September 28, 2011

Real Steel Premiere With Hugh Jackman In Sydney, by Eva Rinaldi - 28th September 2011


Jackman's new flick 'Real Steel' enjoyed its red carpet premiere in Sydney, Australia tonight, in front of a crowd of about 500 screaming fans.

Jackman says he's finally made a film that gets the stamp of approval from his two children.

The actor might be best known for playing “X-Men’s” Wolverine but Hugh’s kids are right into giant boxing robots and the underdog spirit.

“This is the first time they’ve really connected with one of my films. I don’t let them watch ‘X-Men,’” Hugh told Access Hollywood before flying down under to Australia.

Jackman has also revealed how he believes adopting his children was his "destiny".

Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness were unsettled when they were advised they couldn't have kids naturally but now they know it was fate to welcome Oscar, 11, and six-year-old Ava into their lives.

He told Rupert Murdoch's Herald Sun newspaper: "It was painful. It's not easy. You put a lot of time and effort into it, so it's emotional. I think any parent can relate - trying to have children is wonderful and when you feel as though that's not going to happen, there's a certain anxiety that goes with it.

"We thought we'd have a kid or two biologically and then adopt. But when we decided we'd had enough of IVF, we went ahead with adoption.

"From the moment we started the adoption process, all the anxiety went away. I don't think of them as adopted - they're our children. Deb and I are believers in I suppose you could call it destiny. We feel things happened the way they are meant to. Obviously, biologically wasn't the way we were meant to have children."

Jackman was extremely generous with his time tonight with the fans and media, and I'm most grateful for the time he spent with my family who were in the fans section. Jackman is one of the world's most successful and popular actors, and he's still a big kid at heart, and you can see it in his eyes how much the 'Wolverine' appreciates his fans, both young and old.

The popular Aussie acting icon elaborated about his latest film: "It was great fun. It was like playing the best video game ever."

Starring in the science fiction film Real Steel which opened this week the acting legend plays former boxer Charlie Kenton, brought out of retirement when remote-controlled fighters reinvent fighting. "Think Rocky meets Transformers," Jackman joked.

When interviewed about the film by Event News Jackman shared that he also enjoys pro wrestling and was delighted to have finally stepped foot in a WWE ring, and event got to punch out Dolph Ziggler (as part of him getting behind underdog wrestling Zack Ryder). Woo Woo Woo lverine.

Industry buffs will be interested to learn that Real Steal is a DreamWorks film being released by Disney's Touchstone Pictures.

It seems that at the moment 'Our Hugh' is unstoppable and a real knockout, be it in boxing robot flicks, Marvel comic book movies, wrestling rings or anywhere else.

He's a champ and the movie is a champion effort that is bound to appeal to kids all all ages. 

Cast

Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton
Dakota Goyo as Max Kenton
Evangeline Lilly as Bailey Tallet
Kevin Durand as Ricky
Anthony Mackie as Finn
Olga Fonda as Farra Lemcova
Hope Davis
Phil LaMarr as ESPN Boxing Commentator
James Rebhorn
Karl Yune as Tak Mashido

Directed by Shawn Levy
Produced by Shawn Levy, Susan Montford and Don Murphy








 
Websites

The Real Steel

The Walt Disney Company

DreamWorks SKG Studios

Event Cinemas

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography
Splash News!

Splash News Online

AUSTRALIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL FINALE LIVE FROM THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE


For the first time ever, this year’s Australia’s Next Top Model finale will be broadcast live from one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, The Sydney Opera House, on Tuesday, October 25, from 7.30pm AEDT.

From the very first episode, this series of Australia’s Next Top Model started big. In a world-first, a stunning line-up of the top 100, not top 16, girls was showcased, before being whittled down to 20 and flown to the fashion capital of the world, Paris.

Here, the top 20 girls modelled incredible outfits from international designers Gucci and YSL, wore designs especially created for superstars Beyonce and Lady Gaga, dined with supermodel Natalia Vodianova, completed a photo-shoot at the historic Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte, and had the Eiffel Tower closed down for an exclusive climb.

Upon their return to Sydney, the final 16 models were announced and were moved in to a lavish $22 million dollar mansion in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, before competing in the biggest series of Australia’s Next Top Model yet.

FOX8 Channel manager, Duane Hatherly, said “We are very excited to be taking the finale to the next level. This year, the series has been larger in every way. The Sydney Opera House just seemed like the obvious place to stage FOX8’s biggest live event.”

The finale voting lines will officially open at 8.30pm AEDT on Monday, October 17 after the finalists are announced. The finalists will make one more unmissable surprise journey on Monday, October 24 at 7.30pm AEDT, before the finale the following evening, Tuesday, October 25 at 7.30pm AEDT.

Australia’s Next Top Model continues to be FOX8’s highest rating series and the highest rating non-sports program across the FOXTEL platform.

ENDS

For further information:
Matthew Fraser
Senior FOX8 Publicist
Ph: 0425 268 100 / 02 9813 7334


About FOX8
For non-stop entertainment, pleasure seekers across Australia look no further than FOX8. With exclusive series, event television, the hottest international shows and local productions, FOX8 delivers it all, 24 hours a day. FOX8 has your entertainment needs covered. AUSTRALIA’S & AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, AMERICAN IDOL, GOT TO DANCE, WWE RAW, WWE SMACKDOWN!, GOSSIP GIRL and, of course, THE SIMPSONS. We’ve got 100% high velocity TV.

About FOXTEL
FOXTEL is Australia's leading subscription television provider and is connected to over 1.65 million homes on cable and satellite through retail and wholesale distribution. FOXTEL strives to ensure subscribers find TV they want to watch every time they switch on through delivery of more than 150 channels covering news, sport, general entertainment, movies, documentaries, music and children’s programming. FOXTEL is owned by Telstra Corporation Ltd (50%), The News Corporation Ltd (25%), and Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd (25%).



MIKALA ROBERTSON
Publicist | Television

FOXTEL Channels Group, a division of FOXTEL Management Pty Ltd
T +61 (2) 9813 7406 | M +61 (4) 12 334 851
5 Thomas Holt Drive, North Ryde, NSW 2113
, Australia | www.foxtel.com.au/community 

September 26, 2011

Our hunt is just about over for the Australian premiere of 'The Hunter'.

Willem Dafoe - Photography Eva Rinaldi

Sydney might not be home to the Tasmanian Devil, but it's hard to argue with the choice of Dendy Opera Quays being the venue for tonight's Aussie premiere.

Willem Dafoe was most generous in his time with Australian press.

Defoe portrays a mercenary on the trail of the now extinct Tasmanian Tiger.

"It's true," Dafoe concedes in his instantly recognisable, gravelly voice over the phone from his home in Rome. "And that's not a bad thing."

The actor was wrapt to play the lead part of Martin in The Hunter, based on Julia Leigh's acclaimed novel of the same title.

The rising star actor told our friends at News Limited "First of all I didn't know it was freezing. But the fact that we were going to shoot in Tasmania was very important. Clearly you had this very good story set against this epic backdrop and that appealed to me not only for the adventure personally but it's also nice to find a movie that can do the things movies do best, something that television can't do for example. 

"I liked the fact that it was the central character with a slow transformation and that you got to spend a lot of time with him in the bush."

"The landscape is very tough and the weather is very tough but it really rooted what we were doing. One day it would be beautiful and sunny and the next day it would be snowing and freezing cold. And button grass - unless you have walked through a field of button grass you have no idea how difficult it is."

Dafoe advised he loves to travel the world to make motion pictures, thinking that exposure to different locations and new things helps makes actors "reconsider your condition and the condition of the world". He loved that Tasmania was so faraway from the movies business and was as "a magical place to film".

"You can really concentrate on what you are doing and the further you get away from the world, then that becomes the only world," he says. "Because it is so far away from everything it has a special charm."

The Hunter also stars Frances O'Connor and Sam Neill, with whom Dafoe has worked before.

Be sure to watch out for the ongoing struggle between loggers and tree huggers.

Dafoe has worked with some huge names in the modern era of movie making. Try on for size David Lynch (Wild At Heart), Martin Scorsese (The Last Temptation of Christ), Oliver Stone (Platoon) and Sam Raimi (Spider-Man). The Hunter was directed by Daniel Nettheim, in his first feature, but Dafoe says he enjoyed the opportunity to lend his considerable expertise.

"Let's face it," he says, "Martin Scorsese and David Lynch had to start somewhere. Also you are afforded a sense of collaboration. It's always difficult to adapt a very strong piece of literature and since you spend so much time with this character it was important to really suit him to me. 

"So there was lots of back and forth and working to make it a good fit. After I met Daniel I knew he was very bright and knew he was very open to working with me in that way."

Tasmania may be home for his current flick, but next stop is Mars for the rising star, thanks to Disney. Dafoe will play Tars Tarkas, a six-limbed, green Martian warrior.

For now, its apparent that Dafoe has found his place in the motion picture universe, and insiders tip he is an actor expected to go a long way, with his name up for some Hollywood awards later this year.

The Hunter opens Australia on Thursday.

Cast

Willem Dafoe - Martin David
Sam Neill - Jack Mindy
Frances O’Connor - Lucy Armstrong
Sullivan Stapleton
Dan Wyllie
Callan Mulvey
Jacek Koman
Morgana Davies - Sass Armstrong
John Brumpton - Publican
Maia Thomas - Shakti
Jamie Timony - Free
Dan Spielman - Simon
Finn Woodlock - Bike Armstrong

Director: Daniel Nettheim
Writers: Julia Leigh (novel), Wain Fimeri (original adaptation)


Frances O'Connor - Photography Eva Rinaldi

Finn Woodlock and Morgana Davis Photography Eva Rinaldi


Websites

The Hunter

Dendy Opera Quays

NIX Co

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography


Music News Australia

September 23, 2011

Motley Crue Rocks Sin City Sydney Australia, by Eva Rinaldi - 23rd September 2011



Glam rocker icons Motley Crue officially opened their down under Australian tour last night in Brisbane.

Crew, tonight it was 'Sin City' Sydney, and the boys didn't disappoint and looked right at home in the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

The crowd was right into it from the get-go and leaped in joy (or scare) when the boys hit the stage, thanks to a whack of pyrotechnics taking things up a notch.

The band was eager to please and gave us a Best-Of set of numbers.

For my liking the highlights included: "Shout At The Devil", "Same Ol’ Situation", "Girls, Girls, Girls", "Saints Of Los Angeles", "Smokin’ in the Boys Room", and the massive finishing number, "Kickstart My Heart". There was also a touch of nudity from a bevvy of 35+ women.

Tommy Lee rocked with his drumming and witty banter definite high-points of the night. And Mick Mars is living proof that you can most definitely rock out until, as the boys all stated, "the wheels fall off". The 60-year-old rocker can still rip it up.

The combo of fireworks, flame-throwers, steam explosions, fake blood, nudity, and craziness from these 4 middle-aged rockstars, it resulted in quite an entertaining evening of rock’n’roll.

*Bret Michaels (frontman of Poison also performed). It seems Michaels had his own legion of fans in attendance and got a huge pop from the crowd on more than one occasion.

Michael's song list included...

Rock N Roll All Night

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Nothing But A Good Time

Talk Dirty To Me

What The Cat Dragged In

Manna Don't Dance

Unskinny Bop

*Doc Neeson (Voice Of The Angels) was the main support. Brett Michael's was the other support, and it was touch and go as to who of these supports were more popular. Some fans got into the supports more than the main event.

Doc's song list included...
Take a Long Line.
No Secrets.
Shadow Boxer.
Dr John.
Marseilles.
 
Am I Ever Gonna See You're Face Again


 



Websites

Motley Crue

McManus Entertainment

Bret Michaels official website

Poison official website

The Angels

Sydney Entertainment Centre

Flourish PR

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

September 16, 2011

Star City Casino Now The Star; Kerry-Anne Kennerley Cinderella Red Carpet, by Eva Rinaldi - 15th September 2011

Kerri-Anne (Cinderella)

The Star (formally known as Star City Casino) shipped in quite a few celebs tonight, but sadly no Lionel Ritchie.

But wait, Australia's 'Queen KAK' Kerry-Anne Kennerley helped save the day (and night) with her Cinderella like high heel shoe performance of kinds, upon the TV queens' red carpet entrance.

At least one unidentified female Sydney based photographer was seen madly snapping away at Kennerley as she ducked for cover in a corner and fixed up her bad shoe day, with assist from hubby John. Darlings, we must say that 'Queen KAK' looking gorgeous and handled the situation with ease, even offering friendly waves for the photographers, and generous interviews with press from all outlets.

The Star appears to have succeeded in its almost $1 billion make-over, boosted along by the currency of celebrity (thank you for the phrase Bono, and we hope to see you here soon, since your mate Bob Geldoff kindly dropped in a few months ago).

Wonderful to see a solid spread of Australian music media icons such as Molly Meldrum and Richard "Wilde" Wilkins". A media insider tried to tell us that Ronan Keating and Angry Anderson (Rose Tattoo - love your slot game Mr Anderson) were spotted on site, but the latest news is that it was just media spin in attempt to get extra celebrity rub for the night, that wasn't really that badly needed anyway.

We can now confirm that Olivia Newton-John was snuck into Sydney yesterday to prepare for her role as special ribbon cutter. How would you like that on your CV? Is Lionel Richie ever going to forgive her for stealing his otherwise pre arranged spot!

Conspicuous by their absence were NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and Lord Mayor Clover Moore. We're guessing they're not exactly passionate punters, but The Star is as much about entertainment as it is gambling, so go figure.

The Star calls itself a "one-of-a-kind leisure and entertainment venue". "Queen KAK", Molly and Wilkins seemed to buy into that pitch, but will the average Sydneysider? Bean counters at Echo Entertainment, parent of The Star should know the trends within a few short months.

The rather rich $860 million transformation of Star City includes the re-orientation of the building to embrace Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.  Once fully complete, The Star will boast more than 20 restaurants, bars and cafes. There's also going to be a luxury boutique hotel and 16 room spa... perfect for the spa parties naughty little boys and girls just dream of, and an upscale retail collection, a 4000 capacity entertainment centre and world class gaming areas, where you can play the classic slots like Cleopatra and new Hollywood themed games like 'Pink Panther and IGT's 'Sex And The City'.

Created by internationally acclaimed events producer David Grant, the ceremonial opening featured an impressive dazzling light and visual arts display, centred on The Star’s new glass façade harbour-side entrance.

250 guests were picked up by motor yachts from The Rocks and brought across to Pyrmont Bay where they did the red carpet, but no one did it quite like 'Our Kerry-Anne', also assisted by her prince charming husband, John.

Guests dined in to a couple of The Star’s new showcase restaurants – BLACK by ezard and Balla. The jury is out as to whether news media was invited in or not, and an insider whispered "One crazy pap reckons Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire were dining. Yeah right Casino Jack. Talk about pushing the celeb angle".

The after-party at The Star’s new cocktail lounge, Cherry, was rocking, and our spies tell us there was no Leo or Toby, but a number of 'Underbelly Razor' actors were spotted, but requested to not have their identity revealed. A few minutes walk away the Rock Lily venue pumped thanks to Australian band Potbelleez.

The Star's hotel accommodation sure looks real accommodating, and we're looking forward to doing a review of one of the fit for a king and queen rooms when the opportunity presents. Might even upstage The Hilton and Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, so stay tuned for that darlings.

Tonight may have been a big night at The Star, but our media mates tipped us off on a few huge big gigs coming up at the former ugly duckling casino, and stars, celebs and tons of world class entertainment are in the wind, all overlooking Sydney's world famous harbour. Comon' Aussies - be a star, and check it out soon. You're in for a real treat.








*photography by Eva Rinaldi Photography

Websites

The Star

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

September 15, 2011

The Star Attracts Stars: Casino And Star Celebs: Crowe, Olivia Newton-John, by Eva Rinaldi - 15th September 2011

Danielle Spencer and Russell Crowe


The Star brought out the stars at tonight's official launch of the venue formally known as Star City Casino... (least we forget.)

The Star hopes and it appears, has succeeded, in loosing tags and Aussie nick names like "RSL on steroids".

Olivia Newton-John was snuck into Sydney yesterday to prepare for her role as ribbon cutter. The rumour mill says she snatched Lionel Richie's spot.

Conspicuous by their absence were NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and Lord Mayor Clover Moore. We're guessing they're not exactly passionate punters, but The Star is as much about entertainment as it is gambling, so go figure.

The Star calls itself a "one-of-a-kind leisure and entertainment venue".

The super expensive $860 million transformation of Star City includes the re-orientation of the building to embrace Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.  Once fully complete, The Star will boast more than 20 restaurants, bars and cafes, a new luxury boutique hotel and 16 room spa, upscale retail collection, a 4000 capacity entertainment centre and world class gaming areas.

The Star is very much about great food. Joanna Savill, co-editor of the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, says The Star's line-up of "really great chefs" will "completely change the food landscape of Pyrmont and turn it into a new dining precinct for Sydney" capable of challenging Surry Hills.

Created by internationally acclaimed events producer David Grant, tonight’s ceremonial opening featured a dazzling light and visual arts display, centred on The Star’s new glass façade harbour-side entrance.

250 guests were picked up by motor yachts from The Rocks and brought across to Pyrmont Bay where they did the red carpet.

The colourful celebration featured a special appearances by Russell Crowe (flanked by his wife
Danielle Spencer), and Aussie showbiz icon, Olivia Newton-John. Crowe was a key in seeing South Sydney Rabbitoh's getting into a lucrative deal with The Star, so his appearance wasn't what you would call a huge surprise, but it was very welcome.

Guests dined in to a couple of The Star’s new showcase restaurants – BLACK by ezard and Balla.

Now we're off to an exclusive after-party at The Star’s new cocktail lounge, Cherry, while punters and rockers tune into live music via the Rock Lily venue with beats from Australian band Potbelleez.

Tonight may have been a big night at The Star, but our spies tipped us off on a few more big gigs coming up at the former ugly duckling casino, and stars, celebs and tons of world class entertainment are in the wind, all overlooking Sydney's world famous harbour.
















Websites

The Star

Hausmann Communications

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

September 14, 2011

Crazy Stupid Love Premiere At Bondi Junction Event Cinemas - 14th September 2011


The extremely funny Steve Carell has outdone himself in 'Crazy Stupid Love' in a flick that is tipped to snatch numerous 'love story of the year' awards.

Carell, well known for his great performance in 'Date Night' and the lead in 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin', puts on a tremendous show here.

The funnyman actor tells the press that the audience has to believe there is truth in the parts he plays, and it's one of the main reasons he was attracted to his latest comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love, "There was something very truthful to me about it. And because of that, it's even funnier."

He elaborated, "It has a lot of heart. It's very human. You just play the character as honestly as possible, it should be funny in that context."

Carell, 49, plays a middle-aged man who is going through divorce after his wife, (Julianne Moore) confesses to an affair.

For the ladies that may be wondering, Carell is happily married to Saturday Night Live's Nancy Carell and they have two kids.

Carell looked sharp and was accommodating to fans and media at tonight's Sydney red carpet premiere of the film. Event Cinema, Westfield Bondi Junction, enjoyed a crowd of a few hundred fans waiting to catch a glimpse of Carell.

Screenwriter Dan Fogelman shipped off a copy of the script to Carell's production firm and he loved it so much, he decided to take it on.

"This guy, I feel, truly has his head in the sand and is somebody who has become very, very complacent. My character is sort of an unwilling ladies' man."

The actor was very impressed by his co-star Ryan Gosling, 30, who as a hot stud Jacob, teaches Cal how to snatch a woman with no emotional involvement.

For the actor, the funniest characters don't know whether they are in a comedy or a tragedy. "They're just living," Carell says. "You and I don't know if our lives are comedic or dramatic. It's just how we're moving through the day."

This movie will both move you and is touted as one of the funniest love stories in a long time.

The general public can see Crazy Stupid Love on 29th September.  It will be worth the wait, so make a date to see it. If you're crazy about your partner, or even just looking for love, this might be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Directors: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Writer: Dan Fogelman
Stars: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Julianne Moore



                                                       Photography: Eva Rinaldi

John Requa, Steve Carell, Glenn Ficarra,

Steve Carell

John Batchelor


Peter Helliar

Harry Cook


Annalise Braakensiek

Issi Durant

Nikki Phillips




Websites

Crazy Stupid Love

Roadshow Films

Village Roadshow

Warner Bros.

Event Cinemas

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

September 11, 2011

Festival of the Winds: Kites up at Bondi Beach, by Eva Rinaldi - 11th September 2011







It was on for young and old, as the skies above a magestic and very busy Bondi Beach came alive with hundreds of kites of all shapes and sizes from locals, as well as international kite makers and flyers.


The event officially started at 11am and finished at 4pm, but folks stayed for hours after.
Kites were the main drawcard and both beginners and professionals had a field day, as did the public at large who took it all in. Delta and Free Form kites from the Australian Kite flyers Society members were all the rage, as well as kite designs from India, Malaysia, China and Japan. Personally I loved the giant whale, dragon kites as well as the more arty ones.
Sure, the Festival Of The Winds may be focused on the kites, but today had so much to offer. There was the beautiful weather, big waves, jumping castles, craft workshops, green goon and Captain Cook types dressed to the nines, magic displays, Aboriginal dancers and storytelling (Freeman Dancers from Wiradjuri Nation), Brazilian martial arts dance routines, and my youngsters just loved the unofficial beach wrestling and football.
It was also a photographers dream come true for many keen snappers. I personally took over 200 photos which captured a modest amount of the action.
Waverley Mayor Sally Betts told media prior to the event "Bondi Beach’s sky will be infused with colour with hundreds of kites swaying in the ocean breeze. There are some amazing kites - in the past we have seen a lobster, shark, dragon, cartoon characters and flowers floating above the beach and park.”
“Now in its 33rd year, Festival of the Winds is a definite crowd pleaser attracting professional kite-makers and flyers as well as novices as it’s the only time in the year you can fly a kite at Australia’s most famous beach.”
“Anyone can join in the fun! If you don’t own a kite there are kite making workshops or you can buy one on the day.”
International guests included Peter Lynn from New Zealand and Janneke Groen from the Netherlands.
It's worth stopping by the the Bondi Pavilion Gallery where there is an aerial art exhibition. The good news is that it will run to the 18th September. Michael Richards is the curator and he did a fine job. The exhib showcased a cross-section of kites from across the globe.
Locals seemed to think that between 100,000 to 150,000 people attended The Festival Of The Winds today and its a safe bet that today was a stand out for Bondi Beach.
We're looking forward to doing it all over again next year. Well done to Waverley Council and to everyone involved with putting on a fantastic festival which was world class all of the way.
*photography by Eva Rinaldi Photography














Websites