Monthly Archives: May 2014

May92014

Posted in F4YL Crew

Stephanie Shen – executive producer / financial adviser

Stephanie Shen is one hard working individual.  Not only is she a business graduate student at the Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley, but she also holds down a full time job at music streaming company Rdio in San Francisco, CA, where she also resides.

A real passion for worldly travel, Stephanie, or Steph as her friends call her, looks to transfer into international financial consulting upon graduating.  In fact, she was accepted into a prestigious program that will ship her off in the summer of 2014 to a country unknown in origin to her until right before she is sent off.  WOW!  It is sure to be a great experience for her, and one that a first year graduate student rarely is chosen for.  Exciting indeed!  This will be a perfect intro to test the waters in the field she’s striving for.

Stephanie has aided Fight 4 Your Life behind the scenes since its beginning stages in 2012.  She has served as an executive producer and financial adviser, helping in any way she can in order to make the film a success.  The one studios crew owes her the world and knows she will be at the top of whatever it is she chooses to partake in throughout life.  Truly, her drive and promise are without measure.  THANK YOU Stephanie!

Check Steph out on LinkedIn!

 

– The one studios crew

 

 

May92014

Posted in F4YL Crew

Gary Merlo – casting associate / location scout

Garly Merlo passionately believes that tae kwon do has impacted his life in a very positive manner.  He has been training in martial arts since the age of 15, tallying up 12 years of experience as a head instructor and earning his Seventh Degree Black Belt along the way.

Upon moving to Folsom, CA Gary’s dream was to be a strong, positive influence in the community through martial arts instruction.  He considers himself to be a very family oriented person and feels fortunate to live in a family-driven community.  Gary says,

 

“I look forward to the challenge of making a difference.  Through martial arts instruction, I have witnessed children and adults reach far beyond what they believed to be their full potential.”

 

He continues,

 

“I believe the practice of martial arts, the discipline and training, develops the necessary life skills to succeed no matter what the student’s goals are.”

 

Gary has had the privilege of teaching in the Bay Area as well, and those students have now grown to become doctors, teachers, engineers and actors.  But more importantly he has tried to instill in all of his students a strong sense of family values and respect for those values.  His goal is to create an environment in which children and adults not only learn the disciplines of tae kwon do, but also learn a great deal about themselves.

This is apparent when you spend some time with Gary at his school West Coast Martial Arts, in El Dorado Hills, CA.  The relationships he has with his students, their families, his colleagues and everyone he meets are ones of welcoming and respectful natures.  It’s easy to see how he has become so successful, and his students the same.

The one studios crew has received the same treatment from Gary and his establishment.  With his cooperation we have filmed scenes at his West Coast Martial Arts for both the Fight 4 Your Life short (2012) and feature length films.   Gary has also aided us in casting and further location scouting.  Thank you for everything Gary.  Your knowledge, support and kindness are appreciated beyond words.  You’re the best!

For more info on Gary and his school, please visit www.westcoastkickinit.com.  Gary can also be found on Facebook!

 

– The one studios crew

 

 

May102014

Posted in F4YL Crew

TJ Kuahine – background music / soundtrack artist

Music producer, artist, Team Alpha Male fighter from Waianae, HI, now living in Sacramento, CA, T.J. Kuahine is a man who doesn’t no the meaning of the word cliche.  So often people get grouped into certain categories by those they choose to associate themselves with.

It would be easy to call T.J. an athlete or jock, because he is, with him being a dedicated mixed martial arts fighter having wrestled through high school and then moving to Sacramento to live and train with UFC superstar Urijah Faber and his Team Alpha Male.  It would also be easy to call him a musician, because he is, with him having produced countless beats for tons of singers, rappers and musicians alike.  The bottom line is T.J. is the perfect example of what it is to go against stereotypes and the norm.

T.J. is many things, as we all are.  And he is not afraid to demonstrate through how he lives what it is to be true to yourself.  A longtime friend of Fight 4 Your Life director Bryan Bachar, T.J. has been part of one studios projects for years, providing music and more.  We are happy to have this talented artist on our team yet again as he aids in the music for F4YL.  We thank you for everything you do $upaFlyTeddy$upaFly!  Keep those beats blastin’ and livin’ the dream.

Check out T.J., his beats, his fights and more on his personal site, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and SoundCloud!

 

– The one studios crew

 

May82014

Posted in F4YL Crew

Tomicko Abella – costume design / makeup & hair

Tomicko Abella is a fashion designer and all around stylista out of Sacramento, CA.  When she isn’t striving to come up with new clothing, she’s likely kicking back with her young daughter and having some good ole’ fun!

Tomicko came to Fight 4 Your Life through the power of networking.  And, WOW, has she been a huge help!  She is responsible for the stylish apparel, hair and make-up you’ll see on the lustful seductresses in F4YL.

Who are the seductresses?  Be sure to check up regularly on the Characters page here on Fight4YourLifeMovie.com for info on these enticing characters and more.  In the meantime, friend and follow Tomicko on Facebook and Twitter!  Oh, and she’s on MySpace too…yes, MySpace!

 

– The one studios crew

 

 

May62014

Posted in F4YL Crew

Zaco Cox – production assistant / grip

Born Zac Alexander Cox in middle America, Zaco is extremely passionate about the film and television industries.  From his own mouth,

 

“I feel that whatever we capture on camera, then cut and trim to our liking, and deliver to the masses, is rewarding.”

 

Zaco considers entertaining people his craft.  And he is the person you’ve been looking for when it comes to having someone on your team.  We can vouch for that!

The one studios crew is thankful to have had Zaco on board for a duration of shoots for F4YL  in the Summer of 2013.  His grip and production assistant skill sets were a valuable addition to our team.  And we look more than forward to working with Zaco again in the very near future!

Check out Zaco on IMDb, Linkedin and Staff Me Up.

 

– The one studios crew

 

 

 

May82014

Posted in F4YL Cast

Aaron Joseph Griggs

Aaron Joseph Griggs is a multi-talented young man beyond his years, having ambitions in acting, dance and sports.  Many words can describe this success driven lad, but just a few are captivating, charming and determined.  An example of his drive would be how after living in Texas for two years, he decided to return to California to pursue his entertainment dreams.

The youthful Mr. Griggs is now attending Pinkerton Middle School, where he is the quarterback for the Wolf Pack football team.  The sky is the limit, but Aaron already has determined that when he grows up he either wants to play in the NFL or become a police officer….both honorable goals indeed!  His passion for sport allows him to demonstrate well his personal mantra to always strive to be the best, no matter what challenges might lay ahead.  Although Aaron has a lot on his plate, his academics always come first, and he takes pride in the work that he does.

Aaron really enjoyed his role in Fight 4 Your Life, for which he was able to conjure emotions from his own life experiences to really connect with his character.

 

“I lost my dad tragically six years ago.  He was my hero and now that I am older, I always try to protect my mom,” says Aaron.

 

Through such tough times and obstacles Aaron has become a stronger person, much like F4YL‘s main character Fleet Blackwood does throughout the diversity he faces throughout Fight 4 Your Life.  It’s amazing how much alike the two actually are!

Aaron is looking forward to seeing how the movie turns out, and is very happy to have had the opportunity to play a role in this exciting project, which has such an incredible cast.  Fight 4 Your Life might be Aaron’s first official film project, but he is just getting started.  His talent, charisma and passion will take him very far, not only in this industry, but also in life.  And we here at one studios look forward to watching this amazing young man grow and mature!

 

– The one studios crew

 

 

May102014

Posted in F4YL Cast

Brian Jagger

Co-host of FitBody Focused & Weight Loss warrior on FitBodyRadio, Brian Jagger is an entrepreneur, working actor, writer, marketing consultant and personal trainer.  Jagger’s most recent short film screenplay entitled “The Lottery Ticket” is one of the ten winning scripts for the 14th annual Place Called Sacramento Film festival put on by Access Sacramento.  The film premiered October 6th, 2013 @1pm, at the Crest Theater in Sacramento, California.

In early 2013, Jagger helped co-found the video based social media platform VidGage, a social media platform that allows users to post video updates and uniquely allows followers to comment via video replies created through the platform (commenting with video).  VidGage even allows comments on comments.

As a writer Jagger has previously earned a “Best Original Script” ELLY nomination for his original play “The Interviews” which has been produced by three different theater groups in the Sacramento region since 2009.  Jagger also wrote and helped produce the webseries “Now Hiring” which is loosely based upon the play “The Interviews”.  The series can be viewed online at www.NowHiring.TV

As an actor, Jagger earned his Screen Actors Guild eligibility with a principal role in the Paul Thomas Anderson directed movie “The Master” in a scene opposite Phillip Seymour Hoffman (which was unfortunately cut, but still earned Jagger his SAG-E).  Jagger has also had guest lead or primary supporting roles in four different national television shows and has appeared in over a dozen national television show episodes.  He has also been in several regional television commercials and multiple short films.

Jagger also works as a marketing consultant and promotions specialist helping small businesses as well as artists and athletes with their publicity and promotion.  In addition, Jagger works part-time as a Certified Personal Trainer, something he became after losing over 120lbs.

Weighing in at 316lbs, Brian Jagger knew (and was flat out told by his Doctor) things needed to change.  After losing more than 140lbs, Jagger became inspired by those who found inspiration in his success.  To continue to help and inspire others to get fit, Jagger became an ACE Certified Personal Trainer (CPT).  Jagger currently trains and coaches from Anytime Fitness in Roseville, CA.

Far from easy, and littered along the way with more than the usual amount of difficulty, Jagger has lost the weight with more than a short-story to tell.  Marriage and family lost, medical complications, behavior and personality change, criminal activity… all that and more, Jagger has come through.  Fighting through the negative and focusing on getting “back to old Brian”, Jagger has persevered, gotten healthy, built back his family and dedicated himself to helping others get through the challenge of weight loss and fitness transformation, all while avoiding the pitfalls he encountered.

Now that things are “normal” medically for Jagger, he has earned his CPT and is proud to be helping others in their fitness goals.  He has also begun the foundations for his professional writing and acting career.

Brian came onto Fight 4 Your Life after having met creator Bryan Bachar via mutual colleague Marc Gardner.  Both Brian and Bryan had small roles in Marc’s short film, The Within.  Since then Brian has been in several one studios productions, including landing a role in F4YL.  We’re thrilled to have Mr. Jagger on board and look forward to continuing to build a lasting relationship!

Check out Brian on LinkedIn, Facebook, FitBodyRadio, Twitter and IMDb.

 

– The one studios crew

 

 

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

 

 

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