Taking a bite out of the Big Apple

"The Average-Sized Mermaid"

2011-08-19T14:16:00.000-04:00

Also in July 2011 I was cast in "The Average-Sized Mermaid" as Nettie De'Leau which will premiere in the 15th Annual NY International Fringe Festival. I've been wanting to participate in the Fringe festival for a few years now. It takes place during the summer which traditionally is a slow down period for the entertainment industry. And because it is theater, it is a great opportunity to hone your craft in an actual role. Not just a scene or two in class. In the past I've auditioned for a few roles in the festival but never booked. Well this year I got called back for a role in another show but ultimately booked the role of Nettie! This role was a much better fit for me and I'm so glad that I got to work on this project.

"The Average-Sized Mermaid" is a comedic, contemporary take on the children's book "The Little Mermaid." Think "Splash" but much more funny. My character, Nettie, is a fashion designer and best friends with the lead character Miriam Moselle. When Miriam finds herself transformed into a mermaid, her close friends rally to find a way to undo "the tail" and all kinds of hijinks ensue.
www.avgmermaid.blogspot.com
VENUE #7: Connelly Theater
Sat 13 @ 3:15  Mon 15 @ 9:30  Thu 25 @ 6  Fri 26 @ 9:15  Sat 27 @ 1 *All performance dates are in August.

Verizon First Person Retail Sales Video

2011-08-19T13:20:00.003-04:00

The second shoot for July 2011 was for a Verizon Wireless industrial. We shot on location in a Verizon Wireless store in NJ. The industrial details a day in the life of a new Verizon Wireless employee. I played a co-worker that shows the new employee the ropes. This was an interesting shoot because the camera WAS the new employee. In other words, I had to break the golden rule that when acting, you are never to look at the camera. Here, the camera was the other "actor" that I had to interact with. The camera and I had some great scenes and it didn't have any dialogue so it made for a quick and easy production day : ).

Merck Pharmaceutical Print Shoot

2011-08-19T12:49:00.001-04:00

July 2011 was a HUGE month! Lots of auditions, a number of callbacks, and a few BOOKINGS. One of which was my first on location print shoot. Traditionally I've had trouble booking print work. The auditions are a bit intimidating. Lots of actors are seen at "go sees" but you only get two or three shots to impress the client. Somehow, I did that! The pictures will be used in brochures advertising a new medication. We shot in a fabulous home about 20 miles outside of the city. I had a great time and learned a lot about print work which I'm sure will come in handy in the future.

Black Peet on the Eve of Emancipation Reading

2011-06-02T13:16:00.004-04:00

I am happy to work again with director Lori Payne on one of her newest plays. I performed in my first lead theater role in a play written and directed by her several years ago. We are reuniting again for her new work Black Peet on the Eve of Emancipation. Come join us and the The Red Harlem Readers at the Indian Cafe. All information is found on the flyer above. Its FREE and you get a complimentary spiced tea. You can't beat FREE!

Newsday Commercial

2011-01-26T17:02:00.001-05:00

My first booking of 2011 is a commercial for Newsday! Actually there were a few firsts here. This was my first broadcast commercial, my first time leaving the city for a production shoot (hellllooooo Philly!), and my first time traveling on Amtrak. Which, as my dear friend brought to my attention, is not the same as NJ transit (yeah, they were right lol). I had a great time on set and LOVED the wardrobe choice for the shoot. The commercial will begin airing in Mid-February so for those of you in the NYC metro area, be on the lookout. And for those of you not in the NYC metro area, I'll do my best to get my hands on a copy to post later so you too can check it out!

"12 Steps to Recovery" is coming cable!

2010-11-15T13:36:00.008-05:00

When dir. Tony Clomax approached me about a role in the project in January, I knew that he had something special. Since then the series has been a hit on YouTube, won the UrbanMediamakers Festival for best web series, and has now gone on to attract the attention of the Black Broadcasting Network (BBN) which will carry the series on FIOS. I am extremely proud to be a part of this amazing series and can't wait to share it with other audiences!

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

2010-09-23T15:27:00.000-04:00

On Set with ep.4 dir. Peter Leto

On August 27, 2010 I completed production in my first primetime television role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. It was an amazing experience from beginning to end. This was my first SAG principal role so there was much to learn about SAG productions along the way. Thankfully, the SVU family welcomed me with open arms!

The episode, "Merchandise" is set to air on October 6th and I can't wait to see it. The role is small but my scene will appear in the first few minutes of the episode (they call this the teaser). If you have a smaller role, this is where you want to be. We shot on location near Chinatown and the scene included stunt work from the SVU team and about 150 extras!

I am so grateful for this career elevating experience and I can't wait to work on my next SAG production. Many thanks to casting director Jonathan Strauss for providing me with this awesome opportunity!

12-Steps To Recovery - Episode 4: Chicken and Biscuits

2010-08-23T12:13:00.002-04:00

Episode Four Synopsis: Coming off two unsuccessful blind dates, Parrish Diaz is encouraged by his friend Dani to attend his 3rd blind date which was set up by his buddy Blue.

Starring Kaleber Soze as Parrish Diaz, Erika Myers as Dani Ulmer and Malikha Mallette as Bernadette aka "Bernie".

Written & Directed by Tony Clomax. Produced by Tony Clomax of Maximeyes Productions and Emelyn Stuart of Stuart Films.

Watch all episodes here on the youtube channel.

"Therapeutic"

2010-08-23T11:57:00.007-04:00

I recently finished production on "Therapeutic"... my first horror film! The short film was shot in 1 day in Brooklyn, NY and submitted to the "Rob Zombie Halloween Horror Film Competition".

The film stars Misty Easler as Mis. Lina, a relationship therapist who kills her patients who come to her for counseling. I play Michelle Rice, a patient who seeks counseling with her husband.

The film was written and directed by Evelyn Oliver and produced by Sapphire Productions.

12 Steps to Dating Recovery

2010-08-03T17:47:00.002-04:00

Episode One stars Kaleber Soze as Parrish Diaz, Stephen Hill as Blue Garner and Erika Myers as Dani Ulmer.

Blue and Dani arrive at Parrish's place to help him get out of his funk after his bad breakup.

Written & Directed by Tony Clomax. Produced by Tony Clomax of Maximeyes Productions and Emelyn Stuart of Stuart Films.

EPISODE ONE CREW:
DP: Hilarion Banks. Gaffer/Co-Producer: Danny Weiss. AC: Hisayuki Sato. Sound: Eric Perez. Music: Gregory Vilfranc. Sound Design/Mixer: James Hicken. Editor / Colorist: Tony Clomax.

The site www.12stepswebseries.com will be under construction for the next few weeks, so watch the next few episodes here on the youtube channel.

The Nightwatcher

2009-10-15T14:09:00.005-04:00

I was recently invited to attend a performance of "The Night Watcher" by fellow actress Joressa Blount. Joressa had seen the show before and got together a group to see it again with her because she had enjoyed it so much. The one woman show stars Charlayne Woodard (dir. Daniel Sullivan) and weaves together several stories about how Charlayne, although childless herself, has at times been a surrogate mother, mentor, and friend to the many children in her life. This is a great show that challenges the definition of the role "parent" and shows that the old adage "It takes a village to raise a child" is still prevalent today. The show runs through October 31 at Primary Stages 59th Street theater. Go check it out!

One Million Women, One Voice

2009-10-15T13:56:00.003-04:00

To help encourage 1 million women to participate in research about the causes and prevention of breast cancer, The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation asked film students to create short Public Service Announcements about the cause. I was cast in "One Million Women, One Voice" as Sharon (director Felix Thompson). Our PSA made it to the final four and Glamour magazine loved the idea so much that they aired the four finalists PSA's on Glamour.com. This was a really fun shoot for a great cause. We also shot on the Red Camera which I was so excited to work with! Check out our PSA below.

PS22 Chorus "JUST DANCE" by Lady Gaga

2009-09-17T15:18:00.002-04:00

I love watching the PS22 Chorus. Every time I see them perform, it melts my heart. We need more teachers to keep our youth smiling and inspired.

Celeb Locale Interview with Ephraim Fetti Benton

2009-09-15T11:44:00.005-04:00

Check out this interview with Celeb Locale. In her web series, fellow actor Joressa Blount interviews local talent to talk about their journey in the industry. First up, Ephraim Fetti Benton star of "Inside a Change", winner of the 2009 HBO International Latino Festival.

I recently had the pleasure of viewing this film. It is definitely a must see so if you have the opportunity to see it, go!

WEtv's Cinematherapy

2009-07-23T14:44:00.003-04:00

Just filmed an episode for WEtv's "Cinematherapy" hosted by Chuck Nice for City Lights Media. Fun shoot with lots of laughs!

Old vs. New

2009-07-23T14:40:00.001-04:00

I love this pic! Took this in Negril, Jamaica. We passed the gas station and just had to stop to get the pic.

Background Actor Ruins TV show

2009-07-02T17:44:00.001-04:00

Classic!

Me Talk Shit One Day

2009-06-09T12:15:00.003-04:00

Oh How I <3 Jon Stewart. Doesn't get much better than this.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

"i" on News

thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Newt Gingrich Unedited Interview

Ruined

2009-05-20T16:28:00.009-04:00

I saw Ruined again this weekend for the 2nd time and it was just as good as the first. I first became familiar with Lynn Nottage after performing another one of her plays Crumbs from the Table of Joy. After seeing Ruined, it is no wonder why this play recently received the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The acting is absolutely superb and I was so glad that I was able to see Saidah Arrika Ekulona before her last performance (the show has been extended several times). The play gives a narrative on the ongoing War in the Congo and "the resilience of the human spirit during times of war." Here's hoping that this wonderful play continues its extension and moves to larger venues.

Precious

2009-05-14T17:08:00.002-04:00

This looks fantastic! Shout out to fellow actor Ephraim Benton who was a part of this project. I can't wait to see it!

Homeless Lady? Vs. The Paparazzi

2009-05-14T12:10:00.004-04:00

Poor Katherine McPhee. The Paparazzi was giving her such a hard time until an unknown woman saves the day by threatening the paparazzi with a beat down. What a good Samaritan!

Shaheen Jafargholi - 12 Year Old Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009 Ep 2

2009-04-21T13:07:00.001-04:00

AMAZING!!!

Charlie Murphy's Crash Comedy - Attitudes!

2009-04-15T17:02:00.005-04:00

My latest gig as the "Hostess with the Mostest Attitude." This was a fun set to work on as these very talented comedians kept me laughing all day!

Picture phones are capturing way too much now!!!!

2009-04-13T16:21:00.003-04:00

The woman who was attacked by the polar bear.

Kids Say and DO the Darndest things

2009-04-07T17:54:00.006-04:00

One step closer to FREE healthcare

2009-03-31T18:13:00.006-04:00

Walgreen's steps up!

College Hill - Kyle and Milan Get It In

2009-03-25T11:51:00.011-04:00

OK, OK. What can I say? Occasionally, as we all are guilty of I'm sure, I drift off into the ridiculousness of reality TV. Last night, I got caught up in the drama of Kyle, a true QUEEN. Hey I'm a sucker for gay men. Most of the time they tell it like it is and Kyle was no exception. When he was inadvertently called out by another cast member as being gay before he could even tell his castmates, he WENT OFF. Watch the clip below, the action starts at the 2:30 mark. Toooooooooo MUCH!!!!

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/college-hill-6-college-hill-6-kyle-and-milan-do-not-hit-it-off/3006542360

Charlie Murphy's Crash Comedy

2009-03-10T17:52:00.002-04:00

From Crackle: Charlie Murphy's Crash Comedy

2009 Oscar Predictions

2009-02-22T16:28:00.000-05:00

Most of the members of “the Academy” are actors, so I thought I’d take a stab at my own 2009 Oscar predictions. Lets see how I do.

BEST PICTURE

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Frost/Nixon

Milk

The Reader

Slumdog Millionaire ←--------------------

This category should be a no brainer. Everyone loves a story about the under dog and Slumdog was it.

BEST ACTOR

Richard Jenkins, The Visitor

Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon

Sean Penn, Milk

Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler ←-----------------

Just as much as everyone loves the story of an under dog, we also like the story of a comeback kid. Robert Downey Jr. anyone? If it weren’t for Mickey Rourke being nominated, this would have gone to Sean Penn.

BEST ACTRESS

Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married

Angelina Jolie, Changeling

Melissa Leo, Frozen River

Meryl Streep, Doubt

Kate Winslet, The Reader ←-------------------

This was one of the hardest categories to predict. We have Meryl Streep with 15 nominations and 2 wins and Kate Winslet with 6 nominations and no wins. And at just 33, she’ll most likely surpass Streep with nominations if she doesn’t fall to the Best Actress curse (Julia Roberts, Helen Hunt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, Hilary Swank, and Reese Witherspoon). All in all to her advantage was the release of The Reader and Revolutionary Road around the same time which allowed her range to be seen and kept her fresh in everyones minds

BEST DIRECTOR

Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire ←-----------------------

Stephen Daldry, The Reader

David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon

Gus Van Sant, Milk

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Josh Brolin, Milk

Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder

Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt

Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight ←------------------------

Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road

This too was a no brainer but for what its worth, he should win.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Amy Adams, Doubt

Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona ←----------------

Viola Davis, Doubt

Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler

Much like this should be Winslet’s year, this should also be Cruz’s year. She is fresh off her Volver nomination in 2006 and unlike most of the other nominees; she has a huge A-list backing behind her. They want her to officially be a member of the club.

Sidebar: I really like Taraji P. Henson’s performance in BB. She is now on my radar for an Oscar win in the future.

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Eric Roth

Doubt, John Patrick Shanley

Frost/Nixon, Peter Morgan

The Reader, David Hare

Slumdog Millionaire, Simon Beaufoy ←---------------------

BEST ART DIRECTION

Changeling

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ←-------------------

The Dark Knight

The Duchess

Revolutionary Road

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Changeling

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The Dark Knight

The Reader

Slumdog Millionaire ←--------------------------

The first ten minutes alone makes Slumdog the winner in this category.

BEST EDITING

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The Dark Knight

Frost/Nixon

Milk

Slumdog Millionaire ←--------------------------

Much for the same reason this takes Best Cinematography, it will also win this category as well.

BEST MAKEUP

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ←--------------------

The Dark Knight

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

The aging alone makes this an easy pick.

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Alexandre Desplat

Defiance, James Newton Howard

Milk, Danny Elfman

Slumdog Millionaire, A.R. Rahman ←------------------------

WALL-E, Thomas Newman

Bollywood meets Hollywood. Enough said.

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

Down to Earth (WALL-E)

Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire) ←---------------------

O Saya (Slumdog Millionaire)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ←-------------------

The Dark Knight

Iron Man

BEST SOUND EDITING

The Dark Knight ←--------------------------

Iron Man

Slumdog Millionaire

WALL-E

Wanted

BEST SOUND MIXING

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The Dark Knight ←-----------------------------

Slumdog Millionaire

WALL-E

Wanted

Bad things happen! Move on, there's better down the line.

2009-02-12T17:12:00.000-05:00

I love stories of people who believe just when their life can't get any worse, the thing(s) that they felt were hindering them actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. In these tough economic times its easy to feel down on yourself because you've lost your job. Hey its happening to A LOT of people. But remember this...everything happens for a reason. Here are 8 people who were fired and found that it most likely was the best thing that has happened to them.

I'm a Tar Heel Proud, I'm a Tar Heel Bred...

2009-02-11T22:32:00.000-05:00

I love college basketball. More specifically ACC basketball. Even more specifically the UNC Tarheels. Am I biased because that is where I went to college? OF COURSE!

Tonight one of the biggest rivalries in college basketball took place. UNC and our rivals, the Duke Blue Devils. Why is this such a huge rivalry? For starters these schools are only 8 miles apart. With that said most of the students know each other by attending grammar or high school with each other or met hanging out at one of the college nightspots. You've got us, the liberals, and the Dookies, the more conservative of the bunch by their private affiliation. Both schools are the top of the line in education but the running joke is the difference is in the cars you'll see on campus. The Dookies SUV's and luxury cars. Carolina, pre-owned or used cars. Yes money factors into where you go.

Tonight's rivalry was no different than past meetings. Exciting ups and downs but OF COURSE, the Tar Heels pulled this game out. Final Score: 101 - 87. Four years straight wins in Cameron. As Dick Vitale would say, "We're headed for #1 baby!" Final Four here we come!