Chat w/ Thai Bettistea, Production Coordinator of 'Raya and the Last Dragon' + Movie Review

Art Shrian does a review of 'Raya and the Last Dragon', and talks with special guest Thai Bettistea, Production Coordinator of the film. They talk about her role in the film, her career path, women in Hollywood, diversity & inclusion, and more!

  • SPOLIER FREE review of 'Raya and the Last Dragon'

  • Chat with Thai Bettistea

  • Additional review of 'Raya and the Last Dragon', WITH SPOILERS

More about Thai Battistea:
Growing up in The Bronx, Bettistea spent most of her life in New York City where she cultivated a love for storytelling. That love turned into a desire to see more representation in television and film, both in front of the camera and behind-the-scenes. She went on to study Television, Radio, and Film at The Newhouse School at Syracuse University and furthered her education at Brooklyn College where she focused on producing. Today, she takes her experience from live-action productions and brings them to the legacy of Disney Animation.

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON

In theatres and on Disney+ March 5.

Trailer: 

Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the last dragon in order to finally stop the Druun for good. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than dragon magic to save the world—it’s going to take trust as well. From directors Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, co-directors Paul Briggs and John Ripa, producers Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho, and featuring the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as Raya and Awkwafina as Sisu. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon” will debut simultaneously on Disney+ Premier Access and in theatres on March 5, 2021.

Starring

Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina

Directed By

Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada

Written By

Qui Nguyen, Adele Lim

Produced By

Osnat Shurer, Peter Del Vecho

Chat w/ actor Conphidance, 2021 Indie Spirit Award nominee!

Art Shrian talks to actor Conphidance, as they chat about...

  • The Cowboy on Little America

  • His Independent Spirit Award Nominee for Best Male Performance in a Scripted Series for his starring role on Little America - The Cowboy.

  • Actors Life: Working, struggles, and staying motivated

  • Working on Bob Hearts Abishola, filming during the pandemic

  • Watching ARROW, LUPIN, EUREKA, Malcolm & Marie

  • More!

About Conphidance:

Conphidance is an Independent Spirit Award Nominee for Best Male Performance in a Scripted Series for his starring role on Little America - The Cowboy. As a star and face of the season one of the anthology series, Little America, Conphidance garnered high praises from Rolling Stone, Variety, Deadline, The Guardian, IndieWire, Past Magazine and The Washington Post. Conphidance can also be seen in the CBS comedy, Bob Hearts Abishola, the Golden Globe and Emmy Awards winning Atlanta, Emmy Nominated American Gods, and in Complications created by Matt Nix. He is currently developing original content for TV and film.

Links:

@conphidance on all social media platforms.

Website: www.conphidance.com

IMDb: www.imdb.me/conphidance

Being born in the business, making films, and diversity/inclusion in Hollywood | Chat w/ filmmaker-actor Taylor Purdee

Art is joined by filmmaker, actor, screenwriter, singer and songwriter Taylor Purdee. They talk about:

  • Being born in the business and navigating your way through it.

  • State of diversity, inclusion, and representation in Hollywood

  • About Killian & the Comeback Kids and pandemic 2020 release experience

  • Watch recommendations: MANK; Anne with an E

  • More...

About Taylor Purdee:

Taylor A. Purdee is a filmmaker, actor, and songwriter. He has appeared on popular series like Gotham, Marvel’s Ironfist and the surprise Finnish hit Nerd: Dragonslayer666. He is the writer, director, and co-songwriter of the film Killian & the Comeback Kids, returning to theatres fall 2021.

Killian movie info

https://www.killianandthecomebackkidsmovie.com/

Killian soundtrack links

https://www.hoperunshighfilms.com/killian-the-comeback-kidssoundtrack

@taylorpurdee
@killianroxmovie

Chat w/ Filmmaker & Coach Jonna Johnson: Continuous learning, helping folks reach artistic heights and creating dirt-road path to success!

Art Shrian talks to the very special guest, his friend, filmmaker, and a renowned Acting Coach (Chubbuck Technique) Jonna Johnson. Jonna is also the CEO of Dirt Road Path Productions and founder of Artistic Heights Academy. They talk about

  • An introduction to Jonna Johnson, how she got into coaching.

  • Her footprint expansion into Africa/Ghana and now Asia/India (with Art Shrian).

  • Her co-production feature film, made in Ghana, by Confidence Losu ALISA.

  • Value of continuous learning/training

  • About Chubbuck Technique

  • Perspective Series (upcoming class with Art Shrian for actors/writers filmmakers)

  • About Artistic Heights Academy

  • Screenwriting at AHA, class with Art Shrian

  • Favorite TV shows and films: Bridgerton, Ma Rainey, Tenet

  • People that inspire: Viola Davis, August Wilson.

About Jonna Johnson.

Jonna Johnson is an Accredited Instructor of The Chubbuck Technique, Executive Producer/ Owner of Dirt Road Paths Productions and Founder of Artistic Heights Academy Inc. (which launched this January 2021). She has dedicated 12 years of her Professional Coaching career building a collaborative alliance in East America and Africa to elevate talent, collaborate with industry leaders and empower artist through the arts! Recently she has partnered with Filmmakers in India, to build and expand the alliance with her teachings. With a professional background in Theater/ Film/Commercial, Jonna Johnson continues to pour into her students with perspective and experience in the Industry. Johnson Presents her students to Top Industry leaders, who share their journey and process, giving a well rounded foundation with insight to her students. Her education background consist of Phycology (MTSU Alumni), Alliance Theater School of Performing Arts (Film/Theater) and currently Jonna Johnson is a Master Degree Student at ASU in Philosophy, doubling in Film Production. She is an advocate for her students, providing community and opportunity within her network. She often helps her Casting Director/Director/Producer acquaints fulfill their casting needs with her sought after student body. Johnson has been recognized for Philanthropy Awards for her extraordinary commitment to humanity and activism. As a good standing member of the International Coaching Federation and Certified Coaches Alliance, she aims to enjoy the process of the journey along with her students as a committed student of life.

www.COACHEDbyJonnaJohnson.com

Twitter/IG @JonnaJohnson1

www.IMDB.me/JonnaJohnson

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Vice President Kamala Harris, Secret Society For Slow Romance & 2020 watch recommendations | Chat w/ Sujewa Ekanayake

Art invites his friend and Sri Lankan-American filmmaker Sujewa Ekanayake and they talk about:

  • Vice President Kamala Harris, her South Asian roots and breaking glass ceilings.

  • Shooting and making a feature film, Secret Society For Slow Romance during the pandemic.

  • 3 Features to watch from 2020: WW84, Tenet, Borat 2

  • 4 TV shows to watch from 2020: The Mandalorian, Expanse, Star Trek Enterprise, Lovecraft Country

About Sujewa Ekanayake -

https://www.sujewa.com/about.html

DIY Filmmaking blog by Sujewa Ekanayake

http://diyfilmmaker.blogspot.com/

Watch Werewolf Ninja Philosopher movie here, FREE during Covid-19 crisis

https://youtu.be/M8OwxwhzC4o

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Being bi-racial, the role of police in society, and the constitution | A conversation w/ Bill Myers

Art Shrian Tiwari talks with actor-musician-filmmaker-minister Bill Myers, about him growing up as a bi-racial kid (son of a Black Father and a White mother) in the 70s and managing bi-racial in the entertainment industry; the role of police in the society (his father was a Policeman); Black Lives Matter movement, his thoughts on the constitution of the USA, and more.

About Bill Myers
Bill Myers is a multi-disciplined performer who has worked professionally in the entertainment industry as an actor, musician, writer, director, producer, filmmaker, arts educator, and he's also a minister.  Mr. Myers is an Emmy Award-winner for his performance in Chicago’s NBC docudrama “Fast-Break to Glory: The DuSable Panthers.”  Bill is an inspirational speaker deeply committed to social justice, and spiritual growth.  Coming soon, Bill will launch his own podcast entitled “The Bill Myers Show”. He currently resides in Indianapolis.

Please donate to the cause using the following links:
https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/6857/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=15780&_ga=2.187165864.1602954306.1591044385-2004584457.1591044385
https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ab_mn
http://www.wearemrrc.com/

You can use the following article to find more places to donate
https://nymag.com/strategist/article/where-to-donate-for-black-lives-matter.html

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#BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd #AhmaudArbery #BreannaTaylor #SayTheirName #RacialInjustice #RacialJustice #Justice4All #Justice #Peace

BLM & George Floyd Protests, and Systemic Racism | A conversation w/ Lapcazo Sandoval & Leslie D. Hamilton

Art Shrian Tiwari talks with activist-poet-storyteller from Philadelphia Leslie D. Hamilton and writer-journalist from New York Lapacoz Sandoval, about ongoing nationwide (George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breanna Taylor) protests, racism in the USA, Black Lives Matter movement and more. 

Please donate to the cause using the following links: https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/6857/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=15780&_ga=2.187165864.1602954306.1591044385-2004584457.1591044385 https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ab_mn http://www.wearemrrc.com/

You can use the following article to find more places to donate https://nymag.com/strategist/article/where-to-donate-for-black-lives-matter.html

About Leslie D. Hamilton
Leslie D. Hamilton is a poet and storyteller with an MBA in marketing from Columbia University. She wants to live in a world where differences are appreciated and the intrinsic value of women, children and people of color is celebrated.  When she finds the world doesn’t live up to this ideal, she writes about it. Leslie has had the pleasure of performing as featured storyteller or poet at numerous venues throughout the tri-state area, including the Barnes Foundation, the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the Carteret Waterfront Park, numerous schools, libraries, community-based care facilities, bookstores, and, most recently, for the Philadelphia Jazz Project, where she premiered “Blues for Trayvon Martin.” Her work was recently selected for performance by industry actors at the fall Rhythm and Verse salon. You can find her on Facebook at Leslie.D.Hamilton247 and can reach her at Ldhamilton247@gmail.com.

About Lapacazo Sandoval
Lapacazo Sandoval is a former Unit Publicist (IATSE LOCAL 600), now working as a film critic and entertainment journalist.  She's the author of the children books ”Taking the E Train” and ”Everybody Loves Cake” and co-writer of the screenplay (with Art Shrian) LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE currently in development with the Harlem Film Company.
http://www.amnewscurtainraiser.com/p/about-blogger.html http://amsterdamnews.com/staff/lapacazo-sandoval/

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#BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd #AhmaudArbery #BreannaTaylor #SayTheirName #RacialInjustice #RacialJustice #Justice4All #Justice #Peace

a RANT about racist violence & police brutality, and the protests... Black Lives Matter

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Art talks about the ongoing protests due to the death of George Floyd, which were preceded by the shooting of Ahmaud Aurbery and the death of Eric Garner. Police brutality racist violence and racial injustice have been a long-lasting problem leading to movements like Black Lives Matter, but things still haven't really improved much. What's going on here?

10 must-watch Sci-Fi TV Series, that inspire us!

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Art Shrian talks with writer-filmmaker and fellow Sci-Fi enthusiast Jackie Gamber, about 10 must-watch Sci-Fi films that they love, and find inspiring. 

The List includes

  • Space 1999,

  • The Twilight Zone,

  • Six Million Dollar Man,

  • LOST,

  • Battlestar Galactica,

  • Heroes,

  • Stargate SG1,

  • Rick And Morty,

  • Firefly,

  • Doctor Who.

About Jackie Gamber:

Jackie is the author of genre-bending novels and screenplays, earning her such accolades as the Mary Shelley Award for Imaginative Fiction, and honorable mention in L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future. As an award winning writer/director, she has screened in film festivals across the country, and is currently in post production on her first feature film, The Mark.

10 must-watch Sci-Fi movies, that inspire us!

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Art Shrian talks with writer-filmmaker and fellow Sci-Fi enthusiast Jackie Gamber, about 10 must-watch Sci-Fi films that they love, and find inspiring.

10 must-watch Sci-Fi movies

  • "War of the Worlds" 1953

  • "Matrix" 1999

  • "King Kong" 1933

  • "Terminator 1-2" (1984/1991)

  • "The Day the Earth Stood Still" 1951

  • "Back To The Future 1-2-3" 1985/89/90

  • "Soldier" 1998

  • "The Man From Earth" 2007

  • "Hunter Prey" 2010

  • "Star Wars" 1977-2019

 About Jackie:

Jackie is the author of genre-bending novels and screenplays, earning her such accolades as the Mary Shelley Award for Imaginative Fiction, and honorable mention in L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future. As an award winning writer/director, she has screened in film festivals across the country, and is currently in post production on her first feature film, The Mark.


Discover India and Indian cinema through these 18 films

Art Shrian and Hemal Trivedi talk about a collection of 18 contemporary (Year 2000 onwards) Indian films to watch. If you want to get introduced to Indian cinema or Indian culture through films, this is a good place to start. Listen to the full episode below for couple more films and 5 Indian TV shows to watch https://anchor.fm/mynewyorkeye/episodes/20-Indian-Films-and-5-Indian-TVWeb-series-to-watch-ed8qk2

LITTLE AMERICA: Review/discussion with RAVI KAPOOR + chat with creators & Executive Producers (Copy)

Inspired by the true stories featured in Epic Magazine, "Little America" goes beyond the headlines to bring to life the funny, romantic, heartfelt and surprising stories of immigrants in America. It’s a unique show almost unlike anything we have seen. It tells true stories of immigrants fictionalized in an entertaining and moving fashion. Apple TV Plus has definitely hit a gem with this, no wonder its’ already renewed for Season 2.

“Little America,” from Universal Television, is written and executive produced by Lee Eisenberg (“The Office,” Good Boys), who serves as showrunner, and executive produced by Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick, “Silicon Valley”), Emily V. Gordon(The Big Sick), Alan Yang (“Master of None,” “Parks and Recreation”), Sian Heder (Tallulah, “Orange Is the New Black”), Joshuah Bearman (Argo), Joshua Davis (Spare Parts) and Arthur Spector (The Shack).  Heder also serves as co-showrunner alongside Eisenberg.

I had a detailed discussion about the show with Ravi Kapoor, an actor-writer-director and star of the first episode ‘The Manager’. I also had short chats with Lee, Alan and Joshuah; and also Kumail and Emily. You can listen to it all below on ArtApproved! Podcast by MyNewYorkEye.