Films

Are You Ready For What This Industry Will Bring?

My posts mainly focus on the positive side of the industry and the journey it takes to get to the top.  However, there is an ugly side that many fall victim to.  We’ve seen stars like Lindsay Lohan, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse and Charlie Sheen get so deep into this business that they completely lost themselves and a couple from this list even lost their lives.  So, what inspired me to address this issue?

Well, you can say that I’m watching someone (who thinks they are in this industry already) lose themselves completely.  What happens when you look around and you have no more friends left? What happens when all you can think about is getting rich, but you forget to live life?  What happens when the people closest to you are the ones that can’t be trusted?  I can’t answer any of these questions, but I can tell you this…I know some people who are able to give you the answers based off of their experiences and lifestyle.  As pretty as this “industry” may seem, I think it makes sense to build your foundation up so strong, that it can’t be shaken and you can remain humble and grounded.

Take a second to let the Dreamworld know what you think is the leading downfall for stars nowadays by clicking below:

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Mari Morrow Catches Us Up on Life After “How to Be a Player”

Source: Craig Mac Tumblr

Source: Craig Mac Tumblr

Of course, we all saw this beautiful specimen in the hit movie, How to Be a Player, which starred Bill Bellamy and Lark Voorhies.  She’s carved a path throughout Hollywood with appearances in Family Matters, Baywatch, Living Single, Soul Food, The Parkers, and  One Life to Live, to name a few.  Growing up in Miami, FL, Mari made her way to the Big Apple where she perfected her acting skills, before setting off for the City of Angels (L.A.).  I was lucky enough to grab a few moments of her time and pick her brain about her journey thus far.  Check out what she had to say about the current state of acting, what she’s been up to and how she decided to make that big move to Los Angeles.

Source: Cuts Central

Source: Cuts Central

You’re originally from Miami, what made you move to the West Coast?

I live in L.A., but right after high school I went to NYU and studied theater.  From there, I moved straight to L.A. when I finished.

What was the deciding factor to get you to move to the West Coast?

Well, New York is more theater and I really wanted to make money.  I figured T.V. and film were where I was going to make money, as opposed to hard work in the theater.  Theater is nice, but I figured I needed to get my fame while I was young and L.A. was the best place.  All of the shows were shot in L.A…back them we had a bunch of black shows so that was the place to be.  Back then I think the only thing that New York had was The Cosby Show.  Plus I was tired of the cold and me being from Miami, I wanted the warmth and I wanted to be able to drive.  While I was in New York, NYU sent me out to an actual theater school so I was in Stella Adler Studio of Acting and I didn’t really like it…I didn’t care for the kids in there.  So, I checked out some of the other ones and this one school, Circle of the Square was more like me…less smoking (lol).

With all of your training and relocating, what do you think has been the hardest part about having fame and succeeding in the industry?

The hardest part is maintaining.  I got out here and I did pretty good!  When I think about how hard it is, there’s so many actors trying to make it and I was pretty lucky to get my foot in the door and hang around a bit.  But then, once the reality shows came in, it just knocked all of the little T.V. shows and the black T.V. shows out…a lot less work.  But, luckily I was able to make some money and let my money make money!  I try to instill that in people.  If you do get a job where you make some good money, you have to use that money to try and make more.  In this business, you just never know where your next job is gonna come from.  I used my money to develop properties.  That helps me to where I don’t really have to get out there and try to find so many jobs because I’m actually covered, which is a good thing.  I try to tell people, don’t go out there and spend money on cars, try to invest it somewhere…actually, what I do now is sell real estate as well. My mom always said to have a back-up plan, so that’s my back-up plan that I actually enjoy.

Do you still pursue acting?  Do you have any upcoming projects?

I have some projects, but I haven’t been focusing all or putting all of my energies in it.  Luckily since I’ve been in the business for a while, I have people come after me and ask me to be in this or that.  I’ve been lucky in that way.  I just did a pilot; hopefully that will get picked up!  I also did an independent film called The Good Life.  Social networking has helped me too.  I’m not really into it, but it helps.  I have a Twitter account (@Mari_Morrow) so people can get in touch with me.

I think it’s great that you had a back-up plan, but do you think it takes away from why you went to L.A. in the first place?

I don’t think it takes away.  I think it’s good because, as an actor, we do have a lot of down time when there’s no auditions going on.  So, that gives me a chance to do something else.  Other people may have other creative outlets or they take acting classes.  I’m older and I have a kid and I don’t have time to go with my son, but every now and then I take an improv class.  That’s a new trend that people are looking for if you’re good at it.

A lot of people remember you from How to Be a Player, what do you consider to be your big break?

A lot of people remember me from How to Be a Player, but then again not a lot of people knew my name back then.  I think they learned my name from the T.V. show called Oh Drama!.  They got to see me everyday and I got to say my name everyday so it resonated.  I think after that, it helped me out a lot.  I was also on One Life to Live, that was my first show where I was a regular so that helped me out a lot also.

When you go on auditions, what techniques do you use to prepare for a role?

I have to go over and over because my memory is not the greatest.  I have friends come over and run lines with me or I’ll tape my lines at night and I’ll put it on a tape recorder and I’ll play it as I sleep.  The more I know my lines, I can just drop it and I can actually be the character and play with it.  For me, it’s rehearsing over and over.

Outside of saving money and techniques, what other advice can you offer actors trying to make it?

Try to always be learning.  Take different classes because in acting, the more that you know, the better actor you will be.  There was one time I started taking sign language classes, I want to take spanish classes, I want to take juggling classes also.  I saw Zoe Saldana in Colombiana and I was like “alright now!” she brought the black girls back and it made me want to go and take some martial arts.  It’s all about being ready; you just never know what’s going to come up or what you’ll need for a role so it’s always good to be prepared as opposed to trying to get prepared.  So, training and always look to try something new.

What is your ultimate goal for your career?

I would still like to do some acting, but I would like to do some producing.  I don’t mind stepping in back of the camera.  That would be pretty nice and fulfilling.  I don’t have to do the job and I can actually critique it or help the actor.

What’s one funny/quirky thing that fans may not know about you?

I can be a little weird.  I will wash dishes and then put them in the dishwasher and then wash them again because I want them in hot, hot water!  What’s it called? OCD? I’m a little weird like that (lol)!  I have to have it clean, I don’t trust everything.  I’ll come over your house and you tell me “oh no, it’s OK don’t wash it…” and I’m like “OK” and then try to sneak and wash it (lol)!  I don’t want to offend anybody, but I’ll ask, “Can I please clean it?!”

Source: Cuts Central

Source: Cuts Central

 

It was such a pleasure speaking with Mari and I can’t wait to meet her in person.  You can tell she has a great spirit!  She gives some good advice for up-and-coming actors; I hope everyone took notes!  Thanks for visiting the Dreamworld!

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*Update* Corey Grant: The Lost Coast Tapes

Movie Cover

A while back, I did an interview with up-and-coming movie director, Corey Grant.  He’s still making his way through Hollywood and picking up talent along the way.  He saw much success with the release of Dysfunctional Friends and is enjoying the success of his latest project, Bigfoot: The Lost Coast Tapes.  Check out what Corey says about his current film and how you can show your support!

Just looking at the trailer, we can assume that this movie will be a thriller, suspense, “scary” film, but what is the basic plot/storyline that will make it stand out from other films within the same genre?

It’s about a disgraced television host who was hoaxed by a fictional UFO story on a previous show, and it killed his career.  He stages his comeback when he finds out there is a Bigfoot hunter who supposedly has a body of Bigfoot. He believes it’s a hoax so he figures he can do a show, but this time do it about people who pull hoaxes, then he can bring his career back. So, of course, they travel up to Northern California to find this Bigfoot hunter, but when they get up there…(he can’t reveal too much, you have to see the film!).  This is a POV film and it’s a thriller/horror film.  However, we blended the styles of traditional movies and POV movies and came up with hybrid, then I put my touch on it.. Its a fun movie to watch, but can be very disturbing and entertaining at the same time!

This movie is strikingly different from Dysfunctional Friends, how did you come up with the concept?

My producing partner, Chevez Frazier, and I are good friends, along with two writers, Bryan O’cain and Brian Kelsey.  We wanted to work with them and told them to give us 5 concepts; Bigfoot: The Lost Coast Tapes was one.  It was a no brainer because I’m a fan of the Bigfoot legend!  All over the world, each continent has their own form or name for this creature.   We wanted to switch gears and do something completely different from Dysfunctional Friends and you can’t get any more different than this.  I gave them notes and ideas and they gave us a wonderful script! We raised the money and here we are!

What do you say to the critic who compares “The Lost Coast Tapes” to the “Blair Witch Project”?

All found footage/POV movies are compared to The Blair Witch Project, as it was one of the first to use this style in a fictional movie.  It was a trend-setting movie!  However, other than its POV and in the forest, it’s completely different.. The story is stronger and the camera, acting and effects are on a much bigger scale than what they were doing at the time.  I love Blair Witch [though];truly scary when first saw it.

When is the movie slated for release?

It opens in Los Angeles at the Lamele Theater in Beverly Hills on October 19th.  On the 26th it opens in SanDiego, then moving on to San Francisco, Seattle, Portland and Austin…  It’s also available right now on Premium VOD from your local cable or satellite  provider. It will be out on Blu Ray the second week in November.  The movie was released last month in JAPAN, GERMANY, SCANDANAVIA, NETHERLANDS, JAPAN and ALL over the UK and has been a big hit over there… It’s my first worldwide release!

You wasted no time getting right into production for this film so soon after the release of “Dysfunctional Friends”; how do you manage to keep sane with everything that’s going on?

Im driven…I have to make movies to live. I die when I’m not on set or writing a new script or preparing a new movie to shoot…I live for this.  I’m the happiest when I’m on set.

What breakout actors should everyone be paying attention to in “The Lost Coast Tapes”?

Drew Rausch, our lead, gives a great performance as “Sean”.  The ladies will love Rich Mac Donald as well and veteran, Frank Ashmore, gives a great performance as the Bigfoot Hunter “Drybeck”.  I was in awe working with him!  Great acting in this piece!  Ashley Wood, our lone female, is also going to raise some eyebrows.  She’s gonna be big real soon.

As always, how can fans show their support and/or get updates on any current/future projects you’re working on?

Follow me on Twitter @Corey_Grant and hit me on Facebook.  For all the fans of Dysfunctional Friends, I’m gonna be revisiting that world and style with my new romantic comedy, The Next Ex, which will have an all-star cast. If you liked Dysfunctional Friends you will love this.  My company, New Breed Entertainment, is co-producing it with Tri-Destined Studios and producer, ND Brown.  They have a new movie out called, Note To Self, starring my boy, Christian Keyes and directed by Trey Haley.  Great people and a great company to work with.  More quality black films to come!

Lastly, which of your projects is your favorite…and why (putting you on the spot with this one lol)?

LOL…Hard question to answer… I would have to say Bigfoot: The Lost Coast Tapes because nobody expected this type of movie from me, let alone for it to be good. The fact that it is worldwide is major for a filmmaker of color and I want to be known as just a storyteller who isn’t boxed into any one genre..just good movies!

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Well, there you have it!  Corey Grant is doing well and seeing so much success!  He is bringing so much attention and positivity to black films; something that is still long overdue. Please be sure to support this young man and check out Dysfunctional Friends and Bigfoot: The Lost Coast Tapes!  Here’s the trailer:

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Howard Homecoming: A Kevin Hart Weekend!

Photo Source: The Urban Daily

Yup, that’s right!  I finally get to see this fool in living color and I’m SO HYPE!  I normally stay away from the city during Howard’s Homecoming because there are just too many people and crowds, but this is definitely going to be a much needed and anticipated exception.  I’ve had a crazy few weeks from dealing with stress at work, packing, moving, almost busting some foreheads at a funeral, (did I mention packing?), getting pulled over for running a red light…you name it, it pretty much happened!  So yes, I will be letting my hair down, getting cute and joining in on the festivities this weekend!  ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, ALRIIIIIGHT!  You gon’ learn today!

How will you be enjoying Howard’s Homecoming?  Do tell!

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Chris Brown Openly Admits Loving Two Women! Dang…

Soooo, I really don’t get into the gossip stuff on my site, but when it involves one of my favorite artists, it’s hard not to be like, “dang!”  Lately, there have been a lot of rumors flying around that Chris Brown and Rihanna are back together (an issue in itself), but I came across this video and I think it can shed some light on things…after all, he finally admits to loving two women.  Check it out and let me know your thoughts:

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My Family & MTV…How They Crossed Paths

Photo by Lula Fotis

When you know where he’s come from…you’d never think it would be easy for him to succeed in this world.  Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Jonathan is 1 of 6 siblings and is beginning to find his way.  At a young age, he and his brothers and sisters lost their father (my Uncle) in what is still an unsolved murder.  Some odd years later, they would lose their mother.  Being raised by my grandparents, he has managed to graduate high school and get a full scholarship to Franklin & Marshall, where he won the prestigious award for the best documentary in his class.  It amazes me that he possesses so much resilience, determination and passion after everything that he has endured.  He probably doesn’t even know it, but he is one of my light sources.  To know that my baby cousin (not so baby anymore) is so strong…there’s never an excuse for me to not push hard as well.

Now, onto the exciting news!  Jonathan has managed to WOW the big-wigs and he was the winner of MTV’s Intern Army Mission.  In short, a selected few who made the cut, were able to compete for the number one spot and win a fully paid trip to the VMA’s in LA!  Each intern had to make gorilla style videos promoting the VMA’s and were judged on overall creativity (I’ve posted one of his mission videos below).  YES!  My baby cousin (I gotta stop saying that) came out on top!!!  I know for a fact that many people, young and old, can learn so much from this brilliant soul, so I wanted to pick Jonathan’s brain so that others could get an idea of how he got to where he is now!

Photo by Will Sampson

Briefly explain what you actually do for MTV.

So I interned with TV Land. I did a lot of editing and trimming of a variety of sitcoms such as Everybody Loves Raymond, The Nanny, and many other sitcoms in order to create promos. I resized and placed logos on these promos and sent them to be approved and aired. I pulled and recorded footage onto tapes. I also transferred footage from these tapes onto computers which I cut and put onto TV Land’s server for future use. I also attended audio/video sessions and performed production runs to deliver materials.  I even shadowed current staff Production Assistants and performed any production related duties needed for shoots, edit/audio sessions,or delivery.

What was the challenge that you had to succeed in, in order to win the internship?

Well besides overcoming the stress of the short deadline we were given for each mission, I had to really impose myself into large crowds, and really persuade new yorkers ( and you know how they can be) to listen to me for a second, and hear what I had to say. Although a struggle, I just brought forth my charisma and that took the crowds.

What did the prize include?

The prizes were: The Grand Prize winner (1st place) won a free paid trip to the Video Music Awards out in LA. That included a free flight, hotel, and tickets to the VMA’s, along with one friend.  The contest included 5 missions and we were judged overall on consistent creativity. Each round had a first place winner, and then all five were judged. MTV hires about 500 interns throughout all their networks, and all of these were a possible candidate for this contest.

What does this mean for your future affiliation with MTV? Does it guarantee an internship?

This win only proved to Viacom that I am a strong and hardworking individual. At the end of my internship, I was ecstatic to find out that I had a job offer after graduation. I am still keeping my options open, but this was an amazing offer.

How did you get such an awesome opportunity to work at MTV?

I got the job at TV Land through my scholarship program known as the Posse foundation.  A program that was recognized by president Obama, they recruit young/diverse leaders throughout several major cities, and put them in top liberal art schools. This program has a huge and very powerful network of companies and jobs, whom all love working with Posse students.

What are your long-term goals?

My long-term goals, besides get a job, is to be successful in anything I choose to do. Always be a thinker and find new ways to innovate. I want to direct films, and hopefully make movies. Even direct and write my own TV Series is another option. Whichever happens, I know for sure I want to show my experiences through the scope of film and help others tell their story when their voice is unheard.

How do you think you managed to find so much success, despite your tragedies/hardships in life?

I think I find my successes in just staying focused on the prize. What I went through was tough, and those tough things start to wear you down, but when there’s motivation for something bigger and better, then you refuse to be pulled down. Life doesn’t have to be sad or angry. I try to always focus on the best side of things which I guess makes me optimistic. And also realizing that patience is important keeps me focused. It’s easy to just give up because it doesn’t work out immediately. Success for me is a plant and pay off system.  You “plant” your opportunity and it needs hard work and time to flower.

It’s an amazing feeling to be able to share when things are going great for my family!  I am SO proud and honored to watch him succeed in life and be the happiest that he can be!

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Maia Campbell…Getting Back on Track!

If there is one thing we’ve all learned about life thus far, it’s that we don’t always get to control the pitfalls that are lurking on the road ahead.  Even the things that we can control, can sometimes prove to be a roller-coaster ride.  This is where our wisdom is born and our strength is heightened.  In the moments where we can learn from our mistakes, try again and grow from our past, is where WE are built.  So often, we not only get to see our peers travel on their journey through life, but we get to see those that are in the media spotlight as well.  A celebrity puts their life on display for us to observe, to have opinions on and to critique every detail, from what they wear, down to what they eat.  They put themselves on the line for praise and judgement alike, but what you don’t always get to see is their personal struggle to come back from the pitfalls that may have overtaken them.  I’ve been determined to have Maia Campbell join the Dreamworld, since she is someone who’s experienced life at its best and has overcome tragedy right in front of our very eyes.

At a young age, she became a familiar face to many, on and off the screen.  Maia played the role of “Tiffany” on the hit show, In the House, featuring LL Cool J.  She’s been featured in other projects such as: Poetic Justice, Thea, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Moesha, just to name a few.  Her success took a tragic turn when the world began to see her in a much different light.  Hidden from the big screen for years, tabloids and home footage began to quickly surface of Campbell, looking taken over by drugs and displaying irate behavior.  No one knew what had happened, but what we saw was heartbreaking.  Our young starlet was no longer young and it seemed her path had deviated from being a star.  Since then, she’s done a pretty good job staying out of the media and has taken major steps towards her recovery and improving her life.  Maia was gracious enough to share her story with me; take a look at what life has been like for her, how she got there and what she advises up-and-coming stars to be aware of:

First and foremost, how are YOU doing?

I have been doing great, working on a few projects and enjoying my family now more than ever.

Going back to when you were first introduced to the world and this industry, how hard was it for you to be discovered?

I actually loved acting and singing but never knew I would be famous. I was introduced to a lot of legends when I was young and worked with them and didn’t realize the seeds that were being sewn.  Breaking in to the industry wasn’t difficult for me when I look back on it.

There are so many people who fight hard to get noticed and make it on television and in movies, what was your motivation to keep going and sticking to your career goals?

The generation has changed DRASTICALLY. Talent is what used to be required now its like anyone can do television. It was important for me that young girls looked at me in a positive light. I never wanted to be seen throwing glasses, and food across a table.

How do you determine what roles are right for you?

I have a saying that I live by and that’s, “if it doesn’t feel right, then it’s not for you” so when I audition or roles are presented I always think about how the character will make me look. I am very selective!

So that others can see YOUR words, what do you think contributed to your hardships in the industry? Should other aspiring actors beware of anything specific on their journey to the top?

Not having REAL people around, and not realizing how blessed I truly was. I took so many things for granted. I would tell anyone make sure you know who you are and have a solid foundation because you can get so lost in the world of entertainment.

How did it make you feel when the world got to see you in the midst of your struggle? Did you feel violated?

It took for me to step back and see the person that had become so bad. I used to blame others, but there comes a point where you have to be responsible and accountable for YOUR actions. To me, that is where growth comes from because I was at a place in my life where that type of life is what I felt I deserved.

What new projects are you currently working on and what would be your dream role moving forward?

My dream role is to play Whitney Houston and I have a few awesome projects I am working on that I can’t speak on right now, but I think people will be so proud when they see the finished projects.

How can the fans show their support because we certainly miss you and have been cheering you on?

Make sure you follow me on Twitter (@MaiaCampbell);  the love that I receive daily, I couldn’t ask for more.  To see some people create accounts just to show me love, it means so much.

If you could go back in time and offer the “younger you” one piece of advice what would it be (based on what you now know about the industry)?

Enjoy being a kid, don’t rush to be an adult.

What is one funny/quirky thing about you that the fans may not know?

I am quite the little comedian and I am so sarcastic.  My friends and I just sit around imitating people on TV shows and movies and we laugh for hours.

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No matter what we may face in life, it’s never too late to pick yourself up and bounce back.  Thank you for visiting the Dreamworld!  I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about Maia Campbell’s journey…it’s sure to be a great lesson for us all!

(Remember him? He played “Austin” on In the House)

(Mari Marrow from How to Be a Player)

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Where is Christian Grey?!

50 Shades Review

By now, you may have been swallowed up by the ’round-the-world craze known as “Christian Grey!”  We’ve never met him, but so many of us women (and maybe men) are fantasizing about him–what he looks like, how hot his body is, him running his fingers through his hair, etc. (all details provided in the books).  For those who have no clue who this man is, the sad truth is, neither do WE!  This is a fictional character in the world renowned, bestselling trilogy that has taken us by storm.  In a series of three books, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, author E.L. James has invited us to become obsessed with the dark and mysterious Christian Grey–along with his lovely lady, Anastasia Steele.

I would hate to give away any major details, but the truth is…YOU SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE BOOKS AND READ THEM BY NOW.  This series is filled with “kinky f*ckery” (that’s the term that is used in the book), love, heartbreak, seduction, violence, control…you get the picture.  I was COMPLETELY engaged and head over heels with Christian Grey–the sexy, successful millionaire with control problems, secrets and a fetish for dominating his submissive lovers.  I read ALL three books in two weeks!  We’re talking about reading instead of watching television, reading before bedtime, reading on lunch breaks, reading when I woke up…I was utterly and completely hooked.  Christian Grey eased his way into his lover’s life–recent college graduate, Anastasia Steele, who was a virgin and inexperienced in a lot of things (not just sex).  From the moment they locked eyes, they found pure electricity flowing through their body and were inseparable.  She is introduced to a world that she would never have thought to explore.  A world that is dark, invigorating, secret and most of all, NEW!  He, of course, comes with much personal baggage from past lovers and child abuse, to the constant need to control every situation…that is until, he met Anastasia!  She changed his world and made him think in a new way…in a way that combined his sexual fantasies and control with her traditional innocence.  A man incapable of even loving, learned to live and love for the first time.

So many readers had mixed emotions about the content of the book, but the majority of my fellow 50 Shades fans were totally taken over!  It was an opportunity to dive into deep fantasy and read about a pure, kinky, passionate, raw love where anything was possible.  Each reader can adopt their own perspective on the main objective of the series…that’s the beauty!  Some will settle for only the risque parts, where as others (like myself) will allow themselves to be taken on a literary journey where there are no limits.  In a nutshell, I was left wanting MORE (wink)!

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Here is what I picture when I think of what Mr. Grey might look like (based on the details given in the books of course):



1. What were YOU left thinking?  

2. Did you fall in love with Christian Grey as I did?  

3. Did you love the books or hate the books?  


Let me know  your thoughts by leaving a comment and let’s get this discussion started!

1 CommentLeave a comment