Author:

Event Of The Week: Wild Lights at Taronga Zoo Sydney

Posted on by

What: Headlining the highly-anticipated Vivid Sydney, Wild Lights at Taronga Zoo will be an immersive and inspiring experience where guests can explore the Zoo on an illuminated night walk, all while connecting with wildlife and conservation.

Discover over 70 festival-favourite lanterns from 14 captivating species???????? as you explore this roar-some after-dark experience and take in the best views of Sydney Harbour – all at the same time.
Wild Lights is a ticketed and inclusive event, where festival-goers will get to experience:
✨See over 70 animal-inspired lanterns and installations
????Explore the zoo by night on the illuminated night walk
✨Experience the three, never seen before, purpose-built, inclusive installations from Cushman & Wakefield, each with their own inclusive story in their inception, appealing to visitors of all abilities
????Enjoy a sky-high view of the lights on the Sky Safari Cable Car with the Sky Pass Ticket
✨Indulge in our special Wild Lights items featuring a Loaded Donut Bar, sweet toasties, fairy floss, colour-changing unicorn noodles, Chip on a Stick, and more
????Pop in for a drink in any of our 2 licensed venues across the zoo
✨Check out the spectacular Vivid view out over Sydney Harbour
When: Running from Friday 27 May to Saturday 18 June (every Wednesday – Sunday), including Monday 13 June.
Session 1: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Session 2: 7.30pm – 9.30pm
There are two sessions times each evening to assist with social distancing.
Where: Taronga Zoo Sydney (Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088)
Tickets: Via this link

The Teaser Trailer For 20th Century Studios’ “Avatar: The Way Of Water” Is Here

Posted on by

The teaser trailer for 20th Century Studios’ “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which first debuted in cinemas on May 5, is available now. James Cameron’s first follow-up to his “Avatar,” the highest-grossing film of all time, will open in Australian cinemas on December 15.

Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive,  and the tragedies they endure. Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, the film stars Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement and Kate Winslet. 

To whet audiences’ appetites, the studio will re-release “Avatar” in cinemas on September 22.

Disney+ Releases Trailer And Key Art For “Rise”

Posted on by

 

Disney+ has released the trailer, key art, and images for “Rise,” based on the triumphant real-life story about the remarkable family that gave the world the first trio of brothers to become NBA champions in the history of the league – Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Laker Kostas Antetokounmpo, and their younger brother Alex. The film will debut on June 24 exclusively on Disney+. Audiences have never seen a story like that of the Antetokounmpos. After emigrating from Nigeria to Greece, Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo (Dayo Okeniyi and Yetide Badaki, respectively) struggled to survive and provide for their five children, while living under the daily threat of deportation. With their oldest son still in Nigeria with relatives, the couple were desperate to obtain Greek citizenship but found themselves undermined by a system that blocked them at every turn. When they weren’t selling items to tourists on the streets of Athens with the rest of the family, the brothers – Giannis (Uche Agada) and Thanasis (Ral Agada) – would play basketball with a local youth team. Latecomers to the sport, they discovered their great abilities on the basketball court and worked hard to become world class athletes, along with brother, Kostas (Jaden Osimuwa). With the help of an agent, Giannis entered the NBA Draft in 2013 in a long shot prospect that would change not only his life but the life of his entire family. And last season, Giannis and Thanasis helped bring the Milwaukee Bucks their first championship ring in 50 years, while Kostas played for the previous season champs, the Los Angeles Lakers. “Rise” stars Dayo Okeniyi, Yetide Badaki, Manish Dayal, Taylor Nichols, introducing Ral Agada and introducing Uche Agada. The film was directed by Akin Omotoso (“Vaya”), written by Arash Amel (“A Private War”) and produced by Bernie Goldmann (“300”). Giannis Antetokounmpo and Douglas S. Jones served as the executive producers.

Details Revealed About Disney And Pixar’s Upcoming Feature Film “Elemental”

Posted on by
In a city where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together, a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy are about to discover something elemental: How much they actually have in common. Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream, Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” releases June 16, 2023. Concept art by Sohn. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Pixar Animation Studios revealed details about its 27th feature film, “Elemental,” which will release on June 15, 2023. Directed by Peter Sohn (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Partly Cloudy” short) and produced by Denise Ream (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Cars 2”), the film journeys alongside an unlikely pair, Ember and Wade, in a city where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together. The fiery young woman and the go-with-the-flow guy are about to discover something elemental: how much they actually have in common. 

“Elemental” is an original film inspired by Sohn’s childhood in New York. “My parents emigrated from Korea in the early 1970s and built a bustling grocery store in the Bronx,” said the director. “We were among many families who ventured to a new land with hopes and dreams—all of us mixing into one big salad bowl of cultures, languages, and beautiful little neighbourhoods. That’s what led me to ‘Elemental.’ 

“Our story is based on the classic elements—fire, water, land and air,” Sohn continued. “Some elements mix with each other, and some don’t. What if these elements were alive?”

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Disney+ / Image supplied by Disney+

Meet The Rising Star Behind The Latest Issue Of StarCentral Kids: The Talented Connor Dean

Posted on by

Connor Dean started acting and modeling at the age of 4. He moved to LA and began booking small roles in short films and commercials. His breakout role was playing Butch the Bully in the Cool Cat movies starring Erik Estrada and Vivica A. Fox. This character has reached cult status creating video views in the millions along with a multitude of fan pages and memes. Connor was nominated for 2 Young Entertainer Awards for his work in Cool Cat and his recurring role in Fox’s hit drama 9-1-1, starring the incomparable Angela Bassett and Peter Krause. His leading role in Jingle Trails, now streaming on Amazon Prime, garnered him another nomination and win for Best Lead Actor. Connor is a philanthropist and celebrity ambassador, using his platform to help such organizations as Starlight Children’s Hospital, St. Baldricks, and SNPLA. At just 18, he is the CEO of his own production company, Penny Arcade Pictures, which has several projects in pre-production. Connor is an elite, competitive tennis player training 20+ hours per week outside of the entertainment industry. In his “off” time, he enjoys gaming, playing piano, and drawing.

StarCentral Kids recently caught up with Connor to discuss his journey as an actor and here’s what went down:

Can you tell us more about yourself? How did you get started in the entertainment industry?

I was born in Florida and moved to Los Angeles when I was about eight years old. My older brother was an actor, and I had to tag along with him on his auditions. I decided I might as well start auditioning, too, since I had to be at the casting offices anyway. I found I really liked it, so I started taking classes, got an agent, and the rest is history.

What do you like most about acting?

What I like most about acting is that it gives me a chance to play different characters. I like reading a script and finding my own interpretation of the character to make it my own. I also love that acting has allowed me to meet many interesting people and have amazing experiences that I might otherwise not have been able to if I had not become an actor.

What are your weak points when it comes to acting? How do you try to improve them?

I think my weak points when it comes to acting is a lack of confidence. Sometimes I do not think I am good enough to play certain roles, but I always love to challenge myself. I had an acting teacher tell me, “what you believe you can achieve,” Whenever I feel like I am not good enough, I try to remember those words and use them to motivate me to reach my potential.

What are your strong points as an actor?

I think my strong points as an actor are the fact that I am willing to try anything the director asks me to do. I always put my faith in the director and know that they want me to be my very best. Some actors are stubborn and only do the role the way they want to do it, but I feel that the director also has a vision for the role, and it is important to work together to make the project the best it can be.

What have you learned from the directors that you have worked with throughout your career?

I have learned a lot from the directors that I have worked with, but I have learned to trust them most of all! I also learned that actors sometimes make the best directors because they have been in your shoes and know what you are going through.

Photo Credit: Rodin Eckenroth

What are some of the difficulties of the acting business?

Some of the difficulties in the acting business are the amount of rejection an actor sometimes faces daily. As an actor, you hear “no” much more than you hear “yes,” which is difficult. It can really hurt your confidence as an actor and as a person. I’ve learned through the years not to take rejection to heart. There are many reasons why you don’t book the job, and none of it has to do with you as a person.

What’s challenging about bringing a script to life?

The most challenging thing about bringing a script to life is deciding how you want to interpret the script and the character. Sometimes, your idea for the character differs from what the writer or director envisioned, so you have to change your thinking.

What do you do when you’re not filming?

I am a competitive tennis player, so I am training or competing when I’m not filming. I also like to write scripts, practice my piano or guitar, and play video games with my friends.

Photo Credit: Rodin Eckenroth

What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?

My most memorable experience so far has been working on the set of Fox’s show 9-1-1. It was interesting to see how the different disaster parts were filmed and edited together to make the episodes.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

I have met so many interesting people, from tennis legends such as Jimmy Connors or Andy Roddick to Hollywood legends such as Rich Little, Marion Ross, and Lily Tomlin. I’ve met musicians such as Ceelo Green, Billy Idol, and Julian Lennon. I have been fortunate to meet so many wonderful people. It truly is one of my favorite things about working in the industry.

If someone is going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?

That would be hard to say! I wouldn’t mind Tom Holland playing me in the movie of my life (laughs)!

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I plan to go to college and study screenwriting and sports broadcasting as well as play college tennis. I have also started a production company with my brother, Penny Arcade Pictures, and we are working on producing some projects in 2022.

Photo Credit: Rodin Eckenroth

Disney+ released a new trailer and key art for the original movie “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers”

Posted on by

Disney+ just released a new trailer and key art for the original movie “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.” A reboot comeback 30 years in the making, the hybrid live-action/CG animated action-comedy catches up with the former Disney Afternoon television stars in modern-day Los Angeles. “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers” premieres May 20, 2022, exclusively on Disney+. “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers” stars John Mulaney (“Saturday Night Live”) as Chip, Andy Samberg (“Palm Springs”) as Dale, and KiKi Layne (“If Beale Street Could Talk”). Also joining the cast are Will Arnett (“Arrested Development”), Eric Bana (“Dirty John”), Flula Borg (“Pitch Perfect 2”), Dennis Haysbert (“24”), Keegan-Michael Key (“Schmigadoon!”), Tress MacNeille (“The Simpsons”), Tim Robinson (“I Think You Should Leave”), Seth Rogen (“Pam and Tommy”), J.K. Simmons (“Being the Ricardos”), Chris Parnell (“Saturday Night Live”). The film is directed by Akiva Schaffer (“Saturday Night Live”), written by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), and is produced by Todd Lieberman (“Wonder”) and David Hoberman (“Beauty and the Beast”), with Alexander Young (“Extinction”) and Tom Peitzman serving as executive producers. In “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers,” Chip and Dale are living amongst cartoons and humans in modern-day Los Angeles, but their lives are quite different now. It has been decades since their successful television series was canceled, and Chip (voice of Mulaney) has succumbed to a life of suburban domesticity as an insurance salesman. Dale (voice of Sandberg), meanwhile, has had CGI surgery and works the nostalgia convention circuit, desperate to relive his glory days. When a former castmate mysteriously disappears, Chip and Dale must repair their broken friendship and take on their Rescue Rangers detective personas once again to save their friend’s life.  The Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers Original Soundtrack with score by composer Brian Tyler will be released by Walt Disney Records on May 20.

Posing Tips For How to Look Your Best In Photographs

Posted on by

Posing can be a struggle both for the model and the photographer. This is because some of the less-experienced models tend to wait for the direction of the photographer before striking a pose. They normally freeze in front of the camera and are mostly clueless about what to do. This situation makes it difficult and troublesome for the photographer to produce good photos.

The preparation for any photoshoot starts even before the photoshoot. You need to be aware of what kind of shoot it is. You can start looking at the related f magazines on the type of pose that they are doing. Not all of the tips here will work for everyone since the right kind of pose will vary in every genre.

1. Your Mirror is Your Friend

Stand in front of your mirror, take a pose and see how you highlight the shape of your body. The mirror is an ideal tool to show you the thing that the camera can produce. Consider the features and things that can be seen depending on the angle. For instance, in case you put your feet closer to the lens, then there is a possibility that your feet will look larger in the photo.

2. Create a Space on Your Limbs and Body

Squashing your limbs closer to your body will make you appear to look fat. Separating your limbs from your body will also create a slimmer appearance. This is a tiny cheat in the modeling world that can make a huge difference.

3. Understand the Light

For instance, in case you raise your arm on the light, it will basically look brighter compared to your face. There is also a possibility that it will cast a shadow on your face and body. A simple way to counteract this is by using your other arm. You may also adjust your arm backward to avoid the casting of the shadow. Having an understanding of how the lighting falls is a basic necessity in modeling. Ask the photographer about the key light and think about how you can work with it.

4. Elongate the Neck

In order to show class, poise, and height, elongating your neck would be a great solution. It is also one of the most difficult things to remember when modeling since this action feels a bit unnatural. Look in front of the mirror and stand in a normal position. Let your face come forward by rolling your shoulder backward. By now you have seen the huge difference in the neck’s width. You may even advance your pose by popping the jaw in front of the camera to create a shadow that will highlight your jawline.

Hopefully, the modeling tips that we provided above can provide some help for our aspiring models. These are just some of the tricks that most professional models wish they knew when they were just starting out.

Disney & Pixar Reveals Out-Of-This-World ‘Lightyear’ Trailer

Posted on by

Check out a new trailer for Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear,” revealing new details about the upcoming sci-fi action-adventure. The definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda. New images are also available.

The film features the voices of Chris Evans as accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne and Peter Sohn as Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison and Darby Steel, respectively, and James Brolin can be heard as the enigmatic Zurg. The voice cast also includes Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Diaz, and Keira Hairston as Young Izzy. Directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”), produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”) and featuring a score by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“The Batman,” “Up”), “Lightyear” opens only in Australian cinemas on June 16, 2022.

Check out the trailer below:

The New Trailer For ‘The Bob’s Burgers Movie’ Is Here

Posted on by
(L-R): Louise Belcher (voiced by Kristen Schaal), Gene Belcher (voiced by Eugene Mirman), and Tina Belcher (voiced by Dan Mintz) in 20th Century Studios’ THE BOB’S BURGERS MOVIE. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

20th Century Studios has released a new trailer for “The Bob’s Burgers Movie,” which will open in Australian cinemas on May 26, 2022.

The new trailer debuted at WonderCon in Anaheim, California on Sunday, where it was screened for enthusiastic fans along with other footage from the film at a lively panel presentation with the filmmakers and cast.

“The Bob’s Burgers Movie” is an animated, big-screen, musical comedy-mystery-adventure based on the long-running Emmy®-winning series. The story begins when a ruptured water main creates an enormous sinkhole right in front of Bob’s Burgers, blocking the entrance indefinitely and ruining the Belchers’ plans for a successful summer. While Bob and Linda struggle to keep the business afloat, the kids try to solve a mystery that could save their family’s restaurant. As the dangers mount, these underdogs help each other find hope and fight to get back behind the counter, where they belong.

“The Bob’s Burger’s Movie” showcases voice talent which includes Kristen Schaal, H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Larry Murphy, Zach Galifianakis and Kevin Kline. The film was directed by Loren Bouchard & Bernard Derriman. The screenplay is by Loren Bouchard & Nora Smith. The producers are Loren Bouchard, Nora Smith and Janelle Momary.

5 Tips For Increasing Your Social Media Engagement

Posted on by

Is your social media page not kicking off the way you’d hoped? Perhaps you wish to share your knowledge with others, or you want to start a career with social media, but you’re not getting enough engagement. Although making an account may seem easy, there are certain things that you need to look out for so that you catch your audience’s eye. Publicity plays a large part in what makes a social media page successful and so you need to do it right. Therefore, here are 5 steps you need to take in order to improve your social media engagement.

1. Have a good layout

Graphic design is the very starting point of gaining engagement. Be sure to give your social media page a clean look that is welcoming for your target audience. Keeping the right fonts, having a consistent colour scheme and spacing things out helps a lot when it comes to attracting others. Organising things so that your content is both chronological and flows well motivates people to pay attention to what you have to say.

2. Advertisement

Finding ways to promote your social media page in other places such as other sites is a good way to gain engagement. People are more inclined to associate with things they are more familiar with and if they have seen an advertisement about your page somewhere else, they would be driven to see what you offer. Also, it increases your page’s chances of getting noticed among a countless number of others, as your page would then be what comes to mind first because they’ve seen it before.

3. Listen to others when it comes to improvement

When someone has an idea on how to improve your social media page, take it into consideration. It shows that you’re willing to respond to people’s constructive criticism, which will then lead them to respond to you, thus increasing engagement. It shows that you are within reach and that they can level with you, which is rare for sites and pages nowadays. This means more people will interact with you as they feel they can without being pushed to the side.

4. Hold events that the audience can take part in

Putting up an event that others gain from is a fast-track to increase your engagement. Occasions such as conditional giveaways and competitions are very appealing to those who are looking for something to gain. Announcing something that the audience can compete for, be it an actual item or a chance to be promoted on your page, piques the interest of many as they have a chance of winning.

5. Introduce something with a limit

You could put on a one-time-only sale or introduce a product or theme that will only be up for a short time. This gives people the impression that they must go to your page and get whatever it is you have introduced before the deadline. This is because they have the fear that they’d miss out as once something is gone, it’s gone.

Photo by Julia M Cameron