PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Commercial acting is an artistry where performers become brand storytellers to the world, evoking emotion, connection, and longing in just a matter of seconds. Unlike traditional dramatic acting, commercials require a precise juxtaposition of truth and viability—actors have to connect with viewers while capturing the essence of a brand. This high-intensity, competitive business prizes the good, the adaptable, and the astute. From high-energy beverage ads to intimate beauty campaigns, every frame must arrest attention, evoke connection, and move towards action. For aspiring actors looking to break into this industry, it takes not only talent but a guide built by people who have weathered its pitfalls and successes. Tiana Walsh is a Jamaican model and actor whose professional career exemplifies the strength of intentionality in commercial acting.
From appearing on Times Square billboards for Fratelli Beretta and breaking boundaries on Tim Hortons’ and MAC campaigns, Tiana Walsh has perfected the sorcery of creativity and strategy. Her résumé touches on award-winning TV pilots (Cause Célèbre), music videos of top artists, and collaborations with household names including L’Oréal Luxe and YSL Beauty. With over 40 accolades to her credit, including a cast award for Cause Célèbre, Tiana Walsh’s story is one of determination, resilience, and a steadfast dedication to authenticity. What follows, she condenses her hard-won insights into five practical strategies for budding actors willing to stake their claim.
- Start with Purpose, Build Strategically: Value Every Opportunity
While commercial acting often demands humility and persistence, Tiana Walsh’s journey underscores that meaningful roles can propel careers forward. Her breakthrough in an Oscar-nominated picture illustrates how quality projects can serve as a foundation for an actor’s career. “Every part, regardless…
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Victoria’s journey is one of transformation and reinvention. Born out of a desire to see Asian talent recognized on a global stage, she launched ACC in 2024—a time when New York’s creative scene was ripe for a shift. With ACC, Victoria set out to provide Asian creatives with tangible opportunities to learn from established mentors, gain firsthand experience in navigating Western markets, and ultimately tell their own stories with authenticity. In a city where every street corner seems to burst with artistic energy, ACC has quickly become a crucial gathering point for those determined to blend tradition with innovation.
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Seeing Silence: The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck
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Born in Helsinki, Schjerfbeck witnessed civil war and two World Wars as well as the burgeoning of Finland’s national identity following independence from Russian rule in 1917. Despite many personal hardships, Schjerfbeck never wavered in her determination to pursue her passion, painting for most of her life in a remote Nordic country, far removed from Europe’s centers of cultural upheaval and renewal. She once said resolutely, “All that I desire to do is to paint….there is always something to conquer.”
The exhibition is made possible by Elsa A. Brule.
This exhibition was organized by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in collaboration with the Finnish National Gallery / Ateneum Art Museum.
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The escalating feud between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively has now spiraled into its sixth lawsuit, and the entertainment industry grapples with complex PR reputation management challenges.
The March 2025 lawsuit, where Baldoni accuses his former publicist of leaking private text messages to Lively’s team, highlights the importance of confidentiality and crisis communication. Spynn, a PR firm known for its direct relationships with leading publications, offers insights to navigate these turbulent waters.
The Confidentiality Conundrum in Celebrity PR
The alleged leak of private communications in the Baldoni-Lively case highlights the importance of maintaining client confidentiality. PR firms must implement robust data protection protocols and ironclad non-disclosure agreements, especially in this digital age.
Matteo Ferretti, CEO of Spynn, emphasizes, “Controlling what goes out through media placements is the core of reputation management.” Their proprietary “Confidentiality Shield” protocol includes encrypted communication channels and compartmentalized information sharing to prevent the leaks alleged in the Baldoni case.
The firm’s unique ability to secure guaranteed placements in prestigious publications allows for swift counteraction against unauthorized information leaks. When information does leak, Spynn’s quick response team can deploy within hours, securing placements that contextualize or counter damaging narratives before they take root in the public consciousness.
Crisis Communication Strategies
As the Baldoni-Lively feud demonstrates, legal disputes can quickly become a trial by the media. Effective crisis communication is essential for managing public perception during ongoing legal battles. Spynn’s approach focuses on developing comprehensive crisis communication plans that ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.
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Since its founding in 1995, ChaShaMa has played a vital role in New York City’s arts ecosystem, transforming underutilized spaces into thriving studios, galleries, and performance venues. The organization has provided thousands of artists with free or low-cost studio and exhibition space, ensuring creativity continues flourishing despite the city’s ever-rising real estate costs. Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Durst reflected on the organization’s journey and its impact on the arts community. “ChaShaMa has always been about ensuring artists have the space to create and share their work,” she said. “This community is a testament to that vision.”
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