Pic Credits: Jeremy Olenski
Tention Free: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Your background, education your passion etc. ??
My name is Shawn Valentino, and I grew up in the beautiful town of Sterling Heights, Michigan with Hollywood dreams. I was president of my high school before going on to University of Michigan where I studied classic film history. After graduating from law school, I decided to follow in the footsteps of my hero Hugh Hefner to become an international playboy. I live in the canyons of Calabasas, but I spend most of my time traveling the world.
Tention Free: We been hearing a lot about you and your movie, so we notice your starting to gain a lot of attention how does it feel?
I’ve been in the eye of the storm for years after a string of controversial appearances in talk shows and reality shows. I made my New Year’s resolution on the Dr. Phil Show, got chewed out on The Tyra Banks Show and nearly drowned on Fear Factor so I’m used to the attention. But there is no experience like making a movie and creating these films that are both spoofs and tributes to my favorite movies has been the highlight of my life. I’m just happy that we are steadily gaining an audience that appreciates this type of zany comedy.
Tention Free: What’s the motive behind making this parody of Mission: Impossible, The Showstopper…?
Making movies is a collaborative experience, and it could not be done without the efforts of director Tremain Hayhoe and co-stars Rich Twilling and William Pierce. The motivation was to revisit a genre of movies that Hollywood was not making anymore, but to put our own unique spin on it. I get to play a character that is a silly combination of Hugh Hefner and James Bond. In real life, I live a pretty outlandish lifestyle, and it has been fun bringing a taste of that lifestyle to the movies. The most exciting part is working with my closest friends in the creative process
Tention Free: Can you please tell us more about your movie?
Our first movie The Bachelor Party: The Playboy’s Impossible Mission was a spoof of The Bachelor and Mission: Impossible. The sequel takes those elements but also parodies Star Wars, It’s a Wonderful Life and numerous other classic motion pictures. We also wanted to utilize the flashy aesthetic of Bollywood films and 80’s glam-rock videos. I love Christmastime, and there is a holiday element to the movie as well. Combine that with a cast of gorgeous girls and spectacular landmarks like the Pyramids and Machu Picchu, and there is something for everyone. It was also fun to work with my leading lady Brooke Piedra again. Guys all over the world will be falling in love with her. She’s lovely.
Tention Free: What’s your goal in life you want to achieve next?
My goal in life is similar to my hero Hefand that is making a living off my lifestyle. I was a regular guest at the Playboy Mansion, and being there was motivation to live life according to my own standards instead of what society expects. Thankfully, this mindset has taken me all over the world. My goal now is to bring that exciting lifestyle into fun and fascinating stories on the screen and hopefully make people laugh and inspire them to live their dreams.
Tention Free: What motivates you to do your best work ?
I am motivated by fun, freedom and fantasy. My philosophy in life has always been to maximize life experiences. This drive has allowed me to travel the globe and now make movies that will hopefully be loved by an international audience. There is nothing like creating an escapist experience for the audience to enjoy.
Tention Free: Please tell our readers about your book ” The Showstopper Lifestyle”..
My book was inspired by the Playboy Philosophy and its existential view of the world. I felt that too many people were becoming prisoners of their own decisions and afraid to live out their dreams. The concepts outlined in my book are meant to be a guideline for readers to have the confidence to minimize worries and maximize life experiences. The book actually is actually a primary plot device in our new movie, sort of like the Lost Ark or the One Ring.
Tention Free: Everybody needs time out. What do you do in your free time?
Thankfully, I’ve made smart decisions in life that allowed my a great deal of freedom. In my spare time, I like to travel the world. I’ve journeyed to over eighty countries on six continents. I also love taking road trips in my BMW i8, or the Bachmobile, as we call in the movie. It was my dream car when I saw Tom Cruise drive it in Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol, and now it is the starring vehicle in our movies.
Tention Free: How can people find you and follow you online?
People can follow me on Instagram and Twitter @ShawnValentino, but the best way to follow me is to watch my adventures onscreen. Our first movie, The Bachelor Party: The Playboy’s Impossible Mission is on YouTube and our new movie The Bachelor Party: Episode 2: It’s a Wonderful Lifestyle – The Rise of Showstopper is now on Amazon Prime. If it is not yet out in your territory, it will be soon. Watch now and may The Lifestyle be with you…always.
