June-July 2007
Our one year “annibirthversary” issue was a major milestone, the tangible proof that the dream could indeed be a reality. But being something celebratory didn’t make it exempt from it’s share of behind the scenes drama, some of which played itself right out in front of your eyes. While the cover featured current “106th and Park” hosts Rocsi and T.J we were put in a position where we had to cover them like never before. Before I confuse you let’s just recap:
To the readers,
I know that under normal circumstances when you go in search of a story here you actually find one. However we can’t give you what we don’t have. There are times when things don’t come together as planned. And even the most meticulous planning doesn’t account for things that can’t be controlled considering that by nature this business is unpredictable. Alternatives were broached at some point but weren’t possible to work out on our end and in the end I could have filled this space with any number of things but after some thought figured this was the best option. After all here probably isn‘t the best place to store the guest list to my little brother‘s funky fresh sixteen or even to put the outline of a soap operatic style novella. This is truly Rocsi and Terrence Jay uncovered as never before: no interview equals no coverage and while I admit it was sly play on words it was still wholly true, although I do offer my apologies to those of you expecting to see tits or naughty bits or read an eye opening op-ed.
Here are the facts: 1)We asked questions. You literally can’t begin to have an interview without questions.
2) We handled the photo shoot. For those of you wondering there was no repeat of my “groupie moment“. I think I’m over such displays barring the opportunity to meet a short list of certain individuals.
3) We waited. This isn’t unique to this situation just a part of the process since you have to give people the opportunity to provide thoughtful responses and such things take time.
And then…well here’s where things go into the land of “he said, she said” and well that’s not really some place I want to be and my darlings you shouldn’t want to be there either; the weather is bad and the people are testy.
While my first amendment rights would allow me to share my opinion of Rocsi and Terrence Jay, I‘m certain that some of you invite them into your homes every afternoon via “106th and Park” and what‘s more is that celebrities are more accessible in New York than people think. In that regard you’ve probably already formulated your own opinions and far be it for me to go altering them in any way with random tidbits. What I will divulge is this: As a team they’re amazing together, comfortable and full of a camaraderie that’s evident both on camera and off. Individually Rocsi has skin that’s like flawless, we’re talking vvs grade here people (get a diamond buying guide if that doesn’t make sense) and Terrence Jay is as full of energy in person as he is on television. Again I’m sorry if you were expecting some tabloid worthy gossip but you should know by now that we don’t dabble in such things.
So while this may be slightly less entertaining than a true “Hollyhood” style tell all it’s what makes the most sense right now. I hope ya’ll understand and I promise that my memoirs will be more intriguing. For now go enjoy the rest of our “annibirthversay” edition and don’t forget to fill the guestbook with love.
Charli
The truth: I didn't lie in the original piece but at the same time I didn't say everything I could have or in retrospect everything I have. But I was attempting both diplomacy and pragmatism and hoping not to alienate IMT Styles in terms of scoring the ever elusive celebrity interview. Personal opinions aside here are the facts:
Let's begin with Rocsi:
1. Her publicist never told me she had a shoe endorsement and so yours truly went on a four hour trek the day before to get shoes to match the wardrobe that ended up being given to the make-up artist because I didn't have time to return them and Rocsi refused to wear them.
2. When I inquired about her hair I was told that she employs the usage of extensions, what I wasn't told was that she'd be taking them out before the shoot and would refuse to shoot without them. Had I known this I'd have purchased hair especially since the alternative ended up being that the hairstylist had to use the hair which had just been removed resulting in a hairstyle that wasn't truly reflective of her talent.
3. When interview time rolled around not only did I not get answers from her but her publicist tried to answer the questions for her, something I know only because somehow I ended up with the forwarded correspondence.
Moving onto Terrence Jay:
1. He's one of those guys that wears things a bit too big, or at least that was the case in 2007. The problem is he's normally a size small or medium (something that wasn't obvious until I saw him up close) and all of the clothes I pulled were to the specs of his publicist and therefore size extra large.
2. He showed up with his own bag of clothes and initially refused to wear anything I'd spent the afternoon prior pulling. I have no idea what exactly was said but Boz got him to wear everything.
3. He spent every second not shooting attached in some way to his phone which I realize may not be an issue to some people but personally I felt insulted that he wouldn't even try to speak to any of the crew.
There were several times when I left set and each and every time I contemplated ending the shoot because it was clear that the majority was unhappy with what was going on. Oh and by the end of it there was a room full of people despite the fact that before anyone ever set foot onto set I emphasized in writing and over the phone that they were limited to one handler each.
August-September 2007
The biggest issue regarding this issue wasn’t anything covered in the issue but rather the cover itself. Following some behind the scenes b.s. regarding the model featured which was about to get all litigious at one point the executive decision was made to pull her from our pages and a few weeks into August a new cover appeared overnight. The rest is as they say history. Although when after calling her bluff she chose to stop communication rather than provide the requested details about her lawyer I really should have just left the images since the truth was I liked them.
October-November 2007
Issue 9 had the distinction of being the only issue shot entirely in PA (as opposed to NY which is where we usually do everything). We used nothing but local talent and our cover girl Whitney Peyton won out over two other talented female musicians because of her wholly unique sound.
Deja vu? Boz actually ended up choreographing a dance routine for Whitney Peyton for the Lehigh Valley Music awards in 2008
December-January 2007/2008
In addition to being the second cover shot on location outside of a studio setting this was also the issue that debuted the very popular “Because Nina Says so…”
February-March 2008
Issue 11 was full of firsts:
It was the first cover to feature neither a celebrity or model but rather someone (Elayne Rivers) working hard behind the scenes.
It was the first time we ever shot with a live animal.
It was the first time “Oh word” didn’t contain a short story (by the way if you still haven’t picked up a copy of “White Nigger” then what are you waiting for)
It was the first time a cover model from a past issue (Whitney Cunningham of ANTM cycle 8 and the face of our tenth issue) had a Q&A appear outside of the issue they were originally featured in.
It was the first time that two covers were created but only one was released.
April-May 2008
This issue improved upon our increasingly easier to navigate format by introducing the photo gallery and separating the ish that appears in every issue (ie “50 first dates”) from the issue specific articles. It was also the first time that the cover models were used to highlight an editorial as opposed to an article. Plus it showcased the “It boy” contest winner and had the distinction of being the first time we ever shot with a nude model.