SounDoctrine drummer gets his first movie role

the vindicator

Jere B of Youngstown-based alt-jazz-funk band SounDoctrine makes his acting debut in the film “Greater Threat,” which will premiere at 2 p.m. Sunday at Tower City theaters in downtown Cleveland.

Written and directed by filmmaker Ray O’Neil of Uniontown, Ohio, the movie deals with a kidnapping operation that smuggles underage girls overseas. It was shot mostly in Cleveland.

Jere B plays Johnny, an assistant to reporter Eileen Conway, who is trying to expose the smuggling operation. Cheryl Goodlin of Cleveland plays Conway.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” said Jere B, a drummer who has no formal acting training. “Just watching the process of how movies are made, the technology and the discipline of acting is totally surreal – I have learned a lot.”

Jere was asked to audition for the role by Goodlin.

“We met at YSU where we read through a script for a different project and then lost touch for about a year,” he said. “Cheryl saw the band performing the following summer and re-introduced herself. She told me about the role and later helped secure my audition.”

“Greater Threat” is rated R, but Jere B, who is also a Christian minister, said his character’s role “is rated G.”

Jere B also contributed original music to the film’s score, which was penned by Aryavarta Kumar. “It was exciting to be able to work with someone so seasoned in this genre,” he said. “Arya’s a consummate professional and his willingness to show me the ropes is an experience I’ll never forget.”

For more information on the movie, go to greaterthreat.com.