Arista Arhin @aristaarhin is a Toronto native currently starring as Young Michael Burnham in Star Trek Discovery airing now on CBS. She’s also got a brand-new show premiering March 2nd called Bajillionaires. She plays Alicia Windsor, one of a group of friends running a start-up out of their parent’s garage.

This 14-year-old started as a model, doing campaigns for Spin Master, Walmart, and Hasbro. At age 10 she began her acting career, cast as Ozlyn in the award-winning children’s live action educational television series ODD SQUAD (TVOKids/PBS Kids) for which she won a 2018 Joey Award for Best Recurring or Lead Actress in a Children’s Television Show.

Let’s find out more about her in our Q&A, below!

Hi Arista, nice to e-meet you! While we know you are an actress, tell us a little bit about yourself outside of show business.

To start, my name is Arista Arhin, and I just recently turned 14. I adore the colour pink at the moment, and I love anything to do with beauty and fashion! I have always loved makeup and dressing up, and I would consider it one of my areas of expertise!

Great! You play a young Michael Burnham on Star Trek Discovery, the child version of the series’ main character. Tell us what it was like your first day on set and seeing all the cool costumes and set pieces!

At first everything was a little intimidating, from seeing the sets to meeting all the amazing actors on the show. However, once the introductions were over and we went through a couple of takes, my nervousness faded and quickly turned into excitement. It truly was mesmerizing seeing the intricate costumes and the complex sets. Knowing how huge the Star Trek franchise is, I felt a lot of pressure, knowing that everything had to be flawless, but once we started filming everything did feel perfect, and that first day will be one that I will never forget.

What’s the best part about being on that show so far?

One part of my entire experience that has left me star struck has been meeting all the amazing actors on the show. The first person I met on set was Sonequa Martin-Green, who was so loving and caring, and who made it feel like we’ve known each other for years. Likewise, all other cast members made me feel very welcome and comfortable, and have made my time working on Star Trek Discovery even more enjoyable. Also, it was fantastic to work not only with fellow actors but with the entire crew who was extremely kind and caring towards me as a young actress.

Did Sonequa Martin-Green help you in any way to get you ready to play a younger version of herself?

From the beginning, Sonequa and I had a very strong connection where I would always be able to ask her for help not only with Burnham, but for other characters too. Burnham’s childhood was very complicated and some scenes were quite hard for me to portray, and Sonequa would always be there to help guide me through the emotions and actions occurring in a particular scene. She has given me some very useful pointers and taught me techniques that will forever stick with me.

You are also known for Odd Squad on PBS Kids, and have a new show coming up on Canada’s Family Channel called Bajillionaires. Tell us about that show and your character?

Bajillionaires is a show about a group of kids who run a start-up company in their parent’s garage and they make inventions to hopefully one day change the world. My character, Alicia Windsor, is the Chief Product Designer of the team, and she is very hands-on, always working on new projects, and is a devoted tech geek who is constantly coding. My character is very easy to fall in love with, and I can’t wait for everyone to see her and the squad in action!

You’ve already wrapped shooting season one. What’s your fondest memory from that set?

I remember one slow day on set that we spent mostly in the school room, relaxing between the shoots. While Mya was in her room, Ricky, Alec, and I were hanging out in the school room. Ricky was finishing up this large jigsaw puzzle that we were all working on for the past month, while Alec and I were attempting to cartwheel over the couches. All of a sudden, Alec felt the urge to completely crush the puzzle while Ricky and I were screaming in horror. For some reason, Ricky then flung the half broken puzzle across the room, and I joined him in throwing the other half. It felt strangely liberating. Needless to say, we spent the rest of the day cleaning up the school room.

Will the show be available to watch in the U.S., or is it only for Canadian TV?

Yes! It is currently available on Family Channel in Canada on Saturdays at 10:00 AM ET, starting March 2nd, and it will soon be available on Universal Kids in the U.S., so stay tuned!

Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you?

I played in a softball league for 6 years and had to quit because of filming Bajillionaires. Yet, it was the best decision I’ve ever made!

Biggest pet peeve?

When people cut me off when I’m talking.

Favorite place to travel?

I really enjoyed Venice! The food was so delicious, and the scenery and architecture were incredible! I hope to visit again sometime soon!

Favorite food?

I love sushi sooo much!

Secret obsession?

Watching Liza Koshy on YouTube! She is so funny and I hope I can meet her some day!

What’s the last movie or show you watched, and give me a review…but you can only use TWO WORDS for the review 🙂

The last movie I watched is Don’t Breathe, and my review would be suspenseful and uncomfortable.

The one thing I cannot live without is__________.

Netflix!

Most embarrassing moment IRL you wish you could do over?

So far, I’ve been quite fortunate not to have one.

What else are you working on or have coming up next?

My new TV show, Bajillionaires, is premiering on March 2nd, and will air on Saturday at 10:00AM/ET in Canada! Also, Season Two of Star Trek: Discovery airs on Thursdays at 8:30PM ET/5:30PM PT on CBS All Access in the U.S., and in Canada, new episodes air on Thursdays at 8:00PM/ET on Space TV.

Could we get a selfie?

I’m sending two because you can’t take just one selfie 🙂 Thank you so much for such a fun interview!

https://twitter.com/aristaarhin
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8799369/
https://www.instagram.com/aristaarhin/

Natasha Bure (@natashabure) is a singer, author, actor, and YouTuber with a growing fan base, currently at 400,000 Instagram followers and 100,000 YouTube subs. She has perfomed on the hit show The View as well as NBC’s The Voice, and starred in Hallmark Channel’s Switched for Christmas. She has also published a teen advice book called “Let’s Be Real: Living Life as an Open and Honest You.”

Pretty great accomplishements for a 20-year-old, but perhaps her biggest is that she maintains her strong Christian values despite being involved in a business loaded with problematic messages and behaviors. Part of the credit no doubt goes to her parents, actress Candance Cameron-Bure of Full House fame, and former NHL player Valeri Bure, who raised her and her brothers to love Jesus and follow the Bible. That upbringing has clearly paid off, as Natasha seems to have a great future ahead of her while avoiding many of the traps that young influencers succumb to.

Her most recent work is Faith, Hope & Love, which opens March 15th. The romantic comedy deals with two broken-hearted people who find love through a dance contest. Natasha plays Gia Elpidas, who coaxes her father (played by Robert Krantz) to enter. Rounding out the cast are Peta Murgatroyd (Dancing with the Stars), Corbin Bernsen (L.A. Law), Ed Asner (Lou Grant), Nancy Stafford (Matlock), Michael Richards (Seinfeld), and Maks Chmerkovskiy (Dancing with the Stars).

We asked Natasha a few things about her role plus some “getting-to-know-you” questions. Read on for the Q&A!

Hi Natasha, nice to e-meet you! Before we get into your new movie “Faith, Hope & Love,” tell us a little bit about yourself outside of show business.

I’m super into music, acting, writing, cooking, and hanging out with my family and friends! I’m a pretty simple girl and I just love being around people that make me smile and doing things that bring me joy.

Thanks! What is “Faith, Hope & Love” about, and tell us about your character?

I play Gia in “Faith, Hope & Love.” She’s a typical teenager who is dealing with the everyday things that all teenage girls deal with. It was super awesome to play her and work with such awesome people on the film. The title pretty much explains the movie in itself. It’s all about faith, hope, and love.

I think a huge theme throughout this movie is family, taking risks, dealing with your faith, loving one another, and of course having fun.

Why do you think teens are going to want to watch this movie?

There are so many fun moments in the film and lots of great dancing! I hope everyone watching, enjoys the cute moments and can groove along during the film.

What was the most memorable moment during filming?

I had such a wonderful time filming with the whole cast and crew. My most memorable moment during filming was probably all the outtakes and blooper moments that we laughed about for so long.

Your family is known for having conservative Christian values, something rare in the Hollywood scene. And you talked about your own personal faith in your book “Let’s Be Real: Living Life as an Open and Honest You.” Has it been challenging to be a young Christian in show business, with all the problematic content themes and behaviors (drugs, sex, violence, profanity) common in Hollywood?

Personally, I’ve grown up in that type of environment my entire life so I don’t know anything different. I definitely have moments where I get discouraged in trying to stand up for what I believe in, when it’s not always the most popular opinion. In the end I just try to surround myself with people who encourage me and push me in the right direction.

You recently wrapped up your teenage years. Looking back, if you could travel back in time and give one piece of advice to yourself the day you turned 13, what would it be?

It would probably be to push myself and follow my passions with all my heart, regardless of other people’s opinions.

Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you?

Hmm. I’m a clean/organize freak. I love cleaning and making things organized. I’ll even go over to my friend’s house and clean their rooms or organize their bathroom because I love neatness. I feel so much more calm in an orderly room, and I get too stressed when things are messy.

Biggest pet peeve?

When people are messy or disrupt my organized rooms/house area.

Nervous habit?

This isn’t really a habit, but when I get super nervous, my thumbs start to really hurt and feel like they have butterflies inside of them. Normally people get that in their stomach, but I get butterflies in my thumbs.

Favorite food?

Sushi.

Secret obsession?

It’s not really a secret obsession, but escape rooms.

What’s the last movie or show you watched, and give me a review…but you can only use TWO WORDS for the review : )

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Quirky. Riveting.

The one thing I cannot live without is__________.

My family.

Most embarrassing moment IRL you wish you could do over?

One of my most embarrassing moments of my entire life happened quite recently and I’m still not over it. I don’t think I can even speak of it yet! But, I had a quite embarrassing incident where I accidentally jumped into the wrong car at the valet, and there was an older couple in the car screaming because they were so confused why I hopped in their car.

What else are you working on or have coming up next?

I have lots of music on the way. It’s something I’ve been working on for a while now and I’m super excited to release! I’m still making YouTube videos weekly and documenting my life for others to watch and share with me. More acting to come too!

Could we get a selfie of whatever you are doing at the moment? It’s something we ask to keep it real for the fans!

Follow Natasha Bure:

Instagram: http://instagram.com/Natashabure
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Natashabure
YouTube: youtube.com/natashabure

Faith, Hope & Love Trailer

Kelly Needleman is a Northern California teen in his junior year of high school with a gift for photography and filmmaking. His pictures have appeared on the websites for National Geographic, CNBC and ABC thanks to a keen eye for composition and his knack for capturing ethereal, almost magical qualities from the landcapes he photographs.

What’s even more remarkable is that he has only been shooting for about two years and has no formal training, being entirely self-taught besides getting a few tips from fellow shooters, including a cousin in New York who is a professional photographer. While he is still learning, he is already producing some excellent work, and we cannot wait to see his career blossom.

We asked Kelly a few Qs about his background and his techniques, and share some of his best work. Read on to get inspired to pursue your own passion!

Images below courtesy Kelly Needleman and David Needleman

Hi Kelly, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions. Before we get into your video and photography work, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, thank you so much for talking to me. I am a 17-year-old film director, writer, producer, entrepreneur and photographer located in Northern California. Although I am still a junior in high school, I have created my own production company called Needleman Productions. I plan on majoring in film directing and minoring in business when going to college.

Thanks. How long have you been capturing images, and what made you get into it?

I have been in the creative industry for the past few years. I started taking photos when my mom bought me my first camera when I was 15 years old. I gravitated towards landscapes and nature, which was fueled by the beauty that surrounded me. This lead to a natural progression into the film industry.

Which film of yours are you most proud of, and what makes it stand out to you most?

One of my favorite films I have made recently was “Italian Masterpiece”. This is a compilation of my entire time spent in Italy. It showcases these locations: The Dolomites, Venice, Rome, Cinque Terre, Florence, and Tuscany. I feel that this film captures Italy through the countries dramatic mountains to the unique cities, visually showing a country full of life, love, and art.

And which one do you most wish you could do over so it was better?

I would like to revisit my film “My Identity”. Though it was very popular and received many awards, I feel I could have recognized the people who influenced me to be the person who I am today.

What’s your overall goal – like what do you want to achieve long term as an artist?

My overall goal is to create movies that are visually beautiful with attention to detail. I would like to make the viewer feel that they are enthralled by the visual experience.

Let’s talk equipment. What camera do you shoot with, and your favorite lenses?

I recently invested in a cinema camera called the Canon C200. In the past, I have used the Canon 6D for photos and short films. My favorite lenses to use are the 17-40 mm wide angle and the 70-200 mm telephoto lens. This allows for artsy and creative shots in my opinion.

What are your top 3 favorite photographs, and what makes each so special. 

My ultimate photograph would have to be “Peaceful Violence”

I have taken this shot many times, but this day the sky exploded and there was a magical feeling to the atmosphere. I was in the right place at the right time, for sure.

My second favorite photo would have to be “Italy From Above”  I took this photo with my drone off the side of a mountain in the Dolomites. Again, lucky that this one car was driving up at the time I was shooting.

My third favorite photo is called “Silky Flow.”  This is one in a series of fog photos that I have taken in Mount Tamalpais in Marin County. Capturing the fog was a weekly schedule for me and every photo was completely different, although shot in the same location. This taught me how to be patent and disciplined when waiting for the right moment and conditions to take the best photographs.

Can you shed some light into how do you produce your stunning photography? Do you use photoshop to composite images together, such as add lighting and fog, or it that all in camera? Explain your process a little.

I try to edit as little as possible. All of my images are natural, not superimposed or created with Photoshop. I use Lightroom for editing colors and contrast. I have found my own style which is dramatic and mystical. I try to make each photo the same type of mood to convey a story or feeling.

Which is your go-to camera to shoot with? Why?

I have always fallen in love with the Canon brand. For me personally, I gravitate towards the Canon products because they are very reliable and bring my visions to reality. My go-to camera would have to be the Canon 6D because I am the most familiar with it and have used it throughout my entire creative career. I have developed a small relationship with Canon and have been published on their website and social media various times.

And from some of the bird-eye shots, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and a few of your videos, I see you have a drone as well, right? Which one do you use?

Yes, I have the DJI Phantom 4 Pro. I have used the drone for the last 2 years and it is the best drone in the market for its price. I have traveled through Europe with this drone and I found it quite cumbersome. I recently purchased the DJI Mavic Air which is very compact and easy to travel with.

Which filmmakers or creators do you look up to most?

The classic directors Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, and Steven Spielberg. I also admire the careers of both Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as directors, writers, and actors.

Currently, I am really loving an extensive amount of Netflix movies and TV series. The creativity and storylines are incredible. Some of the series I admire are Breaking Bad, Ozark, Bloodline, Dark, The Mist, and The Rain to name a few. I am a big binge watcher.

If you had the power to write, direct and star in your own movie with an unlimited budget, what would you call it and what would it be about?

That’s a really hard question because there are so many possibilities. I know would like to do something in the genre of psychological thriller mixed with drama/mystery. I would like to have the setting in a country that is not filmed in frequently, such as Iceland.

Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you?

I have been playing tennis since I was 10 years old and I am currently the captain of my tennis team in high school.

Biggest pet peeve?

The sound of people eating loudly and licking fingers.

Favorite food?

Olive oil based penne pasta with chicken.

Secret obsession?

Watching YouTube videos, specifically David Dobrik.

What’s the last movie you watched, and give me a review…but you can only use TWO WORDS for the review : )

Bird Box. Bizarre and Transfixed.

The one thing NOT related to filmmaking/photography I cannot live without is__________.

My Family

Most embarrassing moment IRL you wish you could do over?

Just imagine an intensely competitive and quiet moment during a tennis match tournament with an audience watching and you completely airball your serve. On top of it, the racquet hit my leg and I had to play in pain for the rest of the match. It doesn’t happen a lot, but when it does happen it is extremely embarrassing.

What else are you working on or have coming up next?

Currently, I am in the midst of my first feature film. I am the director and writer of the film Lost Visibility. The logline for the film is: Maybe they weren’t as close as they thought they were. Three friends share intimate dreams that bring their secrets to reality.

The movie is in the genre of Teen Drama, Mystery, and physiological thriller. I have a confirmed lead actress, Gigi Cesare, who will be playing the role of Sam. She is on Netflix and has been nominated for an Imagen Award for best actress in a feature film. Currently, I am casting, alongside my Casting Director. We are in contact with a local famous actor, Disney Channel star, and Netflix star for roles in my movie. It’s a very exciting process and I can’t wait for the official shooting in summer!

Could we get a selfie of whatever you are doing at the moment? It’s something we ask to keep it real for the fans!

Currently talking to my producer for my feature film and drawing storyboards with my storyboard artist.

Follow Kelly!

https://www.instagram.com/kellyneedleman/
https://twitter.com/kellyneedleman_
https://www.facebook.com/kellyneedleman/
https://vimeo.com/kellyneedleman
https://500px.com/kelly_needleman
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9637880/
https://filmfreeway.com/kellyneedleman
https://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/profile/1460193/
https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/kelly-needleman.html

Jackson Dollinger is set to become one of Disney’s newest rising stars with the January 25 premiere of the Original Disney Channel Series, Sydney to the Max. Jackson plays Young Max, the tween version of title character’s Sydney father who is shown in flashbacks set in the 1990s.

We got the chance to ask Jackson a few questions so you get to know him and his upcoming show better. Scroll down for our Q&A!

Hi Jackson, nice to e-meet you! Before we get into your role on Disney’s new show “Sydney to the Max,” tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi. It’s really nice to meet you too. Well, I am turning 12 years old this month. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I have been acting for a couple of years now. I started my acting career doing commercials and about a year in, I decided to try out theatrical. My passion is skateboarding and I have been skating since I was about 2 years old. In my spare time, I spend a lot of time skateboarding, surfing and playing basketball.

Thanks…now tell us what “Sydney to the Max” is all about, and about your character Young Max!

Sydney to the Max is a sentimental and heartwarming comedy about a single father raising his middle school daughter with the wisdom and wisecracks of his mother, Judy, who has a razor-sharp memory of Young Max’s teenage antics. Many of the flashbacks scenes to young Max and his best friend Leo parallel the funny predicaments that Sydney and her best friend Olive get into.

Young Max is a fun, outgoing, loveable daredevil and avid skateboarder. He is being raised by his single mother, Judy, and is seen in flashbacks to the 1990s. Young Max wants nothing more than to impress the cool skate crowd known as the “Dog Boys” and hang with his best friend Leo, at home or the local video arcade.

You play the younger version of Ian Reed Kesler’s character, Max, shown in flashbacks. Did you guys meet or were you totally separate on set since your characters live in different eras?

Although we never shoot scenes at the same time, I see Ian every day because the present day and 1990’s sets are all on the same stage. I love playing the younger version of Ian. He is super talented and funny and I learn a lot about Young Max’s mannerisms just by studying Ian when he is performing his scenes.

What is the biggest difference between young and older Max, and what is the most challenging part about playing him?

The biggest difference is Young Max is quite the character in his younger years and Adult Max has mellowed out in his older years, but is still a big kid at heart.

I think the most challenging part about playing Young Max is that when shooting a scene in the 1990s, there is technology that I have never even seen. For example, I had to make a call from a payphone and I had to get a quick little lesson on how to use it, smartphones operate a whole lot differently than rotary phones. LOL

What’s been the best part about being on that show so far?

I would have to say that the best part about being on the show is I have learned so much. I have learned a lot about myself, my acting, blocking and shooting, and doing stunts. Also, the cast is so talented and the crew is so awesome. It is truly a pleasure to work with each and every one of them. I feel very fortunate to be part of this awesome show. It is a show to be proud of!!

And the hardest?

I think the biggest adjustment for me has been getting used to doing school and work every day while shooting. It isn’t hard, just different from my schedule when I attended traditional school.

If you could bring back ONE thing from the 1990s, what would it be and why?

I would definitely bring back the freedom to roam with friends without parental supervision. Young Max is a pretty free-range kid on the show. It seems like kids in the 1990s had a bit more freedom in terms of going places with their friends. The world seemed like a simpler and safer place.

Tell me something people might be surprised to know about you?

I think that people might be surprised to know that unlike my character Young Max, I am a straight A student.

Biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when someone is handing me silverware or a straw and they touch the part that I will be eating or drinking from.

Favorite food?

My favorite food is absolutely SUSHI…hands down.

Favorite Youtuber?

My favorite Youtuber is Roy Purdy because he is a great skater and I love his dance moves.

What’s the last movie you watched, and give me a review…but you can only use TWO WORDS for the review : )

The last movie I saw was Birdbox. Two words . . . Couldn’t sleep!

The one thing I cannot live without is__________.

The one thing I cannot live without is my skateboard, but water would be a close second.

Most embarrassing moment IRL you wish you could do over?

One very embarrassing moment was when I was sitting and tipping on a chair during a network run through and the chair fell all the way back and I ended up on the floor in front of everyone.

What else are you working on or have coming up next?

We are still in production on Season 1 of Sydney to the Max. I will be working on the show through March.

Selfie time!

Follow Jackson Dollinger at https://www.instagram.com/jacksondollinger/

Watch Jackson in this trailer for the new show, Sydney to the Max!

Ananya Birla is a rising pop-star from India. She is the first artist to achieve Platinum status in India with english-language songs (“Meant To Be” and “Hold On“) and recently released a third song called “Circles“with Universal and Island Records UK — which also just went Platinum! She has worked with Afrojack and Mood Melodies, shared the stage with Coldplay at Global Citizen, and gained over 40 million views on her Vevo. She splits her time between London and Mumbai.

She also runs a mental health initative focused on young people. After battling her own mental health issues while studying at Oxford, Ananya launched Mpower – which works towards dispelling the stigma associated with mental health illnesses and provides care in India.

Let’s find out more about her career and how she overcame her past struggles in our Q&A below!

Hi Ananya, nice to e-meet you. Before we get into your work as a singer, entrepreneur and mental health advocate, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a singer-songwriter from India. I spend about half of my time in the US, and the other half in Mumbai. I love travel, guitar, yoga and spending time with my friends, family and puppy Skai.

I run a mental health initiative in India, MPower, which provides treatment and campaigns to get rid of the stigma around mental illness. I also founded an organization called Svatantra when I was 17, which lends money to women in rural India to help them start businesses and become independent.

Great! US audiences might not be very familiar with you yet…so can you fill us in on some of your notable work and achievements in the music industry?

I spent a while gigging and doing open-mic nights around London when I was at college, before I released my first single at the end of 2016 with Universal Music. Since then, I have released three more songs, worked and performed with amazing artists around the world, and reached over 100m streams.

Last year, I became the first home-grown artist to go Platinum in India with an English song, which I have managed to do three times now with my songs Meant To Be, Hold On and Circles.

What are the biggest differences between being an artist in India and the US?

Bollywood music kind of rules the music scene in India, and other genres like pop, hip hop and rap can get squeezed out. It can feel like artists are pushed to fit-in and be the same as everyone else, whereas in the US people embrace musicians that are new and different. I love that there is so much talent here, working on all types of different music – there is something for everyone.

What is Mpower all about and how does it help people?

I battled with my mental health when I was at university in the UK. It was a really tough time and it was made worse because I was too scared to talk to anyone about the way I was feeling, thinking they might undermine my ability or see me differently.

I was very lucky to eventually get the support that I needed. But when I returned to India the issues around mental health seemed even worse. Because of the lack of awareness and investment, it is so difficult for people there to get help.

I created MPower because I wanted to change that by campaigning and providing care for people living with mental health issues who are too often ignored or discriminated against. We have built a world-class care centre and we also run big awareness-raising music concerts, which bring together thousands of people from all over India.

MPower is focused on India, but the message is a global one – we need to stamp out the stigma around mental illness.

How can people take advantage of what Mpower has to offer?

Although mental illness is just as common as physical illness, it is surrounded by shame and fear which isolates people when they need support the most. With Mpower, we want people to feel that it is OK to not be OK sometimes. And for them to know that there is help available should they need it.

When people are struggling they can either come to our amazing care centre, speak with one of our team members on the phone or even reach out online. Increasingly people are getting in touch with me or the organisation via social media which is great because it is so accessible, especially for young people.

We are still in our early stages, but already we see more and more people opening up about their mental health without feeling misplaced shame. We plan to continue to expand across India, opening centres and engaging with more schools and colleges to teach them how they can support people who are struggling.

Why do you think mental health issues are seemingly increasing among young people?

I think young people today are under a huge amount of pressure – from their parents, communities, schools, and from themselves. It can leave people feeling like they’re never quite good enough.

Social media also plays a big part. It can give you unrealistic expectations and lead you to compare yourself to others. It’s sad that whilst we have social media and the internet and we’re communicating and connecting digitally all the time, our generation seems to be feeling isolated and lonely, perhaps more than ever before….

It’s still the case that huge numbers of teens with mental health issues are suffering alone and in silence. But, I think that people are starting to get more confident about coming forward, identifying how they are struggling, and seeking help. It is so inspiring to see more and more people speaking out and ‘owning’ their mental health.

At Oxford, you experienced panic attacks. What exactly did panic attacks feel like when you were experiencing them?

I experienced anxiety and panic attacks whilst at school in England. It’s a combination of emotional and physical feelings and everyone experiences them slightly differently. For me, it was overwhelming fear, a pounding heart, shortness of breath. There were days I felt too overwhelmed to leave the house.

How did you get better?

The first step in getting better was accepting that there was a problem. Once you do that, you can begin to understand the issue and find methods to help yourself. For me, things like deep breathing, regular exercise, yoga, spending time with my friends, and taking a digital detox were helpful.

Once I had acknowledged it, I was able to talk about it with people close to you. It is tough to open up at first, but sharing something you’ve been keeping to yourself for a long time can feel like a weight has been lifted. I also came across friends who had experienced similar things which made me feel less alone.

If it is available to you, talking to a professional is the best possible way to equip yourself with the tools to manage these issues. There is a wonderful sanctity about therapy. And, whilst it can be daunting to open up to a stranger, having an outside opinion and the security of confidentiality can be extremely reassuring.

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced so far as an entrepreneur?

When I launched Svatantra at 17, the finance industry was dominated by experienced, middle-aged men. Even my own team was much older than me! I had to prove that I was willing to learn, and that I had a strong enough vision to see it through and get back on my feet if I made a mistake. I reinvented myself daily, getting tougher, stronger and more committed to making Svatantra the business it is today and delivering a positive impact.

And what do you feel is your biggest accomplishment?

All my songs are so personal to me and are generally based on own experiences and I think my fans recognize that. Nothing makes me happier than when I get a message from a fan who says that they connected to my music and that it made something that they are going through a little bit easier. That feels like the biggest achievement to me.

You were born to a wealthy family. What do you think is the biggest misconception people have of you because of that?

Some people assume that my life might be easy and that I don’t have challenges or worries. I have been very lucky to be born in to a family that has achieved a lot, but it doesn’t mean that it has been a totally smooth ride. Particularly, growing up came with all the usual emotional and social challenges; the self-doubt, the feeling ‘not good enough’. Plus I had the pressure of living up to what my family has done, and having people I didn’t even know constantly questioning my decisions and direction.

I have always wanted to be independent and carve my own path. I get so much emotional support and love from my family, and that’s all I really need.

If you could go back in time and give only ONE piece of advice to your teenage self, what would you say to yourself?

Have confidence in your ability, take risks, and listen to your heart.

Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you?

I am totally obsessed with sneakers!

Biggest pet peeve?

Dishonesty

Favorite food?

Hummus. On everything. All the time.

Secret fear?

Losing a friend. My last song Circles was a celebration of friendship, I truly believe it is the most magical and powerful force in the universe.

What’s the last movie you watched, and give me a review…but you can only use TWO WORDS for the review : )

Bohemian Rhapsody – Iconic and Inspiring

The one thing I cannot live without is__________.

Music

Most embarrassing moment IRL you wish you could do over?

I have a habit of tripping over at the worst times. I can be a bit clumsy! This included an awkward fall at some big event in India in front of a pretty prominent audience which included former UK Prime Minister David Cameron…

What else are you working on or have coming up next?

My next single is out in January and then my EP a little later in the year, which I am working on right now in LA.

Could we get a selfie of whatever you are doing at the moment? It’s something we ask to keep it real for the fans!

Follow Ananya:

https://www.instagram.com/ananya_birla/
https://twitter.com/ananya_birla
https://www.facebook.com/AnanyaBirlaOfficial/
https://www.ananyabirla.com/
https://www.svatantramicrofin.com/
https://www.mpowerminds.com/

Scarlet Grace (@thescarletgrace on Twitter) just turned 16, but this English teen’s already got an impressive resume as a theatrical actress, having played young Eponine in Les Miserables London and Tessie in the UK TOUR of Annie. Her film work includes small roles in “Paddington 2” and “Milk,” but this Christmas she appears in her first major supporting role on the big screen, playing Pickle in the new Sony Pictures movie “Holmes and Watson” alongside a huge star cast: Will Ferrell, John C Reilly, Ralph Fiennes, Kelly MacDonald, Hugh Laurie, Rob Brydon and Lauren Lupkus.

We asked Scarlet a few questions so you get to know her better. Scroll down for the Q&A!

Hi Scarlet, nice to e-meet you (and happy 16th birthday BTW)! Before we get into your work as an actress, tell us a little bit about yourself outside of show biz.

Hey there! Thank you for interviewing me! 🙂 Thank you for my birthday wishes! I had a fun birthday! Well…… I’m a 16 year old actress based in the UK! I love anything to do with acting, singing and dancing; it’s practically my life! I even attend a full time Drama School in London, which I travel to everyday to study drama, film studies, photography, and all basic core subjects! When I’m not acting on the stage or screen, I love to spend time with my friends and family and shop! A LOT!!!

Great! You have a role in the upcoming movie Holmes and Watson. Tell us about your character and the film itself.

Holmes and Watson is a comedic take on Sherlock Holmes! Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly play the iconic duo, using their brilliant minds to stop the evil genius James Moriarty from assassinating the Queen of England!

I LOVED playing the role of Pickle. Such a fun character to play due to how cheeky and mischievous she is! She’s such a challenging role to take on which is the best part about her! Pickle’s personality is quite different to mine, due to the era in which the film is set and her role in society, enabling me to experiment with her as a character and play her in my own way! I’m so excited for the film to be released and for the world to meet Pickle

Why do you think teens are going to want to watch it?

Well, all teens love a good comedy, and Holmes and Watson is just that! I think people of all ages will want to watch this film because it’s super entertaining and it’s never been done before! When most people think of Sherlock Holmes, they’d think of a serious drama, but Holmes and Watson is the complete opposite, with two of the most well-known comedic actors in the industry playing the most hilarious leading roles!

What was the best part about filming it?

The best part about filming was definitely being able to work alongside an incredible cast and crew. Everyone on set was honestly so nice, and I know that I’ve made some life-long friends!

Any funny moments on set you can share?

Working on a comedy film, there’s bound to be tons of hilarious behind the scene moments, it’s impossible to choose! Since we were playing filthy street urchins, we had to pick-pocket quite a lot throughout the film, so we used our skills in pick-pocketing to sneakily steal things out of the crew’s pockets and wait for them to notice! It was so funny! We always gave it back though. haha!!

What has been your most memorable show biz moment so far?

One of the most memorable show biz moments for me so far has to be when my team in Annie were chosen to perform at West End Live back in 2017! I played the part of Tessie in Annie at The Piccadilly Theatre in London. West End Live is a huge show in Trafalgar Square, with a number from every Musical in the West End performing! Our whole team were so excited to perform in front of a whopping 10,000 people! It was such an incredible experience, the crowd were buzzing as we sang Hard Knock Life, it’s a moment I’ll never forget!

Why exactly are you an actress? It is a tough job, so what is the payoff for you personally?

There are so many reasons as to why I’m an actress! I would like to say I have a huge imagination, which I use to put myself in another character’s shoes to fully take on a role that may be similar or completely different to who I am! I guess the reason why I love acting is because I’m able to tell a story through becoming another character, and living that person’s life! And the buzz which you feel from an audience member or the public, watching you in Film or TV is incredible! Just to know that you’ve delivered a story or a message to someone is such a great feeling and they’ve understood it, is the best feeling!

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced so far in this industry?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced so far in this industry is becoming very close to getting a role and then not hearing anything! But that’s just the name of the game; everyone faces rejection in their life time! But you just have to pick yourself up and go for the next role! I think everything happens for a reason, and when one door shuts, another one opens!

And your biggest accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment is definitely landing the roles I’ve been fortunate to play so far! I’m extremely grateful that I’ve been able to perform in 2 West End Musical Productions in London in-front of live audiences, 2 huge WEST END concerts in front of a 10,000 audience and a Nationwide Tour travelling the country and lots of other works I’ve loved……. but my all-time favourite would have to be working on set in Holmes and Watson, surrounded by hundreds of people working together for the same outcome! I’m just so thankful that I’ve had the experience to work in both theatre and film!

You split your time between London and Florida, right? For each location, tell me what you like most and least.

I love the U.K and the U.S! They are so different though, so there are definitely a lot of pros and cons for both! The UK is where I’ve been brought up, and I’ve lived here my whole life, surrounded by my family and friends! But I do spend vast amounts of time in Florida where we have had our family home for around 7 years now and we also have friends and family in the States and the U.K. It’s hard to choose but I really do love the U.S, to me it’s such an amazing country full of so many opportunities! I love the weather also in Florida!

If you could pass one law that everyone on the planet had to follow without question, what would it be and why?

Mine would be to make bullying illegal in any form at any age, as I’ve seen and been subject to it at some point and have seen first-hand the emotional problems it can create and the effect it can have on the individual.

Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m an absolute shopaholic!!! Whenever I walk into a shop I like, I literally want… everything! It’s hard to control myself. lol!

Biggest pet peeve?

Definitely when I’m eating or drinking something and someone asks to have some too!!! I’m such a germaphobe; I hate sharing my food or drink with people!!

Favorite food?

My favourite food is probably ice-cream! Any flavour literally! My favourites are chocolate, honey comb, and mint!

Secret fear?

I’m super scared of rats or mice! When I get the train to school sometimes they have little mice on the platform, and I pretty much scream at every one I see!

What’s the last movie you watched, and give me a review…but you can only use TWO WORDS for the review : )

“Good Will Hunting”; the film was powerful and outstanding! Plus I love Leonardo Dicaprio. 😉 Shhhh!

The one thing I cannot live without is__________.

The one thing I cannot live without are my dogs Poppy and Bella! I love them more than words can describe!

Please take a selfie and send!

Find Scarlet online at

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7051755/
https://www.instagram.com/scarletgrace1/
https://www.facebook.com/ScarletGraceActress/
https://twitter.com/thescarletgrace
https://www.scarlet-grace.com

If you haven’t heard about Ethan Paisley, take note. This 18-year-old filmmaker has already had two films selected at Cannes Film Festival, given a TED talk, and won the “Best Young Director” award at the Young Entertainer Awards. These are just a few of his accomplishments, which you can read more about on his website.

As evidenced by the Q&A we did, which you can read below, Ethan is thoughtful, well-spoken and driven…and it is great to see a teen with such passion for his work. If he keeps it up and manages to avoid Hollywood’s many traps and vices, he undoubtedly has a very bright future ahead of him as a creative force in this industry. Excited to see where his talents and persistence take him!

Now onto the Q&A.

1. Hi Ethan, nice to e-meet you! Before we get into your work as a filmmaker, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello! I’m an 18 year old writer, producer, student, wannabe dancer, dim sum connaisseur, and all-around freakshow. I’m originally from the San Francisco Bay Area but now I’m based in LA. I currently produce for PaperChase Films, one of the minds behind The Kindergarten Teacher (available on Netflix), and I’m also pursuing a BFA in Creative Producing at Chapman University.

2. Great. For people who don’t know you, tell us how you got into making movies.

I started as an actor when I was really young. I was also exposed to YouTube when I was really young. So when I was competing to book TV shows, I gave up and decided to make one of my own online. This is where I self-taught filmmaking and augmented my talent for pairing creative thinking with marketing and public relations strategy. After I harassed every production company and student film production in San Francisco to let me be an extra, PA, whatever, I decided to make my first feature film The Art of Escape at 14 years old. The failures and successes that came from that project, and how I handled them, helped me identify my passion for working in the capacity of a producer.

3. Which film of yours are you most proud of, and what makes it stand out to you most?

Today, the slate of content I’m working on is extremely diverse in terms of genre and story which is very exciting to me. I will have a better answer in six months … that said, to date, my baby is my short film Indelible. Indelible stands out because it is the most distant from my personal life experience but also the most personal at the same time. It’s a film about a PTSD stricken war vet who time travels back to the war front to overcome his trauma. I have no relationship to the military, PTSD, or the sci-fi genre, but I do have experience self-isolating based on my fears of what others will think. This is what the protagonist in my film does, and the consoling message that comes from this in the film is that there will always be people who care. Further, this film was made by 50% women and men, and there is a ratio of 3:1 people of color we see represented on screen. It was a really rewarding experience!

4. Is there anything you have created which makes you cringe a little? What is it and what’s cringey about it?

Cringe is my middle name! My friends tell me I’m too hard on myself but I disagree. Every film is a learning experience, and it’s important to embrace the cringiness everytime as painful as it might be. The best example is a movie I made in eighth grade called Saladcide, and yes you read that right. I made a movie about salad getting revenge on America for it’s obesity crisis. My goal was to make the worst movie possible and hopefully grow some sort of cult following around it. I was going through a time when I was really into parody movies and bad comedies, because they demonstrated that filmmaking was possible from any angle. This was a great learning experience in putting something out there and not caring what anyone would think, which is a practice I still take very seriously today.

5. Why exactly are you a filmmaker? It is very tough work to make films…so what is the payoff for you personally?

I’m a filmmaker because I revel in the process. As a producer, you have to love people, organizing people, and leading everyone towards something greater than themselves. I find great community in this process. Personally, I have to live, breathe, and die on community if it means being happy. That’s the payoff: it makes me happy!

6. What’s your overall goal – like what do you want to achieve long term as an artist?

I just want to keep doing what I’m doing now and continue to tell better and better stories. I’m still finding my voice as an artist and that’s what I want to focus on doing. Hollywood moves so fast and success is so temporary. What excites me now is getting to know myself better as an artist. I just started college. Who knows what kinds of stories I’ll be telling four years down the line and what my goals will be then!

7. Which is your go-to camera to shoot with? Why?

As a producer, that’s something I discuss with my director. I don’t go near cameras unless it means renting or returning them to a facility that lends them out. Anything around tech intimidates me.

8. What’s your favorite “bad” film (like Plan 9 from Outer Space)?

On Rotten Tomatoes it’s bad but in my heart it’s gold: Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen is really one for the books in my opinion. Everything about it is so extra and fabulous. It’s set in New York City. And Lindsay Lohan sings, dances, and acts in it. What’s not to love?

9. And favorite film overall?

It’s a gamble between Rosemary’s Baby and Howl’s Moving Castle. I love stories that are fantastical, surreal, and challenge societal norms.

10. Which filmmakers or creators do you look up to most?

Sofia Coppola, Frederico Fellini, Roman Polanski, Hayao Miyazaki, Ingmar Bergman, and anyone behind the latest HBO mini-series’ or Black Mirror.

11. What does your production company name, Take18, represent?

This is the production company I made in high school, and Take18 was meant to represent how everyone who worked within the company was under 18. Now we’re all over 18 doing different things but the name still sticks! On one of our feature films Point 453, we actually had a party during one of our shoots for hitting 18 takes on one of the shots.

12. What’s the biggest challenge you have faced so far in this industry?

Staying on your own path, not comparing yourself to others, staying patient, and being selective about what you work on. In other words, slowing down. Especially now with social media, everyone is always sharing something, and it really adds to the pressure of the grind that Hollywood promotes. It’s not always true that hard work pays off, and it’s much more important to me now to create one good thing that yields a large effect rather than a bunch of little things that may or may not do anything in the world. These are the lessons I’m learning everyday.

13. And your biggest accomplishment?

Learning the distribution process and connecting four films to worldwide distribution is definitely my biggest accomplishment. My two feature films The Art of Escape and Point 453 are available for streaming in 86+ countries worldwide on platforms including Amazon Prime, iTunes, and Google Play. Two of my shorts Indelible and Wilted were recently acquired for distribution by KQED and Distribber. It’s an arduous, painful process but I got to travel to Cannes, LA, New York a lot for sales meetings last year. Next year I might be going to Hong Kong for FILMART and I’m thrilled but also daunted.

14. If you had the power to write, direct and star in your own movie with an unlimited budget, what would you call it and what would it be about?

I really want to work on Big Little Lies or anything written and directed by Jean-Marc Vallée. So when he wants to make his first feature he should hit me up!

15. Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m an introvert and I crave my alone time. I’m also a cross country runner and I run about 3-5 miles everyday. I’m getting into meditation lately and taking more time for me.

16. Biggest pet peeve?

Too many to count. People repeatedly kicking the seat in class, people who make weird noises when they sleep, leaving me on read, the list goes on …

17. Favorite food?

DIM SUM! Or Sushi. I love Asian cuisine with a burning passion.

18. Secret fear?

That everyone secretly hates me and that I will never be as successful as I want to be, and that I will be single for the rest of my life 🙂

19. What’s the last movie you watched, and give me a review…but you can only use TWO WORDS for the review : )

A Simple Favor: Beautiful Joke.

20. The one thing I cannot live without is__________.

My phone. Yep. I said it.

21. Most embarrassing moment IRL you wish you could do over?

Everyday is an embarrassing moment! No for real, I’m a total mess. I wish I could redo everytime I’ve messed up in a meeting or on a date because obviously that might change the course of my life for the better. But I have faith that everything happens for a reason.

22. What else are you working on or have coming up next?

Right now I’m pitching two hilarious TV Shows with some fabulous writers attached, I’m in pre-production for a couple features, and I’m developing some really exciting scripts with PaperChase. I’m sworn to secrecy on most everything but follow me on social media @ethanbpaisley for more updates as they come!

23. Could we get a selfie of whatever you are doing at the moment? It’s something we ask to keep it real for the fans!

Follow Ethan Paisley:

http://instagram.com/ethanbpaisley
http://www.facebook.com/ethanbpaisley
http://www.twitter.com/ethanbpaisley
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanbpaisley/
http://imdb.me/ethanpaisley

Ava Michelle Cota (@avamichelle2002 on Twitter) seems to be on a mission. At just 16 years old, the “Dance Moms” veteran is absolutely killing it on the creative front as not only is she a professional model and dancer, but she also has a forthcoming EP as well as a sporty/chic collaboration clothing line, “AVA x JMS” with talented designer Jonathan Marc Stein. She also has plans to tour the US teaching master classes at various dance studios that will be open to all levels of dancers. This is a lot for an adult to take on, let alone a teenager!

All hasn’t been roses for Ava however. Standing 6 feet tall, she’s experienced extensive bullying because of her height, and was even dropped from Abby Lee Miller’s squad because she was “too tall.” She is committed, however, to turning this into a positive by spreading the message of self-love and body positivity wherever she can.

We got the chance to interview her so you get to know her a little better and hopefully get motivated to pursue your own dreams with as much passion as she does. Scroll down for our exclusive Q&A with Ava Cota!

 All images: Ava Cota

Hi Ava, nice to e-meet you! Before we get into your new projects, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hey! I am a 16 year old, dancer, singer/songwriter, model and actress! I grew up in a really small town in Michigan but just recently relocated to Los Angeles! I absolutely love what I do and love my fans so so much!

Okay! So you are widely known as a dancer from Dance Moms of course, but not many know you sing also, and will be releasing your debut EP soon. What made you decide to transition to singing, and are you nervous about how your music will be received?

I have actually been singing since I was very little but it was something that was always kind of on the back burner. I always loved to sing but songwriting is really new to me! It was amazing to find another way to express myself. These songs are very personal to me and I cannot wait to share!

Tell us about the EP and what the process of writing it and putting it together was like.

Like I said songwriting is something that is new to me, but most of my songs are about what I have gone thru in the past year or so. Most of them came when I was just overflowing with emotion and needed a way to get them out. But now being able to hear songs that I wrote become a whole production that could be on the radio is so rewarding!

As if that weren’t enough to keep you busy, you also have a new clothing line coming out right? Please tell us all about it!

Yes I do! I am collaborating with Jonathan Marc Stein, a designer I met at LA fashion week a couple years ago! It is a sporty/chic line, kinda my everyday style mixed with a little more couture!!! I cannot wait for everyone to see it!

Did they come to you with designs for you to approve, or did you draw stuff yourself for the line? How does that work?

Jonathan and I sat down and made many sketches and mood boards, I’ve gone to the fabric store and have been a part of the entire process! Whenever I’m collaborating with someone I want to make sure that I am hands on. I have learned so much during this process, it has been an amazing experience

Do you still talk to the girls from Dance Moms? If so, who do you chat with the most?

Yes I do! It’s awesome because a lot of us moved out to LA together. I talk to Nia, Maddie, Mckenzie, and Jojo probably the most! I am so happy for them and proud of all of their success! I’m so glad we can be out here supporting each other!

Are you still carrying any bitterness from being cut from Abby Lee Miller’s dance squad for “being too tall?” To get hit with such a negative blow regarding your appearance at such a young age must have been terrible—so what helped you deal with it?

I have definitely grown a lot as a human since then. I do not have any bitterness towards Abby and honestly wish her well. Yes, it was very difficult hearing these things at a young age, but social media was probably the worst. I had a lot of people attacking the way I looked but also just attacking me in general because I was a competitor. This was really hard to go through, but I found that self-love was the thing that helped me through it all. Also finding the people that love you and support you and surrounding yourself with them has been a huge game changer!

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from being on that show?

If you love something then go for it and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t, are not good enough, or don’t fit into the mold they have created in their heads. If you love something enough you can do anything. The experience on Dance Moms made me so so strong.

And the most rewarding part of the whole experience?

I am so thankful for the experience! It really opened my eyes to what is out there. Being from a small town I didn’t really understand what I could do with my talent and the things I love. I would not be where I am at all without the show.

You are a crusader for anti-bullying causes and self-acceptance. What do you think is the single best way for teens to guard themselves against the negative effects of bullying—because let’s be honest, there will always be mean people around and you cannot really stop the whole world from saying hurtful things.

I totally agree. It’s hard, because a lot of people say block out the haters but from my point of view that is impossible. As humans we take in every word that someone says about us and blocking them out is just not dealing with them. The thing that helped me get through this was finding self-love. It is an amazing thing, once you have this you are confident enough in yourself to know that those comments don’t matter because you are perfect just the way you are.

Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.

I absolutely love to cook and I am a complete foodie!

Biggest pet peeve?

Fakeness.

Favorite place you’ve traveled to and why?

I actually haven’t been out of the country yet, which Is something I really want to do! But some of my fav places here are Catalina Island, San Diego and Boston!

Favorite food?

Sushi!!!!

Favorite TV show?

Friends, Orphan Black, Marvelous Mrs. Mazel, The 100 and Vampire Diaries! Can’t pick lol

Most attractive thing in another person?

Humbleness.

Most embarrassing moment IRL you wish you could do over?

I went to a dance competition and competed when I wasn’t feeling that good and puked on stage. Could prob do without that incident lol

Besides all we already talked about, what else do you have coming up?

Hopefully some new acting projects 😉

Could we get a selfie? 😍

Follow Ava Michelle Cota:

https://www.instagram.com/ava.michelle
https://twitter.com/avamichelle2002
https://www.facebook.com/AvaMichelleofficial/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6433012/