One of the reasons I brought on actor Ben Jurnad is because I’d worked with him many times on stage, and we actually auditioned for The Actor’s Studio together many moons ago.  We did an awesome scene from a John Guare play: The Loveliest Afternoon of the Year. We also worked on Levy Lee Simon’s trilogy For The Love of Freedom, and we were both members at Ben Guillory’s Robey Theatre Company. That was almost two decades ago, Ben and I go way back!

As a stage actor I know how dedicated to the craft of acting he is. I’ve only ever met a handful of people that have such determination and throw themselves 120% into the process and I couldn’t wait to have him apply his talent on film.

One of the best things about being an independant producer/director is that you get to bring on whoever you want. No one has to agree or vote, if I want to cast my friends, I do it. Luckily I have super talented friends!

Having Ben play the role was vital becuase I knew Ben would be able to portray the deep vulnerablilty, sadness and the explosive anger that was required to successfully portray Leon.

The “angry black man” side of Leon wasn’t particularily challenging and is something that we’ve all seen too much of in film. One of the things I love most about ELEVATE is that we get to see the softer side, the vulnerable side of all the beautiful black men in this film.

Ben Jurand possess a wonderful vulnverability and his sence of loss is palpable. It’s so refreshing to witness what is underneath the anger, often times it’s the deep sadness and loss that Ben portrays exquisitly.

Ben has amazing stage presecene that transfers seamlessly to film. He’s the type of actor that does not have to do much. A simple look or sigh from him is worth a thousand words. Come see a master actor apply his craft! Ben Jurand is oustanding as Leon. Come see him shine, tickets on sale now:

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