Many of you will recognize Francis from his many photos, magazine shots, commercials and book covers. Francis is the cover model for Christine Feehan’s latest Carpathian book DARK PREDATOR.
Francis Cura Interview
With his wavy brown hair and piercing blue eyes, is it any wonder, he could see down to a woman’s soul and steal her heart with just one look.
STATS:
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 190lbs
Neck: 16″
Chest: 42″
Waist: 32″
Shoe: 12
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Year of Birth: 1977
Hometown: New York City
Currently Resides: Los Angeles
Education: Degree in Graphic Design and Art History
Others: Classically trained Opera Singer
Marital Status: Single
Children: Not yet…..
Siblings: One sister
It gives us great pleasure to introduce you to …..
Francis (Francesco) J. Cura
S&B: How did you get started in the modelling industry?
Francis: I started a long time ago in Milan, Italy. I was really young (about 18) and knew very little about the industry. So with the exception of a few good gigs, I didn’t find it easy. I pursued it more seriously in New York as well to then continue here in Los Angeles.
S&B: We have read that you are a classically trained opera singer. As a young boy, was there always music playing in your family home? What sparked your desire to sing opera?
Francis: My father is a ‘Jack of all trades’ type. He was also a musician but that did not have much influence on me. I discovered I possessed a powerful instrument only at the age of 17. I then enrolled in a two year program where I had the chance to develop my voice through rigid operatic muscular technique. It was more about pushing the limits of my vocal capabilities than having a concrete opera singer career.
S&B: Where did you train? Have you ever performed professionally?
Francis: I trained at the Cem Lira Music Institute in Italy. And I never performed professionally.
S&B: Does anyone else in your family, have a beautiful voice? Siblings? Parents?
Francis: Not really (smiles). I believe I’m the only one who was given that gift.
S&B: Where may we hear your singing? Is there a video or CD available?
Francis: I’m working on a project right now, but I’d rather not say anything – as I can be a little superstitious about revealing things before they’re done.
S&B: You are obviously very gifted, very talented. Which do you prefer…modelling, acting or singing?
Francis: Singing. No doubt. Acting is definitely below singing as music is more powerful than words.
S&B: Are your parents involved in the entertainment industry? Did they mentor you, encourage you into the different fields you currently are involved?
Francis: They always supported me through struggles and joys. As I said, my dad has always been in the arts, so obviously he understands and promotes anything that is creative. But I always mentored myself. My parents never told me what to do as I grew up as a very independent individual driven by my own ideas and ambitions. I listen to myself and trust what is in me will be faithful to who I am. And if I end up making a mistake, I will certainly be glad to only blame myself by taking ownership and responsibility over them. So, shortly said: my parents have NOTHING to do with my choices.
S&B: You started in the commercial film industry at a very young age. What was your first commercial for?
Francis: It was for mineral water. I had to climb a dune in a desert until I found the ‘saving’ bottle. I must have been 10 or 11.
S&B: Film work in both TV and the movies. Have you ever consider working full time as an actor? Which do you prefer…TV or the big screen?
Francis: I deeply dislike (and therefore ignore) television. I think if the world could still wake up if it turned off that useless box. There is nothing that attracts me in today’s entertainment. There’s either (and only) too much stupidity -in idiotic comedies and sitcoms-and too much violence and darkness – in movies and prime-time television series. All the movie directors I’d love to work with have died a long time ago.
S&B: With a degree in Graphic Design and Art History, you can work in almost any part of the entertainment industry. What sparked your interest in graphic design and art history? Are you currently working in the graphic design industry and if so, where may we see some of your work? (smiles)
Francis: I was very young when I took the path into visual arts. Graphic Design was lost on me as it became too mathematical and linear for a right-brained person like myself. I was rather into portraiture, where the freedom from rulers and compasses would let the pencil create the magic I was truly attracted to. I excelled at it and I still conserve many of my works.
Art History was a passion of mine that came from childhood. I can remember being attracted to the hidden mysteries of ancient civilizations since my mother first bought me a world globe map. At night, I would go to my room, turn off the lights and stare at the glowing globe as my imagination would take me to Egypt, Israel or Morocco. I then started reading about those places until I could finally study them as an adult ( and accumulate knowledge as I still do today).
S&B: Have you ever had an art showing? Have you ever sold a piece of art work professionally?
Francis: Yes. I also used to make stained glass and I sold two of them.
S&B: We first noticed you as a commercial ad man for Cadillac etc, as well as several TV and movie appearances. But most of our site members are most interested because of your cover picture on Christine Feehan’s Dark Predator. Most pictures are usually selected from studio stock photos. Were you eve consulted regarding this particular cover? Do you have any say about where or when your cover shots will appear? Do you have a preference?
Francis: No. I have no preference. I’m just flattered to be the face on a cover, especially when it’s about a dark predator, which is probably the furthest thing away from me. To answer your question: many photos of mine are purchasable through stock agencies and I hold full copyrights on them.
S&B: What other ‘romance novel’ covers have you graced?
Francis: I wouldn’t be able to tell you . Many things I appear on I have no knowledge of.
S&B: Well, Francis….we found a few of your ‘romance covers’. A couple of these books have recently been released.
S&B: Your bio states you will NOT do nude photos, but there are several that run close to the line. What do you say to young models and actors, just starting out in the industry regarding nude photo shoots etc?
Francis: There are a lot of discussions regarding this ‘issue’. It is very personal and it all depends on the intentions, morals, artistic view and purposes of the person and the product involved. I’ve been asked many times to do full nudity but always refused. I’m strict when it comes to over exposing. But again: that is my opinion. My most revealing images do not show any private parts although I can’t deny that they do contain a certain level of eroticism. Still, they are very well executed images.
Now, if I had to give advice to young models, here is what I would say: Never settle for gratuity, vulgarity and objectification. The body is a sacred temple. Your soul is enclosed in it and is of Divine nature. So if the images are of great artistic value, executed with graciousness and innocence to elevate the human form, its nature and divine design, then you might (I underline MIGHT) consider partial and/or full nudity. But when you’re asked to use your body to feed the insatiable hunger of men of depravity and poverty of spirit, then stay away from it as you’ll soon regret. I see lost of models taking away their veil of dignity for a small paycheck. They let the photographer/client become rich by impoverishing themselves.
S&B: What are you currently doing?
Francis: I’m going to San Francisco in three days for a photo shoot (at the time of the interview). I just had a photo shoot for the sequel of the movie 300. I’m on avail for a Chesterfield commercial. Life is good!
S&B: Do you have any regrets:
Francis: No. Only the present. Regrets are useless and counterproductive. They make no sense! When people have regrets they frustrate me because there is nothing they ( or I or anyone else) can do. The past is gone. The future has to come. We must be joyful in the present, which is a gift.
S&B: Is there anything you would like to tell us, that we may not know?
Francis: There are many things you may not know and what I’m about to write might be something you know VERY well but still: I feel the need to express since it is a BIG part of me.
I’d like to say that all that matters is GOD. There is nothing else. God is all we have and HE is closer to us than we are to ourselves. The only certainty we have in life is its death. After that, the only certainty is eternity and God, who created us out of love.
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LIGHTNING ROUND
FAVORITE SONG:
I can’t think of one specific song. Too many to like…
FAVORITE MUSIC GROUP:
Again: too many to mention. It would take a page.. ; )
FAVORITE FOOD:
Pizza and Pecan Pie
FAVORITE RESTAURANT:
House of Pies on Vermont in Los Angeles
BOXERS, BRIEFS OR COMMANDO: (we always have to ask)
Briefs
FAVORITE VACATION DESTINATION:
Hot tropical places
LAST VACATION DESTINATION:
Jamaica
WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
Rest and eat.
DARK OR MILK CHOCOLATE?
MILK for sure!!
WHAT TYPE OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE?
Cadillac, of course….
IF YOU COULD DO ANYTHING ELSE, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
I’d be a farmer.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DATE:
I don’t have an ideal date. As long as I like the woman I have in front of me, I can be anywhere in the world.
We would like to thank you for this wonderful interview. You have been honest and forthright, and above all else….a pleasure. Please keep in touch and let us know about your upcoming music venture. I personally am looking forward to hearing your voice…*blushing* and you are definitely a man after my own heart….MILK chocolate AND Pecan Pie…my favorites….lol
This interview was previously posted at our other site…Bodice Rippers Femme Fatales and Fantasy Dec 2011
