Tag Archives: Sacramento

May82014

Posted in F4YL Cast

Gregory Young

Gregory Young began stage performances in 2007 and has completed numerous shows that include well known stage productions, such as Fiddler on the Roof, Diary of Anne Frank, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Bus Stop.  Local original productions have been sandwiched in between, usually comedic in nature, with Mr. Young having played a Russian Ski Dance Coach and a Barney Fife-like local sheriff.

2013 was a big year for Gregory.  He portrayed Mr. Keller in the Miracle Worker, replacing the original cast character in only 10 days preparation.  He also partook in a stage performance of The Crucible at the Harris Center for the Arts, playing the role of Mr. Cheevers in the well known play.

It was also in 2013 Gregory was cast to play the character of Mr. Jenkins in Fight 4 Your Life.  He has been nothing but a joy to work with, extending his hand to help beyond just acting in his role, having been a huge help behind the scenes as well.  one studios is forever thankful to have met this talented actor, who recently had a small role in a short film we did for the 2014 Sacramento 48 Hour Film Festival.  The film is called Brownie Points, and Gregory did a fine job.

Without a doubt, we look forward to working more with Mr. Young.  We know much is to come from this awesome dude!

 

– The one studios crew

 

 

 

May102014

Posted in F4YL Cast

Keenan Johnston

Brian Keenan Johnston has worked in public-policy and communications since 1985.  This work entails public speaking, non-profit administration, ‘community organizing’ and effective advocacy.  Principally based in Sacramento, he has worked with legislators throughout the world as an advocate for the medically vulnerable, having testified and worked legislation in all of the state capitols of the Mountain and Pacific states, as well as Washington, D.C., and the national legislatures of New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, and South Africa.

As an administrator of a non-profit corporation and a public-policy and communications adviser, Brian provides advice predicated on creatively achieving three basic goals:
 
1) affirming the dignity of the human person.
2) communicating in an accessible, entertaining and motivating way
3) giving effective agency to the ideas expressed…”GET IT DONE” (‘Activity is not the same as accomplishment’)

 

As the single, most effective tool of mass communications is the moving image, Brian has made a specialty of focus on the medium of film as both art and business, having ‘cut-his teeth’ in the employ of an entertainment law firm in the 1970’s.  As an avocation he has subsequently worked films and documentary productions throughout the world, and on both sides of the camera.

Keenan, which is Brian’s stage name, has acted in many film productions over the years.  It was in 2011 that he met F4YL director Bryan Bachar for a short film project called Passerby (Pass Her Bye), in which Keenan played the lead role.  Since this film, Keenan has been a loyal friend and colleague to the one studios crew, having been in several other one studios films.  So, it was a no brainer to ask Keenan to be a part of the Fight 4 Your Life feature film project, as he had also been in the short film version of F4YL in 2012.

Yes, we’re more than pleased to have Mr. Johnston reprise his role, as it’s always a pleasure to work with him…and his comedic antics on set.  He’s a busy guy who never seems to rest!  In fact, if this character actor is not in front of the camera, he’s behind it, also partaking in running events such as the Life Fest Film Festival in Hollywood, CA.  Truly, we are fortunate to have Keenan aboard.  And we wish him nothing but success in his adventures, giving him the same ongoing support he has given Fight 4 Your Life, and one studios!

Be sure to check out the Life Fest Film Festival!

 

Life Fest Film Festival | Life. It's worth the effort.

Life Fest Film Festival | Life. It’s worth the effort.

 

And check out Keenan on IMDb, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

– The one studios crew

 

 

Sep132013

Posted in F4YL Cast

Edwin Johnson

Edwin Johnson is a veteran of the United States Air Force and has modeled locally, acted and performed background work in major and local films and video such as The Scorpion King, American Me and Dragonfly.  He’s also danced on Soul Train in Los Angeles and has been playing the drums since he was 15 years old.  Edwin loves to play basketball and volleyball and other team sports.  Another worthy notation is that Mr. Johnson was the Vice-President of Forum for People of Color (FPOC), a local non-profit based in Sacramento that held an annual International Fair that showcased Sacramento County’s diverse cultures and raised funding for local charities and County organizations such as WEAVE, Meals on Wheels, Women’s Empowerment, TEAM (Teaching Everyone Animals Matter) and others.

Edwin has worked as a volunteer in the Sacramento community for Voter Registration, the Olympic and NCAA Track and Field trials, the Dream Street and Rebuilding Together housing projects, the Great American River Cleanup, the Sacramento County Homeless Count, Rebuilding McKinley Park and more.  Always on the move, he has been instrumental in media and community outreach, fundraising and recruiting entertainment.  This highly selfless man believes in empowering individuals to achieve their goals and dreams and is devoted to helping people and animals less fortunate than others.

The role Edwin plays in Fight 4 Your Life is challenging and physical.  He has shown nothing but commitment towards the character, capturing director Bryan Bachar’s eye from the start.  We are lucky to have him.  For more information on Edwin, you can find him on SF Casting or Facebook.

 

– The one studios crew

 

Sep152013

Posted in F4YL Cast

Matt Wilson

Matt Wilson is a twenty-seven year old aspiring actor and online video host for Synthesis Magazine, as well as his own YouTube channel, Video Matt Presents.  This energetic and extremely positive media entrepreneur is ecstatic to be a part of Fight 4 Your Life.  Matt says:

 

“Working on Fight 4 Your Life was such a blast cause not only was I coming together with other creative individuals who love filmmaking in the Northern California Valley, but I was able to be apart of a film project that has a killer story and a lot of potential to be seen by many people.  I feel like everyday I have to fight to get one step closer at achieving my own goals regardless if I’m in a cage or not.  So I feel like Fight 4 Your Life has a positive message we all can relate to, and that’s keep fighting for what you believe, no matter what your personal ring or cage might be.”

 

Matt’s excitement towards F4YL is addicting.  He’s brought with him not simply a passionate mindset, but also an excellent overall attitude.  We thank Matt for his continued commitment towards F4YL and wish him the best in his own adventures.  To keep up with Matt, follow him on Twitter and visit his YouTube channel.  Both links are below…

www.twitter.com/videomattisback

www.youtube.com/videomattpresents

 

– The one studios crew

 

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