Lee Charles is a fulltime professional martial arts instructor, personal trainer, well being coach, stuntman and actor. He is also a multi title holding Kickboxing, Karate and Shan Shou Champion. Lee has fought for his country several times and is a former World Silver Medallist. Currently Lee is an Inter-nation student of Sensei Benny “The Jet” Urquidez.

Paul: Hi Lee, how’s it going? It’s good of you to give us the time to do this interview.

Lee: No problem Paul, its an honour to do so.

Paul: Did anyone or anything in particular motivate your interest to start training in martial arts?

Lee: When I was about 6yrs old, I remember my father bought a video player and he went the video shop and hired “The Big Boss”, all the family come round as not many people had a video during that time and we all sat and watched it. From then on all I wanted to do is be Bruce Lee, so my journey began.

Paul: You train with Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, a true iconic figure in martial arts and action movies. What can you tell us about meeting and training with this remarkable fellow?

Lee: I have been quite honoured to be taken on by Sensei Benny and his wife Sara as a student of theirs. I have managed to train in Hollywood, London, Bulgaria and I brought him to the Wirral where I live. The training I have undergone under his supervision has been truly amazing, I mean to be training with the greatest kick-boxer of all time is a dream come true. People only see sensei as the guy who fought Jackie Chan or the world champion kick-boxer, when you meet him you realise he’s much, much more than this.

Paul: You’ve made some really impressive achievements in your competitive martial arts career. What have been some of the most memorable moments for you?

Lee: Now that’s a difficult question, it’s hard to say really as a lot depends on how I have fought and felt at the time. That and because of the people I have had chance to compete against and become friends with. All honours aside though, it was properly when I fought on my own show and I had Benny the jet watching. There was no title involved, but he was present and I got to show him my stuff.

Paul: You are also a martial arts instructor, personal trainer, and well being coach. As well as the physical martial arts training, what do you strive to pass onto your students?

Lee: The Bushido way, I think that this has been lost over the last several years due to different things, but all my students need to not just learn the martial arts but also understand it, understand its true meaning and the way it affects your life.

Paul: Would you like to see your students follow in your footsteps into the world of action movies and stunt performing? Would you coach them in these fields also?

Lee: Yes I would love them to, personal achievement is always good but when you see your student’s progress then that is true achievement. Seeing them develop and helping them to do this, guiding them. This way I know that I have done something right in my life and that truly makes me happy. at the end of the day, I was given a great opportunity and who am I not to help pass this on.

Paul: When did you first feel the desire to use your skills to explore the world of action movies and acting?

Lee: I sort of fell into it whilst in Hollywood training with sensei Benny, I was lucky enough to train with him at his stunt and acting school and it just went from there. I had always had a keen interest in the movies (well watching at least), and I got to an opportunity to work with sensei Benny on a Hollywood movie and from there I was hooked.

Paul: Moving onto your role in the movie Furor. How did you become involved in this project, and what was your reaction when you first read the script?

Lee: I knew Guv and Zara from the martial arts community and we had spoken and become friendly over a period of time and from this, things developed. They knew I had done the work with Benny and I guess things developed from there. When I read the script I thought yeah, this is something I really want to be involved with, its very strong and powerful.

Paul: Without giving too much plot away, what can you tell us about the character you play in Furor?

Lee: I play Leonard Parks, and he is a bad dude, ha ha. He basically works for Mr lung and we do what he says… I’m afraid you’ll have to watch the movie guys!!

Paul: Was it a challenge to play role of a character with such an evil streak in them?

Lee: I seemed to slip into character too easily, or so I have been told. After reading the script and speaking with the director I knew how I would like my character to come across and hopefully I have achieved this.

Paul: Again without revealing any of the plot to us, have there been any moments so far during the filming of Furor that will stick in your mind?

Lee: There is one moment, which I’m sure your all gonna get to find out about. One I’m not gonna live down.

Paul: Given the opportunity, whom would you most like to perform alongside out of any action movie star, and why?

Lee: Jackie Chan, I mean he’s the god of action movies, what he’s done for cinema is truly amazing, he set the standard for all off today’s action movies.

Paul: What are your own hopes for the future? Will you continue to compete and teach as well as pursue an acting career?

Lee: I think the competing may take a back seat shortly, for me to concentrate on my academy and acting. Hopefully I have put in a good enough performance to merit more opportunities.

Paul: Thanks again for sharing your time with us Lee. I have no doubt we will be seeing your name a lot more in the world of action movies.

Lee: No problem, thanks for the interview and I know all you guys and girls will love this movie. Thanks to all the cast and crew for their constant support and help throughout the movie. Peace guys!

- Lee Charles On Myspace.

Welcome to another edition of “Headliners”. This is EV’s interview series with various people involved in the Entertainment business. While some names might not ring a bell…we here in the EV offices think in the not far future,they’ll be indeed household names.

Just recently I interviewed Matt Iseman,who is a stand -up comic and a co-host of the Style Network’s biggest hit, “Clean House”. While maybe not a “huge” name, it has still taken Matt 8 years to get where he is now. Hollywood is rugged that way…

Jaime McCall is also in Hollywood, chasing that dream. Being a actress/actor is a lot harder then being a comic in a lot of ways. You have to have faith in your talent,take classes, be told “We’ll be in touch” and yet the phone stays quiet. Many struggling artists actually work real jobs (waitressing, bartender, nanny, etc…)as well doing a lot of weird dinner theater, all in hope of getting that big break. Hollywood is rugged that way.

I added Jamie as a friend on MySpace.com after reading one of her blogs. Then I started noticing that she ran a LOT of bulletins letting folks know about any small “thing” she was doing. Now anyone knowing me at all,knows I love artists who promote the hell outta themselves, I mean…I think Tila Tequila is ugly as sin and has the IQ of a gnat BUT she does know how to promote herself,to stand out.

And Jamie does that as well only she has the talent to back her play….she has served her country,is a creative writer and works extremely hard at becoming a better actress.

My old boss in my nightclub days always told me “You always seem to know who is going to break next” when it came to booking bands…its why I think Tey Punsalan and Mermaid Kiss will strike gold and in the world of film…I think, no…I KNOW Jamie McCall will also be a huge star!

And now, Headliners with……….actress Jamie McCall

1. What is your favorite childhood memory?

Oh wow, there are so many. Overall I had a wonderful childhood. Sure, there was some trauma, divorce, abandonment issues, molestation – you know – the average things little girls must grow through. But overall I am very grateful I had a wonderful family, traveled a lot and was encouraged to do anything I dreamed. My favorite memory? My biological Father taking my little sister & I to the Enchanted Forest in Oregon on one of our yearly visits (after the divorce). We went round & round through the Rabbit Hole in Alice in Wonderland while our Father chased us. I remember feeling so proud that we thought we’d lost him. We still have pictures. Then there was the family trip to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming which is amazing! You truly see God in action there. I had my first encounter with a wild Buffalo – up close & personal. Most of my good memories are with my family. But I have wonderful memories when I went off by myself each summer to Girl Scout Camp in McCall, Idaho. One of the most beautiful, pure, clean, untouched places on earth. That’s where my name comes from. And I just recently found out (after I adopted the name, because the place means so much to me…) that my paternal family heritage were some of the first original homesteaders of this majestic mountain town! Talk about Serendipity…

2. You served in the US Navy, why that direction and what did you get there that has helped you the most?

I have a lot of family history in the Navy. My Uncle was a Top Gun Fighter Pilot, F-14 Tomcats, lived the storybook exciting life traveling the world – he was my Mentor – that’s what I wanted to do. I was the first female in my family to become an Officer. Honor, Courage, Commitment is the official Navy code…and that’s what I got. Discipline is crucial to character and hence to success. Especially in this, such an unstructered, unstable business. Plus you’ve gotta have balls. I’m pretty fearless.

3. When did you decide to head to Hollywood?

Several years ago while I was living in Puerto Rico, which was my last duty station with the Navy. I did my first professional acting job there, a film called “Back in the Day” with Ja Rule and my former showbiz mentor Ving Rhames. I packed up & moved here within months after that, having caught “the bug” again. I came here not knowing a soul! I’ve got no family in Cali & had no friends in LA. It was a ballsy move. I just went with my gut. But I’ve been a performer all my life – mainly thru dance production and stage performance. I started when I was a little girl. So this was just a return to roots for me, not a jump into something completely new…

4. What is a SAG card and how does the process work into getting one?

The Screen Actors Guild is the Union for Professional Actors. There are a couple of ways to get the card, but it involves working professionally as an actor and paying a nice chunk of money! It’s a big investment and shouldn’t be taken lightly. I became eligible for mine from my role as a young mother in the Civil War South in a feature film called “Ascension Day”. I did NOT get any eligibility vouchers from working as an Extra, doing background work! I want to make that clear – it’s a big misconception. And I did that full time for about six months! Don’t get caught up in it. Take it for what it’s worth & move on. Although there are a few who become eligible that way, it is rare.

5. Take us through a normal audition day in Hollywood..

It starts the night before. Make sure you’re well-rested (beauty sleep). Carefully choose wardrobe according to the role & specifications. Mapquest your way there before leaving. Arrive right on time if not 10-15 min. early…never late. (Even though they’re usually running late). Make sure you’re well-rehearsed and in the right mental state for the role/character. The process varies so much depending on what you’re going for. I’ve had auditions which took ten minutes and those in which they’ve kept me for two hours! Sometimes they’ll put you on camera and sometimes not. I never do the “cattle call” auditions – where they send out an open invitation and hundreds of people show up. It’s not dignified and it’s not worth it to me. It just seems too desperate. And I always say, desperation doesn’t look good in Hollywood. Confidence is key! I am unique! I am special! There’s only one of me. That’s my reply to people who say “what about all the competition?” Especially being a blonde, blue-eyed attractive young female. But I just don’t look at it that way. You can’t. There IS no competition in my eyes. My only competition is with myself! I know my value. So I wait to be called in specifically for my looks, personality and talent – they saw something they liked in me and requested me. Otherwise, I don’t bother.

6. How did you get into martial arts and what styles do you practice?

I trained some self defense with the military, but I’ve wanted to study formal martial arts all my life. A good friend of mine got her Black Belt from Billy Blanks. She brought me with her to his World Training Center, a staple of Sherman Oaks for over 15 years, and we instantly clicked! He’s a very spiritual, charismatic man. We understood each other from the get-go & became fast friends as well as Master-Disciple. For the first time since moving to LA, I found a place that felt like home. It felt like family there. I immediately dove in, training twice a day up to 4-5 hours a day. I loved it! It was like I’d opened the flood gates. I progressed very quickly. Most people know him as the “Tae-Bo” guy, but he is a 6th Degree Master of Korean Tae Kwon Do. We trained also in Karate and in weapons; I began practicing Escrima (Filipino Fighting Sticks) and the Staff. Then he shut down. I was devastated. Now I train kickboxing with fighter friends freelance here & there as well as some stunt fighting & sparring – I’m still searching for the next Dojo to get back into formal training in my Gi. I want to move into Chinese styles next like Kung Fu.

7. You are now a published author,what did you write and where can we get a copy of it?

I have self-published the first volume of my poetry in a book called “Renaissance Girl – Love.Hate.Sex.Romance.” You can find it on Cafepress.com. There’s a link on my website. Some may not know but I’m also a professional Spoken Word Artist. I’ve been the Featured Poet in gigs in Atlanta, North Carolina and LA. I’m still working on my book “Living the High Life without Drinking the Champagne”. I’m soliciting a publisher for this very dramatic, important piece and am in talks with a couple right now – one here and one in England.

8. What are your 3 favorite movies?

Oh, that’s a hard one! I’m a movie fanatic – there are so many that are my favorite. Story-telling is truly an art, but is also important spirtually, because it brings people together. The Native Americans revered the Elder Storytellers who held (and hold) very high positions in the tribe. I think unfortunately we’ve lost some of that value in Hollywood. Too much of it is about making quick, easy money. Which is why you see so many sequels and so much “reality” tv crap. Anyway, I digress. Ok, so I’ll just list 3 that come to mind that I can watch over & over again & never tire of:
Top Gun
Pulp Fiction
The Crow

9. You are one of the best self-promoting artists I have seen here on MySpace, how important are your fans in relation to your success?

They are everything. From the business side of it, showbiz is 100% based on their reaction. There’s no “supply & demand” like in other businesses where a product is supplied that people need to survive or to live comfortable daily lives. They create the “demand” for the “product” which is Jamie McCall. They’re the ones that say “We wanna see more of her!” On the personal side of it, they are also crucial. There’ve been plenty of days where I’ve felt down & out, tired & ready to give it up…when I get a message, a phone call or a note encouraging me to keep going, thanking me for inspiring, telling me how much of an impact I’m having…and it keeps me going. I really feel like they’re on the journey with me, that my successes are theirs, and that’s why I share so much, every step of the way, all the good and the bad, so that they do feel like an important & integral part of the movement. Because they are. As a sidenote, I’ve never really liked the word “fan”, which comes from “fanatic” because that’s not what I have. I have Friends and Supporters. All real, true people, cheering me on, providing guidance and support while receiving inspiration and hopefully entertainment from me. Most all are interested in me as a person and not just my image. It’s a true give-and-take relationship. I am so grateful!

To add Jamie as a friend and follow this rising star,go here:
myspace.com/goldilx
or check out her personal website:
www.JamieMcCall.com

Welcome to another edition of “Headliners…..”, an ongoing interview series here at Entertainment Vine.

My wife and I watch cable TV. We enjoy watching HGTV quite a bit and we also really like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The idea of watching a show of people helping others just for the sake of helping kind of renews your faith in your fellow man/woman.

One day my wife called in me to watch a show on the Style Network called “Clean House”. I sat down and within minutes started cracking up..the show’s premise,to help hapless people living in the LA in totally messy houses,to clean up and let go of all the crap they hang on to.The crew,headed by the great Neicy Nash and her team of main designer Mark Brunetz,yard sale diva,Trish Suhr and the Go To Guy,Matt Iseman,work very hard on a VERY tiny budget to change these people’s lives for the better. While Trish and Matt are relative newcomers,the show has been on since 2004. Some people are grateful for thier help while others (those looney people in New Jersey and the most ugly hearted Toni Dragon) seem to see the show as “come out and clean my house show”.
What makes ‘Clean House” so great is both the humor and the warmth of the crew. Despite having backgrounds in stand comedy,acting and designing multi-million dollar homes, the “Clean House” crew does care about every family they try and help. Its a asskicking show!

So when I saw Matt Iseman had a MySpace page,his own website is a bit dated,I decided to ask for a interview and pick his brain abouyt the show and his career. I wasn’t so much amazed by his comedy,he is a very funny guy on the show,but by the fact he was going to become a doctor! You can tell by watching Matt on the show,he loves kids,he always is the one interacting with them,they seem to trust him and Neicy the most.
I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I had fun putting it together….

And now….sit back and check out “Headliners with……Clean House’s GoToGuy,Matt Iseman!
If you’re fan,drop a comment or a few kudos!

What was growing up in the Iseman house like?

Totally awesome. Lots of sports, both real and of the video game variety. and my room was kickass. If you don’t believe me, make a pilgrimage to Denver, Colorado to see for yourself because it the time capsule is still intact, unchanged since I graduated High School in 1989. But I think the reason I ended up in comedy is my mom. She was and is my biggest fan and by always laughing at all the wacky things I did, I think she turned me into the laugh hungry person that takes the stage today.

2. You went to medical school,how did you go from medicine to comedy?

A Lawsuit. No, I just realized that my heart wasn’t in medicine and I didn’t want to be a half-assed doctor, so I figured I’d try something I really loved and that was being the center of attention. Worked out well so far.

3. Define “comedy” according to Matt Iseman.

See my CD. Whatever makes you laugh, qualifies. Check out Brian Regan to see the man who made me want to be a comedian in the first place. And watch Will Ferrell to see who consistently makes me laugh every second that he’s on screen.

4. How did you get the co-hosting part on “Clean House”?

Really kind of a fluke, they brought me in on 2 days notice to fill in and then, like Lou Gehrig, I just didn’t leave. That was 30 episodes. Not sure I’ll make 2,100 but the streak is still going for now.

5. What percent of the actual work does the main crew do?

It really varies based on the episode and the amount of work we have to get done. The reality is we’re filming a show where we make over a house in just a few days. So we have a crew that helps us get it done on time, mostly it’s just extra hands but… sometimes… under our expert direction… they’ll help out by picking up a hammer. Or a staple gun.

6. Despite knowing the premise of the show,are people that unwilling to part with thier foolishness and mayhem?

YES. It never fails to amaze me… THEY called us and yet they forget we’re not a maid service. We’re helping you get rid of the clutter and make sure it doesn’t come back. Still, it makes it interesting when you offer a brand new bedroom set to someone if they’ll give up heir ratty old teddy bear and they fight you tooth and nail. That’s the heart of the show.

7. What has been your favorite family to work with and why?

Hmmm…. tough to pick just one. I’d have to say it isn’t the Lorias.(That was the crazy ass people who won the Messiest House in America contest-Ed) Haha. I really liked the Sheffies because, being with them for a week, you really got to see they were a close family who wanted to live right and just needed our help. They were fun and funny and Stacie (an amateur handywoman) had created a ton of work for me with her unfinished projects. And they LOVED the finished product.

8. How long have you been doing stand-up comedy?

About 8 years now.

You did a USO Tour overseas to Afghanistan, what’s your position as an American on the war?

As a comedian and the host of a home makeover show, I know that if people care about my position on the war they need to read a newspaper. Suffice it to say, I support the troops and take every change I get to go overseas to perform for them. They are the best crowds for whom I’ve ever performed and the most appreciative.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Still cleaning houses. Or starring in my own sitcom. Or maybe on my couch watching tapes or what I was doing today.

11. Which of your friends/fans will comment first on this interview?

My Mom. Or my stalker.

To add Matt as a Friend: http://www.myspace.com/mattiseman

Welcome to another edition of “Headliners with……” an ongoing (I know,it HAS been a while since I posted one of these!!) interactive interviews series with the various superstars you may know or perhaps will come to discover.

DJ Chris Allen is a true multi-talent….cutting edge DJ who spins at College Station,Texas at HALO two nights a week,a music artist who has released 7 DIY albums under the moniker Stiletto,Texas and also writes two columns for Texas based gay biweekly zine called “Shout”. One column is a review column and the other is a interview column where Chris has chatted to many a famous (or soon to be famous) artist. Like I said,a true multi-talent!

One thing about Chris I do admire is his determination to swim his own way. As I know he lives where Texas A&M is,I wished him good luck when the Aggies play Texas…when he wrote back and said “Uh,Michael….I’m a UT man”. I should have known….*LOL*
After reading this interview,I encourage you to pick up one of his albums…the man can flow!

And now…….”Headliners with…..DJ Chris Allen!

1. How did you come about being a DJ?

Good lord mate, where do I begin? After a year or so of street promoting I started out as a light tech at several very popular clubs in Houston back in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Xcess, Heaven, and Amnesia to name a few. I moved to Austin to program lights at this one joint and found myself in a dj position when one of the club’s jocks suddenly quit. Like my mentor, the late Scooter Bearden. I started off spinning happy hours – an excellent opportunity to perfect my craft, and the rest is, well, history in the making. The story for me is far from over. I have no plans on slowing down. I am a career dj. What was so foreign to me in the beginning I can not see my life without.

2. What is the biggest change you have seen in the clubs since you first started?

A lot less drugs. I mean A LOT. And these days, a lot of different drugs. The club scene sorta seemed to go stale when big brother declared X enemy number one in the mid to late 90’s. And X really was a good thing. Honestly. Especially for night clubs and dance music. It allowed ordinary people to tear down those barrier walls and let themselves go. Let themselves experience and taste things they might not otherwise. Same thing for many djs. When I was spinning on X back in the day, what I would normally call risks became just another part of the groove. And somehow, it all always fell magically into place. The shit you get on streets these days that they say is X is nothing like it once was. Even in the mid 90’s. That shit was all cut with heroine and these days it’s all meth and acid. Huh? WTF? I feel lucky that I got to taste it when it was actually still legal and pharmaceutically produced. When it was about the love and the untiy and the high, not just the high alone. But what that high created. It’s really a shame that the government declared war on X. Their war only paved the way to much harder and more addictive and more destructive substances becoming popular. Hence our country’s meth problem. Personally, over time, I have realized that drugs are like so many other thing in life. A tool. A tool to help you get from point A to point B and maybe learn something along the way. Moderation being the key. The only key. Besides the never ending and always changing evolution of electronic dance music into what came out last Monday and Tuesday?

3. What is the main difference between being a good DJ and a great DJ?

A great dj will not only play those tracks you wanna hear and dance to but will also take you on a journey that is unique to their particular style of programming. A great dj can not only read a crowd, but lead a crowd as well. A great dj can create what many would describe as a spiritual experience. I remember this one night at Twilo in NYC a few years before 9-11 when Danny Tenaglia was spinning a New Year’s Eve party. It was not only amzing, but for me – a dj – it was inspiring and literally changed my entire outlook on what it was I was do for my coins. Sure, the crowd pleasers were there, but Danny threw in something more. His understanding of the groove took it to another level. I danced for almost 8 hours straight that night. At first I thought it was just the club, because Twilo was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It was the first time I was in a hall where the sound moved beyond my ears and affected my whole body. So you didn’t just hear the beats and riffs and vocals, you felt them in every ounce of your being. But after my buddy Scott Perciful brought Danny to Austin for the first time, I realized that it wasn’t just the club, but the man controlling the club as well. The show in Austin was just as powerfully moving with less than one forth the sound.

4. Explain what “electro circuit” is?

A climatic blend of electro house, progressive house, and circuit anthems with a touch of trance.

5. How do you decide what goes on your playlist?

I start that process by following the local, regional, state, and national charts. And also by checking out various websites like Perfect Beat, iTunes, and Beatport to what is new and hot. But, just cause a track is huge in one city doesn’t mean it will be in everywhere else. It’s really up to the crowd in the end, the reason I am here. The people who pay my bills ya know.

6. Tell us about your very first solo DJ gig, what and how did you prepare for that?

The same way I prep for every gig. I get plenty of rest, eat healthy, and approach it with a clear head. A few hours running at the gym the afternoon of helps too.That and an ice cold Red Bull of course!

7. What club in your town is the best for dance music?

Well, I am currently living in a small Texas town called Bryan. It is a great central location for me and honestly the rent is so way cheap. I am no more than 3 hours away from anywhere in Texas I might be playing be it Austin, Houston, Dallas, or even San Antonio. And importantly to me, I am close to my family. Bryan is right next to College Station, the home of Texas A & M University. There are 2 clubs that are famous for getting your groove on there. The str8 crowd goes to Gatsby’s in Northgate. Pretty much a white hip hop club. The gays and open minded folks go to Halo, where I play 2 nights a week. We have been awarded best dance club for the last 3 years in row by City Search and AOL City Guide. Best damn club in the Brazos valley bitches! For a small town joint, Halo get’s pretty damn crazy, often bringing in over 300 partiers a night when I play.

8. What would you tell someone who wanted to become a club DJ? What tips and wisdom would you share?

First of all, I have always told all of my students what my teacher Scooter told me in the very beginning; practice, practice, practice! And if you find yourself with some free time, practice some more. Yes, perfect flawless transitions can come naturally, but usually not. The other big piece of advice I have is, learn your phrasing and know the music you are playing. If you understand the fundamentals of phrasing and how dance music fits together then you are less likely over time to produce those mixes we all like to call “train wrecks.” What seems a like a challenge will eventually become second nature, over time of course. Secondly, follow the charts. That is how you can learn to program. There are several levels to this task. International. National. Regional. And duh, local. And last, learn from those around you. Go check out those djs that know how to rock a packed club. Listen, pay attention, but never approach. If a dj thinks you are moving in on his territory he may have you kicked out and barred. If you are cool like that. then do that voodoo that you do so well and schmooze your way into the circles. Ya never know til you try.

9. How important is it to promote yourself…after all, once you get a huge night, you don’t to worry about promotion, right?

Ha ha! That’s funny man. Good one. In a perfect world maybe. No, but really, I have learned over time that you have to do your own promoting in addition to what the venue has going on. Flyers, bar rag adds, business cards, handing out mix cds, and utilizing all the obvious online tools really do help. And you have to remain determined and consistent throughout the task. My job is to entertain the people that the club brings in, not get them there. That is the responsibility of the club owner or the event promoter. One hopes that my name on the bill will carry a great deal of weight and add to their concept. But it’s also my job to make sure my name gets out there and they know who I am and what I am about. What’s that saying? If you want the job done right then do it yourself?

10. How has the nwtworking space MySpace helped your career?

Wow. Over the last 3 years, MySpace has aided my career so tremendously. But like with anything else in life, outflow equals inflow. If you put the time and energy in you will get results. Despite the often incredibly shallow nature of today’s world, I still believe in that old skool principle that hard work really does pay off in the end. Instant success is over rated. Longevity is what one should shoot for. It is really about how dedicated you are to your dreams and goals. MySpace has not only helped expose my style to the global populace but given me a place to share my dreams and goals with the world.

And I have to add, I just launched my new website, www.djchrisallen.com. Props out to my site’s designer Andy. I could not have done it without him. His attention to detail is immaculate. I think everybody will really enjoy the site. In the next few months we will ba adding cool stuff like downloadable Chris Allen ring tones and wallpapers and more. Exciting times ahead, as always. Thanx so much for checking me out and wanting to know more. Knowledge is king! Remember, life may not always be the aprty you had hoped for, but while you’re here you might as well dance. Peace.

To add Chris as a Friend:
http://www.myspace.com/djchrisallen

Zara: More than a pleasure. Now stop creeping and ask me the questions ha-ha

Rob: You are a remarkable 13 times World Martial Arts Champion. Could you let us have details of what started you into this field, together with your disciplines?

Zara: I started in martial arts when I was a wee little girl aged 7, originally my dad got me into Shotokan Karate under the tuition of Mick and Wayne Tucker, in fact I remained studying karate for 6 years but in that time I’d also been fortunate enough to be accepted for tuition at the renowned school of champions academy in Nottingham. From there I continued training in Kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, Ho Shin Sul, Sport Karate and Shaolin Wu Shu and developed into the national team in competition, although I enjoyed my years in international tournaments , martial arts is a way of life for me, I love to study and teach rather than compete.

Rob: How did you get into the world of screen fighting?

Zara: I was actually competing in USA when I got spotted for a film, on returning to UK after the film project (which was a Sci -Fi, no martial arts at all) I got the indie film bug, and it was then I realised to my amazement there was so much going on back here with stunt fighting in martial art UK productions. With my connections in the states along, with friends here in UK, it soon became more common to study screen fighting , how it works, the difference between film fighting techniques and real martial arts etc. In fact I got asked to teach some workshops on it as I got more and more detailed in the technicalities of industry standards such as line of impact, falls, safety lines, etc. There is a big network of screen fighters here in the UK, but martial art practitioners are generally un- aware of this, especially those who aspire to become martial art actors. So the workshops provided a good link up for this.

Rob: This year you have managed to set up the UK Black Salt Screen fighting Team, as well as become the UK Representative for the Fighting Stunts Association (the stunt team behind Sin City). That is incredibly quick! What is the secret to your success?

Zara: The secret is this, it’s nothing to do with me, it’s the fact that so many martial artists out there didn’t realise screen fighting was about, everyone thinks that you need to be a registered stunt person and go through all that, which is good but not the only avenue for martial art actors. The Black Salt team was made up out of a demand for networking and team practice in screen fighting, we are very lucky to have such a great group of people involved from around the country, up coming stars like yourself, Kayley Marke, Rob Comrie, and so many others. There are other teams in the UK, all very good, and with this brings more awareness to the indie film maker who didn’t have access to action fighters before for their projects. FSA got in contact soon after Black Salt team appeared, after talking to them extensively over a couple of months I found we were really on the same page, my involvement with them came out of the fact I really like what they are doing for martial artists to get into film industry, whether it be small or big budget, plus the knowledge is invaluable to the team.

Coming back to building the Black Salt screen fighter team, another inspiration is the team from Glasgow – The Total Combat team. They are awesome, I really like their work, in-fact I’m able to work with them on a project at present. The more teams that

form the better I think, because there will be more indie productions as well as bigger production opportunities. Hopefully the UK will start having regular action martial art related films being made with all this talent available.

Rob: Who in the martial arts film world is your inspiration?

Zara: Bruce Lee still does it for me. You just think, the films were made in the 70’s yet he still commands that tingle down your spine when he is on screen. Jet Li is also a hero of mine, but to be honest I love most martial art movies, USA, HK, Europe etc, Cynthia Rothrock I’m a big admirer of too, I still think she’s the queen of martial arts ha-ha

Rob: Zara, you will soon be shooting, “Shiai – The Game”. What would audiences see that would differ from the majority of current martial arts films?

Zara: My character I am hoping will show that a female can hold her own on the screen with having to battle different styles and not fight the same but adapt and adapt well to survive, I think that will be different for a female lead character in a martial art film, so fingers crossed.

Rob: What in your opinion, makes a good fight sequence?

Zara: wow, well it all depends on the project. Different projects mean different type of fight scenes and choreography. I must admit one of my favourite and hard worked fight scenes to date is with Joey Ansah (Bourne Ultimatum). We worked on the film ‘Underground’ and the fight scene in that wasn’t your typical girl kicks high etc, it was a tough battle and we both came out with bruises, I for one knew when I came out of that, that we’d done a good job. I think as long as an audience can see the fighters really work it, then the fight scene should be cool , but lets not forget is down to the editors after that ha-ha.

Rob: I have attended your screen fighting seminars; and whilst challenging, are most enjoyable. What do you see happening for the stunt team you have created?

Zara: I haven’t created the team, the team have created themselves, a bunch of positive thinking talented people coming together on a common ground. I think the team like other teams in the UK will continue to grow and develop in various projects, whether it is on film, TV, commercials or music video’s. Obviously a lot of them work with me on projects I am sometimes involved with, but they also work on their own stuff too. The team is about being a team, supporting each other in whatever we are doing, whether we are involved in the same project or not, it’s a support and training base. I know you’ll see more of the team in the near future appearing on big and little screens.

Rob: Furor appears to be a change in direction for you. How do you think this project will challenge you Zara?

Zara: hmmm, without giving too much away? Lol Ok , well Furor for me is a acting challenge, you are hopefully going to see some demanding acting from me emotionally, well at least though parts of the film ha-ha. It is a change for me, as all the roles I’ve played so far are tough chicks, and in this for some part I do as well, but there is also a very different type of role for me too, without letting out too much )

Rob: What advice would you give to anyone who is interested in venturing into the martial arts media industry?

Zara: Seek good advice, I’m not the one to give it, I’m still new and a baby to all this. But, there are some good people out there, people who have made it so to speak and with real experience in this industry. They are here in the UK, and they are nice people too. Talk to the action actors that are doing the work out there, I for one have learnt a lot in this last year alone by networking. I’ve been fortunate to work with the likes of Mark Strange, Nathan Lewis, your self, Joey Ansah, all the guys on the Underground project (some awesome peeps on there) also working with George and Mandy at Total Combat has helped me a lot. Network, Network, Network!

Recently I joined the SOOPA 8. An amazing group of models, actors, performers and business venture’s, even through this, networking and gaining knowledge has been incredible. There are a lot of talented and helpful people out there, so again, start networking!

Rob: I got to know you via Myspace. How do you rate Myspace as a networking tool for screen fighters?

Zara: It’s great. We may never have met if it wasn’t for Myspace. Now look at us… we’re working on two films together one in the States & one in the UK, you can’t argue with that! Myspace is great for contacting people you didn’t get opportunity to contact directly before, so for networking it is cool, as long as you keep it professional. However, with every good thing comes the down side, and yes Myspace has its down side too. Like some unprofessional people on there dare I say, in fact, there are a lot of profiles of stars that aren’t really their profiles. I talk to a well known international actor (not going to name him) who actually has 3 myspace sites claiming to be him, although none are!

Rob: How do you juggle your martial teaching with your screen fighting projects? You never seem to rest!

Zara: it’s tough, but I love it so much (teaching and screen fighting) that it doesn’t seem as tough as what it looks on paper. I run a full time business with my academy in Mansfield, the Personal best Academy , here’s my plug – www.personalbestacademy.com ha-ha. I love the place, the students and the fellow team staff. I’m also still a member of the School of Champions Academy, which is still my training home, training these days are limited for sure, the hardest transition is from my usual 7 days a week training (sometimes twice a day) to now juggling between teaching, managing, filming and finding that one moment where I can use the opportunity to train. That is the hardest thing, as training is still my biggest buzz.

Rob: I am fortunate to be a member of your stunt team, and you have become a great friend. What is your philosophy on life Zara?

Zara: To beat you up if you call it my stunt team again lol… Seriously though, I just love life itself, corny, simple I know, but it’s true. I love martial arts as you know, and I seriously love the film industry related stuff, but for me as a person, meeting people, different cultures etc is something that means so much. Being the best person you can be with yourself is surely something to look back on with pride. Have a goal in life, then keep that aim, if you haven’t got goals then how do you live your life?

Rob: Where does Zara Phythian see herself in the future?

Zara: 80 year old woman in the back garden doing her tai chi and loving it ) the rest in between? Well, I intend to enjoy… whatever it may be.

Rob: Thank you very much for doing this interview. I wish you all the success in the future.

Zara: I wish you success too, you thoroughly deserve it sir!

Zara Phythian On Myspace

Personal Best Academy

George and Mandy Johnston founded and run the Total Combat Academy. Not only do this extraordinary couple offer a great and important teaching programme for self-defence, but they are now expanding their skills and knowledge into the world of action movies. Both Mandy and George have experience in various martial arts including Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Silat, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu amongst others. They have been involved in Keysi Fighting Method for about 7 years and remain the only academy in Scotland to teach this incredible martial art.

Paul: Hi guys. I just want to start by saying thanks so much for giving your time to do this interview.
George: Thank you, you’re most welcome!
Mandy: It’s a pleasure!

Paul: I have to say how much admiration I have for anyone who dedicates so much of their time and energy into learning something to such a high standard, be it martial arts or not. Could you share with us what got you both interested in martial arts?
George: Bruce Lee. Yes it’s a cliche but when I first saw him in Enter the Dragon, he was the most amazing being I’d ever seen.
Mandy: Again, it’s Bruce Lee because he was so different for the time. He wasn’t the blue eyed blonde American that you could never be. He was small, Chinese and perfection.

Paul: Was it your mutual love of martial arts that crossed your paths?
George: Ha ha yes! I always spent a lot of time in training and couldn’t imagine being with someone that wasn’t into it as much as me. We used to both go to a martial arts academy in Glasgow.
Mandy: It’s the same for me, I was training all the time and it’s great when your partner is as passionate about something as you.

Paul: Has there been anyone in particular, or any experience in your lives, that inspired and motivated you both to follow the paths that you’ve chosen?
George: For me it’s students who really inspire because they start off with very little and in a few months you see them changing into a confident and challenged person. It’s very rewarding to watch them grow in their journey.
Mandy: I always have liked doing extreme sports and activities. Martial arts can be pretty extreme and sometimes it’s not for the faint hearted. Plus any activity which is male dominated tends to make me work even harder to be really good at.

Paul: What gave you both the desire to form your own training academy?
George: We love martial arts so why not do something you love. Teaching is a pleasure because you see students develop into really good martial artists. You also form some great friendships with people.
Mandy: We also wanted to bring a different kind of atmosphere to an academy. Any other places where we trained before, it can be very intimidating for a new person. So we make the academy a fun and relaxing experience. Even in class, a bit of a laugh goes on, it just helps people train better.

Paul: You both have studied extensively in various martial arts. What is it that interested you about the Keysi Fighting Method, that made you choose to offer training in this relatively unknown style rather than one of the more commonly know styles?
George: Because it was an unknown style and we wanted to try something completely different.
Mandy: I had heard about it and something just clicked for me. It was so natural and things made perfect sense.

Paul: Do you offer training to a wide age range? How do you tailor your programme to suit say elderly or younger students?
George: I’ll let Mandy answer that!
Mandy: We offer training to people over 16 just now. I used to do kids classes but I just don’t have the time due to having my own baby. We can tailor the programme to suit all levels. Our classes are relaxed and students are encouraged to push themselves but at their own pace.

Paul: With any sport or any physical activity, there is always the risk of injury. What precautions do you take to prevent or at least limit any potential injury to your students?
George: Again with new students, we take it easy to begin with and if a student feels they want more then they are able to use protective gear and go all out.
Mandy: Injuries do happen but not as often as you might think. Everyone loves showing their bruises off don’t they!!

Paul: Martial arts training is not simply about the development of the body, but also that of the mind. What is your philosophy on the study and use of martial arts and how do you work this into the training you give?
George: Martial arts is more about using your mind than the physical aspect. The way you think can sometimes prevent situations from arising. It doesn’t matter what belt you are, if you haven’t trained your mind to handle a situation the consequences might not be so good.
Mandy: You train your body and your mind to take a hit. Physically, you might take it in the class but if it happens for real it might be too big a shock for the mind. And that needs to be trained more.

Paul: I want to ask you some things about your ventures into screen fighting training and action films. Who or what got you started in this?
George: We’ve always been interested in action fighting but only recently started taking things further. We started a screenfighting class for guys in our academy who might be interested and they took to it really well. We were working on fight choreography for a project which never happened.
Mandy: It’s something new and different for us. You always see other people doing it so we thought we’d give it a shot and we loved it!!
What difference is there between your training programme for screen fighting and for regular martial arts training?
George: With regular training everything is tighter and faster. In a streetfight you want to finish it as quickly as possible. For the screen you need to make it more theatrical and exciting. So the training needs to include breakfalls, falling over objects, into objects or people.
Mandy: In screenfighting you need to exaggerate movements and make them wider. The guys taking the punches and kicks need to be able to sell them to an audience.

Paul: What film projects are you involved in at the moment? Can you tell us a bit about them?
George: We are currently involved in an independent movie project called Furor.
Mandy: We’re very excited to be working with Zara Phythian, Vic Marke, Rob Ho and Rob Comrie on what promises to be a very interesting and dark movie.

Paul: These sound like pretty exciting times for you. Was it always in your mind to someday explore the world of action films?
George: Yes!!!! As I said before I got into martial arts because of Bruce Lee movies. It was him that started it all!! Didn’t everyone want to be Bruce Lee? ha ha.
Mandy: We’ve always been big into action movies so to work in them is a total dream come true. I love the combination of horror and martial arts! I would love to play a blood crazed serial killer, ha ha.

Paul: If you could choose to work with any of today’s stars in the action movie world, who would it be and why?
George: Matt Damon because for someone who doesn’t do martial arts he is really convincing and looks like he could pull any move off. In the Bourne movies, his fight scenes were great and were done at quite close quarters.
Mandy: I’ve always been a fan of Arnold Schwartzenegger from his bodybuilding days to now. He’s an inspiring guy who has achieved (almost) everything he has set out to do. There’s one last movie left in him yet!

Paul: What are your plans and hopes for the future?
George: Well we opened a new academy in February so we aim to make that a success. I would like to take my fight choreography career further as I really enjoy it. I like to see fight scenes coming together from just a idea in my head. It’s really rewarding to see the performers acting out the moves.
Mandy: The academy is a big focus but I also would like to be more involved in fight choreography and performance. I have started getting into acting in a big way and aim to get into drama school next year.

Paul: Guys, thanks again for doing this interview. The very best of luck with all your ventures.
George: No thank you Paul for the interview.
Mandy: Thanks Paul, it was a pleasure!

Total Combat On Myspace.

Total Combat Academy Homepage.