Ckrush Entertainment has announced that John Leguizamo along with Michael Rapaport, and Cara Buono will be the judges for the final round of competition to select the eight lead actors to star in the thriller Live Mansion: The Movie, the first film produced by a social network.
"We are excited to have three actors as talented as John, Michael, and Cara on board to help Live Mansion select the best possible cast for this film" said Jeremy Dallow, President of Ckrush. "Their participation in casting Live Mansion: The Movie is not only exciting for us, but for the entire community at LiveMansion.com. We plan to continue to bring unique opportunities to our members to interact with each other and professionals in the film industry."
There are eight lead roles that are being cast in Live Mansion: The Movie. Each role is down to three finalists from a field of 1000 entries. The finalists were flown to NY last week for screen tests. The audition tapes will be critiqued by the panel of judges in front of a live audience in New York City on March 19, 2007. The audition tapes will then be posted with the panel's comments on LiveMansion.com for the community's members to vote on and decide who gets cast.
"When I was asked to participate in this event, I thought it would be a great opportunity to help actors that are trying to make it in this industry. LiveMansion is a unique platform for actors to show their talent," said Leguizamo.
"Happily N'Ever After" When the wizard in charge of Fairy Tale World goes on holiday, Cinderella's wicked stepmother takes over the world, which is home to such characters as Little Red Riding Hood, The Seven Dwarves and Rapunzel. Stars Sigourney Weaver, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr, Patrick Warburton and Andy Dick.
Former "Lost" star Michelle Rodriquez, who is packing her bags and heading for India, is completely bowled over by Hrithik Roshan's good looks.
"Oh, I think he is hot!" she whooped as soon as his name was mentioned. That's a step up in our opinion from Colin Farrell, the Irish bad boy she was crazy about ever since the two of them were on screen together in "S.W.A.T."
Rodriquez's familiar with many of India's top Bollywood stars and is a huge fan of Shah Rukh Khan as well. She would be travelling to India in six months time to do some charity work.
"I'm counting the days," she told www.hollywood.tv, before adding that she also wants to take out some time to check out Bollywood and Ramoji Film City.
"I love Bollywood films, and I always cry when I watch them," she said.
When it comes to the men in her life, she was recently quoted as saying: "The kind of people I fall for are free spirits, people who'll run naked on the beach with me and won't care if anyone's looking."
But before you think she is just another Hollywood airhead, Rodriquez said she doesn't go along with all the groupthink about India.
"When people here in America talk to me about India, they make it sound like the country is some big India Inc., high-tech firm with a lot of software writers and call centres.
"If they'd just pick up a book once in a while or read something other than gossip magazines, they'd find out there's a lot more to India than what you get in the news."
Though she's an actress who is best known for her tough roles ever since she played the lead in the boxer film "Girlfight", Rodriquez wants to get more spiritually grounded by spending some time with a guru and learning more about what Hinduism has to offer.
Although her film work has landed her awards like the Deaxville Festival of American Cinema Award for best actress and the Las Vegas Film Critics Society Award for female breakthrough performance, she now wants some spiritual satisfaction.
"I'm at the point in my life where I'm looking for something more spiritually rewarding," the 28-year-old actress said.
Last week, the publicist of actress and executive producer Selma Hayek announced that Hayek is engaged to Francois-Henri Pinault and is expecting her first child with him. Now, wedding bells are also ringing for actress Ana Ortiz, who is engaged to musician Noah Lebenzon. According to People, the couple is scheduled to tie the knot four months from now, in Puerto Rico.
Ecstatic about the forthcoming celebration, Ortiz expresses her sentiments to People. "I'm really thrilled and my cheeks are hurting from smiling," Ortiz said. "He's a California boy so it's a nice balance for my crazy New Yorker." And since Ortiz is busy with her work on the drama-comedy Ugly Betty, her father, Angel L. Ortiz, who is a city councilman, takes over much of the wedding plans. He said, "My daughter's wedding is in July in Puerto Rico and I am planning the entire thing."
Ortiz, a 36-year old New York native, is an American actress popularly known for her role as Hilda Suarez, the older sister of the main character Betty Suarez, on the popular television series Ugly Betty. Prior to her inclusion on Ugly Betty, she attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Arts and Performing Arts, as well as the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Initially, she worked in theater productions and was included in a number of plays like Hair, Dog Lady and the Cuban Swimmer, and References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot. On television, she appeared on shows like NYPD Blue, Over There, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Boston Legal and ER to name a few.
Even though Ortiz portrays a character slightly lacking of some fashion sense, in real life, she gets a huge doze of elegance and sophistication with her man’s jewelry.
Ethan van Thillo Presents Alex Cruz with SDLFF 2007 Top 10 to Watch Award: Alexis Cruz and Jose Zuñiga were presented with SDLFF 2007 Top 10 to Watch awards before the screening of Tortilla Heaven. In the audience were fellow cast members Lupe Ontiveros, Marcelo Tubert, and director Judy Hecht Dumonte. Another Picture of Alex: Tribute to Alex's Shark character Martin Allende:
Denise Quiñones, the actress, singer and winner of the Miss Universe crown in 2001, made a strong statement today in support of the changes proposed in the draft of the Family Book of the Puerto Rican Civil Code. "I have always believed that all human beings are equal and I just couldn't remain silent while a debate is taking place back home on the rights and protections that every family in Puerto Rico should enjoy. Our legal framework has to recognize the reality in which we live, which is why I am supporting the recognition of civil unions for same sex couples, as well as for heterosexual couples," said Quiñones.
Quiñones, who is currently pursuing acting opportunities in film and television in Los Angeles, California, broke her silence in the hope that her words will inspire other artistic colleagues and Puerto Rican personalities to express themselves on this crucial topic. Additionally, she specifically urged those personalities who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender or have LGBT relatives to share their stories and, in doing so, bring a human perspective to the debate.
"Even though I do not currently live in Puerto Rico, I have always represented my Island with love and humility wherever I might be, which is why in this moment that my lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters need me, I say 'Here I am!'" said Quiñones.
Quiñones, who recently was granted an ACE award for Best Theatre Actress, is aware that the current draft of the Civil Code would also grant transsexuals the right to change their birth certificates to reflect their current gender but pointedly noted that even transgender individuals who have yet to undergo gender reassignment surgery or opt not to have it should also have access to the same right.
"I would also like to express my support for the right of transgender individuals to change the gender in a birth certificate, since they are only trying to change these legal documents to reflect the reality in which they live. I am aware that the current draft of the Civil Code, if approved, would grant this right to transsexuals but it should include every transgender person that seeks to change his or her certificate under the vast right to liberty allowed under our Constitution."
Finally, Ms. Quiñones called on everyone to see this public debate as an opportunity to bring together the Puerto Rican family and invited all to visit the Puerto Rico Para Tod@s web portal (www.prparatodos.org) where they can register and send the Legislature messages of support for these changes in the Civil Code.
"Let's take advantage of this historic moment to learn, to get to know more about our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender relatives and to welcome them into our hearts. Let's follow our best hope for justice, inclusion and equality. Let's fight so that everyone in Puerto Rico has the same rights. So that no one is left on the sidelines. It is everyone's responsibility."
Freddy Rodriguez will be honored as supporting actor of the year at ShoWest, the annual film industry convention set for March 12-15 at the Bally's and Paris hotels in Las Vegas.
Rodriguez, who most recently appeared as part of the ensemble cast of "Bobby," which the Weinstein Co. released through MGM, will next be seen in Dimension Films' "Grindhouse," which opens nationwide April 6.
"Since bursting onto the scene with his critically acclaimed and Emmy-nominated role on HBO's 'Six Feet Under,' Rodriguez has gone on to bring impressive performances to such notable films as 'Dreamer,' 'Lady in the Water' and 'Bobby,' " said Mitch Neuhauser, ShoWest co-managing director. He will be presented with the award March 15 at ShoWest's closing-night ceremony. Rodriguez will appear in director Robert Rodriguez's half of "Grindhouse," which is titled "Planet Terror."
Rodriguez received an Emmy nomination, two SAG Awards as part of a dramatic TV series ensemble, two Alma Awards and three Imagen Awards for his work on "Six Feet Under." His film credits include "Harsh Times," "A Walk in the Clouds," "Dead Presidents" and "Poseidon," and he has made guest TV appearances on "Scrubs" and "ER." ShoWest is managed by Nielsen Business Media, parent company of The Hollywood Reporter.
In New York City, tennis star Serena Williams and Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera were among other celebrities who led 250 students from New York public schools in an event entitled “Reading on the Red Carpet.”
Former Lost star Michelle Rodriguez takes along her two dogs, Maddox and Dido, for a coffee break with a mystery male at a Starbucks in West Hollywood on Wednesday afternoon.
The other pictures are from lask week when Michelle, 28, took her dogs for an afternoon walk in West Los Angeles. When asked if she misses working in Hawaii she replied,” I am itching to go back.”
The first big hip-hop tour of 2007 kicks off tomorrow night in Charlotte, North Carolina, with Young Jeezy headlining and taking Lil' Wayne, Fat Joe, Jim Jones, Baby, and Rich Boy along with him.
The Street Dream Tour: 3/03 - Charlotte, NC - Cricket Arena 3/11 - Orlando, FL - Convention Center 3/15 - Richmond, VA - Richmond Coliseum 3/16 - Greenville, SC - Bi Lo 3/17 - Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliesum 3/18 - Jacksonville, FL - Jacksonville Arena 3/23 - Cincinatti, OH - US Bank Arena 3/24 - Macon, GA - Centroplex 3/25 - Nashville, TN - Municipal Auditorium 3/28 - Toledo, OH - Sport Arena Coliesum 3/29 - Providence, RI - Dunkin Donuts Center 3/31 - Louisville, KY - Louisville Gardens 4/01 - Baltimore, MD - 1ST Mariner 4/05 - Little Rock, AR - Altell Arena 4/06 - Kansas City, MO - Kemper Arena 4/08 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Arena 4/12 - Milwaukee, WS - US Cellular Arena 4/13 - Indianapolis, IN - Conseco Fieldhouse 4/14 - St. Louis, MO - Scottrade 4/15 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center 4/19 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center 4/20 - Dallas, TX - Convention Center 4/21 - El Paso, TX - Cohen Stadium 4/22 - San Antonio, TX - TBA 4/29 - Los Angeles, CA - USC
Former Sex and the City star Jason Lewis is reportedly dating Michelle Trachtenberg after finishing with long-term girlfriend Rosario Dawson last November. Jason and Michelle were recently spotted on a date at the Chateau Marmony Hotel but a source told Us Weekly that it’s still very early days: “they just began hanging out”.
EVA MENDES has laughed off rumours of a romance with her WE OWN THE NIGHT co-star JOAQUIN PHOENIX - after they dined together after work. The Latina actress has been dating director GEORGE GARGUREVICH for the past five years, but is constantly reported to be romantically entwined with her leading men. She says, "God, we went out to dinner together. We were working together so, of course, you'd go out and have a meal after work. Why wouldn't you? "I'm a grown woman! Do you think I'd be making out with somebody? I stopped doing that when I was 14. Yuck!" Personally I think they would had made a really cute couple...
Rosario Dawson will be honored as supporting actress of the year at ShoWest, the film industry convention that will be held March 12-15 at the Bally's and Paris hotels in Las Vegas. The actress, who appeared in Robert Rodriguez's "Sin City," will next appear in Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino's "Grindhouse," which Dimension Films will release April 6. "We just know that Ms. Dawson is going to electrify audiences worldwide with her performance in the eagerly anticipated 'Grindhouse,' " Mitch Neuhauser, co-managing director of the event, said in announcing the award, which will be presented at ShoWest's closing-night ceremony March 15. Dawson, a native of New York, made her film debut in 1995's "Kids." Her credits also include "Sidewalks of New York" and "Men in Black 2." Dawson also is starring in "Descent," the first film she has produced, for director Talia Lugacy. The film will premiere in April at the Tribeca Film Festival. She will be seen later this year in "Killshot," directed by John Madden, and also is on tap for Rodriguez and Frank Miller's "Sin City 2." ShoWest is managed by Nielsen Business Media, parent company of The Hollywood Reporter.
Marc Anthony has been embarrassed by a photo he posed for with a photographer charged with heroin possession and child pornography.
The candid snapshot, taken backstage at a New York concert Anthony headlined in 2004, is being used to prove the Latino singer had a relationship with photographer Michael Star, who is set to stand trial in the US after fleeing to Colombia.
The picture has been posted on Latino newspaper El Diario's website as part of a story suggesting Anthony was a friend of Star's.
But even Star's closest friends insist the photographer merely used Anthony's name and the photo to help him peddle his sick trade.
Rosa Sanabria admits the snapper used his so-called relationship with Anthony to lure young girls to his photo studio.
She tells the National Enquirer, "This guy is a monster and a sick person. It's awful for Marc to be dragged into this."
To make matters worse for the singer, Sanabria reveals Star will attempt to call Anthony to testify on his behalf when his trial comes to court.
DeMonaco’s eight-hour drama series “The Kill Pit,” begins production later this month in Pittsburgh, with Steve Shill (”The Sopranos”) directing the first four episodes. “Kill Pit,” revolves around a downtown bank robbery by a team of American Iraqi-War veterans. More than a dozen hostages from all walks of life are taken, ranging from the daughter of a business tycoon to an adulterous couple. Throughout the eight-hour event, viewers will follow the escalating action as the volatile soldiers plot their way out, the negotiator anticipates their moves and the hostages desperately try to survive. Time is critical and the game intensifies with surprising twists at every turn. John Leguizamo will play Wolf, the leader of the robbers, Donnie Wahlberg as Horst Cali and Jennifer Ferrin as Chloe.
Ckrush Entertainment has announced that John Leguizamo along with Michael Rapaport, and Cara Buono will be the judges for the final round of competition to select the eight lead actors to star in the thriller Live Mansion: The Movie, the first film produced by a social network.
