Charity Hill and Steve Sheldon, the co-founders of EPIC Entertainment Group host four immersive Christmas Experiences across the U.S. from The Northshore of Oahu to Miami, FL.

EPIC Entertainment Group are the people who brought you Bacon & BBQ Classic at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (Miami, FL), The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor (Long Beach, CA), Dark Horizon: Point of No Return (Orlando, FL), The Ice Adventure Park at CHILL (Long Beach, CA), Holiday By the Bay (San Diego, CA) the Taste of Downtown Series (Long Beach, CA) as well as Nerf Challenge (Los Angeles, CA) and The Night Garden at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (Miami, FL), are taking everyone on a full blown Holiday immersive experience across the United States.

Beginning at the Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu, Hi, through Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, CA, through the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, in Texas and the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, FL. EPIC Entertainment Group has something for everyone this holiday season.

I spoke with co-founders Charity Hill and Steve Sheldon on the differences between all four destinations and what to expect, in Hawaii, there is a surfboard Christmas tree, in San Diego, the Hotel del Coronado is celebrating their third year of festivities, including a 1920s theme even.

Take a listen to all they have to offer, including a visit from Santa Claus running from now through early January.

DesignerCon returns for its 18th Annual events from the Anaheim  Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, running from December 15-17, 2023. We were thrilled to speak with Ben Goretsky about DesignerCon, how things have evolved from a collector convention to a full blown designer event with talent around the world as well as Vinny growing up and becoming Vincent.

The 2023 convention will welcome 600 vendors and over 350 artists and designers for a diverse array of programming and products, including the return of DCON fan-favorites: MEDICOM TOY, Tokidoki, POPMART, SHEIN X, MightyJaxx, How2Work, Good Smile, 3DRetro and many more.

Goretsky takes us through the years of DesignerCon and what to expect for this year's event with quite a few surprises. Especially with the recently announced Corey Feldman signing of his limited edition Funko Pop.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Hollywood Sign Trust, The City of Los Angeles and Evolution, joins forces with DesignerCon to provide an engaging fan experience.

The Hollywood 100 Art Show, curated by Carmen Acosta, will feature 100 local and international artists, each of whom will customize and display a Hollywood Sign figurine designed by Onch. All 100 unique and individually-stylized pieces will be displayed at the event, ahead of their 2024 presentation at the heart of Hollywood Boulevard as part of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to honor the history and enduring legacy of the Hollywood Sign. 

Adding to DCON’s 2023 theme of Hollywood, the event will also feature a Hollywood Pavillion, in collaboration with several companies to produce limited edition items for sale. Vendors like Tokidoki, artist Michael Kalish, renowned designer ONCH, among others, will be included in the Pavilion setup. 

A limited number of tickets are still available for DesignerCon and can be purchased at tickets.designercon.com.

Follow DesignerCon at all social media @designercon.

John Billingsley (Star Trek: Enterprise, 2012, The Man From Earth, Out of Time) continues in the science fiction genre as Russo in the new  thriller 'The Shift' From Angel Studios in theaters and VOD now.

In 'The Shift' Russo is able to show Kevin (Kristoffer Polaha) the various realities from the multiple existences of Kevin as he searches for a way to return to his wife, Molly (Elizabeth Tabish). Kevin is sent to this lower level of Purgatory, teetering on the gates of Hell by The Benefactor (Neal McDonough), who puts Kevin in this bleak reality as a result of his sinful nature. 

We spoke to Billingsley about working in a faith based film, while not adhering to any religion, the moral of the story found within 'The Shift' and if he had Russo's ability to see the variety of existences for his own life, would he look at John being down on the dumps or the most successful version of himself. 

'The Shift' is available in theaters and on VOD from Angels Studios, the company that brought you, 'The Chosen'.

Synopsis:

A dystopian drama and sci-fi thriller in which one man is faced with infinite worlds and impossible choices. When Kevin Garner (Polaha) meets a nefarious adversary known as The Benefactor (McDonough) and refuses his offer of wealth and power, he must escape an alternate totalitarian reality. With survival on the line, Kevin fights to make it back to the world he knows and the woman he loves.

Distributed By: Angel Studios
Release Date: December 1, 2023
Written & Directed by: Brock Heasley
Produced by: Brock Heasley, Ken Carpenter, p.g.a.
Director of Photography: Edd Lukas
Cast: Kristoffer Polaha, Neal McDonough, Sean Astin, Elizabeth Tabish, John Billingsle,
Jason Marsden, Paras Patel, Rose Reid, John Walker Ross
Website: angel.com/theshift

Neil deGrasse Tyson and Scott Hamilton Kennedy talk about their documentary a 'Shot in the Arm' in addressing anti-vaxxers, showing the Laemmle Theatres in Los Angeles, CA beginning Friday, November 17, 2023.

Bodybuilding Legend Rich Gaspari Talks About His New Documentary 'Gaspari' from Generation Iron Available on VOD November 3, 2023.

Bodybuilding Legend Rich Gaspari took the time to talks to us about his new documentary 'Gaspari' from Generation Iron.

The son of Italian immigrants, Gaspari understood the definition of hard work having watched his father, who came to the United States with a third grade education, make a better like for him and his siblings.

Originally going to school for engineering, Gaspari realized that his father's dream was not his own and went out to forge his own path. Nicknamed, "The Dragon Slayer," Gaspari finished second in the IFBB Mr. Olympia and was the first ever winner of the Arnold Classic.

As Gaspari's career ended following a neck injury, which resulted in a only recently going through a new, revolutionary disc replacement, Gaspari pivoted from the world of competition into supplementation with Gaspari Nutrition.

Directed award-winning filmmaker, by Frank Zarrillo ('Candyman's Gold', 'The Wrestler: A Q.T. Marshall Story', 'Gaspari' follows the life of a man who transcended not only the sport of bodybuilding but the world of fitness as a whole, remaining relevant in a world of, here-today-gone-tomorrow sports heroes, continuing to reinvent himself from athlete to entrepreneur.

You can find 'Gaspari' through Generation Iron's original documentary page at  https://generationiron.com/watch-gaspari-movie/.

Follow Rich Gaspari on Facebook at Rich Gaspari Fan Page and on Instagram @richgaspari.

Follow Gaspari Nutrition on Twitter @TeamGaspari and on Instagram @gaspari.

Follow Generation Iron on Twitter @GenerationIron and on Instagram @generationiron.

'Gaspari'  Available on VOD November 3, 2023 from Generation Iron.

Co-Executive Producer, David Knight talks about 'Remembering Gene Wilder', Winning Best Overall Documentary at Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF), tying with 'The Disappearance of Shere Hite'.

David Knight along with his wife Julie Nimoy are the executive producers behind 'Remembering Gene Wilder', a wonderful documentary written by Glenn Kirschbaum detailing the life of the comedic genius who we lost to Alzheimer's. 

A true labor of love from Executive Producers David Knight and Julie Nimoy, who first collaborated with Ron Frank on, ‘Remembering Leonard: His Life, Legacy and Battle with COPD‘, in 2017, which also screened at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

That documentary lead to Nimoy reaching out to Karen Wilder, Gene’s widow about doing a similar documentary in his honor. Once word got out, Frank had only one person in mind to write this love letter to one Gene Wilder and that was Kirschbaum.

Through the ‘Remembering Leonard: His Life, Legacy and Battle with COPD‘ documentary, Knight and Nimoy reached out to Karen Wilder, Gene's widow and with her blessing began working on 'Remembering Gene Wilder'.

Knight details the love he, Nimoy and Kirschbaum have for Wilder, what it was like working with Mel Brooks on the documentary and being able to share stories of an actor that needs to be preserved for future generations. 

Knight also answers the question, "Which is the better film? 'Blazing Saddles' or 'Young Frankenstein'?" The answer will not surprise anyone.

‘Remembering Gene Wilder‘ is currently on the film festival circuit and will land a theatrical run in the near future.

In the meantime, follow ‘Remembering Gene Wilder‘ on Twitter @RememberGene and on Facebook at Remembering Gene Wilder Documentary. The official website genewilderdoc.com, will have more information in the near future.

Renowned designer, Rachel O'Toole talks about set and production design for Season 3 of Prime Video's 'Upload', which begins streaming today.

You may not know Rachel O'Toole's name or face, but you do know her work as being the production designer on such films and series as, 'Space Force', 'Book Club', 'The 9th Life of Louis Drax' and 'Witches of East End'.

We spoke with O'Toole on being a minimalist in her real life, how her production and set design work keep 'Upload' grounded in a near future reality based virtual world and what tech that went from science fiction to science fact has come about since season one.

'Upload' Season 3 begins streaming today, October 20, 2023 on Prime Video.

Official Synopsis:

'Upload' is a sci-fi comedy series from Emmy-winning writer Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation, King of the Hill), set in a technologically advanced future where holographic phones, self-driving vehicles, AI assistance, and 3D food printers are the norm. And, forget about dying – instead, you’ll be “uploaded” to a virtual reality afterlife, and enjoy all the comforts of a world-class resort. Provided you can afford it.

In 'Upload' Season Three, we pick back up with Nora and freshly downloaded Nathan as they navigate their relationship, while racing to stop the mysterious conspiracy that threatens to destroy millions of lives. Can they shut down Freeyond, and finally have a real life together? Or is it just a matter of time until Nathan’s head explodes? Meanwhile, in Lakeview, a backup copy of Nathan has been activated and Ingrid’s not about to let this second chance at love slip away. Back in the real world, Aleesha rises through the ranks of Horizen by managing AI education, and falls into a new romantic relationship. And Luke, all alone in Lakeview, is forced to come up with the funds to pay for his stay in paradise, driving him to work in The Grey Zone.

Team USA Olympic Runner, Colleen Quigley is On The Road to Paris as she leaves a mark on the competition.

Team USA celebrates one year to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 by inviting fans to make their mark in support of America's Olympians and Paralympians by getting custom made-to-fade tattoos that celebrate our athletes.

Olympic Runner, Colleen Quigley is On The Road to Paris as she along with several other Team USA Olympian and Paralympians are celebrated at Ephemeral Tattoo in Los Angeles, CA.

St. Louis, MO native, who competes in the Steeplechase has participated in the Rio 2016 games, placing eighth in the 3,000-Meter Steeplechase and finished Top 9 in the World Championships in the Outdoor events in 2015 and the Indoor games in 2018.

During the evening's events in Los Angeles, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee launched its one-year countdown to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 by inviting fans around the nation to make their mark for Team USA. Inspired by the tradition of many Olympians and Paralympians commemorating their Games experience with a tattoo, Team USA is giving fans the opportunity to take part in the ritual by giving away hundreds of custom, Team USA-inspired tattoos. Fans across the country can visit ⁠teamusa.com/roadtoparis⁠ to sign up for a chance to win their free Team USA tattoo from July 26 through Aug. 31.

Although I am not sure Quigley received one of the temporary tattoos (we know fore sure, I did not), she is excited to be apart of Team USA yet again as well being apart of a small group of the world's most elite athletes to compete in one of the Olympics foundational post sports of Track and Field.

In our interview Quigley shares her experiences as a runner and Olympian, what inspires her to compete and how she has become an inspiration to other athletes. 

Follow College Quigley on Instagram ⁠@steeple_squigs and her Road to Paris with Team USA.

Team USA Paralympian Swimmer, Ahalya Lettenberger is On The Road to Paris as she makes a mark on the competition...literally

Team USA celebrates one year to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 by inviting fans to make their mark in support of America's Olympians and Paralympians by getting custom made-to-fade tattoos that celebrate our athletes.

Paralympian Swimmer, Ahalya Lettenberger is On The Road to Paris as she along with several other Team USA Olympian and Paralympians are celebrated at Ephemeral Tattoo in Los Angeles, CA.

The Glen Ellyn, IL native, who competes in the 200-Meter Individual Medley and the 400-Meter Freestyle has participated in the Tokyo 2020 takes where she took the Silver Medal in the 200-Meter Individual Medley. Lettenberger has also competed in the World Champsionships in 2019, 2022 and 2023, where she has earned two Silver Medals and one Bronze Medal.

During the evening's events in Los Angeles, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee launched its one-year countdown to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 by inviting fans around the nation to make their mark for Team USA. Inspired by the tradition of many Olympians and Paralympians commemorating their Games experience with a tattoo, Team USA is giving fans the opportunity to take part in the ritual by giving away hundreds of custom, Team USA-inspired tattoos. Fans across the country can visit teamusa.com/roadtoparis to sign up for a chance to win their free Team USA tattoo from July 26 through Aug. 31.

Although I am not sure Lettenberger received one of the temporary tattoos (we know fore sure, I did not), she is excited to be apart of Team USA yet again as well being apart of a small group of the world's most elite athletes to compete in the sport of swimming.

In our interview Lettenberger shares her experiences as a swimmer and Paralympian, what inspires her to compete and how she has become an inspiration to other athletes. 

Follow Ahalya Lettenberger on Instagram @alett19 and her Road to Paris with Team USA.

Kathrine Barnes Co-Stars in the New BET+ Series, 'Average Joe', which premiered last night following the BET Awards. The BET Awards aired on almost every single Paramount Global owned cable station, including Nickelodeon, which was quite confusing, but what wasn't confusing is that Barnes had such an impact on the BET executives that her character was extended to 7 or the 10 episodes during the first season.

Barnes has been seen on such TV shows like, 'Queer As Folk', 'Candy' and the Sundance film, 'The Glorias', as well as, 'Moonshot: Faceless After Dark and Walden.' She has also appeared on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, Christmas Special, 'Adult Swim Yule Log.'

A mega Julie Andrews fan, Barnes was only slightly impressed that I knew of Andrews' film, 'SOB', which shed her Mary Poppins image in the early 1980s. However, she did talk about her architect sister and where she would throw a, "Don't you know who I am?" celebrity style tantrum once she is more readily recognized. 

Barnes is also a Co-founder & Producing Partner at Vernal & Sere Theatre, she recently partnered with the Luis Buñuel Film Institute to mount the world-premiere stage adaptation of Buñuel's 1962 surrealist masterpiece, The Exterminating Angel, in which she played Silvia, the Duchess of Avila.

In the series 'Average Joe',Barnes co-stars with leading man, Deon Cole, Tammy Townsend, Cynthia McWilliams, Malcolm Barrett and many others. Kathrine plays the recurring role (7-8 episodes out of 10) of 'Arina' which is nicknamed, "The Chameleon," a former KGB assassin and enforcer for the Russian mob who is dragged out of retirement and back into the world of fighting for her life in Pasha Lychnikoff’s world. 'Average Joe', which premiered on BET's new streaming service BET+ last night following the BET Awards.

'Average Joe' will stream once a week for the next 10 weeks on Sunday nights.

Follow Kathrine Barnes on Twitter @kathrinebarnes.