Shining Star Productions

Shining Star Teaser

2010-08-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

Cash and Quentin playing a late game of basketball. They both are having a horrible game.

2009-10-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Shining Star - Coming Soon

2009-09-21T19:23:00.001-07:00

The Making of Shining Star Picture Show

2009-09-21T19:13:00.001-07:00

Pictures From Set

2009-07-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

CASH and KEYSHIA prepare for a romantic evening that turns complicated. Is CASH hiding something?

Director, Cassandra Riddick gives her real life nephew and character JARREL in the film some direction, "Just sit here and play with your toys". He had no problem doing that! :-)

TYRELL prepares to wake up sister TROI in the most annoying way. Sorry no beauty rest for you TROI!

SHINING STAR PRODUCTION PUSHES FORWARD

2009-07-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

The month of July marks the half-way point of film production and with a finished product in sight the cast and crew pushes forward with energy and anticipation. A steady rhythm has manifested on the SHINING STAR set and each day of filming moves smoothly like a well-oiled machine.

In the recent weeks principle characters TROI (Yvonne Orji), QUENTIN (Micah Thomas), TYREE (Khafre Powell) and RANSOM (Tyrell James) were welcomed to set. Without scheduled rehearsals, the actors were forced to establish long friendships, family bonds and romantic chemistry just moments before the shout of "Camera rolling...ACTION!"

Though a challenge, actresses Ashlei Dabney (KEYSHIA) and Yvonne Orji were able to establish a trusting and playful college friendship on screen beautifully. Actor Micah Thomas and Yvonne, who portay a newly in love couple, also developed a connection quite naturally in front of the camera. And without missing a beat Khafre Powell, who portrays TROI'S little brother TYREE in the film, was able to capture the essence of an annoying little brother effortlessly. Though watching TROI beat up her little brother brought a great deal of laughter on set, at times the crew was a little nervous that little TYREE might actually get hurt! Haha! :-)

Though filming progresses smoothly, production has not been without minor set-backs. At times SHINING STAR is no match for the uncontrollable weather elements forcing the crew to improvise during rain and cloudy days. Other days lighting difficulties eat away at the set time causing filming to run over into the late evening/early morning. However, with the addition of Production Assistant, Da Ibanez who has proved to be a lighting guru, illuminating the set has become much easier these days.

With about 3-4 weeks of production remaining a few of the largest and plot advancing scenes have yet to be filmed. These scenes involve a large party, a church and character MARTY'S biggest secret revealed to the audience. Though a lot of work remains the cast and crew are anxious to complete the project. And with post-production drawing nearer the crew is beginning to focus on publicity and promotion of the film.

This month be on the look out for details about the "Get Your Shine On" film promotion party as well as a trailer to be viewed online!

Second Day of Shooting Brings Deep Emotions

2009-06-08T16:04:00.001-07:00

At a slightly later 8;30 AM call time, the SHINING STAR crew assembled on set to shoot from the character Cash’s apartment. The shooting schedule included solo scenes with Cash, played by Marty Martin, along with scenes with Cash and his little sister Alexis, played by Chevee Crafton.

Though it was both Chevee and Marty’s first shoot for the film and their first shoot together, they were forced to tackle a very emotional scene involving a dark secret. Don’t want to give away too much…so can’t go into detail. You will have to watch the movie to find out! :-)

However, both actors dug deep to bring forth raw emotion to truly capture the moment. Significant dialogue changes were made during this scene, but Cass (Director) allowed the actors creative freedom to do so.

In addition to the actor’s challenges, the crew was challenged with working in a small space. As a result the bathroom served as the holding area, storage space and office. However, the small space allowed the crew to bond and have fun times when the camera wasn’t rolling.

The amazing talent of both Marty and Chevee made it possible to complete scenes in few takes. Also, the crew did an excellent job with set design and lighting, specifically a scene captured beautifully on the rooftop.

Another great shoot team! Can’t wait for next week!

First Day of Shooting Pictures

2009-06-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

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The Assistant to the Director, Charise Lanier takes detailed script notes for Cass. There is so much detail going into each shot. “Did any of the dialog change?” “Was the pillow on the actor’s right or left in the last shot?” It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it! And you do it well Charise!

SHINING STAR Director, Cassandra Riddick gives 1st AD a few quick tips on operating the boom. Later in the day the crew would experience boom technical difficulties, but no worries the boom just needed new batteries! The show must go on!

Unit Production Manager, Nia Barge and Associate Producer, A’Leighsha Butler review production notes. “What props are needed?” “What should the blocking be?” All work and no play….well at least for right now!

SHINING STAR First Day of Shooting

2009-06-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

The production crew of SHINING STAR rose bright and early Saturday, June 6th to make the 7AM Call Time. The first day of shooting finally arrived and a buzz of excitement and anticipation was in the air from the moment they arrived on set in Wheaton, MD.

The Cast Call was at 8AM with the first shot beginning at 9AM. Though only one member of the cast, Ashlei Dabney who plays "KEYSHIA" in the film, was on the shoot schedule the crew was still fired up to begin the project.

The crew consisted of Director, Cassandra Riddick, 1st AD Travis Riddick (no relation...or not one that they know of yet haha), Nia Barge, Unit Production Manager, A'Leighsha Butler, Associate Producer, Sierra Edwards, Line Producer and Charise Lanier, Assitant to the Director.

The focus of the shoot seemed to be creating the essence of Keyshia's personality through set design. Different pieces of art were used to create texture both in the living room and bedroom scenes, The challenge was conveying to the audience Keyshia's creative and free spirit in scenes that included very little dialogue.

Minor setbacks included a boom malfunction that ended up needing a simple battery replacement and a bowl of chunky oatmeal that needed to be broken up before each take. All problems the crew could handle! :-)

Overall, the shoot remained positive and high in energy. It truly was a collaborative effort among the crew with "all hands on deck" in the matters of set design, blocking and even camera shots. Ashlei (Keyshia) gave 100 percent in every scene and in every take making the 1st Day of Shooting a complete success!

Judging by the first shoot, the SHINING STAR team is comprised of a group of dedicated, motivated and extremely talented individuals who are committed to creating a wonderful film.

Go SHINING STAR Team!

The Shining Star Cast

2009-04-28T14:16:00.001-07:00

Marty Martin plays the lead Alex Cash in the independent film Shining Star. He is a versatile actor from the Washington, DC area. A native of Virginia he has appeared in several film, television and radio projects. He has appeared on the critical acclaimed HBO series the Wire, Triple X 2 State of the Union for Sony Pictures and on WRC-TV for Project Harvest Commercial.

He has done voice-over work for popular radio stations WHUR 96.3 in Washington, DC. He currently works for WHUR radio station in the marketing department and is pursuing an acting career in the film and television industries’.

Ashlei C. Dabney is a proud graduate of Washington DC’s finest institutions: Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Howard University’s Fine Arts Department, receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts. As a Musical Theatre extraordinaire her repertoire includes “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Abyssinia”, “Eyes”, “The Strong Breed”, “The Story”, “The Wiz”, “Into The Woods”, “Godspell”, “A Chorus Line”, and most recently “Ain’t Misbehavin” after which she was invited to become a member of the Actor’s Equity Association. Ashlei is also a veteran member of the Roxie Roker Repertory Touring Company and Howard University’s Standing Room Only Musical Theatre Ensemble. She is most proud of her accomplishments as a production coordinator for A Black Swan Wrap Event Planning located in Los Angeles, CA. of which she has had the pleasure to work such television variety shows as Black Movie Awards 2005 & 2006, BET Awards 2007, BET Honors 2008, The 39th NAACP Image Awards, and NBC’s The Singing Bee, to name a few. Her passion and advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, & education offered her the opportunity to work closely with her longtime inspiration Sheryl Lee Ralph on her one woman show “Sometimes I Cry: The loves, lives, and losses of women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS”. Ashlei’s life’s purpose is to give, love, inspire, and impact others. She is also dedicated to her work as an Arts Educator, teaching elementary age children the importance of artistic expression & discipline through dance, media, music, and theatre fundamentals. Ashlei is a proud member of the Divine, Intelligent, Versatile, Artists Incorporated, The Society for Women in the Arts.

Words can not describe the capabilities, resilience, and intensity of Micah Nile Adonye' Thomas. He has been through many different trials and obstacles in his life, but he has used them to fuel his drive. He now uses them as motivation in front of the camera and on stage. The 27 year old Thomas is a graduate of the Howard University John H Johnson School of Communication with a degree in Speech & Applied Communications. He first was exposed to acting in various plays at school and at his church. In 2007, he landed his first role as one of the lead characters in Shining Star directed by Cassandra Riddick. During that summer of filming, Micah discovered a new passion for theatre and film.

Born April 10, 1982, to two ministers, Micah is the oldest of four children. As the eldest and raised in the church he became very mature at an early age. Micah is a minister in the A.M.E. (African Methodist Episcopal) church, and has remained faithful to the cause of social responsibility and community outreach. He is committed to sharpening his skills as an actor and turning the experiences of his life to fruitful characters on screen and in the theater. In time, Micah hopes to grow professionally, build his craft and gain valuable experience. Furthermore, he refuses to let any deficiencies hinder him from becoming a highly celebrated actor and filmmaker and continue to work and give his heart to the church and community he serves.

As a rapper, writer, and actor, Tyrell “Ransom Rellic” James is the trifecta of entertainment. The Washington D.C. native first discovered his gifts for writing and acting at the age of 10, but by the time he reached high school his primary focus changed to rapping. He engaged in rap battles with his peers and years later took his battling skills to the Friday Night Mic Fight on Washington D.C. radio station WPGC 95.5. For two months he reigned as champion. Since 2005 he has released two albums entitled “Lights, Camera, Ransom!” and “Hood Rellic,” which was a joint album with fellow rapper HoodFella. Both albums received rave reviews both nationally and internationally. He has been featured on numerous mixtapes in the U.S., the U.K., and France. The V.P. of Team Afficial Music, and Senior V.P. of Taylor Made Entertainment has been interviewed by magazines both in and outside the U.S. He also writes R&B songs for some of music’s biggest names. He is currently working on two albums, “Shock Treatment…The 4228 Wisconsin Ave Story,” and “A Beautiful Mind,” and a book entitled “The Glass Ceiling Vs. The Front Door.” Both albums are set to be released in 2009. The book is still TBD.

Ransom Rellic’s acting career officially began in 1997 with the Kelsey E. Collie Children’s Theater Experience. He played Bill Cosby as the comedy act in a play that was a tribute to Motown during the 60’s. The following year he returned to the company to teach kids how to act alongside Keitha Shepherd from the R&B group Pure Soul. A few years later he single handedly wrote, directed, and cast a play for his church. After a seven year hiatus, he returned to acting and joined the Shining Star Productions family to shoot the short film “Say Somethin!” He is currently working on two films entitled “The Gift” (Shining Star Productions) and “Bed Of Fire” (Deception Entertainment). He also serves as Executive Producer of the soundtracks for both movies.

Family and Friends Campaign: We Need Your Support!

2009-04-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the Credit
Without having to do any of the work.

Sponsorship

Name to appear in credits

Sponsors will be given production credit on the finished film. The credit opportunities are
Associate Producer
Co-Producer
Co-Executive Producer

Associate producer: $25 - $125. Usually acts as a representative of the Producer, who may share financial, creative, or administrative responsibilities, delegated from that producer. Often, a title for an experienced film professional acting as a consultant or a title granted as a courtesy to one who makes a major financial or creative contribution to the production.

Co-producer: $150 - $300 A producer who reports to the Executive Producer and provides money to finance a project. In large productions, the co-producer is more involved in the day-to-day production. In independent projects, the title can connote an involvement in the inception of the production.

Co-Executive Producer: $500 - $750 In major productions, usually a representative or CEO of the film studio - although the title may be given as an honorarium to a major investor - often oversees the financial, administrative and creative aspects of production, though not technical aspects. In smaller companies or independent projects, may be synonymous with creator/writer

Please send an email to the Producers for a Press Kit to starproducers@gmail.com
Please indicate how your name should appear in the credits:
e.g. Todd Foster or Foster Enterprises. Also, please indicate how you know the producers or director i.e. I am Nia's Aunt or Cassandra's friend.

Thank you for your support!