All photography with the exception of the young photo (C) 2014 Giovanna Salas. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Giovanna-Salas-Photography/236389356562121
Nina Bergman is a multi-demensional performer, recently she wrapped production on Art Camacho's The Chemist. Nina's character in The Chemist Trinidad is agressive and a departure from her personality. Nina is currently working on a new project, and she takes time from her busy schedule to conduct this exclusive interview with Dan's Movie Report.
Chat about your childhood, what was your introduction to music?
Having a Russian, Gypsy grandmother I was introduced to music, dance and entertainment at a very early age. I wanted to perform, act in movies and
tour the world just like her! I always knew what I was going to do. It has all been about expression and self discovery for me ever since I was 4 years old. I just didn't know how to put it into words back then. Singing and acting is a way of expressing feelings that I can't express in "real" life. I think I
would explode if I didn't have my art as an outlet. - I am my art! It has never been a choice for me. I feel like "it" chose me!
I figured you had an outgoing personality, were you a physically active kid, lots of exercising etc?
Super active! They would probably have put me on some kind of ADHD medication if I was growing up here in America. I started ballet at 4 years old
and spent every waking moment perfecting my craft. I trained with my Dad too. I remember he taught me self-defense and one arm pushups. I loved
anything physical and challenging as a kid. I liked structure and discipline, that has helped me keep my mind off things!
Did you perform in high school or at youth talent shows?
Yes. I performed everywhere that I could! I directed/choreographed an episode for my dad for a TV show when I was about 7 years old. It was
hilarious! I was one of those kids that would drag my stereo out onto the streets and dance like there was no tomorrow! I was a street performer and
I made great money back then! I had to perform and express myself. As I said before, I never had a choice!
Chat about your six album deal with Warner bros, how many more releases
I signed a six album deal with Warner Bros. I wrote 60 new songs for the album and we selected the once we liked and re-recorded them for the
album. Unfortunately we're in a time where "rock is dead" which is not true in my beliefs! It is very much alive, but the money is in dance, EDM and
pop. I'm currently tweaking my songs finding a way to express them musically to fit today’s music scene without losing my dignity as an artist. It's
taking some time, but I think the wait will be worth it!
Chat about the Wonder Woman Fan film, how did you hear about the project.
Jesse V. Johnson approached me about playing Wonder Woman. My initial respond was like.. “What? No way!! It's Wonder F*cking Woman!!” Then I
started to do research and learn about her back story and why she was created and I realized that she and I had a lot in common. I was hooked. I
took 6 weeks to prepare physically and mentally to play Wonder Woman. Jesse and I spent a lot of time talking about how we wanted her to be
perceived. We were both on the same page. I’m extremely happy with the way she turned out and I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity that
Jesse gave me! I learned a lot living in Princess Diana's boots. It made me a stronger and better person. At the end of the day that's what she's all
about. Right?
Did doing the WW film inspire you to want to get involved in more action films?
I had already done a movie with Peter Stormare and Eric Roberts where I kicked everyone's ass. That was when I first got hooked! I have to say that
working with Jesse V. Johnson and his team opened a whole new world for me. The answer is YES! I wanted to do more!!
Discussing one of your current projects, how did you find out about The Chemist?
Carman Cabana the DP for The Chemist sent me the script and thought I'd be a perfect Trinidad. I read it and instantly fell in love with her. Again
she's a bit of a stretch for me. She's one bloodthirsty, crazy broad, but I wanted to play her, BAD!! I auditioned and I walked in knowing that this part
was mine I just needed to show them!
What did you do to prepare for your character Trinidad?
I read Trinidad's bio and found all the similar things that we have in common. Trinidad is a lot braver than me. She doesn't think, she just goes with
her gut and truly doesn't care what anyone else thinks! She has an appetite like a vampire and she likes to conquer. After awhile of living in her skin I
had hard time telling who was Nina and who was Trinidad. I've never worked on a character with a sex-drive like hers!! Watch out she might just jump
on you if she's in that mood, if you know what I mean? ;) I didn't want the movie to end! I loved being Trinidad!
Now that we have established your character, discuss your action scenes in The Chemist.
Well I was a little nervous about them to be honest! I had time when I prepared for Wonder Woman and we didn't have much time to prepare for The
Chemist. Ultimately I had to make a decision to trust Art to let me know if I looked like an idiot or if it actually worked. I just went for it and I have a
feeling that it's gonna turn out great!
The challenge for me was taking the fight choreography and making it "Trinidad's". How would Trinidad punch? What's her weapon? I didn't see her
as a gun person, I saw her as a knife girl. She's one of those characters who ALWAYS carries her knife around. The amazing thing with Art Camacho is
that he's one of those directors that listens to his actors and incorporates our suggestions. The one who deserves the true credits is Mario Rocha the stunt coordinator! I rehearsed with him my co-star Stephanie Gerard for hours! He was tireless and extremely patient! He deserves a gold star! It was Stephanie's first action movie but she did great! And of course there was Fabiano Iha who also helped out with some cool moves! Being surrounded with great stunt guys was a treat!
Chat about hobbies about outside of acting and singing?
Haha that's a funny question my hobbies are what I do for a living ;) I like to box for fun! I love hiking and anything that puts me in touch with mother-nature. I'm a big animal rights activist. I spend a lot of time fighting for factory farm animals for a better life. I work with “No Kill” shelters. I feel very responsible for animals welfare and that's what I spend most of my time on whenever I'm free.
What actors and actresses do you enjoy watching and also would like to work with?
I like working with theatre actors. I like their process when they work. They're my favorite type of actors.
Wrapping up the interview discuss the projects you have on the horizon? Do you want to focus more on acting in the future?
I'm currently working on a new movie called "Late Night Cravings" playing a lonely, tipsy girlfriend, who's in a long distant relationship that's tearing
her apart. And of course my music! I'm planning on releasing something this year! Also I know it won't be the last time that Art and I are working together :)
Thanks Nina for conducting the interview. For my valued readers, keep checking back for more exclusives from Nina and 'The Chemist' in the near future. For more information, and to connect with Nina, check her out on these official websites.
http://www.ninabergman.com Official
http://www.n-i-n-a.com
http://www.facebook.com/ninabergmanmusic Facebook
http://twitter.com/ninabergman Twitter
http://instagram.com/ninabergman Instagram
http://www.reverbnation.com/ninabergman Reverbnation
https://www.facebook.com/events/285011455040728/
Hollywood, Calif. – Epic Pictures Group
announces the home video and digital
release of KILLER MERMAID through their
U.S. distribution arm, Epic Pictures
Released, on September 9th, 2014
following an exclusive digital window on
XBOX on August 26th. The fantasy horror
was directed by Milan Todorovic, who is
best known for Apocalypse of the Dead.
Franco Nero, Kristina Klebe, Dragan
Micanovic, and Natalie Burn star in the film.
Epic Pictures will release the film on all
media platforms.
KILLER MERMAID will be available on
DVD and in HD video on demand. Special
features include an in-depth look at how the
mermaid was created, cast and crew interviews, and a bonus promo created for
a crowdfunding website.
KILLER MERMAID has had an amazing festival run around the world with
packed screenings at Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (Belgium),
Fantaspoa (Brazil), Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (South Korea),
and Fantafestival (Rome). The film has received numerous awards on the festival
circuit including Best Film at the 2014 Zagreb Fantastic Film Festival and Best
Production Design at the 2014 SOFEST. KILLER MERMAID made its UK
premiere at Frightfest on August 25th.
Milan Todorovic said, “This is truly a movie for horror fans. I’ve loved horror films
my whole life, so this was a dream movie for me… beautiful locations, gorgeous cast, a mermaid who is as disturbing as she is stunning, and the legendary
Franco Nero who brings unequaled gravitas to the film's finale. With Epic
Pictures handling the US distribution, the legend of the killer mermaid is just
beginning!”
Epic CEO Patrick Ewald said, “Milan Todorovic is an incredibly passionate
filmmaker in the genre space. He has created a beautifully terrifying world that
will introduce audiences not only to a new take on the creature feature but will
also scare the hell out of anyone who has a fear of open water and what lies
beneath.”
Added Epic Co-Founder Shaked Berenson, “There have been movies about
deadly sharks, possessed demons, and even big ass spiders, but monster
mermaids are new and exciting. What we have now is the new stuff of
nightmares.”
Trailer is @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn7f1AnrbgM
Epic Pictures Official Website @ WWW.EPIC-PICTURES.COM
The film is available on Amazon @
Stéphanie Gérard is ready to burst on the action scene with her dynamic role as Gabriela Dresden in The 'Chemist'. Stéphanie is a kind talented lady with boundless energy and a strong desire to explore new horizons in the entertainment world. Stéphanie takes time out of her busy schedule to chat exclusively about her acting and singing career on Dan's Movie Report.
Chat a bit about your childhood and did you always have a desire to perform.
Since I was a little girl, I was an artist, I was the one dancing, singing, putting up small plays, my mom saw that in me and took me to ballet lessons, singing classes, acting classes besides the normal school, she wanted me to be prepared in case I decided to become a singer/actress.
Did you sing in talent shows as a kid?
No, never in talent shows, but I remember when I was like 10 years old, a tv producer heard me singing (he had a tv show airing at the moment) and invited me as a special guest to the Show, I sang with a live band, and they invited me like 5 more times, and I loved it!! I picked 3 of the songs I sang, and he picked the other 2, but the experience was really fun, and just the beginning of my career!
Who are some of your musical influences?
Paul McCartney, (The Beatles, obviously), Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, David Foster, I'm very old school when it comes to music, I love oldies!! And the music style I go from country, to pop, to rock, bossa nova, jazz... Music is a part of my life, people tell me I'm a jukebox because I know almost every song that's playing wether we're in a restaurant, or the car, on the radio, or iTunes...
Did you take formal singing lessons, self taught?
I was formally trained, I started singing lessons when I was 8 years old, and have had many teachers and vocal coaches throughout my life.
Chat about the the desire to be an actress as well as a singer, natural progression?
I can't remember wanting to be anything else but a singer and actress, since I went to the movies being a kid, I dreamed about appearing on the big screen, the same happened when I watched tv, I wanted to be the one appearing in there, when I went to concerts or shows, I imagined I was the one on stage... It was always clear to me what I wanted to dedicate my life to...
You know how kids dream of being an astronaut and then when they grow up they realize they can't and then focus on a more "real" career?
Well for me that never happened!!! Hahaha, I always knew what I wanted and I knew that it would be hard but I just couldn't see myself doing something else.
So much competition for acting work in Hollywood, at times do you feel frustrated?
I feel frustrated that I'm not auditioning for "A list movies"!! The BIG ONES, I know I have the talent and I've studied hard, I'm disciplined and professional, I just need one chance, someone who gives me the opportunity, who believes in me... I think there's no such thing as competition, I believe if it's meant for you, it's meant for you! I compete with myself only, that's why everyday I try to be the better version of myself... Daily improvement...
Getting current, chat about The Chemist, how did you get the part and, what attracted you to the film?
The process was very fast... I've worked with one of the producers Al Bravo before, and he called me on a Monday and invited me to the audition on Tuesday, so I went in, auditioned, they called me for the call back on Wednesday, and by Wednesday night they called me to tell me I got the role, and that we were going to start training all Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and begin the shoot on Monday! I read the script, before my callback and loved it! The story is great!! And Action is something that I had never done before and what a better way to get into it than with the Master himself Art Camacho!!
I noticed many night shoots, did the night shoots actually intensify your character, did you go at it with more force and attitude?
The night shoots where because there are tons of night scenes in the film!! And to be honest it didn't bother me at all, I'm a night owl myself, so as I said before, this character was made for me!! It was perfect!! But day or night I bring always my best attitude wherever I go!! :D
Discuss the fight scenes, have you ever trained for this type of action before? Share a story from the set.
I had never done anything like this before!! But I'm a dancer and fight scenes are choreographies, a different type obviously!! I noticed there were muscles in my body after training and rehearsing that I didn't know I had!! Hahaha I was so sore!! I had all types of fights, with guys and running, chasing, hitting, getting beat!! The fight scene I did with Nina was the one that we rehearsed over and over, because it was so long!! And it involved a knife... So lets say the choreography was hard and required a lot of us! I worked great with Nina, she was there 100% like me, our fight scene was shot in every single angle, and we did it for 12 hours!! The whole night!! We wanted it to be as perfect as we could and we were so focused all the time, I think that night was one of the toughest ones, but very enjoyable and unforgettable!! The next day I remember talking to Nina and we both said we couldn't move!!
Chat about working with Art and the rest of the production team, must be easier when they are patient understanding people on set?
The production team was amazing!!! Every one of them! I enjoyed my time with them... And specially with Art Camacho, he is an awesome director and fight choreographer, he knows what he wants and that makes it easier for the actors, cause there's no hesitation, he is focused all the time and thinks ahead of all of us!! It was a true honor to work with him!!
Also with Carmen Cabana, she is so talented and knows also what she wants, it was amazing to have her behind the camera, she has a sweet personality, and an awesome attitude, she made me feel comfortable, she noticed everything, even the smallest details, that on the big screen make a huge difference!
What makes it easy on the set is to have profesional, dedicated people, who have always a great attitude and know what they want and that was definitely what we had with Art and Carmen.
Chat about your character on The Chemist, who is she, what is she like, and how did you prepare for the role?
Gabriela Dresden!!! She is a college student with a deep dark secret, that I shall not talk about till the movie is out!! Hahahaha, I don't want to be a spoiler! Her mom died when she was 13 years old, and when her story begins in the film we learn that she lost her dad one month ago, she falls in love with Ronus Steele, (The Chemist) cause they go to the same place every night, so they start talking and the two of them are really lonely so they find that comfort in each other... I analyzed my character, she's got earth in her, and a lot of fire... She's naturally bubbly, she gets noticed when she wants to, and she can go under the radar easily too! I created her after reading the script, went through her life, where does she want to go? What does she need? Which obstacles does she have? And what she can do about her situation...
Gabriela is always prepared and she knows things... That I can't reveal!!
Did you learn some new acting tricks or techniques from filming The Chemist?
Of course every new project teaches you new things... But acting wise, I just put into practice everything I've learnt, everything I know, but in the fight scenes/choreographies, absofreakinlutely!!! I learnt everything!! It was all new to me and I felt like a baby absorbing everything I was being taught!! Now I know how to kick your ass and make it look good on camera!!
Are you interested in being in more action films in the future, or it does not matter the type of film, as much as the experience?
I LOVED action!! I would do it again for sure!!! I want more!!! Art created a monster!! Hahaha!! I love acting, so anything good that comes my way it doesn't matter what genre it is, but I know it will be tough to top this one! The adrenaline and everything that action gives you is just insane!
Moving past The Chemist, any new films or singing projects on the horizon?
Yes!!! I have some shows in Mexico in December, I have a song that will be a part of a soundtrack for an animated film, I have 2 more films that I'm going to shoot this year, commercials, and keeping myself busy with interesting projects!!
Wrapping up the interview perhaps share some advice for people wanting a dual singing an acting career, and how to balance the two.
Balancing acting and singing can be hard!! But it is possible, if you want to do both, you have to know they're very both demanding and that you just need to let one of them be the priority for a bit, and then let the other one advance too, don't leave one of them behind!! Always try to work one project in the acting, one project in the singing, that way you don't loose yourself or your passion for one of them, let them shine when its time.
Thank you Stephanie for your insightful interview, watch for more from her in the coming months on Dan's Movie Report. Stéphanie is very active on social media and has a variety of ways for her fans to keep in touch with her and to learn about her latest projects.
Facebook Connect @ https://www.facebook.com/stephaniegerardsg
Official website @ http://www.stephaniegerard.com
Youtube @ http://www.youtube.com/user/StephanieGerardSG
Twitter @ https://twitter.com/GerardStephanie
