© Erwin Films 2005

Desolation Angels - Cast

Jamie Unicomb as Neal

Although a Taswegian native, Jamie has been living in Melbourne and overseas since 1995. He has recently returned to Melbourne after performing in a sell out season of George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” with the Prosthetic Limb Theatre Company of Uzbekistan.

After which he performed in a season of the stage adaptation of the cult TV series “Monkey,” where he played Sandy in the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens for Big Monkey Inc.

Jamie has also performed in "He Died with a Felafel in his Hand" for the Melbourne Fringe which he also directed, Fifth Wall and Woof-O-Mammy productions, "The Tasmanian Babes Fiasco" for Fifth Wall, "Every perfect Gift" for La Mama, the feature film "The Garth Method", the Victoria and NSW tour of ”Sticks and Stones" for Brainstorm Productions as well as many other stage and screen roles.

Jamie trained at VCA School of Drama and with Daniele Legler in the Michael Chekhov Technique. He is also a practicing visual artist in ceramics and drawing.

Armed with a wicked sense of humour, as the above proves, Jamie committed to the part of Neal. A man, who disassociates himself from society, friends and family in order to cope with the emotional hurt and pain of abandonment. A disillusioned character whose idea of white picket fences is shattered and he is now left spiralling down a lonely road looking for purpose in life. Jamie approached the script, constantly asking and exploring a darker solemn side to his character and trying to understand the character and connect with the audience in such a short period of time. When the hours turned into late night double digits, Jamie was always committed to the production and would always be prepared and willing to move his schedule to fit in. A true professional and absolute pleasure to work with.

Lana Meltzer as Mary

Lana’s acting career began at the age of eleven participating in many school plays and musicals at Bialik College. Her roles were colourful and varied, starting as a chorus girl and working her way to the leading actress. The productions included Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, (1995) Annie, (1996) Bye Bye Birdie, (1997) West Side Story, (1998) The Mikado, (1990) and King Oedipus. (2000) After completing school she began a Bachelor of Creative Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in theatre studies.

Whilst continuing her love for the theatre, Lana performed in Jewish Youth Musicals production of Fame (2003) and Side Street Players adaptation of Harold Pinter’s play Tea Party at the Red Stitch Theatre. (2004)

Developing an interest in Film and Television Lana also studied at The Actors Space (2004) and having recently finished her degree, Lana now is now currently attending the Atlantic Acting School in New York for a further two years of training.

Desolation Angels is Lana’s debut feature in a short film, which she is absolutely thrilled to be a part of.

Lana was one of the first Mary’s we auditioned and even then I could see that she is going to go far. She has this naturalness in front of the camera and the craft of acting is second nature for her. Always asking where, when and why, trying to get to the psyche of her character. It was a difficult time for Lana because we finished Desolation Angels with 48 hours before she had to board a plane for New York. She had to say goodbye to friends and family while completing a hectic film schedule … and she was there at all times …some nights starting at midnight and going through till the wee hours of the morning. It was amazing to find the fact that the camera loves Lana and consume her within the frame.

Eddy Jager as Jim

Having been around for a couple of days (Jimmy's words), Eddy has worked with a variety of Film, Television & Theatre Companies (A.T.C., J.T.C, S.T.C., M.T.C.) and many works in Film & Television. Eddy was pleased to work on “Desolation Angels” for “Erwin Films” as "Jimmy", under the direction of Kurt Breitenmoser, in a challenging role.

Prior to "Desolation Angels" he played Dr Simon Kerr, Home Office Pathologist, in "Rough Justice" at A.T.C., like most working actors he's done his bit on"Neighbours", "Stingers", various T.V.C.'s and a plethora of short films, in which he's played everything from a cadaver on the slab in a morgue, to a beggar, a footy coach, etc. etc.

Eddy Jager was somewhat of a wild card on this production. When we first met Eddy in the audition process he walked in, in complete character. Immediately cursing and giving us a taste of Jim wisdom …only the way Eddy could. When he walked out of the room there was a sense of relief because Eddy was so intense as the Jim character we knew that we found our old bastard. Above everything, Eddy’s patience is what truly inspired us.

During the final day of shooting we were running late and the window of opportunity was slowly closing, a vast pressure was placed on all the actors to get performances in one or two takes only. When the chaos set in everyone was frazzled to get the job done and if you looked over to Eddy’s corner, he was as calm as can be… Shows you what experience can do. A true professional who went beyond the call of duty.

Grant Carter as Mark

The Melbourne born actor moved to Perth Western Australia at age 9 and developed an interest in the entertainment industry around mid high school. With numerous media awards from creating short films and documentaries as well as playing the leads roles in the Rock Eisteddfod two years running, Grant graduated from Belridge Senior High School and continued his Film and TV studies at Central TAFE. After completing courses in front and behind the camera (Advanced Certificate of Broadcast Operations and Presentation) Grant stepped into many roles ranging short and feature films, mini series, stage performances, stand up and TV commercials.

After deciding that he had gone as far as he wanted to go in Perth, the 23 year old entertainer moved back to Melbourne to chase bigger and better projects. With the move came many more parts to build up the show reel that helped Grant land a role on The Secret Life of Us and an appearance on GMA with Bert Newton.

Now at age 25, the five star Concierge by day dreams of the night he will be stepping out of the limo instead of opening the door for others.

Until then Grant resides in his Toorak apartment, waiting to read or even write the role that will relies ten years of work.

Grant is the most laid back actor I have ever met. There is nothing that can rev up this guy. He is punctual, always prepared and does some really nifty “stunt driving” in his spare time. A great fun personality and truly part of the team, at times I even saw Grant picking up lights and moving dollies … wow we need more actors like him… that’s all I’m saying….

Leharna Black as Rosie

Leharna Black enjoys a busy schedule balancing careers as an actor, circus performer, dancer and Director of a number of non profit businesses including her own. Originally from Sydney, but now living in Melbourne, Leharna has performed in film, TV, physical and musical theatre. Leharna’s recent credits include Desolation Angels (Short Film), Sacred (Womens Circus), Melbourne Fringe Festival 2003, 2004 (Various), and The Extra (Feature Film). Leharna has studied with both the Victorian College of the Arts and Verve Studios.

When I first met Leharna I gave her the good news that she only has two lines and that she will be required to travel into the country and suffer for two days without any make–up and in the most unflattering dress we could find, plus really put herself out there and create a character that one could only describe as unrefined … and she was happy with that. Even though the character of Rosie was constantly in the background, I was impressed with how far Leharna was willing to push the characteristics and subtle nuances in Rosie’s performance.

Alethea McGrath as Miss Reeves

Born in Humpy, a small community 10 miles from Brisbane, Alethea began her performing career by entertaining her mother from her high-chair. The onset of the Second World War cut short her debut with the Playbox Performance Community in Brisbane, only 3 shows were performed before the actors were called to duty. After the War, Alethea relocated to London, nursing during the day and studying drama by night at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Upon her return to Australia, Alethea taught Speech and Drama in Tasmania until 1983.

Having a huge body of work in all aspects from theatre to film, from TV to radio, Alethea is a veteran of the entertainment industry and it was a huge privilege to have her on board. Highlights of her impressive career include “After the Service”, an award-winning play in the Edinburgh Festival, and appearances on well-known Australian television shows such as Prisoner, Blue Heelers and Neighbours. Her most memorable role recently was as Madame Jocasta Nu, the Jedi Librarian in “Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones”.

Jamie Strebinos as the dirty kid

Performing a small part of a kid playing in dirt, young James Strebinos who is 7 years old and lives in Melbourne. Already a few short films under his belt he is represented by The Children’s Talent Company of Australia.

 

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