JONTILLE GERARD

JONTILLE GERARD

Notes: There are alot of things I could say about Jontille Gerard: she's a trained actress, she's focused, has an amazing work ethic.....but all of these facts about Miss Gerard pale in comparison to her ultimate truth: Jontille Gerard is the most talented dramatic actress I have ever had the pleasure of working with. But before I can share my experience with Jontille on set; I have to begin two months prior....and about 20 hours before her audition for Robert Townsend's highly anticipated new dramatic feature film, "The Discarded Boyz". We were about 3 weeks into auditioning for the film and had pretty much settled on an actress for the role of 'Gemini' in the first week, but through the course of several events, Jontille's name kept coming up; in my head and in the mouths of our mutual friends...so, I called her, at 8pm, the night before FINAL callbacks. ME: "Jontille, I know you've heard about the movie, I know you've wanted to come in, but I couldn't call; we stopped seeing actresses for that role the first week... But it's really been eating at me that you didn't come in. Final callbacks are tomorrow, I want to bring you in an hour before and if the audition goes well, I'll just throw you in front of the Director and we'll see what happens." JONTILLE: "Ok, I'm there." At 4:15pm the next day, Jontille came in, completely off book and blew us away. Rarely have I witnessed a PERFECT audition. She tapped into every layer created for the character and added about two dozen of her own. I knew in the first 2 minutes that she was 'Gemini'...and hour later, she recreated that same magic and won Mr. Townsend's heart as well. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, Day Two of shooting arrived and I watched our amazing Director, Robert Townsend, mold Jontille and push her even farther. I was so proud watching Jontille and Jonathan McDaniel spar as 'Gemini' and 'Xtra', that it brought me to tears. I've never been so overwhelmed with pride watching two young actors really go to work. Jontille Gerard is a gem and I personally guarantee that when the world is introduced to this amazing young actress in "The Discarded Boyz", she will become Hollywood's most sought after actress. I'm so thankful to have been Blessed with the opportunity to witness her breakout performance, before my very eyes.

JONATHAN MCDANIEL

JONATHAN MCDANIEL

Notes: When I first met Jonathan, it was over the phone. I reached out to him to audition for Director Robert Townsend's highly anticipated dramatic feature film, "The Discarded Boyz". We were in the eye of the storm searching for the right actor to cast for the lead, 'Xtra Keys'. When I spoke to Jonathan, I explained the complexities of the character as seen through the eyes of Mr. Townsend and myself. "Xtra is a violent and painfully conflicted teenager, who was forced to grow up too soon and give up on any hope for a bright future. He's unloved by his parents, therefore (in his eyes) he's incapable of loving others. Slowly but surely, it's becoming harder harder for him to hear that voice inside him that tells him he could have a better life; because it's muffled by everyone around him who are successfully convincing him that he is nothing. He's hurting; and hurt people, HURT people." Jonathan listened quietly, then said: I got it. Four days later, Jonathan came in and turned our world upside down. He was perfect. He DID get it.

In a very rare opportunity for me as a Casting Director, I had the pleasure of continuing on during production for the film and spent eighteen days witnessing this amazing actor truly 'become' Xtra. By the second day of shooting, I was in tears, overcome with pride watching a new face rise to the occasion and play such a complex character with ease. I was thankful to have been put in place to act as a bridge to provide this opportunity. I look forward to everyone seeing this breakout star and his hard work on the big screen. "The Discarded Boyz" will premiere July 6, 2011 at ABFF.

MARY ALEXANDRA STIEFVATER

MARY ALEXANDRA STIEFVATER

Notes: One word: Bewitching. I first met Mary in my audition room for Speed-Dating. It was towards the end of the day and the Producers, Director and I were already pretty set on the actress we wanted for the role. Then, in walks Mary. Tall (check). Blond (check). Pretty & Charming (check, check). But could she act??? YES! The 'choices' she made for the character were not only hysterical, they were also refreshingly honest. When we arrived at the improv portion of the audition, I watched Miss Steifvater think and react on her toes like a pro. Not only was Mary unquestionably the best comedic actress for the role (and quickly joined the ranks among my Top 5 Up & Coming Comedic Actresses); I also discovered a year later in my acting workshop, that Mary's dramatic ability...MATCHED her comedic.

KARINA CASIANO

KARINA CASIANO

Notes: Karina is a rare actress whose talent can best be described in two words: Creative Quietude. When at work, Karina is both completely focused on her character, the moment, being true to it with killer instincts while, almost impossibly, appearing completely relaxed, at ease and calm. She can make a seamless transformation into ANY character. She's an extremely strong dramatic actress and makes the most difficult improvs look like child's play . I had the pleasure of meeting Karina while casting my latest short film, "Happy Birthday" in New York. Karina came in the room, in character, handed me her headshot and sat quietly, waiting for my cue to begin...before Karina even said one word, I knew she was getting a callback. She also got the job.

SAMANTHA TORRES

SAMANTHA TORRES

Notes: I had the pleasure of working with Samantha earlier this year when she played the lead role in the short film I produced, "Happy Birthday". Samantha is one of those rare young actresses that, if nurtured, can effortlessly rise from great to PERFECT. She has a natural talent and soaks up every note you give her like a sponge. She's by far the easiest actress I've ever had the pleasure to work with and has a raw talent that will continue to turn Casting Directors heads as she quickly rises to the top of Young Hollywood.

VINCENT M. WARD

VINCENT M. WARD

CREDITS: Confessions of a Thug, The Starter Wife

NOTES: Vincent Ward can be slide-splittingly funny or pee in your pants intimidating. Versatile, charismatic, charming and scary....There's nothing Mr. Ward can't do.

VANESSA FERLITO

VANESSA FERLITO

CREDITS: Madea Goes to Jail

NOTES: Brooklyn born, Italian actress Vanessa Ferlito stole every scene in "Madea Goes to Jail" . She's one of those rare actresses that speaks volumes with just her eyes. I absolutely love her and can't wait to see more of her!

KAREN YELVERTON

KAREN YELVERTON

CREDITS: Waters Rising, Speed Dating

NOTES: Brooklyn bred actress Karen Yelverton mixes the grit of the streets with charm and finesse. With an arsenal of original characters under belt, Karen is sure to deliver entertainment, fun and depth.

CARNETTA JONES

CARNETTA JONES

CREDITS: Miles From Home

NOTES: I had the pleasure of working with Carnetta Jones on Miles From Home. In the film, Carnetta plays Jackie Conway, a loving mother of two teenage sons who's trying to salvage what's left of her family when her husband leaves her and their children for another woman. Unable to keep a roof over their heads, Jackie looses her faith and she too abandons her sons and turns to drugs. Carnetta's performance as Jackie Conway was not only heartbreaking, it tapped into the reality that faces single mothers everywhere. Women who have not only been abandoned, but are living paycheck to paycheck and the only thing they have left is their Faith that they'll be able to pull through.

MICHAEL BENTT

MICHAEL BENTT

CREDITS: Blue, The Neighbor, Rocky Balboa

SPECIAL SKILLS: Professionally trained boxer

NOTES: I've watched Michael at work in his master class (taught by Rick Edelstein) several times and what always impresses me most about him, is 'the choices' he makes in class. At first glance, you can easily cast Micheal as a bully/football player/bodyguard/goon or otherwise menacing, intimidating and terrifying character; all of which he could play with ease. But in class, Michael often opts for the less obvious, more 'out of the box' type characters: shy, sensitive, homosexual, long sufferers, astute thinkers.... Characters that rely more on what's within, as opposed to exploiting the obvious external preconceptions. Michael Bentt is a brilliant actor that can bring so much more to a character and/or film, than just a broad frame.

T'SHAUN BARRETT

T’Shaun Barrett

Age: Mid 20s

Credits: Zero Option, Medium

Special Skills: Improv, writer (comedy), martial arts and military training

Notes: Many, many layers. He can be funny, charming or intimidating. A definite leading man in comedy or drama for both TV and Film.

DANA GODDARD

DANA GODDARD

AGE: 30S

CREDITS: After Midnight: Life Behind Bars

NOTES: Groundlings alum. Dana shines playing extreme characters: addicts, unstable patients, the seductress, abusive mom, etc.

JOEL STOFFER

JOEL STOFFER

AGE: 40s

CREDITS: Prison Break, Law Dogs, Numb3rs

NOTES: Joel is a character actor. 100% guaranteed to nail unstable characters (i.e. addicts, alcoholics, idiot savants or otherwise troubled characters).




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MARK H. DOLD

MARK H. DOLD

AGE: 30s

CREDITS: Law & Order, Gossip Girl, Third Watch

NOTES: Yale School of Drama grad. Theatre background. Perfect for antagonist roles. Absolutely nails nervous, schizophrenic, mentally disabled and sociopathic characters.

MASHARI LAILA BAIN

MASHARI LAILA BAIN

AGE: Late 20s

CREDITS: The Young and The Restless, The Shield, Four Kings, Without a Trace, Dirt

NOTES: Theatre background. Several solid co-star and guest star performances on TV dramas. Has previously played a prostitute, cop, bartender, troubled single mom and criminal, etc...all of which were executed beautifully.

TY RUSHING

TY RUSHING

AGE: 30s

CREDITS: E-Ring, Mr. Woodcock

NOTES: Ty is a character actor. In comedic roles he can play a host of different characters from the subtle to the extreme. In dramatic roles Ty would nail the 'bad guy', cop, patriarch, etc. Very intense and versatile.

LAMYIA GOOD

LAMYIA GOOD

AGE: 20s

CREDITS: Judging Amy, City Guys, The Wood

NOTES: Fearless. Strong intimating presence on-camera. Perfect for confident, smart and sexy characters for TV & Film. In an ensemble cast, LaMyia should be cast as the lead antagonist. Very talented.

ARAM OHANIAN

ARAM OHANIAN

AGE: 20s

CREDITS: Miles From Home, Nightmare Room

SKILLS: Fire/Rescue training, certified EMT, surfing (14 years)

NOTES: A young modern day James Dean. Cool, smart and confident. Subtle but intimidating presence on-camera. Endless possibilities: good guy, bad guy, loner, heartthrob......

SUMMER WALKER

SUMMER WALKER

AGE: 20s

NOTES: Character driven. Summer has a natural talent that can shine in both TV and Film. Makes smart choices and an improv pro. By far one of my favorites. Can play unsuspecting, cold and calculating, intimidating, the comic relief....I honestly don't think there's a character Summer can't become. Absolutely brilliant.

RYAN GILL

Ryan Gill

Age: Mid 20s

Credits: Miles From Home

Notes: Ryan's a newbie to the Industry, but has a natural talent. He makes smart choices, handles improv with ease and is a definite scene stealer. Confident, quick on his feet and takes notes beautifully.