Exclusive interview with executive producer Ben Silverman on the making of a Fashion Star, series finale tonight on NBC-TV at 10p/9c crowns a new top fashion designer and bridges bricks-to-online retailing with America’s 2-screen lifestyle

By Robin Rowe

Fashion Stars real winners, Macy's, Saks and H&M, TV fashions sell

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 2012/5/15 -Would it work for fashion? It’s been done before in music. Then unknowns Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson all launched in reality competition. Whether Fashion Star will launch a star to become a household name is too soon to say, but it has brought bricks-only retailer H&M online and proven that fashion can be sold from reality television as effectively as records. The biggest frustration for viewers? That East Coast viewers buy everything, that the show’s fashions sell out online before the show airs on the West Coast.

Fashion Star executive producer Ben Silverman produced such Emmy and Golden Globe-winning shows as The Office, Ugly Betty, The Tudors, and The Biggest Loser. The former NBC co-chairman’s latest show, Fashion Star, rewards competing designers by carrying their clothing lines at Saks, Macy’s or H&M.

“It’s American Idol with fashion…and you can wear it,” says Ben Silverman. “Unlike other fashion shows that [Read more →]

By: Valerie Milano – North Hollywood, CA (5-14-12)

The Killing's' Joel Kinnaman

“The Killing”, a murder-mystery show on AMC, is reaching the conclusion of its second season. Veena Sud, Executive Producer and writer, has promised that the mystery of Rosie Larsen’s killer will finally be revealed. If you are currently watching the show, I’m sure that you are waiting with growing impatience to see where all the tangled leads go!

If you haven’t seen the show yet, it is a well-conceived and beautifully shot. The characters feel like real people, with virtues, flaws, and sometimes without visible make-up. Its pace also allows the viewers to slowly grow to know the characters. All of this lends itself to be a show that feels grounded, in all the best ways.

According to several of the actors, including Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman, they don’t know what’s coming beyond the episode that they are filming. Joel Kinnaman mentioned specifically that he was really surprised at the revelations surrounding his character. [Read more →]

By: Valerie Milano – Century City, CA (Hollywood Today) 5-14-12

The advancement of social media and technology has certainly changed the music business.  As it is now relatively easy for musicians to have studios in their homes, independent publishing and distribution is not only viable, but sometimes preferred to signing with large record labels. Further, with the popularity of social media, it’s up to the artists or their managers/publicists to get their names out to the masses.

At one panel, an inventor pitched an eco-friendly CD case. One of the panelists quipped, “What’s a CD?”  This was clearly intended to be somewhat humorous, but it was also indicative of how much the music business has moved into streaming and digital downloads.

Peterzell and Milano @ The LA Hyatt Regency Century Plaza for Music Biz 2012

HT spoke with Marcus Peterzell about brand campaigns. He observed, “The music download stuff is interesting.” Sometimes it isn’t even the artists themselves who share their music. In this case, Peterzell mentions, “We got Spike Mendelsohn,” (season 4 contestant of Top Chef) “He’s a spokesperson for a lifestyle website, launched about 4 weeks ago. He did his favorite songs. You can go onto his website and download his favorite songs for free.” [Read more →]

By: Valerie Milano – Los Angeles, CA (Hollywood Today) 5-14-12

Life Fest, a charming film festival that is doing something interesting: promoting movies with a strong message of life and the uniqueness of each human. There are no major blockbusters here, no action-packed, CG thrillers. These are mostly independent films, both shorts and features that celebrate humanity and the human condition.

This festival is in its second year, and its relative nascence shows.  The festival suffered in its venue at the LA Convention Center. The Convention center’s vast halls and cavernous entrance was too much. This should have been in a more intimate setting that encouraged people to talk about the films. There were also technical difficulties with some of the films that were supposed to be shown and could not be. [Read more →]

By: Valerie Milano – Beverly Hills, CA (5-14-12)

Mike Royce and Ray Romano accept their award for Men of a Certain Age

The 2012 Academy of Television Arts & Sciences honored seven programs that positively affect the viewing public. This is the 5th year of these awards and the honorees are:

• Dr. Oz

• Five, accepted by Marta Kauffman

• Harry’s Law, accepted by David E. Kelley

• Hot Coffee, accepted by Susan Saladoff

• Men of a Certain Age, accepted by Ray Romano and Mike Royce

• Rescue Me, accepted by Denis Leary

• Women, War & Peace, accepted by Abigail Disney

[Read more →]

By: Valerie Milano – West Hollywood, CA (Hollywood Today) 5-14-12

   Coming to the big screen on May 25, “Mighty Fine” is a 1970’s era indie film about the love a bipolar dad dad has for his family, during a time when the disease was mostly undiagnosed or recognized. The story is a serious drama bringing the audience from laughter to tears as Dad, Joe Fine moves his family from Brooklyn to New Orleans. Starring Chazz Palmintari, Andie McDowell and her real-life daughter Rainey, the heavy themes are not for younger kids.

“Mighty Fine” is Rainey’s first movie, and she really nailed the role. Both ladies shared a bit about their experience working on this movie and as yesterday was Mother’s Day, we’re sharing the 3 pieces of advice that mom gave her daughter when she said that she wanted to be an actress.

“Never be desperate, have another idea way back in case things don’t pan out,” advises Andie, although it does not appear to be necessary in her daughter’s case.  She follows with, “Most actors are insecure because it isn’t a secure business. It’s learning how to roll with the punches.”

Another piece of advice she told HT, “A lot of confident people make it because when you exude confidence, you create confidence in other people.” This is good advice for everyone, certainly. However, it’s also easier said than done, Andie acknowledges. “You have to find your confidence.” [Read more →]