When it came to casting, the Producers decided to stray away from the
mainstream demands of commercial moviemaking, and approach it in a way
to find the true portrayal of the characters which Writer-Director Frank
Michels had envisioned for THE CONTROLLER. As a result, they discovered
an amazing and powerful cast with diverse and talented backgrounds in
the entertainment industry.
Though they hit the mark with each cast member and their screenplay
character, they were pleasantly surprised by the immersion of several
cast members into their characters’ role. “It was not much
of a stretch for the talent to become their characters; that is why
they were cast into their particular role. I had tremendous faith in
each actor, and I encouraged them to bring a little extra of what they
wanted to enhance their character,” says Director Frank Michels,
“Then I could really concentrate on the content and intensity
of their performance.”
BOB RUE, the strikingly debonair veteran TV, Radio and Voice Actor,
was cast as CEO and Founder of Ciromsoft, William Fence. Frank Michels
met him by chance at an industry event, and instantly knew he would
superbly fit the role of Mr. Fence. “Rue is a confident and
sincere man in control of his life; as is William Fence. They both
also displayed the characteristics of needing to discover more to
life,” explains Frank Michels. Having starred as the lead in
the short film THE NETHERBEAST OF BERM-TECH INDUSTRIES, INC., THE
CONTROLLER marks Rue’s feature film introduction. “It’s
an incredible journey for the character,” says Rue, who was
very excited about the family-friendly project, as well as working
so closely with the Husband and Wife filmmaking team of Director Frank
Michels and Producer Nansi Michels. “They’re extremely
organized and prepared on every level,” commends Rue.
When the Producers first saw CARIN SPRAGUE, who portrays William’s
wife, Melissa Fence, they knew she was Melissa. Without even seeing
her resume, she was immediately cast on her own qualities following
an impromptu audition. “Carin embodied Melissa with her natural,
unassuming elegance, grace and kindness,” says Producer Nansi
Michels, “It was just a bonus that she carried an impressive
resume which includes WHAT DREAMS MAY COME and PATCH ADAMS with Robin
Williams.” “When I read the script, I loved every page,
every moment, it had something for every one to enjoy,” gushed
Carin Sprague, “I was so blessed to be a part of this wonderful
project.”
One of the true surprises of the casting process had to be TANK JONES,
who was cast as Fragmaster. “This was the only envisioned character
that was re-directed because of the amazing talent I saw in the actor,”
says Frank Michels. “We happened upon a film set he was shooting,
and couldn’t help but to be immediately captivated by his presence.
In THE CONTROLLER, you honestly feel the sincerity Fragmaster has
for William. You can sense the importance of their relationship,”
finishes Michels. Tank is an all-around gifted entertainer whose film
credits include ANY GIVEN SUNDAY with Al Pacino, and THREE KINGS with
George Clooney.
Improv, commercial and film actor, JOHN DOBRADENKA, is, in a word,
infectious. Commandeering the role of Master Chief; “John fits
like a glove”, says Nansi Michels, “He keeps you guessing.
What will he say or do next?! Just his cock-eyed smile sparks you
into laughter.” The character, Master Chief, is an all-knowing,
confident and arrogant leader, who, much to his dismay, isn’t
always right.
The appearance of the wife of Master Chief - Mrs. Master Chief –
CATHY RANKIN, completes the moniker of the “Uber-Couple”
of THE CONTROLLER. Cathy, an up-and-coming film actress, as well as
an accomplished sports commentator and reporter, is the breath of
fresh air a producer always hopes for in a movie. “She let’s
you know, in her own way, that she’s down to earth and genuine,“
says Frank Michels, “And, with limited time together before
the shoot, the chemistry between her and John in the movie, completed
the look we needed for them as a couple.”
Another “gem” was the casting of LOLITA SAHWANY as Athena.
Lolita’s resume primarily consisted of credits behind-the-camera,
with an emphasis in production, although she holds film acting credits
in SYNTHETIC TRUTH and voice acting credits in REX STEELE: NAZI SMASHER.
“We were in pre-production meetings with Lolita; while she offered
valuable advice from the production side, we couldn’t help thinking,
“she would make a great Athena!” says Nansi Michels, “She
had that edge of superior knowledge, but with the femininity we needed
for the character to be believable, and, she’s a gamer! So,
we offered her the acting role of Athena, and she accepted. We were
ecstatic.” Lolita also took on the role of mentor to first time
feature actors Daniel Shepard, who portrays “Adam”, and
Holly Greco, who portrays “Amanda”.
While there are similarities associated with the debut of JEFF NIEMOELLER
and actor Kevin Smith, and the movie CLERKS might have played a small
role in the name of the character Knarf37, the role of the “stereotypical
gamer” couldn’t have gone to anyone other than the first
time feature actor, Niemoeller. “I basically wrote this particular
character knowing that it was the one stereotype. I was hoping I could
talk Jeff into playing Knarf37,” says Frank Michels, “It
was great, he went along with it, and he did an incredible job.”
VINCE REIGN previously worked with Cinematographer Steve Wargo and
can also be seen in THE LONELY ONES and TRANSAMERICA. When Reign was
cast as PappaPooh, he was glad to be involved with Frank Michels because
of his reputation for innovative scripts. “I’m a gamer
at heart and knew Frank would portray the movie from a gamer’s
point of view,” says Vince Reign, “There is no way this
movie could have been done without the creativeness and the vision
that Frank has.”
Another amazing duo of actors in THE CONTROLLER, are the federal
officer partners of LAURA DURANT as Captain Jenkins, and ANTHONY CASANOVA
as Hendersen. Laura is best known as a stage and theatre veteran,
and recently found time to add several film acting credits to her
resume. Tony holds credits both behind and in front of the camera,
and was honored to be paired with Laura in this role.
For the part of Gragon-Six, the Producers had the privilege to cast
BYRON BROWNE, the 6’5, 215 lb athlete turned actor who offered
a complete resume with titles such as “Young & The Restless”,
“Robin Cook’s Invasion”, MAJOR LEAGUE, JARHEAD,
and the upcoming THE KINGDOM.
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