SPAIN

GO HOME ACTING RESUME PRODUCTION RESUME MANY FACES OF ALLIE

SPAIN / RAYE FILMS PRESENTS

DOUGLAS SPAIN

FILM

Everybody has bad things happen to them once in a while. Charity has bad things happen to her, every minute of every day. Today is the worst. By the end of the day she comes to realize that it sucks to be her… no really, it does.

ALLIE RAYE (Producer/Writer) grew up in West Virginia, Harrisburg, PA and Rockville, MD. She began writing short stories at the age of 10 and always dreamt of becoming a writer. Allie’s background includes 8 years of stand-up comedy, acting in films and television such as Minority Report, Once and Again and The Practice and writing and producing films such as Purple Rose, The Sports Fan and Charity. An imaginative writer, Allie has a wide variety of completed scripts with original characters and storylines, just waiting to be brought to the screen. She loves creating characters that are rarely scene on screen. It seems Producing comes naturally to Allie and she is learning all aspects of production.

Allie has worked as an actress with Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise and Eric Stoltz, who have encouraged her talents and been great inspirations to her. In this film, she brings her own personal attributes and life experiences to her character.

Douglas and Allie came up with the idea for Charity while walking around 3rd Street Promenade one evening. They brainstormed for hours and four years later, finally got it made. Doug told her if she raised the money to make the film, he’d direct it. A week later, she brought him the money and he was forced to keep his word! Allie brings her past experiences and realism to the screen with humor and compassion. There is one thing she will never do again, and that’s write a rain sequence unless the film is being shot in the summer in a truly exotic location where the temps are over 80 degrees.

Douglas Spain (Director) captured critical praise and a 1998 Independent Spirit Award nomination for his feature film debut in Fox Searchlight's Star Maps. The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, tells the dark-humored story of 'Carlos' (Spain), who's route to realizing his dreams of acting leads him to selling maps to the stars' homes as well as himself on the streets of Los Angeles. Spain recently completed 44 Minutes with Michael Madsen for FX as well as the independent film Hunting of Man which he also Executive Produced. He was last seen in HBO's miniseries Band Of Brothers produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks; Delivering Milo with Bridget Fonda and Albert Finney for Deepak Nayar; USA Films' Cherry Falls alongside Brittany Murphy and Jay Mohr; Artisan Entertainment's Permanent Midnight alongside Ben Stiller and Elizabeth Hurley; Lions Gate Films' But I'm a Cheerleader starring opposite Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall, Ricochet River with Kate Hudson, and in What's Cooking with Mercedes Ruehl, Kyra Sedgwick and Alfre Woodard.

Spain recurred on the Showtime Original Series Resurrection Boulevard with Elizabeth Pena and Esai Morales. He was also well received in two Showtime Original Pictures - the William Friedkin directed 12 Angry Men, as part of a stellar ensemble cast including such acclaimed actors as Ossie Davis, George C. Scott, Jack Lemmon, Hume Cronyn, and Armin Mueller-Stahl, as well as Riot which showcased Spain as a young man who battles with his morality as he initially resists, yet eventually takes part in the Los Angeles Riot.

His additional credits include the lead role in TNT's Tecumseh! The Last Warrior produced by American Zoetrope; Gunplay: La Familia on stage with Naked Angels, L.A. and Sunrise In My Pocket also on stage with Playmakers Repertory Company, North Carolina.

IFP/WEST INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD N0MINEE - BEST DEBUT PERFORMANCE STAR MAPS

MARCO ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL WINNER - RISING STAR AWARD THE LAST BEST SUNDAY

GLAAD MEDIA AWARD WINNER - OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL EPISODE RESURRECTION BLVD

TROY NIEMANS (Director of Photography, Editor) Troy Niemans is quickly emerging as one of the freshest new talents in the Indie scene. A combination of edgy technique and suggestive storytelling gives his projects a vitality that grabs viewers by the neck and then entertains them until the end.

In 1997, Niemans hopped on his motorcycle and drove down from Canada to find out what Hollywood was really about. He moved into an apartment in the hills where he met a director named Scott Spiegel. They became good friends. Niemans was visiting Scott one night and was asked by his best friend Quentin Tarantino to direct the From Dusk Til Dawn sequel. Spiegel started work, with Niemans assisting him, and they moved to South Africa for four months to shoot the film.

While in South Africa, Niemans showed a rough cut of his 20-minute super 8 movie he was editing to producer Michael S. Murphey (Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Nightmare on Elm Street). Murphey quickly invited Niemans to co-produce and edit his next film upon returning to Los Angeles. The new film was entitled The Last Best Sunday. It was the directorial debut of Donny Most (Happy Days), and was Niemans’ first feature editing gig. It was there that he first met Douglas Spain. The film went on to win several awards, including best film at the Teluride Indie Fest. From there Niemans went on to edit films that took him to Spain, India, and across the USA. Editing proved the training ground for his real passion of directing. With the independent music video trilogy I Am, The Flowers of Romance and Attack of the Mustard Man he has created an action packed, cool, comedic debut that combines style, pacing and originality … all the while harmonizing with the music and entertaining his viewers. Douglas Spain and Troy make a wonderful team with their vision and talent. Charity was scheduled to wait until Troy came back to the states, as there was no one else Douglas or Allie wanted to work with. Niemans is slated to direct his debut feature film this summer in Los Angeles.

ANDREA KNAUB (Script Supervisor) is a writer, actress, script editor, and script supervisor with a background in advertising, marketing communications, and production. She has done work for companies such as Hershey Foods, Pennsylvania State University, Mellon Bank, Disney, JPL Productions, and Syndicated Productions, Chesterfield Writer's Film Project, Magic Lantern Productions, and Spain / Raye Films.

She is blessed with one hot husband, two beautiful kids, and a loving God with a crazy sense of humor. Douglas said Andrea would be the first person he’d call for his next project as script supervisor. She did a splendid job!

MARK FRANK (composer) began playing piano at the age of four. He is a well-rounded musician who can also play the guitar, drums, harmonica, and the bass. He performed at the Kennedy Center at the age of eight, began composing music for a theater group at thirteen, and self-produced his first album at the age of seventeen. He has performed for crowds as large as twenty-five thousand people, and performed in New York with Grammy award-winning artist Phoebe Snow. In addition to playing with Big Al & the Kaholics, Mark also composes commercial jingles and corporate theme songs. He recently wrote the new theme song for the Jacksonville Jaguars Post-Game show “The Fifth Quarter,” as well as theme songs, parodies and knock-off jingles/promos for Cox radio stations in Jacksonville. Mark is the “Official Songwriter of the Big Ape Morning Zoo” on WAPE. He has opened for The Beach Boys, Foreigner’s Lou Gramm, Flock of Seagulls, Tesla, Hooters and Badfinger.

This is the second time Mark has contributed music for one of Allie's movies. He wrote a beautiful melody especially for "Purple Rose" and several of Big Al and the Koholics songs were played as well. Douglas also loved Mark's music and chose the perfect songs for "Charity." Mark and Allie have a history dating back to the early 80's, where they went to summer camp together. Mark’s amazing talent on the piano and singing always intrigued Allie. They used to joke that one day Mark would make music for Allie’s films. So…who knew? Allie says that she will always ask Mark to do her music and has turned a ton of people onto his CD "Hype."

REENA DUTT (2^nd AD) is an actress of film, theatre, and television. Her most recent adventure was producing a charity event in Los Angeles benefiting the Asian Pacific Women’s Center and Apne Aap International. She enjoys helping out on artistic endeavors in as many aspects as possible, and had a blast spending time behind the scenes with the cast and crew of Charity. Theatre: National Asian American Theatre Company (NYC), New York International Fringe Festival, The Lark Theatre/IACC (NYC), The Victory Project (NYC), DISHA Theatre (NYC), Salaam! Theatre (NYC), The Met Theatre (LA), East-West Players (LA), Company of Angels (LA), Golden State Theatre (LA); Film: Perfect Indian Bride, If You are Satisfied, A Good Catch. www.reenadutt.com

ALLIE RAYE (Charity) is one of Hollywood’s favorite character actresses. As she plays the role of Charity, she gives the viewer an opportunity to see her many levels of talent. Allie has been very lucky with her career. She was hand-picked as the Hamburger Mom by Steven Spielberg for Minority Report. The role was written for her after he saw her audition tape. Spielberg called Allie “A Jewish Soprano.” She and Tom Cruise worked side by side and kept him laughing the entire time.

The multi-talented Eric Stoltz, directed her in an episode of Once and Again, and like Spielberg, created a couple of extra scenes for her after watching her work. Some of Allie’s other TV credits include The Practice and High Incident and a few eclectic films. In 2001, Allie produced, wrote and co-starred in her first short film “Purple Rose,” directed by Chuck Marra. Chuck made a wonderful director and taught her everything she knows about producing.

Not your classic Hollywood actress, in looks or attitude, Allie is refreshing in her approach to her career and the pursuit of her dream. This “Rubinesque actress with a 24-hour glass figure” has proven not only to herself, but also to those around her that dreams can come true. Size doesn’t matter! She has a contagious energy and drive that inspires anyone who comes in contact with her. Allie is admired and respected by those who know her and have had an opportunity to work with her. She has truly become one of Hollywood’s favorite character actresses and upcoming producers. Allie’s story is one worth sharing as an inspiration to anyone who has a dream.

Will Estes (Repo Guy) began his professional acting career in 1988. During 1988 and 1989 he did many commercials and guest appearances on Network Television shows, including such popular shows as Highway To Heaven, General Hospital, and Santa Barbara. Then, in the summer of 1989, the surprising news out of Hollywood was that a new Lassie show would be made for TV. The pressure was on to find a boy to play the pivotal role of Lassie's master. The producers of the show set out on an extensive nationwide talent search in which more than 700 children were interviewed. One of those kids was a 10-year-old named Will Estes. Out of this huge pool of children, Will was chosen to play Lassie's new master. The New Lassie show began airing in syndication in the fall of 1989 and lasted for two seasons.

Will has been a series regular on several different shows; It Had To Be You, Kirk, Meego, The Secret World of Alex Mack and Kelly Kelly. The show, starring Shelley Long and Robert Hays, began airing on The WB Network in April 1998 as a mid-season replacement. At 19-years-old, Will Estes became a regular cast member in his fifth television series.

So far Will Estes has beaten all the odds. He has been able to make the transformation from child actor to teen actor. Now, at the age of 25, he continues to work as an adult actor and has started an impressive entry into feature films, including the big-budget Universal Picture's hit WWII submarine film, U-571. In addition, Will became a cast member in his sixth television series, American Dreams, which debuted on NBC in the fall of 2002. It is one of the network’s top rated shows.

Oscar Torres (Danny) Oscar Torres is quickly positioning himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, amassing a collective effort of work that encompasses theater and independent films. He first garnered attention with the lead role in Libertad, playing an artist in Cuba unjustly sentenced to 15 years in prison and later escapes on a raft. After viewing his performance, International Film Critic, Maria Salas predicted, “Oscar will be the next Latin star,” and Telerevista Magazine (October 2000) listed him as one of the Hispanic actors in Hollywood to keep your eyes on. Oscar’s first major role on the screen was as Rocco Navaja, a psychotic hit man in Artisan Entertainment’s Suicide Blonde, a dark comedy directed by Eduardo Carrillo.

Shortly after, Oscar starred as Antonio D’Amico (Gianni Versace’s longtime companion) on the MOW The Versace Murder with Franco Nero and Steven Bauer. He recently re-teamed with Director Eduardo Carrillo and Spanish Star Elena Anaya (Sex and Lucia) on the controversial film Stage Kiss.

Oscar embodies another complex role as an ex-convict with a speech impediment alongside Douglas Spain in Hunting of Man, directed by Joe Menendez. He will also be seen on HBO this fall in the film Larceny, directed by Irving Schwartz, with Andy Dick, Tyra Banks and Roselyn Sanchez. Oscar’s passion for the art of acting keeps him drawn to independent features and his career continues to evolve with exciting and challenging roles. Allie saw his performance in Hunting of Man and knew they had to work together. The role of Danny was perfect for Oscar. He brought originality and humor to the role.

Chuck MARRA (Mr. Murdock and Producer) has been a professional actor in LA for 15 years. He was most recently seen on The District. He played Mr. Bogner in the Amblin/ABC TV series Fudge, which was based on the novels of Judy Blume. He began his career studying with Lee Strasberg in New York and has performed in numerous stage plays in New York and LA. Some of his many stage credits include the role of Peter in Light up the Sky, Stanley in Broadway Bound, Lash in High Strung Quartet for Unstrung Voices, Joe in Waiting for Lefty, and Seyton in MacBeth. Chuck also teaches acting (and is a wonderful teacher, I might add.)

Jon Molerio (Landlord) has re-teamed alongside Douglas and Oscar only this time as Doug’s actor. He played the role of Carlos in Hunting of Man, Simon’s friend who borrows money and can’t pay it back. The role of the landlord was written for Jon and he embraces it 100%.

Casey McCarthy (Lora) is an extremely talented actress. Her credits include Daredevil alongside Ben Affleck and Colin Farrel. Mirror, Mirror IV, Reflection and various TV shows; Navy NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigation Service, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Parkers. Casey brought wonderful humor to the role of Lora.

BRENT ALMOND (Brandon) is a model and actor. He has been in numerous magazine ads and modeled in Italy for several months. He has been working closely with Asia Agento (XXX ) as he played a Cop in her newest feature The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things. Asia also directed the feature. Brent is multi-talented as he worked in production on Charity and worked in production as well for Asia’s film.

BRIAN FARRELL (Jogger) was a lot of fun to work with. Like Douglas, Oscar and Jon, Brian was also part of the cast of Hunting of Man. His other film credits include Columbo: Columbo Likes the Nightlife. Brian plays bass in a Guns N' Roses tribute band at the Cat Club on the Sunset Strip.

MAYRA LARA (Goth Girl) is an up and coming actress. This is her big film debut and what a wonderful job she did! She is extremely talented and has been in several school plays. The role of Goth Girl was written especially for Mayra and she was a natural. Mayra has a wonderful role model, because her big brother is Douglas Spain.

Ten years ago, Douglas Spain was the assistant to Allie Raye at a local moving company. Day after day, they would watch “General Hospital” and “Oprah” while dreaming of being somewhere else; on a set or on a stage, perhaps. They talked of making movies and being working actors. Then, one day, Douglas came in with a script for his first TV movie audition. Allie helped him with his lines and presentation. He booked it, and so Allie was left behind to watch “GH” and “Oprah”, alone. Sounds pathetic, huh? Well, not so fast.

They stayed friends over the years and watched each other’s careers blossom. Star Maps in 1997, literally put Douglas on the map, taking his career to a whole new level. Allie continued working at the moving company and booking small roles in music videos and on TV, while Douglas’ career took off.

About four years ago, Douglas and Allie were wandering around 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA. Douglas had just finished shooting the pilot for Resurrection Blvd. and wasn’t sure if it would be picked up. Neither one of them had work. While Allie was telling her woes to Douglas, he laughed and said, “Your life should be a movie.” Allie didn’t find that too amusing, however, the longer they walked around the Promenade, the more ideas they had. And lo and behold, Charity was born. That night, Allie raced home and began writing the script. They met night after night and worked on the screenplay. They were going to finance it themselves, but Douglas booked Band of Brothers and would be on location in England for 6 months. The script was tabled.

They both worked as actors for the next couple of years and in between, continued to work on Charity. They kept changing the ending, re-doing scenes, adding characters etc. But, Allie got tired of waiting to make this film. She was coming out as The Hamburger Mom in Minority Report in 2001 and had to have something to talk about. So, she wrote, produced and co-starred in her first short film, Purple Rose. Douglas watched her produce and felt she was a natural. It made him want to make Charity a reality. But, then he booked a starring role in North Carolina in a play called Sunrise in my Pocket and he was gone again for a few months. When he returned, he heard about Purple Rose and became inspired to make Charity.

Douglas told Allie if she raises the money to make Charity, he’ll direct. So, off she went to the people she knows best. In October, she flew back to Maryland for her birthday and came back a week later with enough money to make the film. She made Douglas keep his word. He became the director and soon after, one of the producers. It was good for him to see how it all gets done. He is a natural behind the camera and his experiences as an actor helped him be a wonderful director.

Once again, Allie and Douglas were a team. The one thing that kept Allie going was that Douglas never gave up on her. He always knew she had it in her; he just had to find the right vehicle to show her talent. And Charity does just that. Although, there is one thing Allie will never do again. She will not write in a rain scene to be shot in the dead of winter. From now on, all rain scenes are shot in the hot scorching summer air or in Cancun. But, she lived and learned and with Douglas by her side, and Allie by his side, we might be looking at the next Hollywood Moguls.