On the Couch interviews are a hit!
Story by Melissa Szalai.
It’s a wrap! The July Gold Coast Independent Film and Television Night successfully presented its debut ‘On the Couch’ segment last week in the Paradise Room at the Arts centre Gold Coast.
In more ways than one On the Couch with founder Caroline Russo added an exciting new element to the monthly film and networking event.
Special Guest Damien Anthony Rossi, aka The Sunday Mail’s Man About Town delighted an audience of 280 people with his charismatic persona. Damien was a true gentleman as he shared his experience as the previous owner and manager of a high profile casting agency, as well as his passion as an entertainment reporter extraordinaire.
12-year-old actress/singer Jordyn Yarker also shone in the limelight on the couch, following the exclusive premiere of her music film clip Ayo Rock Star.
Jordyn Yarker and Caroline Russo
Jordyn, who is set to become an international star, shared the experience of filming the clip on the Gold Coast, and her recent success in LA being selected to play the lead child role in a film called Picadilly. She also has her sights set on a role in the remake film feature of Annie as one of the orphan children, and has successfully auditioned with the Cohen Brothers for a role in a new TV show.
Caroline says she was pleased with the way the On the Couch segment was received by the audience and to have the night in the bigger room which will now allow me to see if we can remain there leading up to other events and to attract more sponsors will help me do this. This one was a very special night and thanks to Cameron and Lisa Yarker who made it possible for me to move into the Paradise room with the extra sponsor funding and along with our other sponsors that always support the events. Caroline would like the final in the Paradise room and do a banquet style dinner event and dress up night which will be November 6th. That would be a great way to finish the year and I am sure everyone would love to come in a dress up style.
Lilly Jerret, Rachael Lara Steel
With the Couch side to it “The segment provided and intimate setting in which special guests could relax while participating in a question and answer session, says Caroline.
“It also lends to a great backdrop for filming of the session for future GCIFTVN events.”
Other entertaining and informative highlights of the night included actor Angelo Montano sharing career achievements, as well as a clip from his new project The Pranksters, which had the audience roaring with laughter.
The trailer from the feature film Rise of the Underdog also proved a hit, leaving everyone wanting to see more. Associate Producer of the film, Candice Stone gave an overview of the project and a behind the scenes wrap up that paid tribute to the talent and hard work of the cast and crew.
Raymond Chan and Cameron Yarker
A special thank you to actress/singer Rachel Steel and dancer Lily Jared, who opened the night with a stellar performance, and DJ twins James and Phil for their support in helping to make things run smoothly.
August 21 back in the Basement is the diary date for the next GCIFTVN, which will include the screening of Bad Karma, starring Ray Liotta. Cinematographer Nino Martinetti who is the DOP and he talk on the shoot and how they shot it in such a short time and Pam Collis Producer of Bad Karma and we may touch on her latest work Drive Hard as well as a Skype link in with the Director Suri Krishnamma from London. This is a not to be missed film screening! Also to open the night will be Davina Drinan.
Phil and James. Ambi Decks
GCIFTN would like to thank Australia Gold Coast, RSF Studios, De Bortoli Wines, Digtial 31, mygc.com and The Arts Centre Gold Coast and their wonderful management and staff.
For more details contact Caroline Russo owner and founder of GCIFT Events at [email protected]
