GR-native and international hip-hop artist Willie The Kid is teaming up with Emmy Award-winning film director Kevin Budzynski and Grand Rapids LipDub Executive Producer Scott Erickson, to produce a 25-minute short film, entitled: "The Fly."

It's the story of a bartender in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who has a secret identity.

A past lover returns to town, after years of living in New York City, to investigate a story.

Their rekindled romance entangles with the secret nature of the bartender's alter-ego, The Fly-a renowned underground music artist and fan favorite, whose true identity is hidden from the world.

"The Fly is about overcoming the fear of chasing one's dreams," said Erickson. "Our characters are rooted in reality and will portray stories that uplift and inspire the audience to have no fear."

In the style of "Purple Rain," starring Prince, the film will employ music video sequences that bring the audience into the world of the story.

Original music and new songs by Willie The Kid are incorporated into these sequences and become the backdrop for what the producers call "a gritty and inspiring tale."

The story will represent not only a diverse "new Grand Rapids," but also the nation and world as a whole.

CASTING REGISTRATION:

RSVP ON FACEBOOK(http://www.facebook.com/events/461013963955594/)

Open Casting Registration:

• Wednesday JAN 2 and Tuesday JAN 3, from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Click here for Online Registration.

Open Auditions:

• Thrursday JAN 3, from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

CASTING OPPORTUNITIES:

Main Cast - (Headshots & Resume required):

1. "Arielle Rojas" - Female, Hispanic/Spanish Decent, 25-27 (Female Lead, main character's love interest)
2. "Donnie Jackson" - Male, Black, 23-30 (Male Supporting, main character's best friend)

Supporting Cast - (Headshots & Resume NOT-required, but appreciated):

1. "Jamal McClain" Male, Black, 18-23 (A misguided youth, innocent in a cruel world)
2. "Zakiyyah McClain," Female, Black, 24-30 (A guardian, weathered)
3. "Tersee Martin," Male, Any Race, 23-30 (Donnie's Friend, melancholy)
4. "Kelvin Clay," Male, White, 23-30 (Donnie's Friend, joker)
5. "Candace Richner," Female, White, 23-30 (Donnie's friend, sexy)
6. "Erica Jones," Female, Asian, 23-30 (Donnie's friend, sexy)
7. "Fernando Rojas," Male, Hispanic/Spanish Decent, 40-50 (Arielle's Father, stern)
8. "Tami Rojas," Female, Hispanic/Spanish Decent, 30-40 (Arielle's Mother, beautiful and kind)
9. "Montae," Male, Any race, 18-23 (Jamal's friend, fun / wild)
10. "Lil' Darius," Male, Black, 18-23 (Jamal's friend, leader / melancholy)

Background Characters:

• We are holding open registration on Wednesday JAN 2 and Tuesday JAN 3, from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
• All Casting takes place at 50 Louis NW (Entrance off sidewalk on Louis, not Start Garden.)
• We are looking for all ages, races, genders, and styles of people for extras and background character players. Come as you are or in character.

CONTACT INFO: Production Manager - Corey Lipsey