Julia Mei is a talented and ambitious young lady who’s always interested in new challenges. She was born in China, and raised in Canada; fluent in both English and Mandarin. She began her training in dance and piano when she was 4 and this eventually led to her vigorous training in the other arts such as singing and acting as well as modeling.
She is also a talented pianist, makeup artist, and hostess.
Her love for the spotlight pushes her to reach new heights of excellence in everything she pursues.
Name:Julia Mei
Occupation:Student/Model
Education:Graphic Communications Management
Stats:Pianist, Singer, Dancer, Model
How did you get started on your current career track?
I would say, I started modeling just as a hobby. My best friend enjoys photography, so it all started from there. We’d go and have photoshoots just for fun. And eventually she entered artwork into contests, and I became more serious with modeling as well. Now a days, I do alot of Fashion and Editorial modeling for magazines. Often times I also model for car shows because they’re honestly a lot of fun, and you get to meet a lot of great people.
Working in different media has its advantages. For radio personalities, it's often a chance to be out there in the public ear, but without having to be in the public eye. Hiding behind a microphone is a great diversionary tactic (says the guy hiding behind his computer screen).
But not so for Mississauga's Stephanie McKenzie. TheHazeFM.ca's General Manager and host of Sugar and Spice, Stephanie makes a point of being visible across the media, in print, and in the social media universe, promoting her company and her brand with incredible tenacity. Plus, she's funny as hell.
Stephanie is also up for a Mississauga Arts Council People's Choice Award. So do us (and her) a favour and CLICK HERE to cast your vote! (Voting is open until April 1, 2013)
Enter to win two tickets to the world premiere, April 14th in Toronto.* Just follow The Man Sphere on Twitter before April 11.
Mexican born, Canadian raised beauty Veronika London has been creating quite a stir with her provocative television appearances and photography features leading to Maxim Magazine calling her the "Megan Fox of Hollywood North." With a starring role in the film Searching For Angels, London is now earning respect as a serious actress drawing comparisons to Angelina Jolie in Gia. Searching For Angels, also starring Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill, Independence Day) in a supporting role, will premier in Toronto at the ReelWorld Film Festival on April 14, 2012.
In the film, London plays a heroin-addicted prostitute who is discovered beaten in the street with no memory of her past. Refusing to trade on her looks, London fearlessly sheds the trappings that made her a Canadian sex symbol, and creates a riveting portrait of a young woman at serious risk. The result is a performance that is spellbinding in its power and truth.
As a method trained actress, having studied at Pro-Actors lab in Toronto, London likes to put herself into real life situations even while playing a cracked out prostitute. "We were in Toronto on Church street and in between takes of shooting the scenes I decided to step out of the set," reflects London. "I was literally approached by three cars, one was a truckers, another a business man and the third a family man with a child in the back seat. At the time it was -35 weather, I was starving, very cold and having caffeine withdrawal. At that moment, I realized I went into survival mode. If I had nothing left I would get in the car. I understood that when one is so lost and immersed in darkness, a scenario that could end bad seems like a good idea."
Always living on the edge, London began her acting career in 2009 with risqué appearances on HBO's Lingerie and Showtime's Body Language. In that same year, she shot seven music videos--all of which featured her in lead roles--ranging in different musical genres, worked as the co-host for Toro-TV's "Damage Control" series, and launched a film career with Spanish speaking roles in Meet My Water Buffalo and in the dark comedy The Elusive Man.
In 2010, she focused on more unconventional feature film roles as a means of challenging herself with character driven roles. She found herself connecting better with the "conflicted rawness" of some of the characters she portrayed, such as the assassin in Mvnera, a killer bartender in Three Shades of Black and a pregnant nun in the horror slasher Black Eve.
With nine tattoos (most interesting one on upper left shoulder blade in binary code that says desire), martial arts training and her exotic looks, London is quickly becoming the go to actress for edgy, dark, bizarre and early Jolie-esque roles. Most recently she starred in two of Belly's music videos which are also very dark: "Purple Drugs" and a remix of REM's classic "Losing my Religion."
2012 is off to an incredible start for London with Searching For Angels, which is being tabbed as Gia meets Memento, having its world premiere at the ReelWorld Film Festival in Toronto, Ontario.
Searching For Angels - World Premiere Feature Presentation
Sat, April 14th, 2012; 5:30 pm at Famous Players Canada Square Cinemas, Theatre 4
Who is Jane Doe? That's the question everybody wants an answer to, including herself. Jane Doe, played by Veronika London (Body Language, HBO series "Lingerie") is a young prostitute and heroin addict found by paramedics laying on the street in a pool of blood. She is the victim of a violent altercation which leaves her with a severe head injury. Stricken by amnesia and struggling with her heroin addiction, she is on a quest to discover her identity but most importantly who did this to her and why. She is taken in by a nurse played by Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill, Independence Day) who is a motherly figure to her. Along her quest she comes along several characters from her past and the clues to the answers she seeks slowly come to light, revealing many horrible truths. With this information, feelings of curiosity quickly turn to a thirst for retribution.Director: Nadeem Soumah
*Only one prize to give away, consisting of two adult admission passes to the showing, 5:30 pm at Famous Players Canada Square Cinemas, Theatre 4 in Toronto, Ontario. No travel or accommodation included. Must be 18 years of age or over to win. Winner will be selected by random draw by The Man Sphere editor Steve Baric. Prize will be delivered electronically by email. No purchase necessary. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest closes at 5:00 pm EDT on April 11, 2012. Only one entry per person.
With a fresh year in 2012, two recently released singles, plus two more and a video slated for release this year, Basia Lyjak is a woman in control; she is a veritable supernova of songwriting and vocal talent poised to explode, putting a stranglehold on her eager existing fans and caught-off-guard new converts alike, leaving them rapt and thirsty for more, more, more!
10 years into her professional career, Basia has seen and learned a thing or two about her ever-changing and increasingly uncertain industry. From the glitz of generously funded development deals and girl groups, to living out of her car in order to record and release her next single, Basia has been personally and professionally privy to to the whole spectrum of the good and bad of being a musician.
Name: Basia Lyjak
Occupation: Singer/Songwriter
Education: Humber College Radio Broadcasting
Stats: That's a tough one! I've been lucky enough to receive quite a few awards for doing what I love, but I wouldn't say that's what defines my personal sense of awesomeness. If I really had to toot my own horn, I'd say I quantify my own awesomeness by how I've managed to stay true to my dream by keeping my project alive and moving even when things are at their toughest. No matter the hurdle -- and there have been MANY -- I still manage to keep on truckin'. I'm living my dream despite what anyone says, and that's awesome to me!
How did you get started on your current career track?
I think with any artistic pursuit, every step of the development of your craft has something to do with your current career track. So, from singing along to all the major divas as a kid to self-train my voice, to singing in productions of musicals, to being in an all-girl band, to recording my first and second EPs and all of my subsequent releases - all of that has led me to where I am. Every personal struggle and hurdle has affected my goals, my style, my songs as well. All of those things help whittle down what you really want for yourself as a person and artist!
Everyone has their two cents to offer to me: I should sing like this, write with that person, use this producer, focus on a different genre, wear different clothes - the list goes on and I can't please everyone. I'm here to write great songs, period, so I'm done with limiting myself to genres when every kid with an iPod has at least 100 different kinds of music on it! That's the mindset I was in when we went into the studio with these new songs - make them the best they can be, not cram them into a genre.
As I mentioned on the Facebook page, it's not as content-heavy as previous issues. This was due to a wave of exciting illnesses through various households slowing down the process of editing and uploading material. However, the key features did make it up, and we'll be posting more stories over the course of the rest of the week.
Depending on how readers respond, we might even switch to this format, posting top stories every second week and adding more stories for a few days after.
These are the headlines:
In "Women We Love," we feature actress, writer, and television sci-fi icon Sarah Deakins.
And sex and dating expert Sam Adrian uses a hilarious comic from xkcd to demonstrate what exactly is wrong with "negging" -- the classic PUA move involving playing on a woman's self-esteem.
We'll keep you posted on more updates as they come out, or follow the magazine on Twitter for timely updates.
One other little change to the site: we've basically killed comments. I've been spending WAY too much time deleting ridiculous spam comments (as attested by THIS post). Comments are still available for readers, but you have to be registered in order to comment. Hopefully this stops the robots from posting such gems of engaging commentary as:
Yesterday Their,rich own mark available knee computer male experience kind safe feeling via while technical improve customer limited hell talk complete good persuade shoe explore scheme issue red prepare bring song tone which surround hour strategy assessment upon burn possible wind love manage step total reflect live satisfy admit stop football adult traditional call procedure king county bed cos thus then spread depend support currently progress hand without please father think wild sentence small youth average extra effective limited silence station effective complex may funny chemical post flow contribution.
I know, right? How could I possibly restrict this level of insightful commentary?
Yeah...no more of that. So readers, come on over and comment all you like. But please register to get in on the conversation. And in the meantime, head on over and check out our headline stories.
Well, when the name is Rachelle Wilde, the answer is: all you need to know.
Coming up like a tidal wave of energy and enthusiasm, Rachelle Wilde has taken the modelling world by storm, quickly rising through the ranks to become one of Canada's hottest talent properties. Obviously stunning, and professionally intense, Rachelle balances her wild side with a down-to-earth realism and brilliant sense of humour that take challenges by the horns and show them who's really the boss. In short, it doesn't take much to get Rachelle talking -- and when she does, what she has to say is well worth learning from.
Photo: Rich Remolador
Name: Rachelle Wilde
Occupation: Playboy Cover Model and Naked News Anchor
Education: Diploma in Dentistry...random I know.
I love to help others whether it be with my Sick Kids charity, or SPCA fundraisers or just helping out a friend. I'm a real girl with big personality that can get anybody laughing...that makes me awesome :)
How did you get started on your current career track?
I was asked to shoot with Playboy years ago but I didn't feel it was the right time. Then in October of 2010 I shot my spread and sure enough I made my pictorial debut by making the cover of Playboy Lingerie April 2011. Then I made the cover for France's Filles De Playboy Special 100th Issue, and finally my third cover with my best friend for Playboy Lingerie, in October, 2011. I have been very fortunate to have been published in over 8 issues last year.
What gives you the most satisfaction as an artist?
I get excited to show my family my work that I have done. I come from a very liberal family and they get so excited and proud, and that makes me happy.
There's been a really interesting phenomenon that's come up since I started this blog and subsequently launched the magazine site. It centres around the odd behaviour of men and women when it comes to do agreeing to do interviews.
I confess I started the interviews for Women We Love and Men We Admire as a way of building content, and possibly getting a little extra traffic as a result. The results have been overwhelming, due largely to the encouragement of the fantastic people I've been interviewing. They're all quite happy to provide interesting commentary and insights into their motivations and successes, and I've had a lot of great feedback from readers as well.
But what's been unusual is the responses from interviewees in terms of who does or doesn't get things done. I wouldn't have expected some of these results, but check this out:
Women, in general, are quite happy to do the interviews. Most come from entertainment fields, so that's understandable. Actresses, singers, models, and filmmakers know the value in providing face time online.
Men, by contrast, take a lot of selling. In the main, it's actually far more difficult to get them to agree to do an interview in the first place. I believe it's because they see the value differently. Whereas women see contributing an interview as adding value to their online brand, men want to know what the interview will contribute to their online brand.
From men, I often get questions like, "how much traffic do you get?" or "how do these questions relate to my [product or service] so I can at least get some relevant backlinks?" Women see the value as intrinsic, whereas men question the value from a "what's in it for me" position.
And yet (and here's the funny part), men get the interview responses back to me very quickly, even if their initial response was "I'm pretty busy, so this may take a while." Women, always eager to take on the interview, take much longer to get it done and usually need one or two reminders. Why is this?
Actually, I have no idea. This is just a tendency that I've noticed in doing several of these interviews over the past year. Women are more likely to agree to do an interview, but take a long time to get around to it. Men are less likely to agree to it, but when they do the turnaround time is much faster.
I'm going to keep an eye on this, I think, because it's an interesting phenomenon. It's not a scientific study of course, just a curiosity. I'm wondering if there's some valuable lesson here in the differences between men and women in handling productivity. Either way the job gets done, but in different ways. Worth a look I'd say.
We're giving away THREE prize packs from this issue's Women We Love feature, singing sensation Basia Lyjak!
Each package includes an autographed copy of her CD "Writings On The Wall," a T-shirt, and a free download card.
All YOU have to do is click the picture below, join The Man Sphere's Facebook page, and tell us your favourite Basia Lyjak song. It's as simple as that!
Contest closes Wednesday, March 7, 2012. No purchase necessary.
It's taken a lot of gruelling horrible work, but we finally launched The Man Sphere in its online magazine format!
Not to worry...stalwart readers of this blog will still get regular blog updates right here. This reformatting and rebranding effort is just a way to separate my personal quips from real content media, which has allowed me to do things like create categories specifically for advince on home maintenance, music and entertainment reviews, and interviews -- all the good stuff that dudes (and not-so-dudes) want to read but don't want to spend extra time poking around a blogger blog for.
If you haven't done so already, swing by The Man Sphere(www.themansphere.com) and check it out. This week (we'll run biweekly and see how that goes) we're featuring interviews with the amazing singer/songwriter Basia Lyjak and the somewhat less amazing but no less admirable Rugged Dude.
And pretty soon you'll be able to follow along right here with my own progress when we launch our Shape Up for Summer Contest 2012. Gonna be fun!
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too, for lots more fun and lots more stuff guys want to know.
Well, we can't let another February 14th roll by without a little nod to the cuddly cuteness of Valentine's Day. So, in honour of love and romance, I thought I'd share a funny little Valentine's chat and see where it takes you today.
Enjoy :)
He: Morning :) He: Happy Valentine's Day <3
She: Mornin'...Happy valentine's day
He: If I was there, I totally would have made you breakfast in bed :)
She: That would have been sweet
He: Then I would have nailed you. Just sayin.
She: Haha cute
He: Oh trust me...after a breakfast like that, you'd find me irresistable. He: You'd be on me like Charlie Sheen on a Star cover.
She: What were you gonna do...drug me?
He: That wasn't nice :( He: Here I am gushing romantic sentiments about nailing you...romantically...and you go and throw me a burn.
She: Nailing me "romantically" lol
He: What? I'd take my socks off. Jeez.
She: Hahaha She: Now that is soooo romantic
He: See? Anything for you babe.
Have a funny or cute chat you'd like to share? Post it in the comments below.
Cable efficianados will recognize Lana Tailor as one of the principal talents behind the success of Cinemax's wildly erotic series "Lingerie." Dudes everywhere will also recall that she's had the very rare distinction of having graced the cover (and pages) of Playboy twice. But the sultry sylph from Sudbury has a lot more going on than mere appearances. As I was privileged to learn, action, ambition, and raw talent make for an explosive combination; one that, for Ms. Tailor, is enough to power a skyrocketing career.
In fact, to cap off a stellar year (and just in time for this publication), Lana has just announced that she's been invited to co-host the Miami Beach New Years Eve Music Festival for Orange Drive alongside Daymond John of Shark Tank (read the full story on Lana's website). Congratulations, Lana!
Occupation: TV PERSONALITY-COVER MODEL-TV HOST Education: Associates Degree in Education
How do you quantify your own awesomeness?
I'm easy to get along with, I'm always ready to help those who want to help themselves, and I'm down to earth; so you guys are gonna have to be the judge of my awesomness scale. Gotta stay modest and humble here; cam on! Haha
How did you get started on your current career track?
At 12 years old, I was on an improv team and in modeling classes. My exposure to opportunity was light as I lived in a small town; but, when I saw my first "far fetched" opportunity, I took it. It all started with a gig I landed for a glasses commercial, and my passion never stopped as I knew I could do more and more. Though I got rejected from other gigs due to height, I simply worked harder and believed in myself which gave me the strength to push everyday for what I really want until I get the gig(s) that will change everything.
Now, I am fully cognizant of the on-air industry, my brand, and my audience.
What gives you the most satisfaction as an artist?
I get the most satisfaction from writing and being the adventurer on my TV Show GET OUT on HDNET. There's nothing better than unscripted television as you get to be yourself and truly explore outrageous activities while sharing it with the viewers first hand.
What motivates or inspires you in your work?
The start to finish of a new project. I enjoy creating and being part of a team to make something unique and spectacular in its own way. But most of all, it's liberating and I feel alive when I am on set.
Do you have a personal work philosophy?
If you're not passionate about it, don't do it. I've learned this the hard way.
If you weren't doing this, what could you see yourself doing?
I would be a Writer and/or Broadcast Journalist.
What are you working on right now?
I have just been asked to co-host South Beach Miami's Orange Drive New Years Eve Music Festival with host Daymond John and performances by NE-YO, Cee Lo Green, Jermaine Dupri, and many more. It will be broadcasting live on none other than HDNET.
What do you first notice about a guy?
Naturally, when one notices another, they notice their physical attributes and their sense of style. With that said, I am first attracted to a sophisticated man who doesn't need to wear logos. Then, I notice their attitude and mannerisms which typically defies a fraction of their character.
What gets you interested?
A man who can look everyone in the eye, speak politely yet genuinely and has something intelligent to say; but most of all he's gotta be funny! The funnier the guy, the better. A guy with a great sense of humour is like a breath of fresh air... seriously. Can you imagine hanging out with someone who is hot beyond all reason, but boring and dumb as hell... yikes! Not my cup of tea. Looks are great and all, but if there's nothing upstairs or no personality, looks mean squat.
What keeps you interested?
A guy who is down to earth, nerdy-esque, who can make me die laughing ;) In addition, intelligent conversation, romance, and being kept on my toes is the way to keep me!
Quick tip: I love my red wine and dark chocolate covered almonds! That'll keep me interested. Oh, but it's best by a cozy fireplace with a comedy movie playing... something like Zak Galifinakis Stand Up. Yeah, that's a good night in my books!!
What's your number one deal breaker?
If a guy swears while talking to me, or always talks about himself, and worst, if he's always looking for reassurance. These qualities show that he is not classy, insecure, and unsure of his path in life. There's nothing worse than a guy who doesn't believe in himself. Because if you don't believe in you, how am I suppose to believe in you?
Turn-ons:Slow kisses
Turn-offs:A man who is too pushy and insistent.
To stay in shape, what's your basic diet look like?
I eat 5 to 6 small meals per day and work out 3 times per week. I eat as nutritious as possible...brown rice, never white, lots of fish, veggies, nuts, oats... and of course my dark chocolate ;)
What sort of fitness plan, if any, do you follow?
Weight lifting: my favourite is rowing with weights.
Plyometrics: my favourite is burpies.
Cardio: my favourite is spinning.
What's next for you? What's your next big idea or project?
Since my background is writing and I absolutely love to create, I am writing a pitch for a network. Let's see what happens! Also, my ever so awesome gig in Miami with Sir Daymond John!
Favourite workout tip: Always try to do at least 2 more reps when you think you "can't" possibly do another rep. Favourite recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies iPhone or Android: Blackberry all the way! So much quicker, lol. What are you driving: 4 wheel drive Chevy Silverado... Yup, winter is here!
Absolute WORST experience on set/shoot: I was completely dehydrated, and consequently got a toe cramp in the middle of a scene. I fell to the ground trying to get my toe back in place, and it was just the most uncomfortable/painful situation. We all laughed, nonetheless, and I still get bugged for it to this day, lol. One quirky thing about you that never turns up in interviews: Hmm, interesting question. I am a tom boy. I never wear makeup and am typically in sweats all the time. I usually go to the local Indigo and curl up to read a book with my must-have Starbucks coffee. Nerd alert: Fav is when I go with my friend. We go to the comedy section, and read odd/hilarious quotes to each other. I'm surprised we haven't gotten kicked out of there yet; we're kinda loud! It's a great time.
One thing guys should know when talking to a beautiful woman: Women get hit on all the time, so don't drop a tacky line and make yourself look shallow. Ask her a question. This, in turn, gets her to answer you and you can follow up with another question. Before you know it, you're having a great conversation and exchanging numbers. Might sound weird, but it works.
When it comes to pure ambition, Sabina Kay is no stranger to working to get it done. Her attitude towards her work (think along the lines of, "yeah, I know I'm hot...now shut up about it so we can get some work done") is a testament to her dogged determination to realize her goals, and turns pretty into sexy and sexy into powerful in one simple, honest, no-bullshit move.
And yes, she is hot. We're not blind.
photo: Doug Shimizu. MUA: Marya Moosa
Name: Sabina Kay Occupation: Model - Photographer - Makeup Artist - Dancer Education: General Business Stats: 34C-27-40
How did you get started on your current career track?
I was first enrolled in a modeling school around age 11 (gah, scam, I know, my poor mother!). Nothing really came of it. Finally I did a test shoot for a small clothing company in Guelph about three years ago, a creative shoot a year later, piddled around a bit the following year, but this past year is when things have really taken off for me.
What gives you the most satisfaction as an artist?
Not even compliments or praise (although they are nice :)); but when I see a well-taken photo, where I am on point as a model.
What motivates or inspires you in your work?
Seeing other excellent work and getting to pick the brains of those who create it.
Do you have a personal work philosophy?
Like Nike, I just do it.
If you weren't doing this, what could you see yourself doing?
One of the other occupations I have listed, or I'd be a flight attendant. I love to travel.
What are you working on right now?
I just completed a video (below, by Videographer Anhtuan Phung) and am continuing to push forward and make connections.
Eyes. Then smile. Then the way they talk. I'm really good at telling what kind of person someone is by the way they talk.
What gets you interested?
Intelligence.
What keeps you interested?
Wit and humour.
photo: Kenneth Lam
What's your number one deal breaker?
Lies, failure to commit or keep commitments. I'm a really big honour person; my word is everything.
Turn-ons:
Honesty, a good body, a positive outlook on life, a sense of I-have-my-shit-together and a tiny bit of materialism. :)
Turn-offs:
Lies, sloppiness, cheapness, rudeness, bad manners.
photo: Doug Shimizu. MUA: Marya Moosa
One thing guys should know when talking to a beautiful woman:
Honestly, we know we're beautiful. We get all kinds of stalkers and weirdos and randoms telling us variations of that all the time. You'll go a lot farther if you compliment something we've done.
To stay in shape, what's your basic diet look like?
At this point, I eat whatever and then when I notice inches creeping on, I clean it up a bit.
photo: Kenneth Lam
What sort of fitness plan, if any, do you follow?
I walk a fair bit now that I've moved to Toronto--to and from subway stations, if I don't feel like waiting for streetcar.
What's next for you? What's your next big idea or project?
I really want to be in MAXIM. That would make me so unbelievably happy. Or in one of Playboy's Special Editions - for lingerie.
photo: Doug Shimizu. MUA: Marya Moosa
Favourite recipe: Not sharing! I'm actually a terrible cook, to be honest.
iPhone or Android: iPhone, all the way. So aesthetically pleasing although I hate how it's so restricting (I have yet to jailbreak mine).
What are you driving: Nothing. Lost my license for racing. BUT my dream car would be a 350Z. I've also grown very fond of Civics.
Absolute WORST experience on set/shoot: I shot with a guy who kept complimenting me...every single minute. Literally. I had to cut it short and tell him that I am, at this point, his professional colleague and that, since he wouldn't talk to an office co-worker that way, I'd appreciate it if he didn't do it to me. I've been fairly lucky.
One quirky thing about you that never turns up in interviews:
I haven't done many interviews to this point so there's a lot about me you wouldn't know, but I'll share a few things anyway. I was a total vigilante in elementary school; stuck for all the kids who got picked on because I've always been very strong. I set the record for my school for going to the office for fighting, etc.: 13 times. Not sure if that's still in effect...probably not.
Tricia Lee is a Toronto-based filmmaker whose fun and fresh project work is reflective of her personality. But don't let her quirky cinematic spins on real life fool you. She's on fire with focus and determination, and her business savvy is quickly becoming its own force to reckon with.
And she rides a motorcycle.
Name: Tricia Lee Occupation: Film Director Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Video from York University Stats: I quantify my awesomeness by how happy I feel. I measure my success by the number of days I wake up happy in the morning.
How did you get started on your current career track?
When my parents took me to Universal Studios at age 11 and I found out how movies were made, I decided that I wanted a career in the media. I made my first documentary about Street Kids when I was in high school and went to film school at York University. Every year since, I've directed something, whether it be a short film, a webmercial, a PSA or directing exercise.
Do you consider yourself more filmmaker or musician? Which gives you more satisfaction as an artist?
I studied piano when I was young and I teach piano to adult beginners now, but I am a filmmaker at heart.
I quantify my awesomeness by how happy I feel. I measure my success by the number of days I wake up happy in the morning.
What motivates or inspires you in your work?
My passion is telling stories that touch, move and inspire audiences around the world. I am forever exploring what it is we have lost between childhood and adulthood. I recently discovered the answer. It's "wonder". I am currently directing a film that I co-wrote called "Searching For Wonder" which is a culmination of all the themes in my previous short films. What also fascinates me is vulnerability. That is something we never lose, as much as we try to hide it or mask it. I want my films to let people know that they are not alone in their fears, joys, secrets and pleasures.
Do you have a personal work philosophy?
Work shouldn't be hard. It should be fun. So instead of calling it hard work, I've taken to calling it Funwork.
If you weren't doing this, what could you see yourself doing?
There is no Plan B. This is it.
What are you working on right now?
I just shot my first feature film called "Clean Break". It's in post production right now. I'm shooting a BravoFACT funded short film "Searching For Wonder" in August. I'm writing a feature called "Ministry of Parenting", a satirical comedy about licensing for parents and another feature called "30 Days to 30" based on my most recent relationship. Also, I have TV series I created about paramedics has been optioned by a production company and is being shopped around. Always moving upward and forward.
What do you first notice about a guy?
Kind eyes.
What gets you interested?
Confidence. Interest in me.
What keeps you interested?
Connection over same values, interests, adventures and openness to try new things.
What's your number one deal breaker?
Disrespect and smoking. Sorry, that's two.
Turn-ons:
Kisses on my forehead.
Turn-offs:
Being mean / rude to me or others.
One thing guys should know when talking to a beautiful woman: Listen.
To stay in shape, what's your basic diet look like?
Eat whatever is fastest to make. Although, I'm starting to meal plan and cook once a week so I can actually eat some healthy home-cooked food that doesn't come out of a box or a can.
What sort of fitness plan, if any, do you follow?
Hot yoga, spinning, boot camp, pole dancing as often as I can.
Favourite workout tip: Breathe.
Favourite recipe:Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon iPhone or Android: iPhone has changed my life! What are you driving: Toyota Corolla
Absolute WORST experience on set/shoot: Breaking up with my boyfriend in the middle of a shoot.
One quirky thing about you that never turns up in interviews: I ride a motorcycle.
I have always thought of myself as an independent filmmaker, but now I'm focusing on being an entrepreneur and creating several businesses that will earn me passive income while I make my films. These monkey business ventures include:
"Women We Love" is a new feature where we explore the strong personalities and personal power behind the beautiful women we see. Our goal is to get at what makes beautiful women tick, and that includes not only tapping their advice on relationships and dating, but also thinking about what drives them in their work and professional lives.
We're thrilled to launch this feature with an exclusive interview with Canadian actress Veronika London. While anxiously awaiting the premiere of her new feature film and hopping back and forth over the Atlantic, this energetic and erudite lady was able to grace us with a few minutes to give us a glimpse into her amazing career.
Name: Veronika London Occupation: Actress Education: University: Marketing ( finishing up), Pro-Actors Lab: Acting Highlights: International Maxim model, starring roles in Showtime’s American TV Series “Body Language” and the gritty feature film “Searching for Angels” alongside Vivica A. Fox.
How did you get started on your current career track?
I originally wanted to be a publicist in the entertainment or fashion industry. I have a huge passion for sales and promoting. My love for acting started in 2008 after shooting promotional pictures for the edgy rock band “The Ending” who had just signed with Universal. After the shoot I was tracked down and asked if I wanted to be the lead in their debut music video. I shot the music video and everything just snowballed after. That was my last “generic” modeling gig and my acting career started. (Check out the video HERE)
I don’t consider myself a model. I never really did. I think it’s such a strange job to get paid to play dress up and just stand there and have your picture taken. I am a very intense, in-depth, conflicted person. I am definitely an actress all the way.
Of modeling and acting, which gives you more satisfaction as an artist and what is your take on it?
Both “jobs” feed different things in terms of personal satisfaction. With “modeling” I like being the Creative Director or working with the CD of the shoot to execute images that are congruent with the brand that is being sold. Acting is my therapy. I get satisfaction with being able to exploit my personal experiences and feelings in a positive way through characters. It’s almost become my salvation. In the end, truthful expression through the image via print or film is my greatest joy.
What motivates or inspires you in your work?
Competition, love, living life outside my comfort zone and to its fullest motivates me. Brand creators like Lady Gaga and Victoria Beckham inspire me in addition to watching mind blowing, amazing performances on film or in theatre productions.
Do you have a personal work philosophy?
Yes: “What the mind can conceive, it can be achieved”.
I am a very visual person. I look at my “wall of fame” everyday, twice a day.
I am an intense workaholic, always have been. I remember I was the kid that would ask my teacher for homework in grade one despite having dance and drama class after school because I needed to have something to do all the time. It’s just one of my natural traits.
If you weren't doing this, what could you see yourself doing?
I would love to be a lawyer. I love presenting, persuading, research and selling.
What are you working on right now?
I just received the script for a horror feature Canadian film called “SICK” that I will be shooting this fall. In addition, I will be shooting another Canadian feature film; more “Sin City” style; called “Lady of the Night” later this month.
You've been hailed as something of a "scream queen" for your work in horror, and of course we know there's been a lot of style comparison between you and Megan Fox. But "Searching for Angels" is an important departure for you in terms of flexing your dramatic muscles. How does this sort of change in gears feel to you personally, knowing that this film is being hailed by critics as an artistic challenge for you; that many are seeing it as your first "serious" role?
My role in “Searching for Angels” is more like me. Playing the role wasn't hard, but becoming aware of how similar I was and am like the character was a challenge. I had to open a lot of personal vaults that I had thrown the key out for in order to bring the character to life in full dimension. By nature I am a more intense, edgier person than a bubbly one. I am grateful that my career has steered towards roles that allow me to be more authentic.
Given your "natural NYC street edge," how natural was Angel for you?
Lol! I am her; she is me…in certain ways…
Being method trained, did you discover anything about yourself in developing this character?
Yes...I went pretty far to experience the real deal to bring it to life. I’ve got a lot more balls than I thought.
Can we expect more of this kind of dramatic lead role from you in the near future?
Yes, these types of roles are my focus. It is currently in development.
Note: "Jane Doe" was the original working title of "Searching for Angels." Ed.
What do you first notice about a guy?
His eyes or tattoos
What gets you interested?
Personality or motorcycles. If you’re a rock star you are automatically on my radar.
What keeps you interested?
Besides mind-blowing sex, someone business smart, street smart, open, positive and edgy.
What's your number one deal breaker?
Betrayal.
Turn-ons:Colin Farrell, Clive Owen. In addition: confidence, cologne, deep voice, tattoos, physically fit, driven.
Turn-offs:Laziness and complainers
To stay in shape, what's your basic diet look like?
I used to be all about low carb but that just lead to binges. Now I just eat whatever but I box six days a week for about an hour and half or so.
What sort of fitness plan, if any, do you follow?
I’m at the gym six days a week for about 1.5 hours. 30 minutes cardio (skipping), 45 minutes boxing, and 15-30 minutes abs, legs, etc.
Favourite workout tip: Choose a sport you like!
Favorite recipe: I don’t cook anymore so I’m not familiar with a specific recipe. iPhone or Android: iPhone One thing guys should know when talking to a beautiful woman: Be authentic! Absolute WORST experience on set/shoot: Shooting a horror film, the tube that was attached to the side of my mouth was displaced when I went down to bite the other character while shooting. The blood that squirted out all went up my nose. This was worse than shooting in a tank top during -40 degree weather.
My office is filled with biographies and marketing books. I can read them non-stop. I like to study the bios and learn what drives them to become legends.
