Greta Gerwig as Nora
("Greenberg","Hannah Takes the Stairs," "Baghead")
Greta is a fantastic up and coming young actress who just recently played the lead in Noah Baumbach’s newest film GREENBERG opposite Ben Stiller for Focus. Regularly referred to as “the first lady of Mumblecore” and dubbed by the LA Times as “The Accidental ‘It’ Girl”, Greta co-wrote, co-directed and starred in NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS which sold to IFC; the first major sale in the South by Southwest festival history. In addition, she was also the lead in the Sony Classics’ film BAGHEAD (directed by The Duplass Brothers of PUFFY CHAIR fame) which debuted at Sundance, and was the lead in 2007’s HANNAH TAKES THE STAIRS. She is a star in the making. SHE IS IN NYC
Chris Beier as Jack
Chris is a graduate of the NYU Tisch School of the Arts where he studied acting and playwrighting. A man with his fingers in numerous pies (both literally and figuratively), Chris enjoys nothing more than creating stories. He'd do this job for free if he didn't have so many drug habbits. Ann Arbor and Detroit are the home of Chris's comedy roots. He's pleased to be back and working with old friends. Recently, he's been developing a screenplay with several filmmakers in New York. Chris is a scorpio, and wrote his own bio himself. In third person.
Iggy Pop as Gordon
Born James Newell Osterberg Jr., Iggy Pop transcended life in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to become a member of the punk band the Stooges, thereby earning the nickname “the Godfather of Punk.” He is one of the most riveting and reckless performers in music history, with a commitment to his art that is perilously total. But his personal life was often a shambles, as he struggled with drug addiction, mental illness, and the ever-problematic question of commercial success in the music world. That he is even alive today, let alone performing with undiminished energy, is a wonder. The musical genres of punk, glam, and New Wave were all anticipated and profoundly influenced by his work.
Timothy Brennen as Kenneth
Timothy Brennen originally hails from the Chicago area. He began his performing career after studying modern dance while attending college in Colorado. He received a scholarship from the Nancy Spanier Dance Theatre in Boulder and performed briefly with them before discovering improv comedy. After moving to Los Angeles he began studying at the renowned Groundlings School before becoming a full Main Company cast member in 2002. Since becoming a Groundling he has appeared in numerous main stage reviews there. Notable television credits include: Criminal Minds, Burn Notice, How I Met Your Mother, Chuck, Desperate Housewives,General Hospital, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development, and MAD-TV. He also starred recently in the blockbuster, Hancock, opposite Will Smith.
Hayes Hargrove as Emanuel
After several years performing in New York City, actor/comedian HAYES HARGROVE has headed back to his comedy roots in Los Angeles where he honed his sketch writing and improv skills with the famed GROUNDLINGS. Currently at the UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE, Hayes recently hosted their signature show ASSSSCAT 3000 with members of SNL, 30 Rock, Daily Show, and Colbert Report. Hayes can also be seen flexing his acting chops on screens big and small. The AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL hailed Hayes' first feature film, BEYOND THE PALE, as an “off-beat performance that reminds you of Andy Kaufman.” Hayes recently co-produced FINGERS co-starring Ben Daniels (Jeff Daniel’s musician son) which screened at the HAMPTONS and NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVALS. Hayes just wrapped production of the short films CHESTNUT HILLS, HIGH MAINTENANCE, and TAKE MY WIFE and the feature films STARLIGHT & SUPERFISH and ART HOUSE, where Hayes stars opposite Wendi McLendon-Covey (Reno 911), Tim Brennen (Hancock), Greta Gerwig (Greenberg), and The Godfather of Punk himself, IGGY POP! In addition to performing on LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O’BRIEN, Hayes also frequently stars in national commercials including a recently banned MILLER LITE spot with Goodfellas' Mike Starr and Frank Vincent. Oooh...controversial!!! Plus be sure to check out Hayes as a nerdy terrorist on USA Network's smash hit BURN NOTICE.
Lyn Alicia Henderson as Elaine
Originally from Wheaton Maryland, Lyn Alicia Henderson graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park. Following graduation she did a three year stint in New York City doing theatre before landing in Los Angeles, CA. Between acting and stand-up comedy gigs, Lyn Alicia managed to get married have a baby, sing lots of Karaoke and write, produce and perform in her award-winning play “Girls’ Night Out. This play spawned the award-winning short film, “Short on Sugar” which aired on HBO for three years and the follow-up screenplay is now in pre-production.
Her numerous film and television credits include recent roles on "Without a Trace", "Ghost Whisperer", "Dexter", "Chuck" and a remake of the show "Night Rider". She’s also had a recurring role on the show "ER" for the past 14 years as Paramedic “Pam Olbes”
Mckean Rand as Wyatt
Mckean is currently pursuing his BFA Acting Degree at the University of Michigan. Before receiving the role of Wyatt, Mckean had been busy performing at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts this summer in a play called Quick Comedians and Changeable Taffeta. He later returned to the Kennedy Center when commissioned to workshop an original play. His time at the University has been a circus, playing a variety of characters which include, Edwin in “Our Lady of 121st Street,” Jacques in “As You Like It,” King Berenger in “Exit the King,” Kapo in “Playing for Time,” and Charles in the film, “To the Tomaskis.” He is gearing up for U of M’s fall schedule with a role in Wole Soyinka’s “Madmen and Specialists.”
Danny Mooney as Ben
Danny Mooney is a jack of all trades in the film world. He got his start acting in improv comedy shows, sketch comedy, and stand-up. Mooney has opened for such talent as actor/comedian Dave Coulier (Uncle Joey, "Full House") and Comedy Central's Dane Cook World Tour-opener J. Chris Newberg. To date, Mooney has been cast in lead and minor parts in over 70 short and feature films, has done numerous voiceovers, and has appeared in several commercials and TV pilots. He has also performed in collegiate theatre as well as professionally in Moscow, Russia, in the International Chekhov Theatre Festival. While attending the University of Michigan, Mooney's acting and filmmaking awards include "Best Silent Film," "Best Cinematography," "Best Editor," "Best Director," "Best in Festival" twice, "Best Screenplay" twice and "Best Actor" four times. In 2006, he was the lead role in the film Dylan, which won "Best in Festival" at the UMEC Film Festival in L.A. That year, Danny was also one of three students at the University of Michigan to win "The Trueblood Fellowship Award for Film Performance" (in both acting and directing), and one of three to win the award again in 2007. In early 2008, he directed and played a supporting role in his thesis film Fingers, which was Academy Recognized at its premiere at The Hamptons International Film Festival and was declared "subtle and mesmerizing… already a winner” by The New York Film Review. Mooney received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Michigan with a major in Film Production from the Department of Screen Arts and Cultures concentrating in directing, producing and cinematography, as well as receiving a minor in Drama and Text to Performance from the Michigan RC Theatre Department. He has several features releasing over the next few months where he plays a principal role following a brief cameo as Drew Barrymore's fiancé in her directorial debut film Whip It, which was just released in October, 2009. Mooney is also just coming off the world premiere of the feature film Bilal’s Stand at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, where Mooney played a supporting role, was a 2nd unit 1st Assistant Director as well as being an additional Director of Photography.
Ana Cruz Kayne as Becky
Ana Cruz Kayne plays Becky in Art House. For Serious: Film: Uncertainty (Scott McGehee, David Siegel dir), Recession Special (Emily Abt dir.), The Beginner (Ben Coccio dir.) Untitled (Carter Smith dir.) Another Earth (Mike Cahill dir.), Coney Island (Ramen Cromwell dir.), others. TV: Law & Order, Rescue Me, Guiding Light, IFC channel's Media Lab Shorts Uploaded (Host). New York Theater: Sounding (Hilda) Widows (Fidelia Fuentes), Three Sisters (Irina), On Religion/Grace (Ruth), The Tempest (Ariel), Stop Kiss (Callie), others. B.A. from Barnard College toot toot.
Victor Fanucchi, Director/Writer
Victor's short films have played on PBS and FxM (Fox movie channel), and have screened at the American Cinematheque (Los Angeles), Film Arts Festival, SXSW, Mill Valley Film Festival, Raindance Film Festival (UK), Dublin International Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Festival, Palm Springs International Short Film Festival and 20 other festivals, winning 12 festival awards. He recently premiered his first feature, Beyond the Pale, starring Hayes Hargrove, at the 2007 Austin Film Festival. Fanucchi also edited theatrical trailers for such films as Lars Von Trier's The Idiots, Eric Rohmer's Autumn Tale, Emir Kusturica's Black Cat White Cat, the documentary American Movie, and the Sundance winner Three Seasons, for which he won the industry's Golden Trailer Award. He has written for Filmmaker Magazine and programmed for the LA County Museum of Art Film Department. He currently teaches in the Department of Screen Arts and Cultures at the University of Michigan.
Kris Brown, Executive Producer/Writer
Kris Brown's highly disconnected life experiences have forced upon her a parallax most useful to working on stories. Spending some time as an academic, Kris managed both to publish and to perish; that is, she and her family decided against the nomadic academic life and ended up rooted in Austin. Here, she and her husband founded a research clinic which has become Community Clinical Research, a regional center for the study of new medicines directed at the treatment of mental illnesses, especially of schizophrenia. From time to time, journals publish her short stories. Most recently, her short story, "The Lava Fields," out in Sou'wester, was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Kris trains her family's five horses, feeds their four dogs, but mainly she spends her time goofing around with Henry and Alex, her sons.
Debashis Mazumder, Producer
Debashis started his career in filmmaking as a film graduate of the University of Michigan, attaining many University awards for his self-directed and produced short films. Upon graduating, he moved to Los Angeles where he interned and worked at such major entertainment companies as Anonymous Content, United Talent Agency (UTA), and Innovative Artists, gaining valuable experience, close professional contacts and friends. While working in Los Angeles, Beyond the Pale, his first feature film, directed by Victor Fanucchi - produced by Debashis as a senior in college - premiered at the Austin Film Festival. This project being Debashis' first film festival selection, led him to realize a desire to follow the path of an independent producer and director: He ended his agency career for a fruitful path as an independent producer and director, creating and producing feature films, shorts and music videos that have garnered selections including the Hamptons Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival, LA Shorts Festival and more. Among his other credits are a music video for up-and-coming G.O.O.D Music/Def Jam rap artist Big Sean and the acclaimed short film, “Fingers,” which has been Academy-qualified twice by the Hamptons Film Festival and the Nashville Film Festival. He also garnered some notice as a director with his short film, Little Joy, premiering as the festival opener of the LA Shorts Film Festival in 2008. Debashis is in pre-production to direct a sequence of music videos for acclaimed Brooklyn musical groups as well as directing a nationally aired jewelry commercial and developing many features for production. www.thefalconseye.com
Eddie Rubin, Producer
Eddie Rubin pursued his love for film in college with a duel degree in film and psychology. Throughout college, Eddie produced a myriad of films and received numerous awards from the University. He transitioned from college projects to professional work in films such as Nevermore (starring Judd Nelson, Vincent Spano, and Jennifer O’Dell), The Rain (Dee Wallace), and the TV pilot Above the Law for New Wave Entertainment (a producer of the hit “Last Comic Standing.”) In addition to his production experience, Eddie is also an accomplished assistant editor for renowned editor Doug Blush (Wordplay, I.O.U.S.A., and Bi the Way). He has worked with numerous Academy Award-winning directors and producers including Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond) and Marshall Herskovitz (Shakespeare in Love). Eddie created Deep Blue Pictures, with partner Danny Mooney. Eddie, Debashis and Danny kicked off the company by producing the academy-qualified, award-winning short film, "Fingers." New York film reviews raved that “Fingers” was "subtle, yet mesmerizing." The film went on to play multiple festivals around the world. In 2008, Eddie collaborated with his team members to produce Deep Blue’s first two feature films (including Art House starring rising star Greta Gerwig (Greenberg, Baghead) and rock legend Iggy Pop). Along with the two features, Deep Blue produced multiple commercials for companies such as Hanson’s Cabinets and Web advertisement for Best Buy electronics, web series for Disney. Recently Deep Blue released their music video for Kanye West protégé Big Sean, which became the second most viral music video on the web upon release. Currently, Eddie wrapped co-producing the post-September 11th drama Mooz-lum, starring Danny Glover, Evan Ross and Nia Long. Eddie is currently in Pre-Production on the feature film “Jinn” with Exodus Pictures and “Sucker” with Big Screen Entertainment. Eddie is also in development on multiple features, which include one based of the hit book “Low Roads: The life and Legacy of Donald Goines” and one written by acclaimed screenwriters Jim Burnstein (Renaissance Man, Mighty Ducks 3) and Garrett Schiff (Ruffian, Richest Man in the World). Eddie will be producing with Hollywood veteran Chip Diggins. Deep Blue has multiple other projects in the development pipeline.
Jennifer Howard, Co-Producer
Jennifer's diverse experience includes producing, writing, developing and coordinating movie, television and radio projects. She produced Victor Fanucchi's previous comedy feature "Beyond the Pale" and has also developed many documentary, TV and radio projects for Michigan Public Media. Before coming to Michigan, Jennifer worked for the documentary production company Jonathan Diamond Associates in NYC, where she helped produce several public television and Discovery Channel projects. Aside from some acting and voiceover gigs, Jennifer also has written screenplays and theatrical plays and has just finished a new screenplay "Approaching Lazarus."
Geoff George, Assistant Director
Geoffrey George was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1986. After taking up photography at a very early age, Geoffrey became interested in filmmaking. At the age of 16 he was already working at a prominent Detroit-area post-production house. He entered the University of Michigan Department of Screen Arts in 2004, where he was the recipient of a Hopwood Award for non-fiction writing. In 2006 and 2008, Geoffrey took home Best Director and Best Cinematography for his short films, "The Gardener" and "it's all in place," at the U of M Lightworks Festival. The latter film received Highest Honors as an undergraduate thesis project from the University of Michigan, and upon his graduation Geoffrey received the Arthur Miller Creative Arts Award for his efforts in student filmmaking and community leadership. In addition to playing an active and prominent role in the Ann Arbor Film Festival for two years, Geoffrey has had experience in Los Angeles working for two independent film production companies. In 2008 he will be working as assistant director on "Art House," a feature film by to be shot in the Detroit area.
Jennifer Durban, Production Designer
Coming soon.
Shawn Grice, Director of Photography
Originally hailing from Southeast Michigan, Shawn graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in pre-Veterinary Medicine. Soon after being accepted to Veterinary school in the Caribbean, he was bitten by the elusive, and ever so persuasive, 'film bug'. In early 2004, he packed up and headed to Los Angeles, CA to pursue a career in filmmaking. He studied at the Los Angeles Film School and has been working in the industry as a Director of Photography ever since.