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| Actor/Writer - Ty Vincent |
Ty Vincent, appears in the premiere episode of The DL Chronicles on here! Television Network, May 2007. Ty is from New York City where he earned a B.S. in Forensic Medical Psychology from the University of Buffalo. Ty studied with famed acting coaches such as the Weis-Baron Studio NYC and Arthur Mendoza at Actor's Circle Theatre in L.A. He has worked in a plethora of Indie film projects and theatre, such as the critically acclaimed WesBeth Theatre in New York.
Ty is also an accomplished singer/songwriter, leading the Indie rock band, Entropy.
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THE DL CHRONICLES
PREMIERING ON here! Television Network
BEGINNING MAY 2007
The DL Chroniclestells the stories of men of color who by consequence and by choice, live sexually duplicitous and secret lifestyles. Narrated by aspiring journalist, Chadwick Williams, as he pursues research while authoring a book about MSM (Men who Sleep with Men) a.k.a. "The Down Low," we enter into a provocative and intriguing world of sexual discovery, denial, betrayal, love and loss.
From a highly desired successful executive to the street corner hustler, from the happily married father of two, to the college athlete's first love, each episode will delve into the different lives and experiences of DL Men of Color across social, cultural, and economic boundaries.
The "Down Low" is a slang term for African_American men who identify as being straight, but secretly engage in sexual activity with men. They date women, have children, and often marry in an effort to appear heterosexual to the public. More than just "closeted," they do not identify as Gay or Bi_sexual and refuse to be associated with the Gay "lifestyle" or community.
Episode: Wes
Wes Thomas, an upwardly mobile real estate banker career, and closeted attraction to men. When unexpected stay, he is directly faced with temptation
HISTORY OF THE DL CHRONICLES
After noticing a lack of cultural diversity in LGBT cinema, the creative team of multi-talented artists, Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett, were inspired to create a series about the DL subculture. Both Quincy and Deondray, recently open about their own sexuality and their 9-year relationship, knew specifically the trials and tribulations of being black, same gender loving, and DL.
The images of black gay men in entertainment have been very small. Furthermore, the black gay man has traditionally been portrayed the same as that of the gay white male stereotype: flamboyant, effeminate, and identifiable. This has not been the reality for large numbers of men who lead completely different lifestyles. It is this uncounted number that Quincy and Deondray knew personally and best: The DL men. "The DL men defy stereotype and we aim to defy both the images of people of color and of the 'gay' lifestyles that are commonly seen in entertainment," says LeNear.
In 2004, Quincy & Deondray began work on The DL Chronicles as a half- hour TV drama. After having gone the rounds pitching other television and film projects, and knowing first-hand the obstacles they would face with a gay black project, they decided to produce and direct the pilot episode independently. The story grabbed the attention of Ahmed Best, of the Star Wars Trilogy fame (Jar Jar Binks), who joined 2CP with his production company, Stop That Bangin'! Productions, to executive produce.
In 2004, pre-production of The DL Chronicles pilot began with a budget of $20,000, but after a series of setbacks, the production was postponed to 2005. Unfortunately, in 2005 the production lost its funding. Stalled but not discouraged, Quincy and Deondray refused to let a few thousand dollars prevent them from shooting the pilot. Their first film, Had U, was shot for under $15 and went on to win $10,000, and Best Experimental Short Film at the Showtime Alternative Digital Film Festival in 2001. They both knew that with an iron will and immense creativity they could pull it off. A few months later, The DL Chronicles was shot and in the can for under $10,000 _- with the help of talented friends and strangers who supported the project.
Creators Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett are confident that Gay audiences will be entertained, but everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or race, can identify with these men and the lives they affect as they go through life on the DL.
ABOUT THE CREATORS
2 Cents Productions (www.2centsDrods.com) The creative team of multitalented artist, Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett, began writing and directing experimental shorts in 2001, including the Showtime award winning, Had U. They made their narrative directorial debut with their second endeavor, Of Death and Dying (2003). The company has produced and directed projects for music artist such as Jody Watley, Shanice Wilson, Hip Hop choreographers Rosero & Jamal (Jasero Inc.), Lisette Bustamante & Chonique Sneed (Best Kept Secret) and is currently developing a list of films and series to follow after the DL Chronicles.
Quincy LeNear Writer/Producer/Director: The Chicago native is a multitalented artiste taking Hollywood by storm. Quincy LeNear has enjoyed a wonderful career as an actor, visual artist, writer, photographer, and filmmaker _ just to name a few.
He was brought to the attention of the American public as a premiere celebrity visual artist and designer after having his works grace the sets of various television series, followed by a featured segment on HGTV's The Carol Duvall Show, with articles in Upscale Magazine, and LA Times. A short_lived clothing line in 2003 would cause a celebrity craze being featured in USA Today, Good Day Live, and Inside Edition. Lately, Quincy has become the memorable face of the "Up Late with the King," Burger King commercial, and as Spike Lee's personal assistant in the International Microsoft Ad, Secret Agent Man.
Combining an eye for all things art and a great love of cinema, he joined Deondray Gossett to form 2 Cents Productions. Quincy co_directed 2CP's first award winning short film, Had U (2001), and went on to pen and co_direct 2CP's second endeavor, Of Death and Dying (2003). Quincy is co_creator of The DL Chronicles series and also wrote and co_directed the pilot episode, Wes. A true Renaissance man, Quincy LeNear lends a lifetime of living art to 2 Cents Productions.
Deondray Gossett Writer/Producer/Director: Deondray Gossett has had major success in front of the camera as well as behind, as an actor, writer, and director. A classically trained and award_winning actor, Deondray Gossett began his career as a screen, television, and theatre actor, having worked with the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Duke, Lauryn Hill, Danny Devito, Steve Gomer (director), Nathan Lane and 'guest_starring on series such as Roswell, The Parenthood, and the The Hughleys. He also acted and lent his voice to the film and soundtrack of the hit musical Sister Act 2. After having enjoyed considerable success in the entertainment industry on screen for over 10 years, he decided to try his hand off screen.
Disillusioned with the limited opportunities for people of color in Hollywood, Deondray was inspired to take matters into his own hands. Deondray formed D.E.G Media, a film and video editing company, as well as working as an associate producer with South Street Studios. He partnered with Quincy LeNear to create 2 Cents Productions. Deondray penned and directed the short film, Had U, which went on to win Best Experimental Short at the Showtime Alternative Digital Film Festival in 2001. Deondray also co_created The DL Chronicles series and co_directed the pilot episode, "Wes."
He can currently be seen as the lead actor in the acclaimed short film, On the Low, by director Luther Mace.
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
Damian Toofek Raven (Chadwick Williams) The multitalented Damian Toofeek Raven, hails from San Jose, CA. He began his professional career as a print model at the age of 5 and starred in his 1st national TV commercial at the age of 7. Damian went on to appear in many cable and network television series, including a recurring role on the hit ABC Daytime Soap, General Hospital. Other notable credits include, a recurring role on HBO's Larry Sanders Show and the ABC Mini Series, Jonny Mae Gibson FBI -- just to name a few.
Damian resides in Los Angeles and is also an accomplished singer/songwriter, proud father and loving husband.
Darren Schnase (Wes Thomas) Actor, Darren Schnase, hails from The Land Down Under: Australia. He received a B.A. in Acting from NIDA, Australia's National Institute of Dramatic Arts and has worked steadily as an actor in Sydney, Australia. He relocated to the U.S. in 2004 and has since acted on U.S. network TV and in many independent film projects. He can currently be seen in the upcoming Sci_Fi Indie, Pathosis.
Darren will very soon join the ranks of fellow Aussie thespians, Russell Crowe, Mel Gibson, and Heath Ledger, but as the first leading man of color from the Outback.
Jessica Beshir (Sarah Thomas) With a mixture of Salma Hayek and Dorothy Dandridge, a star was born in Mexico City, to a Mexican mother and an Ethiopian father. Jessica Beshir was raised in Harar, Ethiopia and attended High School in Mexico City. She received a B.A. in Italian Literature from UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) and is fluent in 5 languages. Jessica studied acting at the Circle in the Square Theater School in New York City where she currently resides.
She can currently be seen in the Indie feature film, Journey to Lasta.
Ty Vincent (Trenton) African American/Brazilian/Italian, Ty Vincent, hails from New York City where he earned a B.S. in Forensic Medical Psychology from the University of Buffalo. Ty studied with famed acting coaches such as the Weis_Baron Studio NYC and Arthur Mendoza at Actor's Circle Theatre in L.A. He has worked in a plethora of Indie film projects and theatre, such as the critically acclaimed WesBeth Theatre in New York.
Ty is also an accomplished singer/songwriter, leading the Indie rock band, Entropy.
www.dlchronicles.com
For additional information regarding Ty Vincent or to arrange an interview with Ty, please contact Joe Marich at 323-939-6700 or via email at client@marichcom.net.
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Ty Vincent, actor and model originally from Rochester, New York, has a co-starring role in the premiere episode of the controversial and award-winning new television series, The DL Chronicles set to air Friday, May 4, 2007 on here! Television Network. This ground-breaking anthology series delves into the lives of men of color living on "the down low," a slang term used to describe men who define their sexuality as heterosexual, yet engage in secret homosexual relationships unbeknownst to their wives, girlfriends, or families and friends.
Vincent, whose long list of film, television and stage credits - not to mention billboard model good looks - has given the sexually charged character, Trenton, multi-dimensionality in what could easily have become a two-dimensional caricature in the hands of a lesser actor.
Having a wealth of life experiences from which to draw gives each character Vincent is asked to create a greater depth than many of his other acting contemporaries. Raised by a single mom in less-than-ideal circumstances, Vincent used sports (soccer being his favorite) and performing as an outlet. His mother's relationship with an abusive boyfriend drove Vincent to the musical theatre stage where life always has a happy ending - unlike his home life. He was four years old when a local modeling scout saw Vincent's mother playing with him a local park and asked if she would consider submitting Vincent for some modeling work. She did, and Vincent went on to do a string of local newspaper and magazine ads as well as a cereal commercial. This work soon led to roles in "Man of La Mancha," and other local and professional stage performances.
No longer able to tolerate her abusive relationship, Vincent's mother packed up their belongings and headed west to stay with relatives - getting as far away from this dangerous situation as possible.
The happier times were short-lived, however, as Vincent's mother began her downward spiral into drugs, pushing Vincent further and further into sports and performing. Most of the time he had to either walk to practice/rehearsal or see if he could get a ride with one of the other kids. This was in part due to his mother drug addiction. By age 8 Vincent was taking care of himself and his mother. Taking money from her to go get food. Cleaning the house, making dinner for himself, getting himself ready for school, etc. Then things really began to fall apart.
His school was no longer going to have a soccer program or theatre program, which devastated Vincent. There was a another school 20 miles away that had it all, but his mother refused to move. That's when Vincent rebelled. He started hanging out with local street thugs and doing errands for them. This included drug deliveries, stealing of merchandise from stores, vandalism and even helping them steal cars. All this by the age of 10.
Then it happened. He got sloppy one time and got arrested for stealing. However, it was not a car this time or a TV, or even a pair of earrings. It was a candy bar. The shop owner called the police and they, in turn, called his mother, sending her further into drugs. And, now, homelessness. They ended up living in a 1976 Dodge Challenger. They lived in that car for almost a year. Taking showers at local YMCA's or at one of his mother's drug buddies places. During this time, Vincent was still running with the wrong crowd. Then one day Vincent's grandmother shows up and says she is taking both Vincent and his mom back to NY. His mother agreed and they packed up and drove that 76 Challenger cross-country.
Livonia, New York became a haven for Vincent. Once again he was able to play soccer and act in school and community plays. His mixed ethnicity of having a white mother and Brazilian father presented many challenges for Vincent in the predominantly white community. Harassment by fellow students and confusion on the part of directors and casting agents did help ease the difficulties in his life.
While in Livonia, NY Vincent appeared in may theatrical productions and he also attended the Rochester Association For Performing Arts(RAPA) for three years. In Rochester, he starred in Jesus Christ Super Star, The Wizard of OZ, The WIZ, and Grease, among many others. His life was finally making a turn for the better. After Graduation, Vincent attended Canisius College in Buffalo, NY for a year, but then quickly transferred to the University at Buffalo. There he received his B.A. in Forensic Psychology, but stayed very active within the arts. It included staring in numerous student films, as well as being the front man for a rock band that played throughout Buffalo and parts of Canada (the band disbanded in 1999).
Upon graduation he moved back down to NYC to pursue acting and music. While in NYC Vincent worked extensively performing in many stage productions. These included small productions at small theaters in the east village, at the West Beth and PS 121 theatres. Also he stared in productions for pipedream productions and worked with Producer's Circle on numerous charity events for the arts.
He, also, was able to work musically with famous singer/songwriter/vocal coach Tina Schafer and her producer husband, Peter Zizzo (Jennifer Lopez, Aviral Levine, Vanessa Carlton, Toby Lightman). However, though Vincent loved New York, he knew it was time to move after he did the indie film Drawn and Quartered. During filming, Vincent realized that although he loved stage work, he would much rather be working film and Television. Therefore, in October, 2003 he moved out to Los Angeles to do film and television.
In Los Angeles, Vincent began studying with Arthur Mendoza at Actor's Circle Theater (where he still studies). He has extra-ed and co-stared in numerous shows and projects, as well as worked in several stage productions.
In 2005, Vincent was contacted by Deondray Gosset from 2 Cents Productions who asked Vincent if he would interested in auditioning for a small indie short called The DL Chronicles" Episode: Wes. The producers were so impressed by his reading that they offered him the role that day. Hence the role of Trent was born and the long journey of The DL Chronicles began. The Episode: Wes won many film festival awards and acclaim from L.A. to London, to South Africa.
Since filming The DL Chronicles, Vincent has worked on 2 films ("Three Wishes" and "Fire") as well as started his own Entertainment company. He company will not only produce films, but also be involved in other aspects of the entertainment industry such as restaurants and bars. Currently he is working on a script with Andre Kristof, star of the upcoming My 13 network show "The Heiress." Vincent is also in the developmental process of opening a new restaurant focused on Healthy Fitness Food. He is also set to work with director Deondray Gossett again on a movie starting in the fall of 2007.
When asked what's the toughest part about making it in entertainment, Vincent says, "Getting people to understand who I am. My look is so different that directors have a hard time placing me, so although I have a unique look, they are not sure what to do with me. I guess, in part, that is why I started writing things for myself. I want to show I can play all sorts of parts -- whether it is the boy athlete next door or the bad guy who causes all the trouble. It should not matter about what race I am to prove I am a good actor."
Vincent also studies Brazilian Jiu Jit Su, speaks Portuguese, advocates for Pit Bulls, sings, cooks, is a certified personal trainer, and models in the fashion industry in New York.
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