Teen Actor Diallo Thompson Stars in New TV One Film "Christmas Swap" & Hosts Toys for Tots Drive

ATLANTA - Nov. 10, 2016 - PRLog -- TV One will release its latest slate of holiday movies, and teen actor Atlanta native Diallo Thompson is starring in Holiday Swap. A film about a down-on-his-luck single father (Dondré T. Whitfield, Queen Sugar) questions his decision to give up his dreams to take care of his ailing mother. A Christmas miracle gives him a glimpse of what his life would have been like if he'd made a different choice. The ensemble cast includes Christian Keyes (Saints & Sinners), Tracey Heggins, Stella Doyle, Delpaneaux Wills, and Chris Whitley. The movie will premiere on TV One Saturday November 26, 2016 at 8 p.m. ET.

Art 8 Productions along with teen actor Diallo Thompson are hosting a Toys for Tots Drive with the children at the ActingUp! Acting Agency. The students will act as Santa's Helpers collecting toys for less fortunate children. Diallo will also host a Q & A for the ActingUp! youth. Discussion topics will include the following your dreams, how to be a professional as a kid, and the importance of giving back. "I am extremely excited about the Toys for Tots toy drive with the students at ActingUp. Toys for Tots message of hope can be passed from generation to generation and that's what I am aiming to do; passing the message of believing in yourself and following your dreams no matter your circumstances. Our goal is to donate 100 toys to the program," says Thompson.

The toy drive will take place Saturday December 3, 2016 at 2195 Defoors Hills Rd. Suite B. Atlanta, GA 30318 from 2p.m.-5p.m. The Toys for Tots Drive is sponsored by Art 8 Productions, ActingUP, Eagle Vision Productions, and Haute Choc 'Lat Multimedia Group. Toy partners are Colour U Cosmetics and Ladies with A Vision. Toys can be dropped off during the toy drive event.

About Toys for Tots

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

About Acting UP!

Talent Development Company focused strategically on developing talent and growing on-camera careers in entertainment. Unlike talent agencies and casting directors, a talent development company offers training as a performer and education regarding self-management show business.

Founder Brandon Thaxton, created this organization to prepare performers for the expert level of the entertainment industry. In addition to advanced training, students can expect to receive feedback and recommendations to enhance headshots, resumes, online casting profiles, and other materials used to gain auditions and representation. Acting Up offers professional advice based on actual working experience.

About Diallo

At six years, old, Diallo Thompson had already proven himself as a triple threat – singing, dancing, and acting. Since then, the 16-year–old Atlanta native hasn't looked back. This April, the smart, confident and eloquent young man is seen in the highly anticipated next installment of "Barbershop: The Next Cut" directed by Malcolm D. Lee. Thompson co-stars alongside heavyweights, such as Ice-Cube, Eve, and Cedric the Entertainer and many more. Heavily featured throughout the film, D'Allo co-stars as Kenny Smith (son of Rashad played by rapper/actor Common).

Thompson is no stranger to film having had roles in hits such as the James Heyman directed TV movie, "Marry Me," staring Lucy Liu and the Craig Brewer directed film "Footloose." Thompson also has made significant strides in the world of theater with a leading role as Vin Woodman's in "Mirror Image," directed by Patricia McKeon as part of Performing Arts North in Atlanta. He also had a lead role in the Porter Sanford Arts Center youth showcase's production of "Collision Project," sponsored by the Atlanta Alliance Theater. Lastly, he starred in the role as Fleance in the production of "MacBeth" produced by the Georgia Shakespeare Company at Oglethorpe University in 2012; and, he was the youngest actor in the production.

Not only is the talented teenager emerging among a new breed of young leading men in Hollywood, his musical endowment further cements him as a triple threat. He proficiently plays the piano and violin Performing under the name D'Allo, he recently released his independently produced single "Pipe Down," a follow up to his release "Problem," in which he flexed additional skills by directing the accompanying video. Both songs and videos are via YouTube and Tunecore. Most recently, he was selected to perform live for the DeKalb County Commissioners' annual event and played violin with the Gwinnett County Honors Orchestra. He is currently in the studio collaborating with top producers in the Atlanta area. To follow Diallo, you can catch him on Facebook and Instagram @DialloThompson7. For media or press inquiries e-mail hautechoclat.publicity@gmail.com