Romello Blade, a film school grad who began writing his first feature while still studying, is the brainchild behind the very amusing GRAY PEOPLE, a zany laffer starring Isaiah Jimenez, Casey Starchak, Michelle Nuñez, Dennis Mallen, Jana Henry, Cherrelle Ariell, Madi Jarrard, and Essex O’Brien.
Nick, facing mounting pressure from his mother to find a job and desperately trying to own a start up, enlists the help of his best friend Kyle, a privileged slacker, living his best life. Running out of time and options, the two are presented an opportunity which they can’t refuse.
Firstly, congratulations – I hear GRAY PEOPLE is screening right around the globe on Tubi?
Yes, it’s on Tubi! Thank you. I can’t tell you how excited I am about that! Tubi is an incredible streaming platform.
Have you heard a mix of different people from people depending on which country they’re in?
No, not yet, but looking forward to hearing what they thought of the movie.
What kind of fans have you discovered the movie has?
From the reviews and social media post, all types, all different age groups. There’s something for everyone in there.
So this will, for all intents and purposes, is Tubi the first time people have seen the movie?
No, we had our world premiere at the Orlando Film Festival back in October 2022. We started streaming on PlexTV late January & now Tubi. We were official selected and will have an international premiere at the Kalakari Film Festival in Indore, India. Really excited about that.
How did you pitch the film to the cast?
I simply put out a casting call on many Facebook groups and sites like Backstage and Greenroom Orlando.
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Was it shot pre or post pandemic?
Was it shot pre or post pandemic?Pre pandemic. The reshoots were shot during the pandemic.
Was it a personal story?
No, not at all. But an important one.
Who would be the ideal audience it, in your opinion?
Everyone who is a fan of comedies.
Do you feel there’s a sequel in the idea?
Absolutely, otherwise we wouldn’t have included a mid credit scene. There’s definitely more to Nick and Kyle’s story, and I’m excited to explore that.
Tell us about your cast!
What can I say, the stars were aligned, and the cast is perfect. There’s hilarious Isaiah Jimenez (Nick) and Casey Starchak (Kyle) who embodied their characters and had great chemistry from the start. There’s the talented Michelle Nunez (Zeka) who has recurring roles on TV’s The Rookies Feds & Ruthless, Dennis Mallen who’s credits include ‘The Devil’s Advocate’ and ‘Killer Mike,’ play’s the sleazy Madoff. Essex O’Brien (Yusuf Parker) credits include, ‘Young Rock, David Makes Man, and Inheritance.’ Look for stellar performances from Jana Henry, Madi Jarrard, Cherrelle, Lj Ugarte, Luis Sanchez, Autin Janowsky, Adrian Tristan, Susanna Matza, Rajvi Goswami, Cole Walsh, Rhonda Cusumano, Steven Hochman, Abi Bais, Juliana Herrin and more!
What else do you have coming up?
Interesting question. I was going wait a little longer to announce this, so… Gray People II is in development. We’ve got the story, and I’m now penning the script.
GREY PEOPLE is now available on Plex and Tubi