Symba Smith - Symba in the Press

INDIANAPOLIS STAR | DENVER POST | "PANELE" MAGAZINE QUESTIONS

IN TWO "INDIANAPOLIS STAR" ARTICLES, MARC D. ALLAN WROTE:

Hoosier mama?
Seen that WNAP-FM (93.1) commercial featuring the model with the fast-moving mouth lip-synching perfectly to Led Zeppelin, Guns ‘N Roses and AC/DC?

The woman is Symba Smith, and she lives in Los Angeles, where the commercial was shot. WNAP operations manager Greg Dunkin says the station recorded the soundtrack for the commercial, then sent it to L.A. via computer lines. Smith got a tape, practiced for a weekend, then went in and did the commercial in five takes – all usable.

Dunkin traces the original ad concept to Kansas City in the early 1980s. A radio station there did a similar commercial, and Dunkin, who grew up in that area, remembered the ad when ‘NAP was thinking about a TV spot.

"The toughest part for us was coming up with an ending that would be funny and catchy," Dunkin says.

Dan Osborne, the station’s production director, came up with the "Hoosier mama" and provided the voice.

More with Symba:
That WNAP-FM (93.1) commercial with the lip-synching model caught more eyes than just ours. One caller remembered an Indianapolis station at 99.5 (WIKS, he thinks) using the same ad format in the early 1980s. Another said he saw that ad (for a different station, obviously) used in the late 1970s in Chicago.

This latest version – as mentioned in this space last week – features a model named Symba Smith, and the ‘NAP commercial was one of several she shot that day using the same motif. Among the others was one for a station in Lithuania.

Reached by phone in Los Angeles, Smith said that, at the audition, they were less concerned with her ability to lip-synch than they were with her dental work.

"I went in, and two people were looking in my mouth for cavities," said Smith, who grew up in Mississippi. Kind of like a visit to a horse doctor, she said.

To prepare for the rapid-fire lip-synching, she listens to tapes that have the ad soundtrack recorded over and over, and memorizes them. In the case of the Lithuanian station, she had the words written out phonetically to study.

Lip-synching is easy, she says. The hard part is to give her mouth a different personality for each line, so that she looks different lip-synching to Led Zeppelin than she does talking like a Hoosier.

The other hazard is getting too enthusiastic.
"I think I gave myself whiplash doing yours," she says with a laugh. "I practiced You Shook Me All Night Long, and by the time I came home, I could barely move my neck."

IN A "DENVER POST" ARTICLE, DICK KRECK WROTE:

Model plugging local station with luscious lip synch
Mighty Mouth. No, make that Mighty-fine Mouth. Don’t lie, you’ve been dying to know. That attractive woman with the great teeth and smile who shouts about the qualities of "The Hawk" (KKHK-FM) radio station in television ads is named Symba Smith, and she’s a model in Los Angeles. What a surprise.

Symba’s spiel is actually a reprise of one done for KPBI-FM about 25 years ago, but it was a hit then, so why not?

Symba (I’m only guessing that’s a made-up name) was a $100,000 winner on the "Ed McMahon Star Search" program and has done similar promotional spots for stations all over the country and in Portugal, Lithuania, Australia and New Zealand. Secret: She lip-synched the one in Lithuanian.

Her dentist deserves a prize for that dental work. She doesn’t have any cavities, as far as I can tell.

She’s the latest in a long line of "Remarkable Mouth" beauties that includes Kelly Harmon, Debra Shelton and Bree Walker.

Coming soon: A Web site, www.symba.com, not to mention calendars, posters and T-shirts.

"PANELE" MAGAZINE QUESTIONS (Lithuania)

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. How old are you? How much do you weigh? How tall are you, etc.? In which agency do you work?

My name is Symba Berae Smith and I’m originally from Mississippi. I won "Miss Teen All-American", and moved to New York City right after I turned nineteen to model. Later, I moved to Los Angeles, California to continue modeling and begin acting. I weigh 120 lbs. and am 5’9" tall. I work with several agencies around the country, (modeling and acting agencies).

2. Is your job as a model a main source of money for living? Maybe you work (or study) somewhere else? How many languages do you know?

I earn a living by modeling and acting. I also sing and write television movies, sitcoms, and films. Unfortunately, I don’t know any other languages fluently. I know the teeniest bit of French, but I really wish I was one of those people who know five different languages. Unfortunately, in Mississippi, they don’t offer other languages until high school. I think that other countries that offer foreign languages in elementary school have the right idea. The younger one is, the easier it is to learn!

3. What did you know about Lithuania, when you got proposition to star in M-1 commercial video?

I’m sad to say, not much. I would love to learn more, and even one day visit what I hear is a very wonderful country.

4. In video you look a little bit like a funny vampire, how are you in real life? What is your real character?

Well, I’m definitely not a vampire!_ I like to think of myself as a sincere, fun, strong, supportive, and very loving, good person. I’m very efficient and business minded, but I’ve also been known to be quite the nut! Would you know what that means? Being a "nut" means acting funny, or making a fool of yourself! Which, as you know, I did in the M-1 commercial. Which, by the way, is still my favorite one that I’ve ever done, and I’ve done a lot of them!

5. Who is waking you in the morning – boyfriend, clock, parents or roommate?

Unfortunately, my CLOCK wakes me up. I set my stereo clock to play really fun music to get me up and out of bed and to the gym.

6. If you have a boyfriend, what does he do for a living?

Again unfortunately, I do not have a boyfriend. It’s very hard in this city to take anyone at their face value. A lot of people are not at all what they seemed to be, once you get to know them, and that makes it very hard to find the right person. Also, my time with my family is very important to me, and a guy has to be very special for me to share that time with him. I’m sure that my "prince" is out there somewhere, but where?

7. How do you spend your time while not working?

I work a tremendous amount – it seems that I am always working on one project or another. But, I do love to go to the movies and out to dinner. My little sister lives an hour south of me now, (while her husband goes to college), and she just had a precious little baby girl who I am completely addicted to! So I am down at her house almost every weekend to visit. My family and I are very close, but she’s the only one who lives close to me – (the others I spend endless hours on the phone with)!

8. How much approximately do you earn per month? How much do you spend on cosmetics? Which brand name do you prefer?

My income varies, some months I make very little, and others I make a lot. The most I’ve ever made in one month was when I won "Star Search". Do you guys get that on your television stations? Anyway, I won $100,000.00! Unfortunately, I have yet to beat the income of that month! I don’t spend very much on cosmetics, because I don’t wear much unless I’m working. When I’m not working, I only wear lipstick. (My favorite is "Maybelline Moisture Whip" because it’s very moist and it’s so dry here in Los Angeles.) Also, I use a lip liner by "Mac". When I go on auditions, I’ll wear a little more. I’ll wear "L’Oreal Lash Out" mascara, eyeliner by "Cover Girl" and blush by "Maybelline" and "Mac". I’m a firm believer in the idea that the older you get, the less make-up you can get away with. Plus, I like a really fresh look, unless I’m going to a special evening function.

9. Tell us the style of clothes you like to wear?

I like so many styles of clothes! I like everything from jeans and boots, to hip pants and tank tops, to "Ann Taylor" and "Ralph Lauren" style clothing, to sweat pants, to beautiful classic evening wear. I always try to take something very "classic" and add just a touch of what’s "fashionable" at the moment to it. I’m also a big fan of sales! I try to get all of my "classic" style clothes on sale, and then I’m able to spend a little more on the few "fashionable" items that I need to look hip!

10. Are you a feminist? Why?

Do I believe in social, economic, and political equality for women? Yes! Do I consider myself a "feminist"? Not really. I respect the achievements of the feminists of the past and the present. Whenever there is a change to be made, it seems to me that the ones trying to make that change happen are forced to go too far in the direction of the change to get any results. It seems to me that some people have lost sight of the amazing beauty of the DIFFERENCES between men and women. No matter what anyone says, I believe that we are very different creatures, and thank the Lord we are! Life would be very dull if we were all exactly the same, with the same strengths and weaknesses. I believe that we should CELEBRATE our differences, while respecting each other’s strengths and weaknesses! I like to consider myself more "feminINE" than "feminIST". Those who know me well, know a "lady" - very gentle, loving, loyal, honest, nurturing, and vulnerable - but also a very strong, self-sufficient, career-minded businesswoman who can take care of herself. I know that it IS possible to be both, because I am. I believe that everyone should do what makes him or her happy in life, (as long as they aren’t harming others). If that means that a woman wants to be a fighter pilot, then, by all means, she should study and become a fighter pilot. And, by the same token, if a man wants to be a "stay-at-home" Dad, then, hey, he should learn to be the best "stay-at-home" Dad he can be! (Lord, I hope you print this whole LONG answer, because I’m finding it impossible to answer this question in just a few sentences!_)

11. Where and with whom do you plan to celebrate 2000 New Years Eve?

I plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2000 at home in Mississippi with my family. We plan on staying at home and just being together for the turn of the century. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do for this once-in-a-lifetime event.

12. How do you care about your body? What do you think about healthy food, diet, jogging, aerobics, etc.?

I work out 3-5 times a week, depending on what my schedule allows. For aerobic activity, I ride the bike and use the treadmill. Sometimes, I’ll run, but I find it a little hard on my joints. I try to eat healthily, but I love chocolate and cheeseburgers! But, hey, everything in moderation, right? (Besides, I don’t drink or smoke, and I’ve never done any drugs, so I just consider chocolate my "vice".)

13. What would you like to change in yourself to become a perfect model (in your body or character), if you think you have to? Have you ever had any complex?

Perfect? What is perfect? Everyone’s perception of "perfect" is different. I think being technically "perfect" would be VERY BORING. I like unique qualities. Sometimes a nose that is a little too big can be sexy, or a voice that is horse, or skin that is scarred, or teeth that are crooked. I don’t understand why so many people do so MUCH work to make themselves look just like everybody else, (especially here in Los Angeles). Where’s the fun in that?! I find odd things attractive - things that give you character – that’s sexy! I must admit that when I was little, I had a complex about my high forehead. Then I saw Iman, the stunning, famous Supermodel, and how she uses hers, and I decided to celebrate what made me different. So, now I wear my hair pulled straight back off of my face. . .(and my HIGH FOREHEAD). . .quite often!

14. Three things that you don’t like about your work.

I am very lucky in the fact that I love what I do. And I have so many interests that if I do get bored or disheartened in one area, I just put it aside and work on the others for a while.

15. Have you met any famous celebrities? Tell us about it.

I’ve met many celebrities. I’ve worked on such shows as "Friends", "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine", "Star Trek Voyager", "Veronica’s Closet", "The Bold and the Beautiful", "Hyperion Bay", as well as movies such as "L.A. Confidential" and "Beverly Hills Cop III", to name a few. I’ve met everyone from Arnold Swarzenegger, Sylvestor Stallone, Clint Eastwood, Kim Basinger, Danny DeVito, and Dudley Moore - to musicians such as Jon Bon Jovi, Paul Stanley, Vince Gill, and LeAnn Rimes. I have to tell you one of my most embarrassing moments. When I finally met the man that I think is one of the sexiest men in the world, I acted like an idiot. (After meeting all of these huge stars, and never once being affected by them, my knees have to turn to jelly just when I meet the ONE that I want to impress.) I don’t know if you’ll know him, but his name is Sam Elliot. I just think he is beautiful. When I met him, all I could say was a feeble, "Sam Elliot. . .you’re my favorite actor in the whole world!", then, to make matters worse, when I turned to leave, he had his back to me and I wanted to see his face again, so I mumbled stupidly, "Can I shake your hand?" My face is turning red as I type this sentence. It’s been years since the "Sam Incident", and I’m still turning red!

16. What will you do after you finish your career as a model?

One never knows what life will bring, but my plans are to continue acting and run my businesses. I have an invention that I am trying to patent and introduce to the world, hopefully in 2001. As for now, I keep busy with modeling, acting, writing, and developing my Website, www.symba.com. .

17. Best way to relax after hard day?

I love to curl up on the couch under a blanket with a big fire in the fireplace, a big bowl of popcorn, and a wonderful "period-piece" movie that I can escape into for a while.

18. Do you have any superstitions? Believe in horoscopes, dreams, etc? Do you have a psychiatrist?

Well, my mom told me, when I was little, that if you tell your dreams before you eat breakfast, they’ll come true. I have to admit, I still always tell the good ones before, and keep the bad ones for after breakfast! Also when I was little, I thought the Devil lived under my bed, and I still have a hard time letting my hand or arm hang off of the side of the bed. I know. It’s bizarre! No, I don’t have a psychiatrist, but after that Devil story, you’re probably thinking that I need one!

19. Sexual women – what it is? Which part of your body is most sexual (most attractive)?

I personally think that the eyes are the most attractive and sexual part of anyone. The eyes tell it all! Most everything you need to know about a person’s personality is right there in his or her eyes - I love the sparkling eyes of a happy person!

20. Tell us what’s most important for you (in order of importance): your beauty, your intelligence, work, love, friendship, sex, children, home?

The following are just my beliefs and opinions. Everyone is different, and I respect others’ beliefs and opinions, as well. To me, God is most important, then my Mother and my family (including my precious nieces and nephew), love and friendship, the gift of life, my home, my work and intelligence, and sex. This is not to say that work, intelligence, and sex are not important just because they are last on the list, because they ARE! I just put them in the order of importance to me. I consider all of the above very important. (I don’t necessarily consider beauty important, unless we are talking "inner beauty", which I believe is part of love.)

21. Perhaps you have to travel a lot. Tell us about interesting countries you have visited. Remember funniest travel story.

I’ve traveled to France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and The Bahamas. I think that the funniest thing about my travel is the fact that I ALWAYS get stuck sitting next to some alcoholic, stinky, loud, obnoxious, or snoring person who usually has bad breath. Why? Why does that always happen to me? Why can’t I be seated next to Sam Elliot so I could make up for my embarrassing moment?!

22. Your best book? The music band you like best?

I like a lot of self-help books and also, of course, love stories! It’s very difficult for me to choose a favorite band – I like so many different kinds of music! I love everything from The Glenn Miller Band, B.B. King, Johnny Lang, Trisha Yearwood (my favorite female singer), The Dixie Chicks, Sade, Guns-n-Roses, Aerosmith, Whitney Houston, Barry White, James Christian, Irma Thomas, Alabama (old stuff more than new), and my very favorite male singer, Ray Charles!

23. Most expensive gift you’ve ever got?

Does it count if I gave it to myself? I just bought a new truck, I love it! And I once bought an Omega watch as a birthday present for myself, does that count?

24. Most delicious dishes for you?

Chinese and Cajun are my favorite types of food. Specifically, anything with SHRIMP!! Of course, I LOVE cheeseburgers, french fries, and fudge-dipped OREO’s! Can you tell that I love food?! (Sad, but true.)

25. What do you wear at home?

Must you ask this question? You guys really covered everything! Embarrassingly enough, it’s not sexy. . .it’s not even pretty. Usually, as soon as I come home, I put on my flannel pajamas and slippers. In the summertime – it’s shorts and a t-shirt. There. It is now public knowledge, how terribly embarrassing!_

26. When have you cried last time? Why?

Oddly enough, yesterday. My 1987 Jeep Cherokee decided to pretty much DIE on me, (which had been coming for months), and I was forced to buy a new truck, but today, I’m extremely happy and very glad that I did! Before that, I cried when I had to leave my niece. I’m addicted to her, okay?

27. Your biggest dream?

I want to make enough money to be able to take care of my Mother in the manner in which she deserves. I’d also like to have a beautiful home in the country on lots of land, (maybe with a few horses).

28. How did your work on M-1 video go? Did anything curious happen?

I had such a GREAT TIME! When I first got the tape and listened to it, I thought to myself, "Yeah, RIGHT, they want me to do WHAT?!" But, then, I watched the tape of the Lithuanian girl saying the words, wrote them out phonetically, and somehow I was able to do it. Surprisingly, I did it right the first time, so we only did it twice, (a second time just in case). It was my first foreign one to do, and it is still my favorite! The montage that the radio station put together was so great. There was a lot of funny stuff to work with. I’m glad people like it there, because my family and friends here love it!

I just want to add a very special "Thank You" to all of the people at "Panele" and to all of the people who wanted to know me better! It’s very exciting to have people in such a far-away place wanting to know more about me! I wish you all the best -

Love,

Symba