Russian Television Network of America RTN WMNB
Tolk show "Contact" 02. 23. 09
tolk show host Boris Tenzer, Leonid The Magnificent & Filatov and Taras Kardashov
 
 
PART1 PART2
 
Leonid the Magnificent's interwiev for "New York Post"
"The Gong Show" host Dave Attell Audition, 05. 2008 New York   VIDEO here
Leonid the Magnificent's interview for "TM Insider"
 
 
Leonid the Magnificent's interview for "Last Comic Standing"Audition 2008
host Bill Bellamy, NBC channel USA
11/19/07
What Ever Happened To...? Former Contestants on 'America's Got Talent' Tell All
Starpulse got in touch with some other former "losers" wanting to know what has happened since they appeared on "America's Got Talent." The results are quite candid and may surprise you.
Russian Leonid Filatov, a.k.a. Leonid the Magnificent, appeared in both seasons of "Talent." A performer worldwide, he came to the U.S. to fulfill his dream and make it in show biz. After being eliminated in the first season, he decided to try again in the next one. Beloved by all who appreciate his unique style and talent, he performs in various countries as well as locally in Las Vegas, New York, and other locales. He appears on YouTube as well.
 What have you been doing since the "America's Got Talent"?
Leonid:
After Season 1, I could not let it go. I could not sleep without thinking to get back and try again. I worked hard, I prepare(d) totally new program, new costumes and new acts to impress the judges and audience.
Now, I just start to enjoy my life and continue to do what I love. I became more simple person and I don't want to have any problem and stresses that I had before. But like always I don't give up and I try to move forward, because I know that every time I go on the stage I give audience something unusual and most people (are) really happy that I do what I love to do. I also work as a dance teacher in (a) couple dance studios, help to choreograph and create others people acts, and record couple new songs that I am going to use for my stage shows.
Did being on it help you with your career?
Leonid:
Any appearing in National TV is a great opportunity for anybody to get a name and open the door in big show business. I am (an) independent artist and for me it was a chance to enter into the word of movies, TV shows, something big that every artist wants to get in their life. For regular people I became a small celebrity, but for producers, agents and Hollywood I (was) still nobody. The door is still close(d). The only good thing is that I got possibility to increase my salary and get better hospitality during the travel.
The other problem is now when I took auditions for different shows the people see me only like a character "Leonid The Magnificent" and it is harder now to explain that I could work in different styles with different looks on the stage. Right now "Leonid the Magnificent Show" is more unisex. And I am proud that after each show big or small one I got big applauds or even standing ovation. The most popular question that I got from regular folks: "Did you win that competition? No? I was thinking you did!"
Did you feel that "AGT" treated you fairly?
Leonid:
Guys and girls who works for productions can not treat you fairly or unfairly. They train to do all jobs with less emotions and they all, from back stage person who clean the stage before and after the show to big producers try to be not involved with your personal feelings. It is just their job, what they do every day. Just think about it, every day! And if they start worry about everything that did happen on the set they will not sleep at night and in few months they all end up in hospital with terrible mood swing.
Don't get me wrong, they were all nice and sweet and they do the best what they can to make you feel comfortable during the show, but it is nothing personal. It is just they job. It is why when you get cut you never ever hear a word from them.
Overall, was it a postive experience?
Leonid:
Hmmm, I don't know how to answer to this. It's like two totally different people inside me telling totally opposite words. One voice say YES! The other one is NO! Yes, because I got publicity and a lot of love from regular viewers all around the word and some of them even try to help me, do not disappear, and they spend their own free time with opening my fan clubs on the Internet and keep trying to get everything they can to get more attention to my name, keeping they hope to see me one day like a big real star.
No, because professionals did not see anything special or any talent in my acts. Even right now sometimes I meet some of them at concerts and the same events that I work and we do not speak to each other. It is like a big wall between us.
What advice would you give to others that want to apply?
Leonid:
Don't take it to personal if you get cut and don't win. It may destroy you. Don't try to compete with anybody. Use it like a chance to show yourself. If you want to be a star, take it like a test if you can handle the situation and critic(ism) from other people.
Because what you see in this show exactly what real actors, dancers, singer, models, circus acts, and comedians have in their real live. Every audition, every meeting with producers, agents can be the same way like you feel standing in front of the judges. Ask yourself how badly you want it? And be ready for everything. And if you decide to go, please prepare your act, practice a lot and do your best. Try to dress nice, because then better you look the better you feel. Be more confident and believe in yourself. And good luck!
Where can people get in touch with you?
Leonid: leo-leopatra.com.
Story by Sheila Franklin
|
Interview: Leonid The Magnificent Speaks Out
by Sheila Franklin
Published: September 18, 2006 |
Here is the long-awaited interview we promised you Traderites from Leonid the Magnificent. Leo’s English is rather broken, but I didn’t want to change his endearing qualities by editing too much. I have only corrected the minimal amount. I think this gives you a much better idea of who Leo is and how he projects himself. Ya gotta love Leo. He is fascinating, incredibly open, honest, and (mostly) uncut.
Sheila:
How did you find out about America’s Got Talent?
Leo:
It was easy. I live in Brooklyn NY. And in the NYC we have (a) newspaper for art, where they print all info about auditions, shows, and upcoming events. Most of the time all (the) jobs that I had like a performer I get from this newspaper.
Sheila:
Why did you want to audition?
Leo:
I am already after 30 (years old). And like every artist I wanted to be well known. And this show was exactly what I needed. Believe me, I tried everything to get attention from productions, agents, and TV shows. I send thousands of videos to all channels, but no one (except Jay Leno) were interested in my kind of style. After 6 years trying to get attention from a network, finally, (a) network create(d) the show that needed circus acts, comedy acts, and more.
Sheila:
How did they notify you that you had been accepted?
Leo:
After (my) audition in NYC (by the way, I was standing in the line for two days, first day from 8 am and second day from 6 am to get 3 minute spot to show my skills and costumes), I got a call and got (an) offer to try one more audition in LA in the studio in front of judges. That’s when you saw me like an angel with a sword and knife.
Sheila:
Did you ever meet any of judges or Regis before the actual show?
Leo:
No. It was (the) first time when I saw them in real life. And like a contestant, I cannot talk to them, or ask them anything behind the stage. It was two different worlds. Stars and ours...
Sheila:
Do you think you were treated fairly?
Leo:
I am crazy on the stage, but not stupid. I knew exactly how I look and what I am doing. Let’s see. How to explain that? How many chances did I have to win ($)1,000,000?
1) This is America. I am a Russian emigrant, with terrible English (sure, this is (a) country where we all emigrants, only Native Americans (are) real citizens,) but most people forget it and they think if I was not born here, I am not (a) real USA citizen.
2) I have (an) alternative style of life. Only 10% of (the) people are gay people.
3) What is the most popular style of art right now? Singers. I think that’s enough to realize, and say ”bye bye, money”.
4) Even if they like(d) me they had to kick me out. I was too provocative, too controversial for national TV. To be totally honest. I am very surprise(d) how far I went on this show.
I know I am doing suicide on the stage, but I just wanted to be like this ’cause it’s who I am, and damn I was good! And I made a lot of people laugh; that was the point. To make people laugh, ‘cause when we smile we can’t hate.
What is better? To be like others, circus performers, and disappear after (a) few times without any memory in the future? Or be extravagant, crazy, fresh, hip, new, provocative, and make people think and talk about you? I was only three times on TV every time around 3 - 4 min. That is all! I took a risk, I knew it was my last chance to be seen by millions and I used it. And I have no sorrow about what I did. Only one thing (is) bothering me, that I had no chance to show my other act that I prepared for finale. That was a real surprise... that was a bomb.
Treated fairly? I don’t know. Yes I think I deserve(d) (a) better judgment, but it’s only my opinion, and like every one I believe that I am the one! The only! The best! Like no one other! It’s a natural. We are all spoiled and we all think that we are the best one but there’s always somebody better, cuter, younger, and sexy, wherever they are.
Sheila:
Did you get paid for your appearances?
Leo:
Oh no. I wish I did, cause I spend too much money on my costumes and when the show was taping for more than 2 months I had no work. So right now I have to cover all my expenses and thank God we have credit cards! Even if they’re over the limits. I got only one unofficial title that they put in my clip in the finale show, “entertainment sensational”. That was very kind.
Sheila:
How has your life changed since your appearance?
Leo:
It’s too hard to say, some people recognize me on the street. I got a lot of e-mails from total strangers who say good luck and we hope to see you again. In my stage (of) life I need to take some time to see where it will go. It may be my first step onto a celebrity life, it may be my last step. Right now I just have to wait and see what will be coming next. It’s an art; you never know. Passion and passion....
Sheila:
Any other comments?
Leo:
Yes. I got very surprised. I didn’t want to tell it to the judges, cause some people may think that I just tried to get (a) better spot in the show. But right now when it’s over, I think it’s not a big deal. From my first appearance on America’s Got Talent I started to get strange e-mails where people ask me what to do and how (to) react in different situations. I (will) just give you four examples without names and towns.
One lady wanted to have a piercing in her nose, but she was sure that it will make a scandal. She will be in trouble and all will look at her like she is a “party girl”. After she saw me (a total stranger on TV) she did it. And she feels so happy and yes, there was talk around her for a few days, but then all went back to normal. No one really cares about it.
The other, an older lady, did not laugh for two years. She lost her husband who was a sick man and after 5 days she was diagnosed with cancer. For 2 years nothing cheered her up. Lonely, single, 55 (year old) lady. No children, only memories. Her husband loved art and they all the time went to see many different shows, classic music concerts, ballet, art galleries, and when he was gone, she got cancer. Life lost interest for her. What a surprise it was for me to get a thanks letter from that lady who laughed to tears watching me. I don’t know, maybe she (is) just crazy, but anyway she got a smile.
This is one (is) from a man. Normal regular man after 40, who is totally normal and straight; he has a good family. Two children, boy and girl. Beautiful wife to whom he loves. So why (did) this man write to me?
He get(s) scared, they live in a small town and he doesn’t know anybody to talk to that his son may be a gay. He loves him, but he doesn’t know how to talk to him. He is scared. And he see how his son (is) different from other boys and how hard (it is) to understand him. He asked me what to do. He has nobody to talk about it, even with his wife they try to avoid this problem.
This was a letter from people who came to the USA (a) few years ago. They all were somebody in their countries. Teachers, doctors, designers, lawyers. They got here like me (a) few years ago and they have a very hard time right now to make money for a living. Some of them go to the colleges, some of them work, but sometimes they feel like no one understand(s) them, that their talent and skills (are) not needed here. After the show they get feelings (that) if they will still continue to work hard and don’t give up, they will get a good job and respect from people. They call me a “Cinderella man”. Some of them told me if even (a) person like me gets into so high (a) level with out any support, they can do the same in their own life. Watching me they get hope that one day they will be OK. That everything is possible.
I don’t know. Maybe all (these) e-mails are a fake, maybe not. But people (are) asking for help, they just wanted to share what problems they have, some of them small and funny, others big and difficult. And they looking for answers and some of them (are) asking me. And these feelings that they ask me (about), (a) total stranger, clown, man who has broken English for an answer makes me feel like a winner. That is it.
And one more, (I am) sure not all people understand and approve (of) what I did and how I look, but this is an art. I didn't ask audience (to) be like me, or copy me, or take it like a style of life. I just show them and let them see it, think about it, and decide (for) themselves what they like and whatnot. The art never teach(es), it only show(s) or reflects our dreams or thoughts. The art helps people think, look inside them(selves), make a choice, get worried, but art never command(s) people what to do.
Art has no rules. Art has feelings, and real art touch(es) peoples’ heads and brains. Make(s) people feel good or sad, or even bad and uncomfortable. Somebody loves Pop-music, some others love a ballet. It only depends on taste and personalities of viewers.
Sheila:
Where can your fans get in touch with you?
Leo:
Leonid’s Home PageSheila:
Thanks Leo, you are truly Magnificent.
Leo:
Hope it's enough...lol. |