Crew

CREW

TY GRANDERSON JONES (Screenwriter, Executive Producer, Producer, Director) Ty Granderson Jones, proud of his Creole and Cuban heritage, is a protégé of the late iconic theatre director, Alan Schneider, and a former student of the late Lee Strasberg. He has a BA in Theatre from FSU and FAMU as a co-op student, and an MFA in Acting from UCSD, one of the top acting programs in the world. His acting film credits include the Touchstone classic action film “Con Air”, co-starring in the #1 box office rap cult classic “CB4” from Universal Pictures, Oliver Stone's Oscar nominated “Salvador”, guest starring/recurring as Cue Ball Rodriguez on the critically acclaimed series “ER” on NBC, the Golden Globe nominated “Everybody Hates Chris”, and starring as the villainous Max Rice in the urban cult classic indie Tapped Out from Madonna’s Maverick Entertainment, and “Window of Opportunity”- the underground political thriller from Producer, The Doors’ John Densmore . His theatre credits includes the hit, award winning play “Rounds”, Niggaz with Attitudes and Big Gunz” (earning him a 2000 ADA Award nomination for Best Actor in a Drama), the Los Angeles premiere of Buffalo Soldier (earning him a NAACP Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor), from Broadway-- the LA premiere of August Wilson's “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”, the West coast premiere of “Balm in Gilead”, the 20th Anniversary of the Negro Ensemble Company classic, “Ceremonies in Dark Old Men”, and “The School for Scandal” at the Tony Award winning South Coast Repertory. He is an acclaimed acting coach and has taught Acting for the Camera, and Technique at New York Film Academy and he has conducted workshops around the country. Ty is also a noted poet and has performed his original works featuring John Densmore of “The Doors” on drums. As an accomplished screenwriter via his company Creole Celina Entertainment (www.CreoleCelinaEnt.com), Ty co-wrote, co-produced and starred in the award winning film “Napoleonic” which had its debut at Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival. “Napoleonic” was also an official selection at the Action on Film International Film Festival 2013 garnishing nominations for Best Film, and for Ty-- Best Actor. His first directorial film assignment, “Tale of Two Dragons”, which he co-wrote and produced was also an official selection. He is also currently developing his edgy, off-beat full-length action thriller “The Cool and Creepy” (a finalist in the Sundance Feature Film Program), as well as the feature development of his latest short project “Diamond”. He is an accomplished Muay Thai Fighter, and Cowboy. Ty is a testament to his journey of redemption, overcoming the mean streets of Tampa Bay, Florida and incarceration and moving on to believe and achieve, make his dream real in Show Business as an accomplished professional and teacher.

TESSA FARRELL (Producer) Tessa Farrell was born in Scottsdale, Arizona and raised in the filmmaker’s lair of Austin, Texas. Her vibrant personality and beauty is an ode to the mix and pride of her Irish, Italian, Cherokee and German ancestry. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Radio,Television & Film from the University of Texas wherefore her focus was writing, producing, directing and editing film, hence, creating her first film- a noted short titled “Best Friends”. While continuing her studies in Texas, she was discovered by casting for Tony Parker’s hip hop music video “Balance Toi” which she was cast and featured. Shortly after, Tessa headed for Hollywood and is currently on the frontlines of success and notoriety for her work in television, film and print as she continues to study various acting techniques with noted acting teachers, and Warner Loughlin Studios in particular for the past couple of years, warranting audition request from noted film and television projects- independent and network. She also continues to hone her skills as a producer as a producer on “Diamond” as well as starring in the lead of such a demanding role. She continues to write and has recently completed writing her first feature screenplay "Power of the Mind" which is currently in pre-production as she is set to co-direct and star in the very complex lead of “Lauren Temple” under the banner of her own company Vital Spark Productions. Tessa is best known for her recurring appearance as a supermodel on the hit HBO show "Entourage", and playing "Eve" in Gearmark's new super hero film "The First Born." Her other professional credits include many major national commercials for Dish Network, Dodge, Allegra D, and many more. She can also be seen co-starring in the indie films “Dead Cruelty”, and “Death in the Abstract”. Her special skills include Dancing, Martial Arts, Soccer.

MIKE WALLENSTEIN (Executive Producer, Producer, Line Producer) Mike is an Assistant Director/Line Producer from New Jersey. Having majored in Directing at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, Mike went on to work as an AD (Assistant Director) on two feature films in New Jersey; the Sci-Fi Crime thriller “Would You Know…” for Sound Thee Alarm Studios, and the indie comedy “Variety: A Comedic Film” with His & Her Films. With a freewheeling, low-budget, “guerilla-filmmaking” style, Mike is proficient with cameras, lights, and sound equipment. He specializes in crew management, using innovative camera styles to create a unique visual tone for each scene. With a background in writing, he understands intuitively how to bring a script from the page onto the screen.

JOSHUA DUTRIEUX (Producer, VFX, Assistant Editor, Composer) Joshua Dutrieux , born Aug 2nd 1976 in Vlijmen, The Netherlands . Started at the age of 5 with classical piano. Growing up with the musical influences from Bach,Mozart,Beethoven to Steve Vai,Pink Floyd,Yes and Dream Theater, the passion for performing and producing music became more serious. Synthezisers,Samplers & Computers came of a big interest around the 90's and started experimenting with HipHop Beats ,Pop and Dance Music. From being a keyboard player in several progressive rock bands ( Gate, Elegy) and a DJ/Producer/Record Label Owner (DJS records, JDX music) in the dance music , a passion for Film Music grew more. Worked and toured around the world with ID&T and Q-Dance for almost 10 years, producing music for amazing shows like Sensation and Qlimax. Taking a leap of faith in '09 by moving to Los Angeles,California, a new journey was set. With 33 years of musical background and experience, JDX will set his course for many years to come.

CLAY DONAHUE FONTENOT (Producer) Clay Donahue Fontenot is one of the most sought after and noted Stunt Actors in the world. He is known for his work on “Django Unchained”, “Iron Man” and “The Avengers” as the man in the Iron Man suit who makes Robert Downey, Jr. look like a hero, “Guardians of the Galaxy” and doubling Wesley Snipes as Blade in the “Blade” franchise. His stunt performance in “U.S. Marshals” in the scene where he doubles Wesley Snipes escaping by swinging onto a moving train-- Clay literally performed the stunt as it was seen in the film. He swung from the building on a 70 foot long reinforced cable and landed on the roof of a train station alongside a passing train. Because of the logistics of the scene, no safety net or airbag could be used, making it a one time only and dangerous shot. It took ten weeks to plan the shot, and eight hours to set it up. It lasts for seven seconds in the film. As a Producer, Clay has been silently making his way in the film industry and decided to partner on “Diamond” as a Producer to assist his long time pal, Ty Granderson Jones. More from the Producer Clay Donahue Fontenot to come, and always will be seen on screen challenging the elements of making stunts real on film.

DAN FRENKEL (Director of Photography, Producer) The first American born to Israeli parents, Dan Frenkel has worked in the entertainment industry in just about every capacity for the past 25 years until finding his niche in Cinematography. 10 years before Dan made his name as a DP, he was the lead Weapons Coordinator/Armorer for PM Entertainment & Nu Image/Millinium Films (“Hard Justice”, “Expendables”. After that he tried his hand in post production where he worked as an Assistant Editor on several productions over the years, but he discovered a true love and passion behind the camera filming commercials, music videos, documentaries and feature films. Dan is the CEO of a Los Angeles based high end production Rental Company which was contracted to support Ty Granderson Jones’ “Diamond”. Recently he founded The LA Film Group, LLC. He has also co-directed and co-produced several film projects over the years and is noted as the DP on “Holla II” -- a film distributed by Lionsgate Films, released domestically in 2013. His directorial resume includes several music videos for major label recording artists. As for Camera Operator, his credits include “Any Which Way They Come” and “The Enforcer” both directed by the legendary James Fargo. Dan is a protégé of the legendary director David Worth (“Bloodsport”, “Kickboxer” with Jean Claude Van Damme).

JESSE KELLY (Co-Producer, Editor) Jesse Kelly is a Los Angeles based filmmaker with a background in editing. He graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Film & Digital Media. Jesse has worked at a variety of Post Production houses in San Francisco and Hollywood. In 2006 he co-starred in the Favor directed by Eva Aridjis, starring Frank Wood. Jesse has produced and directed several music videos for local rock bands and he has a passion for photography. He completed editing on his first feature in 2014 (Holy Whores & Heretics). Diamond is his most recent collaboration and probably the coolest short film he has had the privilege to be a part of.

ANTHONY CANCHOLA (Co-Producer, Sounddesigner) I am a sound designer/editor who enjoys telling stories through sound. I have always followed the idea that a good story can be listened to. I feel that good sound and music can bring anything to life, or the lack of. Knowing when to add or subtract a certain sound can bring any one moment to center stage. Apart from sound design, I cross the line into the realm of music and soundscapes as well. In this day and age, that line is either blurred or very thin. I enjoy creating any ambiances, music or sound that can help a story along or bring an idea to life. From nature to scifi and everything in between, sound is the driving factor.

Greg White (Colorist) Greg White is a veteran film colorist with over twenty-five years of experience in the Hollywood entertainment industry. Greg's repertoire is diverse, including TV series, music videos, commercials and Features. His personability and technical skills create the perfect ambience for Greg and his clientele to breathe life into their images in a relaxed yet productive environment. “Beauty Pass” – Greg's signature technique, This allows him to focus on retouching skin and digital makeup to improve skin tones and remove blemishes and imperfections.

TUESDAY CONNER (Costume Designer, Co-Producer) Tuesday Conner has been privileged to costume Broadway shows, Film, Recording Artists, Television shows and Tours around the world. Following 35 successful years and designing for the 8-time Grammy winner, Chaka Khan. Tuesday is the founder of Poet’s Jazz House-- A Spoken Word & Music Lounge where spilling your heart is an art and searching your soul is mandatory to get in the door. From the manager one of the hottest comedy clubs in Los Angeles to the coolest poetry lounges in the country Tuesday’s talents and aptitude for producing inspired her to open a nonprofit organization for the performing arts and education; Inner City Cultural Center II was created to carry on a tradition to provide artists a place to learn, cultivate and grow. Together with Piccolo’s Books who has donated 85,000 children’s books to Jamaica and the Gift of Knowledge Foundation; Tuesday’s eclectic artists group known as the “Royal Queens” -- caretakers and teachers, providing arts, crafts, business and computer classes to those with a desire for higher education. Tuesday, an artist and teacher dedicated to craft, children and community.

QUINTON FARINA (Armorer, SFX, Co-Producer) Quinton Farina served the United States of America as Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps with an Honorable Discharge. As a Marine in Afghanistan, some of Quinton’s duties included scouting for implanted bombs and mines, locating and disarming enemy roadside bombs and explosives, neutralizing booby traps and enemy firing positions as well as confiscating contraband. He also engineered explosives and performed discreet strategic breaching measures, etc. Before enlisting as a Marine, Quinton studied the Culinary Arts at Billingham Technical College. Later after his tour and Honorable Discharge, he went on to study Film and Digital Media at the American University of Rome in Rome, Italy. Quinton’s Honors and Awards include the Navy & Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, Navy & Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Non-Article 5 NATO Medal. He was also an Honor Graduate via Basic Combat Engineer Course & USMC Sapper School. Quinton experience as a Marine via active duly on the Middle East front lines, and his love and studies for film provides a rare expertise as an Armorer who knows the value of the authenticity of weapons and special effects.

BILLY R. SMITH (Stunt Coordinator, Co-Producer) Billy R. Smith is an American Martial Artist, Actor, Stuntman, Recording Artist and Dancer who is best known for his work on “Lincoln”, “Dark Melody” and “Truly Blessed”. Billy was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. His father, a Law Enforcement Officer, was the first to teach him about the fighting arts, starting with the pugilistic sport of boxing, as his father had been a Golden Gloves contender. He father also introduced him to the Martial Arts phenom Bruce Lee via the cult classic television show "The Green Hornet" and hence Billy’s love for Martial Arts was born and started his official training in Martial Arts in 1975 at the age of 7 and would eventually meet Grandmaster Li Jian Bo of Hong Kong who took a special interest in young Billy, accepting him as his last closed-door disciple in the art of Northern Shaolin White Dragon Kung Fu. In the fall of 1991, Hollywood called and Billy moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career in entertainment as a recording artist and dancer, which lead to becoming a stunt performer, fight choreographer, stunt coordinator, and actor. Over the years Billy has worked with noted filmmakers such as Tom Desanto, Justin Lin, and Steven Spielberg. He has amassed numerous projects, awards, honors and continues to teach Martial Arts to Law Enforcement, Military, and Hollywood Celebrities. Other film and television credits include “The Martial Arts Kid”, “The Chemist”, “Viral”, TNT’s “The Last Ship”, and recurring on the upcoming television series “Sangre Negra/Bad Blood” starring alongside Erik Estrada, Eric Roberts, and Robert Miano as the no-nonsense “Isaiah Rollings”-- enforcer and best friend of the infamous “Ricky Santos” played by Antonio McKay.

JONAS MOHR (Co-Producer, Photographer/Poster Design) Jonas Mohr, a native of Munich, Germany, solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s best photographers while working for over a decade for European magazines. His world wide assignments have given him access to Hollywood’s most famous and powerful…from Clint Eastwood to guitarist Slash. His creative and energy filled shoots have made him a photographer of choice for many of his well-known subjects. At the same time Jonas’ interest in the off beat and often seamy side of Hollywood led him to cover a variety of subjects documentary style both as a producer and a photographer. His coverage of the reclusive, body-piercing subculture known as “Modern Primitives” garnered international attention and acclaim. Jonas’ work has appeared in countless publications including GQ, Vanity Fair, Elle, Playboy and in advertisements for products such as Vespa, Disney, B.M.G., MTV and VH1. He has published his first book this past April 2008 called Mugshots- A celebration of the journey from ruin to redemption. Mugshots is a 250 page, black-and-white photo journal that chronicles the empowering stories of thirty-eight ex-convicts and former gang members, including his producing partner, actor/screenwriter/director Ty Granderson Jones, all who became successful artists in Hollywood. The book represents the best of both worlds for Mr. Mohr., as it merges his passion for documentary, film and celebrity styles. The accompanied art exhibit “Ruin to Redemption” is currently on display and touring around the world. Jonas is also a producing partner on the project “The Cool and Creepy” feature film in development written by Ty Granderson Jones along with producing partners out of Germany-- Henning Heup and Alexander Isadi, collectively at Creole Celina Entertainment

MAIKE MOHR (Key-Make-up, Co-Producer) Maike Mohr, born in Germany has an extensive background in Make-Up Artistry and aesthetics. She obtained a degree in Make-Up from Body and Face in Munich, Germany in 2001 and relocated to Los Angeles, California to start and develop her own business, at which time she worked mainly in the print industry as editorial for such European magazines as In Style, Hello! and Bunte. Maike then took a hiatus to raise two beautiful boys for a few years and has returned to her profession of Make-up which has includes the title of Personal Make-up Artist for David Hasselhof for several projects. Her previous client has included music icon Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Dave Steward of The Eurythmics, and many more.

KAZUYUKI OKADA (Special Make-up Effects Artist, Make-up) Kazu Okada is a new up and coming Make-Up Artist from Japan. 6 years ago Kazu started out as a successful Hair Stylist in Japan. He has an original and creative sense of skills as a Special Make-up Effects Artist as well as beauty, fashion and styling. He original works can be seen in numerous films, television shows, music videos, high fashion run-way shows, concerts—all aspects of the entertainment industry.

LISA KELLI (Hair Stylist) Lisa Kelli has been a hairstylist since 1994. She studied cosmetology at Riverside Community College in California. She is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She has worked with other celebrity stylist with the Magic Johnson Foundation. She has done hairstyling on photo shoots for up and coming artists and models. Lisa has also worked as a hairstylist doing make-overs for Camp Planet Hope with Kelly Stone, sister of noted star Sharon Stone.

TARA MEYER (Wardrobe Supervisor) Tara Meyer is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University where she received a BFA in Theatre Design with an emphasis in Costume Design. Her past production experiences includes designing or constructing costumes for plays, musicals, and dance productions. Tara recently moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in costuming for film, and she is ecstatic and pleased with “Diamond”as her first Hollywood production.

WADE MORRISON (Productions Design, Associate Producer) Production Designer Wade Morrison grew up in the Midwest and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where he studied Cinema and Chemistry. He has had the pleasure of working on several commercials, music videos, and feature films over his eight years in the industry, and looks forward to several more years of hard work alongside great collaborators. His credits include the television series “SFX”, Indies “Jane Lynch in Wrong Tracks” with Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch, “The Runaround” with Oscar winner J.K. Simmons, “The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez” with the late, great Ernest Borgnine, and “The Runaround” with Elliot Gould amongst many others.

CAITLYN SHANAHAN (Production Design, Associate Producer)

NAILA RODLIYYA (Assistant Art Director, Set Dresser) Naila Rodliyya was born in Indonesia with a determination to follow her dream in the film industry. Some of her greatest passions in life are writing, art, and business. She has been writing since the age of 6. Her works includes short stories, a novel, personal blogs, published magazine articles and screenplays. Naila also has experience working in costumes, fashion, and finds the Art Department a real joy as she gains more experience on her professional journey. Naila is a graduate of Los Angeles Film School where she received an Associate of Science in Film. Naila is currently on a mission to create a career as a screenwriter and filmmaker and all that entails.

ASHTON WARNER (Prop/Set Maker)

LUKE KELLY (Audio Engineer) Lucas Kelly is a Location Audio Engineer, Composer, and Post Production Engineer. He first became involved in the industry while living in Northern Michigan due to his family's ties in film and grew up intending to someday compose film scores and work on set. Having over 11 years of songwriting, recording and mixing experience, Lucas has had a focus on the arts for more than half his life. He started working on a semi-professional basis in sound for film and music when he was 16 and broke into the professional scene on a full-time basis when he was 19. In 2011 Lucas participated in the TBAISD CTC 'Film and New Media' Program, developing his production and post-production skills while accruing diverse experiences in the field. Based on these merits, Lucas was able to attend and graduate from the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technologies at the age of 19. In the last few years, Lucas has worked, on and off set, and in the studio on hundreds of projects; producing albums, writing soundtracks, recording location audio, mixing film projects, providing sound design, editing dialogue and ADR.

DANICA DIVER (Script Supervisor, Associate Producer) Danica is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Communications and Film Studies where she can twist words into a stimulating experience, Danica's work, entitled “Ixonia,” has been awarded Best Picture at the UMN film festival, and nominated by the Upper Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for Long Form Fiction. Her talent for the entertainment industry has led her to complete production internships at both Nike and Fox 9. Upon graduating, she made the big move to Southern California to continue developing as a filmmaker and has since worked on short films and web series such as “Superhuman,” “Can’t Stop Tomorrow,” and “My Super Over-Active Imagination”. Artistic and technical, she is a driven entertainer who also enjoys a one-sitting – 120 star – mission to defeat Bowser in Mario 64.

ADAM ZAMORA (Storyboard Artist/Associate Producer/DIT) Adam Zamora, a talented Director and Storyboard Artist, was born and raised in Los Angeles and has been an artist since the age of 3. Adam always had a very unique style. With the blessings of a very close family, he decided to further his artistic dreams by attending and graduating from Los Angeles Film School, giving him the opportunity to develop his skills to master directing film and creating his unique comic book style storyboards. Having always been a spiritual child, Adam weighed his options to either study film or study to become a Buddhist Monk. He chose film school, but still participates in his Meditational practices. Adam has worked and studied many aspects of film from directing to G&E as he continued to learn from some of the best Instructors such as the legendary Director of Photography Anthony B. Richmond who was DP for “The Sandlot”, and directed many films including “3 Ninjas Kick Back”, and Charles T. Kanganis.

STEPHEN LaMARCHE (Gaffer, Key Grip, Associate Producer) Stephen LeMarche is one of the most prolific, creative and artistic gaffers/grips/photographers to pop up on the Hollywood scene. Lighting is visionary for him. Art is in his soul. As a professional photographer, Stephen got into videography, and later into acting via his passion for film whether than motion picture or still photography in the most artistic form. As a photographer, videographer, and gaffer/grip, he is obsessed with lighting and loves lighting sets given the vibe and energy of the creative presentation. In love with creating on film, it does not matter which side of the camera he is on as long as he is on a set and involved as an artist behind or in front of the camera. He is excited and honored to be a part of the “Diamond” team and loves the energy he has created for the piece via the lighting.

ELIZABETH YODER (Associate Producer) Elizabeth Yoder was Born and raised in Indiana on her German/Swiss 1800’s family homestead via an ancestry that hails from both the Amish and Mennonite lineage and lived in a community where television and radio was taboo. She gradually became aware of a mysterious progressive world outside her strict upbringing and mustered the courage to follow her inner calling early as a model, placing runner-up in the print modeling division at the International Modeling and Talent Association's yearly convention. Soon, she found herself working alongside notable producers and actors as well as some of the top figures from sports, fashion and music. Her tenure on the exclusive Sebastian/Trucco International Makeup Team brought her to Los Angeles where she began studying film and acting at the famed Playhouse West. Here, she found her artistic family and developed core skills for the stage and screen. As a long-standing Alumna, in between roles she continues to benefit from the tutelage of James Franco, Jeff Goldblum and Robert Carnegie. She co-executive produced and starred in the original short film “The Long Wait” written and directed by multi-award winner Wolfgang Bodison. The film has drawn numerous accolades and awards from festivals, including "Best Actress" at the Jersey Shore Shorts Film Festival, “Best Actor” at the 8th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival and the Ribaut Award for "Best Short Film", and “Best Director” at the 18th Annual Playhouse West Film Festival and Yoder was nominated again for “Best Actress” alongside screen icon Shirley MacLaine at the Hill Country Film Festival. “The Long Wait” is the latest in Elizabeth’s large body of work, which includes more than 80 credits as actor, writer, director and executive producer. Additionally, Elizabeth devotes time as Founder of Elevating Hope, a charity organization that is dedicated to the support and empowerment of those whose emotional lives have been shattered by the death of someone close.

DANICA METZGER (Associate Producer) Danica Metzger is a young 6 year old from Denver, Colorado who decided when she was four that she wanted to be a professional actress and has not looked back. She’s young, but a very passionate actress. She loves acting and devotes many hours each week to acting, singing and dancing lessons. She is always ready, and excited when casting directors call for auditions. Danica has done several local commercials, but is quickly being recognized for her acting skills. Danica’s first films were student films, which were a great way to learn what it took to be an actress, and they also solidified in Danica’s heart that she wants to be a great actress. Danica has built a small following through a cult film called “Kruger: A Slasher from Elm Street” in which Danica played Freddy Krueger’s daughter, Katherine. Danica has also starred in several short films, and has two projects by Hallmark Spiritclips in post-production, “Donor” and “Second Chances”. After moving to Hollywood just over a couple years ago, she has had a whirl wind introduction into the industry. So far she had met every challenge! When asked, Danica will always answer that she wants to be an actress, but when asked who her favorite actress is, be ready….the list is long!

JANA ROUNDTREE (Associate Producer, Assistant Camera) Jana was born in California. She is new to the movie industry. She has worked on the Movie Diamond and Inquisitor. She enjoys working on set. Her hobbies include Softball.

KAYLA ALEXANDRA SPECK (Art Director)

PAUL ALLEN (Still Photographer)

LARRY & KIA MUSGROVE (Caterers/Associate Producers) Larry Musgrove-- “The Knockout Chef”-- Boxing or Cooking. How do these two professions and worlds mesh into one? Larry, a poor farm boy and second oldest of eight siblings from Laurel, Mississippi would not have been able to experience the freedom to pursue his dreams as a professional chef if it had not been for boxing. Boxing gave Larry the freedom to experience different customs, cultures, languages, people and most of all….food across the globe. For ten years, via the pugilistic sport of boxing as a Middleweight contender, he was able to experience such freedom, culminating in the WBA Champion Title. His love for cooking began at 14 years old, when he was given the opportunity to work the very same barbeque grill he watched his late father work for years that provided great food and memories for his family and another sense of freedom of his own personal expression. Later in years, he teamed with his daughter Kia who also found passion for cooking and freedom from the experience. It’s common knowledge that 10,000 hours of practice of anything is required for mastery, hence, as a Chef, Larry has taken that moniker, which he honed as a professional boxer and has surpassed it in the kitchen. On average of the past 11 years, he has put in 200 hours per month in the kitchen. You do the math. If results are an indication of practice making perfect then “The Knockout Chef” and his daughter Kia is the example. The flavor from their variety of dishes will knock you off your feet. From preparation to serving, the experience of “The Knockout Chef” is an inimitable one, which is fitting, being their clientele has included luminaries such as Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Terrence Howard, Mickey Rourke, Victoria Beckam and many more

DENISE LYLES-COOK (On Set Teacher/Tudor) Recent two time Spoken Word Billboard Award Winner, Poet, Spoken Word Artist, Motivational Speaker and Award Winning Arthur, Denise L. Cook, is The Oracle. The Oracle focuses on “holding the mirror of life that you may see your truth”. She is a prolific writer and captivating performer. As a noted poet The Oracle, she has been inducted in the International Who’s Who in Poetry. Her works represent her true nature and is summed up in The Oracle’s mantra, “All-ways remember to love yourself”. She started her first dance company at the age of eight and went on to receive her B.A. in Dance, and an MFA and Teaching degree from U.C.L.A. (Graduate School of Education). She has taught at numerous schools throughout L.A. County, including her last position as Performing Arts Department Chair at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles and Pacific Oaks Teaching College in Pasadena, where she taught the art of writing. Denise is an award winning published author of two books of poetry, prose and song and was nominated for the Los Angeles Poet Laureate 2014. Her CD, “I Gotta Story To Tell” produced by legendary music producer Keg Johnson, encompasses R/B, Jazz and Spoken Word Fusion. She was considered for a nomination in the 2002 Grammy Latin Jazz category for her #1 hit poetic rendition of “I Don’t Speak Spanish But I Understand Everything When I’m Dancing” by Tarabu Betsari Kirkland, on the CD “Mambo Jazz” (#1 in New York, Florida, Dublin and England), and is featured on Marla Gibbs’ “Alone Together”, Henry “the Skipper” Franklin and others. Most recently her collaboration with Jeri Brown-Johnston on the CD “Soul Shower” is listed as #11 in the Grammy Best Jazz Vocal Album category, 2014. Her series of inspirational booklets titled, “The Oracle Presents Ten Pages of Nothing But The Truth”- life inspirations meant to guide by the heart and spirit of “Common Sense”, attest to her diversity of style, wit and understanding of the written word and things life. Currently, Denise Lyles-Cook, The Oracle, can be found in the classroom as a Guest Teacher (substitute) for L.A.U.S.D

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