Out Short Film: "Straight A"

Zach Cramblit & Todd Lien in 'Straight A'

Check out this sweet short film, Straight A, from actor/writer Todd Lien.

Lien wrote, produced and starred in the short as his thesis film for the New York Film Academy’s MFA program.

The handsome actor says the movie is based on the true story of his own coming out to his father.

In the eight minute movie, Lien plays a version of himself struggling to maintain a long-term relationship with his boyfriend Kyle (Zach Cramblit) while keeping up the image of the perfect son to his father (Nathan Chen).

In the film, it appears being an over-achiever who gets straight A’s in school and is elected president of the student body isn’t enough for the father.

Or is it?

Todd shares this note on the YouTube page:

I am grateful for the supporting father I have, but I want to be clear that I know this is not how many people's experiences are like. I just want to share some happy ending story like mine out there for more positivity and hope! The message is that sometimes we need to give our parents a little more credit for acceptance. Hope this video does that for as many people out there as possible!

Lien’s film credits include The Choice (2017), Alpha Delta Zatan (2017) and the TV miniseries Bob’s New Roommates (2017).

But wait - there's more!

He’s also a part of the Asian Magic Mike troupe! Whoo-hoo!

The hottie is not only talented but way photogenic, as his 20K Instagram followers have discovered.

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“Even when the sun is bright af, you open your eyes and kill your cornea for a good picture” - Scott Eriksson (my manager) I want to see the world and I want the world to see me! Photo credit: @yan8o #asianactor #workingasianactor #asianmodel #asianguysaresexy #hollywoodsign #touristpicture #hollywood

A post shared by Todd Lien (@toddlien_official) on Jun 21, 2018 at 3:24pm PDT

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"New Sexy Headshot = big Asian eyes, no smile, cool moody shadow" photo credit: @josephgdaniels #modeling #asianmodel #asianactor #photoshoot #sexyheadshot #headshot

A post shared by Todd Lien (@toddlien_official) on Aug 9, 2017 at 1:09pm PDT

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Bye Thanksgiving! 👋 FINALLY, hello Christmas 🎄 Guilty pleasure: I usually start a bit early to listen to Christmas music... like December 26th every year. Same freaking photographer: @aurora_ouyang #christmas #lovechristmas #christmasmusic #photoshoot #samefreakingmall #santahat #asianmodel #asianactor #hollywood #guiltypleasure #noshame

A post shared by Todd Lien (@toddlien_official) on Nov 25, 2018 at 3:36pm PST

(h/t Towleroad)

Opening Night: Magic Mike Live In Las Vegas

Cast of MAGIC MIKE LIVE LAS VEGAS Performs at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

All photos: Erik Kabik (ErikKabik.com)

Had some feisty fun at the official opening night of Channing Tatum's Magic Mike Live last night at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino here in Las Vegas.

Channing Tatum and wife, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, were in attendance having a great time. After the show, Tatum shared a few words with the packed venue, thanking the crowd and friends and family in attendance for joining the cast and creative team for their highly-anticipated opening night performance.

Lots of quick, slick and athletic moves from the good looking MML men. Very much in the same vein as the numbers in the two Magic Mike movies.

From the press release:

Conceived by Channing Tatum and co-directed by Tatum and film franchise choreographer Alison Faulk, the show features sexy and daring themed dance and strip routines punctuated by one of a kind acts from a wildly diverse cast of performers.

There's been some talk of Magic Mike Live "reinventing" the male revue, which I'm not so sure is completely accurate.

For the folks who've taken to comparing the new show with long running Chippendales or Thunder from Down Under, I would say this just a different "flavor" of male revue.

Comparing this new show to the other long-running strip shows is kind of like comparing Broadway's Hamilton, Spring Awakening and Chicago the Musical. All have their own "edge," and all won a lot of awards.

Having seen all three of the shows, I can tell you this - no one leaves any of them not having had a great time :)

Magic Mike Live is definitely fun, high energy. Less skin than you see in other shows; lots of shirtless guys dancing in jeans. If you're looking for a bit more "exposure" than that, you might want to check out the other shows.

The only misstep for me is the hostess for the evening. She's lovely and fun, and acts as a narrative device. But it seems like we see a lot of her. And her talking to the audience goes on a bit long. I'd just edit a bit.

Check out some video below I took along with pics by Erik Kabik (ErikKabik.com).

Welcome to Las Vegas, Magic Mike Live! Lots of room for everyone!

Some opening night #MagicMikeLive

A post shared by Randy Slovacek (@randyslovacek) on Apr 22, 2017 at 11:23am PDT

A little wet and wild at #MagicMikeLive

A post shared by Randy Slovacek (@randyslovacek) on Apr 22, 2017 at 11:30am PDT

One more from #MagicMikeLive opening night :)

A post shared by Randy Slovacek (@randyslovacek) on Apr 22, 2017 at 12:36pm PDT

Cast of MAGIC MIKE LIVE LAS VEGAS Performs at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Jackson Williams Performs 'air seduction' in MAGIC MIKE LIVE LAS VEGAS

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum Attend Opening Night of MAGIC MIKE LIVE LAS VEGAS

Requisite poorly lit selfie with hubby Michael and Channing Tatum

Las Vegas: Check Out Rehearsals With MAGIC MIKE LIVE

Reporting from Las Vegas - get your first look backstage at the upcoming MAGIC MIKE LIVE.

Watch the new boys on the block in Vegas rehearse, with Channing Tatum in the house showing some serious approval.

MAGIC MIKE LIVE is currently performing, but the official opening date at the Hard Rock Casino is April 21st.

ICYMI - "Magic Mike Live" On ELLEN

I'll give them this: they can move, and they're awfully nice to look at.

"Magic Mike Live" opens in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in March 2017.

A video posted by Magic Mike Live (@magicmikelive) on Sep 7, 2016 at 5:37pm PDT

Channing Tatum Brings "Magic Mike Live" To ELLEN

Huge exposure for Channing Tatum's upcoming Las Vegas extravaganza, "Magic Mike Live," as Tatum and his guys gave Ellen DeGeneres a live taste of what folks can expect in Sin City.

"Magic Mike Live" is scheduled to debut in March 2017 at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

First, Channing explained his reasons for doing the live show:

“I had a friend that had a girlfriend who went to Vegas and went to some of the male reviews there and she didn’t tell my buddy about it and he’s like why didn’t you tell me. She was embarrassed. She was like I don’t know it wasn’t cool. We just thought let’s go make something cool. Let’s go make something really for you guys (ladies) and hopefully we’re going to be able to do that.”

And then, the fun began. Watch the segment below:

Channing Tatum Announces "Magic Mike Live! Las Vegas" Coming In 2017

Channing Tatum announces MAGIC MIKE LIVE LAS VEGAS

Via press release:

Actor and producer Channing Tatum has heard the call of women everywhere, clamoring for more Magic Mike. Next spring, their dreams will come true as Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will become the permanent home of Mike Lane, America’s favorite handyman-turned-stripper, with MAGIC MIKE LIVE LAS VEGAS – a complete re-imagination of the male revue based on the hit movies “Magic Mike” and “Magic Mike XXL.”

Currently anticipated to open for preview performances in March 2017, MAGIC MIKE LIVE LAS VEGAS will recreate the mythic Club Domina with a sizzling 360-degree dance and acrobatic strip tease spectacular, guaranteed to bring on the heat.

“‘Magic Mike’ has been a special and very personal project for me, and this show is a natural extension of that,” said Tatum. “So while I won’t be on stage as Mike, MAGIC MIKE LIVE LAS VEGAS is my vision and I’m looking forward to spending a lot of time in Las Vegas creating something that will give women what they really want.”

The experience starts as you enter Club Domina, a real life version of the club at the foundation of “Magic Mike XXL,” where men cater to women’s desires. The fully re-envisioned cabaret nightclub space will be unlike any other in Las Vegas with three elaborately designed bars, an integrated stage and seating for 450 guests. Expressly created to capture the magnetism of a film franchise that has grossed nearly $300 million, this new venue and its immersive production will be one of the most unique entertainment experiences in Las Vegas.

In a show that happens in front of, behind, above and all around the audience, a dozen of the hottest and most talented men in the country will bring Mike and his crew to life through sexy and daring themed dance and strip routines, each punctuated by one-of-a-kind acts from a wildly diverse cast of performers.

In addition to direction and creative leadership from Tatum, film franchise choreographer Alison Faulk will once again reprise her role, creating the stage show’s choreography.

MAGIC MIKE LIVE LAS VEGAS has also struck a content partnership with the leading digital media property Cosmopolitan.com to create original video series and content designed to drive excitement and engagement around the show.

Visit MagicMikeLiveLasVegas.com for the most up to date information about the show, the cast and priority ticket opportunities.

But what about Joe Manganiello? Will HE be there on stage? We want "Big Dick Richie!" We want "Big Dick Richie!"

The Buzzfeed "Try Guys" Bust Some Chippendales Moves

The Buzzfeed "Try Guys" do their best to bust some Chippendales moves.

Nick the Gardener Gets Audition for Magic Mike XXL

"Nick the shirtless Gardener" meets with Warner Brothers exec Greg Silverman

On Thursday's episode of ELLEN, "Nick the Gardener" was hooked up with a "meet and greet" for a role in the upcoming MAGIC MIKE XXL.

On Friday, viewers got to see how the (shirtless) meeting went with Warner Brothers exec Greg Silverman. Things are looking good for Nick! Fingers crossed :)

Plus, as many noted the tattoo on Nick's back, it turns out it's a classic joke. And since it's Classic Joke Friday, Ellen had to share the joke with the audience. That meant, of course, that Nick had to remove his shirt, once again...

Magic Mike Stage Show May Debut At The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Channing Tatum and Alex Pettyfer in promo pic for "Magic Mike"

Word is Channing Tatum is planning on bringing his own male revue, inspired by his hit movie Magic Mike, to Las Vegas.

And it looks like the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino may land the new production.

Tatum was in Las Vegas for a long weekend, in the company of what appeared to be executives. It was reported here that he was spotted having lunch with a group on Monday at Spago inside the Forum Shops at Caesars.

Then the plot thickened when he showed up Monday at the Hard Rock, with men in suits and, according to a spy, a top Hard Rock executive.

Magic Mike was a huge Hollywood success, with a global gross of $167 million based on an investment of $7 million.

The sequel - Magic Mike XXL - is currently filming under the direction of Gregory Jacobs. Most of the original cast - including Tatum, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer and Alex Pettyfer - are returning.

Magic Mike XXL is scheduled for release Summer 2015.

Check out the tweet Tatum posted two days ago...

In Vegas...plotting the revolution. Heehee Who wants in? #magicmikelive pic.twitter.com/JhM50G8IKB
— Channing Tatum (@channingtatum) September 16, 2014

Joe Manganiello tweets pic from Magic Mike sequel

Joe Manganiello tweeted this pic from the set of the upcoming Magic Mike sequel "Magic Mike XXL" with the caption "It's On!"

Joe Manganiello teaches stripper moves to Conan

Joe Manganiello demonstrates required stripper moves for Conan

Joe Manganiello - star of HBO's True Blood and the much beloved feature film Magic Mike - stopped by Conan last night to talk on his directorial debut La Bare, the new acclaimed documentary about the men of the famed Dallas male revue.

Along the way, Conan received some sage advice for a possible future in male stripping.  For instance, you need a really good name, says Managaniello. His suggestion for Conan - "Big Red - here to pillage your village."

Then, Joe gets up to demonstrate some required choreographic vocabulary in the world of male revues, "the body roll."

Happy Thursday!

Channing Tatum tweets work on "Magic Mike 2" has begun

Hunky movie mega-star Channing Tatum tweeted this pic out this weekend saying, "What better way to start writing #MagicMike2 than with my old friend Dallas?  #runatribe

Can't wait, Channing.  Bring it on :)

As if ANYONE needed a reminder...

Shirtless Channing Tatum and Alex Pettyfer serve up some classic Chippendales style

Roe Hartrampf and the Skivvies gives an idea of Magic Mike on Broadway

Performing with the Skivvies at 54 Below, Roe Hartrampf channels Matthew Mcconaughey in this Magic Mike Medley of stripping songs including "I Don't See Nothing Wrong", "My Pony", "Lollipop", "Peaches and Cream" and "It's Raining Men."

(via OUT)

Channing Tatum: "Magic Mike 2" is in development

The shirtless men of Magic Mike

Get ready to "Channing all over your Tatum", kids.

Channing Tatum tells The Hollywood Reporter that the sequel to Magic Mike is in development:

"We're developing Magic Mike 2, but [director Steven Soderbergh] really wants to be done directing movies," says the new dad, who revealed that he may direct the follow-up himself. "We'll see. I wish people would lobby him to finish what he started: 'Come on, man! Stop being stubborn and come back.' I've said that to him, but he is a very fixed-in-his-ways guy, and if he says it, it is hard to change."

So what will Magic Mike 2 be about? "It will be a road-trip movie, and it will essentially be the movie that everyone thought the first one was going to be: crazy and fun and less slice-of-life and less drama. The first one, we had to make not so cheesy and campy; this one we are going to swing for the fences."

Ian Ziering opens in Las Vegas as celeb guest host for Chippendales

Shirtless Ian Ziering on the cover of Las Vegas Magazine for the Chippendales

I really don't have to add much, do I?  Other than maybe, "hello abs..."

You may remember that shortly before Ian took on the gig of being Chippendales' new celeb guest host, TMZ called him out for being out of shape.  Well, that's that...

I caught Ian's debut this past Saturday and the completely packed house went WILD for Ian.  He's a terrific host for the show; he's featured in a couple of dance numbers; and he has one of the best "t-shirt tear aways" I've seen. 

"Magic Mike" isn't the only place you can see Hollywood's hunkiest. Head to Las Vegas to check out Ian at the Rio All-Suites Hotel at the Chippendales Theater.  Limited run through June 2013.

Check out video and pics from Ian's first night below:

Ian Ziering on the red carpet with Chippendales (L to R) Jon Howes, Jaymes Vaughan,
James Davis and Gavin McHale

Pre-show meeting

Just before the first performance, Ian chills in his dressing room

Ian Ziering opens the show at Chippendales in Las Vegas

Ian hosting "Chipp Shot" segment of the Chippendales show

Lucky girl gets an early show peek at Ian Ziering's ripped bod.

Seconds after tearing off the t-shirt.  You don't keep a Porsche in the garage...

Men of Chippendales in motion

Me with Ian Ziering on the red carpet before the show

Ian Ziering gets ready to become the next Magic Mike for Chippendales

A couple of pics from Ian Ziering's final rehearsals for Chippendales in Las Vegas at the Rio All-Suites Hotel show he's ready to become the next "Magic Mike" - or we should really be saying "Magic Ian." Clearly the semi-finalist from Dancing With The Stars has the moves down.

Ian Ziering opens tonight with the Chippendales and appears as the celebrity guest host for the remainder of the month.

I'm attending Ian's opening night, so planning to have pics of the event tomorrow. Even in rehearsal clothes, Ian looks AMAZING. Shoulders, pecs, biceps, triceps - he's got it all.  We should all look so good at 49!

(Photos By Denise Truscello)