy started singing at 5, and while in high school she garnered first place in the Brown Bags to Stardom talent contest. Her stage appearances include the Broadway production of Miss Saigon, directed by Nicholas Hytner. One of Traci’s most memorable moments in her career was winning the Amateur Night at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. She won first place singing the tune And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going from Dreamgirls. If you can perform there, you can make it anywhere on the planet. Her commercial credits include spots for Panasonic, Nissan, Mitsubishi, McDonald’s and Hawaiian Airlines. She sang the national anthem at Women’s World Cup, which aired nationally on ESPN. Traci is a supporter of senior citizens’ groups and volunteers her time at community cultural events. Her website is www.tracitoguchi.com to get more info on this multi-talented actress. See you all at Kahala Mall ...

Henry Mochida graduated with an economics degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. At the 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival he screened Chopsticks. The film was shot by cinematographer Jay Hubert on location in Tokyo. Henry is an alumnus of Mid-Pacific Institute, which is known for training wonderful actors. With the emergence of a talented filmmaker like Henry, I’ll be looking for more young auteurs from Mid-Pac to follow. He studies films by famed director Zhang Yimou from China, who was in the Isles during the film festival. When Henry’s not on the set, he’s at home watching Al Pacino and Uma Thurman movies. He’s currently a candidate for the master’s program in urban and regional planning at UH. Stay tuned for more ...

Actor Milan Tresnak was born in Prague, Czech Republic. He moved to Hawaii when he was a toddler, and started acting at Kalaheo High School. He moved to Tinseltown after graduation and was discovered by a talent agent. He worked as a model for Embrel, Fusion Hair Products, Keyes Auto, K-Swiss and Jack in the Box. Milan studied acting with John Homa, Scott Tiler and Paul Weber in Hollywood. While in high school, he won the 2000 Kalaheo Hackey Sack Championships.

He starred as “Barry,” the title role in Gerard Elmore‘s film. The movie premiered at the 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival. Milan’s talents include juggling, skateboarding, tae kwon do and - get this - drinking 12 ounces of beer in three seconds. Now that’s talent ...

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The 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival screened Mabuhay with Aloha, The Hawaii Filipino Experience 1906-2006 produced by Emme Tomimbang. The documentary is about the Filipino immigration of the plantation workers, called Sakadas, to Hawaii.

The enormous contribution ranging from sports, politics, entertainment and business in the past 100 years. Gov.

Linda Lingle and former Gov. Ben Cayetano opened the evening at the Dole Cannery Theatres. Production team comprised of Belinda Acquino, Lisa Altieri, Clevan Cabuhat, Virgilio Felipe, Kristane Gaspar, Pepi Nieva, JP Orias, Chanel Reeve, Mary Rivera, Donard Sonoda and Lynne Waters. Actor Edison Erorita portrayed a dancer in the opening sequence of the film. The theater was full of local celebrities enjoying the night. Among the attendees were Linda Dela Cruz, Jon Almosara, Serena Karnagy, Renato Fontaine, Brenda Salgado, Ben Gutierrez, Lori Villanueva, Angel Ramos and Pauline Wilson. Performing moving solo renditions were Dulce Takase and former Society of Seven member ‘Little’Albert Maligmat. You can order your own DVD of the documentary by calling 947-6677. At Emme’s website, www.emmeinc.com, you can get the full slate of future shows and events ...

Ryan Ozawa is a diehard fan of the ABC hit series Lost, so he started a fan club. Log on to www.hawaiilost.com to join the legions of dedicated fans from all over the world. Ryan is a graduate of Mililani High School and has a journalism degree from the University of Hawaii. He also served as the editor-in-chief of the UH student newspaper, Ka Leo O Hawaii. Ryan is a multimedia web designer and created numerous blogging sites. One of my favorites is The Transmission, a podcast for fans of Lost to discuss each episode. The site has an interesting feature called a “friend mapper” - you can click on the link and find out what country the Lost fan lives. His favorite website is hawaiithreads.com, where people can chitchat about anything. Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and his three children, Katie, Zac and Alex ...

Actress Serena Karnagy recently celebrated her sweet 16 birthday with filmmakers Mark Ganialongo, Renato Fontaine, Titus Chong and yours truly. The venue was energizing with the mostly teenage group of Serena’s closest friends. There were well over 100 guests, many of her classmates from Punahou were there. The party had dancing, music and a full spread of delicacies. The emcee of the evening was none other than Edison Erorita. I think another one of his talents was revealed - stand-up comedy. Stay tuned for the adventures of Serena and Edison ...

Tyrone Howard is a graduate of Campbell High School and was born in Kansas City, Mo. He’s studied acting with Dianne Hull, Emily Yost and Stuart Stone in Los Angeles. Tyrone is a man of diverse talents such as bartending, dunking a basketball and speaking Mandarin Chinese. He is stationed in Hawaii, and his future goal is to pursue acting after his commitment with the U.S. Navy is fulfilled. He’s savvy when it comes to networking, and I saw him everywhere during the film festival. One of the most important aspects for actors is to become more visible. Many a time an actor gets discovered at the most ordinary of locations. Tyrone’s down time is spent studying Denzel Washington’s and Jodie Foster’s movies for acting techniques. Tyrone was last seen at Gyu-Kaku at a power dinner. Soun

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Actress Jane Benney got her first film credit in Mr. Bones. Just out of her teens and she lands a leading role opposite Leon Schuster. The comedy was shot in Sun City, South Africa. Co-starring with her were David Ramsey, Robert Whitehead and Faizon Love. Jane relocated to the Isles two years ago and calls Hawaii home now. Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to a British father and Zimbabwean mother, Jane’s career began at a young age onstage. She started entering pageants at 11 years old, eventually securing the title of Miss Teen. It’s hard to keep a talent of her caliber under wraps in Hawaii. The word is out among local filmmakers about her incredible acting range. Her most recent credit is Underdog , directed by Reese Williams, produced by Connie Florez and shot by Martin Troy. When she’s not on the set, Jane likes to hang out at Izakaya restaurant Tokkuri-Tei on Kapahulu.

Award-winning magician Mark Mauricio was born and raised in Hawaii. He graduated from Aiea High School. Mark stars in Magic Island TV show for OC16. His one-hour TV special will debut on Thursday, Thanksgiving evening at 7:30 p.m. on OC16. He’s the current headliner at the Magic In Paradise dinner show at the Hale Koa Hotel. For the past decade, he’s taught a magic course at Punahou School in the summer, and recently moved on to teach private classes, available to all ages. His interest in the magical world of illusions took hold of him at a young age, and now he captivates audiences islandwide. He’s developed a style all his own after training under top illusion-ists in the world. Mark is one of the most-sought-after magic entertainers in Hawaii. Check out his website at www.magicislandtv.com and maybe he’ll create a one-of-a-kind show for your event ...

Here are November birthday wishes for Jeff Ferris, Darcy Donavan, Paul Weber, Gina Hiraizumi, Rico Tudor, Jan McGrath, Tony Grillo and Monina Verano. I’ve seen their work on the screen, the contributions they’ve made to the film and TV industry. The list goes on ...

Acting coach Wayne Ward is getting his troops ready for the annual 2006 Actors’ Showcase. The venue was created to give exposure to local actors by inviting casting directors, filmmakers and producers. Starring in the showcase are Ann Pratten, Herman Stern, Candy Tjarks, James Larson, Cindy Ramirez, Jim Aina, Jane Benney, Larry Wiss, Lauren Wong, Matthew Thompson, Leslie Brown, Michael Lanzo, Stephanie Gregory and Willie McGuire. I’ve had many acting teachers in my career as an actor. Wayne had more influence on me than the others because of his passion and genuine love for actors. I was cast in a film several years ago because of the visibility the showcase offers. Contact Wayne through his website at www.wayneward.net and sign up

for the 2007 Actors’ Showcase. Good luck ...

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A rarity among actresses is someone with the ability to act, dance and sing. I can attest that Sherry Shaoling does it all and extremely well. She screened her most recent film Pheromone starring Mark Ganialongo, Dezmond Gilla, Mark Malalis, Libette Garcia, Serena Karnagy, Mary Ann Taheny and Laine Yoshioka, produced by Jason Suapaia and directed by Ryan Kawamoto. Sherry is a Punahou alumna and University of Hawaii graduate. Her commercial credits include Central Pacific Bank, Hawaii Public TV, Hawaiian TelCom and Taco Bell. Sherry is classically trained in violin, piano and also is a certified Pilates instructor. Now we’re really talking about a multi-talented individual. She was onstage with Joe Moore in the western The Unlikely Lawman earlier this summer. She’ll be reprising her part in The Forbidden World of Don Tiki next month. Check out her website at www.myspace.com/sherryshaoling to get her performance dates. She’ll be appearing in Burton Richardson‘s action movie next ...

The annual Halloween celebration produced by Jane Kratochvil in the Kahala neighborhood was a success. Well over 500 trick-or-treaters were entertained by a sight and sound show. Families flocked from Mililani to Hawaii Kai and waited patiently to get in the door. Balloon Monsoon created individual balloon characters for every child. Costume grand prize winners were Teri Ann Yamauchi and Tom Johnson - they’re both repeat winners from 2005. Honorable mention went to 5-year-old Nikhil Dadlani for his Philadelphia Eagles uniform, including the oversized helmet. Theatre director Sean O’Malley brought daughters Tea and Ruby for a night of spooky fun. The evening of All Hallows concluded safely ...

Erica Aloang is a rhythm guitarist for alternative rock band Missing Dave. She just came back from touring the West Coast from Los Angeles to Seattle. Their next local performance on Friday, Nov. 17, at the Red Lion University on 2535 Coyne St.

At www.myspace.com/missingdave you can get the bios of band members, vocalist Daena Dempsey, drummer Josie Cristobal, lead guitarist Keith Monzen and bass guitarist David Letarte. Erica graduated from University of Hawaii, and is employed as its media-specialist. When not rehearsing, Erica enjoys watching Viggo Mortensen‘s movies and eating at Outback Steakhouse. She’s currently making her third music video, stay tuned ...

I met actor Grant Uchida at Kaimuki High School at a stunt seminar held by stunt coordinator Colin Fong. Grant was impressive as a self-taught gymnast who participated in the workshop. He trained at the performing arts school at Kaimuki under the guidance of Peggy Anne Siegmund. Grant has done theatre through high school, but decided to try film when he was cast in Dark Clouds, in which he played a young Japanese-American prisoner at a internment camp at Honouliuli. The film was directed by Punahou senior Taylour Chang and premiered last month at the Hawaii International Film Festival.

Grant enjoys skateboarding, playing guitar and eating pizza, and studies Nicolas Cage movies for acting tips.

Grant is currently in rehearsals for the upcoming Diamond Head Theatre production of Cinderella. More on this upcoming actor in the future ...

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Iolani alumna Marisa Wahl was invited to the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts celebration of the proposed new facilities. The unprecedented donation of $175 million was given to the USC film school by director George Lucas. My all-time favorite movie is American Graffiti, directed by Mr. Lucas. Marisa’s parents, Susan and Wendell Foo, were on hand to mingle among the who’s who of Hollywood filmmaking. Those in attendance were Dean Elizabeth M. Daley, Susannah Kondrath, Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg. Marisa is currently in post-production of her horror film Finale directed by John Elfers and lensed by Ryan Harris. Both were her classmates at the film school. She’s currently taking break in the islands before going back to the grind of moviemaking ...

Former mixed martial arts contestant turned musician is none other than Kai Laigo. His band, Magnum Carnage, began a decade ago as heavy metal rockers. The other member is rhythm guitarist Daniel Fernandez. They’ll be auditioning for a new drummer and bass guitarist soon. Their latest CD, titled Evil Never Dies, was released recently. Check out their website at www.myspace.com/magnumcarnage to get the lowdown. Kai still practices jujitsu and kick-boxing for exercise. Magnum Carnage continues to mesmerize their audience with their black metal sound and show-manship ...

Hawaii’s contribution to the film and entertainment industry can be credited to the following people: Karina Abrams, Ray Abregano, Anita Allison, Gerard Elmore, Dustin Geiger, Flo Jalin, Kerry Liu, Michael Nakada, Gina Saldania and Traci Toguchi. It’s their birthday celebration this week, and I wanted to thank each of them personally ...

The Lanikai Mortgage Players present their melodrama, Black Bart: Bon Vivant Bandit or San Quentin is his best hiding place. It opens at the Lanikai Community Center Playhouse Friday, Nov. 10. Curtains rise at 8 p.m. and the show will run through the weekends of Nov. 10, 11, 12 and 17, 18, 19. The cast features Carol Nichols, Buck Ashton, Caron Dian Nielsen, John Wilson, Courtney Doyle, Keith Merriam, Kathleen Thompson and Michael Rainey. The production is directed by Jack Morse and was penned by Nelson Shreve. The story, which takes place in the late 1880s, is about a stagecoach robber in the California desert.

After the play, the musical entertainment, directed by Theodore Rodgers, will conclude the evening. Call Debbie Jackson at 262-7549 to reserve your tickets. Free popcorn comes with your ticket price, which also will support the Lanikai Park Community Center. Parking is free on the corner of Kaiolena and Aalapapa drives. I became a big fan of LMP after experiencing one of their earlier plays under the moonlight ...

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It was quite a homecoming for Dean Ishida, who garnered the Hawaii International Film Festival audience award for best short film. He’s an Iolani alumni and currently resides in Hollywood. His film, Ruckus!, was definitely my favorite comedy. It’s a hilarious take on four middle-aged men starting a boy band which stars David Chatfield, Dale Keis, Mike Merritt and Dean himself - he’s a graduate of the Boston University film program. Stay tuned for more ...

Gov. Linda Lingle once again opened Washington Place for the 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival. The event is rightfully named the Governor’s Ball. The mansion was filled to capacity with dignitaries from around the world. The spread of culinary delicacies was first class all the way. Aaron Yamasato, Bob Stevens, Chris Lee, Chris Tashima, Christian Razukas, Eddy Erorita, Gerard Elmore, Jason Scott Lee, Jason Suapaia, Jeff Katts, Renato Fontaine, Scott Francis Russell, Martin Troy, Milan Tresnak, Phillip Trujillo and Titus Chong were among the partygoers. As the evening progressed, the flow of guests continued into the venue. The air was electric as actors were seen networking with filmmakers ...

My selection for dramatic short was Dao by Jay Hubert. Breakout performance was by newcomer Shuangfeng Cai. The film co-stars Roy Tjioe, Chris Pereira-Yogi and Carly Cooper. Key production people were Alana Hong, Justin Adams, Daryl Gilmore and Henry Mochida. I remember saying the bar was raised last year for local independent filmmakers. It went up several notches again this year ...

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel was the venue for the Golden Orchid awards hosted by Elizabeth Lindsey and Andy Bumatai. Hawaii International Film Festival’s executive director Chuck Boller was there to welcome the guests. Highlight for the evening was the tribute to Ken Watanabe given by Terence Knapp, drama professor at UH. Mr. Watanabe was the recipient of the acting achievement award. For the film segment, the double winner was Na Kamalei, Men of Hula by Lisette Marie Flanary and Vince Keala Lucero. The category was for Hawaii Film & Videomaker Award and Audience Award for Best Documentary. On hand to receive the Maverick Award was the original indie filmmaker Kevin Smith. His speech brought many laughs from the audience. Seen at the reception were gorgeous ladies Christa Curtiswittmier, Jennifer Tokunaga, Serena Karnegy, Maki Vernon, Chantal Truong, Laine Yoshioka, Mane, Tiffany Tudor, Christina Simpkins, Kimi Tupuola, Mary Ann Taheny, Lena Kaneshiro and Erika Kauffman. The festivities came to an end with hopes of great films next season ...

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The 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival is going full steam ahead as you read this. The opening night movie at the Hawaii Theatre was Brad Pitt’s latest, Babel. The theater was filled with celebs, film fans and corporate sponsors alike including Jack Bender, Moon Yun Choi, Titus Chong, Gerard Elmore, Michael Emerson, Daryl Gilmore, Brian Keaulana, Daniel Dae Kim, Lew Lappert, Angie Laprete, Scott Francis Russell and Michelle Van Hessen. Sitting among them, for a moment I was transported back to Hollywood. The film festivities continue through the weekend, so go check out some movies. Need more info? Log on to www.hiff.org and reserve your tickets ...

I have never seen so many people on the beach. I’m talking about the recent season 3 premiere of the award-winning hit series Lost at Sunset on the Beach. The cast and producers welcomed fans on a beautiful Hawaii evening. The show is still going strong with its unique nonlinear story-telling and excellent acting. I’m proud to say I’m a big fan. Seen enjoying the festivities were Pat Bentley, Joy Kam, Serena Karnegy, Jean Simon, Mary Ann Taheny, Tiffany Thynne, Kimi Tupuola, Michael DeYcaza, Osler Go, Sean Hoban, Ryan Ozawa, Bryan Sato and Steve Tanizaki. I have a feeling this year’s episodes will be filled with revelations of the characters. Enjoy the show ...

2007 Miss East Oahu Kawena Chun is on her way to the Cannes Film Festival. A graduate of Maryknoll and University of Hawaii at Manoa, she recently performed Tahitian hula at the HIFF celebration in the Dole Cannery ballroom. The occasion followed the screening of Criminally Inept by Ryan Ishii. The mastermind behind the entertainment extravaganza is producer Nelson Quan. It was truly an all-night affair of music, food, dancing and plain ol’ good times with Kal Penn, Sherry Shaoling, Edison Erorita, Allison Ishii, Renato Fontaine, Tiffany Tudor, Dezmond Gilla, Meryle Carr, Yuri Biersach, Anne Misawa and Martin Troy. I’ll definitely do a follow up on Kawena’s adventure in France ...

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Award-winning production company Pacific Focus Inc. celebrated its 30th anniversary recently, and president and owner Dennis Burns invited the major players of the film, TV and commercial industry. The event featured entertainment, great food, beverages, door prizes and showcased the beautifully designed facility. Seen enjoying the evening were Anna Fishburn, Al and Charlyn Masini, Sue Larkin, Marilyn Mick, Bob Bates, Bob Johnson, Brett Wagner, Chris Potts, Dave Rosen, George Russell, James Sereno, Jay Evans, Shawn Hiatt, Steve Szabo and Tom Coffman.

It was amazing to see the best cinematographers in one place at the same time. Thanks to Jason Suapaia, Lance Holden, Karen Sundborg, Ken Sato, Jeff Katts, Jenny Maness, David Sato and Tobias Huber for their hospitality. Take a tour of their website at www.pacfocus.com and find out how to get your commercials produced ...

The 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival opens tonight at the Hawaii Theatre. Executive Director Chuck Boller welcomes filmmakers from around the world once again. Slated to attend are director Kevin Smith and actors Ken Watanabe and Kal Penn of Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. I commend Chuck for extending a bridge to Asia, inviting filmmakers from China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Thailand to premiere their incredible films to a Hawaii audience.

Thousands of fans are expected to flock to Dole Cannery Theatres every day during the festival. If you’re into stargazing, then this is your ticket - I’ve met my share of famous actors over the past five years. You can purchase tickets online at www.hiff.org - and believe me, they go fast. See you at the movies ... Making his debut on the silver screen at the 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival is Derek Calibre.

He’s in two very different films - the comedy The Tide Is High by Jon Brekke, starring Stephanie Sanchez, Jenn Boneza, Peter Clark, Dezmond Gilla and Kalai Miller, and also in Dark Clouds, lensed by Taylour Chang and featuring Grant Uchida, Howard Noh, Kris Kuboyama, Robert Murakami, Sheldon Tyau and Yutaka Yanagi. Derek last performed in The Yellow Brick Studio’s production of Sylvia. In the play Noises Off he won the coveted Po’okela Award for acting in 2004. In his rare free moments he enjoys watching film performances by Julianna Moore and Edward Norton. Derek’s TV credits are Hawaii, North Shore and Rocky Point. Meet Derek in person after the screening or at the after parties ...

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Kudos to Beau Mohr and Lincoln Jacobe for an incredible opening night gala at Pearl. The restaurant/nightclub was filled to capacity with actors, local celebs, models and movers and shakers of the business world. Hawaii Pacific Entertainment was there on the red carpet taking photos. It was truly a Hollywood type event. Among the partygoers were Ron Nagasawa, Kathryn Drury Wagner, Kutmaster Spaz, Maki Vernon, Jill Kuramoto, Sam Monaghan, Erika Kauffman, Scott Francis Russell, Caryl Nishioka, Titus Chong, Brynn Jolliffe and Brett Wagner. The evening was one I will remember for a long time ...

I met Gina Saldania on the set of the TV series Marker starring Richard Grieco. She earned her Screen Actors Guild membership 12 years ago and is still going strong. Her career started on Magnum P.I., her recent credits include Las Vegas, Beyond the Break and You, Me and Dupree. She’s an alumna of Star of the Sea School in Kahala and Chaminade University. Gina’s a beautiful blend of seven ethnicities: Filipino, English, German, Irish, Portuguese, Scottish and Spanish. She won numerous beauty pageants that led to the Elite Modeling Agency in New York signing her. Related to actress Donna Reed, and I definitely see a resemblance. Gina admitted to liking fast foods, Taco Bell that is. Her favorite actor is versatile Jonathan Rhys Meyers who became a star after Bend It Like Beckham. We’re both hoping the much talked about Magnum P.I. movie materializes ...

I’ve seen a tremendous growth in the entertainment industry over the past several years. Contributing are the following ladies and gents: Amy Brookes, Candy Tjarks, Janel Yamasaki,

Kalai Kamauoha, Kellie Peterson, Mona Wood, Serena Karnagy, Teri Stroud, Brandon Reid, Edison Erorita, Grant Uchida and Nelson Quan. Happy birthdays to all of you! Have a great one ...

Renato Fontaine is a UH Lab School and UH-Manoa alum. Born in the Philippines and raised in Kailua. His film Brown starring Serena Karnegy, Edison Erorita, Andrea Hunter, Jomar Miranda and Jeremiah Tayao will premiere at the 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival. Renato loves David Lynch movies, cheesecake and homemade pizza. He’s one of the most talented filmmakers to emerge from the Academy of Creative Media at UH. His film Promise of Paradise was screened at the 2005 HIFF to an enthusiastic crowd. I see him as a filmmaker who’s not afraid to take on social issues. Currently working on a screenplay about a Filipino single father raising his half-Caucasian daughter. Check out his film at the Hawaii Panorama 2 segment of HIFF on Sunday, Oct. 22, 3 p.m. at Regal Dole Cannery Theatres. See you all at the theatres ...

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The 2007 Miss East Oahu and Miss Kahala Scholarship Pageant was won by Kawena Chun and Ashley Layfield respectively. Congratulations to pageant director Ann Mata for producing the successful event. The ladies competed in were evening gown, personal interview, swimsuit, platform question and talent. The pageant was emceed by Gregg Hammer at Windward Community College’s Paliku Theatre. Photographer Rick Bernico covered the show and provided me with the great photos. For their talent showcase, Kawena did a Tahitian dance and Ashley did a tap dance. Both of these beautiful ladies will prepare for Miss Hawaii in June. Stay tuned ...

Isle photographer Jeptha Eddy is still on a mission to locate candidates for his successful Angels in Paradise calendar series. Ladies interested in being considered can get more info at www.angelsinparadise.net. He’s been active in the commercial arena and credits include McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. Jeptha has a unique style and his commitment to perfection is known to many. Also provided coverage for the Hula Bowl and NFL Pro Bowl. His down time is spent watching classic movies with either Ingrid Bergman or John Wayne. The Olive Tree in Kahala is where he’s spotted when not clicking his camera ...

Newcomer Tracy Mattos currently attends the University of Hawaii with a double major in secondary education and mathematics. Received her first credit on TV series Las Vegas that filmed here recently. Worked alongside Kelly Hu, Vanessa Marcil and James Lesure. Tracy is a 2005 graduate of Mililani High School and was born and raised here. One of her favorites isthe incredible documentary March of the Penguins. She also loves watching romance and horror movies. Besides being a whiz at math, she’s a talented screenwriter and an accomplished pianist. Recently saw her improvisational acting and was impressed with her comic timing. Tracy definitely has the chops to make it far in showbiz. You read it in Hawaiiwood first! ...

Mike Bacon is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Punahou School. He’s been recognized for his outstanding work on sound mixing for films. From taking still photographs, he moved on to TV shows, commercials and motion pictures. Worked on Tides of War, The Run Down, Tears of the Sun, Blue Crush, Pearl Harbor and City of Angels. Mike shot and edited the Hawaii State Teachers Association award-winning TV campaign most recently. Log on to http://mikebaconproductions.com and find out more about this talented individual…

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Mary Ann Taheny shone in her role in The Hidden Battle by filmmaker Jeff Katts last week. The movie premiered to an enthusiastic crowd at Regal Dole Cannery Theatres. Born and raised in San Francisco, she knew at a young age she wanted to be an actress. Her ethnicity is Irish and Lebanese. Mary Ann will be on the silver screen at the 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival. She has a leading role in Dark Clouds starring Jack Smart, Bob Stevens, David Diebold, Rico Tudor, Scott Francis Russell, Matthew Thompson and Derek Calibre. The movie was directed by Punahou senior Taylour Chang. Some of Mary Ann’s favorite things are watching movies by Ron Howard and going to Kua ‘Aina. She was a member of the San Francisco Lamplighters Musical Theater Company and graduated from Mercy High School in San Francisco and San Francisco State University. She studied with casting director Anna Fishburn and acting coach Wayne Ward. I’ll keep you posted on this talented actress from the city by the bay ...

Congratulations to Titus Chong on his film Intruder being selected into the 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival. The movie stars Laine Yoshioka and Dezmond Gilla. Titus worked on features The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, The Orb, Mighty Joe Young and A.I. Artificial Intelligence, among many. In February 2004, Titus and his film partners created Rogue City Productions to help Hawaii filmmakers to produce films and TV projects. Titus graduated from the University of Hawaii with an English degree and also studied screenwriting at UCLA. He currently has three projects in different stages of production including feature The Art of Wedding, the TV series Stolen Reel, the TV mini-series The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible. He loves watching ‘80s movies by director John Hughes and hanging out at Big City Diner in Kaimuki. Next up for Titus is lots of networking with fellow film-makers at all the HIFF parties ...

Wishing the following actors a happy birthday! Reno David, Jaeves Iha, Zero Kazama, James Larson, Les Tsui, Lee Anne Fontes, Bridget Owen, Kyra Poppler, Jennifer Roe, Meilinda Soerjoko and Mary Ann Taheny. This talented group is definitely leaving a mark in the isle TV and film industry ...

Originally from Ithaca in upstate New York is actor Michael deYcaza. He’s been steadily working as one of the “Others” in my all-time favorite show Lost. His first professional credit came on another hit series called Magnum P.I. - remember that one? His death scene in Unlikely Lawman was memorable because he was literally inches away from me.

Michael was the psycho with the straight razor about to take out the eyeball of Joe Moore‘s character. Stunt coordinator Colin Fong choreographed the final shootout in the saloon. Michael’s recent film and TV credits include You, Me and Dupree, 50 First Dates, The Big Bounce and Beyond the Break. Next up is the premiere of Lost at Sunset on the Beach this weekend. We’ll see you all there ...

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Living, working and doing very well in Hollywood is actor Garret Sato. He was back in the islands with filmmaker Lane Nishikawa for the premiere of
Only The Brave. Garret’s career is on the upswing now with upcoming leading roles in several features. He’s an Aiea High School alumnus (like KHON2 News anchor Joe Moore). It’s been more than a decade since Garret packed his bags to test the acting waters in Tinseltown. Check out his official website at manachiki.tripod.com and get the lowdown on this talented local actor. His credits include guest starring roles on 24 with Kiefer Sutherland, and with Jennifer Garner on Alias. I’m hoping Garret lands a role on Lost so he can spend some time here for a little R&R ...

Cinematographer Aaron Ellis graduated from Berkeley High School in California and currently attends the University of Hawaii. He made the dean’s list consistently since 2004. During high school he was cast in the following plays: Grease, Hello Dolly, Little Shop of Horrors, Oklahoma and Sweet Charity. The 2006 Zephyr Competition Team skateboarding and surf video was directed by Aaron himself. Iconic surfboard shaper and co-founder of the legendary Zephyr surf shop is Jeff Ho. I saw the awesome documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys at the 2002 Hawaii International Spring Film Festival. The film chronicles the history of the rebel skateboarders in Santa Monica. Aaron’s credits include the award-winning films Silent Years and Valtor the Great Vs. The Universe. He enjoys the work of Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro and auteur Stanley Kubrick ...

I chatted long distance with stuntwoman Dovile Mark, who wrapped on The Visiting starring Nicole Kidman, Jeffery Wright and the new James Bond character Daniel Craig. Dovile currently splits her time between Honolulu and Washington, D.C., for stunt work. She started acting at the Experimental Youth Theatre in her native Lithuania. I had the opportunity to work with her on Ace Grant‘s TV pilot Bodyguard Hawaii. Firearms, horse riding, martial arts, mini trampoline, scuba diving and stair falls are all skills performed by Dovile with efficiency. Have stunt, will travel ...

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Filmmaker Jeff Katts is slated to premiere The Hidden Battle at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theatres. The cast is comprised of Julia Gainey, Gretchen Nilsen, Kyra Poppler, Fran Rose, Mary Ann Taheny, Chad Burch, Tanner Henderson and Alexander Jacob. Showtimes are 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Tickets will be available only at a table next to the main box office. Check out the movie web-site for additional information at www.thehiddenbattle.com. Please support the completely locally made movie by one of our own. Jeff is the owner of Ventureway Entertainment, a film production company. He has written, directed and produced eight films so far. I was cast in one of his earlier films, Finding The Moment, which screened at the 2000 ‘Ohina Short Film Showcase. He enjoys films with Kathy Bates or Denzel Washington and eating at Like Like Drive Inn. Jeff’s ethnicity is Japanese, Hawaiian and African-American. See you all at the theater ...

Chelsea Medrano garnered the Tahitian dance title at the International Performing Arts Conference in Los Angeles. She started dancing hula at Wahiawa Hula Studio II several years ago. She was born on Oahu and raised with her sisters Stephanie and Ashley Medrano in Mililani. Chelsea participates in volleyball and sings in the school choir. Her faves include In-N-Out Burger, shave ice and actor Frankie Muniz. Chelsea enjoyed entertaining her audiences and decided to embark on an acting career at a young age. It’s great to know that the talent base in Hawaii includes youngsters like the Medrano sisters ...

These young actors are busy honing their craft by auditioning in the local indie films. Kudos to the following talent and their respective schools. Castle: Kimi Tupuola; Iolani: Mie Omori; Kaimuki: Grant Uchida; Kalaheo: Scott Francis Russell; Kalani: Josh Margulies; Kamehameha: Hannah Thomas; Kauai: Edison Erorita; Maui: Zero Kazama; Mid-Pacific Institute: Sean Jones; Mililani: Tracy Mattos; Punahou: Nicole Pfeffer; Roosevelt: Kalai Kamauoha; Sacred Hearts: Lauren Wong; Waipahu: Malia Verdadero. Break a leg, as they say in show biz ...

Black Bart Bon Vivant Bandit or San Quentin is his best hiding place - yes, it’s the long title of the Lanikai Mortgage Players fall season production. Jack Morse is casting the play on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at Lanikai Park. Newcomers are welcome to try out at the open casting call. I became a huge fan of director Lucille Shreve after watching Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch starring Keith Merriam, Caron Dian Nielsen, Michael Rainey, Carol Nichols and Lew Lappert. The acting ensemble is closing in on 36 years of entertaining Windward residents since opening their curtain. One of the perks of the show is the unlimited popcorn with your ticket. I’ll keep you posted on the performance dates ...

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Congrats to actor Zero Kazama on the unveiling of his brand new website. Take a tour at zerokazama.com and see what you’ll discover about this upcoming talent. He earned his black belt in taekwondo in sixth grade. His hobbies are fire dancing, playing the Native American flute, and trail running. He was inspired by Mark Dacascos to study the Brazilian martial art Capoeira. Zero appeared on the silver screen at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. The Yakuza character he portrayed was cast perfectly. James Sereno directed the festival trailer and shot by cinematographer Paul Atkins. The gorgeous Jennifer Tokunaga was featured as Zero’s onscreen love interest.

One of his future goals is to make films while traveling around the world. He’s a fan of the works by Lucy Liu and Brad Pitt. He was last seen at Phuket Thai in a power lunch, hmmm ...

The Isle film and television industry has grown immensely in the past several years. The following have made contributions by showing their support: Don Stroud, Rick Bernico, Tony Young, Gloria Woodruff, Melissa Jackson, Vilma Tucay, Ruth Castellano and Vivian Verdadero. I wanted to acknowledge them by sending a happy birthday shout out ...

Former pro football player Rick Burke is a certified Pilates and Gyrotonic instructor. His clientele includes celebrities, pro athletes, senior citizens and injury rehab patients. He’s one of the most sought after personal trainer in the Islands. He trained celebs Lea Salonga, Sonny Ching, Andrew Sakaguchi, Lopaka Igarta-DeVera and acting coach Anna Strasberg. With his wife, Maria Torchia, they operate Body Balance Centre. Check out their gorgeous new studio on 1115 Young St. Rick has helped people in Hawaii get physically fit almost a decade. Log on at www.bodyhawaii.com and get information on how to get started ...

Good luck to Ty Sanga, who relocated to Orange, Calif., to attend Chapman University for his master’s degree in film-making. He’s one of a trio of filmmakers to graduate from Saint Louis High School. The other two are directors Blane Dydasco and Jeff Katts. Ty was influenced by the obstacles that Asian-Americans face in the movie industry. His taste in movies are the indie successes Motorcycle Diaries, Once Were Warriors and Whale Rider. At the 2006 Big Island Film Festival his film Plastic Leis won the Best Hawaiian Short Film award. The movie stars Bob Stevens, Desiree Kihano, Emi Noguchi and Jackie Seeley. Atlanta, Shanghai and now the OC. Ty can’t wait to come home for vacation for a bowl of hot noodles at Sanoya Rahmen ...

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Mark Malalis burst on the indie film scene like no other actor in recent memory. He had the leading role in Sand Island Drive-In Anthem that screened at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. His credits include roles in You, Me & Dupree, North Shore, Beyond the Break and Joy Ride. You’ve most likely seen the McDonald’s commercial that takes place on the elevator. Mark has done well onscreen, but he mentioned on coming back with a play at Kumu Kahua Theatre. His faves are Johnny Depp movies and Tsukuneya restaurant, which is frequented by actors. Studied acting with Eric Morris and Sal Romeo in Hollywood.

Mark will definitely make his mark in the industry for years to come ...

Filmmaker Thomas Takemoto-Chock will be casting his film titled The Ice Palace. He’s looking for five young actors to fill the roles in his award-winning screenplay. Thomas attends University of Hawaii and is a proud Waiakea High School alumnus. He’s one of the most promising talents currently at the Academy of Creative Media at UH-Manoa. He directed the commercial “Scion by Tommy, Shot Designer” for Scion autos. The car is very popular with the younger crowd. He studies films by auteurs Akira Kurosawa and Francis Ford Coppola. Want to try out for a part? Be there Saturday, Sept. 9, at Crawford Hall on the Manoa campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can contact Thomas directly by e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information. Good luck to all potential stars ...

Actor Edison Erorita recently wrapped on the film Brown by filmmaker Renato Fontaine.

The movie is about the turbulent relationship of a young Filipino couple. Beautiful Serena Karnagy plays Rose, the love interest. Edison was born and raised in idyllic Lihue, Kauai. His interest in acting started in church singing in the choir, and he caught the acting fever in the Leeward Community College Performance Arts Program. He names Stephanie Winieski, Don Ranney and Paul Cravath as influences on his career path. Edison’s credits are Lost, North Shore and Scott Mason‘s chiller thriller The Orb. Eddy, as he is known to many friends, is one of the most talented actors to emerge from the Garden Isle. Stay tuned for the premiere of his movie ...

Born on a military base in Alabama is comedian Alan Mueting. He grew up in Missouri, and there he met Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart. He respected the work ethic of the man who created the biggest retail company in the world. During his college days at Cal Poly Pomona Alan started working at a local comedy club. After graduation, he went full steam ahead with his acting career. He currently performs his routine on Thursday nights at Sharkey’s Comedy Club in Aiea. He landed the lead in the trailer for Shorts on the Rocks Film Festival. The spot also starred James Hadde, who’s featured as one of “The Others” on Lost. In his leisure time, Alan likes to play guitar and watch John Wayne movies. Next up for Alan is a role in an independent film ...

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The transition from beauty pageant to an acting career is not as easy as one might think. Anna Fernandez is the exception to the rule. The talent she has shown is beyond the norm for someone new to the game. The Kamehameha alumna is a graduate of both the University of Hawaii and Chaminade University. Anna enjoys Thai food, watching movies and spending time with her family. Her ethnicity is a lovely blend of Chinese, Hawaiian, Japanese and Portuguese. Anna’s other talents include mochi baking, dancing hula and Italian cooking. She loves to watch films by Shirley MacLaine and Robert DeNiro to study their acting. She’s a relative newcomer to the indie film scene, but I’ll bet she’ll be on the silver screen very soon ...

Jeptha Eddy lensed and produced the “Angels in Paradise” calendar. His autograph party at the Venus Nightclub was a very successful evening! The gorgeous calendar girls were Jenn Abreu, Pualei B, Mirasol Domingo, Alaine, Tracy Elkind, Sarah Hunt, Lima, Kara Navarro, Cheryl O, Tiffany Pestana, Nina Roxanne and Sharnay Wong. Born and raised in Ewa Beach, Jeptha is known for seizing exceptional moments on camera. He’s searching for the next group of ladies to showcase on the 2008 calendar. If you want to give it a shot, check out the website at angelsinparadise.net. Seen enjoying the party were local actors Scott Francis Russell, Tiffany Tudor, Carmen Ah San and Kimi Tupuola ...

I’d like to send happy birthday wishes to the following actors and industry people: B.K. Cannon, Chuck Boller, Dezmond Gilla, Erin Gorham, Paul Honda, Alicia Michioka-Jones, Renee Krieg, Annabel Lacara, Scott Francis Russell and Zoe Tisdale. Kudos to all for their contribution to the local film and TV productions and events ...

Action film choreographer Burton Richardson is promoting a martial arts seminar with Dan Inosanto. The twoday intensive seminar will be held on Labor day weekend, Sept. 2 and 3. Get more information at www.jkdunlimited.com. Don’t miss the opportunity to train with the legendary figure in the martial arts world. The seminar is open to all skill levels from beginners to advanced. Burton is a master instructor in Jeet Kune Do, originally developed by Bruce Lee. Burton appeared in many movies while living in Los Angeles. At the University of Southern California he majored in biology and played on the baseball team. He’s also completed several feature-length screenplays in his spare time. Hope to see you at the seminar.

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Actor Rico Tudor can recite the entire Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner by English romanticist poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Another of Rico’s hobbies is throwing the javelin on a deserted beach after sunrise. He can routinely throw it more than 50 yards, which is great for a 60-something-year-old. He retired in Hawaii after 30 years of running NCH KK as president. The company performed maintenance for the automobile and steel industry in Japan. He is a student of acting and took classes with Geoff Heise, Wayne Ward and head of casting for MGM-TV Paul Weber. In the play Unlikely Lawman, Rico was wickedly good as the corrupt judge in the wild, wild west. Rico will soon be co-starring in Taylour Chang‘s Dark Clouds, other notables are Jack Smart, Bob Stevens, Mary Ann Taheny, Scott Francis Russell, Derek Calibre, Matthew Thompson and David Diebold.

Rico is always up for another character role in an indie film ... Upcoming talent Ashley Medrano took a trip to Hollywood to compete in the International Performing Arts Conference. The experience at the event influenced her to get into acting even more. Her tutelage began a few years ago at Barbizon School of Modeling under Doris Bikar Miocinovic. Ashley was born and raised in Hawaii and currently attends Mililani Middle School as an eighth-grader. Her favorite movie is the classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder, and she enjoys spending quality time at Zippy’s with her family. Ashley’s acting endeavor is evident by her dedication to succeed in schoolwork, too. Stay tuned ...

Stuntman Larry Southard is originally from Dallas, Texas, and a longtime resident of the Islands. He started acting in high school theatre productions and he was hooked. He became a member of the prestigious Screen Actors Guild in 1996. Larry was also in the Manoa Valley Theatre production of Unlikely Lawman starring Joe Moore. My favorite scene was when Joe hits Larry in the gut with the butt of his shotgun and he falls on his face. Credit stunt coordinator Colin Fong for his excellent fight choreography. Larry doubled for David Soul of Starsky and Hutch fame back in the ‘70s. His TV credits include China Beach, Hawaii, Lost, Matlock, Murder She Wrote and Tour of Duty ...

Mid-Pac Institute junior Sean Jones landed a featured role in Thoroughly Modern Millie to open at Diamond Head Theatre next month. Sean is an actor to keep an eye on for years to come. He has definite screen presence that he was born with, not something you can learn. He made his movie debut at the 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival in Valtor the Great vs. the Universe by Gerard Elmore. Classmate from Mid-Pac Maia Knudsen-Schule also shone in the film. Sean is featured in The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible by Laine Yoshioka, produced by Masumi Childers and Titus Chong.

Summer is ending, but Sean’s adventurous school year begins…

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The 2006 ‘Ohina Short Film Showcase at the Doris Duke Theatre in the Honolulu Academy of Arts was a tremendous success last weekend! A great venue for local filmmakers and actors to maximize their visibility. Jason Suapaia, Jeff Katts and Ryan Kawamoto are the ingredients to the success that began in 1999. Spotted in the audience enjoying the evening were Don and Teri Stroud, James and Lisa Sereno, Burton and Sarah Richardson, Vince and Lori Dydasco, Jose Corpus, Edison Erorita, Stu Hirayama, Mark Malalis, Alan Mueting, Nelson Pires, Scott Francis Russell, Anna Fernandez, Cheryl Cruz, Ivy Castellanos, Kimi Tupoula, Laine Yoshioka, Mahealani Diego, Serena Karnegy, Sherry Shaoling, Tiffany Tudor and Tracy Mattos. Boy, were there a lot of people there - a full house, to be exact. We all headed to the O Lounge after the screening. Thanks to Liz Hata-Watanabe, who sponsored the private after party ...

Celebrating birthdays this week are industry celebs Cheryl Andaya, Lena Kaneshiro, Erika Rochane, Amy Tamaribuchi, Tiffany Tudor, Jacqui Willig, Katie Young, Charlie Garrett and Vince Keala Lucero. Thank you all for supporting the arts and the local entertainment industry ...

And the hits keep coming for actor Dezmond Gilla, on the silver screen once again at the 2006 ‘Ohina Short Film Showcase. He was the lead character Jimmy Renegade in the festival trailer. Rounding out the cast are Charlotte Dias, Libette Garcia, Olena Rubin, Laine Yoshioka, Brian Ashak, Mark Ganialongo, Kua Kekuewa, Lew Lappert, Shiloh and Matthew Thompson. Dez is a graduate of UH-Manoa and an Aiea High School alumnus. He stars with buddy Steve Boatright in The Cleaner by Martin Troy. At the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival, Dez was in both Seong Kyu Whang’s Elevation and Ryan Kawamoto’s Sand Island Drive-In Anthem. Currently on TV is the Island Air commercial by director Brett Wagne, which stars Dez as “Interisland Steve.” And the hits will certainly continue for this talented actor ...

Lew Lappert is one of the most-sought-after actors by local filmmakers. He’s become famous for playing quirky and off-beat characters. He is originally from Connecticut, but a longtime resident of Kailua. His breakout role came as the homeless man in The Orb by Scott Mason. Lew also stars as the evil Lord John Wharfin in the ‘Ohina trailer. I saw him onstage at the Lanikai Mortgage Players’ production of Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch. Very charismatic performance. Working as a sculptor took Lew through Europe where he picked up language skills in Spanish, Italian, German and French. He was at ‘Ohina representing Gerard Elmore‘s award-winning Valtor The Great Vs. The Universe. His posse included Jaeves Iha, Christian Zuckerman, Matthew Thompson and Renee Garcia. Lew’s favorites are Thai food at Chai’s Island Bistro, and John Frankenheimer movies. Next up for Lew? More roles in indie films, of course ...

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Serena Karnagy will be making her screen debut in Brown, by filmmaker Renato Fontaine. The film also stars up-and-coming actor Edison Erorita. Serena is a junior at Punahou School and active in karate competition. Recently won a gold and two bronze in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Photographer Rick Bernico introduced me to this talented young lady. Her favorite foods: Quiznos sandwiches, strawberry shortcake and white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. She studies Rachel McAdams movies as one of her many acting tools. Serena is definitely going to be remembered not just for her beauty, but her enormous talent. I’ll follow up on her fast-rising acting career in the future

^...Congratulations to Blane Dydasco on his film being selected for the 2006 ‘Ohina Short Film Showcase. The movie, Nate Washington , was shot by Daniel Cotroneo and stars Kevin Nichols,Adrian Flowers, Lara Black and Africa Miranda. Blane is making a return to the showcase, when his last film Sundance: The Moonchild Chapter was screened. Born in Virginia and raised in Hawaii, Blane played wide receiver at powerhouse Saint Louis High School and is a graduate of Chapman University. He directed five short films and worked on more than 25 projects. Welcome back, Blane ...

I had the pleasure of judging the 2006 Miss East Oahu and Miss Kahala contests. Now here comes the 2007 Miss East Oahu and Miss Kahala Pageant search. The event will be held Sept. 23. The winner eventually goes on to compete for Miss Hawaii. Pageant director Ann Mata is seeking the next contingent of talented ladies. To enter, you must be single, never married, U.S. citizen between ages 17 to 24 years old by Sept. 30, 2006, a high school graduate or have a GED.

Competition is based on these categories: personal interview, evening gown, swimsuit, talent and their platform question. Natasha Akau, Miss East Oahu 2006, and Nicole Cabral, Miss Kahala 2006, will be handing the torch to their successors this fall. Interested young ladies can contact Pageant Productions at 342-1515 or by e-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Good luck, ladies ...

The 2006 ‘Ohina Short Film Showcase premieres 14 films of every genre on Aug. 4 and 5, 2006. The event will be held at the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Every year many Isle filmmakers, actors and local media celebrities attend this showcase. ‘Ohina was started by Jeff Katts and Jason Suapaia to provide an opportunity for local filmmakers to screen their films. Also the added benefit to actors is to gain much needed publicity and experience. Audiences are in for an entertaining evening, with short films by Hawaii filmmakers. Brent Anbe, Cameron Spangler, George Russell, Hank West, Hiroshi Mori, Jules Nathan, Karin Rust, Michael Ogasawara and Shane Curtis all made contributions to the show in the past. For the lineup of film entries, visit www.ohinashowcase.org. The event is free to the public, but they’re expecting a full house. Get there early if you can ...

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Christian Zuckerman stars as the character “Dark Leader” in Gerard Elmore‘s Valtor The Great Vs. The Universe. The film was a recent selection of the 2006 ‘Ohina Short Film Showcase. Jaeves Iha, Maia Knudsen-Schule, Malia Verdadero, Sean Jones, Matthew Thompson, Renee Garcia, Lew Lappert, Samuel Chang, Clint Scofield and Shannon Crivello aka The Hawaiian Guy From Molokai round out the cast. The movie was shot by cinematographer Vince Keala Lucero and produced by Yuri Biersach. You can attend the free screenings at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Doris Duke Theatre. For more information about the festival, log on to ohinashowcase.org. You just might be sitting next to a celebrity. See you all there ...

The hits keep coming for Jeff Ferris when he booked a national commercial for State Farm Insurance. Jeff is a pro skateboarder and one of the most sought-after in the world. Talk about amazing stunts he performs with his Pro-Impact Stunt Team. His recent TV appearance was on CBS series Criminal Minds starring Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Gibson, Shemar Moore and Lola Glaudini. Jeff also starred in the award-winning movie Men of Action by filmmaker Todd Grossman. Jeff is originally from Green Bay, Wis., and currently resides in Los Angeles. To see his gravity-defying action, check out his website at http://www.proimpactstuntteam.com ...

Here’s the follow-up to where you went high school, part two - local filmmakers making a mark in the indie scene and their respective schools. Taylour Chang-Punahou, Brianne Castillo Huang-Iolani, Rusty Awana-Kamehameha, Jose Corpus-Kailua, Elliott Cost-Seabury Hall, Renato Fontaine-UH Lab School, Mark Ganialongo-Hawaii Baptist Academy, Andrew Kerekes-Mililani, Solomon Marchessault-Kalani, Ty Sanga-Saint Louis and Seong Kyu Whang-Farrington. The friendly competition among the filmmakers is definitely raising the bar higher every year. It’s great ... Actress Marisa Wahl recently made her debut on MTV’s NEXT reality show. She also wrapped on Who Killed Kailua Crabbe by Lew Lappert for the film festival circuit. While at Iolani School she wrote and directed numerous films. Marisa graduated with a degree from the cinema-television department of University of Southern California. Famous alumni directors include Ron Howard, George Lucas, Bryan Singer, John Singleton and Robert Zemeckis. Talk about great company. Marisa is now in post-production on a horror film shot entirely in Ohio. I think she’s ready for that mai tai just about now ...

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Designer Cathie Valdovino recently wrapped production on Evan Almighty with comedians Wanda Sykes, Molly Shannon and The 40 Year Old Virgin actor Steve Carell. Cathie is a graduate of the renowned Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. Her wardrobe creations were seen in many feature films, including Oscar winner Million Dollar Baby by Clint Eastwood. One of the key components of filmmaking is costume design. Her expertise definitely captures the essence of any time period movie.

Most recent credits include Mission: Impossible III, The Contract, Lucky Number Slevin and Batman Begins. She’s incredibly in demand and now in Boston working on the movie Gone, Baby, Gone with Ben Affleck and Morgan Freeman. Ben’s making his directing debut in the feature, which also stars Ed Harris, Casey Affleck, John Ashton and Michelle Monaghan. Next up for Cathie is a well-deserved break in the Isles ...

A big hand to all of the birthday kids this week: Melynn McWilliams, Lotus Yumiko Seki, Sherry Shaoling, Lynda Valliche, Aaron Yamasato, Jose Corpus, Sean D. Hoban, Julius Ledda, Bob Stevens and Big City Diner owner Lane Muraoka. By the way, local celebs are frequently seen dining at Big City’s Kaimuki location ...

Stephanie Medrano will attend Mililani High School as a junior this fall. All summer long her attention was focused on acting classes. Last year she entered Barbizon Hawaii to study under Doris Miocinovic. Stephanie trained and competed in the International Performing Arts Conference in Hollywood. Her public appearances include dancing the hula in Disneyland’s Main Street Parade and Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, Calif. Her all-time favorite things are sushi, Steven Spielberg movies and white chocolate-covered gummy bears. With the blessings of her parents, Joe and Lisa Medrano, her younger sisters Ashley and Chelsea are following in her footsteps. Stephanie’s journey into the entertainment world has begun ...

I had the chance to catch the incredible magician Franz Harary at the Hawaii Theatre. It was deja vu from several years ago when I was onstage with him. Being part of the amazing illusion up close was an experience I’ll remember forever. Franz has worked all over the planet with the biggest entertainers like Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper, N’Sync, Janet Jackson, Cher and Tina Turner. Thanks to promoter (and fellow MidWeek columnist) Tom Moffatt and the staff Alan Arato, Luke Wurpel and the gorgeous Mahealani Diego for their hard work. You can purchase tickets online at hawaiitheatre.com or call the box office at 528-0506. Don’t miss this dramatic event ...

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I had another opportunity recently to work with master makeup artist Bryan Furer. He was the hair and makeup designer on the western Unlikely Lawman. Bryan did wonders for cast members Joe Moore, Derek Brown, Katie Doyle, Bob Jones, George O’Hanlon, Matthew Pedersen, Tina Shelton, Allen Cole, Stephen Mead, Michael deYcaza, Rico Tudor, Sherry Shaoling, Bob Whiting, Colin Fong, Don Pierce, Dezmond Gilla, Larry Southard, Dean Reiners, Rick Roper, Keith Griffin and yers truly. Bryan brings his one-ofa-kind expertise to any production, whether it be stage or screen. He owns Image Factory Inc., which develops and builds props for the film industry. His extensive credits include Aloha Summer, Baywatch, Fantasy Island, Pearl Harbor, Picture Bride, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Molokai: The Story of Father Damien. In his downtime he writes screenplays and studies filmmaking. Bryan is gearing up for the Diamond Head Theatre production Into the Woods, opening tonight ...

Aloha from Monterey, Calif., where former Isle actress Erin Gorham resides. I met her in an acting workshop, and despite being new to the industry she’s shown incredible potential. Erin is originally from Connecticut and a former member of the U.S. Air Force. She began acting as a child doing plays at her school, eventually moving on to larger community theatre productions. Erin loves martial arts movies such as Enter the Dragon, Hero and House of Flying Daggers. I’ll keep you updated on this terrific talent wherever she goes ...

Is actor Scott Francis Russell the next Tom Selleck? Well, they’re both well over 6 feet tall and the ladies seem to like them quite a bit. Scott was cast recently in a World War II period film Dark Clouds by Taylour Chang. Scott was born on Maui and raised in my favorite sleepy little town of Kailua. He’s strictly focusing on film work after a lengthy run of stage productions. He studied with acting teachers Gene Shofner, Wayne Ward and Roger Wilko. Scott’s hobby is watching movies of Rachel McAdams and George Clooney. Since graduating from Kalaheo High School, Scott went on to receive a biology degree from the University of Hawaii. To catch a glimpse of this upcoming actor, try Buzz’s Steakhouse in Lanikai ...

Congratulations to Lincoln Jacobe for a wonderful evening under the stars. Hawaii Pacific Entertainment was celebrating the Fourth of July fireworks with local celebrities Alan Arato, Jon Brekke, Jose Corpus, Yvonne Elliman, Ikaika Kimura, Lew Lappert, Scott Francis Russell and Zero. The spread of delicacies and refreshments were enjoyed by all the guests. Entertainment was provided by the lovely ladies Traci Toguchi, Kristian Lei and Sheri Canopin.

Kudos to Patty Low and Laleen Ramiscal for an excellent job of showcasing their beautiful new offices. I’m looking forward to another event produced by Lincoln and the staff at Hawaii Pacific Entertainment ...

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Here’s an update on what’s new with actress Malia Verdadero. She’ll be back at Waipahu High School this fall as a senior. She starred in two award-winning movies at the 2004 and 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival.

The films were Kamea by Jennifer AkanaSturla, Matthew Thompson, who turned 15 recently. He seems to be racking up his film credits at lightspeed. He wrapped on the trailer of the 2006 ‘Ohina Short Film Showcase recently. Filmmaker Ryan Kawamoto directed the spot starring Mark Ganialongo, Dezmond Gilla, Lew Lappert, Libette Garcia, Olena Rubin and Laine Yoshioka. Matthew’s credits are Disney’s Mike’s Super Short Show, Lost, Haunted Hawaii and Valtor the Great vs. The Universe. His pastime is practicing taekwondo - he’s a black belt, by the way. He loves pepperoni pizza, cookie dough ice cream and Alfred Hitchcock movies.

What a combo. Next on Matthew’s busy schedule is another role in a period movie ...

Annabel Lacara is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She penned the screenplay for the movie Surf Sistahs currently in pre-production. April Grover, star of MTV’s Surf Girls , is attached to the project as one of the leads. Cristina Luck and Harmony Pacheco, both talented upcoming actresses, are to appear in substantial roles. Jose Corpus will direct, and cinematographer Solomon Marchessault is slated to lens the surf drama. Annabel’s hobbies are playing guitar, ceramics, baking and cake decorating. She’s a huge fan of ‘80s icon director John Hughes. He’s known for hits like Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Weird Science and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Annabel is working on her third feature length screenplay - anybody interested in getting it to the screen? ...

Born and raised on Oahu, one of Hawaii’s leading photographers is Jeptha Eddy. He’s garnered numerous awards for his unique vision capturing beautiful images. He’s done various photo shoots for models’ com-

posites, headshots for actors and fashion print work. He is currently the senior photographer for Hawaii’s No. 1 teen publication, Sassy, and G Magazine, produced by Jody Shiroma Perreira. Jeptha’s dedication to promoting talent has made him one of the most sought-after photographers. He developed “Angels in Paradise” calendars to showcase undiscovered Island talent. Featured are acting newcomers Sharnay Wong and Mirasol Domingo. To kick-start your modeling career, contact Jeptha at photobyjeptha.com ...

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Filmmaker Taylour Chang will be a senior at Punahou School this fall. She decided to make a documentary in the summer of 2004, attending countless bon dances, interviewing dancers, ministers and musicians. Her documentary Bon Dance was screened at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. The same film was accepted by Kidsfirst!, which is the biggest film festival for children in the world. Taylour is a member of the National Honor Society and was appointed by Gov. Linda Lingle to the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council. Taylour has a second degree black belt in Shotokan karate and has been on Punahou’s varsity track team since her freshman year. This well-rounded individual enjoys traveling to Paris, and movies by Akira Kurosawa. Taylour is busy working on her first dramatic film. Stay tuned for this one ...

Usually child actors are labeled unfairly when they attend acting classes with adults. That wasn’t the case with Jacqui Willig when I met her as a 12-year-old actress. She’s 23 now and over the past decade her talent took her in another direction - set and prop design for theatrical and video productions. Jacqui attended Saint Francis High School and Leeward Community College. In her spare time she composes music and writes poetry ...

Punahou alumnus Howard Noh is a veteran theatre actor. His family owns the famous Noh Foods, known for its incredible Asian seasonings. Talent definitely runs in the family - brother David Noh studied acting with the legendary Stella Adler in New York. Howard’s classmates at Punahou included Audy Kimura, Rap Reiplinger and Nainoa Thompson.

Howard frequents Komakata restaurant in Aina Haina, and likes watching movies by Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro to study their acting skills.

Howard previously studied with Fran Ward, Anna Fishburn, Dick Kindelon and Richard Villard. Next in line for Howard is a role in an local independent film ...

Actor Michael de Ycaza did a great job playing the sadistic killer “Driscoll” in Unlikely Lawman. We were part of a gang of the old Western town of Topaz, Ariz. The rehearsal period of two months prior to opening of the play was a time of male bonding. It was just like being kids playing cowboys and Indians once again. I met Michael on the set of the ill-fated series Fantasy Island back in 1998. He currently works on the hit ABC series Lost as one of the featured “Others.” His hobbies include making wooden spoons and growing organic vegetables. The cast of Unlikely Lawman included ring-leader Matthew Pedersen, Allen Cole, Colin Fong, Larry ‘Tex’ Southard, Dezmond Gilla and yours truly. Michael is anxiously awaiting the return of season three of Lost ...

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Kauai High alumni Edison Erorita was cast in the documentary Mabuhay with Aloha, The Hawaii Filipino Experience 1906-2006 by Emme Tomimbang. The show will air on KHON-2 June 28-29 from 9-10 p.m. Edison is a triple threat in showbiz - meaning he can sing, dance and act equally well. He made his film debut in The Orb by Scott Mason that premiered at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. Next up for Edison is the lead in Renato Fontaine movie ...

Celebrating their birthdays this week are the following actors: Amy Yeh, Deylynn White, Donna AweauRauschenberg, Doris Miocinovic, Grisel Toledo, Kristen Tateishi, Tiarae Gututala, Jesse Smith, Matthew Thompson and Ryan Calder. Many of these notable talent are pursuing their acting careers locally and on the Mainland. I wish all of them continued success ...

Welcome back to promoter Alan Arato who’s based in Pattaya Beach, Thailand now. He’s been an integral part of Las Vegas and Hawaii entertainment for the past twenty years. He works with Tom Moffatt bringing top name musical artists to Hawaii. Alan had a stint as casting associate for the short-lived police series Hawaii. He’s a proud Farrington graduate and loves Sally Field movies. I always enjoyed working with Alan and will miss him when he leaves. One of the most reliable people I know in show business ...

Doris Miocinovic, former all-conference volleyball player for Chaminade University, is now the talent director for Barbizon Hawaii. Ana Alves, Juliana Lima and Vanessa Valansi of BYUH and Ginelle Palau of UH-Hilo were named all-conference first team that year. Doris is once again prepping her students for the International Performing Arts Conference in Hollywood. I got a chance to meet some up-and-coming talent recently. Leslie Abanilla, Carmen Ah San, Katrina Rimorin, Marissa Tanaka, Chris Gilbert and the husband-wife duo of Nepthali and Chia Maisonet were standouts. Doris’ acting credits include Almost Paradise, Foresight, Kamaaina Dance Party and The Marrying Type. If you’re interested in getting started in modeling, contact Doris at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ...

Where in the world is film-maker Gerard Elmore now? He was back in New York where the Crown Royal TV headquarters is located. He’s busy circling the landscape as a TV correspondent for the Crown Royal racing team. Gerard was cast as Blake in the N Channel’s Beyond The Break TV series. A little background on Gerard is that he’s a graduate of UH-Manoa and Campbell High. He hit the big time when his movie, Valtor the Great Vs. the Universe won the Best Short Film Award at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. Known for his comedy films but his next one, Barry, will be very dark. The movie stars Milan Tresnak, Max Smart and Rebecca Rogers. As you read this, Gerard is driving through the cornfields of Iowa, passing Brokeback mountains breaking in his new cowboy hat ...

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The amazing Laine Yoshioka continues with her amazing run of success. She’s directing her first film Jonathan Gullible produced by Masumi Childers and Titus Chong. Laine is a graduate of Castle High School and Hawaii Pacific University. Her career began doing plays for Ron Bright at Castle Performing Arts Center. Her acting credits include The Shaggy Dog, Elevation, Grandma’s Recipe, Three Little Words, To Kill a Mole and Gemini’s Effect. Laine and her mother Claire Yoshioka attended the recent performance of Joe Moore‘s Unlikely Lawman. Claire’s been a tremendous supporter of local independant films. Laine starred in a film that screened at the Hawaii International Film Festival four consecutive years. I believe that’s never been accomplished before. Will she make it five? Stay tuned ...

Waipahu High School alumni Bob Stevens most recently worked on The First Battle by filmmakers Bob Bates and Tom Coffman. The film is about the repercussions to the Japanese-American community after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Actress Kandie Stevens is the significant other of the husband and wife acting team. Kandie also appears in the film. The OC-16 TV show Hawaii’s Reel Stories by producer Don Brown is running a preview clip. Bob is originally from Oregon but lived in Hawaii for nearly four decades. His credits incude Lost, Grandma’s Recipe, Jonathan Gullible, Jus Buckaloose and Plastic Leis. Next up for Bob are more meaty roles in Hawaii’s blooming indie movies ...

I discovered another wonderful talent as a guest at the Barbizon Modeling School recently. Introducing model Carmen Ah San, a Hawaiian, Chinese, Samoan and American Indian beauty. Talent coordinator

Doris Miocinovic invited me to speak to the young talent about the film industry. Carmen is another Castle High alumna and currently attends Windward Community College. She was born and raised in idyllic Kahana Valley. She likes Brad Pitt movies, orange chicken and strawberry Häagen-Dazs. Carmen is training to compete in the 2006 International Performing Arts Conference in San Francisco this fall. Good luck! ...

Mark Ganialongo began the first day of his filming Fatal Journey starring Michelle Reynolds, Grisel Toledo, Adrian Flower, Zero, Sam Polson, K darim Cervantes, Nicholas Gianforti and Lew Lappert. The film is being produced by industry veteran Jeff Katts. Mark graduated with honors from Chaminade University and Hawaii Baptist Academy. Fellow MidWeek columnist Alison Stewart, the Click Chick, was a classmate of Mark at HBA. Small world indeed. We met in acting school and became fast friends. I’ll keep you posted on the progress of this movie ...

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Filmmaker Ty Sanga is traveling to Atlanta, Ga., next week to promote his film Plastic Leis. Getting accepted into the Atlanta Film Festival is a huge accomplishment for the Hawaii-born-and-raised auteur. The film garnered the “Best Hawaiian Short Film” last month at the 2006 Big Island Film Festival. The award-winning film stars Jackie Seeley, Emi Noguchi, Desiree Kihano and Bob Stevens. Ty recently graduated from the University of Hawaii and he’ll go on to Chapman University to pursue his master’s degree. He’s a proud Saint Louis High School alumnus. His favorite movies are Once Were Warriors, Reservoir Dogs and Shawshank Redemption. After his stay in the area known for its Southern hospitality, Ty is taking off to Shanghai for a goodwill tour. Don’t forget my T-shirt ...

Birthday wishes this week for the following professionals: Marisa Wahl, Pomai Uphouse, Teisa Sekona, Joanna Kim, Michelle Crush, Pat Bentley, Roy Tjioe, Fuzzy Moody and Jeff Katts. They all deserve a big hand for their part in the growth of the local film industry ...

Congratulations to Shawn and Janet Hiatt on the birth their son Kainoa Daniel recently. Shawn is one of the most prominent and in demand cinematographers in Hawaii. Most recently at the Waikoloa Beach Resort, Pele O Ka Foodmart won “Best Hawaiian Feature” award. Filmmaker Michael Wurth wrote and directed the movie, which stars Margaret Jones, Dann Seki, Tony Silva, Allan Okubo, M. Kalani Souza, Nyla Fujii-Babb and the late Ray Bumatai. Shawn is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He’s been shooting commercials, documentaries and films for nearly two decades. He’s currently putting final touches on the film Sunday Wind. The story revolves around the events of three farmers on the dawn of Dec 7, 1941. Stay tuned for this one ...

Tiffany Tudor is interning on Unlikely Lawman as assistant to costume designer Casey Cameron. Tiffany is definitely getting some hands-on training. The theatrical production starring Joe Moore premieres June 8 at Mamiya Theatre. Tiffany is a Kaiser High graduate and attends the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles.

Her ethnic background is Irish, Japanese and Welsh. She loves Vanilla Sky, The Last Samurai, Crash and A Lot Like Love as her movie choices. Tiffany’s father, Rico Tudor, has the role of the corrupt judge in the play. The all-star production team includes Mary James Lewis, Wade Kersey, Johanna Morriss, Bryan Furer, Linda Tomita, Sandy Riford, Jason Taglianetti, Janine Myers, Robert Matsushita, Paula Hong, Brandon Skillin, Liza Sanchez, Alvin Cabrinha, Karen Wright and Kenneth Monroe. Kudos to the fantastic Manoa Valley Theatre staff, Dwight Martin, Lacy Hickman, Sara Ward, Aubrey Hawk and Erich

Steinwandt. To buy tickets to the barnstormin’Western shoot-‘emup, call Manoa Valley Theatre box office at 988-6131. See y’all there, pardners ...

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One of the brightest young talent in years to emerge is Sean Jones, currently a sophomore at Mid-Pac Institute which is known as the training ground for actors. He’s in the production of La Cage Aux Folles at Diamond Head Theatre directed by John Rampage. Sean plays the role of “Jean-Michel,” the son of the lead character “Georges” played by Laurence Paxton. The play is about two flamboyantly gay nightclub owners in ritzy St. Tropez, France. Randl Ask plays the dual part of “Albin” and “Zaza.” The musical features an excellent lineup of theatrical talent: Maile Krienke, Richard Aadland, Twan Matthews, Louise South, Justin Fatz, Shari Lynn, Andrew Sakaguchi, Tony Young and Don Richards. The movie version, The Birdcage , starred Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. Sean starred in Valtor the Great Vs. The Universe by Gerard Elmore at the 2006 Hawaii International Film Festival. Sean is one of the rare breed of actors who can also sing and dance very well. He’s looking forward to a busy summer of more auditions. Break a leg, as they say in show biz ...

Anne Mata is conducting a search for the 2007 Miss East Oahu and Miss Kahala Scholarship Pageant contestants. The event will be held Sept. 23. This is a preliminary pageant to qualify for the 2007 Miss Hawaii pageant. Contestants must be 17 to 24 years old, single, never been married and a U.S. citizen. Many pageant competitors also use the experience to advance their modeling or acting career. This could be the key to unlock doors of opportunities. Interested young ladies can contact Anne at Pageant Productions: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Miss 2006 East Oahu Natasha Akau and Miss 2006 Kahala Nicole Cabral will be competing in the 2006 Miss Hawaii Pageant. The venue is at the Hilton Hawaiian Village June 6. Current Miss Hawaii Malika Dudley will be passing her crown to another gorgeous lady that evening ...

Originally from the Windy City of Chicago is actress Jean Simon. Her first TV credit in 1983 was “Da girl who falls down at da party” in KGMB’s Pidgin To Da Max show. She’s an alumna of Northeastern Illinois University. She studied acting with Wayne Ward, Charles Peck, Dick Kindelon and Jack Hogan. Jean loves to hang out at the famous Wailana Coffee House on Ala Moana Boulevard. Her credits include Magnum P.I., Eight Is Enough, Picture Bride, One West Waikiki, Murder She Wrote, Fantasy Island, Hawaii 5-0. Jean most recently worked on You, Me and Dupree , starring Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson, Matt Dillon and Michael Douglas which is slated to open this summer. Her recreation time is spent practicing kickboxing with instructor Hugh Bennett. Next up for Jean is hopefully a juicy part on hit series Lost when it returns in September ...

Congratulations to Patricia Gillespie, who accepted the “video teacher of the year” award at the 2006 Hawaii Student Film Festival. Presenting the plaque was Robert Olague and Peter Britos. She has a master’s degree in theatre education from Boston University and currently teaches video production at the Kamehameha Schools. She developed the media program at the school beginning in the late ‘80s. Her all-time favorite movie is Year of Living Dangerously starring Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver. Patricia was a member of the Peace Corps during the ‘60s when the story actually takes place. She recently won the Best DVD at the Hawaii Music Festival for They Call Her Lady Fingers, The Betty Loo Taylor Story. The documentary also garnered the 2003 Hawaii International Film Festival’s Blockbuster Video Audience Award. Patricia’s husband, Sam Polson, produced the film with her. Soon she’s jetting to Tinseltown for several power meetings, then off to New York to catch some Broadway shows ...

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Iolani School alumnus Keith Merriam stars in the Lanikai Mortgage Players melodrama Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch directed by Lucille Shreve.

Keith is originally From Pasadena, Calif., and grew up here on the Windward side. I attended the Saturday night show and thoroughly enjoyed the play. Keith plays both the good and bad guy parts with amazing contrast.

He also enjoys recreating medieval arts and skills of 16th century European battles. His favorites are Ron Howard movies and playing soccer. Keith reprises his roles of despicable “Snipe Vermin” and lovable “Harry Heartstone” tonight. Looking around the audience, I saw youngsters and seniors alike. The production is family-oriented and suitable for all age groups. Kudos to Barbara Wilburn, Brenda Hillebrenner, Carole Kirchen, Christine Banziger, Debbie Jackson, Eunice deHay, Jane Lipp, Paul Dillinger, Jim Duca, Walter McGoldrick and master of ceremonies Ted Rodgers. To reserve your tables, call June Tansley at 262-5482. See y’all there ...

The following actors celebrated their birthdays in May - giving them presents is optional: Aline Robey, Bonita Parsons, Donalyn Dela Cruz, Tracy Bautista, Christian Zuckerman, Herman Cobile, Lew Lappert, Sam Polson and Titus Chong. Thanks to all of them for their contribution to the local film industry ...

Actress Connie Stevens was in town representing the Screen Actors Guild as secretary-treasurer. She’s a kamaaina, considering her start as the character “Cricket Blake” in the series Hawaiian Eye which ran from 1959-63. I actually watch the show now in reruns to see what Hawaii was like back then. The show starred Robert Conrad, Poncie Ponce, Doug Mossman and the late Troy Donahue. The surfing double for Troy was local boy Don Stroud, who was discovered at Waikiki Beach. As a proud member of SAG, I attended the meeting where Connie was the guest speaker. She looked stunning with her wavy golden locks and beautiful face. She also appears as Kirstie Alley‘s mom in Showtime’s Fat Actress. Connie is supportive of bringing more film and TV productions to our shores ...

Born and raised in the Lone Star State of Texas is veteran stuntplayer Larry Southard, who was cast recently in the Manoa Valley Theatre production of the Unlikely Lawman starring Joe Moore. The novel The Lawmen by Robert Broomall was adapted into a stage play by Joe himself. Veteran director Bill Ogilvie is directing the star-studded western. Rounding out the cast are Derrick Brown, Katie Doyle, Allen Cole, George O’Hanlon, Matthew Pedersen, Tina Shelton, Robert Jones, Michael deYcaza, Stephen Mead, Sherry Shaoling, Rico Tudor, Bob Whiting, Dezmond Gilla, Don Pierce, Keith Griffin, Rick Roper, Joji Yoshida, Dean Reiners, Colin Fong and Steven De Gruy. For more information about the play, log on at www.manoavalleytheatre.com. Larry has worked on shows such as Lost, Ghostbusters, Hawaii, Chucky and Married with Children. He trains at Hawaii Stunt Association where John Nordlum is president of the premier organization. John stunt doubled for both Jack Lord and Tom Selleck. Next up for Larry? Hopefully the much-talked-about Hawaii 5-0 and Magnum P.I. movies. I’ll keep you posted ...

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Derek Calibre is making his long-awaited jump from stage to screen. He last performed onstage at Diamond Head Theatre’s production of Enchanted April directed by Randl Ask. Derek is an award-winning actor who loves Thai food, and Ang Lee and Ridley Scott movies. I saw Derek for the first time at a casting call and was amazed. His talent was evident to everyone in the audition studio that day. Derek is your consummate actor - he’s constantly working on his craft. He studied with Anna Fishburn, Melina Lillios, Shirley Sypert, Wayne Ward and Roger Wilko. Derek is also one of Hawaii’s most accurate professional intuitives. He offers practical guidance on career concerns and relationship issues, and teaches workshops at the Honolulu Club and YMCA. He also provides life skills seminars at the Alliance for Drama Education for elementary through high school students. Check out Derek’s website at www.derekcalibre.com. Next up for this fantastic actor is a film debut ...

Brooklyn, N.Y., native Ruth Castellano got her first film credit recently on The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible: Episode 1. The project marks the directorial debut of actress Laine Yoshioka. Isle filmmakers Titus Chong and Masumi Childers are producing. Ruth’s downtime is spent relaxing on lazy weekends with her family at the Hale Koa Hotel. She likes Heath Ledger and Kimberly Elise movies; Korean food and haupia ice cream are also high on her list. Growing up on Coney Island Ruth always made time to pursue the performing arts, attending Broadway productions or practicing in front of a mirror. She always enjoyed the process. Landing a speaking part on your first audition is no easy task. Ruth is on her way to more success ...

Bob Johnson was born and raised in Hawaii. One of Hawaii’s most established directors of photography, he supports the independent filmmakers by donating his time to teach workshops at Leeward Community College and University of Hawaii. Bob is a co-owner of Hawaii Media Inc., which provides equipment to movie productions and commercials. I met him on the set of

To End All Wars several years ago. The film stars Kiefer Sutherland, Robert Carlyle and local actors James McCarthy, Dennis Ihara, Tracy Anderson, Jeremy Pippin, Daryl Bonilla, James Larson and yours truly. The award-winning film was directed by Big Island resident David L. Cunningham. Bob’s been active in the film industry in Hawaii for more than two decades. His film credits include True Love & Mimosa Tea, Forgotten Promise, Code Chaotic and Glacier. On the hectic and often chaotic movie set, Bob brings serenity. That’s a rare thing ...

Born and raised in Southern California, filmmaker Burton Richardson is a world-class Jeet Kune Do instructor and teaches at JKD Unlimited. He literally grew up in the movie business - great-grandfather Jack Richardson was an actor with Warner Bros. Studios. “The Queen of Vaudeville” was the title given to Burton’s great-grandmother, comedienne Irene Franklin. Burton was a fight choreographer on eight Hollywood features and appeared in 14. He’s worked with Keenan Ivory Wayans, Steven Seagal, Keanu Reeves, Kris Kristofferson and Mark Dacascos. His current students include actors Sherry Shaoling, Paul Rosenthal, Nolan Hong, and his wife, Sarah Richardson. Burton’s martial arts career began when Dan Inosanto became his teacher. Dan studied with Bruce Lee and was his main training partner. For more information on Burton and Jeet Kune Do, log on to his website at www.jkdunlimited.com. Burton also trains martial artists in the art of movie fighting. He’s slated to produce and direct an action film this fall in Hawaii. Stay tuned ...

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The Shorts on the Rocks short film festival had a success opening last weekend. Elevation by Seong Kyu Whang, starring Dezmond Gilla and Laine Yoshioka, captured the best short film award. The new event showcasing local moviemakers attracted Hawaii film industry celebs. Seen in the audience enjoying the wide array of movies were Chuck Boller, Jose Corpuz, Jay Hubert, Lew Lappert, Alan Mueting, Ty Sanga, Jeremiah Tayao, Claire Yoshioka and Danah Davis. Congrats to the Hawaii Pacific University Film Club for a job well-done ...

Mega-hit series Lost wrapped filming season two and goes on hiatus. Executive producer J.J. Abrams is making the rounds promoting Mission: Impossible III with Tom Cruise and local actress Maggie Q. By the way, she’s from Mililani. Kudos to actors Michael deYcaza, Dustin Geiger, James Hadde, John Ludwig, Ben McDermott, Art Rivers, Paul Rosenthal, Bryan Sato, Jesse Smith, Marcia Ardito, Faith Fay, Kalai Kamauoha and Ivana Smith. The time spent on the set is long and grueling at times. So you have to be physically fit to maintain the energy from the first shot to the last. I wish all the cast an crew of Lost a great summer and well-deserved break. See you all on location soon ...

Caught up with young actor Matthew Thompson to get some updates on his career. Recently promoted to first degree black belt in tae kwon do. Matthew was born in Missouri but grew up right here in paradise. His credits include Haunted Hawaii, Valtor the Great vs. The Universe, Lost and an Island Air commercial. He works his craft with veteran acting teacher Wayne Ward. Matthew’s favorites are eating orange chicken at Panda Express and anything with bacon. His long-term goal is to be a professional actor, and he definitely has the dedication to make it to the top ...

Born in Indiana and raised in New Jersey is Lucille Shreve, celebrating her 35th year at the helm of Lanikai Mortgage Players. She started her show biz career at age 10. The location she secured was her neighbor’s barn. The tickets were priced at a bargain of 2 cents. Lucille’s directing her 56th stage production of Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch, starring Carol Nichols, Lew Lappert, Michael Rainey, Keith Merriam, Caron Dian Nelsen, Courtney Doyle, Bill McRoberts, Vanessa Romain and Cynthia Comer. The play opens May 19 and continues May 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28. Curtain call at 8 p.m. each night. There’s a snack bar and you get free popcorn with admission. To reserve tickets or get more information, call June Tansley at 262-5482. It’s a great place to spend an evening under the stars ...

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Hannah Keikiokanani Thomas garnered the title of 2006 Miss Hawaii Teen USA at the Sheraton Waikiki. She also won the most photogenic and swimsuit categories. She currently attends Kamehameha Schools as a junior. Hannah is the class communications director for its student leadership group. She likes Steven Spielberg movies and actors Jack Black, Tom Cruise and Mike Myers. Hannah’s pastime is composing and singing her original music. She studies Hawaiian language and visited Kahoolawe with her classmates. She loves Hawaiian food and anything made with chocolate, and is known to frequent Teddy’s Bigger Burgers in Hawaii Kai - one of my faves, too. Like the classic movie The Endless Summer, Hannah is looking forward to a long summer vacation ...

Introducing sound designer Jacob Gabriel, who’s been making inroads in the film industry. Born and raised on the Leeward Coast, he’s an alumni of Campbell High School. He worked with rapper Dr. Dre and Cecilio & Kapono, to name a few celebrity artists. Jacob did the music production for the award-winning Valtor the Great vs. The Universe by Gerard Elmore. Gerard happens to be a Campbell graduate too. Casino, Goodfellas and The Usual Suspects are Jacob’s choice for movies, and his favorite person is his son, Dalvin, which is very admirable. Other favorites include old school R&B performers Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson. You can contact Jacob at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to utilize his talent. On his rare day off, you’ll find Jacob and Dalvin at the Japanese-Italian restaurant Angelo Pietro. Hey, can I tag along with you guys? ...

Ding, ding! Round three presents the following young talent hitting huge strides in the industry: Amanda Leong/Maryknoll, Megan Centeio/Sacred Hearts, Catherine Ching/Campbell, Christine Doo/Punahou, Malia Ho/Maui, Danielle Laudise/Kalaheo, Ashley Le/Kaimuki, Cristine Luck/Kalani, Teisa Sekona-Kailua, Jennifer Tokunaga/La Pietra, Reno David/Moanalua and Jeremiah Tayao/Farrington. Look for them in a theater near you ...

Farewell to producers Dusty Cross and Sandi Schneiderman, who relocated to Austin, Texas. The city is the gathering place for indie filmmakers. They produced the horror thriller The Orb starring Steve Boatright, Jason Cross, Gerard Elmore, Dezmond Gilla, Lew Lappert, Julius Ledda, Scott Ok, Reid Seto and Chad Thurman. Not to forget the gorgeous leading ladies Ioulia Alcorn, Jenny Chang, Nicole Gose, Malia Ho, Sarina Smith and Glennel Warren. The film was directed by Scott Mason and premiered at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. The movie was screened to a sold-out audience. Check out the website at http://www.sandust.com for more information. To local fans of Sandi’s and Dusty’s projects, don’t worry, they’ll be back ...

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Actor Nolan Hong is the owner of Fighter’s Corner with partner Mark Pang. The store is the only mixed martial arts store in Hawaii. Nolan is a Punahou graduate and studied at Furman University in Greenville, S.C.

His most notable commercial is the one for Zippy’s where he plays the college student in the dorm room. One of his earlier credits was on stage in Army Community Theatre’s South Pacific. Nolan played the part of Sgt. Kenneth Johnson. The play was directed by Lina Doo and starred my classmate in acting school, Elisabeth Wenzel. Nolan studies with Burton Richardson at Jeet Kune Do Unlimited. Fighter’s Corner is celebrating its one-year anniversary next week. For more info, check out their website at: http://www.fighter-scorner.net. The store is at 405 N. King St. across from Aala Park, if you want to get some gear ...

After an extended stay in Los Angeles studying at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Tiffany Tudor is back home for a little rest and recuperation. This talented Kaiser High School alumna is fluent in Japanese and Italian. She enjoys traveling to exotic locales around the world. Favorites include Curry House Coco Ichibanya in Puck’s Alley on University. I met Tiffany on the set of the band Steel Train‘s music video. The lead actors were David Farmer, Jan McGrath, Lew Lappert, Christina Simpkins, Ron Lake, Laine Yoshioka and Curtis Bush. Tiffany’s first appearance on stage was with Michael Jackson during his Dangerous Tour in 1992 at the Tokyo Dome. Talk about sharing the limelight with the greatest entertainer on the planet at the time ...

Jose Corpus makes his directorial debut in Surf Sistas starring April Grover, Harmony Pacheco, Cristina Luck and Kula Barbieto. Jose currently studies filmmaking at the Academy of Creative Media at UH-Manoa. He produced the film Piko , which premiered at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. Fellow ACM filmmaker Hyun Shin directed the touching tale of broken family relationship. Jose hails from the Windward side and is a proud Kailua Surfrider. He enjoys eating grilled cheese sandwiches and watching Keira Knightly movies. Jose is training hard under sensei Sean Roberts at the Minakami Karate Dojo in Kaimuki to attain his next rank ...

The inaugural Shorts on the Rocks short film festival will premiere Saturday, April 29, 7:30 p.m. The screening will take place at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Doris Duke Theatre. Tickets will be available for purchase at 7 p.m. The event was created by Hawaii Pacific University students Mike Martinez, Mark Nitta, Harry Buerkle, Lisa O’Brian, Chika Orito and Marlene Okner to support student filmmakers. Fifteen film shorts were selected for viewing with an award show to follow. The awards include best in acting, cinematography, editing categories and best short film. One of the coveted prizes for an actor is a headshot session with photographer Dorys Foltin. One of the featured selection is Elevation by Seong Kyu Whang, which stars Laine Yoshioka, Dezmond Gilla, Roxanne Fay, Duane Kiyota, Leslie Gil and Roy Tjioe. See you all at the movies ...

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Farewell New York, hello Honolulu! Sultry actress Gina Hiraizumi is in Hawaii right now. She was born and raised in sunny Southern California and trained at the Juilliard School in NYC - movie stars Val Kilmer, Kevin Spacey and Robin Williams went there too. She’s on a promotional tour in the isles for The Hot Spot, directed and starring Larenz Tate. For those not familiar with Larenz, he starred in the Oscar-winning film Crash. The fantastic ensemble cast included Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Terrence Howard, Michael Peña, Ryan Phillipe, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Esposito, Thandie Newton and rapper Ludacris. Gina’s becoming a regular visitor to the islands. She was here recently at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival screening of Lane Nishikawa‘s Only the Brave. The movie stars Tamlyn Tomita, Jason Scott Lee, Yuji Okumoto, Mark Dacascos and the late Pat Morita. Log on to www.ginaonline.net for updates on Gina’s blossoming career. One of the key points in her life came when she landed a recurring role on ABC’s daytime soap Port Charles. Kudos to Liz Hata-Watanabe and James Moravec for their promotional help. Check out Gina’s appearances at the O Lounge and the W Hotel. See you there ...

Mark Wolf hails from Rockville, Md., and attends the University of Hawaii as a sophomore. He studies filmmaking at the Academy of Creative Media. Striving to follow in the footsteps of directors M. Night Shyamalan and Alfred Hitchcock, Mark’s goal is to get two degrees, one in film production and another in business management. They complement each other. He loves Susan Sarandon and John Cusack for their versatility in the characters they play. There is no one I know of who loves sushi as much as Mark, and I’m a fanatic myself. He also hangs out at Hale Aloha Cafeteria on the UH campus. It’s the place where deals are made in the local indie scene. The food is reasonably priced and good, I might add. Mark is definitely on his way to entertaining audiences through his films ...

Newcomer Kesha Diodato got her first credit in Hawaii. She was featured in the popular Island Air commercial starring Dezmond Gilla. Originally from Hampton, Va., her acting career began in her teens. I’ve seen her performances and she’s very impressive. She studies with veteran acting coach Wayne Ward. Kesha is dedicated and determined to pursue her film acting endeavor. She enjoys watching Jodie Foster and Denzel Washington movies, and likes Indian and Italian cuisine. Her free time is spent practicing dance, singing and playing various sports. She’s represented by the Kathy Muller Talent Agency, one of the most established in Hawaii. Once in a great while an actress comes along who really stands out. Kesha is her name ...

Actor Valen Ahlo co-starred in the award-winning film Kamea, directed by Jennifer Akana-Sturla. The movie made local celebs of Malia Verdadero, Kimiko Rojas, Kula Barbieto and Maui Laigo. Valen’s performance as the comical surfer was memorable at the 2004 Hawaii International Film Festival. He currently attends Chapman University in Orange, Calif., and is a Kamehameha Schools alumnus. One of his earlier accomplishments was winning the title of Keiki Hula exactly a decade ago. His faves are Kalapana and ‘70s R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire, and Will Ferrell movies. You can watch the heartwarming Kamea Thursday, April 27, at 8:30 p.m. on PBS Hawaii. A big thanks to president of PBS Hawaii Mike McCartney for bringing quality programs to our shores. Mark your calendar. Summer is almost upon us, and I’m sure Valen can’t wait to come home and go surfing ...

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Introducing: Mei Sze Choo, whom I saw at an audition and knew she had talent even before she spoke her lines. Her name is pronounced May-zee, and she currently studies acting with Stan Egi at UH-Manoa.

She’s originally from Malaysia, and performed in stage productions since grade school. Getting discovered does happen in this industry, as it has for Mei Sze. A modeling agent spotted her and she’s been active in doing commercials and print ads. Her favorite movie is Memoirs of a Geisha starring Zhang Ziyi, Gong Li, Michelle Yeoh and Ken Watanabe. Mei Sze is a former cheerleader for team Malaysia, which won at the 2005 cheerleading competition in her region. Her talents include dancing ballet, hip hop, public speaking and singing. Next up for Mei Sze is landing a leading role in an independent film ...

Sharon Cavin is originally from San Francisco and started her modeling career in Japan. When she relocated to Hawaii, she landed a role in Hawaii 5-0, eventually leading up to another local series called Magnum P.I. Fast forward to now and you can find her at the Kathy Muller Talent Agency. Sharon handles the actors’ and models’ business with international clients. As a teen she was involved in theatre productions in school. Her background in the performing arts is definitely an asset to the talent she promotes. Her hobby is watercolor painting, and I can see her essence in the portfolios of the models ...

The awards keep on coming for ABC mega-hit series Lost! The show recently garnered the 2006 Golden Laurel Award given by the Producers Guild of America. Congratulations to producers J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, Jack Bender, Bryan Burk, Carlton Cuse and Jean Higgins. Lost created numerous opportunities for local crew and talent that hasn’t been seen since the days of Hawaii 5-0 and Magnum P.I. Actress Jean Simon discovered a local Lost fan site created by Ryan and Jen Ozawa. You can become a member of the group at: www.hawaiilost.com. I became an official member last week. Check it out ...

Travelling with the Crown Royal Racing Team for NASCAR is Gerard Elmore. His last stop was in Memphis, visiting Elvis Presley‘s mansion. Leaving Graceland behind must have been a heartbreaker for him. Those new to the adventures of Gerard: He’s an award-winning director and a proud alumnus of Campbell High School. His faves include actors Christopher Walken, Johnny Depp and filmmakers Shinichiro Miki and Katsuhito Ishii. Gerard has created legions of fans not just locally, but internationally. Currently in Dallas, he can’t wait to get back home to resume his filmmaking career. Hawaii will always be here for him ...

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Talk about actor Dezmond Gilla is literally all over the isles, currently seen in the Island Air spot as the hipster character named “Interisland Steve.” The commercial was directed by filmmaker Brett Wagner. Dez is one of the best young actors in town. His range is amazing - he can do both drama and comedy extremely well. A graduate of the University of Hawaii with a bachelor’s in theatre, Dez stars in Ryan Ishii‘s film Criminally Inept with Cathy Tanaka, Allison Ishii and Karim Cervantes. In the sci-fi horror movie The Orb, Dez plays the romantic lead opposite the beautiful Glennel Warren. The bloody thriller was an audience favorite at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. His credits include Sand Island
Drive-In Anthem, Modern Convenience, Lost, Foresight and Elevation. To stay in shape, Dez enjoys bodysurfing, hiking, ice skating and volleyball. He studies Gary Oldman‘s acting techniques by watching all his movies. His faves include sushi and juicy hamburgers at Big City Diner. Next stop? Hollywood ...

Kimi Tupuola recently performed at the International Performing Arts Conference in Los Angeles, and also graduated from Barbizon Modeling School where young talents are trained by Doris Miocinovic. Kimi is a Castle High School alumna. She is currently employed at Haiku Veterinary Clinic as assistant technician. She enjoys Drew Barrymore movies, cookies-and-cream ice cream and meeting new people. Kimi’s ethnicity is Japanese and Samoan. She studied acting with veteran Geoff Heise, who plays a doctor in Lost. As for right now, Kimi is auditioning for all the local indie films. Good luck, Kimi ...

A model’s and actor’s best friend is sometimes said to be a photographer. Meet award-winning lensman Dario Belenfante, who just completed a renovation of his photo studio with a incredible panoramic view of Waikiki. He also upgraded his website at www.dariobelenfante.com. He’s a McKinley graduate and studied at Fordham Prep in New York City. Dario’s other extensive skill is his web design and development. Drop him a line at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ...

Exactly a decade ago I worked on a show called One West Waikiki. Many of you may remember. The series starred Cheryl Ladd and Richard Burgi. Well, I’m talking about my first day ever on a set in Hawaii. The episode was titled Battle of the Titans. I remember this day well because, in comes the gorgeous Kelly Hu and I’m dumb-struck. The location was the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki. Kelly currently stars in the film Americanese by Eric Byler. The film was a hit at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas, winning the “Audience Award” for narrative feature film and the Special Jury award for “Outstanding Ensemble Cast.” Rounding out the great cast are Joan Chen, Chris Tashima, Allison Sie, Sab Shimono, Ben Shenkman and Michael Paul Chan. Congratulations to both Kelly and Eric for their continued success and contribution to the film industry ...

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Multi-talented Marisa Wahl is an actress, singer and film-maker. She graduated with high honors from the University of Southern California, earning a degree in cinema-television production and a stint in London studying British media and entertainment as part of the curriculum. She wrote, directed and produced numerous short films while at Iolani School and USC. Marisa was recently back home visiting family and friends. She landed the leading role in Who Killed Kailua Crabbe, a debut film by actor Lew Lappert. During her teen years she wrote for her school newspaper Imua Iolani. Her favorite reading is the novel East of Eden by John Steinbeck. Marisa is currently producing a horror feature. Stay tuned for this one ...

Here’s round two of future local celebs in moviemaking business and their respective schools. Sacred Hearts: Lauren Wong, Roosevelt: Kalai Kamauoha, Punahou: Serena Karnagy, Mid-Pacific: Natasha Tsaconas, Maryknoll: Michelle Crush, La Pietra: Tiani Veltri, Kalani: Josh Margulies, Kalaheo: Kathryn Schmeding, Kaiser: Alison Gano, Kaimuki: Jolene Morizono, Iolani: Mie Omori, Castle: Kimi Tupuola, Campbell: Michael Martin. Filmmakers are definitely knocking on their doors already ...

Event producer Alan Arato is relocating to Thailand soon - well, for the time being. He was hired as an American marketing consultant for a nightclub The Roof Bar 24/7. He’s responsible for marketing and promotions. The grand opening for the venue located at the southern end of Pattaya Beach is slated for mid-April. He’ll also be visiting his girlfriend, model Kanjana Kongkoon. He previously worked as a casting associate for NBC TV series Hawaii. He promoted the successful 2005 Mai Tai Rumble Island Music Competition. The guest judges for the finals were singer Yvonne Elliman, promoter (and fellow MidWeek columnist) Tom Moffatt and Hawaii Anheuser-Busch sales VP Chad Hoffmeister. For the past 20 years, Alan has been instrumental in promoting local tal-

ent. He’s a proud alumnus of Farrington High School and grew up in Kalihi. Next for Alan is the upcoming concert by Grammy award-winning Michael Bolton at the Blaisdell Arena on April 6. If Desperate Housewives star Nicolette Sheridan is there, I’m definitely there ...

The Hawaii International Film Festival’s Ninth Annual Spring Showcase opens tonight! The festival run is from March 31 to April 6 at the Dole Cannery Theatres. Festival executive director Chuck Boller is the catalyst in attracting world-class films to the festival. Staff members hard at work are

Anderson Le, Christian Razukas, Trevor Tavares and Teri Fukuhara. The opening evening premiere starts off with the Japanese hit film Always San-chôme no Yûhi, starring Maki Horikata, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Shinichi Tsutsumi and Koyuki. Director Takashi Yamazaki was last seen in The Twilight Samurai with Hiroyuki Sanada. HIFF program booklets are available at many Starbuck’s locations throughout Oahu. For screening schedule, check out the official website at: www.hiff.org. See you all at the movies! ...

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Kamehameha Schools senior Kuuipo Pharr was crowned 2005 Miss Oahu Teen America last year. Now she’s entering the world of acting and making an immediate impact. This gorgeous young lady is Hawaiian, Korean, Caucasian, American Indian and Chinese in ethnicity. She’s very talented in both creative and athletic endeavors. She is currently a brown belt in Kempo karate and an honors student in school. Her future goal is to become a fashion designer and pursue a singing career after college. She enjoys working out, pasta, hula, basketball and shopping. Kuuipo landed her first role in a film by Steve Meyer recently. I’ll keep you posted on the development of this talented actress in the future ...

Scott Russell jump-started his acting career right on stage with the Hawaii Opera Theatre. Just recently he was seen in Tosca, where he played the torturous henchman. Pamela South and Jake Gardner starred in the opera at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Scott was born and raised on the Windward side. He’s a graduate of University of Hawaii at Manoa and also a proud Kalaheo High School alumnus. His film and TV credits include You, Me and Dupree, Pearl Harbor, Lost, Hawaii and North Shore. He enjoys the acting of Gwyneth Paltrow and Al Pacino. Scott’s favorite films are Casablanca, Walk the Line and The Godfather. In his spare time he likes to play musical instruments and partake in sporting activities. He’s currently making the rounds in the booming local indie scene ...

Congrats to Masumi Childers, whose film, Future World: Tape 8, was accepted at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. The event will be held May 4-11 in Hollywood. Masumi studied acting with Paul Cravath at Leeward Community College and appeared in many stage productions. He’s worked alongside filmmakers Titus Chong, Mane, Imelda Betiong and Lena Kaneshiro on other notable films. Masumi enjoys the films of the following icons: Vivian Lake, Clint Eastwood, Orson Welles. During his down time, he’s known to hang out at Bob’s Big Boy in Mapunapuna ...

Newcomer Milan Tresnak will star in Gerard Elmore‘s latest movie Barry. The film was written by playwright Eric Yokomori and marks the film debut of Rebecca Rogers and Maxwell Smart. Other key personnel are producer Yuri Biersach, Scott Mason, Mike Bacon, Lew Lappert and Dusty Cross. Milan is a huge fan of motocross racing and Ducati 748 is his choice of ride. He likes to skateboard and surf, and he studies Kiefer Sutherland‘s acting on 24. The sky’s the limit for Milan’s acting career; you heard about him first in “Hawaiiwood” ...

President and co-founder Jason Suapaia of ‘Ohina Short Film Showcase announces it’s accepting short film submissions. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 2. Filmmaker Jeff Katts created the film festival with Jason back in 1999.

The festival will be held Aug. 4 and 5 at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Doris Duke Theatre. Entry forms are available at all BLOCKBUSTER locations on Oahu and the Neighbor Islands. ‘Ohina provided a site for many of the local filmmakers to showcase their short films. Many isle actresses’ screen debuts were at this venue including Cathy Tanaka, Kyra Poppler, Caryl Nishioka and Bridget Owen. For more information, call the ‘Ohina Hotline at (808) 428-0100. Directors, get your cameras rolling ...

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I’m celebrating the anniversary of my Hawaiiwood column in MidWeek. It’s been a year since it started to go weekly.

Thanks to publisher Ron Nagasawa, who discovered me, and to my guru editor Don Chapman a big mahalo for his enthusiasm. Kudos to the MidWeek staff. Let me tell you it’s an incredible support team. Along the way I’ve met some amazing people in the film and music industry. The following actors are the ones who keep the independent films thriving in Hawaii: Laine Yoshioka, Maile Steele, Doris Miocinovic, Ida Anderson, Dezmond Gilla, Dustin Geiger, Mark Ganialongo and Ryan Calder. Without these talented actors, the filmmakers won’t be able to tell their stories. And to the faithful readers, thanks so much for your continued support. I’ll do my very best to provide you with interesting showbiz news and profiles of local talent ...

Comedian Alan Mueting received his bachelor’s in geology from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. He wants to break into local independent films this year to get more experience. His TV show credits include Lost, North Shore and Rocky Point. He loves grilled cheese sandwiches, Elvis Presley, fresh salmon, Casablanca and Reese Witherspoon movies. Alan performs his standup routine at Sharkey’s Comedy Club in Honolulu. He studies acting by watching various police dramas on TV. You might catch this charming individual eating at his favorite restaurant, Curry House ...

Walter Wauke won second place for commercial print modeling at the International Performing Arts Conference. The event was held in Hollywood, and numerous Hawaii talent participated in the event. Mililani’s Chelsea Medrano captured the gold medal in the dance segment. Walter was born in Okinawa and grew up in Hawaii. He’s a proud Moanalua High School Menehune, currently working as an apprentice at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. His favorites are the Star Wars trilogy, gummy bears, Seinfeld, french fries and The History Channel. He was thrilled to compete in the event, but mentioned he’s never changed clothes so much in his life. Welcome to the world of modeling. Next up for him is the acting world - break a leg ...

The fantastic journey of the mega-hit series Lost continues. Actors working tirelessly on the set are Bryan Sato, Chris Quimby, James Hadde, Jesse Smith, Paul Rosenthal, Sean D Hoban, Steve Tanizaki, Ivana Smith and Natalie Lau. The show has worldwide appeal and spawned more than 40 fan sites. Check out the official Lost web-site at: http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/ for more information. You can even address a question to one of the producers, J.J.

Abrams, Jack Bender, Bryan Burk, Carlton Cuse or Damon Lindelof. Your answers might be posted on the message board or through the Lost  podcast. I’m one of the million of fans obsessed with the show, so on Wednesday evening from 8 to 9 p.m. I can’t answer my phone. Quiet, please, and cameras rolling ...

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Back in 1998 the local independent film industry was in its infancy. Emerging from that group of filmmakers was Ryan Kawamoto. He’s an alumnus of Waiakea H.S. and University of Hawaii at Manoa. His most recent success came at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. Sand Island Drive-In Anthem won the Audience Award for best short film. Kudos to producers James Sereno and Jason Suapaia and writer Cedric Yamanaka. It features a great ensemble cast of Augie Tulba, BullDog, Mark Malalis, Stu Hirayama, Daryl Bonilla, Ku’uipo Naehu, Stephanie Sanchez and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. The movie was filmed entirely at Meg’s Drive-In on Sand Island, known for its beef stew plate, Ryan’s favorite. He also likes Kikaida, Star Wars Trilogy, Lost, J-horror movies, singer Jack Johnson and any Martin Scorsese film. Next on the plate for Ryan is a feature film project. Stay tuned ...

Bangu Alecia Ntwaagae is a sophomore international business major at Hawaii Pacific University. She’s a native of the Republic of Botswana located in southern Africa. She currently studies modeling and acting at Barbizon under the watchful eye of Doris Miocinovic. Bangu attended high school in Geneva, Switzerland, where she learned to speak French. She enjoys Cameron Diaz and Will Smith movies, bowling, sausage pizza, swimming and learning new languages. Favorite quote is, “don’t worry about being known, make yourself worth knowing.” Bangu is new to the islands, but I know she’ll be a household name soon ^...Actor Edison Erorita was born in the sleepy town of Lihue. After graduating from Kauai High, he relocated to Oahu and enrolled in the Leeward Community College’s drama program headed by Paul Cravath. Edison originally started performing as a singer in church plays. That led to the formation of a group called The Ministers of Music. He met Janet Jackson‘s dance choreographer Gil Duldulao along the way and was inspired. Edison’s credits include The Criminally Inept, Lost, North Shore and The Orb. He also studied with Stephanie Winieski and Don Ranney. Edison’s energy level is off the meter and is contagious in a good way. I think I need to catch his fever ...

The Hawaii 5-0 movie buzz is in the air again. I think it’s the perfect time now. The series, still seen on local TV, stands the test of time. Among local actors who made appearances on the show are Chanell Akamine, Gus Rethwisch, Lloyd Kino, Seth Sakai, Terence Knapp, Wayne Ward and the gorgeous ladies Varoa Tiki, Carole Kai, Helen Funai, Cathy Foy, Emma Veary and the late Dorothy Mackaill. I watch the show now because I couldn’t catch it the first time around. The names rumored earlier as a possible “Steve McGarrett” were Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson and Ben Affleck. Now that’s a thought, with Ben and pal Matt Damon as the Danny “Danno” Williams character. Only time will tell ...

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Kaiser high school alumna Alison Gano currently attends San Diego State University. She was born in Salt Lake City and grew up in Hawaii. She enjoys Julia Roberts’ movies, baseball, chocolate chip cookies, pasta, Pop Tarts and Hawaiian music.

Her modeling credits include Sony Video, Jams World and Fuji Film. Alison was also in the music video of the popular Japanese rock group Tube.

She’s represented by Joy Kam of Kathy Muller Talent Agency.

Her classmates from Kaiser, Amy Yeh, Danielle Foster and Tiffany Tudor, are also making their mark in the industry. Wanna see a rising star? Alison is known to frequent Starbucks and, yes, I’ve seen my share of celebs at the Kahala location ...

Kandie Stevens’ introduction into TV came as a surprise when she was performing at the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. A phone call from a casting director and the next thing you know, she’s on the set. Kandie was used as a background tourist in an airport terminal scene. Not a speaking part, but she was thrilled, to say the least. Thus her show biz career began. Beyond the Break, Grandma’s Recipe, Lost and the biopic on Mark David Chapman are her most recent credits. Kandie’s significant other is her husband of three decades, Bob Stevens. He’s a tremendous actor, in my opinion. Together, they are one of the best acting combinations in Hawaii. For relaxation, Kandie and Bob like to head out to Ruth’s Chris for ribeye steak. I’ll be right over ...

I met this talented actor many years ago. His name is Karim Cervantes. His career started when he enrolled in an acting class taught by Paul Cravath at Leeward Community College. Karim’s resume includes You, Me & Dupree, North Shore, Lost and Beyond the Break. His ethnicity is a mix of American Indian, Chinese, Italian and Spanish. He’s currently seen as the sleazy character in the Mortgage Alliance commercial directed by Ryan Kawamoto. Karim’s favorites in movies are Scarface, Lord of The Rings trilogy, and Natalie Portman, Michelle Pfeiffer, Benjamin Bratt and Samuel L. Jackson for actors. At the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival, Karim starred in filmmaker Ryan Ishii‘s Hopeless In Honolulu ...

Filmmaker Michelle Opitz is presenting her latest movie, But Seriously, Folks, at the Harmony Gold Theatre in Los Angeles on Monday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. If you know her, you’ve probably got the invite to the premiere. As an undergraduate at Chapman University she studied with directors John Badham and Mark Rydell. Now that’s film school training in itself! Mr. Badham directed John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, and Mr. Rydell worked with Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda in On Golden Pond. Michelle has worked alongside Hollywood’s major players including producers Jerry Bruckheimer, Greg Bonann, Chad Oman and Heidi Jo Markel. A hearty congratulations to Michelle on receiving her master’s degree from the American Film Institute ...

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Our teen on the move is Punahou School junior Meghan Akim. Her experience is usually in front of the camera as a model. She’s directing a PSA for Oahu Dines and the Life Foundation with the help of sophomore Nicole Pfeffer and freshman Travis Dos Santos-Tam. The segment will touch upon the benefit fundraiser taking place Wednesday, March 1. You can help by dining at one of the sponsored eateries on that day. Participating restaurants include some of my faves: Big City Diner, Tiki’s Bar & Grill, Umeke Market, Volcano Joe’s and A Taste of New York. The event coordinator is Cathy Pudwill, and you can get more information at www.dineforlife.org Meghan was born and raised on Oahu and is actively involved in neighborhood service projects. She enjoys hula, math, music, science and traveling, and mixes her scholastic and creative talents very well, I might add. Wishing her continued success on her endeavors ...

Director Rawson Marshall Thurber is rumored to be helming the Magnum, P.I. movie for Universal Pictures. His last movie was Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story starring Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller. For casting purposes only, how about Vince as “Thomas Magnum” (Tom Selleck, of course) and Ben as the sidekick “Rick” (Larry Manetti)? Who knows what the Hollywood studio execs are thinking? The TV series ran an amazing eight years on prime time! The cast list is a who’s who of the Hawaii film industry starting with Carmella Barut, Elissa Dulce, Elizabeth Lindsey, Jo Pruden, Kathy Paulo, Clyde Kusatsu, Colin Fong, Dick Jensen, Doug Mossman, Fuzzy Moody, Glenn Cannon, Joe Moore and John Nordlum. Hawaii is ripe for another police drama series ...

Where are they now? Actress Jenny Chang is currently residing in Los Angeles. Born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, she attended the University of Hawaii at both Manoa and Hilo. Jenny told me a story about one summer when she caught a king salmon that weighed almost 50 pounds. She was seen on screen at the 2005 Hawaii International Film festival in Scott Mason‘s The Orb, featuring a great ensemble cast: Julius Ledda, Ioulia Alcorn, Dezmond Gilla, Sarina Smith, Gerard Elmore, Malia Ho, Lew Lappert, Glennel Warren and Steve Boatright. She also produced the film Agent Orange, directed by Anita Allison. Jenny’s credits include Lost, Fields of Mudan and
In the Moment. Hawaii misses her ...

Kailua High School grad Taires Hiranaka was born on Kauai. He served as associate producer on the OC16 TV series Losing It, produced by former Miss Hawaii USA Alicia Michioka-Jones. Taires works with many of the indie film-makers including Aaron Yamasato, Lon Takiguchi, Titus Chong and Imelda Betiong. His spare time is spent hiking, and eating Japanese food at Kiibo’s on Kauai. Back in high school, he founded a filmmaking club with classmate Eric Rossiter - together they made more than 50 short films varied in genre. Taires is currently enrolled at Leeward Community College in the TV production program. The future of local filmmaking looks bright with Taires leading the way ...

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Actor Lew Lappert is rapidly getting known as the guy who will give you the spectacular death scene. He gets shot by Drew Synnestvedt in
Public Access: Episode 04 of 05, run over by a car driven by Gerard Elmore in The Orb and gets zapped by Jaeves Iha in Valtor the Great Vs. The Universe. Lew was born in Meriden, Conn., and raised in the colonial Southington Mountains. He’s a master sculptor and his work took him around the world. A little trivia: His former classmates at the University of Connecticut are actors Ron Silver and Ron Palillo. Lew was nominated three times for the Po’okela Awards given by the Hawaii State Theatre Council. He’s on board for several film projects, but hoping his characters don’t get whacked. We’ll see ...

Introducing TrÌ Lê, currently seen on the latest KFC spot where he retrieves a bucket of fried chicken. He plays the parody version of Lost cast member Daniel Dae Kim. I think it’s the best local commercial on air right now. TrÌ has played many different roles that set him apart from the rest of the young actors. He matriculated at both Santa Clara University and Oxford University in England. His passions are writing scripts, acting, playing the ukulele and piano. In his latest film, The Good Ol’ Boys, he plays a burglar who has issues with his orientation. Favorite actors are Rachel McAdams, Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins. TrÌ is currently working on his master’s degree so he can teach in the public high school system ...

The Kamehameha Schools ‘Ohana Film Festival was a rousing success! Many thanks to Patricia Gillespie for promoting local filmmakers at the annual event. Seen and heard at the screening were actors Elizabeth Lindsey, Mie Omori, Rebecca Rogers, Malia Verdadero, Denise Chinen, Christian Zuckerman, Jaeves Iha, Lew Lappert, Matthew Thompson, Sam Polson, Sean Jones and industry veterans Jeannette Paulson Hereniko, Chuck Boller, Gerard Elmore, Jason Suapaia, Robert Olague, Ryan Kawamoto and Vilsoni Hereniko. One of the highlights was during intermission when all the networking among the attendees began. It’s a long way away, but don’t miss it next year ...

A gentleman I met at an acting workshop is retired Navy Reserve Capt. Rico Tudor. He worked for 30 years in Japan as president of NCH KK, directing a Japanese company in steel and auto plant maintenance. He recently embarked on a new career in acting. He amazes me with his energy and humbleness despite all his business success. A Harvard graduate, he speaks fluent Italian and Japanese. Rico’s favorites are Al Pacino movies and Japanese tempura at Bozu restaurant in Kaimuki. He attended the 2005 International Model and Talent Association Convention in L.A. with daughter Tiffany Tudor. That’s where the acting bug bit him, I believe. He studied acting with MGM casting director Paul Weber and Geoff Heise. Rico exercises at Sandy Beach every morning to stay in shape. I can definitely tell ...

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I was invited to be a judge at the Barbizon School’s mock competition by Doris Miocinovic. She’s getting her students ready for the International Performing Arts Conference. The venue is the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, right in the heart of tinseltown. Along with my fellow judges, producers Titus Chong and Jeff Katts, we had a great time looking over the future talent of Hawaii. Among the many who were impressive in the group: Rhyce Bantolina, April Pongasi-Golden, Kesha Miller, Grace TsubakiNoguchi, Bangu Alicia Ntwaagae, Kimi Tupuola and

Rico Tudor. I’ll do a followup on a few talented actors I discovered…

Filmmaker Jay Curlee is in Florida shooting Rocking The Boat. The documentary film is about the famous American roots musician Delbert McClinton. The film is produced by Yuri Biersach and shot by local cinematographer Ken Libby. Jay directed the award-winning PBS series Growing Old in a New Age for the University of Hawaii’s Center on Aging. Anthony Lenzer was the executive producer on the successful video series…

Pearl City High alumna Kuuipo Naehu acted in the film The Sand Island Drive-In Anthem recently. The film was directed by award-winning filmmaker Ryan Kawamoto. Kuuipo’s credits include Even Stevens, I Scream, Floats & Sundays, Kava Kultcha and

Aloha Christmas. She’s one of the best acting talents to emerge in the past few years. Her taste in movies is diverse, Rush Hour 2, Mary Poppins, Goonies and the Star Wars saga. Keep your eye on this upand-coming actress…

He’s looking for a few good men and women. Filmmaker Mark Ganialongo is casting his next movie titled Fatal Journey. The story is about a group of angels and demons who enter a couple’s life to influence them that will eventually lead to either their demise or salvation. Sounds very intriguing. The casting call is slated to begin this Saturday from 10-5 pm. Want to try out for a part? You can contact him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to make an appointment. Mark’s previous short film Foresight stars Dez Gilla and Jeanette Chieko Roberts...

There are many talented actors who made contributions to Hollywood. Here’s the rundown of their alma mater. Don Stroud: Kaimuki, Megan Ward: Kaiser, Keiko Agena, Daniel Bess: Mid Pacific Institute, Jason Scott Lee: Pearl City, Amanda Schull, Carrie Ann Inaba, Kelly Preston: Punahou, Bette Midler: Radford, Stan Egi: Roosevelt and Tia Carrere: Sacred Hearts Academy. I’ll get to a few more in the next round…

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What an incredible weekend of activities! Thanks to producer Lex Clark for bringing the 2-Day Film School here. The film seminar was led by Dov S.S. Simens, who is known around the world. I learned information not taught at any of the film schools. Dov demystifies how Hollywood makes movies and teaches in a way that electrifies the audience. Kudos to Connie Florez, Susan Horowitz, John Garcia, and Joanna and Kasie Clark for their hard work. Lot of industry players were seen taking the course including actors Laine Yoshioka, Bill Carr, Doug Upp, filmmaker Tommy Takemoto-Chock, producers Cynthia Lockhart and Don Brown, and stunt coordinator Colin Fong. Lex also produced shows such as Golf TV, Aloha Section PGA and Hawaii Sports Cards Memorabilia Show ...

Hot pageant news: Miss Hawaii 2005 Malika Dudley won the Miss Congeniality in the 2006 Miss America Pageant at the Aladdin Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The pageant aired on Country Music Television cable channel. Desperate Housewives actor James Denton hosted the show. I met Malika through pageant director Ann Mata at the Miss Kahala and Miss East Oahu pageants ...

Actress Pat Bentley graduated from Eastern Michigan University with degrees in theatre and music. She’s repped by veteran agent Ruth Woodhall. Pat is also an accomplished music composer and arranger. She studied acting with Roberta Brown, Jonathan Round and Wayne Ward. She enjoys movies with Dominic Monaghan in them. Her credits are Blood Wedding, Pegasus Project, Swingin’ Time and, of course, on Lost. Down time is spent at the ocean bodyboarding, kayaking, sailing or scuba diving ...

The cast of Lost accomplished the amazing hat trick of winning the Outstanding Performance award by an ensemble cast in a drama series. The 12th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards was at the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. After garnering similar awards at the Emmys and the Golden Globes, the show is on a major roll. Terry O’Quinn accepted the award on behalf of the cast; his humorous speech was definitely the highlight of the evening. For more info on other award recipients, check out the website at www.sagawards.com/. The Lost cast members who bounded onstage all looked thrilled. I’m doubly happy for all the Hawaii SAG members who are currently working on the mega-hit. On another note, I met a few people who haven’t seen an episode of Lost. Are you kidding me? So to those who are reading this who haven’t jumped on the bandwagon, please jump on board. Not only are you missing out on a fantastic show, you’ll be supporting the economy of the islands as long as they film here ...

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After they turned up the lights inside the Dole Cannery Theatre, my thoughts turned to utter amazement. The movie I saw was Fishbowl, introducing Mie Omori who starred in the highly acclaimed film by the late Kayo Hatta. The movie also stars Billy Lam, Jordan Mukai and Bill Ogilvie. Mie’s incredible performance is what makes stars out of actors. She’s currently a junior at Iolani School, where she enjoys American history and literature. Her hobbies are watching Tom Hanks and Susan Sarandon movies and eating tonkatsu. Fishbowl won the Hawaii Film and Videomaker Award at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. I highly recommend this film to anyone, young or old. It truly has universal appeal. Thanks to producers Linda Barry, Eleanor Nakama-Mitsunaga and Kayo for making this wonderful film. Fishbowl will screen tonight at the ‘Ohana Film Festival at the Kamehameha Schools. Mie will be making an appearance, so get your paper and pen ready ...

The hits keep coming for ABC’s Lost. At the recent Golden Globe Awards, the hit series garnered the Best Television Series for Drama category. The show won several Emmys back in September including Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for J.J. Abrams. The “shaka” sign is becoming a worldwide signature thanks to the producers and actors of Lost. Seen on the red carpet throwing it out was director Fernando Meirelles of Brazil and Kauai resident Pierce Brosnan. I’m still waiting for the call to be on the show ...

Filmmaking is a team sport, if you will. Most times the director will get all the attention, so I want to pay tribute to all the great cinematographers in town: Paul Atkins, Mark Ganialongo, Mark Gerasimenko, Shawn Hiatt, Bob Johnson, Don King, Vince Keala Lucero, Scott Mason, Mike Prickett, George Russell and Darrell Takara. I worked with most of them and they’re all well-respected in the industry. I’ll do a follow-up on their careers ...

Chuck Boller is getting ready for the Hawaii version of the Academy Awards evening on March 5. It’s the official party of the Oscars in the islands. For more info, check out the web-site at: www.hiff.org. Chuck is the executive director of the Hawaii International Film Festival. The Spring Film Festival will take place soon, so stay tuned ...

Talking about potential is one thing, but realizing it is another. The following young actors are making major moves in the local film industry. Here goes: Aiea: Dezmond Gilla; Castle: Laine Yoshioka; Hawaii Baptist Academy: Jarrett Walters; Iolani: Joanna Sotomura; Kaiser: Amy Yeh; Kailua-Chad Burch; Kalaheo: Melynn McWilliams; Kamehameha: Valen Ahlo; Kauai: Edison Erorita; Le Jardin Academy: B.K. Cannon, Jessica Shiarella; Maui:Zero; Mid-Pacific Institute: Maia Knudsen-Schule, Sean Jones; Mililani: Jeanette Roberts; Moanalua: Bryan Sato; Pearl City: Kuuipo Naehu, Jaeves Iha; Punahou: Nicole Pfeffer; Sacred Hearts: Kailey Kaneshiro; Waipahu: Malia Verdadero. You’ll be hearing more about them in the future ...

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Many of my friends’New Year’s resolutions happen to be about getting fit. How about laughing into shape? The Jon Lovitz show produced by the Laugh Factory gave my abs a great workout and I was sweating from laughing non-stop. Opening act was funnyman Kento followed by Jo Koy, who rocked the Blaisdell. Seen in the audience were local celebs Cathy Tanaka, Alan Arato, Gerard Elmore, Elroy Entendencia, Lanai and Milan Tresnak. Promoter Jon Schneider has more shows coming up, so stay tuned ...

The third annual Ohana Film Festival is kicking off Friday, Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. The Kamehameha Schools is presenting this successful event at Ke’elikolani Auditorium. The film fest is free to the public, and a reception will follow the screening. Kudos to Patricia Gillespie and Jay Metzger for organizing the event. Advanced Video Production class students Kamaka Pili, Alyssa Bergado and Christin Couch contributed their talents to the festival. Kamehameha alumni and current students were involved in each film to be presented. Many of the films are award-winners from the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. Vince Keala Lucero has two films, Hawaii Film and Videomaker Award Honorable Mention Wahine O Ke Kai, and Honolulu

Magazine Best Short Film winner Valtor the Great Vs. The Universe. The event is dedicated to Ray Bumatai and Kayo Hatta for their contribution to the local film community ...

Dov S-S Simens will be in the isles with his 2-Day Film School. Because of the huge success of last year, producer Lex Clark is bringing him back for another round. The class will take place Jan. 28 and 29 at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Dov is the most-wanted film instructor on the planet. His filmmaking seminar takes him around the world. Endorsements by Queen Latifah, Will Smith, Quentin Tarantino and Madonna‘s husband Guy Ritchie say it all. Dov is a graduate of Pennsylvania’s Muhlenberg College with an economics degree. He also teaches at the meccas of film schools NYU, USC and UCLA. Graduates of his intensive seminar have grossed well over $2 billion. Wow! If you ever dreamed about making movies without attending film school, this is exactly what the doctor ordered. Plus, you’ll save more than $100,000 and four years of your life. Want to sign up?

Here’s the link to the website: www.lclarkproductions.com, lights, camera, action ...

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Director Nathan Nazario is casting his film, From This World To The Next: A Pilgrim’s Progress, in Hawaii. He’s holding a casting call next week, Jan. 16, 17 and 18, at Molten Media offices located at 1050 Queen St., Suite 200. Nathan’s credits include six Academy Award-winning films: The Usual Suspects, Dead Man Walking, Fargo, When We Were Kings, Life Is Beautiful and Shakespeare in Love. In 2000, he wrote and directed The White Rose starring Dominic Chianese from the HBO hit series The Sopranos. At the 2005 Sonscreen Film Festival in St. Louis, Nathan presented his latest film, The Answering Machine , starring Chris Caldovino, also from The Sopranos. Nathan is the president of his film production company, Motion Picture Pro Studios, which produces various projects for the industry. Actors, get ready ...

Former isle resident Aline Robey worked on Fun with Dick and Jane with Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni. The movie is a remake of the original done by Jane Fonda and George Segal back in 1977. Aline is a graduate of University of Hawaii with a BA in communications. She was my favorite partner in Wayne Ward‘s acting class. I did a scene with her from the ‘80s hit Some Kind of Wonderful starring Eric Stoltz and Mary Stuart Masterson. Aline’s current venture is on the production side of the industry. Worked on upcoming film Partners with Julie Bowen, who has a recurring role on Lost as Matthew Fox‘s character’s former flame. Next up for Aline is coming home for a well-deserved vacation ...

Actor Shane Curtis grew up in Phoenix, Ore. No it’s not in Arizona. To be exact, it’s located between Medford and Talent. And talent is something Shane has in spades. He’s an alumnus of UH with a BFA degree. Enjoys movies with actor Ryan Reynolds, and eating at Indigo restaurant. Shane recently wrapped on Stuffed by Michael Perez. The film features newcomer Alexandria Tabas. His acting resume includes leading roles in Ricky the Robot by Hank West; Morning After and Cause and Defect by Michael Ogasawara. All three films were screened at various film fests. Shane is slated to direct his short film Miss Fortune this summer ...

Living in Hawaii we’ve all been asked the question, “Where you went high school?” Here’s a rundown of the local celeb film-makers and their alma maters. Aiea: Lena Kaneshiro, Mane; Campbell: Gerard Elmore; Damien: George Russell, Hawaii Baptist Academy: Titus Chong, Iolani: Marisa Wahl, Kaiser: Nathan Kurosawa, Jason Suapaia; Kamehameha: Vince Keala Lucero, Leah Kihara; McKinley: Dennis James Lee; Mid-Pacific Institute: James Sereno; Moanalua: Eric Byler, Masumi Childers; Punahou: Kimberlee Bassford, Yuri Biersach, Scott Mason; Saint Louis: Blane Dydasco, Jeff Katts; Waiakea: Ryan Kawamoto; Waipahu: Imelda Betiong. So you see, we have tons of talent here ...

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Actor Zero made his screen debut at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival, playing the role of the Japanese gangster in the HIFF trailer. James Sereno directed the most incredible trailer I’ve seen in quite some time. It was screened before every film and was seen by thousands of moviegoers. Zero enjoys movies with Colin Farrell, Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie and Lucy Liu in them. His talents are varied: fire-knife dancing, Native American flute, break-dancing and yoga. Credits include Dis-N-Dat TV, The Orb, Hawaii and Rocky Point. Appeared in the Shadow Warriors TV series in Japan starring martial arts icon Sonny Chiba. Zero’s film career began when he was still a student at Maui High School. The movie was Gone to Maui starring Tara Sweatt, Todd Ganzagan and former Maui Mayor James Kimo Apana. Zero earned his first degree black belt in taekwondo at only 12 years old. He’s a hot commodity right now in the indie film circuit ...

Back in the acting game is filmmaker Gerard Elmore. He’s been busy making films the past few years. The Campbell High School grad landed the recurring role of “Blake” in Boarding School. The show features former Baywatch star David Chokachi. Co-stars are Sonya Balmores and Jason Tam, representing Kauai High School and Punahou respectively. Other local actors making recent appearances on Lost include David Ely, Curtis Jackson, James Edward Sclafani, Mark Stitham and Rand Wilson. Congrats to all ...

Caitlin Tong is a student at Castle High School following in the footsteps of actresses Kimee Balmilero, Erin Chang, Aiko Schick and Laine Yoshioka - all alumni of

Castle Performing Arts Center founded by Ron Bright. Caitlin was on stage recently in The Taming of the Shrew directed by Karen Meyer. The play starred Katrina Johnson, Leslee Pulliam, Sky Okimoto, Javan Villegas and Gino Titus-Luciano. Twix candy bars, Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion, Johnny Depp and Tim Burton are Caitlin’s faves. She studied acting with Belle Armstrong and Paul Weber of MGM Studios. Caitlin’s other talents include wiggling her ears and raising one eyebrow ...

Surfer Jesse Billauer was injured while surfing, which paralyzed him almost a decade ago. The tragic accident rendered him a quadriplegic. He spoke recently on spinal cord injuries at the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific in Nuuanu. I was there to support my amazing friend who shared his life stories to a captivated audience. Jesse is a graduate of San Diego State University with a communications degree. Confident he can inspire others about the value of life, family and friendship, he ventured into a career as a motivational speaker. Filmmaker Dana Brown featured Jesse in his documentary Step into Liquid. I’m also thrilled about the premiere of the Mark Jacobs film Jesse’s Story in 2006. The non-profit organization Life Rolls On Foundation is headed by Josh Billauer, Jesse’s older brother, and his father, George Billauer. Jesse is the founder and chairman. For more information, check out the website at http://www.liferollson.org

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This familiar face belongs to actress April Akeo. She appears quite frequently on TV spots for KFC, Island Insurance, Foodland, Central Pacific Bank and Pizza Hut. Her beauty comes from a blend of Chinese, Filipino, German and Korean background. She’s repped by Nazarene Anderson of ADR Talent Agency. April’s faves are Italian or Thai food, Ashley Judd, Tom Hanks, Gladiator and Ocean’s Eleven. By chance, her career was launched when she was cast in her first speaking part. April resides on the Windward side. Pastimes are hula dancing, horseback riding and surfing. Look for her when you’re watching the telly ...

2006 is a few days away and here are some New Year’s wishes. To Dezmond Gilla, Paul Ogata, Aria Arari and B.K. Cannon: Mucho success in Tinseltown. Filmmakers James Sereno, Gerard Elmore, Ryan Kawamoto and Yuri Biersach, another award-winning movie: Many Golden Globes for the Lost cast and crew. A recurring role on Lost and SAG cards for Mary Ann Taheny, Jesse Smith, Lew Lappert and James Hadde. More work in University of Hawaii’s ACM film program for Ioulia Alcorn, Kailey Kaneshiro, Jan McGrath, Jeannette Roberts, Jessica Shiarella, Sarina Smith, Kandie and Bob Stevens, Mike Nakada, Chris Quimby, Rico Tudor and Jarrett Walters. Finally, to everyone at MidWeek, another fantastic year ...

I was introduced to photographer Dario Belenfante at the Hawaii International Film Festival by writer Moon Yun Choi. After seeing his portfolio, I knew he was one of Hawaii’s best. Originally from Colon, Panama, he’s lived in the islands since the late ‘80s. They say the similarities between a photographer and a filmmaker intersect quite often. They try to capture the essence of their subjects. And Dario does it all with flair. He contributes his pictures for my column numerous times. Another of his talent is Web design, and clients include City Councilman Nestor Garcia and state Sen. Clarence Nishihara. Check out Dario’s website at www.dariobelenfante.com for his services ...

Aloha from around the globe. Filmmaker Marisa Wahl is freezing in Cincinnati, Ohio, producing a horror feature. The hunks in Hollywood, Scot Davis, Jeff Ferris, Michael Sun Lee, Jason New and Matt Malliski all doing the actor things. Actresses Sarah Ferro and Jennifer Roe are both in New York doing well on stage and screen. Producer Dennis James Lee is acting for a change in an undisclosed location in Eastern Europe. Cuties Michelle Crush, Brianne Castillo-Huang, Alison Gano, Amanda Leong and Tiffany Tudor are back home basking in the sun. Miriam Newman saying “hello, mates” from West London. Sayonara to Xiomara Adames and daughter Natalia Andrea, who relocated to El Paso, Texas. Actress Amy Yeh is coming back after an extended stay in Taiwan. Welcome back, Amy ...

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Since her last performance, newcomer Nicole Pfeffer made a huge leap. I saw her in a scene from Pretty in Pink that made Molly Ringwald a star. Nicole impressed me tremendously, to say the least. Currently a Punahou School sophomore, Nicole hosts the school’s video news magazine Punavision. She’s represented by Joy Kam of the Kathy Muller Talent agency. Nicole definitely has natural gifts that will elevate her in the film industry. She recently tried out at the Academy of Creative Media at University of Hawaii. The film school is developing the next generation of filmmakers, namely Chrystal Jameson, Jennifer Tokunaga, Jason Ordenstein and Tommy Takemoto-Chock. Nicole’s favorites are Morgan Freeman, Nicole Kidman, curry rice and TCBY coffee. She hasn’t acted in any movies yet, but that will change very soon. You heard it in Hawaiiwood first ...

Four-time world champion kickboxer Curtis Bush was recently seen on ABC’s Lost as a recruiter for the U.S. Army. His passion now is another tough industry to crack - the movie business. He’s originally from Virginia, but relocated to Oahu several years ago. His last film role was in Tides of War directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith. Local actors featured in the movie are Steve Boatright, Gene DeFrancis, Eric Lee, Roy Tjioe and Larry Wegger. Curtis goes by the nickname “Explosive Thin Man.” He also captured the USBA Boxing crown twice. Fun times were on the set of Teenage Mutant
Ninja Turtles I and II ...

Sean Jones is “Razoul” in the Diamond Head Theatre production of Aladdin Jr. The play is co-directed by Miles Wesley and Adealani Malia. The lead role of “Aladdin” is played by Chris Villasenor, and Vida Mae Fernandez co-stars. Featured actors are TX Tario, Kyle Malis, Devin Elting and Arlin Busano. Sean was on the big screen at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival in the movie Valtor the Great vs. The Universe. Shannon Crivello, Lew Lappert, Clint Scofield and Samuel Chang were featured as Martians. Stay tuned for more on Sean’s acting career ...

The O Lounge was the venue for the Actor 2 Actor seminar. Excellent performances by Mary Ann Taheny, Nicole Pfeffer, Libette Garcia, Bob Stevens, Dezmond Gilla and Mark Ganialongo. Stopping by to catch the action were producer Ace Grant, photographer Rick Bernico and directors Hyun Shin and Jay Hubert. A big mahalo to owner Liz Hata-Watanabe and manager Hanson Nguyen for supporting local talent. The visually stunning club is the hot spot for Hawaii’s actors and singers. Check out their events calendar at www.theolounge.com - see you there ...

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Filmmaker Lane Nishikawa was in town at the Sunset on the Beach event in Waikiki. He was promoting his film Only the Brave, featuring Jennifer Aquino, Takayo Fischer, Gina Hiraizumi, Emily Liu, Michael Hagiwara, Ken Narasaki, Garret Sato and the late Pat Morita. Lane is literally flying all over the Mainland going from one film festival to another. The story is about the sacrifices of the 100th Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in the epic rescue of the 141st Texas Regiment in the Vosges Mountains in France. This battle was one of most critical of World War II that turned the tide in favor of the U.S. The evening was kicked off by Mayor Mufi Hannemann, a staunch supporter of the local movie industry. Ikaika Communications president Mona Wood deserves a big mahalo for another successful show. Lane’s previous film Forgotten Valor, starring Soon-Tek Oh and Kipp Shiotani, won the Blockbuster Video Audience Award for Best Short Film at the 2001 Hawaii International Film Festival ...

Best of wishes to B.K. Cannon, who made the move to Hollywood with mom, Trudi Cannon. B.K. was one of the three local actors chosen as cast members for Flight 29 Down. The other notables are Tani Lynn Fujimoto and Blade Rogers, son of acting coach Scott Rogers. It’s great we have two TV series filmed here employing local talent. Unlike most teenagers, B.K. likes classics like Casablanca or any Alfred Hitchcock movie. When B.K. and Trudi get settled in their new surroundings, I’ll do a follow-up on her career ...

Where is he now? Former Hawaii actor Ryan Calder is in Canada where he shined in the movie Appearances by director Rob Wenzek. Co-stars were Mike Wiskar and Ryan Hoben. I recently saw him in Hopeless in Honolulu by filmmaker Ryan Ishii at the 2005 HIFF. His character was right on the money as the smarmy ladies’ man. The film was produced by Nelson Quan and stars Richard Nip, Shawna Washabaugh, Karim Cervantes, Cassandra Eaton and Mapuana Makia ...

Promoter James Moravec is showcasing Scratch DJ QBert at the Winter Remedy at the “W” Hotel. It’s this Saturday, the 17th, slated to go from 9 p.m. to 2 in the morning. Co-promoted by Raph Dang, Komo Low and Mike Moravec, the event will feature models Sasha Singleton and

Christine Mendoza. James and brother Mike own the urban streetwear clothing store Flipside. You have to check out this store for incredible threads and one-of-a-kind shoes. Many Japanese celebrities are loyal customers. On a rare day off, James likes to hang out at Imanas Tei. The restaurant is always incredibly busy, so I’ll just say it’s near Puck’s Alley ...

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Their enthusiasm is contagious when just hanging around them. I’m talking about the ACM filmmakers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa: Seong Kyu Whang, Jeremiah Tayao, Ty Sanga, Nelson Quan, Ryan Ishii, Renato Fontaine and Andrew Gregor. I got a chance to catch up with them at the Governor’s Ball reception. Yes it was at the residence of Gov. Linda Lingle. This event is the place to be if you want to connect with the movie people. Actors seen networking were Keahi Chun, Jaeves Iha, Kula Barbieto, Kalai Kamauoha, Lena Kaneshiro, Mane, Tracy Mattos and Jackie Seeley.

Congrats to all of them for their contribution to the success of the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival ...

No stranger to local theatre fans is actress Renee Garcia. Her screen debut was at the Dole Cannery Theatres in Valtor the Great vs. The Universe by Gerard Elmore. She was the alien mom of “Valtor,” played by lead actor Jaeves Iha. Renee’s last stage performance was in

Miss Saigon at the Army Community Theatre. The play was directed by Vanita Rae Smith and starred Joey Calderone, Samuel Hesch, Shawna Masuda, Keoki Kerr and Jay Flores. The transition from stage to film is sometimes difficult; Renee made it look easy ...

During the Hawaii International Film Festival Jesse Smith was the interpreter for Japanese superstar Sonny Chiba. Jesse is a graduate of Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., where he earned a BA degree in Asian history. He lived in Japan for many years, where he learned to speak the language. He’s slowly racking up the credits in film and TV. Currently filming Pillow Book by filmmaker Guy Archer. The film stars Rebecca Delafield and features newcomer Rolf Kvalvik. Jesse also worked with Kate Hudson, Matt Dillon, Michael Douglas and Owen Wilson on You, Me and Dupree. Whenever I talk to Jesse in Japanese we get some interesting looks. Maybe because he’s this All-American good-looking guy ...

Ace Grant is producing a pilot for a proposed TV series BodyGuard Hawaii. The show will be pitched to FOX, MTV and USA network. The action sequence will be choreographed by stunt coordinator Colin Fong of Hawaii Stunt Association. Ace has been in the entertainment industry for more than three decades. He was instrumental in the opening of the Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas and establishing its live band appearances. He started his musical career as a drummer and toured with many of the ‘80s bands including Renegade, which took him on the road throughout the Mainland. Ace is now the CEO of Infinite Productions, an entertainment company that manages actors, models and musicians around the globe. Want to get discovered? Check out his website at infinite-model.com ...

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Lena Kaneshiro was born and raised in Hawaii. She wears many hats in the entertainment world - actress, writer and producer are a few titles. Lena is one of the few people in town who does many things and does them well. She appeared in films, on stage and local TV spots. Lena is a graduate of UH with a BA in business administration, and co-founded Epiphany Films with Leigh Ann Kinghorn and Mane. Lena’s produced seven short films and one feature so far. She recently returned to the big screen in Grandma’s Recipe by filmmaker Imelda Betiong. The film premiered at the 2005 HIFF Hawaii Panorama. Lena’s acting credits include Seeking Rainbows, A Legacy, Code Chaotic, A Boy a Girl and a Dead Cat and Pearl Harbor. At the Maui Writers Conference in Wailea, her screenplay Portals won top honors. Public Access: Episode 04 of 05 by Lon Takiguchi was screened at 2004 HIFF. The indie feature was produced by Bret Bajema, Titus Chong and Lena. Featured players are Sam Polson, Lew Lappert, Dezmond Gilla, Clea Saldania and Shawna Washabaugh. Next on slate for Lena? I’m sure more excellent films ... Saint Louis High alum Eric Ward worked on Flightplan with Jodie Foster, Peter Sarsgaard, Sean Bean and Erika Christensen. The film was released earlier this fall. He also worked with the one and only Julie Newmar in Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt.

She was the original Catwoman before the Halle Berry version. Just some trivia: Eric’s parents Fran and Wayne Ward reside in Hawaii Kai. Both are still active in theatre productions. Eric spent his teens in Portlock before trekking to Tinseltown. Talent definitely runs in the family. Megan Ward starred with John Cleese, Lochlyn Munro, Dan Marino and Dick Vitale in Dave Barry’s Complete Guide to Guys ... The amazing series Lost is getting major worldwide attention now. Hawaii has a bonafide hit on its shore, although the story takes place somewhere in the Pacific. I’m happy for the local actors and crew who are working on the show. Actors Michael Lanzo, Mickey Graue, Michael Cowell, Michael Adamshick, Jeanna Garcia, Pattie Hastie, Kiersten Havelock and Tomiko Lee made recent guest appearances. The show has spawned more than 40 websites in Europe. Is Asia next? I have no doubt. My favorite Lost site is at www.lost-tv.com, the content is a wealth of information. Check it out and enjoy ... The new season of Hawaii’s Reel Stories on OC16 is on the air. Congratulations to producer Don Brown!...

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The O Lounge one-year anniversary party was wall-to-wall with who’s who of the business and entertainment world. Owner Liz Hata-Watanabe celebrated with celebrities Jasmine Trias, Cathy Tanaka, Nicole Moani Taylor, Radasha Ho’ohuli, Alan Arato, Joey Calderone, Gerard Elmore, Lew Lappert, Kalai Miller, Russell Tanoue and Don and Teri Stroud. The event was promoted by Lincoln Jacobe of Pacific Entertainment. Gorgeous and talented Sherry Shaoling provided the sizzle factor. Actors Zero, Jesse Smith, Mike Nakada, Ron Lake, James Hadde, Al Furuto, Bill and Meryle Carr, Laine Yoshioka, Linda Jackson and Kalai Kamauoha were also enjoying the festivities. A big mahalo to Liz and Lincoln for a wonderful evening! ...

Jay Hubert is originally from Texas and graduated from Rice University with a B.S. in engineering. Three of the eight films he made have premiered at the Hawaii International Film Festival. My favorite film of Jay’s is Tunnels, a story about a young Korean-Japanese couple, Miho and Kazu, quietly living in Hawaii. Their past life consisted of discrimination and violence. Jay is fluent in Japanese and Mandarin Chinese and currently pursuing a master’s degree in Asian studies at UH-Manoa. He then plans to attend Beijing Film Academy to pursue his M.F.A. His favorites are Gina’s BBQ, curry, actors Renee Zellweger and Kaneshiro Takeshi, and film-makers Wong Kar Wai, Guy Ritchie and Christopher Doyle. Among the many things he does when he’s not editing is learn new languages, play ultimate frisbee, play guitar or piano. Of the many films I’ve seen at HIFF last month, Jay’s rank up there with the best ...

University of Hawaii’s Academy for Creative Media recently held casting calls at several campus locations. A big mahalo to assistant professor Joel Moffet, who headed these unprecedented auditions for local actors. Nick Gianforti, Dezmond Gilla, Jaeves Iha, Lew Lappert, Jeremiah Tayao, Zero, Lena Kaneshiro, Mane, Tracy Mattos, Jeannette Roberts and Laine Yoshioka took advantage of the opportunity. ACM produces 100 plus films per year and many are screened in major film festivals. With quality movies coming from ACM filmmakers, local actors should think twice before heading out to Tinseltown now. The grass is not always greener in smogland ...

I met Jacqui Willig in acting class a decade ago when she was 13. She’s currently attending Leeward Community College studying set design. Jacqui’s a St. Francis School alumna. She enjoys all Tim Burton movies, writing poetry and composing music. A self-described old soul, as a child she used to stay awake so she could watch Get Smart. She studied acting with Paul Cravath and Wayne Ward. I had a chance to see one of her works at the Steel Train music video at Paliku Theatre. The creation was a moving bedroom on a platform with a bed, nightstand and window. Also a humongous caterpillar on a large stone that smoked. Seeing that, I know Jacqui will be successful as Hawaii’s next young set designer ...

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Congratulations to Jeff Ferris on his marriage to longtime sweetheart Shelley. They tied the knot on Halloween night in Las Vegas. Now that’s what I’m talking about! At Mipcom’s inaugural Mobile TV Awards, CinemaElectric’s SmashBrain was an award-winner. An international jury selected the winners from 23 nominated shows. Jeff was the host for SmashBrain, which won the best-made-for-cell-phone TV show. The awards ceremony took place in Cannes, France, and was emceed by former MTV-Europe VJ Ray Cokes. Jeff is one of the best pro skate-boarders in the world. He’s also an excellent actor. My favorite role of Jeff’s is in Men of Action, where he played a hilarious wannabe action hero. The movie won Best Short Film at the 2003 New York International Independent Film Festival. The movie was directed by USC Film School graduate Todd Grossman.

Next up for Jeff is hopefully getting a role in a much-talked-about Hawaii film indie ... Actor Bill Carr was recently seen on the big screen at the premiere of Piko by filmmaker Hyun Shin. The movie was produced by Jose Corpus. Bill played the father of the lead played by Mariko Oshiro. His favorite actress is his wife, Meryle Carr, who also starred in the film. The rest of the cast includes Louanna Look-Pacheco, Harmony Pacheco and Andrew Ma. Bill is an isle veteran of both stage and screen. He holds a master’s degree in theatre from University of Hawaii at Manoa. Last season he starred in the stage play Endgame at The Actors’ Group. The production was directed by Liz Kane and featured Tim Dyke, Edward Earl Pickard and Laurie Tanoura. Bill received an “Excellence in Service” Award from the Hawaii State Theatre Council last year. ... Model Ashley Kiara Smith caught my eye at recent acting seminar. Born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and raised in the little town of Buena Vista, Ga. She won the 2004 Young Miss Hawaiian Tropics Pageant, winning the “Most Photogenic” award too. She is a Pearl Harbor Elementary School sixth-grader. Ashley would like to follow in the acting footsteps of Halle Berry. She takes acting classes with Doris Miocinovic at Barbizon Hawaii and Wayne Ward at Actors’ Performance. Her objective is to be successful in the entertainment industry. Good luck, Ashley! ... The 10th Annual Mea No’eau Award Show was held at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Doris Duke Theatre. HIFF executive director Chuck Boller and producer Dave Rosen opened the evening welcoming colleagues, followed by Mayor Mufi Hannemann with encouraging words regarding the tremendous growth of local film industry. The event culminated with a reception at T.G.I. Friday’s ...

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Let the celebration begin seemed to be the motto at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The invitation-only Golden Maile Awards was definitely the place to be seen or see stars. Lost regulars Yunjin Kim and Daniel Dae Kim, and local talents Darah and Denby Dung, Kalai Kamauoha, Misty Lawrence, Jaeves Iha, Vince Keala Lucero, Zero and producers Jackie Burke, Lena Kaneshiro, Yuri Biersach, Jose Corpus, Dusty Cross, Scott Lee Mason, Lane Nishikawa, James Sereno, Sandi Schneiderman, Jason Suapaia and Jeremiah Tayao were among the guests. Japanese movie star Sonny Chiba was there to receive the inaugural Maverick award from HIFF.

Mari Hatta accepted two awards for her sister, the late Kayo Hatta, who trailblazed for local filmmakers. Mari was onstage to receive the Hawaii Film & Videomaker award for Fishbowl and also the Film In Hawaii award for Kayo’s enormous contribution to the growth of the local independent film industry. The film Picture Bride won the Audience Award at the 1995 Sundance Film Festival. Kayo truly was the unique individual who put Hawaii film-making on the world map. Her love and legacy she leaves behind in all of us will live on ...

The Annual Halloween House in Kahala brought more than 400 kids for a safe trick or treating. The show was produced by Jane Kratochvil with assistance by Balloon Monsoon. Greg Hirashiki, Wilbur Wong and Kyler Kwock put on a fantastic display of balloon creations. The children took home goodie bags of candy and designer balloons of their choice. Check out their website at www.balloonmonsoon.com. The best costume winners were Emily Nakata and Tom Johnson. The celebrity guest was young actor Christian Gutierrez from 50 First Dates. He played the youngest child of the “Ula” character played by Rob Schneider. Christian’s parents, Emi and Frank Gutierrez, are staunch supporters of the local indie scene ... The sunset was spectacular as the “Meet the Filmmakers” mixer was kicked off at Tiki’s Bar & Grill overlooking Waikiki Beach. Directors Patricia Gillespie, Elizabeth Lindsey, Titus Chong, Jason Inouye, Jeff Katts, Ryan Kawamoto, James Sereno, Brett Wagner, Michael Wurth and actors Zero, Sam Polson, Lew Lappert, Daniel Dae Kim, Lena Kaneshiro and Chanelle Kukona were enjoying the delicious pupus. Writers Michelle Van Hessen and Moon Yun Choi, HIFF executive director Chuck Boller and film programmer Anderson Le also took in the festive atmosphere. The place was literally filled to maximum capacity with industry movers and shakers ...

The incredible two weeks of the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival comes to an end. Breakout performances by actors at HIFF were given by Mie Omori, Margaret Jones, Laine Yoshioka, Mariko Oshiro, Steve Boatright, Dezmond Gilla, Stu Hirayama, Jaeves Iha, Lew Lappert, Julius Ledda and Michael Sun Lee. Based on what I saw this year, the bar was raised a lot higher for next season. I’m already looking forward to seeing these actors’ upcoming films ...

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Congratulations to filmmaker Gerard Elmore on winning the Best Short Film Award at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival for Valtor the Great Vs. the Universe. Honolulu Magazine editor A. Kam Napier presented a check for $2,500 to Gerard, who did a Tom Cruise thing onstage without a couch. Golden Maile Awards hosts Roger Ebert and actress Elizabeth Lindsey looked amused. In the audience cheering were the cast and crew of Valtor, lead actor Jaeves Iha, Lew Lappert, cinematographer Vince Keala Lucero and producers Yuri Biersach and yours truly ... Actor Jason New flew in from Los Angeles to make the rounds at the HIFF industry mixers. He’s in town with girlfriend Tina Nishimoto, who graduated from Maryknoll.

Jason was the envy of all actors in Hawaii when he landed the role of hunky “Lorenzo,” who was the groom of Pamela Anderson in Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding. Jason wants to work in some indie films locally. He commented on the excellent quality of local films he’s seen so far at HIFF. I heard he received some offers already ... Also here from Hollywood promoting her latest film Grandma’s Recipe is film-maker Imelda Betiong. The movie stars Charlotte Dias, Mane, Laine Kaneshiro, Suzanne Sorensen and Maui Laigo. The movie was produced by Bonnie Murakami, Lena Kaneshiro and shot by cinematographer Anthony Hahn. Imelda works on the series Alias starring Jennifer Garner. She brought me a omiyage of Jennifer’s autographed head-shot. Thanks Imelda! Her other recent film, To Kill A Mole,was screened earlier this year at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. The film stars Sacred Hearts Academy freshman Kailey Kaneshiro. I’ll be updating you on Kailey in the near future ... The Governor’s Ball at Washington Place was a smorgasbord of movie deals being made. Of course, Gov. Linda Lingle was there to open her home for the evening. Enjoying the evening were actors Sonny Chiba, Rena Owen, Ioulia Alcorn, Malia Ho, Zero, film-makers Anne Misawa, Leizel Olegario, Sandi Schneiderman, Ryan Kawamoto, Scott Lee Mason, James Sereno, Titus Chong and Dusty Cross. I’ll be covering the up and coming auteurs from the Academy of Creative Media from University of Hawaii Manoa individually. Another highlight was the spread of delicacies. I overloaded on the sushi and poke. This event was part of the Hawaii International Film Festival celebrating its 25th year ...

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I went to the Hawaii International Film Festival premiere of The Bracelet by Brianne Castillo-Huang. The film is a poignant story of a mother and daughter; the elder character suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. This filmmaker is currently a senior at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She was raised in Hawaii Kai and graduated from Iolani, where she excelled in water polo. One of the first places she went after getting off the plane was Kahala Zippy’s for chicken katsu. This upcoming auteur is a gorgeous blend of Chinese-Swiss ethnicity. Brianne is following the lead of former LMU film school graduates Nathan Kurosawa/Kaiser, George Russell/Damien and Vince Keala Lucero/Kamehameha. Brianne likes watching movies with Meryl Streep, Natalie Portman, Joaquin Phoenix and Hawaii’s own Jason Scott Lee. She’ll be producing three film projects with LMU film graduate students when she returns to Tinseltown. One of her goals is to come home and work on mega-hit series Lost after graduation. Knowing Brianne, I know she’ll be successful in any endeavor ...

Newcomer Jarrett Walters is making his move in the local indie scene. I recently saw him perform in an acting seminar and was very impressed. His versatility was apparent - he can do comedic and dramatic roles.

Since graduating from Princeton University, he’s been in Tides of War, North Shore, Street Wars, Hawaii and The Orb. Jarrett is a Hawaii Baptist Academy alumnus and played Varsity volleyball for Princeton. His faves are the Boston Red Sox, Tom Cruise, Mexican food and rocky road ice cream. Looking forward to seeing more excellent work from this actor ...

Relocated to Tinseltown recently to test the acting waters is actress Kyra Poppler. So far so good. Getting a callback on her very first Hollywood audition - now that’s awesome. She starred in the film Silent Love by Ken Sato, which won the Best College Short Film award at the 2002 HSFF. Her co-stars included Olive Zanakis and George Russell. Her TV credits include spots in commercials for Bank of Hawaii, Cold Stone Creamery and Pizza Hut. Kyra enjoys classic movies from the ‘40s and ‘50s, particularly the ones with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Her recent tastes in movies are Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, Kung Fu Hustle and Napoleon Dynamite. She graduated from the University of Hawaii with a BFA in theatre. Her expertise in wielding nunchaku sticks is a sight to behold. Look out ...

Seen and heard at the HIFF opening night mixer at Gordon Biersch at Aloha Tower: The evening was a who’s who of Hawaii’s film industry. The incredible lineup of filmmakers were in full force with Zhang Yimou, Ryan Kawamoto, Gerard Elmore, Lane Nishikawa, James Sereno and Michael Wurth. Not to be out-done, producers Angie Laprete,

Mynette Louie, Yuri Biersach, actors Jaeves Iha, Lew Lappert and Chanelle Kukona were also there. One of the best parts of the evening was the delicious food provided by sponsor Gordon Biersch. Stars in town, Samuel L. Jackson, Sonny Chiba, Lee Ki Woo, Julie Delpy and Bai Ling,are all part of festivities, so to catch a glimpse of a star, head out to Dole Cannery Theatres. I’ve seen quite a few already myself. You’ll be surprised who might bump into you on any given day or night ... .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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Actor Lew Lappert will be making a double feature appearance at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. The films are The Orb by Scott Lee Mason and Valtor the Great vs. The Universe by Gerard Elmore. Lew is a rarity among local actors in that he can do film and theatre without missing a beat. He’s been filming non-stop for the past two years - you can say that he’s in demand. Lew will reappear on Dis-N-Dat TV with Dustin Malama in a hilarious comedy sketch produced by Kutmaster Spaz. When not acting, sculpting or riding, Lew’s building custom cars and Ol’ Skool hot rods. His latest project is a 1929 Model A Phaeton, and he ready to peel out when it’s ready. Check him out at the HIFF Hawaii Panorama ‘2’segment on Oct. 24, Monday night premiere at Dole Cannery Theatres…

Once every few years an exceptional actress will burst upon the Hawaii film scene. That person is Linda Jackson. Recently saw her performance and it validated my approval of local actors. There is absolutely tremendous talent in the islands. Linda is one of the best I’ve seen in the past few years. I’m very certain she’ll be getting a major role soon. Her credits are Hawaii, The Break, American Flyers. In the movie The Forgotten One she worked with Lost star Terry O’Quinn. Acting coaches include Paul Weber from the MGM. She likes sushi, Star Wars, Joan Cusack, Meryl Streep and James Spader in no particular order. I consider Linda as a triple threat in show business, meaning she can act, dance and sing equally well. ...

HIFF is in full throttle as you’re reading this. David Wenham, who played Faramir in Lord Of The Rings trilogy, is rumored to be making an appearance. David was a Golden Maile awards juror at last year’s festival and his latest film Three Dollars will screen next week. Leading ladies in the movie are Frances O’Connor and Sarah Wynter. In 2003 David won the Best Actor award from the Australian Film Institute. His current movie The Proposition stars fellow Aussie Guy Pearce, John Hurt and Emily Watson. Emily was last seen in the isles with Adam Sandler in Punch Drunk Love lensed by Paul Thomas Anderson. I’ll keep you posted on David’s whereabouts…

Actors’Showcase was a sold-out success last Friday evening! The VIP-only screening was produced by Wayne Ward. Standout performances on screen were by Justin Hegwood, Michael Lanzo, Larry Wiss, Melynn McWilliams, Bonita Parsons, Sherry Shaoling,Christina Simpkins and newcomer Jane Benney. The star-studded event was at the Waialae CC.

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Blane Dydasco graduated from Chapman University with a bachelor’s degree in film production. He’s a Saint Louis High School alum, and excelled in football playing wide receiver for coach Cal Lee. His team-mate was Tim Chang, who is the NCAA’s career leader in passing yards. In six years, Blane worked on more than 20 productions and directed four films. He enjoys movies by directors Tim Burton and Quentin Tarantino. His faves include eating teriyaki and rice at L&L Drive-Inn. Blane was born in Newport News, Va., and raised in Hawaii. He currently resides in Orange, Calif. His latest film, Nate Washington, features Adrian Flowers and Kevin Nichols as leads, and is produced by Blane’s parents, Lori and Vince Dydasco. Another film on the horizon is based on a Kauai legend, titled The Perfect Spear. Blane’s intent to become a film-maker came at 8 years old. His future is now, and I definitely see more success from this talented filmmaker ...

Update on actor Ron Lake, whom I featured earlier in the year. He’s Italian and Native American in ethnicity, and a former detective for the Phoenix Police Department. His wife, Debi Lake, makes her film debut in Grandma’s Recipe. Ron is featured in the same movie by Imelda Betiong, starring Charlotte Dias, Mane, Laine Yoshioka, Suzanne Sorenson and Kailey Kaneshiro. You can catch it at the Hawaii International Film Festival, Hawaii Panorama 4 segment next week. I’ll feature future star Kailey in another column soon ... Danielle Foster was born and raised in Hawaii Kai, and recently participated in the IMTA modeling and talent competition in New York. She graduated from Kaiser High High School where she was active in the Leo Club. Her classmates include talented actresses Alison Gano, Tiffany Tudor and Amy Yeh. Kaiser is becoming the school of local actors making a mark in the industry. Danielle studied acting with Margaret Doversola, Wayne Ward and Paul Weber. She respects Julie Andrews as an actress for her talent and dedication in her work. Knowing Danielle, I’m sure she’ll reach her goals ... After graduating from Michigan State University, James Hadde travelled to Japan to teach, and mastered the language in several years. He relocated to Hawaii and was bit hard by the acting bug. He’s pursuing it full on now. Worked on North Shore, Hawaii, Rocky Point, Lost and now Boarding School. He works as a PADI master diving instructor, where his Japanese language skills are utilized. His favorite movie is Once Were Warriors, starring Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, Julian Arahanga and Taungaroa Emile. What an incredibly moving film this was. James met Rena when she was teaching a class in the islands. Next goal for James is landing a lead in a local indie film. Stay tuned ...

Samuel Chang is a 2005 Castle High honor graduate. He was the president of the Key Club, where he developed his leadership skills. Sam also is a well-known instrumentalist, playing both the trumpet and the French horn in the wind ensemble. He currently attends Windward Community College to earn his liberal arts degree. He’s learning Hawaiian slack key to add to his musical talent. Sam plans to pursue a career as a massage therapist at Honolulu Healing Arts College. He’s appearing as an alien in Valtor the Great vs. The Universe at HIFF. Fellow aliens are Lew Lappert, Clint Scofield and comedian Shannon Crivello aka “The Hawaiian Guy from Molokai” ... The amazing saga of Lost continues as new characters are slowly revealed. The addition of Michelle Rodriguez will obviously throw a wrench into the relationship between the characters played by Josh Holloway, Matthew Fox and Evangeline Lilly. The new cast members introduced at the Season 2 premiere at Sunset on the Beach were Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Cynthia Watros. Other notables at the screening were Moon Yun Choi, actress Maggie Grace, Rachael Austin-Harmes and Aria Arari. Designer Takeo saw his beautiful gown on producer Jean Higgins at the Emmy Awards. She looked fantastic as she did a double shaka sign onstage next to Daniel Dae Kim. I’m going to say it again, Lost is the best show on TV! Now all I want is a shot at a speaking part ...

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Joanna Sotomura attends Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles as a freshman. Recently her headshot on the wall at Kathy Muller Agency caught my attention. Fast forward a month. I was casting a commercial and Joanna walks in. I knew then and there that I was looking at someone special. At Iolani School she won numerous acting awards and participated in many stage productions. Before heading out to college, she was in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Hawaii Shakespeare Festival. Honolulu Star-Bulletin writer John Berger gave a rave review of her performance as Helena. Joanna’s big screen debut comes at the Doris Duke Theatre in Finding Leonardo. Tai Sunnland wrote and directed the film. See it at the 2005 HIFF Student Showcase 4. Keep your eyes on this upcoming actress ...

Larry Wiss began acting in the ‘70s in Kalamazoo, Mich. He earned a B.A. in theater performance from Western Michigan University and has directed and performed in more than 200 murder mystery productions. Larry also worked at The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago presenting live science shows for visitors. During his stay at MSI, he was assigned as the Illinois representative on NASA’s Space Science education program. Recent appearance was in the premiere episode of Lost as a doctor. Matthew Fox was in the emergency room scene with him. Larry’s most fun acting gig was playing Santa for Navy Pier and Marshall Field’s department stores. Larry will appear in Actors’ Showcase produced by Wayne Ward and hosted by the lovely Consulina Wong. Larry’s passion is skydiving, which he took up more than 30 years ago and, yes, that’s a photo of him jumping out of a plane ... The 2005 Children and Youth Day at the state Capitol was a rousing success! Hawaii Stunt Association put on a dazzling exhibition led by stunt coordinator Colin Fong under the watchful eye of HSA president John Nordlum. Colin explained the intricate details of how stunts are performed to the captivated audience.

The stunt team comprised of Herman Cobile, Vernon Rieta, Alan Tam and yours truly. The event was opened by Miss Hawaii Malika Dudley with her renditions of the National Anthem and Hawaii Pono’i. Other celebrities seen at the venue were newly crowned Miss Kahala Nicole Cabral, Alicia Michioka-Jones, Bobby Hamnett, Chaz Mann, Sean Jones and HSFF director Robert Olague. It was great to see thousands of happy kids in one place ... Jose Corpus appeared in Fifty First Dates, The Big Bounce and Windtalkers. Graduated from Kailua H.S. and currently attends UH-Manoa. He produced Piko, which will be screened at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. Hyun Shin makes his debut as director of the poignant film which stars Mariko Oshiro, Andrew Ma, Bill Carr, Meryle Carr, Harmony Pacheco and Louanna Look-Pacheco. Jose’s company Digital Underdogs Film Productions will produce House of Hope next. Jose and several filmmakers will be my guests at the Actors Workshop Sunday, Oct. 9 at noon. If you’re interested in attending, just shoot me an e-mail ...

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Jaeves Iha makes his film debut in Valtor The Great Vs. The Universe at the 2005 Hawaii International Film Festival. The cast stars many of the upcoming young actors including Maia Knuden-Schule, Christian Zuckerman, Malia Verdadero, Sean Jones and Matthew Thompson. Jaeves is an English and theatre major at UH-Manoa. Acting is new to him, but he has incredible potential to hit the big time. He has star quality written all over him. He studied acting with Betty Burdick and Paul Cravath at Leeward Community College, and dancing with Marcelo Pacleb with 24/7 Dance Force. He likes actors Audrey Hepburn and John Malkovich. His spare time is spent writing poems, short stories and playing tennis. His ethnicity is Hawaiian, Japanese and Okinawan. Stay tuned for more on this talented young actor ... At 10 years old, Mary Lenz stepped into the limelight in the film O Pioneers! with Heather Graham and Jessica Lange.

Mary was born and raised in Omaha, Neb., and after high school she joined Up with People, the international touring group. Then came the national touring production of A Christmas Carol. She graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with a degree in public relations. Currently resides in Castle Rock, Colo. Mary is definitely missed by many in the industry ... Congratulations to filmmaker Ty Sanga! His latest film Plastic Leis was accepted into HIFF this year. He studies at the Academy of Creative Media at University of Hawaii. The movie stars Bob Stevens, Jackie Seeley and Desiree Kihano. Gabe Hoeffken was director of photography. Ty’s inspiration comes from the struggles of Asian-American performers and the power of film to promote his vision. Sanoya Rahmen is his posse’s hangout to talk story about his next film ... Nicole Pfeffer was born and raised on Oahu and currently attends Punahou School as a sophomore. She started ballet as a toddler and performed in the Nutcracker for seven years. She’s also active with the Girl Scouts of Hawaii and creates programs for the organization. She appeared on Japanese TV dancing hula for two j-pop bands, J.J. Express and Ya-Ya-Yah. Next up for Nicole is hosting Punahou School’s variety news video magazine called Punavision. Log on to www.punahou.edu/punavision/ to check out the show ... Hawaii International Film Festival director Chuck Boller is ready for the big-time film fest’s 25th anniversary. He’s credited with the enormous growth and success since coming on board in 2000. Stars slated to attend the event this year include Samuel L. Jackson, Julie Delpy, directors Zhang Yimou and Kang Jae-Gyu, producer Teddy Zee and martial arts icon Shinichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba. Most of the films will be screened at the beautiful Hawaii Theatre and Signature Dole Cannery Theatres. Get the complete film schedule at www.hiff.org. By the way, Chuck enjoys hiking above Lanikai, which gives you a breathtaking view of the blue ocean ...

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Lost wins six awards at the 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards! The event was held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Producer J.J. Abrams captured the “Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series.” Congrats to Damon Lindelof, Bryan Burk, Carlton Cuse, Jack Bender, David Fury, Jesse Alexander, Javier GrilloMarxuach, Sarah Caplan, Leonard Dick, Jean Higgins and show co-creator Jeff Lieber! The other huge win was in the Outstanding Drama Series. Lost beat out some heady competitors in 24, Deadwood, Six Feet Under and The West Wing for the trophy! ... Stuntman Georgy Kao was born in Taipei, Taiwan and raised in Columbia, S.C. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in film, then moved to Hollywood to pursue acting. Georgy’s worked with Kiefer Sutherland in 24 and Dennis Franz in NYPD Blue. Georgy is married to a Kailua girl, Jody Cosgrove-Kao, an Iolani graduate. I met Georgy on the set of 50 First Dates and we both remember how gracious Adam Sandler was ... Seen and heard in the audience at the Lost screening were film industry veterans Brenda Ching, Marilyn Killeri, Charlene Kwak and Chuck Boller. Mayor Mufi Hannemann opened the evening with a rousing speech. Also spotted enjoying the evening were actors Sean D, Lew Lappert, Steve Tanizaki, Larry Wiss, Pat Bentley, Melynn McWilliams and Jean Simon. Kudos to Mona Wood of Ikaika Communications for a fantastic display of organization! ... Actress Aria Arari got her break literally - in The Break by John Stockwell. She played a pistol-packin’convenience store owner. Wahiawa doubled for icy Detroit in winter. Now that’s kudos for Hawaii locations crew! She was recently traveling through Afghanistan to do research for her documentary. Aria left Afghanistan when she was a child, and after 23 years she was able to see her homeland. Hawaii is her home now. Her recent credits include appearances on Lost, Hawaii and North Shore. She also produced the TV show on ‘Olelo called World Music Entertainment, showing music videos from different countries. She enjoys Afghan and Japanese food. Her life story is definitely movie material. I can see Salma Hayek in the lead role as Aria ... Caught up with actor Bryan Sato at the second season premiere of Lost at Sunset on the Beach. He works as a stand-in for Daniel Dae Kim on the show. Bryan is featured on the current McDonald’s spot as the “engine guy.” He was cast in recent national Campbell’s Soup and local Japan Travel Bureau commercials. Bryan loves Steven Spielberg and George Lucas movies - who doesn’t, right? After watching Star Wars at the old Kapiolani Theater at age 12, Bryan knew he wanted to be an actor. His goals are lofty, but his drive and dedication to his craft will come to fruition. Stay tuned for more on this talented young actor ... Filmmaker Tommy Takemoto-Chock has already accomplished so much in the industry. He graduated from Waiakea High School and currently attends UH-Manoa as a sophomore. His most recent work is a TV spot for Scion, which he wrote and directed. Title of the spot is “Scion by Tommy, Shot Designer.”

He strives to follow in the footsteps of Francis Ford Coppola, Stanley Kubrick and Akira Kurosawa. Tommy was the editor-in-chief of Hot Lava, Cool Rain magazine during his teens. He’s one of the upcoming talent currently at the Academy of Creative Media at UH. The future of Hawaii film-making has no limits with Tommy leading the way ... Congratulations to visual effects master Archie Ahuna for his Emmy win in the Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series category! Archie’s team members includes his wife, Fern Ahuna, Bo Ulii, Gary McEnroe, Charlie Raymond and Michael Sua. The recognition is long overdue, and I’m very happy for Archie and for all the professional crew in Hawaii. He started his pyrotechnics company in the early ‘80s and is very much in demand. I can only imagine what incredible effects Archie has in store for us this season on Lost ...

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Congratulations to the newly crowned winners, Miss East Oahu Natasha Akau and Miss Kahala Nicole Cabral. The 2005 Scholarship Pageant was produced and directed by Ann Mata and Pageant Productions. The fantastic event was emceed by Tiny Tadani in the beautiful Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College. Enjoying the program were Ray Abregano, Thom Garvey, Takeo Kobayashi and Joy Kam. Thanks to Ann for inviting me to judge this prestigious event ...

Stuntman Al Furuto made his debut in Karate Kid ll two decades ago. He’s a proud Saint Louis alumnus and busy with McCully neighborhood board activities. Al’s an expert in the art of the Japanese Tameshigiri, which is a deadly art of swordplay. Worked alongside Tamlyn Tomita, Kate Beckingsale, Sharon Stone, Ben Affleck, Robert Mitchum and Mel Gibson over the years. Al is probably the only person in Hawaii to belong to both unions, Screen Actors Guild and The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees ...

Racheal Austin-Harmes was born in Australia and spent her teens in Hawaii. I met her at an acting seminar years ago, and among all the new actors there Rachael performed like a veteran. She attended Moanalua High School, but graduated from Notre Dame College in her hometown of Melbourne. She’s currently on the set of The Killing by British filmmaker Andrew Piddington. This is Rachael’s first-ever film credit, but I can definitely see more on the horizon ...

Aloha from Sofia, Bulgaria, where premier costume designer Cathie Valdovino is wrapping on the set of The Contract. The film stars John Cusack and Morgan Freeman and is directed by famed Aussie fillmaker Bruce Beresford. Cathie has worked among Hollywood’s best, including Hilary Swank, Lucy Liu, Jennifer Lopez, Clint Eastwood, Josh Hartnett, Robert Redford and Bruce Willis. Her amazing talent was honed at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. Cathie’s designs were seen in award-winning films, most notably in Million Dollar Baby. Her period piece wardrobe was magnificent in award-winning feature The Ride by Nathan Kurosawa. The film brought back images of Hawaii from 1911. Cathie’s in high demand, and I’m sure that she’s going to be leaving on a jet soon to an exotic locale somewhere in the world ...

Photographer Rick Bernico is a graduate of Hawaii Pacific University. He has a knack for discovering talent and helps aspiring pageant contestants who strive to enter competitions. He has an extensive web-site called “Hawaii Profiles” at www.hawaiiprofiles.com. His company is dedicated to promoting actors, models, musicians and events. Rick is a former Navy nuclear reactor operator. Scary line of work, if you ask me. He mentioned he wanted to get away as far as possible. I don’t blame him. His favorite entertainer is singer Seiko Matsuda, and he loves chocolate chip mint ice cream. Hawaii Profiles is also an online photo magazine. If you’d like to get some publicity, he’s looking for aspiring hosts, writers, TV and video personalities. Check it out ...

Long Island transplant Amy Brookes has been in Hawaii for about four years now. Worked with Helen Hunt, Joan Chen, Michael Caine, Val Kilmer, Michael Madsen and Billy Bob Thornton. On a another note, she bakes the world’s best cheesecakes! Amy’s business started in Spain in 1997 and is now based in Hawaii. Want to order her delicious cheescakes? Go to her website at www.cheesecakelady.net. She went to the same high school in New York with singer Pat Benatar and college with filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. Amy’s in Los Angeles right now on vacation. She can’t wait to get back on the island called Lost ...

Hawaii is now the hideaway for Hollywood celebs. Oprah and Clint Eastwood on Maui. Woody Harrelson and Pierce Brosnan on the Garden Isle. Paul Walker in Kahala? Stars sighted in East Honolulu neighborhood recently: Brosnan at Michel’s Restaurant at the Colony Surf, and Walker at Covenant Books & Coffee Shop in Kaimuki.

Catch any movie stars in your neck of the woods? .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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