Always in His Corner

Paulie [BURT YOUNG] tries to offer Rocky [SYLVESTER STALLONE] sage advice in between rounds when the final round of the Academy Award-winning Rocky franchise hits theatres on December 20, 2006. Written and directed by SYLVESTER STALLONE.
-Craig Zablo

For a larger version of this picture click HERE!

Photo by: John Bramley

2006 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., Columbia Pictures Industries Inc., and Revolution Studios Distribution Company, LLC

And now as an added bonus, some interview questions and answers from Sly!

QUESTION: Can you talk about the legacy of “Rocky” and the influence it’s had.

SYLVESTER STALLONE: Well, you know, the legacy… I never thought would ever end up being a legacy. But I guess what has come out of it is that it’s a pretty universal dream to, to try to rise up and take your best shot at life. And you may not totally be successful but at least you made an out, you’ve had the chance. You’ve had the opportunity and I think that’s the biggest frustration a lot of people have in their own lives is never getting a shot, you know.

Toe to Toe

Rocky (SYLVESTER STALLONE) and Mason Dixon (ANTONIO TARVER) battle from bell to bell standing toe to toe. Rocky Jr. (MILO VENTIMIGLIA) comes out to assist the ref as he attempts to separate these modern day gladiators as the round ends.
-Craig Zablo

The final chapter of the Academy Award-winning Rocky franchise hits theatres Wednesday, December 20, 2006. Written and directed by SYLVESTER STALLONE.

Photo by: John Bramley

And as an added bonus, here’s another question for Sly!

Craig Zablo: Sly, how about a shout out to the SZoners?

SYLVESTER STALLONE: Hey SZoners, it’s Sylvester Stallone!! Thank you very much. You’re doing great, ya know. You’re doing very good and I appreciate you hanging in there! Thanks.

Sly Profiled in Premiere!

In the December 2006 issue of Premiere magazine there’s a nice profile of Sly by Pat Jordan and photos by Gregg Segal.

Here are a couple of excerpts:

* “Rocky has always been a guy who’s about giving and receiving pain, purging old pain with new.”

* When Stallone talks about his latest film, he does so with the same “raging” enthusiasm he always has.

* “Exercise is my salvation, my discipline.”

* “I realized I was cast as Rocky forever. I took it the wrong way and shouldn’t have worked so hard against it. You can’t be better than you are as an actor. I can’t play Shakespeare.”

* “I shoulda just gradually evolved as an actor over the years, like Clint Eastwood. But Rocky took away my opportunity to peak.”

The December issue of Premiere is on stands now everywhere! It is well worth seeking out! – Craig

“Rocky Balboa” Cover & Make-up Effects!

In the latest (issue #63) issue of MAKE UP ARTIST magazine there’s a nice article titled, ‘Hey, watch it: make-ups to see now.’

Here’s an excerpt (and the photo they used above):

Scott Eddo was department head on Rocky Balboa, which stars Sylvester StalloneEddo says you’ll want to look for the use of scarring effects. Silicone appliances by Matthew Mungle made with a new kit he developed helped with the challenges of filming beating sequences. The appliances helped save shooting days and met hi-def format challenges. The timing was right for using them on RockyMungle says that he used them on Poseidon, and because of that knew ” they would work extremely wet conditions. ” He notes, “Scott did a masterful job of applying the appliances. “


Peace & Blessings,
Jazz

Thanks to Jazz for the heads-up! – Craig

StalloneZone Exclusive: Frank Stallone Checks In!

Frank Stallone checked in with some candid photos that he took on the last day of shooting for “Rocky Balboa.” He also passed along this:

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Hey Craig : Enjoy these candid photos I took on the set. “Take You Back” is starting to get airplay and with the support of the loyal Rocky fans maybe I have a hit again. It will start online Dec 5th on Itunes and
all the other sites.  Take care Craig.

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As most SZoners know, Frank has been supportive of the StalloneZone for years. He’s one of the most talented and down-to-earth celebs you’d ever meet. I know that our support will mean a lot to Frank and send a strong message as to the popularity of “Rocky Balboa.” – Craig

Sly and Burt Young hug as the filming of “Rocky Balboa” ends.

The camera crew on the truck!

Frank and Punchy!

Thanks to Frank for sharing his photos and his continued support of the StalloneZone. I’m sure that SZoners around the world will begin requesting, downloading and purchasing “Take You Back” when it premieres on December 5th! – Craig

 

Rocky Stories Book Launch!

Wil, from Paul Dry Books, the folks behind Rocky Stories wrote in about a great opportunity for SZoners:

Craig,

We’re having a book launch on Tuesday Nov. 21 at the Rocky Steps at 9:30AM. Check out the press release below. Maybe some StalloneZoners can attend.

Geraldine Hughes, who plays Marie in “Rocky Balboa” will be there. So will cameraman Garrett Brown, the cameraman from Rocky and inventor of Steadicam that made the shot at the steps possible. Sly Stallone did just let us know he can’t be there (he’s done so much for us already though!).

Also, NPR’s Morning Edition taped a segment with the authors at the steps yesterday. That should run on Wednesday. Brilliantly, two Finnish guys were running the steps during the interview.

Thanks for your help!

Will
Paul Dry Books

If any SZoners are able to attend, we’d love to see pictures and a report. Not only would you get to meet the authors of Rocky Stories [which I highly recommend!], but Geraldine Hughes and Garrett Brown! – Craig