Monday 31 October 2011

33 Postcards Movie Premiere At Randwick Ritz Sydney, by Eva Rinaldi



Tonight saw 33 Postcards enjoy its premiere at the Randwick Ritz, in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

The night was not only a movie premiere but also an event somewhat designed to raise awareness and funds for educational and arts programs, tied into the film.

33 Postcards enjoyed strong media support by popular radio station 2UE and benefiting Sydney Children’s Choir and their Bursary Program, giving disadvantaged kids musical and educational opportunities that would have otherwise likely been out of their grasp.

The acclaimed cast and crew of 33 Postcards enjoyed drinks and bites with their fan base, insiders, and entertainment media, and also lapped up performances from the Sydney Children’s Choir and Chinese Lion Dancers.

Then it was time for the Australian theatrical premiere of the flick.

The film was shot in both China and Sydney, Australia in 2010. It's the story of Chinese orphan Mei Mei (Zhu Lin) who for a decade of dreams about embracing her Australian sponsor Dean Randall (Guy Pearce). It's not until she reaches 16 years of age, when her orphanage travels down under to Australia to attend a Choir Festival, Mei Mei takes the opportunity to look him up. What she finds however is a far cry from the idyllic life he depicted in his postcards. Initially mismatched, together they begin a journey in search of belonging, family, redemption, love and acceptance. It's trial, tribulation, and living to fight and survive another day.

Dean is actually a convict in prison for manslaughter, so you can imagine the issues that brings on.

33 postcards won the Community Relations Commission Award at Sydney Film Festival and Victor Dominello MP NSW Minister aptly stated "33 Postcards, inspired by real life stories, explores how two individuals come together despite two different cultures, ages and unexpected circumstances." This evocative film portrays sensitively how people of vastly different cultural backgrounds can interact effectively in our society." 

This is an unique and touching story that is rarely told about the relationship that some Aussies have with Chinese Orphans.

It's not quite for everyone, but if you like a story of survival, beating the odds and the world coming together as one sort of thing, this is likely for you.

Well done to everyone involved in making the event a success.

Stars:

Guy Pearce, Zhu Lin, Claudia Karvan, and Lincoln Lewis

Produced by: Australia-China co-production













Websites

33 Postcards

Randwick Ritz

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Sunday 30 October 2011

Il Divo Arrive in Australia Today / National Tour Announcement



Sunday 30th October 2011 – The world’s most successful classical crossover group Il Divo arrive in Melbourne today to announce a national Australian tour for 2012.  The first show kicks off on Valentines Day at the Sydney Opera House on 14 February 2012. Tickets will go on sale from Thursday November 10 at 9am. Fans can look forward to experiencing the emotion, beauty and power of Il Divo’s unique vocals and operatic arrangements as they take you on a journey that combines opera, pop and musical theatre.
Il Divo will be in Australia this week to promote their new album, Wicked Game, and to join in on the Spring Carnival festivities giving fans a little taste of what to expect on their 2012 tour.  Il Divo will perform some very special TV performances whilst they are in Australia and take part in one-off live performances during Spring Carnival.
"We're so excited to be kicking off our 2012 tour in Australia. Valentines Day, performing at the Sydney Opera House is going to be such a memorable start to a world tour... it really feels like coming home. It’s a country full of my favourite things: Tim Tams, Whale Beach, shopping on Chapel Street and one of the best zoos in the world. We can't wait to have the time whilst on tour to enjoy it all!"Sebastien Izambard (Il Divo)
With more than 25 million album sales, 150 gold and platinum discs, more than 2 million concert tickets sold and the only crossover classical album Ancora ever to enter the US Billboard Top 200 at number 1.
With a new show designed by Creative Director, Brian Burke (Artistic Director of ‘La Reve’ & Celine Dion’s five year run of ‘A New Day’ at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas) and the support of the Il Divo band, the 2012 tour promises to incorporate a stunning visual and musical mix of fan favourites as well as premiering songs from their eagerly anticipated new album Wicked Game.
Il Divo is the perfect modern fusion of opera, theatre and concert performance. It is a privilege as a director to create a visual landscape inviting the audience on a theatrical journey of their music” – Brian Burke, Creative Director.
The record-breaking quartet – Swiss tenor Urs Buhler, baritone Carlos Marin from Spain, French pop artist Sebastien Izambard and tenor David Miller from the USA first came together in 2003, the culmination of an exhaustive search by music producer Simon Cowell to find four singers of distinctive individual gifts who could, as a group, create musical magic.
Il Divo Wicked Game is released on 4 November 2011 through Sony Music Entertainment.  Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Il Divo live in 2012.
FOR FULL TOUR & TICKET INFORMATION VISIT WWW.ILDIVO.COM
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL TOUR DATES: IL DIVO
Tuesday 14 February                  Sydney, Opera House Concert Hall                 www.ticketmaster.com.au   136 100
Friday 17 February                     Melbourne, Sidney Myer Music Bowl                 www.ticketmaster.com.au   136 100
Saturday 18 February                 Hunter Valley, Hope Estate                               www.ticketmaster.com.au   136 100
Monday 20 February                  Brisbane, Brisbane Convention and Expo Centre www.ticketek.com.au        132 849
Thursday 23 February                 Perth, Kings Park & Botanic Garden    

For any further queries please contact:
Angela Ceberano
Director | Flourish Public Relations 
Podium 02, Level 2, 9 Yarra Street  South Yarra, Victoria, 3141 Australia
D: + 61 3 9092 8445
M:  0419 774 067 

Thursday 27 October 2011

New Motion Party At Luna Park Sydney, by Eva Rinaldi - 27th October 2011



In the latest of big music gigs to hit Sydney the New Motion Party has gone off with a bang.

We're pleased to report that it was not a train wreck, nor a car accident (sponsored by Hyundai), as if you could have missed the advertising.

Tonight's celebrity list included included Marvin Priest (son of Maxi) and Aloe Blacc.

Make no mistake, Marvin was there to perform to the best of his ability.

He's currently got two of the biggest club anthems on the ARIA charts and you might have guessed that he's the son of reggae legend Maxi Priest.

It's the first time the London-born legend in the making has been to Luna Park.

He joined hip hop-jazz artist Aloe Blacc ('I Need A Dollar').

"I’m excited - I’ve got a new summer anthem to play," Priest said.

We were pleased to find out that Priest has called Australia home for the past two years, soaking it up when he on tour with his famous father.

"I love how relaxed and chilled out Aussies are - they’re just mad cool," he said.

Priest performs what can be described as soul-infused urban club anthems.

He's set to release his debut album Beats & Blips via Island Records on 25th November.

His first single was 'Own This Club' and it climaxed #6 on the ARIA singles chart and went double platinum.

Probed about his success Priest said "I’m blown away by it, I’m happy and excited but it’s what I’ve always wanted, I’ve put in my years and I need to do music."

Priest is happy to see that Australia is really starting to embrace high quality urban dance producers.

Well done to everyone involved with the New Motion Party, and we look forward to continuing to track the success of the artists who performed tonight.








Websites

Luna Park Sydney

The Crystal Palace

Aloe Blacc

Hyundi (Australia)

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Splash News

Ricki-Lee, Celebs Do The Standard - Kinselas At Darlinghurst- 26th October 2011



Justice Crew








                                         Fitzy, Wippa & Ricki Lee

 
For the Love of Sydney,
Fitzy and Wippa are Sydney’s newest Breakfast show and they LOVE Sydney.

Tonight  they’ve decided to throw a party, check out some of the images with special guests Ricki Lee and Justice Crew.
                      

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Stevie Wonder Media Frenzy Star City Lyric Theatre; Red Carpet Report, by Eva Rinaldi - 25th October 2011



We know you have heard of Star City Casino, recently rebranded as The Star, but wait for it... introducing you to The Lyric Theatre.  It falls under parent company Echo Entertainment these days.

Stevie Wonder was the headline act tonight, as he performed to an intimate audience of 2000 patrons, paying between $225 to $455 to see the music legend close up.

Around the corner on the red carpet, news media waited for the celebs. The name listed included Jennifer Hawkins and Jake Wall, Kate Richie and Stuart Webb, Wendell Sailor and wife Tara, Ricki-Lee Coulter and boyfriend Richard Harrison. Does anyone know how much the celebs are getting paid to turn up to Star invites, or is it just a win - win, all done to generate positive media buzz?

Finally, after what seemed like hours for Russell Crowe and beautiful wife, Danielle Spencer did the red, fresh off dinner at the revamped casino aka integrated entertainment complex.

For the record, Stevie Wonder did not do the red carpet. Promoters across Australia, if not the world, are attempting to find out how much money Mr Wonder is making for his intimate appearances at The Star, and that's likely to be something that is kept well under wraps for a while yet.

The Star may be a bit of a media darling at the moment, but nothing lasts forever. The Star would do well to go out of their way to also impress news media who have been quite supportive of the Echo Entertainment owned complex, since they first announced it was going to get a massive makeover.

We've heard that the next trump card for more news headlines will be the official opening of The Darling, the 5 star boutique lifestyle hotel and spa.

Just how long it may take The Star to recoup its almost billion dollar casino revamp investment is unknown, but Echo Entertainment looks to be in this for the long haul, so good on them.











Websites

The Star

Echo Entertainment

The Darling

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Casino News Media

Splash News

Australia's Next Top Model; Montana Cox wins, by Eva Rinaldi - 25th October 2011


 


Australia's wait is finally over.

Australia's Next Top Model is the ultra talented and beautiful Montana Cox.

The sweet 18 model said she was both surprised and delighted when it was announced Cox was in fact the season 7 winner of the reality television series at the world famous Sydney Opera House.

"I did not think I would get this far", she told the press.

Cox was the fashion biz favourite throughout basically the whole competition and went on to also win the public vote via SMS.

"It was really good to have that support from the industry," she said.

"It gave me a lot of confidence."

The brunette bested runner-up, my favorite, Liz Braithwaite from Bris Vegas and third placed Simone Holtznagel from Wollongong.

Thank god the event was smooth sailing, with no repeat of last year's rather controversial close when Sarah Murdoch announced the wrong contestant as the winner. Even models who progress to high level media identities are not quite perfect.

Foxtel's Fox 8 will show series eight of Australia's Next Top Model in 2012.

It's understood that tonight's 1 hour broadcast did impressive ratings and most advertisers and sponsors were extremely happy with the end result.

What will Australia's teen girls talk about now? Don't worry, there will be something, and of course the New Zealand equal of Top Model is coming up soon too, just to make sure we all get our fix of thin (and healthy) models.

















Websites

Australia's Next Top Model

Sydney Opera House

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Splash News

Splash News Online

Saturday 22 October 2011

Elle Macpherson new face of Invisible Zinc Myer Sydney - 21st October 2011



Elle Macpherson has scored her latest product endorsement, Invisible Zinc, letting the cat out of the bag at Myer Sydney today.

The famous super model is in Australia for both business and family matters (her father Peter Gow fighting a battle with cancer).

Elle looked great as she appeared in the popular Cosmetics Hall.

Friend Melissa Hoyer interviewed Elle on topics such as beauty products, lifestyle and what's she's learned about Suncare. Yes, of course Invisible Zinc got a mention by name, and the news was all good.

Myer group general manager Judy Coomber was very pleased about how everything went.

Elle, thank you for stopping by and letting us get some great shots, and all the best with your exciting business ventures and family matters in Australia.

Websites

Myer
www.myer.com.au

Elle Macpherson official website
www.ellemacpherson.com

Invisible Zinc
www.invisiblezinc.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Splash News
www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Splash News Online
www.splashnewsonline.com

Cat Deeley: So You Think You Can Dance star does Sydney, by Eva Rinaldi




Cat Deeley is enjoying a working holiday of Australia, mainly focused on Sydney, and Sony PlayStation and / or Fox Broadcasting's 'So You Think You Can Dance' are picking up most of the tab.

Ms Deeley was spotted earlier today at tourist hub Circular Quay, and then was whisked back to her hotel.

Media blurb from Sony yesterday read: Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) and international megastar Cat Deeley – presenter of “So You Think You Can Dance” US – are preparing to celebrate the launch of DanceStar™ Party, a new PlayStation®3 (PS3™) exclusive dance game from the creators of smash hit sensation, photo-shoot, Cat Deeley showed off her PlayStation® moves on DanceStar Party ahead of her first official public appearance in Sydney.

First Fleet Park in Circular Quay was the daylight venue for the excitement. Dancers, gamers and punters battled it out for the title of Australia’s DanceStar. The lucky winner will hoping a plane to America next year to watch a 'So You Think You Can Dance' live filming, in addition to snatching a year’s supply of PlayStation games to satisfy their fix.

"I see so many talented dancers in my line of work, but you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy DanceStar Party," Deeley said. "In typical PlayStation style this game brings you experiences that no one else can – a killer 40 song track list set to the original music video clips, and a whopping 160 choreographed dance routines. With the PlayStation Move motion controller you can even create your own moves, or simply step into the virtual shoes of artists like Basement Jaxx, Usher and Willow Smith. You can easily share your moves from the game on Facebook and Twitter. I can’t wait to see what Australians have to offer tomorrow. Get those legwarmers out people!" she said.

The release of the game plus the celeb push is all part of Sony's attempt to hold off the global downturn in gaming sales.

If today's turn out at Circular Quay was any indication, Sony PlayStation is set to satisfy the high demands of the Australia's gaming youth sector. Let's dance.

AUSTRALIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL FINALE LIVE FROM THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE







For the first time ever, this year’s Australia’s Next Top Model finale will be broadcast live from one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, The Sydney Opera House, on Tuesday, October 25, from 7.30pm AEDT.

From the very first episode, this series of Australia’s Next Top Model started big. In a world-first, a stunning line-up of the top 100, not top 16, girls was showcased, before being whittled down to 20 and flown to the fashion capital of the world, Paris.

Here, the top 20 girls modelled incredible outfits from international designers Gucci and YSL, wore designs especially created for superstars Beyonce and Lady Gaga, dined with supermodel Natalia Vodianova, completed a photo-shoot at the historic Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte, and had the Eiffel Tower closed down for an exclusive climb.

Upon their return to Sydney, the final 16 models were announced and were moved in to a lavish $22 million dollar mansion in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, before competing in the biggest series of Australia’s Next Top Model yet.

FOX8 Channel manager, Duane Hatherly, said “We are very excited to be taking the finale to the next level. This year, the series has been larger in every way. The Sydney Opera House just seemed like the obvious place to stage FOX8’s biggest live event.”

The finale voting lines will officially open at 8.30pm AEDT on Monday, October 17 after the finalists are announced. The finalists will make one more unmissable surprise journey on Monday, October 24 at 7.30pm AEDT, before the finale the following evening, Tuesday, October 25 at 7.30pm AEDT.

Australia’s Next Top Model continues to be FOX8’s highest rating series and the highest rating non-sports program across the FOXTEL platform.

ENDS

For further information:
Matthew Fraser
Senior FOX8 Publicist
Ph: 0425 268 100 / 02 9813 7334


About FOX8
For non-stop entertainment, pleasure seekers across Australia look no further than FOX8. With exclusive series, event television, the hottest international shows and local productions, FOX8 delivers it all, 24 hours a day. FOX8 has your entertainment needs covered. AUSTRALIA’S & AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, AMERICAN IDOL, GOT TO DANCE, WWE RAW, WWE SMACKDOWN!, GOSSIP GIRL and, of course, THE SIMPSONS. We’ve got 100% high velocity TV.

About FOXTEL
FOXTEL is Australia's leading subscription television provider and is connected to over 1.65 million homes on cable and satellite through retail and wholesale distribution. FOXTEL strives to ensure subscribers find TV they want to watch every time they switch on through delivery of more than 150 channels covering news, sport, general entertainment, movies, documentaries, music and children’s programming. FOXTEL is owned by Telstra Corporation Ltd (50%), The News Corporation Ltd (25%), and Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd (25%).



MIKALA ROBERTSON
Publicist | Television

FOXTEL Channels Group, a division of FOXTEL Management Pty Ltd
T +61 (2) 9813 7406 +61 (4) 12 334 851
5 Thomas Holt Drive, North Ryde, NSW 2113
, Australia | www.foxtel.com.au/community