Tanna Frederick: Set for Stardom – Exclusive for Gemma

A few months prior, Gemma Magazine had the fantastic opportunity to attend “Dances with Films,” an exciting Film Festival at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Many promising films and shorts had their premiere, and all deserve so much credit. One actress and film that stood out to us is Tanna Frederick from Two Ways Home. Tanna Frederick is captivating, raw, and lights up the screen. Frederick’s performance also provokes intense emotion from the audience. You find yourself rooting for her character, Kathy, who is fighting hard to put her family back together. Tanna Frederick is an incredibly gifted actress.

Tanna also produced the film, and Ron Vignone directed the feature. Tanna stars alongside the talented Tom Bower (who plays her grandfather Walter) in the heartwarming production. Two Ways Home is currently on its way to the Women Texas Film Festival womentxff.org this month and has received support from NAMI and Breaking The Chains.

So, who is Tanna Frederick? Tanna Frederick is a Producer, Director, Actress, and Environmental Activist. Tanna alongside Randal Kleiser launched DEFROST, a revolutionary VeeR virtual reality experience (Cannes). Tanna produced and stars in the feature film Two Ways Home premiering as an Official Selection at the Dances With Films 22 festival mental health awareness. She has starred in and produced six feature films with film icon Henry Jaglom, including The “M” Word, Ovation, and three of his plays, including Train to Zakopane. Frederick has a Best Actress awards from Wild Rose Film Festival, World Fest Houston, the Fargo Film Festival and the Montana Independent Film Festival. Method Fest named her “One to Watch” and she received the CineCause Award, the University of Iowa’s Distinguished Alumni Award, Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival’s Maverick Award. She is the founder of ProjectSaveOurSurf.org (@PSOSurf) hosting monthly beach cleanups and a camp which has reached thousands of underserved youth in Southern California and Mexico, educating them on environmental issues with hands-on instruction in yoga and surfing.

In Two Ways Home, Tanna’s character Kathy returns home to her children, her ailing grandfather, and her ex-husband after being in prison. She has Bipolar disorder and made a few poor choices, which landed her a prison sentence. After becoming clear on why she made a few erroneous decisions and completing rehabilitation, Kathy is released back into society, and most importantly, joins her family. It’s a tough road ahead of her but Kathy takes on the challenge.

The film takes place in Iowa, which is Frederick’s home state. When Tanna had a moment, she spoke with Gemma about her character and her poignant acting experience in the film. We were honored that she took the time to talk with us.

Did you always know that you wanted to be an actress?
I always knew I wanted to be an actress, yes. I had stints of also wanting to be a marine biologist and a sanitation worker to clean the trash up as a kid. And I was a poly-sci major with an emphasis in international relations with honors in college. The needy artist in me won.

Your character, Kathy, is up against many challenging circumstances when she returns home from prison. How does she convince herself to keep going? Her persistence is quite incredible.
I think my character Kathy in Two Ways Home convinces herself to keep going after her release from prison because therapy helps her recognizes the past choices were the result of her unbalanced brain chemistry. Her actions were not something she would have chosen if she had assistance in understanding her Bipolar disorder. In this plotline, she’s been through rehabilitation in prison and was lucky to be in a place to face her demons and the possibility of a beautiful future.

The relationship between Kathy and her daughter, Cori, is strained. You can see that Cori wants a relationship with her mom. She’s pushing her away and can be completely inappropriate at times. How would you describe the relationship between them?
Cori and Kathy’s relationship is typical of Gen X’ers and children whose parent’s mental health issues force the role of parent and adult to be switched back and forth always. Cori has been told her mother has mental health problems and is unfit to be her mother. It is also a predisposed element placed on Cori’s judgment by society. The two women are longing for connection but are always up against each other redefining that relationship based on the terms they face. It’s a tough road for both of them.

I love the scenes with you and your grandpa (played by Tom Bower). What was it like working with Tom Bower. Your scenes together were especially heartwarming.
Tom Bower is an amazing actor! It was a gift to work with him! Working with Tom Bower is akin to merely existing as a character on the frame. He makes it so effortless in a scene because as an actor, he is immensely giving and so present. He’s such a reverberating tuning fork one can’t help but sit back and let a moment unfold naturally. Five years before making Two Ways Home, at every event I’d see Tom, I’d tell him I was going to use him in a movie where he’d play my grandfather. He didn’t believe me until I finally showed him the script.

The film takes place in Iowa, and you were raised there. What was it like to go back and film?
Filming in Iowa and being from Iowa brought this enjoyable down-home family experience I’ve never had and wish I could experience every time. I shot on family farms and had family and friends helping out where I needed backup, ending long days with homemade ice tea at my uncle’s house. We started a neighbor’s house on fire, luckily they were related to us.

In a previous interview, I heard you mention that many Iowa locals were in the movie. What was that like for them?
I think everyone in Iowa had a good time filming the movie despite the one hundred degrees heat and humidity. It was incredibly beautiful in the countryside, and we worked so well as a film family and team.

What would you say are the universal themes of Ways Home?
The universal themes of Two Ways Home are about acceptance and family. The fact that this specific character was dealing with bipolar illness is one of the many things she could have been facing. Tom Bower’s character is suffering PTSD from the war, and Riley Behr’s role as the daughter is dealing with displacement issues from being raised by her grandparents and not her mother. The parents are dealing with the loss of a daughter to the prison system through mental illness and then trying to forgive past transgressions by Kathy. It’s a universal theme I saw growing up in Iowa that stays with me to this day: the priority of family. The resilience of love is a healthy choice, and it can be a more difficult road to keep remodeling the family unit like a piece of Tupperware from 1976. Every Christmas on my grandparent’s farm my aunts would have “The Day after Christmas Tupperware Fight” because you just don’t throw Tupperware away. You keep it. It’s sturdy, and you can count on it through the decades. I think an Iowan sees their family like Tupperware. It’s worth the fight.

When Kathy returns home, it seems there is still so many feelings between her and her ex-husband, Junior. There is resentment as well. Do you feel that Kathy and her husband (Junior) still have feelings for each other? Was it more about repairing the relationship for the sake of the family?
I think Kathy and Junior have feelings for each other. Richard Schinnow (Junior) contributed to the script development, and there were a lot of ways Richard could have teased out the relationship between the two – a lot of tossed pages – that the symmetry of the grandfather and Corey’s relationship could’ve been ignored. I think we hit a perfect balance and suggestion to their history as high school lovers, the flame still burns, and then this sort of ‘Jack and Diane’ story got real once ‘Diane’ developed bipolar after having a child. Their love goes on despite all the factors involved. We pretty much left it up to the audience to detail Kathy and Junior’s relationship.

It’s brave and very empowering that the film took on mental illness as one of its focal points as well as the ability to take responsibility for it. Can you please expand?
There is such a huge stigma now and historically to speaking out about and confronting mental health. I always think of the comparison that if someone has diabetes, it’s not considered shameful or a weakness to have or a risk factor involved relating to that diagnosis. However, when someone has to say, “I have depression, I have anxiety, I have bipolar 1 or 2, etc.”, there is such a fear factor involved in that exchange because the parties receiving that information are so often uneducated about mental health. Whether that be from lack of funding to mental health programs, education, psychological studies, or outreach; there is vagueness. We just haven’t hit the spot where it’s understood yet.

We would like like to personally thank Tanna Frederick for taking the time to speak with us. Two Ways Home is a beautiful story of watching Kathy forge unexpected new levels of love and heroism through self-acceptance and perseverance.

To follow Tanna on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/tanna.frederick.3

IG: @tannafredrick

@twowayshomemovie

Timelapse Company: Timeless Jewelry from Past to Present

Timelapse Jewelry Co. is a relatively new brand but they are making such a stylish statement within the jewelry niche. Nothing excites Gemma more than sharing timely news about a fashionable accessories company on the rise. Timelapse offers bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and body chains, all representing a look into the future while staying firmly grounded in the present. Mike Westerband and Andie Leon head the company and are a great combination.

Timelapse is based in Los Angeles and while the design of watch movements has an extensive history that dates back to the 16th century, the story of Timelapse Co. began in 2015. Timelapse features collections focused on blending the lines between art, craft, and fashion while inspiring an appreciation for the present. Timelapse Co. brings the same historical artistic qualities and geometric details that original watchmakers had into pieces with a modern focus.

Timelapse offers three beautiful collections and when the creatives behind the concept had a moment, they were kind enough to talk about their company, their creations, and hints into the future. Mike Westerband is the CEO while Andie Leon serves as the Marketing Manager. They are both inspirational and creative entrepreneurs.

How was Timelapse conceived?
Michael: Believe it or not, but Timelapse Co. initially started as a dream during a trip halfway around the world. I was visiting Andie shortly after she had just moved back to Sydney after living here in the United States for a number of years. At the time I felt I just really needed a short vacation from my job in wealth management and decided to make the trip out there to see her and give myself a bit of a change of scenery.

One day we decided to go to the Blue Mountains to see the Three Sisters rock formation, but our trip was cut short due to rain so instead, we spent the day visiting local shops and restaurants. We stumbled into a small gem store where we met a gentleman who forever had a lasting impression on me. We got to chatting and he exuded such a charisma it was clear that this man was living a life charged with passion. When I asked him how long he’d been working here, that’s when he told us that he was the owner of the shop and in fact, he never worked a day in his life since he was doing something that he loved. At the time I sort of chuckled because of how cliché it sounded, but we knew that he was actually sincere when he said that. I’ve heard the phrase many times before, but for some reason, it really stuck with me and I think that conversation planted the mental seed that would eventually lead to Timelapse.

Fast forward a couple weeks and I was back home in the US wondering if people were truly spending their time living lives of passion. With a sense of uncompromising inspiration I was granted a vision and after a few months when Andie decided to move back to the US also we decided to set out to give people a collection that speaks to living with passion in the most important moment of our lives: the present moment. It’s tough since people mostly live in the future or the past – ruminating on past experiences or future hopes and dreams – but experiencing the present moment is what life is all about since life is unfolding in the present. Since then our collections have continually grown along with what they represent.

Tell us about the faces behind Timelapse?
Andie: My face hopefully is a good one full of jewelry that makes statements. Lol. Seriously speaking I was a Novela Actress for Telemundo. I suffered from an intense disorder and left the entertainment world to entertain myself with new endeavors — ones that I could control. Creating jewelry was one of them. Empowering myself with stones, crystals that I could use and jewelry to help me overcome insecurity, empower my voice and be happy (Jade is an excellent crystal for Joy). Now I wear my “Magician rope” with tiger’s eye, for Boss Bitches or Witches Lol. Really, it helps my creativity and enhances my confidence so I can grab life.

We also have recently brought in a new Marketing Manager, Stephanie. We are very excited about her coming in to work with our company. She brings a breath of fresh air and a wealth of experience.

Michael: Andie is more of the creative one when it comes to our duo, and I would say I’m the more analytical and strategic.

How do you plan to place Timelapse on the map?
One city at a time with style and grace. Creating unique concepts with the idea that it’s not just jewelry to adorn your body but a statement of who you are — a masterpiece in this world. There are so many jewelry lines out there, the market is saturated but we would like to create the idea of a lifestyle based on the fact that you can change your looks instantly just by changing how you where your specific piece. For example, the magician rope has 7 different looks while, and at the same time, the crystals can be used to enhance certain emotions or feelings.

Your publicist mentioned that Timelapse will do an official brand launch soon, what type of impact do you expect?
Michael: We certainly hope to wow you with our collections! That and not only would we like our guests to walk away with a sense of who we are as a brand and what we’re about, but it’s also a time for us to connect the brand with what they would like to see more of as well. We’re still very much in the early stages and we also have a number of collections and collaborations that we’d like our audience to preview since our audience is who we’re ultimately building for and they’re who drives us.

What message would you like to convey to your audience?
Andie: We started this company based on the idea that we were no longer dictated by your watch ticking or time passing or even the structure that civilization has created for humans; to wake up, go to work, come home (a bit like a robot) we want to break those barriers and be ART in Time. Timeless, your past and present- “Timelapse”, to create you in the current state.

What is the inspiration behind past and future collections of Timelapse?
Andie: We have teamed up with some exceptionally talented women who have something to say. For Example, Brenda Sarai Zuniga’s collection is called Transformation. It is based on the fact that Labradorite gave her the courage to transform her life. She was last year’s semi-finalist at Miss California and will be competing this year as Miss Burbank. The concept behind her collection is that you can never let your current circumstances affect your dreams.

We are also creating a collection with Melissa Pellone — this will be a more dainty collection, an expression of femininity in a world where women have to put their pants(or dresses) on and work hard to be equal and to thrive. Although the majority of our collections are really unisex, we’ll also be expanding our collections with more masculine features soon, so stay tuned for that!

All three collections are gorgeous. Can you briefly describe each? (the Silver Line), the Bold Edition, and the Gold Edition).
We currently have three main collections but are continuously coming out with more. The Silver Line is the bread and butter of our product line in that it incorporates the design elements that first started the brand, namely by utilizing complete vintage and antique watch movements as a central feature of the pieces (and is also made of .925 Sterling Silver). Aside from incorporating the watch movements into the focal point of the designs, the Silver Line features options that let our customers tailor their piece to their likings, such as selecting the color and chain lengths of the pieces. We also launched our Crystal Collection earlier this year, which incorporates semi-precious stones and beads into the designs with energetic purposes and intentions. The Gold Edition is a limited-edition run of our original collection featuring gold plating. However, due to the popularity, we’re merging it with the rest of the Silver Line collection. We’re also working on releasing several collaboration collections with other designers and fashion influencers shortly, so stay tuned!

What can we expect for your next collection?

That word … Expect! I hope that we blow your mind. LOL. All I can do is give our audience my heart and create magic, craftsmanship, inspiration with every piece we create.

What do Timelapse Custom Creations entail?
Timelapse Custom Creations refer to our white-glove bespoke services, where we step out of the confines of the design parameters of our core collections and let our customers imaginations run wild! With Custom Creations, customers are paired directly with one of our professional designers who work with the customer from A to Z to create a piece that satisfies the desires of the customer. Material upgrades from 18k gold to platinum, custom engravings with initials or whole sayings, as well as set diamonds and more are all possible with Custom Creations. The process is simple and straight-forward, with projects varying based entirely on the needs of the client. It starts with a brief introductory call, where the customer pairs up with a specific designer, who gathers the information needed for the project and explains the process in more detail. From there, a quote is drafted for the plan outlining the requirements and turnaround time. This process may include preliminary graphics and research depending on the project. Once the client accepts the quotes, we immediately begin working on the project and then ship it to the client once completed. It’s that simple!

Why is history so important in your designs and creations
Since one of the focal features of our original collections is the incorporation of vintage and antique watch movements into our designs, there’s an embedded history within the pieces with a story to tell. In art, like in life, the current stage of a piece is affected by where it comes from since history is what brings us to the present. At Timelapse, we feel it’s important to remember that particular history since it only lets us appreciate the gift that much more. It’s interesting to think about… What was the world like at earlier times? Can you imagine how much different the tools were? What transportation was like? What modern conveniences do we routinely take for granted? These are just some of the questions that can come up in conversations about history, and I think that more and more we are realizing that as we further understand history, we might also understand the future.

Your jewelry is gorgeous. It’s also taking off. Do you see bringing in apparel at some point?
Thank you so much! 🙂 I will say that we don’t have any immediate plans to release apparel this year, that doesn’t mean we never will. For us, Timelapse as a brand goes beyond jewelry but is a lifestyle – a state of being appreciated for our time and what we have. Whether or not that message remains in the medium of jewelry or expands beyond only time will tell, so stay tuned to find out!

Who do you admire the most and why?
Andie: Oprah – she has the courage to face all adversity, grow, change and thrive. Just like in the latest book she talks about the mustard seed; The Kingdom of Heaven (also a state of being) growing from small beginnings. I started from nothing as well and have worked my whole life to create my own heaven. Oprah has always inspired me to heal, change and grow.

Michael: My mother. I’ve watched as she’s been through a lot but she has always been the strongest person emotionally. Aside from being there for me in life whenever I’ve needed something, as an emergency room physician she’s been there for countless people in their times of greatest need, sometimes bearing an emotional burden that I can’t imagine.

Describe Timelapse in one word and why?

Andie: Alchemy, because by wearing Timelapse Co. you are transforming yourself from ordinary to extraordinary.

Michael: Timeless… because it is.

Mike Westerband, Andie Leon — Mike Westerband and Andie Leon

To follow Timelapse on social media:

http://timelapseco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timelapseco_la/

activist actors artists beauty creative entrepreneur fashion style well-being

Keeping Up with Influencer Krystal von Seyfried

Krystal von Seyfried is quite the force of nature. She’s an Influencer, Model, and Actress who is motivated to make an impact — an influence in a different way. She’s passionate, hard-working, and driven to achieve her dreams; and most of all; she cares. Krystal inspires others by how much she values people and our society. Seyfried recognizes various problematic cultural issues and is determined to make a difference in her way. Krystal also understands that beauty comes in all forms: from within, through service, and simply helping others. She also enjoys fashion and beauty and sees it as an art.

Krystal von Seyfried is a Los Angeles native born to a Filipino mother and a German father. She majored in business and definitely has an entrepreneurial mindset. She got her start in pageants, which led to modeling, while she kept pushing her lifestyle content on social media. Currently, her Instagram is booming! When she had a moment, Krystal spoke wth Gemma about her aspirations, life as an Influencer and various causes that are imperative to her. We love her views on women’s empowerment.

In three words, describe Krystal von Seyfried and why?

Captivating, loving, and imperfect. All self-explanatory and all true.

Did you know that you always love fashion, style, and modeling? You mentioned that you are a fan of Melrose. What are some of your favorite brands?

I didn’t always like this stuff. I used to hate it. I was a cute kid, but still grew up feeling very different from everyone else. Then my awkward phase hit me like a ton of bricks, and I was chubby and covered in pimples. I remember accompanying my older sister to one of her photoshoots around this time, and from a distance, I heard someone say – “Who is that? Is she a model?” and then I listened to the other person laugh and said, “Seriously? She could never be a model,” and I remember feeling so ugly (inside and out) and hating everyone in that entire industry. I cried that night into my pillow, praying for God to please make me pretty so people would stop being mean to me. So no, I didn’t always like this industry. It was quite the opposite. In terms of fashion, some of my favorite brands include Versace, Chanel, Moschino, and Balmain. Yet, my real favorite is just exploring the shops on Melrose and finding random cool vintage pieces to work with.

Do you find being an Influencer overwhelming at times? How do you balance it all?

Compared to the taxing physical labor jobs so many people on this planet do day by day, it isn’t a lot of work. However, for me, I balance the influencer thing with a lot of grounding and shadow work. Being recognized and having people come up to you for the first time feels so crazy. Furthermore, seeing your likes pile up is legitimate dopamine high that I never want to get addicted to. Therefore, I balance it all in a very healthy manner. In my shadow work, I force myself to face my deepest impulses, fears and desires head-on. Then I figure out where they came from, whether it is societal programming, childhood trauma, or just from my own darker half. I hold myself accountable for my emotional and spiritual development, and I battle my demons every day. Sometimes I lose. Most of the time I win, and because of that, I’m able to be balanced and whole.

What do you do during downtime — when you log off and need to rejuvenate?

Reading and meditating! I love staying at home and learning about anything I can get my hands on, especially ancient history. Lately, I’ve been reading a lot about the Sumerians and the Mayas. I’ve gotten back into reading my Bible too. After a tiring day, I go to my prayer room, light some incense, do some silent meditation. I also turn on a Steve Nobel transmission (my favorite guided meditation channel on Youtube), and then I read until I fall asleep. That’s my idea of an enjoyable, rejuvenating night that I can always look forward to.

You are very ambitious. Can you please expand on your acting aspirations?

Acting is just one of the many facets of the film industry that have piqued my interest. I’ve just started to dip my toes into the entertainment sphere again, but I’ve been in talks with directors and filmmakers. We have been brainstorming tons of amazing concepts for upcoming projects. Unfortunately, I can’t divulge too much information about these things at this point in the creative process. But I will say that amazing things have been in the works, and I can’t wait to reveal everything to everyone that the right time.

What advice would you give to a teenager wanting to follow in your footsteps regarding the discipline and mindset?
Love yourself. First and foremost. Always the most important thing. When I was a teenager, I struggled so hard with self-love. At times, it’s something I still struggle with today. However, as a teenager, I made a fool of myself for unworthy, creepy older men that I stupidly attached my self worth to. I tried to fill my void with the attention of older men. Unfortunately, that’s a widespread phenomenon with young girls nowadays, especially among teenagers. If you genuinely love yourself honestly and thoroughly, so many other life problems naturally fall away. It always starts with self-love. So that’s what I’d tell a teenager to focus on – to be disciplined in programming her mindset towards self-love. And to then watch the magic that naturally follows.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself enjoying life in my little slice of heaven on earth, surrounded by people I love and a family whom I can call my own.

What will you change in the fashion industry and why?

I want to change the way people interact with one another not only in this industry but within entertainment in general. I hope to shift it in a way forward, where things are fair across the board for everyone rather than centered around a select few. This is a problem in every industry, but fashion and entertainment are notorious for it, and I want to fix that for good — Somehow

As a rising star in Hollywood, what sets you apart from everyone?

My heart. We’ve all seen celebrities let the lights and cameras get to their head, rather than scoffing at these celebrities though I pity them. As a grown adult, it’s essential to value sound qualities, values that should come naturally to us — how to live, and love. The entertainment industry entices many people out of a need to fill a void within themselves. When you pursue a passion with recognition as the primary goal, you’re never going to get anywhere.
Most importantly, you’re never going to fill that void with something from outside your vessel. It must come from within, and this is where most people get it so twisted. My goal is to change the hearts and minds of people in the entertainment industry, inside and out, and I’m going to do that with my heart.

What are your long term goals?

I want to save the planet! Nature and family are crucial –Saving the bees, saving women, and saving the family unit. I hope to have a charity one day focused on helping rehabilitate drug-addicted women throughout weak, rural areas of the United States. We continuously pour our effort and resources elsewhere, while Americans in our backyard are overdosing and dying en masse. A woman is the seat of all creation and life, so I believe that healing one woman heals all her descendants to come. I think this is the key to eradicating trauma, pain, and many other issues that plague America as well as the world’s general population.

How would you describe overall beauty?

Beauty is in everything – you can find it in yourself, in nature, or a small moment of reprieve from your hustling daily life. Grace is also most easily found in the form of a beautiful woman. Unfortunately, beauty in this form has been demonized over the years, thanks to the human ego and vanity. As a woman that people have deemed physically “beautiful,” I believe that with this, I have an essential God-given duty to do ONLY the right things with this gift. It’s so easy to do the wrong things with it. I take it very seriously as so many before me have fumbled the ball and ruined it for the rest of us. Beauty is found first within the vessel and then emanates outside of it. I intend to keep my inner landscape beautiful amidst the craziness of Hollywood so people can always see my heart shining through, bright and clear.

Where can we find you these days?

Probably on Melrose, shopping around and enjoying life! My favorite street to walk around in this city. Second place is probably the fashion district because my PR agency is around there and I love shopping around for little knick-knacks after fittings.

If you have a superpower, what would it be and why?

I couldn’t choose just one! I’d want something that would help me help the most people; I don’t care for anything self-serving. I’d probably wish for healing superpowers so that I could help humanity not suffer anymore. I’d still want to add in some cool green star bolts or laser eyes though, to indulge my inner child and also for the aesthetics.

Which force of nature would you be and why?

I would be air because almost all of my planets are in Libra. I’m a super airhead to the max! People think I’m dumb, flaky, and forgetful because of it. Which I am sometimes. In retrospect, it’s because my mind is continually flying everywhere, way up in the clouds thinking about science, history, mysticism, and the points where those three come together — always overthinking. Hopefully, this interview made you guys think a little bit too. Thank you for your time!

Gemma Magazine would like to thank Krystal Von Seyfried for joining us and for the refreshing interview!! You can follow Krystal on her Instagram site: @krystalvon

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Staying Real with Ron Robinson for ‘Gemma’

Ron Robinson is making his mark in Hollywood as an actor, producer, and director. He’s respected by his peers for his craft and especially for the person he is. Robinson is an actor but a skilled creative collaborator as well. Ron has a strong work ethic but also gives generously to who he’s working on set.

Robinson grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan, about 30 miles outside of Detroit and even lived many of his early childhood years in Memphis, TN. Ron always performed in front of his family with different impressions, as early as he can remember. Did he know from an early age that he wanted to become an actor? Actually, no. He did not know that he would commit himself to this craft until he was around 17 or so. When asked if his parents were supportive, Ron expressed, “It’s a risky business, so there was some worry maybe from my family when I talked about acting. However, they became very supportive after seeing me perform in my first theatre productions,” says Ron Robinson.

Recently, Ron took the time to chat with Gemma Magazine as we are thrilled to feature such a multi-talented actor and diversified creative.

Would you that you got your start in the Monica video for the song “Why I Love You So Much?” You have such a strong presence — Did it lead to additional acting work?

Yes, I would have to say that the Monica video was my first on-screen professional appearance. I booked that gig about two months after arriving in LA. You know, Monica was so special to work with. She made it easy, and the chemistry was natural. That video played in constant rotation all day every day for a while. It brought me recognition, as well as more opportunities. A few months after the video, I booked my first speaking role on ‘Saved by the Bell” (The New Class) along with many more other shows including “90210,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” and “Star Trek.” I booked many shows that I grew up watching during my first two years in LA, which was exciting.

The cast of Undateable John (Robinson plays Larry) is so super talented. Also, is it true Joan Jett produced it?

Undateable John was produced by Joan Jett, from her production company Blackheart. It also stars Daryl Hannah and Tom Arnold. Joan has a significant part in the movie; she has a lot of range and substance to her acting. Her presence on set took the experience to another level for me. She was so real and down to earth and she would play her guitar during some of our downtimes when she wasn’t filming. We made the whole movie in one house in the Hollywood Hills, so we all got to know each other a bit.

Tell us a bit about your animated series SuperF…ckers
SuperF…ckers is an animated series that revolves around a group of superheroes that never really do any superhero work. I play Radical Randy – My character uses drugs to gain superpowers. Pretty trippy! David Faustino and Jaleel White also star on the show, in which the premise centers upon an adult-rated comic book series.

You are involved with acting, directing, and producing. Have all three elements been a consistent part of your creative process?

I directed my first short film, Lost, over ten years ago. But at the time, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a filmmaker. I always tried to get other people to do the work for me. I was encouraged by my close friend to dive into this other art form, and it took me years to abandon self-doubt to become a filmmaker. Now I feel that I have no other choice. It’s another form of expression that I can’t run away from, and I enjoy it!

Who are some of your favorite actors in terms of talent, authenticity, and overall longevity?

Morgan Freeman, Toshiro Mifune, Joaquin Phoenix, Viola Davis, to name a few. I can go on for days. There are so many actors that I admire.

Yes, I enjoyed putting that piece together, and we recently won a few awards at Film Fest LA! Edge of Incursion takes place on Halloween, and it’s a mystery short. It follows my character as he travels through the night on the way to his girlfriend’s costume party, in hopes of giving her a trick or treat. The audience will have to decide. Edge also stars one of my best friends and fellow actor, Kash Hovey, who also appears in Undateable John. We shot Edge of Incursion in Santa Monica and Downtown LA, in the middle of Skid Row.

Kash Hovey and Ron Robinson have a friendship and a mutual respect for each other when it comes to the entertainment industry. Kash expanded,

“Yes, proud to say Ron is a dear friend, and I’ve had the honor of collaborating with him on multiple projects. We met on a film set we were both acting in years ago and bonded over our love of movies and filmmakers. He is so talented and passionate about his work.” “As an actor, he brings everything he has to his performances and takes you into his character. As a producer/director, he has his vision of what he wants and is very collaborative with his cast. He brings the best out of of his actors, and it’s always a creative and inspirational environment of artists.”
(Kash Hovey on Ron Robinson)

Would you say your mind is always creating? Also, how do stay grounded in a very competitive industry?
I would have to say Yes. When I’m not creating, I’m thinking about creating.
Family of course, keeps me grounded but I’ve also had some very humbling experiences over the past few years that made me put life into perspective. I don’t take anything for granted anymore.

I want to thank Ron Robinson for taking the time to chat with Gemma. We will be watching for the latest industry news on Ron.

You can follow him on the following social media platforms:
www.ronbarringtonrobinson.com

https://www.facebook.com/ron.robinson.547

https://www.instagram.com/ronbarringtonrobinson/

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Bjorn van den Berg’s Surreal Style World Featuring “High Voltage”

Designer Bjorn van den Berg always takes you on a beautiful path in the fashion world — part fantasy and part contemporary. Bjorn is the ultimate “glam” designer, and it shows in everything he designs or collaborates. Bjorn is a Couture Designer of high-end apparel and accessories.“High Voltage” is Bjorn’s sixth collection and like usual, we are thrilled to report upon it.

Imagine a couture collection envisioning a new world both surreal and futuristic world combined with high-quality materials and unexpected colors. Welcome to the work of Designer Bjorn van den Berg and the introduction of his 6th collection: “High Voltage.”

With “High Voltage,” new techniques and details are fused with high-end luxurious materials. The collection symbolizes true craftsmanship. The color palette consists of a bright Silver in combination with Rose Gold. The futuristic collection comes to life by merging details from a distant future with Bjorn’s luxe aesthetic.

Striking Lightning

The color palette consists of clear crystals with silver colors translated into futuristic parts, and metals combined with a soft ‘Peach Rose’ tone. The contrast of the hard metals and this soft and feminine color brings balance to the pieces and provides a surprising and innovative look and feel with a modern edge.

How does Bjorn van den Berg feel about the name “High Voltage”?
“The name High Voltage indicates the charged nature of the collection. It resembles striking lightning, being under tension. The theme beautifully flows into the color palette and use of materials, with items that speak for themselves and appeal to the imagination as a result,” explains Bjorn.

Bjorn is from Amsterdam but frequently travels to Los Angeles and is always inspired by the fashion in L.A. as well. The combination of European flair and trending west coast chic style is a consistent signature Van den Berg look. Many musical artists and celebrities have worn his designs. Requests have already started to come in for several international projects that will begin in the upcoming months.

The Collection

The Couture Collection consists if eleven unique items in total. Think of the signature corset and a controversial headpiece trimmed with dozens of crystals running down to the small details. With these statement pieces, the designer puts a bright and magical mark under his collection. Bjorn also takes you on an adventure to a new, surreal world. The trench coat, executed in a beautiful pastel ‘Peach Rose’ color, is unique to see from his work. “The metallic material is almost as clear as a mirror and completes the overall look and feel of this collection,” says Bjorn.

Lastly, for this collection, Bjorn chose not to shoot a campaign image. He wanted the creations to speak for themselves and decided to create an exclusive collaboration with the international magazine, BASIC Magazine. Together with the Editor-in-Chief, Viktorija Pushatha, and the BASIC Magazine team, the “High Voltage” Collection was shot in a surreal setting, resulting in an exquisite upcoming editorial series that is currently out now.

To follow Bjorn van den Berg on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/bjorn.vandenberg.54

https://www.instagram.com/vandenbergbjorn/

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Celebrity Golf Classic to benefit The Anthony Anderson Foundation from GBK Productions

Over $500,000 was raised at Anthony Anderson’s 3rd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic benefiting The Anthony Anderson Family Foundation. The Black-ish star hosted his first annual Anthony Anderson Celebrity Golf Classic May 21-22 in Palm Desert, Calif and it was a success.

The Anderson Family Charitable Foundation (AFCF) was formed in 2009 by John and Tamara Anderson with the purpose of providing assistance to underserved elementary school-aged children in the public school system and their families.

It is our belief that quality public school education can be the catalyst to a bright and prosperous future for ALL children. The AFCF strives to provide assistance where needed to ensure that all children are comfortable at school and have the tools to thrive in that environment.

Celebs and Sports Stars such as George Lopez, David Justice, Smokey Robinson, Chris Paul and more came out to support the 3rd Annual Anthony Anderson Celebrity Golf Classic Presented By Lexus.

On Monday, May 20th, Gavin Keilly, CEO of Hollywood’s premiere Celebrity Luxury Gifting Lounge company, GBK Productions, hosted an exclusive “Thank You” Celebrity Gift Lounge in honor of the 3rd Annual Anthony Anderson Celebrity Golf Classic in Palm Desert, CA. This exclusive invite-only event was held at the Big Horn Resort in Palm Desert where over $500,000 was raised in support of The Anthony Anderson Family Foundation which benefits Children’s Hospital LA, Boys & Girls Club of America, The Black Academy of Arts & Letters, Los Angeles Mission, Compton Jr Posse Youth Equestrians, Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum, Children Striving Together, Compton Initiative, and Compassion for Teen Life.

The Celebrities that came out to support this amazing event included Anthony Anderson, George Lopez, MLB players Dave Winfield, David Justice, Greg Vaughn, Jerry Royster, Ozzie Smith, and Scott Erickson, NFL Players Jim Plunkett, Pete Shaw and Willie Buchanon, Pro Golfers Lee Elder, Seems Sadekar, Tisha Abrea, Isabelle Shee, Sara Winter, Chelsea Pezzola and Maiya Tanaka, NBA players Chris Paul, James Worthy and Norm Nixon, actors Roland Martin and Peter Mckenzie, musicians Smokey Robinson and Bryan Gallo, influencer Carter Thicke and more.

Attendees of the exclusive lounge received pours from Blue Nun Wines — Blue Nun is a German wine brand launched by the company H. Sichel Söhne (Mainz) in 1923 with the 1921 vintage, and which between the 1950s and 1980s was a very popular international (https://www.bluenun.wine/) which included 24K Sparkling Gold, a sparkling wine with real 24K gold flakes, Kahuna Chair (https://www.kahunachair.com) gifted their new Kahuna LED Anti-Aging mask, B Opulent gifted bracelets, necklaces and rings with all natural power beads imported from around the world made an appearance! Beauty Kitchen by Heather Mariana gifted organic spa products, Fit Farm gave guests a complimentary week stay at their fitness retreat located in Nashville, and Puma, the third largest sportswear manufacturer, gifted athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories. Finally, guests were excited to receive a 3-night stay at S Hotel Montego Bay Jamaica overlooking famed Doctor’s Cave Beach by Swanky Resorts.

GBK Productions, is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company, specializing in entertainment marketing integration. Formed in 2000 by Gavin Keilly, the company’s Founder and CEO, GBK consists of five divisions: GBK Celebrity Gifting, GBK Special Events, GBK Weddings, GBK Charitable Consulting, and GBK Marketing & Public Relations. Widely known in the entertainment industry for its lavish soirees and adding that extra something into the Luxury Lounge environment, GBK offers its clients a full range of marketing services. For more information on Gavin B. Keilly (CEO) or GBK please go to www.gbkproductions.com

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Rodan and Fields Part 2: Summer of Serums

Serums and Facial Oils are Everywhere! With the harsh summer sun, Gemma took advantage of the fresh samples sent to us to redefine our skin.
1. Facial exfoliator to remove all impurities

2. Lip Serum for healthy and supple lips. Also assists in restoring dry lips

3. Advanced Anti-Aging Facial Serum – Intense and super moisturizing to help reduce wrinkles and add a glow to your natural skin.

4. Redefine Liquid Color Corrections – Helps with finding a light, basic color for your skin. Again, not a foundation but conceals blemishes.

GEMMA

Art, Fashion, & Style from a Diverse Perspective