Entertainment

Crystal Hefner Teases Memoir About Playboy Mansion: ‘No One Is Safe’ on August 4, 2023 at 12:00 am Us Weekly

Published

1 year ago

August 4, 2023

Crystal Hefner is on a path to healing. After 10 years living in the infamous Playboy Mansion, the former wife of Hugh Hefner — they were wed in 2012 until his death of natural causes in 2017 — is making a fresh start. She’s relocated from L.A. to Hawaii, where she’s renovated a home on the Big Island. She also has a memoir due out in 2024, Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself, that will be sure to send shock waves through Hollywood. As Hefner tells Us exclusively, speaking via Zoom from her idyllic Hawaii house, “No one is safe.”

Hefner was just 21 when she met Hugh at a Halloween party at the mansion. Days later, he asked the Arizona native to move in with him and his other girlfriends, 18-year-old twins Karissa and Kristina Shannon. “Going in, I was a deer in the headlights. It was like I just got the golden ticket for the Willy Wonka [factory],” notes Hefner, 37. But eventually, she adds, “it all started crumbling down.”

Over the last several years, dozens of women have come forward with horror stories of their time at the Playboy Mansion. Multiple models and former girlfriends accused Hugh and his circle of friends of sexual assault, claimed the magazine mogul was a master manipulator and described life at the mansion as a prison, complete with dating rules and a strictly enforced curfew.

Hefner was still living there when Holly Madison’s scathing 2015 memoir, Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny, was released. “I remember getting the E-book so I could type my name and just see what was said about me,” she laughs. “And [Holly] said something minor in there about how, like, I ripped some stickers off a mirror. But I remember the mansion being upset about it. It was when women had less of a voice.”

“It took years for me to understand what I went through and the bubble that I was in for so long,” Hefner says of life in the Playboy Mansion. Tracey Lyn

For Hefner, it was only after she began seeing a therapist following Hugh’s death that she could start to unravel the trauma she’d endured. “Therapy really helped,” says Hefner. “You start backtracking and [noticing] different behaviors. I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s gaslighting. That’s narcissism.’ It took years for me to understand what I went through, understand myself and also understand Hef and why he did certain things. You know, there’s a story behind everything.”

As she delved into her past, Hefner says she began the process of “deprogramming.” At the mansion, “Your value is what you look like,” she notes. “I was rewarded for being codependent and feeling like I was nothing without Hef and had no value of my own. You’re rewarded for not having a life of your own outside of the person,” she continues. “I’ve learned a lot about self-worth, self-love, advocating for yourself and healthy relationships.”

Hefner’s also relearning how to have female friendships. “The women at the mansion were very catty. You could give someone $10,000 to not be my friend anymore, and they would take the money,” she shares, noting that out of the “thousands” of girls she met there, she’s stayed in touch with “maybe five.” While several of them, including Girls Next Door stars Holly, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson. have openly discussed their time at the mansion, Hefner says she has a different perspective. “I wasn’t one of three girlfriends on a show. We were married; I was there with Hugh until he died.”

Crystal (with Hugh in May 2013) initially called off their engagement in 2016. They wed the following year. Kevan Brooks/Admedia/Sipa/Shutterstock

For Hefner, the writing process was cathartic. “When I read the first manuscript, I just burst out crying in the beginning paragraph because I felt like I finally have a voice, and this is it,” she shares, adding that the hardest chapters to write were those on sex and death. “Everyone assumes [I was] some dumb young girl who became part of [Hugh’s] girlfriend entourage, and, you know, ‘She’s an idiot.’ But now I have a pretty clear understanding of what I went through and what went on, and it’ll be apparent in the book.”

Although Hefner notes this isn’t a salacious tell-all, readers are in for some heavy bombshells. “There are hard stories and people that have hurt me, and they’re in there,” says Hefner, noting that although the names of numerous women and celebrities have been changed, she’s not letting anyone off the hook. “The stories are very detailed, and there are things that have never been spoken about before.”

“Building in Hawaii was a process of finding out what I want and who I am,” says Hefner. Tracey Lyn

Ultimately, she hopes her memoir will help other women. “I wish I had this book when I was 21 before going into the mansion,” Hefner says, adding that she believes her late husband would appreciate her sharing her perspective. “I hope that being such an advocate for freedom of speech, that [Hugh] would be an advocate for me telling my story. Women’s voices are getting louder, and that’s really important.”

These days, the licensed realtor is busy flipping houses in Hawaii and L.A. (where she still owns a home) and venturing into the NFT space with First Ape Wives Club, a digital membership pass to a world of travel amenities, including booking upgrades and hotel bonuses. It’s a far cry from her life just six years ago. “I needed a change. I look at photos of when I was at the mansion, and it feels like I was wearing a costume,” admits Hefner, who had her breast implants removed in 2016. She’s dipped her toe into the dating waters since Hugh’s passing and says she wants to get married — “I’m definitely a romantic” — and have kids someday. “I get to spend time here in Hawaii and travel and hang out with people who have my best interests at heart,” adds Hefner. “Life is good.”

Reporting by Andrea Simpson

Crystal Hefner is on a path to healing. After 10 years living in the infamous Playboy Mansion, the former wife of Hugh Hefner — they were wed in 2012 until his death of natural causes in 2017 — is making a fresh start. She’s relocated from L.A. to Hawaii, where she’s renovated a home on

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Advice

How Color Shapes Film Mood and Tone

Published

19 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

Color is a powerful storytelling tool in filmmaking. It shapes a film’s tone, influences emotions, and enhances visual storytelling. By understanding color theory and symbolism, filmmakers can craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience on a deeper level.

1. The Basics of Color Theory in Film

At its core, color theory helps filmmakers choose and combine colors to achieve specific effects.

Primary Colors: Red, blue, and yellow are the building blocks of all colors.
Color Harmony: Complementary (opposites on the color wheel) and analogous (adjacent colors) schemes create visual balance or tension.
Warm vs. Cool Colors: Warm tones (red, orange, yellow) evoke energy and passion, while cool tones (blue, green, purple) create calmness or melancholy.

Understanding these basics allows filmmakers to design palettes that support their story’s emotional arc.

2. Setting the Tone with Color Palettes

A film’s color palette sets the mood and reinforces its themes.

Monochromatic Schemes: Using shades of a single color can create a minimalist and cohesive look, as seen in Moonlight.
Contrasting Colors: Films like Amélie use vibrant contrasts to highlight whimsy and vibrancy.
Muted Tones: Desaturated colors in The Road evoke despair and a bleak post-apocalyptic world.

Choosing the right palette ensures the audience feels the intended emotions without overt exposition.

3. The Emotional Language of Colors

Colors evoke specific emotions and associations, making them essential for visual storytelling.

Red: Passion, danger, or power (Schindler’s List: The girl in the red coat).
Blue: Sadness, serenity, or isolation (Her: Melancholy longing).
Yellow: Joy, caution, or decay (Breaking Bad: The descent into moral chaos).
Green: Growth, envy, or the unnatural (The Matrix: A digital world).

Consider your story’s themes when assigning symbolic meanings to colors.

4. Practical Tips for Using Color on a Budget

Big budgets aren’t required to use color effectively.

Lighting: Experiment with gels and filters to alter light color.
Costume and Set Design: Coordinate wardrobe and props to align with your palette.
Post-Production: Use color grading software to fine-tune tones and hues.

Indie filmmakers can create visually stunning projects by focusing on intentional color choices during pre-production.

5. Famous Examples of Color in Film

Learn from cinematic classics that masterfully use color:

The Grand Budapest Hotel: Wes Anderson’s pastel hues create a whimsical, nostalgic world.
The Godfather: Golden tones symbolize power and corruption.
Black Panther: Vibrant colors celebrate African culture and Wakanda’s identity.

Analyze these examples to inspire your own projects.

Conclusion

Color is more than a visual element—it’s a storytelling powerhouse. By understanding its emotional impact and mastering its practical application, filmmakers can elevate their craft. Whether you’re working on a blockbuster or an indie film, thoughtful color choices can make your story unforgettable.

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

Entertainment

What Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan Teach Us About On-Screen Chemistry

Published

19 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

The on-screen chemistry between Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan exemplifies how two distinct personalities can create cinematic magic. Their collaboration in the Rush Hour series not only brought laughter and excitement to audiences but also showcased a unique blend of comedic timing, physicality, and cultural differences. This article explores the elements that contribute to their chemistry, the impact of their partnership on the action-comedy genre, and the valuable lessons we can learn from their dynamic.

Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan on the set of Rush Hour

Contrasting Styles

A key aspect of Tucker and Chan’s chemistry is their contrasting styles. Jackie Chan is renowned for his martial arts skills and physical comedy, while Chris Tucker brings a high-energy comedic flair characterized by rapid-fire dialogue. This combination creates a delightful balance that keeps audiences engaged, as viewers enjoy the interplay between Chan’s action sequences and Tucker’s humor.

Cultural Exchange

Their films often explore themes of cultural exchange, with Tucker representing an American perspective and Chan embodying a traditional Chinese approach. This cultural juxtaposition leads to humorous misunderstandings and witty banter that resonate with diverse audiences. By navigating these differences, Tucker and Chan not only entertain but also educate viewers about the richness of their respective cultures.

Improvisation and Playfulness

Both actors are known for their improvisational skills, which significantly enhance their on-screen chemistry. Their willingness to play off each other’s energy allows for spontaneous moments that feel genuine and entertaining. This improvisation shines in scenes where Tucker’s quick wit meets Chan’s physical comedy, resulting in memorable exchanges.

Impact on the Action-Comedy Genre

The success of the Rush Hour series revolutionized the action-comedy genre, paving the way for future collaborations between actors from different backgrounds. The blend of action-packed sequences with comedic elements became a formula that many filmmakers sought to replicate. Tucker and Chan’s chemistry not only entertained audiences but also demonstrated that diverse partnerships could lead to creative storytelling.

Lessons Learned from Their Dynamic

Embrace Differences: Embracing contrasting styles can enrich storytelling.
Prioritize Chemistry: Building rapport among actors is essential for engaging narratives.
Encourage Improvisation: Allowing room for improvisation enhances both humor and emotional depth.
Highlight Cultural Nuances: Thoughtfully exploring cultural differences resonates with audiences.

Conclusion

Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan’s chemistry is a testament to the power of collaboration in film. Their contrasting styles, cultural exchanges, and improvisational skills create a unique dynamic that resonates with viewers worldwide. By examining what makes their partnership special, filmmakers can gain valuable insights into crafting memorable cinematic experiences that leave lasting impressions on audiences long after the credits roll.

Advice

Crafting the Ultimate Alien Costume

Published

20 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

Creating an amazing alien costume is a fun and creative process that combines imagination, artistic skills, and some technical know-how. It all starts with a burst of inspiration—an idea for a creature from another world that is both strange and fascinating.

Step 1: Research and Design

The first step in making an alien costume is research. Look at different sci-fi movies, books, and even scientific theories about what extraterrestrial life might look like. Spend time sketching your ideas; this helps you visualize your alien character. Think about where this alien comes from and how it might look based on its environment.

Step 2: Building the Alien Head

The head is one of the most important parts of the costume. You can start with a foam mannequin head and then use oil-based clay to sculpt unique features, like unusual shapes or textures. This process takes time, often several weeks, as you want to get the details just right. Once you’re happy with the sculpture, you can make molds and cast the head in materials like silicone or latex.

Step 3: Creating the Body Suit

Next, you’ll need a body suit that fits well and looks otherworldly. Use stretchy fabrics like spandex to create a suit that allows for movement. You can add padding to give your alien a unique shape or muscular appearance. Make sure to include a zipper for easy wear.

Step 4: Adding Texture and Skin Details

To make your alien look realistic, focus on adding texture to the skin. You can use silicone or latex to create scales, bumps, or other patterns that suggest an exotic biology. Airbrushing techniques will help you paint the suit with colors that make it look alive.

Step 5: Designing the Eyes

Alien eyes are crucial for creating a captivating look. You might use custom-made contact lenses or create large prosthetic eyes that stand out. These can be made by sculpting eye shapes in clay, making molds, and then painting them to look realistic.

Step 6: Hands and Feet

Don’t forget about the hands and feet! You can create custom gloves and shoes that match your alien design. Use latex or silicone to make them look unique, and consider adding details like long fingers or unusual shapes.

Step 7: Incorporating Lights

To make your costume even more eye-catching, consider adding lights. Using LED strips or glow-in-the-dark materials can give your alien an otherworldly glow. Plan where these lights will go during the design phase so they blend seamlessly into your costume.

Step 8: Final Assembly

Once all parts are created, it’s time for assembly. Put everything together and test how it fits on the performer. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and mobility. A full dress rehearsal is essential to identify any issues before the big reveal.

Conclusion

Creating an alien costume is an exciting project that allows you to explore your creativity. While it can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks and cost between $2,000 and $5,000 for high-quality materials, the end result is worth it—a unique costume that transports audiences into another world! With patience and attention to detail, you can bring your alien vision to life in a way that captivates everyone who sees it.