Alberto Garcia – Rick
I was Born and Raised on the North side of Chicago, IL, I came from a Hispanic background Puerto Rican & Colombian. I got interested in Films as a Young adult, I remember always being a Jokester always pretending to be someone else and mimicking people , sometimes people didn’t know whether I was serious or not. Little by little a passion for acting grew on me. I find myself blocking everything that surrounds me and just getting in Character and being someone else for the moment.
I have worked in some Independent films, have had small parts, have played as an extra and even had the opportunity to be a stand-in for a well respected actor who taught me so much in the little time I worked with him. Some of those films are The Dark Knight, Nothing like the Holidays, Chicago Overcoat, to name a few. I was found by a member of “Fire Fly Films” Virginia Bryant. On facebook, I was flattered to be considered. As I read “Bender” I found so many similarities for the character, it was as if I was reading something I had lived in the past. Soon enough I fell in love with the story. I’m looking forward to work with an amazing team, meeting new people, gaining new friends and for the most part having a new adventure in my life.
Chris Hill – Ben
I was born in Akron, Ohio but moved to Cincinnati when he was just a toddler. Chris is the younger of two children.
Basketball was Chris’s first love as a child and he excelled at the sport from the time he was in grade school throughout college. Chris received many awards throughout high school and was an All-League and All City performer. Chris attended college at Northern Kentucky University and Thomas More College. Cameron didn’t begin his acting career until his sophomore year in college when he took a few acting classes and was quickly drawn in. It wasn’t until a life altering event in Chris’ life that he switched gears from basketball to focus on getting his acting career off the ground; he will always have a distinct place in his heart for the game of basketball.
Chris began his career doing a number of short films until he was cast as Doug in the feature film Grandma’s Hands which was his first lead role. Grandma’s Hands and the short film “Aaron” were premiered at the National Underground Railroad Center in Cincinnati, Ohio to over six hundred people. Seeing himself on the big screen and the reactions from the audience made Chris even hungrier for stardom and to pursue his passion with even more vigor.
Chris landed his next lead as Adrian in the feature film “AmberPark: The Beginning. Chris is set to play the lead in another short film before beginning his next feature entitled 1vs.100 in which he will play Dante. Chris will continue to exert himself to his craft and pursue his passion in performing arts. Chris found Bender through email and was struck by the description. The character Chris will be playing has two different sides a comical side and an introspective side which is very intriguing to play. Right now Chris is very hungry to succeed and be the best he can be at his craft. He wants to be able to make movies for a long time and be a successful and well versed actor.
” Films touch people and resonate with people for lifetimes and to be a part of that is special” says Chris. In closing Chris adds, “My mother and my aunt would always go to the movies and then would discuss the movies with such detail that I wanted to be a part of what they were discussing; I wanted to be part of the story. Film lets you be part of everyone’s story while creating your own.”
Peter Giessl – JT
Peter Giessl is a Michigan native, having been born in Pontiac and currently living in Rochester Hills. His childhood passion for dinosaurs turned into an interest in acting upon seeing the film "Jurassic Park" as a kid. Peter has done theatre all of his life and recently graduated with a degree in Theatre from Oakland University where he participated in over fifteen shows. Peter's roles have varied from playing Jesus in Pageant Plays to Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest to 12-year-old Bobby in the musical Dear Edwina. He was lucky enough to stumble into an open casting call for Bender and is thrilled to have an opportunity to start acting in front of the camera as J.T. He can be seen this November as Lance in the Magenta Giraffe Theatre's production of The Altruists. He hopes to move to New York in the near future to pursue his acting goals.
Taylor Henkin – CLAUDIA
I was born and raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan where I currently reside during summers. I'm a full time student at the University of Michigan where I study Psychology, French, and Theater. I grew up doing theater and musical theater from the age of four and have continued ever since, recently breaking into the film industry within the past two years. After researching Bender, I attended the open casting call where I first met Virginia. The cast is great and the script is hilarious. I am SO thrilled to be a part of this project and cannot wait to get closer to the cast and crew and continue rehearsals. As for the present, I am filming for a new television show and a feature film thriller while continuing daily auditions. I hope to continue my career in Michigan until I graduate, where I plan to move to California to continue my film career.
Mariah McCalley – ALYSSA
Mariah McCalley has been active in the theatre, music, and fine art communities for most of her life. She found her role in Bender by attending a casting call for Republic Talent and Models which lead her to the audition for the film. She is looking forward to being a part of a homegrown in Michigan movie and seeing the characters of Bender come to life. Some of her past and present works include the role of Widow Corney in Oliver, Kate Cannon in The Day Job, and Alyssa in Bender. She is currently enjoying working as an actress and photographer. She hopes to pursue a larger career in both, and would also like to venture more into singing and traveling.
Laura Kriss – HEATHER
Hi, it's Laura Kriss, born and raised in Washington, Michigan. I browse websites constantly for work and found the Bender audition! Thus far it's been a rewarding experience and I am beyond excited to film it and work with all the people involved. I have an ambition to travel and be cultured in the world but for now I am going to school for language and theater. I have loved acting ever since my twin and I would put on our own plays together as children. It’s my dream to become a great character actress that carries me to the big screen.
Courtney Zimmer – KAYLEN
Courtney Zimmer was first bitten by the acting bug at age 10 when she got the lead in the 5th grade play. Courtney became a professional actress at the age of 13, landing roles both in the JET's production of "Fiddler on the Roof" and a lead in an independent film called "The Jinn". Still in school studying towards a degree in teaching French, Courtney goes on auditions and films in various projects. She found out about Bender through a casting notice online and was so excited to try out for this feature length film. Courtney is so happy to have received the role of Kaylen and cannot wait to start filming. Courtney currently acts in various projects around Michigan, her dream is to make a living solely off of acting in film and television. Later on, if she could be nominated for an Oscar, that would be nice too.
Pedro Pozo Sr – RICK’S UNCLE
I was born in Havana, Cuba and came to the US when I was a child. I’ve lived in Mexico City, New York, Miami and Michigan. I currently reside in Lansing, Michigan. When I was in college in South Florida, I met many in the business while driving a limousine and my desire to get into show biz began. After graduation, I pursued a career in the medical field as a Dialysis Technician and moved to Michigan. I still had a dream to become an actor and due to a back injury, I was able to pursue my dream. My first role was that of Lt. Hernandez in "Bad to the Bone" with none other than Virginia Bryant herself! I didn’t find BENDER… BENDER found me! I was contacted by Virginia. She knew that I spoke Spanish and thought of me for the role of Rick’s Uncle. I am currently working full time for the Michigan Dept of Human Services. I am also the producer and host of a show that I have co-developed and am planning to air in the Grand Rapids, MI
AnaRosa Carrasco – KRISTEN
My name is AnaRosa Carrasco. I was born and raised in Detroit and have been acting, singing and dancing for about 7 years now. In 2007, I went to New York and performed in a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade commercial. I have also performed in shows at the Music Hall in downtown Detroit. I decided to advance my career and enlisted the help of a dance, vocal and acting coaches. Since then I've had a lot of doors opened for me. I’m ready to move forward with my career and am enjoying my life! At the moment I am looking forward to playing the role of Kristen in BENDER. So everybody wish me luck… and wish BENDER lots of luck also!
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