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#yvrshoots connects fans to the film industry

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Published on OpenFile.ca on September 13, 2011. 

At any given moment, Twitter connects people to pop culture chatter and real-time events developing across the globe. But for Vancouver-based journalist Susan Gittins, the popular social media tool boasts some star-studded appeal.

Gittins, a self-professed movie and television aficionado, created the Twitter hashtag#yvrshoots in November 2010 at the suggestion of a friend who was interested in organizing Vancouver filming location Tweets and making them accessible.

She began slipping #yvrshoots into her film-related Tweets, and today, people all over metro Vancouver—and even around the world—are chipping in their celebrity sightings and camera crew discoveries to the information-rich pool.

“Some days, it feels like Vancouver is just one big film set,” Gittins says of the numerous Tweets that have accrued under the hashtag.

“Someone sees a film crew setting up and it’s on Twitter. It’s on the hashtag. And if it’s not discovered immediately what show is filming, it happens within a couple of hours. It’s instant information all the time. There’s no other place really to get it. It’s quite amazing.”

Vancouver, often referred to as Hollywood North, is a major North American filming hotspot. As a result, #yvrshoots has allowed fans to follow productions ranging from the television series Fringe to the latest movie phenomenon, the Twilight series’ Breaking Dawn.

According to Gittins, who blogs about her film location adventures forVancouverIsAwesome.com, we live in a tabloid age interested in big-name actors. She says star-spotting drives a lot of interest in the hashtag, but many people also just like to know what’s going on when trailers and cameras swarm their neighborhood.

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Review: Taylor Swift hearts Vancouver

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Published in the Vancouver Sun September 10, 2011.

BY AMANDA ASH, VANCOUVER SUN

Taylor Swift curled her hands into the shape of a heart. With a sweet smile, the 21-year-old country-pop superstar hoisted the symbol above her head, letting it float above a sold-out crowd at Rogers Arena Saturday night.

It was unlike the usual obnoxious expressions of gratitude, where touring acts scream, “What up Vancouver!!!” into the mic. The audience quickly returned Swift’s love, showering the petite blonde with one of the biggest and loudest displays of devotion heard in the Arena for a very long time. It was a moment that gave you goosebumps all over your body.

Taylor Swift creates a world of meaning with very few words. And sometimes, the Grammy Award-winning artist with three flawless studio albums under her belt doesn’t even need syllables to convey her simple, yet cogent, messages, as she demonstrated at the first of two Vancouver shows on her Speak Now Tour

That’s what makes T-Swift one of country’s—and the world’s—most successful artists. She speaks to a single moment, a single time and a single feeling. She isn’t wordy. She’s not complicated. Rather, her youthful perspective allows her to tell elemental stories that cut to the chase. Swift’s lyrics are stripped down and accessible rather than abstract. Mine, Mean, Sparks Fly, Enchanted, Speak Now—all songs focus on primary emotions or experiences. And such simplicity, even when it’s tinged with a bit of childish fantasy, rings louder than any gabby rhetoric could.

Continue reading at www.vancouversun.com.

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Review: Ke$ha feeds Vancouver’s party hungry

Friday, September 9, 2011

Published in the Vancouver Sun September 9, 2011.

BY AMANDA ASH, VANCOUVER SUN

Good thing Ke$ha’s glitter orgy fell on a Friday. If it were a weekday, no one would’ve made it to work the next morning.

As can be expected from the 24-year-old pop-rock star who sing-raps about brushing her “teef” with Jack Daniels, getting crunk and stripping on the dance floor, Ke$ha’s show at Rogers Arena Friday night was a filthy hot mess. Inhibitions, both on stage and off, became optional, and all acceptable behaviour vanished like Keyser Soze.

Sure, it sounds like a blast. The whole Get $leazy Tour experience took you back to those early experimental undergrad days before you felt regret or guilt. And for most of the young adult fans–decked out in ripped pantyhose and neon booty shorts–and whose ages fell into that particular party hungry category, Ke$ha was exactly what they wanted out of their Friday night. But for those late 20-something-year-olds who have graduated to the kind of hangovers that make you feel like you chugged Draino, the carnal overindulgence instigated an automatic gag-reflex rather than the compulsion to take off your shirt and do belly shots.

That’s the thing about Ke$ha: You kinda had to be a certain age and in a certain mood to listen to her discs, Animal and Cannibal. But in the end, when it came to really enjoying the sleaze-fest of the century, all fun was directly proportional to the number of drinks you had consumed. If you were sober, lord have mercy. If you managed to trade a few bricks of gold for one of the arena’s pink cocktails, then you probably had the time of your life, no matter your age. Seriously. In a matter of minutes, a concert that was a two could turn into a ten with the help of a beverage.

Continue reading at www.vancouversun.com.

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Vancouver’s geography reels in film industry

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Published on OpenFile.ca on September 8, 2011.

Vancouver’s backyard is sprinkled with snow-capped mountains, lush forests, sandy beaches and glittering waters. Drive a few hours outside the neighborhood and you’ll discover dusty deserts, icy ridges and cozy rural towns.

In all its vegetative forms, Vancouver and B.C.’s geography has been its calling card for major motion pictures and television series, making it a star on the big screen since the early 1970s. According to BC Film Commissioner Susan Croome, Vancouver’s proximity to Los Angeles, its compatible time zone, temperate climate and, of course,spectacular terrain are what originally drew—and continue to draw—big budget productions to our city.

“Vancouver provides the perfect combination of urban comfort and natural beauty,” says Croome. “It’s the third-largest in North America after Los Angeles and New York. All types of productions, from blockbuster movies like Mission Impossible 4 to television series like Fringe, find exactly what they need.”

“Vancouver has it all,” she continues. “Excellent production talent, expertise, and infrastructure located in a beautiful city, in the midst of a broad spectrum of spectacular natural shooting locations.”

Croome explains that B.C. has 14 biogeoclimatic zones, which is more than Los Angeles, New York or other Canadian provinces. Its diverse geography allows for a variety of films to mold its surroundings to their liking. Some of the more interesting places Vancouver and B.C. have “been” include Mars in Mission To Mars, Singapore in X-Men: The Last Stand, Medieval England in the Girl With The Red Riding Hood, and San Francisco in the latest box office breadwinner, Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

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Review: Janet Jackson sparks a rush of nostalgia

Friday, August 26, 2011

Published in the Vancouver Sun August 26, 2011. 

BY AMANDA ASH, VANCOUVER SUN

When you’ve got 34 number one songs to your name, you’re allowed to celebrate any way you want.

As the title of Janet Jackson’s current Number Ones: Up Close & Personal tour suggested, the 45-year-old R&B pop star chose to look back at her fertile career with a wine-and-sweatpants type of affair rather than an elaborate princess party. The iconic artist, born Janet Damita Jo Jackson, reveled in retrospective glory simply by hanging out with her closest fans in Vancouver’s living room. All that was missing was a tub of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Jackson, often singularly known as Janet, brought her hits and her swagger to Queen Elizabeth Theatre Friday night, but it was an experience decidedly different than any of her standard live show spectacles. Janet could’ve easily swept us away with opulence, going the route with flying dancers and blazing fireworks, exotic stage setups and sexy costumes. Instead the Gary, Indiana-born songstress opted to put herself in the spotlight first and foremost.

Janet’s intention for the tour was to unplug. She wanted to perform in intimate settings for every stop on her largest international jaunt ever and stoke the embers of nostalgia. And overall, it was probably a smart move.

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8 Stylish Workout Accessories

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

From Colorful Headbands to Snazzy Sunglasses, Workout Extras Can be Fashionable and Functional

Published August 23, 2011 on eHow.com 

Bringing style to the gym may seem as futile as doing wall squats while chowing down on a cheeseburger. After all, your mascara just ends up in the rivers of sweat that crisscross your face, and anything you wear ends up smelling worse than a hockey goalie’s gear.

Many women tend to turn a blind eye toward their appearance before exercising, and rightfully so. But looking good while pumping iron actually has its advantages. According to Carolyn Williams, owner of The Bar Method workout studio in Vancouver, stylish workout accessories can actually aid your training.

“We often see, as people lose weight, that they start caring more about what they wear to class, and in turn, they actually start working harder,” said Williams, who also works as an instructor at her studio. “Also, if you feel confident in what you are wearing while you are working out, you will have the tendency to look at yourself more during your workout, which we encourage. This forces you to focus on your form, which in turn helps you to engage multiple muscles, giving you a better workout.”

Sarah Kurchak, a personal trainer and fitness instructor based in Toronto, also believes good-looking workout attire and accessories inspires extra effort.

“In my personal experience, both as a trainer and an exercise geek, putting on something that makes you feel both comfortable and stylish can have a huge impact on how you feel about your overall workout,” Kurchak said. “It sounds superficial, but the right outfit actually can help to keep people motivated and reach their training goals.”

Williams and Kurchak, along with Caroline Gault, Alberta-based “Fashion” magazine writer and Edmonton editor for Vitamin Daily, got the chance to choose eight must-have workout accessories that will keep you stylish as you push to your peak physical potential.

“I think that when you delve into workout accessories, it gets more exciting,” Gault said. “You’d be surprised by how many fun, stylish and functional products there are these days beyond your standard backpack and water bottle.”

Continue reading at eHow.com.

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Review: Sade’s decade-long absence hasn’t lost her any fans

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Published in the Vancouver Sun August 14, 2011.

BY AMANDA ASH, VANCOUVER SUN

Sade’s decade-long hibernation hasn’t left them buried and forgotten

Ten years may have passed since the English R&B soft rock band last toured or released a record, but neither Sade nor the crowd at Rogers Arena seemed to blink an eye at the quartet’s yawning musical absence. Led by 52-year-old singing-songwriting cornerstone Helen Folasade (Sade) Adu, Saturday night’s show was a happy reunion between old friends. Sade and the audience may have grown a few laugh lines over the years, but they certainly haven’t grown apart.

Very few bands have the luxury of popping their heads above ground after such a lengthy hiatus to find they’re still burning as bright as bedside aromatherapy candles. Sade, however, seem to be the exception. For the past 20 years or so, the Nigerian-born Adu’s family life has outweighed her professional, resulting in only two records since 1992’s Love Deluxe. The Grammy Award-winning group’s latest mood-setter, 2010’s Soldier Of Love, is only the sixth studio album in their 25-year career. It’s also the first since 2000′s Lover’s Rock.

Perhaps Sade can thank the timelessness of their rapturous make-out music for their continued success. The group’s sultry sound—the equivalent of a shirtless, muscled man running his baby-soft fingertips down your spine—never expires. Or maybe Sade has their patient fanbase to thank for staunchly following them since 1984’s debut album Diamond Life.

Either way, Sade proved to a mix of young and old fans Saturday night that they’re a classic band that will always remain (adult) contemporary.

Continue reading at www.vancouversun.com.

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You Don’t Have to Spend a Lot to Look Great

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

To Have First-Rate Style, A Few Simple Tricks Outweigh a Fat Wallet

Published August 10, 2011 on eHow.com 

For the average fashionista, Christmas comes four times a year. Each season means new trends and a new shopping adventure that can make you feel like a 12-year-old kid hopped-up on hot cocoa. As exciting as it is to bag new looks in clothing, shoes and accessories every few months, however, seasonal wardrobes can leave your credit card looking more ragged than a half-eaten candy cane.

Although keeping up with fall’s comfy camel coats and chic sweaters while maintaining a budget sounds more difficult than gift shopping for your strange Uncle Frank, there are plenty of tricks to maintaining a contemporary style without lagging behind the fashion curve.

Rediscover and Re-Wear

According to Kelsey Dundon, Vancouver-based fashion blogger for The Anthology and lifestyle editor at Vitamin Daily, a budget-friendly way of staying on top of fall 2011 trends starts with raiding the depths of your closet to evaluate what you already own.

“Long maxiskirts were everywhere … and they’ll look beautiful with flat boots on sunny fall days,” Dundon said. “Ladylike pencil skirts from a few seasons ago are huge again. Shoes are more classic than they have been in recent seasons, so dig deep in your closet, polish off the pairs you bought a few years ago and rock them all over again.”

Continue reading at eHow.com

 

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Dinosaurs roam again at Science World

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Published in the Vancouver Sun July 30, 2011

BY AMANDA ASH, SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Jennifer Chow sounds like she’s in trouble.

Over the phone, it’s a jungle of noise and excitement as ravenous creatures chatter and chirp. Critters screech in the background. A bloodthirsty roar rings out in the distance.

Then comes the low, guttural clicking of a beast, signalling it has found its next meal.

“I just walked through [the exhibit] and I set off all the dinosaurs,” laughs Chow, business development manager for Dinosaurs Unearthed. Chow and her Richmond-based travelling exhibit company are the masterminds behind Telus World of Science’s latest show, Extreme Dinosaurs, and are ultimately responsible for all the commotion heard through the receiver. “They all move and roar once someone walks by.”

Luckily for Chow, the prehistoric predators nesting in Science World’s Extreme Dinosaurs exhibit aren’t real, although they definitely look it. The enormous display, almost elaborate enough to put Jurassic Park to shame, consists of 19 life-size animatronic dinosaurs that move, growl and chomp. Walk by the triceratops and it will lift its head, grunting at your presence. Stand beneath the king of all dinosaurs, the Tyrannosaurus rex, and watch out: it will gnash its teeth as its whip-like tail skims the tops of palm trees.

Continue reading at www.vancouversun.com

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Fall on a Budget: Jewelry

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Make a Statement on the Cheap

Published July 28, 2011 on typeF.com 

Bolder is better in fall 2011, as jewelry trends stay on the daring and dramatic path. With inspirations ranging from oversize feather earrings and giant gem cocktail rings to antique floral pendants and sleek architectural cuffs, these fearless accessories can make any winter wardrobe mean business. But pretty pieces can cost a pretty penny. If you can’t dish out dollars for designer brands and are looking to hit the trends on a dime, don’t fret: There’s plenty of bling to be had for a few bucks.

Make a Statement

Niki Blasina, the blogger behind A Haute Mess and a monthly columnist for MTV Canada’s FORA fashion and beauty blog, says some of her favorite fall 2011 jewelry trends include mammoth jewels, chunky filigree, shoulder-dusting earrings and intricate bronze floral patterns.

“Statement jewelry has been on trend for the past few seasons, but this fall we’re going to see different versions of it,” she said, noting how the “statement” trend is being seen in earrings as well as necklaces. “I love the statement chokers seen at Michael Kors — wide metal, close-fitting neck pieces. I also really like the modern filigree as seen at Proenza Schouler. It’s a very modern take on what you would expect when you think of antique or cameo jewelry. Classic statement necklaces with oversize jewels are definitely back on trend this season, but with more color. Earrings that are on trend also make a statement. Think long, shoulder-grazing styles. There’s also the bronze floral trend — think anything from your garden like flowers, branches and leaves — in big shapes and bronze metal.

Continue reading at www.typeF.com.

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