Tag Archives: California

Sep152013

Posted in F4YL Cast

Lorenzo ‘Hitman’ Thornton

Born and raised in California, Robert Lorenzo Thornton has been doing standup comedy for about 22 years now, and is one of the best-undiscovered talents in the business.  Born in Northern California and raised by a single mom, he was exposed to music, pro-wrestling, 80’s & 90’s genre of entertainment, with a special interest in martial arts, dancing and theater.

Performing has been in his blood since the day he was born, from school plays, talent shows, to dancing on a local television teen dance show in Sacramento.  His first stand up performance wasn’t even in a comedy club; it was in Northern California Junior High and High Schools.  Starting at the age of 18 with a local chapter in Sacramento called Friday Night Live, which promoted awareness to teens against doing drugs, drinking and driving.

After several years of this, developing his act, he ventured to comedy clubs.  His raw-dawg, in your face, take no prisoners style makes you sit up and take notice.  At the same time being very multi-dimensional, it is hard to put him in a category.  He delivers an unpredictable performance.  You will never see him coming that is why he is the . . .HITMAN.

Lorenzo became a part of Fight 4 Your Life by way of working on a past project with director of photography Jeremy Guinn, producer Alonzo Chism and director Bryan Bachar.

 

“Lorenzo was originally scheduled to play a different role in F4YL.  But when we needed him to take on the much larger role of the eccentric Dark Oaks gang leader Black Leavz, he rose to the challenge, demonstrating with badass-ness his professionalism, experience and skill.  A previous part he played in a short we did earlier this year kind of fell into his lap by peculiar circumstance as well.  I’m beginning to think the heavens are at work here.  It’s funny how things work out.”                  

– Bryan Bachar / Director of F4YL

 

We are truly thankful to have the Hitman.  He is a vital part of Fight 4 Your Life!  For more on Lorenzo, check out his site here.

 

– The one studios crew

 

May72014

Posted in F4YL Cast

Ellis Rodriguez

Originally born in Boston, Ellis Rodriguez is by far the funniest of nine children raised by loving immigrant parents from Panama.  Living in a multi-racial, uni-cultural family gave him a unique perspective on life.  He grew up speaking Spanish at home, English at church, and Ebonics in school.

Ellis Rodriguez spent his early twenties serving in the United States Marine Corps, but found his calling when he picked up a mic, and did what he’d been doing his whole life, entertaining anyone who would listen.  And now countless are listening, and laughing.  His commanding presence, charming personality and hilarious material make him one of the best up and coming comics today.

Ellis Rodriguez’s passion for stand up comedy is evident whenever he performs, as he is a favorite at comedy clubs across the West Coast, including the Improv, Laugh’s Unlimited, Tommy T’s, PepperBelly’s and the Laugh Factory.  This Latino/former Marine is smart and charismatic, and always full of surprises.  An energetic performer, his comedy is appealing to any comedy audience.

And it was his comedic appeal, as well as his overall acting ability, that caught the eyes of the one studios crew.  The funny thing is (pun intended) we nearly lost Ellis on this project, due to personal obligations of his.  Luckily, it all worked out.  And we are extremely happy to have this talent be a part of Fight 4 Your Life.  We know this is just the beginning of a beautiful, and hilarious, relationship.

Check Ellis out at a comedy show near you!  Here is his official site at www.ellisrodriguez.com.  Of course, he is also on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  Check out this snippet from one of his performances!  WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT
 

 
 
– The one studios crew

 

 

Sep122013

Posted in F4YL Cast

Erik McCall-Johnson

Erik  McCall-Johnson is an up and coming actor originally from Vallejo, CA, having moved to Sacramento when he was 13 years old with his family.  As a youth he was educated at Will Rogers Middle School and San Juan High School.  After high school he furthered his academics by attending college at Sacramento State University, where he graduated from with a degree in Mass Communication.

While in college Erik knew he wanted to pursue a career in acting.  He’s went through a lot to be an actor thus far, but knows he has to put in a lot of time and effort to get to where he wants to be.

Erik looks up to his mother.  His favorite actors are Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Clive Owen & Denzel Washington.

 

“I am excited about F4YL because I like the storyline and I really believe it is going to be a success.” – Erik

 

Glad to have you as part of the project Erik!  Your dedication is much appreciated.

 

– The one studios crew

 

May82014

Posted in F4YL Cast

Jabari Timmons

Jabari Timmons, aka KidWow, began dancing at the young age of 6 years old.  He has been trained in contemporary, jazz, lyrical, modern, tap, krump, popping, locking, break dance, Tahitian and ballet at Studio T Urban Dance Academy and The Greathouse of Dance.  Just a couple of Jabari’s accomplishments include dancing in Carnival in Los Angeles and performing with recording artist Zendaya Coleman from the Disney channel show “Shake It Up”.

KidWow is constantly on the move, learning and pushing himself to new heights.  But he doesn’t just limit himself to himself.  Jabari gives back to his dance community by sharing his knowledge of dance in the Sacramento area, teaching at schools such as Antelope High, Del Oro High, Woodcreek High and more.  He also teaches at Brandon ‘Knowbody’ Greathouse’s The Greathouse of Dance, where he participates in several of the dance school’s competitive dance teams as well.

Jabari’s rhythmic contributions to Fight 4 Your Life are very much appreciated.  His moves are sure to light up any screen!  We thank Jabari for his hard work and look forward to more collaborations in the future.  He’s a diligent and talented artist with a bright road ahead.

Jabari is on Facebook and Twitter!

 

– The one studios crew

 

 

May82014

Posted in F4YL Cast

Zeke Johnston

Gerald “Zeke” Johnston was born July 23, 1978, having grown to a height of 6’4″ and weighing in at 245 lbs.  Sound like a ring announcer’s description?  Well, that would make sense!

Zeke is an amateur heavy weight MMA fighter and boxer.  With only two years training he has worked his way to fighting California ‘s best fighters.  With a background of college football and semi pro basketball, Zeke has always been involved in sports.  He coaches basketball to young kids in the greater Sacramento area, but most of all loves coaching and being with his son Jordan, who was seen on set with Zeke throughout his shoots for Fight 4 Your Life.

Zeke also enjoys comedy and inspires to one day try stand-up.  Every member of the one studios crew can vouch for Mr. Johnston’s hilarious, over-the-top antics on set.  So, we’re more than sure some stand-up would do him good!  Thanks for all the hard work, and all the laughs, big Zeke!

 Check Zeke out on Facebook!
 
 
– The one studios crew

 

 

May92014

Posted in F4YL Cast

Eliot Kelly

Eliot Kelly is the head instructor at El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  He started learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while he was teaching English and coaching wrestling in Japan.  During his stay in Japan, he was fortunate enough to live in a community where many Brazilians lived and quickly became involved with their culture and sports.  Although his training took place in Japan, he experienced complete immersion in Jiu-Jitsu training while surrounded by the Brazilian community.  Eliot explains,

 

“I wanted to learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu because I heard of people doing it well into their 50’s and even 60’s.  I finally found something I could do that wasn’t just lifting weights, hitting a ball, or chasing a ball.” 

 

Eliot earned his brown belt in Japan from Michel and Marcio Miyashita, instructors under 5th degree black belt Master Barbosa.  After moving back to the United States from Japan he trained with Andre Glodzinski for almost 2 years until the closing of the first Sacramento gym.  Eliot is currently training with World Champion Professor Marcos Torregrosa.

 

“I wish to teach the Jiu-Jitsu technique and skills I know while emphasizing some of the fun and  unique cultural elements I have experienced in my training.  Please ask me about my experiences, I would love to share them with anyone!”  – Eliot Kelly

 

Prior to his experiences in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Eliot was a Division 1 Wrestler at UC Davis under the legendary coaching of Lennie Zalesky and Mark Munoz.  At UCD he became a two time Pac-10 place winner, Open Freestyle State Champion and earned medals at many other College Open tournaments.  Eliot has wrestled and beaten some cream-of-the-crop wrestlers from BIG 10 and BIG 12 schools, including the University of Iowa, Iowa State, Northern Iowa University, Oklahoma State and Oregon State.  He also has experience working as a counselor at a few of the toughest, most renowned wrestling camps in the nation, including J Robinson’s Intensive Wrestling Camp, Camp of Champs Ironman Training Camp, The Eternal Warrior Wrestling Camp and West Coast Wrestling Camps.

Eliot graduated from UC Davis in 2007 with a double major in Japanese and East Asian Studies and a minor in Education.  His Japanese knowledge has come in handy during his journeys to Japan, where he has had a unique coaching experience.  He worked with the freestyle clubs in Shiga Prefecture alongside former Olympians and National Champions, and at Ritsumeikan University alongside a 2 time Olympian.

 

After returning from Japan, back to the Sacramento area, he arrived again at UC Davis to help the team as an Assistant Coach and to train in order to make the Freestyle national team, for which he competed in the Dave Schultz Memorial and Asics Nationals.  Unfortunately, in 2010 the UCD Wrestling team was cut from UCD Athletics.  But Eliot is looking to stay involved in wrestling as he continues to develop the Jiu-Jitsu program in El Dorado Hills.

It was through wrestling Eliot met his longtime friend, creator of Fight 4 Your Life, Bryan Bachar, with B being one of his teammates at UCD.  B says a few words about his friend,

 

“You can’t ask for a better person to know than El Dog.  He’s a genuinely good human being.  And it makes me a better person just to know him.  Like everyone in his life I’m sure, I’m very proud of the man he has become and continues to strive to be.”

 

Eliot has been a supporter of Mr. Bachar’s creative endeavors since college, having helped out regularly as an extra hand, or, more recently, having provided his dojo as a location for F4YL.  In fact, Eliot has a small role in the film as well!  Keep an eye out for him.

And please be sure to check out his business site for his Jui-Jitsu school El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  What a great place!  You can find out more about Eliot and his business on:

Google+

Facebook

Twitter

 

– The one studios crew

 

 

Sep122013

Posted in F4YL Cast

D.J. Hale

Derick Jamall Hale Jr. is an American Actor, better known by his stage name as D.J. Hale.  Born on March 24th, 1993 in Oceanside California and raised in the state’s capital, Sacramento, D.J. was introduced to theater arts while attending John Morse Waldorf School in South Sacramento.  Coming from an athletically talented family background, D.J. pursued a career in football upon reaching high school.  After graduating he decided acting needed to be his number one priority.

Extremely talented and possessing tremendous work ethic, D.J. is on his way to becoming one of the rising stars in the new generation of young actors.  His African American and Italian decent bears him ethnically ambiguous, allowing him to portray a multitude of roles.  Currently, D.J. can be most noted for the character Lil Swoldier in the up and coming SAG-ULB feature film 8: The Movie.

D.J. is extremely proud to be a part of Fight 4 Your Life and can’t wait for the finished film!  Check him out on his Facebook page here.

 

– The one studios crew

 

Sep152013

Posted in F4YL Cast

Ian Hutchison

Born just twenty minutes away from Hollywood, CA in the suburb of Glendale, Ian Hutchison knew at a young age that his passion in life rested in working on movies, television or theatre.  Watching films throughout his life has helped shape him up to be the person that he is today.  Upon moving to Cape Cod, MA at the age of 10, he started his acting experience in children’s theatre working with Harwich Jr Theatre.

By the age of 15, and after yet another move to Davis, CA, Ian continued to get involved with both high school productions, as well as independent high school theatre companies, such as Acme.  He has done volunteer work for Davis Media Access, including camerawork and co-hosting a radio show with his best friend.  Ian also studies special make up effects, a subject that has inspired him for as long as he can remember.

After a five year long hiatus from acting or production work, Ian jumped into the opportunity to work on Fight 4 Your Life as soon as he caught word of it.  Contributing stunt work, acting and his make up skills, he has been a valued member of the F4YL team.

The return to performing is both refreshing and surreal to Ian.  He is determined now and believes that Fight 4 Your Life will kickstart the Sacramento independent film scene in a big way.  He strives to be apart of it in any way he can.

Your belief in F4YL humbles us, Ian.  Thank you for your hard work!  Keep at it and make those dreams come true!

 

– The one studios crew

 

Sep122013

Posted in F4YL Cast

Chris Sousa

Born in Hemet, CA, Chris Sousa has spent most of his life living in the Northern California mountain town of Placerville.  He has been training in parkour and free running for the last three and a half years.  He also has some experience in martial arts aggressive driving techniques, which he was able to utilize during his scenes in F4YL.

Fight 4 Your Life marks Chris’s first dive into acting and stunt work.  He is extremely excited about doing more projects in the future and is thankful for this awesome opportunity!

 

– The one studios crew

 

May152014

Posted in F4YL Cast

Jared Fong

Jared has had an interest in the creative arts for as long as he can remember.  Here are a few words from him directly:

 

“I’ve always been interested in creation, and since I enjoy movies and games, my interest spread into those two genres.  I took to screenwriting, game design, programming, and 3D modeling, and as I fiddled with those, I wanted to learn more about the production aspect of film.”

 

When Jared saw an ad for needed actors and crew for a project called Fight 4 Your Life, he jumped at the chance to be a part of the project.  Not only did the ambitious Jared come on board as an actor, but also as a much needed crew member.  He has been a dedicated and valued team member, making the haul from Fremont, CA to the Sacramento area for his required shoots, rehearsals, meetings and other F4YL oriented events.

When we told Jared we would like him to be a part of Fight 4 Your Life, he is remembered to have said:

 

“It’s going to be quite exciting to actually be a part of this film and learning the process of making it.”

 

Well, it’s been quite exciting having you be a part of it, Jared.  Thank you for all of your commitment and positivity!  Good things are in store for you friend.  You’re a natural!  And you takes hits like a champ!

 

– The one studios crew