action Magazine
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Singer/songwriter, Lanre dishes about his new EP
September/Oct 2024
Teen model Autumn Foster is highlighting the unique beauty and strength of those with disabilities
Action Magazine 2024
It all started with Take Action Apparel & Gear. With first-hand knowledge that bullying has become a serious epidemic in schools across the nation, Gabriel L. Silva wanted to help give kids like him a voice! "I was a victim of repeated bullying. I am small for my age and kids would make fun of me for my size. Eventually, the verbal turned physical. I know that not everyone is going to like me, and I am actually okay with that. But disliking and mistreating someone physically, verbally, or emotionally for basically being different and not taking the opportunity to get to know them for who they are, is not okay. I had an opportunity to travel to LA for pilot season, when I came home, I found out that three of my friends had had an even harder time than I did at school. I knew what they were feeling, but I was helpless to help them. I wanted to do something. So, we got together with a group of experts and some really cool designers to create Take Action Apparel & Gear." Fast forward through time, and as a result of Take Action Apparel & Gear, Action Magazine was born, giving a worldwide platform for both adults and kids in the industry, who are passionate about taking a stance against bullying, a place to share their stories. Effects on children that either are the bully or that are being bullied go well beyond the school day and sometimes last a lifetime. Students who are bullied sometimes resort to suicide and the bullies often find themselves incarcerated by the time that they are adults. "Action Magazine is a great way to showcase amazing talent within the industry, while at the same time, giving them an opportunity to let kids know that they are not alone and help them to feel empowered. I found my voice through acting/modeling and practicing Tae Kwon Do, I stopped focusing on the negative and was able to discover the positive in me. If we help just one by sharing our stories, then Action Magazine is doing what we have created it to do."
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
pg. 26 Cover and all photos credit Charlotte Tucker/Abbey Tucker
Meet the talented Hensley Carroll Who is in this issue's Entertainment News? Get to know Charlotte Tucker New Music Debut: "breathe." What are we binging on Netflix? Remember those lost due to bullying Meet EOTM, Victoria Pousada What are you watching on Disney+? An exclusive chat with Autumn Foster Taylor Tookes is in our talent spotlight
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Learn more about Action Magazine here!
AM Founder actor/model Gabriel L. Silva
Season 6 out now!
WATCH HERE!
Carroll
Hensley
Hensley Carroll, a 15-year-old resident of Charleston, South Carolina, has been crowned the International United Jr. Teen 2024-2025. The crowning took place on July 13, 2024, and marks the beginning of a year-long reign where Hensley will proudly represent the International United Miss organization. Hensley Carroll Crowned International United Jr. Teen 2024-2025. Hensley is not only a pageant titleholder but also a dedicated advocate for community service through her platform, "Focus Out with Hensley." The mission of Focus Out is to educate people about the importance of community service, addressing critical issues such as food insecurity. Hensley achieves this by leveraging social media and visiting local schools with a prepared presentation. To date, she has reached over 700 school-aged children, inspiring them to take action in their communities. The impact of Focus Out extends globally, with over 200 ambassadors spreading the message of community service far and wide. Hensley's commitment to service is evident through her accolades, including being a five-time Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipient. She also serves as the Student Council Service Chair, further demonstrating her leadership and dedication to making a difference. Looking ahead, Hensley aspires to become an interior designer, bringing her creativity and passion to a new field. Action Magazine is honored to highlight this truly talented young woman. Check our her answers to our staple game of Q&A. And of course, as always, don't forget to follow her on Instagram so that you can keep up with her journey!
Photo Credit: @sullivan.blue.co, @alifealovealens, Hensley Carroll/Iumpublicrelations
What are five things that you can't live without? My Cirkul water bottle, books, my phone, a positive attitude, and of course, my sash and crown. What's your life's motto or advice that you live by? What is meant for you will never pass you by. What's your favorite color? Purple What is your favorite movie? The Hunger Games - specifically,Catching Fire. What is your favorite TV show? Outer Banks Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what's their name? I have a dog named Grace and a cat named Reese. What is your favorite place that you've traveled to? Bermuda - my family and I went in 2018 and had an AMAZING trip - I can’t wait to go back! What is your favorite food? Sushi If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be with and why? Definitely Taylor Swift - I’m a HUGE Swiftie! You are International United Miss Jr Teen 2024-2025. How did you get started in pageants? I started competing in 2019 when I was ten years old, (after begging my parents to let me do a pageant for two years!) When they finally agreed, they said I could do ONE pageant…but then I won, and the rest is history! What is the hardest thing about competing in pageants? Why? Remembering to trust the process! It’s so easy to get tunnel vision when I’m prepping to compete, and while being focused and driven is never a bad thing, I have to remind myself that God’s in control, not me, and I only want what He has for me. What has been your favorite thing about competing in pageants? Why? Well, community service has always been the intention behind why I compete, so I really love being a role model and impacting the next generation. But I also LOVE the sisterhood of pageantry. Not only do I have friends all over the world, but when we’re together, we pick up right where we left off like no time has passed at all. The bonds created by pageantry are truly like no other! What is the one thing about being in the pageant industry that was a “lesson learned” moment? Two years ago, I competed with the International United Miss Organization and I went into Internationals week trying to be perfect in every event…which is unrealistic. I lost sight of being authentically Hensley and while I still finished top five AND I got to watch my best friend take home the crown, I learned so much about the importance of being myself, and this year, I went into Internationals focused on being ME all week…and it paid off! You are also making a difference to help others through your advocacy platform, "Focus Out with Hensley". Tell us how you came up with this idea and what this platform is all about. I noticed shortly after starting my pageantry journey that lots of girls my age were becoming more and more focused on themselves. My family has always impressed upon me the importance of serving others and the JOY found in serving, so I started Focus Out with Hensley to encourage my peers to focus their attention outward by sharing easy, fun ways to get involved in their communities. In five years, Focus Out has grown and changed so much - I have over 200 Focus Out Ambassadors serving others in three countries and I speak to elementary school students regularly about developing a love for service by teaching them that changing the world doesn’t take one huge act of greatness, it just takes a willing heart! What do you hope that your legacy will become with "Focus Out with Hensley"? I hope that I can influence an entire generation of kids to look for ways to serve others by taking away the stigma that kids can’t change the world! In addition to your advocacy work and the pageant world, what other things are you are passionate about? (charity work, volunteering, etc.) Can you tell us about this work and why do you feel that it is important? For as long as I can remember, my family has been involved in fighting hunger and food insecurity. From stocking Blessing Boxes to feeding those struggling with homelessness, some of my earliest memories have been providing meals for the hungry. In 2022, I partnered with Habitat for Humanity to place the first refrigerated Blessing Box in my community. In two years, more than 5,000 meals have gone into the hands of those who need them. “Hensley’s Free Fridge” has been so successful that I’m creating a non-profit organization called “The Free Fridge Project” where I hope to place refrigerated blessing boxes in all 50 states. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why? I love Zendaya because she is so talented and authentically herself! How would you describe your fashion style? Eclectic! I’m a comfort queen - so I love a good t-shirt and shorts, but I equally LOVE Lilly Pulitzer, and of course, I’ll never turn down the opportunity to get glammed up for an event! Who are some of your favorite people that you have worked with either in the non-profit world or pageants? The pageant world is so diverse and there are many women that are like moms to me because they’ve watched me grow up onstage. They’ve mentored me, encouraged me, and never missed an opportunity to tell me how proud they are. You ladies know who you are and the impact you’ve had on me - I love you all so much! What advice would you give other kids that want to break into the pageant world? DO IT! Pageants are FUN - you’ll meet new people and feel like a total princess for a day! Who would be your dream collaboration and why? I would love to partner with Feeding America to develop a curriculum for school children to reduce stigmas surrounding hunger and encourage kids to find ways to fight hunger in their communities, and I would love to partner with Habitat for Humanity to place a Free Fridge at every one of their ReStore locations! What is one thing that nobody knows about you? I have a deep love for comfortable shoes. I will always, ALWAYS choose flats over heels…which isn’t an option for pageant days! Have you ever been bullied? I have (thankfully) never experienced bullying directly, but I have witnessed it many times. I am a firm believer in advocating for those being bullied and I always remind children when I visit their classrooms to say something if they see something! What is your advice to kids that are suffering from bullying? Don’t suffer in silence. Find an adult you trust and tell them. If that adult doesn’t take action, find another adult you trust. Keep advocating for yourself until a resolution happens because you deserve happiness! If you could talk to your future self, what would you tell her? That I’m working hard today to make my goals a reality…and then I’d probably start asking a million questions about what my life is like in the future!
New Music Q&A: Lánre pg. 82 YouTube Feature: "Nick and Caden Know Sports" pg. 92 Emerson Rose: pg. 96 Rising Star: Kyle Lucas pg. 104 Movie/TV Review: "Deadpool and Wolverine" pg. 124 Brady Ryan: pg. 134 Lisa Malcolm: pg. 142 Gabriel Silva: pg. 162 Action Magazine Rewind: pg. 180 Filmmakers Showcase: pg. 190 PR Corner: pg. 216
Our staffers all know where to find a story. From Tinseltown and beyond, they capture their "by-line" by talking to some of the most interesting people either already in the public eye or soon will be.
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Charlotte Tucker is a 7-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia with a long list of credits, for such a young actor, including a guest star role on NBC's Found with Shanola Hampton, a recurring role on Average Joe with Deon Cole, a co-star role on Netflix's Cobra Kai alongside Peyton List, and a supporting lead role in the movie, The Air He Breathes alongside Ryan Carnes and Kelcia Stranahan premiering soon on Passionflix’; but she is best known for her role as the adorable Lily Loud in Nickelodeon's A Loud House Christmas. Even at her young age, she knows the importance of giving back to the community. Charlotte loves raising money for organizations that help kids as well as the homeless and has spent time working with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. When not working or practicing gymnastics, Charlotte is bringing her positive vibes and big personality to her millions of followers on Instagram which include such celebrities as Kristin Chenoweth, Melvin Robert (ExtraTV), Sharon Stone, and Kaylee Hartung (NFL Prime and Today Show contributor). Other A-listers that have shared or reposted Charlotte's amazing content include SnoopDogg, Will Smith, Viola Davis, Jennifer Garner, Rachel Platten, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Hello Sunshine/Reese Withespoon in which she did a collaboration on Reese's new book. Action Magazine is honored to highlight this truly talented and adorable young lady. Check our her answers to our staple game of Q&A. And of course, as always, don't forget to follow her on Instagram so that you can keep up with her journey!
What are five things that you can't live without? I cannot live without food and water or Chapstick because my lips would be burning. I couldn’t live without my stuffed monkey. I have had him since I was a baby. I definitely couldn’t live without my family because the keep me company and safe. What's your life's motto or advice that you live by? My life motto is to Go Big or Go Home. It means that you go for your goal as hard as you can or just don’t do it. What's your favorite color? My favorite color is tie-dye because I like how all the colors mix together and makes a pretty rainbow of colors. What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie is The Descendants the Rise of Red because I love to sing and dance to all the songs. My sisters and I like to put on our own Rise of Red show. What is your favorite TV show? My favorite TV show is Bluey because it has a really fun dad and 2 sisters who just want to play like me. They have lots of fun pretending and going on adventures. Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what's their name? I have a pet dog. We rescued him when he was just a puppy. I like to call him “Bubby”. A funny thing about him is that he likes to be with me anytime I have to tape an audition. I think he wants to get on camera too. What is your favorite place that you've traveled to? My favorite place that I have traveled to is Los Angeles. I loved the Pier with all the rides. My favorite ride was the boat one that went all the way up and almost all the way around. I also saw the Hollywood sign. What is your favorite food? My favorite food is pizza, just cheese. I eat it at least 2 times a week and would eat it more if I could. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be with and why? If I could have dinner with anyone in the world, I would eat with Olivia Rodrigo because I love her songs. At dinner we would sing all of her songs together and dance. We would probably put on our own concert. What made you want to start acting? When I was young, I was very funny and liked to perform all of my faces. When my big sister was interested in getting into acting, I went along with her. We both ended up getting an agent and I booked my first role as Lily Loud on A Loud House Christmas on Nickelodeon when I had just turned 4. What is the most difficult thing about being an actor? The most difficult thing about being an actor is remembering the lines when there are a lot of them and crying when you are really happy inside. That is sometimes hard. How do you prepare for auditions? When I have an audition, I practice my lines as much as I can. I go over them with my mom, or I read through them. I sometimes work with my acting coach on bigger auditions. We talk about what the character is like and how she would be feeling. What has been your favorite moment on the sets of both Cobra Kai and The Air He Breathes? My favorite moment on Cobra Kai was that I was filming on Valentines Day. I talked to everyone and handed out Bluey Valentines. Crafty had the best Valentines treats too! On The Air He Breathes, my favorite moment was playing with the squishy food that the art department used for the set. They were so realistic. It looked like you could eat them. If you could write the perfect role for yourself, what would it be and why? If I could write the perfect role for myself, I would probably be a sassy diva because I love being sassy and cool. It would be on a comedy show and I would be a funny character. I would probably also dance because I love dancing. What do you see yourself evolving in the entertainment industry? My dream in my acting career is to win an Oscar and give a winning speech one day. I would also love to go to the Nickelodeon Kids Choice awards and get slimed. In addition to acting, what other things are you are passionate about? (charity work, volunteering, etc.) Can you tell us about this work and why do you feel that it is it important? Besides acting, I love helping other people. We raised enough money through Cameo videos and t-shirts to send 2 kids fighting cancer on a magical Disney trip with The Childhood Cancer Society. We also took $1,000 that we raised and went shopping at Target. We bought lots of toys, stuffed animals, Legos, art supplies and more and donated them to our local children’s hospital. They use the toys to give to the kids when they have to get something scary done or just need cheering up. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why? My favorite actress is Peyton List because she is really cool and tough,and I got to play the younger version of her in Cobra Kai. I also love McKenna Grace because she was such a good actress when she was little, and I want to be like her. She was also in Young Sheldon which is such a funny show. How would you describe your fashion style? My fashion style is cool and hip. My favorite outfit would be a hot pink crop top with black butterfly shorts and Nike’s decorated by me. Who are some of your favorite actors that you have worked with? McKenna Grace was one of my favorite actresses to work with. We told each other funny jokes. She had some good one. I also loved working with all my Loud House family. It was so much fun having 9 big sisters and 1 big brother! What advice would you give other kids that want to break into acting? To get into acting you have to work on your emotions and make sure you are good at memorizing your lines. You can’t be afraid to be on camera. But most importantly have fun and visit crafty, which is where all the yummy snacks are. Who would be your dream on screen collaboration and why? If I could act with anyone one day it would be Kylie Cantrell in another Descendants movie. It would be fun to dance and sing with her and be my own Descendants character. Maybe I could be Cinderella’s or Aurora’s daughter. What is one thing that nobody knows about you? One thing nobody knows about me is that I don’t like chocolate. People are very surprised about that. Have you ever been bullied? I have never been bullied. That makes me sad. What is your advice to kids that are suffering from bullying? If someone is suffering from being bullied, I would tell them to stand up for themselves and then to go talk to someone. I would also tell them to love yourself because you are amazing. If you could talk to your future self, what would you tell her? If I could talk to my future self, I would tell myself is to stay sweet and kind and to always have positive energy,
continued on pg. 46
Lánre is a singer-songwriter and performer from Atlanta. Best known for his soulful vocals and punchy lyrics, Lánre seamlessly creates heart felt songs in the R&B, electronic, and pop music genres. Charting over 1.75 million streams across Spotify and other streaming platforms, Lánre’s bold artistry is ever-evolving on and off the stage. Recently featured in Medium’s ‘Rising Stars in the Music Industry’ series, Lánre (born Olánrewaju Keyede) was born and raised in Central New Jersey. He began his music career at age 10 when he attended a music school and was classically trained in vocal performance. Since then, he continued performing in Off-Broadway musical productions and local festivals in Atlanta when his family moved south during his sophomore year of high school. Lánre discovered his songwriting talent at age 15 and released a 6-track demo. Lánre continued writing and performing his songs in and around Atlanta during and after he graduated college where he discovered his sound of a mix of R&B, Electronic Dance, and Pop genres that was truly unique to him.
Lánre’s breakout single, “Somebody New (graymattr Remix)” was supported by BBC Radio and has since been featured on many notable editorial playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music. With 25,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify the talented singer-songwriter Lánre continues to grow his fan base on the road. He’s performed multi-city tours in California, Texas, and Colorado. In 2024, fans can expect to see Lánre perform internationally in London and Rotterdam for the New Skool Rules festival as he gears up for the highly-anticipated release of his sophomore EP ‘up all night.’ Action Magazine caught up with this amazing young man to get to know him a lot better. Take a peek at some of his answers to our staple game of Q&A on pg. 82. Don't forget to follow him on Instagram. But first, make sure to listen to a live rendition of "breathe." and let us know what you think!
All Images photo credit/courtesy: @tomdewh/JVAgency
8/11/1973
Bronx, NY
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continued from pg, 28
1 out of 4 kids is bullied every month in the U.S. 1 out of 10 children drop out of school due to bullying. 160,000 kids miss school each day for fear of being bullied. Every seven minutes, a child is bullied on the playground at school. 4,400 deaths occur each year as a result of bullying. Bullying can be… physical, mental, verbal, and can occur in person or in cyberspace. The epidemic can be eradicated if we stand together and remember, silence can be deadly... Speak up! Speak out! Step up!
Suffer in silence no more
Victims of bullying are never anonymous.
The effects of bullying have lasting consequences that affect those involved for a lifetime. Together, we can bring an end to bullying.
Remember their faces. Know their names. Hear their voices. Tell their stories.
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Our Top five favorite playlist tunes...
Source: Billboard Hot 100
Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar
I Had Some Help by Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen
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Tunes
A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey
Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars
Birds of A Feather by Billie Eilish
You know What's on our Top five favorite playlist tunes...
Tell us what's on yours?
on the move...
Whether they are actors, models, singers, musicians, dancers, or a combination of all of the above, these young entertainers are definitely on the move and you don't want to miss one step!
Entertainers
Photo Credit: Sarah McDonald
Pousada
Victoria
Victoria is a Hispanic-Jewish, petite-plus Actor and Model based out of New York City. She has trained as a Singer for over a decade and studied Costume Design for three. In addition, she is also a trained Horseback Rider and a language enthusiast. She graduated from Rutgers University - New Brunswick with a Bachelor's in Theatre and concentrations in Music, Spanish, and Japanese. Action Magazine caught up with this talented young woman to get to know her a lot better. Take a peek at some of her answers to our staple game of Q&A. Don't forget to follow her on Instagram.
What are five things that you can't live without? My phone, Anime/manga, music, a good cup of tea in the morning, my best friends What's your life's motto or advice that you live by? Per aspera ad astra, through adversity to the stars. What's your favorite color? I love them all! If iridescence was a color I’d probably pick that. What is your favorite movie? 10 Things I Hate About You is one of my favorites! My sisters and I can quote the entire film. What is your favorite TV show? Naruto! It shaped my life and legit was my moral compass. Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what's their name? I do! We recently had to rehome our black German Shepherd, Bruno. But ironically, out 150 lbs Leonberger named Jasta, who you’d think would be problematic as a giant dog breed, is actually the sweetest dog we’ve ever owned and will most definitely be with the family for his entire life. They stay with my dad though because NYC apartment life does not suit him. What is your favorite place that you've traveled to? Either Cadiz or Granada Spain! Cadiz was such a beautiful beach town but the clubs in Grenada and the classes I took at The University of Grenada were unmatched. I lived in both for months at a time and I most definitely want to go back. What is your favorite food? Sushi and soup are my comfort foods! If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be with and why? Meryl Streep! She has such a way about her.And I would clearly learn more about a whole lot more than just acting during our dinner. I feel I could learn a whole lot about life. Plus she just seems to be a doll! As a model, actress, and philanthropist, you are a multi-hyphenate individual in the entertainment industry. Let’s get start with modeling. Can you tell us how did you get started modeling? I fell into it!I never thought someone as short and curvy as me could be a model. But I was scrolling through Instagram and clicked on an ad that said “do you want to be a model”. I threw caution to the wind and here we are! What is the hardest thing about being a model? The financial strain. It’s expensive to start and expensive to stay in it. And there are times when you’re lucky to break even. And the rates are getting lower and lower. A $300 full day flat rate with no usage rights/residuals for a commercial is not OK. Back in 1995, that would’ve easily been a $3,000 flat rate for an 8 hour day and a residual income percentage was included. Why are we being paid less than 30 years ago? Make it make sense. What is the one thing about being a model that was a “lesson learned” moment? You’re not a bad model, you’re just not the right fit for your market! Models are by nature meant to travel the world, to go where the work is, to go where their look is desired. If you stay in one market, be prepared for the work to be stagnant for months, sometimes even years at a time. This is what’s currently happening with curve models. We were popping in NYC for a few years, and now after the “heroine-chic”and Y2K trends, NY has regressed in its body positivity. I’ve even seen model agencies that had no height requirements before suddenly adopt them. Even beauty castings are posting height requirements. Which to me is illogical because beauty only feature your face. And I see a trend of curve models taking GLP-1s and losing weight. All of a sudden, in NYC, the mid-size model sizes are now the curve model sizes. But I see London maintaining its commitment to body diversity! Next up, acting. Can you tell us how you got started as an actress? My first role was as Tess in “Annie” when I was in elementary school. My parents put me into it. But my stage fright was so bad back then I got hives at rehearsal when I had to say my one line! So, over the years, I just kept at it through workshops, seminars, classes, and staged shows until I wasn’t afraid anymore. Because even though it terrified me, I’ve loved it since the beginning. What has been your favorite project so far to date and why? I'm hesitant to pick a favorite because I could pick and choose which was the most professional, which was the easiest, which was the most fun. But dissecting my experience, I think would take away from the fond memories. And we so often in life only remember the bad parts, so I'd like to not over-analyze and keep my memories happy. If you could write the perfect role for yourself, what would it be and why? I don’t know if I could write the perfect role for me because I’m biased. But, I do have projects in mind I’ve always wanted to produce and star in which would require iconic character crafting. For example, a gender-bent Joker. In addition to acting and modeling, you are also a true altruist. Tell us about your advocacy work and why do you feel that it is it important? I’ve donated to families in Gaza and in the past, as Native American reservations. I’ve also always been actively involved in environmentally friendly causes, using my platforms to promote them to the best of my ability. Not to mention I sign every petition I can and try to use my political connections to make positive change. I also created support groups for survivors of sexual assault and another for eating disorders when I was in college. And I continue to support my friends’ various advocacy groups to this day. It’s self-explanatory why altruism is important to the collective human experience. No one is free until we are all free, from oppression, suppression, and tyranny in all its forms. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why? Viola Davis. I will see anything she’s in. Even if it looks bad. Because I know, if the film is not very good, it definitely will never be her fault. She’s also so versatile! How would you describe your fashion style? Cool and comfortable at its core. Very chic. But with eccentric and eclectic garnishes. Who are some of your favorite fellow models that you have worked with? We haven’t worked together officially yet, but I’ve collaborated before on social media with fellow petite model Taylor Tookes and support her organization “Height Revolution” which works to make fashion and modeling more inclusive of petite models like us (models who are under the industry height standard). What advice would you give other kids that want to follow in your footsteps? Don’t... Kidding! I chose a career I’m passionate about because I’m fortunate enough to be in a position to do so. But not everyone is born into the same luck. Save up first. This life is financially draining and filled with scams and missteps which will take even more. Procure financial security before attempting this life. The reason those stories about superstars who were saved financially by this life are so popular is because they are far from the standard. And the reality is that it takes 10 years to become even just well-known and respected within your industry, if you become famous to the public in the first 10 years, you’re on the fast track. Who would be your dream collaboration in modeling and in front of the camera and why? Zendaya! She's been at it for over a decade and moves just like a dancer. I feel like I could really be free while learning a lot on set with her and having fun! What is one thing that nobody knows about you? *insert Christian Bale voice* I’m batman… Just kidding! My parents actually sent me to a weight loss camp when I was in middle school; for multiple summers. Needless to say, it was an incredibly misguided attempt at getting me to lose weight. I could go on on how detrimental it was to my physical and mental health and how unsustainable it was. Unfortunately, similar camps are still operating… However, the plus-size community has done a fabulous job of undoing the collective mental harm these places created via social media. Have you ever been bullied? Of course! I’ve been plus-sized and bullied for it since elementary school. People would call me “whale” and “fatass”. I also was an anime/manga nerd back when it was not cool to be one like it is today. I also have 4 older half sisters I grew up with, so needless to say, some of my sisters were harder on me than others, especially about my weight and nerdiness. What is your advice to kids that are suffering from bullying? Talk to someone. Anyone. Let someone you trust know. You are not alone. And even if opening up to someone doesn’t go well. Even if their response is toxic and unhelpful, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of other people in your vicinity who can help. And if you truly feel there isn’t, seek help from a mental health professional online who can better guide you. If you could talk to your future self, what would you tell her? Don’t be afraid to go where your heart is taking you! Even if you have to go alone. Prioritize people who prioritize you. Be a giver, but don’t be the giving tree. Also, water the friendships that are worth it.
Photo Credit: Surburban Photography
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Photo Credit: Alejandra Mancia
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Lánre
What are five things that you can't live without? My family, bible, dog, piano, and Macbook What's your life's motto or advice that you live by? You have to weather the weather whether you like it or not. What's your favorite color? Red What is your favorite movie? The Lion King What is your favorite TV show? Avatar the Last Airbender Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what's their name? Yes! I have a Goldendoodle puppy named Simba. What is your favorite place that you've traveled to? My favorite place in the world is Rio, Brazil. What is your favorite food? I can’t resist General Tsos chicken from my favorite Chinese restaurant. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be with and why? I’d have dinner with Michael Jackson. What made you want to start singing? I religiously watched The Lion King when I was 2-years-old and fell in love with music and singing. I knew from a young age that that’s what I wanted to do. What is the most difficult thing about being a musician? Having to constantly be your own best cheerleader when you face challenges. It’s not easy to be a musician in today’s industry, and coupled with social media it can be easy to doubt yourself. It’s important to have a strong sense of self and to keep your eye on the prize. Where do you find inspiration for your music? I draw inspiration from my life, the lives of my friends and family, and the media. I watch a lot of movies and TV, so I sometimes get really cool ideas from them. What do you hope people take away from your music? I hope people who’ve felt alone and misunderstood at any point in their lives feel seen and heard when listening to my music. One of my biggest goals is for people to find comfort in my music as I have in many lonely times in my life. You have a new EP, “up all night.,” tell us about this project? "up all night." is a collection of stories, situations, and thoughts that keep me up when I’m alone at night. Each song has its own color and vibe that tells a different story. Sonically, I wanted "up all night." to make you feel like you’re listening to the radio in the backseat of a car on a ride home from the bars at 2 AM. I’ve been in that seat many times, and there’s a sense of excitement, dread, hope, and horniness all mixed in there. In one word, how would you describe your sound? Relatable In addition to music, what other things are you are passionate about? (charity work, volunteering, etc.) Can you tell us about this work and why do you feel that it is it important? I’ve been blessed with a lot in my life, and it’s really important for me to give back to others who need it the most. I volunteer at Furniture Bank and Open Hand Atlanta which are great organizations in Atlanta that are making a difference for people who need resources. Who is your favorite musician and why? My favorite musician is Beyonce. Destiny’s Child’s‘Survivor’was the first album I ever had and I learned how to sing from listening to it over a million times. She’s been an inspiration to me as a musician and person, and I model a lot of my artistry on and off stage on her. How would you describe your fashion style? I LOVE a great outfit, but when I’m not on stage or doing a photoshoot, you can usually find me in some sort of athleisure. I love being comfortable and stylish, so even when I’m dressed down I make it look good! Who are some of your favorite musicians that you have worked with? My friend and collaborator graymattr, who I share one of my biggest songs with, Somebody New (graymattr Remix). He’s so talented and he’s an even better friend! What advice would you give other kids that want to break into music? Take your time learning and perfecting your craft. If you work hard, the success will come so don’t try to take shortcuts. You want a long and stable career so don’t build your foundation on‘quicksand’aka gimmicks. Who would be your dream music collaboration and why? Beyonce of course! She’s my hero and biggest musical inspiration. What is one thing that nobody knows about you? I don’t think many people know that I love traveling. Even before I started my music career, it was really important to my parents that me and my brother saw the world. I’ve been to 38 countries! Have you ever been bullied? Yes, I was bullied pretty heavily in middle school through 9th grade. What is your advice to kids that are suffering from bullying? My mom used to say that people’s bullying was not about me, but it was instead a reflection of them. I didn’t understand it then, but now I understand that they were hurting inside for one reason or the other and I was just their scapegoat. I know when you’re going through it that it can feel impossible to have empathy, but I encourage you to see them as hurt people and you as a strong one. Strong people can handle being bullied, show empathy to his bullies, and grow up to be the next big name in music :) If you could talk to your future self, what would you tell him? I would tell him that I’m so proud of him! I think about you every day and knowing that I will become you one day is keeping me focused and motivated. I can’t wait to meet our spouse and kids and to experience all the sold-out stadium tours we’ll be doing one day. Most of all, I can’t wait to be you.
Nick & Caden Know Sports Check out the new YouTube sensation!
Emerson is a 7th-grade student at Seaside Neighborhood School in Florida. She is active in many school activities including captain of the Spirit squad, a guitarist in the performance band, a student house leader, and a varsity volleyball player. Emerson is the current International United Miss PreTeen! Action Magazine caught up with this amazing young woman to get to know her a lot better. Take a peek at some of her answers to our staple game of Q&A. Don't forget to follow her on Instagram. This is one journey that you don't want to miss!
Photo Credit: Kansas Pitts Photography
What are five things that you can't live without? A good book- reading is one of my favorite things, my Jellycat stuffed animal collection, my record player with Taylor Swift records on constant repeat, floss- I recently got braces, my besties What's your life's motto or advice that you live by? Spread smiles, chase dreams, and have fun every step of the way. What's your favorite color? Everything and anything PINK What is your favorite movie? Ratatouille What is your favorite TV show? My family and I love to watch documentaries, and anything science-related is at the top of my list. Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what's their name? I have a Schnoodle named Mia. We love to have her dyed rainbow colors. Right now, she is cotton-candy pink. What is your favorite place that you've traveled to? I love to travel and have been to over 11 countries so far. My favorite place has to be Spain. I love the culture and the food is so good… except for maybe the ants. I’m an adventurous eater and I thought that maybe I should try the fried ants with guacamole at a restaurant in Madrid. Well, they were a little too spicy for my taste. It definitely was an experience! What is your favorite food? What girl doesn’t love a big plate of pasta. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be with and why? I would love to have dinner with Jane Goodall. I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember. She’s such an inspiration- being brave enough at 26 to go half-way around the world to study chimpanzees in a time when women just didn’t do things like that to still traveling over 300 days a year at the age of 90 to educate about our planet- I’m in awe. I’m so excited to get to hear her speak in person next month. Who knows, maybe I can ask her to dinner afterward! You are International United Miss Preteen 2024-25. How did you get started in pageants? I started pageants a little over a year ago after watching my sister on the stage. It looked like she was having fun so I decided to give it a try. I’ve enjoyed my pageant journey thus far. There have been ups and downs but I feel like I have grown so much as a person. I credit a lot of my success at school with the skills that I learned through pageantry, especially my public speaking and interview skills. Last year, I won my school’s social/ business skills competition and placed second at my state’s Congressional Debate competition. I think this was a direct result of participating and preparing for pageants. What is the hardest thing about competing in pageants? Why? I think when you first start out the hardest thing is realizing that there are so many talented and deserving contestants and not everyone can walk away with the crown. There is a saying in the pageant world,“ Different set of judges, different results.” It’s subjective and if you are going to be successful, you need to define personal success as something other than winning the competition and being given a crown. What has been your favorite thing about competing in pageants? Why? My favorite thing has to be traveling and meeting new friends. Pageantry brings girls from all over the country together sometimes for a week at a time. The parties, being backstage joking around- I’ve met some great girls through pageantry. Also, I love the travel that can be involved. With my title of International United Miss Preteen, I will be going on five different queen trips throughout the country as well as one international trip. What is the one thing about being in the pageant industry that was a “lesson learned” moment? It may seem like a minor thing but don’t wear new shoes on stage. I came really close to a complete wipe-out thanks to the slick bottoms of brand-new shoes. Always remember to scuff the bottoms up a bit. You are also making a difference to help others through your platforms, STEmerson and the Pink Coat Project. Tell us how you came up with these ideas and what are these platforms all about. My love for all things STEM and science started really young. I’ve always been fascinated with how and why things work the way they do. But in kindergarten, I had my mind blown when we were able to dissect a pig’s heart. I’ve been on Team Science ever since then. I started STEMerson and the Pink Coat project when I began noticing that a lot of girls in my class started participating less and being less involved in STEM activities. I couldn’t really understand why until I overheard one say, “It’s better to be pretty than smart.” I wasn’t aware that you had to choose just one! After talking with my mom about it and doing some research, we discovered that around early middle school age, girls start falling into typical gender roles where boys are expected to excel and pursue STEM topics, and girls are left to the more “feminine” ones. This seems like such a waste of potential and talent that I decided to try and do something about it. STEmerson and the Pink Coat Project was my attempt to be part of the solution to the problem. I put together STEM packets that are placed in libraries and schools that focus on educating boys and girls about important female role models in STEM. The packets have bios on these notable women along with games and simple science experiments that illustrate the ideas behind their work. I also sponsor a Pink Coat Scholarship which is a cash award and a pink lab coat (because you can be pretty, stylish, and SMART) which goes to a girl that allows her to be the lead on a science project of her choice within her community or school. What do you hope that your legacy will become with STEmerson and the Pink Coat Project? My goal with STEmerson and the Pink Coat project is to ultimately change minds about gender roles in STEM one person at a time. In addition to your advocacy work and the pageant world, what other things are you are passionate about? (charity work, volunteering, etc.) Can you tell us about this work and why do you feel that it is it important? Being involved and of service to my community has always been important to me and community is one of the pillars of the IUM “BeHeroic” motto. One of the issues that I am an advocate for is dyslexia awareness. I have dyslexia but because of early intervention and remediation, reading is now one of my favorite things to do. I’m currently working on a book about dyslexia from a kids point of view. Additionally, I enjoy being able to support nature related causes in my area. I’m fortunate to live in a very biologically diverse area so I love volunteering as a Beach Ambassador, supporting our local animal and wildlife rehabilitation shelter and other environmental causes. How would you describe your fashion style? I’m really into everything pink and anything girly. Love Shack Fancy is my favorite brand. But during the school week, you will find me putting a little flair into my school uniform by rocking wacky mismatched socks. Who are some of your favorite people that you have worked with either in the non-profit world or pageants? Who are some of your favorite people that you have worked with either in the non-profit world or pageants? I’ve been fortunate to meet and work with some wonderful people. I love my IUM directors, Ms. Krisann and Ms. Holly. They have been so wonderful and giving. I can’t wait to spend the year with them! I also feel fortunate to have met and worked with Sean Couch and Arix Zalace, the co-directors of The Paper Bear film and non-profit. Their work in protecting North Florida’s biologically sensitive ecosystem is inspiring. What advice would you give other kids that want to break into the pageant world? Find a pageant system that represents the qualities that you value and that you aspire to. For me, I was lucky to find a home at International United Miss. I knew right away that they were the perfect fit for me. I love the glamour of being on the stage but my heart really lies with being able to share my passion for community service and tell my story in interview. The IUM system really emphasizes being your authentic self and this spoke to me. I could show up as Emerson- a brainy, somewhat pint-size, science obsessed girl, without the need to try and fit into a mold of what a typical beauty queen is or looks like. I’m so excited to spend the year as a representative of this amazing system! Who would be your dream collaboration and why? There are so many amazing STEMinists that I would love to collaborate with right now: Dear Smart Girl- has amazing STEM kits. I could see a STEMerson collab. www.smartgirlshq.com Emily Calandrelli (IGthespacegal) - creator of Emily’s Wonder Lab. I would love to host something like her show The Week Junior- youth science writer, yes please! Of course anything with my personal role model- Jane Goodall! What is one thing that nobody knows about you? This is a tough one! I’m pretty much an open book. Have you ever been bullied? I’ve been blessed with a great group of friends who share my same values. We embrace each other’s differences and try to always be inclusive of others. What is your advice to kids that are suffering from bullying? I think it’s important to find a trusted adult to seek guidance from if you are being bullied. It’s too great of a burden to deal with and carry on your own. They can help you deal with your feelings about what’s going on but also come up with a plan for addressing it. It’s also important to know that it’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself or feel like you deserve it, because you don’t! You deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. If you could talk to your future self, what would you tell her? You’ve made me proud!
Photo courtesy of Emerson Rose/Sydney Brett-Iumpublicrelations
Kyle Lucas
Kyle Lucas is truly one talented emcee/actor from Marietta, GA. Action Magazine caught up with this amazing young talent to get his take on our traditional game of Q&A. Stay tuned, and make sure that you are follwoing him on Instagram because we have a feeling that we will be seeing a lot more of him in the entertainment industry!
Photo Credit: Sunny Sultana
What are five things that you can't live without? My dog Paulie Walnuts, music, friends, family, a basketball What's your life's motto or advice that you live by? Comparison is the thief of joy - Theodore Roosevelt. What's your favorite color? Blue What is your favorite movie? I’m a huge cinephile so that changes every day. But right now it is Back To The Future. What is your favorite TV show? The Sopranos Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what's their name? I have a little dog named Paulie Walnuts. He’s a Dachshund/Poodle mix. My girlfriend and I rescued him about 3 years ago. He’s the best dog in the world! What is your favorite place that you've traveled to? The Amalfi coast in Italy. It was the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to. What is your favorite food? Pizza. I could eat it every day. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be with and why? I would love to have dinner with Martin Scorsese. That would be amazing. You are a multi-talented individual. Let’s start with music. Tell us how you got started as a musician. I started writing songs in 3rd grade and continued on and off til I got to high school. By then I taught myself how to record songs on my computer with a program called Cakewalk. For about the next 5-6 years, I constantly kept writing and recording homemade songs and mixtapes. When I was in college I started a band named Vonnegutt, it was like an alternative hip hop/pop band. We put together a demo and ultimately got signed to Big Boi of (Outkast) record label, Purple Ribbon Recordings. That was the start of my professional recording career. What is your favorite genre and why? What do you hope people take away from your music? I love all kinds of genres and have been very lucky to have been able to write and record lots of different genres, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be hip-hop. That’s what I started with and that’s what is in my core as a musician. Even when I write songs for other artists in different genres, I still write the lyrics as an emcee would. In a traditional rap bar format. Hip-Hop is who I am. You are also a songwriter. Tell us how did you get started writing your own music. Where do you find inspiration for your music? Once I hear the music, I usually can instantly tell what the subject matter can be. Then I pull from everyday experiences that either myself or people I know have gone through. Life is always the best inspiration. Adding to your long list of talent, you are an emcee and the voice of Uncle Apple. We have to know how did you get started with voicing such an awesome character. Thank you! Uncle Apple has been my primary focus for the last couple of years. I created the character and named it Uncle Apple because that is what my niece and nephews call me, Uncle Apple. I wanted to make legitimate and authentic hip-hop for children. After I released the first batch of songs, I started creating a cartoon based on the character of my friend Isaiah Lester. I’m very excited to release the full-length album and then the TV show. I think people will love it. Last but not least, you are an actor. How did you get started acting? I got cast in a live hip-hop musical. They were looking for a legitimate emcee to play this one role, and I fit the physical description. I had never acted before, and this was a primary role in the production. I spent about 8 hours a day for 3 weeks preparing, rehearsing, and learning how to act. It was very successful and I performed well in it, and that ultimately encouraged me to continue pursuing acting. I started taking a variety of different kinds of acting classes and going on auditions. I’ve done some cool TV shows and got a very small role in my first movie which is coming out in November called The Gutter. If you could write the perfect role for yourself, what would it be and why? That’s a great question. I’m not exactly sure yet, as acting is one of my newer ventures so I’m not even sure of the range I have. As of now, I think being in some sort of drama would be an interesting challenge. I would have to push myself a lot and I’m curious to see how far I can go. Acting is tough work! In addition to everything that you do, what other things are you are passionate about? (charity work, volunteering, etc.) Can you tell us about this work and why do you feel that it is it important? Who is your favorite actor/actress and why? I like Zach Braff a lot. I think he’s a good actor, but I connect more with his writing and directing. Garden State is one of my top 5 films of all time. I absolutely loved I Wish I Was Here. I recently just watched his last film, A Good Person. I laughed and cried the entire time. It was just a beautiful emotional rollercoaster of a film. How would you describe your fashion style? I used to be a lot more fashionable than I currently am. I think post-COVID, I’ve been more focused on comfort. Some refer to it as “dadcore,” but I prefer the term “Adam Sandler Chique.” Who are some of your favorite industry people that you have worked with? Big Boi of Outkast, G-Eazy, Will Pugh of Cartel, Blackbear, and of course, Jonny Craig. Some of the best music I’ve made was with Jonny. I think we work well together and it’s usually a pretty smooth process. What advice would you give other kids who want to break into the entertainment industry? Be patient, and be persistent. Who would be your dream collaborations and why? I’ve been very lucky to have been able to collaborate with a majority of my heroes, but one that I haven’t been able to work with yet has been Pharrell Williams. I am a huge fan. His band N.E.R.D. has been a huge influence on my career. What is one thing that nobody knows about you? I’m a creek kid at heart. I grew up with my friends playing in the woods and creeks. To this day, if I see a creek or a river, I can’t help but flip over a rock and see what’s in it. Have you ever been bullied? Yeah, a little. I was a rapper in middle school and high school when it WAS NOT cool to be one. It was almost like a superpower that I and a few friends had and kinda had to hide it til after school, then we would get together and write raps and record them at my house. It was most definitely not cool to try to be a rapper when I was younger. What is your advice to kids that are suffering from bullying? Don’t make any permanent decisions on temporary feelings. Life will get better, hang in there. If you could talk to your future self, what would you tell him? I don’t know about my future self, but If I could talk to my past self I would tell him to trust the process and enjoy the journey. Things tend to work themselves out.
Photo Credit: Dave Wilson
Photo Credit: Jake Lahah Photography
All Photos Courtesy of Amy Foster/CreativeSoul Photography
All Photos Credit: Diana Ragland
Autumn lives in Kentucky. She is 13-years-old and is a 7th grader. Autumn was born with spina bifida and is paralyzed from the waist down. She was born with a drug addiction and was placed in the home of the Foster's as a foster child. The Foster's adopted Autumn at 20-months-old. Autumn recently met her biological mother and several of her siblings for the first time. That has been such a blessing. Some of the companies Autumn has worked with include: Kohl’s, Meijers, French Toast Adaptive, Zappos, Billy Footwear, Appaman Adaptive, a home health agency, and a pharmaceutical company. Action Magazine caught up with this amazing young woman to get her take on our traditional game of Q&A. Stay tuned, because we have a feeling that we will be seeing a lot more of her in the music industry! Make sure you follow her on Instagram so that you don't miss a moment of his journey. *DUE TO AUTUMN’S LANGUAGE/DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS, HER MOM IS COMPLETING THIS FORM FOR HER.
What are five things that you can't live without? God, music, french fries, dogs, and her wheelchair What's your favorite color? Blue What is your favorite movie? Inside Out 2 What is your favorite TV show? America’s Got Talent Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what's their name? A dog, Zoey. She is a Terrier mix and Autumn’s best friend. What is your favorite place that you've traveled to? Disney World What is your favorite food? Pizza How did you get started modeling? A social media friend suggested Autumn submit a picture to Runway of Dreams. The next day, she signed with Gamut Management. Since then, she has been contacted by several talent agencies and has signed with Zebedee Talent and Heyman Talent. What is the hardest thing about being a model? Probably the hardest thing is the last-minute planning. You may not find out you’ve booked a job until 24 hours before the shoot and the shoot may be across the country. Thankfully, we LOVE to travel, so we usually make a mini vacation out of her shoots. Her favorite locations so far have been LA and NYC. I keep telling her she needs to book a job in Hawaii. Hahaha! What has been the easiest thing about being a model? The actual photoshoot has always been easy for Autumn. She’s been told by several photographers that she is a ‘natural.' She loves hair and makeup. Her smile can light up a room. What is the one thing about being a model that was a “lesson learned” moment? Just being selected by a casting director to submit an audition is an honor. They are looking at hundreds or more potential models and your picture has stood out enough to them that they ask for an audition or more images. When you get a second callback or get asked to be placed ‘on hold’ that is even a bigger honor. You may not end up getting the job, but knowing you were considered out of hundreds (or thousands) of other models is something to be proud of. As model, do you have any particular “model secrets” that you’d like to share? BE YOURSELF. The reason you book a job is because of your individual look. As a model, what has been your favorite brand to work with so far and why? Wow, that is really difficult to answer. Each brand has been incredible to work with. I would say working with French Toast Adaptive has been her favorite so far because she was able to work with other kids her age. She also really enjoyed rolling the runway wearing Zappos for Runway of Dreams in Los Angeles. She’s never not had a great experience, and she has made so many friends along the way. Recently, you had an amazing photoshoot with CreativeSoul Photography, that was AMAZING, capturing the true Queen that you are. Tell us about the photoshoot and why it was so important? The first time I saw CreativeSoul’s work, I immediately knew I wanted Autumn to have a photoshoot with them. I asked if they could include Autumn’s wheelchair in some of the photos to represent the disabled community. Her wheelchair is a part of her. She is not‘bound’to her chair, rather, it is her means of independence. We wanted other disabled children to be proud of who they are and all their differences, too. Let me just say, CreativeSoul crushed it! They purchased a used wheelchair and turned it into a STUNNING throne on wheels. They had the forethought to create an adaptive dress that zipped all the way down so that Autumn could dress while seated. The hair and makeup team made her look like a true queen. The photography work left me speechless. It was the most incredible experience. In addition to being a model what other things are you are passionate about? (charity work, volunteering, etc.) Can you tell us about this work and why do you feel that it is it important? Autumn loves adaptive sports. She gets to spend time with other children with disabilities and show the community that disabled athletes can do amazing things, too. Autumn is involved in cheer, dance, baseball, and rock climbing. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why? Zendaya. Autumn loves musicals and became a big fan of Zendaya’s watching TheGreatest Showman. How would you describe your fashion style? Stylish comfort, athleisure, and animal print. (&occasionally some glam!) What advice would you give other kids that want to break into being a model? Have some professional headshots taken. Research the talent agencies you are interested in and apply to the ones that you feel best fit what you are looking for. Many agencies only take local talent so be sure to check before applying. Who would be your dream collaboration and why? Autumn has several dream collaborations! She would love to work with Disney, Target, Sephora, Zara, and Pottery Barn Teen. She’d love to be a part of their adaptive collections! What is one thing that nobody knows about you? Autumn was recently diagnosed with high-functioning autism. Have you ever been bullied? Yes, last year at the start of 6th grade. Three kids made fun of her inability to walk. The school took appropriate action and each of the kids apologized to her. What is your advice to kids that are suffering from bullying? Talk to someone. Whether it be your principal, teacher, parent, or a friend. Don’t keep your feelings inside. If you could talk to your future self, what would you tell her? You’ve got this!
Photo Credit: Jinell Cheek of Nellie Photography
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More About Deadpool & Wolverine: Deadpool & Wolverine is a 2024 American superhero film based on Marvel Comics featuring the characters Deadpool and Wolverine. Produced by Marvel Studios, Maximum Effort, and 21 Laps Entertainment, and distrubuted by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is the 34th film in the MCU and sequel to Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2 (2018) (Per Wikipedia.org)
So, what do we think: As fans of the previous Deadpool movies and Marvel Comics in general. we were super excited once the film was announced. Especially with the return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. With years of hype behind it, the film more than lived up to our expectations. Despite the film rights now being owned by a new company, there was hardly any change at all. The film proved to be just as funny and action packed as the previous installments, while also doing justice to some surprise fan-favorite characters from the past. This movie gets a 10/10 from us.
Synopsis: Here is a brief synopsis of what to expect from our September/October pick! Picking up from where the last movie left off, Deadpool & Wolverine follows the titular character Deadpool, as he learns that the infamous Time Variance Authority is set to destroy his universe. In order to stop the TVA, Deadpool teams up with a weary Wolverine from another universe, and sets out on a multiversal adventure to protect his home and save his family.
Please note, some trailers on the following page may not be suitable for all ages.
About Double Entente Films: Double Entente is an international production company with offices in Paris and Los Angeles, specializing in luxury, high tech, and celebrity clients such as Louis Vuitton, BMW, Google, and Kanye West.
Double Entente is an international production company with offices in Paris and Los Angeles, specializing in luxury, high tech, and celebrity clients such as Louis Vuitton, BMW, Google, and Kanye West. About Bailey Kobe: Bailey Kobe is a graduate of the University of Southern California, well known for his commercial work, music video work, as well as the films Caterpillar’s Kimono (Ben Savage, Joey Kern), and The Babymoon (Shaun Sipos, Julie McNiven, and Jessica Camacho). He is currently adapting a high profile novel on the Must Read lists of Library Journal, Marie Claire, and Oprah magazin
Photo Credit: Brian Jones Photography
Brady
Ryan
Brady M Ryan is a talented & versatile mixed race actor of Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Irish heritage. Brady was born in Hoboken, NJ, moved to Cranbury, NJ at the age of 2 and resided there until his family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 9. Brady started acting at the age of 13 with his role as Matt in The Black Phone, a film directed by Scott Derrickson and produced by Blumhouse and Universal, followed by a leading role in the short film Sons of Nowhere. Additionally, Brady has showcased his talent in various voice overs and commercials, including Puppy Bowl- Geico, Batman, Publix, Eckrich & Toyota. Brady currently appears in the live animation film Harold and the Purple Crayon (2024) from Sony Pictures and helmed by director Carlos Saldanha. In addition to his passion for acting, Brady enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as playing soccer and pickleball. Brady is an excellent student who challenges himself with AP classes and maintains an outstanding GPA. He is a senior in high school and plans to continue to his acting career while attending college, although, acting will always come first! Action Magazine caught up with these amazing young man to get his take on our traditional game of Q&A. Stay tuned, because we have a feeling that we will be seeing a lot more of them in the future! Make sure you follow him on Instagram that you don't miss a moment of his journey.
What are five things that you can't live without? Family, friends, pets, acting, peanut butter What's your life's motto or advice that you live by? Learn from the past but live in the present. What's your favorite color? Green/Black What is your favorite movie? Knives Out What is your favorite TV show? The Middle Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what's their name? Yes, a mix (mostly Yellow Lab) named Apollo, a Pomeranian named Jersey, and a pig named Piggie Smalls. What is your favorite place that you've traveled to? France What is your favorite food? Macaroni & Cheese If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be with and why? My grandfather because he passed away before I was born and my mom, uncle and grandmother have so many funny stories and amazing things to say about him. What made you want to start acting? I took drama in school (because the other options were band and chorus and I didn’t like either) and I loved it. What is the most difficult thing about being an actor? Time management How do you prepare for auditions? I create a backstory for the character and envision how they would behave in different situations to bring them to life. The industry is full of rejection. What is your advice on how to handle it? Don’t dwell on it and just think about the next opportunity. You have had many wonderful roles. What has been the one role that you relate to the most? Matt in The Black Phone because my mom was a child in the 70’s and it felt very natural playing a 13-year-old in that time period hanging out in a neighborhood like the one she grew up in and attending a school like the one she attended. It’s also fun to play the troublemaker because I’m very easy going in real life. If you could write the perfect role for yourself, what would it be and why? The killer in a murder mystery because you get to play two characters at once, the person you are portraying yourself as and the person you really are beneath the surface In addition to acting, what other things are you are passionate about? (charity work, volunteering, etc.) Can you tell us about this work and why do you feel that it is it important? Involving myself in my community and school as a camp counselor and by participating in many events over the years that benefited one or both. It’s important to me to show appreciation for the people and organizations who have supported me by giving back and ensuring that others can have the same opportunities and experiences. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why? Ryan Reynolds because I appreciate his comedic style. How would you describe your fashion style? Beachy, Athletic, Casual Who are some of your favorite actors that you have worked with? Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Miguel Mora, Jordan Isaiah White and Spencer Fitzgerald What advice would you give other kids that want to break into acting? Work hard, stay positive and take every opportunity to learn the craft and improve your skills. Who would be your dream on screen collaboration and why? Ryan Reynolds because I admire him and his talent and I would learn a lot from the experience. What is one thing that nobody knows about you? Even though I don’t sing I’ve had to sing for many roles and auditions and I even had to sing in Italian once. Have you ever been bullied? Fortunately, no. What is your advice to kids that are suffering from bullying? Find an authority figure to talk to about it. Don’t be afraid to speak up. If you could talk to your future self, what would you tell him? Because you didn’t give up on your dream of being a working actor despite the many challenges, you now have a career that you love.
Remaining Photos Credit: Melanie Ryan
Last two photos provided by Shakondi Lee.
What are five things that you can't live without? My family, our 3 cats Kodi, Princess and Amelia, coffee to keep me powered throughout the day, networking– Building relationships and connecting with industry professionals is key to my success, philanthropy– Staying involved in community efforts and supporting charitable causes keeps her grounded and motivated. What's your life's motto or advice that you live by? Success is built on resilience, adaptability, and the courage to take risks. Stay true to your vision, empower others, and never stop evolving. This motto reflects my belief that growth comes from embracing challenges and continuously pushing boundaries, both personally and professionally. It’s about lifting others up while staying committed to your own goals, always being willing to learn, and adapting to change. What's your favorite color? Pink What is your favorite movie? The Goonies What is your favorite TV show? Hard to pick just one, I love any show my clients are on. Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what's their name? We have 3 rescue cats that were fostered and adopted through CAMP clinics here in Los Angeles, their names are Kodi, Princess and Amelia. What is your favorite place that you've traveled to? We took a wonderful cruise to Alaska that I will always treasure. What is your favorite food? Spaghetti If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be with and why? I would love to have one more dinner with my maternal grandmother to share where I am in my life today and get her advice for the future. You are the CEO Lynk PR. Tell us how you got started in general as a businesswoman? As the CEO of Lynk PR, my journey as a businesswoman began with a deep passion for storytelling and connecting people. Early in my career, I worked in various PR roles in the entertainment and beauty industries,gaining hands-on experience and learning the intricacies of media relations, brand building, and client management. I quickly realized that I wanted to create a space where I could combine traditional PR strategies with innovative, digital approaches to help clients amplify their voices in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. In 2020, I decided to take the leap and start my own agency, Lynk PR. I saw a gap in the industry for personalized, hands-on PR services that focus on both the client’s vision and their long-term success. Building my business from the ground up wasn’t easy, especially during a challenging time like the pandemic, but my resilience and ability to adapt helped Lynk PR not only survive but thrive. Being a businesswoman has taught me the importance of trusting your instincts, building a strong team, and always being open to learning. Every challenge has been an opportunity to grow, and I’m proud to have built an agency that helps others succeed while making a meaningful impact in the entertainment industry. For those who do not know, exactly what is the role of a publicist in the entertainment industry? I often explain that the role of a publicist in the entertainment industry is to manage and shape public perception of an artist, actor, or brand. A publicist works behind the scenes to create and maintain a positive image for their clients by securing media coverage, managing press relations, and crafting compelling narratives. We handle everything from writing press releases and coordinating interviews to booking red carpet appearances and promoting new projects. Publicists also play a key role in crisis management, helping to protect a client’s reputation during challenging times. Ultimately, our job is to ensure that the client's story is being told in the most effective way possible, enhancing their visibility and keeping their audience engaged. What has been the hardest part about being an entrepreneur? What has been the most rewarding? The hardest part about being an entrepreneur has been navigating the unpredictability and constant challenges of running a business. From managing the ups and downs of client relationships to adapting to unforeseen circumstances like the industry-wide strikes of the past two years, the weight of responsibility is always there. It requires resilience and quick thinking, especially when making decisions that affect not just the business but also the team. On the flip side, the most rewarding part has been seeing my vision come to life and witnessing the growth of Lynk PR. Helping my clients achieve their goals, whether it’s landing a major media placement or enhancing their brand, brings an incredible sense of fulfillment. Building something from the ground up and making a tangible impact in the industry makes all the challenges worth it. How does your business look now as opposed to when you first started? My business has evolved significantly since its inception. When I first started Lynk PR in 2020, it was just a small operation with a few clients and a focus on traditional PR methods. Over time, we’ve grown into a full-service PR agency, blending traditional public relations with cutting-edge digital strategies to meet the needs of our clients in the entertainment industry. We’ve also expanded our services to include digital media campaigns, virtual events, and content creation, which have become essential for modern public relations. The core values of personal, hands-on service remain, but Lynk PR has transformed into a more robust, innovative agency that’s able to adapt to the changing landscape of entertainment PR. How do you hope to see your business grow in the future? I see our future growth focused on scaling the services we already excel in, such as influencer partnerships, podcast placements, and advanced social media campaigns. I’d like to continue expanding into new markets while deepening our relationships within the entertainment industry and beyond Ultimately, I want Lynk PR to continue being a trailblazer in innovative, tailored public relations strategies, empowering clients to connect meaningfully with their audiences on an even broader scale. You have recently been named Creator TV’s Publicist of the Year. Tell us about this honor. Being named Creator TV’s Publicist of the Year, and Lynk PR being recognized as Best PR agency has been an incredible honor and a reflection of the hard work and dedication that both my team and I have put into Lynk PR. This recognition means a great deal because it highlights the innovative strategies and personal care we bring to our clients in the entertainment industry. At Lynk PR, we focus on more than just publicity—we work to build lasting relationships and create impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences. This award also reinforces my commitment to pushing boundaries and staying ahead of industry trends. It’s a proud moment not just for me, but for everyone at Lynk PR, as it validates our collective efforts and the unique approach we bring to public relations. Being honored in this way motivates me to continue striving for excellence, both for my clients and the growth of the agency. In addition to being an entrepreneur, what other things are you are passionate about? (charity work, volunteering, etc.) Can you tell us about this work and why do you feel that it is it important? In addition to being an entrepreneur, I am deeply passionate about giving back to the community through charity work and volunteering. As a Speakers Bureau member of Heal the Bay, I have advocated for environmental conservation and help raise awareness about protecting our oceans. I’ve also served as a board member of the Glendora Kiwaniannes and as PTA Vice President, where I focused on youth development and community service. Currently, I support the philanthropic efforts of my clients and lead Lynk PR’s involvement in holiday giving programs, providing assistance to those in need during the holidays. I believe that as business leaders, we have a responsibility to use our platforms to drive positive change. Giving back not only strengthens our communities but also reminds us of the importance of empathy and social responsibility. It's rewarding to contribute to causes that align with both my values and those of my clients. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why? I have too many talented actors and actresses as clients to choose a favorite, actors bring their own unique experience and point of view to every role they embody and I love watching all of them work on and off screen. How would you describe your fashion style? Relaxed and functional. Who are some of your clients that you have worked with as a part of your roster? As CEO of Lynk PR, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of talent in the entertainment industry. Some of the notable clients we’ve represented include Patti Negri, Hollywood’s Good Witch who is a renowned psychic-medium who has appeared on shows like Ghost Adventures, and Kash Hovey an award-winning actor, producer, and host of On Air with Kash. We’ve helped them secure significant media placements and grow their public profiles, working with platforms such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Disney+. Each client brings a unique story, and we’re proud to amplify their voices and help them connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. What advice would you give other kids that want to break into entrepreneurship? My advice to kids wanting to break into entrepreneurship is to start small, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Find something you're passionate about and look for ways you can turn that into a business idea. It’s important to learn from every experience, even mistakes, because those are often the best lessons. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision, and never stop asking questions or seeking advice from mentors. Most importantly, stay patient and persistent—success doesn’t happen overnight. Entrepreneurship is a journey, and the more you embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way, the stronger and more prepared you’ll be to succeed. Who would be your dream collaboration and why? My dream collaboration would be with Oprah Winfrey She’s not only an iconic media personality but also a powerful businesswoman and philanthropist who has built an empire on authenticity, storytelling, and empowering others. Collaborating with someone like Oprah would be an incredible opportunity to work alongside a visionary who uses her platform to inspire positive change, which aligns closely with the values of Lynk PR. Oprah's ability to connect with diverse audiences while promoting meaningful, impactful conversations is something I deeply admire. Partnering with her would allow for the creation of campaigns that are not only influential but also driven by purpose—something that I always strive for in my work. What is one thing that nobody knows about you? One thing that nobody knows about me is that I love painting. It’s my way of disconnecting from the fast-paced world of PR and tapping into my creativity. Painting allows me to relax, reflect, and express myself in a different medium. Just like in business, the process of starting with a blank canvas and creating something meaningful reminds me of the importance of patience and creativity in all areas of life. Have you ever been bullied? I have not been bullied, but I’ve always had a deep empathy for those who have experienced it. Throughout my career, especially in the public relations world, I’ve seen how important it is to stand up for yourself and others. I believe in using my platform to promote kindness, inclusivity, and respect, and I encourage others to do the same. It’s crucial to create environments where everyone feels valued and empowered, both personally and professionally. What is your advice to kids that are suffering from bullying? My advice to kids suffering from bullying is to remember that it’s never a reflection of your worth. You are strong, important, and have so much to offer. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you trust—whether it’s a teacher, parent, or friend—because you don’t have to go through it alone. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and remind you of your strengths. Also, focus on your passions and what makes you happy. Sometimes, engaging in activities you love can help build confidence and remind you of the great things you bring to the world. Most importantly, know that bullying is never okay, and there are people who will help you. Stay true to who you are, and never let anyone dim your light. If you could talk to your past self, what would you tell her? If I could talk to my past self, I would tell her to trust the process and believe in her abilities. There will be challenges and setbacks, but each one will teach you something valuable. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and never doubt your capacity to adapt and grow. I’d remind her to be patient—success doesn’t happen overnight, and the journey is just as important as the destination. I’d also tell her to surround herself with people who support and uplift her. Most importantly, stay true to your values, follow your passion, and never underestimate the power of resilience. Everything you're working for is going to pay off.
With over twenty years of experience in the entertainment industry, Lisa Malcolm began her career on feature film and MOW sets, armed with a degree in Communications. As the industry evolved, she transitioned to working behind-the-scenes as a publicist with a variety of brands and talent. In 2020, Lisa left a successful business venture to launch her own public relations firm, LynkPR. Action Magazine caught up with one of our amazing publicists to get to not only know her better but to get her their take on our traditional game of Q&A. Stay tuned, because we have a feeling that we will be seeing a lot more of her behind-the-scenes in the future! Make sure you follow LynkPR of Instagram so that you don't miss a moment of her or her clients' journeys.
All Photos Courtesy of Lisa Malcolm
Photo courtesy of Walter Tabayoyong.
Talent
Taylor Tooks is best known as a model that is breaking barriers within the fashion industry. Not letting her height stand in her way, she became the first short model to grace the cover of a high fashion magazine in March 2024 when she appeared on the cover of Instyle Magazine and she is the first petite black model to walk in New York Fashion Week. Discovered by the CEO of Glamnetic just 2 short years ago, Taylor has catapulted to the top of the fashion industry. Since then, she has been part of campaigns for Palladio Beauty, Fresh Print T Shirt, Love Your Melon, Bloomingdales, Coomi, and Walmart. In addition, Taylor has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, Elle, and Marie Claire as a model in NYFW. She has graced the runways of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando. Very passionate about diversity and inclusivity in the fashion world, Taylor is an advocate for petite models and has started an Instagram based campaign called Height Revolution. A world music and language nerd, she speaks Korean, English, and Spanish and is learning Italian and Hindi. When not working, Taylor enjoys listening to music and can name at least one song from every country in existence. Action Magazine had the extreme pleasure to catch up with this amazingly talented young woman to get to know her better and we are extremely glad that we did! Check out her interview and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram. You don't want to miss out on what she is up to next!
All Photos credit: Daria Koso
Talent Spotlight with Taylor Tookes
What are five things that you can't live without? My phone, affirmations, my Rhode peptide treatment, ASMR, water What's your life's motto or advice that you live by? You create your own reality. I’ve proven it to myself way too many times. If I want something bad enough and tell myself I have it or tell myself it’s going to happen, it happens. Our minds are powerful! What's your favorite color? I really really like baby blue. What is your favorite movie? I am not sure; it changes every day. But I really like horror. Right now, it’s Jeepers Creepers. What is your favorite TV show? I don’t really watch TV like that! But the last show I watched and really liked was Escape of the Seven. It’s a really intense K-drama that I wish would get a third season. Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what's their name? I have a Chihuahua named Papi. I named him after the Beverly Hill’s Chihuahua character, Papi because he pretty much looks the same and I had an obsession with the movie when I was like 9. What is your favorite place that you've traveled to? Probably Mexico. What is your favorite food? I really really turkey Avocado wraps. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be with and why? Probably Ashley Graham. She’s one of my biggest inspirations and role-models. I love how she stood her ground, paving way for plus-sized models in the fashion industry, despite the usual outdated “you’re not the standard’’ talk. Plus, she’s really ambitious and business-minded and I love that in a person. How did you get started modeling? I started during the pandemic, which honestly was the most frustrating thing ever. I was getting noticed by large agencies and getting scouted for huge brand campaigns (whichI couldn’t travel for and will never get over). I decided to use that time to build my portfolio and showcase that on social media. From there, I went to walk in NYFW, Miami Swim Week, LAFW, grace the covers of InStyle & Grazia, work with big commercial brands and the rest is history. What is the hardest thing about being a model? I think it’s probably dealing with the discrimination. Hearing the “you’re too short” or witnessing other girls being told “you’re not skinny enough” really irritates me because why not just embrace all shapes and sizes? I think dealing with the discrimination also comes with dealing with hypocrisy because agencies could advertise being open to all sizes, but they don’t truly show that. What has been the easiest thing about being a model? I suppose building community. It was really easy for me to find other girls who also resonate with being turned down and discriminated against for being “too short.” I found a really cool community of petite women with the help of social media and they have been my biggest supporters since I hit the NYFW runway for the first time. What is the one thing about being a model that was a “lesson learned” moment? That there is a lot of work to be put in if you want to achieve huge success and longevity. It’s more than just posing for a brand, but it’s also building community, interacting with that community and somehow trying to be everywhere all at once so no one forgets your name and face. You are the first Black 5’1” fashion model. Tell us how you are breaking barriers in the industry for petite models. In a lot of spaces I’ve been in, I have been the only short black model. It feels a little weird and sometimes lonely because I’d like to be surrounded with more of my people - people who actually understand me. Although I’ve been alone in most scenarios, I’ve found that after I walk the show, the designers and productions are more open to casting shorter girls for those shows. I think it only makes sense because you casted me knowing what I stand for. And if you’re willing to give me a chance with that knowledge, why not give other short girls a chance too? As a model, what has been your favorite brand to work with so far and why? Probably Vans & House of Arti. Vans because that’s actually one of the brands I was told I’d never work with because of my height but I did. House of Arti because we made history together! That was the first luxury brand for short women to ever hit the NYFW runway and I was one of the first short models to walk NYFW because of them. Arti, the owner, is also really cool and shares the same mission as me. In addition to being a model what other things are you are passionate about? (charity work, volunteering, etc.) Can you tell us about this work and why do you feel that it is it important? I’m passionate about advocacy and promoting intelligence. I want to speak up for other women and I also want to encourage young people to pick up a book or learn more about something. I think intelligence only makes you hotter. It’s a plus. Why not learn something new or educate yourself further on a topic? Knowledge is power. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why? Zendaya. I love her and everything she’s about. I LOVE her energy too. She’s multi-talented, seems super smart and genuine, so elegant, cool and just so IT GIRL. How would you describe your fashion style? Honestly, I would just say I wear whatever I feel like wearing. If it looks good to me, it goes in my cart. My favorite will always be sparkly sequin things though. Who are some of your favorite fellow models that you have worked with? Marissa Rose! She is actually the first 4’11 fashion model and just so happens to be my business partner. We created Height Revolution together to advocate for the inclusion of short women in fashion. It’s crazy because the first time we met was at NYFW, where we made history together and just so happened to be standing next to each other in all of the photos. We always say it’s like it was fate and we were meant to work together and create this movement for short girls. What advice would you give other kids that want to break into being a model? Go for it. You have to just go for it. This is probably the only scenario where I’d tell a kid “don’t think, just do.” Because really, that’s all it takes. It’s all about taking that first step, being brave enough to put yourself out there and believe you’ll go far. Who would be your dream collaboration and why? Literally any and every huge designer brand. I just want to encourage huge designer brands to advocate for inclusion too. What is one thing that nobody knows about you? I kickbox! Have you ever been bullied? I’ve never been bullied but I know people who have. What is your advice to kids that are suffering from bullying? No matter what, tell someone what’s going on. Don’t keep it to yourself. Telling someone could change everything for you, no matter what the bully tries to tell you. I would also advise all kids to look into a self-defense class eventually too. Kick-boxing is cool. If you could talk to your future self, what would you tell her? You did it, girl. I knew you would and really, always knew you would and could. Hope you’re enjoying your insanely impactful legacy and two kids!
All Photos Credit: THarper
Gabriel L. Silva started acting in school plays in his hometown of Houston, TX. He began acting and modeling classes at the Page Parkes Center for Acting and Modeling, continuing to mature in his craft through one-on-one coaching. Signed with Pages Parkes Talent, Gabriel booked his first job at 10-years-old, sharing the big screen with Hollywood A-listers such as Ben Affleck and Zoe Saldana in Live By Night. He also got the opportunity to fly high in an exhilarating escape from Rodan alongside Elizabeth Ludlow, Anthony Ramos, and O'Shea Jackson in the 2019 box office hit, Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Aside from acting, Gabriel models for Atlanta clothing brand, FadeLife Clothing. Additionally, he was the first male face for Australian skin-care line, Luv Ur Skin. Presently, Gabriel is also the host of the award-winning podcast, Just Talk With Gabe. JTWG is available on most platforms, in addition to being streamed in over 20 different countries. Gabriel won the 2021 Young Artist Academy™ Award for Outstanding Podcast Host. Acting, modeling, and podcasting aren’t Gabriel’s only passions. He has found a love of directing and publishing. As a compliment to JTWG, Gabriel is directing/hosting a mini-web series/talk show, Behind The Mic, to catch up with past guests. In terms of publishing, Gabriel is taking action against the social injustices of bullying with his digital magazine, Action Magazine. Already thinking about the future, Gabriel is studying Cinematic Arts in college, with the hopes to one day write, produce and direct even more projects that will bring his creative visions to life. Gabriel has already made progress towards this goal with the release of his directorial debut short film, Gemini. Gabriel wrote, directed, produced, and acted in the short. For acting, Gabriel received the 2023 Young Entertainers Award for Best Actor. Gabriel released his second directorial short, The Not So Scary Movie, which he also wrote and produced. In his free time, Gabriel likes to do the same things that many young people his age love. He plays tons of video games, he is an avid chess player, listens to music, watches movies and television, plays with his dog, and spends all the time that he can with his family and friends. Action Magazine had the extreme pleasure to catch up with our founder so that we can get an update on what he has been up to lately. Take a look at his answers to our game of Q&A to get to know him better! Check out his interview and don’t forget to follow him on Instagram. You don't want to miss a minute of this journey!
What are five you can’t live without? My dog, my TV, tacos, my laptop, music What’s your life’s motto or advice that you live by? There is nothing better than trying something new and figuring out that it is a perfect fit! What’s your favorite color? Green What is your favorite movie? It's a tie between Hunger Games and Underworld. What is your favorite TV show? The Originals. Claus Mikaelson is epic! Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what’s their name? I have an nine-year-old fur brother named Charlie. He's a Toy Poodle but thinks he is a 100-pound German Shepherd. What is your favorite place you have traveled to? Hands down, I would have to say Los Angeles! What is your favorite food? Tacos! If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? If I could have dinner with anyone is the world it would be George Lucas because I have many questions. We may just need two dinners. You are an actor, model, podcaster, director, writer, and founder of Action Magazine. Let’s start with acting and directing. What made you want to start acting and directing? I never thought that I would be an actor, it just sort of happened. When I realized as a result of taking classes, that I was actually good at it, it turned into an unexpected passion and I haven't looked back since. When I booked my first job, I got the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and learn from a director's point-of-view. I knew right then and there that I had to get behind the camera. What is the most difficult thing about being an actor and director? Without a doubt, social media! I know that social media is a tool that we have to use for promotion. I am really an introvert and for me, social media is like nails on a chalkboard. But, I'm getting better at it...slowly! You are also a writer. Tell us how you got started writing? Writing was something that I had to do in school starting with my creative writing and drama classes. My teachers told me that it was something that I should develop, so, I kept writing. I wrote my first short film script for Gemini, and haven't stopped writing yet. I have tons of ideas waiting to get on a page. lol Now, let’s talk about modeling. Tell us how you got started with modeling? Who have been some of your favorite brands you have worked with? How I got started with modeling was pretty much along the same lines as how I got started acting. I have currently model for FadeLife Clothing. In the past, I also modeled for Chili's Eyegear and I was also the first male face for Luv Ur Skin. I think they are all awesome brands to have worked with. Finally, let’s talk about your podcast, Just Talk With Gabe. How did you get started as a podcaster? Just Talk With Gabe started as a result of being bored during the 2020 pandemic! I came up with the saying, there is nothing better than trying something new and figuring out that it is a perfect fit to describe the podcast because it's true. Podcasting is really fun and I love interviewing new and exiting people. If you know someone that we should have on the show, let me know! In addition to everything that you are doing, what other things are you are passionate about? (charity work, volunteering, etc.) Can you tell us about this work and why do you feel that it is it important? I am very passionate about anti-bullying and animals. Having been bullied myself, I know that it can be hard, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it doesn't last forever. Making sure that people know that they are not alone if they are being bullied is the main reason that we started this particular magazine. In terms of animals, I haven't yet had the opportunity to work with charities directly related to animals, but I am unquestionably open to one day making it happen. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why? My favorite actors include: Samuel L. Jackson, Ryan Reynolds, Halle Berry, Emma Stone, Anne Hathaway, and Wesley Snipes. Do I really need to answer the "why"? lol They are all legendary! How would you describe your fashion style? My fashion style consists of whatever is in the closet and sometimes I actually manage to make it look cool. Who are some of your favorite actors that you have worked with? Some of my favorite actors I have worked with have been Ben Affleck, Elizabeth Ludlow, O'Shea Jackson, Anthony Ramos, and Rose Bianco. What advice would you give other kids that want to break into the entertainment industry? Advice I would give other kids that want to break into the entertainment industry is to make sure that you learn as much as you can before jumping-in. Know that being in the industry is a commitment that requires you to be all-in. And of course, train, train, and train some more! Who would be your dream on collaboration and why? I would love to one day work with Ben Affleck again. He is the reason I wanted to pursue directing in addition to acting. What is one thing that nobody knows about you? One thing that nobody knows about me is that I'm allergic to both seafood and all nuts. Have you ever been bullied? Yes, I was bullied in elementary school because of my size and the fact that I am not very athletic. What is your advice to kids that are suffering from bullying? My advice to kids that are suffering from bullying is first of all, know that you are not alone. As I said earlier, this will not last forever. If you could talk to your future self, what would you tell him? If I could talk to my future self, I would tell him, looks like you are doing a great job! Keep up the good work.
Photo Credit: Lisa Pavlova
ActionMagazine has been around since June 2017, but not everyone has had the opportunity to see and enjoy all issues. The magazine started out as a catalog for Take Action Apparel & Gear. The clothing line is no longer around, but the magazine is. We have grown by leaps and bounds, and pages too! Take a look at how it all began as we release past issues from the vault. Take a look at our interview with actress Jennifer Michele from September/October 2020!
What are five things that you can't live without? I love music, chap stick, Seltzer water, a hoodie in case I get cold, and a phone charger! What's your life's motto or advice that you live by? I remember learning about Mother Teresa when I was young and a quote she said stuck with me. Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. I always try to impact my friends and family and people I meet positively and make others happy! What's your favorite color? That’s depends on my mood. I love to wear, like emerald Green, and White and Pink. I also really love Rose Gold. What is your favorite movie? Inception, Avatar, Titanic, The Great Gatsby and many more I really love movies. What is your favorite TV show? Ahh this is too hard, there are too many good ones. One I’m into now is Ragnarok on Netflix, I also loved Vampire Diaries, Stranger Things, and His Dark Material. Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what's their name? I have a German Shepard, she’s adorable her name is Dutchess! What is your favorite place that you've traveled to? I have traveled a lot. That’s hard. I really like visiting my Family in Europe. I love Amsterdam, Paris, and London. I also really like Dublin. What is your favorite food? I love crepes with Nutella, Pizza, Stroop Waffles, Cheese Cake and Raspberries, and Chocolate, those are my top! If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be with and why? I would go see my beautiful Oma (grandma) Carla. She is in Holland and she is really sweet and because of COVID-19, I haven’t been able to travel and see her, and I really want to see my grandparents! What made you want to start acting? I have always wanted to act. I think its amazing the way movies and shows made me feel and think about things. I love how the right movie can change someone’s outlook, and I always wanted to be on the big screen telling stories that inspired people and entertained them. I have enjoyed watching and making movie’s ever since I can remember! What is the most difficult thing about being an actress? Something I struggle with, is rejection. That can be tough at times or just disappointing when I really want something and sometimes have to wait or don’t book it. Also, I find it hard to watch myself. I don’t often, because I almost always think I could have done it better. I’m learning I’m not always going to be perfect, but I always want to be getting better. How do you prepare for auditions? That’s always different, roles vary a lot, there’s a big difference for comedic or dramatic. Most often I have things similar I do for every role like fully read the script. Then, I start building my character, creating everything about my character. Then, I go into memorizing my lines and actions and opinions. After that, I put all this together, and then I figure out how I want to present myself at the audition. How do you handle rejections? I struggle with this some. I try to remember failure is okay. It’s a first attempt at learning. Also, I remind myself that sometimes it wasn’t in my control. They might have wanted a different look etc. I then look at what I liked and what I can improve on. Then, I work on getting better and listen to things that inspire me, lift my spirits, and make me feel good. You are on the hit show, Joey and Ella. Tell us about your upcoming project. Joey and Ella was a really cool film. I loved getting to play Ella. She was a girl that started the movie being one way because she moves from the city to the country! Their moving because her mother has recently passed away. Ella goes on a journey. In the film, I make friends with a kangaroo named Joey. I develop a crush on a boy. There’s a lot of exciting moments in the film as well. There’s a robbery and cool action scenes. I don’t want to give too much away, but I believe it’s a really feel-good family movie, people will enjoy. I like making people feel good! I feel that Joey helps Ella find her voice! Out of all your many projects, what character have you portrayed is the most like you and which is not and why? If you could write the perfect role for yourself, what would it be and why? Hmm a role like me, I’m not sure I have done a role like me…ha-ha. I feel like Ella is closet to me in some ways because she is a California girl, she was an animal lover and cares about people she loves a lot. I feel like I’m not like most of my roles. The role most not like me is the girl I played on 911. She was abused and chained in a basement and starved. I have never had to suffer anything like that. I loved working on that show though. I love so many roles that is so hard to choose a perfect role! I think it will always be changing. Although I would love to do something in a different era past or future, with action, romance and drama and of course, Sci- Fi! I enjoy when movies are filmed aesthetically beautiful too. I believe every role has a little something of me. In addition to acting, what other things are you are passionate about (charities, organizations, etc.)? Can you tell us about this work and why do you feel that it is it important? I am passionate about learning to direct and edit as well as dancing! Those are all things I enjoy besides acting. A charity I believe is important is the children’s hospital charity and all that they do to make child and people better. I think life is beautiful and everybody deserves a chance to live it. I think being sick can be costly and all the things the charity does to take care of children and their families is Amazing. Who is your favorite actor/actress and why? I love the lead actors from my favorite movies and TV shows. For example, the actors from Breakfast Club, Inception, Avatar, Titanic, The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge, Stranger Things, The Vampire Diaries, His Dark Material and Ragnarok, are amazing actors! I want to create work like them! How would you describe your fashion style? Well, it depends on where I’m going. If I’m going out, I love a skirt and heels with a cute hat and coat. I also like to go casual in ripped jeans and a cute top with white shoes or a boot, and love to lounge in sweats and a hoodie. Who are some of your favorite actors that you have worked with? I loved working with Angela Bassett, she really inspired me. She is such a fierce actress seeing her act was amazing. Her kindness was also very refreshing. What advice would you give other kids that want to break into acting? I would say really figure out what it is you want to do. Be specific the more you know what you want, the easier it will be for you. Then work on taking steps to get you where you want to be. Also work hard, and train, the more you practice the better you get! Who would be your dream on screen collaboration and why? Oh, I would love to work with Pierre Michel–Estival on a feature or TV show, I have worked with him only commercially and would love to do narrative work with him. He has a style that is beautiful, and I just love the way he directs and captures things! So it would be a dream come true to get to do a character for him. He is amazing! He makes things feel so dreamy. I just feel like life is beautiful and I look up to him, so it would be amazing to make something beautiful with him. What is one thing that nobody knows about you? Very few people know that I am a baker, I love baking! I am pretty good. I make making pies, cookies, cakes! One of my favorite things to bake is a good coffee cake to have for breakfast with my coffee. Have you ever been bullied? Yes, I got bullied a lot when I was younger. It was hard, people bullied me for saying I would become an actress! They called me a loser! They said was too skinny, and made me cry on picture day because I dressed up. I put flowers in my hair and got all ready for the picture and they would make fun of me and call me ugly! I think most people get bullied at some point in their life. I think it’s important to remember that the things that people say are not true!!! Often the people that are bullying you, are hurting themselves. It’s Important to not bully other’s because it can really damage people emotionally and hurt their confidence. Just remember to always believe in yourself and if you need help talk to your family and counselors. What is your advice to kids that are suffering from bullying? That it is not bad to seek help! There is no shame in it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! People sometimes need help and there’s nothing wrong with asking for it! Everyone will need it at some time, and you don’t have to face things alone! I am Christian so when I feel bad, I also pray! There are many resources to help you through what you’re going through. You just must be brave enough to go to a counselor, or teacher, or call a hotline! If you could talk to your 21-year-old self, what would you tell her to remember about the person you are today? What advice would you give her for the future? I believe I would tell her, to never give up on her dreams! I would tell her to remember why she loves her life and art! I would also tell her what she does and who she is special, and that you never have to be something you’re not because of pressure! I hope I always try and remember that I’m enough, I know with peer pressure and life sometimes you can feel less then someone else but you’re not! I would hope I would remember the advice my mentor gave me, do what you feel is right and the right people will come! Also that the teen girl in her wants a part of her to always stay young at heart!
Jennifer Michele is unquestionably one super talented young actress. Known for her amazing work in 911, Joey and Ella, and Matty Paz is a Noob, Jennifer is truly taking Tinseltown by storm. Action Magazine caught up with this phenomenal young lady to get to know her a bit better. Stay tuned because we have a feeling we will all be seeing and hearing a lot more from her in the future! After you take a peek at some of her answers to our staple game of Q&A, make sure to follow her on Instagram. This is one journey that you won't want to miss!
All photos courtesy of Jennifer Michele.
Check out what filmmakers are working on and more!
Maya Jai Pinson
Who is Maya Jai Pinson?
Maya Jai Pinson is an accomplished actress, director, writer, and motivational speaker with striking natural beauty and the piercing gaze of a woman who exudes confidence and poise in her thoughts and actions. As an actress and filmmaker, Maya has racked up some impressive awards and film credits as a diverse performer in front of the camera and a gifted writer, director, and producer behind the camera. She is currently filming as a lead actress in her first Christmas featured movie titled The Christmas Room where she is also the director and co-writer of the film. Maya is also directing 3 additional films this summer. She recently booked a major supporting role-playing “Sherry” in a feature film scheduled to start filming this July 2023. Maya was the first nominee from the Metropolitan area, two years straight, to win at the Young Artist Academy Awards in Hollywood, California. She won the 2022 “Outstanding Director’s” award for her film I Dare You. She won the 2021 “Outstanding Writer” for I’m Ready, a 2022 trailblazer award from Dove Style Magazine, and she received an Achievement Award named as one of DMV’s Top 10 Actresses. She was a top nominee by the Nepal America International Film Festival 2022 for her explosive performance in Crime Scene. She also wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the dynamic, heartfelt, award-winning film, I Dare You, which brings awareness to domestic violence. At 16, she wrote a short film I’m Ready, and at 17, she wrote 6 other films. Each of her films has won many films festival awards such as Distractions, The Description, My Imaginary Teacher (Animated). Maya has a new animated film that encourages kids to "Stop, Drop,Work, then Play" titled Backpack Lilly that’s scheduled for release this August 2023. In addition to acting & directing, Maya's accomplishments include being a published children's book author, a motivational speaker,and role model for other young actors and actresses. As well as a full-time college student, pursuing a career in the film industry. Some of her most recent film credits include The Forgiven the Affair, CHAAW, Much to Do About Her Love, Untold Secrets, We the People, and Dexter's Heart (2022). Maya Jai Pinson was born and raised in Washington, DC. When she isn't working hard on one of her many projects, Maya enjoys traveling, reading, playing softball, stepping, basketball, volleyball, filming, writing, dancing, and bike riding. She loves watching thriller films, hanging out with friends, and inspiring people to reach their dreams. You can follow her on Instagram @mayajai04, on Facebook at MJai Pinson, and on YouTube at MJAIP Productions.
All Photos Credit: Denis Acoasta
I Dare You is an empowering short film, focusing on violence and abuse against women. Are you ready to watch I Dare You by Maya Jai Pinson? We bet that you are! Click "watch now" on the next page to see this talented entertainer's work!
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Action Magazine is a bi-monthly, digital, interactive online entertainment piece that not only highlights pieces from the TAAG collection, but it shines the spotlight on young entertainers spanning, all genres from acting to YouTube personalities, and beyond. These individuals are all making a difference, putting into action the words-together, we can change the world! Demographic, Distribution, Readership: Age: 8 and up Gender: Male & Female Interests: Anti-Bullying, Acting, Modeling, Music, Fashion, Sports, Books, Poetry, Entertainment Social Media Outlets: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Distribution: Action Magazine is exclusively available online via the Action Magazine website at www.actionmagazine.org. Visitors may also access the magazine through our social media links and the website of Gabriel L. Silva,www.gabelsilva.com. Readership: Action Magazine has both a national and international readership that is tracked across all distribution mediums including direct views, shares, additional websites, and social media links.
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