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Look out, Oprah! I may soon be nipping at your Gucci
heels. I was recently asked by the head of
Circle of Seven
Production's, head, Sheila Clover if I would do interviews for her
video trailer of "Dark Symphony". It's an innovative and ingenious
new concept. Basically, she is producing commercials for romance
novels to be shown in book stores. She chose best selling author
Christine Feehan's vampire romance novel, "Dark Symphony" for her
first video venture.
With my experience in the romance business and
interviewing cover models, I guess I was a natural. I was told I
came highly recommended. Good to hear! I was sent my "confidential
contract" and was sworn to secrecy. I hope everyone who tried to pry
information out of me can appreciate my integrity in this matter. I
got A LOT of "Oh, you can tell ME........" I didn't want to be known
as the one with the loose lips.
The next thing you know I was flying to California.
From the airport we drove 3 hours through the Napa Valley to the
shoot's location. Even in winter, it was breath taking.
I met ol' cover model pal and "Mr. Romance" contest
first runner-up, Peter Dicicco on the set. He was to play Byron, the
vampire hero in the video. Christine Feehan's beautiful blonde
daughter, Domini Stotsberry would play the female lead. The cast was
small and the shooting schedule would be tight.
The night before the shoot we had to go to go K-Mart
because somebody forgot to bring socks, but brought TWO blow dryers
(Sorry, Peter! Couldn't resist!) Domini warned us that in that small
little town in the middle of "Nowhere" California, that men with all
their teeth were considered quite a catch. You haven't lived until
you've shopped with leather clad Peter Dicicco and CJ Hollenbach. We
nearly caused a riot! The funniest part came when I couldn't get my
wallet out of the back of my incredibly tight pants. (I think it was
the elevation) Sheila came to my aid and eventually pried the wallet
out. She laughed "Don't panic! This will only take an hour!" The
rest of the customers in line got quite a show.......
"Dark Symphony's" video was shot at "Casa Montanna", an
incredible mansion in the mountains. It was owned by a millionaire,
whose light plane crashed on the property and was killed. He is also
buried there. You can do anything if you have money!
Peter at 6'4 and Domini at 5'10 looked great together. I
was taken aback when a long dark wig was put over Domini's
incredible curly blonde hair. They made quite a striking couple.
Their ballroom dance scene is a sight to behold. Another of
Christine Feehan's daughters, Denise, instructed them on their dance
moves. Another daughter, "Manda," was on hand as Christine's personal
assistant and was fantastic. She anticipated our every want.
Christine has 11 children and where she finds the time to write
boggles my mind!
I was told that the author was very apprehensive about
doing the interview. My job was to make her feel as comfortable as
possible. The interviews will be seen on the "Behind The Scenes" DVD
. Sheila told me "If you can get 10 minutes out of her that would be
good. 15 would be great...." Christine and I talked for over a half
hour. No breaks, no lulls. Once I looked into the warmest brown eyes
I had ever seen I thought I was interviewing Bambi's Mother.
Christine is a sweetheart. The interview went extremely well.
Mike Miller, the cinematographer and his wife, Cheryl
who filmed the interviews asked me "How long have you been doing
this...?" I said "Oh, this is my first one....." I have never seen
such a look of shock. They said "WHAT?!!!! You're so good at this!"
I had to laugh at their amazement. Gang, anyone who knows me, knows
I can talk the leg off a chair. It's a Hollenbach family trait...one
of the good ones. Finally, one I can use!
Christine thanked me for being so kind to her. It was
truly my pleasure. Completely effortless. She also encouraged me to
continue my writing. What a joy.
After a 12 hour day we finished the shoot. The next day I
made my way back to reality a few days before Christmas. I won't
even get into the story about the guy next to me on the plane who
was arrested when we landed.....
I have seen the finished "Dark Symphony" video and it's
incredible. Circle of Seven Productions is the most professional and
NICEST group people I've ever worked with. Sheila Clover is a
business genius. I was in awe of her vision which SHE turned into a
reality. Kudos Sheila!
I was asked back to interview AND act in Circle of
Seven's production "The Gemini Keys". That was a no brainer.
Of course, I said "YES!!!" I will portray a psychotic werewolf with
yellow eyes....
Thanks so much to Sheila, Mike and everyone involved
with the production. I will work with you all anytime a big hug to
Christine Feehan who gave me so much space on her website. A kiss
to all her beautiful daughters....Enjoy the video....
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