Black-owned production company Manny Halley Production has earned a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement and a California Tax credit to start work on its latest indie film, Starstruck. The film stars Cory Hardrict, Neal McDonough, Iyana Halley, Jordan L. Jones and Jazlyn Martin.
Written and directed by Jamal Hill and executive produced by Manny Halley, Starstruck follows a record label’s search for the next star. According to the logline:
Starstruck follows a record label’s nationwide talent search to find a new star. Instead, the label ends up finding four very talented young men and decides to put together a new boy band. When their song hits number one and propels them into stardom, the movie follows the trials and tribulations of the four as they navigate Hollywood, their newfound fortune, and how they each handle this newfound success and major life changes.
McDonough is set to play David Ichant, a longtime music executive who knows what it takes to make it to the top of the charts. Hardrict will play Roman Kennedy, the youngest person to become a label executive whose arrogance could set him up to be a victim of a coup amongst his company. Iyana Halley plays Giselle, a manager for pop star Ciyani Ray, played by Martin. Giselle is also Ciyani’s best friend since high school.
The film is produced by Yolanda Halley and Faith Media Distribution’s Rodney Turner. Production on the film is underway in Los Angeles.