Sandra daCOSTA | SICK - "Survive The Night"

Planted firmly in the middle of nowhere and somewhere between Scutterhole Rd. and Thrasher Rd (how apropos) in the deepest parts of... where are we again?  Oh yeah... somewhere north of Belleville, or is it Halston?

As you can see myself, cast and crew put complete faith in our director Ryan M. Andrews who led the way to a very secure yet secluded unknown area to have a little "gun-play" as he likes to call it.  You may call it Firearms Handling and Safety... which was provided by Jamie Sled of NEXUS CANADA award winning Special Effects and Armaments Company servicing the Film and Television Industry. 
http://www.nexuscanadaspfx.ca/index.html.

Christina Aceto aka Doctor Leigh Rozetta

Geoff. W.

Sandra daCosta aka Betsy

Sandra daCosta aka Betsy and Jamie Sled (NEXUS CANADA) hamming it up for the cameras

Christopher Thompson

Robert Nolan

L to R:  Ryan Port, Christopher Thompson, Devin Upham

Director/Writer/Producer Ryan M. Andrews

Writer/Producer Chris Cull

Once we all felt comfortable with our respective firearms we decided to stick it to our director... just a little. 

Director/ Writer/Producer Ryan M. Andrews

What is all this for you ask?  Ryan M. Andrews has received the go ahead to bring his script SICK to the big screen.  Brought to you by Left Lobe Media & Blackguardism Creations.  Join the FB Fan Page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SICK-Survive-The-Night/103764249713806?sk=info

To find out more about SICK the Feature Film read Ryan's latest interview with Big Daddy Horror Reviews here: http://www.bigdaddyhorrorreviews.com/2011/01/sick-aims-to-offer-fresh-twist-to.html

Directed By: Ryan M. Andrews
Written By: Ryan M. Andrews & Chris Cull
Screenplay By: Ryan M. Andrews & Chris Cull
Produced By: Cengiz H Fehmi, Ryan M. Andrews, Chris Cull, Geoff. W., Michael Jari Davidson

I had the opportunity to learn how to handle a Handgun and a Pro Uzi. 

Sandra daCosta aka Betsy Photography courtesy of Ryan M Andrews

Sandra daCosta aka Betsy Photography courtesy of Robert Nolan

	Video Clip:  Sandra daCosta aka Betsy shooting her first firearm! MissSandraD's Online Sources: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3398617/ http://www.wix.com/sandra_m_dacosta/sandradacosta http://themoviestarnextdoor-dacosta.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/MissSandraD_

Sandra daCOSTA | Stealin' Home Makes A Date With CANNES 2011

Stealin' Home has officially made it's World Premiere at Cannes International Film Festival 2011.  Director Joe Mari, Screen Writer Massimo Volpe, and  PR/Marketing/Branding Consultant Romina Mari ventured over to the south of France to represent the short film in what was sure to be a bright shining moment in the hearts of all those involved in the production of Stealin' Home.  Meetings with Raven Banner Entertainment and Imagination Worldwide were set up to round out the finale of Stealin' Homes' ventures over seas...  Stay tuned in for more details.

In the meantime here is the Official Trailer for Stealin' Home, produced by Roulette Pictures.
http://www.roulettepictures.ca
http://twitter.com/#!/RoulettePic
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1863386/

XOXO,
Miss D

MissSandraD's Online Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3398617/
http://www.wix.com/sandra_m_dacosta/sandradacosta
http://themoviestarnextdoor-dacosta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/MissSandraD_

Sandra daCOSTA | Gentleman Prefer Blondes? I mean Brunettes?

While I did not find myself surrounded by well dressed men as Marilyn Monroe did as she sang the song "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend", I did have a stellar team working behind the scenes.  Without them this wouldn't have been possible.

PS: I did not get to keep the jewelry... I handed it over... reluctantly.

Celebrity Photographer: Richard Sibbald

This one's my favorite!

XOXOXO
MissSandraD

MissSandraD's Online Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3398617/
http://www.wix.com/sandra_m_dacosta/sandradacosta
http://themoviestarnextdoor-dacosta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/MissSandraD_

Sandra daCOSTA | Troubleshooting An Actors Budget

Looking for ways to trim the excess fat from your day-to-day expenditures? As an actor I’m always looking for ways to do this… here are 5 straightforward suggestions to keep you within a budget.

1.  GYM MEMBERSHIPS:  I enjoy working out too much to give up on the gym, however I did make the decision to cancel my membership last year and truth be told I felt lost without it.  I’d had one for the last 13 years, what was I going to do?  I found ways to be physically active without burying myself in membership fees and I’ve never looked back.  I did quite a bit of research on the net before finding my true fit (http://www.bodyrock.tv/)… this is what has been working for me and I’m thrilled with the progress I’ve made as I’m seeing and achieving results faster than any other program I’ve been involved with, but this is just an example that I'm sharing with you.  You can find numerous sites overflowing with knowledge on the subject and as always consult your physician before beginning a new routine.   Saving just under $700/year not to mention that I've freed up some of my time which is priceless.

2.  FOOD:  Fast Food and Take Out is a quick fix for a long day or hectic schedule but in the long run your going to spend way more cash… so invest in a plan to co-ordinate and make your meals yourself.  I enjoy cooking so this was an easy one for me.  I predominantly shop the outside isles, you get more bang for your buck and these foods are usually healthier for you.  Whereas processed foods like cookies, frozen dinners, pizzas, prepared meats, etc. cost more and they are generally bad for your health.

3.  SKIP THE SALON/SPA & DIY:  Visiting the Nail Bar every two weeks (sometimes sooner) to get a manicure and once every three weeks to get a pedicure was just not working out for me.  I now do my own mani/pedi’s, waxing, and threading.  YouTube has a wealth of information within it’s archives so get watching… and watch several on the same topic/technique before attempting it on yourself as some videos are better than others.

4.  HAIR:  This one is tricky… If your stylist messes up it’s right there on top of your head for everyone to see.  So I feel it’s safe to say that the relationship between Stylist and Client is one that is nurtured over time and a lot of trust is placed within this relationship.  I’ve been quite fortunate in having met some of the most fantastic Global Educators within the realm of cutting, coloring, styling, and makeup.  With this being said… hair institutions offer cuts and colors provided by “junior stylists” at a fraction of the cost (cuts ~ $30), it sounds scary but it really isn’t.  These institutions pride themselves on the education and training that their students receive, plus it’s their name that’s on the line, word of mouth works both ways whether bad, or good.  I’m partial to AVEDA as I’ve had only positive experiences with them over the last 6 years and they maintain an eco – friendly environment within their products and services. BONUS: AVEDA usually offers a quick hand massage or mini aromatherapy scalp massage before they begin!

AVEDA is only an example… there are many institutions to consider!

5.   CLOTHING:  The hunt is on!  Have a plan when stepping out to get your shop on.  Know what you’re shopping for and where to look for it and be specific.  Figure out how much you’re willing to spend.

Basics like t-shirts = smaller budget

Coats, blazers, and formal attire = bigger budget

Bring a set amount of cash and leave the plastic at home.  Swiping plastic is a no-brainer but handing over cold hard cash makes you think about the investment your making and whether it’s a wise choice to commit.

Do all you can to stay within your budget :)

xoxoxo
MissSandraD

MissSandraD's Online Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3398617/
http://www.wix.com/sandra_m_dacosta/sandradacosta
http://themoviestarnextdoor-dacosta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/MissSandraD_
 

Sandra daCOSTA | The Devil Walks Among You - Short Horror Film

The Devil as Muse?  A lesson in humanity brought to you by Ryan M. Andrews.  You may be quick to call him the guru of horror, but he'll be quick to point out that he's really just an avid fan of the horror genre.

Blackguardism Creations & Moonlit Road Entertainment brings you this FILM NOIR/HORROR short...

Our journey begins inside a seedy blues bar layered with smoke, shadows and pools of light.  A tale of mystery, wonder and horror fills the room as Lily Mastema begins to weave her mystical tale on the audience found before her, while posing the age old question... Does the Devil really exist?  or better yet... Do you believe in the Devil?

'THE DEVIL WALKS AMONG YOU'
Produced by Blackguardism Creations & Moonlit Road Entertainment - http://rmandrews.wordpress.com/, http://www.morganmuscat.com/welcom,
Written and Directed by Ryan M. Andrews - http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3584100/, http://www.blogto.com/filmmakers/ryan_m_andrews/
DP: Fraser Brown
Camera Operator: Jeff Hanley - http://jeffhanley.yolasite.com/, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2692525/
1st AD - Ryan Port
Sound - Devin O'Haire
Hair/Makeup - Shanene Barlow

Sandra daCosta as Lily Mastema

Photography Credit: Michelle Siu / Oakville Beaver - http://www.insidehalton.com/community/oakvillebeaver/article/872217

MissSandraD's Online Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3398617/
http://www.wix.com/sandra_m_dacosta/sandradacosta
http://themoviestarnextdoor-dacosta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/MissSandraD_
 

Sandra daCOSTA | Risque Business - Miss Sandra D

Can a Leopardess Change Her Spots?

(January 12th, 2011 - Toronto, Canada) - Charming and uncensored, Sandra daCosta has had no trouble tapping into her darker side in "The Devil Walks Among You", written and directed by Ryan M. Andrews.  She appreciates that's it's more cerebral than over the top, and the further away the concept is from her own personality and image - the better, she says.  Why?  It makes viewing her films more palatable.  "The Devil Walks Among You" isn't the only project in which Sandra is exploring new themes - she also has a starring role in the film "Stealin' Home", a period piece set in 1969, Red Hook, Brooklyn, written by Massimo Volpe and directed by Joe Mari.  And if that wasn't enough for this ever growing household name, Sandra will be starring in the critically acclaimed short film "A Very Candid Game", written and directed by Will Khan.  This short examines the impact of political dominance, lies and betrayal within the confines of a love story.  "It makes us question who we are and what leads us to behave the way we do."  This workaholic intends on staying committed to reaching and maintaining a unique audience, with that being said, we will definitely be seeing more of this starlet in the very near future.

MissSandraD's Online Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3398617/
http://www.wix.com/sandra_m_dacosta/sandradacosta
http://themoviestarnextdoor-dacosta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/MissSandraD_

Sandra daCOSTA | Going Viral - Brands, Products, and Services?!

With everyone discussing their brands, products, and services across multiple forms of Social Media, how does one (or more specifically me) stand out in a sea of chaotic information and spam?

I began this blog with the intention of utilizing my work, work ethic, and connections to reach people through thoughts, opinions, expertise and vision.  This has proven to be a tremendous challenge.  Why you ask?  For multiple reasons...

1.  I am not a writer by any means.

2.  I know what my brand is but I am not quite clear on how to put it on paper, or why it would matter to the masses.

3.  "SPAM OR MESSAGE THROWING".  I detest this with every fiber of my being, but how do I get the word out there that what I'm doing is what I'm doing.  I have no intention of "marketing at" people, it's "spamming" as far as I'm concerned... how could I do that to friends, family, and colleagues, it's so impersonal.  And as far as reaching those outside my circle why would they care, as the relationship doesn't exist, it's entirely one sided and not my goal.

So how do I get around all this clutter?  What is it I'm trying to achieve?  Here it is if you have a moment or two (I have a feeling that the people who love me will read this in it's entirety, and that's OK).

It's quite simple in theory!

I want to engage you and everyone else in conversation.  I want to humanize and personalize my stories specifically for the people I'm attempting to reach.  As I continue to participate and contribute content, advice, and information I hope to build an online portfolio of knowledge that will lend to my reputation, which will inadvertently raise the profile of the brand I represent.

Most importantly, this type of participation encourages reader loyalty.  I EARN your TRUST, and TRUST is PRICELESS.

No BS. No Hype.  What we have here is an understanding of the truth, the needs of people and how to reach them.

I want to facilitate new conversations that can start locally but will have global impact (I know, I'm an actor, it's not like I'm saving lives, but what I do is so important, do not underestimate the art of being entertained).  Which is why it's imperative that I know what I'm talking about, why it matters, and how and who it helps.

It's about dialogue and storytelling.  Not raw facts on a press release.  RESPECT your contacts and do your homework.

For me it's less about traffic and hits as metrics for success and more about QUALITY, REFERRALS, and so on that define my growth. (Don't get me wrong, it would be awesome to be "Trending" on many of the popular search engines).  But this is an opportunity to engage and cultivate relationships and to be a resource for my community.

MORE SUBSTANCE, LESS HYPE and regardless of the technology, beneficial conversations are about trust, respect, and positive experiences.

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE,

2011 is the year to make it happen,
XOXO Sandra D

MissSandraD's Online Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3398617/
http://www.wix.com/sandra_m_dacosta/sandradacosta
http://themoviestarnextdoor-dacosta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/MissSandraD_