DIAMOND RUFF ...My Hartford's Hollywood Experience!

"Homeless at a young age, Diamond Ruff was determined to succeed. With grit, shrewdness, and the tenacity to make it, Diamond forges a life alone on the streets of Hartford. Orphan, con artist, crime boss and millionaire, Diamond Ruff has seen it all. In prison for a murder he did not commit, he meets the Reverend Trek Woods, who overwhelms him with kindness, character and faith in God. Falling in love with April, a young woman with a terminal illness, Ruff is again challenged to grow and change. Will he be redeemed? There are no easy answers."

FOR MORE DETAIL ON JOE YOUNG AND THE MOVIE, PLEASE VISIT...
http://www.diamondruffmovie.com/

By: Sharece M. Sellem

Here's my personal experience: I personally had a GREAT time networking and getting to know people in the area who are very talented and share my same interests. The Benefit Dinner allowed me to get to know people who were serious about having involvement in the Diamond Ruff Movie project. I also got to meet Michael Jai White, who played in movies ... such as "Spawn," "Why Did I Get Married," "Why Did I Get Married Too." We shared thoughts and opinions from the book and even got some juicy info from the author himself, Joe Young about what lies instore for Diamond and other characters in the story for the future. So cool!. The next day was exciting. Even though I got home late I made sure that I got up extra early to meet a new friend at Dunkin Donuts at 7:45ish to go over reading excerpts from the book and refreshing our minds on details. We went to wait in line at 9am. The auditions were scheduled for 10. There was still a long line at 9am!. One of my well prepared Artistik Xpressions drama students was there fresh and early with his Mom going over the part of Tyrone over and over again. We waited 2-3 hrs and made use of our time by coaching others who were in line on the book. Many did not read it or was able to get the book in time for the auditions so we helped them get an idea of how the characters were described in the book. I helped coach with script reading. We also took a break and sang some old school joints in harmony. That was fun. It was a great time...Even if I don't land a role in the movie, I wouldn't change the wonderful experience. :)

By: Sy Jackson 4.26.10

Sy Jackson Had a GREAT time this weekend and met some GREAT people... Joe Young has a very big project and he need us to pull together and make this work.. Show love to the man he is voice in our community that show that we can do it if we work hard!!! God bless.......

By: Marcus Thomas 4.25.10

Had a great experience auditioning for the role of Trek Woods on Saturday. The event kicked off nicely on Friday night with the celebrity fund raiser dinner. We had the chance to hear from the author, Joe Young, Jr, the great Michael Jai White and Jim Noble. Great food, fun and networking. Met some great Hartford folk and even played "Diamond Ruff Jeopardy" with Joe Young and Sharece Sellem, an up and coming drama coach, musician, poet and actress!

The energy and vibe of the weekend was amazing! Hundreds of excited actors of all ages and backgrounds lined up for a chance to be involved in what will be a historic production in Hartford. I look forward to big things coming from Young Studios and hope to be included in the upcoming film! Stand up Hartford!

Marcus Thomas
Becket, Massachusetts



IF YOU WERE THERE, PLEASE POST YOUR EXPERIENCE!