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.
Feb 22, 2011
JONTILLE GERARD
Feb 10, 2011
JONATHAN MCDANIEL
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.
Oct 22, 2010
MARY ALEXANDRA STIEFVATER
Aug 3, 2010
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.
Jul 31, 2010
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.
Sep 14, 2009
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.
Aug 10, 2009
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!
Aug 7, 2009
MINGLIE CHEN
MINGLIE CHEN
CREDITS: Avenue Q (on Broadway)
NOTES: Minglie is one of the most versatile and character driven sketch performers I've seen. Brilliant, brilliant comedic character actress!
May 14, 2009
IVY LINDSEY
CREDITS: Day Dreamin, Straight Out of Compton
NOTES: She's a great 'straight woman' in comedy sketches. Funny. Commits. LOVE HER
Dec 11, 2008
KAREN YELVERTON
Dec 10, 2008
GAVIN TUREK
GAVIN TUREK
CREDITS: Cousin Skeeter, FAME, Speed Dating
NOTES: Gavin Turek's bright smile and refreshing energy fills a room. I find Gavin's 'sweet girl' disposition fascinating. While she could obviously play the 'pretty girl', Gavin also has the ability to create funny and memorable characters.
Dec 9, 2008
VANESSA FRACTION
VANESSA FRACTION
CREDITS: Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam, Who's Got Jokes, The Funny Spot
NOTES: Strong improv ability. Vanessa portrays strong women...sometimes CRAZY and strong woman. Perfect for both TV and Film. She could really shine playing a best friend/confidant....she could be the voice of reason or the 'go to' for the worst possible (and probably illegal) advice. Very funny.
Dec 8, 2008
Dec 5, 2008
ISIS MCKENZIE
ISIS MCKENZIE
CREDITS: The Silencer & the Sky
NOTES: Isis is a former beauty queen turned comedic improv actress. I look forward to seeing more of her!
Dec 4, 2008
GABRIELLE DENNIS
GABRIELLE DENNIS
CREDITS: The Game, The Underground
Dec 3, 2008
CAMERON GOODMAN
CAMERON GOODMAN
CREDITS: Sons of Anarchy, Wild n' Out
NOTES: Absolutely adorable. Cameron can be dazzling, spunky, endearing, insane....all at the same time if she so chooses. She's a strong comedic character actress that could play any character from a 'mean girl' to a klutz. A star waiting to happen.
Dec 2, 2008
KALI HAWK
KALI HAWK
CREDITS: Couples Retreat, Lovers and Haters
TRAINING: Groundlings
NOTES: Beautiful, funny and charismatic. As a host, Kali brings an infectious energy sure to keep viewers glued to the screen. As an actress, Kali's comedic timing and characters are not only entertaining, she steals the scene.
Oct 3, 2008
CARNETTA JONES
CARNETTA JONES
CREDITS: Miles From Home
Oct 2, 2008
MICHAEL BENTT
MICHAEL BENTT
CREDITS: Blue, The Neighbor, Rocky Balboa
SPECIAL SKILLS: Professionally trained boxer
May 28, 2008
T'SHAUN BARRETT
May 27, 2008
BENJAMIN KIM
Benjamin Kim
Age: Mid 20s
Credits: Accepted, Gridiron Gang, Saturday Night in Hollywood
Training: New York Film Academy, member of The Outlet Improv Group (Pasadena)
Special Skills: Sketch and improv
Notes: Comedy background, but can also play dramatic roles (i.e. criminals, bullies). Also has extensive training in mixed martial arts.
May 23, 2008
KEVIN DERKASH
Kevin Derkash
Age: Mid 20s
Credits: Text, Bondage, Wanda at Large, Taina
Special Skills: sketch, improv and original characters.
Notes: Charming, could play the ‘popular guy’, but can also convincingly pull off the ‘underdog’.
May 21, 2008
TONY ROBERTS
TONY ROBERTS
AGE: 30s
CREDITS: Def Comedy Jam
NOTES: Stand-up Comedian. Full of energy on stage, a natural entertainer.
May 20, 2008
DANA GODDARD
May 19, 2008
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).
http://www.speedreels.com/talent/jstoffer/jstoffer.html
May 16, 2008
DIANA GITELMAN
DIANA GITELMAN
AGE: 20s
CREDITS: ER, Chuck
NOTES: Perfect for cute and corky characters. Her presence on camera reminds me of a younger, spunkier Judy Greer.
May 15, 2008
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.
May 14, 2008
ERICA JEAN
Erica Jean
Age: Mid 20s
Credits: Comic Wars, Office Poop Politics, MTV’s Burned host), The Tom Green Show
Training: Improv Olympic
Special Skills: Sketch, Improv and A.A. Radio/TV Broadcasting
Notes: Charming ‘pretty girl next door’ vibe. Very energetic on stage.
May 13, 2008
ROBIN THEDE
Robin Thede
Age: Late 20s
Credits: SOB, The Frank Show, The Deray Way, All of Us
Training: Second City (Chicago), AGC Conservatory
Special Skills: Sketch, Improv, original characters, writing, dialects and hosting.
Notes: Strong originals character both young (children) and old (senior citizens), but can also play it straight.
May 12, 2008
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.
May 9, 2008
TY RUSHING
May 8, 2008
DANNY BHOY
DANNY BHOY
AGE: 30s
STAND UP COMEDIAN (Edinburgh, UK)
NOTES: Handsome Scottish comedian. Very comfortable on stage. Has dozens of sets about different cultures and races. Very charming and funny.
May 7, 2008
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.
May 6, 2008
CHRIS D'ELIA
CHRIS D'ELIA
AGE: 20s
STAND-UP COMEDIAN
NOTES: Very funny. Stand-up content is slightly racy and politically incorrect, but Chris really delivers every time. Perfect for buddy comedies!!!
May 5, 2008
BRANDON JOHNSON
Brandon Johnson
Age: 30s
Credits: Punk’d, Arrested Development
Training: Second City Training Center, Improv Olympic
Special Skills: Comedy, sketch, improv, original characters and writer.
Notes: Can play a broad range of characters. One of the best improv performers I’ve seen in awhile. Plays physical comedy, subtle humor and straight all with ease.
May 2, 2008
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......
May 1, 2008
KENYA YeVETTE
KENYA YeVETTE
AGE: 20s
CREDITS: Black Carpet, Your LA (Host)
NOTES: Welcoming, funny, charming, flirty and credible. Perfect for style, entertainment and relationship based shows. Can handle interviews, red carpet and stand alones. Plays the line between mature and spunky, in a good way.
Apr 30, 2008
SUMMER WALKER
Apr 29, 2008
VINCENT OSHANA
VINCENT OSHANA
AGE: Mid 20s
CREDITS: Def Comedy Jam, The Underground
.
Apr 28, 2008
RYAN GILL
Apr 25, 2008
JOHN JONES
John Jones
Age: Mid 20s
Credits: What’s Going On, Black Olive (theatre)
Notes: Young theatre trained actor. He’s perfect for high school and college characters, but I’ve also seen John play a mentally disabled character (he was absolutely amazing!!).
Apr 24, 2008
KEVIN NICHOLS
Kevin Nichols
Age: Mid 30s
Credits: Something’s Killing Tate, The Shield
Notes: Quiet confidence on-camera. Perfect as a cop, lawyer, firefighter or drug dealer for features and one-hour dramas.
Apr 23, 2008
TY HODGES
Ty Hodges
Age: Mid 20s
Credits: Chicago Pulaski Jones, Miles From Home
Special Skills: Improv (comedy and drama), writer and director.
Notes: Intense, smart and calculating. One of the most talented and versatile actors I’ve ever seen. Mark my words, he’s a STAR.
Apr 21, 2008
SIENA GOINES
Siena Goines
Age: Late 20s
Credits: The Mannsfield 12, Jada
Notes: Beautiful, smart and graceful. Siena would shine in both TV and Film. She makes smart choices and really dives into her work. She's definitely a leading lady.
Apr 18, 2008
JEROME HAWKINS
Jerome Hawkins
Age: Mid 20s
Credits: North Starr, Miles From Home
Notes: Captivating character actor. From a nerd to a drug dealer, an honor student to a cold blooded killer, Jerome can play a broad spectrum of characters. Perfect for both film and one hour dramas.
Apr 17, 2008
AMY CORREA-BELL
Amy Correa-Bell
Credits: Miles From Home, 10-8: Officers on Duty, Boston Public, The Famous Jett Jackson and ER.
Special Skills: Sketch, improv, original characters and singer.
Notes: Can play goofy as well as sexy. Original characters are slightly over the top. Latin Background, but very relatable to all ethnicities.
Apr 16, 2008
Apr 15, 2008
DAMON WAYANS JR.
Credits: My Wife and Kids, The Underground
Special Skills: sketch, improv, original characters, stand-up comedy and writer.
Apr 14, 2008
MELONIE MAZMAN HAYDEN
Melonie Mazman Hayden
Credits: Days of Our Lives, Miles From Home
Notes: Poised, focused and earnest. Can play any character from a warm housewife to a steely executive. Absolutely amazing.
Apr 11, 2008
VINCE GREEN
Vince Green
Credits: Punk’d, Save the Last Dance
Special Skills: Sketch and Improv.
Notes: Very seasoned, he’s definitely ready for a sitcom. Should play a character with subtle and smart humor.