US Reporter

There Will Be Blood – The 2007 Epic Period Drama Film Sheds Light on American Capitalism and Greed

Today, oil and gas is a multi-billion dollar industry, highly regulated to prevent excessive oil drilling. Excessive oil drilling has become a significant concern as it disrupts wildlife habitats, pollutes communities, and releases dangerous emissions that contribute to climate change. But what happened back in the days when there was little to no regulation and the oil and industry was the Wild West? HPG Networks recently released an article on the 2007 film “There Will Be Blood,” which takes viewers on a journey to the 1900s, a time when the industry was rife with violence without any consequences for excessive oil drilling. 

Based on the acclaimed  1927 novel Oil! by Upton Sinclair, “There Will Be Blood” is an American epic period drama film set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during Southern California’s oil boom when oil drilling was a new pursuit. Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the epic film follows the life of the protagonist Daniel Plainview, depicted by Daniel Day-Lewis, who was a silver miner at the start of his career. His ruthless pursuit of wealth and success shot him to prominence from an independent miner and oil rig operator to the leader of his own oil business.

However, the top is lonely, and many would see him fail. In a true Wild West oil tycoon fashion, protagonist Daniel Plainview never faltered in the face of competition. Instead, he would do anything to expand his oil mining business, resorting to violence, alcohol and highly unsettling coping mechanism. Untouched by federal regulation or moderation, the oil magnate spiraled into madness fueled by greed and rage with a single-minded goal to capitalize on opportunities by strangling out the competition and becoming the sole beneficiary of vast amounts of untapped natural resources.

The 2007 film gained massive acclaim for its direction, screenplay, score, and performance of its cast, including Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds, Kevin J. O’Connor, and Dillon Freasier. Fans and critics praised the film as one of 21st century greatest films, and it was nominated for eight Oscars at the 80th Academy Awards. On top of that, the leading character Daniel Day-Lewis won BAFTA, Golden Globe, NYFCC and IFTA, the Academy Award, Screen Actors Guild and Best Leading Actor awards for his outstanding performance. 

Claiming its spot as a top fan favorite, the film has a rating of over 91%, with an average rating of 8.5/10 on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. A review on the website reads, “Widely touted as a masterpiece, this sprawling film about the ‘heroes’ of capitalism boasts incredible performances by leads Daniel Day-Lewis and Paul Dano, is director Paul Thomas Anderson’s best work to date.”

With 360 degrees of insight into American capitalism and how unfettered greed can corrupt a man,  “There Will Be Blood” is undoubtedly one of the greatest films ever made. Furthermore, viewers can watch it, learn essential life lessons and use it as an example to help society avoid the same behavior in their personal pursuits for success.

“Everything and Everyone Comes with a Story”: How This Young Filmmaker from India Creates Films That Inspire

20 years ago, Indian-born cinematographer Gurdeep Singh had never even heard of any of the streaming websites which have now become such an indelible part of his life. India’s IT sector, although rapidly growing, was nowhere near that of its western counterparts. There was no Netflix, and certainly no YouTube, which is why cinema became, and still remains, such a sanctified industry for millions of Indians. One of these fervid film devotees was a 10-year old science student from Punjab, who fell in love with cinema almost instantaneously. The lack of Cable TV meant that the weekly films that were played on public channels were especially savored. In a society where STEM fields were widely regarded as the only ones worth pursuing, the thought of becoming a filmmaker was an alien concept to Singh, yet all he knew was that he was completely enraptured.

It wasn’t until much later that Singh realized he was actually capable of creating the same stories he had spent his childhood coveting. After shooting a documentary at his local Old Age Home, Singh was taken aback by the barrage of praise that followed. At a private screening for his friends and family, he recalls, there wasn’t a single dry eye in the room. To Singh, who had since then realized that he just wasn’t cut out for traditional careers in Medicine and Engineering, it was a turning point. He felt empowered and encouraged by the impact a well-directed film could have on any audience, big or small. According to him, this realization caused a significant shift in perspective: “It was like something inside me switched on. I started looking at things differently, searching for little things that most people overlook in people. When I sat in a bus, I observed the faces around me. I realized that everything and everyone comes with a story, and a good storyteller is one skilled enough to see it and brave enough to capture it.” After submitting a Short film to the Yes Bank Movie Awards, Singh won the third position in his first film festival, presented by none other than renowned Indian director Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra. For the first time, he knew this was exactly where he belonged.

Today, Gurdeep Singh is one of India’s trailblazing young filmmakers, who are changing the face of Indian entertainment with their technique, skill, and verve. He has a number of short independent films under his belt, including Fenced (2019), A Family Barbecue (2019), and Paranormal Monster’s Society (2018). In 2016, Singh enrolled in New York Film Academy to study cinematography. According to him, film school was one of his best decisions: “I love the way they taught us cinematography, starting us off with an 8mm lens and then slowly building it  to 16mm and 35mm. Working with film is especially tricky; once it’s captured, there’s no turning back. It taught me to be disciplined, to plan each shoot meticulously, and to make sure I was selective, and focused.” Fresh out of film school, Singh was eager to apply his newfound skills and knowledge to real life movies. He worked with a number of production houses, under the likes of Brad Hamilton and Maria Quintana, and in the process received a film education more valuable than the one he had received in New York.

In 2016, Singh worked with Riyad Bin Muqrin in his crime thriller, The Soul, which was completely new territory for him. Previously, he had been part of a team, being coached by some of the industry’s finest. Now, the ball was in his court: he was responsible for leading an entire team. This opened the doors for other opportunities, and it led him to work on Paranormal Monster Society, Turning Tables, and From a Barren State in 2018. These projects were an integral learning experience for Singh, who became familiar with the sort of dedication and work needed to lead a massive team, plan and coordinate scenes and seamless shots, and be prepared to adapt and improvise.

Film cinematography isn’t the only feather in Singh’s cap. Shortly after venturing into the film world, he was introduced to Balwinder Singh, CEO of Speed Records, India’s biggest regional music company. They were fascinated by his ideas and offered him a position as Executive Producer, which was the lucky break Singh had been waiting for all his life. He began working for internationally renowned artists like Diljit Dosanjh, Jassi Gill, Babbal Rai, and Miss Pooja. He became involved in some of their most famous music videos, some of which have between 100M and 300M views. Talking about this experience working with these industry legends, Singh says, “Knowing them personally and professionally felt special. But during this journey, I learned the reason for their success: They’re positive people, and most of them are firm believers of meditation. They make you comfortable and talk to you without any of the pomposity common in stars of their stature.” This experience of working as a director and cinematographer at the same time felt like a special treat, one that Singh hopes will continue moving forward.

Singh’s dream for the future is to take it several notches higher: “I want to own my own production house, eventually. Work as a producer and cinematographer. I want to travel, find new stories, things that speak to people and are relatable.” With a number of riveting projects in the works and a determination to make it big in the filmmaking scene both in India and elsewhere, it is certain that Gurdeep Singh is a name we’ll keep hearing more of.

Syed Ahad Hussain Is the Top Selected Male Model for Raven Wilson’s 2020 Fashion & Film Projects

Known as the producer and talent director of CIM Exclusive Models and the new assistant casting director for the upcoming Lou Picture’s 2021 film Nightmare Harbor, Raven Wilson is well-known and respected for discovering new talents in the entertainment industry.  Today, she is most excited about welcoming Syed Ahad Hussain and offering him a significant role in her fashion and film projects for 2021.

Syed Ahad Hussain is a professional Pakistani actor, voice-over artist, and model hailing from Los Angeles, California. On top of his eye-catching looks, charming personality, and impressive stage presence, the actor-model stands out for embodying a positive outlook in work and life, which he radiates everywhere he goes. 

Seeing that Syed Ahad Hussain has a lot to offer in the national and international entertainment industry, Raven Wilson did not have second guesses in choosing to work with him as he was perfect for the projects. Syed has a profound background in acting, having trained in numerous acting institutions in the United States, Europe, UAE, and Pakistan. Being on stage and in front of the screen is not new to him as he has appeared in several films, television shows, and theater projects. One of his most notable adaptation roles includes playing Blayer Davis, in The 99, an animated television in 2011 where Syed had the opportunity to work for the famous Director Dave Osborne’s film. 

Running on ten years of experience in the movie industry, Syed Ahad Hussain has gained a deep understanding of the entertainment world. His exposure to various cultures from growing up in the UAE and Pakistan has also given him a wider perspective about life and a better understanding when it comes to dealing with people.

One feature that Raven Wilson highlights about Syed Ahad Hussain is his unmatched commitment to his goals. She noted how Syed is not one to procrastinate as he pursues his goal at the earliest opportunity possible. Another thing that captured the talent director’s attention was Syed’s acting and modeling portfolio, where he emphasizes the importance of relentlessly pursuing one’s goals and not letting any form of resistance stop him from doing so. It became evident for Raven Wilson that Syed was not one to back down, making him the best choice for her projects. 

Indeed, Syed Ahad Hussain embodies an attitude driven by passion and fueled by his thirst for success. His down-to-earth attitude easily leads him to bigger opportunities in the entertainment world. That said, Raven Wilson also hopes to land more significant roles that will put him on the entertainment map and perhaps, even on the books. 

As for Syed Ahad Hussain, he has a deep grasp of what he wants to achieve in life, and his ultimate focus today is reaching his projects full of positive intentions. He continues to chase after his vision, not letting any obstacles come his way. “When we let resistance get the better of us on a consistent basis, we do ourselves and the world a massive disservice. We’re not getting work that can impact others into the world,” shares the rising model and movie star.

Stay updated on Syed’s eye-catching performances by visiting his official profile on IMDB.

9/11 Hero and Filmmaker Paul Eliacin Hopes to Tell His Tale to a tv network.

It has been almost two decades since the terror of the 9/11 attacks. But as much as every commemoration should remember all the lives lost and the long-lasting impact of this tragedy, it is also important to continue honoring that historical day’s heroes: the first responders. Along with other New Yorkers — such as the film industry members who helped in Ground Zero by donating generator lights, grip stands, cables, etc. — known for coming together in times of need, these valiant first responders saved thousands of lives at the expense of their own safety. 

Haitian American independent film director Paul E. Eliacin is one of the individuals who demonstrated exceptional bravery during the September 11 catastrophe. He received several letters of commendations from the nation’s top politicians, including Governor Andrew Cuomo and Senator Chuck Schumer, for the outstanding heroism he showcased in rescuing others. 

Paul now serves as the creative mastermind of Up in Harlem, LLC, a motion pictures and film company established to push his soon-to-be-released urban action film, Up in Harlem, into the spotlight. Featuring Ice-T, Up in Harlem revolves around a family struggling to survive the ghetto. 

As a company, Up in Harlem, LLC, is entirely independently owned. Located in the newly diversified community of Harlem, its goal is to be a beacon for aspiring young filmmakers with dreams of documenting cultural trends that impact people from around the world. With Paul at the helm, it is immensely feasible for the company to achieve its objectives and make a positive difference in people’s lives. 

Paul has a long list of accomplishments to take pride in and capitalize on as he leads Up in Harlem to the top of the industry. Having learned filmmaking by watching powerhouse directors throughout their careers, he worked on various movies, TV shows, and commercials. His impressive career includes working on movies such as Boomerang, One Fine Day, Conspiracy Theory, Men in Black, and First Wives Club. In addition, he was also involved with New York Under Cover, Sopranos, Law and Order, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, and Law and Order: SVU, to which he has been assigned for the past 20 years. 

Moreover, Paul was a field producer for The Week in Review, a highly rated political talk show that aired on WRKS-FM in New York City with Bob Slade, Bob Pickett, Peter Noel, James Mtume, and Charles “The Cut Man” Etheridge. 

In the years to come, this film enthusiast hopes to continue making good movies like Up in Harlem. He also plans to write books about his life experiences and convey a powerful message about second chances and learning from past. Paul say always put God first.

More importantly, with the upcoming 20th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy fast approaching, Paul is looking into finding a network TV partner that will help him in telling his experiences at Ground Zero. Like other first responders, Paul has lived with the long-term health consequences of the terror attacks. He is currently suffering from a life-threatening respiratory disease that has claimed the lives of hundreds of his fellow responders. 

Ill-fated as it is, Paul knows that his number is coming up. So it is vital for him to allow viewers a look into what happened back on September 11, 2001, and how God has graced his life, serving as the primary force behind his survival. With over five hours of raw, never-before-seen footage and over three hundred unpublished photos, as well as interviews inside Ground Zero, Paul is ready to have his tale told. 

Learn more about Paul Eliacin by visiting his website, IMDb page, and YouTube channel. To get in contact with him, send him an email at pauleerecovery@gmail.com.