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Brief Synopsis
Don't believe the hype!
THE 2008 Presidential Race did not just occur on television, in debates and soundbytes. It occurred in households across America. THE MONDAVI GANG is a gripping emotional portrayal of friends deliberating the presidential candidacy and learning that personalities and politics will clash and communication is the hardest thing of all. This film captures the sentiments and tensions of American voters with all the realism and none of the bias of media commentary.
As the characters discuss their views, those in the audience will find themselves drawn into a compelling conversation. THE MONDAVI GANG is a fresh look at how 2008 was the year the American people woke up and finally talked to each other.
Meet the Cast, Crew
AnnaLea Rawicz Arnold (Lauren)
AnnaLea Rawicz Arnold, was born in Caracas, Venezuela and raised in Miami, Florida where she eventually attended New World School of the Performing Arts. Tired of the constant sunny weather and beautiful blue skies AnnaLea relocated to Boston, Massachusetts and studied under Kristin Linklater at Emerson College obtaining a Bachelors in Fine Arts. Three years of snow and ice were enough; after graduation AnnaLea relocated to Los Angeles, California and continued her training at Playhouse West with Bob Carnegie and Jeff Goldblum.
T.V. and film credits include several now canceled shows. Perhaps you caught her in Garfield: The Movie (with husband Evan Arnold), or on Providence, Gilmore Girls, 7th Heaven (recurring), or City Guys (recurring).
She is a member of The Troubador Theater Company (All's Kool That End's Kool, Fleetwood MacBeth, It's A Stevie Wonderful Life) and associate member of Buffalo Nights (Anatol, Crazy Drunk).
After a five-year foray into the high pressure Hospitality Interior Design world and a three year foray into motherhood, AnnaLea is back in the acting world. It's been more than a month! Apart from The Mondavi Gang, AnnaLea just completed the Dances with Films 2 for 2 Short Film Challenge where she played Dr. Strunkenwhite in Dr. Strunkenwhite, Grammar Therapist.
R. Brandon Johnson (Greg)
R. Brandon Johnson, a native of Bloomington, Minnesota, graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BFA in Theatre. In New York City, he studied at the American Theatre of Actors under Denny Albee. In addition to appearing in more than 27 commercials, he appeared in ABC’s One Life to Live, in the reoccurring role of Michael McBain. Several years later, ABC brought him to back to play a sexy, loyal ranch hand, Chuck Wilson III. He has also appeared in other soaps including The Guiding Light and As the World Turns. Other television credits include the History Channel’s Blood Red. He is currently working on The Disney Channel’s hit show, Hannah Montana, as the reoccurring guest star, Brian Winters.
Brandon’s film credits include, The Notorious Bette Page; Rick ; Invisible Evidence, Malevolence, where he played the lead role of Julian; and Little Erin Merryweather, a horror film currently available at major video stores. Brandon just completed a short film, The Mondavi Gang, a political potboiler about the 2008 presidential election.
Brandon’s on-camera experience includes hosting that started with WNYE’s Cool in Your Code, which to date has been nominated for 19 NY Emmy awards and was just launched in London. Simultaneously, he worked as premiere host for OLN’s Rally America. Afterwards, he booked Formula D for the G4 TV Network. After moving to Los Angeles in 2006, he was offered a shot at HGTV's Get Out, Way Out! It's been a perfect fit ever since.
The series just wrapped 26 episodes. The 2nd Season premiered in HD this past March; plus he just finished shooting two Pilot’s Pretty Smart and Perfect for VH1. This past November Brandon joined Jeannie Mai on USA’s Character Fantasy.
When not in front of the camera he can be found behind a drum kit-his second home for the past 19 years. Brandon’s done 4 US Tours with various bands and released 5 albums. This experience helped him land another hosting gig for MySpace called the MySpace Music Feed.
David Morwick (Brad)
Writer, Co-Director
David Morwick is a native of Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He started in the business as a child actor and model. David received the 'Best Actor' award from the Boston Globe's Drama Festival for his portrayal of Roy Hubley in Neil Simon's Plaza Suite. He acted in several summer-stock productions until he was accepted into the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. He continued his studies with Kristin Linklater at Emerson College where he earned a BFA in Acting.
After acting in several independent films in Boston, he decided to write, direct and star in his own feature film, Little Erin Merryweather, a psychological thriller. The film went on to win Best Feature at the Woods Hole Film Festival and since then has been distributed worldwide. The original sound track for the film has recently been released in Russia.
One of David’s passions is politics, which has been part of his life since he was a child. He actively campaigned and worked for political candidates including Sen. Edward Kennedy, Congressman Barney Frank and most recently former President Bill Clinton and now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He is also a member of the Clinton Global Initiative. His involvement in politics led him to write The Mondavi Gang which he co-directed and starred in.
His next project is a feature film, The Auditor, based on the novel, “The Auditor” by Thomas W. Hammond, Jr.
Lalesha Railsback (Ellen)
Co-Director
Lalesha Railsback was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of film and TV actor Steve Railsback and producer Jackie Giroux. She got her start in the film industry when she appeared in commercials as a child.
Lalesha has been on both sides of the camera. Her film credits include Forever, Coo Coo Café, Blue Seduction and most recently, The Mondavi Gang. Having a desire to be part of the action on the other side of the camera, Lalesha has worked in a variety of capacities including script supervisor for Blue Seduction,starring Billy Zane and a recently completed thriller, American Sunset where she worked with Corey Haim.
As a young mother of three children, Lalesha juggles a demanding schedule but is determined to make her mark in the world of film. In The Mondavi Gang, Lalesha makes her debut as a director while acting in the film as well.