Making Movies with Lyssa Roberts – The Worker’s Union #indiefilm

Lyssa Roberts plays Mariah, a kindhearted city girl who depends on public transportation to get to her job in the short film, “Abyss.”

Lyssa was cast for this role because she fit the majority of what I had in mind while writing the screenplay. Her audition footage also received high remarks from members of the casting team who reviewed all of the actors and actresses interested in being a part of this movie.

She shares screen time with Mark Johnson, who plays Manny and is involved in a decision that sends Rodney Benson’s character over the edge. Here are some comments that a few casting team members had to say about Lyssa’s audition…

“She gave the role a bit more spunk” and “Plays the character smart.  Great departure from the rest”

We shall find out if viewers agree, when “Abyss” is ready for its movie premiere!

Making Movies with Mark Johnson - Best Friends Forever #indiefilm

Mark Johnson stars in my short film, Abyss, as Eric’s best friend, Manny -- a carefree ladies’ man who tried to help create a winning reality TV contest entry.

I cast Mark for this role because he delivered strong performances at his auditions -- on and off camera. Mark also seemed like he could think quick on his feet if a scene took a different turn than what was laid out in the script, regardless of who he shares his screen time with. His swag, however, gave him an advantage among my casting team and was, ultimately, the defining factor in him being chosen as Manny. 

While watching the audition footage, one of the casting team members said she felt like Mark was hitting on her; someone else agreed while adding that his swag was not only about how he delivered Manny’s lines but also what he did while in character....

“I would go with Mark because he fit the role with deceptively smooth facial expressions that spoke just as much as the words”

During the pre-production and production stages, Mark’s good rapport with castmates including Mike Gaudioso and Rodney Benson brought more realistic depictions of his character’s relationships with people, on screen.

Making Movies with Mike Gaudioso - On Active Duty #indiefilm

I cast Mike Gaudioso for the role of Dr. Montgomery in my short film, Abyss, because he has natural talent that cannot be missed. Gaudioso became the character during his audition, rather than “acting” like a medical professional. Members of my casting team who reviewed his audition footage agree with this observation, making the selection process much easier -- thanks to a unanimous vote in his favor. Here are some of the things they said.

“This role was made for him” and “I forgot that I was watching an audition”

Needless to say, his chemistry with Rodney Benson worked for the scenes they had together, based on the script!