Talking about THE ARRANGEMENT, my favorite spots to eat, get away and shop in Los Angeles. Part of the May 2017 Angeleno Magazine from Modern Luxury. 

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Exclusive interview with Mark Gantt from the new series “The Arrangement” + Watch the Series Pilot

It’s that all-to-well-known Hollywood story about a struggling actress who gets discovered while waitressing… Okay, this may not be THAT story, but in “The Arrangement” from creator, Jonathan Abrahams, struggling actress, Megan Morrison lands an audition opposite Kyle West, the hottest Hollywood action star and she gets more out of it, an offer for a contract marriage worth $10 million dollars.

Oh, and because we think you’ll want a head start on joining the conversation about this series, we’ve embedded the first episode for you to watch after our interview below… “The Arrangement” is one of those buzzed about series with a very Hollywood-style storyline and some very talented actors Christine Evangelista, Josh Henderson, Michael Vartan, Lexa Doig, Autumn Reeser and Mark Gantt, who is an award-winning writer, director AND actor.

We have followed Mark’s work since his award-winning work as a writer, actor for the movie “The Bannen Way” for Crackle and Sony Pictures, with a dream cast including Academy Award nominees Robert Forster and Michael Lerner. Okay, to be truthful, we first fell in love with that face when he played opposite Brad Pitt in Ocean’s Eleven and met him the night he won a Streamy Award for “The Bannen Way”. Gantt also recently directed Lifetime’s “Murder In Mexico: The Bruce Beresford-Redman Story” and has a host of other projects from pilots to commercials in front of and behind the camera to his credit and more coming. 

Check out our interview with Mark Gantt and find out more about the series, his character and what’s next.

QUESTION: We’re excited to see you in this new series on E!, can you share how you were cast as Adam Westfeldt?

Mark Gantt told us… “Thank you, I’m very excited to be a part of this series, it’s smartly written and directed. The audition process was pretty traditional in the sense that I’ve gone in several times for the casting directors Sara Isaacson and Eric Souliere and the appointment came through my agent Gwenn Pepper at Concept Talent. The one thing that was slightly different was, when I got the call that I had a ‘pin’ in me (on hold) for the role, they asked if I was available for certain days and would I shave, since I had facial hair for the audition. They had in mind for this guy to be clean shaven and polished. I said yes, of course I would. But I don’t really have any great clean shaven headshots, and my agent said she hadn’t seen me clean shaven before. I sent over a shot from AMERICAN HORROR STORY and she forwarded it to casting, who forwarded it to the producers. Apparently it was between a clean shaven guy and me and my photo helped seal the deal!”

QUESTION: This is the second scripted series for E!, how did you find working with the production and writing team? Did you have any input on your character?

Mark Gantt told us… “I didn’t have any say in the writing, but I did talk with Jonathan Abrahams the Creator and Showrunner of the series about what he wanted from the character and how it came about. Jonathan is one of the nicest guys you’ll meet and was so clear about the vision he had for the series and set the tone for the rest of us. Everybody on the crew were excellent at their jobs; Costume Designer Mandi Line (PRETTY LITTLE LIARS) had picked out these incredible suits and ties for me and Props had the perfect watch. Episode three was directed by Liz Allen and episode five was directed by a friend of mine, Carol Banker. These ladies brought a clear vision and really understood how best to tell the story. Episode eight was directed by Lukas Ettlin, a former cinematographer, so it was interesting to have him tell stories that started with light and framing.”

QUESTION: You’re in three episodes in the first season of the series, without spoiling the upcoming episodes, what can you tell us about your character?

Mark Gantt told us… “Well, I guess what I can say about Adam Westfeldt is that he’s a young, dynamic studio head who is doing his best to hitch his wagon to this big superstar — realizing that’s where the money is — and yet is loathe to give up control of the product. Adam’s relationship with Kyle definitely motivates Kyle to re-evaluate his place in the industry and how he does business in it.”

QUESTION: As you are a multi-talented, in front and behind the camera artist, how did you prepare for your character, do you have any rituals?

Mark Gantt told us… “I’ve always said that my experience behind the camera as a property master and art director have given me keen insights on the filmmaking process. But for this role specifically, I couldn’t have been more prepared. Little over a year ago I did Mamet’s play SPEED THE PLOW as Bobby Gould, who’s recently been promoted to head of production of a studio. When I first was approached about the play and the role, I didn’t quite see myself in the role, but once we started to rehearse, I found it not only challenging but extremely satisfying to play. I think the work that I did on that play over the six months of rehearsal, set me up to play Adam Westfeldt.”

QUESTION: What was the most fun about shooting this series?

Mark Gantt told us… “We shot up in Vancouver for all but a week of exteriors here in Los Angeles. I loved that city and had a blast walking around, taking day trips up the coast and exploring art and culture there. We shot the opening sequence of episode three over a few days and it was a huge party scene, it was great hanging with Michael Vartan, Josh, Lexa and Christine over the time and we all had a blast. There’s nothing worse than having to do the same action around fifty different times while the shoot the same sequence from different areas of the party. But had a blast.”

QUESTION: How close does this series follow the life of an up and coming actor and hollywood?

Mark Gantt told us… “From my experience and those of my friends, I’d say it’s spot on. We follow Megan as she starts out as so many actors in coming to LA living their dream; working as a waiter, dealing with relationship issues and the drive for fame and fortune. It can be pretty brutal at times and I’ve think they’ve done a great job of capturing that.”

QUESTION: What do you like the best about this story?

Mark Gantt told us… “You get to see so many sides of the business, from the journey man actor, to movie star, to private lives of the elite, to the deal making of the agents and studios. It really shines a light on this like we’ve never seen it before. I think people are going to be hooked and be routing for all of these characters, even the ‘bad guys’.”

QUESTION: What else can we see you in? Mark Gantt told us… “I recently shot the indie feature, AMBER ALERT opposite Sunny Mabre and Trevor Donovan, HIDDEN IN THE WOODS opposite William Forsythe this summer and I produced and act in the second feature my wife Brianne Davis directed, PSYCHOPHONIA, which is being released in April by Sony and eOne.”

Be sure to catch Mark’s character in “The Arrangement” episodes 3, 6 and 8 for season 1 and watch the premiere episode here below or when the series airs on E! Sunday, March 5th at 10 PM Connect with The Arrangement on E!

Website http://www.eonline.com/shows/the_arrangement Like The Arrangement on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheArrangementE Check out The Arrangement on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the_arrangement Follow The Arrangement on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/the_arrangement Mark Gantt photos credit: Brianne Davis 

Find out more at: http://www.redcarpetreporttv.com/2017/03/02/exclusive-interview-with-mark-gantt-from-the-new-series-the-arrangement-watch-the-series-pilot-thearrangement-interview-trailer/

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Gantt.

Mark, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m what you might call a late bloomer when it comes to my creativity. As a kid, when I was around seven or eight years old, a girl down the street and I created a neighborhood newspaper that we made using colored markers. We had a sports section, local news and a lifestyle page. We spent hours every day after school drawing pictures and writing stories. It’s one of my fondest memories of that time period. I loved the ability to take a blank page and make it come to life. Then sports came along and my desire to fit in with the cool kids won out and my art was left behind.

It wouldn’t be until fifteen years later that I picked up a paintbrush and a camera. When I moved to Los Angeles in 1992 to work on movies, I met a Texan named James Brown. He was always creating and learning. He read books, knew all the best movies, painted (his walls adorned with his work), acted and loved to make people laugh. He encouraged me to read, lending me Bukowski’s Women and Kerouac’s On The Road. One day I mentioned that I wanted to learn how to paint. He said; “Gantt there’s nothing to learn. Just have fun…” He set up a canvas in a section of his wall, put a whole bunch of paints and brushes on a little table and told me to go play. That was just the beginning, and soon after I bought a camera and started shooting things that moved me.

I’ve worked hard over the last ten years to expand my creativity, which now includes graphic design, acting, writing and directing. I love telling stories with images and sharing my passion with the world. I appreciate the raw reality of everyday life, the fleeting beauty of those in-between moments, and I do my very best to take every picture with that in mind. I want my viewers to relate to my photographs through recognition of and familiarity with the situations, the emotions, and the energy so much that they wonder if they are looking at a picture of someone they know.

Has it been a smooth road?
I think with all of life, I think the definition of success or failure can be determined by our own expectations and interpretations of said success. At times I think I would have wanted it to be smoother and ‘faster’ but most of the time I think I am who I am as an artist because of the journey. I think all artists struggle at some point or another wondering if people are moved and interested in our work. You put yourself out there and at times it feels like it’s pointless and all of a sudden you’ll get a note, a text or a comment that reiterates your reason for doing what you do, someone is touch, moved and inspired but what you do. The moments in between you have to hunker down to your own vision and not give up, focussing instead on creating and listening to your heart.

What were you like growing up?
I was the oldest of three and I took on the mantle of the one to teach and guide, I used to run mock soccer practices with my brother and neighbor kids as well as started a neighborhood newspaper with a girl down the street. We used to cut out photos from magazines and glue them to butcher paper and write headlines underneath each one and a few paragraphs about the story. I loved watching TV, it was a great escape for me, I could get lost in another world.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
In the summer, we’d go to Lake Shasta with another family and stay in these great cabins right on the water. We would spend two weeks, skiing, swimming, fishing, exploring and playing video games at the lodge while our parents would eat dinner and play games. It was such an incredible time.

So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
I’ve been building a production company with my wife Brianne Davis, she’s also an actor/director and we’re working on several projects in TV and film. We have already produced three projects together and yes, we’re trying to produce a little one of our own in the near future as well. That will be a BIG change!

Pricing:

• All images found in the gallery are available as limited edition, signed, and numbered giclee prints.
• Prices of prints represented in galleries are subject to change. Prints do not come framed unless requested.
• Sizes include – Artist Proofs: Editions of 20 10″ x 10″ Editions of 15 14″ x 14″ Editions of 10 20″ x 20″ Editions of 5 30″ x 30″
• Prices range from as low as $75 to $450 unframed

Contact Info:

• Website: http://ganttphotography.com
• Phone: 321.426.8844
• Email: markgantt@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markgantt/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markganttphotography/
• Other: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ganttphotography/

 
Image Credit:
All photos copyright Mark Gantt 2016

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Horror Highlights: THE CROOKED MAN, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: GENESIS, STALKHER, Blanc/Biehn Productions, XLrator Media & Blue Fox Entertainment

Night of the Living Dead: Genesis Trailer:“Night of the Living Dead: Genesis will pay homage to the timeless classic while expanding upon its storyline to explore more of the night when the dead began to rise.”

Directed by Matt Cloude off a screenplay he co-wrote with Wil Smith, Night of the Living Dead: Genesis stars Judith O’Dea, Sarah Snyder, Mike Lord, David Witt, Brenleigh Rigsbee, Cyrus Samson, Christy Johnson, David Crawford, Alexander Elliott, Jim Krut, Mike Christopher, Heidi Hinzman, and John Migliore.

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StalkHer VOD October Release Date and Trailer: “Jack is pushed past the brink of his stalking obsession when he decides to break into Emily’s home to take what he wants by force. However, his plans for her pain and his pleasure come unhinged when he wakes up to find himself bleeding and bound to a chair in her kitchen. For one night Jack and Emily engage in a twisted and thrilling courtship of the sexes that leads one to wonder which one of them will survive the night.”

Written by, directed by, and starring John Jarratt, Kaarin Fairfax, StalkHer will be released on VOD this October 21st from Cleopatra Films.

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Festival Screening Details for New Films from Blanc/Biehn Productions: Press Release: “LOS ANGELES, September 28, 2016 – Blanc/Biehn Productions and Give & Take Productions’ thriller PSYCHOPHONIA will have its World Premiere on October 7th and HIDDEN IN THE WOODS has its Spanish Premiere on October 8th. Both films are participating in the Midnight X-Treme program.

Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia is the number one fantasy film festival in the world. For more information on screening times and locations: http://sitgesfilmfestival.com.

Michael Biehn will also be announcing the ALIEN’S 30th Anniversary Screening at Sitges, which will also be showing on October 8th.

Jennifer Blanc, Michael Biehn, Brianne Davis, Mark Gantt, Vedette Lim, Danny Bellens, Nikita Black and Kurk Kasparian will be in attendance.

With a story from Lony Ruhmann and screenplay by Nicholl Fellowship winner Barbara Stepansky, the psychological thriller Psychophonia is helmed by Brianne Davis, who earlier directed The Night Visitor 2: Heather’s Story.

After her husband Jeremy is brutally murdered, artist Lilly Tarver struggles with his secret sex life and coming to terms with who he really was. While diving into his dark and potentially dangerous world, a mysterious caller might hold the answers to his death.

Psychophonia stars Vedette Lim (Chicago Fire, True Blood) in the lead role of Lilly Tarver. Rounding out the cast; Andrew W. Walker (The Torturer, 2 Bedroom One Bath), Kellee Stewart (Hot Tub Time Machine 1 & 2, The Soul Man) Adam Rose (Up In The Air, The Bounty Hunter), Daniel Quinn (Fetish Factory, Wrong Cops), Mark Gantt (The Bannen Way, The Night Visitor 2), Mitchell Fink (Granit Flats, Zodiac),Lucie Pohl (Magi, Not Fade Away), Sean Hemeon (Husbands), Nikita Black (who will star in Blanc/Biehn’s upcoming Fembot) and Jenimay Walker (Fetish Factory).

The film is Executive Produced by Michael Biehn, Jennifer Blanc-Biehn, Lony Ruhmann, produced by Brianne Davis and Mark Gantt.

HIDDEN IN THE WOODS is the remake of the original Chilean film, directed by the Chilean Dir. Patricio Valladares, and will make its Spanish Premiere at Sitges. Hidden In The Woods (A Las Afueras de la Ciudad), stars Michael Biehn (The Terminator, Aliens), William Forsythe (The Rock, “Boardwalk Empire”), MMA fighter Krxysztof Soszynski, Jeannine Kaspar (Iron Man, “House of Lies,” “Nip/Tuck”), Electra Avelan (Grindhouse, Machete Kills), Mark Burnham (Quentin Dupieuxs, Wrong and Wrong Cops), Jennifer Blanc (The Victim, Wrong Cops) Mark Gantt (The Bannen Way, The Night Visitor) and Richard Gunn (“Granite Flats,” “Dark Angel”).

About Blanc/Biehn Productions

Blanc Biehn Productions is the partnership of famed actors Michael Biehn and Jennifer Blanc-Biehn. The pair decided to put their passion for acting and filmmaking together, creating their own production company. The duo produced and starred in Biehn’s directorial debut, The Victim, a grindhouse film which co-stars scream queen Danielle Harris. The company recently released Treachery through Traverse Media and completed post on Jennifer Blanc-Biehns’s directorial debut The Night Visitor and The Girl. They are currently in the sales process with WTF Films on Hidden in the Woods – The Remake. Other films include Altered PErception, She Rises, Staring Angus MacFadyen, The Night Visitor 2, Helevatorman, and Fetish Factory. Currently in preproduction on Fembot and developing The Lincoln, Killer Weekend, The Four, Good Family Times, Alien Ship, Rosemary’s Little Boy, and many more. Look out for more releases on their slate as well as festival screenings in the near future, as well as a new list of fabulous directors being added to the roster.

For more information on upcoming BBP features, please go to www.TheBBBasement.com and sign up for news and updates. Many projects are currently in post-production with the partner and creative executive Lony Ruhnmann.

About Give & Take Productions

Give & Take Productions is a Los Angeles-based TV and Film Production Company started in 2013 by award-winning filmmaker Mark Gantt and Brianne Davis. The are currently in post-production on The Night Visitor 2: Heather’s Story and in pre-production on A Place Apart, a dark drama written by Jackie Blakely, directed by Mark Gantt, starring Brianne Davis and executive produced by Solipsist Film’s Stephen L’Heureux (Sin City: A Dame For Hire). They have several film and TV projects in development. www.giveandtakeproductions.com

Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia is the number one fantasy film festival in the world and represents, at the same time, the cultural expression with the most media impact in Catalonia. With a solid experience, the Sitges Festival is a stimulating universe of encounters, exhibitions, presentations and screenings of fantasy films from all over the world.

Born in 1968 as the 1st International Week of Fantasy and Horror Movies, today the Festival is an essential rendezvous for movie lovers and audiences eager to come into contact with new tendencies and technologies applied to film and the audiovisual world.

Sitges’ status as the number one fantasy film festival in the world allows it to receive visits from top-level movie stars, directors and producers like Quentin Tarantino, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, Paul Verhoeven, Ralph Fiennes, George A. Romero, Cameron Diaz, Viggo Mortensen, Terry Gilliam, Rutger Hauer, Sarah Michelle Gellar, John Landis, Joe Dante, Zoë Bell, Dino de Laurentii, Takashi Miike, Wim Wenders, Tony Curtis, David Cronenberg, Vanessa Redgrave, Darren Aronofsky, Brad Dourif, John McNaughton, Peter Greenaway, John Woo, Park Chan-Wook, Johnnie To, Paul Naschy, Ray Liotta, Jon Voight, Sam Raimi, Robert Englund, Tarsem Singh, Roger Corman, Mira Sorvino, Santiago Segura, Narciso Ibáñez Serrador, Guillermo del Toro, Kim Ki Duk, Álex de la Iglesia, Aitana Sánchez Gijón, among others from the long list of people who, year after year, are a media attraction. The Festival is governed by a Foundation, made up of representatives from the Sitges Town Council, the Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalonia’s autonomous government) and other institutions, associations and public and private companies.”

How GMC is Using the AOL Series ‘Seamlessly She’ Starring Monica Potter to Drive Sales of its Acadia SUV

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