@CloeWilder is a 12-year-old from Tampa, Florida who has been described as an “Ethereal, Breathtaking Sad/Pop Songstress.”
While just launching her career, she has already released very high-quality cover videos from Ariana Grande and Halsey which you can see on her Youtube channel (link below). She’s got a great voice, so we were excited to learn she had another video in the works…and we’ve got the exclusive release right here!
Check out the video for Cloe’s “Out of Love” Alessia Cara cover below, premiering exclusively here on Teens Wanna Know on 2/14/2019. It was beautifully shot in Miami, what do you think?
Teens today are overloaded with choices, and it can be hard to decide on the best choices. It’s also hard to try to live a life that hurts that least amount of people and things as possible, but many people still try to live a life like that. With so many food options today, it’s easy to grab for some quick and easy food option that is loaded with fat, calories, processed sugars, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. It’s understandable that living in today’s hectic world leaves many teens already juggling school, part-time jobs, relationships, and future life plans. This is a full plate as it is. How can adding eating healthy be added to the list without causing additional stress? Everyone knows they’re supposed to eat healthy, or eat smart, but what does that actually mean? A good place to start is thinking about eating ethically. This can begin with something as simple as choosing the right egg.
Why Ethical Food Matters
There are numerous reasons why ethical food should become part of a teen’s diet at this important stage of life that will in part determine the more immediate courses their lives take. Besides the good personal feeling of knowing that good quality eggs are coming from chickens raised in an ethical manner, there are good habits that you can learn from the perspectives of ethical treatment, ecology, sustainability, and overall quality of the chickens’ lives and, in turn, quality of the eggs.
Start Good Habits Early
Whether it’s good study habits, respect for elders, helping out neighbors, or learning other good values, as a teenager, you probably care about becoming better-equipped for adult life in addition to leaving this world in a better state than you found it. Getting the proper nutrition, staying out of trouble, working hard, putting forth your best effort at anything that’s worthwhile, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are things you’ve likely heard about from parents and teachers again and again. This can be taken a step further without much more effort by learning to think critically about where the food that is supposed to nourish you is coming from, how it’s prepared, and whether or not it’s ethical.
Chickens Also Have Working Conditions
When many consumers look at where other goods are made in the world and how they are made, such as shoes, clothing, and electronics, it’s so easy for many to become appalled by the working conditions under which these products are made. While many would agree that it’s unreasonable for these laborers to work in some rather grueling conditions, it’s also unreasonable for animals that produce food to have unpleasant working conditions. The production of ethical food encompasses taking care of food-producing animals, and that includes chickens.
This is the Root of Early Farming
The farming portrayed in TV shows and movies tends to reflect the traditional farming methods that have been replaced by much of the mechanized world. Farming methods from the past are sometimes the best, and that is especially true when considering the ethical implications of raising chickens for their eggs in a manner that is inhumane. When farmers are able to do their jobs ethically, this benefits the overall health and well-being of the generations living today and the future generations that will eventually be raised by today’s teens. An ethical farm that produces ethical eggs is a place where you would leave happy seeing how your food is made. You would not even have to think twice before grabbing and taking the eggs home to your kitchen. These are eggs raised in the traditional farming methods that support the chickens, give the farmers some peace of mind, and provide you with the nutrition you need now and for the rest of your life.
How Technology is Making it Easier
When taking a simpler approach, it’s seemingly common to think that technology can sometimes complicate life, but that is not the case with today’s chicken coops. Modern chicken coops are mobile, and come with a whole host of features to make them more energy efficient, and to help the chickens be more comfortable. After all, healthy and delicious eggs come from happy chickens. In addition to reducing energy costs in production, choosing ethical eggs translates to benefits for environmental sustainability and overall health for both humans and chickens.
Feel Good About Where You Get Your Food
Many teens have to take some sort of food class in their schooling experience and usually they have to watch some video about the behind the scenes of the food industry. There have already been some rather appalling stories about food production through documentary or other journalistic endeavors. These reports range from horrendous conditions for livestock to gross stuff winding up in various food products. With ethical eggs, those stories are nonexistent because the chickens are treated right and fed right, which results in eggs that taste great and give many consumers a better feeling about how the food was made.
Think Ahead Seven Generations
Sometimes it’s hard for teens to think of anything more than the day or current moment they are living in. With so much living in the moment that is common today, it’s easy to not think about long-term effects of decisions. The members of native tribes were traditionally taught to think how their choices would affect people seven generations into the future. With that thought process, please think ahead seven generations about how your choice of foods like eggs will affect the quality of eggs for those in future generations, especially considering those generations will be your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and so on.
Feel Better Physically and Emotionally with Ethical Food
Teens are very good at noticing details or things that don’t feel right. Many consumers today can already tell a difference in taste from other foods that are organic or made without synthetic dyes and flavoring. The natural methods of growing and producing food tend to be preferred by consumers, even when the price is a little higher. You wouldn’t expect cheap food to taste great nor to be produced in a manner that is ethical and sustainable, so know that even though there is a slight difference in price, there are many greater benefits to eating ethical foods that include much better taste. Something so common as the egg is easy to take for granted, especially with so many conventional options at various stores. It’s time to let good habits take root now during your life as a teenager. Technology has its place, and while it should not always be in one’s hands (especially while driving), it does help make it easier to choose ethical food options that make it possible to have happy eggs come from happy chickens.
Here are a couple articles about healthy eating that we think you’ll also find interesting!
If you are an older sibling, you probably know that younger brothers or sisters naturally look up to their older family members. While this can sometimes seem like a nuisance, it can be an opportunity for you to have a profound effect on your immediate environment. As an older sibling, you have the power to lead and provide support in many ways.
Responsibility Changes a Person
Older siblings can have a lot of advantages over their younger siblings, especially if they are the firstborn over multiple siblings. There can also be plenty of challenges that he or she might have to deal with. Globe Life Insurance explains, “almost immediately, older siblings can be saddled with more responsibilities that he or she will find hard to get out of. This is especially true when it’s within families that cannot afford to pay for any kind of childcare.” This means that, when mom and dad are not home, older siblings are often in charge once they get to a certain age. They are responsible for the safety and emotional comfort of their younger siblings. It might also mean having to help with household duties, which might include cleaning up when your younger siblings make a mess or cooking family meals.
The Power of a Role Model
Whether older siblings like it or not, their younger siblings will copy and emulate their behavior and attitudes. A role model can shape a person’s character, and this can have a decisive effect on that person’s ability to succeed later on in life. Older siblings are more likely to take the position of a type of substitute parent during many troublesome situations. Boys and girls who are older siblings will be faced with different challenges when it comes to setting a good example. For example, Potty Genius explains, “having a male role model, such as an older brother, makes potty training go much faster and easier for boys.” Older sisters might have more complex issues to deal with. Being a female can be challenging, especially in today’s world. An older sister can guide her younger sibling to carry herself with dignity and counsel her on possibly upsetting issues, such as receiving her first period.
Accepting Responsibility with Enthusiasm
Being a sibling means you may not receive all the attention you could want. However, as an older sibling, you can be the one to bring the joys and rewards of having an older brother or sister. The Odyssey explains, “oldest siblings have a sense of responsibility at a young age to teach their younger siblings all the ‘important stuff’ in life. And they usually believe their older siblings unquestioningly. They also get the opportunity to see their siblings grow up in front of them.” Human beings need other human beings to stay mentally healthy and well rounded. You may find more joy in your situation if you accept it and take pleasure in this. It can be surprisingly fulfilling to be the support that your younger siblings need.
Tired of all the negativity on the news and social media? Got people around you bringing you down? Check out the advice from influencers on how they stay positive and HIT THAT LIKE BUTTON AND SUBSCRIBE!
Interviews: Casey Simpson, Connor Finnerty, Bryana Salaz, Siena Agudong, Jayson Maybaum, Reese Herron, Isla Stanford, Jaheem Toombs, Lulu Lambros, Maxwell Simkins, Elie Samouhi, Francesca Capaldi, Dakota Lotus, Kacey Fifield, Jackson Dollinger, Travis Bryant, Carrie Schroeder, Caitlin Carmichael, Le Petit Cirque (Anne Arellano, Kaelyn Whaley), Anna Seavey, Patrick Minor, Jack Jerry, Nicki Baber, Sean Isaac Leo, Connor Dean, Samantha Gangal, Leanne Tessa, Shaylin, Ayden Mekus, Ayauna Rose, Piper Madison, Jax Malcolm, Paris Bravo, Olivia Rush, Aria Spinello, Taylor Hay, Will B, Mila Brener, Victoria Mueller, Malik Willcot, Kanou Awata
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.
Drug addiction is a major problem among teenagers. DrugAbuse.com explains that, “although general trends show that teens are using alcohol and drugs less than previous generations, the drugs that are being used are more dangerous than ever. Especially in regards to pharmaceutical abuse.” The teenage years are among the most stressful periods of your lifetime, and it is easy to become overwhelmed. Without all of the facts, using drugs to relax or celebrate may seem harmless. However, studies show that using drugs at an early age increases risks for addiction. Learning the risk factors can help you avoid drug addiction throughout life.
Get a Solid Support Network
As you near adulthood, it is natural to forge strong friendships with peers and depend less on adults. However, it is vital to maintain healthy relationships with dependable adults in your life. Talking to adults you trust can help you make the best decisions about drugs and alcohol. It is important to consider how your relationships help you grow. Depending on your peers for opinions is normal and some types of peer pressure are positive. You should always feel comfortable voicing your own opinions. Surround yourself with positive role models. Avoiding groups who depend on drugs can help you avoid pressure to try them yourself.
Educate Yourself on the Dangers Involved
In order to make decisions, you must have the proper information. Don’t take the decision to use drugs lightly. Educate yourself on the risks of any substance you put in your body. Most teenagers aren’t even aware of how dangerous drugs are, and the information they share may not be accurate. According to The Recovery Village, “research has shown that only 11 percent of people who need drug treatment end up getting it. In addition, of all people over the age of 12 with drug use issues, over 82 percent didn’t recognize that they needed treatment, so they didn’t get help.” Learning the facts about drug use and addiction can help you and those around you. Taking the time to get educated about the dangers of prescription and illicit drugs can alert you to the potential for addiction. Sharing your new knowledge with others spreads education about the dangers of these substances.
Beware of Alcohol
Alcohol is the most abused mood-affecting drug in the United States. Around 70 percent of people who seek help for substance abuse suffer from alcoholism. Although drinking alcohol publicly is illegal for people under 21 in most states, alcohol abuse among teens is a serious problem. According to MedicineNet, “almost half of 10th grade students and nearly 65 percent of high school seniors have admitted to drinking alcohol.” The dangers of alcohol use are larger than potential addiction. While under the influence of alcohol, teens are more likely to make bad decisions and participate in other dangerous behavior. Increased confidence often comes with the use of alcohol. Drivers can overestimate their abilities when they have been drinking. Your decisions regarding the use of alcohol include your surroundings. It is possible to become a victim of someone else’s alcohol abuse. With the right knowledge, avoiding drug and alcohol abuse is possible. If you or someone you know is already suffering from drug dependence or abuse, effective treatments are widely available. Communication is the most effective way to eliminate this growing problem.
Dragon Ball fans have a reason to get psyched. Its release day for the 20th film in the franchise, Dragon Ball Super Broly! Teens Wanna Know got a sneak peek courtesy of Funimation, so let’s get right the review!
Spoiler Alert: a few spoilers below..which have been elsewhere revealed in trailers and promos but we’d like to inform you just in case you haven’t seen these.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly opens some time in the past with the citizens of Planet Vegeta, home of the Saiyans, being introduced to their new ruler, Frieza, who’s father is retiring and handing over the reins. After a brief show of force, Frieza and his ships depart, leaving King Vegeta stewing in anger.
Shortly thereafter, we see King Vegeta gloat as he looks over his son Prince Vegeta, floating in a fluid-filled nursing capsule, who represents eventual freedom from Frieza’s enslavement. There is, however, a wrinkle: the king notices a commoner in his own capsule near the prince’s. When he interrogates his staff, he is told that the reason this capsule is secured near the prince’s is because the boy’s latent battle powers are even stronger than Vegeta’s. His name is Broly, son of Colonel Paragus. Upon being informed that this child has the potential to be the legendary Super Saiyan, the King orders him exiled to a faraway, uninhabited planet, ensuring his prince has no competition. Paragus follows to attempt a rescue, and ends up stranded with Broly.
Meanwhile, we see what life was like for the Saiyans. We see Goku’s origins, and understand why his father sent him away to Earth. This is another instance of the father-son focus the movie has…a very refreshing theme prevalent throughout the film and missing in the currently man-bashing Western media. When Gine asks Bardock why he cares about his son so much, he says “Maybe its because I am constantly fighting, destroying. And I’d actually like to save something for once.” Bardock shows that he can love his son and still retain all his fierce masculinity.
He does the rational thing and sends Goku away in a capsule — just minutes before Frieza displays why he is one of the greatest villians in all the multiverse by obliterating Planet Vegeta in a single act of calculated coldness. The only Saiyan survivors are those who disobeyed Frieza’s orders to return to their planet before he blew it up, and this includes Prince Vegeta and Goku’s brother Raditz.
After many years in isolation, Paragus and Broly are rescued and brought to Frieza. It is revealed Paragus has trained his son to be a fierce warrior. At first his father’s gritty determination seems admirable: what a dad, risking it all to save his precious son and train him to be the best fighter he can be! Soon, however, we see that what lies behind his drive is more an obsession for revenge instead of fatherly devotion — and this makes Broly a more tragic figure rather than an evil one. He is being used by both his father and Frieza.
The fight scenes are wild. I mean every punch and kick is like armageddon. We’ve seen a lot of environmental destruction before in previous Dragon Ball films, but this is next level. Broly is beast! And yes, as shown in one of the trailers and widely discussed online, fans finally get to see Gogeta on the big screen — the blend of Goku and Vegeta seems their only chance to defeat the seemingly unstoppable Broly — although achieving fusion is hilariously much harder than one would think. Is it enough? Watch the film to find out!
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is a fun ride. It does the franchise justice and will please existing fans, and will probably make new ones who never paid much attention to the anime before, but who enjoy crazy fight scenes or superhero films. Go see it and have some fun!
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is rated PG and opens in theaters everywhere today (Jan 16th), including certain IMAX theaters. For locations, check https://www.dragonballsuperofficial.com/
Brendan Meyer is the lead in the new film “All These Small Moments,” which also stars Molly Ringwald, Brian d’Arcy James, newcomer Sam McCarthy, Harley Quinn Smith, and Jemima Kirke and directed by Melissa B. Miller Costanzo. It opens January 17th in select theaters, and the 18th on VOD.
Set in New York, the movie is a somewhat quiet study of relationships and the awkwardness that accompanies teenage life, especially when compounded by family strife and the beginning of sexual self-awareness. The film will resonate with older teens and anyone who has experienced a crush which one knows will never come to fruition, but which nonetheless inexplicably fixates one’s desires.
We got the chance to interview Brendan about the film as well as a few other topics (like his role on Fear the Walking Dead) via phone conversation, scroll down to read!
Brendan Meyer as Howie Sheffield in Orion Classics’ drama ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS. Photo courtesy of Orion Classics.
[Full disclosure: Interview below has been edited for clarity…and because on the call I kept calling the movie “All the Small Things” like the Blink-182 song instead of All These Small Moments — oops lol]
Hello Brendan.
Hi there.
How are you?
I’m good. How are you?
I’m swell, we got exactly 10 min and I was told I better not go over so I am going to be speed talking. Is that cool?
Yeah, that’s absolutely fine. I’ll try to talk quickly too.
All right, cool. So before we talk about your movie All These Small Moments let’s help the people who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Yeah, ok! My name’s Brendan Meyer, I am actually Canadian but I live in Los Angeles now. And yeah, I always wanted to be an actor so I’ve kind of been doing little acting classes since I was really really young. But it’s probably been…I’ll say my first actual professional acting credit was probably like almost 14 years ago now.
It started kind of small only working every now and then, did this show call Mr. Young and then I moved to Vancouver. I’ll say that’s when I really started — I mean I was working before that but not as consistently. So yeah that is kind of when I really started pursuing it both in Vancouver and then in L.A. So that’s been about eight years.
You live in LA now?
I do now. Yes. Yes.
Let’s get to the film now. Tell us what All These Small Moments is about, and about your character?
Well basically it focuses on this teenage boy and a bunch of different aspects in his life, and it also focuses on his parents. So his parents are going through kind of a rocky patch in their relationship. They are not sleeping in the same bed all the time, and the kids can kind of feel that, so that is kind of the home life.
Then Howie — the teenage boy that I play — whenever he is going to school, he rides the public bus and sees this sort of older woman, early 30s, and starts to be drawn to her and wants to know more of her story. And it also goes into sort of what is going on with him in school and this girl Lindsay, that he is always running into at the library, and his relationship with his friends and stuff. It is a little hard to describe succinctly, but it’s sort of this tapestry of all these moments that he is going through and that the family is going through.
Right. I saw it and I loved it. I think that everyone’s performances were amazing. So, I enjoyed it, but why do you think teenagers are gonna want to watch this film?
Well, I think teenagers will like this film because I think it is a great portrait of adolescence and I think how he desires to make sense of his situation and deal — I mean I think anyone who has dealt with parents breaking up or having a rocky relationship, that is not something I personally went through that but I imagine so many kids did. So that is something that young people could relate to if they are going through it right now, because I think its very real and honest to that experience.
And then I think there is a real interesting sense of development to all the different characters and I don’t think its just funnelled through a teenage experience. I think a teenager might enjoy not just relating to what they see, which is this sort of teenager-around-their-age’s journey, but they might also kind of be able to see their parents in some of the characters, or think more about what it would be like when they are a little bit older. So I think there is a lot there to chew on that is not just something that is trained to that teenage experience, and I think teenagers may be interested in that.
I agree. Especially older teens, maybe not the 13 or 14 year olds but you know the…
….maybe not, maybe definitely people in the Howie age-range, like 16, 17 and maybe even 18 could really, I think, get a lot out of it.
Absolutely. Now did you know who Molly Ringwald was before you booked the role? Did you know her iconic status?
Yeah, yeah, of course I was very very familiar with her movies and who she was and and the career that she’s had. So yeah, I was very excited to get the chance to work with her and was absolutely familiar with her.
Awesome. What stand out most for you from the production?
I mean one of the greatest things, you know the first thing that I always think of, is getting to film in New York. I love New York and I love spending time there, and we really were in such great, kind of classic New York locations whether it would be a Brooklyn brownstone or this roof overlooking the city or you know in these little parks or shops or cafes or wherever the scenes were.
I think that the movie does such a great job at capturing New York. And so, as an actor in the moment, being there was so amazing. I mean, I lived in a brownstone in Brooklyn while I was there. I walked to set a lot of days. I think the place I stayed was like two blocks away from the actual house where we shot all the stuff with the family. And it was pretty close to some of the other locations too, so it was really really cool.
Were there any awkward moments on set, especially with the actress who plays your crush? I know in real life there is not such an age difference, but as actors getting into your characters, was there any kind of maybe deliberate awkwardness that you guys kind of played off each other? I am talking about Jemima.
Yeah, I don’t think…there was no real awkwardness but I think there was certainly…you know the two of us and [the director] Melissa certainly worked together to sort of get it. A lot of it was in the script but it was still in the moment that you really have to finesse that sort of balance of the relationship, because obviously it is sort of an inappropriate age gap.
But is also one of the central relationships in the movie and so I think its an interesting balance. You are right, it is awkward and finding the moments in the script where the age difference didn’t matter in what they were talking about, and maybe finding the moments where it did and where that led to a little bit of awkwardness when that age difference shows, that was something we definitely had to work on as actors and with Melissa.
Jemima Kirke as Odessa in Orion Classics’ drama ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS. Photo courtesy of Orion Classics.
Well you did a good job because there were some moments when I was cringing. I was like “oh no…”
I am also very naturally awkward. So sometimes that would just come out, and I like to think they could just use that (laughing). I don’t have to pre-plan that necessarily all the time.
All right, good. What role do you get recognized most for and maybe you wish people would move on? I am guessing Mr. Young, am I right about that?
Ah, look I never wish people would move on from anything I…you know, I don’t mind whatever people recognize me from, it’s fine. But yeah, I think that’s probably still the one that I most get recognized for. Sometimes The OA, but mainly Mr. Young still. And for the most part I can still move around and its not too crazy but yeah, I’ll say when people do stop me its most often from Mr. Young.
Cool. You were part of another iconic series, albeit briefly: Fear the Walking Dead, first in the web series form and then in the actual show itself. Did you have hopes to make it as a regular or did you kind of know beforehand that your character was going to be limited?
You know, there was always talk about it potentially being more, but that was never confirmed. I actually booked the regular role I have on The OA at like the exact same time so I couldn’t have actually done it. So I don’t know necessarily if they ever made that call. I know there was certainly talk about having that character having a little of a longer lifespan, but I never got a confirmation one way or the other.
But it didn’t really ever matter because I started filming The OA I think the month after I did that episode of Fear of the Walking Dead — which was an amazing experience. It was really, really cool. The one episode that I got to do, filming in the water tank they filmed that season in and being down there on the set with all those actors for a day was cool. But yeah I think I filmed that the end of January and was in New York for The OA in February so it wouldn’t have worked.
Alrighty, so Brendan what do you have coming up next?
Yeah so the next thing is season 2 of The OA. I think that is the next chance you will be able to see me, and this movie comes out on the 17th in theaters and the 18th on VOD.
Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us. Love your Instagram feed by the way, you have a good eye for photos man, you are talented. Good luck with the movie and hope to see you on a red carpet in L.A. somewhere.
Abla Sofy has a lot going for her. This Moroccan-born beauty hangs out with Bella Hadid, appeared on BRAVO’S ‘The Second Wives Club,’ modelled for BEBE, starred in a music video with French Montana and Daddy Yankee, and is now the first Arab model ever to have a billboard on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood as the face of GUESS. She is also a fashion stylist who has worked on campaigns with Hailey Baldwin, Camilla Cabello and Jennifer Lopez.
What makes her unique and refreshing is that she is of a conservative upbringing, and therefore her modelling is less revealing than many Western models — which is just fine with her bosses, who respect her cultural views.
We got the chance to do a Q&A with Abla to dive deeper into her world and what she predicts will be hot in fashion for 2019! read on…
Salam! Abla, nice to e-meet you. Before we get into your current projects, tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
First of all, I would love to thank you for the interview and for your interest in me. I am 100% Moroccan born and raised. I went to French school and gained a business degree in Morocco. After getting my business degree, I decided to move to LA and go to fashion school. It was always my dream to be in America. After my first visit, I loved it and decided to pursue my studies in fashion school here. When I moved to LA, I got the chance to be introduced to Mohammed Hadid through a family friend and I started working with him as his personal stylist for his TV show. Then I had the opportunity to be on the show myself.
Great! You were recently picked to represent the major fashion brand GUESS, the first Arab to do so. How has that changed your life so far?
When we finished shooting the E! TV show ‘Second Wives Club’ , Mohammed Hadid loved my style and sense of fashion and decided to introduce me to Mr. Paul Marciano, the owner of GUESS. In the beginning, I was afraid to model for him when he showed me all these beautiful pictures of all these gorgeous girls, so we finally agreed that I would work inside the company as a stylist and a designer.
After two years working with GUESS and getting to know the company inside and out, I was approached by the producer Redone to star in a music video with French Montana, Daddy Yankee and Amanda Cerny. After the video came out, I received a lot of exposure and I became far more confident to get into the spotlight. This is when Mr. Marciano asked me to model for him for the second time and this time I accepted!
To be the first Arab model for GUESS changed my life in many ways, especially in the world of fashion. I’ve got a lot of respect from people in the industry because this is something nobody has ever done before. I get the opportunity to represent the Arab woman in America and many people respect this achievement a lot. It has made it very easy for me to have a voice and an impact so I can advise the many people who reach out to me to give them advice about life and how they should achieve their dreams. As an Arab woman it is important to me to let people know how to stand up for what they believe in and not follow all the ideas that are sold to them.
What are your responsibilities to the GUESS brand…do you just model for them or is there more to it?
I have a lot of responsibility toward the brand GUESS. I need to give the best image of myself as I always keep in mind that GUESS is a global brand, so everywhere I go, every magazine cover I shoot and every interview that I do, I need to follow the values of the brand that the owner of GUESS believes and teaches all his models.
I always carry with me little cards that have all the values of the brand written down. It’s something very important for me that is beneficial for me even in my personal life. Mr. Paul Marciano has a lot of experience and has built an empire, so each piece of advice I get from him is very valuable to me.
What have you learned about fashion and style now which you wish you knew when you were younger?
I will never forget one time I was in school and I was wearing red pants and a pink shirt. This girl in front of a guy I liked yelled at me and said that “everybody knows we can’t mix pink and red.” I was so embarrassed. If only I had known that the answer I could have given her: that there are no rules in fashion. Everybody has their own vision and taste and if you want to mix some colors and textures this is what you should do and you can make these beautiful in your own way.
What fashion trends do you think are going to be hot in 2019?
Neon and everything bright are the trends for 2019 which I really love so I’m very happy about that. Green, orange, yellow-and even silver and gold are the colors that are going to be everywhere this year. Also, the mix of classic and sporty is a trend. For example, a suit with a sports bag or belt bag is very trendy so we can play as much as we want and we can go out to meetings all week and go to club with the same outfit, which is really cool.
What is one beauty tip you think every teenage girl should know?
The most important advice for every teenage girl is to take care of her skin and teeth while she’s young. Teeth change your smile so don’t be afraid to wear braces now because you will thank your parents later. Make sure you take care of your skin and use the right products. Don’t use too much make up now so you can have nice skin later.
You are also an actress, right? What’s the biggest challenge you have faced so far in show business?
Yes. I also have a TV show in Morocco. It’s the Arabic version of ‘Entourage.’ It was really fun because I was playing my own character. My biggest challenge in America is to keep my own voice and continue to make people believe in me. With everything that is happening in the world, people have wrong ideas about Arabs from the images they are given on the news. I have to fight this every day and show them that the Arab people are hard workers, they are positive, they are smart and they can bring big value everywhere they go and people should trust them and give them a chance.
And what do you feel is your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment is the fact that I convinced all these brands such as GUESS, BEBE and national and international magazines to believe in me as an Arab woman. This is the message I always give. I don’t want to be just another a model, because I represent the new era of Arabic women. I am strong, open and I still respect my values. I am very proud of this.
Which celebrity have you most enjoyed working with and why?
I had a chance to shoot many campaigns with Hailey Baldwin when I used to work for GUESS as a stylist and it was a lot of fun. I learned a lot from her as a model. She has a very strong personality and she also refused to be overtly sexy in the pictures. This reminded me of myself. She kept insisting on this until production accepted her values, so I respect her for that as she is a very young model. She knows what she wants and this is how she succeeded.
Who would you most like to work with in the future?
I am very close with the Hadid family, but I have never had the chance to work with Bella Hadid. I think everything about her is perfect; her face, her style, her personality. I would love to have the opportunity to work with her. I really admire her as a model, and how down to earth she is with her family and fans after all the success she has achieved.
What do you think is the biggest misconception Americans have of Arabs, and what is the truth about it?
I am so sad to say this, but the biggest misconception we have about Arabs is terrorism and the fact that our people are very close-minded. This is really false, because in every country there are people that do bad things. Having a bad image of the Arab people hurts me a lot. This is why it’s very important for me to insist that I’m an Arab, I’m open minded and I am doing something good for the Arab people in order to improve even a little bit, the bad image that is given on the news.
If you could go back in time and give only ONE piece of advice to your teenage self, what would you say to yourself?
If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice it would be to be patient when I was young and wanted everything right away, right now. We don’t know that the best things take time to achieve. You have to build yourself up so you have a stronger base and better things to present and to give to people in the future.
Morocco versus L.A. – who wins? : )
This is always one of the hardest questions I get asked. I think a mix of both is perfection for me. I try to take what I love from both Morocco and LA. Both are valuable to me.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a very introverted person. I can spend days at home just sitting reading, getting inspired and watching TV. I’m a big thinker. I love to think and try to find the best solution to new ideas. I don’t like to surround myself with a lot of people. It freaks me out. I think it’s very important for a person to know how to make herself happy and how to get inspired from her own energy.
Biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is when someone is talking too much. It really stresses me out. I don’t want to be rude, but it really makes me very frustrated, so I have to leave or to ask the person to calm down as it gives me a big headache. This is something I’m trying to work on because it’s important to hear people talk so you can get their point of view. However, if someone does not stop talking, I feel like they are getting into my head and attacking me.
Favorite food?
My favorite food is, of course, Moroccan food. This is the thing that I miss the most from Morocco after my family. Moroccan food is just so tasty, so full of spices and so healthy. It’s very hard for me to find something similar when I’m in America, so I found a little Moroccan restaurant here in LA that I go to weekly, which I enjoy very much.
Secret fear?
My secret fear is that I will stay too focused on my work and not be able to have kids until later, because I always wanted to have children as young as I can. I am very focused on my career now, which is making me really happy, but it’s always something in the back of my mind. I think a person should find a way to balance both of them. I’m still working on that.
What’s the last movie you watched, and give me a review…but you can only use TWO WORDS for the review : )
“OCEAN” was the last movie I saw coming back from Morocco on the plane and my review is: ‘amazingly insane.’
The one piece of makeup I cannot live without is__________.
Concealer of course! I always have the worst dark circles. I never leave my house without a concealer. Sometimes, it’s the only make up I have on my face.
Most embarrassing moment IRL you wish you could do over?
The most embarrassing thing happened when I went to a model casting and they asked me to show up with no make- up on. I thought they wouldn’t know I had concealer on, but they did and asked me to take it off!
What else are you working on or have coming up next?
I am working on a few fun projects with some brands. Fashion is always my thing so I’m transitioning into television. It’s my dream to have a TV show and work on that more in America, since I’m already acting a lot in Morocco.
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.
