from the editor
I would personally like to dedicate this issue of SWAG to all the talented singers, musicians, and music professionals here in Texas. Ryan DeSiato graces the cover of this month’s issue. His poignant lyrics and eclectic rhythms are beautifully orchestrated, making his music original and incredibly captivating. Up close, Ryan is an enigmatic artist whose passion for music infects anyone within a few feet of him. To have Ryan all to yourself is like bottling inspiration in
concentrated form. His message and his example is an interesting one and we hope as his peers, you take it to heart.

MARY ROBINSON, Editor-in-Chief
swageditor@gmail.com
in this issue
IN REVIEW: Bruce Springsteen, Crowded House, and Laura Marie. Their albums of 2007
on the cover
He's a poet with an incredible message, a guitarist with a superior voice, and he's making the best album of his career. With his new album Synthesis hitting record stores, Austin recording artist Ryan DeSiato talks about strong convictions, paying dues, and staying true to yourself (and to your art).
Photography by Eric Glover, www.ericgloverphotography.com
ryan's rapture
ryan desiato
THE ART OF THE AUDITION: Donise Hardy, one of Texas' most respected casting directors talks about how to fail and not to fail at an audition
ICONOLOGY 101: Jade Esteban Estrada teaches about lesbian and gay historical icons in an entertaining, saavy, and delightfully funny love performance!
GUITAR 911: Proper maintenance is important. Don't let your precious instrument die of thirst.
SELLING TO THE MAN...WITHOUT SELLING OUT: Sal Silva talks about how he started CD Fuse to help recording artists promote and distribute their music.
PUBLICITY FOR DUMMIES: First time being interviewed? Or perhaps you just need to brush up on the do's and don'ts of press etiquette. Well here are some great tips to follow if you don't have a publicist holding your hand.
WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN: We asked DJ Silver, Ashlee Rose, and Rosie Flores who inspires them.
EN SU CASSA: You need training and CASSA can help
WHAT IS FIGHT COORDINATING: Director Matthew Jasso of Ferro Studios explains the ins and outs of fight coordinating and how you can use it your next film
8 THINGS YOU'LL NEVER HEAR AN EDITOR SAY: Strait off the cutting room floor, here are 8 quips you'll never hear uttered by an editor
IT'S ALL IN THE NUMBERS: Austin is know for being the Live Music Capital of the World and it has generated plenty of revenue for the state capitol. The numbers don't lie.
So You Wanna Be An Actor? Learn the ins & outs of the business from the biggest names in the industry! Actors Expo presents the “Actor and Filmmaker Forum” which is the premiere educational industry event for aspiring talents. The power-packed panel of keynote speakers comprises of: actor Mario Lopez (“Dancing with the Stars”, “Extra”, “Saved by the Bell”, and “Pacific Blue”). Special guest speakers are director Renny Harlin (“The Covenant”, “Die Hard 2”, “Cliffhanger”, and “Driven”), producer Kia Jam from Capitol Films (“Lucky Number Slevin”, “Juwanna Mann”, “The Jacket”, and “Edison”) and Agent Nick Reed, Vice President-International Creative Management (ICM) Actors Expo will assist you in getting started in this incredible but complicated industry. Topics will include: • How to start your search for agent and manager. • How to get into real castings and what to do when you get there. • Find out what producers and directors are looking for. • What to do and say when you get the opportunity to get in front of them. • If you’ve already begun acting, learn how to improve your skills. Hollywood’s biggest names will discuss films, television, casting calls, and give career advice and personal experiences to get you started in the business or keep the career you have moving forward. Tickets Resigester before January 10th $25 online registration $30 after January 10th $50 pre VIP reception meet and great celebrities reserve seating
Mario Lopez Actor “Dancing with the Stars”, “Extra”, “Saved By The Bell”, and “Pacific Blue” How to make it as an actor in the industry This is the best place to get to know the inside tricks of the trade from one of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities, Mario Lopez. Audience members will have a chance to ask Mario questions about television, film, acting skills, and what it takes to get to the big screen. Mario Lopez Has become known to television audiences through his series roles on NBC's "Saved By The Bell" and recently found huge success again with “Dancing with the Stars” and as a correspondent for “Extra” while hosting several beauty pageants such as the “Miss Universe” and the “Miss America ” pageants. USA Network's "Pacific Blue". He also served as host of the ESPN2’s “ESPN Hollywood”. His film credits include "Colors," "Depraved" and a starring role in the 1999 independent film "Eastside." He currently plays Christian Ramirez on CBS’s #1 rated daytime drama, “The Bold and the Beautiful”.
Renny Harlin Director “The Covenant”, “Die Hard 2”, “Cliffhanger”, and “Driven” What directors look for in actors Find out the inside scoop on what directors seek out in actors to fulfill their vision of a film. Learn how the crew, especially actors, play a major role in getting there. Veteran director, Renny Harlin, will lead you through the entire process from script to screen. Renny will discuss the dos and don’ts on your career journey to obtaining your goals in Hollywood. Renny Harlin Over the past 15 years, Renny Harlin has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most prominent filmmakers. His credits span multiple genres, and include both action-oriented international blockbusters and critically acclaimed dramas. Currently Renny is in post-production on a dramatic thriller entitled “Cleaner”, starring Samuel L. Jackson, Ed Harris, and Eva Mendes. Renny's latest theatrical release was the sci-fi thriller “The Covenant” for Sony Screen Gems. He also directed the 2005 hit “Mindhunters” with Val Kilmer, Christian Slater and LL Cool J, “Exorcist: The Beginning”, and is best known for “Cliffhanger” with Sylvester Stallone and “Die Hard 2: Die Harder” with Bruce Willis. Harlin’s career has also included “Rambling Rose”, “Driven”, “Deep Blue Sea”, “Cutthroat Island” and “The Long Kiss Goodnight”. Harlin’s production company Midnight Sun Pictures is based in Los Angeles, where Harlin resides. Recently joined the ranks at Capitol Films and is slated to produce Five Dollars A Day (staring Christopher Walken) and Black Water Transit (staring Laurence Fishburne). He was formerly the Chief Operating Officer of Ascendant Pictures and has produced films including Lucky Number Slevin (Bruce Willis, Josh Hartnett, Morgan Freeman),The Big White (Robin Williams, Holly Hunter), Ask The Dust (Colin Farrell, Salma Hayek)and The Jacket (Adrien Brody, Keira Knightley). In 2002, Jam produced Juwanna Mann for Morgan Creek and Warner Bros. He also produced Dungeons & Dragons with Joel Silver (Matrix, Lethal Weapon) for New Line Cinema starring Jeremy Irons, Thora Birch and Marlon Wayans.
Nick Reed Agent Vice President - International Creative Management (ICM) “Ask an Agent” Representation is key in the entertainment industry. Discover everything you need to know about becoming or dealing with an agent. From finding an agent- to how agents choose actors, what they do for you and the relationships that transpire between actors, agents and casting directors. Nick Reed, VP of prestigious ICM, will canvass how actors can get the proper entrance into their profession and the process of building your career. Topics include: * Winning auditions * Representation * Actor submission * Contract Negotiations Nick Reed Nicholas Reed went from being a British Royal Navy Pilot to being cast in Steven Spielberg’s film Hook to becoming the Co-Head of the prestigious International Creative Management-one of Hollywood’s biggest talent agencies. Working with writers, directors and actors, Nick has been involved with such movies as Austin Powers I, II and III, Elizabeth, Training Day, The Bourne Identity Series, Monster’s Ball, Underworld I & II, Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers and Live Free Die Hard among many others. He has served on the Los Angeles British Film Board advising the government on film policies and has advised government ministers. He is also a guest speaker for UCLA’s graduate film program.
Kia Jam Producer “Lucky Number Slevin”, “Juwanna Mann”, and “The Jacket” How to take an idea to the big screen If your interest lies in the film industry, this is the ONLY place you will learn the process on how to get there. Kia Jam of Capitol Films will share with you filmmaking from A to Z. Here’s your chance to pick the brain of a veteran producer from one of today’s leading production companies. Topics include: * Independent financing * Casting * Finding the right director Kia Jam Recently joined the ranks at Capitol Films and is slated to produce Five Dollars A Day (staring Christopher Walken) and Black Water Transit (staring Laurence Fishburne). He was formerly the Chief Operating Officer of Ascendant Pictures and has produced films including Lucky Number Slevin (Bruce Willis, Josh Hartnett, Morgan Freeman),The Big White (Robin Williams, Holly Hunter), Ask The Dust (Colin Farrell, Salma Hayek)and The Jacket (Adrien Brody, Keira Knightley). In 2002, Jam produced Juwanna Mann for Morgan Creek and Warner Bros. He also produced Dungeons & Dragons with Joel Silver (Matrix, Lethal Weapon) for New Line Cinema starring Jeremy Irons, Thora Birch and Marlon Wayans.
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