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Step and Repeat

By Jessica Shiraz 8/15/12 6:35pm

Step and Repeat

Debra Martin Chase and Tika Sumpter. (Nicholas Hunt / PatrickMcMullan.com)

Whitney Houston’s Sparkle Co-Stars Remember Her Fondly

The Cinema Society with Circa and Alice & Olivia hosted a special screening of Whitney Houston’s final movie, Sparkle, last night at the Tribeca Grand Hotel. This was a bittersweet moment for all of the cast and crew, particularly for two-time Emmy-nominated film producer, Debra Martin Chase, who also co-produced The Princess Diaries with the late singer over a decade ago.

“This was a twelve-year journey for Whitney and I to get this movie made,” former lawyer Ms. Chase told us. “It was her idea do the remake [of the 1976 film of the same name], and we spent the last twelve years trying to get it done. We had the most fun we’ve ever had making a movie. I know people always say that, but we really had a ball making this movie.”

Actress Tika Sumpter, from Gossip Girl, was sparkling head-to-toe in a golden dress. She also reminisced about working with Whitney Houston. Read More

By Charlotte Lindemann 8/02/12 3:31pm

Step and Repeat

Will McCormack and Rashida Jones. (Andrew Toth/PatrickMcMullan.com)

Rashida Jones and Will McCormack on the Comic Roles They Wrote for Themselves in Celeste and Jesse Forever

It isn’t rare for Hollywood stars to step out of the spotlight and behind the scenes of late, with names as big as Madonna and Angelina Jolie getting Oscar buzz last year for their stints in the director’s chair. The newest actor-turned-something-else is Parks and Recreation star Rashida Jones, who, along with friend and fellow actor Will McCormack, wrote the script for new release Celeste and Jesse Forever, in which they both appear. (Read our review here.) At last night’s Peggy Siegal Company special screening, in support of the International Rescue Committee, Ms. Jones and Mr. McCormack gave The Observer the lowdown on writing their own characters. “Most people would write a superhero, or some kind of animated character, I just picked a business woman,” joked Ms. Jones. “Thats my aspiration.” Read More