Bulldog Publicity: Jim Lavoie is a Bulldog about Publicity

I started my blog 3 months ago and it seems like a good time now to recap some of my past stories for Bulldog Publicity.

Here are some of the blogs to date!
• Don’t Mess With Tess, Tess De La Vega That Is! Danielle Nicolet Stars in “Red Faction: Origins”
• Lalesha Railsback, Producer of “Man Who Sold the World” speaking about MWSTW, growing up Hollywood style, finding her way, and into the wilds of New Brunswick and back!
• Author Julie Comeau Speaks Out About Her Journey to Date “Never Give Up The Inspirational Journey Of a Real Life Survivor”
• Jillian Acreman – Part 2: Steve Railsback, Jean Rasey and Barry Livingston…Speaking of Stars and Journeys
• New Brunswick Filmmaker Jillian Acreman was in heaven shooting stars in Los Angeles
• One on One with On-Line Media Marvel Wendy Shepherd
• Actress Jean Rasey “Never Gonna Break Her Stride”

Upcoming Blogs:
Paul J Alessi
Anna Silk

In March 2011, Bulldog Publicity, (Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada) was launched by Jim Lavoie. Based on his many years of experience as a freelance writer (Film and Music), Jim has had well over 100 published articles/photos in New Brunswick publications. (Here NB, The Daily Gleaner, The Telegraph Journal and The New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative E-News). He is currently extending his reach via his blog entitled Bulldog Publicity. Jim’s blog features top level entertainers and rising talent on a National and International scale. The blog also will include special features on talented people living and working in or from New Brunswick. From time to time, previously published, articles will be spotlighted again.

Jim has a wealth of experience working within the film industry and is currently the publicist for well known actress Jean Rasey http://www.imdb.me/jeanrasey. He has worked as a publicist for feature films for Global Universal Pictures Inc. (“American Sunset”, “Plaster Rock” and “The Night”) and many award winning indie films in New Brunswick. “They Didn’t Make It”. Worked with and featured on line media guru Wendy Shepherd http://www.officiallypluggedin.com/. He created and produced 4 videos on author Julie Comeau concerning her forthcoming book “Never Give Up –the Inspirational Journey of a Real Life Survivor” which currently has close to 4,500 views(cumulatively) http://www.youtube.com/user/JULIesthebeast3?feature=mhsn. He has assisted in the writing and editing and will be in charge of the publicity.

Jim has also been the Marketing/Promotions Lead for the annual Silver Wave Film Festival in NB. As publicist, he arranges and coordinates media coverage for Silver Wave including newspaper, radio and television. His publicity and promotional strategies resulted in record attendance at the 2008 Festival and again in 2009. Jim has appeared on radio and television where he has promoted the NB Film Co-op activities and strongly advocated for the NB film community at large.

He was the production manager for renowned photographer Brian Atkinson for Tourism NB for the 2010 Tourist season. He also developed and implemented a promotional path for CMT Karaoke Star (Television) finalist Jen Moulton. This resulted in Moulton, a Fredericton resident, making it to the finals in Banff, Alberta. He created a new slogan “Your Right To Learn” which has been used by Literacy Coalition NB since 2008.

SOCIAL NETWORKS
http://www.nbfilmcoop.com/jim_lavoie/Welcome.html Bulldog Publicity
http://www.facebook.com/jim.lavoie
http://www.linkedin.com/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3225415/

FILM ACTING EXPERIENCE
Romantic Gestures: Principal Actor Gallery Connextion Art Film
The Doll Maker: Principal Actor Paul Angers
The Night: Featured Extra/Publicist Global Universal Pictures Feature
American Sunset: Featured extra/ publicist Global Universal Pictures Feature
Plaster Rock: Publicist Global UniversalPictures Feature
Can/Russia 72: Featured extra (PM Trudeau) CBC Feature Movie
Sticks N” Stones Extra & Production Asst CTV Feature Movie
Hopewell: Co-Lead Actor Independent Short
Waiting For Myra : Co-Lead Actor Independent Short
Francis Sherman: Actor, Extra, Publicist Indie Short
TDMI: Principal Actor/publicist Independent Short
Broke : Actor Independent Short

TELEVISION ACTING EXPERIENCE
Dark Radius: PA Shore Road Pictures – CBC 3-2-1 Award
Intervention: PA A&E
Commercial : Actor Work Safe NB
Corporate Video: Extra Atlantic Media Works

AWARDS:
The 2010 Silver Wave Film Festival Recognition Award for a person, group or organization who has contributed significantly to film and video in New Brunswick in a professional capacity.

Jim Lavoie

Don’t Mess With Tess, Tess De La Vega That Is ! Danielle Nicolet Stars in “Red Faction: Origins”

Syfy Movie Premieres on Saturday, June 4th, on Syfy

By Jim Lavoie

As Danielle Nicolet anxiously awaits the premiere of her television movie, on and by Syfy, “Red Faction: Origins” this Saturday June 4th, she feels that transforming this popular gamer show to film will be well received. “being an avid gamer myself, this feels in sync and just the right fit,” says Nicolet, “talk about synchronicity.”

Danielle Nicolet and Brian J. Smith in Red Faction: Origins

In the perfect marriage of comedy, misfit, and neurotic woman…on Mars, she stars in the highly anticipated film adaptation of the popular video game series, “Red Faction: Origins”. In it, she plays Tess De La Vega, part Princess Lea, part C3P0 sidekick, to Robert Patrick and Brian J. Smith.

Prior to departing on this latest space mission, Nicolet had established herself as one of the go-to actors. Her career was launched on her amazing ability to make people laugh and as her film stature increased, so too did the caliber of the roles, landing her with the role of Caryn on the mega hit series “3rd Rock From The Sun.” For six seasons she was part of the Emmy winning NBC comedy.

Not content with resting on the show’s laurels or her own, she guest starred on more than 20 different television shows. Most notably, her award-winning appearance as “Reese”, the menace, woman-child and humanity’s foe on “Stargate, SG-1”. Her portrayal of “Paula” in the prime time situation comedy “Second Time Around” in 2005 had Entertainment Weekly calling her a “breakout star.” She then took on the role of “Cheryl” on the hit Fox show “the Bernie Mac Show.”

In 2007, Danielle took a turn to television drama, starring as head ICU nurse “Mary Singletar,” on the tear-jerker “Heartland”, with Treat Williams on TNT. Critics called her, ‘the very heart of Heartland’, and found it impossible not to love the energetic, outspoken and emotionally open character.

Danielle Nicolet in Heartland

I contacted Danielle Nicolet to talk to her about “Red Faction: Origins” and her career overall. I found her to be extremely accommodating with an awesome sense of humor.

Jim: Your athletic background in competitive gymnastics, which has taken you from rural Ohio to California, speaks of the type of competitive drive and discipline you must possess. After a knee injury ended your athletic ambitions and you turned to acting, these traits would have been very beneficial. Ok, so a career path change was in order but were you already predisposed towards acting at that point, were you a joking, wisecracking natural cutup amongst people to begin with?

Danielle: No! I was the opposite. I was a pretty shy kid. I’m still shy as an adult. It’s the work that brings me out of my shell. I always wanted to be an actor, from the earliest age. Even then, I thought of athletics as an avenue to become a performer.

Jim: It is a unique comedic style that you put out there, given that you seem to embrace roles where you dare to be different be it as a misfit/outcast, I love that you jump into the role and go all out. Often, from my observations, beautiful women posture themselves before the comedy, you can be funny and still be beautiful. This is my take on it, but your delivery seems natural be it witty, scattered, physical and I would guess you would rock at Improv. In your career you have worked with many great comedic actors and of course John Lithgow from “3rd Rock From The Sun” comes to mind. You spent six seasons as Caryn on that award winning show, what was it like to work with John and the rest of that talented crew?

Danielle: Wow, thank you. I don’t know that I would call myself beautiful, but I appreciate you saying that. Hmmm, yeah, I have to say that the biggest thing I learned from my years on 3rd Rock, and time working with John Lithgow and Jane Curtain was that being funny has nothing to do with worrying about how you look. The most un-funny thing in the world is a self-conscious girl who’s trying to look perfect. Everyone on that show was a consummate professional, and taught me to value and respect this incredible gift of being paid to do something I love.

Jim: You have walked the walk with some major film powerhouses like Debra Messing, Judy Davis in “Starter Wife”, Cuba Gooding Jr. in “Ticking Clock” and Lucy Lui in the new mini-series “Marry Me”. Working with actors of this caliber must be very special for you but is also a profound nod to both your comedic and dramatic acting abilities. What was it like to work with actors/actresses of this caliber? What do you take away from experiences like that? I understand also that working for and with Paul J.Alessi on his film “Knuckle Draggers” was a cool shoot for you, how so?

As Molly in The Starter Wife

Danielle: I have had the honour of working opposite some really amazing actors. I feel blessed to share the screen with them. Most of all, when I begin a new show I focus on what I can learn from someone who has experienced such success. Invariably, it’s the best of someone that makes them successful, and that’s what I come away with…and hopefully a new friend as well! I know that when I worked with Paul, I got paid twice: a salary and some amazing friendships to last a lifetime. I think that the friendships that were the basis of “Knuckle Draggers” worked so well because of the connection we all have in real life.

Danielle stars as Renee in Knuckle Draggers

Jim: I have seen references to you being an active gamer and that you have an affinity to the one-on-one aspect of gaming. It seems you just might also have a thing for Sci-Fi and space shows as well. You have appeared on “Stargate G-1″, were an alien on “3rd Rock From The Sun” and now your new film “Red Faction-Origins.” Could Goddess to all things Geek be that far off? But seriously this new film which will be broadcast on SYFY is derived from the video game of the same name?

Danielle: Ha ha! Believe me when I say, nothing would make me happier than to be a Goddess to all things Geek! I am a geek at heart, and making this movie was like being a kid in a candy store. “Red Faction: Origins” is based on the video game series, and takes place in the period between Red Faction: Guerilla and Armageddon. As a result, we were able to make a film that stands on it’s own, independent of the games. At the same time, it gives character history and rounds out the whole trans-media experience for the existing fans.

Jim: “Red Faction: Origins” – In this you play Tess De La Vega who is described as part Princess Lea and part CP30 (of Star Wars fame) and neurotic woman living on Mars. Can you give us the 101 on the plot and I understand there are some space heavyweight types amongst the cast? The film has its world premiere on Syfy, Saturday, June 4th at 9pm?

Danielle: Yes, the movie airs on Syfy, Saturday, June 4th at 9:00/8c! It is the story of Jake Mason (Brian J. Smith, from Stargate Universe), as he tries to find his long missing sister (Tamzin Merchant, from The Tudors), and bring her home to their father (Robert Patrick). I play his reluctant sidekick, who realizes that the fate of Mars and its colonists may be at stake and together we try to save Mars!

For sure this is a cast full of SyFy favorites. The incredible Kate Vernon (Battlestar Gallactica) also stars along with Garreth David Lloyd (Torchwood), Devon Graye (Dexter) and Gordon Kennedy (Robin Hood).

Jim: Comedy, drama, make them laugh, make them cry, which is the more satisfying genre for you or is the perfect vehicle perhaps a combination of both?

Danielle: It’s a tough one to answer because I enjoy them both so much. How about a cop-out answer that is also the truth?… I’d love to do a really great horror movie!

Jim’s Final Words:
It is almost impossible to be on the net and not see something about this talented actress, check out her feature with Wendy Shepherd at Officially Plugged In (OPI)
http://www.officiallypluggedin.com/actresses/danielle-nicolet.php

SPEAKING Syfy:”LOST GIRL,” Starring Anna Silk Now Part of the Syfy Stable!
September 4th, 2011, The Number one scripted drama in Canada, Specialty Channels. “Lost Girl” is back but this time with a world wide audience. Anna Silk returns as “BO”, the red hot Succubus, with a growing taste for the truth….. I will be talking with Anna Silk soon on my blog at Bulldog publicity.

Anna Silk is 'Bo' on Lost Girl

Lalesha Railsback, Producer of “Man Who Sold the World” speaking on MWSTW, growing up Hollywood style, finding her way, and into the wilds of New Brunswick and back!

By
Jim Lavoie

Jim: You and Director Jillian Acreman obviously have a lot of shared qualities concerning your work in film, in terms of being passionate and driven to succeed. Is this what drew you to work with each other?

Lalesha: Yes. For Jill and I it is all about being creative, original in our vision and the bringing of it all together as a team. We both take what we do seriously and work hard at making top-notch short productions. Having said all that, we also have fun, like my time as a Producer with “Man Who Sold The World”. I had a blast. Jillian and I share a great dynamic whether working or relaxing. We are friends but we make it work by operating in a mutually respectful environment. Egos will always be checked at the door by everyone involved in any production we undertake.

Jim: Can we expect future collaborations between you and Jillian?

Lalesha: Let me put it this way. Plans abounding, yes, future projects yes. Want me to tell you the specifics now Jim? Not a chance in hell! (grinning)

Director Jillian Acreman, Actor Steve Railsback and Producer Lalesha Railsback

Jim: You are the Producer of “MWSTW” and the lead actor is film great Steve Railsback, your father, what went through your mind with this being your first official shoot with him?

Lalesha: To me he is and always will be ‘Dad’ and although I obviously am well aware of his amazing career it is only when prompted that I think and speak about it. I love and respect my Dad for all his accomplishments but he is still ‘Dad’ to me.

I also know my Dad loves me and respects what I am trying to do to establish myself in the film industry. He is encouraging and supportive of my efforts, whatever they may have been or will be. Steve was the ultimate professional in every way, attentive and responsive to direction and when he offered advice, he was tactful and respectful.

Her father announced recently that Lalesha will be acting in his film “Barstow” based on a screenplay written by his late brother Phillip Railsback, which he feels is a brilliant character driven script. Lalesha will be working alongside a group of great actors (TBA).

Jim: What about working with Barry Livingstone and Jean Rasey on “MWSTW”?

Lalesha: It is weird and wonderful how I grew up with Barry and his family always being nearby. They were close family friends. Flash forward and recently there I was, all those years later, producing a film he was acting in. I know everyone agrees with me, that besides being a great actor, (Mad Men, Ernie on My Three Sons) he was great to work with. He was very approachable, likeable and just an all around nice guy. The one word of wisdom he bestowed upon our eager ears was ‘Network’ as often as you can.

Jean Rasey was wonderful to work with. She is cool, fun, kind and chock full of talent and beauty. (Jean has had many appearances in television and film. From “George” On the TV series Nancy Drew Mysteries to working along side George C. Scott in the film Hindenburg). She was so easy to work with as she handled her role in a totally professional manner. She has been and is a true friend to me and this meant the world to me to be able to work with her. In the past, she had been the script supervisor for a short film for me called “The Mondavi Gang” but this was different as she was now an actress on a film I was producing.

Jim: You had some friends come to LA to help you and Jillian with “MWSTW”, care to mention who they were?

Lalesha: You can have a great script, great talent, but the engine that makes it go is the crew and my crew were great but I have to single out a few people. First, Jessica Holt who was cast and crew and did so much extra stuff it was unreal. To Jesse Anthony who is my favorite Director of Photography, Matthew Carr for excellent assistant cameraman work (and joined me as an extra in the film) and Conor Doyle for his great sound work. I have worked with these peeps before and it was great to have then all around me working as a team again.

Producer Lalesha Railsback and DOP Jesse Anthony

Actress Jessica Holt, Director Jillian Acreman and Producer Lalesha Railsback

SPOTLIGHT ON LALESHA RAILSBACK

It is ten below zero, near white out conditions; a driving snowstorm is pelting the set location for “Plaster Rock: Terror on the Tobique.” Typical winter weather up in Riley Brook at an outfitters lodge, the main camp deep in the wilds of New Brunswick, Canada. Weather notwithstanding, it is still shoot day for all involved in the production of the above feature thriller produced by Global Universal Pictures Inc.

For lead actress Lalesha Railsback, making her film debut in a feature, it is also the polar opposite of December weather left behind in her home state of California. Far removed from the beaches and sunny weather she has made the necessary adjustments and is pitching in with all the enthusiasm and dedication needed to own her role. “It was great working with the cast and crew for this film and an amazing experience in teambuilding and bonding” said Railsback, “what a blast I had.”

“In “Plaster Rock Terror on the Tobique,” my character’s name is Sandra. She is a banker, kind of earthy, with a no nonsense attitude. She is feminine but pretty much the toughest of the girls on the trip. There are no fears until she gets to Plaster Rock.”

Actresses Christine Johnson, Lalesha Railsback and Jessica Holt

Film Synopsis
Four young men and four young women are boated into a hunting lodge in the wilds of northern New Brunswick to participant in a cross country ski race in which the winner will reap a cash prize of $250,000. Each contestant is a former athlete or high-profile celebrity. They have all already received $20,000 for their time just to travel and enter the race in the desolate area. The only problem is, once left at the lodge by boat, there is no way out, and each contestant begins to realize they have more at stake than the cash prize.

Plaster Rock is a fast-paced thriller-horror film which takes place in remote wilderness where you need more than luck to survive! Please see http://www.plasterrockmovie.com/ for additional information and trailers.

The making of this film in Canada was not just measured by the miles traveled here but by her personal and emotional growth to answer a genetic pull that she had tried vainly to avoid. “I was born and raised in Los Angeles California, my parents are Steve Railsback and Jackie Giroux. Both are prominent in the film industry. I grew up in Burbank, a suburb of Los Angeles with my mother (my parents divorced when I was young). My father subsequently remarried and I have two siblings from that marriage, my brother Beau and my sister Eden. So far they have not shown any interest in acting,” says Railsback.

“Growing up with my parents in the industry, it just seemed normal to have famous actors and entertainment figures around me. The biggest impact on me was the amount of time they spent traveling which was hard on me but I had lots of Aunts and Uncles as my mom always said,” laughs Railsback. “I think I always dreamed of doing something in film, my life was surrounded by it, how could I not ponder it?”

“I considered myself very fortunate to have my parents in the entertainment industry and even more so to have exposure to all aspects of the fascinating film world. My father (actor Steve Railsback – “The Stunt Man”, “Line of Fire”, “X-files” and “Charles Manson”) showed me the work it took to be in front of a camera and portray a character in any given situation. My mother Jackie Giroux, President of Global Universal Pictures Inc (Canadian Division) showed me the production side of the film industry. How and what work it took to take a production from start to finish. I gained a valuable insight into both the creative and business side of the film world and what better teachers than my own parents.”

But despite all this valuable parental input Railsback was not, like most young people sure if she really wanted to follow in her parents footsteps.

Jim asked Jackie Giroux about some of the influences Lalesha might have been impacted by at a young age. “As most people in the industry do, we tried to shelter her from becoming enamored with the industry because it is not easy to make a decent living. She certainly had her share of industry contacts because she was constantly on set with her father or myself from the age of three on. If I can assure you of anything, Lalesha thought the craft service table was the dinner table,” laughs Giroux.

Producer Jackie Giroux

Her father, Steve Railsback, remembers thinking early on that Lalesha was special, and “it was not just the fact that she was the first girl born on my side of the family in 149 years.”

Railsback laughingly states: “how relaxed and inquisitive Lalesha was on the set. Here was this 3-year-old calling action! She displayed an inordinate interest in details while there but you wonder, or at least I did, how she was internalizing all this and how it would manifest itself later in life, if at all. The one thing I knew for certain then and now is how proud I am of my daughter Lalesha and my love and support of her is unconditional.”

“I also think having met many celebrities from a young age, helped ground her in some aspects and kept things in perspective. I mean she helped Charlie Sheen’s daughter in figure skating and Paula Abdul was her idol at a young age and she was able to meet her but we were just her parents to her,” says Giroux. “Normal is the environment you grow up in and hers was a family in the entertainment business.”

Jim’s Perspective

“Proof of not acting or thinking herself special is how I felt first meeting Railsback on the set of “American Sunset.” She was doing continuity and script supervision and you have to have a sharp eye and pinpoint memory. She worked as hard if not harder than everyone on set and off set was a funny and warm person. I found out from someone else whose daughter she was later. Little did I know that it was around this time that Railsback was deciding to go “all in” and take the leap she knew she was meant to take. It was an internal struggle for Railsback as she explains, “When I was very young, I really was not interested. My mother would have all kinds of contacts/roles for me but I turned them down. Finally in my teens, I gave it a try and saw I did have a passion, albeit flickering, for acting. I did quite a few commercials, modeling, and short films.”

One thing according to her mother that Railsback did not enjoy at all was the audition process, the cattle call, or being told she didn’t meet the requirements sought by casting directors. Railsback loved her drama courses in school when she was younger but dabbled in behind the scenes stuff like lighting, make up and wardrobe and thoroughly enjoyed that as well.

For a myriad of reasons Railsback pulled the plug on acting at 16. “To be honest, I really thought I wanted to do something different, experience something outside of film and my parent’s shadow,” reflects Railsback. “The problem, and it was a big problem indeed, was all my experience was in film! From graduating High School and moving on to college, I tried to distance myself from film by taking on other work. I studied psychology and accounting to expand my horizons/interests but always present was the urge to return to my roots in film. It was a time of uncertainty but it was a life experience outside of my comfort zone and a point of reference that I would be able to utilize if needed in whatever lay ahead,” said Railsback.

At the age of 23, and 7 years removed from the film industry, Railsback confronted her inner feelings towards acting and saw clearly for the first time that her destiny lay in acting and the film world. She initially got back in the game by taking on the heavy responsibility of continuity/script supervisor on various productions (“American Sunset”, “Blue Seduction”). At the same time she was feeding and sharpening her script-writing skills.

A perfect world for Railsback would have her acting in her own screenplays. With that in mind she and a close friend decided to make their own short film. Railsback was a
co-star, co-producer, and co-director on the short film “The Mondovi Gang.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOr61tVLvcE (Mondovi Gang Trailer).

The tagline for the film is What the Media Missed and really hit home for many who remembered the historic presidential race in 2008. Along with the televised debates and sound bites, many people where talking at an unprecedented rate, discussing issues of change, race and gender (A group of ordinary people were captured in candid conversations). It was a revelation of how 2008 was the year the American people woke up and started talking to each other. In October 2009 the film was accepted into La Femme Film Festival in Los Angeles. It was during the filming of “The Mondavi Gang” while watching Lalesha doing a particular scene and looking from an actor or director’s perspective her father states: “I saw her get in the moment and stay in the moment while handling an off script situation that would take most actors off their game.” This from the actor whose portrayal of Charles Manson in “Helter Skelter” taught many what ‘being in the moment’ means.

Her hard work and efforts to finish/promote “The Mondavi Gang” drew praise from her mother, “for first having the guts and conviction to do it and secondly for doing it absolutely on her own merit with no help from me whatsoever.” Lalesha’s excellent acting performance in “the Mondavi Gang” really set the wheels in motion for Giroux to audition and subsequently sign her daughter to be one of the leads in “Plaster Rock: Terror on the Tobique.”

To those who would see this as nepotism or a possible conflict of interest heed her words “I have been in this industry for a long time and when I make a movie I lead with the best talent available to me that works well with the constraints all productions face. I embrace all involved in my productions/projects as family and Lalesha must meet all her obligations and has in a professional and proficient manner.” Perhaps the only difference with Railsback and other cast/crew members is as Giroux smiling puts it, “at the end of a social evening with the cast/crew she reminds me she is my daughter by sending me over her bar tab!”

There is an essence about Railsback, a certain touch in delivery that makes her stand out. Maybe the genetic linage is at play. The one thing for certain is she may well be one of the hardest working people you will find on any set. “My parents installed a value system in me from an early age that taught me to be polite and considerate to others,” says Railsback. “Another very important lesson I culled from them was work ethic. It’s based on 3 factors: environment, education, and persona. It is also the accepting and acknowledging that all cast/crew members are of equal value in any production. Measuring success is what it means to you at the end of the day in terms of personal and collective results!”

Author Julie Comeau Speaks Out & About Her Journey to Date “Never Give Up The Inspirational Journey Of a Real Life Survivor”

For all of you that have become apart of my journey and my upcoming book I just wanted to give you an update:

Hi Everyone:

As some of you know my husband Vince was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer on December 28, 2010.

Since, then he has undergone 2 major surgeries. We now have to travel back and forth to Saint John hospital every day, (2 hours commute return) where he has to undergo 28 treatments of radiation therapy daily. The type of cancer that he has is an aggressive type and I have been so amazed by his strength, he is a real trooper and he is staying as strong as possible. Fighting this fight is one of the toughest things that he has ever had to do but he always has a smile on his face no matter what. His courage, strength and his determination inspire me and he gives me strength as we fight this fight together. Vince started his radiation and chemotherapy treatments on April 5, 2011 and he will be done the first part of his journey on May 17, 2011. He will continue to fight this fight but not alone for family and friends have been right by his side. We want to thank you for all the love and prayers that you guys have been sending. His path is now in Gods hands and as we say here in the Comeau house. “NEVER GIVE UP!”

I also want to thank everyone for all your patience in the wait for my upcoming book. With the news of my husband being diagnosed with cancer, even though my book was nearing completion I put everything on PAUSE! My life’s priorities come first like family and I was taking care of my husband as he was undergoing his surgeries and now undergoing his treatments. Your continued patience and your understanding on this project that I have been working so hard to get ready and share with the world has been so amazing!!

Jim Lavoie, Bulldog Publicity and Julie Comeau, Inspirational Speaker and Writer

In closing I would like to say a Big Thank You to my video team, Jillian Acreman, Matthew Carr, Buhthivy Nou, Jennifer Marie Chiasson and my publicist Jim Lavoie. You all have touched my life and my heart in a huge way! I am so thankful for having you become apart of my Journey and creating the videos on my you tube channel, amazing work everyone and I am truly honored and overwhelmed to be working with such an amazing and talented group. I feel like I am on top of the world with you guys!! You have not only touched my life but you have changed it.”

Author Julie Comeau:
Videos, Interviews, Meet the Video Crew for Author Julie Comeau “Never Give Up the Inspirational Journey of a Real Life Survivor”!!!!!!

Videos:(4) Beyond the Text-Author Julie Comeau discussing her upcoming book, more than 3,000 views at: Click Here

Robb Hartlen, Voice Print and Julie Comeau, Inspirational Speaker and Writer

Check Out : The April 28 th Voice Print Radio interview with author Julie Comeau:
Click Here

Notes on the Video Team:

Jim Lavoie, Publicist, Bulldog Publicity

Producer/Creator Videos: Jim Lavoie In addition to being owner/operator of Bulldog Publicity, I am a freelance writer with over 90 articles published in New Brunswick Canada: The Telegraph Journal, The Daily Gleaner, and Here Magazine. I have been the publicist for the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada for the past six years and also the Silver Wave Film Festival held in November annually. I have represented many New Brunswick productions and have appeared many times on television, radio and in the newspapers on their behalf.

Click Here

Jim Lavoie, Bulldog Publicity and Bunthivy Nou, Filmmaker/Actress

Bunthivy Nou: Bunthivy is an award-winning filmmaker based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. A creative director/actor/producer, and owner of Yellow wood Pictures, her debut short film “A Lion’s Tale” (2008) premiered at the Atlantic Film Festival and has screened in various film festivals in North America winning for Best Short NB Drama and Best Actress in a Drama at the 2008 Silver Wave Film Festival. The film was accepted in the NSI Online Short Film Festival and will soon be broadcast with CBC.

Click Here

Filmmakers Matthew Carr and Jillian Acreman

Jillian Acreman: Award winning filmmaker Jillian Acreman has produced two short films which have been screened at international festivals, and most recently on CBC. Jillian’s first short film “Broke” was accepted into the Cannes Short Film Corner in 2010 which she also attended. She recently completed her 3rd short called” Man Who Sold The World”, filmed in Los Angeles, starring Steve Railsback, Barry Livingston and Jean Rasey. Please see: Click Here

Matthew Carr: Matthew is currently working as a free lance and has been involved in many corporate, commercial and Indie shoots. His latest was 1st assistant camera on “Man Who Sold The World” and was he was the Director of Photography for the “Beyond The Text” videos for author Julie Comeau’s youtube channel.

Picture Editor and Teacher Jennifer Chiasson

Jennifer Marie Chiasson: Jennifer is an Award Winning Final Cut Pro Video Editor. She has a degree in Multimedia, Certification in film and television production as well as her specified Final Cut Pro Levels 1 and 2 Apple Certified training certifications. She has over 5 years of work experience in the corporate and private sector, 5 years of experience working on short films in drama and comedy (2 of which where screened at the Short Film Corner at the Cannes International Film Festival) She has 5 years of freelancing experience in a variety of genres running from feature film, documentary, promotional, charity events and more. She teaches youth filmmaking workshops through the Red Cross and is an Advanced Editing teacher at the Centre for Arts and Technology in Fredericton, NB. She also has been working for two years in the fashion industry (attending New York Fashion Week, Couture Fashion Week, Nolcha Fashion Week, Style 360 Fashion Week, editing from Mercedes Benz Miami Swimsuit Fashion Week and Los Angeles Fashion Week) doing videography and editing of segments. Previous work had been for Fashion News Live and current work for her own Fashion Journalism called Workinchic.com.

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Hot News:

This weekend’s Blog will be on Lalesha Railsback, producer of “Man Who Sold The World”, speaking on working with her father Steve Railsback and Actors’ Barry Livingston and Jean Rase. She will talk about her life growing up in the Hollywood spotlight!

Jillian Acreman – Part 2: Steve Railsback, Jean Rasey and Barry Livingston….Speaking of Stars and Journeys

“Isn’t it ironic” the mantra song from “Jagged Little Pill” (Alanis Morissette) probably best describes my last two phone conversations with legendary actor Steve Railsback. The first being about the film “The Stunt Man, starring Peter O’Toole and Steve Railsback, directed by Richard Rush, being selected by the Turner Classic Movie channel as one of the top 50 films of all time. A film that award winning New Brunswick actress Elizabeth Goodyear insists is “must viewing” for all with aspirations to become an actor.

Now, the second conversation, with the same degree of enthusiasm by Railsback, was to discuss his lead acting role in a recently completed short film shot in Los Angeles. The film is called “Man Who Sold The World” (MWSTW) written and directed by New Brunswick filmmaker Jillian Acreman and produced by Lalesha Railsback (his daughter). Now if that is not truly ironic, then what is?

To list all of his accomplishments on stage, screen, television, writing, directing, and producing would consume this page and more, so please Google it or verse yourself in this brilliant man’s career. He has worked with the best of the best, the who’s who breadth of mediums. One iconic role for Railsback was his chilling portrayal of psychotic killer Charles Manson in “Helter Skelter”. The famous courtroom scene where the demented persona of Manson is fully exposed for all to bear witness is magnificent. This was a lengthy and emotional scene for Railsback and I will surprise you by saying this was captured in one take! That is correct, “One Take” and with the degree of difficulty of doing this scene, staying in the moment off the chart, he hits it out of the park!

Railsback has worked with the greats, been part of and witnessed the evolution of film and television. They tell me on a daily basis some 40,000 persons are entering or leaving the film industry in Los Angeles! A friend of mine, being well versed in the industry, states the formula is simple but complex at once. You need stars, a good script and plenty of cash! There are and have been exceptions but mostly reality trumps With this in mind, as background and knowing this latest short is an “Indie” we begin………

Jim: what comes to mind when I ask you about Jillian Acreman the person, the writer and the director? Is there such a thing as a natural?

Actor Steve Railsback

Steve: She is only 24! I guess that debunks age as a quantifier but seriously she has a sense of maturity beyond her years. Her respect for the history of film and lessons learned in developing her writing and directing style is evident, her route taken via self instruction is unorthodox but not unheard of. There is such a thing as a “Natural” but comes with riders attached. You can not teach instinct, feel or vision but all are greatly enhanced by continuous upgrading of your knowledge of all things related to what you wish to excel in. The talented do not really graduate from anything, formal or otherwise, but are just moving on to a new plateau better armed. The credits on your life are only complete when you have left this earth.

Jim: I know you have future plans to direct a feature which will have Lalesha as part of the cast but for now staying with the short film “Man Who Sold The World”, in which she was the producer your thoughts are?

Steve: It was great to work with her, I love her and am proud of her and she did a very professional job on this production. I know you have an upcoming feature blog on her in which I elaborate on my feelings about her, her career, etc…” (Note: Jim will be releasing a feature blog on Lalesha Railsback in May, exclusive to Bulldog Publicity)

Jim: Your preparation for your role was based on you working out your character as defined in the script, for Jillian Acremans’ production of “MWSTW”. Can you expand on that and give us some more insight into your process?

Steve: The actor(s) must give back and own the character as if in homage to the script’s intent. You must give your character depth and personality that will engage many layers of individuals or group audiences. It is a mix of emotion, physical presence or state, voice cadence or nuance you bring to the director and writer’s vision.

Jim: In “MWSTW” you were reunited with good friends Jean Rasey and Barry Livingston, what was that like?

Steve: Both are very talented and creative people whose careers I have been lucky to interact with over the years. I did a stage play, in New York City 35 years ago, with Barry, who by the way is getting set to release a book “The Importance of Being Ernie” based on his 50 years in show business. I think it can be pre–ordered on Amazon. I think all three of us connected well with Jillian’s cast and crew and enjoyed the production immensely.

Crew Jesse Anthony, Matthew Carr and Conor Doyle

Jim: Steve, it has been a pleasure and privilege to talk to you, what is one piece of advice you could share with us?

Actress Jean Rasey and Actor Steve Railsback

Steve: Thank you Jim, in a word “Read!” The missing art of, taking the time to simply read a book. Think about it, you are opening your mind, imagination, exercising creativity.

Actor Barry Livingston talks about “Man Who Sold the World”

Actor Barry Livingston

Barry Livingston is getting ready to release a biography which highlights his 50 years in show business. Entitled “The Importance of Being Ernie”, the title of course refers to his role as Ernie Douglas on the legendary television show “My Three Sons” He currently stars in the hit television series “Mad Men”.

Jim: Thank you for taking the time to talk with me, congratulations on your upcoming book. I wanted to ask you about a short film you recently worked on, “The Man Who Sold The World” written and directed by Jillian Acreman. You have worked with some of the greats in television and film (directors, writers and actors). For the first time in a very long time, you are working with a group of unknowns. What did you like about Jillian’s writing style, directing style? Overall impression of Jillian?

Barry: Jillian was a great collaborator and very willing to accept ideas from her actors. She did not seem threatened by her actors having opinions, which some directors are. She heard what we, the actors, were saying and incorporated the ideas into the script, while still staying true to her vision.

Jim: I know you are friends with Steve Railsback but have you worked together before? If so on what projects?

Barry: Steve Railsback and I worked together on a Thornton Wilder play, “The Skin of Our Teeth”, which played on Broadway in the mid-seventies. He is been a great friend and mentor for decades now. I respect him, and love him, like a brother.

Jim: Working with a mostly young and upcoming crew, was it a throw back in many ways to when you first started out? Were you able to point out things or provide advice to them?

Barry: I had only one bit of advice for the young crew. Make a lot of friends, in other words, NETWORK, that’s one of the keys to a long and productive career in film.

Jim: With “Mad Men” starting up again next year, do you have other projects on the go or will you have your hands full dealing with the release of your book? Can your book be ordered now and if so how?

Barry: I have a film, Hostel 3, coming out in 2011, either late summer or early fall. My book, “The Importance of Being Ernie”, will be released on Oct. 25, 2011. You can pre-order now on Amazon.com.

http://www.facebook.com/l/261faklOU_AwLZ4OBErj1g1UyEw/Amazon.com

BREAKING NEWS:
Before I speak to actress Jean Rasey, my next guest, I would like to announce that I am now the official publicist of this extremely talented lady. I look forward to working for and with Jean. She brings so much to the table and I expect to announce great projects for her in the very near future. For those of you new to Bulldog Publicity and my Blog please check out the feature I did on Jean earlier this month (April 10th, 2011 “Never Gonna Break Her Stride”).

Actress Jean Rasey talks about “Man Who Sold the World”

Jim: Who is your character in this film?

Actress Jean Rasey

Jean: I play Jack Carmichael’s wife, Lauren. We have a pretty good life, with 2 great kids. I don’t want to give too much away, suffice to say that Jack is faced with a monumental moral decision that will affect his professorial and personal life in a way that is inexplicable.

Jim: Working with Steve Railsback and Barry Livingston-have you before and in what and if not what was it like?

Jean: I have known Steve for many years, and we have always talked about working together. He is a solid actor, a true professional and it was great working with him. I think we have good on screen chemistry. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to work with Barry as we did not have any scenes together. I look forward to the possibility of working with Barry in the future.

Jim: Your thoughts on Jillian Acreman?

Jean: Jillian is an actor’s director. She supports ideas and thoughts regarding the scene and approaches the shot in a very natural way. A joy to work with. I hope to work with her again.

Jim: Your thoughts on the cast and crew?

Jean: They are an awesome group of people. I love working on Indies because there is such a “family” feel to creating a Film. Everybody supports each other in any way they can. I would love to work with all of them again.

Jim’s Closing Thoughts

I think Jillian Acreman is a very talented film peep, her potential is unlimited and her “pictures” will only grow in scope and magnitude. I also would like to point out she is one of the most considerate people I have ever met. She loves film and loves people.

Maybe this might put things in perspective, I am heavily involved with my good friend and author Julie Comeau in her book being released soon. It’s entitled “Never Give Up-The Inspirational Journey of a Real life Survivor”. I came up with the idea of having an inspirational video (which became 4) on the author’s story of survival. The idea being to let people, via youtube, get to know Julie, see, hear and feel her passion which awaits them in her book.

I knew I could create and produce this because what I wanted would be unscripted and raw. I picked up the phone and called Jillian Acreman and Matthew Carr, an awesome and talented couple. I told them what I wanted and needed and without hesitation they were in. They became my director and director of photography, also on board came actress and director Bunthivy Nou as the interviewer. Into the unknown we plunged. When all was done our editor Jennifer Chiasson took over in post.

The end result of these very talented people is that nearly 3,000 people (since March 18) have viewed the four videos http://www.youtube.com/user/JULIesthebeast3?feature=mhsn which is incredible because these are informative but not your 2 min variety videos. It may not be a Genie (Canadian Oscars) winner or a feature film but Jillian Acreman’s work is reaching out and touching people because of the care she puts into everything.

New Brunswick Filmmaker Jillian Acreman was in heaven shooting stars in Los Angeles

By
Jim Lavoie

Live from Los Angeles – 24 year old New Brunswick Filmmaker Jillian Acreman has just completed principal photography on her latest short film, “Man Who Sold the World”. This project would be a career highlight for filmmakers anywhere. She wrote the script and directed the legendary Steve Railsback (The Stunt Man, Helter Skelter), Barry Livingston (Mad Men, My Three Sons (played Ernie) and Jean Rasey (The Hindenburg, Nancy Drew TV Series (played George) for her film which is now in post-production mode. The film’s producer was Lalesha Railsback (actress, writer and the daughter of Steve Railsback).

Award winning filmmaker Jillian Acreman has produced two short films which have been screened at international festivals, and most recently on CBC. Acreman’s first short film “Broke” was accepted into the Festival de Cannes Short Film Corner (which is out of competition) in 2010 which she attended. Her second short film, “The Editor” was met with critical acclaim.

I recently sat down with an elated Acreman to discuss what it was like to shoot “Man Who Sold the World” and what her plans are for the film once it is in distribution. This talented and creative young lady has a deep appreciation for film history and is quite the classic film buff.

Jim: Before we delve into your exciting new film and the almost surreal experience you must have had doing it, give us the 101 on Jillian Acreman. Where are you from? How did this whole love for film get started? As a child, while others stood in front of the mirror acting out scenes were you the one directing their performance?

Jillian: I’m from Ottawa but I’ve been living in Fredericton for over 7 years now. My training in film comes from sitting and watching films for thousands of hours, something which I have my movie loving parents to thank for. I did not begin getting involved on the production side of film until I was 19 when I started volunteering on low/no-budget films friends of mine were producing. As a kid I thought becoming an actress would be glamorous and I would force my little brother to do shows with me for our parents, but as I became older and realized that there are hundreds of people BEHIND the scenes, that’s when I lost the acting bug and wanted to write. I joined the NB Film Co-operative and through the guidance of everyone there I began to learn and see how things can come together. Cat and Tony and the NBFC are an extension of my family.

Actor Steve Railsback and Actress Jean Rasey

Actor Barry Livingston

Jim: How on earth do you direct Steve Railsback, Barry Livingston and Jean Rasey? I mean talk about taking a page out of film and television history (more like a book)What was it like, as a director, a writer to have this kind of talent and creativity right in front of you? Explain to me your creative process on this project?

Jillian: It goes without saying that when you work with any actor it is going to be a learning experience for both of you. When you happen to work with actors who have over 100 years experience combined it really opens the doors to what you can learn and understand and it makes you a better director and filmmaker. I think one of the biggest steps is just breaking the ice with your actors and being comfortable opening a dialogue with them. Steve is a really funny guy which helped the process immensely, and he is a very professional actor which taught us all a lot. I’ve grown very fond of him.

Jim: You assembled others for this shoot; people that you believed in and knew had the talent to make this a go. Producer Lalesha Railsback, Director of Photography Jesse Anthony, Assistant Camera Matthew Carr, Sound Recordist Mixer Connor Doyle and of course actress Jessica Holt to name a few. You had worked with these people before on different productions. Share your feelings on their contribution to “Man Who Sold the World” (MWSTW). It is also worth noting that all have ties and roots to the New Brunswick Film community.

Jillian: I had lunch with my good friend Lalesha last summer and we decided to partner on my third short film. Initially I wanted to shoot in Montreal but when she suggested her hometown of Los Angeles that’s when the ball really got rolling. We both knew immediately that we were only interested in doing it with our own people, our own way, and despite the fact that we did hire additional crew members in the US, the heart and soul of MWSTW was ours.

DOP Jesse Anthony and Director Jillian Acreman

Actress Jessica Holt, Director Jillian Acreman and Producer Lalesha Railsback

Sound Recordist Mixer Conor Doyle

Jesse Anthony is one of my closest friends and a hell of a cinematographer. He shot my previous films “Broke” and “The Editor” and he really has such an amazing instinct for the visual look of a film. When you work with the same people consistently you really develop a short hand and understand what each person is looking for. Jesse generally already knows where I want things to go and how they’re supposed to look and feel and that really lets us just jump in quickly when we begin a project.

Producer Lalesha Railsback and DOP Jesse Anthony

Conor Doyle, Jessica Holt and Matt Carr offered me peace of mind that I couldn’t have acquired without them. They’re all so talented and on-the-ball and enthusiastic. We all believe in each other and I think that, along with a great set etiquette and understanding of each other creates great energy on and off set. The film simply wouldn’t exist without them.

Jim: So here you are in post-production, it is edit time and there are choices to be made in the cutting room. I suspect there will be perhaps two versions (festival cut and director’s cut)? It must be both humbling and empowering to call the shots so to speak.

Jillian: Filmmakers never get to see their own work for the first time. I mean between writing, preproduction, shooting, dailies, editing, editing, editing… we do miss out on the opportunity to watch it as it was intended. I’ve learned the hard way that you have to really try and remove yourself from what you already know going into editing so you can faithfully create what you intend your audience to see. It’s nice to have control, but it can be hard to be impartial. A lot of filmmakers feel that what they create can either be understood or appreciated by audiences, or if they don’t get it, then they don’t get it. I’m not like that. I want people to watch and listen to my stories and connect with them, the first time and every time in some way.

Jim: Give me a synopsis of the film, without giving too much away. How you pulled it off, how in the world you managed to get this all to come together?

Jillian: The film is about a man who makes a simple business decision mid-way through his career and it comes back to haunt him.

My film partner Lalesha and I frequently found ourselves asking each other “Are we really here? Are we about to shoot? Did we just do this?” But, there’s no big secret. We just said we were going to do it, and do it our way, and we started the process. It’s been in the works since last July, though most of that time was used to raise and save the money needed for it. Logistically this was the biggest learning curve I’ve ever encountered between SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and insurance/ rentals I had a lot of paperwork to fill out! Having Steve on board was very helpful. He really helped us get certain things that we would otherwise have gone without. We were very lucky.

Jim: So when and where can we expect to see “Man Who Sold the World”? What is next for you in filmmaking and I have the feeling that a feature looms in the not too distant future?

Jillian: I of course would love to have a NB premier of MWSTW and then just ride the festival circuit, try and license it, and see it broadcast. I think it’s safe to say that most young filmmakers have features on their mind. I’m definitely not the exception. I’ll leave it at that though for now .

Check out Jillian’s new Facebook page for her film company Columbus Avenue Pictures: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Columbus-Avenue-Pictures/125966187481790

The second part of this exclusive continues tomorrow (Thursday April 28th) with feedback from Iconic actors Steve Railsback, Barry Livingston and Jean Rasey on how “Man Who Sold the World” went from their perspective.

Photographs by: Matthew Carr

Film Icons Steve Railsback, Barry Livingston and Jean Rasey star in NB Filmmaker Jillian Acreman’s “Man Who Sold The World”

Only on April 27th with Bulldog Publicity will you get the full story and behind the scenes exclusive with the star studded cast of young, fast tracking NB filmmaker Jillian Acreman. Her new short “Man Who Sold The World” is produced by Lalesha Railsback who just happens to be the daughter of film icon and lead in this film, Steve Railsback.

We will talk to cast and crew and get the inside scoop on what this whole experience was like ……….for now enjoy the setting of the stage with some set photos by Matthew Carr. Come back on Wednesday, April 27th to catch this great exclusive withh Bulldog Publicity!

Jean Rasey & Steve Railsback

Barry Livingston

Jessica Holt, Jillian Acreman & Lalesha Railsback

Some of the Cast and Crew from "Man Who Sold The World"

One on One with On-Line Media Marvel Wendy Shepherd

Wendy Shepherd – ”Speaking of Saints, Sites & Tiger Blood”

                                                 – Part Two -

I had gone for a walk to clear out the cobwebs, internalizing and strategizing, but waves of doubt encased me as to the telephone I crawled. This is it Jim, time to delve into the area of expertise owned by Wendy Shepherd. That is right; we are going to talk shop, specifically about on-line media. In my mind are two things, keep it real and for sure no mention of Crosby.

This is probably a good time, to explain that Wendy Shepherd is the Social Media Manager & On-Line Outreach for The Boondock Saints.

At her fingertips are 3.5 million fans spread over 4 different sites and more links then any chain fence I have ever seen. As the phone rings I feel the weight of New Brunswick, Canada eh, on my sagging shoulders. Ok, game on (Watch the hockey references Jim).

Jim: You have many different sites, covering many aspects of the on-line media world. Let’s get to the biggest one by far: The Boondock Saints. I say the name Sean Patrick Flanery and you say? How did you hook up with these immensely popular characters?

Wendy: It’s Norman Reedus who is mentioned with Sean Patrick Flanery, the two stars on The Boondock Saints. They are talented and down to earth nice guys.

I started talking with Sean about 4 years ago (about May 2007) when he had a project that I was to help work on. I remember it well because during that time my middle son suffered a ruptured appendix, which I’m very thankful that he pulled through and is in great health now.

Funny thing is I thought I’d heard of Sean’s name, but I hadn’t seen any of the films he starred in. I told him that too. I asked what films of his I should watch first. I picked out a couple from the list that I saw people mention: Powder & Boondock Saints. He said if I watched them both, I’d see two completely different characters. I was pleasantly surprised by his talent in both films, and determined that he was underrated as an actor.

Norman Reedus & Wendy Shepherd

I ran across Norman online around August 2007. I think it started by a fan asking me if his My Space was real, so I checked it out. I wasn’t sure it was him, so I asked Sean and we found a way to confirm. I also bumped into actor/producer Paul J Alessi while working on Sean’s My space in 2007. I had no idea how these connections would result into what I’m working on today. Just one thing seemed to lead to another and along the way Boondock Saints started to create their sequel.

Paul J Alessi knows Troy Duffy and the cast/crew and he was working on the EPK/DVD field production, etc. on the set of the sequel. He (along with Sean) knew what I had been doing to help them already and so he suggested that I help in some way with Boondock Saints and they also connected me with Chris Brinker, Clifton Collins Jr, Brian Mahoney, Bob Marley and Bob Rubin.

http://www.boondocksaints.com

Jim: They speak with reverence about you and I understand you went to the premiere of Boondock Saints II in Los Angeles?

Clifton Collins Jr. & Wendy Shepherd

Wendy: I was invited to the Boondock Saints II premiere to surprise Sean, Norman, Clifton, Paul, Brian and Bob. Producer Chris Brinker arranged for me to fly out with my husband. I’ve never been to a premiere, so that in itself was quite an experience, but the best part was finally meeting everyone that I had been working with and talked to over the phone. I found out though that Sean knew of the surprise… and he had a surprise for me about mentioning me on the G4 Attack of the Show (http://www.g4tv.com/videos/42353/sean-patrick-flanery-norman-reedus-on-boondock-saints-ii/ ). I didn’t get to see the video clip until I got home. Did I say those guys all rock!?!

Jim: Officially Plugged In is an interesting site and seems to be creating a buzz with celebrities. Why so? Who can be on the site and how can they be featured on Officially Plugged (OPI), name just a few who have been featured on OPI and tell us about the recent addition of an on-line magazine?

Wendy: I started the website due to the problems I had getting fans to believe Sean’s social networks were really him and not a fake poser. There were some fake profiles run by fans claiming to be Sean. Photos are too easy for fans to alter in a graphics program. So the only way I could think people would believe Sean actually was talking to people online through certain networks was to have him make a video. The feedback was great.

Many people had the same problem, so I decided to start up a website that would showcase lots of people doing the same thing to try to keep their fans safe from fake profiles and allow for safer networking. Sean loved the idea and so he’s been a part of it from the beginning.

The more popular a person is, the more fans they have, and so there are more fake profiles created by people under their name. However, there are up and coming talented people who love the idea, so I’ve included them on the website as well.

I tried to keep it simple for people to get showcased. They just need to first have an official spot online (website or social network profile). Next, they need to send me a short introduction video which includes three things: name, occupation, web address of official spot online (I include those official links on the showcase page). It’s free to be showcased. http://www.officiallypluggedin.com

I’ve showcased many people on the site, including Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, Clifton Collins Jr., Troy Duffy, Paul J. Alessi, Amie Barsky, Frederic Doss, Brian Mahoney, Bob Rubin, David Della Rocco, Steven Seagal, Michael Rooker, Jean Rasey, Bernard Robichaud and more. I wish I could list them all here, but they can all be found through the “Who’s Listed” section: http://www.officiallypluggedin.com/blog/

I started the online magazine section of the website because I wanted to highlight some of the projects and news of showcased people. It seemed like a needed addition to the site that keeps people interested in visiting again and learning more about these talented people.

Jim: Movie Vine, since 2004, providing Film, Celebrity, and Entertainment news is composed of?

Wendy: As you know I love movies, so naturally I started a movie website. It’s recently gone through a re-design and I’m still moving old content over into the new system. People have submitted movie news and reviews to the site over time. http://www.movievine.com

Jim: Not surprisingly you have a site devoted to building a solid on-line presence called Studio Matrix. Many different options are available, what are some of them?

Wendy: This site covers services that I offer including: web design, graphics, internet consultation, online publicity and social networking. I detail a bit about those topics and show a list of some of my clients/friends websites.

http://www.studiomatrix.com

Jim: Chart Jungle is all about organizing the chaotic existence that most of us live and I don’t get to say this very often but it is a FREE printable site. The price is right for sure and what kind of organizational tools are there?

Wendy: Yes, Chart Jungle was a website that started when I was in the heat of raising young children. I just couldn’t find some charts or lists online that would help with parenting topics. So since I knew how to use a graphics program, I decided to make some of my own. I figured other parents might need them as well, so I put them online for free. The website is advertisement supported to help cover costs of hosting, bandwidth, etc.

http://www.chartjungle.com

Charlie Sheen Tiger Blood Intern Competition:

Jim: You made it to the third round, one of 250 persons, out of a starting group of 80,000. What was that like to be entered in and your overall thoughts about a competition created out of a bizarre chain of events?

Wendy : I think the number in Round 3 ended up being more like 500, but no official number was mentioned. When I wrote a blog post about it I think I mentioned 200-250, but I talked to some #tigerbloodinterns who were making a list and the count went higher than initially thought.

I entered the competition at the suggestion of a couple of Boondock Saints fans as it was for a social media internship for the summer. I had no idea I’d make it to the next round or how many rounds there were. It doesn’t make you feel special to have made it to a round where about 80,000 people made it, but you do feel it’s a little more legit when you make it amongst hundreds of people in Round 3.

The internships crew has notified the top 50 selected people for Round 4. I wasn’t selected (probably too experienced). Talking to a couple of the people who made it, I’ve been told their applications have been turned over to the Sheen Team who will give them their next task in the competition.

I have mixed feeling about a competition like this to hire someone to work for them as an intern. Yes, in some ways public competition can be fun, but when it comes down to it, there is a serious aspect to it.

About Wendy -Her Friends Speak Out

Paul J. Alessi - actor/producer

So, Wendy is just an all around awesome person. She helps me run all of my websites, social networks and online publicity for myself and for my films. I highly recommend her. I have referred her to a number of people and I have always gotten great feedback and praise. She is kind, friendly, attentive and prompt and she just does an all around great job.

Paul J. Alessi Actor/Producer

http://www.pauljalessi.com

http://twitter.com/pauljalessi

www.linkedin.com/in/pauljalessi

http://www.myspace.com/pauljalessi

http://www.facebook.com/pjalessi

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paul-J-Alessi/

Bernard Robichaud - actor/writer/comedian

Wendy is one of the coolest people I know. She is my techno wizard of on-line media and because of her I am “there” in the world of Social Networking. She is a really good friend and her word is a bond. Just ask and it is done

Actor/ Writer/Comedian Bernard Robichaud

http://www.bernardrobichaud.com

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0732104/

http://twitter.com/bernierobichaud

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=65…

http://www.youtube.com/user/cyrustpb

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fus…

http://www.officiallypluggedin.com/actors/bernard-robichaud.php

Jean Rasey - actress

I was first introduced to Wendy, through my publicist, last year. Wendy offered me an amazing opportunity to be showcased on her online website Officially Plugged In. I now consider this wonderful, talented and generous woman my friend. Thanks Wendy for supporting me in “kick starting” my career again.

Actress Jean Rasey

http://www.imdb.me/jeanrasey

http://www.sag.org/iactor/JeanRasey

http://www.officiallypluggedin.com/news/2010/06/interview-with-actress-jean-rasey/

One on One with On-Line Media Marvel Wendy Shepherd

By: Jim Lavoie    

Part One

The First Question must be brilliant!

I am a bit nervous here, like a contestant on American Idol, what question could I possibly ask Wendy that she has not been asked before? An icebreaker, yes that is brilliant Jim, show your wit and get her on your side! Ok, got it…….

Jim: Are you a sports fan? Do you like hockey, and did you watch the Olympic Gold Medal game? Yes the game between the United States and Canada, is Crosby not the greatest hockey player ever and to get that overtime winning…..” The sound of the dial tone fills my ears and my 15 seconds are gone,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Wait that was just a dream! The phone is actually ringing –so here goes!

Wendy Shepherd

Personally Speaking:

For Wendy Shepherd It is all about balance, prioritization, accuracy and accountability in personal and professional commitments. Before we delve into her storied achievements in mastering the on-line media world, we will talk about  her life in general

Jim: I think what comes through to me about you Wendy, putting aside all your brilliant media work for just awhile, is your passion for your life, family and country. When you post on personal matters you are a proud wife, mother, and citizen and have no qualm in pointing this out. It says to me you have solid core values. Like everything you do in your career it is not about Wendy Shepherd (your name speaks for itself) but others. How do you and why do you keep personal matters vs. public role in an orbit that works for you? How do you maintain that balance?

Wendy: Thank you for your kind words Jim! Now excuse me while I step down from the beautiful pedestal you placed me on. : ) I think life is a delicate balance. I wouldn’t say I always get it right. I do focus on what’s important and for me that means my immediate family comes first. Making sure they have love and what they need in life. When it comes to other things I have to deal with, I try to prioritize what is important to get done first and go from there.

Jim: Where are you from, where did you go for your education, what were your interests growing up and did you have early ambitions to be in the entertainment scene? Was this some sort of preordained destiny?

Wendy: I am originally from Ohio. I’ve lived in several states over the years. My education includes two years of community college in Arizona for Business Administration. My husband attended community college with me. We took some classes together and compared grades to see who would score better. He usually got better grades, but I love him anyways.

I’ve always enjoyed the creative aspect of arts and crafts growing up. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do to make a living, even when I got into college. I did know I wanted to be a wife and mother. I was lucky to find my wonderful husband just after graduating High School and fulfill the dream of having children.

Jim: Your first job was doing what? Your first media employment was with who? Doing what? At what point did you see new media, the internet and social networking as the wave of the future? When you adapted to it was it an easy transition for you and were you already comfortable with the evolving technology? How do you stay versed as applications etc are ever changing?

Wendy: My first job was at a Mexican restaurant as a hostess. I never did offline media or any type of media until I got onto the computer. My father-in-law introduced my husband and I to the computer around 1996-1997. Computer time was limited then because I had a baby and toddler that ruled my world.

I didn’t get my first domain name until 1999. I taught myself everything about how to design and market the website to bring visitors to read the content. It was back then that I realized the power people can have via the internet. I felt like it enabled people to create content, just like any magazine, for people to come and read it from anywhere in the world.

Social networking wasn’t around yet at that time. Websites had to utilize link exchanges, leave messages in guest books with a link to their website, and buy advertisements on similar websites for example. Then social networks (Myspace, Twitter, Face book) became popular for people to use personally. Naturally businesses found a way to utilize this popular platform of communication.

Since I taught myself how to do every aspect of building and promoting my websites, I found it easy enough to dive in and learn about this new technology. I try to adapt and learn what I can. There is no way any one person can learn everything. I choose what I need as a useful tool.

Jim: If you could what other occupation would you like to do? What are your interests and hobbies when not working?

Wendy: I supposed I’d probably start my own magazine or similar publication. I like to showcase people and their interesting projects. When I’m not working, my interests are spending time with my family, listening to music, watching movies, and reading good books.

Jim: Being a part of the entertainment scene do you ever have the urge to actually be in a film or write a screenplay or has that happened already or will it happen?

Wendy: I actually haven’t had an urge to be in a film. I’m pretty shy. Watching a lot of the ‘behind the scenes’ makes me realize how much work and collaboration goes into getting a film made. I have thought about maybe writing a book or a screenplay sometime. I’m not sure if it will happen, but I may tinker with it to see what I can create. I’ve been yearning to create something of my own outside of my online projects

-TO BE CONTIUED-

Paul J. Alessi, Chris Brinker and Wendy Shepherd at LA premiere Boondock Saints II

To be continued Wed April 18^th – the second part of this Blog Interview. Wendy tells us about knowing and working with the Boondock Saints, Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus… I ask Wendy to talk about and explain the various web sites she has created and owns. These sites are just a sample of what Wendy Shepherd does like no one else. A couple of special friends of Wendy Shepherd drop by to have a say!  In closing this first of two blogs interviews I want to say directly to Wendy:

I want to say how much I appreciate everything you have done or helped me with Wendy. I was a little in awe of you at first while working with you on ”American Sunset,” but you treated me with respect and opened your door to me. You showed me how to be effective with your relentless work etiquette and top quality multi-tasking but more importantly, to me, you treated me as an equal. That was when I knew that the legendary Wendy Shepherd was indeed the living definition of class. For you to grant me an interview is your way of saying that you trust and believe in me and that is the ultimate anyone can ask for.

Jim Lavoie

Upcoming Blog: Wendy Shepherd On Line Guru for the stars

Wendy Shepherd  “Online Media guru “is the Queen to these Saints !

By: Jim Lavoie

Coming later this week I will be posting an interview  with Wendy Shepherd  an on line media specialist. One that  is entrusted with safeguarding/protecting her clients from pretenders, posers and outright cons. What the reader will hear/see is the genuine thing.  With clients like the immensely popular Boondock Saints in tow, her on line work is heavily in demand

Work/Position tile:
“on line media”:” I’ve been using that term a lot lately. It basically sums up the on line presence of designing an official website, doing official social networks, on line outreach for publicity (interviews, news submissions)”
-Wendy Shepherd

Boondock Saints · Social Media Manager & Online Media Outreach

Over 3.5 Million Fans  over 4 Face Book pages !!!

Designed Created and Owned By Wendy Shepherd :

Chart Jungle · Owner/Creator

 

Studio Matrix · Owner/Creator

 

Movie Vine Owner/Creator

Officially Plugged In · Owner/Creator

Charlie Sheen Tiger Blood Intern Competition :
In addition to all her ongoing on line media work Wendy took the time to enter the Charlie Sheen Tiger Blood Intern contest.  80,000 people entered and Wendy  was one of 250 people left in the competition.  She is now out of the competition but will talk to us about about it during the interview. My personal viewpoint , based on her skills and experience, is Wendy is totally overqualified  for an Intern Position !

Wendy Shepherd

Wendy Shepherd

, Sean Patrick Flanery, Wendy Shepherd

Web Site Links: for Wendy Shepherd
http://www.wendyshepherd.com
http://www.imdb.com/company/co0275848/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2699226/
http://www.studiomatrix.com http://www.officiallypluggedin.com
http://www.chartjungle.com

Coming soon:

An in depth blog with  The Lilac Affair ! (Fredericton , New Brunswick, Canada)

The Lilac Affair describes their style as being Folk/Jazz/Indie/Gypsie Rock/Pop but in reality includes so many variables it is outside definition or category. The most important component is the cauldron of musical influences that is brewed up in the sweet sounds of The Lilac Affair!
The powerhouse vocals of “Pretty Bird” Lily Claire will shake the house to its rafters or bring it to a whisper with a haunting ballad. Grooved by the drumming styles of Mike Allain , the driving bass of Mark Winchester (formerly of Vetch) and strong lead guitar by Chris F. Giles “The Lilac Affair” sound is special. They are at the start of what will be a special affair and you will want to be part of the ride. Enjoy !

Note they have had their latest mastered at “Abby Road ” in England and the sound is sweet!

http://www.myspace.com/thelilacaffair/music/songs/pretty-bird-40-abbey-road-master-41-81160464

or just

www.myspace.com/thelilacaffair