Dawn Reese Industry Interview

w/ Debbie Nelson, Actress, Model, & National Pageant Director!! * . * . * . * . *

DR: Thank you for this interview, Debbie. I first want to start out so people know how we met. About 10 years ago I'd say, you and your beautiful mom were on the Mother Daughter Pageant on National TV, as I am into Pageants & watch them when I learn one is on TV. : ) We met at a baseball game in CA, and you said you were a Director of Pageants, and inquired if I would like to Judge. That is how it started. I am so impressed with your Pageant. I want to say I really enjoy seeing All American & Beautiful for them to Enter, as that is what Real Agents are looking for. You bring in the Best Casting & Talent Agents in Hollywood. And the Gifts are Awesome. Cars, Trips, and so much more! Tell my readers all about your Pageant Production, Debbie. How many years you've been a Producer, what Age Groups do you have, etc, etc...??

DN: Dawn, thank you for the opportunity to participate in your interview series. I'd love to share with the viewers how we met! We were at a baseball game for our two little leaguers, and I saw this beautiful blond woman in the stands. We started talking and it ended up that she had seen my mother and I on the Nationally televised "Mother & Daughter" pageant. She had often wondered about us and it ended up by pure coincidence in meeting us! We became close friends & have remained so ever since.

DN: You asked my about my business. Nineteen years ago (yikes that ages me), I started a production company out of my walk-in closet. We started producing pageants and special events at major malls, shopping centers & hotels throughout California. Within a year, we became the largest pageant in the state and possibly the nation, boasting close to 1200 contestants at our annual " Miss California State" pageant. I want to add, that the reason we became so successful, was that we produced a pageant that we would want to enter and win. We gave the prizes that we promised, we ran fairly close to schedule and never allowed more than 25 contestants in any of the younger categories. Even if we split the age group 6 or 7 times, we would just continue to duplicate the prizes! Another important issue is that we would provide QUALITY judges at the state event... SAG Producers, Agents, Celebrities, Pageant Titleists, etc.

DR: Tell us some Success Stories of some of your pageant contestants, since they had made great connections from being in your pageant what they are doing now, be it TV, Film, or Commercials.

DN: We have many, many success stories, however, most recently a young man by the name of Jason Mauves, who was our 1997 "Mr. California" king, was discovered by the Barbara Cameron Agency, as she judged the event. Since then, he has done numerous commercials and movies, including "StepMom", "Pleasantville", "Mod Squad" and more, and is now the Highest Paid Male Model for his age group!

DR: Now you have to tell me about the new Movie you are in, Debbie. It's awesome being in a flick w/ Sandra Bullock. : ) You shot in Texas. Can you tell us about your part in it & where we can find you in the film?

DN: It was a blast! I just returned from Austin, TX from filming "Miss Congeniality".  The movie stars Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine, Benjamin Bratt, Candice Bergen and William Shatner. I have the fun little principal part of Stacy Summers, who is a commentater/announcer for the "Miss United States" pageant, which the movie surrounds. I will be seen several times in the pageant scenes, always announcing. The movie is scheduled to be released on December 22nd.

DR: How was it working with Sandra? I met her when I was a Stand-in for the Cruise Director in "Speed 2". She is so Down To Earth and she makes the set so fun. I got to know her Cinematographer, who is just a Sweetheart. We talk once in a while. Hey, I will call him & have an Interview Session w/ him this Fall. : )

DN: She's Great! I've never had the opportunity to work w/ her before, but she's very much like the character she tends to portray. Sweet. Very down to earth. She cares very much about her cast & crew, and seems to be a very sincere person.

DR: Did you talk to her about Pageants & maybe mention yours to her??

DN: We did not have the opportunity to discuss the pageantry biz, as we were busy working 16 hour days trying to rap up the filming several weeks early.

DR: Debbie, what are the current titles you hold this year? And tell me how many you've won? You seem to have won all of them. Please save one for me. : )

DN: HA HA HA... Currently, I hold the "All American Woman" title & on June 23rd won the 2000 Beauty of America title. This was especially exciting, as my daughter competed for the teen division at the same time. She placed 1st runner up & we had a wonderful week, and look forward to returning to it next year. Myself, to pass on my title, and my daughter to compete again! The "Beauties of America" pageant is a wonderful event, and extremely well run. I truly believe that every contestant had the time of their lives and really looks forward to returning again! I have forwarded a picture from the event, and the viewers are welcome to check out their website at www.beautiesofamerica.com to really experience quality!

DR: I have to ask you. What is the Debbie Diet & Workout and when will your book be out on these? I know you are laughing. But its true you! You should have one of each of these, Debbie.

DN: My diet is to eat whatever you want to, but be prepared to work out accordingly. I usually work out 5 days a week, 2 hours a day. This includes a one hour step class and one hour of free weights and machines. Beware, it's torture at first, but within a month your body will crave the exercise. That's when you know your "out of the woods"! It is also great for your mental health, exercise get those endorphins flowing when nothing else does!

DR: This industry isn't just for teens! Any advise for all those ladies that would like to enter the Pageant World? You've made a sincere statement... to show the world the Feature is NEVER over! Am I right?

DN: Let's face it Dawn, 75% of the high school aged girls are in pretty bad shape these days. I believe it is a cross between junk food and lack of exercise. I see more jiggly thighs when visiting the local schools then anywhere! Unfortunately, most of these kids will only get worse. That is where pageantry is a help to everyone. If one knows that they will be on stage before an audience in a swimsuit or a smaller-fit gown, it really gives that extra incentive to shape up. As we get older, why change something that works? I feel just as slim & trim as any 16 year old. My husband loves the results as well! HA HA!

DR: What is the best gift from a Pageant Director that you have ever Received? Actually with you,  I am going to ask you what your Top 3 Gifts, as I know you have had sooooo many. : )

DN: Before I answer that question, I want to make the viewers believe that the most important thing I got out of pageantry is making myself the best person I can be. O.K., physical beauty is one thing. We are born with the physical attributes that God gave us, but thru nutrition, exercise, education with make-up & hair, we can all make a night and day difference in our appearance.  Next is self confidence! Pageantry took a shy little Tomboy that looked more like a boy than a girl, and turned her into a self confident young woman who was not afraid to tackle the world. Win or lose, I gained something from every event I had ever entered. Learning to be a good sport and appreciating the competition is a lesson in itself, Dawn.

DN: Over the years, I've entered numerous events, and have won wonderful vacations, clothes, gowns, jewelry, appearances, work in the entertainment industry, cash and cars. I also have had the priceless opportunity to share pageantry with my two beautiful daughters. The girls only compete about once a year, but we really turn it into a fun family event, the girls time out!

DR: What was your first pageant you were ever in, and what did you learn at it?

DN: My mother is a former Miss Wisconsin and a Rodeo Queen. She's one of those women who looks great on a camping vacation! As I grew up a Tomboy, she always tried to get me involved w/ more feminine activities, such as charm schools, tea parties, dances, etc. I was not interested. When she talked me into entering the "Miss Teen Orange County" pageant, I thought the idea was silly, and competed only to satisfy mom. I had the time of my life! I won the city preliminary, & placed second in the County. All the runners up went to the state pageant where I won! I was addicted. The girls, the glamour, the dressing up, everything was new and wonderful. I've entered a pageant every year since, but I still can climb trees, surf, ski, and catch lizards & snakes. Pageants only enhance, they never take away the other attributes or talents that she may posses.

DR: You are a Model and you Act. Tell us some of the other Movies and Printwork you've done.

DN: Over the years I have worked on soaps, films, television, commercials, etc. I never would move to LA, however, which made working in the industry very difficult. After college I got married & had 3 children. It was very important to me to be with the kids, so I continued my business, working out of my home office. I am finally at a point in my life where I can start working in the industry again. Over the past few years I have appeared in My Best Friends Wedding, Silk Stocking, Krippendorf's Tribe, Armeggedon, Letters From A Killer, and a few more. Miss Congeniality was by far the most fun, and I enjoyed the cast immensely.

DR: Debbie, who is your favorite Actor & Actress?

DN: That is a very general question, as there are so many era's to choose from. John Wayne and Katherine Hepburn are two of my favorites from the past, and John Travolta, Julia Roberts and Sandra Bullock are a few from the present. I have been lucky enough to meet all of the above!  I can honestly say every one of these professionals was a pleasure to meet. Unfortunately, youcannot always say that about today's celebrities!

DR: What advise can you give New Talent that are in Pageants & want to make that turn into Acting?

DN: Study! Beauty does not buy talent. Some of the most beautiful models cannot seem to make it in the movies, and some of the "all American sweethearts", like Sandra, do!  Work on your talent constantly!

DR: What Movie Star have you met that you really thought was Awesome?

DN: John Travolta, he has a very big presence!

DR: Now back to your pageant production. Are you looking for other Directors? If someone would like to talk to you about becoming a director, where can they write to and do you take phone calls?

DN: Absolutely on all accounts!  If your interested in directing for states and local pageants, call 949 589-0740 or write to me at 31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy, #A-267, RSM, CA 92688. Email: DNELSON@aol.com or by the end of September, check out our web pages: www.CaliforniaPageant.com AND also www.MissUnitedStates.com

DR: Your family had a great roast for you. I think that is so great how your family made it so Special to show all you've done in your life, and I loved the video when they had you on The Price is Right and you won the Car. How many years ago was that? Tell us about it, as we now work w/ Kathleen Bradley of The Price is Right. I've interviewed her on camera three different times. She's a wonderful lady.

DN: That was about ten years ago. It was so fun! I have appeared on approximately 20 gameshows over the years, working my way thru college.

DR: Debbie, I want to thank you for taking the time out of your day. I have never met anyone that taught me "how to negotiate anything and Win" like you've taught me. : )

DN: Thanks Dawn, it's always my pleasure! See you soon! Love always, Deb.

DR: Until next time, this is Dawn Reese. Reporting from Dawn 'til Dusk, simply because that's me! That is why I call myself The Winning Edge. Pageant Gals really need to bring Headshots and Demos to Pageants. Not leave them at home. This is so Important. If anyone is interested in the Demo Tape of the World Championships of Performing Arts, send $5 for postage. I can send it to you, and you will see this Awesome Event In Hollywood, California. Send $5 to: Winning Edge, P.O. Box 33722, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, 33420

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