PRINCIPAL CAST LIST:
Anthony Montgomery…………...…..Lester
Gerry Bednob………………………….Ajay
Dion Basco…………………………..Danny
Emma Caulfield…………………….Amber
Lynn Chen……………………………..Katie
Tom Huang……………………………Tony
Valarie Pettiford…………..………..Natalie
Sheetal Sheth……………….…………Nira
Joe Torry…………………………….Kenny
Tamlyn Tomita…………………….Donna
Obba Babatundé……………………...Cliff
Garrett Wang……………………….Vic Vu
Keone Young…………………………Ming
Fernanda Andrade….........………Marianne
Jake Johannsen……….………..……...Jake
Clyde Kusatsu…………………….Himself
Camille Mana………………………...Nicky
James Kyson Lee……………….……..Eric
ACTOR BIOGRAPHIES:
FERNANDA ANDRADE (Marianne): Fernanda Andrade starred in the hit horror feature “The Devil Inside,” and was recently starring in ABC’s Red Widow, as well as the ABC Family favorite Fallen. Fernanda was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and spent most of her childhood in Brazil until the age of 11, when she moved to South Florida with her family. She attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School and continued her education at the University of Florida. She now resides in Los Angeles, CA.
OBBA BABATUNDÉ (Cliff): Obba Babatundé successfully juggles careers in film, television and stage. Babatundé starred as the father of two half sisters in the UPN sitcom Half & Half and found the time to appear as Kenny's father on the Showtime series Soul Food. Babatundé received Emmy and Cable ACE Award nominations for his role as Willie Johnson HBO's Miss Evers' Boys and a NAACP Image Award nomination for his portrayal of Harold Nicholas in Introducing Dorothy Dandridge.
Film highlights include Babatundé’s hilarious turn as the dean of freshman at Harvard University in Universal's How High; John Q (with Denzel Washington); and USA's film Redeemer. Other numerous film credits are That Thing You Do, Philadelphia, The Temptations, Silence of the Lambs The Visit, MVP, The Great Commission and The Notebook. On Broadway, Babatundé was Tony-nominated for his portrayal of C.C. White in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls. Other Broadway roles include Billy Flynn in Chicago; legendary jazz artist Jelly Roll Morton in Jelly's Last Jam.
For years Babatundé has dedicated much of his time to charities that are very important to him (i.e. children and animal rights). Babatundé likes to spend as much time with his horses and participates in The Bill Picket "All Black" Rodeo, which endorses the humane treatment of animals in rodeos.
GERRY BEDNOB (Ajay): A self-described “class clown” in school, Trinidad born comic of East Indian heritage, Gerry Bednob graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Sociology. He worked as a high school counselor until he decided to try out open mic night at Yuk Yuk’s. His initial fear of bombing on stage resulted in huge laughs from the crowd. Moving to Los Angeles he finished 2nd in the LA Comedy Contest and became the first first-time comic to open a late night show (The Merv Griffin Show). He appeared on The Wonder Years and Encino Man before winning the 1993 Star Search International Stand-Up Competition. It was as a comic where he met writer/director Judd Apatow and was cast as Mr. Burundi on the Fox television show, Undeclared. This relationship led to Gerry’s breakthrough role as Mooj in the smash hit, The 40 Year-Old Virgin. He would follow up on the success of this with numerous roles in film and TV including Witless Protection with Larry the Cable Guy, and Walk Hard with Jenna Fischer and John C. Reilly.
DION BASCO (Danny): Dionysio Basco has been entertaining all his life. Born near San Francisco, Dionysio grew up breakdancing all around the city, even performing at events like 49ers half time shows and Oakland A's ball games. In 1985, Dionysio and his family moved to Los Angeles to pursue entertainment. He began as a dancer in Michael Jackson's MOONWALKER, which led to many other roles. He is best known for his 5 year stint on NBC's Saturday morning sit-com CITY GUYS. Some of his feature film credits include RACE THE SUN, opposite Halle Berry, BIKER BOYZ with Lawrence Fishbourne, DHAMER alongside Jeremy Renner, and ASK THE DUST starring Colin Ferrell and Salma Hayek. Dionysio also has a hip-hop band with his brothers aptly named, THE BASCO BROS. He is currently recurring on A&E's new drama CLEANER with Benjamin Bratt.
EMMA CAULFIELD (Amber): Best known for her starring role as the young and beautiful demon-turned-mortal “Anya”, on the hit series BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, it Emma’s humor and levity, garnering her widespread critical acclaim. Emma landed the starring role in the Revolution Studios thriller DARKNESS FALLS which opened number one in the box office. Emma went on to produce and star in the film BANDWAGON which won the Maverick Award in the prestigious Newport Beach Film Festival. Emma starred in the short film Hollow, which also won numerous awards. Some of Emma’s other work includes MONK; I WANT TO MARRY RYAN BANKS (with former 90210 co-star Jason Priestly); and Lifetime Network’s IN HER MOTHER’S FOOTSTEPS and VALENTINE CAROL. Emma wrote, produced and starred in the short film DON’T PANIC, IT’S ORGANIC. Recent projects include the romantic comedy/sci-fi hybrid film TIMER. Born and raised in San Diego, Emma began studying drama in high school and at the La Jolla Playhouse and the Old Globe Theatre where she won the distinguished honor of “Excellence in Theatre Arts”. Concurrent with her high school studies, Emma studied abroad at TASIS (The American School in Switzerland) in London.
LYNN CHEN (Katie): Lynn Chen is best-known for playing "Vivian Shing" in Sony Pictures Classic's Saving Face, a role she won the "Outstanding Newcomer Award" for at the 2006 Asian Excellence Awards. Her next projects are starring roles in David Boyle's White on Rice and Quentin Lee's The People I've Slept With. Later this year, Lynn can be seen in theaters, in Neil LaBute's latest film, Lakeview Terrace, and the indie comedies X's and O's and I'm Through With White Girls.
TOM HUANG (Tony): Tom also happens to be the writer/director of the film Why Am I Doing This? and enjoys acting in his productions, such as his critically acclaimed, award-winning first indie feature freshmen, and has been seen in various other independent features, including Victor Vu’s First Morning and the urban drama Room For Seven. Having spent years doing improv acting, his first love is writing and directing, where he has written for network sitcoms Still Standing and Sons & Daughters, as well as his indie filmmaking projects.
Jake Johannsen (Himself): Jake is an American comedian who attended Iowa State University in the early 1980s, originally majoring in veterinary medicine, and then later changing to chemical engineering. He left after three years in college and relocated to San Francisco, California in order to pursue a career in comedy. Johannsen made his debut at Cobbs Comedy Club in San Francisco, and by 1986 had won the 11th Annual San Francisco Stand up Comedian Competition. Johannsen starred in his own HBO Comedy Special, This'll Take About an Hour, which received rave reviews and was listed as one of the Ten Best Television Shows by People Magazine in 1992. In 1994, he was nominated as "Best Male Stand-Up Comedian" for the 1994 American Comedy Awards. A favorite of David Letterman he has appeared for a record 32 stand-up performances on The Late Show with David Letterman, and his routines are heard daily on XM Radio's Channel 151 Laugh USA. He is married to actress Belinda Waymouth, with whom he has one child.
CLYDE KUSATSU (Himself): Clyde Kusatsu has been a working actor in Hollywood for 35 years. He graduated from Northwestern University's famed Theatre program. Hollywood.com describes him as..."a character actor who ...has beautifully managed to avoid or transcend that quality of inscrutability stereotypically associated with so many Far Eastern acting roles." On television, Kusatsu has recently made guest appearances on Shark, Numbers, and The Young & Restless. Kusatsu has been a regular on three TV series, Bring Em Back Alive (CBS) with Bruce Boxleitner, Island Son (CBS) with Richard Chamberlain, and All American Girl (ABC) playing Margaret Cho's affable father. He also has had recurring roles in Still Standing, All In The Family, Magnum P.I., and Ally McBeal. He is a veteran of many movies of the week such as CBS mini-series And The Sea Will Tell and American Tragedy in which he portrayed Judge Lance Ito. He has been in films such as The Interpreter directed by Sydney Pollack and Paradise Road directed by Bruce Beresford, and can be currently seen in Harold & Kumar: Escape From Guantanamo playing Harold's dad.
JAMES KYSON LEE (Eric): Born in Seoul, South Korea, James moved with his family to New York City at the age of 10. He graduated from Bronx High School of Science and continued his education at Boston University and New England Institute of the Arts where he studied communications & broadcasting. After trying out improv and inspired by his newly discovered passion for performing, James sold his used car for $1800 in the summer of 2001 and purchased a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, where he began his training in music, dance, and acting. At his first small screen audition, he landed a guest-starring role on CBS' J.A.G., and has since appeared on NBC's Las Vegas, The West Wing, Heist, as well as ABC's Threat Matrix, and FOX's All About the Andersons. James currently stars as "Ando" on NBC's critically acclaimed hit drama Heroes. In addition, James will star in four feature films in 2008, including the highly anticipated Destiny, Termination Shock, Then There's the Afterlife, and Necrosis.
CAMILLE MANA (Nicky): Camille can be seen in two feature films this year including the 2008 Sundance favorite Miramax’s Smart People (from Sideways producer Michael London) starring Dennis Quaid, Thomas Haden Church, Ellen Page, and Sarah Jessica Parker. She also co-stars in the Lionsgate/MGM teen comedy College set for August release. Formerly known as Lisa on UPN’s long running sitcom One on One (currently syndicated to The N), Camille is currently filming the Nicholl Fellowships finalist Norman starring Dan Byrd and Nick Nolte. Additionally, she produced the short film Equal Opportunity, winner of Best Film in NBC/Universal’s First Annual Comedy Shortcuts Film Festival and Official Selection of the 2007 HBO/U.S. Comedy Arts Festival (Aspen) and South by Southwest (SXSW). Together with filmmakers Sameer Asad Gardezi, and Howard Duv Vu, she shares a Development Deal with NBC/Universal based on this project. She most recently produced the feature film The Things We Carry a character-driven drama whose cast includes Johnny Whitworth and Alexis Rhee. www.camillemana.com
ANTHONY MONTGOMERY (Lester): Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Anthony Montgomery received a Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State in Performance Theatre and Drama. Once in California, he appeared on numerous television series, including J.A.G., Charmed and Frasier, before landing his "big break" as recurring guest star George Austin on the hit WB television series, Popular. Immediately following the show's cancellation, Montgomery landed a series-regular role as Ensign Travis Mayweather on the television series, Star Trek: Enterprise. Taking some time off from the entertainment industry following Enterprise's untimely end, he got back into the game landing the lead role in the critically acclaimed, independent feature film, I'm Through with White Girls (The Inevitable Undoing of Jay Brooks). The romantic comedy, being given a limited theatrical run in various US cities, is set for a nationwide DVD release August 12, 2008. A man of many talents, Montgomery has inked a deal with international record label, AGR Television Records/Universal and is working on the release of his first Hip Hop album, tentatively titled, A.T. The album is scheduled for an international release October 2008. Visit: www.AnthonyMontgomery.com and www.myspace/ATMusic5.
VALARIE PETTIFORE (Natalie): Valarie was thrilled to start 2008 with a recurring role on the hit comedy series HOUSE OF PAYNE as Sandra Lucas. Last year she open the 2007 Summer Concert Series with The Pasadena Pops conducted by Rachel Worby. She was also thrilled to shoot the pilot “ANATOMY OF HOPE” for HBO as Deanna Rivers directed by JJ Abrams. In February 2006, Valarie completed her fourth season of the hit TV series HALF & HALF (now in Syndication) that earned her three NAACP Image Award nominations for her portrayal as Big Dee Dee Thorne. She guest starred as Dr. Lana Whitford in CSI MIAMI (Spring 2006), Ellen Laskow in BONES (Spring 2007), Susan Latham in CSI (Spring 2007), and as Aunt Jackie in the #1 film for 3 weeks and now the # 1 DVD, STOMP THE YARD. A Sony Screen Gems production (2007). Her widely successful one-woman show was performed to sold out audiences at the Gardenia Room, the El Portal Theater in Los Angeles and at the Metropolitan Room in New York City where she recently received The 2007 Backstage Bistro Award. Broadway/Tour credits; FOSSE, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award, Outer Critics Circle, Dora Mavor Moore award and recognizes by the Drama League, CHICAGO (opposite Chita Rivera) London West End debut, SOPHISTICATED LADIES, original cast and understudy for Judith Jamison. GRIND, ‘DANCIN’, BIG DEAL, SHOW BOAT(NAACP, LA’s Robby, and the Vancouver Sun Reader’s Choice Awards, and nominations for Ovation and Jessie Richardson Theater Awards.) Des Mc Anuff’s production of The Wiz, and THE WILD PARTY (NAACP Theatre and The Garland Awards for Best actress in a play) Ovation nomination. Highlights in TV/FILM; THE DISTRICT, FRASIER, THE WEST WING, ONE LIFE TO LIVE, THE WIZ, THE COTTON CLUB and GLITTER.
Valarie continues to lend her support and talents to many charities annually and is thrilled to have fulfilled a life long dream of recording an album titled HEAR MY SOUL, being sold on her website www.valariepettiford.com and www.cdbaby.com
SHEETAL SHETH (Nira): Sheetal Sheth burst onto the scene with raves in her debut film role, playing the lead in ABCD - a risky and memorable role as a promiscuous young girl struggling with the ties of family and tradition. Since then Sheetal has developed a reputation as a consummate professional with an unmatched work ethic and critical eye when choosing projects. She has starred in several feature films; higlights include WINGS OF HOPE for which she won the Best Actress Award at the Cinevue Film Festival, and AMERICAN CHAI which won the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival and Best Film at the Philadelphia Festival. She was brought on to play opposite Kal Penn and Mimi Rogers in DANCING WITH TWILIGHT and broke out in LOOKING FOR COMEDY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD. She was the female lead opposite legendary Albert Brooks, which Warner Independent released in January 2006. Sheth won the role following an extensive international casting search. Sheetal was excited to join a stellar ensemble in the film THE TROUBLE WITH ROMANCE. Sundance director Gene Rhee directed this provocative, sexy and insightful exploration of relationships... Sheetal completed I CAN'T THINK STRAIGHT, the thriller FIRST FEAR, and most recently, THE WORLD UNSEEN, based on the novel dealing with the 50s apartheid South Africa. The film premiered at the 2007 Toronto Film Festival. Sheetal's career is not limited to feature film- she loves theater and has also charmed with voice-overs, music videos, and TV. Sheetal is also a brand ambassador for REEBOK.
JOE TORRY (Kenny): Comedian, actor, producer and CEO of MO Films, Joe began his career as the host for the Russell Simmons/HBO DEF COMEDY JAM. Joe burst into dramatic television with a riveting dramatic recurring role on NBC's hit series, ER. He has also appeared on NAVY NCIS. His comedic stints include a recurring role on the hit UPN television comedy GIRLFRIENDS, and a comedy special, BET COMIC VIEW PRESENTS: 1 HOUR SPECIAL.
Joe's latest independent feature film projects include RED RUM a dramaedy and the prison-drama MANSFIELD 12. Joe has also recently appeared in the New Line romantic comedy, GETTING PLAYED co-starring Vivica A. Fox, Carmen Electra, Kathy Najimy and Bill Bellamy; in HAIR SHOW (Paramount) with fellow comedienne Monique; MOTIVES (Sony), a sexy suspense thriller with Shemar Moore and Golden Brooks (UPN's Girlfriends) and the sequel MOTIVES 2. Joe also hammed it up in the popular Superbowl commercials for Budweiser with Cedric the Entertainer. Other notable gems include Tales from the Hood, Poetic Justice; and the upcoming Joe and Guy Torry TV Project due this fall.
Since his days at Lincoln University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and where he also received an honorary Doctorate degree, Joe has given back to community. The Joe Torry Foundation has made generous contributions and provided school supplies for thousands of inner city youths in the St. Louis, Missouri area.
TAMLYN TOMITA (Donna): Tomita was born in Okinawa, the daughter of Shiro and Asako Tomita. She is of one quarter-Filipino descent (her mother is half Filipina, half Japanese). Before becoming an actress, she won the title of Queen at the Nisei Week Pageant in Los Angeles in 1984, and Miss Nikkei International in 1985. In 1986, Tomita made her acting debut in The Karate Kid, Part II, playing Ralph Macchio's love interest. Tomita’s filmography includes: Come See The Paradise, The Joy Luck Club, Picture Bride, Four Rooms, The Killing Jar, Gaijin 2 - Ama-me como sou, Robot Stories, Roland Emmerich’s The Day After Tomorrow, and Only the Brave. Notable television appearances include Babylon 5, (playing Lt. Commander Laurel Takashima) in the pilot episode "The Gathering;" Dr. Kimberly Shiroma in the The Burning Zone; JAG, playing Lieutenant Commander Tracy Manetti and Quantum Leap. Recently, she appeared in 24, playing Jenny, Press Secretary to President David Palmer. Stargate SG-1, playing a Chinese diplomat in the episode "The Scourge" and Eureka, playing scientist Kim Anderson in the episodes "Before I Forget" and "Once in a Lifetime."
GARRETT WANG (Vic Vu): Born in Riverside, California to Chinese immigrant parents, Wang lived in Indiana, Bermuda and Tennessee. Moving to Los Angeles Garrett majored in Asian Studies at UCLA and dabbled in theater. Garrett guest starred in the premiere episode of the ABC series All American Girl starring Margaret Cho before joining the cast of Star Trek: Voyager as Ops/Communication Officer Harry Kim. In 2005 Wang appeared in the Steven Spielberg-produced epic miniseries Into the West. He recently appeared in two independent feature films Ivory Towers and Hundred Percent; as well as the independent shorts/ webisodes, Star Trek: Of Gods and Men and Deja'Vu both directed by Voyager castmate Tim Russ. In 1997, he was named one of the "50 Most Beautiful People" by People magazine. Additionally, E! Entertainment Television has selected Garrett as on of the "20 Coolest Bachelors" in the country.
KEONE YOUNG (Ming): Born September 6, 1947 in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father is Chinese, his mother is Japanese. He has guest starred in many TV shows, and is a semi-regular on the HBO series Deadwood as Mr. Wu. Young gives voice credits include Grandpa in American Dragon: Jake Long, and he has starred in many Disney channel Original Films, including Rip Girls, The Even Stevens Movie, and Return to Halloweentown. In theatres, Young has had a long history with the Asian American theatre company, East West Players, in Los Angeles, where he not only performed but often served as producer.
WRITER/DIRECTOR TOM HUANG:
Tom Huang is a multi-award-winning indie filmmaker and television writer. His first feature project, “freshmen”, which he produced, wrote, and directed, follows the lives of four college freshmen in their first quarter of school. It was a film festival hit, winning the Audience Award for Best Feature at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, the Final Draft Original Screenplay Award at the Rhode Island International Film Fest, and a nomination for best independent feature at the aMedia Awards. The Los Angeles Times wrote, ““freshmen” is so authentic, it’s like eavesdropping on life... what is surprising is the impressive depth and detail of Huang’s characterizations, his keen ear for dialogue and his ability to get his actors to seem to be living their roles.”
Tom’s last feature film, “Why Am I Doing This?”, which he also wrote and directed, won Best Picture honors at the Houston Comedy Film Festival, the Philadelphia Asian- American Film Festival, and the Hollywood Chinese-American Film Festival, as well as the Cinequest Film Festival’s Director’s New Vision Award. The film had a successful Los Angeles theatrical run and was released on DVD and VOD. The Boston Herald called it “a raucous look at life in Los Angeles for an actor...", while The Los Angeles Times wrote, "...the microbudget aesthetic charms. Be it Tony's Ferris wheel date with romantic prospect Katie, the growing intimacy between Lester and longtime chum Nira, or a peaceful accord between Lester and his divorced, boy-crazy and hopelessly self-centered mother... it's the more subdued moments that, for Huang at least, answer the titular question."
Tom, a Warner Brothers Sitcom Workshop graduate, has also been a staff writer for network TV sitcoms, including the critically lauded ABC sitcom “Sons & Daughters,” as well as “Still Standing” on CBS, and “The Mullets” on UPN.
Tom studied Creative Writing at UCLA, while dabbling in stand-up and improvisational comedy. Afterwards, he headed to film school at Loyola Marymount University, earning a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Film Production.
Tom is proud to be a Film Independent Screenwriting Lab Fellow, where he worked on his feature film script “Dealing With Dad,” which is being produced by award-winning producer Effie Brown (“Dear White People,” “Rocket Science”). He recently released his supernatural web series, “Unusual Targets,” which was featured at the Los Angeles Film Festival, and is currently in production of his indie feature film, “Find Me.”
TOM HUANG FILMOGRAPHY
Real People Really Dying 4, short film (Writer/Director)
Closed Quarters, short film (Writer/Director)
winner, Certificate of Merit, Chicago International Film Festival.
freshmen, Feature Film (Writer/Director)
Audience Award for Best Feature, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
Final Draft Original Screenplay Award, Rhode Island International Film Festival
Silver Award, Low Budget Feature Film, WorldFest Flagstaff Film Festival
finalist nominee, Best Independent Feature, aMedia “Ammy” Awards
The Presidents of the United States of America World Tour, Concert Film (Director)
Nuthin’ But Luv, Music Video for the Presidents of the United States of America (Director)
It Wasn’t Supposed to be Like This... , short film (Writer/Director)
The Mullets, half-hour sitcom on the UPN network (Writer), Executive Produced by Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein
Still Standing, half-hour sitcom on CBS (Writer), Executive Produced by Joey Gutierrez and Diane Burroughs
Sons & Daughters, half-hour sitcom on ABC (Writer), Executive Produced by Fred Goss and Nick Holly
Angry Little Girls, half-hour animated sitcom on mNet (Writer), Executive Producer Lela Lee
Why Am I Doing This? Feature Film (Producer/Writer/Director)
“Director’s New Visions Award,” Cinequest Film Festival
“Best Narrative Feature,” Philadelphia Asian-American Film Festival
“Best Feature Film,” Houston Comedy Film Festival
“Best Independent Feature Film,” Chinese American Film Festival
Unusual Targets web series (Producer/Writer/Director)
Los Angeles Film Fest
Los Angeles Asian-Pacific Film Festival
PRODUCERS
N.D. BROWN: As Chairperson and CEO, N.D. Brown oversees all business and legal affairs, corporate structure and strategic planning, and green-lights projects for Tri Destined Studios. Ms. Brown has produced over 20-multi media projects including The Call, which received critical acclaimed for tackling and exposing the torments of AIDS and the Inner City Destiny Awards. She is also dedicated to providing employment opportunities to minorities and women who are often underrepresented in the industry. N.D. Brown holds a MBA from Florida A&M University and studied international affairs at the renowned Institute de Catholique de Paris in France.
JEFF LAM: Jeff Lam, a former local boy from Hawaii, now makes Los Angeles his home. A former successful actor, “Why Am I Doing This?” is Jeff's first producing credit, but already he's involved in a number of future projects, including producing “Kanahele” aka "Haunted Hawaii" directed by Frank Lin and currently he’s working on a new series from the producers and creators of Lonelygirl15 called, “The Scary City”.
“WHY AM I DOING THIS?” FESTIVAL SCREENINGS:
-CINEQUEST INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, San Jose, CA
-CHICAGO “JUST FOR LAUGHS” COMEDY FESTIVAL FILM SCREENINGS @ THE GENE SISKEL CENTER, Chicago, IL
-ROXBURY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, Boston, MA
-PHILADELPHIA ASIAN-AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL, Philadelphia, PA
-BEVERLY HILLS HI-DEF FILM FESTIVAL, Beverly Hills, CA
-OREGON DISORIENT ASIAN-AMERICAN FESITVAL, Eugene and Portland, OR
-HOLLYWOOD CHINESE AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL, Hollywood, CA
Anthony Montgomery…………...…..Lester
Gerry Bednob………………………….Ajay
Dion Basco…………………………..Danny
Emma Caulfield…………………….Amber
Lynn Chen……………………………..Katie
Tom Huang……………………………Tony
Valarie Pettiford…………..………..Natalie
Sheetal Sheth……………….…………Nira
Joe Torry…………………………….Kenny
Tamlyn Tomita…………………….Donna
Obba Babatundé……………………...Cliff
Garrett Wang……………………….Vic Vu
Keone Young…………………………Ming
Fernanda Andrade….........………Marianne
Jake Johannsen……….………..……...Jake
Clyde Kusatsu…………………….Himself
Camille Mana………………………...Nicky
James Kyson Lee……………….……..Eric
ACTOR BIOGRAPHIES:
FERNANDA ANDRADE (Marianne): Fernanda Andrade starred in the hit horror feature “The Devil Inside,” and was recently starring in ABC’s Red Widow, as well as the ABC Family favorite Fallen. Fernanda was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and spent most of her childhood in Brazil until the age of 11, when she moved to South Florida with her family. She attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School and continued her education at the University of Florida. She now resides in Los Angeles, CA.
OBBA BABATUNDÉ (Cliff): Obba Babatundé successfully juggles careers in film, television and stage. Babatundé starred as the father of two half sisters in the UPN sitcom Half & Half and found the time to appear as Kenny's father on the Showtime series Soul Food. Babatundé received Emmy and Cable ACE Award nominations for his role as Willie Johnson HBO's Miss Evers' Boys and a NAACP Image Award nomination for his portrayal of Harold Nicholas in Introducing Dorothy Dandridge.
Film highlights include Babatundé’s hilarious turn as the dean of freshman at Harvard University in Universal's How High; John Q (with Denzel Washington); and USA's film Redeemer. Other numerous film credits are That Thing You Do, Philadelphia, The Temptations, Silence of the Lambs The Visit, MVP, The Great Commission and The Notebook. On Broadway, Babatundé was Tony-nominated for his portrayal of C.C. White in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls. Other Broadway roles include Billy Flynn in Chicago; legendary jazz artist Jelly Roll Morton in Jelly's Last Jam.
For years Babatundé has dedicated much of his time to charities that are very important to him (i.e. children and animal rights). Babatundé likes to spend as much time with his horses and participates in The Bill Picket "All Black" Rodeo, which endorses the humane treatment of animals in rodeos.
GERRY BEDNOB (Ajay): A self-described “class clown” in school, Trinidad born comic of East Indian heritage, Gerry Bednob graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Sociology. He worked as a high school counselor until he decided to try out open mic night at Yuk Yuk’s. His initial fear of bombing on stage resulted in huge laughs from the crowd. Moving to Los Angeles he finished 2nd in the LA Comedy Contest and became the first first-time comic to open a late night show (The Merv Griffin Show). He appeared on The Wonder Years and Encino Man before winning the 1993 Star Search International Stand-Up Competition. It was as a comic where he met writer/director Judd Apatow and was cast as Mr. Burundi on the Fox television show, Undeclared. This relationship led to Gerry’s breakthrough role as Mooj in the smash hit, The 40 Year-Old Virgin. He would follow up on the success of this with numerous roles in film and TV including Witless Protection with Larry the Cable Guy, and Walk Hard with Jenna Fischer and John C. Reilly.
DION BASCO (Danny): Dionysio Basco has been entertaining all his life. Born near San Francisco, Dionysio grew up breakdancing all around the city, even performing at events like 49ers half time shows and Oakland A's ball games. In 1985, Dionysio and his family moved to Los Angeles to pursue entertainment. He began as a dancer in Michael Jackson's MOONWALKER, which led to many other roles. He is best known for his 5 year stint on NBC's Saturday morning sit-com CITY GUYS. Some of his feature film credits include RACE THE SUN, opposite Halle Berry, BIKER BOYZ with Lawrence Fishbourne, DHAMER alongside Jeremy Renner, and ASK THE DUST starring Colin Ferrell and Salma Hayek. Dionysio also has a hip-hop band with his brothers aptly named, THE BASCO BROS. He is currently recurring on A&E's new drama CLEANER with Benjamin Bratt.
EMMA CAULFIELD (Amber): Best known for her starring role as the young and beautiful demon-turned-mortal “Anya”, on the hit series BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, it Emma’s humor and levity, garnering her widespread critical acclaim. Emma landed the starring role in the Revolution Studios thriller DARKNESS FALLS which opened number one in the box office. Emma went on to produce and star in the film BANDWAGON which won the Maverick Award in the prestigious Newport Beach Film Festival. Emma starred in the short film Hollow, which also won numerous awards. Some of Emma’s other work includes MONK; I WANT TO MARRY RYAN BANKS (with former 90210 co-star Jason Priestly); and Lifetime Network’s IN HER MOTHER’S FOOTSTEPS and VALENTINE CAROL. Emma wrote, produced and starred in the short film DON’T PANIC, IT’S ORGANIC. Recent projects include the romantic comedy/sci-fi hybrid film TIMER. Born and raised in San Diego, Emma began studying drama in high school and at the La Jolla Playhouse and the Old Globe Theatre where she won the distinguished honor of “Excellence in Theatre Arts”. Concurrent with her high school studies, Emma studied abroad at TASIS (The American School in Switzerland) in London.
LYNN CHEN (Katie): Lynn Chen is best-known for playing "Vivian Shing" in Sony Pictures Classic's Saving Face, a role she won the "Outstanding Newcomer Award" for at the 2006 Asian Excellence Awards. Her next projects are starring roles in David Boyle's White on Rice and Quentin Lee's The People I've Slept With. Later this year, Lynn can be seen in theaters, in Neil LaBute's latest film, Lakeview Terrace, and the indie comedies X's and O's and I'm Through With White Girls.
TOM HUANG (Tony): Tom also happens to be the writer/director of the film Why Am I Doing This? and enjoys acting in his productions, such as his critically acclaimed, award-winning first indie feature freshmen, and has been seen in various other independent features, including Victor Vu’s First Morning and the urban drama Room For Seven. Having spent years doing improv acting, his first love is writing and directing, where he has written for network sitcoms Still Standing and Sons & Daughters, as well as his indie filmmaking projects.
Jake Johannsen (Himself): Jake is an American comedian who attended Iowa State University in the early 1980s, originally majoring in veterinary medicine, and then later changing to chemical engineering. He left after three years in college and relocated to San Francisco, California in order to pursue a career in comedy. Johannsen made his debut at Cobbs Comedy Club in San Francisco, and by 1986 had won the 11th Annual San Francisco Stand up Comedian Competition. Johannsen starred in his own HBO Comedy Special, This'll Take About an Hour, which received rave reviews and was listed as one of the Ten Best Television Shows by People Magazine in 1992. In 1994, he was nominated as "Best Male Stand-Up Comedian" for the 1994 American Comedy Awards. A favorite of David Letterman he has appeared for a record 32 stand-up performances on The Late Show with David Letterman, and his routines are heard daily on XM Radio's Channel 151 Laugh USA. He is married to actress Belinda Waymouth, with whom he has one child.
CLYDE KUSATSU (Himself): Clyde Kusatsu has been a working actor in Hollywood for 35 years. He graduated from Northwestern University's famed Theatre program. Hollywood.com describes him as..."a character actor who ...has beautifully managed to avoid or transcend that quality of inscrutability stereotypically associated with so many Far Eastern acting roles." On television, Kusatsu has recently made guest appearances on Shark, Numbers, and The Young & Restless. Kusatsu has been a regular on three TV series, Bring Em Back Alive (CBS) with Bruce Boxleitner, Island Son (CBS) with Richard Chamberlain, and All American Girl (ABC) playing Margaret Cho's affable father. He also has had recurring roles in Still Standing, All In The Family, Magnum P.I., and Ally McBeal. He is a veteran of many movies of the week such as CBS mini-series And The Sea Will Tell and American Tragedy in which he portrayed Judge Lance Ito. He has been in films such as The Interpreter directed by Sydney Pollack and Paradise Road directed by Bruce Beresford, and can be currently seen in Harold & Kumar: Escape From Guantanamo playing Harold's dad.
JAMES KYSON LEE (Eric): Born in Seoul, South Korea, James moved with his family to New York City at the age of 10. He graduated from Bronx High School of Science and continued his education at Boston University and New England Institute of the Arts where he studied communications & broadcasting. After trying out improv and inspired by his newly discovered passion for performing, James sold his used car for $1800 in the summer of 2001 and purchased a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, where he began his training in music, dance, and acting. At his first small screen audition, he landed a guest-starring role on CBS' J.A.G., and has since appeared on NBC's Las Vegas, The West Wing, Heist, as well as ABC's Threat Matrix, and FOX's All About the Andersons. James currently stars as "Ando" on NBC's critically acclaimed hit drama Heroes. In addition, James will star in four feature films in 2008, including the highly anticipated Destiny, Termination Shock, Then There's the Afterlife, and Necrosis.
CAMILLE MANA (Nicky): Camille can be seen in two feature films this year including the 2008 Sundance favorite Miramax’s Smart People (from Sideways producer Michael London) starring Dennis Quaid, Thomas Haden Church, Ellen Page, and Sarah Jessica Parker. She also co-stars in the Lionsgate/MGM teen comedy College set for August release. Formerly known as Lisa on UPN’s long running sitcom One on One (currently syndicated to The N), Camille is currently filming the Nicholl Fellowships finalist Norman starring Dan Byrd and Nick Nolte. Additionally, she produced the short film Equal Opportunity, winner of Best Film in NBC/Universal’s First Annual Comedy Shortcuts Film Festival and Official Selection of the 2007 HBO/U.S. Comedy Arts Festival (Aspen) and South by Southwest (SXSW). Together with filmmakers Sameer Asad Gardezi, and Howard Duv Vu, she shares a Development Deal with NBC/Universal based on this project. She most recently produced the feature film The Things We Carry a character-driven drama whose cast includes Johnny Whitworth and Alexis Rhee. www.camillemana.com
ANTHONY MONTGOMERY (Lester): Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Anthony Montgomery received a Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State in Performance Theatre and Drama. Once in California, he appeared on numerous television series, including J.A.G., Charmed and Frasier, before landing his "big break" as recurring guest star George Austin on the hit WB television series, Popular. Immediately following the show's cancellation, Montgomery landed a series-regular role as Ensign Travis Mayweather on the television series, Star Trek: Enterprise. Taking some time off from the entertainment industry following Enterprise's untimely end, he got back into the game landing the lead role in the critically acclaimed, independent feature film, I'm Through with White Girls (The Inevitable Undoing of Jay Brooks). The romantic comedy, being given a limited theatrical run in various US cities, is set for a nationwide DVD release August 12, 2008. A man of many talents, Montgomery has inked a deal with international record label, AGR Television Records/Universal and is working on the release of his first Hip Hop album, tentatively titled, A.T. The album is scheduled for an international release October 2008. Visit: www.AnthonyMontgomery.com and www.myspace/ATMusic5.
VALARIE PETTIFORE (Natalie): Valarie was thrilled to start 2008 with a recurring role on the hit comedy series HOUSE OF PAYNE as Sandra Lucas. Last year she open the 2007 Summer Concert Series with The Pasadena Pops conducted by Rachel Worby. She was also thrilled to shoot the pilot “ANATOMY OF HOPE” for HBO as Deanna Rivers directed by JJ Abrams. In February 2006, Valarie completed her fourth season of the hit TV series HALF & HALF (now in Syndication) that earned her three NAACP Image Award nominations for her portrayal as Big Dee Dee Thorne. She guest starred as Dr. Lana Whitford in CSI MIAMI (Spring 2006), Ellen Laskow in BONES (Spring 2007), Susan Latham in CSI (Spring 2007), and as Aunt Jackie in the #1 film for 3 weeks and now the # 1 DVD, STOMP THE YARD. A Sony Screen Gems production (2007). Her widely successful one-woman show was performed to sold out audiences at the Gardenia Room, the El Portal Theater in Los Angeles and at the Metropolitan Room in New York City where she recently received The 2007 Backstage Bistro Award. Broadway/Tour credits; FOSSE, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award, Outer Critics Circle, Dora Mavor Moore award and recognizes by the Drama League, CHICAGO (opposite Chita Rivera) London West End debut, SOPHISTICATED LADIES, original cast and understudy for Judith Jamison. GRIND, ‘DANCIN’, BIG DEAL, SHOW BOAT(NAACP, LA’s Robby, and the Vancouver Sun Reader’s Choice Awards, and nominations for Ovation and Jessie Richardson Theater Awards.) Des Mc Anuff’s production of The Wiz, and THE WILD PARTY (NAACP Theatre and The Garland Awards for Best actress in a play) Ovation nomination. Highlights in TV/FILM; THE DISTRICT, FRASIER, THE WEST WING, ONE LIFE TO LIVE, THE WIZ, THE COTTON CLUB and GLITTER.
Valarie continues to lend her support and talents to many charities annually and is thrilled to have fulfilled a life long dream of recording an album titled HEAR MY SOUL, being sold on her website www.valariepettiford.com and www.cdbaby.com
SHEETAL SHETH (Nira): Sheetal Sheth burst onto the scene with raves in her debut film role, playing the lead in ABCD - a risky and memorable role as a promiscuous young girl struggling with the ties of family and tradition. Since then Sheetal has developed a reputation as a consummate professional with an unmatched work ethic and critical eye when choosing projects. She has starred in several feature films; higlights include WINGS OF HOPE for which she won the Best Actress Award at the Cinevue Film Festival, and AMERICAN CHAI which won the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival and Best Film at the Philadelphia Festival. She was brought on to play opposite Kal Penn and Mimi Rogers in DANCING WITH TWILIGHT and broke out in LOOKING FOR COMEDY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD. She was the female lead opposite legendary Albert Brooks, which Warner Independent released in January 2006. Sheth won the role following an extensive international casting search. Sheetal was excited to join a stellar ensemble in the film THE TROUBLE WITH ROMANCE. Sundance director Gene Rhee directed this provocative, sexy and insightful exploration of relationships... Sheetal completed I CAN'T THINK STRAIGHT, the thriller FIRST FEAR, and most recently, THE WORLD UNSEEN, based on the novel dealing with the 50s apartheid South Africa. The film premiered at the 2007 Toronto Film Festival. Sheetal's career is not limited to feature film- she loves theater and has also charmed with voice-overs, music videos, and TV. Sheetal is also a brand ambassador for REEBOK.
JOE TORRY (Kenny): Comedian, actor, producer and CEO of MO Films, Joe began his career as the host for the Russell Simmons/HBO DEF COMEDY JAM. Joe burst into dramatic television with a riveting dramatic recurring role on NBC's hit series, ER. He has also appeared on NAVY NCIS. His comedic stints include a recurring role on the hit UPN television comedy GIRLFRIENDS, and a comedy special, BET COMIC VIEW PRESENTS: 1 HOUR SPECIAL.
Joe's latest independent feature film projects include RED RUM a dramaedy and the prison-drama MANSFIELD 12. Joe has also recently appeared in the New Line romantic comedy, GETTING PLAYED co-starring Vivica A. Fox, Carmen Electra, Kathy Najimy and Bill Bellamy; in HAIR SHOW (Paramount) with fellow comedienne Monique; MOTIVES (Sony), a sexy suspense thriller with Shemar Moore and Golden Brooks (UPN's Girlfriends) and the sequel MOTIVES 2. Joe also hammed it up in the popular Superbowl commercials for Budweiser with Cedric the Entertainer. Other notable gems include Tales from the Hood, Poetic Justice; and the upcoming Joe and Guy Torry TV Project due this fall.
Since his days at Lincoln University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and where he also received an honorary Doctorate degree, Joe has given back to community. The Joe Torry Foundation has made generous contributions and provided school supplies for thousands of inner city youths in the St. Louis, Missouri area.
TAMLYN TOMITA (Donna): Tomita was born in Okinawa, the daughter of Shiro and Asako Tomita. She is of one quarter-Filipino descent (her mother is half Filipina, half Japanese). Before becoming an actress, she won the title of Queen at the Nisei Week Pageant in Los Angeles in 1984, and Miss Nikkei International in 1985. In 1986, Tomita made her acting debut in The Karate Kid, Part II, playing Ralph Macchio's love interest. Tomita’s filmography includes: Come See The Paradise, The Joy Luck Club, Picture Bride, Four Rooms, The Killing Jar, Gaijin 2 - Ama-me como sou, Robot Stories, Roland Emmerich’s The Day After Tomorrow, and Only the Brave. Notable television appearances include Babylon 5, (playing Lt. Commander Laurel Takashima) in the pilot episode "The Gathering;" Dr. Kimberly Shiroma in the The Burning Zone; JAG, playing Lieutenant Commander Tracy Manetti and Quantum Leap. Recently, she appeared in 24, playing Jenny, Press Secretary to President David Palmer. Stargate SG-1, playing a Chinese diplomat in the episode "The Scourge" and Eureka, playing scientist Kim Anderson in the episodes "Before I Forget" and "Once in a Lifetime."
GARRETT WANG (Vic Vu): Born in Riverside, California to Chinese immigrant parents, Wang lived in Indiana, Bermuda and Tennessee. Moving to Los Angeles Garrett majored in Asian Studies at UCLA and dabbled in theater. Garrett guest starred in the premiere episode of the ABC series All American Girl starring Margaret Cho before joining the cast of Star Trek: Voyager as Ops/Communication Officer Harry Kim. In 2005 Wang appeared in the Steven Spielberg-produced epic miniseries Into the West. He recently appeared in two independent feature films Ivory Towers and Hundred Percent; as well as the independent shorts/ webisodes, Star Trek: Of Gods and Men and Deja'Vu both directed by Voyager castmate Tim Russ. In 1997, he was named one of the "50 Most Beautiful People" by People magazine. Additionally, E! Entertainment Television has selected Garrett as on of the "20 Coolest Bachelors" in the country.
KEONE YOUNG (Ming): Born September 6, 1947 in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father is Chinese, his mother is Japanese. He has guest starred in many TV shows, and is a semi-regular on the HBO series Deadwood as Mr. Wu. Young gives voice credits include Grandpa in American Dragon: Jake Long, and he has starred in many Disney channel Original Films, including Rip Girls, The Even Stevens Movie, and Return to Halloweentown. In theatres, Young has had a long history with the Asian American theatre company, East West Players, in Los Angeles, where he not only performed but often served as producer.
WRITER/DIRECTOR TOM HUANG:
Tom Huang is a multi-award-winning indie filmmaker and television writer. His first feature project, “freshmen”, which he produced, wrote, and directed, follows the lives of four college freshmen in their first quarter of school. It was a film festival hit, winning the Audience Award for Best Feature at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, the Final Draft Original Screenplay Award at the Rhode Island International Film Fest, and a nomination for best independent feature at the aMedia Awards. The Los Angeles Times wrote, ““freshmen” is so authentic, it’s like eavesdropping on life... what is surprising is the impressive depth and detail of Huang’s characterizations, his keen ear for dialogue and his ability to get his actors to seem to be living their roles.”
Tom’s last feature film, “Why Am I Doing This?”, which he also wrote and directed, won Best Picture honors at the Houston Comedy Film Festival, the Philadelphia Asian- American Film Festival, and the Hollywood Chinese-American Film Festival, as well as the Cinequest Film Festival’s Director’s New Vision Award. The film had a successful Los Angeles theatrical run and was released on DVD and VOD. The Boston Herald called it “a raucous look at life in Los Angeles for an actor...", while The Los Angeles Times wrote, "...the microbudget aesthetic charms. Be it Tony's Ferris wheel date with romantic prospect Katie, the growing intimacy between Lester and longtime chum Nira, or a peaceful accord between Lester and his divorced, boy-crazy and hopelessly self-centered mother... it's the more subdued moments that, for Huang at least, answer the titular question."
Tom, a Warner Brothers Sitcom Workshop graduate, has also been a staff writer for network TV sitcoms, including the critically lauded ABC sitcom “Sons & Daughters,” as well as “Still Standing” on CBS, and “The Mullets” on UPN.
Tom studied Creative Writing at UCLA, while dabbling in stand-up and improvisational comedy. Afterwards, he headed to film school at Loyola Marymount University, earning a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Film Production.
Tom is proud to be a Film Independent Screenwriting Lab Fellow, where he worked on his feature film script “Dealing With Dad,” which is being produced by award-winning producer Effie Brown (“Dear White People,” “Rocket Science”). He recently released his supernatural web series, “Unusual Targets,” which was featured at the Los Angeles Film Festival, and is currently in production of his indie feature film, “Find Me.”
TOM HUANG FILMOGRAPHY
Real People Really Dying 4, short film (Writer/Director)
Closed Quarters, short film (Writer/Director)
winner, Certificate of Merit, Chicago International Film Festival.
freshmen, Feature Film (Writer/Director)
Audience Award for Best Feature, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
Final Draft Original Screenplay Award, Rhode Island International Film Festival
Silver Award, Low Budget Feature Film, WorldFest Flagstaff Film Festival
finalist nominee, Best Independent Feature, aMedia “Ammy” Awards
The Presidents of the United States of America World Tour, Concert Film (Director)
Nuthin’ But Luv, Music Video for the Presidents of the United States of America (Director)
It Wasn’t Supposed to be Like This... , short film (Writer/Director)
The Mullets, half-hour sitcom on the UPN network (Writer), Executive Produced by Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein
Still Standing, half-hour sitcom on CBS (Writer), Executive Produced by Joey Gutierrez and Diane Burroughs
Sons & Daughters, half-hour sitcom on ABC (Writer), Executive Produced by Fred Goss and Nick Holly
Angry Little Girls, half-hour animated sitcom on mNet (Writer), Executive Producer Lela Lee
Why Am I Doing This? Feature Film (Producer/Writer/Director)
“Director’s New Visions Award,” Cinequest Film Festival
“Best Narrative Feature,” Philadelphia Asian-American Film Festival
“Best Feature Film,” Houston Comedy Film Festival
“Best Independent Feature Film,” Chinese American Film Festival
Unusual Targets web series (Producer/Writer/Director)
Los Angeles Film Fest
Los Angeles Asian-Pacific Film Festival
PRODUCERS
N.D. BROWN: As Chairperson and CEO, N.D. Brown oversees all business and legal affairs, corporate structure and strategic planning, and green-lights projects for Tri Destined Studios. Ms. Brown has produced over 20-multi media projects including The Call, which received critical acclaimed for tackling and exposing the torments of AIDS and the Inner City Destiny Awards. She is also dedicated to providing employment opportunities to minorities and women who are often underrepresented in the industry. N.D. Brown holds a MBA from Florida A&M University and studied international affairs at the renowned Institute de Catholique de Paris in France.
JEFF LAM: Jeff Lam, a former local boy from Hawaii, now makes Los Angeles his home. A former successful actor, “Why Am I Doing This?” is Jeff's first producing credit, but already he's involved in a number of future projects, including producing “Kanahele” aka "Haunted Hawaii" directed by Frank Lin and currently he’s working on a new series from the producers and creators of Lonelygirl15 called, “The Scary City”.
“WHY AM I DOING THIS?” FESTIVAL SCREENINGS:
-CINEQUEST INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, San Jose, CA
- Winner, Director’s New Visions Award
-CHICAGO “JUST FOR LAUGHS” COMEDY FESTIVAL FILM SCREENINGS @ THE GENE SISKEL CENTER, Chicago, IL
-ROXBURY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, Boston, MA
-PHILADELPHIA ASIAN-AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL, Philadelphia, PA
- Winner, Best Narrative Feature Award
- Winner, Best Feature Film Award
-BEVERLY HILLS HI-DEF FILM FESTIVAL, Beverly Hills, CA
-OREGON DISORIENT ASIAN-AMERICAN FESITVAL, Eugene and Portland, OR
-HOLLYWOOD CHINESE AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL, Hollywood, CA
- Winner, Best Independent Feature Film
