Interview with Coco Jones star of the Disney Channel Film “Let It Shine,” premieres June 15, 2012

Special Interview by Daood aka Soul Detective, Contributor for Diversity News Magazine

“Let it Shine,” set in the world of hip-hop, rap and gospel music, is an uplifting modern day story inspired by Cyrano de Bergerac, which follows three teens who discover the importance of staying true to oneself. A music-driven story for kids and families, the movie premieres June 15, 2012 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) as part of the blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, which sets the gold standard for diversity and relevant, inspiring storytelling.

The movie stars Tyler James Williams (“Everybody Hates Chris”), Hollywood Records recording artist and Radio Disney N.B.T. (“Next BIG Thing”)  finalist Coco Jones, Trevor Jackson (“Eureka”), Brandon Mychal Smith (Disney Channel’s “So Random!”), Courtney B. Vance (ABC’s “Revenge”), Dawnn Lewis (“A Different World”), Alex Desert (“Becker”) and Nicole Sullivan (“MADtv”).

Coco Jones, is starring in the Disney television film “Let It Shine.” Coco Jones while only being fourteen years of age has been a regular on the Disney channel in “So Random,” and “Good Luck Charlie.” Born and raised in Lebanon Tennessee to the parents of former NFL player Mike Jones and vocalist Javonda Jones, Coco Jones is not only an actress, a singer but also a rapper.

Daood: Congratulations on staring in the Disney television film “Let It Shine;” if you could share with us your role as Roxie?”

Coco Jones:  Roxie has two sides, at the beginning of the movie she’s this bigger than life pop star; and what’s different about her and what nobody else can tell, is she doesn’t have a lot of confidence in herself. So, she’s trying to please everybody and make them happy, instead of standing up for what she believes in and what makes her happy. It is only until she goes back to her hometown of Atlanta, GA to host a competition and she sees all these people who remember her as the little girl with the big voice. Only then, does she realizes that she can be anybody that she wants to be and that she doesn’t have to please everybody else; that she can be herself and everything will work out.

Daood: And the young man who plays opposite of you Tyler James Williams?

Coco Jones: His role in the movie is Cyrus Debarge and he also has to deal with the fact that he doesn’t have a lot of confidence in himself. He wants to be a rap star but he’s a pastor’s kid and he doesn’t have the confidence to tell his parents because he’s not sure if they will support him in his quest. So, one of the many great things about this movie is that, kids have to learn to stand up for what they believe in and parents have to learn to support their children.

Daood: Not only are you a talented actress but there has been talk of you being in a recording studio here recent recording a song?

Coco Jones:  I just signed with Hollywood Records and I’ve been in the studio literally almost every day since signing with them which has been great! Hopefully my album will come out shortly after the movie premieres. I’m really excited for everybody to hear it because it’s awesome music!

Daood: Coco Jones when you’re not acting or in a recording studio, talk to us about your hobbies?

Coco Jones: I like to sew. It’s a real cool hobby of mine. I’m trying to finish a sundress since it’s the summer time but I haven’t had the time to work on it, so it looks like a bunch of fabric right now. (we both laugh).

Daood: Going back to ”Let It Shine which will air June 15, 2012 on the Disney Channel were you given the opportunity to actually sing instead of lip syncing?

Coco Jones: I sing the original songs that are in the movie; they were prerecorded in the studio.

Daood: Talk about your relationship to parents Mike Jones and Javonda Jones?

Coco Jones: I have a good relationships with my parents; they have supported and believed in me and if they didn’t I probably would be sitting somewhere in Tennessee. So I want to say thanks to my parents who have been awesome. They always taught me to “Run My Own Race,” and I’m here today doing what I really love.

Daood: June 15 will you be watching “Let It Shine,” with family and friends?

Coco Jones: I think I’m going to have a viewing party in Tennessee. One of the great things about Tennessee is that the community is totally supportive; principals, friends they are super happy for me. So, probably I will have a viewing at my house and my dad will cook and it’ll be fun.

Daood: Future goals and aspirations?

Coco Jones: I want to go on a number of singing tours; it’s funny that you should ask that question because we were just watching the move “Charlie’s Angel’s,” in the car. One of my dream roles is to be a part of an action movie like “Charlie’s Angels,” and have the cute outfits. We both chuckled, and she had another interview to conduct as our conversation ended.

”My dad always told me, to always perform like it was my last time performing. You never know who’s watching you.” said Coco Jones. For more information about Coco Jones visit her website at http://cocosings.com/

Source: The Lippin Group & Shannon Barr Public Relations
Photo credit to: BOB D’AMICO/DISNEY CHANNEL, Disney | ABC Television Group, ABC Medianet, Shannon Barr Public Relations.
Video courtesy of: DisneyABCvideo.com

Editor’s Note: About writer Daood aka Soul Detective: This is his first contribution article interview to Diversity News Magazine. He attended Fairfax High School in Hollywood, CA and played a variety of instruments: Acoustic Bass, Saxophone and clarinet. After high school he attended a number of music conservatories, one of them being Eubanks Music Conservatory Los Angeles, California. In 2003 he got an offer to host a radio show at Oran Z’s 87.7 F.M. low powered radio station.  His show “Our Voices” consisted of the best in new, independent and unsigned artists. “Our Voices” conducted interviews with Scholars, book writers, and of course music artists. He had interviewed the likes of Dr. Bill Cosby, Tavis Smiley, Marsha Ambrosius, John Legend, Producer, Actor, Photographer Dr. Mark Valinsky and others. Currently, he is writing a forthcoming book on the life story of Gene “Poo Poo Man” Anderson of Parliament Funkadelic. If you would like to contact him please email to: Obaid93070@aol.com

Rihanna interview about Battleship Movie; in theaters nationwide on Friday, May 18, 2012

In Summer 2012, the battle for Earth begins at sea. Peter Berg (Hancock, The Kingdom, Friday Night Lights) directs and produces Battleship, an epic-scale action-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and over land as our planet fights for survival against a superior force.

Battleship stars Taylor Kitsch as Lieutenant Alex Hopper, a naval weapons officer assigned to USS John Paul Jones; Alexander Skarsgård as Hopper’s older brother, Stone, Commanding Officer of USS Sampson; global music superstar Rihanna, making her motion-picture debut as Petty Officer Second Class Cora Raikes, Hopper’s crewmate and a weapons specialist on USS John Paul Jones; Brooklyn Decker as Sam Shane, Hopper’s fiancée and a physical therapist specializing in the rehabilitation of military combat veterans; Tadanobu Asano, as Captain Yugi Nagata, Commanding Officer of the Japanese destroyer Myoko and Hopper’s archrival; and Liam Neeson as Hopper and Stone’s superior (and Sam’s father), Admiral Shane, Commander of the Pacific Fleet.

Supporting the cast are Hamish Linklater as Cal Zapata, a scientist who mans the international satellite station in Hawaii that searches the skies for signs of life; Jesse Plemons as Jimmy “Ordy” Ord, a boatswain aboard USS John Paul Jones; New Zealander John Tui as the ship’s engine room expert, Chief Petty Officer Walter “The Beast” Lynch; and, in his professional acting debut, U.S. Army Colonel Gregory D. Gadson, a battalion leader who lost both legs in Iraq in 2007. Gadson plays Lieutenant Colonel Mick Canales, an Army combat veteran and double amputee who begins his recovery just as the alien attack begins.

Inspired by Hasbro’s classic naval-combat game, Battleship is produced by Brian Goldner and Bennett Schneir of Hasbro (the Transformers and G.I. Joe franchises), Scott Stuber (Safe House, Couples Retreat), Film 44’s Sarah Aubrey (The Kingdom), along with Duncan Henderson (Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, The Perfect Storm). The action-adventure is written by Jon Hoeber & Erich Hoeber (Red). For more information visit http:// www.battleshipmovie.com

Genres:	Epic Action-Adventure
Starring:	Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgård, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker, Tadanobu Asano and Liam Neeson Peter Berg
Directed By:	Peter Berg
Produced By:	Brian Goldner, Scott Stuber, Peter Berg, Sarah Aubrey, Duncan Henderson, Bennett Schneir
Executive Produced By:	Jonathan Mone, Braden Aftergood

BATTLESHIP arrives in theaters nationwide on Friday, May 18, 2012

Sources: MediaMax Online, Universal Pictures and NBC Universal
Poster credit to: MediaMax Online and Photo credit to: Battleship Facebook

Glee: The 3D Concert Movie – In Theaters Everywhere – August 12, 2011

GLEE, the multi-generational phenomenon that has inspired millions to embrace their inner-Gleek, will soon bring them together to experience the characters, music and magic  in a whole new way, via the immersive magic of a 3D motion picture theatrical event… GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE.

Twentieth Century Fox Film and Twentieth Century Fox Television have partnered with GLEE creator Ryan Murphy to produce GLEE: THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE, a film of the blockbuster “Glee Live! In Concert!” North American tour.  Twentieth Century Fox will release the film – for a special limited two-week engagement — in theaters everywhere on August 12, 2011.

The film will enable fans – or, “Gleeks” — who were unable to obtain tickets to the sold-out shows, or who live in markets not included in the tour, or who just want to see it again, to enjoy the unique concert experience.  Additionally, the film’s on-stage performances are interwoven with intimate behind-the-scenes looks at favorite characters, as they’ve never been seen before.

“This tour was all about going out and performing for our amazing fans who have supported our show from the beginning, but due to the limited time we had to travel during our hiatus, there were only so many cities we could get to before we had to resume work on the television series,” commented Murphy. “We knew that not every fan who wanted to attend a concert would get that opportunity.  Now, thanks to our friends at Twentieth Century Fox Film, we’ll be able to bring the concert experience to movie theaters across the country in full three dimensional glory. We promise every passionate ‘Gleek’ a cinematic experience that will have them singing and dancing in the aisles.”

Adds Dante Di Loreto, who produces the film along with Ryan Murphy, and serves as an executive producer on the series: “This is a film the whole family can enjoy.  It’s a joyful musical experience.  We find that not only do our core fans love the concert, but people of every age and background who come to the show have a great time.”

3D provides yet another benefit, says Di Loreto.   “The format gives us a chance to provide a more intimate experience than sitting in an arena watching the live show, or watching it on television; it takes it to the next level.  With the film, fans will feel like they’re on the stage with the performers.  We felt that was an exciting opportunity to engage fans in a way not possible in another medium.”

Director Kevin Tancharoen (“Fame,” “Mortal Kombat: Legacy” series) elaborates:  “The 3D movie experience brings audiences closer to the characters they love – and to what these characters do best.”  Tancharoen also notes the importance of the backstage “narratives”:  “We’re taking audiences backstage, for an intimate, unscripted look at what the characters are experiencing before they go on stage.”

GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE will include live performances of some of the show’s most memorable musical numbers, including “I’m a Slave 4 U,” “Raise Your Glass,” “Teenage Dream,” and “Lucky,” as well as the original songs that became chart-toppers such as “Loser Like Me,” and of course, the show’s anthem, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”


The music from GLEE continues to be one of the driving forces behind this cultural phenomenon. To date the studio-recorded versions of the 23 songs appearing in GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE (Motion Picture Soundtrack) have sold nearly six million tracks. To date over 34 million GLEE songs have been digitally downloaded, with over 10 million albums sold worldwide. GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE (Motion Picture Soundtrack) is available now for pre-order at iTunes and Amazon and will be released August 9.

GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE was filmed over two days at the Glee Live! In Concert! events at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE  stars Dianna Agron (Quinn), Chris Colfer (Kurt), Darren Criss (Blaine), Kevin McHale (Artie), Lea Michele (Rachel), Cory Monteith (Finn), Heather Morris (Brittany), Amber Riley (Mercedes), Naya Rivera (Santana), Mark Salling (Puck), Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina), Harry Shum, Jr. (Mike), Chord Overstreet (Sam), Ashley Fink (Lauren) and members of “The Warblers” perform an all-new singing and dancing celebration of the show. For more information visit http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1922612/

Sources: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation & EPK.TV
Photos credit to: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation & EPK.TV

Mary J. Blige Song ‘The Living Proof’ Featured on The Help, in theaters August 12, 2011

On Thursday, May 26, 2011 DreamWorks Pictures and Geffen Records announced today that multiple Grammy® Award–winning recording artist Mary J. Blige wrote and recorded an original song for the soundtrack of DreamWorks Pictures and Participant Media’s THE HELP, a film based on the New York Times best-selling novel of the same name, opening in theaters August 12, 2011. “The Help” soundtrack – music from the Motion picture, will feature the original song from Mary J Blige “The Living Proof.”  The soundtrack, from Interscope Records, will be available Tuesday, July 26 at select Starbucks locations.

The song, “The Living Proof,” was written and recorded by Blige especially for THE HELP after she saw a screening of the film, which takes place in 1960s-era Mississippi and chronicles the journey of three very different women who come together and embark on a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. “The beautiful thing about these women is that they were very smart,” says Blige. “They chose to walk in love and forgiveness.”  The film really celebrates the courage to inspire change, “To speak to so many women with this song means a lot to me” says Blige. “I wanted to be involved with this film, because I think we need to encourage each other more, we are here to tell a story.” Blige has received 9 Grammy® Awards and four American Music Awards as well as recorded eight multi-platinum albums. Mary J. Blige has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and her next album “My Life Too….The Journey Continues” will be released Sept 20, 2011.

Starring: Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Mike Vogel, Allison Janney, Chris Lowell
Studio: DreamWorks Pictures (Walt Disney Studios)
Release Date: August 12, 2011

Mary Jane Blige ( /ˈblaɪdʒ/; born January 11, 1971) is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and actress. A recipient of ten Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, Blige has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. Blige has received the World Music Legends Award for combining hip hop and soul in the early 1990s. She was ranked number 100 in the list of 100 greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. In November 2010, Billboard Magazine ranked Blige as the most successful female R&B artist of the past 25 years, she ranked second, placing her ahead of Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston.

Blige started her musical career in 1992, releasing her multi-platinum US selling debut album,What’s the 411? on MCA Records and Uptown. What’s the 411? gave Blige her first Billboard 200 top ten album, which has continued since the release of her debut album until her latest album, Stronger with Each Tear (2009), which became Blige’s seventh consecutive album to debut at number one or number two on the Billboard 200. As of 2010, Blige has sold over 50 million albums and 15 million singles.^[1][2]

About The Help Movie: Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon,  “The Help” stars Emma Stone (“Easy A”) as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis (“Doubt”) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s,  who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed—even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times. Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, “The Help” is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change.  From DreamWorks Pictures and Participant Media, “The Help” is directed by Tate Taylor and produced by Brunson Green, Chris Columbus and Michael Barnathan, based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett, with screenplay by Tate Taylor. “The Help” releases in theaters August 12, 2011. For more information visit http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1454029/


Sources: Wikipedia, Walt Disney Studios, EPK.TV
Photo credit to: The Help Facebook

Video courtesy of Walt Disney/TheHelpMovie

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never Official Movie Trailer & Release Date Feb. 11th

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (The Movie)

Follows Justin Bieber with some footage of performances from his 2010 concert tour.



Director: Jon Chu
Starting: Justin Bieber, Boys II Men, Miley Cyrus, Sean Kingston, Ludacris, Jaden Smith, Usher Raymond and more.
Studio: (Paramount Pictures)
Release Date: 02/11/2011

Production Companies

• Insurge Pictures
• Island Def Jam Music Group
• MTV Films
• Magical Elves Productions

Distributors

• Paramount Pictures (2011) (USA) (theatrical)
• United International Pictures (UIP) (2011) (Singapore) (theatrical)

About Justin Bieber:
Justin Drew Bieber^[7] (pronounced /ˈbiːbər/ BEE-bər, born March 1, 1994)^[1] is a Canadianpop-R&B singer.^[2][3][4] Bieber was discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun,^[8] who happened to come across Bieber’s videos on YouTube and later became his manager. Braun arranged for him to meet with Usher in Atlanta, Georgia, and Bieber was soon signed to Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG), a joint venture between Braun and Usher,^[9] and then to a recording contract with Island Records offered by L.A. Reid.^[5][10]

His debut single, “One Time“, released worldwide in 2009, charted in the top 30 in over ten countries. His debut release, My World, followed on November 17, 2009, and was eventually certified platinum in the United States. He became the first artist to have seven songs from a debut album chart on the Billboard Hot 100.^[11] His first full studio release, My World 2.0, was released on March 23, 2010 and has since received similar success; it debuted at number one and within the top ten of several countries and was certified platinum in the United States. It was preceded by the worldwide top-ten single, “Baby,” in January 2010. For more information visit http://www.justinbiebermusic.com/


Sources: IMDB, Media Max Online, Wikipedia & http://www.justinbieberneversaynever.com/

Editor’s Note: EPK.TV provided by Media Max Online to Diversity News TV, Diversity News Magazine, published by Diversity News Publications, a media and public relations firm.

Toy Story 3 Official Trailer & Premiere Footage, In Theaters On June 18th

Woody and Buzz had accepted that their owner Andy would grow up someday, but what happens when that day arrives?

In the third installment, Andy is preparing to depart for college, leaving his loyal toys troubled about their uncertain future.

Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, Javier Fernandez Pena, Bonnie Hunt, Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Keaton and more.
Director: Lee Unkrich
Genres: Adventure Comedy, Children’s Fantasy, Family-Oriented Adventure, Fantasy, Children’s/Family
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures & Pixar Animation Studios
Release Date: June 18, 2010



For more information visit Disney website at www.disney.go.com/toystory/ and  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435761/




Editor’s Note: Trailer courtesy of EPK TV & Media Max Online on behalf of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures & Pixar Animation Studios