Film to be made in Valley seeks actors

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A pair of actors from Youngstown are collaborating on a film to be shot in their hometown.

Titled “Welcome to Youngstown,” the film by Crystal Cotton and Jammie Patton is a modern-day coming-of-age story about two friends growing up on the South Side.

Each of these adolescent dreamers is thrown for a life-changing loop, but they continue to press on in the face of adversity, relying heavily on their community and friendship.

Cotton and Patton now reside in Los Angeles and New York City. Cotton can be seen on BET’s “Roomie Lover Friends,” and Patton just wrapped on the feature film “Solace,” starring Lynn Whitfield and Glynn Turman.

The script for “Welcome to Youngstown” came out of their desire to not only tell a meaningful story against the backdrop of their hometown, but to shine a light on youths growing up in smaller inner cities and the sobering realities they face on a daily basis.

Production is slated to begin Nov. 18.

Actors are being sought for the film, and initial auditions will take place Nov. 7 and 8. For information or to schedule an audition time, send a photo and resume (or simply list performance experience) to welcometoyoungstown@gmail.com. Performers of all ages and ethnicities are encouraged to apply. Production assistants and grips also are needed for Nov. 14-29. Inquiries and resumes for these positions can be emailed to the same address.