The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio |
- Better Midler to star in Mae West biopic
- Nadya Hutagalung: Beauty with a purpose
- Raising the stakes of 'Asia's Next Top Model'
Better Midler to star in Mae West biopic Posted: The singer-actress will also sit in as executive producer for the HBO Films project. Bette Midler has joined the HBO Films biopic of Mae West. She will both play the provocative Hollywood star as well as executive produce the project which is currently in development, a cable channel representative told TheWrap. Midler joins Excorcist director William Friedkin, who will direct and executive produce; Harvey Fierstein, who's writing the script; and executive producer Jerry Weintraub (Behind The Candelabra). The movie will be based on West's autobiography, Goodness Had Nothing To Do With It. First written in the 1950s and then updated in the 1970s, West's book discusses her rise to fame as the highest paid actress in 1930s Hollywood, how she saved Paramount from bankruptcy, fought obscenity charges and her take on why the roles dried up. In similar fashion to West, Midler has pushed the boundaries over her career. Well known for her riotous and high energy stage show, Midler earned the nickname the Divine Miss M. She is also well known for the critically acclaimed tearjerker opposite Barbara Hershey, Beaches. Her other well known movies include The Rose, The First Wives Club and Hocus Pocus. Midler is currently in the middle of a three-week engagement at the Geffen Playhouse of I'll Eat You Last. She plays Hollywood agent Sue Mengers in the play written by John Logan and directed by Joe Mantello. — Reuters |
Nadya Hutagalung: Beauty with a purpose Posted: Nadya Hutagalung shares her role as a model mentor with an environmental conscience. NADYA Yuti Hutagalung, currently known as the head judge and host of Asia's Next Top Model (AsNTM), is quite possibly one of the most recognised faces in Asia. In fact, according to Asiaweek magazine, she was voted one of "Asia's Leading Trendmakers" along with the Dalai Lama, Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-Fat for her ability to inspire and fascinate. "I wouldn't put myself on the same level as his Holiness, but I am indeed happy for the title," said the practising Buddhist, who looked ever so chic in her black sleeveless jumpsuit and simple gold link necklace. Hutagalung was in Kuala Lumpur recently to promote the show. Born on July 28, 1974 in Sydney, Australia, Hutagalung has certainly led an adventurous life with roles as a model, film actress, a MTV VJ, TV host and painter under her belt. Married to Desmond Koh – a former competitive swimmer from Singapore – Hutagalung is also an eco-activist as well as an eco-centric jewellery designer; she has launched her own sustainable jewellery line called OSEL (meaning "clear light" in Tibetan). Despite all of that, this mother-of-three says she is a "full time mother and a part-time everything else". The environmental plight is one that the half-Indonesian, half-Australian has devoted much of her time and voice to outside of her modelling career. She created major waves when she began the three-year project of building one of Singapore's first few eco-homes from its foundation up. Having been an ambassador in Singapore for the World Wildlife Fund's Earth Hour for the last five years, she is now an Earth Hour Global Ambassador. The Green School, where she's also a board member, was just awarded the "Greenest School on Earth" title by the US Green Building Council. Her presence in the environmental arena has certainly expanded with Hutagalung's tasks growing to include her now favourite project by far – www.greenkampong.com – which became an online resource for anyone looking for information and news on sustainable living. "I am passionate about my work," she said of her green focus, adding, "I don't have a lot of time to prioritise everything, especially since I have three kids waiting at home for me. But I do whatever I can. I travel a lot though, and find that I exhaust myself with the additional flying." She has received accolades for her work: she was the runner-up for "The International Green Awards: Most Responsible International Celebrity 2013", alongside other eco-warriors such as George Clooney, Ian Somerhalder, Penelope Cruz and Vivienne Westwood. This year, Hutagalung focused her efforts on a campaign for ivory reduction, which is due to launch in the first quarter of 2014 and is targeted at the South-East Asian audience. With a face that attracts and a personality that is a natural cocktail of confidence and humour, it comes as no surprise that Hutagalung has returned as the lead in the second season of AsNTM. "I always find it amazing to see how the girls evolve throughout each season of the show. This season is especially great since it is a FOX production and they have such an amazing team who have worked with the girls and the producers and have come up with something that is quite stylish." "It certainly makes for great television when you see how the girls develop a bond with each other, although there definitely were moments of tension between them and even the judges." This is FOX's first production in Asia and the show reflects that. "Firstly, being an Asian production, it is for the Asian audiences and with that, you can see a lot of Asian talent. I do love the fact that they are supporting local talent and local designers. And not only is it a modelling show, but it is also a platform for the designers. How is it different you ask? It's just Asian! "Secondly, it is just more glamorous and there is a lot more depth from all sides." Glamorous it is, especially in terms of styling and the great array of guest judges, which includes Datuk Jimmy Choo, international songbird Coco Lee, , Rob Scheppy (beauty guru to the Kardashians) and Australia's premier couturier, Alex Perry. "It's great for the girls to meet these people who have had years of experience in their various industries as it will boost their career," says Hutagalung. As for what she hopes the contestants and viewers take away from the show, she says it's about anything you want to be. "You can be fabulous, strong and powerful, but the most important thing is to be committed. Just like in any profession, study your craft, understand fashion and watch the runways. Always do your homework." Related story: Raising the stakes of 'Asia's Next Top Model' |
Raising the stakes of 'Asia's Next Top Model' Posted: FOX International Channels (FIC) Asia brings you glamour and drama with the premiere of the second season of model reality TV series Asia's Next Top Model. With a multi-million-dollar budget, the show attracted prominent local and international partners including returning prize sponsors Subaru and Tresemme, and new partners YTL Hotels, Malaysia Airlines and Ponds; it is supported by Tourism Malaysia. Shot primarily in Malaysia, this cycle features a total of 16 models from 12 countries across Asia, who compete against some of Malaysia's most breathtaking and picturesque scenery. These long-legged beauties from China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam will compete to come out tops in this 13-episode reality series. The winner will be awarded a fashion spread in Harper's Bazaar Singapore and Malaysia as well as obtain a three-month modelling contract with Storm Model Management. The second season of Asia's Next Top Model will premiere on Jan 8 on Star World. Joining returning host Nadya Hutagalung, who is also the head judge, are model mentor Joey Mead King from season one, resident photographer Mike Rosenthal and movement coach, Adam Williams. Visit asntm2.starworldasia.tv for more information. Related story: Nadya Hutagalung: Beauty with a purpose |
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