 Actor Channing Tatum is bringing a party to Bourbon Street! The grand opening of his nightclub, “Saints and Sinners” is taking place this weekend, 11/2-3! We know he has the dance moves to keep the party going (Hello, Magic Mike) but now its time to see if he can hang, “New Orleans style”! Nola.com reported that he has invited his “Magic Mike” co-stars including Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, and others “Hollywood pals” plus his gorgeous wife, Jenna Dewan to the opening! Rumors of a performance have also been floating around town... Tatum and his long time business partner, Keith Kurtz have also made efforts to clear up rumors that the new nightclub and restaurant is a “Magic Mike” venue. In fact, in line with the Saints and Sinner’s website, the grand opening encourages people to dress in period attire from the 1890-1920s. (No cover if you follow adhere this request). The website tells us that the venue “harkens back to the days when bordellos were where you went for heavenly company and a sinfully good time.” There was already a private party held, October 7th and several celebrities were in attendance including, Channing Tatum, his wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Jason Statham, and girlfriend, Rose Huntington Whitely. (Check out the party pics here) For the grand opening, we can expect to see red-light district esque décor, reminiscent of the bordello and burlesque halls of the New Orleans storyville era. The Saints & Sinners website also includes a menu, which includes what would appear to be an upscale take on standard late-night fare -- burgers, po-boys, libations -- as well as a selection of traditional Louisiana cuisine, including jambalaya, etouffee, and alligator tail. (yum!) Tatum, who spent much of spring 2011 in town shooting the action-comedy "21 Jump Street," revealed his plans for Saints & Sinners in an interview with The Times-Picayune in March. "I love New Orleans, man. I love the spirit of New Orleans," he said. "I think (' 21 Jump Street' co-star) Jonah (Hill) wrapped it up perfectly: He said it's like the bad-kid island in 'Pinocchio.' The Bourbon Street area, Frenchmen, everything. It's just such a vibrant place. I love it down there..! We love you too, Channing! "Laissez Le Bon Temps Roulet"!
 The creative culture and economy continues to thrive here in New Orleans, and this month we see it all, film, fashion and music! We’re ecstatic to experience so much all in one city! Last week, the New Orleans Film Society presented the 23rd annual, New Orleans Film Festival and opened with a red carpet film screening of , Lee Daniels’, Nola-shot “Paperboy” at the Joy theater. The film was an intense drama with comedic undertones and unique retro -like cinematography. Nicole Kidman and Zac Effron reached far from comfort zones, and delivered never before seen dramatic character performances. The NOFF also held an opening party, “A Film Affair” with Scene magazine at Second Line Stages! The SCB (southern celebrity blogger) was lucky to attend both events! Now we’re ready to put our most fashionable foot forward, and attend some of this week’s runway shows as part of the biannual, NOLA Fashion Week. The event showcases Southern born designers. The NOLA Fashion Council (NOLAFC) hosts the week-long event and is the “driving force” behind the current growth of the shiny new Fashion Industry in New Orleans! They provide a forum for designers, models, hairdressers, makeup artists, and various industry professionals to grow and showcase their talents. Most importantly, the NOLAFC works closely with designers, connecting them with resources needed to grow their businesses. To keep up with the ever changing nature of the fashion business, the NOLAFC also presents several educational workshops to continue the education of industry professionals. Some of the previous workshops were led by industry experts such from brands such as, Vera Wang, L’Oréal Professionnel, Anthropologie, J. Crew, Tommy Hilfiger, and Goorin Bros.! Of course, shopping is another part of the NOLAFW experience! There is a regional Retail Shopping Day as well as a Fashion Market. Don’t miss out on the Spring/Summer 2013 session with fabulous events all week. Please click HERE for the full New Orleans Fashion Week schedule!
 The New Orleans Film Society is anticipating an expansive and diverse celebration for their 23rd anniversary, New Orleans Film Festival! Tonight, the film festival will kick off with a red carpet premiere of Director Lee Daniels’, “Paperboy” at the Joy Theater. The opening night event is sponsored by Cineworks Louisiana, Millennium Studios, and Second Line Stages! The film screened at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival earlier this year as well as the New York Film Festival. In tonight's opening film, "The Paperboy" Matthew McConaughey plays a reporter and his younger brother is played by Zak Effron. The two are investigating a murder that may have been committed by a death row inmate ( John Cusack) . Meanwhile, the inmate corresponds with a woman throughout the film ( Nicole Kidman) and the plot unravels as the two brothers work hard to crack the case! The film festivals will continue through, October 18th in venues all across the New Orleans Metropolitan area. This year, the NOFF experienced a 40% increase in film submissions and was ranked as one of the “Top 25 Film Festivals worth the Entry Fee” by MovieMaker Magazine. Jolene Pinder, Executive Director of the New Orleans Film Society says she is in awe of all the participating talent, both homegrown and from around the globe! We‘re ready to check out the films as well as the after screening Q+A’s from over 160 directors! Please visit the film festival’s website for a complete listing of all the films, workshops, and parties!
 Spike Lee’s remake of South Korean hit and Grand Prize Jury Award winner at Cannes in 2004, “Old Boy” will come to U.S. theaters in 2013. The highly-acclaimed revenge thriller released in 2003 and was directed by Chan-wook Park. Lee’s remake will begin filming this month in Louisiana! Film District has acquired domestic rights to the upcoming production. This project was rumored to have been in Director, Steven Spielberg’s hands and cast Will Smith as the lead. However, the deal apparently died because Dreamworks and Mandate film failed to reach an agreement. Now, it’s up to Lee to share his take on the material as he brings it to the United States. The film centers on a successful business man (Josh Brolin) who is held hostage for 20 years in solitary confinement by a mysterious captor. Upon his sudden release, things get really weird when he attempts to get revenge on his tormentors, meeting a pretty young social worker (Elizabeth Olsen) and an enigmatic man (Sharlto Copley) who may or may not be hold the answers. Samuel Jackson is said to also have a small yet critical role in the film. Lee and Jackson are no strangers to the Hollywood South, and we’re happy to welcome them back! In other news, Spike Lee and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced collaboration on a new anti-violence public service program,” Flip the Script." It focuses on "changing the attitudes of and about young black men," the mayor said. It is part of Landrieu's "NOLA FOR LIFE" initiative to halt the city's murder rate. Lee’s previous work has shown true sensitivity to the people of New Orleans and his advertising agency, Spike DDB signed on pro bono to take NOLA FOR LIFE from a plan to a full blown proactive awareness campaign.
 Actor, Jason Statham is in Louisiana filming, action thriller, “Homefront, written and produced by Sylvester Stallone. It is based on author Chuck Logan's crime drama series of novels featuring the character Phil Broker. Filming is taking place in New Orleans, the Westbank suburban area of New Orleans, Thibodaux, among other locations in Louisiana. Statham is the lead of the film as ex-DEA agent Phil Broker. In hopes to find some peace and quiet, he starts a new life in a rural community with his young daughter, as they are still grieving the death of her mother but instead ends up fighting a local drug lord (Franco). The stellar cast includes; Academy Award nominee James Franco as Gator; two-time Academy Award nominee Winona Ryder as Gators' partner Sheryl; Kate Bosworth plays Gators' sister Cassie Bodine; Twilight's Rachelle Lefevre portrays school psychiatrist Susan Hatch; Izabela Vidovic plays Phil Broker's daughter. We're excited to Winona back on the big screen!
 The Primetime 2012 64th Emmy Awards Ceremony took place Sunday night at the Nokia Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles. Jimmy Kimmel hosted the show and 800,000 more viewers tuned into the awards show than last year! This is the third year in a row, "Modern Family" won Best Comedy Series. The show took home awards in the Best Supporting Acting categories, Outstanding Comedy Series and Directing for a Comedy Series. The awards program may have gained new viewers but there were many repeat winners! Of course, this is expected from a television awards ceremony, and we're happy the good shows stay on air! Miniseries were also awarded. This year, Kevin Costner won lead actor in miniseries, 'Devil' Anse Hatfield & McCoys. Newcomer, "Homeland" swept the acting categories with Claire Daines and Damian Lewis taking home Emmys. The series also broke "Mad Men's" Best Drama Series steak! Many viewers are reportdly happy that a new series was recognized and pleased to hear new acceptance speeches. Click HERE for a full list of winners:_
 Tonight, New Orleans will participate in a national 4th year event, “Fashion Night Out.” The brainchild of Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue; Fashion Night Out has quickly grown to be one of the most exciting extravaganzas to celebrate the global fashion industry. This after hour shopping event is designed to celebrate the fashion and retail industry and boost the local economy by engaging fashion enthusiast to experience shopping in a chic and stylish atmosphere. This year, Saks of Canal Place will represent the New Orleans fashion event as they join editors, stars, models, fashionistas, and designers, across several cities in the country and around the world for fashion's most iconic extravaganza! The New Orleans “Fashion Night Out” agenda map will span across all three floors at Canal Place. To start, the 1st floor will feature the grooves of “DJ Christal”, champagne will be served, and the new colors in cosmetics rounds will be out for all! You will find Marc Jacobs, select pieces from Rachel Zoe’s new Fall 2011 Collection, and “DJ Kemistry” as you visit the second floor. Local fashion bloggers, such as, Iheartnola, Chanel Craves, Invade NOLA, New Orleans Tidbits, Slow Southern Style, Studio Swag,Swank Heights, and SweetHEART Social Club will also be in attendance on the second floor. Please do take part in the exciting and unique red carpet photo opportunity on the second floor, hosted by stylist.com! Throughout the night, each photo taken will be streamed instantly into the window of the Saks Fifth Avenue NYC! The best dressed folks will then be selected and entered to win very cool prizes!! And what would a fashion event be without a runway show? Of course, there will also be a show of this season’s hottest trends and styles from Saks Fifth Avenue, BCBGMAXZARIA, Michael Kors, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Anthropologie, White House/Black Market, and jeantherapy. Also showing hair and makeup fall trends will be Paris Parker Salon, serving as the models glam squad for the runway show. Lastly, as you strut up to the top floor, enjoy the a bar by Hennessey, an XBOX playground, as well as grooves by “DJ Kenny Martinez.”
 Pre-production on the highly anticipated " Hunger Games" follow-up, " Catching Fire," is heating up, with a new stylist selected for the Quarter Quell. According to MTV and Entertainment weekly, Trish Summerville (Gretna native), who costumed the 2011 David Fincher thriller, "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and designed a Lisbeth Salander-inspired clothing line for H&M, will be outfitting Katniss Everdeen for her second go-around in the arena! Summerville will take over costume duties for " Hunger Games" sequel, "Catching Fire" from, Oscar-nominated costume designer Judianna Makovsky. We’re excited to see her talent come to life on the big screen, yet again! Nola.com recently noted a common thread between the two films, both feature very “tough women”. The designer’s transition from creating punk hacker Lisbeth Salander’s wardrobe in “Girl with a Dragon Tattoo” to designing for fearless young warrior, Katniss Everdeen should be seamless. We hear Summerville’s styling will include a wedding dress that erupts in faux flames! The Hunger Games: “Catching Fire" will light up theaters November 22, 2013.
 Director Lee Daniels’ feature film, “The Butler” is now filming in New Orleans! The story chronicles the life of butler, Eugene Allen’s ( Forest Whitaker) life in the White House over two decades and eight presidential families. The drama also stars Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, John Cusack, Alex Pettyfer, Mariah Carey, Aml Ameen, Jane Fonda, Robin Williams, and the Hollywood South’s vey own, Isaac White! The kids of the Hollywood South continue to experience the thrill of working along some of the best actors in the entertainment industry. Isaac is a native of Patterson, LA and began his performance journey by singing in his church choir and taking acting lessons from John Robert Powers, performing arts academy. Last summer he attended iPOP with JRP and received over 54 call backs from top agents, talent, managers and casting directors! He is now signed with Clear Talent Group and managed by Jillian Neal of Untitled Entertainment. He booked the role of Charlie Gaines (son of Oprah and Forest Whitaker) in “The Butler” and starts filming in September! If you think you have what it takes to be a “Hollywood South” kid, CLICK HERE or call 504-299-0090 to audition now!
 Madison Wolfe is the Hollywood South's most adorable rising star! She's a 10 year old actress making a name for herself in the nation's third largest film industry, Louisiana! She started taking acting classes at John Robert Powers, performing arts academy in 2008.
Madison is also a dedicated theater participant and cheerleader! She attended the IPOP convention with JRP New Orleans in 2010 and received over 25 call backs from the entertainment industry's top casting directors, agents, and talent managers. Her success and exposure at IPOP led her to sign with national talent agency, Clear Talent Group and California. Shortly after she gained representation, she continued training at JRP and regarlary auditioned in Los Angeles in Louisiana for films and commercials.
In 2010, she also booked her first job, as Amy Adams and Viggo Mortensen's daughter alongside Kristen Stewart in feature film, "On the Road" ( in theaters, Oct. 2012). Madison's success in the industry also landed her the role of Jessica Brady (Will Ferrel's daughter in upcoming film, "The Campaign"- in theaters, Aug.2012). Little Miss Hollywood will begin filming, " Grace Unplugged" as young Grace ((AJ Michalka) this month. Keep you're eye on this up and coming rising star! We sure are!! ;)
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