Rivera’s “Home” to Premiere at the South by Southwest Film Conference and Festival

Posted on February 9, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Naya Rivera is heading home to Austin this March…

The 27-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress and Glee star’s latest film, Home, will have its world premiere at the South by Southwest Film Conference and Festival (SXSW).

Rivera stars as Vera in the horror thriller, which centers on a realtor who is asked to sell a vacant home. She and her sister ultimately come across the home’s previous tenant: a teenage girl who sold her soul to the devil.

In addition to Rivera, the Nicholas McCarthy-direct film’s cast includes Catalina Sandino Moreno, Ashley Rickards, Wyatt Russell and Ava Acres.

Home has been scheduled in the fesival’s Midnighters section, which is described as scary, funny, sexy, controversial – provocative after-dark features for night-owls and the terminally curious.

The SXSW Film Conference and Festival will run from March 7-15 in Austin, Texas.

Here’s a look at this year’s chosen films in the Midnighters category:

The Guest
Director: Adam Wingard, Screenwriter: Simon Barrett
A soldier on leave befriends the family of a fallen comrade, only to become a threat to all around him when it’s revealed he’s hiding dangerous secrets from his past.
Cast: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Leland Orser, Lance Reddick, Sheila Kelley

13 Sins
Director/Screenwriter: Daniel Stamm, Screenwriter: David Birke
A cryptic phone call sets off a dangerous game of risks for Elliot, a down-on-his luck salesman. The game promises increasing rewards for completing 13 tasks, each more sinister than the last.
Cast: Mark Webber, Rutina Wesley, Devon Graye, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Richard Burgi, Tom Bower, Ron Perlman (World Premiere)

Among The Living (France)
Director/Screenwriter: Julien Maury, Alexandre Bustillo
After horror favorites Inside and Livid, Maury and Bustillo pair up again for a horror-thriller at the cross roads between Stand by Me and Friday the13th. Cast: Anne Marivin, Béatrice Dalle, Francis Renaud, Fabien Jegoudez, Nicolas Giraud (World Premiere)

Exists
Director: Eduardo Sánchez, Screenwriter: Jamie Nash
Five friends on a camping weekend in the remote woods of East Texas struggle to survive against a legendary beast that is stronger, smarter and more terrifying than they would have ever believed exists. Cast: Chris Osborn, Dora Madison Burge, Roger Edwards, Denise Williamson, Samuel Davis (World Premiere)

Starry Eyes
Directors/Screenwriters: Dennis Widmyer, Kevin Kolsch
In the city of dreams, a desperate actress will do whatever it takes for the role of a lifetime… no matter what the cost. Cast: Alexandra Essoe, Amanda Fuller, Fabianne Therese, Noah Segan, Shane Coffey (World Premiere)

Home
Director/Screenwriter: Nicholas McCarthy
When a realtor is asked to sell a vacant home, she and her sister cross paths with its previous tenant: a teenage girl who sold her soul to the devil. Cast: Naya Rivera, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Ashley Rickards, Wyatt Russell, Ava Acres (World Premiere)

Honeymoon
Director/Screenwriter: Leigh Janiak, Screenwriter: Phil Graziadei
Young newlyweds find their honeymoon spiraling mysteriously into chaos.
Cast: Rose Leslie, Harry Treadaway, Ben Huber, Hanna Brown (World Premiere)

Late Phases
Director: Adrián García Bogliano, Screenwriter: Eric Stolze
When deadly attacks from the forests beset a secluded retirement community, it is up to a grizzled veteran to figure what the residents are hiding.
Cast: Nick Damici, Ethan Embry, Erin Cummings, Tom Noonan, Lance Guest (World Premiere)

Oculus
Director/Screenwriter: Mike Flanagan, Screenwriter: Jeff Howard
As children, two siblings witnessed their parents’ harrowing descent into madness and death. Now, as adults, they reunite to expose and destroy the supernatural entity responsible: the Lasser Glass – a legendary mirror their parents owned. Cast: Karen Gillan, Brenton Thwaites, Rory Cochrane, James Lafferty, Katee Sackhoff (U.S. Premiere)

Stage Fright
Director: Jerome Sable
Stage Fright tells the story of a snobby musical theater camp terrorized by a bloodthirsty masked killer who despises musical theatre. “Scream” meets “Glee” in this genre-bending R-rated horror-musical. Cast: Allie MacDonald, Douglas Smith, Brandon Uranowitz, Kent Nolan, Melanie Leishman
(World Premiere)

Rivera to Appear at The Trevor Project’s TrevorLIVE Gala Event

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Naya Rivera will be taking the stage at the Trevor Project’s annual gala fundraiser.

The 26-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer will join her fellow Glee stars Jane Lynch, Darren Criss, Amber Riley and Chris Colfer, as well as American Idol alum Adam Lambert at TrevorLIVE, on December 8 at the Hollywood Palladium.

Hosted by comedienne Kathy Griffin, the event raises funds for The Trevor Project, which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Lynch will be honored by the organization.

Lambert, along with Riley, Smash star Megan Hilty and Glee alum Cheyenne Jackson, will take the stage for special performances.

Others scheduled to make an appearance include Dot-Marie Jones and Harry Shum, Jr., of Glee, Sarah Michelle Gellar of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Crazy Ones; Hannah Simone of New Girl; Andrew Rannells of Girls; Allison Janney of Mom and Masters of Sex; TV host Ricki Lake and Jennifer Coolidge of American Pie.

The show will be produced by So You Think You Can Dance judge Adam Shankman, whose directing and producing credits include Rock of Ages, Hairspray, Glee and the 2010 Academy Awards.

The red carpet and pre-show will be shown via livestream.

Michele Filming Official Music Video for First Solo Album’s Lead Single

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

She may have starred in numerous musical numbers as Glee’s beloved Rachel Berry over the last five years… But Lea Michele is now getting ready to star in her own special clip.

The 27-year-old part-Spanish American singer and one of the stars of Fox’s hot dramedy is filming her first-ever music video as a solo artist. And, she’s shared behind-the-scenes images from her shoot.

“So excited shooting my very first music video today for the first album single,” she tweeted.

Michele has been working on her debut studio album, which is due out sometime next year.

Just one day before her music video shoot, Michele shared some more behind-the-scenes photos from rehearsals for her first live performance of her single.

The songs on the upcoming album will include a song called “You’re Mine,” which Michele said was a tribute to her late boyfriend and co-star, Cory Monteith, who died in July at the age of 31.

“It makes me so happy, this song,” she told E! Online. “It makes me think so much of Cory. It was ours. When I think if him, I play this.”

Michele is the latest Glee star to branch out on their own musically. Naya Rivera released her first single, “Sorry,” in September. And Matthew Morrison has released two albums since Glee launched and will release a special holiday EP, A Classic Christmas, this week.

Rivera Graces Cover of Rolling Stone’s “Latin Hot List” Issue

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Rolling Stone’s male readers may experience serious heart palpitations, thanks to Naya Rivera.

The 26-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer/actress and Glee star – this year’s best-costumed Latina during the Halloween party period – bares plenty of skin all on the cover of Rolling Stone’s Latin Hot List issue.

Heralded as “Glee’s Bad Girl,” Rivera stripped down to a bodysuit for the cover, showing off her lengthy legs and an eyeful of cleavage.

Rivera, who’s featured on the flip cover of the issue, dished about her role on Fox’s hit musical dramedy and her ambitions of a music career.

“It took a long time to figure out where I wanted to go musically,” she said of her upcoming album, explaining that she insisted her label release “Sorry” as a single this summer. “This is what I’m doing,” she told the label, “Get on or get off. I think this is a summer song, and I want it on the radio by the end of the summer.”

Rolling Stone’s special Latino-themed issue also includes profiles on DJs the Martinez Brothers, novelist Daniel Alarcon, pop star Becky G, chef Danny Mena, rock star Draco Rosa, and Brooklyn-based band Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra.

Naya Rivera: This Halloween’s Best-Costumed Latina Celebrity

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

It’s true… Halloween isn’t just for the little ones… But don’t take our word for it.

Here’s a look at some of the haute-est costumes worn this year by Hispanic celebrities, including this year’s best-dressed Latina Naya Rivera.

Naya Rivera

Where in the world? Glee starlet and “Sorry” singer Naya Rivera is red hot in her sexed-up Carmen Sandiego costume, complete with knee-high black latex boots and red latex body suit and red trench coat.

The 26-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress/singer attended Kate Hudson‘s Halloween bash on Saturday, October 27, 2013 in the not-for-G-audiences outfit.

Joan Smalls
Move over Lady Gaga! There’s a new Mother Monster… And her name is Joan Smalls.

“This little Monster is ready to wreak some Havoc,” declared the 25-year-old Puerto Rican supermodel on her Instagram account.

Smalls posted the photo before heading to the Byrne Notice and Emerson Sick Halloween Party in New York.

Jessica Alba
Former Dark Angel star Jessica Alba is absolutely witchin’ in her Halloween costume. The 32-year-old half-Mexican American actress dressed up as Cher’s character from the original Witches of Eastwick.

Alba was joined by her friends in the photo taken during a bewitching weekend of Halloween fun.

Alessandra Ambrosio
There’s no playing with The Queen of Hearts, unless she looks like Alessandra Ambrosio. The 32-year-old Victoria’s Secret model took a trip down the rabbit hole for her Halloween costume.

Ambrosio dressed as a sexy Queen of Hearts while attending a party in Beverly Hills, complete with a tiny black and red dress, knee-high stockings and a red wig with a crown on top as she partied with her pals, who carried on the Alice in Wonderland heme as the Cheshire Cat and the White Rabbit.

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi
There’s no place like home for former Jersey Shore star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, her fiance Jionni Lavalle and their adorable son Lorenzo Lavalle.

The family celebrated Halloween by dressing up as characters from The Wizard of Oz on October 24, 2013, in Whippany, New Jersey.

The reality star wore pigtails, a blue and white dress and sparkly ruby shoes as Dorothy, while her fiance was the scarecrow and little Lorenzo dressed as the Cowardly Lion in a tan and orange onesie.

Nicole Rich
Don’t give Nicole Richie flap for her Halloween costume! The 32-year-old half-Mexican American Fashion Star mentor and fashionista arrived at the Who What Wear and Cadillac 50 Most Fashionable Women Of 2013 event dressed as a sexy, flapper kitty at The London Hotel on October 24, 2013 in West Hollywood.

Richie donned lace cat ears and a sexy black dress while bringing a touch of couture, to the all-star event.

Rico Rodriguez
Dead man walking! Modern Family star Rico Rodriguez arrived at the Hub Network‘s First Annual Halloween Bash at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California dressed as a zombie on October 20, 2013.

Fergie and Josh Duhamel
It’s hard to believe Fergie recently gave birth to her first child. The 38-year-old part-Mexican American singer and Black Eyed Peas member dressed as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark while her husband Josh Duhamel was a sight for sore eyes as Riff Raff from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The new parents attended Kate Hudson’s annual Halloween party on October 27, 2013.

Snooki and JWoww
It’s red, white and haute! Snooki and JWoww dressed as the Red Witch and White Witch from Alice in Wonderland on October 25, 2013 for the Night of the Living Drag event.

Rivera Releases Sizzling Lyric Video for Her New Single “Sorry”

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Naya Rivera isn’t sorry about her recent body of work…

The 26-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer/actress and Glee star has released the lyric video for her new single “Sorry,” a sizzling NSFW black-and-white clip.

Rivera’s video features nude models, shadows and silhouettes with light projections.

The new track features a verse from her real-life beau, Big Sean.

Rivera’s video comes about one week before Fox‘s hit musical dramedy returns to television, with season five set to debut on Thursday, September 26, at 9:00 pm.

The actress will romance guest star Demi Lovato this season, and will also play a sizeable role in the episode three tribute to Cory Monteith.

Lovato to Star in a Multi-Episode Arc on Fox’s “Glee”

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato will be pulling double-duty on Fox this summer…

The 21-year-old part-Mexican American actress and The X Factor judge has signed on for a major season-five role on the network’s musical dramedy Glee.

Lovato will portray Dani, a New York-based struggling artist who befriends Rachel (portrayed by Lea Michele) and Santana (Naya Rivera).

Lovato will also have frequent interactions with American Idol alum Adam Lambert‘s under wraps character.

Lambert and the former Disney Channel star will have several musical numbers together in Lovato’s six-episode stint.

The Glee role marks Lovato’s first acting project since her Disney Channel series Sonny With a Chance ended in January 2011.

Glee will work around Lovato’s The X Factor schedule

Glee returns on Thursday, September 26, at 9:ooam p.m., with the first part of its Beatles tribute. The show’s Cory Monteith tribute episode airs on October 10, after which the series will take a short hiatus.

Rivera Releases Debut Single “Sorry”

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

She’s proficiently covered the likes of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Kelly Clarkson… And, now Naya Rivera has released her own song.

The 26-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer/actress and Glee star released her own track, Sorry, on Los Angeles radio station Power 106 FM on Friday.

Rivera, best known for portraying Santana Lopez on Fox’s hit musical dramedy, got a little help from her boyfriend, G.O.O.D. Music label rapper Big Sean on recording the single and debuting it on air.

“Heard that #nayapower trended?! You guys are the best. This was a good day for all of us and I can’t thank you enough for your support,” Rivera tweeted on Friday.

The single, which Rivera says has “been a long time coming,” was finally dropped after Rivera shared a snippet of it last week on Twitter.

After her big break on Glee, Rivera signed a solo album record deal with Columbia Records back in May 2011.

Prior to releasing “Sorry” with Big Sean, Rivera recorded a feature on Croatian cello duo 2Cellos‘ sophomore album second single, a cover of Muse‘s “Supermassive Black Hole” and also appeared in the song’s music video.

Jenner’s “Glee” Renewed for Two More Seasons

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Blake Jenner has plenty of reason to be gleeful…

The 20-year-old half-Cuban American actor and The Glee Project winner may not have to look for a new gig for awhile.

Fox has picked up its hit musical dramedy Glee, which features Jenner as Ryder Lynn, for two more seasons.

The negotiations for the series’ two-year renewal, for seasons five and six, took longer than normal because the network begins footing the bill after season four.

“Glee debuted as the first and only successful musical comedy series on television, and more than four years later, it continues to defy genres, break new ground and have a significant impact on popular culture,” said Fox chairman Kevin Reilly.

Glee, which was created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, has an off-network syndication deal with Oxygen, which makes a longer run attractive.

Despite a drop in its ratings, Glee still manages to perform respectably, especially when DVR viewing is factored in.

The dramedy is averaging 8.7 million total viewers this season. Glee, which marked its 500th performance recently, has spawned more than 53 million tracks digitally downloaded and more than 13 million albums sold worldwide.

No word yet on whether Jenner’s character will continue to appear on the show in upcoming seasons. Other Latino stars of the should who could be back for seasons five and six include Lea Michele, Naya Rivera and Sam Larsen.

Rivera Romances Red in New M&M’s Commercial

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

She’s used to doing the singing on Fox’s hit musical dramedy Glee… But Naya Rivera is the one getting serenaded in her latest commercial.

The 26-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress gets her romance on with Red in the brand new commercial for M&M’s candy, which aired during the Super Bowl.

“Red sings a love song to a girl who clearly wants more than just love,” reads the caption for the clip, which features Red playing the piano and singing Meat Loaf‘s Grammy-winning song ” “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” while visions of his romance with Rivera appear.

But things take a dramatic turn when Rivera tries to lick, bite, bake and basically devour her sugar-coated chocolate love.

“Hahaha yay! So glad everyone caught the M&M commercial!,” Rivera tweeted after the commercial aired.

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