Usher, the Usher (2014); 109mins; Drama
BACK COVER
Former pastor, Usher Rothchild, provides a personal and life-changing service upon the request of his former church members.
CONTENTS
Visual Scrapbook
Video Journal
In Front of the Camera
Behind the Camera
Production Notes/Trivia (Contains Spoilers!)
Director's Statement
PERKS
Official Usher, the Usher IMDb Page
Official Usher, the Usher Facebook Fan Page
REVIEWS/ARTICLES
Film Industry Network (Christina Santos)
Film Industry Network (Tara McLearnon)
Former pastor, Usher Rothchild, provides a personal and life-changing service upon the request of his former church members.
CONTENTS
Visual Scrapbook
Video Journal
In Front of the Camera
Behind the Camera
Production Notes/Trivia (Contains Spoilers!)
Director's Statement
PERKS
Official Usher, the Usher IMDb Page
Official Usher, the Usher Facebook Fan Page
REVIEWS/ARTICLES
Film Industry Network (Christina Santos)
Film Industry Network (Tara McLearnon)
VISUAL SCRAPBOOK
Table Read #1 - Sunday, June 1, 2014
Rehearsal #1 - Sunday, June 8, 2014
Rehearsal #2 - Saturday, June 14, 2014
Rehearsal #3 - Thursday, June 19, 2014
Rehearsal #5 - Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Principal Photography Day #8 - Sunday, July 27, 2014
VIDEO JOURNAL
Actor Romaine Waite (Usher Rothchild) offers insight into the creation of Usher, the Usher
Actor Christina Santos (Anne) offers insight into the creation of Usher, the Usher
IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA
Romaine Waite - Usher Rothchild
Driven and focused, Romaine Waite strives to successfully reach each goal he sets for himself. Within the past few years, Romaine has earned his place in front of the camera and on stage. Whether it’s hosting Independent Scene on Rogers TV, performing in the Scarborough Village Theater production of Nuts, or most recently playing a principal role in the feature film feature Scratch, he always puts his best foot forward. His easy-going, approachable demeanor is appreciated by all. Romaine's continued goal is to inform and entertain. You can always see what he’s up to at www.romainewaite.com.
Sarah Cunningham - Mary Rothchild
Sarah Cunningham is an actress based in Toronto. She has been active in the Toronto film scene for 6 years and has been lucky enough to be part of some challenging and interesting projects.
Some of Sarah's most recent work includes Six Degrees Without Separation, Basted (Winner of the Best International Short at the Milledgeville Film Festival), Venke Daryl, Daryl Venke, and the upcoming drama White Lock.
Usher, the Usher will be her second time working with director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi, the first being Canswer where she played the role of Ellen.
Sarah is incredibly excited to be taking on the challenging role of Mary Rothchild in Usher, the Usher and is looking forward to bringing this gripping story to life. "Big thanks to Alfredo for making me a part of this creative journey!"
Some of Sarah's most recent work includes Six Degrees Without Separation, Basted (Winner of the Best International Short at the Milledgeville Film Festival), Venke Daryl, Daryl Venke, and the upcoming drama White Lock.
Usher, the Usher will be her second time working with director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi, the first being Canswer where she played the role of Ellen.
Sarah is incredibly excited to be taking on the challenging role of Mary Rothchild in Usher, the Usher and is looking forward to bringing this gripping story to life. "Big thanks to Alfredo for making me a part of this creative journey!"
Christina Santos - Anne
Christina Santos was born and raised in Toronto. Inspired by screen legends such as Barbara Stanwyck and Katherine Hepburn, Christina wanted to pursue a career in film. She has studied with various acting coaches throughout Toronto and has appeared in a number of independent films and theatre productions. Some of her recent projects include the horror film No Boys Allowed, Q, and Daisy.
This will be her second role in a feature film. Christina is looking forward to bringing the role of Anne to life and working with writer/director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi on this compelling script.
This will be her second role in a feature film. Christina is looking forward to bringing the role of Anne to life and working with writer/director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi on this compelling script.
Tara McLearnon - Mrs. Sieranable
Tara McLearnon caught the acting bug before she can really remember, though she suspects it may have to do with spending most of her childhood in a mystical country such as Ireland where her imagination ran wild daily. Unable to shake the bug, it was in Toronto that she began studying acting diligently.
Recently, Tara has wrapped on the thriller Bloodlines, which is now in the festival submission stage. She can currently be seen in the newest Silverstein video On Brave Mountains We Conquer.
But here’s where it gets good: her vow was to add a feature film to her resume in 2014, and here it is! Usher, The Usher will be her feature film debut, a project in which she is more than excited to participate.
Let’s roll...
Recently, Tara has wrapped on the thriller Bloodlines, which is now in the festival submission stage. She can currently be seen in the newest Silverstein video On Brave Mountains We Conquer.
But here’s where it gets good: her vow was to add a feature film to her resume in 2014, and here it is! Usher, The Usher will be her feature film debut, a project in which she is more than excited to participate.
Let’s roll...
Gloria Adora - Rose Sieranable
Starting her acting career at the age of 8 in October 2011, Gloria Adora landed her first acting role on the very first audition she ever attended and has since gone on to act in over thirty other indie and student short films, taking on roles from supporting to lead.
Gloria loves to apply for different roles that allow her to hone her skills as an actor. A few of her many strengths are being able to take on roles in various genres of film, taking direction, and being able to endure all days of shooting.
On top of her love for acting, Gloria is also a competitive dancer in the genres of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Hip-Hop, Lyrical and Contemporary; she also a student of the piano.
Gloria is absolutely thrilled to finally being able to work with Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi and hopes to be able to work on other Arcilesi Films projects in the future.
You can learn and see more of Gloria on her own personal website www.gloriaadora.com as well as on her IMDb page http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5092481/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Gloria loves to apply for different roles that allow her to hone her skills as an actor. A few of her many strengths are being able to take on roles in various genres of film, taking direction, and being able to endure all days of shooting.
On top of her love for acting, Gloria is also a competitive dancer in the genres of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Hip-Hop, Lyrical and Contemporary; she also a student of the piano.
Gloria is absolutely thrilled to finally being able to work with Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi and hopes to be able to work on other Arcilesi Films projects in the future.
You can learn and see more of Gloria on her own personal website www.gloriaadora.com as well as on her IMDb page http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5092481/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Claudio Lo Gullo - Officer
Born on March 24, 1991, Claudio Lo Gullo is a Canadian actor, stunt actor, writer, and producer. He is most known for his role in Shadow of Cicero and TNT's hit series Falling Skies.
He began acting at the age of 17, attending workshops in Toronto, and has appeared in numerous short and feature films as not only an actor, but as a stunt choreographer; he has been trained by Peter Kent - a professional stuntman - at the School of Hardknocks. His most notable stunt work can be seen on Falling Skies, Episodes 1-5, as Drew Roys' stunt and photo double.
Claudio is the founder of NorthSky Pictures, and continually works with local talent to distribute as many films as possible while always remaining in collaboration with dedicated performers and creators.
He began acting at the age of 17, attending workshops in Toronto, and has appeared in numerous short and feature films as not only an actor, but as a stunt choreographer; he has been trained by Peter Kent - a professional stuntman - at the School of Hardknocks. His most notable stunt work can be seen on Falling Skies, Episodes 1-5, as Drew Roys' stunt and photo double.
Claudio is the founder of NorthSky Pictures, and continually works with local talent to distribute as many films as possible while always remaining in collaboration with dedicated performers and creators.
BEHIND THE CAMERA
Marc-Andre Miron - Producer/1st AD
Marc-Andre Miron, (Producer/Infernal Trio Entertainment) was born and raised in the small town of Green Valley, Ontario. Living in a quiet, rural setting, Miron developed a vivid imagination and an acute sense of creativity to escape his mundane surroundings.
This eventually led to Marc-Andre becoming actively involved throughout his youth and adulthood in theatre groups and film productions.
In 2005, he had the opportunity to write and direct his first feature length film, Corporate Kidnapping. Since then Marc-Andre has become an award-winning writer, director and producer, striving to create projects that both challenge and interest him.
This eventually led to Marc-Andre becoming actively involved throughout his youth and adulthood in theatre groups and film productions.
In 2005, he had the opportunity to write and direct his first feature length film, Corporate Kidnapping. Since then Marc-Andre has become an award-winning writer, director and producer, striving to create projects that both challenge and interest him.
Alan Moy - Producer
BIO COMING SOON!
Zefred - Director of Photography
After several university diplomas in Computing and the Arts, as well as a career in the Computer Graphics industry in France, for the last decade Zefred has been steadily working on various film sets and productions, particularly as a Camera and Steadicam Operator, Cinematographer, and Director.
He has operated cameras in France, while keeping current with postproduction processes.
In 2005, Zefred was invited to Canada in order to teach directing and cinematography.
At present, in addition to teaching, he is working as a freelance cinematographer and director, completing postproduction on his upcoming short films Explosive Breakup and Lost in Communication, and developing four feature films as producer and director: comedies Green Fees and The Three Musketeers, the horror/comedy Film School, and the fantasy/adventure Demetra: The Dragon Knights Chronicles.
He has operated cameras in France, while keeping current with postproduction processes.
In 2005, Zefred was invited to Canada in order to teach directing and cinematography.
At present, in addition to teaching, he is working as a freelance cinematographer and director, completing postproduction on his upcoming short films Explosive Breakup and Lost in Communication, and developing four feature films as producer and director: comedies Green Fees and The Three Musketeers, the horror/comedy Film School, and the fantasy/adventure Demetra: The Dragon Knights Chronicles.
Shaoyi Rao - 2nd AC/DIT
Shaoyi Rao is a recent BFA graduate from NSCAD University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Major in Film. Shaoyi is a very active student filmmaker in school productions since 2012; he has directed several films of his own and participates in other films as cinematographer or camera operator. He joined the Atlantic Film Cooperation in 2013 and participated in the local music and film industry.
With a lot of hands-on experience with camera operating, Shaoyi is a very efficient worker in terms of camera operating, focus pulling, camera assisting. He is also familiar with most post production softwares and capable editing films or videos. His hardworking attitude makes him very easy to work with on a professional level and he is always enthusiastic to learn anything from anyone without ego.
In May, 2014, Shaoyi decided to move to Toronto as he plans to get more experiences and work opportunities, and showcase his talent on a bigger stage.
With a lot of hands-on experience with camera operating, Shaoyi is a very efficient worker in terms of camera operating, focus pulling, camera assisting. He is also familiar with most post production softwares and capable editing films or videos. His hardworking attitude makes him very easy to work with on a professional level and he is always enthusiastic to learn anything from anyone without ego.
In May, 2014, Shaoyi decided to move to Toronto as he plans to get more experiences and work opportunities, and showcase his talent on a bigger stage.
Veronica Scuderi - Makeup/Hair
Veronica is a Toronto-based makeup artist and stylist whose work has included fashion shows, photo shoots, music videos, short films, documentaries and theatre. She is trained in makeup, hair, special effects, and airbrushing.
She grew up with a love for art, however, it wasn’t until she discovered makeup that she truly found her passion. She completed her studies at Seneca College, where she graduated with Honors from the Cosmetic Techniques and Management Program.
Her true love is working on film sets, and she is very excited to begin the production of Usher, the Usher, her first feature film.
She grew up with a love for art, however, it wasn’t until she discovered makeup that she truly found her passion. She completed her studies at Seneca College, where she graduated with Honors from the Cosmetic Techniques and Management Program.
Her true love is working on film sets, and she is very excited to begin the production of Usher, the Usher, her first feature film.
PRODUCTION NOTES / TRIVIA
Making Usher, the Usher (Contains Spoilers!)
The first table read (Sunday, June 1, 2014) and subsequent rehearsals took place at the Fu-Gen Asian-Canadian Theatre Company which operates out of a church; a fitting setting since one of the film's central characters, Usher Rothchild, is a former minister.
This marks the second collaboration between writer/producer/director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi and actress Sarah Cunningham. Their first endeavor was Arcilesi Films' second feature film, Canswer.
During the first location scout of the house that would ultimately become the home of Usher Rothchild, it was noted that there were two churches immediately across the street; a fitting environment for the film.
Writer/producer/director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi created "character soundtracks" for both Romaine Waite (Usher Rothchild) and Christina Santos (Anne). A key song was from one of Alfredo's all-time favourite recording artists, Eminem. The bridge lyrics in Stronger Than I Was (LYRICS: "It was November 31st today, would've been our anniversary / Two years, but you left on the first of May / I wrote it on a calender, was gonna call, but couldn't think of the words to say / But they came to me just now, so I put 'em in a verse to lay") were uncannily similar to key scenes in Usher, the Usher in which a calendar, an anniversary, a passage of time, the month of May, and phone calls were all incorporated.
Principal photography lasted 8 days.
During the setup for the opening tracking shot sequence - just under 6 minutes in duration - at Mrs. Sieranable's house, a vehicle blasting music drove by, delaying the start of the shot on account of ruining the audio. Ironically, the blasting music was Hideaway by Kiesza, whose video is shot in a single, continuous motion.
Actress Tara McLearnon (Mrs. Sieranable) had never been on the set of what would be her character's house. She had excitedly approached writer/producer/director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi with a necklace she had brought for her character, pointing out that the charm on her necklace was identical to the ornament on the front of the house, a neat coincidence.
Mary and Angela are two characters in the film. The roadside memorial scenes were shot near Angela St. while Usher Rothchild's house scenes were shot near Mary St.
Finding a baby to portray Baby Usher was no easy task. After weeks of searching, actress Tara McLearnon's (Mrs. Sieranable) friend of a friend found a suitable baby. Writer/producer/director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi knew that he was the one not only for his age and look, but when he learned that his name was Asher, a striking similarity to the name Usher.
Tara McLearnon's (Mrs. Sieranable) feature film debut.
Two out of the three bakery stories as told by Usher Rothchild (Romaine Waite) actually happened to writer/producer/director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi during his bakery clerking days.
This marks the second collaboration between writer/producer/director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi and actress Sarah Cunningham. Their first endeavor was Arcilesi Films' second feature film, Canswer.
During the first location scout of the house that would ultimately become the home of Usher Rothchild, it was noted that there were two churches immediately across the street; a fitting environment for the film.
Writer/producer/director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi created "character soundtracks" for both Romaine Waite (Usher Rothchild) and Christina Santos (Anne). A key song was from one of Alfredo's all-time favourite recording artists, Eminem. The bridge lyrics in Stronger Than I Was (LYRICS: "It was November 31st today, would've been our anniversary / Two years, but you left on the first of May / I wrote it on a calender, was gonna call, but couldn't think of the words to say / But they came to me just now, so I put 'em in a verse to lay") were uncannily similar to key scenes in Usher, the Usher in which a calendar, an anniversary, a passage of time, the month of May, and phone calls were all incorporated.
Principal photography lasted 8 days.
During the setup for the opening tracking shot sequence - just under 6 minutes in duration - at Mrs. Sieranable's house, a vehicle blasting music drove by, delaying the start of the shot on account of ruining the audio. Ironically, the blasting music was Hideaway by Kiesza, whose video is shot in a single, continuous motion.
Actress Tara McLearnon (Mrs. Sieranable) had never been on the set of what would be her character's house. She had excitedly approached writer/producer/director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi with a necklace she had brought for her character, pointing out that the charm on her necklace was identical to the ornament on the front of the house, a neat coincidence.
Mary and Angela are two characters in the film. The roadside memorial scenes were shot near Angela St. while Usher Rothchild's house scenes were shot near Mary St.
Finding a baby to portray Baby Usher was no easy task. After weeks of searching, actress Tara McLearnon's (Mrs. Sieranable) friend of a friend found a suitable baby. Writer/producer/director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi knew that he was the one not only for his age and look, but when he learned that his name was Asher, a striking similarity to the name Usher.
Tara McLearnon's (Mrs. Sieranable) feature film debut.
Two out of the three bakery stories as told by Usher Rothchild (Romaine Waite) actually happened to writer/producer/director Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi during his bakery clerking days.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
COMING SOON!
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