Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers, unleash your beast mode! Massively cool and super savage Cung Le, has a full site and some cool shirts to support your beast mode!
Greetings
valued Dan's Movie Report readers, today you are in for a literary
treat. The mufti-talented Petra Silander takes time out of her busy
schedule, and sits down to chat exclusively about her various
projects and to shed some light on the fantastic near future sci-fi
film 'Virtual Revolution'. Petra is a very interesting lady, and has
a distinct take on her work ranging from the modeling world to the
film world, with DJ and music work also in the mix. Grab a cup of
coffee, relax and get ready to grab some life knowledge from Petra.
Enough of my babbling on, time to go to the exclusive interview!
DMR:
Chat about your upbringing and how you first became interested in
your various avenues of work, acting, DJ, and modeling?
PS: I
come from a small, beautiful island called Åland. The island is
situated between Sweden and Finland and is autonomous and
demilitarized. I lived there until I was 18. I have always loved to
create new characters and as a young girl I was involved in the local
theater but it was not until years later when I was modeling in Paris
that I realized I wanted to learn more about acting.
I
started taking acting lessons and I completely fell in love. For me
acting is therapy and something that makes me feel alive.
I
started playing the piano at the age of 8 and that’s where my
passion for music started. My brother sings and plays the guitar and
at home we where often writing songs and singing together.
PS:
The modeling part kind of just happened. When I was 15 I worked for a
magazine in Stockholm and their photographer thought I had modeling
potential and took some photos of me that he sent to a modeling
competition. I won the competition and signed with a model agency in
Stockholm. When I had finished high school I started to work as a
full time model around the world.
DMR: I
noticed you have a rather extensive modeling background, what are
some of the exciting jobs you have had?
PS: I
was really excited when my first campaign came out. It was for an
underwear brand called Chantelle and they had put up big billboards
around Paris. It felt unreal! Another job I remember really well is
my first booking in New York when I was 19. I was so impressed by the
city and the energy in New York and thought it was incredible that a
client had paid me to come over for a shooting.
Another
memory, maybe a bit less exciting is when I did a job for L’oréal.
On the casting they asked if they could cut my hair and I was so
tired of my long hair so I said yes, without talking to my agency. I
got the job, they cut off my long hair to a quite short look and they
colored it in three different orange/blond tones. When I got back to
the agency the day after they asked me if I wore a wig. When they
realized it was not a wig they became hysteric and a big drama
occurred at the agency. I recently met my booker at the time and she
said that she still has nightmares from that day.
DMR:
Wow, some wild stories, dovetailing on the answer, what are some of
the pitfalls of modeling?
PS:
For me it was the feeling of just being a product that was the
biggest downfall. You’re not being part of any decision making as a
model and the only creative part is your work in front of the camera.
It was a good experience for some years but I have to admit that when
I was a model it always felt like something was missing. I didn’t
get enough outlet for my own creativity.
I also
found it problematic to be so focused on my appearance. To constantly
see yourself from all kinds of angles, to have a responsibility to
always have a good skin and the required body measurements. Life is
short and those are not the things I want to be focused on today.
Above Picture Petra as a DJ! Exclusive
DMR:
Let us switch gears to your DJ work and working in that realm, how
did you get started?
PS: In
2009 I went to Ibiza for the first time and that trip enlightened a
wish to one day become a DJ. In 2012 I felt I was done with modeling
so I bought myself a DJ-equipment, enclosed myself for 5 months in my
apartment and practiced beat-matching everyday for that time. After
that I convinced smaller bars on my street to hire me and after some
months I got my first residency at Plaza Athenée in Paris. From
there it just continued but I wouldn’t say that this was an easy
step. It’s a male dominated world and without a reputation it’s
really hard to even get the chance to play.
Above Picture: Petra as a DJ! Exclusive!
DMR: I
am sure you have played a wide variety of musical styles, what are
some of the artists you listen to? Did you ever aspire to, or did you
release your own CDs?
PS: I
listen to a lot of different artists even though my sets as a DJ are
focused on house music. I listen to everything from Beyonce, Flume to
more underground artists as Joris Voorn and Dennis Cruz. Is there
someone still using CD’s out there? I’m just kidding! When I
started DJing in 2012 I also started studying music production at
Point blank in London and at Berkeley in California in order to be
able to produce my own music. During these years I’ve been building
up a library with so many unfinished songs and a few months ago I
finally decided to put one of my productions online as a free
download. I have quite a few releases coming up at the moment so
that’s very exciting and a bit scary at the same time.
DMR:
Next level with Petra, chat about acting, how did you first come to
want to be on camera?
PS:
When I was younger it was something I did because I thought it was
very fun. When I started taking courses in 2011 I realized how much
it gave me on a personal level but back then I never thought that I
was going to get work as an actress. I was even too shy to look for
an agent. I actually crossed my current agent Denis Planat in the
metro in Paris in 2012 when I was modeling. He asked me if I ever had
considered to work as an actress. I took his business card and ran
away and two years later I gave him a call and asked him if I could
meet him. We met up, started to work together and two weeks later I
booked my first role.
DMR:
Who are some of your acting influences and what training have you
completed?
PS:
I’ve never been to drama school but I’ve been taking acting
classes in Paris for several years and tried quite a few different
coaches along the way. I try to take courses as often as I can in
order to constantly improve my skills and before auditions I take
private classes with my coach. My acting influences are Robert De
Niro Anthony Hopkins, Kevin Spacey, and Julianne Moore.
Above Picture: Petra in White
DMR:
That is quite an impressive list of acting talent you are influenced
by, do you have a preference in film genres or acting styles? Do you
like to be the protagonist or antagonist in films?
PS: I
love drama, action and thrillers. When it comes to acting styles I
would say that each individual has to find out what works best for
him/her. The training I had is more focused on the Stanislavski
method but I’m not not following any method wholeheartedly. If
you’re stuck with your character it can be good to have a certain
method as a help to guide you but in general I don’t follow any
special method. I don’t have a preference between playing the
protagonist or antagonist as long as the character is interesting.
Above Photo: Petra in Virtual Revolution
DMR:
Getting into your latest action film, describe the audition process
for 'Virtual Revolution', if there was one, how did you get into
character?
PS: I
did the first audition for Virtual revolution in November 2015 and
found out that I had got the part in February 2016. In between I had
a few call backs and the director Guy-Roger Duvert obviously wanted
to make sure that I was the right match for the character so I was
asked to send him some self-tape videos during the audition process.
We were in contact through e-mail and Guy-Roger gave me indications
on what I had to work on and improve. I worked with a stunt-trainer
and learned some basic stunts and how to move with guns and how to
handle them in action. I also worked out a lot to be in good shape. I
watched videos of SWATCH training, bought myself a huge Soft Air gun
and trained at home.
DMR:
Speaking of character, describe your powerful character to my
audience, she is kind of a mix of Ripley from Aliens and Sarah Conner
I feel? How about any cool set stories from Virtual Revolution?
PS: I
would say that my character Kate is a mix between Sarah Connor and
Kara Thrace (Battlestar Galactica). Kate is an avatar inside a post
apocalyptic world called Olmetta. She’s a strong, focused person on
a mission. She’s always in control, well aware of her dangerous
surroundings. Because of the real person behind her avatar she keeps
a low profile in order to not get revealed.
Above Picture: Petra in Virtual Revolution
DMR: I
am looking forward to the full release of 'Virtual Revolution', what
is in the future for your acting and or DJ career, new films and
projects?
PS: I
just finished filming a TV-series called ”Virgin” directed by
Nath Dumont in Paris and waiting for a road movie called ”I’ll
crush you & go to hell” by Fabio Soares to come out. On the
music side my focus is on music production and releasing more music.
I continue DJing as well and have many cool gigs coming up.
DMR:
Wrapping up, you have had a very diverse career, please give advice
to young aspiring models and actresses you have learned along the
way, anything you know now you wish you knew when you started out?
PS:
”All the hard work, all the sacrifices, all the sleepless nights,
struggles, downfalls, it all pays off." If you want something,
go and get it. Set up goals but be realistic about them. Don’t let
anything or anyone stop you from reaching your goals!
Work
on becoming a better self and surround yourself with good people that
reflect who you want to be and how you want to feel.
Thank
you Petra for taking the time out of your hectic schedule to conduct
this interview, watch for more exclusives on Petra when Virtual
Revolution comes out for official worldwide release!
Greetings
action lovers worldwide! Danny Templegod Exclusively reporting that
Action Actress Juju Chan has posted her Facebook feed a Dinner with
director Jesse Johnson, and some of the cast of Savage Dog including
the very Savage and amazing Vladimir Kulich, and the Masterfully
Savage Marko Zazor! Marko can be seen now on the amazing Dusk till
Dawn series, and and will be of course filming in Thailand soon with
Daniel Zirilli! Watch for more exclusives coming in 2017! Jon L Brody! https://www.facebook.com/jonleebrody?fref=ts Check out his amazing FB page as well!
The
Masterfully Savage Cung Lee has unleashed a series of bad ass photos,
hearkening back to his MMA days, he also will release his inner
Savage! Check out his official page @ #TeamCungLewww.cungleofficial.com
Above Photo: Truy Sat poster IMDB Additional photos are from behind the scenes and are exclusive to Dan's Movie Report
Above video: Trung Ly films Truong Ngoc Anh in Sydney! Dan's Movie Report EXCLUSIVE!
Greetings
valued Dan's Movie Report readers, another exclusive action film
review. Direct from Vietnam comes 'Truy Sat' (Tracer) a full force
action film produced by and starring the talented Truong Ngoc Anh.
Truong's company Transnational Arts Entertainment and Korea's CJ
Entertainment produced the project. Before I start this review I
would like to thank Truong for allowing me the distinct opportunity
to review 'Truy Sat' long before it comes to U.S. Shores.
In
addition, I would credit Maria Tran and Trung Ly for pointing out
this amazing film and introducing me to a new world of dynamic
Vietnamese films, opening my mind and proving that action is not
only global, but in order to make better action films, the source
funding for these films have to be a unifying goal.
For lovers of real action films, 'Truy Sat' represents an important step,
allowing those passionate about movie making to control the quality
of production. Truong and everyone involved put out an impressive
film worthy of a theatrical release, even in the U.S.!
Describing
the plot, Truong Ngoc Anh portrays a cop, with a penchant for
conducting her own investigations at the behest of her superior
officers. She is not just any cop, she is a special forces
investigator, so she is not only weapons trained, she is an expert in
various forms of hand to hand combat, and technical knowledge. The
cool thing is 'Truy Sat' shatters stereo types, not only is there a
strong female character, she is given situations to lead men and
control groups and lead an investigation. This is 2016, it is time
for action to evolve! Truong is absolutely top notch, a natural in
acting, and has a full force talent, that needs to be respected
worldwide.
In
addition to Truong, actress Maria Tran (Fist of the Dragon) is
allowed to be the one of the lead antagonist characters Phuong Lau.
Ms Lau is tasked with disabling the security protocol in the
beginning of the film, at an art auction. Maria is not acting, she is a bad girl in real life, and should be punished! HAHA! Poke the bear!
Once
again, amazing action, from the Trung Ly and his team. 'Truy Sat' had
many action sequences, cleaver fights and a wide variety of settings.
Often a difficult dynamic to have mixed gender action with not only
non weapon fights. but with weapons. Of course, movie action is far
different from real combat, but what I like is when Maria or Truong
fight guys it is never a direct attack, and they take damage and
punishment also in their fights. A particular action Maria Tran does
is a flying head scissors to take down larger opponents, and upward
thrusting ground attacks. In all reality, the fights on 'Truy Sat'
showcase the talent, and play to the strengths of the talent
involved. Chatting with Trung, he states that crafting the action
based on a particular person's ability rather than forcing them to do
a move they are not comfortable with allows for a smoother
choreographed sequence. Trung and his team worked hard on this
production.
Director
Cuong Ngo is to be commended for allowing the action to unfold, and
working to balance a full force action film with some cool sub plots.
'Truy Sat' is a great example of an action film, that is allows the
viewers to enjoy the action. The use of drone cameras, which is more
prevalent in 2016 allows for increasing the scope of the chase
sequences, and clever placement of the actors.
Watch
for a couple of cool cameos. Big Mike Leeder as Mr. Cruise, a crime
lord. He is a mastermind, and a no nonsense criminal. One has to
wonder if his character name comes from Tom Cruise, ha, perhaps not.
Trung Ly portrays Mr. Seng a drug lord intent on partying as much as
drug trafficking! Developing them as side characters adds a new
dimension in 'Truy Sat'. I must say, if the 'Truy Sat' team are
looking for a dapper gweilo in a future film, I feel my only talent
would be pensive purveyor of erudition, l leave the action to those
who can, though I am not afraid to as Maria puts it “re-educate
someone” ha!
Back
to the review, 'Truy Sat' works as a film to watch a few times, as
there is much going on. We witness An's (Truong Ngoc Ahn) personal
life with her younger brother, who is a special needs child. As a
dynamic, this is important as empathy is developed, for her and her
fight to live a dichotomous life.
Of
course there are light hearted moments, there is a scene when
oblivious to the massive fight taking place between Maria's and
Truong's character, a couple is in the beginnings of a passionate
exchange oblivious to what is going on around them. Perhaps this is a
deeper commentary on social behavior, or just a way to show
obliviousness toward others, but it was quite funny, and especially
when a fight ends with someone being thrown into a pool, and this is
a signal to get the party started!
Overall,
'Truy Sat' is a memorable film in all facets. Fast cars, thanks to
Audi, great locations, talented acting, directing, and action
coordinating. This is a film that screams, PLEASE, let the action
people handle the action. Do not micro manage. It is very exciting to
watch, and I am looking forward to witness more of Truong Ngoc Anh's
produced films, whether action or drama.
Kudos
go to Korean giant CJ Entertainment, for pushing into Vietnam and
building cinemas, and thus increasing the audiences for these films.
'Truy Sat' rates a very strong 8.5 out of 10, a must own, and support
project. A film that could pave the way for the future in new
markets, and hopefully a U.S. Limited theatrical run and film
festivals!
Watch for more exclusives on Dan's Movie Report and The Action Elite later in 2016 and 2017 about 'Truy Sat', including an interview with Truong Ngoc Anh!
Greetings valued Dan's Movie report readers, today in honor of the upcoming Halloween holiday a short horror film is definitely in order. The 16 minute short film 'Talk of the Dead' is a bit of an enigma, not only skirting the line between comedy and horror, but it is presented in a news format, where there is reporting on the zombie events.
Director Eddie Bammeke and writer Michael Haberfelner craft a truly odd tale of various characters, some evil, some silly, some strange, and many just malcontents. Perhaps my favorite part of the entire production is the couple in the beginning arguing and the wife claiming she 'grazed the wall' and the husband saying you totaled my car. This turns out to be an advertisement for a pill called Toxadil, which reportedly turns a tiger in the bed to a kitten on the couch, huh? Haha!
Another ad for an insurance company that boasts being the first firm to offer coverage against zombie accidents. This is a hysterical commercial, reminiscent of the Saturday Night Live commercials, where sometimes you have no idea if it is a commercial or not. Who does not need zombie protection in 2016, I sure do, I live in an area over run by them.
Overall, the short has it's moments, 'Talk of the Dead' will please zombie genre fans, The film plays out a bit better as a sketch comedy than horror, that said it, has a likable quality. 'Talk of the Dead' rates a 6.5 out of 10.
'Talk of the Dead' is currently making festival rounds.
