(1888PressRelease)
September 19, 2008 - Dawna Lee Heising, "Eye on Entertainment" executive producer and hostess, has today announced that the show’s latest segment contains a highly-charged interview with Chris Tashima, who, despite a long career in Hollywood, became an “overnight sensation” when his short film narrative “Visas and Virtue” was voted the 1997 Academy Award for best live action short film. Tashima produced, directed and starred in the film, inspired by the true story of Holocaust rescuer Chiune "Sempo" Sugihara.
Tashima, a co-founder of the entertainment company Cedar Grove Productions, told “Eye on Entertainment” interviewers Stanley Goodrich and Joycelyne Lew about his feelings on winning an Oscar, how it has changed his life and who his inspiration was. He also discusses current and future projects, including the romantic lead opposite Joan Chen in “Americanese”, a 2008 release from IFC First Take, and an upcoming play at his Asian American theatre company, Cedar Gove OnStage.
Tashima started his acting career at East West Players in 1985 and cast Dawna Lee Heising’s daughter Marissa in his 1986 film “Chisai Samurai.” Tashima also directed, co-wrote and acted in Day of Independence, a 2003 PBS television special which received an Emmy nomination.
Tashima is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and belongs to the Directors Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and Actors' Equity Association. He is an associate member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Tashima is also a stage set designer and won a 1995 Ovation Award for Best Set Design for the 1995 East West Players’ production “Sweeney Todd.”
"Eye on Entertainment" (EOE) is a high-energy, high-impact program that covers a wide variety of events. The show, aired on Time Warner Cable in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, features powerhouse interviews with successful people in all walks of life, exploring the traits that they have in common. Ken Huthmaker introduced “Eye on Entertainment” in 2000. Dawna Lee Heising, one of the show’s original hosts, took over the production reigns after Huthmaker’s passing in 2006. Dawna is also Ms. World 2008 and a long-standing member of the Screen Actor’s Guild.
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