Manhattan Digest

All you need to know about Manhattan culture and so much more...

Jason J. Carter- On Drag Race, #SayWhat?! & More

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Reality TV is the mainstay of television today, albeit it everything from housewives to little people to little people who are housewives.  So what happens when luck and fate combine and you fall into being on the biggest reality show for four consecutive seasons- Rupaul’s Drag Race?  No hunties, we aren’t talking about Michelle Visage’s Lace Front (No T, No Shade Miss Visage).  We are talking about the uber handsome and insanely talented Jason J. Carter, who along with his equally stunning comrade Sean Morales has been part of the wildly successful show for four years in a row as the show’s Pit Crew.  Now if you aren’t familiar with the show (which if you aren’t, you are basic.  #sorryaboutit), Jason’s role on the show is to assist in many of the mini challenges and some of the main challenges for the drag queens competing to be America’s Next Drag Superstar.

As someone who has been a big fan of show since the get, I have also come to admire Jason for not only how handsome he is but how much he adds to the show as the “Pit Crew” themselves have really gone out and branded themselves in the process.  I did my research on him and found out there is much more to this man than just a pretty face.  Since his inception on RPDR, he has developed an award-winning TV mini-series called “#saywhat?!” which divulges into what is hot in pop culture currently,  as well as making his stance in the modeling and acting world.  I recently sat down with Jason to discuss his booming career, what his thoughts were of the most recent Drag Race season, and how he was able to find love in what some may think is a not so hopeless place.  Take a look.

So even though Drag Race has made you famous, you had to start somewhere to get to where you are now.  How did you get into the entertainment profession?

I used to host TV shows back from my hometown, Albequerque, NM and was also a Disc Jockey there.  I uprooted myself to Los Angeles and focused on becoming a dancer, which was what brought me there originally. From there, I got into doing a ton of music videos and dancing with artists from the likes of Lady Gaga to Eminem.  After that, I began teaching as a dancer in LA and progressed from there.

Besides Drag Race, you and a bunch of other extroverted folk developed a series called #SayWhat?!  Tell me a little more about this. 

#SayWhat?! (follow us on Facebook) is a bunch of different hosts (myself, Starr Session, Nicole Seidman and Jill Anenberg) coming together to talk about everything that is going on in pop culture. We all watch TV, see what is going on online and have a great knowledge of what is current in the world of entertainment. We say what people are thinking and take a a step further.  The show is currently being distributed as webisodes online. The studio we use to film is in my house, so all the content you see is done in my home.  Definitely something that all your readers should check out as we try to bring a different and unique take to each episode we develop.

Being a web series can have its perks as other one’s like Lisa Kudrow’s “Web Therapy” was picked up by a major network.  Do you hope for the same for #Saywhat?!

That would be fantastic, but the future of television and viewing stuff is no longer on TV. Online is the future of media. Being picked up would be exquisite but online has more interaction with fans and ultimately more views.  5 years ago 1 million plus viewership was a flop, now it’s a success because people aren’t watching TV anymore. I want to build my brand online first because I’ll be more successful that way, however the sky is the limit for me so anything is possible.

 

Jason J. Carter, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Jason J. Carter

 

Let’s talk about how you got involved on RuPaul’s Drag Race.  What was the audition process like?

I jumped on for Season 3 of the show. I was a dancer, and was teaching a dance class in Hollywood and one of the producer’s friends was in my class. They approached me and said. “I have a friend who is looking for people for this reality show, are you interested?” I responded, “What show is it?”  They wouldn’t say what it was.  I gave her my info, emailed the pictures which they forwarded to the producer.  After that I didn’t hear anything. Then after a while they reached out and said they liked my look and wanted me to come in for an audition.  Thankfully I was off that day and went. They told me to bring some underwear, and I was like wait “Is this some gogo boy shit- casting couch?” I got over my initial hesitation, I went in, did my thing, and got cast.

There are a lot of people out there who really just see the Pit Crew as eye candy and don’t bring much to the show itself.  What do you say to those critics?

I tend to not agree with how people feel that way.  If you look at the show, there are so many people who have been able to brand themselves outside of RuPaul and the queens that compete on it.  People like Mike Ruiz, Michelle Visage and Santino have been able to brand their name heavily due to the show’s popularity.  The Pit Crew themselves have been able to make a name for themselves, especially this past season when two became four where Miles Davis Moody and Simon Sherry-Wood joined us.  It strengthened our presence both on and off the show, and even myself and Miles did the CoverGirl video for RuPaul in the past year just to name one thing.  At the end of the day, its all encompassing and benefiting the show and making it the success that it is today.

This past season saw New Orleans native and current New Yorker Bianca Del Rio snatch the Season 6 title.  Being around the girls all season, do you think she was the strongest competitor to win the show this time around?

Absolutely.  Bianca’s family is from my hometown of New Orleans and I couldn’t be happier that she won.  She is a true example that you don’t need to rely on editing for the show to make you a hero or villain.  If what you are giving them is naturally you then it makes for great television.  Willam from Season 4 did the exact same thing, same goes for Latrice Royale.  Adore would’ve been a fantastic winner as well, but she is a winner in her own right by breaking Billboard Records and becoming a huge star based off of that and many other things.  The great thing about Drag Race is that you don’t necessarily need to win the show in order to become a star.  I am a huge fan of Shangela and really admire how she has branded herself and in doing so has become one of the most successful queens to ever have been on it.  And she wasn’t even in the top three so that says a lot about her drive and ambition.

I know you have been in love for multiple years with this one wonderful guy.  That’s pretty impressive because even one year is 10 years in the gay world, so tell me a little bit about your relationship and how you guys met.

It’s funny, we actually met online.  No not on something like Grindr, it was more of a fitness website.  He reached out to me in their chat room, and after talking for a little while we ended up meeting for lunch.  From then on we became inseparable.  We have flaws just like any relationship, but I knew from the get go that he was a special guy and the way he has treated me has just been incredible.  We are committed to each other and have a deep appreciation and understanding for one another as well.  I just know that he is the one.

So it sounds like you have a lot going with the web series and Rupaul’s Drag Race.  Anything else you wanna add?

I’m just happy being where I am now and am happy with what I have accomplished so far.  The show has opened many doors for me but at the same time I am proud of how self sufficient in getting myself to where I am.  As I have said before, sky is the limit for me and I am just happy to see what is next.

Follow Jason on Twitter

#SayWhat?! Official Site

 

Theater Review: “Just Jim Dale”

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Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre

Jim Dale is an inspiration. At 78 years old, he has the boundless energy and agility of most people half his age. Sure, his current solo show Just Jim Dale is scripted, but one can’t help but think after watching him perform, that he could spontaneously share any one of his many tales of show business, leaving the listener equally charmed and informed.

This multiple award-winning Brit  is currently recounting his extremely eclectic past in Roundabout Theater’s latest off-Broadway offering. As a young teen in London, Dale recalls how he literally “fell” into entertainment  when he received his first big break in a music hall variety show as a comedian. It was a fall that took him on a tour around England, into the groovy British music industry, to Hollywood,  Broadway, and more recently, into a studio as the narrator of a hugely popular children’s fantasy franchise.

Corny humor is served in field size quantities, but Dale’s persona is so engaging that all is forgiven, and even the most obvious of jokes are made surprisingly fresh. Dale explores the first time he sang the lyrics to “Georgy Girl” (for which he received an Academy Award nomination from the film of the same name) and carries us to  the present,  recreating  a bit about recording the audio books for Harry Potter. Inspired by real life characters and channeling his own creativity,  Dale breathed  life into  over 130 different voices for the series and took home two Grammy awards for his stunning accomplishment. In between, he briefly describes his other successes and admits defeat for endeavors that didn’t quite reach the heights.

The most appealing quality to this 90 minute bio-musical is Dale’s endearing ability to laugh at himself and find the positive edge in an  enduring and challenging career. With his affable demeanor and quick delivery, audiences can settle in trusting that they are in fully capable hands with this impeccable showman.

Just Jim Dale  plays now through August 10th. Off-Broadway at the Laura Pels Theater  111 West 46th Street between 6th and 7th  avenue. For tickets, go to the box office, call  212-719-1300, visit www.roundabouttheatre.org,

Vicious’s Bite Is Delightful

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Sourcce: PBS
Source: PBS

Vicious: Sundays at 10:30 Eastern on PBS (Check your local listings)

No need for a double take, I am actually reviewing a new PBS show. While typically PBS skews a little more highbrow or educational than what most of my readers typically want to see, when I found out about Vicious I knew I had to make an exception to the rule because anything starring Ian McKellen will trump pretty much anything else, including an HBO series premiere happening concurrently (if I have time this week, I will try to pick up The Leftovers during the week). British comedies have traditionally had a strong cult track record in the US (PBS in particular being a key importer of the subgenre) so it should be interesting to see how Vicious translates as it moves across the pond.

Vicious is a multi-cam comedy about two longtime romantic partners Freddie Thornhill (Ian McKellen) and Stuart Bixbi (Derek Jacobi) trying to age gracefully while sharing the same London flat for a half century. With both men well beyond retirement age, their free time is mostly spent entertaining guests and slinging the most caustic invective possible at each other. The two are surrounded by a small clique of other elderly friends, and Ash, their considerably younger twenty-something neighbor.

So how is Vicious? Well starting with the obvious, it’s an incredibly snarky show, and it’s the sort of show that truly succeeds at it’s barbs. In a TV environment where barb-loaded multi-camera shows often swing and miss (Whitney and Friends with Better Lives both come to mind) for it’s barbs to feel not only funny but also unforced is a refreshing change. It often does that by layering the causticness on top of the delusions of much of the friend circle, whose swollen egos make for a sufficiently juicy target for the sniping that comes later.

None of this however, succeeds without McKellen and Jacobi, who completely succeed at being an old, married couple. The two are often at each others throats, but it becomes clear in the end that while a half-century of familiarity brought a ton of contempt, one doesn’t just stay with someone for that long without actually caring about the other person in the relationship. Furthermore, both actors’ theater background is put to good use as Vicious gives them room to truly ham up and vamp a little bit, which only helps to embellish the slams that are central to the show. It is in radiating out from McKellen and Jacobi that Vicious finds it’s groove and clearly the best angle for a show that doesn’t really do B-plots.

There are some very important structural issues that hold Vicious back though. This is particularly notable whenever the full cast happens to occupy a scene such as tonight’s wake: everyone (Ash excluded) seems to operate as the same exact level of acidity, leading to instances where everyone aside from the central pairing gets drowned out. The plotting also seems fairly threadbare at points, with the show often meandering or circling on it’s punchline-laden asides just a tad too much.

The Final Verdict: Vicious is an exemplary execution of the multi-camera sitcom. It doesn’t necessarily add anything new or revolutionary to the format, but instead simply works because it’s central pairing is better than pretty much any central pairing on this side of the pond. I’d recommend checking it out, with it easily entering must watch territory if you’re into McKellen or very biting comedies like Veep. 

Calexico Packs Flavor & Taste to the Lower East Side

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Calexico, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Calexico

Calexico- Melding California & Mexican Flavors Right Off The F Train

Normally the Lower East Side hasn’t been on my radar lately regards to being the foodie that I am, however I was tipped off by a friend who said I had to try this incredible new hot spot called Calexico.  After doing some research on Calexico, I noticed a lot of yummy and unique things on the menu and decided to bring a friend and try the place out.  I was delightfully surprised and happy with the variety of flavors and options that Calexico’s menu brought, from their delicious wings and Carne Fries (chile-cilantro fries with braised beef brisket, caramelized onions, black beans, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole), to tasty tacos, salads, quesadillas and more.  Overall it was a great experience that made me want to know more.  Cue to my interview with owner of the Lower East Side Calexico Anthony Fauci about the history of Calexico, what is popular on the menu and where he sees it going in the future.  Take a look.

How did Calexico start?

Began with Anthony Fauci’s partner, Jesse Vendley, who was from Calexico, CA.  He moved to New York and longed for his grandfather’s cooking and fresh ingredients.

Calexico isn’t just a brand, it’s a real place, a border town in the middle of the California desert that is locally known for its delicious take on Mexican food.  Calexico the company began when three brothers from the town of Calexico set out for the East Coast with a simple mission: to recreate their family’s legendary cookouts on the streets of New York City. That was in June of 2006, and we’ve been at it ever since.

Calexico made its first appearance as street cart on a sidewalk in SoHo. The concept caught on and pretty soon there were people lined up around the block to try our Carne Asada tacos and pulled pork burritos.   More street carts followed, and eventually restaurants.

We’ve kept growing all along, and recently we accelerated our growth by partnering with select franchisees to take the brand into markets beyond New York.

Calexico, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Calexico

 

How would you best describe the cuisine at your locations?

Our menu features fresh, original interpretations of classic Mexican fare, a hybrid cuisine best described as “Cal-Mex.” Or as we call it, “Calexican.”

I like to say ‘scratch kitchen,’ meaning everything is fresh & never frozen!  We are high style and fast casual.

What are your favorite dishes in each category (Tacos, Burritos, Appetizers)?

My favorite dishes include: the Baja fish taco because we spent a lot of time on the recipe and ingredients from the fresh mango to the spicy slaw! The Baja taco is one of our more popular items.  Off the starters portion of the menu I would say the chicken wings; they are unique and not the typical deep fried wing.  They are covered in special toppings that make them delectable.  Lastly, I would say the burrito bowl  because it is the option to have a burrito without the shell!

I noticed there are no dessert options available yet.  Will those be added? 

We have been contemplating having dessert but in order to add it onto the menu we would have to come up with the perfect dessert to compliment our menu.  The item(s) would need to be special.

Credit to: Calexico
Credit to: Calexico

 

What are you hopeful for in Calexico’s future?

We hope for a healthy expansion of the brand.  We are opening two Philly locations, by 2015 one to two Chicago locations, and the hopes of more stores in the horizon!

153 Rivington Street

646-590-4172

Official Site

 

 

Rising Star Doesn’t Quite Break Through

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Source: ABC
Source: ABC

Rising Star: Sundays at 9 Eastern on ABC

We’re at a weird point in the life-cycle of the competition show. Many of the original mainstays of the genre (American Idol, Dancing with the Stars) are clearly on the decline of their life cycle. However, The Voice aside, it’s not like there’s a ton of new competition shows that are ready to plug those holes in the schedule (X-Factor flopped, The Sing Off works best as a limited format). The end result is a genre that seemed like it was slowly finding it’s way off of prime-time schedules. However, much like the miracle NBC found with The Voice, this time it’s ABC living on a prayer with it’s newest show: Sunday night’s Rising Star.

So how does Rising Star stand out from the numerous other singing show’s we’ve seen before? Well to begin with the audition process isn’t too far removed from The Voice’s: 90 seconds, blind to the judges, and it’s on the contestants to impress. Where Rising Star is different is that it factors America into these auditions: instead of one judge looking to put you on their team, 70 percent of voters need to like you in order to raise the wall and move on to the next stage. Having a disproportional weight (each judge can boost your total by about 10 percent) are the show’s three music experts: Brad Paisley, Kesha, and Ludacris.

So how does Rising Star play out? Well it’s main conceit is somewhat misleading, as it seems extremely difficult to make it to the 70 percent threshold without the support of at least two if not all three of the experts (one contestant squeezed by on the backs of two of three judges – Ludacris is by far the toughest of the three to please). However, the experts have the correct interplay with tons of prodding (especially by Brad in Ludacris’s decision) that It also seems to be busting out its gimmick chest a touch early, with surprise audience auditions being busted out in the very first episode.

Rising Star does ace a lot of the little graphical things, having an incredibly slick look. The video wall the contestants perform behind is visually impressive, and the show busts a staggering array of camera angles over the course of the two hour premiere. Additionally, Rising Star put a ton of variety in its’ acts, putting classic rockers, boy bands, country acts, conventional pop acts, and even opera behind it’s video wall.

Weirdly enough, despite having shown solid comedy chops on Tim and Eric Awesome Show, host Josh Groban struggles as the show’s host, often creating at least one awkward moment per segment. This, combined with an often off-kilter sense of the moment (Groban struggles when the situation calls for a more bombastic voice – oddly enough he would work much better in the experts’ chair I think) create a mildly disorienting experience that will make competition show fans pine for a Carson Daly/Ryan Seacrest type. Where there is hope for Groban is in the pre-recorded video segments, as he does seem like he has a genuine interest in the contestants work.

The Final Verdict: Rising Star is the sort of show that has some clear strengths (it’s pretty, it’s experts have the same sort of rapport that brought The Voice to prominence) and some clear weaknesses (Groban’s live hosting, the format doesn’t add anything to a played out genre). The end result is a show that seems fine as an off-season fill for Voice junkies but this show is doomed even if it goes up against the slumping Idol. Check it out if you really need a fix for singing shows over the summer, if not wait and see – this can be much better show if Groban ultimately becomes more comfortable in the host’s role.

 

 

 

Theater Review: “Here Lies Love”

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Photo courtesy of Public Theater
Photo courtesy of Public Theater

Wishes don’t always come true, but in cases when they do, sheer happiness abounds. Last year’s “Best of 2013 Theater”  by  Manhattan Digest included a plea  that  Here Lies Love find a home. Approximately one year ago it was one of the hottest theater events in town. After numerous extensions at the Public Theater, it finally had to end its run. Producers scurried to find an appropriate space  and there was much scuttlebutt in online chat rooms and throughout the industry about its’ future. But as Axl Rose gently reminded us, “All we need is just a little patience.”

How right you were, Mr. Rose. One year later, the dancing and decadence has returned to the same space and it is brighter than before- literally. Justin Townsend’s lighting is likely to make the CEO of the electric company a very content man, which is mighty fine for a show about such luminous and at times, polarizing politicians.

Here Lies Love is a 90- minute, intermission-less musical which chronicles the rise and fall of Filipino first lady, Imelda Marcos and her husband Ferdinand. It opens with a young Imelda (Ruthie Ann Miles) singing about her childhood in Leyte, which mostly consisted of “hand-me-downs and dresses made of scrap”. While there is a pluckiness and determination about her, the Lady from Leyte met a would-be, aspiring President (Jose Llana)  while she was a contestant in a beauty pageant. Together, they would climb the ladder of power only to watch it sink like quicksand a few  years later. Prophetically  she knew at an early age that she would rise above her economic status and become destined for greatness- even if it meant the sacrifice of her “forever friend ”, Estrella (Melody Butiu), who would become Marcos’ maid. Like any politician, fighting foes and battling the opposition are politics as usual;  hush money is paid, threats are made, and the wealthy and powerful continue to gain.

Imelda’s rise was a quick and sometimes ruthless one. Yet she is neither demonized nor sainted in this immersive, dance friendly history lesson. Audience members stand for the duration and are encouraged to participate at certain periods. With the constant motion of the moving stages, it is  not only a suggestion  but rather a requirement.  With  David Byrne and DJ Fatboy Slim’s transcendent score, you’ll effortlessly  find that your body has been captured by the infectious melodies.

Most of the talent that made this a hit  in the first place have  remained with the cast. Director Alex Timbers, choreographer Annie B Parsons, and the fellow members of their artistic team have maintained a bona fide work of brilliance. The word  genius is all too often bantered about. In this case, it is perfectly justified. While other new “toys” are gleaming in theaters around town, this downtown diamond will outshine most anything else on the boards.

Here Lies Love is now playing at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St. Tickets available online at www.herelieslove.com, at the box office, or by calling 212-967-7555.

Artist On The Rise- Get To Know Nicholas Contrera

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Sometimes in life, you meet someone in a truly unconventional way that leads to not only a great friendship but a chance to catch someone when their star is rising.  This is someone that I have found in Nicholas Contrera.  I met him a couple of months back and got to understand the passion that he has for his art work, his photography and ultimately branding a name for himself since he uprooted himself to New York City by way of Detroit merely months before meeting me.  Something that I really like and admire about Nick is he is a lot like me in getting himself authentically to a higher level without having to use people or manipulate situations to better yourself.  He simply relies on his talents, his wit, his humor, and above all his character to get himself to where he is.

In a short period of time here in New York City, he has been apart of an amazing Art Show which showcased his talents this past May and is now an official model of the ever growing & popular mens brand Nasty Pig.  That’s quite a lot of accomplishment for someone as young as him and as green as he is in a city where making it can be tough at times.  I recently sat down with one of my favorite chaps to discuss his move, his work in the art & photography world, his time with Nasty Pig and what he hopes for in the future.  Take a look.

Manhattan Digest, Nicholas Contrera
Color Photo done by Nicholas Contrera
What got you into your love for art & photography?

At age 11 I met my mentor, she is the mother of my best friend of 11 years. I found out one day that she was a photographer and as an impressionable kid I thought that was amazing that she took photos for a living.  I always had a strong artistic side – I grew up with a learning and reading disability and never at the top of my class in the academic side.  I also wasn’t into sports so I dived straight into the art world where I found that photography was the one god given gift I was naturally great at.

Did you have any teachers, mentors or icons that inspired you?

Her name is Judi Bommirito- she is my best friend of 11 years’ mother, a mentor to me, a teacher, and my own second mother.   Her fine art photography work has always inspired me even though I’m nervous to bring work to her.  Mainly because she will tear it apart. I know what she is doing is critiquing me hard because she wants me to grow into an amazing artist that I’m striving to become.

My ideals in the photography world are Richard Avedon, Mary Ellen Mark and Robert Mapplethorpe.   I’ve studied their work to understand that it’s more then just a publicly known photograph. Their style of photographing amazes me.  I practice in their form but I know I’m creating my own style with my eye.

Who right now in the art world do you think is killing it?
I would like to say I am. I’ve been working towards this dream for about 11 years now.  I have been recognized, awarded, and complimented on my work by known artists.  I’m confident in myself, but I still know I have so much more to learn and can’t wait to learn it.
Nicholas Contrera, Manhattan Digest
Black & White done by Nicholas Contrera
Describe your process for me.

Well to start off I’m a film based photographer. I still practice heavily in the art of film and alternative processing.  I title myself as a “Fine Art Photographer”.  To explain, anyone can take a photograph but in the cutthroat fine art world, you first need to understand everything that is the frame of the camera. I can’t just take a photograph because I think it’s pretty.  When I photograph I am looking for symbolism.  I have to understand what I looking at, how things are placed in my frame, why I’m keeping things in, etc.  It get as deep as why I’m I shooting Black and White and not color for my conceptual work.  When I walk into a critique I better know everything in my photograph and it comes down to – “why” did I do the things I did to produce this photograph.

Was your passion for art what inspired you to get out of the Midwest and into NYC?

Absolutely.  I originally moved here for a studio art residency, but I always knew I would end up in New York.   The moment I first visited New York over a year ago, I never felt so at home. That this was were I needed to be.  This city can chew you up and spit you out. And I’m ready for it to do so, but I will be spitting right back at it.

What’s the transition been like, both in the gay community and out?

For once in my life I was terrified of this big move. I knew no one first off.  Being away from my support back home, it was a huge leap that I made head first.   It has been the best learning experience I could go through as a artist.  It was hard at first but I got the hang of things. I adapt quite quickly.  The gay community was easy to adapt to for me as I made friends fast here.  I think people saw me as a good, loving and optimistic person which I like to think I am.

 

Nasty Pig, Nicholas Contera, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Nasty Pig

You are a Nasty Pig model (congrats). Tell me about your experience with them.

In my teen years I had zero confidence. When I was asked to model for them I was truly taken aback. I was beyond flattered when David, the CEO of the company, saw me as a fit for the brand.

Nasty Pig is known for its creative ad campaigns. Think you will ever impart your own creative edge into future ones?

After I started working in the store I soon realized that it is much more than a clothing line.  We are a family that gets to bring our creative opinion to the table.

What’s next for Nicholas Contrera?

World domination!  But before that I am in the process of finishing my degree then soon after getting my Masters in Fine Art Photography. After procuring photography for so long, I have grown to be cutthroat and hungry for success in what I am so passionate in doing.

Want to know more about Nick, and maybe hire him for an upcoming event?  Check out his official website for more information!!

Richard Avedon: Digitizing a Legacy with a Brand New App

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It’s no secret that theater, fashion, and culture are among  the greatest NYC treasures. For years, they’ve  been the singular alluring factors for transplants aspiring to careers in these fields. For natives like the the late, iconic photographer Richard Avedon, they were  sources of inspiration for what they already knew existed here.

Photo courtesy of the Richard Avedon Foundation
Photo courtesy of the Richard Avedon Foundation

 

Over the span of his sixty year career, Avedon captured the most beautiful, truthful, and vulnerable portraits  from luminaries including Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, Zero Mostel, Humphrey Bogart, Paul McCartney, and countless others. While a large part of his work was centered around celebrity, his eye was also on the political and social pulse of the Nation. Avedon encapsulated the rocky  era of the Vietnam War , the civil rights movement, and the strain of  many working class  individuals.

Earlier this week, the Richard Avedon Foundation announced the launch of its’ first mobile app for iPad: The RICHARD AVEDON app. Developed in partnership with the technology studio Potion, it contains over 1,000 images and a virtual guide to the photographer’s archives. As more of his work is digitized, the Avedon Foundation will continue to update this informative, user-friendly, and fascinating resource. It is divided into three major areas: Fashion, Portraiture, and Reportage. According to the press release from the foundation, “the RICHARD AVEDON app catalogues the output of one of the most influential photographers of the twentieth century and displays the arc of this extraordinary artist’s career.”

New Yorkers not only crave high culture of this caliber, but they also love a good bargain. This latest reference for visual history is free of charge and can be found on iTunes. More information is also available at  http://www.avedonfoundation.org

Photo courtesy of the Richard Avedon Foundation
Photo courtesy of the Richard Avedon Foundation

 

Charlie Harding- On “Proxy”, Transitioning and More

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Charlie Harding, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Charlie Harding

 

Charlie Harding is someone who has truly made a name for himself and his brand over the past couple of years.  Dominating the gay adult world, he is loved by thousands of his fans for his stunning looks and great performances, in many different ways than one.  On top of being a great performer in the adult world, he is also a fabulous writer and an all around smart guy who knows how to take lemons and turn them into lemonade.

Now that he has made his mark on the adult world, he is transitioning himself into the mainstream world with his first big role in the Brandon Deyette directed “Proxy”, which is set to be released later on this year.  As a fan of Charlie Harding’s, I couldn’t wait to sit down with him and discuss the vital things that are going on in his life.  He discusses everything from transitioning out of the gay porn world, his influences, how nervous he was when doing a role like this and why his future seems to have no limit in terms of his amazing abilities.  Check it out.

So, your first mainstream role, that’s really exciting!  What made you want to transition out of porn and go mainstream?

Let’s go back to the beginning. I always knew I wanted to  be a performer, and the adult industry gave the quickest and easiest route to get started. I was able to create a loyal fan base, become a celebrity of sorts and then use that fame to springboard to other projects. It just feels like a natural progression as I grow as an entertainer and actor to transition from adult roles that are mostly physical acting to adding the depth of emotion and soul that mainstream projects call for.

Growing up did you ever have any icons that you looked up to on the big screen?

Well I have to say Julie Andrews has always been a huge icon to me. She takes performance to such an amazingly high level and always has such confidence in her roles. Sean Connery is another. Again, totally captivating in his efforts on screen, and has just an amazing persona. Of course others from more modern fare include Anne Hathaway, Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana and Peter Dinklage all are amazing performers I enjoy watching and hopefully can learn from as well.

Proxy, Charlie Harding, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Brandon Deyette
How did this movie fall into your lap?

Well, I am very active on social media, and my fans and friends are always chatting me up about things. I made a Facebook post about starting to look into mainstream opportunities, and one friend passed me to another who happened to be Brandon Deyette the director and writer for PROXY (www.proxyonfilm.com).  We chatted about roles, personalities and such, and it all just fell into place.

Manhattan Digest, Charlie Harding, Proxy
Credit to: Brandon Deyette

Tell me about your character in the movie and what challenges he faces. 

Well Tristan is a very frustrating guy. He cares immensely about his friends, and stinks at communicating effectively with them. He has his own demons and insecurities and drinks to much, but is a genuinely good guy inside. There are significant parallels to my own life that I pulled from when Brandon and I created Tristan’s back story. I developed the character all the way back to high school in Tristan’s life to piece together moments that would have been motivating factors in decisions he makes and reactions he has.

From my previous article, it looks like Brandon really has a lot of love and faith in you.  How did it make you feel when you read that?

I cried. Literally. Brandon has an amazing talent for making you want to do great work. And going into this process, I was scared shitless. “Was I good enough?” and “Will anyone take me seriously?” are questions that kept me up at night. I worked hard to get into this role and truly become Tristan, and I’m so proud that Brandon is so excited about what I gave on film.

You recently uprooted yourself and your lovely partner from Atlanta to San Diego.  How has that been going?

Amazing. San Diego is such a great fit for us. It’s the perfect mix of beaches, gorgeous weather, friendly people and relaxed attitude that we needed. We both feel revitalized and energized being here, and now that I’m only a short drive from LA, I can pursue this crazy acting dream more whole heartedly and without so many geographic boundaries.

Charlie Harding, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Charlie Harding

 

Very few porn actors have been able to successfully transition themselves outside of porn and into the mainstream (Colton Ford is a shining exception in the gay world, its mainly ones in the straight porn world like Ron Jeremy, James Deen & Tracy Lords).  How do you plan on following suit and making a name for yourself outside of the world you have been in for years now?

Well, hopefully my fan base will follow me over! Plus now I get to try and win over an even bigger number of folks to my team. I’m just a genuine guy, trying to make a dream come true, and I think people appreciate that. I keep getting told that I’m very relatable and easy to understand. I hope to do many more movie roles,  super excited about the television show Brandon has in development, and look forward to being an entertaining addition to tons of creative projects.

Looking back on it, was your experience in porn more positive or negative?

It had both positives and negatives. The negatives: I get stereotyped constantly as trashy or of less value as a person because I did porn. The industry takes a toll on you and is not overall a healthy environment. It’s hard to overcome the stigma attached to porn actors and be taken seriously. Some people are put off as to how comfortable I am with my body and openly talking about sex.

The positives: I’m more sexually in tune with myself than I would be otherwise. I get to use my celebrity status to promote social causes and constantly raise money for charities. I’m someone folks seem to be comfortable talking to about all sorts of issues including STI’s and HIV, relationship advice, work out tips and more. I keep getting told I need to host an advice talk show! Without adult films, I wouldn’t be able to take this leap into my dream future!

What are your plans now in the movie biz?
I want to shoot more movies! And I am hoping to do television as well! I want to explore different sides of my personality and translate those into the characters I get to play. I’m currently agent shopping and looking forward to see where this all takes me. Currently I am looking for more projects, and serious inquiries can be made to [email protected] .

What are you hopeful for now that your future is looking brighter than ever?
WORLD PEACE! I’m hopeful I can be a source of inspiration and create quality entertainment for those who see my work. I want to promote the idea that I’m a serious actor no matter where I started. I want to have a voice and be a spokesperson for other people in the world.

You always have a lot going on business wise.  Can you tell me about any side projects you have going on?
Well if you live in Southern California you should Facebook search “The Instigators Present.” We throw parties and social engagements, usually with a charity donation twist.  I’m also about to release my first vocal single “Sex on the Dance Floor” on iTunes with the music video and multiple dance remixes soon to follow.  I’m the spokesperson for www.charliehardingpresents.com a great source for readers of gay romance and erotica.  I’m a spokesperson for the Tshirt company www.unicornmuscle.com (use code “HornyCharlie” for a VIP discount).
And my partner Scotty Rage and I are about to relaunch limited additions to our exclusive clothing line RAGE T’s.

And that’s just the stuff I can officially talk about!