Celebrity Personal Trainer, Tony Martinez, Talks Weight Loss Tips & Janet Jackson

January...February. The scene is set in Hollywood for a marathon of televised award shows, red carpet appearances, interviews, and after parties.  It's also the time when looking good from every angle without the help of filtered lighting and "fixing it in post" is necessary. And that's where the talents of celebrity fitness trainer, Tony Martinez, come into play behind the scenes.

He's whipped into shape Britney Spears, Pink, Steve Harvey, the Jonas Brothas, LA's Sheriff SWAT, and of course, Janet Jackson. So I asked Tony to reveal a few of his fitness tips he shares with clients when they have to shed pounds quickly for cameras and flashing lights.  His "trickeration" as he calls it, will not only work for celebs but for anyone seeking to loose a few pounds in a short amount of time.

And yes, we discuss Janet--the woman who puts the "D" in "discipline" and how his philosophy on working out less but more intelligently has been so effective with her.  You'll hear also in our chat why even he likes NutriSystem as a part of his personal fitness lifestyle. So get ready to workout smarter in 2012!

Oh but before you press play below, look at Tony in the including photo above. Can you say DELTOIDS! FELLAS do you want sexy shoulders like that? I looked out for you and asked Tony what exercises work specifically for YOU FELLAS to help you look better on the red carpet and in your tank tops this summer!

Want even more fitness and workout tips, visit Tony's website, TrainerTonyMartinez.com and ask him your burning exercise and nutrition questions.

Joyful Noise: Will The Church Say, "Amen?"

Picture it! 2011...Choir practice at a thriving A.M.E. Church (that's African Methodist Episcopal for you non "church" folk). The ensemble is rocking, clapping, singing "in the spirit." Sitting on a pew listening is a young man. Inspired by what he's heard, he surprisingly jumps into the aisle and shouts, "Make a joyful noise up in dis bitch!"

And that described scene is what makes "Joyful Noise," Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton's new church-themed film, a little edgier than most films in this growing category. One other factor that makes it stand out is its great mix of secular and religious music in the genre Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary are now famous for--speaking of which, he's in the film.  But traditional gospel fans don't fret, there's some oldie-but-goodies thrown in too for good measure.

What's interesting throughout the film is the underlying theme of diversity on various levels. There's interracial relationships, the combining of various styles of music from country to gospel to R&B and Hip Hop, and a mix of "good" Christian folk knowingly acting badly including fornicating. Did I say the "F-word"? Yep! Church folk don't clutch the cross so hard, ain't nothing new!  Check the old and new testaments! We all fall short right?

The story centers around the "breaking-the-rules" G.G. Sparrow (Dolly) and traditionalist, Vi Rose Hill (Queen) who are forced to work together to help the choir win the national "Joyful Noise" competition.  If you're thinking "Sister Act 2" keep thinking it! Still, the two work well together on screen to bring the drama, some laughter, and great musical performances.

My only complaint is Dolly's nips-and-tucks, NOT in her well preserved face, but in her choir robe! The altering of her choir robe to accent  her curvy figure constantly reminded me I was watching the award winning country singer Dolly Parton--a woman just as famous for her big breast and itty-bitty waste as she is for her voice. But THAT'S NO DISS TO DOLLY! I'm just saying CHOIR robes are meant to bring attention to your voice not your body. However, her character's other church attire IS BANGING! The tailored suits and hats are FIERCE!

Then there's teenagers, KeKe Palmer and cutie pie Jeremy Jordon.  I knew KeKe, now 18, was a great singer and had grown up, but in my mind she was still a youngster at the spelling bee.  LAWD, to see her kissing a boy and acting grown took an adjustment. But once I made it, I thoroughly enjoyed watching her and Jeremy together. And yeah, I could tell she too was making the adjustment because she appeared to be catching up to Jeremy in their kissing scenes.

But that's no real complaint because Olivia, KeKe's role, is supposed to be less experienced in life and love than Randy (Jordon). Her newness in real on-screen kissing fit the part. It's official Keke Palmer is NOT a kid anymore! Her dramatic mother-daughter scenes with Queen are really strong, proving again KeKe is also growing up and stronger as an actress.

Randy is the redeemable "bad boy." He's musically talented and experienced, but the whole reason he ends up visiting his grandma G.G. isn't really explained. There's mention of being thrown out by his mom, yet he never calls her nor his dad. Considering the attention given to the parent-teen relationship between Vi Rose and Olivia, it seems odd to leave Randy's family background unexplored.

Speaking of Queen. I'm always amazed at how well she plays the mother role in films. She has no kids,  so where does she "pull" from? May be her own mom? Whatever it is, it works. And "Joyful Noise", is one of the best films she's executive produced that showcases how multi-talented she is in front of and behind the camera.

Lastly, undoubtedly the soundtrack and the cast are big selling points, but not big enough to get some of YOU to the theater and not wait for DVD or On-Demand.  UNDERSTAND, films like this NEED support at the box office to show the powers that be there is an audience for them.  JOYFUL NOISE may not be the film for everybody, but if enough of the people that IS for make theater registers go CHA- CHING, you'll see more films like it made.  Amen and Amen!

Listen to and download the GREAT soundtrack!

Red Tails' George Lucas On Getting A Black Movie Made In Hollywood

There's much buzz online about George Lucas' Tuskegee Airman film, "Red Tails." In a recent "Daily Show" interview with Jon Stewart the legendary filmmaker explains why mainstream Hollywood clipped even his wings when it came to backing this film. Surprising? Yes and no!

What may be surprising is that even with with his legendary list of big screen successes including "Stars Wars", "Indiana Jones", etc., Lucas was treated like a black red headed step child when he asked the studios to produce "Red Tails." But what doesn't come as a surprise is why.  Listen to the interview as he explains to Jon the major challenges he faced in getting this great movie to screen. And yes, I've seen it! It hits theaters January 20th, a few days after Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday--talk about a strategic move!




"This is not a movie about victims; this is a movie about heroes," said Lucas. I love that quote! But  let's compare and contrast  two stories told from different heroic perspectives, "The Help" and "Red Tails." Will mainstream audiences--code word for whites--financially support "Red Tails" as they did "The Help?"

Both are historical dramatic films inspired by true events in American history and black culture. Both are produced by mostly whites, yet have blacks in leading roles. Both were directed by first-time film directors. "The Help" mostly appeals to women; "Red Tails," an action war movie, naturally appeals to men but holds much appeal to women.

"The Help" paints a very different portrait of unassuming American heroes embodied by black women, while "Red Tails" is more traditional heroism as a league of black male soldiers save the day. Not to mention, "The Help," which was based on a best-selling novel already had a huge, eager audience awaiting the film version. Back in 1995, we were given the cinematic and memorable "The Tuskegee Airman"   on the small screen. Likewise, many have been anxiously awaiting this big screen version.

But despite "The Help's" success as a novel, the film's imagery irked many black folk, that could not see past some of its familiar "mammy" imagery. Yet despite it's "appearance" mostly black and white women propelled the film into major box office success domestically. Some would argue mostly white women.

Oppositely, "Red Tails" provides historical imagery white audiences--generally speaking--ARE NOT accustomed to seeing on the big screen. That's black men as HEROIC PATRIOTS, AVIATORS no less--men that use their intelligence NOT brute strength nor mystical powers to save others. There's no climactic throwing or passing of pigskin, harmonious singing and smiling, dance scenes, nor overly sexual and violent men. And there's also NO white male leading them to victory. Thus, it holds no appeal to mainstream audiences by Hollywood standards.

So will white audiences break away from tradition and PAY to see "Red Tails" just as they've supported "The Help?" Will producer George Lucas & co-writer John Ridley be the draw? I have my suspicions. But at the end of the day, Hollywood doesn't care about black or white, it cares about green as Lucas said. The most important question is can we make "Red Tails" PROFITABLE!

Fela!: A Must-Have Theatrical Experience

I got there late or so I thought. After a long stressful day, I needed an escapism and "Fela!" was exactly what the doctor ordered. Colorful, dramatic, musical, political, even sexy; "Fela" is an experience, not merely a musical performance. Even the scent of it, some incense that permeates the theater, leaves with you.

Presented by Shawn Carter a.k.a Jay-Z, Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, Ruth & Stephen Hendel, and Fela Broadway LLC in association with The National Theatre of Great Britain, "Fela!" is based on the life of famed Nigerian Afrobeat artist and political activist, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, and inspired by authorized biography, "Fela: This Bitch of a Life by Carlos Moore."It's directed and choreographed by Tony and Obie Award winning artistic director, Bill T. Jones.

Back to the experience...

Rushing through the lobby I see muscled brown skin, tight plaid pants, an elaborate hairstyle, and bright smiles flash ahead of me entering the theater.  Sexy black men always get my attention, but these were not just mere men they were "Fela!" performers, men trained to express themselves through the art of dance. Of course, I followed right behind them toward my seat.

Once seated I finally take a long look at the stage. WOW! There's so much color! Shades of red, green, yellow, blue accost my sight. Beautiful black women and men dance provocatively, some in traditional African costuming and tribal paint. Immediately, I'm mentally transported out of LA and into the famous 70's Nigerian night club, "The Shrine," performance home of Fela Kuti.

By the time the uber-talented Sahr Ngaujah takes the stage as Fela I'm "all in" for a musical journey and much needed history lesson. I say much needed because as an African-American I'd heard of Fela Kuti but not his indelible impact on global music and culture. And I am not alone. If you know Bob Marley then you should know Fela Kuti too.

Ngaujah amazingly introduces us to the man, the artist, and the activist  through one of most energetic performances I've seen in a long time. Not merely an actor playing a musician, Ngaujah passionately plays the saxophone, sings his heart out, dances, and tirelessly connects us with the music that became Kuti's weapon against the corrupt Nigerian government.

The first act introduces Fela's upbringing and musical inspirations and involves audience participation.  As Kuti Ngaujah instructs us to shout "Yeah! Yeah!" and gyrate our hips as if moving hands on a clock. The exercise creates the right atmosphere for Ngaujah to have fun with the audience. He even offers a theater-goer a pull of some weed (probably just tobacco) which the guy eagerly accepts!

Through a fabulously exuberant showcase of song, modern African and tap dance, we journey from the formation of Kuti's first band in London to his introduction to the Black Panther Movement in Los Angeles.  Totally inspired and empowered by the Black Power movement, Kuti returns to his homeland to challenge the powers-that-be.

The second act chronicles Kuti's political movement using his "music as a weapon." Scathing ridicule of Nigerian government and soldiers in songs like "Zombie" result in him being jailed, violently attacked, and his elderly mother being killed. But it doesn't stop him; he further seeks direction from his deceased mother's spirit. Her beautiful operatic yet haunting voice guides and consoles him in his darkest moment.

Overall, "Fela!" is a wonderful theater presentation that should not be missed! For any lover of live performance, dance, and music it's a must-see experience.  And likewise for those who understand the power of music as a means of social change it's an inspiration.  Visit the Ahmanson website for tickets.

Janet Jackson's New Gig: NutriSystem Spokesperson?

Start spreading the news! Janet Jackson is reportedly lending that familiar mega-watt smile and much talked about body to NutriSystem, the food regiment that "offers weight loss programs delivered right to your door." And that convenience is probably one of the reasons the "Pleasure Principle" singer/actress/author/producer chose it. Who has time or desire to wait for a healthy meal when you're entertaining the world on a highly successful 80-something city tour?

Check the January issue of "Shape" Magazine to see Janet give a little more detail on her choice NutriSystem. And be sure to see Janet on "Good Morning America," "The Insider", and "Access Hollywood" this week probably making the big announcement to the world.  I suspect too, based on the pic above with Shaun Robinson, some mention of another book and upcoming film projects--one of which involves music.  That's all I'm going to say for now! 

*Janet voice* Chicka-ahhhhh!

UPDATE!

Now here's why Janet Jackson gets much respect here on Hollywood As I Live & Work: She does care about folk and gives BACK!  In fact, thanks to her new partnership with NutriSystem she'll be distributing food to the hungry through a food bank they're calling "Nutribank", according to the "NY Times." Talk about going back to her charitable roots!

In previous interviews, Janet's mentioned feeding the hungry on a smaller scale with Mike as a kid. It appears some things just stick with you, and in this case, that's a really good thing.

For every pound lost by NutriSystem participants, the company is donating $1 worth of food to Nutribank. A whopping $10 million worth has already been donated for 2012.

Now THAT's how you use celebrity! And it wouldn't surprise me at all if the petite philanthropic super star actually delivered some of those meals in person.  By the time some realize she was in their presence, she'll be on to the next one.

Charlayne Woodard's The Night Watcher: Auntie's On Duty

In her newest one woman show, "The Night Watcher," a stage, a chair, and minimal creative accompaniments, is all Obie winning and Tony nominated actress, Charlayne Woodard, needs to poignantly and effectively challenge the notion that every woman needs to have a child of her own to truly fulfill her purpose in life.

Playing currently at the Kirk Douglas Theater, "The Night Watcher," is a fabulous demonstration of the art of storytelling at its best. Pulling from experiences of friends and family trying to tempt and persuade the actress into motherhood, Woodard charmingly introduces us to the various children that have come into her life and how she became their "Auntie".

Through her body and amazing talent she channeled troubled and precocious nieces, nephews, and godchildren as they tell their stories of teenage pregnancy, molestation, race identity, and loneliness.  Each almost always asking her in their unique voice, "Auntie Charlayne, can you keep a secret?" And from that need to confide stems the inspiration behind the show's title.

How she transitions between caring adult to emotional child and back in one conversation is for lack of a better term, schizophrenic--but in a good way. Again, drawing from her well of talents and techniques, the award winning actress delivers emotional scenes between adult and child that relay how important it is for children to have someone in their lives they feel they can talk to.

But most of here scenes are not so heavy, some are quite funny. Explaining to a bratty godchild why "celebrity" Aunt Charlayne drove a Volvo instead of a Porshe was quite humorous. Then introducing the child to her new temporary home--an apartment not the Hollywood mansion she had expected hits home with any audience.

Of course explaining to her frustrated mother why she was buying an expensive coat for a new dog and not a child was LOL funny.  "I'm so disappointed with you and Harris (Woodard's husband)," she says. "The world is full of kids who need some real attention, and you up at the doggie boutique. All the other stars are adopting kids--black kids even! You and Harris on your second white dog."

So if Woodard cares so much about children why is she always Godmother and "Auntie" and never "Mom" nor "Mamma"? Simply, as a self proclaimed "blue-collar" actress she adores her idyllic "dogs-as-children" lifestyle with her husband. Not to mention as the oldest of five, Woodard gained motherhood experience early in life helping to raise own her siblings.

Still, doesn't EVERY woman desire to have kids of their own? No and that's okay. As "The Night Watcher" wonderfully points out, childless women and men have ample opportunities to impact children's lives directly. The role of god-parent, auntie, uncle, friend, and mentor should not be dismissed in their importance. The question is who's willing to really step into those roles when needed so that children don't fall through the cracks? If the picture of all her "kids" are any indication, Charlayne Woodard is doing it and doing it well.

Visit CharlayneWoodard.com to learn more about the actress and her projects. "The Night Watcher" runs now until Dec.18 at Kirk Douglas Theater in Culver City! I HIGHLY recommend it!

From Football to Filmmaking: Matthew Cherry Plays The Game To Win

When a certain name regularly pops up in your Twitter feed take notice. It may not be a spammer, but a tenacious up and coming film director creating major buzz for him or herself and their work. That was the case for former NFL rookie turned film director, Matthew A. Cherry. Thanks to his "e-hustle" and passion for filmmaking he gained my attention and my follow over a year ago on the social platform. Since then his online and offline game has earned much attention in indy filmmaking circles and thousands of engaged followers anticipating his new film, "The Last Fall."

So why is Matthew A. Cherry worth following online and off? Because he's done what many come to Hollywood to do but fail, and that's make it happen!  How else do you explain his major career change from NFL rookie to filmmaker and his self promotion from tv production assistant to film director sans film school and a lot of money?

While on his way to probably Starbucks, his favorite writing spot, I talked with Cherry via cell about his career play book and his newest project, "The Last Fall." It stars a stellar cast including Lance Gross, Nicole Beharie, Keith David, and Vanessa Bell Calloway and is based on Cherry's NFL experiences. Not bad for a Hollywood up and comer, huh? And yeah, he wrote it too!

So take a few minutes and really LISTEN to this interview as scenes and images from "The Last Fall's" production scroll by. You'll learn why and how getting a film done in Hollywood ain't about the traditional studios anymore. Hear too how Cherry has combined the old notion of hard work with new technologies to establish himself and his work as definitely one to follow in the years ahead.