'MBF' (Man's Best Friend) Casts Two More Dynamic, Versatile Actors in Key Roles

LANSING, Mich. - Dec. 20, 2017 - PRLog -- When looking to cast professional actors residing in Michigan for principal roles, it's usually – not always - a matter of reaching out to three regions. The Detroit-area on the east side of the Mitten; the Lansing-area mid- state; and, Grand Rapids-area on the 'Left Coast.'

Lansing-based Collective Development Incorporated continues casting for its next feature film, the family- drama 'MBF' (formerly 'Man's Best Friend'), with Principal Photography slated to start in late March in Michigan. And two highly talented/respected Grand Rapids-area thespians of stage and screen join the ensemble.

Sammy A. Publes, a Cuban-American actor who came to the United States from Havana with his family in 1988 as political refugees, takes on the role of Shiawassee Sheriff's Office corrections officer Armando Reyes, a Marine Corps veteran.

Kimberly Harsch, a classical flutist and mezzo-soprano vocalist with a resume that includes all genres of film, theater, commercial and voiceover work, earned the role of 'Nancy Hammins,' a local newspaper reporter who is the wife of the county prosecuting attorney (conflicts?), over several actresses who gave strong auditions.

Both Mr. Publes and Ms. Harsch, as is often the case, were recommended for auditions by members of the CDI 'Tribe,' who are also actors, writers, directors, producers. Actress-producer Melissa Anschutz, also a 'GR' resident who will play Lisa Bixby, a prosecuting attorney, brought both Mr. Publes and Ms. Harsh into the casting conversation.

"Good work begets work," said DJ Perry, CDI's CEO, who plays Marine Corps and Afghanistan veteran K9 handler 'Paul Landings.' "Kimberly had worked with us before (Bestseller, 2015) and she nailed the video audition," added Mr. Perry.

For Mr. Publes, who splits time between GR and Chicago, and with whom Ms. Anschutz had worked previously, winning the role of 'a jailer' took an unusual course. "I broke my own rule," explained Mr. Perry. He adds, "We had Sammy over and we spent a couple of hours together. We watched his reel, he watched some of our work and we talked about a lot of things besides acting and performance. Mel and 'T' (MBF Director Anthony Hornus) wanted to hire Sammy on the spot. So we did."

Mr. Publes' 'creative spark' came from his high school English teacher. After earning a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University in 2001 (where he attended on a Minority Theater Scholarship), Sammy went to Chicago to pursue his career. He earned a lead role in 'Our Lady of 121st St." at the famed Steppenwolf Theater Company (founded by Gary Sinise and others) and went on to perform and train at several Chicago theaters, including Second City.

Sammy's TV and film work continues to be equally as impressive. He's appeared in episodes of Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, Boss, Shameless, The Beast and Empire. His film credits include 'Batman vs. Superman,' 'Stone' with Robert DeNiro and 'Scream 4.'

He started his own theater company, 'Mixed Roots Collective' to address inequality of representation in local theater and film, as well as 'One World Diversity,' which addresses issues of disparity and inclusion for companies throughout the U.S. "I'm excited to play Armando Reyes," said Sammy. "I love how we've developed the character as 'an every man' and not just a stereotype jailer. A man who can empathize with the main character and his situation. I'm excited to add more flavoring to the sauce!"

Ms. Harsch, also a writer and director, is a graduate of Muskegon Community College (Music) and Grand Valley State University (Broadcast Communications). She's performed in dozens of films (shorts and features), plays and commercials. She's also an accomplished audio book narrator.

Her formal training ranges in all facets of film/TV/theater. From costuming, dance, music and imrov, to scene set-up, stage combat and Shakespeare.

Kimberly has worked with director Drew Barrymore (Lily's Mom), accomplished GR area filmmaker Andy Fortenbacher (Moths, Return to Menu) and Mario VanPeebles (All Things Fall Apart), among others.

On stage (and in front of the camera) Kimberly is at ease playing musical roles in 'Always...Patsy Cline' or 'The Spitfire Grill,' as she is dramatic turns in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' or comedy in, 'Educating Rita.'

Kimberly's role in 'MBF,' as Nancy Hammins, offers her layering as an actress. She's a local newspaper reporter and is married to the county prosecutor, whose case against former Marine 'Paul Landings' is a double- edged sword. It's a news story about to go national and could lead to personal and professional conflict.

"I'm so excited and grateful to be cast in this important, wonderful film," enthused Ms. Harsch. "What a thrill and challenge to join the ensemble in telling this story."

'MBF' was written by DJ Perry and is directed by Anthony Hornus.

It will be filmed in Corunna and Owosso (Michigan) and will be distributed nationwide by Bridgestone Multimedia Group.

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