Meet Alixx Schottland | Producer/Actor/ Writer/ Mom

I began Over The Rainbow Entertainment to tell stories that are rarely seen and shine a light on issues in our world that need some love, help and importantly change. The Plays, Films, and TV series that I develop feature people that have fallen from grace, are homeless, drug addicted, bullied, or somehow marginalized so they can’t get ahead in their life or career. Our goal with each project is to feature real life people (along with celebrities and actors) that are stuck in some of these difficult situations and have them work on the project either as talent in front of the camera or behind the camera. Our goal is to donate a percentage of profits from the success of each project – whether it’s a TV series, Play or Film, we will be donating to the charity or organization that deals with the issues and themes that are featured in each project. For example with our first film – LOVE MUSIC SHELTER,a scripted musical about a homeless alcoholic mother and her teen songstress daughter living on the streets of NYC, who are rescued by a performing arts schools; we will be using singers and dancers from an at risk youth and homeless drop in center called door.org as well as buskers from the streets of NYC. Thus paying it forward by employing some of these unknown talents, teaching them a skillset and bringing awareness to the subject of homelessness. From my years of volunteerism at the Door and The Downtown Hunger Project, I’ve come to understand how important and inspiring giving back can truly be!

It’s never too late to start over, reinvent yourself or go back to something that you once loved and are still passionate about. After many years of being a successful hat/handbag design director,  a mom, community builder and focusing on family life, I was able to go back to my original love – Acting. Through writing and acting, opportunities to produce films and plays came my way through different directors and producers that I had originally worked with on my film script — LOVE MUSIC SHELTER. I’m working hard to ride the ups and downs of this amazing, yet sometimes crazy business of entertainment. Sometimes you have a great script, but if you don’t have at least one celebrity attached to the project, it’s hard to get the funding to make the film or produce the play. Sometimes it just feels like one big circle and that you are spinning, but then something magical happens and you actually get the money or the celebrity and things begin to come together. You must have a thick skin to deal with the rejection and you must own your own power. You also need a strong belief that you ARE on the right path. With the horror /thriller SLAPFACE( now on Shudder,) I took a risk in helping to executive produce this film (at the time I didn’t even like horror movies.) From working on that film came a wonderful working relationship with actor/ producer Mike Manning that lead to working with a fabulous director/writer/ producer, Joe Benedetto and talented director Jeremiah Kipp which led to another film. Also from that one film I also met actor /producer Debra Khan Bey which led me to producing the off broadway play White Woman, Black Boy – The Emmett Till Story. The lesson – no matter what your field – networking is key, a collaborative spirit is imperative as is perseverance and keeping an open positive mind. Stay focused, but don’t be afraid to color outside of the lines and don’t ever listen to anyone that tells you to “stay in your lane!”

I adore Miami. My son Music Producer/ DJ Charlie attended University of Miami and we got to spend a lot of time visiting. I love staying at The 1 hotel and the Fountain Bleau when I’m in town. For Italian food and roof top dining I enjoy the glamorous “old school” hollywood vibe and delicious food at Bellini and for more of an intimate Italian Villa experience I cherish spending time dining and chilling at Casa Tua. For daytime “Rose’ all day” & cocktails and pool fun, I worship the decor, drinks and food at Pharrell Williams Strawberry Moon roof deck! For fire dancers and interesting exotic food I like MiLA for late night dinners and people watching and for impromptu dancing, and finally for the beautiful waterfront atmosphere and great food, I treasure Kiki on the River! For a bit of culture I love visiting Wynwood for the art galleries, one of a kind boutiques and quirky yet fun and tasty small restaurants.

I’ve been inspired and enlightened by volunteering at THE DOOR, in NYC and hearing the stories of these at risk kids who are winning against all odds and sometimes sadly failing, but pushing hard for change. I also credit my family for their never ending love, support and push to keep going. My two son’s help keep me relevant in the world of music and entertainment, so a big shout out to Charlie @chrlip and Nicky @nicpomer as well as my producer Scott Rosenfelt for believing in my first film  – LOVE MUSIC SHELTER! FINALLY, my company OVER THE RAINBOW ENTERTAINMENT was named after my late mother, Elaine Schottland – Costello and of course a giant shout out to my husband Matt Pomerantz, The Bagel KING of NYC, Zuckers Bagels @zuckersbagels as he is my forever rock! The book that recently inspired me is UNTAMED by Glenn Doyle. And the play that never fails to pick up my spirits is RENT.  My favorite film that always makes me smile and want to dance is BEGIN AGAIN. And  finally for all the agents and production company’s that have told me “No Thank you” – your rejection only makes me fight harder for what I believe in! As Ariana Grande says “Thank you, Next…”