Author Archives: Aidan

Why I'm never eating dogfish {Miscuity}

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Thanks Internet, you’ve shown me some wonderful things in my time, sadly this isn’t one of them.

There’s theories on the Internet about this very dead dogfish; either it has the zombie virus, or it’s “a living suffering being” (very unlikely), or something to do with salt and lemon. Or the lemon and aluminium foil. Or the salt and the… oh whatever, cue some more home experiments with seafood and expect to hear mums shouting “Stop playing with your food!”

via [Boing Boing]

Have you tried your own food Frankenstein experiment? Post your videos in the comments below.

Gwyneth Paltrow prescribed sunshine {Health}

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She might be an A-List celeb and the role model for pale and interesting skin types the world over but actress Gwyneth Paltrow has been told to spend some time in the sun.

She revealed, in her newsletter GOOP, that a bone scan showed she had the begginning stages of Osteopenia and a test revealed her Vitamin D levels to be startlingly low. Some people are blaming her frequent detoxes and preference for vegan food but her blog has lots of yummy recepies, how is she not hungry all the time when writing about food?

Her Doctor, Dr. Frank Lipman, goes on to talk about the benefits of sunshine and Vitamin D.

Frank says “Although irresponsible sunbathing is unquestionably harmful and precautions need to be taken, regular, moderate, unprotected sun exposure is essential for good health. It is free, easy to get and good for you when used intelligently.”

Picture from Iron Man 2 [Product Page]

JC Mac on Acting in L.A. {Interviews}

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Frost: What does J.C. stand for?

J.C.: Well ‘Joe Cool’ of course ha ha no ‘just crazy’, no ‘jolly cute’ he he take your pick

Frost: You’re in a new film; L.A. Paranormal, what’s it about? When’s it slated for relase?

J.C.: LA Paranormal is a comedy ghost hunting movie centred around Hollywoods number 1 paranormal investigation team strangely enough called ‘LA Paranormal’. It follows the 4 man team documentary style as they investigate many ghostly happenings all over Los Angeles. Shot in the vain of ‘This is Spinal Tap’ the film was shot completely improv, there was a scene order and through line but no scripted dialogue what so ever.

It was a laugh a minute to work on with a gifted comedy cast, we had the whole crew in stitches at least once every day of filming during a take.

The producers knew exactly what they wanted and spent a long time over the casting process, for the final call back there were 12 guys 3 of each character. We all improved scenes in different groups of four, there was some great talent on display and the producers could have gone with any combination and had a good result in fact was one of the most fun days I have had here.The film was directed by John Gonzales who had a very clear vision of what he wanted, I enjoyed working with him.

So I play John London psychic artist, I’m the sensitive of the group who is actually an English playboy who when is not chasing ghost’s is chasing women, there are some hilarious comedy sexploits within the film, but you’ll have to watch it to find out more. The film also stars Mike Hatton, Tres Dean and Matt Temple. It is currently in post production slated for release early 2011.

Frost: Tell me about the web series you’re currently filming…

J.C.: The web series is called Mac and Moreti and is an all action comedy. I’m not allowed to say to much about it at this stage but I can tell you it’s very very funny. It has elements of sci fi and although different I think fans of Lost will appreciate it not to mention fans of Scooby doo ha ha. Steven Moreti a very talented American actor is my co-star in the project and the producers are just starting to leak information out via their facebook group macandmoreti

The show is going live on the 1st January 1.1.11 and can be viewed at www.macandmoreti.com we are still shooting for another 4 weeks all over the Hollywood area and I believe there are 8 episodes in season one.

Frost: What’s it like being a Brit in L.A. Do the the ex-patriot acting community stick together?

J.C.: I’m very proud to be British and representing in LA. British actors and crews are well respected in Hollywood so we have a great reputation to maintain. The American girls just love the accent and… ha ha only kidding.

It’s a great lifestyle, people are friendly the sun is always shining there’s nothing to dislike really in fact I might just stick around a bit longer ha ha

There’s quite a few Brits here doing well right now so think it’s a good time to be British and in Hollywood. There are a few groups of Brits who organize weekly breakfasts and events as well as offer advice to new arrivals.

Frost: What’s the differences between the industry in America compared to the UK.

J.C.: There’s a lot more opportunity here than in the UK. I love the British film industry but unfortunately it’s badly financed and there are now very few films being made in the UK with decent budgets.

I think it’s a great shame and a loss to world cinema as a whole. It’s tough on UK producers with hardly any tax incentives to shoot in the UK so the rates for actors really are generally poor as a consequence.

Hollywood is a tough nut to crack and I think it’s naive to come here and think you are going to make it overnight. There are a lot more jobs here and the rates are higher but there are also a hell of a lot of actors here from all over the world all looking to make it big so competition is fierce. But that said there are opportunities every day that could change your life should you land one. Fortune has been smiling on me since I got here and I have been lucky enough to work with some very talented directors. I recently completed ‘You Kill Me’ which was directed by an incredible young director called Monica Sender who is definitely one of the brightest upcoming directors here and one to watch for the future. I’m currently shooting 2 separate projects with James Van Alden who’s last film ‘A numbers Game’ is doing very well and stars Steven Bauer of Scarface fame. James is a creative genius with an amazing eye and formerly a world renowned fashion photographer. Another film I recently had a lot of fun working on was ‘Hit the big time’ this just won it’s first award at the Swansea Bay film festival last month. It was shot in London, Hollywood, Las Vegas and Utah and starred the hilarious Jason Hyde. We play the dumbest hit-men in history who never quite manage to kill anyone and after bungling a hit in London flee to Hollywood to sell our life storys and hit the big time with disastrous effect. The film thrives on the differences between the Brits and the Americans and is being well received on the festival circuit.

Production Still of JC Mac in 'You Kill Me', Photo by Fady Hadid

Frost: Do you have any advice for actors in the UK who are aiming to work in the US?

J.C.: Advice hmm look left and right before you cross the road cause the roads are big here and make sure you stop for at lease 3 seconds at the stop signs he he…

No seriously come prepared, come with a strategy and come with money in your pocket because it can take a while to book a job here. I hear from most peoples experience it takes about a year before you start to book and the American actors are very very professional. They all have excellent web sites, reels, headshots (in colour by the way) business cards etc and all follow up every meeting with postcards and thank you notes. Never be without you 10 x 8s (headshots with resume that’s CV to you and me stapled on the back) because you never know who you might bump into. Be nice to everyone (good rule in life anyway) because you just never know who you are talking to in fact nearly every waiter, barman, etc is an actor looking for an opportunity just like you so to compete come prepared.

Frost: What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learnt?

J.C.: The most valuable things I think I have learned is not to take yourself too seriously and to enjoy the journey along the way, It’s not just about the destination. It’s very easy to get so caught up in the business that you can lose track of what’s important. Make time for friends and family and try not to let your sole topic of conversation be you no matter how interesting you think yourself to be! Have fun, live life and take it all in your stride remember yesterday is history tomorrow a mystery but today is a gift from God, that’s why we call it the present so enjoy it!!!

Frost: That’s some sound advice JC, not only for those in the acting industry but for all people who work in a high pressure environment. Surely we can’t be at the end of our interview?! Is there anything else you’d like to add…anything at all?

J.C.: I have been in the US a year now, just before I left [the UK] I did a gangster film called ‘Butterflies and Bullets’ directed by Mark Holland and starring some great up and coming British talent including Tony Fordham, Tony Cooke and Mitch Powel. I believe that’s now nearing the end of the post production process and I’m looking forward to seeing it. I also was in the psychological thriller ’45’ along with my brother Chico, we played a pair of rival boxers and I won’t say who but one of us ended up with a black eye at the end of filming. This film won a couple of awards on the film festival circuit.

Frost: Is there anything you miss in the UK?

J.C.: Friends and family but I keep in contact regularly with internet video chats and social networking. The biggest thing I missed was the birth of Chico and Daniela’s son Zacharia, that was a biggie and also the release of his world cup football song ‘It’s England Time’.

The Lost Art of The Handwritten Word

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With current times giving us emails, texts, and instant messaging at home and on-the-go; the art of the handwritten word
has been lost. We have Blackberries and computers electronically telling us where we have to be and what we have to do. No longer do
we write our schedules in beautiful leather-bound diaries that we can keep and look back on for years to come.

It is time for us to appreciate the beauty of writing by hand; and the enjoyment that can be got from it.

Despite having a Blackberry and every other time-keeping and communications gadget our planet possesses, I insist on using a lovely floral hardback
diary. There is nothing quite so simple and enjoyable as turning the pages to see what the next week has in store, or neatly jotting in that
lunch date with a much loved friend.

The same with correspondance. Stationary can be such a lovely representation of who we are, and the buying of it opens up a whole new world of shopping.
Why type out an email thanking someone for a beautiful present, when you can write them a letter with your own hand?
It’s so much more personal, and the recipient will appreciate it all the more. I firmly believe in the power of the handwritten ‘Thank You’ note.

Debretts say that “Receiving a thoughtfully penned letter from a thoroughly modern girl should command delight. The impact is lost, however, if a piece
of photocopier paper with the scrawl of a biro is extricated from a business envelope featuring the logo of an employer. Every sophisticate should have a
stationary supply and stationary, like clothing, is an interface to personality.”

When writing a letter or card, it is good practice to always include your address; and your sign-off (e.g. Best Wishes) should, as Debretts instructs,
reflect your relationship with the recipient.

Smythson is one of my favourite stationary and diary suppliers. I love their Fashion Diary. Get the 2010 edition in stores now. Not only is it
a beautiful leather bound diary; but it will keep you in-the-loop with the all the major scheduled fashion events.

The website www.snowandgraham.com is another one of my favourite places to buy notecards and greetings card. There is something for everyone amongst
their stylish designs.

So, next time you are going out shopping, remember you’ve got something new to add to your list.

By Laura Pearson.

How to tie a tie {Misc-uity}

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I once heard a feminist argue that “corsets represent the binding of the female spirit and the restriction of liberties by men”. I personally don’t think men ever gave that much thought to a metaphor realised by a garment; otherwise they would be arguing a similar thing about ties.

I don’t know what my point is, here’s a little chart to show you how to tie your tie:

[via haha.nu]

5 Best Bikini's {Style}

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I think summer’s here, I could be mistaken because it’s so grey, that won’t deter me though. Are you mad enough to go to the beach? Here’s a few bikini ideas available on the high street.

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<<< Myla Lucie bandeau bikini. Top – £65, bottom – £65, Myla

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>>> Matalan, Bandeau bikini, top – £5, bottom – £4, Matalan

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<<< Black gold Freya supernova, top – £26, shorts – £25,
Lembrassa.com
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>>> Accessorize Heart frilly bikini, top – £14, brief – £14,

Accessorize
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<<< FCUK Retro stripe bandeau, top – £22, bottom – £20

French Connection

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Dappers "Bristolicious" [TV Preview]

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I do like BBC3’s approach to experimental comedy drama, so when I was offered a sneaky preview at their latest offering I jumped at the chance.
Dappers is about a couple of single mothers living in Bristol surviving on benefits. Constantly trying to come up with get rich quick schemes; Ashley and Faye; played by Lenora Crichlow (Being Human) and Ty Glaser (Emmerdale) live in council owned properties in a well-to-do part of town.
Despite the fact that the pair are “like Del Boy and Rodders in thongs”; a phrase that could depress the very soul of happiness personified; the show is being billed as “a cheerful poke in the eye to all the negativity that surrounds single-mums.”


Jealous of their smug neighbours; Ben (Darren Boyd, Smack the Pony) and Anna (Olivia Poulet, The Thick of It); who seemingly have it all; the mothers struggle to cope with their looser love interests; the Marco (Tom Ellis, Miranda) a wannabe nightclub impresario and Ryan (newcomer, Jack Ashton) who’s half a step from a stretch; trying to make ends meet with crack pot schemes whilst looking after toddlers Angel and Daisy. Not able to afford even a can of WD40, Faye has to suffer a creaky jacket throughout.

The writer and exec producer Catherine Johnson (the writer of Mamma Mia!) says “I wanted to write about living in a housing association flat and being a single parent, but I wanted to do it in a way that wasn’t grim and all about poverty.  The idea of doing it as a comedy drama, very much in the mould of Gavin and Stacey, really appealed to me.” The show’s squarely aimed at the audience of nice-comedy appreciators that Gavin and Stacey left behind. The pilot episode features something that even the most cynical of viewers will be pursuaded by. Pugs. Poor pugs, they’re the butt of every joke.

This pilot looks like it has real potential for development. The female led writing and makes it a welcome change and the strong cast and the unique storyline can only work in it’s favour.

Watch Dappers on BBC3 on the 10th June at 9:30pm