Actor J.W. Cortés suffered a fall while filming a chase sequence for the feature film Sugarfields yesterday. Cortés was shooting the final scenes of a grueling 9 day schedule when...
Thanks to Animal Planet and the SCS Direct production team, along with First Class Productions and their exceptional director Ronald Delucia for this wonderful commercial for Animal Planet's new "Hatch'Ems" line of growing toys.
Cerebral Productions and In-Class Productions co-produced the commercial, aired on the Discovery network. With voice over work by Michael Biggam.
Filmed on location at one of Puerto Rico's many beautiful rivers leading through El Yunque, we are thankful to have had the opportunity to display a little of the magical side of nature.
by Will Griffith, LiveBeijingMusic.com
It’s heating up round these parts. Just give in I say. Screw that AC nonsense – bask in the sizzler that is summer and get out there. Sweat up a storm at one of these gigs and thank me later. Here ya go…
FRIDAY JULY 17th
Some of hip hip’s most acclaimed characters join forces for a hip-hop free style extravaganza. Serious talent on display tonight at Yugong Yishan including j-fever, itsogoo, Nasty Ray, and Jinzi & Dirtymoss. A who’s who of the hip hop scene. Converse shoes throw their hands into the pie again showcasing some of Beijing’s hottest talent at School including electronica outfit white +, psych poppers Gate to Otherside, and folk minstrel prog rockers The Harridans. Gonna be a rowdy one. Burn a pair of Converse and show your love. It’s a hardcore hoedown at Mao Livehouse with these up and coming hardcore hybrids including Chaos Kills The Pain, Last Resort, Return the Truth, Laisee, Tainjin transplants 641, and South Korean outfit Teddy Boys. Best do some cardio beforehand. Grunge, glam rock – it’s all rock n roll to Temple as they present Car Car Cars and Los Crasher for some mischievous fun. Ambient experimental artist Pare Ohm out of Aussieland hops into town for some gigs – he’ll be joined tonight at the chill literal ‘hole in wall’ Old What? by other offbeat soundsmiths three (trio with Wenliang, Dongxu, and Hadi) and Guijian. Let’s get weird with it! A intriguing mix of hard rock, Mongolian folk rock, and blues at Mako Livehouse as Golden Melody Blues Artist of the Year Mizang joins up and coming Mongolain folk rock outfit Oska and acclaimed hard rock outfit OOC. Get your fix of old-timey American finger picking blues with Zhanren at the cozy Jianghu Bar.
SATURDAY JULY 18th
New Maybe Mars rising stars Birdstriking and Chui Wan celebrate their first American tours with a special showcase at Yugong Yishan that also doubles as the vinyl rerelease of Birdstrking’s debut. They’ve had a good year you could say. They’re joined by one of this year’s best newcomers, melodic indie rockers The Eat. Better late than never. Dance punk trio Heat Mark celebrate the physical release of their debut EP at School with a little help of their friends, indie rockers Elenore and L-Gentlemen. Youthful rocking we’ll be doing. Blues revisonists rock outfit Hoochie Coochie Gentlemen, veterans of the scene, celebrate the release of their latest album with a special Jianghu Bar showcase. Cold Neo brings the show on the road for a two day fest across Beijing and Tianjin — catch a slew of up and coming post rockers tonight at Mako Livehouse including SNSOS, Spin Axis, Cat’s Jest, The Grinding Ear, and The 16 Floor. Powerful melodic alternative rock trio 16 mins, fresh off the release of their debut hit up Caravan for some late night saucy fun. Long standing psych blues jazz rockers Wu & The Side Effects, fronted by the ever charismatic Wu hit up Temple like it ain’t no thing. Metal! Metal Get down and grimy with the metal kids at Mao Livehouse as Dream Spirit, N & Y, Dark Haze, Ephemerality, Nouerman, and Renegade look to keep the floor shaking, and the heads banging. Australian ambient experimental artist Pare Ohm joins folk punk duo Little Punk and t6 (the awesome combo of thruoutin and Noise666) at fRUITYSHOP. Tap your feet to the gypsy jazz stylings of the Hot Club of Beijing at the ever cool as a cucumber DDC.
SUNDAY JULY 19th
For the weekend, Cold Neo promoters team up with vintage fair Kill Shop for some good ol’ shop frenzy and live music holiday at Mako Livehouse. Music kicks off at 3pm each day with sets from The Twenties, Hulu Boyz, Los Crasher, Foggy Notions, L-Gentlemen, Rosewood Bullet, and Sofa. Indie rock outfit Jiubei swings through School on its nation wide tour. Get loud this Sunday evening with a metal showcase at Mao Livehouse featuring Dengel, Ready To Die, Bloody Woods, and Summon Soul.
by Daniel Lenk
It's my favourite time of the week, when the Ran Music sampler goes up online. Big thanks once again to Chairman Wow for taking time to work with us on the sampler.
Ran Music in cooperation with Beijing's DJ Chairman Wow brings you the Ran Music Sampler #8. The Ran Music sampler is a spotlight on an intriguing artist working independently or on an established label which we are excited to share, from the past or present. This week we take a look at the incredible Medenski, Martin and Wood.
"As an adolescent, my parents were hell-bent on giving me an instrument to pick up in order to avoid the lure of drugs and other illicit behaviors. Once I received a saxophone from them, I delved deeper and deeper into the world of jazz and one band which I was introduced to which opened up so many avenues of music to me was Medeski, Martin and Wood. I remember the moment of astonishment when I came across Jack Kerouac's work, Friday Afternoon in the Universe, which shared a title with one of my favorite albums by Medeski, Martin and Wood. It was one of those moments where everything just comes together in a beautiful way."
"From a personal viewpoint as a student of jazz music, it has to be stressed just how important the work of Medeski, Martin and Wood has been as an absolutely crucial bridge between eras of jazz music, that it was a significant force for the development of modern jazz. Within all of these developments soul jazz was emerging as a key development within the evolution of jazz, away from both fusion and bop. The diverse range of elements that the group introduced to their music, such as the folktronica of Beta band and the trip hip of artists like Portishead and DJ Shadow combined to create a very wide-reaching range of material. In addition, the variety of artists that have collaborated with the group, from DJ Logic to John Scofield display the malleability of the bands music. They are essentially the type of band which can be equally comfortable playing Bonnaroo, the Symphony Center, or a Chicago Blues festival."
"Veering away from the rigid New York jazz environment, the three musicians were attracted to the experimentalism of the underground music and art world where they further developed their outstanding improvisational skills. The group felt that they were in a position where jazz had become nebulous and they were in a position to cultivate what they wished to. The shaping of this music took a decidedly non-academic approach, borrowing from multiple influences which are expressed within the wide variety of their work. The hammond organ also played a key role in this development, creating sounds which would work equally well within hip hop or jazz revival. In fact, their work with Blue Note, the 'Sub Pop' or 'Rough Trade' of the jazz world, was highly innovative and further expanded the jazz genre. With great foresight, whilst on Blue Note, they had 12'' singles printed for Djs to use for their own music within the club format. Undoubtedly, modern hip hop Djs have actively drew on this musical energy which MMW were instrumental in shaping."
This week from Will Griffiths LBM unit we hear the mad folksy stylings of The Harridans, along with a handful of the most exciting music around in Beijing this week.
The Harridans – Moon Tiger
itsogoo – 烟火花
Birdstriking – Hate Me? You Old!
Song Yuzhe – 说讹兽
L-Gentlemen – 今夜你不再孤单
Spin Axis – 旋转轴心
Los Crasher – On My Mind
Sugarfields welcomes Andrew McLaren on board as Executive Producer on the project. Andrew is a veteran of Iraq and Liberia. He has stepped from this into acting and producing, and brings not only a wealth of real life experience on the front line, but a genuine heart and the truth and valor that only comes from putting ones own safety second to that of the greater good. Thank you, Andrew, for your services and for joining us on this great adventure. Andrew met Chris Kyle, the original "American Sniper" while working on his breakout show Stars Earn Stripes
Andrew McLaren was born on July 24, 1980 in Staten Island, New York City, New York, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Battle for Haditha (2007), Stars Earn Stripes (2012) and Chrome Underground.
Actor and model Yavier Shalim, known for his catwalk work at this years High Fashion Week has joined the cast of Sugarfields. Exact details of the role are not available at this time but Shalim is said to be "excited to start".
Glad to welcome @PerezShalim Yavier Shalim to the #Sugarfields cast!
— Michael Biggam (@cereprods) May 9, 2015News from the Sugarfields production confirms that breakthrough actress Yamnia Diaz will play the role of Alondra, opposite Juan, the protagonist of the story. Diaz is an artist originating from Puerto Rico in Corozal, the heart of island, and was featured in the recent Tego Calderón music video Dando Break.
We'd like to officially welcome the newest member of our melassa movement: Yamnia Diaz as #Alondra in #Sugarfields #thebeastisinthebeauty
— Michael Biggam (@cereprods) May 5, 2015The producers of Sugarfields today announced that in a casting coup J.W. Cortés
will be playing the part of Detective Nico Lawson in the epic fable. J.W. comes hot off the hit Fox show Gotham. The producers are thrilled with the acquisition and have described it as "a puzzle piece of paramount importance in the telling of the story".
We are so happy to have @jwcortes as part of the #Sugarfields adventure, huge love out to JW
— Michael Biggam (@cereprods) May 5, 2015
J.W. Cortés is a decorated veteran of the US Marine Corps.
J.W. Cortés is an award-winning Marine-combat-veteran-turned-actor-singer-filmmaker. He is currently originating the recurring role of "Detective Carlos Alvarez" on FOX’s prime-time series GOTHAM.
Previously, Cortés starred as an “Operative” on NBC's reality television show, "STARS EARN STRIPES” with other military operatives to include Chris Kyle (American Sniper). He can be seen in a range of projects including: NBC's "THE BLACKLIST", "THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA", CBS's "BLUE BLOODS," and “AS GOOD AS DEAD ” and the Sundance Film Festival premiered films “BLUE CAPRICE" & "STOP".
Cortés helps raise awareness and funding for various charities and organizations including Autism Speaks, Got Your 6, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. A United States Marine Corps Combat Veteran, Cortés served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom earning the Combat Action Ribbon and Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
Cortés studied acting at the renowned William Esper Studio, under Terry Knickerbocker, while he still worked as a Police Officer in New York City. He is the proud father of two boys, a lucky husband and loving owner of an American-Bulldog named "Blue."
Huge thanks to Ivan Figueroa for the article on Sugarfields in this week's issue of Claridad. Check it out now at your local news vendor.
Article in Puerto Rican newspaper #Claridad about #Sugarfields , thank you to the whole team there https://t.co/QbgGIUPGRo
— Michael Biggam (@cereprods) April 22, 2015
Sugarfields has announced that David Davila, who was featured in Runner, Runner alongside Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake has joined the team as Agent Kowalsky. Details about the role are scant, but the mood is said to be raised by his arrival. David is known for Runner, Runner and the 2003 short film An Assignment, directed by John A. Rangel.
David Davila confirmed for major role in #Sugarfields #casting #thebeastisinthebeauty
— Michael Biggam (@cereprods) May 5, 2015The producers of Sugarfields today announced that Anna Demidova, Russian ballroom dancer, model and winner of Dancing with the Stars USA Season 8 has joined the cast of Sugarfields as Anjä, the downtrodden girlfriend of Moises, the Bichoté in the film.
Proud to announce that @AnnaDemidova will be in the #Sugarfields cast as Anjä and we could not be more thrilled about it! We love you Anna!!
— Michael Biggam (@cereprods) March 18, 2015Anna joins Andrew McLaren, co-star of Battle for Haditha and the rest of the cast and crew sailing though the Sugarfields. Producers are said to be ready to release full cast details but as yet no word has been heard from the elusive production base.
HUUUGEE thanks to Walgreens in Rio Piedras for graciously allowing us to use their underground parking facilities for filming today!! Big shout outs to Andrew McLaren, David Davila Pagan Elcapitan and Jesus Reyes La Salle for being the heart of the show and of course to the unstoppable crew consisting of Michael Biggam, David Mondin, Ronald Michael, Julian Ernesto Figueroa and the inimitable Yayi Diaz. Many more to come!!
Andrew McLaren (Battle for Haditha), Jesus Reyes La Salle (Exit Point) and David Davila Pagan relax on set shooting Sugarfields on location in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.
The Sugarfields crew get to grips with the location.
Glory of glories, former US Marine turned actor, Andrew McLaren has agreed terms to be part of the upcoming feature epic Sugarfields, shooting in Puerto Rico now! Andrew has a rich background and brings a wealth of life experience, coupled with a winning personality and shining heart. Andrew played Capt. Sampson in "Battle for Haditha" in 2007. The Sugarfields production will continue shooting through May 2015.
Everyone at Cerebral Productions and Lava House Entertainment is thrilled to be able to bring you the Kickstarter for our latest film "Sugarfields".
Check the video below for full details and thank you to everyone who has been so supportive thus far. If you are interested in helping us fund this film, follow the KS link or contact the studio through email
The mystery surrounding Sugarfields, the independent film shot in Puerto Rico directed and written by Michael Biggam and David Mondin is beginning to unravel.
New images from the production confirm that French actor and singer Julian Ernesto Figueroa will be playing Padre, the conflicted priest. Filling the role of Juan, the films ultimate protagonist is new comer Jerry Aviles. Both were involved in the student uprising against the government in 2010 and 2012. Protesting against the axing of 37,000 public servants, initiated by former Governer Luis Fortuño.
Both actors are said to be incredibly excited about the project and have begun rehearsals with the directors Biggam and Mondin.
“Sometimes you encounter such broad talent and piercing vision that you’re left asking yourself whether there is some other force at work, or if human creativity really is the mouthpiece of the divine.”
Sugarfields is scheduled to begin principal photography this month until April 2015.
Hey all, castings are going well for Sugarfields, the upcoming gangster revenge movie shot in Puerto Rico by Lava House Entertainment and Cerebral Productions. Major progress already made but we will hold further castings next week on Tuesday 20th January at Domingo Cabrera #872, near Mona Lisa Bar in Rio Piedras, Puerti Rico. From 1pm-7pm.
Recent announcement that David Mondin will produce and Michael Biggam will direct the upcoming action thriller Sugarfields in Puerto Rico to kick off 2015.
Biggam wrote the script to "Sugarfields" and will enter into production at the start of January, and have also secured Ludi Lin, star of the upcoming sequel to "Lost in Thailand", "Lost in Hong Kong", and featured in "Transformers 4".
