For Immediate Release – October 2012
Lansing, MI USA
The past few weeks have brought us exciting news from the Great Lake state of Michigan. Several Michigan companies have come together to tell an edgy and inspiring story told with a trademark gritty Michigan style. New House Entertainment is director/writer Shane Hagedorn’s company. Producer/actor DJ Perry has brought Collective Development Inc. an established motion picture company since 1996, with partner Jeff Kennedy. Director of photography T. Dominic Cochran has brought the might of his commercial company Ahptic Productions, his partners Matt Martyn, Jon Berlinski and their high end gear. Dennis Therrian and his Therrian Productions will provide a rich music score and premier sound design mixes.
Keeping in the Michigan theme, the producers went out of their way to make sure they put a focus on some of the state's best screen talent.
“I’m tired of seeing productions come into the state and pass over our local talent for starring roles simply because we are from the Midwest.” – DJ Perry, producer
The production team poured over a slew of resume reels and requested materials looking for the right talent to bring these characters to life. The team is happy to announce that they have found additional talent including their film’s lead RED. That honor is going to Mr. Steven Sutherland born and raised in Garden City, Michigan. Steven had dreams of acting from a young age. A self admitted class clown, he discovered his ability to perform; earning some early awards of academic achievement. This drive to succeed was further inspired my his father who noted that he believed his son would “be a great actor someday.” The production team of “Ashes of Eden” couldn’t agree more.
"Steven's audition was raw and engaging. He tapped into some tough emotions. Outside is a visibly tough exterior, but there was real vulnerability behind his eyes; that's what I was looking for in the character of RED." -- Shane Hagedorn, Director
Josh Carrizales, a Texas native currently calling Grand Rapids, MI home has been cast as one of the film’s colorful antagonists. Josh has preformed in over 60 stage productions and is starting to build a great film resume within the state.
Production also announced Abby Murphy, an actress from the Lansing area who will play a supporting role as a troubled woman. Off beat characters and powerful performances has become her mainstay. She has quickly become a favorite onstage at Michigan theaters such as Peppermint Creek, Riverwalk and Over The Ledge Playhouse. She is excited to be on board with Shane Hagedorn and the creative team of artists in “Ashes of Eden”.