Showing posts with label modeling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label modeling. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

An Actor's Life: A Conversation with Mary Frick

I recently had the opportunity to interview Mary Frick. Our conversation took me behind the scenes into a world that I had only previously seen at the movie theater, through a television screen and on the stage.

Mary was born and grew up in Southeastern, Pa. She has many fond memories of a childhood spent with four sisters and two brothers.
Her parents not only provided them with a solid foundation, but also an active life that included many outdoor activities. Fishing, ice skating and hiking were just some of the pleasant experiences that she and her six siblings shared.
They also spent many treasured moments indoors.
"We would put on comedy and musical sketches during family get-togethers. We would often break out into improvisational scenes," Mary said.
Family influences also added to her creative development.
"My father's side of the family had a musical group who played and sang at family functions. My Grandmother (Nanny) was also musically inclined."
Early experiences
Mary showed a talent for writing, directing and acting as early as grade school.
She responded to her sixth grade teachers request when he asked the class if anyone was interested in writing a Christmas play. Much to his surprise, she presented him with a completed play about a week later.
After seeing the script, he gave her permission to cast, direct and act in the play. Her efforts resulted in an all-around success and affirmed her belief that the dramatic arts were going to be a part of her future.
She excelled academically through her high school years. She also won art contests, played field hockey, was on the swim and gymnastic teams, played two instruments in the band, was a cheerleader and was elected to the student council.
After graduation, she traveled across the country.
Mary was living in Ft. Lauderdale at the time and drove with a friend, on Highway 10 West, across the southern states to San Diego, Calif.
They made a stop in Carmel to see her friend's relatives and then made their way up to San Francisco, where they delivered the car they were driving to its owner. They were out of money at that point and saw a sign on Market Street about joining the Air Force.
"I talked to a recruiter. He said that we had to go onto the base to take the test and that we needed a score of 90 or above to be accepted into the Air Force. We then studied at the San Francisco Public Library for a couple of days, went onto the base, and took the test. I scored a 97 and the recruiter said that we were in.
"My friend called her cousin, who was residing in Carmel, to tell him the good news. But, he had spent 20 years in the Army and told us not to join. He drove up to San Francisco and brought us back to Carmel, where we lived and worked for awhile.
"It was a very beautiful and incredible experience to drive across the country and up the coast of California.
"I realized that I wanted to be an actress. So, I enrolled at West Chester University and earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communications.
"I was a single parent at the time, with two beautiful young children to support, so I landed a job at a Pharmaceutical Company where I was employed for 10 years. When my children were older, I decided to pursue the acting field."
Mary's pursuits helped to develop her acting abilities. She also broadened her skills through the camera operation and directing training that she received.
Fighting the good fight
"During my first semester, I landed a part in the play "Mother Courage."
"When my son was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I immediately dropped out of the play to care for him. I continued on with my studies at the University while taking care of my children.
"That part of my life was such a turning point in the path that I was pursuing to become an actress.
"I had to give an enormous amount of attention to my son. We traveled back and forth to Children's Hospital (in Philadelphia) and to the University of Penn for ten years. Children's Hospital became like a second home to us.
"I thought that I may have lost him, but he fought the good fight and won the battle.
"The good Lord saved him and for that I am very grateful."
David Shuman
After college, Mary attended a few acting schools in New York. She eventually found an exceptional coach in David Shuman, at the prestigious Weist-Barron school, and studied with him for several years.
The well respected Shuman has coached many well-known actors, including Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Spacey and Christopher Walken.
"He was incredible!
"He was very knowledgeable about the psychological makeup of a character, relationships and the business."
She noted that Shuman's no-nonsense style and ability to be in control were keys to his effectiveness.
"He was able to pull a good performance out of you and always helped you to do your best."
Television and movie roles
Through Mary's training and persistence she earned roles in films, appearances on television shows and work in commercials.
She can be seen in the HBO series "Sex in the City" and the NBC series "Third Watch".
She had a part in The Learning Channel series "Forensic Files", which is now shown on truTV, was on the set of Law & Order: SVU and had a background part in the HBO series "The Sopranos".
Her feature film credits include "Spiderman", "Changing Lanes" and the independent film "The Middle Voice".
How a performance develops
Many entertainment fans are fascinated by the method in which actors develop the portrayal of their characters.
Mary advised that after a successful audition, an actor will receive a script and then begin to develop a character as they study their lines.
"After studying lines, if you get the opportunity you can improvise, which helps with the scene.
"An actor has to determine the character's agenda, motive, background, etc."
When working on stage, an actor will generally exhibit dramatic physical movements and project their lines to the audience in a louder voice than would normally be used in other venues.
Work done in front of a camera would be presented differently, because each feeling that is expressed is captured in a more intimate visual form.
Free time
Beyond work, Mary enjoys watching movies, gardening, painting, photography, writing, reading and is in a Bible study group with a former acting friend.
She also is involved in a community group through her church.
"We clean the streets, plant flowers, and distribute groceries. Our mission is to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
The next generation
Mary's varied career experience has allowed her to be in a uniquely positive position. It's one where she is able to offer seasoned advice to those who are planning to pursue, or who are currently pursuing, this particular creative field.
"I have learned a lot by watching other actor's performances.
"The more I grew as an actor, the more I was able to appreciate other actors."
She recommended those who are considering attending an acting school should first audit classes. Doing so will allow potential students to preview a school's atmosphere and help to formalize the decision making process.
"If you want to become an actor or actress and believe in yourself, find a good coach, study, perfect your craft and get a good talent agent.

"I found that studying to be an actor helped to open my eyes to the intricacies of the human spirit."

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

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Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Model Management Agency - MMA: Amanda Talijan Lights Up London

Model Management Agency - MMA is recognized as one of the most respected talent agencies in the Philadelphia and Tri-State area since it was founded in 1989.

Amanda Talijan @Mandsmania, one of MMA's many successful models, leads her blog with an adapted quote, "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." 
Talijan's selection of Norman Vincent Peale's famous motivational lines smartly matches her persistently positive outlook. This New Jersey native has also demonstrated that she recognizes one of life's greatest challenges. 
Everyone's individual equation is established through their natural gifts. The manner in which each person chooses to develop and use their talents directs us toward solutions. Answers are then creatively discovered along the way. 
Someone who's born in New Jersey doesn't just happen to begin her modeling career in Philadelphia, appear in Fashion Week in New York and then move to London in less than two years time. Luck wasn't a deciding factor in this instance. Instead, a strong person, who has a good family, built solid friendships and is blessed with the right career connections, created her uniquely inspiring real-life story. 
From the beginning 
Talijan was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey in 1990. She grew up less than twenty minutes north in the same-state town of Belvedere. 
Her parents (Sharlenee and Gary) fully supported her choice to attend Millersville University after graduating from Notre Dame Catholic High School in 2009. So, with an impressive volleyball scholarship packed in her suitcase and focused dedication secured within her character, she began to pursue a Masters Degree in Psychology. 
"My parents have always supported me and my sisters ( Gabby, 20 and Maddie, 17). They instilled the idea that no matter what we do, we should commit to doing our best and make sure to do it 100%. I've taken that same approach toward my career. 
"I remember from a very young age that I would have conversations with people and they would explain how they felt emotionally at that moment. I always found myself wanting to understand why people felt the way that they did. Studying psychology helps me to understand more about human nature," Talijan said. 
Even though she enjoyed the subject matter, Talijan didn't feel that career path fit her current aspirations. By the spring of 2012, a meeting helped to open a new door. 
Gary Talijan was attending a dinner party when he showed a photo of his family to a friend who referred him to Ellen Wasser-Hrin (the Founder and Director of MMA/ Model Management Agency). Gary relayed the advice he received to Amanda, who was in her third year of college, and a new career was set to begin. 
Recognizing her path 
"When I chose to leave school I had this weird feeling that I wanted to do something else. But, I wasn't sure of the direction that I wanted to go in. And then I met Ellen and everything fell into place. I felt like I was at peace. I adore her. I walked out of her office and I felt that modeling was what I was meant to do next in my life," Talijan said. 
Model Management Agency - MMA began serving as Talijan's mother agency. That vital business decision allowed this model's career options to flourish. 
"I started modeling at an age where most people's careers have peaked, or are almost over. So, there were definitely times when I thought that I was so much older than everyone else when I started out. 
"Using my experiences has helped me to reason, understand and accept the ups and downs of my career. So, I really think that it benefited me to start my career later in life," Talijan said. 
Positive parental influence 
"I sat down with my parents and we talked about finishing school, or leaving and choosing to pursue a modeling career. I really put a lot of thought into the pros and cons of everything and it just played out in a way that everything happens for a reason and this is the next step. 
"My parents realized that I was taking a huge risk. But, when they met Ellen they connected with her and understood why I had such a positive outlook on this new journey. 
"Ellen is such a spiritual person. She has been in the industry for many years and is still so true to who she is. That's what gave me a positive start and without that, I probably wouldn't have continued on with this journey at all," Talijan said. 
Inside the industry 
"Modeling is an art form and the industry is so much more than being tall, thin and pretty," Talijan said. 
That statement makes what this 5' 8 1/2" model has already accomplished that much more impressive. Her rapid ascent in a highly-competitive world hasn't happened by chance. 
After working a variety of bookings through the summer of 2012, New York City was alive with her name on one particular fall day.
"I began building my book and getting the vibe of the industry. I spoke to Ellen and shared with her that I was ready to make the move to New York. Based upon my age and experience, she totally supported my decision," Talijan said. 
On her birthday (September 27, 2012) Wasser-Hrin accompanied Talijan to the Big Apple. By day's end she had contracts with a commercial agency and a high-fashion agency. 
Talijan moved to New York and appeared in presentations at Fashion Week in January 2013. She followed in the footsteps of Kate Moss and Cara Delavingne, who also stood under the traditional six foot model mark. Like those famous ladies, she also helped to break tradition. 
"At that point it was starting to get a little overwhelming. I was looking at these girls who were so much taller than me. But, I was there and doing it. So, I wanted to give it all that I had. 
"The way that it happened (in New York) was meant to be," Talijan said. 
A self-made business plan 
"After Fashion Week was over, I left the city and moved back home but continued to go on castings and book work in both New York and Philadelphia. 
What sets winners apart from those who settle for past glory is persistence and a belief in tomorrow. So, after doing a few Look books between March and May a life-changing opportunity stood dead ahead. 
"I've always kept notes. Every three months I make a list of what I've accomplished and compare it to what I've done previously. I keep track of whether I'm progressing in all areas of my life. 
"It's important to remember the positive and negative things and to not forget the little things," Talijan said. 
In transferring her experiences and hopes to physical form, Talijan was able to see a clear picture. After conferring with her mother at the beginning of August, she decided to give herself another year to see how she felt. 
London calls 
Talijan was five hours away from New York City, visiting a friend one weekend, when she received a call from her agent. She was asked to meet with London-based Lenis Model Management the next day. 
She got up at 4 a.m., drove to her agent's office, and later met with the London agency at a hotel in downtown Manhattan. 
The agent asked if Talijan had her passport and wanted to get the ball rolling. With Wasser-Hrin by her side, the atmosphere was set for the next chapter in this story to be lived. 
"I remember walking out of the room and getting in the elevator and Ellen giving me a big hug and telling me how amazing it was. (Model Management Agency - MMA then signed her with the agency in London.) 
"We call Ellen my guardian angel. She has such a good understanding of the industry. Having her by my side through all of this and being able to bounce ideas off her is great. The relationship that I have with her, I really could not be more thankful. 
"My main goal was to travel and to work in another country. It was mind-blowing that it was all happening so quickly," Talijan said. 
She flew to London on August 28, 2013. The next day she had six castings and is now working steadily. 
Wise advice 
"I feel there are so many things that you can assume about a person when you look at a picture. 
"I've made it my priority to not be Amanda the model. When I'm working, I choose to be Amanda the person. It's so much more than who you are and what you are doing," Talijan said. 
Clearly a skilled multi-tasker, she continues to pursue her Masters Degree in Psychology while working full-time as a model. Her inspiring story is far from finished, but this portion of it ends with sound advice. 
"No matter where you decide to go, it's important to know why you are doing what you are doing. Make sure that whatever you are doing makes you a better version of yourself. And, it's always important to remember who you are," Talijan said.

(My feature originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2014.)


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Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOBthrough Facebook, or on LinkedIn

A Model's Life: An interview with Kourtney Reppert

(Information about Kourtney Reppert can be accessed through her Facebook page, or through her Instagram account.) 

Consider someone who values a quote from Abraham Lincoln, the humor of Adam Sandler, appreciates the depth of Schindler's List and the lightheartedness of A Night at the Roxbury.

Those are just some of the diverse influences that a model from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania discussed recently. Who is the person behind the pretty face that brightens this articles' words? You are about to discover what life is like behind the scenes in the modeling world.

Small town influences
Kourtney Elizabeth Reppert grew up in Leesport, Pennsylvania. The small town, which is about an hour from Philadelphia, is a place where everyone knows each other. The people who live there work hard and are dedicated to their families and friends.
Many people set prudent goals and then move towards them. Some think beyond what can smoothly be attained and instead strive for their dreams. Kourtney is one of those individuals.
"I want to be successful as a model, while also remaining an overall happy and grateful person," Kourtney said.
Strong family base
A solid family environment often allows someone to build their life's foundation.
"I have three older sisters (Karla, Kelly and Kristie) who are all beautiful. My Mom (Kathy) and Dad (David) are very loving and supportive. They provided me with a great childhood.
"My Mom always told me that I had a special spark. When I was three-years-old my sisters would dress me up, put make-up on me and fix my hair in pigtails."
Role models
"My Mom had a tough time growing up because her Mom passed away when she was young. She always tried to raise my sisters and I the best that she could. She is my best friend.
"Good loving parents set people up for a good life. Everything starts with the family."
Kourtney had an active social life and was a member of the cross country, swimming, field hockey and basketball teams when she was at Schuylkill Valley High School. After graduating, she decided to attend Kutztown University.
"I always had good communication skills and did well in sales. So, initially I pursued a degree in sales and marketing. I also loved softball and pitched on the team at Kutztown."
Creating a career
Kourtney adapted her career goals in 2006, after a number of people suggested that she had the qualities needed to become a model.
"I admired many people who were models when I was growing up, especially Pamela Anderson (famous for being on Baywatch). She was the girl next door."
Establishing a career in modeling is not easy. The path involves heavy competition and rejection.
"I loved what I was doing and the way I felt when I was doing it. I wasn't going to take no for an answer. In a world of no's, you can also hear yes."
In 2007, she joined ModelMayhem , which is a Facebook-style site for male and female models, photographers, as well as make-up and wardrobe artists.
Constellation Energy offered Kourtney her first paid modeling position. Following that success, she landed a number of advertising print work assignments.
Friends and frenemies
Kourtney worked through the normal trial and error period that everyone experiences during the initial stages of their careers. But, she kept moving forward by relying on her well-formed instincts.
"You have to have a tough skin in the business. It was hard at first and you have to be on top of your game. The support of my family and friends has been very important to me along the way."

Kourtney Reppert: A Model's Life – Part 2

Diversifying her interests

Kourtney deepened her career potential when she obtained an Esthetician's license at the Lancaster School of Cosmetology in 2010. The training she received in the cosmetic care and treatment of skin and hair, allowed her career to expand.
Obtaining the designation allowed Kourtney to use her skills and experience to help women make their best beauty choices. It also empowered her to offer the Ivo Pitanguy skin care line to many individuals.
"My license allows me to offer a range of professional applications. Through this work I'm able to make people feel good about themselves, which makes me feel good about myself."
Kourtney also noted that Ivo Pitanguy donates one hundred percent of their profits, from the line that she promotes, to charitable causes.
The importance of a good photographer
"If the connection isn't good, it's like a bad date."
At times, a photographer can get a great shot when a shoot first begins. At other times, many hours might be needed until the perfect image is captured.
"dms graphix photography has shaped my modeling career. They are amazing people to work with. It's all about that connection with the photographer and timing when the pictures are being taken."
Experience and preparation
Years of training and focused preparation allows the best professional experience to take place.
"On the day of a shoot, I wake up, take a cold shower and do a mini-workout. Then, I relax for a bit before heading out. Depending on the job, I might do my own makeup. If a make-up artist is provided, that person will help me prepare at the site of a shoot."
One element that can't be seen when looking at photographs that have been taken is the music that was playing during a photography session. Music can establish a mood that helps a model transition into a mental state of preparedness.
"Music makes you feel. Certain songs affect certain people in positive, or negative ways. I like to choose my own music for a shoot, because doing so gives me more energy during it."
Kourtney puts her self into a state of mind using methods that are similar to professional actors. She sifts through past experiences that allows her to generate emotional responses. Those responses then create different looks that can be captured by the camera.
"I'm a character playing myself, or I'm myself playing a character. Modeling is a way to express yourself.
"If I'm in love, I show it to the camera. If I'm sad, that emotion will be seen. If I'm happy, my smile is endless."
Sports highlights
Kourtney's images have appeared on the Philadelphia Flyers website and on a Philadelphia Phillies' opening day poster.
"I was a tomboy growing up, so naturally I wanted to do a shoot that involved sports.
"The only reason I could stay up late when I was younger is because my Dad would let me watch hockey. I would always want to watch the (Philadelphia) Flyers."
Building her port
In the modeling business, the term 'port' is used as a shortened form of the word portfolio. A portfolio contains a person's professional work.
"My main goal is to get exposure in popular print magazines. Many career doors can open when that happens."
Reflecting and looking forward
Kourtney's professional career has expanded greatly during the past few years. Her experiences have created new opportunities that she continues to pursue each day.
"I have traveled a lot. Flew in private plane and went to a private island. I visited the Playboy Mansion and have met amazing people in the worlds of sports and entertainment."
Never one to be satisfied with her accomplishments, Kourtney is continuing to move forward with a positive spirit and a focused mind.
"I have grown a lot over the years and it has been a nice ride so far. I think attitude is everything and I have learned that you always have to keep working harder as you pursue your dreams.

"There is something inside of me that tells me to keep going. If you love something and you are good at it, why stop?"
(Information about Kourtney Reppert can be accessed through her Facebook page, or through her Instagram account.) 

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)


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Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOBthrough Facebook, or on LinkedIn

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Coming Soon: Another Exclusive Digital Interview


Another Great Interview Subject

Working as a freelancer enables me to write about anything. People are also free to choose to work with me, based upon their analysis of my own credentials.

I've been fortunate to have been connected to many fine people over the course of the past two decades-plus. During the past three years, I've also been able to make a number of varied contacts that have put me in touch with high achievers. 

My most recent interview will be coming soon to this digital space. The interview subject is someone who has achieved success in the modeling world for over a decade and has won two acting awards. Her story is one you will enjoy reading.
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At the end of 2012, I was ranked among Yahoo.com's Top 100 Contributors. Yahoo cites more than 600,000 paid writers. Click on my Contributor Page to learn more.
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Some GREAT WEBSITES from some fine digital friends:
The Sports Critic by Raymond Bureau
Positive Calm by Solvita Bennet
Meltzer's Musings via Bill Meltzer at HockeyBuzz.com 
Free eBooks Daily
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I'm truly humbled that all of my online features have combined to generate millions of documented hits since I first began my digital adventure on Labor Day, 2010. Thank you to all readers.
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I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
Visit my RantSports Author Page,
my Examiner Contributor Page,
or my Yahoo Contributor Page 
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A strong thank you to everyone who has been downloading my eBook: Fast Fiction and Other Stuff on Amazon.com 

Humor, horror, mystery, adventure, travel, sports and a few selected stories are all wrapped inside this mini-tome. I appreciate everyone who has seen my digital creation.
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Name-dropper 
These are some of the high achievers I've had the opportunity to interview...
Not just sports though...
My recent feature: State of the Union Address: Commonsense Gun Response Warranted was written in response to an assignment from the Yahoo News editorial team after the President of the United States gave his address. 
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Classic headline: Those great hockey cards
Nothing topped the meaning that these hockey cards still hold. Here is the special feature that still ranks among the most-read articles that I've written since 2011: 
Topps Hockey Card Mystery is Revealed.
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Classic Headline: Three Flyers' Legends
Each of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own feature article:

Here is a link to the story about Propp: 
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Baseball cards
Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away. 
Here is my special feature that highlights many of our collective childhood memories:  When Baseball Cards were King.
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Classic Headline Topic: MMA Phenomena
Here is my most recent feature article about a live XFE Cage Wars event that I attended. I encourage fans of any sport to attend one of these events when you can. The excitement of the crowd and the efforts of the fighters will earn your admiration. 

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