Hard Town
Feature Action/Drama
HARD TOWN action/drama series exposes the faults and successes of Child Protective Services (CPS) through the experiences of newly hired social worker, an ex-military Interrogation Officer suffering from PTSD.
Heroes aren’t born of men… They’re made from circumstance…
THE CAST
MIKKI HERNANDEZ
Cast in the role of BAM (Beverly Ann Madison), Mikki Hernandez is a California native, and a fresh face to the acting world. She has spent the last three years training in acting for film/tv, voiceover, theater, combat fighting, improv and sketch comedy. Her acting credits include Investigation Discovery Network’s The Coroner; Target Run voiceover, Living Spaces commercial, short films Casey, Hexit and 62 Million; feature film The Night I Died; web series Nun the Wiser and Shades & Layers; and most recently performed in the play Farragut North by Beau Willimon. She is a proud UCLA alum and enjoys traveling, dancing, and keeping up with meme culture. Mikki is a powerhouse and brings to the role of BAM an energy that captures the physical strength women bring as well as mental gravitas.
JAYTEE THOMPSON
Cast in the role of DETECTIVE JACK QUINO, JayTee is an Award winning Director and Actor, and has been directing films for the past 10 years. He’s known from his TV appearances, starring on hit shows such as MTV's Pimp My Ride (2005), MTV's Yo Momma (2006) BET's College Hill: Virgin Islands (2007) and The V.I.P Hideaway (2012-2014).
After BET’s college Hill in 2007, JayTee Thompson started directing films. In 2008, he filmed his first feature film “Death By Association”. The film starred himself along with Tyrone Burton, DJ Infant Jay, Prentice Jones and OG Cuicide. He also produced the entire soundtrack and self distributed the film by himself. Also he edited the entire film as well, so over the years he sat quiet writing countless amounts of music and scripts, honing his skills as a self taught all around entertainer.
In 2017, he won awards and was nominated multiple times for his hit short film "Hands Up Don't Shoot ". Recently in 2018, he won BEST ACTOR and BEST FEATURE FILM in the Las Vegas Black Film Festival. JayTee brings that inner shyness with a commanding voice of authority and understanding. Everyone will be drawn to him and feel that whenever he is in the room or on screen all is safe and protected.
CASSADY JANE LORENTZEN
Cast in the role of Seleen, Cassady Jane Lorentzen has a love of acting that shines through in all her roles. She has a maturity beyond her years. When she is not acting she enjoys reading (her favorites right now are the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series) and playing with her rescue pit bull, Princess. Her favorite sports are tennis and golf, and this summer she is competing in the PGA Drive Chip & Putt challenge in the 7-9 year old girls division. Cassady brings sensitivity and wisdom beyond her years to the role of Seleen whose caught in the middle of life altering circumstances created by the adults around her.
EDWARD JACKSON
Cast in the role of Archer, Edward Jackson is an actor, writer, voice artist, U.S. Army veteran and cancer survivor. After years of working as a Security Supervisor for CBS Studios, Edward was inspired to follow his dream of being an actor. Edward trained at the highly acclaimed Groundlings Improv Theater and Marina Del Mar School of Acting. Edward has learned that becoming an actor takes talent, time, persistence and patience. Edward's most recent work includes Kevin Hart's L.O.L. Network show "Dead House", and recently released films "Debt Collector", "Man Issues" and the dark comedy "Groupers". Edward's passion for entertaining has just recently lead him to begin a career in stand-up comedy. A real -life veteran playing a veteran Edward plays the boisterous, bearish Archer Forester, the insightful Administrator of CPS whose heart is as lethal as it is soft.
EBONY PERRY
Cast as the role of JESSE, at the young age of 10, Ebony Perry was encouraged by her mother to pursue art and acting through the local Arkansas Art Center. After receiving rave reviews at Little Rock Central High School in her performance as civil rights activist Daisy L. Bates, Ebony knew she wanted to be an actress. Acting continues to be the core of her pursuits.
She has received her Bachelors of the Arts in Theatre Arts, under the direction of the late Carol Mitchell-Leon. Upon graduation from Clark Atlanta University, Ebony accepted her first major job as an actor for CLIMB, a children's theatre based outside of St. Paul, Minnesota. Since then Ebony has starred and co-starred in a host of films including "Muslimah's Guide to Marriage", "Burning Angel Dust" and web series "The Molding of Maverick Mason". Ebony also has Shakspeare Intensive Training.
Ebony currently lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband Craig. Ebony brings a certain sassiness and elegance to the role of Jesse whose character encompasses many of the traditional perceptions of social workers.
JOSEPH LOPEZ
Cast in the role of UNCLE TEDDY, Joseph Lopez trained 11 years with Sheila Gray NYC and studied advance scene, improvisation, South Pasadena Theatre and Finest City Comedy improv-sidestage comedy impro. Joseph has a host of film credits including 2018 " A Child's Voice, A Bad Day and My Story Sucks" Joseph is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Hapkido, Bi-Lingual (Spanish) and enjoys surfing, basketball, baseball and football. Joe brings creativity and panache to the role he plays. You've heard of villains you love to hate, you will love him in the role of Uncle Teddy.
KYIRA NICOLETTI
Cast in the role of Olivia, Kyira Nicoletti enjoys reading books above her grade level, recreational soccer, swimming, singing car karaoke, bike riding and bonds quickly with animals. Even though Kyira has only accomplished three years of elementary school, she has been commended for her compassion to help her fellow students with their studies in class. She has a soul of kindness that is unsurpassed for one her age. Kyira brings to the role an innocence and strength that audiences will know that children are strong, resilient and have a future that must be protected.
SAM DAGHER
Sam Dagher is a half Moroccan half Lebanese actor/songwriter born and raised in Belgium. He studied Acting and Meisner Technique at the James Franco Studio 4 Acting School. In the past years he did modeling for Emporio Armani, Dolce Gabbana and Dirk Bikkembergs. Sam has appeared in short film "Brede Rode", "Visionary Eye" and his own music videos where he performs "My Girl", "Intoxicated", "For Those Who Know Me". The videos where he played the real is called IAMGUNZ ft. Niney Levon - Gettem’. Sam is a fresh face to the Hollywood acting scene and is expected to be one of the people to keep an eye on this year. Sam brings passion and extreme emotion in the role of the prisoner.
BRIAN PATRICK McGOWAN
Cast in the role of MP-1, Brian Patrick McGowan brings to the table his intense work ethic and natural improvisation.
Brian earned his Bachelor’s of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He studies acting and comedy at the Playhouse West. He is a member of the Theatricum Botanicum’s 2018 repertory company, where he works with directors Ellen Geer and Melora Marshall on this year’s headline show: Coriolanus
Brian’s strong background in Shakespeare and stage prepares him to read between the lines and tease out the truth in his characters. His most recent successes include complex roles such as Prince Hal in "Henry IV, Part 1" and "Orlando in As You Like It".
His luminous optimism brings light and life to every role he plays. His Midwestern grit means that he’s here to stay. Be sure to look for his bright smile on the big screen. His is the familiar face that you never knew you were looking for. Brian brings an authentic spirit to the role of Military Police transforming into the role bringing MPI to life.
REI KENNEX
Cast in the role of MARLANA, Rei Kennex is a Graduate from New York Film Academy with a Master in Acting for Film and has 2 Masters in International Analysis in English from Kiev Ukraine. She is winner in Best Performance in "Songs Sung by the Heart" and runner up in "Miss Music Ukraine" TV music contest. Rei brings an intense innocence to the role of Marlana and a fierceness as she portrays a young mother who will protect her child at all cost.
KARIM DIANE
Cast in the role as 17 year old CRAIG, Karim Diane graduated from The University of Chicago with his Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy and Mathematical Modeling. One year later, he earned his Master Degree from The University of Southern California in Digital Social Media. Karim began his career in 2013 as a contestant on season 3 of The X Factor after receiving qualifying reviews from Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, and Kelly Rowland. After The X Factor USA, Karim gained popularity online under the moniker "Team Karim" by creating videos of himself singing in the shower every week to millions of viewers online. He used his online popularity to raise enough money to send $1 million worth of medical supplies to West Africa. His story was covered by AOL in a segment entitled 'Generation Inspiration'.
After a series of short films, in early 2017 Karim landed his first recurring role in the 2nd season of a television show entitled StartUp (TV series) starring Adam Brody, Martin Freeman, and Edi Gathegi. StartUp is an American television series distributed by Sony Pictures and created by Ben Ketai. The first season of the show is currently streaming on Amazon.com and the second season will stream for free in fall 2017 on Crackle (company). Karim's second role is in a movie entitled 'Princess of the Row' starring Martin Sheen. In 2017 Karim co-starred in the award winning film "Instance". Karim brings the maturity and depth of any veteran in the business to the role of Craig, and there is no doubt many red carpets will be graced with this amazingly talented young man.
ALLISON LOBEL
Cast in the role of Sally, Allison is a Los Angeles based actress working in both film and theater. She is a Canadian/American dual citizen and has played leading roles in numerous feature films, web series, and short films. Allison has a BA from Muhlenberg College where she originated the role of Roberta in Charles Strauss's An American Tragedy. She made her Off Broadway debut as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones the Rock Musical at the Jerry Orbach Theater in NYC. She is in the Advanced Scene Study class at Beverly Hills Playhouse and takes improv classes at UCB. Allison has appeared in a myriad of films including "Whine Party, Pride of Indiana and Web series Living at 1250. Allison brings a cheerful and energetic attitude to the role as the helpful receptionist at the CPS office.
MARTIN LINO
Cast as Military Police Officer, before graduating college with a Bachelor’s in Technical Management, Martin Lino was inspired by his Great Grandmother to follow his dream to become an actor. Within the past year, Martin has created his own YouTube Channel & has been cast in a music video, a short film, an independent film as a Police Officer, and now in this Feature Film (HARD TOWN) as a Military Policeman. As he works on his Artistic Craft as an Actor, his main goal in life is to be AMAZING in someone’s eyes. Martin brings strength and vitality to the role of Military Police Officer.
Sylvia Dyson
Cast in the role of Ms. Anderson, Sylvia is a Stanford Graduate with a BA and MBA from USC. Sylvia appeared in such films as "Stray and What Really Matters" Sylvia loves movies and believes in education and reading. She brings to the role of Ms. Anderson a gentle maternal connection to all she comes into contact with.
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