Index of Posts

Index of Posts published in 2019 and forward.  For older posts, please scroll down.

1. Looking for My Mother --  And the quest continues.


-------------------------

Update as of 10-15-2018 -- The Trevino vs. Alfieri case has been dismissed by both parties.  As we have agreed to move forward, the dismissed case will remain confidential.

-----

While filming in Rome

I have been told by many readers that it is difficult to find older posts. The search tool is not as effective. So that is why I decided to write this specific post - a post that will make it easier to interact with this blog.

The following are the posts which are part of this blog. They are listed chronologically, by date of release, and some include a very brief description. Just click on the title and you will be taken to that specific post.

1. Scandal, Lawsuit and... Settlement? - Introduction to this blog. It includes pictures and web links.
2. Telling the Truth - Portions of the transcription of my deposition.
3. Dismissal of My Lawsuit - Why did I dismiss it?
4. Was I a Victim of Fraud? - Originally written on January 6, 2013 and updated April 14, 2013. Was fraud committed?
5. Attorneys, Litigation and the Legal System - Attorneys and the legal system... another saga in itself.
6. Why Did Victor Alfieri Sue Me? - Alfieri himself gives the reasons he sued during his deposition. This blog includes a video clip of the deposition and Alfieri's complaint against me.
7. What Truly Prompted the Lawsuit - This post includes actual emails and text messages.
8. Letter to Victor Alfieri's Mother - Letter to Daniela Carloni in both English and Italian.
9. Why Did Victor Alfieri Dismiss the Lawsuit? - The real reason why he dismissed his lawsuit. It includes one video. This post also includes my original cross-complaint.
10. Fighting Back - This post includes my Amended Cross-Complaint with details and new facts.
11. Speaking Up - Why I decided to speak up. Includes one video.
12. Slander, Libel and Defamation - Who slandered and defamed whom?
13. Filming in Italy - This post includes pictures and a fun video/trailer I made for this blog/story.
14. Sexual Harassment - Alfieri is Italian... that's the way they joke and he likes "to joke like that."
15. Amnesia - Alfieri's selective memory... or a result of paranormal activity? This post has two videos - a trailer to the movie "Amnesia" and another video with portions of Alfieri's deposition.
16. The Scandal - How I learned the internet scandal had started.
17. Perception, Opinion and Judgment - How people viewed and judged the "alleged" claims.
18. Conflict on Set - The challenges and nightmarish experience. It includes pictures of Calcata and Rome.
19. The Wrap Party - Some fun before the unexpected war. This post has many pictures and a nice video of the wrap party.
20. And the Award Goes to... - The Snap Awards - another fun memory from the Wrap Party. There is a video of the Snap Awards.
21. The Break-Up - How we broke up in Italy. Were there witnesses??? Yes. And Alfieri still denies our  relationship.
22. Paranoia and Delusion - How Alfieri became paranoid and started accusing others of betrayal and theft... As the story unfolds we learn who really betrayed and stole.
23. Safety Violations and Abuse on Set - Was there abuse on set? Yes! I witnessed it!  This post includes excerpts of my amended cross-complaint and a video of Alfieri's deposition.
24. Perjury - Watch a video where Alfieri, while under oath, tells lie after lie and contradicts himself. 
25. How We Met - Alfieri seems to suffer from amnesia and does not remember much about how our relationship started. Fortunately, I do remember everything... and here's how we met. This post includes, emails, text messages and a video.
26. The Facebook Hacker - My favorite Alfieri tale. This post includes two videos - "The Facebook Hacker" and "The Spy Who Was Not."
27. Was I Set Up? - How Alfieri recruits Apollonia Kotero to set me up. This post includes emails, text messages and facebook chats.
28. Press Release - Why did I agree to a press release? The Cheaterville article. New Cheaterville post Looks Could Be Deceiving
29. Sexual Addiction - The TMZ article and my version of what truly happened.
30. How the Lawsuit Against Me Was Financed - Who paid the attorney to sue me? Read this post and find out. This post includes proof.
31. Last Communication with Alfieri - Emails that lead to the writing of this blog.
32. Our Relationship - the Alfieri Version - Alfieri gives one version in his complaint and something very different during his deposition. This post includes a video of his deposition... once again, sometimes suffering amnesia and other times contradicting himself.
33. Our Relationship - The Trevino Version - PART 1 - How our relationship started and evolved. This post includes multiple text messages between us.
34. Letters to Victor - Actual letters I wrote and sent to Alfieri. He was aware of how I felt. I never lied to him.
35. Our Relationship - The Trevino Version - PART 2 - Pre-production, filming, Victor's paranoia, the final break-up. Actual text messages and emails.
36. Friends with Benefits - The text messages tell the story and facts.
37. Premeditation - My second favorite Alfieri tale.  Alfieri did not accept any responsibility for the text messages or emails he wrote to me. He claimed I was his personal assistant and had access to his phone and computer.... I must have "texted" myself! Watch the video!
38. The Facts - A list of chronological facts (not allegations or assumptions). This post also includes a video with these facts.
39. The Top 10 Countdown - The Most Creative and Memorable Claims Made by Alfieri.  I had so much fun writing this post and making the video. It summarizes the creativity and entertainment value of Alfieri's imagination.
40. The Loan - The real reason we made the movie - so Alfieri could save his home from foreclosure. Watch the video.
41. Post-Production - An update on post-production.
42. Business Networking - Alfieri's incredible business skills.
43. To Cast and Crew - By far the most popular post. This post includes pictures and messages to almost everyone involved in the production of the film and in the Trevino story.
44. Story in Video - The Story told through a series of videos.
45. Suspicious Activity - Alfieri's behavior continues to be suspicious and shady.
46. Running Amok - When the "fire" could cease, Alfieri is still fighting a battle that does not even exist.
47. Staying in Touch - The importance of staying connected.
48. Sunset Boulevard - Rendez Vous???
49. Copyright Infringement - Don't I have the right to post whatever footage or pictures I own???
50. Moving On - Becoming "whole" while "getting even."
51. Deceit - Or simple fear of holding oneself accountable for any wrongdoing?
52. Sharing My Story - How my telling the truth affects others' reality.
53. Final Cut - Proof of Alfieri's great talent as a writer, director and producer.
54. Return On Investment - There are benefits and value that might be seemingly "intangible." 
55. Justice Will Prevail - One way or the other... what goes around comes around!
56. Financing a Dream - Whose dream are you investing in?
57. Personal Assistants - People We Trust - Or imaginary friends?
58. The Official Trailer - A Movie based on True Events.
59. Public Opinion - Freedom of Speech
60. IMDb - Making a movie is a true group effort.
61. ALIAS - Are you wearing a mask hiding who you truly are?
62. The Dark Closet -  What dark secrets stay locked up in the closet?
63. Karma -  What maintains the equilibrium of the Universe.
64. The Deadly Hairbrush Incident - An attack that will forever change the rules of "manly" fights.
65. Is Any Publicity GOOD Publicity? - In Showbiz... apparently so!
66. Being Brave -  Nobody can speak up our truth but ourselves.
67. Advocating for Justice -  Threats to take unresolved issues to arbitration?
68. Indictment - US Department of Justice - We find justice when we least expect it.
69. To Potential Buyers and Distributors - Important facts to consider.
70. Social Media - A great tool to stay connected and to publicly share personal information.
71. Standing Up for The Truth - Making a sharp turn into the legal road.
72. Above the Law - The inherent legal system that governs humanity where we are the judge.
73. Part II - The Trailer - A new beginning.
74. The Service - Poking humor at the situation... and life. Video of service.
75. Six Degrees of Separation - We are so close to one another... closer that we could ever imagine.
76. Nowhere to Hide - The internet era makes previous walls turn into transparent glass.
77. The Soul of the Judicial System - Or the lack of soul???
78. From the Midwest to Hollywood - We take our home wherever we go.
79. Guardian Angels - Do you believe in angels?
80. First Amendment - Freedom of Speech. We all have the right to speak up.
81. A New Beginning - A new name for my Blog... After all, this is MY story.
82. Index of Posts - A complete list of all the posts that tell "The Trevino Story."
83. Conviction - Prison Sentence - Facing the consequences of illegal actions.
84. Secrets - Untold Truths - What secrets are you afraid to tell?
85. Turning a Loss Into a Win - When you think you have lost a small battle, you could be on your way to winning a war.
86. Trust is a choice... and it starts with ourselves, with self-trust.
87. Lies, Negligence... or Memory Loss? A lie is a lie - no matter how small it is.
88. The Ripple Effect - Even the smallest action will create a ripple that will reach the other side of the world.
89. Making Peace - We must first make peace with ourselves.
90. Split Second - Your life can be transformed or "saved" in one split second. 
91. Bullies with a Law Degree - When that line of "protecting clients' interests" is crossed. 
92. It's Never Too Late - Never too late to let go of the past, stop fearing the future and live fully in the present with an open heart.
93. The Road Ahead - Walking our life path without losing sight of what is truly important.
94. Facing Adversity with a Smile - It is all about attitude.
95. The End of a Story - When a story ends, another one starts. They are all part of the bigger picture.
96. Looking for My Mother - I never stopped looking for you. May you rest in peace.
97. Victim - Stand up and speak out and you will no longer be a "victim."

Disclaimer – As of October 15, 2018, all legal issues (Trevino vs. Alfieri case) have been resolved. This resolution was reached during arbitration. There are no pending issues (Trevino vs. Alfieri case) related to fraud or theft. The resolution was mutually agreeable. There will be no more posts written about this story.

Nowhere to Hide

Update as of 10-15-2018 -- The case has been dismissed by both parties.  As we have agreed to move forward, the dismissed case will remain confidential.

----

I remember back in 1993, when I was attending school, specifically an Information Technology course, we were discussing the future of the World Wide Web.  We were talking about companies transitioning to digitalized electronic communication and advertising.

We also discussed what ATT was proposing - a device that would allow to make video phone calls. It almost seemed like an impossibility back then. Only a decade later, Skype emerged. Now, we can make video calls with our iphones as well - not to mention, messenger, yahoo and so many other different Video Conference Platforms.

And what about Social Media? Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn are the first social networking websites that come to mind because I use them.  But we cannot forget other sites that have over 5 million users each, such as About.me, Bebo, Buzznet, Care2, CaringBridge, Classmates.com, Cyworld, delicious, deviantART, Flickr, Flixster, Fotolog, Foursquare, Friends Reunited, Friendster, Gaia Online, Geni.com, Google+, Habbo, hi5, Instagram, Last.fm, LiveJournal, MyHeritage, MyLife, Netlog, Plaxo, Yammer, Yelp and Xanga.

We could say that every time we post something on our facebook wall or our twitter account, we are sharing it with the world. Our life somehow gets documented through the pictures and posts we and others post on the web. Even when we post a simple comment or a review - that also becomes part of our "history."

The internet has become an essential tool in routine background checks independently conducted. Have you googled any person you have dated? What about employees you have considered hiring? Companies or services you have planned on using? Places you dream of visiting? Everything and everyone is just a keystroke away.

We could say that everyone's life is somehow "documented" on the web.  Well, only for those who have interacted with the internet and their social network websites. There are people, like my mother, who are not best friends with technology and prefer to use more traditional ways of communication.

Texting and electronic mail have also become preferred methods of communication among many.
And because MOST people nowadays have at least an email account and a cellular phone with texting capabilities, there is practically "nowhere to hide." There is no real excuse to say, "I am not reachable." You can opt to not return emails or voice messages...  but to make a claim that those communications did not reach you??? Really?

It is also true that sometimes emails or text messages don't get delivered. I will not argue with that. But if you are really trying to contact somebody, wouldn't you try at least a couple of times?  I assure you that you will be able to have your message delivered.

Social media has become such an important part of our identity and life that there is a clear trend that will allow process service through social media or electronic mail.  Below there is an excerpt from an article by Legal Language Services:

"Facebook alone boasts a user base significantly larger than the entire population of North America. While service of process via such social media sources is not a mainstay of domestic service in the US, several countries have begun to adopt this as a method of service.

"In 2008, an Australian court first allowed for service of process via Facebook, and courts in New Zealand have followed suit. In 2012, a High Court Judge in the UK also approved service of process via Facebook.

"Even Twitter has been used to effect service in the UK. In September 2009, the High Court allowed an injunction against an anonymous blogger to be served via Twitter. A well-known British lawyer and conservative blogger, Donal Blaney, obtained an injunction after a previously-unknown blogger began impersonating him on the Internet.

"Canadian attorneys also routinely obtain orders to serve documents via Facebook when a defendant cannot be personally found or is actively trying to evade service."

---- Legal Language Services  What to Consider Before Serving Process via Social Media

Daniela Carloni, Victor Alfieri's mother, is one of the defendants in the lawsuit I filed last April. She lives in Italy. In order to serve her the summons and complaint, I had to follow the rules of the Hague Convention, as Italy is one of its signatories. Interestingly enough, Italy allows service via regular postal mail. An Italian attorney told me that in Italy, by law, all citizens must be registered under an "official" address. Legal documents that are delivered to that address are considered as "DELIVERED" - no signature needed.

Daniela Carloni was officially served in May 2014. She was served by priority mail, certified mail and email. She received the complaint and summons in both English and Italian. It has been over 60 days after her service. She has not responded.

Defendants typically have 30 days to respond. I am not sure how long Daniela has, as she lives abroad. She can claim that she needs time to respond. She could also claim that she did not receive the documents although I have clear proof of delivery by mail (2 separate deliveries). What she won't be able to claim is that she was not aware of the lawsuit.  Her only son is the main defendant in this case. The lawsuit involves the movie filmed in Calcata, where she resides. No judge would believe she had no idea this lawsuit had been filed.

Some people ask my why I sued Daniela. My complaint explains her involvement. You can read it by clicking on this link - Complaint.  What Victor and Daniela did, at least, what I believe they did, should be brought to a court of law and should be heard by a judge and jury. I don't believe people should be allowed to commit fraud through deceit and manipulation and get away with it simply because nobody is willing to do anything about it... or because it is time to move on.

This is my story. I do not blame anyone, not even Victor or Daniela for how the story turns out.  What happened in the past is done and cannot be changed. What we have now is the present... and a future that will eventually become the present.  I hold no resentment against anyone who has been somehow involved in this "story." I am proceeding with this lawsuit because it is what feels right for me. This is the way I find balance - by stepping away from the victim's position and standing up for my truth.

My life is my story. I am the one writing it. Nobody can write it for me. I refuse to be a victim of circumstances. Bad things don't happen to me. There is no such thing as a BAD experience.  A seemingly bad experience that knocks me to the ground simply happens so I can take a break, regroup and regain awareness of what truly matters to me.

Disclaimer – As of October 15, 2018, all legal issues have been resolved. This resolution was reached during arbitration. There are no pending issues related to fraud or theft. The resolution was mutually agreeable. There will be no more posts written about this story.

Six Degrees of Separation

Update as of 10-15-2018 -- The case has been dismissed by both parties.  As we have agreed to move forward, the dismissed case will remain confidential.

------

According to Wikipedia -

Six degrees of separation is the theory that everyone and everything is six or fewer steps away, by way of introduction, from any other person in the world, so that a chain of a "friend of friend" statements can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of six steps.

I could not agree more with this theory. In fact, I would not be surprised that new technology, social media networks and instant digital communication with even the most remote places worldwide, have resulted in a considerable decrease of that six-degree stretch.

Last week, I was trying to find an attorney in Rome to help me with my lawsuit. The film was shot in Italy and one of the defendants resides there. It made sense to me to get some legal guidance from someone who can navigate the Italian judicial system and who has handled cases such as mine... Maybe not exactly like mine, but cases that cross country borders.

I went to the Italian Embassy's website. The website provides a list of attorneys who are familiar and experienced with both the US and the Italian legal systems.  I wrote to all of them. Most of them replied immediately. A couple of them called me as soon as they read my message.

I have to admit that it was refreshing to talk and correspond via email with some of these Italian attorneys. They were very helpful and willing to listen. They were so animated when they talked... and that lovely Italian accent!

Because the attorneys I contacted were located in Rome, it was not so surprising that they knew of Calcata and have been there several times.  After all, it is just a 45 minute drive.  One of the lawyers said, "oh, Calcata, yes. I have been there many times. I go eat there often... beautiful place!"

I did not expect what was to happen when I googled two of the attorneys to whom I talked. I found their LinkedIn profiles. When I was about to request to connect with them, I realized that we already had over 100 connections in common.  This happened with both of the attorneys, not just one! Over 100 people in common! Who could ever imagine that!

Isn't it incredible how close we already are to people that we consider "strangers"?  Has it ever happened to you that you meet a person and when you request his/her friendship on Facebook, you realize you have at least one friend in common?... And this mutual friend lives in a different continent!

I believe that the theory of six degrees of separation is becoming increasingly evident. I would even dare to call it "six degrees of connectedness." If we had "imaginary" string and used it to individually connect to every single human being that we personally know... and if all these people were also to connect in the same manner to everyone they know, we would end up with a complex human network that covers the entire world, leaving nobody out.

It is just like our physical body. We have legs, arms, head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, internal organs... that are somewhat independent but still part of a whole. It is the same with humanity although we sometimes seem to forget. So, let's reach out to our loved ones, our community, our nation, our neighboring countries.... and those who seem to be so far and unreachable. Remember that six degrees do not separate us... but connect us all. In reality, we could not be closer to one another... We are one.

Disclaimer – As of October 15, 2018, all legal issues have been resolved. This resolution was reached during arbitration. There are no pending issues related to fraud or theft. The resolution was mutually agreeable. There will be no more posts written about this story.

Part II - The Trailer

Update as of 10-15-2018 -- The case has been dismissed by both parties.  As we have agreed to move forward, the dismissed case will remain confidential.

----

Many people cannot believe that I have made the decision to sue Victor Alfieri again. Why would I do that? Am I a masochist? It is like starting the whole nightmare again.... or is it really?  I see it more like the Trevino-Alfieri Part II.

This time around is very different.  I am detached from what happened three years ago - even what just happened several months ago when I last communicated with Alfieri (through his PA).  I am not bitter, not at all.  I am not even upset or resentful of Alfieri for what he has done and continues doing. His actions are a different story. Such actions should not be tolerated by anyone... And that is why this lawsuit feels like the RIGHT thing to do.

I have learned to separate the person from the action. This is something that I started learning when I attended USM (the University of Santa Monica) but did not completely comprehend or truly experienced it until recently.  I remember talking to Ron (my professor) when I was still a first-year student, I said to him, "By the time I graduate I will be able to forgive my ex-husband." Ron quickly responded, "why wait? You can forgive him right now!"

People cannot be defined by others or by mere circumstances. They are not defined by their past mistakes or actions.  By separating people from their behavior and actions, I have learned to forgive them while forgiving myself.  What happened in the past, is in the past.

Although there is nothing anyone can do to change the past, there are certainly things that can be done to make amends. We are responsible for our own choices. We can choose to forgive... while still choosing to fight for justice.

So this is how this Part II of the story begins - by standing for the truth.

The video below is a celebration of a new beginning - a celebration of a NEW story!

Disclaimer – As of October 15, 2018, all legal issues have been resolved. This resolution was reached during arbitration. There are no pending issues related to fraud or theft. The resolution was mutually agreeable. There will be no more posts written about this story.

The Top 10 Countdown

Update as of 10-15-2018 -- The case has been dismissed by both parties.  As we have agreed to move forward, the dismissed case will remain confidential.

The Most Creative and Memorable 

Claims Made by Alfieri

10 - He does not mix business with pleasure.

He constantly claims that he is very professional and respectful. He also claims that he does not mix business with pleasure when he gets the investors' money by sleeping with them.

9 - He had very professional disputes. 

This is just a funny quote by him - "very professional" disputes. It is simply memorable.

8 - He likes to make sexual jokes because he is Italian.

When he was asked if he ever made sexual comments on set he said NO. Then he admitted to asking Clark J. Gable to bend over in order to get more lines. He also admitted to telling Nicole Sienna to give him hugs to get more lines. He claimed that he was joking... but that is what sexual harassment is! He justified his sexual jokes by saying:

"I am Italian. That's the way we joke. And I like to joke like that." 

7 - His house in Italy - he doesn't own it legally... but it is his!

He had told me (and many other people) that he owned both his house and his mother's house in Italy. He told me he paid CASH for them. He owned them free and clear. During his deposition he claimed that his house in Italy belonged to a friend of his and later added... "but it is mine!"

6 - He was also the Prop Master. 

He added, that he would "take the knife back so no actors would injure themselves." When asked about safety on set. He admitted to bringing and using a real knife on set. He also admitted to using a real operating drill for a scene, claiming that he did so to save money. No money savings can justify risking actors and crew.

5 - I was his personal assistant and had access to his phone and computer. And he has WITNESSES!

Really???? This is truly laughable. Why would I be the personal assistant??? I was the one with the money and the professional education and career. I did not have any access to those items. Alfieri guards his phone like the most valuable treasure. I would also LOVE to meet the witnesses.  Alfieri's great imagination is limitless.  

4 - He sued me because he is not a thief.

During his deposition he stated that he filed the lawsuit against me because I told his mother I was going to call the FBI and put him in jail forever.. and that he was not a thief. He then used the money he had taken from me - the money that was "in dispute" for which I had called him a thief. He used it to hire Roger Muse to sue me. If that is not stealing... well...  at least, it is an innovative way of investing someone else's money.

3 - He had a Facebook Hacker.

He gave a beautiful explanation on how "hackers" operate. According to Alfieri a hacker is an IMPERSONATOR.  I must have chatted and flirted with the hacker. I could have sworn he sounded just like Victor and looked exactly like him on skype. 

2 - He did not send personal emails to me. I must have "texted" myself.

Because he did not want to be held accountable for any emails or text messages that contained personal information confirming our intimate relationship, he claimed that I had access to his phone and that I could have easily texted myself.  Brilliant imagination!!!

And the most creative and memorable claim made by Alfieri:

1 - There were 8 people out there impersonating Victor Alfieri.

No words can describe how much joy and laughter this simple quote has brought into my life. I am grateful to Victor for coming up with such imaginative tales.

Watch the following video. It's a celebration of these top 10!!!

Disclaimer – As of October 15, 2018, all legal issues have been resolved. This resolution was reached during arbitration. There are no pending issues related to fraud or theft. The resolution was mutually agreeable. There will be no more posts written about this story.

Our Relationship - The Trevino Version - PART 2

Update as of 10-15-2018 -- The case has been dismissed by both parties.  As we have agreed to move forward, the dismissed case will remain confidential.

Late January 2011

I never expected our relationship to take the turn it took. As soon as we decided to make the film "Looking for Clarissa" (formerly "Looking for Clara"), our relationship went from, best friends and lovers to betrayal and legal battles. Although it did not happen immediately, he turned into a totally different person in only three months!

It was surprising to me how Victor's behavior started to change in early February 2011. He became very focused. It was evident that he wanted to make a film. He saw it as his only way out of his desperate financial situation. He had to do something so he would not lose his home in California.  As soon as I sold my condominium in early February, he knew I had the money to produce the movie and help him save his home.

Victor became even more sexual with me. He wanted to have sex every single time we met. Sometimes he would call me to come over just for that reason.  I remember one specific time, he said "can you come over now?" I said, "right now?" He replied, "yes, right now! I need a ride." I said, your car broke down again, you need me to take you to the mechanic?" He said, "no, I need to ride YOU." I found that funny. He would always say that he rode me instead of me riding him... that made me laugh every time. 

Now when I think why he was demanding sex more often, I realize that he probably wanted me closer to him to make sure he would get the money for the movie and I would not back out. Whatever it was, it does not matter anymore. He knew how much I loved him and that I would do anything for him.

First Signs of Paranoia

I first noticed Victor's paranoia when we had a problem with Rachel Kennedy, one of the original investors. She decided to pull out her investment. She accused Victor of being a manipulator and a user. I took Victor's side, of course. Because I loved him, I defended and protected him.

Rachel wrote to me:

I did tell Victor about this email that Rachel sent to me. He then demanded to see it and to see my reply to her. Please see text messages below. Victor and I had our first real fight because of this.  He did not believe I had stood up for him and defended him. I should have listened to what Rachel was communicating through her email. She was smart to get out. I, on the other hand, got deeper into it.

 This is what Victor replied:

 And then he wrote about SLANDER, something I became very familiar with after he sued me.

I asked Victor if he ever slept with Rachel. She was (and still is) a beautiful woman. I would have understood if he said yes. In fact, I expected him to admit it. However, he denied it and said that he had not and would NEVER have sex with her. Then he started comparing her to me, telling me I was beautiful and natural... and she was not.  I am an intuitive woman. And I am not dumb. I knew there was more than what Victor wanted to admit.  I opted to not ask anymore.

After Victor took my money, right before he sued me, I met with Rachel and asked her if she ever slept with him. She immediately said yes.  Of course! that makes more sense. She also stated that Victor was a monster. I did not know what she meant by that... But I sure found out when he sued me and the scandal he created traveled the world.

For more about this subject, go to "Paranoia and Delusion"

Loan

Victor asked me for a loan to save his home. He needed to refinance his first mortgage and pay off a second loan. Originally, I was going to lend him the money and have a formal contract to make it official and to protect me. He decided to add the amount he needed as a loan (about 14,000) to the production budget. Please see text messages below.

In order for him to get the money from me to save his home, we had to raise the budget from $115,000 to $130,000. I did not mind doing this for my man. I would have done anything for him... And I did.

Please go to "The Loan" for more information about this subject and to watch a great video.

Stress and End of Intimacy

February, March, April and May of 2011 were very stressful months for Victor, me and anyone involved in the production of "Looking for Clara." Victor was working really hard to get everything ready for the filming in Italy.

We were still very close and intimate up to the time he left, when I took him to the LAX airport in early April. I did notice that he had a short temper and little patience. I justified his anger and frustration with lack of sleep and a high level of stress. I loved this man and was not to add any more stress to his life. I was nice and accommodating to him during the pre-production of our movie.

The last time we were intimate was right before he left for Italy in early April. I never thought that it would be the last time he and I were to be together - physically and emotionally.

Filming in Italy

We had to pretend we were not and had never been "together" when we were filming in Italy.  I played that part very well. Many of the cast and crew suspected that there was more between Victor and I. They asked Victor repeatedly. I believe that his lie got bigger and bigger, every time he had to justify our "relationship." Why would someone believe in an actor who had never directed a movie before? Who would risk that type of money just as an "investment"? There must me more of a relationship. That is what people started to believe... Of course, because it was the TRUTH.

Read "Filming in Italy" for more information about what happened in Italy.

Breaking Up

In Italy
I have already covered this point in another post. Please go to "The Break-Up" to learn what happened in Italy when our romantic/intimate relationship officially ended.

Back in the US

Although our romantic and sexual relationship ended when we officially broke up in Rome, we were still to break up our business relationship and friendship.  Because just going through that final break-up was journey to hell itself, I feel I should dedicate an exclusive post just to that.  Please go to "Friends With Benefits"

See Text Messages Below.

The Wrap Party

Update as of 10-15-2018 -- The case has been dismissed by both parties.  As we have agreed to move forward, the dismissed case will remain confidential.

Nicole Sienna, Victor Alfieri (holding Tarzan), Adriana Trevino

Joel Moody, Nicole Sienna, Clark Gable, Adriana Trevino

Only a day before wrapping the movie, I had a meeting with the production crew. They were very upset and expressed their frustration with Victor. The DP said to me - "Victor has no idea what he is doing. He is not a director or producer." He also said that many of the problems were because Victor wanted to sleep with Nicole and she would not do so. He stated, "everybody knows that."

Then he added, "We respect you and know that you are the executive producer and this is your investment." He told me that the crew were ready to walk out but did not do it out of respect for me. It was not surprising that only two people from the crew attended the party. The rest of the crew decided not to come.

Victor Alfieri, Aline Ochoa, Clark Gable

The DP said emphatically, "Victor is very disrespectful to you. You are a lady. He should not treat you this way." I did not totally understand what he was talking about... Three months later, everything became clear to me.

In spite of all the challenges, conflict and drama, this celebration was the highlight of my trip to Italy. I truly enjoyed this Wrap Party. We were all happy to have finished shooting the movie. I thought this was a happy ending. I believed that Victor would go back to being himself - the way I knew him. I was looking forward to returning to the US to resume my regular life.  I was also excited about having this movie edited and completed.

Adriana Trevino and Filippo Valle

Adriana Trevino and Marco Bonini

Filippo Valle and Nicole Sienna

Victor Alfieri and Adriana Trevino

I dedicate this video to all the people involved in the production of "Looking for Clara."

Disclaimer – As of October 15, 2018, all legal issues have been resolved. This resolution was reached during arbitration. There are no pending issues related to fraud or theft. The resolution was mutually agreeable. There will be no more posts written about this story.

Conflict on Set

Update as of 10-15-2018 -- The case has been dismissed by both parties.  As we have agreed to move forward, the dismissed case will remain confidential.

--------

I am writing this particular post with no intention to badmouth or judge anyone. I understand that actors and crew are not bringing forward any complaints or claims of harassment or abuse. I certainly do not want to create animosity or hostility among anyone involved with the movie production. I will simply be sharing what I personally witnessed and experienced.

ITALY

The shooting of the film started on May 9th, 2011. This was my first project producing a feature film. It was also the first feature film for Victor Alfieri (as a writer, director and producer), Joshua Fine (production attorney), Clark J Gable and some of the other people involved in this production.

It would be reasonable to expect to run into some problems. After all, this was in independent film, shot in Italy - not an easy project to handle.

Pre-Production

Budget

Putting the budget together took extensive work. Victor spent endless hours revising the budget. The projected expenses seemed reasonable to me. I gave the OK.

Script

There were several problems with the script. The script was not completely ready until a couple of weeks before the cast and crew flew to Italy. And apparently, there were other changes and additions even during filming.

Contracts

On March 20, 2011, I signed the Investment Agreement. I had just become the "Executive Producer" and sole financier of "Looking for Clarissa" (formerly "Looking for Clara"). I read the contract and realized that it was pretty much "one-sided." I had no guarantees - not even the right to take over the film and distribute it if Bondolini Productions failed to fulfill his side of the agreement.

I remember saying to Victor, "this contract seems one-sided" and jokingly adding, "you are not going to stab me in the back, are you?" To what he replied, "of course not, baby. I would never do that. I love you."

Casting

I was not allowed to be present in any casting calls or auditions. Victor claimed that it was best not to interfere with the casting process claiming that an Executive Producer NEVER participates in this part of the process. This sounded inaccurate to me. But I did not argue, as I had so many other things to do anyway.

Wardrobe, Travel, Accounting

Victor asked me to make sure the three lead actors got the "right" wardrobe for the movie - a task I certainly did not enjoy doing. Victor would obsessively demand to see pictures of every single item of clothing, especially those clothes to be worn by the lead actress. 

I made flight reservations for the crew and American cast - an easy task for me, as I fly for work every week. I also was in charge of the accounting and of paying the crew and actors. Everyone got paid at least 50% of their fees in advance, including Victor.  I was the only person who did not get compensated - not even a penny - for any of my work.

Production

Clark J. Gable

Clark's manager, Roxane Davis, was well aware of Victor's lack of experience making an independent film. She wanted to protect her client. In a message to her attorney, she wrote: 

"There is nothing LEGAL about this production. I have an unruly, condescending director wherein numerous violations have occured.  He may just need your clarification on what the laws actually are.  All the issues could have easily been solved with simple communication, but now it's turned into one violation after another.  Clark is the only talent with a manager and Victor Alferi seems to take offense to that.  Unless simple protocol is followed from this point forward we will need to further this in a legal and effective manner under California State Law. "

Clark at Piazza San Pietro 

Victor had problems with Clark even before the beginning of the filming. Victor wrote to me a very angry email telling me that Clark was sick and missing rehearsal. Victor stated that he did not want to be Clark's babysitter.

There was another incident when Clark got sick again. This time he was extremely sick (details in my proposed cross-complaint). 

Victor initially refused to provide Clark with any medical attention claiming that it was Clark's own fault. 

Victor and I had a verbal altercation where I expressed how dangerous it could be not to take him to the doctor. I was extremely concerned about Clark's wellbeing. 

Yelling at me, Victor angrily said "I am not paying for this with production money!" I responded, "I will pay for this with the cash I brought to Italy!"

Calcata, Italy

Harassment and Abuse

It is true that Victor is Italian and likes to make sexual jokes as he stated during his deposition.  The problem is that even jokes could be considered sexual harassment in the workplace.

"If you bend over maybe I will give you more lines," "if you cuddle with me or give me a hug, you will get more lines."


Asking for sexual favors, even jokingly, as a condition for work - in this case, more lines for the actor who complies - constitutes sexual harassment.

Victor admitted himself to saying this to two of the lead actors. (See "Sexual Harassment"post).


The first Saturday I was in Calcata, Italy, Nicole Sienna, the lead actress asked to be allowed to leave the village to spend the rest of the weekend in Rome. After all, those were her days off. Victor prohibited her from leaving Calcata, the medieval village.


He explained to me that he worried that something could happen to her, that she could be abducted, be involved in an accident or something catastrophic like that. He also said that we would not be able to complete the movie if she did not come back. He said, "I am protecting the production by not allowing her to leave."



I did think that it was not a good idea for her to leave for the weekend. She did not know Rome, did not speak Italian. It would be terrible if something bad happened to her.  I thought of the movie "Taken" and backed Victor on this decision. She left anyway. She was back Monday morning on time to start the work day.

Nicole Sienna, the lead actress approached me and asked to talk to me in private.

She showed me several pages with a long list of incidents when she felt sexually harassed by Victor. She documented these incidents and had a description and date for each of them.

I went to talk to Victor immediately. I could not allow any harassment on set. He became furious when I told him what she had said.

The three of us had a meeting. She could not admit, in front of Victor, that Victor had done anything wrong or unprofessional.

She might have been intimidated by Victor's yelling and knowing that she was in a medieval fortress with nowhere else to go.

After this incident, it is my opinion that Victor became extremely hostile and abusive to Nicole. He instructed everyone not to talk to her. She was ostracized. I was the only person in the production team that was allowed to talk to her. During the filming of one scene, he angrily yelled at her simply because she asked me to hold her coat and phone while she filmed the scene.

I was so scared of Victor.  He seemed to be out of control. It could have been the long hours on set and lack of sleep. Whatever it was, I was determined to protect everyone to the best of my ability and to not allow this production to fall apart.

I will not say that everything was conflictive. There were great moments during the making of this movie. I felt that we were all a big family working together.

With some cast and crew in Rome, Italy

Disclaimer – As of October 15, 2018, all legal issues have been resolved. This resolution was reached during arbitration. There are no pending issues related to fraud or theft. The resolution was mutually agreeable. There will be no more posts written about this story.