Saturday, June 4, 2016

Actor Byron Gibson Interview (C) 2016 Dan's Movie Report (Exclusive)




Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers. Today we take a walk on the villainous side of the movie business, and chat with one of the worlds coolest bad guys, Byron Gibson. Byron has been in dozens of cool projects, and takes time out of his busy schedule to conduct this detailed interview. This Summer Byron embarks on ambitious projects, now however, it is time to catch up on his past work and his insightful thoughts on the business.


Chat about what films and TV shows inspired you to be come and actor, and some of your early training. 
 
I am influenced by old school movies like Sergio Leone films, 'Scum' with Ray Winstone, Mc Vicar, 'Rise of the Foot Soldier'. Snatch, 'Lock Stock', Guy Richie movies, 'The Business', 'Bronson', 'Chopper', 'Valhalla Rising', The Man Who Would be King, Enter The Dragon, Once Were Warriors, Dirty Harry Films. The grittier the better for me, I love characters with real faces no model looking people, people with bodies of all shapes and sizes, scars tattoos etc etc I like to watch a movie and think shit he looks rough where the hell did he come from or what kinda background has he had. If it has these elements I love it.
 
I never ever wanted to be an actor, before I worked in construction and had a Muay Thai school and fight promotion business, also I did street market trading for years . I was quite happy with that, until April 2008. I went to a casting with my girlfriend to give her a bit of security and support, the casting director came up to me and asked me to cast after my girlfriend. I was very blunt and said “no mate I am not interested”. Anyway 2 or3 phone calls later from him over a 3 he persuaded me to come in. I went in and cast and found out it was for a Jean Claude Van Damme Movie . I left and didn’t think no more of it. Then I get a call saying that JCVD really liked me wrote me in a role as gangster. 5 days later I had a meeting with him met his family. I spent 3 weeks on the set with him. He actually advised me along with his son to take up acting, I thought he was having a laugh but he was right. Since that project I've worked on over 50 productions, with some amazing directors such as John Woo, Nicolas Winding Refn, Jul Collona with films such as 'The Hangover 2', 'Only God Forgives', 'Far Cry' and many other adventures , I love it.
 
As for training I put in my castings etc what I believe fits the part from my own life experience’s or people I know, I have known some crazy people in my time  who have been on the wrong side of the law, also fighters and people who I used to meet on my market stall. Actually the best training I had was working on the street markets on the outskirts of London and east coast of the UK, meeting so many characters. 2 very well-known directors (One actually won the award at Cannes), said don’t change anything you do with your acting it might take something away from you so I have stuck to that. Though I’ve been recommended to do a course with jack Waltzer who I've been told is the best in the business who would suit my style. I am always open to new ways of doing things let’s see, if a role needs it I will.
 
'Time Rush' is an amazing indie film shot on a shoe string budget, describe some of your preparations for your dichotomous character 'Brink' and his foreshadowing of the future.
                                                                                                                                                           
Yes it was a very small budget, but now that has given Dean a platform to show what he can do. I think he learned a lot from this project, he also sold this film where many fail to sell their Indie feature, so that’s a great achievement indeed, something not to be scoffed at, a lot of people can’t get passed making a 10 minute short, so I take my hat off to him, and the director Daniel Zirilli, they really did a great job, a real team effort. They have a business plan and you be seeing a lot more of them I think, with bigger and better budgets.You just imagine what they both could achieve with bigger budgets!

He has actually inspired me and I am working on a project right now.
Getting back to Time Rush, Brink, I actually modeled his character on a former soldier friend of mine or was in the British army for a long time, he done tours of Northern Ireland when things were kicking off in a big way there, and Germany when the Berlin wall was up, I thought of him when I was playing Brink.


Brink has to relive his death scene, curious as to your thought process and perception of time in 'Time Rush' and in general, have you ever felt like re-living a moment in time? 



I think we all ponder sometimes about reliving a moment in time, especially over a beer or two, ;) but to me the past is the past and gives you life experience I always like to go forward.



Share a story from the set of 'Time Rush' that you have not told in the past, can be funny or serious.


Well 'Time Rush' was a whole new experience for me, I had never shot this way before, it was a very small crew of very enthusiastic people. We shot at some amazing locations, I especially liked the whole junk yard where all the military vehicles were. It made me laugh at one point when 3 of the Prevara henchmen were coming out with guns shooting and passersby were looking in amazement, even though the street was blocked off, they thought it was for real also when Ron and Dean fell out the window a few people did wonder what was going on despite the stunt team cordoning off the road.. There are lots of crazy stories I can tell you about this film, one day if I ever write a book there be one part in it which would make you guys laugh but I can’t say anything here, what happened on the set of 'Time Rush' stays with 'Time Rush'. J

The opening scene in 'Asian Connection ' sees a bank heist, but shot in close camera style,  
Byron, I am curious do you adjust your acting when a scene is shot close up as opposed to a distance, wide shot? Are the movements more pronounced?


I always keep my acting the same to be honest for continuity reasons so they have something good to edit too. If the director wants to change anything I do as he says, but generally I keep all the same movement.
 
Discuss some of the action training you did for 'Asian Connection'. What is a non-movie specific workout regimen you follow?
 
For the physical stuff I just kept to my normal routine of 7 k’s running a day, Thai boxing, boxing and weights.  Also training with guns, I also prepared with Motocross Bikes for the Bank Sequences in 'The Asian Connection', we had days flying around the back streets of Bangkok practicing on the dirt-bikes  etc. that it was a great laugh. I am currently training for a role in Monte Carlo with me great A lister stars where I am a free diver so I am swimming 50 laps a day of the pool.  So I train a specific way for a role.



Chat about some of the differences on shooting films in Europe as opposed to Thailand, obviously the budgets, but even if the budgets were the same, what are some of the behind the scenes differences?


The crews in Thailand are very good; there is not much difference in many aspects.
I know you have a myriad of upcoming projects please chat about 'Brutal', 'Only God Forgives' and other newer projects, release dates and a bit about your character in the projects and storylines.
I filmed Only God Forgives a few years ago playing a British Gangster, Kristen Scott Thomas was great to work with it was an honor. I actually put a lot of energy into the torture scene. I was very pleased at Cannes where people actually walked out at my torture scene. I touched a few nerves there and realized I did a good job. If you can make people hate you, or are disgusted by you they will always remember you. I have actually gained roles from 'Only God Forgives' by people remembering me in that scene. I knew if Nicolas gave me that role I would make it very controversial, which I did.


'Brutal' is an amazing series which fight fans will love, featuring the amazing parkour legend David Belle, he plays Axel Chen, ex-special ops, is a nightclub bouncer. One night, during a fight, he kills one of his attackers. From then on, he's on the run, forced into fighting for a living, both to survive and prove his innocence. I play the main antagonist, I cannot say too much but its shot in such a classy way, pure class, the production team was excellent, casting, Save Ferris I have a lot of respect for and the director Julien Colonna , his vision with the writers have made something very special that I am very proud of.  It is something people should really keep an eye out for.  It’s a whole new concept and shot in such a gritty way. The whole script was a dream for me as i related so much to my character and put all my energy into my character Marcus, you guys will see very soon.  David Belle is a very nice humble guy and so strong respect to him.
I am currently working on an Indie British gangster film called 'The Beginning of The End', it’s a very gritty film, very real based on true events.  The director and producers are currently unknown but I was approached and I like some they showed me , we have made something special, that will be released sometime in the future, some of the things in this project will for sure surprise a few people.  I like to keep my cards close to my chest but I can confirm that I be the main lead Anti-hero in this project,  The action is very real.  With this team I will be working on 2 more projects over the next 2 years.  I have a few others movies coming out in the near future which I worked on , some with small parts and big parts from Vikings to King Arthur, A Muay Thai trainer and more but I cannot comment any further due to contract obligations. I can guarantee though over the next 2 years you will be seeing a lot more of me, and very shortly I fly off to Monte Carlo for a great project with a superb actress so watch this space.
 
 Being a bad guy on film, I interviewed actress Monique Ganderton, she says her 'Hit' is demeaning crazy characters, what do you feel your 'Hit' is and how does that perception help (or) hinder your work in the entertainment business. I think it is great to have a focus, and you are so good at being bad.
 
I love playing the bad guy plain and simple because I can relate so much to these guys. I've known enough crazy characters in my time to write a book, so in anything I do I put an element of these guys in it. It doesn’t hinder my work in the film business, being a bad guy in fact, it enhances it, and to be honest I have no interest playing the good clean cut guy, it’s boring.





I agree the bad characters have the most cool parts. Advise to young actors starting out, training, what to focus on? What is advise your were given that has stuck with you.



I say market yourself on what you are good at, be honest with yourself, don’t bullshit and say you can do things when you can’t, productions cost a lot of money and if you mess up on set, they won’t be happy. Target a specific area you are good at. Market yourself in a clean fashion and don’t put anything in the public which makes you look stupid or cheap. I have seen show-reels on YouTube that are cringe worthy, so be careful, people do watch them believe me. Always be humble work hard.

I had lunch with Danny Trejo 2 times when I was starting out. I actually met the guy by chance in a CafĂ© in Bangkok. He probably does not remember me but he gave me so much advice, he said, with my face and tats you never play the good guy only the antagonist or antihero, I've marketed myself in that since I started and now it’s paying off 100 percent.


Who would you love to work with in the future, actors directors etc.

I loved to work with Guy Richie, Rodriguez, Tarantino and actors Ray Winstone would be a dream.

Do you have a motto? A saying you live by?



I love making a honest living playing the bad guy.

 Thanks for the interview Byron, we will catch up after your latest movie films, in the mean time check out these official sites @



https://twitter.com/ByronOnlyGodFor

Friday, June 3, 2016

Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016) Movie Review (C) 2016 Dan's Movie Report

Above Photo: IMDB poster for 'Never Back Down: No Surrender'


Greetings intrepid action fans worldwide, today's entry to review is the newest Michael Jai White directed film 'Never Back Down: No Surrender', For purposes of brevity, I shorten the title to 'NBD: NS'.

'NBD: NS' is a hard hitting, yet thoughtful drama of the trip to Thailand for MJW to help train fighter Brody James (Josh Barnett). The story has many bumps along the way, but 'NBD: NS' is probably MJW's best acting performance. He has a lot of meaty and important dialogue, as he shares his fighting philosophy with the people training with Brody.

The movie develops characters, and by the end we can see that MJW is fighting for a purpose. Watch for small but cool cameos from Tony Jaa, JeeJa Yanin, Ron Smoorenburg, and
Adeptly handling villain duties is veteran actor Esai Morales. Morales plays the sleazy fight promoter, ala Don King, without the crazy hair.

Watch out for Michael Jai White's real wife Gillian White who plays publicist Myca Cruz. She seems to be involved in the film in a more personal way, but does work for Esai Morales. I was on the fence initially about her character but she more than redeemed herself by the second half of the film.

The true highlight of any MJW film is most definitely the action.. 'NBD: NS' delevers with hard hitting kicks and punches filmed in a clear light, easy to see and follow. There is a bit of slow motion movements, but used to accent not cover-up the action. The dialogue breathes meaning to the fighting, as the characters are not just fighting for no reason.

Overall 'NBD: NS' is a wild ride, worthy of a purchase, as a bonus we get to see a sneak peak pf JeeJa actually in the ring fighting, she is so smooth like melted butter. 'Never Back Down: No Surrender' rates a solid pounding, 8 out of 10! 

The film comes out June 7th worldwide.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Yoga Pant Brawl (2016) Movie Review (C) 2016 Dan's Movie Report

 Photo Credit: Yoga Pants Brawl Facebook Page.

Greetings action fans worldwide, today we have a totally hilarious entry into the action short film genre. Actress and all around talent and her merry band of ladies seem to have a problem with others in the park, who are wearing yoga pants. directs her band of spandex bad girls to fight and get rough. Hysterical Character names such as Bootie Betty and Yoga Yeti are included in this 5 minute short.

Let us just say there is action, comedy, angry face Tamiko, very silly outfits and foot stomping walking throughout. The film is great fun. It is worth multiple viewings for the action, choreography and hysterical silly dialogue. Watch as the talented stunt ladies flex their acting muscle in 'Yoga Pant Brawl'.

Photo Credit: Yoga Pants Brawl Facebook Page

PeiPei is super talented, very sarcastic, fun and seems to want to get thrown about, how can that be bad? She has many videos on her youtube channel @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCISeOsBIjpniZTtthanP-5w?spfreload=5

Overall I rate this 'Yoga Pant Brawl' and 8 out of 10. Lessons learned: never cross PeiPei, and Tamiko is adorable when angry.

The film is currently entered in festivals and watch for a sequel soon, please go to the Facebook or Twitter feed for more info!

Like PeiPei on FB @  https://www.facebook.com/peipeialena/?fref=ts

Yoga Pant Brawl on FB @ https://www.facebook.com/yogapantbrawl/?fref=nf

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Actress Claudia Rivarelli 'Gothic Warrior' Exclusive Photos! (C) 2016 Juan Carlos Garrido 'A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive!'


All photos (C) 2016 and are exclusive to Dan's Movie Report from photographer Juan Carlos Garrido
https://www.facebook.com/JuAn-CaRloS-GaRRIdO-FOTOGRAFIA-ALTERNATIVA-156591137730602
Make Up: Mary Borrea

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers, today is the beginning of a special series of photographs throughout 2016 and beyond of exciting actress Claudia Rivarelli.



She describes herself as: A South American bikini fit and pin up-glamour model, born and currently living in Uruguay/Brazil. Actress and creative person!

I began working as a fashion designer at the age of 16 and have also continued in this endeavor to the present day. i began work as a runway fashion model at the age of 18 and pursued this for a number of years.I transitioned to fitness modeling as it gave me great opportunity to combine my love of sports, and athletics with my modeling career.

 I do numerous photo shoots in Brazil,Uruguay and is also making substantial inroads into the American and Canadian modeling scenes. I love to work in other countries. My primary athletic interests are kickboxing, martial arts, and Crossfit training. I have many other areas of interests, however, in addition to modeling and sports. I studied 3 years university-level Communication Sciences and im very much interested in linguistics and learning new languages, I currently write five languages : Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and some French.This year started with Latin. In addition to this area of study, I also completed 2 years of marketing and publicity.I also studied acting too, specially i play characters of old Hollywood (Cyd Charisse and Liz Taylor), I can acti in comedy , martial arts,thriller, terror and others. Actually i teach drawing and fashion design, sewing,embroider too. I have some fashion collections too. I have a great team who always are with me; my photographer Juan Carlos Garrido , my hairstylist Matias Loureiro , my make up artist Mary Borrea. Followed by E! on line channel and Deadline 
 Hollywood.



So how cool is that fans of worldwide epic people!

Get ready for her unique brand of intensity 

Check out her cool goth material! Bathory!

Whew! Thanks for checking out Claudia Rivarelli!

Please like her on Facebook and follow her on twitter:

 https://www.facebook.com/Claudia-Tessa-Rivarelli-1537659546542993/?fref=ts
 https://twitter.com/claurivarelliok

Watch for more exclusive photo sets and interview later in the year on your home for exclusives Dan's Movie Report!



Sunday, May 29, 2016

Actress Ming-Na Wen at Megacon! (C) 2016 Dan's Movie Report (Exclusive Photos!) (Exclusive Report!)

Above Photo: (C) 2016 Danny Templegod for Dan's Movie Report


Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers, On Saturday May 28th 2016 I spent the day at the largest comic convention on the east coast and the 2nd largest on Earth, Megacon! Megacon is a massive 4 day celebration of all things cool in sci-fi, comics, anime, horror, and gaming. With over 110,000 in attendance, the crowds are overwhelming, but offer the attendee a unique glimpse into the culture of who I call, the superfan. Everyone there had a passion, whether it be dressing up as a man covered in Tribbles, or a family dressed in Freddy Vs Jason attire everyone had some fun blowing off some steam, and capturing their inner geek! Ha, well to capture my inner geek, in spite of my desire to dress as some character, I went for a purpose, to meet Ming-Na Wen. Ming Na has been a supporter of Dan's Movie Report, by retweeting my reviews and posts about 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' for the past three years and I felt the need to meet her and thank her.

Above Photo: (C) 2016 Danny Templegod for Dan's Movie Report


Braving the lines, all the while Ming-Na smiling and throwing out candy, was well worth it. She came, she saw and she conquered Orlando with her radiant smile and friendly warm demeanor. Ming owned the crowd whether it be at her table signing autographs and taking selfies or in her Panel discussion held in a massive auditorium with probably 1,500 people. Her banter lightened the mood, as she chatted about her long and varied career.




Sit back, relax, and check out Ming-Na! If you have yet to watch 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.' I recommend a binging now, first two seasons are on Netflix! Enjoy the pictures and keep reading Dan's Movie Report for more exclusives!

Ming-Na is very active on Social Media and check her out of Facebook and Twitter @

FB: https://www.facebook.com/MingNaWenOfficial/?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MingNa