The Cop and the Superhero

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By Jim Ballas

Returning to the FX Network for its seventh and final season this September is The Shield, an hour-long police-drama. The Shield is about a Los Angeles Police Department anti-gang unit willing to do whatever it takes, even immoral acts, to get the job done. The show stars the Greek-American actor Michael Chiklis, known also for his role as “The Thing” in the Fantastic Four movies.

Chiklis was born in Lowell Massachusetts in 1963 to Charlie and Kate Chiklis. His father ran a hair salon and his mother worked in a hospital. Charlie Chiklis was a second-generation Greek-American whose family hailed from the island of Lesbos.

Chiklis began acting as a child and later received his degree from the Boston University College of Fine Arts. He was in multiple projects over the years, including starring as John Belushi in the biopic Wired and starring on another television show, The Commish. When The Commish ended, Chiklis sought to reinvent his image which led to his starring role on The Shield, which debuted in 2002.

The Shield premiered to critical acclaim and success. In 2002, Chiklis won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. In 2003, Chiklis won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series. That same year, The Shield won the Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama.

In 2005, Chiklis starred in Fantastic Four as “The Thing,” opposite Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd and Chris Evans. The sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer came out in 2007. Chiklis has been hailed for his performances in these movies, though the overall reception for the Fantastic Four series has been less than stellar.

Chiklis is also reported to have a role in the upcoming film Eagle Eye, starring Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan and Billy Bob Thornton, due out in September.

Chiklis is proud of his Greek Heritage, often traveling to his house in Lesbos, attending his Greek Orthodox Church services and encouraging his daughters to learn the language and the culture of Greece.

To see more of Chiklis in action, make sure to catch Eagle Eye, in theatres September 26, and the seventh season premiere of The Shield, debuting September 2.

Fearless political commentator Arianna Huffington

Trina Yannicos
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While being a woman with a thick foreign accent may intimidate most from a career as a political commentator in the U.S., Arianna Huffington does not let that hold her back, which is evident when she appears on shows like CNN’s Larry King Live and HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher. The author of 12 books, a syndicated columnist, and the creator of The Huffington Post political blog knows she must put her fear aside to stand up for what she believes in.
She was born Arianna Stassinopoulos in Athens in 1950. As a young woman, she attended Cambridge University in England, and encountered ridicule and criticism due to her heavy Greek accent while debating in the famed Cambridge Union Society. As a result, she learned to speak fearlessly in public and became the president of Cambridge Union in 1971. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Economics in 1972.
She started writing books soon after including biographies on Maria Callas and Pablo Picasso. She lived in London and was involved with Bernard Levin, a columnist for the London Times, until 1980 when she moved to the United States.
Her latest book, Right Is Wrong: How the Lunatic Fringe Hijacked America, Shredded the Constitution, and Made Us All Less Safe published in 2008, cements her transition from a political conservative to a liberal. In 1986, she married oil millionaire Michael Huffington who was elected to Congress in 1992 as a Republican from California. She campaigned for her husband in the early 1990s supporting the Republican stance on most issues. However, after their divorce in 1997, Arianna, who kept her married name, started leaning more toward the political left.
In 2003, she ran as an independent candidate against Arnold Schwarzeneeger to replace California Governer Gray Davis in the recall election, but dropped out of the race just a week before the election. In 2004, she published a book called Pigs at the Trough: How Corporate Greed and Political Corruption Are Undermining America, which attacked the wealthy CEOs of American companies. She describes herself as a “former right-winger who has evolved into a compassionate and progressive populist.”
Over the years, Huffington has appeared on several radio and television talk shows. She was a co-host of the NPR program, Left, Right & Center. She currently co-hosts the radio show, 7 Days in America, on Air America Radio with Mark Green.
Her liberal blog, The Huffington Post, was launched in 2005 as a news and commentary outlet and features postings from a number of prominent journalists, public officials, and celebrities. It is considered one of the most influential political blogs in the world. Huffington and her co-founder, former AOL executive Kenneth Lerer, recently announced that they will be launching “HuffPost Green”, a site division specific to environmental or “green” content.
In her recent book, On Becoming Fearless …in Love, Work and Life, Huffington says that too many women sacriice their personal truth so they won’t “rock the boat.” She hopes to instill in her two teenage daughters how to overcome fear and become ambitious and assertive, which she was inspired to do herself by her own mother. In 2006, she was named to the “Time 100”, Time Magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people.

George Mitas: Another succesfull Greek filmaker & his new movie

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By Nick Christophers

During the successful showcasing of the independent film“Searching for Bobby D” among the predominantly Italian cast and crew was the “behind the scenes” key crew member the Director of Photography George Mitas. The film, which featured some of the top names in the business, made a good run and left its mark in the independent film world. George, of Greek background and not a stranger to mob flicks (the Director of Photography on “This Thing of Ours”) blended in perfectly with director-producer Paul Borghese. The film, which developed a good turn out at every screening, has received a number of film awards.
Being in the film business for the past 15 years George has made some impressive strides. A graduate of NYU George always found being behind the camera was the place to be. “I always enjoyed the creativity involved in photography and the possibilities are endless.” His first feature film was distributed by Miramax,” Lying Down with Dogs” in 1995, this was his first real taste of narrative filmmaking.
George tried to explain that, after NYU George he had the pleasure of working along with Woody Allen. As a production assistant he recalls how Woody Allen would re-shoot scenes sometimes as much as twenty times to get it the way he wanted it. “Like me Woody is a creative person who just likes to get it right.” George attributes his style of shooting to directors like Orson Wells and Alfred Hitchcock. “I utilize a lot of their techniques in my work.”
Many people do not understand what the director of photography does. “It is an interesting question what do I do. I am in some ways the right hand man to the director. There are times where I have to alter the script because of environmental issues. We may need to change the scene or the day of the shoot. Sometimes the actors may not like my plans but it is for the good of the film. Working with Paul Borghese was great we connected well and made a fun film. It is all about the camera that most people do not realize that. Our day is not a 9-5 day it is sometimes 12-16 hour day. Every minute is valuable. The director directs the actors I direct the camera in the hopes of capturing the directors vision.”
George landed his spot on “Searching for Bobby D” from his past work on the mob flick “ This Thing Of Ours” which starred Vincent Pastore (The Sopranos) and Frank Vincent (The Sopranos, Goodfellas etc.) to name a few. Paul recognized George’s work and requested his talents.

George’s background was first in music videos, which appeared on MTV but he was always interested on film. His first feature was with Wally White called “Lying down With Dogs” which was distributed by Miramax. Even though it seemed like a big break for George with his first feature it was still a struggle. “You devote your time and effort into a project and always strive for more and hopefully you get there.”
Working on the “This Thing of Ours” with writer, director and producer Danny Provenzano was an experience to say the least. Even though, at times on the set there were many “wise-guy” characters around George worked very well with Danny Provenzano. The film was the spring- board to his recent work “Searching for Bobby D”. Working on independent films, George admits, is always an enjoyable experience. “You never know what to expect. Working with Louie Vanaria was great he really offered the true meaning to improvisation.”
George also travels between California and New Jersey many times in the year for business. In California he has worked a few times with director Justin Hixon from Video Box. He directed the video “Hey Jealousy” by Jim Blossoms, which George was the cameraman. Since his work on “Hey Jealousy” he has become a part of Justin’s production team. Besides taking on feature films and music videos George also shot promos for ABC. He also worked closely with Adam Cohen a well-known name in the TV industry. Adam Cohen was the head creative on Pontiac campaign introducing of the “Vibe”, the commercials aired during the Super-Bowl. This was his first car commercial but unfortunately the second day of shooting was interrupted by 9/11.
There was always one project that George wanted to tackle on a personal level. He wanted to give back to the Greek community by filming a documentary on the trials and tribulations of the priesthood. He offered his idea to his priest, Father George Orphanakos (from Clifton, NJ) who is presently retired. But his plan never came to fruition. Father Orphanakos told George that it would be hard to accomplish among a growing bureaucracy.
“I still would hope to be able to contribute something to the Greek community who has offered me so much. If I can help some other Greek out, why not? It is important to help each other if possible.”
When it comes to the quality of a film, George supports the theory that a film should not be judged just by its content or by its cinematography but by both aspects. “I only feel comfortable if both are up to par. It seems the older I get the better I have become and the more desirable I am to shoot major feature films.” On the horizon George has projects slated to shoot with Paul Borghese and Danny Provenzano. If the project is worthy of tackling George will make another mark in the field of cinematography.

PoPsie: The Legend of Broadway

Trina Yannicos
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PoPsie: The Legend of Broadway

Quincy Jones calls him “An icon of the American popular music industry.” Nicknamed “the legend of Broadway”, William “PoPsie” Randolph was Broadway’s most famous jazz and rock photographer from 1945 to 1975. He documented the transformation of popular music from jazz and big band music to rock and roll and rhythm and blues. He photographed everyone from Benny Goodman and Billie Holiday to Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones.

PoPsie was born William Sezenias to Greek immigrant parents in New York City in 1920. Being exposed to musicians through early jobs as a towel boy and shoeshine boy, PoPsie was attracted to the entertainment lifestyle and became a manager of swing era bands in the 1930s. He worked his way up to become Benny Goodman’s band manager. Benny and PoPsie had a very close relationship, acting like brothers. PoPsie was even featured in the movie Sweet and Lowdown which starred Benny Goodman in 1944. His character was played by actor Jack Oakie.

By the mid-1940s, PoPsie had married a showgirl and was ready to settle down in New York. He told Benny Goodman that he was interested in photography and Goodman gave him his first camera as a wedding gift. With his connections in the music business, PoPsie built up an impressive clientele of photography subjects.

PoPsie spent his career as a photographer on the streets of New York City at recording studios, jam sessions, concert halls and nightclubs. He was a huge music fan and spent hours and hours taking portraits of musicians and singers at his photography studio on Broadway near the Brill building. His photos appeared frequently in Billboard, Record World and Rolling Stone magazines.

How did William Sezenias become William “PoPsie” Randolph? William got his nickname “PoPsie” during one of his early jobs at a nightclub. The Greek waiters were not happy with how loud PoPsie was and used to tell him “Popsie vreh!” meaning “Shut up!” or “Pipe down!”. The bandsmen heard this and started calling him “PoPsie” and the name stuck.

In Chicago in 1945, PoPsie was working with Benny Goodman’s band serving as their manager. The band was playing at the Chicago Theatre and PoPsie had to make hotel reservations in a hurry, so he went outside the theater to a phone booth to call the hotel. Tired of spelling out his Greek last name to the operator, he looked up to see the Randolph Street sign and said his last name was “Randolph.”

PoPsie’s son, Michael, recalls tagging along with his father to all the major TV studios in New York to photograph guests on shows like American Bandstand and The Ed Sullivan Show. With an office located in the heart of New York’s entertainment district, Popsie was available to capture spontaneous moments on film as well, like Frank Sinatra at Sardi’s restaurant or Barbra Streisand during the recording of Funny Girl.

PoPsie decided to retire in the 1970s to Arizona. However, he died soon after relocating in 1978 at the early age of 57. Thirty years after his death, PoPsie’s son, Michael Randolph, has published a book of PoPsie’s photography called PoPsie NY: Popular Music through the Camera Lens of William “PoPsie” Randolph. The book features highlights from the 100,000 negatives PoPsie left behind when he died. For more information about PoPsie, visit http://www.popsiephotos.com/

The Brothers Parlapanides

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Vlas (left) & Charley (right) Parlapanides with actress Melina Kanakarides (center)

By Jim Ballas
In 2000, two brothers set out to make an independent film. Vlas and Charley Parlapanides created their first full-length film, “Everything for a Reason.” Vlas wrote and directed while Charley produced. They both had small roles as well. In the subsequent 8 years, they have remained rather quiet, but recently, that has changed.

It has been announced that Vlas and Charley are set to write the screenplay for the upcoming film “War of Gods.” The film is to be directed by Tarsem Singh, known for his films, “The Fall” and “The Cell.” “War of Gods” centers on a warrior in Ancient Greece who goes on a quest with the king only to find out he is the king’s son. It is rumored that the film will be shot in a similar style to “300.”

The brothers are keeping busy with other projects as well. They are currently writing a film called “Live Bet,” a heist film set in New York City. They are also creating a television show called, “Undercover.” They are also set to write a draft for the American remake of “Death Note,” a thriller that is originally from Japan.

Charley and Vlas grew up in Seaside Park, New Jersey. They were born to Greek parents, Vlas Sr., and Angeliki Parlapanides. Charley and Vlas filmed “Everything for a Reason” in their home town, and even had members of their family involved in the production, including their mother cooking for the cast and crew. These brothers may have come from humble beginnings, but they are quickly gaining the respect they deserve in Hollywood.

Greek Mindfreak to perform with Cirque

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By Lia Karidas

You might know Criss Angel as the stunning illusionist, made famous by his A&E Network television show, Criss Angel Mindfreak.

What you might not know is that Criss’s real name is Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, and he is a famous Greek American.

Another thing you might not know is that Criss has been slated to perform with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas this fall. The show, CRISS ANGEL Believe™ , will be an unconventional magic show that combines the distinctive imaginations and performance styles of Criss Angel and Cirque du Soleil respectively. If you have ever seen Criss Angel’s mind numbing illusions, or Cirque de Soleil’s unbelievable physical feats, you can safely say that this show is going to be something spectacular.

Before Criss Angel dazzled us with his magical prowess, he was raised in East Meadow, Long Island, New York. His interest in magic was born when he was a child, and his aunt Stella showed him a card trick. He would always ask her how she did it, and she would always tell him. Both of his parents are Greek, and his mother, who has regular appearances on Criss Angel Mindfreak, hails from Mystra, Greece.

He had also taken an early interest in music, and one of his trademarks is his combination of magic with loud, pulsating rock music. “I wanted to combine magic and music in a much grander vision that required a band, larger illusions and more equipment”, he said in an interview.

Now audiences have the opportunity to see what really goes on when preparing for one of Criss’s shows. Preview performances for CRISS ANGEL Believe will begin September 1st and run through to September 11th. During these performances the creative team will still be in the final stages of production, and the audience’s reaction and participation will be integral in determining the outcome of the actual show. These performances might be interrupted to make adjustments as necessary.

CRISS ANGEL Believe will be performed at the Luxor in Vegas on Friday through Tuesday with no shows on Wednesdays or Thursdays.

For more information about Criss Angel, and this promising show, visit his official website at www.crissangel.com.

Filming in Greece: A Beginner’s Guide

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By Jim Ballas

Whether filming an action-packed historical fiction or a documentary about archaeological landmarks, Greece is an ideal place for foreign films to be shot. In a period where Hollywood film budgets are steadily increasing and location shoots are becoming common, Greek Hollywood Reporter takes a look at what it takes to film in Greece. For this article, we will look at two types of production: assisted or unassisted production.

With assisted production, the movie producers will hire a production location service. Two such organizations are CL Productions and Film Greece. These organizations provide any services necessary for production, from casting extras to gathering permits for historical sites. CL Productions has been hired for such features as “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.” Film Greece has worked for many television shows, including the History Channel’s “Human Weapon” and many Discovery Channel documentaries, including “Atlantis: Is It Real?”

While production location services seem to be a one-stop shop for all your filming needs, they are generally used by smaller-budgeted productions in order to keep costs down. A big-budget film would usually go with an unassisted production, filming without the assistance of a Greek location service.

In order to film without a location service, it is essential to first get shooting permits. There are multiple types of shooting permits in Greece and each one comes from a different location. In order to get a standard shooting permit, which works for most locations, producers must go through the Ministry of Press and Mass Media. According to the Ministry’s website, “the granting is based on the filming script which is submitted to the competent independent committee. The license permits the filming of scenes at sites other than those where a special permit is required.”

Special permits are required to film at archaeological sites, military bases or to film aerial shots or shots requiring the closing of public places. The most common of these special permits are the permits for historical sites. In order to get this permit, producers have to go through the Ministry of Culture. These permits allow supervised shooting in archaeological locations.

Once permits are bought, producers can focus on the production itself. The Hellenic Film Commission Office is a great resource for producers. They can assist with telling you how to get permits as well as locate other resources for production. On their website alone, they have contacts for Greek production companies, television studios, unions and even a network of other state-funded institutions, such as the Greek Film Centre and the Mediterranean Film Institution. These other institutions are great resources, both for Greek and foreign filmmakers.

Filming in Greece can add beauty and history to a film, so it is not difficult to imagine why filmmakers choose Greece. To find out more information, check out the following websites:

CL Productions: http://guide.clproductions.gr/en/

Film Greece: http://www.filmgreece.com/

Greek Ministry of Press and Mass Media: http://www.minpress.gr/minpress/en/index.htm

Hellenic Film Commission Office: http://www.hfco.gr/

Greek Film Centre: http://www.gfc.gr/

A-Rod, Modonna, Kravitz and the "Greek" Cynthia

A. Makris
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A-Rod and wife Cynthia Rodriguez (Skurtis)

All this names would have never been featured here if Alex Rodriguez’s wife wasn’t Greek-American. As the NY Post and Daily news have reported, the Baseball star and his wife Cynthia Rodriguez (Skurtis) are not together anymore. In fact the tabloids went one step further to write that the baseball player is dating Madonna and Cynthia is having an affair with singer Lenny Kravitz. The last one has denied the rumors.

Cynthia states on her MySpace page:

“Greetings all. I’m Cynthia Rodriguez (née Scurtis). Also known as C-Rod. Before meeting Alex, I was a high school psychology teacher in Miami and attending college to continue my Masters. I come from a Greek-American family and grew up Orthodox. I met Alex many years ago in 1998, at a Body and Soul gym in Coconut Grove, Florida.”

Cynthia’s grandfather founded the first Greek orthodox church in Florida.

A-Rod, Modonna, Kravitz and the “Greek” Cynthia

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A-Rod and wife Cynthia Rodriguez (Skurtis)

All this names would have never been featured here if Alex Rodriguez’s wife wasn’t Greek-American. As the NY Post and Daily news have reported, the Baseball star and his wife Cynthia Rodriguez (Skurtis) are not together anymore. In fact the tabloids went one step further to write that the baseball player is dating Madonna and Cynthia is having an affair with singer Lenny Kravitz. The last one has denied the rumors.

Cynthia states on her MySpace page:

“Greetings all. I’m Cynthia Rodriguez (née Scurtis). Also known as C-Rod. Before meeting Alex, I was a high school psychology teacher in Miami and attending college to continue my Masters. I come from a Greek-American family and grew up Orthodox. I met Alex many years ago in 1998, at a Body and Soul gym in Coconut Grove, Florida.”

Cynthia’s grandfather founded the first Greek orthodox church in Florida.

NY Based DJ Brings Forth Slamming Tracks

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In the field of music it is a tough world to break into let alone the complex area of DJing. Yet one individual has harnessed this area so well he has become a key player in his field. Young Chris “The Greek” Panaghi has taken the DJ scene by storm, from his beginning years doing small parties to headlining the biggest venues in the music business. He started with the most simplified equipment which he taught himself how to master and became a household name in the business. The Greek’s success has open many doors and enabled him to create his own recording studio where he produces music.

Chris soon decided to produce his own musical style and flavor and market it. He began his climb in the late 80’s when dance music was very much in demand. Chris worked most of the clubs across the NY-Tri State area. With his unique style and impressive work his name soon was being passed onto the big marquee artists. Chris has produced remixes for many top artists such as Marc Anthony, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan and Michael Jackson as well as countless others. Part of what Chris does in the studio is working with artists and their songs to remix them with his certain musical style that fits the dance market. His own music is a reflection of what he produces for others.

Recently, Chris “The Greek” Panaghi, is back in the studio again working on a new compilation entitled “HANDS UP: ANTHEMS” which is due to be released by JRA Music Group. This non-stop Mix CD compilation features fifteen slamming tracks including the massive club anthems from Linda O, South Side Crew, Galaxy 68 and Collage many of which have never been available before on any commercial dance compilation.

“I’m really excited about this upcoming release and feel it’s perfect timing for the summer season.”

Judging from Chris Panaghi’s past success this young entrepreneur is due for another chart busting release. The culmination of various dance artists on this CD gives dance music enthusiasts what they want; the hits and places it on the cutting edge of the electronic music scene. He’s nailed some incredible exclusive tracks here, packed with powerful big room bangers!

Just recently Chris released his album “Now’s The Time” with five songs charting on the Billboard Dance Club Play Chart including two that reached the number 5 slot. Chris has always reinvented himself and his music and that is why he has longevity in the music industry. The Greek has infiltrated the European market with his cutting edge sound and managed to acquire a massive fan base in countries like England, Germany, Greece and France.

“Being in this business as long as I have you need to stay on top of your game. You need to be true to yourself and give the consumer what they yearn for.”

In a day and age where everyone seems to be a producer or a remixer Chris Panaghi stays on top of the playing field. It seems that his creative juices never seem to dry out as The Greek has always prided himself on developing and working with talented new artists. Judging from his past accomplishments there is no doubt this new release will be another success.

“Working on this compilation was exciting and fulfilling. I really enjoy all the tracks and talented artists that are a part of this project.”

The upcoming CD “HANDS UP: ANTHEMS” will be in-stores nationally on Tuesday, July 22, 2008. In the world of big room trance, Chris Panaghi has been compared to Tiesto’s brilliance as an artist, producer, remixer and as evidenced here a master at finding the most incredible new tracks before anyone else!

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