Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

Czech Actress Petra Bryant Interview

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Czech, beauty, actress, Petra BryantHow did you get into acting?

Acting is something I did since I was a teenager but I didn’t start seriously until I moved to London. I took many screen acting courses and did workshops with casting directors in order to be sure that is what I wanted to do with my life. I also did a stand-up comedy course but realized it wasn’t my thing at all! Getting parts in short films has been a great experience and I would recommend that every actor tries that route. Not only you learn how real productions work but you will get a demo reel material.

Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?

When I was a child I wanted to be a doctor, designer, writer, model and an actor. I have realized I could be all those if I became an actor. Bingo! But deep down I always knew that it was what I wanted to do. It took many years to get where I am today and I still have a long way to go.

What was your big break?

I think landing a role of Empress Faustina in Fallen Eagle has been the biggest break so far. But since the film is in pre-production status, I will say that it is ‘The Last Scout’. ‘The Last Scout’ is a British sci-fi. Playing the ship captain ‘Melissa’ feels like a real acting role at last!

How do you get into character?

It really depends on what kind of character I am playing and whether I can identify with it. I usually like to watch similar movies to the one I am about to make. It helps me get in the mood and I get inspired by other actors. I also think of all the little details from the character’s life and make them my own, slowly building on the character. Eventually I start thinking like the character and merging with them. I also have to get physically into shape for each role.

What is your favourite film that you worked on?

I am sure my answer will be different by the end of 2014 but for now I choose ‘The Disappearance of Lenka Wood’. This is my first film as the female lead. I almost feel like we did two separate films as part of the story is set in New York and another in Turkey. I liked that my character Lenka is very different from me and that I had lots of freedom in creating the character. At times it was also a pretty physical role to play and I had to push my own boundaries. I am scared of heights and water and it took some convincing to get me jump into the swimming pool for a scene! But I am so glad I did it.

Tell us about your upcoming films. 

Both ‘The Disappearance of Lenka Wood’ and ‘The Last Scout’ are in post-production but 2014 will be a busy year for me. I start with the film ‘White Collar Hooligan 3’ and a little short film. The next up is a sci-fi ‘Abduct’ where I get to play a Russian UFO Specialist. I am really excited to be a part of another sci-fi! My spring and summer will be spent in Malta and Los Angeles filming ‘Fallen Eagle’ and a rom-com ‘Looking for George Clooney’. There are other projects on the horizon but I can’t talk about them just yet. I am so happy that I am working, doing something I love.

Does being Czech help or hinder your career?

I would say it helps for sure. My accent is not typically Czech so that means I can play other Europeans. At the same time I would love to be able to perfect British or American accent to broaden my role spectrum. But for now I am more than happy to use being Czech into my advantage. I love playing the’ token European’!!

What is your ideal role?

I am a huge comedy fan and playing a goofy clumsy superhero would be amazing. I think I might have to write my own part one day.

What’s next?

Well apart from all the films I have lined up this year, I am also writing my first book. It has taken me a long time already. I have actually ripped the first draft apart and now I am rewriting the story in a different style. I am driving myself crazy with it! Once this is done and dusted, I want to self-publish and turn it into a script. I love writing and would love to produce TV series with my finished product.
I hope people will like my films and I continue to be a working actor! I love making movies but I am very attracted to TV as there are some brilliantly written shows out there!

 

Words For The Wounded Writing Prize

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walking wounded competitionFrost Magazine has came across a very worthy charity thanks to Jane Cable: Words For The Wounded was launched by Margaret Graham, an author at Random House.

Margaret said; “I launched the charity Words for the Wounded  last year and we raise money via writing competitions and donations to help in the recovery of our wounded service personnel. This year we are supporting the Creative Arts Unit at Tedworth House Recovery Centre. Every penny from the entry fees and donations goes to the wounded. We raise money for the prizes in other ways. My son and son-in-law have been noble and done various Ironman marathons and Triathlons for us but this year my colleague and old school friend, Jan Speedie, and I are giving them a break and doing a tandem sky dive. Yes, I know. My grandchildren say the same, ‘You’re mad.’ But needs must.  My agent despairs of the lengths to which I will go to be strapped to a handsome young man.

Words for the Wounded has a 1st prize of £250, 2nd £100 and 3rd £50, and publication in Writers’ Forum magazine. Entry fee is £4.50. We ask for poetry, non-fiction or fiction up to a maximum of 400 words on the subject of The Journey. It can be physical, emotional or both. The closing date is 11 March.”

Margaret also has a W4W blog which includes writing tips www.wordsforthewounded.blogspot.co.uk. 

Margaret went on to say that “the majority of those injured are under 25. These are life changing injuries and they will need help to recover their self-confidence and independence to get the best from their long lives.”

I am sure you will agree this is a great charity and an equally great competition. Enter now and spread the word.

 

Future Publishing Acquires Stake In Handpicked Media

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handpickedfutureSome very exciting news from Handpicked Media, which Frost Magazine is a part of, here it is in their own words:

Future has acquired a stake in Handpicked Media – a marketing agency for independent digital publishers – creating Handpicked Future Future plc, the international media group and leading digital business, today announces a strategic partnership with Handpicked Media.

The partnership sees Future acquire a 35% stake in Handpicked Media, which represents over 500 independent websites and blogs, reaching over 3.5 million unique users a month in the UK and six million globally. The Handpicked Future partnership provides Future with access to Handpicked’s roster of influential blogs and independent sites across a range of lifestyle channels including Fashion, Beauty and Entertainment. And in return Future will drive the effective commercialisation of those sites.

As a pioneering agency working in social media, Handpicked Media has curated a growing portfolio of influential sites across a range of lifestyle channels since it was launched in 2009 by entrepreneur Krista Madden. It manages the interaction between its community and a range of consumer brands, offering clients an array of opportunities to reach a very targeted and highly engaged audience.

Mark Wood, CEO of Future plc, says: “Handpicked has created a powerful social media proposition, curating a portfolio of leading independent sites and blogs across a range of sectors including beauty, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. Our partnership grows Future’s digital audience in attractive new sectors and is another signal of Future’s intention to deliver greater audience engagement and diversified revenue opportunities from digital platforms.”

Handpicked Future solutions include social media strategy, blogger outreach, content creation, events and integrated campaigns for a range of brand partners including Gucci, Karen Millen, Vodafone, Nivea and Intel. Future will drive the next phase of commercialisation across the collective, with an initial focus on developing the women’s lifestyle offer, under Future Women Managing Director, Jo Morrell.

Jo says: “Future is all about digital innovation and creative content, and Handpicked Media shares that sensibility. Krista and her team have created a really powerful social platform, which Future can support, expand and commercialise. Our award-winning digital excellence offers tremendous opportunities for lifestyle, fashion and beauty brands to deeply engage their audiences through Handpicked Future. I’m thrilled to seal this partnership.”

Krista adds: “We are very excited to be working with Future to expand our audiences, while supporting and developing the talent we have. The combined expertise of the new Handpicked Future team brings innovation and a unique proposition across social and digital platforms.”

Future reaches 58 million global unique users a month online and in the last year so over five million digital editions of its products for tablet and smartphone devices.

Future is the PPA and AOP Consumer Digital Publisher of the Year and the BMA Media Company of the Year.

The Refinery | Restaurant Review

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The Refinery is a good-looking restaurant in Southwark. It has a great vibe, lots of buzz and a sophisticated decor. We reviewed it on a Saturday and it was absolutely heaving.

Upon being handed the menu thinks get difficult, there is just so much to choose from. The menu is good and varied, something to suit every taste; from salads, to steaks to burgers. We notice on the special menu that there is some salmon and sea bass, the waitress (who is lovely and helpful) informs us that the fish is fresh, they get it from the market in the morning. I also spot a Negroni on the specials menu and immediately order it. Negroni’s are more bitter than my usual taste but I have a soft spot for them.

After much umming and ahing we finally decide on what to eat thanks to the waitress. We have prawn lollipops and a Mediterranean flatbread sharing platter to start. As you can see, presentation is impressive. The prawn lollipops in particular look great. The lollipops are amazing, perfect prawns in perfect batter. They come with an amazing sauce which also has just enough kick.

The Mediterranean flatbread is pitta bread, roast vegetables; peppers, aubergine and courgette- all great, two dips, both stunning. The homemade hummus has ruined me. I just don’t want to eat the supermarket stuff anymore. The baby ganoush is also superb.

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strawberrylemonadeWe ordered some Strawberry Lemonade. It was delicious and fresh.

salmon

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For our main we have the Pan-Fried Salmon which comes with stir-fried vegetables and teriyaki sauce, and the Cote De Boeuf Steak. All the steaks come with onion rings, chips, roast tomato and flat mushroom. To say it is a generous portion would be a vast understatement. I am so full after eating it that I have a coke float for dessert. More of which later.

The steak is amazing, well cooked and tender. I ordered it with a great peppercorn sauce. The tomato is roasted, I love roast tomato and the chips and mushroom are just as good. The onion rings are not greasy and are fried well. This was a very good choice; excellent meal.

The Pan-Fried Salmon is delicious; tender with stir-cooked vegetables and a wonderful teriyaki sauce. A great, Asian-influenced, meal. The fish is very fresh and the meal works beautifully.

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pornstarmartiniA Porn Star Martini: great cocktail that comes with a prosecco chaser.

princecharmingA Prince Charming. Another great cocktail. This one was fun and sweet.

negroniA classic Negroni. The cocktails at the Refinery are of a very high standard, and they don’t skimp on the alcohol.

brownie

The brownie is very good. Warm and wonderfully chocolatey. It comes with ice-cream.

cocktailThe Lemonade, the strawberry comes on the side. It is fun watching it become red.

cokefloat

For dessert I had a coke float as I was so full. This is a coke float with a difference: it has rum and sherry in it. They don’t skimp on their alcohol at the Refinery. There is no watering down of cocktails. The coke float is amazing and different. Very imaginative.

The Refinery is a brilliant restaurant. Definitely go and have a meal there. You won’t regret it.

How To Make Steak And Ale Pie

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The first thing you need to know about making steak and ale pie is that it takes a long time. I mean hours. I underestimated this the first time I cooked and ended up eating at midnight. The second thing is; if you get it right it is the best pie in the world. My notoriously fussy fiancee loves it, calling it the best pie he has ever tasted. High praise indeed. Here is how you can make someone happy through their stomach.

You will need:

400g braising steak, cut into small, chunky pieces

3 tbsp plain flour

salt and pepper

3 tbsp olive oil

300ml brown ale. I use London Pride.

3 garlic cloves

3 onions

4 carrots

1 fresh or dried bay leaf

A handful of fresh thyme sprigs

300ml beef stock

1 tbsp tomato purée

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar ( I used red wine vinegar the first time, shown in the picture, balsamic vinegar is much better. Use sparingly)

500g mushrooms

A knob of butter

For the pastry: Buy it from the supermarket. Life is too short. You will need two packs of shortcrust or puff pastry.

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To start; chop the onions, garlic, carrots and mushrooms. This will make it easier as you go along. Make sure you cut the beef into bite-size chunks, using a separate chopping board.

Add some olive oil to a pan, add the onions and garlic and cook on a medium heat until golden-brown, then add the beef. Cook the beef until brown and no pink bits are left. Then add the ale, the thyme, bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.

Add the beef stock and then the carrots and mushrooms. Stir and then leave to cook for 90 minutes.

Get a casserole dish and cover the shortcrust pastry (you can also use puff pastry) with it, leaving some for the top. Take the filling and pour into the casserole dish. Put the rest of the shortcrust pastry on top. Cover the top.

Put in a pre-heated oven for 30 minutes at 200C/400F/Gas 6 or until golden brown. Take out of the oven and leave to cool for a little while. Enjoy!

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how to make steak and ale pie

The Bakewell Soap Company Luscious Lips Green Apple Review

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Winter always plays havoc with my lips and I hate it. Almost as much as I hate lip balms that don’t work and ones with loads of chemicals, don’t they realise you will ingest some of the balm? Which is why I love natural products. The Bakewell Soap Company Luscious Lips lip balm is packed full of natural ingredients; a blend of shea, cocoa butter and apricot.

The Bakewell Soap Company Luscious Lips Green Apple

It smells great, like apple obviously, but in a natural, not sickly way. The balm feels good on, not sticky.  It leaves your lips feeling moisturised and protected. They have vitamin E for extra protection and it is long-lasting.

The packaging is simple and works well, adding to the natural vibe. It comes in seven different flavours and costs `£2.95/£3.95. Available from notonthehighstreet.com

http://www.bakewellsoap.co.uk/

Julia Grinham On Upper Street And Handmade Shoes | Interview

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Julia Grinham - Upper streetWhat made you start Upper Street?

It all began when I was at dinner with my sister and co-founder Katy and I noticed that she was wearing a fabulous pair of heels. I asked where she’d bought them, imagining that she had splashed out on a top designer ready-to-wear brand but I was really amazed to find out that she had designed them herself and had them custom made in an independent offline boutique. Of course, I was so jealous as I am one of those women who always goes shopping for a shoe that only seems to exist in my head, and I really wanted to design my own shoes too – how amazing would it be to have a pair of shoes that were completely unique and also perfect for me?.. This for us was our “aha!” moment and we decided to create a service in an online environment that enabled women across the world to design their own beautiful shoes from the comfort of their home, and have them delivered to them in just a few weeks.

What was the hardest thing about setting it up?

With neither Katy or I coming from a footwear background, we had a huge learning curve in terms of product development and managing the craftsmanship of the shoes to ensure that they are both exceptionally beautiful and extremely comfortable to wear. We knew we couldn’t do this on our own so brought some really experienced professionals to design the range and help find top suppliers. As our business has evolved we’ve been able to establish our own workshop. That certainly wasn’t easy but means that today everyone within the business – from customer services right through to the person who beautifully hand packages each pair of shoes – each shares the same passion of making that individual customer experience really special.

Tell us a bit about the company

Upper Street is a luxurious online made-to-order shoe label that is revolutionising the way women shop for shoes. Women can choose from hundreds of different styles, colours, materials and heels to create over 4 million unique designs. Styles can be created online using innovative 3D shoe designer technology or via a personal appointment in the Shoe Lounge at Upper Street’s North London townhouse. Shoes are hand-made, lovingly packaged and delivered to customer’s doors within 3-4 weeks

What makes your shoes different?

When we first launched, there was nowhere else women could design their own high quality,
beautifully made shoes online. Having shoes made to order in places like Mayfair costs a fortune, and for us it was important to make our shoes more accessible, whilst still giving a luxury product and experience. Over time, the online shoe design market has become more competitive, but Upper Street still stands head and shoulders above those competitors for a number of reasons; the high quality, beauty and comfort of our shoes; the uniqueness of our true-to-life and easy to use 3D Shoe Designer; and our obsessive attention to customer service. Key to this is the personalisation of the whole experience which includes beautiful packaging, a handwritten note in the box, personalised swatch books, free studio appointments, special orders, full design advice, free alterations and a no-
quibbles returns policy.

Do you think made to order is the way forward?

We believe so. Fashion is now so accessible and available, that people are realising that real luxury is having your own personal stamp on what you wear. And this is where Upper Street comes in. We provide the tools, in a very easy-to use website, that let the customer’s imagination run free. It also means that consumers don’t have to be tied to the latest fashion trends. If navy blue is not seen on this season’s runways it doesn’t matter, you can still create navy shoes.

How much do the shoes cost?

Design your own Upper Street shoes cost between £195-£350. Luxurious gifts are available in a range of values and packages, the perfect present for shoe lovers

Do you get any unusual requests?

Yes plenty! We’ve helped a bride design shoes in animal print as she was getting married in a zoo, 4” heels in the customer’s football team colours and one of the most unusual was a pair of shoes which were screen printed with dinosaur motifs for a museum opening. We also worked on a charity project with Save the Children last year where we created shoes for a number of celebrities; the designs took inspiration from their childhood dreams. We created some fantastic Wizard of Oz-inspired ruby slippers for Helena Bonham Carter. That was fun!

What business tips can you give to others who want to start a business?

My advice would be, don’t underestimate how much energy, time and resource you will need to
build a consumer brand. Focus on building relationships in the industry with people who can help you understand its nuances, find the right resources, and also explore who you can partner with to reach new audiences more rapidly. We’re a premium, experience led business, so finding the right brand to align with is absolutely crucial so that we build long-term value.

What is the best and worst thing about running Upper Street?

It’s rewarding to create something that makes a difference to people at an individual level. The process of designing your own shoes makes women feel amazing. I get an immense sense of pride when I read all the lovely emails we get from our customers. Many are really emotionally charged ,- we get heart-felt essays! Being surrounded by beautiful shoes every day isn’t bad either!

The most challenging thing is that it can be hard to switch off from the business and there have been times when I’ve let my passion for Upper Street overflow into my personal life. I’m much better these days at separating my time between work and my private life and turning off the iPhone! I guess that’s become easier as the business has become more established.

What’s next for you?

2013 was a really great year and 2014 is going to see Upper Street go from strength to strength with several new product launches and an exciting new concept retail store later on this year.

 

Why We Should All Calm Down About Vogue Photoshopping Lena Dunham

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Some controversy I just don’t get. Like photoshopping. When I watch a film I know it is not reality, and when I read magazines and see posters I don’t expect that to be reality either. Which is why those making a huge deal about Lena Dunham being photoshopped in Vogue (of all places, Vogue is all about fantasy) are making a fuss over nothing. And the gleefulness of some people about the ‘before’ pictures is just bitchiness on a high-school level- she doesn’t look like a supermodel, but that doesn’t mean she is not beautiful. Beauty is debatable.

Dunham has said she is ‘confused’ about the uproar. Frankly, so am I. Jezebel even paid $10,000 for the unretouched pictures and featured them. Why? Models are also retouched in Vogue. Why is Dunham singled out? If anything her differences should be applauded. Dunham did a great Tweet on it.

In fact pretty much everything in the media is photoshopped. The sky, food…the list is endless. Of course men and women are photoshopped, yet it is only when women are photoshopped that the media have a huge hissy-fit about it. The same media that encourages the practice. You may noticed I said women. I meant it. Have you ever seen a media-storm about a man having his pot-belly removed or been made to look younger? I haven’t. Men don’t care either.

Jezebel article on Lena Dunham being photoshopped. Credit: Jezebel.

Jezebel article on Lena Dunham being photoshopped. Credit: Jezebel.

In my opinion it is just another form of sexism. Women are made to feel bad about their bodies so they can be exploited out of their hard-earned money with an endless parade of celebrities whipping themselves into shape weeks after birth, or starving themselves for two days a week. Then they are made to feel bad about not feeling good about their bodies. We can’t win.

Here is my opinion on photoshopping: I love it. I really love it. In fact my idea of hell is being in the media, especially in print, and not being photoshopped. Every flaw is highlighted when photographed. I don’t even care if they photoshop out an arm, as long as they make me taller, thinner and better looking. After all, it’s not reality and it’s not supposed to be.