Author: Social

Please introduce yourself and share some career moments that you’re most proud of.

 

Lyriq: My name is Lyriq Bent, I’ve been an actor for 24 years. That didn’t sound right but that’s my truth. I’m not most proud of any moments of my career, I’m most proud that I choose acting as my career and proud of all the decisions I’ve made. 

 

At this point you’ve been acting for over two decades. Bringing it back to the beginning, what inspired or motivated you to pursue acting as a career? How did you go from dream to reality?

 

Lyriq: No real inspiration was responsible. It was more desperation meeting unseen opportunity. I only give myself credit for embracing something foreign/unknown to me. It was never a dream to become an actor. I didn’t even know it was an option. My reality was life needed to be lived and my new baby boy was my motivation. 

 

You’ve had a variety of opportunities, both as a co-star and a lead in films. Is there any difference in how to approach a role as a co-star versus a lead or is it all the same process focused on embodying that character as believably as you can?

 

Lyriq: That’s a subjective question. A great question nonetheless. I believe creatively the process is the same for lead and co-lead characters. However, socially my approach as a co-star is a large part of my process. I take the time to understand my leads personality and temperament to understand how to best assist them to be their best. 

 

In TITI, you’ll be playing the lead role, Titi Adroniki. What are you most excited about in regards to this role? Also how good of a rapper are you given that will he central of the Titi character?

 

Lyriq: I’m excited because it’s very different from what’s out there right now. Terrified because we’re turning Shakespeare upside down and making it our own. I’m not a rapper or musically inclined. That is also terrifying but also excites me. What can I say… I’m an artist.

 

You mentioned on one of the Mogul Live Spaces that when Richard Short approached you about doing something Shakespeare related, Titus Andronicus was the play you wanted to explore and reimagine. What about Titus Andronicus did you find more compelling than the other options?

 

Lyriq: I felt Titus Andronicus lacked courage. Not the character. The author. I felt like the characters were judged by the author, leaving no room for character growth. That concept goes against my belief when bringing a character to life. So not that Titus Andronicus was compelling, but more so lacking. 

 

Given your roles in the Saw franchise, which is known for its depravity and gruesome scenes, is there something you find interesting about films that depict humans at their worst? After all, Titus Andronicus is certainly one of Shakespeare’s more depraved works. Do you find these films offer unique challenges or opportunities for an actor?

 

Lyriq: I do believe such films offer unique opportunities and challenges but not for the reasons you mention. Part of my role choice was what was on the table at the time. Part me wanting to stretch myself creatively. It was never deep approach at that time.

 

With TITI what are you hoping audiences end up taking from the finished product?

 

Lyriq: I hope the audience walks away entertained! That’s it. And I hope we do it well enough that they can have conversations about why they were entertained. 

 

Now you’ve been involved with Mogul Productions for a little bit now. What attracted you to Mogul and what are some ways you think working with Mogul to develop TITI will be unlike other experiences you’ve had making films?

Lyriq: With Mogul getting the opportunity to build an organic fan base for TITI, and showing independent filmmakers a new way to go about making a film from the cradle to the grave is what’s attractive to me. TITI will be the blueprint.

Please introduce yourself and share some career moments that you’re most proud of.

 

Richard: Richard Short. Mary Kills People, Tragedy of Macbeth, played Richard Burton in the world premieres of Lawrence Wright’s CLEO. 

 

I have a rather exciting project about to open in the UK in September. A play which I’ve co-written and produced. It’s called Two Of Us and I’ll be playing Paul McCartney. 

 

You got your start in theater. Did that play a factor in your admiration of Shakespeare or did the admiration come first? What led you to pursue acting?

 

Richard: An admiration of Shakespeare came first. The words. The literature. The poetry. There’s a reason we’re still telling these stories 500 years later. I started in acting because I moved around a lot as a child. Always having to be chameleon like in order to fit in. 

 

Obviously for TITI, you’re serving as Writer and Director. Do you plan to have any on screen presence for this film or will writing and directing be plenty to keep you busy?

 

Richard: No, I recently read the role of Aron Noire in a staged reading of the film but that role will be played by a French actor, ideally. This isn’t a performance piece for me. 

 

Could you describe the different ways you approach a project as an actor vs when you’re in the position(s) you’re handling for TITI?

 

Richard: Sure, as an actor it’s a more filtered approach. Myopic almost, selfishly so. To understand and empathize with one character’s actions. As a creator, of course you have to look at everyone’s track and explain every action and reaction. 

 

Now how did you decide on reimagining Titus Andronicus into what TITI will be? I remember hearing Lyriq Bent talking about how you and him were throwing around a few other works by Shakespeare before settling on Titus Andronicus. What led you to settle on that particular play for inspiration?

 

Richard: Honestly, I wanted to see Lyriq in a role that would stretch him and fully display his abilities. Othello was discussed, of course, but felt obvious and I wasn’t sure if I could bring any new discussion to that story. Titus is a whole other beast. A faulty play. I honestly think this version is better than the original!

 

What’s the most exciting aspect of this particular film and what do you anticipate the challenges will be?

 

Richard: The most exciting aspect is watching people’s reaction to quite how different this version of the story will be. The challenges will be turning the traditional perspectives upside down. Almost entirely actually. 

 

Getting more into the macro for a second, what was the reasoning behind bringing TITI to reality through Mogul Productions? What about Mogul made you feel they were a solid partner in this endeavor?

 

Richard: Speaking to Mogul, I found a fresh approach. The old conservative ways of film development, financing, and distribution are increasingly difficult for any project outside of the studio or streamer system. Mogul offers a more contemporary and innovative way of looking at things. 

 

Do you think that the film industry is ready for some healthy disruption, and if so, do you see TITI as something that could represent that both from a narrative and cinematic standpoint, but also as a result of the way it is being developed?

 

Richard: Very much so. That’s precisely what TITI needs. A brave team unafraid to announce new art in a new way. It’s precisely what Lyriq and I are hoping to do alongside Mogul. The film industry isn’t just ready to be shaken up, it’s positively crying out for it. It’s actually necessary. 

 

If there’s anything else you want to add, do so now, but really can’t wait to see what you create with TITI.

 

Richard: TITI may be something new to you as an audience. Please don’t be afraid of it and try to see what it’s saying. You’ll find that it’s incredibly relevant and I guarantee you’ll feel something.

The Tribeca Film Festival 2024 concluded on June 16th, marking another successful year of showcasing outstanding films and celebrating cinematic achievements in the heart of New York City. Founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff, Tribeca has grown into a premier event that honors both established filmmakers and emerging talents.

 

This year’s Highlights included retrospectives like the 50th anniversary screening of Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets, attended by Scorsese and De Niro themselves. The event was moderated by Nas, underscoring the festival’s ability to blend cultural icons with timeless cinema.

 

In the competition categories, Nicholas Colia’s Griffin in Summer“l stood out, winning the Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature. Colia’s film impressed the jury with its innovative storytelling and compelling performances, highlighting Tribeca’s commitment to showcasing artistic excellence.

 

International cinema also made a strong showing with Assel Aushakimova’s Bikechess winning Best International Narrative Feature. The film’s unique style and engaging narrative resonated with audiences, further cementing Tribeca’s reputation as a global platform for talented voices in filmmaking.

 

As the curtains closed on Tribeca 2024, it became clear that the festival continues to be a vital force in the film industry, celebrating creativity and innovation. With each edition, Tribeca reaffirms its role in championing cinematic artistry and fostering a community of filmmakers and audiences who share a passion for storytelling.

 

List of Winners:

 

U.S. Narrative Competition:

 

Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature: Griffin in Summer directed by Nicholas Colia

Best Performance: Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux for Jazzy

Best Screenplay: Nicholas Colia for Griffin in Summer

Best Cinematography: Alejandro Mejia for The Knife

 

International Narrative Competition:

 

Best International Narrative Feature: Bikechess directed by Assel Aushakimova

Best Performance: Yu Aier for Some Rain Must Fall

Best Screenplay: Celina Murga, Juan Villegas, Lucía Osorio for The Freshly Cut Grass

Best Cinematography: Constanze Schmitt for Some Rain Must Fall

 

Documentary Competition:

 

Best Documentary Feature: “lHacking Hate directed by Simon Klose

Best Cinematography: Ezra Wolfinger for Shelf Life

Best Editing: Rupert Houseman for Antidote

 

Best New Narrative Director Award:

 

Nnamdi Asomugha for The Knife

Special Jury Mention: Nicholas Colia for Griffin in Summer

 

Albert Maysles Award for Best New Documentary Director:

 

Debra Aroko and Nicole Gormley for Searching for Amani

Special Jury Mention: Elizabeth Ai for New Wave

 

Viewpoints Award:

 

Viewpoints Award: Come Closer directed by Tom Nesher

Special Jury Mention: Witches directed by Elizabeth Sankey

 

Nora Ephron Award:

 

Ana Guevara and Leticia Jorge for “lDon’t You Let Me Go

 

Human/Nature Award:

 

Dust to Dust (Japan)

 

Shorts Competition:

 

Best Narrative Short: Ripe! directed by Tusk

Best Documentary Short: Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World directed by Julio Palacio

Best Animated Short: In the Shadow of the Cypress directed by Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi

Please introduce yourself and share some career moments that you’re most proud of.

 

Funky: Hi. I’m Funky Matas.  I’m some sort of alien species apparently.  I like to do what my body and soul tell me to, and apparently that is really weird according to modern day society.  I’ve done a lot throughout my life. Breaking bones, fracturing my skull, climbing the Hollywood sign, breaking a world record, working with hundreds of celebrities, etc.  But what I’m mostly proud of is helping people in need.  

 

Now obviously you’re known for your unique tattoo experiments, specifically your world record for most tattooed signatures on your body. What’s something you’re not as known for but equally as proud of? What’s the Funky Matas lore people don’t know but you wish they knew?

 

Funky: I’m a musician.  I studied percussion in Los Angeles and I play the drums.  I eventually got kicked out for playing naked with a sock on my cock in honor of The Red Hot Chili Peppers because I got hired to do a music video with them.  Also I can eat 932 tator tots in one go.  

 

As a tattoo artist, are there any particular pieces you’re especially proud of? How active have you been as a tattoo artist since your career as a content creator took off?

 

Funky: I tattooed for a living for over 10 years.  But some of the things in my tattoo career that I am most proud of are getting tattooed by a monkey, getting a tattoo while riding a horse, getting tattooed on a jet ski, getting tattooed by a drone, and getting tattooed while skydiving.  

 

Beyond your tattoo skills, you mentioned you’re a musician and you got kicked put of music school for wearing only a sock. Are you still looking to pursue music at some point or is it more of a hobby? 

 

Funky: I don’t know what’s in store for me and my music career.  I use playing the drums as an escape of all the ignorance in the world.  I’ve been playing as a regular at a local bar here in Miami and it’s restarting the spark for music for me.  Who knows what will happen I am completely open to anything in the music world! 

 

As it relates to your Mogul project [why], what are some things you plan to cover in the series and what do you hope audiences take away from the show generally?

 

Funky: I just want to test the boundaries of society.  I want to see what is acceptable and what isn’t.  And why.  I’m planning on getting into a ton of trouble, but not without logical arguments in order to justify my actions and make people question the society they live in.  I would like people to wake up and open their eyes and see the reality of life and why society desperately needs to change!      

 

Are there any subjects or topics that offend or upset you that you’ll look to explore on the show, but in a way where you seek to better understand them and perhaps even change your own opinion or view? How much of the show will be about challenging your own views versus exposing hypocrisy of views you don’t align with or don’t understand?

 

Funky: It’s very difficult to offend me.  I’m very open minded and try to analyze situations before reacting to them.  Good luck!   

 

Ultimately it seems [why] will hit on some heavy or controversial subject matter, whereas much of your content is fairly fun and light hearted. How do you plan to make heavy topics match the energy of your usual content or will this project be more of a departure content wise for you?   

 

Funky: I’m tired of fun and lighthearted.  It’s time to leave a footprint on history.  I’m coming for nonsense with everything I have.  I’m confronting every controversial topic I can think of with logic, and I don’t care who is in the way.  

 

One of the things about working with Mogul is the ability to genuinely engage your audience and provide unique opportunities to them. When it comes to the perks and rewards for supporting [why] what are the ones you’re most excited about? Are there any you can’t wait to deliver to the Mogul members who support your show?   

 

Funky: All of them to be honest.  The more people involved the happier I will be.  I’m excited about people contributing to the ideas of the show.  I’m excited to have one lucky person’s signature tattooed on my back to be part of a world record alongside hundreds of celebrities.  I’m excited to bring someone on set and have them see the behind the scenes of what an actual day of filming looks like baby!   This journey will be incredible!  💛   

 

If there’s anything else you want to share that I might’ve missed, please do so here:

Funky: My left testicle hangs lower than the right one.    

So to start off, please introduce yourself and share some of your career moments that you’re most proud of.

 

Chikako: Most people know me from the Netflix breakout hit Terrace House: Aloha State. But not many people know about how my career started with NHK World here in Japan.  But recently, I was in Blade of Ronin 47, where I honed my skills as a woman warrior, before being cast in Juror No. 2 and Lady Samurai this year. 

 

Now as it relates to Lady Samurai, what attracted you to this project and what excites you most about it? Is there any aspect of Lady Samurai or the history around Tomoe Gozen that you can’t wait to see represented on screen?

 

Chikako: I actually can’t think of a better role for me to play. You may even call her my own personal spirit guide and role model for courage and strength. It’s a privilege to be such a historical figure.

 

As an actress, how do you approach developing a character that is based on a historical figure?

 

Chikako: I try to find an emotional connection between myself and the character. For example with Tomoe, I am always looking deep within to find strength in moments where I need to be strong. I imagine that she felt the same way at times. This helps me connect with her. 

Once you find a place in your heart, then the role is much easier to embrace.

 

In recent years, you’ve gotten to work on some pretty exciting projects. You’ve recently been working on Juror No. 2, which is directed by Clint Eastwood and written by Jonathan Abrams. Could you reflect on that experience and share some details about what role you’re playing in it?

 

Chikako: I am very excited about Juror No. 2. I can’t believe that Clint chose me to be in his next film. It was an unbelievable experience to work with such an amazing cast under the direction of Eastwood. I play one of the jurors in the film, but you will need to see it when it releases soon. It’s really better to experience it first-hand. I can’t wait to see it in theaters!

 

Building off some of your recent roles and success, what specifically made you interested the role of Tomoe Gozen in Lady Samurai?

 

Chikako: I thoroughly enjoyed playing Aya in Blade of the 47 Ronin. I found strength in myself as a person and an actor. This was inspiring to me so I was ready to embrace Tomoe completely.

 

Was it as simple as it being the lead role or given that you yourself are Japanese, did you find it extremely compelling to get to play a Japanese historical figure?

 

Chikako: Yes. Absolutely. Growing up in Japan with our deeply rooted culture and having such a strong desire to bring our culture to the rest of the world as a woman, I am very compelled to play this role, but to also honor Japan in the best way I can. 

 

Generally, how do you go about evaluating a role or acting opportunity? What are the traits or qualities you personally look for in characters? What are your hopes or aspirations for how Lady Samurai is received by audiences?:

 

Chikako: I am always looking for characters who are strong women with Japanese influences. My hope is to play strong roles that help to inspire young women everywhere to believe in themselves. I hope they will see my work and realize that they can do whatever they set their mind to, and that they can be anyone they choose to be, because if the characters I portray can be an inspiration then I can feel good about my little contribution to the world.

 

Any lessons you hope they take from it? If there’s anything I missed or anything you’d like to add, please do so here:

Chikako: Throughout our history in Japan, and around the world, women have always been strong influences to culture. The lesson is that we cannot forget about this. Women have power and help to guide our destiny.