Ducati Diavel unveiled at Classic Design Bar, by Eva Rinaldi - 26th May 2011

Tony Bonner on the Diavel

Bike (and classy design) fans, the long awaited release of the amazing Ducati 'Diavel' is over.

Tonight bike fans got to cosy up to a machine which will no doubt be the talk of the bike scene in Australia for months.

The ritzy Classic Design Bar at Sydney's Surry Hills was the venue for the upmarket-ish biker bash. Not a "bikie" in sight, and if there were any they were well disguised... they prefer Hog's anyway.

You want to know about the bike right? The blurb from the Ducati powers that be reads:

Even when disappearing in a split second, everyone will always be captivated. This is the magic of Diavel. The design sets new standards in beauty, innovation and sophistication, while outstanding agility and handling are encased within a muscular body which moves with 162 hp. Its astonishing power can be managed in three different Riding Modes and with the assurance of the Ducati Safety Pack (ABS + Ducati Traction Control). Ducati has created something truly magic.

So, what are you waiting for? Well, if speed is your thing, how about this... you can get from 0 to 100km/h in 2.4 seconds, and for under $25,000 brand new we are told (insurance not included), and on this beast of a luxury cruiser, you might want some.

The Diavel just happens to be the second cruiser motorcycle from Ducati, after the Indiana circa 1986–1990. The 2011 model year Diavel debuted in November 2010 at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. The engine is a returned version of the 1,198.4 cc (73.13 cu in) Testastretta from the 1198 superbike, now entitled the Testastretta 11° for its 11° valve overlap (reduced from 41°). If you've still reading you must either a bike or design freak.

A couple of entertainment industry types were spotted at the gathering, most preferring to let the bikes on display be the stars. We did however to get a word with Australian actor - director Tony Bonner who said of the new bike "I absolutely love it", and he didn't need too much convincing to hope aboard the machine for a photograph.

It was a fun, friendly and classy night and one befitting such a beautiful machine on two wheels.

If your in the market for a luxury cruiser bike which won't disappoint, you need to seriously consider the Diavel. If Knight Rider aka Michael Knight rode a bike we think that this might have been the one. Test ride it today to see what you think.

             Tony Bonner on the Diavel

Websites

Ducati

Classique

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Flickr

The Vines do Newtown, by Eva Rinaldi - 26th May 2011



The Vines


The Vines, the super popular Australian indie rock band originally formed as Rishikesh in 1994, hit St Stephen’s Church, Newtown in Sydney tonight in what was the latest gig under the branding of Live At The Chapel (and as they like to also be introduced as for promotional purposes...."Russian Standard Vodka").

The popular band plays a musical hybrid of 1960s rock and 1990s alternative music as a general rule.

Showing a rock solid foundation since 2006 their line-up has consisted of vocalist and lead guitarist Craig Nicholls, rhythm guitarist Ryan Griffiths, bass guitarist Brad Heald and Hamish Rosser on drums.

Many folks first became aware of the The Vines' success when they picked up an ARIA Award in 2002 for 'Breakthrough Artist – Single' for 'Get Free' and they also snatched five other nominations for their debut album Highly Evolved, plus two further nominations in subsequent years.

Future Primitive will be released next month - 3rd June in Australia with worldwide release dates to be announced soon after we hear.

Their music style can be categorized as alternative/garage rock. Much of the band's early grungy sound waves can be put down to their beginnings as a Nirvana cover.

The release of their debut album saw The Vines getting named as "the second coming of Nirvana" by the British news media. Nicholls' odd like stage behavior, and raw as heck vocals drew comparisons between him and the late Kurt Cobain.

I was pleased to learn about the bands activism involvement. It was back in '06 they they created a decorated heart card to benefit PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The band showed great passion and support towards stopping Canada's seal hunt, as well as getting involved in many community endeavors on the quite.

Back to tonight, show biz and the music industry being what it is, there was a commercial element or three, that was frankly impossible to miss.  For the record, the Russian Vodka girls were delightful and well attired in grey which reminded me somewhat of the Russian Army, sorry but that came immediately to mind. Oh, did we mention that their were gravestones a plenty in the grounds of tonight's gig. You can get that when you have an event such as this in church grounds.

It was a fun night guys and girls, with the only exception being one particular photographer who was rude to others. I forgive them, thinking that they must have too fully embraced the Russian Vodka theme... maybe you need to find yourself an available Russian mail order bride or something fella. Oh, almost forgot, I just loved the taste of that Vodka... can't get enough of it. Will be buying some for my private home collection. Vines Inc, very keen to hear when you've got your Russian tour coming up to.

Overall, great vibe, music and Nicole the publicist was so sweet and switched on. My camera loved the event also, so I'm thinking that if you haven't bought The Vines latest release yet, you soon will after checking out the pickies and having a listen to some of their vibes on their official website or wherever your getting your Vines fix from these days. Rock on and peace to all. Fantasticheskiĭ (fantastic) for us Aussies.

 The Graveyard

Three Russian Vodka's

Russian Standard Vodka models

  

Russian Standard Vodka model ready for action on the front line

Russian Standard Vodka models on the couch, with bottles of Vodka of course

Websites

The Vines

St Stephen’s Church

Russian Standard Vodka

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Flickr

Aus film Oranges and Sunshine Premiere, by Eva Rinaldi

Hugo Weaving Jim Loach Margaret Humphreys

David Denham

The Cast Oranges and Sunshine Premiere Sydney

Australian production and Cast from Oranges and Sunshine walk the red carpet in Sydney.

The Jim Loach film, starring Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving and David Wenham, took in £82,922 ($130,839) from 44 screens, giving it an average of £1885 ($2974).
 
The Sixteen Films/See-Saw Films co-production tells the story of Nottingham social worker Margaret Humphreys who uncovers one of the most significant social scandals in recent time – the deportation of thousands of British children who were sent to Australia.
 
The story was well unknown for a number of years and has come to life with the film, which saw both Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and Gordon Brown apologise to their respective people back in 2009-10.
“I’m hugely proud of Oranges,” begins Sydney-based producer Emile Sherman.
“It just had such authenticity and truth to it and so many really touching moments as well as being about something that needs to be told.
 
“Having been involved with films from Rabbit Proof Fence to even The King’s Speech, I definitely have an imperative to try and tell stories that are meaningful and need to get out there and Oranges and Sunshine is absolutely one of those.”
Shot in Nottingham and Adelaide (doubling as 1980s Perth), the Icon film will open in Australia on June 9.
 
The International Association of former Child Migrants and their families embraces "Oranges and Sunshine".
 
The film tells a remarkable story of courage, hope and second chances.
 
A film for every Australian. A film about past- the present- the future.
 
Norman Johnston- President International Association of former Child Migrants and their families (IAFCM&F)
 
 

David Wenham

David Wenham and Hugo Weaving

John M.P. Hennessey O.A.M

 Iain Canning

 
 
 
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1438216/

Icon Films
http://www.iconmovies.net/
 
Hugo Weaving
http://hugo.random-scribblings.net/
 
Eva Rinaldi Photography
http://www.evarinaldi.com/
 
Harold Haig- Secretary IAFCM&F
TEL: 03 9027 0880
EMAIL: iafcm.hh@optusnet.com.au

Aus film Oranges and Sunshine Premiere, 20th May 2011

Aus film Oranges and Sunshine Premiere

Australian co-production Oranges and Sunshine has posted a good opening in the UK on the weekend and the cast will be coming to Australia this Monday.

The Jim Loach film, starring Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving and David Wenham, took in £82,922 ($130,839) from 44 screens, giving it an average of £1885 ($2974).

The Sixteen Films/See-Saw Films co-production tells the story of Nottingham social worker Margaret Humphreys who uncovers one of the most significant social scandals in recent time – the deportation of thousands of British children who were sent to Australia.

The story was well unknown for a number of years and has come to life with the film, which saw both Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and Gordon Brown apologise to their respective people back in 2009-10.

“I’m hugely proud of Oranges,” begins Sydney-based producer Emile Sherman.

“It just had such authenticity and truth to it and so many really touching moments as well as being about something that needs to be told.

“Having been involved with films from Rabbit Proof Fence to even The King’s Speech, I definitely have an imperative to try and tell stories that are meaningful and need to get out there and Oranges and Sunshine is absolutely one of those.”

Shot in Nottingham and Adelaide (doubling as 1980s Perth), the Icon film will open in Australia on June 9.

The premiere will be held this Monday in Australia stay tuned for the the photos from the red carpet at http://www.evarinaldi.com/

" The Green Lantern"

Worldwide Satellite Trailer Debut
Green Lantern
Wednesday May 4, 2011
9:00am-9:15am / Pacific Time
(12:00pm-12:15pm / Eastern Time)
and
1:00pm-1:15pm / Pacific Time
(4:00pm-4:15pm / Eastern Time)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coordinates for both feeds:
Satellite: Galaxy 3C, Transponder 16 KU Digital Slot A
Downlink Frequency: 12011.0000 H
FEC: 3/4
Symbol Rate: 3.9787
Modulation: QPSK DVBS
For questions regarding the satellite feeds please contact Black Diamond Media 310.287.3800

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bringing the enduringly popular superhero to the big screen for the first time, "Green Lantern" stars Ryan Reynolds in the title role, under the direction of Martin Campbell.

In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, an elite but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers.

But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.

Campbell directed "Green Lantern" from a screenplay by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim and Michael Goldenberg, story by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim, based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics.

The film also stars Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Jay O. Sanders, Temuera Morrison, Taika Waititi, Jon Tenney, Academy Award® nominees Angela Bassett and Michael Clarke Duncan and Academy Award® winners Tim Robbins and Geoffrey Rush.
The film is produced by Donald De Line and Greg Berlanti. Herbert W. Gains and Andrew Haas served as executive producers. Geoff Johns and Lucienne Papon co-produced.

GREEN LANTERN will be released in 3D and 2D on June 17, 2011 and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

http://www.greenlantern.com/
For more information or a hard copy of the GREEN LANTERN trailer, please contact:
Allegra Haddigan: allegra.haddigan@warnerbros.com (LA broadcast)
Amanda Soll: amanda.soll@warnerbros.com (NY broadcast)
Anne Chun: anne.chun@warnerbros.com (online)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Hangover Part II"

In "The Hangover Part II," Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding. With the memory of Doug's nearly disastrous bachelor party in Las Vegas still fresh—or at least well-documented—Stu is taking no chances. He has opted for a safe, subdued, pre-wedding trip brunch, with pancakes, coffee...and no alcohol. However, things don't always go as planned.

Two nights before the big day, at a fabulous resort in Thailand, Stu relents. One beer each. In sealed bottles. What could go wrong?

What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can't even be imagined.
"The Hangover Part II" was directed by Todd Phillips from a screenplay he co-wrote with Craig Mazin & Scot Armstrong. Phillips also produced the film under his Green Hat Films banner, together with Dan Goldberg. Thomas Tull, Scott Budnick, Chris Bender and J.C. Spink are the executive producers, with David A. Siegel and Jeffrey Wetzel serving as co-producers. The film stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, Mason Lee, Jamie Chung, Jeffrey Tambor and Paul Giamatti.

"The Hangover Part II" is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures, and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. The film has been rated R by the MPAA for pervasive language, strong sexual content including graphic nudity, drug use and brief violent images.

http://www.hangoverpart2.com/
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Joe Kara
WaterTower Music
818-954-5017

More for “Dark Shadows” and the former “Catwoman”

Accroding to DEADLINE NEW YORK, a new name has been added to the cast of Tim Burton’s “Dark Shadows”, Thomas McDonell will plays the younger version of Barnabas Collins, the same character that Johnny Depp plays.

Warner Bros and director Tim Burton has set Thomas McDonell to play the young Barnabas Collins in Dark Shadows, the feature film based on the 1960s TV soap.

He’ll be serving as the younger version of the character that Johnny Depp plays in the film’s lead role. McDonell gets the job after starring in the upcoming Disney pic Prom. Shooting begins in May.

McDonell joins Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Bella Heathcoate, Jackie Earle Haley and Eva Green, with Helena Bonham Carter also expected to join the cast. I’ve also heard that Michael Sheen is in early discussions to play the role of Roger, the conniving brother of Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (the role being played by Pfeiffer). Seth Grahame-Smith wrote the script. McDonell is repped by WME.

 

RollingStone | ISSUE 638 September 3rd, 1992

“Dark Shadows” is the first time re-team of director Tim Burton and his Catwoman, played by Michelle in 1992 Batman Returns. I just finished the typing of September 1992 issue of Rolling Stone magazine, where she talks about her job in the BAT film, her love life with ex-boyfriend Fisher Stevern and her friend Cher. It’s a really tough work to type the whole article out but anyway, I hope everyone enjoy the reading!
Check out the complete interview in the PMAGAZINE section!

The Dark Knight Rises Start of Production Press Release

Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

May 19, 2011

We've seen set photos from India and London, but Warner Bros. Pictures has now released the official start of production announcement for The Dark Knight Rises. You can read it in full below:


PRODUCTION BEGINS ON "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES"

Filming will take place on three continents, with an all-star cast working under the direction of Christopher Nolan.

BURBANK, CA, May 19, 2011 – Principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures' and Legendary Pictures' "The Dark Knight Rises," the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy.

Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar® winner Christian Bale ("The Fighter") again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.

The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard ("La Vie en Rose"), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake.

Returning to the main cast, Oscar® winner Michael Caine ("The Cider House Rules") plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman ("Million Dollar Baby") reprises the role of Lucius Fox.


In helming "The Dark Knight Rises," Christopher Nolan is utilizing IMAX® cameras even more extensively than he did on "The Dark Knight," which had marked the first time ever that a major feature film was partially shot with IMAX® cameras.  The results were so spectacular that the director wanted to expand the use of the large-format cameras for this film.

The screenplay for "The Dark Knight Rises" is written by Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer.  The film is being produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven, who previously teamed on "Batman Begins" and the record-breaking blockbuster "The Dark Knight."  The executive producers are Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull, with Jordan Goldberg serving as co-producer.  "The Dark Knight" is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics.  Batman was created by Bob Kane.

Behind the scenes, "The Dark Knight Rises" reunites the director with several of his longtime collaborators, all of whom worked together on the "The Dark Knight."  The creative team includes director of photography Wally Pfister, who recently won an Oscar® for his work on Nolan's "Inception"; production designer Nathan Crowley; editor Lee Smith; and Oscar®-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming ("Topsy-Turvy").  In addition, Paul Franklin and Chris Corbould, who both won Oscars® for the effects in "Inception," will supervise the visual and special effects, respectively.  The music will be composed by Oscar® winner Hans Zimmer ("The Lion King").

The locations for "The Dark Knight Rises" span three continents and include the American cities of Pittsburgh, New York and Los Angeles, as well as sites in India, England and Scotland.

Read more: The Dark Knight Rises Start of Production Press Release - ComingSoon.net http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=77763#ixzz1MrgJtJV1

The Sydney Film Festival 2011

The Sydney Film Festival is one of the longest running events of its kind in the world. Each year the festival brings the best new films from around the world to audiences right here in Sydney.

As well as brand new features from over forty countries, we screen short films, Australian films, documentaries and archive titles, many of which are recently restored.

The festival hosts a number of awards to recognise excellence in filmmaking, including the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films, (which are Academy Award eligible), the FOXTEL Australian Documentary Awards and the Official Competition, which celebrates ‘courageous and audacious filmmaking’.

Event Snapshot
When:Between Wednesday 08 June and Sunday 19 June

Sydney Film Festival will run from 8th – 19th June at The State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Opera Quays and Art Gallery Of NSW.
Where:State Theatre, 49 Market Street Sydney 2000 Venue details
Cost:Single Adult: $17
Child (0-17): $10*
Single Concession: $15**
Group Tickets (groups of 10+): $13
Flexi10: $137
Flexi20: $255
Flexi30: $347
Filmmaker Discount: $13
Two for 1: $8.50 per ticket (min & max 2 tickets)
*Children tickets are for select films only. The majority of films, unless specified are 18+ and proof of age must be obtained before entry.
Concessions available to full-time students, pensioners, unemployed, seniors, and members of the following organisations: MEAA, AFI, SPAA, ACS, AWG, ASE, AGNSW and DGA. Concession cards must be shown.
Website:http://sff.org.au
More Info:Sydney Film Festival
Ticketing Department
02 9318 0999
info@sff.org.au
How to get to this event:
Wynyard, Martin Place or Town Hall rail stations; buses along George Street.

 

Walking with Dinosaurs attacks Sydney, Australia, by Eva Rinaldi - 18th May 2011

Just minutes ago Sydney based news media was attacked by dinosaurs walking around Acer Arena at Homebush.

Ok, not literally attacked, but you get the picture.

After a gigantic three year tour of North America, the Walking With Dinosaurs Australian tour has finally commenced on Australian soil.

We headed of to Acer Arena, with just a few butterflies in our stomach, not knowing exactly what to expect.  Little did we know the terror that awaited us.

The media sneak peak at these monsters featured 2 mains acts.

There was the the 11 metre x 17 metre Brachiosaurus, and what is being touted as the stars of the show - Baby T Rex and of course her mum, the 7metre x 13metre Mama T Rex.

Suddenly, with little warning the dinosaurs swung into action.  Mama T Rex and Baby T Rex greeted us, followed by a warm interchange between a mum and baby Brachiosaurus.

Since 2007, Australia’s own Walking With Dinosaurs - The Arena Spectacular has been on a record-breaking world tour, where the production has played to 6.5 million people and taken over $350 million at the gate.

Last year, Walking With Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular was the #1 worldwide tour - selling over 1.9 million tickets and outranking Bon Jovi, U2 and AC/DC! Further to this phenomenal success BRW Magazine also named the producers of Walking With Dinosaurs, Global Creatures, #1 on their prestigious Top 50 Australian Entertainers List for 2010.

Producer Carmen Pavlovic said: "Walking With Dinosaurs was conceived to create life-sized dinosaurs making the show so immense, that it could only fit in arenas.  The show is a $20 million spectacle of unprecedented size and quality that travels from town to town in a staggering 33 semi-trailers."

We spoke with resident director, Alli Coyne, and how the amazing show is put together: "By the time we finish in New Zealand we would have travelled to 30 countries, 60 cities, most of which I've never been to before either. It has to be very organised. There are 73 of us on tour at the moment. We've had over a hundred at times so the logistics of getting this show - 20 dinosaurs, in 33 containers at the moment, plus a crew of 73 from place to place means that we have to be incredibly organised and well planned in advance. We're on tonight. If you want to come and see us you need to get in quick."

On logistics Ms Coyne adds "Because of the size of the show there's only certain arenas that can take us. There's lot of places that we'ld like to go that we can't go, and also lots of places in the world that we've been to now. Having said that's, there's quite alot of places that we'ld like to go back (too)."

Fans are clamouring from around Australia to see the show, and many travel from interstate to enjoy the once in a lifetime experience. Ms Coyne shared "We had a lady in on Saturday in Melbourne who had brought her grandson from Perth to see the show, so she'd flown from Perth just literally to see the show. They were staying one night and then they were flying back home again."

Andrew Blackman who plays 'Huxley The Paleontologist' shared his views on both entertaining and educational aspects of the production: "It's a fabulous experience from my particular point of view being down on stage with scale puppets. You've seen yourself, they look incredibly lifelike. How can you get closer than this. Maybe Jurassic Park with DNA and actually creating dinosaurs, but actually being on stage with such lifelike animatronics is absolutely amazing. The dramatic conflict doesn't happen between another human being, it happens between the dinosaurs. My role as 'Huxley The Paleontologist' is really to be excited, involved in what is going on, and to be absolutely blown out by these creatures that actually did live. There's a journey through the lives of dinosaurs. 170 million years and the early stages of the earth, so there's elements of documentary expertly told by Huxley, but at the same time when dinosaurs appear that's that feeling of wonder and awe, and excitement of there they are, and when there's conflict and the carnivores are chasing the herbivores, real excitement and danger. It brings out the big kid in all of us".

The paying public will be pleased to hear that tickets can be purchased from as little as $50, which by Sydney standards is extremely reasonable.

Fellow human beings, see you tonight if your game. Not just another concert. This is unique, entertaining, educational, and you don't even need a time machine to travel back 65 million years.

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular national tour dates are:

SYDNEY

ACER ARENA: 18 May – 29 May 2011

NEWCASTLE

NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE: 1 June – 5 June 2011

BRISBANE

BRISBANE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE: 8 June – 12 June 2011

Websites

Walking With Dinosaurs - The Arena Spectacular

http://www.dinosaurlive.com

Acer Arena

http://www.acerarena.com.au

Kerry O'Brien Publicity

http://www.kerryobrienpublicity.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

http://www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia
http://www.musicnewsaustralia.com/

Walking with Dinosaurs attacks Sydney, Australia, by Eva Rinaldi - 18th May 2011

Just minutes ago Sydney based news media was attacked by dinosaurs walking around Acer Arena at Homebush.

Ok, not literally attacked, but you get the picture.

After a gigantic three year tour of North America, the Walking With Dinosaurs Australian tour has finally commenced on Australian soil.

We headed of to Acer Arena, with just a few butterflies in our stomach, not knowing exactly what to expect.  Little did we know the terror that awaited us.

The media sneak peak at these monsters featured 2 mains acts.

There was the the 11 metre x 17 metre Brachiosaurus, and what is being touted as the stars of the show - Baby T Rex and of course her mum, the 7metre x 13metre Mama T Rex.

Suddenly, with little warning the dinosaurs swung into action.  Mama T Rex and Baby T Rex greeted us, followed by a warm interchange between a mum and baby Brachiosaurus.

Since 2007, Australia’s own Walking With Dinosaurs - The Arena Spectacular has been on a record-breaking world tour, where the production has played to 6.5 million people and taken over $350 million at the gate.

Last year, Walking With Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular was the #1 worldwide tour - selling over 1.9 million tickets and outranking Bon Jovi, U2 and AC/DC! Further to this phenomenal success BRW Magazine also named the producers of Walking With Dinosaurs, Global Creatures, #1 on their prestigious Top 50 Australian Entertainers List for 2010.

Producer Carmen Pavlovic said: "Walking With Dinosaurs was conceived to create life-sized dinosaurs making the show so immense, that it could only fit in arenas.  The show is a $20 million spectacle of unprecedented size and quality that travels from town to town in a staggering 33 semi-trailers."

We spoke with resident director, Alli Coyne, and how the amazing show is put together: "By the time we finish in New Zealand we would have travelled to 30 countries, 60 cities, most of which I've never been to before either. It has to be very organised. There are 73 of us on tour at the moment. We've had over a hundred at times so the logistics of getting this show - 20 dinosaurs, in 33 containers at the moment, plus a crew of 73 from place to place means that we have to be incredibly organised and well planned in advance. We're on tonight. If you want to come and see us you need to get in quick."

On logistics Ms Coyne adds "Because of the size of the show there's only certain arenas that can take us. There's lot of places that we'ld like to go that we can't go, and also lots of places in the world that we've been to now. Having said that's, there's quite alot of places that we'ld like to go back (too)."

Fans are clamouring from around Australia to see the show, and many travel from interstate to enjoy the once in a lifetime experience. Ms Coyne shared "We had a lady in on Saturday in Melbourne who had brought her grandson from Perth to see the show, so she'd flown from Perth just literally to see the show. They were staying one night and then they were flying back home again."

Andrew Blackman who plays 'Huxley The Paleontologist' shared his views on both entertaining and educational aspects of the production: "It's a fabulous experience from my particular point of view being down on stage with scale puppets. You've seen yourself, they look incredibly lifelike. How can you get closer than this. Maybe Jurassic Park with DNA and actually creating dinosaurs, but actually being on stage with such lifelike animatronics is absolutely amazing. The dramatic conflict doesn't happen between another human being, it happens between the dinosaurs. My role as 'Huxley The Paleontologist' is really to be excited, involved in what is going on, and to be absolutely blown out by these creatures that actually did live. There's a journey through the lives of dinosaurs. 170 million years and the early stages of the earth, so there's elements of documentary expertly told by Huxley, but at the same time when dinosaurs appear that's that feeling of wonder and awe, and excitement of there they are, and when there's conflict and the carnivores are chasing the herbivores, real excitement and danger. It brings out the big kid in all of us".

The paying public will be pleased to hear that tickets can be purchased from as little as $50, which by Sydney standards is extremely reasonable.

Fellow human beings, see you tonight if your game. Not just another concert. This is unique, entertaining, educational, and you don't even need a time machine to travel back 65 million years.

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular national tour dates are:

SYDNEY
ACER ARENA: 18 May – 29 May 2011

NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE: 1 June – 5 June 2011

BRISBANE
BRISBANE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE: 8 June – 12 June 2011

Websites

Walking With Dinosaurs - The Arena Spectacular
http://www.dinosaurlive.com

Acer Arena
http://www.acerarena.com.au

Kerry O'Brien Publicity
http://www.kerryobrienpublicity.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography
http://www.evarinaldi.com

Pirates of the Caribbean 4; Aussie gold rush, by Eva Rinaldi - 16th May 2011

Jack Sparrow and Barbossa embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it too.

And not only that, legendary Australian actor, Geoffrey Rush joins in the fun.

Johnny Depp and action adventure / fantasy genre fans are fired up about this tale of adventure, with the tried and true formula of good VS evil, on the high seas.

The charismatic and talented Depp has promised to keep up 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' appearances as long as people want him to.

Depp appears as the lovable Captain Jack Sparrow for the fourth time in new movie On Stranger Tides, which opens this week, premiering in Sydney tonight.

Seems the public just can't get enough of Captain Jack Sparrow, but this evening they had to settle for a supporting actor, namely Geoffrey Rush (Barbossa) and a swag of Australian celebrities in toe doing the red carpet thing.

It must be said that Rush was so giving of himself tonight to both news media and the fans at the Sydney premier.

Rush told our roving reporter on his decision to enter into the action adventure genre:

"It was all by freakish accident actually.  I was looking at the action adventure thing back in the late 90's ... when I did Mystery Men which unfortunately no one saw. You know what I mean. It's a bit hit and miss, you can never tell. When we started the first Pirates we sort of had the Hollywood curse hanging over our heads. Hollywood hadn't made a commercially successful pirate film since 1951. I think it was only when the idea about turning into a ghoul by midnight that's when Jerry Bruckheimer said now we've really got something."

Bruckheimer revealed at last Thursday's UK press conference for Pirates: On Stranger Tides that the team are "starting a whole new set of adventures for Captain Jack Sparrow" and referred to the stand-alone fourth instalment as a series "reboot".

With the diplomacy of a man who knows his entire investment rests upon Johnny Depp's willingness to mug his way through another extended Keith Richards/Pepé le Pew impression, Bruckheimer was, not surprisingly, full of praise for the man behind Captain Jack:

"The trick was, of course, to get Johnny back, and thanks to his efforts working very hard with our screenwriters, he committed to do this. He's very difficult to convince of something, because he doesn't want to disappoint his fans."

Bruckheimer confirmed that without Depp's character, there would be no POTC spin-offs (despite Geoffrey Rush chipping in that he'd pay to see one about On Stranger Tides' scantily clad mermaids).

Bruckheimer told the press, "The only spin-off is with Jack Sparrow. It's his invention, it's his series. He's made it a success along with a lot of other talented people, so it's his to champion, and hopefully, carry on."

Quizzed when we could expect to see the fifth instalment, Bruckheimer was careful to give nothing away, saying, "I think it all depends on how the audience embraces this one. We love the movie. We had a blast making it, and if everybody enjoys it as much as we do, then hopefully, we'll get the whole team back together again and do another."

It appears POTC4's opening weekend in the UK will tell, then, though Depp's resounding "Yes" to a question from the press about whether he'd consider playing guitar on the next film's soundtrack could say something about how committed he may already be to part 5 of Pirates.

On the director Rush noted "There was a real opportunity to put new blood into this, when the trilogy was finished. Gore was wonderful of the first three films. He comes more from the rock n roll side, crazy comic book aficionado. If you've seen Rango you know. Rob Marshal comes from the opposite side of the same coin. He happens to come from a more musical film background, musical, the choreography background, sense of sharp storytelling, shaping of the film and sense of tempo and stuff was really spot on."

Voyaging back north to Cannes with the star of Pirates...

He spoke at the film’s press launch in Cannes, Depp said he would stick with the role for as long as it is popular with the public.

He said: "Really, ultimately and truly, these films are made for the people. It's the people who go and pay their hard-earned money to see these things. If the people get tired of it or something - that's when it stops, I think."

He went on to say that the series was not so much about the money: "When the process becomes impure - if the process becomes impure - if you're doing it for the wrong reasons - and I know everybody here is doing it for the right reasons - it's not all about the kerching kerching."

Depp then elaborated further: "Some people lose sight of the fact that it is the movie business. If a lot of money is spent on making a film then certainly whoever spends that money expects to make a return on it. But that's not the reason we dove into it. That’s not the reason we go in and made asses of ourselves. We do it for the people. So long as people want it, I’m there."

Australian Geoffrey Rush As Barbossa...

Rush doesn't have a staring role, but he certainly gets decent time to show off his talent in the role of Barbossa.

Despite the non major role for Rush, national and international media have largely been keen to get Rush's view on the film.

It was put to Rush that Barbossa and Captain Jack Sparrow had quite a bit of conflict...

"Yes, one of the underlying story-telling motifs of all four ’Pirates’ films, right back to the first film, is that ongoing conflict – over the ownership of the Pearl. I think there’s a line in one of the films where Jack says "the Pearl means freedom." I think that’s the essence of being a Pirate, that you’re away from land-locked Europe, you’re not apart of a society, you’re apart of the brotherhood of the sea. Your ship is yours, it’s your sense of identity. So when you approach the wheel that’s what you own.".

Rush tells why he came back to do yet another Pirates movie...

"I have to thank Johnny Depp because I think in the development of the screen play, he wanted to keep the Barbossa and Sparrow relationship like an old married couple, constantly bickering. It goes back to the first film, the ownership of the Pearl is at the heart of that conflict. I think it was only on this film that we started to talk about the Black Pearl as a sort of shared girlfriend, I think that kind of made that plotline a little bit more interesting than talking about a boat. Over the four films they’ve kept shape-shifting my character which is fun. In the first film I start as the outright villain spat out of the mouth of hell. Then in two and three he became more of a diplomat, and I think now he’s really landed on his feet, or foot (laughs). Barbossa’s vain and arrogant and pompous enough to think that he actually does belong in the court, and that gave me a terrific new set of variables to play with which was a lot of fun."

Johnny Depp 'Sponged' From Keith Richards...

Johnny Depp has said he "sponged" off Keith Richards to help create his Pirates Of The Caribbean character. The actor, who plays Captain Jack Sparrow in the long-running Disney franchise, famously used a combination of The Rolling Stones' guitarist and cartoon skunk Pepe Le Pew as the prime inspiration for Captain Jack Sparrow.

In downtown London for the premiere of the new film On Stranger Tides (May 12), Depp explained how he was initially nervous of Richards' reaction.

He said: "It was very strange initially you know when the character's main ingredients came up. I was a little worried at what Keith Richards was gonna think. I didn't fear Pepe Le Pew but I was a little worried about Keith. Because for a good portion of the time I was spending with him, I was sponging as much of him as I possibly could for the character. And when he found out what I’d been doing, it could've gone either way, but he was very nice about it, like 'I had no idea mate!' He was very sweet about it."

Richards has gone on to appear in the Pirates movies himself, joining the cast as Sparrow's father, Captain Teague. He reprises the role in the new film.

Depp expressed his delight, saying: "To be able to then bring him into the fold and bring him into the film and do scenes with him was amazing. It's one of those things you know has been seared into your brain and will never leave. It's one of those moments: "I'm really lucky to be here at this moment, and I'm really lucky that I'm aware that I'm lucky."

Storyline...

Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) crosses paths with a woman from his past (Cruz), and he's not sure if it's love -- or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past. Written by Walt Disney Pictures.

Eva Rinaldi

Geoffrey Rush

 

Websites

Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
http://disney.go.com/pirates

Disney
http://disney.go.com/

Event Cinemas
http://www.eventcinemas.com.au/

Eva Rinaldi Photography
http://www.evarinaldi.com/

Eva Rinaldi Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Beachley Classic surf comp: Pros and celebs do Dee Why by Eva Rinaldi - 7th May 2011

Sydney's Dee Why Beach was blessed today with awesome weather, the Beachley Classic surfing comp, a celebrity beach volleyball match, celebrity surf comp, lots of happy souls, a stoked surf culture crowd and a dash of friendly media folks reporting on all the action.

The news that tons of celebs would be surfing, playing volleyball and just hanging out at the beach is what got my main interest, but at the same time, great to see the pros in action also.

First the serious stuff...the Beachley Classic for the bragging rights and the money, of course. Good on the Commonwealth Bank for pumping in thousands of dollars into the event, and we think they got exceptionally good value for their sponsorship dollar.

Hawaii's golden girl of surf, Carissa Moore, may have beaten the last remaining Aussie hope Stephanie Gilmore to progress into the final of the Beachley Classic, but we all felt like winners.

Moore defeated 2004 ASP Women's World Champion Sofia Mulanovich, 27 to snatch her second out of four finals this season, winning a cool US$40,000 winners cheque and returns to her position as the ASP Women's World No. 1.

The media friendly Moore shared "I'm really, really happy, I've been fired up ever since the last two events with Sally (Fitzgibbons) and I'm just super excited I was able to come out on top this time."

Wave selection was a considerable factor in today's comp. Moore was able to take the lead in the closing minutes of the final, posting 6.83 and 8.33 (out of ten) scores, to best the Mulanovich by 15.60 to 14.60 (out of 20.00).

"I was really excited to make another final and it was refreshing to have a Sofia as an opponent," Moore said. "She was leading for most of the heat and I was kind of nervous out there."

Moore's victory today secures her a comfortable 3350 points ahead of closest rival Sally Fitzgibbons, 20, (Australia) on the ASP World Title ratings and has got insiders talking about her now being see as the surfer to beat with just three events to go.

"I'm trying to not think about the World Title too much, I know that there's a lot of girls within range, so I'm just going to keep my head down and have fun."

Mulanovich to her credit reached her first final this year. and beat ASP ratings leader coming into the event Sally Fitzgibbons (Australia) in their exciting semifinal clash, before placing runner-up to Moore in the final.

"I haven't been on the podium for a I while and I'm just stoked to be here, it feels amazing!" Mulanovich said. "Carissa is an amazing surfer and she's really hard to beat although I was beating her for a while out there, I surprised myself."

Fitzgibbons felt short of her own expectations today sighting poor wave-selection her downfall against Mulanovich. She's now out of the ASP World No. 1 spot.

"I can't be disappointed with a third place but I think the waves weren't in my favour, I just didn't quite find my rhythm," Fitzgibbons said. "Some days you have it like in Bells and New Zealand and some days you don't and today I just wasn't quite there."

"You know the World Title is something you're always reaching for and I feel like I still have a lot to give," Fitzgibbons said. "World No. 2 is a good place to be at so I'm just going to hold my head up high and hope to get that rhythm back at the next few events and hopefully snatch a few more wins along the way."

Three time defending event champion and four times ASP Women's World Champion Stephanie Gilmore, 23, (Australia) equaled her best result of the season, placing equal third after being narrowly eliminated by Moore with 16.00 to Moore's 16.50 heat total, in the semifinal.

"Third place is definitely frustrating, it's an ok result but it's not quite enough to satisfy me anyway," Gilmore said. "I felt like I was surfing really good but it just came down to wave selection. Carissa got such a good start and I think I got a little too relaxed when I got a really high score and let my guard down." Despite posting the highest individual wave score of the event, a 9.60 (out of 10.00), Gilmore was failed to grab a second ride with sufficient scoring potential. Her result today moving her up one place into The World No. 4 spot.

"I feel much stronger and more confident and so for me it is just about building on each result and reaching for the top spot again."

ASP Womens World Title Ranking after event #4 Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic
1. Carissa Moore (HAW) 3700
2. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 33650
3. Tyler Wright (AUS) 25420
4. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 22850
5. Sivana Lima (PER) 21420

Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic Final Results:

Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.60 def Sofia Mulnovich (PER) 14.60

Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic Semifinal Results:
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 14.03 def Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.60
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 16.50 def Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.00

Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic Quarterfinal Results:
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 11.83 def Silvana Lima (BRA) 7.33
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.37 def Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 13.26
Heat 3: Carissa Moore (HAW) 16.00 def Melanie Bartels (HAW) 8.76
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 17.17 def Tyler Wright (AUS) 15.10


Beachley Classic Celebrity Surf Challenge...

The list of Aussie celeb surfers included

Lincoln Lewis (Tomorrow When the War Began, former Home & Away)
David Jones-Roberts (Home & Away)
Mike Baird (NSW Treasurer)
Dustin Clare (Satisfaction, former McLeod's Daughters)
Ian 'Dicko' Dickson (former Australian Idol judge, former Classic Rock FM host)
Paul De Gelder (Navy Seal)
Guy Leech (ex Ironman)
Peter Phelps (Rescue Special Ops, former Stingers, Underbelly and Baywatch)
Matt Hall (Pilot, former RAAF Fighter Combat Instructor, 2009 Red Bull Air Race World Champion)
Kerri Pottharst (former Olympic volleyball player)
Kirk Pengilly (INXS)

Layne Beachley and a dozen celebs fought for $5,000 for their nominated charity at today's Sydney.com Celebrity Challenge. It was part of Family Day at the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic.

Teams warmed-up on the sand with a game of Volleyball followed by an Australian tag team rules style surf comp. All celebs rode long boards.

Last year, Sydneysider Miley Dyer led her all-star team of former ironman Guy Leech, Biggest Loser trainer Shannon Ponton and Sydney Olympics volleyball gold medalist Kerry Pottharst to victory by less than a point. Going up against Leech and Pottharst again this year, Ian 'Dicko' Dickson says of the challenge, "This year I'm ready to win the Celebrity Challenge at the Beachley Classic. I've been training long and hard all year for this. They won't know what's hit them." Dicko also kindly shared his thoughts with our team of reporters and the exclusive video footage will be going live soon.

Congrats to the green team who won the the celeb surfing challenge, and well done to everyone who participated in today's happening at Dee Why Beach. It was a great day to be Australian. Layne, you did Australia proud today and your legend and legacy continues to grow. You transcend surfing, and keep building upon the strong foundations you laid down years ago. Thanks for the interview with our crew too.

Beach, fun, sun, world class effects and results... that's what its all about folks.

Stay tuned for some great video footage from today including interviews with Layne and Dicko, as well as some exclusive photos of all of the fun in the sun, and see you back there next year.

Websites

Beachley Classic

ASP - Association of Surfing Professionals

Sydney.com

The Manly Daily

6DC

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Flickr

Water for Elephants Sydney premier, by Eva Rinaldi - 6th May 2011

Water for Elephants enjoyed its Sydney premier tonight, with the 300m red carpet running down Pitt St Mall.

Reese Witherspoon and her co-star Robert Pattinson (Twilight) were mobbed by thousands of fans and hundreds of media types.

Earlier in the day they did Sydney's famous Luna Park, running with the circus theme.

"I think all I can do is stand back and sort of watch it happen because I'm not used to seeing somebody have so many fans," Witherspoon told the press.

"But he's so gracious about it and he's really understanding that people really take the time to stand and wait for him, so he signs every picture and talks to everybody."

Water for Elephants is based on the bestselling novel by Sara Gruen and directed by Francis Lawrence.

The beautiful love story centres around veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Pattinson), who joins a circus after his parents are killed in a car accident.

He's soon enough in charge of an elephant named Rosie, which helps bring him closer to the circus's star performer Marlena (Witherspoon).

The film's stars got up close with another elephant at a presser today in Sydney. Siam especially was brought in from Terri Irwin's Australia Zoo for the happening.

Witherspoon said she was delighted to have been given the opportunity to visit Australia again.

"I've been here before but I haven't been for some time," she said.

"It's meant a lot to me that Australian fans have come out and seen my movie so I'm excited to actually come out and meet them and be there."

She said Sydney's famous Bondi Beach was at the top of her list of places to visit.

"Last time I was here I got to go to a koala sanctuary and I got to go to the Gold Coast and Melbourne - it was really fun," she said.

"I've never been to Bondi Beach, so I think that'd be fun to check that out.

"I just heard it's fun. I want to go have a beer at the beach."

Insiders tip the movie will likely net over $50 million and is in line to pick up a number of awards.

A special thank you to the good people at 20th Century Fox for helping make tonight possible for my life and media skills students and our team. Also a big thanks for security who helped us get some great photos with the films posters at the conclusion of the evening. My students had a great experience with all the excitement, and they are not likely to forget tonight in a hurry. The popcorn that some of the circus performers handed out to media and the fans was appreciated also.

Legendary showman and circus promoter, Phineas Taylor Barnum, would have been proud of the show that Fox put on in Sydney tonight.

This film sufficiently demonstrates that life is the most spectacular show on earth, as they say in the film's tag line.

Stay tuned for our great Francis Lawrence video interview and range of great photos with Witherspoon, Pattinson and dozens more celebrities.

Main Cast

Reese: Witherspoon Marlena

Robert Pattinson: Jacob

Christoph Waltz: August

Paul Schneider: Charlie

Websites

Water For Elephants

20th Century Fox - Fox Movies

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Photographer Flickr