Know What TODAY Is?

Hump  Movie Day!

That's right, I spent the day in the movie theater, tirelessly watching movies so I could give you honest reviews!

Saving Mr. Banks

Tom Hanks has the Midas touch.  I absolutely loved this movie.  It is heart warming and has some fun moments as well.  Bring a tissue, there are a few moments when you will need it.  I am hoping that Disney decides to make a biopic that digs further into the life of Walt (ie Aviator) using Tom as the title again.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Man, there is a lot of walking in all of these LOTR movies.  I saw this in the RD 3D version and let's just say I was completely blown away.  I felt like I was in the movie.  The last time I have seen 3D used this good was in Avatar.  Story line was great, and Smaug steals the movie.  p.s. Legolas is back!

The Legend of Hercules

Kellan Lutz is back and bigger than ever (muscles that is).  I liked the progression of the story that tells how and why Hercules got his powers, I just wanted to see some mythical creatures.  He had to fight some soldiers from his father's army, hardly a match.  The lightning bolt trick at the end was pretty cool though.  I would wait til this one comes out on video, but Kellan, you are still the man!

Catching Fire

Ummmm...  I didn't think I could like this series any more (Hunger Games), but upon seeing this installment proved me wrong.  I was never into Twilight, LOTR, or HP, but this series has me hooked.  The whole premise of the story seems so real, like this kind of government could happen to us if there was a revolt or something.  Scenery was amazing and let's not even start on the action in this movie.  Make sure you have a tissue for when Mags BLEEEEEEEP.  Don't want to spoil it for you!

The Wolf of Wallstreet

This is exactly how I believe the filthy rich live if they want to.  Leo DiCaprio, Scorsese, Hill, etc... (and Chris Riggi, a past TeeJay Interview) all are outstanding in this movie of fast money, fast cars, and even faster uses of the F-Bomb.  It was extremely entertaining but not a movie that I would take my mother to see.  Definately a guys movie, but the performances of all involved are outstanding.  Makes me want to get back into the stockmarket!

Billy Dawson & Vince Lombardi

Nashville, TN (December 10, 2013) - Rising country music star Billy Dawson and legendary NFL football coach Vince Lombardi never met but they both acknowledge the power of leadership in success and recognize the importance of “leading the pack.” With Lombardi’s legacy as their inspiration, songwriters Dawson, Amy Jack and Gannon Adams, penned “Born To Lead,” as an inspirational anthem that motivates followers to become leaders. The songwriters echo Lombardi’s sentiments with the line “it’s not the size of the dog it’s the size of his fight”. The song and accompanying music video will hit airwaves for millions of viewers during the Rotary Lombardi Award Ceremony live on CBS Sports Network December 11 at 7:30 pm central. “Born To Lead” will be available for download on iTunes immediately following the broadcast. An encore presentation will air on December 12 at 3:00 pm central on CBS Sports Network.

“It’s such an honor to co-write and record ‘Born To Lead’ for the iconic Lombardi awards,” says Dawson. “We were all born to lead but only some step into that position and become a positive influence to everyone around them.”

 

The video, filmed in Nashville at LP Field, features a performance by Dawson and profiles each of the Lombardi Award finalists. This year’s finalists include Anthony Barr (UCLA), Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh), CJ Mosley (Alabama) and Michael Sam (Missouri).

 

Dawson adds, “I am honored to be involved with such a great organization and excited to work with Mr. Spencer Tillman, a man of great integrity that is the true definition of being a born leader.”

 

About Billy Dawson

Rising country star Billy Dawson is a multi-talented singer, entertainer, author and writer. He is currently in the studio working with Grammy award winning writer and producer Skidd Mills on a new album to be released in 2014. Songwriting heavyweight Rivers Rutherford, who penned hits such as When I Get Where I'm Going (Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton), Real Good Man (Tim McGraw), These Are My People (Rodney Atkins) and Stealing Cinderella (Chuck Wicks), is a longtime supporter and mentor for Dawson.

Earlier this year, Dawson was invited to be part of the Pat and Emmitt Smith Celebrity golf tournament as the celebrity country artist along with celebrities Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson, Alfonso Ribiero, Anthony Anderson, Michael Irvin, Jay Novacek, David Justice, Coach Nick Saban and Trent Richardson. He is slated to participate again in 2014.

Dawson has shared the stage with artists including Lady Antebellum, One Republic, John Hiatt, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Skillet, Five For Fighting, Colt Ford, Charlie Louvin and Cross Canadian Ragweed. He was the winner of the 2010 "Get Discovered" (iHeart Radio/Clear Channel) National Competition and was featured live on the iconic Jerry Lewis MDA telethon in Las Vegas and on the airwaves for over four million viewers. He was included in iTunes/Tunecore Country 2010 album featuring Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Dawson is the author of You Never Know, the first book in a series of children's books focusing bullying, racism and other societal issues involving children. He brings his book to life when he speaks at schools about the importance of respect and love in everyday life.

For more information about Dawson, visit www.billydawsonmusic.com, www.facebook.com/born2leadbillydawson or @billydawson1 on Twitter

Jamee Natella from BluEyed Pictures inc.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Jamee Natella, founder and executive producer of Blueyed Pictures via email.

From this picture, I can see where Jamee got the name for her company!

TeeJay: What happened to make you start your company?

Jamee: I was living and working in Tokyo for Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) – a highly unusual gig for a foreigner. I soon realized that there was a need for someone to provide production services to visiting producers. So I decided to launch my own venture, Blueyed Pictures Inc. My first job was producing a commercial for Virgin Cinemas.

What has been you favorite project? Hardest?

I have produced a great deal of work the past 15 years.

I like the commercials that bring us to different locations. They are most memorable to me because you travel, live with your crew and discover new situations. Pepsi for BBDO in the Caribbean, Land Rover for Y&R in Japan & Sony In China are amongst a few.

I also really dig commercials that I get to work with accomplished individuals i.e Visa- athletes in the Olympics

The most challenging I believe become your favorite commercials. It makes you strive to be a better producer and gets you out of your comfort zone.

The Lexus Superbowl Spot was challenging (2011) - creating a massive sci-fi environment in the Long Beach Convention Center--- AND our other Producer, Jon Goldberg would agree, Scion Declaration (2008)- a 3 day desert shoot featuring over 150 picture vehicles, 25 precision drivers, helicopter shots, and an 80+ foot crane shot.

What is coming up in the future?

We just wrapped a Bud Light spot for the Superbowl and for SC Johnson a product called, "All Out".

Currently running , is our campaign for Toyota Scion's 10-year anniversary, University of Arizona and BBDO's Fight Dengue.

Next year we will also go into production on Blueyed Pictures' first feature film.

There’s so much more to come in January 2014!

 

What is the process behind a commercial, because many people think it is a quick process, I know otherwise.

You have to be able to move quickly. A lot of preparation goes into it as well. Firstly, the ad agency does market research on the product, and comes up with a campaign. Then I have to win the job - and there’s always competition! The agency will pick a director - usually someone from our roster. Or there might already be a director attached, in that case we execute their vision. Of course, after the job has been awarded, we do a lot of prep work and get everything ready for the shoot, which can last anywhere from one to four days.

What do you want people to know about what you do?

This job requires dedication but also a huge amount of energy – it really is 24/7. You must have passion but also the ability to focus. You need to be up to date on the latest products and innovations - they may be future clients. But you also need to be informed about the latest directors and DPs, and have watched all of their reels. Social media plays an important role in this business, from a branding and marketing perspective. And always know your immediate competitors – this environment is constantly changing and you need to stay one step ahead of everyone else.

 

 

Follow Blueyed on

Twitter: @Blueyedpictures

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueyedpictures?ref=br_tf

Instagram: @Blueyedpictures

Thor 2: The Dark World

I had 2 glorious days off in a row... So I decided to go see a Marvel superhero movie, since they are my favorite type of movie to watch nowadays.

 

Thor 2: The Dark World

Great movie, all of our favorite characters are back, they built off of the first Thor movie, even had a few mentions about The Avengers.  Great cameo by Captain America in the middle.  Lots of action, good story line.  I even got sad when *SPOILER* Renee Russo dies.  Anthony Hopkins loses a wife, Loki and Thor lose a mother.  Of course I saw it in 3D but nothing really stands out as of why I saw it in 3D like Oz or Avatar.
Don't forget to stay for the credits where an Easter Egg is laid, I don't get it right now, but I'm sure it will make sense when the next Marvel movie comes out.

On another note

Man of Steel comes out this Tuesday, if you are close to a "Hastings Entertainment" store, they will be having a midnight release party, if you go (I will) send me pictures to post!

Movies, movies, movies

So... I took yesterday off to catch up on some of my movies that I am behind on....  It was a long day!

It felt like a day of the sequels! 

Grown-Ups 2 

Adam Sandler and crew strike again!  Lots of funny moments, some great jokes, I laughed the most at Kevin James but the movie as a whole was good.  Didn't like the huge product placement by Kmart...   Pick it as a must watch!  Great cameos by Taylor Lautner, Shaq, and Steve Austin! Buy it! 

The Hangover 3

Ummmm.... Only a few laughable moments, maybe since it was the exact same movie as the 2 before it.  John Goodman shows his acting chops as playing a bad guy, but any real acting in this movie stood put above the rest of the shenanigans.  Skip it.

The Conjuring

Loved it.... Except where some of the same spooky details came straight from paranormal activity.  The history of the house was very intriguing and more emphasis should have been placed on it and that the 2 main characters are based on real people!  A good frightful movie.  Buy it! 

Pacific Rim

This is a great action movie, when the monsters are attacking hongKong I couldn't help but think of old Godzilla movies!  Loved the premise of the movie, but they could have spent 20 more minuts explaining things a little better, like why some people have a better 'connection' than others, the different types of robots built, etc....

Parkland

It's a Tom Hanks movie, so you know it will be good!  A historical look at the Kennedy Assassination but including people they don't show you in main stream history books.  It was interesting to see the inner turmoil of the guy that shot the most famous footage where Kennedy was shot to Bob Oswald (Lee's Brother) and his mother.  I never saw/learned about these people in school.  It also shows a different time where people actually cared about people they never met on a deeper plane unlike today.   This is a MUST WATCH movie for everyone, I think it should be shown in schools as a teaching tool, even though some of the dialogue is made up.

The Heat

One of the funniest movies I have seen al year!  Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy are a comedy team that I hope I see again in the future... These lady cops really know how to kick butt better than the boys.  Buy it! 

Other happenings

Sometimes it is hard to get an interview or to find the time to watch a movie so that u can review it.  Sometimes my other blogs are grabbing all kinds of content while another one waits for something.  Right now I am in that predicament.  My other blog, www.TheFoodieWithin.com has gotten some great interviews with some very famous chefs with more to come, so I invite you over to read those while I get some content for this blog! 

TeeJay Interviews Cody Belew : New Album, Voice Finalist, Awesome Guy

Cody Belew

Cody Belew was a finalist on Season 3 of The Voice where he was mentored by CeeLo Green.  Cody has his own album coming out, so we thought we needed to get in contact with him... This is what we learned:

TeeJay Today: Give us a quick bio.... Mom and Dad, siblings, hometown, etc...
Cody Belew: Grew up in Beebe, Arkansas. Steve and Lisa Belew- parents. Casey Belew- younger brother

TeeJay: Tell us about some of the jobs you've done in the past that aren't music related that got you to where you are now.

Cody: When I was a kid, I worked for a man that cut and baled hay during the summers. I worked my way through every job (starting with dishwasher) at a local restaurant. They used to call me out of the kitchen to sing happy birthday and present a piece of pie to customers.

I worked on a chicken farm, in a grain mill, a Christmas tree lot, and a coffee shop. Most notably, I worked for a number of years as a tailor altering clothes. That lead me to designing and building costumes for my college theatre program. I went on to minor in theatre.

 

TJ: Tell me everything about your first big show that you played.

CB: My first big show wasn't a big show in terms of capacity, but it really set the tone for every show after that. I was set to play a Wednesday night at the little jazz club in Little Rock, Arkansas. I told them I felt that I was ready for a weekend slot, and promised that I could fill the place if given the chance. They wouldn't allow it. Wednesday it was. I played the gig, sold out the show. They only had one waitress on duty and the crowd nearly ran her to death. My crowd drank their bar completely dry!!! HAHA. I never played another Wednesday night. From then on, I was a top draw. :-)

 

TJ: What one artist do you look up to the most and why?
CB: I really look up to Lady Gaga right now. Not because of her music, but because of her work ethic and how she as structured her business. She is very savvy and knows how to build a good, strong team of people around her. I want to do that for my own career.

 

TJ: If you had to choose one song that summed up your life and challenges, what would it be?
CB: "thank you falettinme be myself" -Sly and the Family Stone. 

 

TJ: In 3 words, describe your freshman album?

CB: Refreshing, Sexy, Twerkable

TJ: Tell us about the tour coming up!

CB: Planning a few dates in the Midwest at the moment. Chicago being the one I'm very excited about. I'm playing the Hard Rock Cafe there on November 8th.

TJ: Tell us about the album dropping sept 3rd in your own words!  

CB: Its my pride and joy. It's my soul's work. This album achieves what I said I was going to write- timeless pop music that is relevant, catchy, and fun to listen to. I want listeners to fall in love with this project.

TJ: Favorite song on the album? (We know its hard to choose just one)

CB: "Give Me Your Love"

TJ: Biggest inspiration?

CB:  My family. I want to make them proud.

TJ: What is one thing that you want future fans to know about you?
CB: I am not artificial, and I am not in the business chasing celebrity. I want to leave a legacy of good music and good, strong live shows. If you're willing to go on this journey with me, I promise I won't let you down.

Rapid Fire: Favorite: (one word answers)
Animal- Falcon
Color- Olive Green
Food- Grilled Pork Chops
Sports team- Tennessee Titans
Song- "Up To The Mountain"
Sport- Tennis
Artist- Spencer Tunick
Magazine- Architectural Digest
Actor/Actress- Shirley Maclaine
Number- 12
Astrological sign- Taurus
Movie- Fried Green Tomatoes
Book- "The 13th Tale"
Drink- Whiskey and Coke
Interviewer- Oprah

TJ: Single or Taken?
CB: taken

TJ: Describe your perfect date?
CB: A really great restaurant and an amazing bottle of wine, OR going to the movies. 

TJ: Favorite music collab you've done?
CB: Cee Lo Green, of course!

TJ: What is the last dream you remember?
CB: I dreamed a tornado came through during a snow storm and after it over it was a sunny, summer day.

TJ: Can we get some tips from "The Voice" ?
CB: SMILE- there's ALWAYS a camera on you. haha

TJ: What is one fact about you that no one else knows, not even your close friends and family?
CB: If I told you then it wouldn't be something no on else knows!!

TJ: Where can we find your Album?
CB: iTunes with physical copies in stores around the US soon.

TJ: What was it like working with CeeLo?
CB: A genuine artist. It was a dream working with him. He always keeps things fun.

TJ: Any dirt or weird habits you can spill on CeeLo?  
CB: He has 3 little diamonds embedded in his teeth.

TJ: If someone were to write the Cody Belew biography the first sentence would read.....
CB: They used to call him "the boy that sings."
TJ: If the same biography were made into a movie, I want ___CB: Richard Madden_______ to play me!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer my silly questions!

Don't forget to go buy Cody's NEW ALBUM at the link below and as always please follow us on twitter!  @CodyBelew and @TeeJayToday