CL Productions Presents
CL Productions Presents UNKNOWN SOLDIER starring CARL LOUIS RANDY CLARK LAYLA EDWARDS POSTELL PRINGLE CARL GARRISON Written, Produced and Directed by FERENC TOTH 78 Minutes, Unrated PRESS JUNKET: Monday June 21, 2004 - 5:00PM - The Media Center - 8000 Sunset Blvd, First Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90046 REGULAR SCREENINGS: Sunday, June 20, 2004 7:15 PM Laemmle Sunset 5 - Theater 2 - 8000 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046 Thursday, June 24, 2004 7:15 PM Laemmle Playhouse 7 Cinemas - 673 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 Producer/Sales Contact: Sean Bachrodt (646) 337-5099 movie-info@unknownsoldierfilm.com Press Contact: Seth Carmichael Carmichael Productions (212) 803-5880 seth@carmichaelfilms.com Producer/Director Contact: Ferenc Toth ibferenc@hotmail.com
www.unknownsoldierfilm.com
UNKNOWN SOLDIER
"...to measure up to our own standards was the only way of affirming our notion of manhood." Ralph Ellison “Shadow and Act”
Synopsis
Ellison, known as L, is a smart, carefree 18-year-old who has been brought up by his proud and loving father, Sam, since the death of his mother when he was just five. Father and son share a relationship that fulfills and nourishes them both, and that insulates L from many of the world’s harsh realities. But when tragedy strikes, L faces a drastically different life. As he faces basic issues of survival, L confronts his future, and the decisions he makes in desperation will change him forever. L faces a battle within himself, and against the forces around him. He is an UNKNOWN SOLDIER on a cold and unforgiving battlefield - the streets of Harlem. UNKNOWN SOLDIER is the engaging and quietly powerful feature film debut from writer, director, and producer Ferenc Toth, who previously produced the critically acclaimed MANITO. Drawing upon his experiences on MANITO, lauded at Sundance and many other festivals for its compelling dialogue and intensity, Toth has brought to life a character who embodies the struggle so many youths contend with as they deal with the burdens of independence and responsibility in their journey from boyhood to manhood. Starring Carl Louis, Layla Edwards, Randy Clark, and Postell Pringle in breakout roles, UNKNOWN SOLDIER is produced by Sean Bachrodt, with cinematography by Steve Carillo (MANITO), editing by Frank Reynolds (IN THE BEDROOM) and Sam Neave (CRY FUNNY HAPPY) and an evocative score by Peter Calandra (DOWN AT THE TRACKS). UNKNOWN SOLDIER had its World Premiere in February, 2004 at the Miami Intl. Film Festival and tied for the “Best Feature Film” Jury award at the Philadelphia Intl. Film Festival in April, 2004. Festival programmers have likened this intense portrayal of a young man on a search for self and survival to Truffaut’s 400 BLOWS. After a devastating tragedy, L’s world is turned upside down. Whatever dreams he had will have to be put on hold as he struggles to survive. He tries to follow his father’s disciplined example to work hard and ask no one for any favors. Although he works at a string of low-paying jobs, he loses the apartment he called home. Alone, he first stays with friends, but bad luck and pride force him onto the streets. His one bright spot is the emotional support he gets from
UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Synopsis
Tande, his girlfriend. L’s tragedy has deepened their bond, and Tande even shelves her hard-won plans to go South for college, despite her mother’s strong objections. L is grateful for Tande’s support, but he’s tired of struggling for every crumb and scared he’ll end up on the streets. Following a brief stay at a homeless shelter, L hits rock bottom and tries to enlist in the Army, but his asthma disqualifies him. Desperate, with his future seeming as bleak as could be, L turns to Zee, an old neighbor. Zee is charismatic, generous and, having come up from the streets himself, is sympathetic to L’s plight, and steps into the gaping hole of L’s own fears. Despite his good qualities, though, Zee is still a gangsta. Although the gangsta life has never attracted L, in light of his current circumstances, Zee is holding a lifeline. He offers L a job as his driver and personal assistant. L takes the job, in his innocence and naiveté, thinking he can keep his life separate from the life Zee leads. Tande, unable to discern the depths of L’s despair, can’t understand how he could work for Zee, knowing where it will inevitably lead. Like her mother, she has strong and uncompromising views on right and wrong. When L ignores her warning, she leaves for college without even saying goodbye. This latest crushing blow pushes L further into Zee’s world, and further away from the world he once took for granted. Despite the violence that is a thrumming undercurrent in the gangsta world, L feels a bond with Zee. But one crucial event on the battlefield that often erupts on the streets of Harlem will force L to make a critical decision, a decision that could imperil his life, a decision that turns him into an UNKNOWN SOLDIER in a fight for the life he took for granted.
UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Director's Notes
Our intention for UNKNOWN SOLDIER was to tell a story about dignity in the face of adversity and temptation. Ellison (an homage to Ralph Ellison), aka L, is a quiet young man who grows increasingly invisible as his circumstances become more desperate. Although he may appear ill-equipped to deal with the pressures that will push him towards the proverbial dark side, his internal strength will emerge under pressure. What happens when security is snatched away? It’s especially poignant when it happens to a carefree and happy young man fresh out of high school who takes it all for granted. Don’t we all? But unlike most of us, L has no safety net to catch him. In fact, he doesn’t even have the time to reflect on his choices - he’s too busy trying to survive bouncing from place to place and job to job looking for stability and a decent paying job. Desperate, L tries to enlist in the army. Ironically, the governmental housing he grew up in (Frederick Douglass Housing Projects) has given him the asthma that prevents him from qualifying for their Armed Services. Finally, he seeks out Zee, a charismatic and well-off neighbor of questionable means. These two acts, attempting to enlist in the Army, then successfully turning to Zee are the first two times we show L taking initiative. If he can’t be a soldier in the U.S. Army, he’ll be a soldier in Zee’s. Unfortunately, L doesn’t anticipate his girlfriend Tande’s reaction to joining up with Zee, and he unwittingly sacrifices his relationship with her for the comfort Zee offers. This is the beginning of his fall. We tried to portray Tande as the type of young woman who lives in the Projects, who could likely get pregnant, as her mother fears, and forego her college plans to stick with L. Instead, L’s choice alienates her and she goes to college. L pays for being naïve. At this point in the story the conflict is clearly set up as one of values. Will L honor the values of his honest and hard-working father, or will he embrace the values of the street, embodied by Zee? Just as the arc of Tande’s character was designed to lead the audience down the familiar path of the teenage girl who gets pregnant and undermines her education, L is also set up to go the way we’ve seen so many times from characters in this milieu - the way of the street. Isn’t that his only choice?
UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Director's Notes
In the end it’s clear L has become a man. Earlier, when life was still carefree and he was returning from a day at the amusement park with his friends, he ran right past a woman carrying her baby and stroller down the subway stairs. But after all he’s been through, he goes out of his way to offer a helping hand. He’s left without a home, but his body and soul are intact.
UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Cast Biographies
CARL LOUIS – Ellison We are pleased to announce that this is Carl’s first feature film, and from day one we knew he was the right person to bring L’s struggles to the screen. Currently a sophomore at Fordham University, Carl has appeared in a number of student films and student stage productions.
RANDY CLARK – Travis This New York native started acting in his teens for one very practical reason: he needed a summer job. If his face seems familiar, it could be because Randy has appeared in five nationally aired commercials, including one for MTV.
POSTELL PRINGLE -- Zee Recent television and independent features include JUST ANOTHER STORY (Showtime/Hart Sharp) and SOFT MONEY (Richard Haines Productions). Recent Off-Broadway and regional theatre productions include: William in Kenneth Lonergan's LOBBY HERO (Gallery Players Theatre), Hercules in HERCULES IN HIGH SUBURBIA (LaMama Etc.), Prince/Paris in ROMEO + JULIET (National Tour/TheatreWorks USA), Attorney Paul Fontana in Jeffrey Sweet's THE ACTION AGAINST SOL SCHUMANN (Hypothetical Theatre Co.), and multiple principal roles in Will Power's THE SEVEN, directed by Jo Bonney (New York Theatre Workshop). Pos is a graduate of Bates College and Marymount London Drama Conservatory and is represented by Penny Luedtke for The Luedtke Agency, LLC. (legit and commercial).
UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Cast Biographies
LAYLA EDWARDS – Tande With the depth and strength she brings to her role, it is amazing that this is Layla’s feature film debut. The New York native is a student at John Jay College in NYC, where she studies acting and criminal justice.
CARL GARRISON – Sam Carl is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, where he studied at the Murray State University School of Drama. Since 1989 his theater work includes: OTHELLO (Nada theater); DAY OF ABSENCE (Harlem School of the Arts Theater); WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLF (Theater Studio); KNOW THY ENEMY (Billie Holiday Theater); WAITING FOR LEFTY (Poppa Charles Supper Club). Carl has performed his one-man show ODE TO MR. B in New York City and on tour at the Samuel Beckett Theater, the Back Alley Theater in Boston, among many others. Carl and wife Christine have their own production company called Magswing, which performs nostalgic jazz & big band revues at venues like the Tropicana show room in Atlantic City, the Supper Club & the Iridium Jazz Club and Cotton Club in NYC and many other venues. Carl considers himself very blessed to be apart of such an incredible film. This has been an inspired project from day one - thanks guys. Carl gives all thanks to GOD for everything.
UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Production Crew Biographies
FERENC TOTH – Writer / Director / Producer Ferenc has been writing screenplays and fiction for many years since leaving the business world for a creative career. He's worked on several independent films in New York City, most recently as a producer on the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning feature MANITO. UNKNOWN SOLDIER is Ferenc’s directorial debut.
SEAN BACHRODT – Executive Producer / Producer A graduate of NYU School of Business and a veteran of the banking industry, Sean now brings his business talents to bear on his now full-time career as a movie producer. UNKNOWN SOLDIER is his first feature production. CHACHI SENIOR – Co-Producer / Assistant Director Chachi is an independent film, music video and commercial director working in New York City. He has worked on films such as Amos Kollek’s FAST FOOD FAST WOMEN (Cannes Film Festival official selection); LITTLE SENEGAL (Berlin Film Festival winner), and NINE SCENES ABOUT LOVE (Toronto Film Festival winner). PETER CALANDRA -- Composer Peter Calandra is a New York City-based composer and keyboard player. He has scored 5 movies including: DOWN AT THE TRACKS (2004 independent feature film); 13TH CHILD: LEGEND OF THE JERSEY DEVIL (2002 Painted Zebra Productions); BETWEEN 2 WORLDS (2002 independent short film, CMJ and Globalfest 2002 selection); AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT (2002 independent comedy short); ROADSIDE HUSTLE (independent comedy); as well as two documentaries for A&E and the BBC. Among over 450 compositions he has written for television, Peter composed the music for NBC’s broadcast of the 2000 Summer and 2002 Winter Olympic Games. His music has also been heard on many other television shows including GOOD MORNING AMERICA, ALL MY CHILDREN, THE TODAY SHOW, ACCESS HOLLYWOOD, OPERATION JUNKYARD, THE BACHELOR, AMERICA’S MOST WANTED, THE NFL ON FOX, THE NBA and WNBA, across broadcast and cable networks including NBC, Showtime, MTV and CNN. Peter has also scored over 20 industrial videos for Pfizer, Pepsi, NYNEX, Kodak, Spencer Trask and other corporations. Peter also has played the piano in several pit orchestras on Broadway, including a ten-year run on MISS SAIGON.
UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Production Crew Biographies
STEVE CARILLO – Cinematographer Steve Carrillo is a New York-based, Colombian-born filmmaker who graduated from the prestigious SUNY Purchase Film Program. He worked as Camera Operator and Associate Producer on MANITO. Steve’s short, PLATANERO SALSERO, recently won best short at the New York International Latino Film Festival. LUIS ARMADA – Camera Operator / Second Unit Cinematographer Luis is a veteran camera operator. He worked with Ferenc Toth and Steve Carillo on MANITO and has been camera operator on many other festival award winning films, including DEPRIVATION and CRY FUNNY HAPPY, in which he also acted. He has also directed three short films of his own. FRANK REYNOLDS – Editor A graduate of the American Film Institute, Frank is best known for editing the Oscar nominated film, IN THE BEDROOM, starring Sissy Spacek. Frank also edited many other features, including FLAVORS, GOING DOWN, KILLING CINDERELLA, SWIMMING, and MAN OF THE CENTURY. SAM NEAVE -- Editor Sam is an Oxford graduate who recently wrote and directed CRY FUNNY HAPPY, which played at the Sundance Film Festival in 2003.
UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Crew
Ellison .............................................................................................................................................................. Carl Louis Tande ....................................................................................................................................................... Layla Edwards Sam.............................................................................................................................................................Carl Garrison Travis ........................................................................................................................................................... Randy Clark Zee ............................................................................................................................................................ Postell Pringle Adele ....................................................................................................................................................... Latoya Gailliard Army Recruiter ......................................................................................................................................... Derek Sanders Cassandra.................................................................................................................................... Kassandra Hernandez Dan .................................................................................................................................................... Dwayne McGleese Deshawn ..................................................................................................................................................... Mnuke Boule Dwight ...............................................................................................................................................Dayvon Donaldson girl waving ................................................................................................................................................ Jennifer Brown Homeless Man ........................................................................................................................................... Khalil Massai Homeless Man on Bench ............................................................................................................... Franklin Ojeda Smith Jay ........................................................................................................................................................... Austin Ekeinde Jaydog ...................................................................................................................................................... Edrick Browne Kenny ...................................................................................................................................................... Z. Louis Finney Kerisse ............................................................................................................................................................ Portia Lee Kosen Croft .......................................................................................................................................... Kosen (in stroller) Lauren ........................................................................................................................................................ Tami Thomas Luis ...................................................................................................................................................... Frank Hernandez Lydia .........................................................................................................................................................Wendy Marthe Man L Bumps into ...................................................................................................................................... James Nance Manager (restaurant) .............................................................................................................................Edgar Nicholson Marcus ......................................................................................................................................... Edwin Moral - DeLeon Marcus Junior ............................................................................................................................................ Jarrell Jordan Maria .......................................................................................................................................................... Maria Liranzo Mary .................................................................................................................................................. Alexandra Bouquet Maya (w/ child) ........................................................................................................................................ Gloria Sanchez Milla............................................................................................................................................................. Selena Shaw Mrs. Grady ..................................................................................................................................... Leslie Diane Jackson Rakiah Smith............................................................................................................................... Rakiah Smith w/stroller Ray.......................................................................................................................................................... Malik Summers Slim ........................................................................................................................................................... Michael Perez Super .................................................................................................................................................... Fernando Garcia Tar.......................................................................................................................................................Anthony Robinson Tree........................................................................................................................................................... Antarah Avent Woman w/stroller ............................................................................................................................... Karen Muhammed
UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Press
Posted on Fri, Apr. 16, 2004
Out on the streets, but not down
By Carrie Rickey Inquirer Movie Critic 3 out of 4 stars ***
A hopeful movie about homelessness, Unknown Soldier chronicles a youth thrust onto the Harlem streets when family tragedy strikes. Marking auspicious debuts by writer-director Ferenc Toth and actor Carl Louis, the film succeeds both as a compassionate character study and as a keenly observed work of social criticism. Ellison (Louis) is a soft-spoken high school graduate with a warm smile, a hardworking father, and a tight circle of friends. While Tande (Layla Edwards), the girl he likes, is headed to college in the fall, L (as his friends call him) works odd jobs and hopes to get hired as a car mechanic. But when he's evicted from his apartment, L's pride butts up against his needs. He doesn't want to impose on friends, but minimum-wage jobs don't pay enough for him to get an apartment of his own. And when he's victimized at a shelter, he finds that some social safety nets are barbed. For L, the street offers more protection than the shelter - and it also offers work with the local gangsta. Instead of sentimentalizing L's life on the street or inveighing against social inequality, Toth and Louis create a believable hero who summons the inner resolve not to be crushed by his situation. It's an inspiring story of uncommon valor.