Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Ellen DeGeneres on "O"


On Nov. 12, the new issue of “O” will appear on store shelves. Ellen DeGeneres began her quest to appear the cover of Oprah’s magazine as a New Year’s Resolution.
Although DeGeneres’ original wish, to be the first person to share the cover of “O” with Oprah, did not come true (Michelle Obama appeared with Oprah in April), DeGeneres accepted Oprah’s request to join her on the holiday issue.
In her campaign to join the cover of “O,” DeGeneres created many funny mock covers for Oprah’s consideration. Also, she had an “O Yes I Can” segment in each show where she spoke about her efforts to get on the cover.

DeGeneres’ quest for the cover of “O” worked as a promotion tool for the magazine and for Oprah’s show. Also, the "Ellen" Web site provides links to purchase copys of the magazine, a video of the photo shoot and a time countdown until the release.

Oprah should thank DeGeneres for her extreme promotion of "O."
To purchase a copy or check out the funny mock ups DeGeneres created check out http://www.oprah.com/article/omagazine/200912-omag-ellen-degeneres-oprah-cover.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Countdown to "Precious"

“Precious,” opening in select theatres on Friday, is produced by Oprah and Tyler Perry and is rumored to be Oscar-worthy. I am very excited to see the movie. It features Mariah Carey, Mo’nique, Lenny Kravitz, Paula Patton and Gabourey Sidibe, and is based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire.

The story takes place in Harlem and traces the life of an overweight, uneducated girl, who is pregnant with her second child and endures daily abuse from her mother. The movie’s goal is to show that there are stories behind those the world sees as irrelevant.

In preparation for its release, some of the main characters appeared on “Ellen” to promote the movie. Many people are surprised with the talent of Gabourey Sidibe, who plays Precious, because she had never acted before. In her interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Sidibe said that she was able to produce such talent because she has known characters like Precious in her life.

Mo’nique, who plays Precious’ abusive mother, also spoke with DeGeneres about how she was able to channel her monstrous character. She spoke of her experience being molested by her older brother and how the part actually helped her gain closure.

I predict that the film will be successful because of the promotion of the film before its release and the powerful message the film has to offer.

Visit the "Precious" website for the trailer and more information about the movie.