Indie Princess: Lanie Hoyo

My final feature on the amazing women of the AFI Film Fest calls attention to the pleasing talents of Portland actress LANIE HOYO. If you’ve at the Hollywood Boulevard film fest, check her out in “Light Of Mine”. Featuring Rebecca Sanborn and the vivacious LANIE, it’s a beautiful tale of the fortitude that resides within us all in the face of impossible odds. It delves into the life of a photographer who is degenerating into blindness and his subsequent journey with his wife (Rebecca Sanborn) before darkness envelops him leading him to discover the true meaning of courage. LANIE herself has been roundly praised by the producers of “Light Of Mine” for giving a heartfelt performance which I’m certain everyone can’t wait to see. LANIE also recently made her television debut on an episode of “Leverage” giving us another avenue to glimpse the wonderful her.

If you’re into Parker Posey then LANIE will be right up your alley since she has a similar off-kilter charm which we’ll be able to enjoy when “Georgie’s Big Break” is released. Guest-starring cultured personalities including Fight Club’s Chuck Palahniuk and Monica Drake (whose story this short film was adapted from), LANIE plays a single mother aspiring to reach the fame of accomplished authors. With the added burden of an infant, she tries her luck at Portland’s largest literary fest. We don’t often get to see the scholarly world and from LANIE’s interesting turn as Georgie in the teaser (above), this is will be a draw for viewers. There’s a favorable likability she instills in her character that makes us all want to see her succeed. Speaking of success, it’s right around the corner for LANIE HOYO.

Rising Starlet: Juliet Lopez

My motto has always been to search for Cuties in the industry and today I’m nudging JULIET LOPEZ in the spotlight. As you will find out, she has a supporting role in the the mushy romance “Ten Year” which screens at TIFF 2011 on 12 and 14th September. Ensemble casts such as the one in “Ten Year” are always fascinating, throwing up a myriad of personalities, some more likable than others in a much truer representation of every day life. Not forgetting we get to be entertained by Fresh Faces such as JULIET who appears alongside seasoned ones such as Lucy Hale, Kate Mara, Rosario Dawson, Lynn Collins and Jenna Dewan (her husband Channing Tatum is in this film too!). In the throes of this babe fest, my only gripe yet again is that we’ve deprived of a trailer!! JULIET herself is undoutably relishing her work in the comedy genre and not just on the big screen. She’s swiftly making waves on the web as is the cast of “Enter The Dojo”, the satire on martial arts schools. Watch her in Episode 3 (above) as JULIET plays thoughtful yet timid Cynthia, learning the fine art of protecting oneself from rape. For anyone who has ever attended self defense classes, it’s easy to identify with her character nuances as JULIET is so relatable as the aspiring martial artist.

Stealthily inserting humor at opportune moments in that very episode does augur well for her as a future comedienne. With such a personable and interesting facet to JULIET, it clearly encourages us want to find out more about her, especially when she puts on that charming smile. Will we be enamored of her just like Romeo was with his paramour of the same name? Time is absolutely on her side to ensure that happens and viewers would jump at the chance to see more of what she can do…:)

Hot TV Vixen: Amy Stewart

Touted as being an engaging funnywoman who has distinguished herself in a myriad of TV Shows, AMY STEWART is just as enigmatic in darker fare. In the recent episode “Rebel Without A Pause” from the drama series “Rizzoli & Isles”, she’s thrust into the challenging persona of a rape victim whose offspring from that heinous act seeks revenge on the perpetrator, a respected professor. AMY’s strong features excellently fleshes out the furrowed lines of a painful past etched on the face of her character. Putting a tough affront, the woman with a bitter trauma she much rather see stay hidden is agonizingly authentic in the capable hands of the gifted AMY. Playing against type can so often yield warm approval for any actress. While she’s provided hours of pleasure in comedic turns on “Desperate Housewives” and “Las Vegas”, it was “Monkey Love” opposite Jeremy Renner that initially got everyone noticing how natural she is in fun roles. Can’t wait for AMY to dive into some boisterous screwball comedy after her emotionally invested stint on “Rizzoli & Isles”.

Have a look at her reel at the AMY STEWART OFFICIAL SITE to see her get under the skin of varying guises on some of the hottest shows on television. Her beautiful expressive eyes is the foundation from which she builds an assortment of emotions onscreen, varying the depth of each captivating performance. There’s plenty to suggest that AMY is on the right track to becoming TV’s Sweetheart as she has an innate charm that’s genuinely interesting and likable.

SIFF 2011 Hottie Special: Indie Princess Sarah Hagan

Ahh….the feeling of friendship and love is a wonderful thing and experimental film “Jess + Moss” has a telling sentimental vibe that’s presented in a unique style. Notable Images of the cassette tape at the beginning of the trailer (above) I’m sure brings back some vivid nostalgia of our childhood. The film’s indelible premise of two carefree souls on a journey of discovery is driven by actress SARAH HAGAN who is divine in the role of Jess, the 20-something looking for solace after being abandoned by her mother. This leads to a bond with her cousin Moss, a 12-year old whose life is in a funk just like her. You might recognize SARAH as the cult figure Millie Kentner on “Freaks & Greeks” and also Amanda, ass-kicking Vampire Slayer from “Buffy”. SARAH has indicated that she’s very proud of the film and why not seeing how she has garnered numerous plaudits for her moving performance. With those gorgeous blue eyes, adorable voice and interesting likability, she’s someone you’ll be fawning over in no time. With SIFF 2011 now in full swing, “Jess + Moss” which screens Saturday the 21st is your best chance to watch the ethereal SARAH HAGAN dazzle.

If you go over to the SARAH HAGAN OFFICIAL SITE, you will find it’s also a portal showcasing her creative side with an impressive collection of original artwork in addition to her movie-related stuff. I urge you to check out her ‘Ultimate Fighter” impression in the bittersweet short film “Someday We Will Get Married” (above), a tale of first love that doesn’t always end up being your eternal love. I’m captivated by how beautiful she looks in pretty much every scene, excelling in a romantic capacity as she has so often does with those distinctive ‘Geeky’ incarnations she’s brought to life. From established TV Starlet to rising indie darling, SARAH is a good-natured talent who more than takes your breath away.

Hot Actress #444 – Sali Sayler: Rising Starlet

Reading about Amber Heard today got me thinking about her gorgeous co-stars from ‘THE WARD’ who deserve a shout out! Just like Amber gaining prominence after starring in ‘MANDY LANE’, newcomer SALI SAYLER is set for her own breakthrough role in horrormeister John Carpenter’s psychological thriller. A most gorgeous ensemble cast ever in a Carpenter flick, SALI will be part of a bunch of girls with interestingly distinct personalities beset by an incensed unseen force. There’s of course blonde sex symbol Amber Heard (oh by the way just found out she’s a lesbian..wow), cutie Danielle Panabakar and fiesty Lyndsy Fonseca of ‘Nikita’ fame…obviously you’re gonna see a lot of screaming, running and more screaming as they do battle with the angry spirit or is it a spirit at all; knowing Carpenter’s track record, there will be plenty of twists! But i must say, SALI makes for a convincing Scream Queen especially with her forceful screech near the end of the trailer (above).

In this industry, you can never know who is going to be the next big thing but the dazzlingly striking SALI SAYLER has every chance of making it big. I always jump at the chance to champion Fresh Faces! Definitely rivaling the hotties from slasher ‘SORORITY ROW’, the nubile young talents of ‘THE WARD’ are endowed with great characterization amidst the old-school suspense. Check out the very comely SALI as she hangs with the legend himself John Carpenter in a behind-the-scenes clip (above). A delicately exquisite lady with a bright future.