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Category: News Articles

A Beautiful Voice Cast Connects Again on International Stuttering Day
November 12, 2025by Kamal L. WyattNews Articles
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A Beautiful Voice Cast Connects Again on International Stuttering Day

Written by Kamal L. Wyatt

On Wednesday, the cast of A Beautiful Voice surprised everyone at Dallas’s Studio Movie Grill, showcasing their new movie inspired by a few real life members with the NSA National Stuttering Association. The premiere kept to the style and elegance of true Hollywood format. Roped off large scale backdrop, cast and crew walking past lights and photographers, answering questions from Edgewood Entertainment press crew. 

“Stunning” one member said watching Sky Okolie walk in front of the A Beautiful Voice backdrop in her long glittering gown, was like being at a high class film festival. Livi Bee was spotted posing attractively in a beautiful black sleeveless low cut blouse and wide leg baggy faded-blue denim jeans. Really can expect good things to come from Livi in the feature. “Breaking through is competitive” but Livi is up for the challenge. Be sure to check out the video interviews, which should be released soon on YouTube and Instagram. While Tommy Leonzi was unable to attend having been casted for a film shooting in Los Angeles, he was missed, as his antagonistic style character on screen received screams of positive laughter from the premiere’s audience. 

Jorge Ramirez
Glenn Franklin, Gregory Smith and his son Logan

Fortunately, Jorge Ramirez and Glenn Franklin did make the event. Glenn has been hanging with the director Gregory Smith a long time, working on several projects together. Wouldn’t be surprised if you see feature rolls written just for Glenn. 

Livi Bee (right)

One thing safe to say, people were not anticipating the event to be as strong as it was. Thinking maybe a little door frame size poster and a few cellphone photographers. No! Gregory out did himself on this one. One cast member that definitely understood the assignment was JC Ruml, a supermodel in every form, stunting a mid-neck goldenrod colored one piece mini with black trim, simple, modest. Look forward to working together with JC Ruml and Sky Okolie in the future.

Sky Okolie and family
JC Ruml

Don’t worry! If you received the invitation but was unable to attend this year’s premiere, Gregory doesn’t plan on stopping here. Even though it was a night to remember, “the story telling can’t stop”, Gregory says, “I got into this to build community, community of artist, creators, NPOs and business, an expanding web of like minds, people who enjoy film as much as I do.”

Visit @edgewoodent to see more.

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DFW NSA Attends A Beautiful Voice Movie Premiere
November 5, 2025by Kamal L. WyattNews Articles
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DFW NSA Attends A Beautiful Voice Movie Premiere

Written by Kamal L. Wyatt

I arrived a bit late, but had plenty of time to see a room full. A beautiful crowd, overwhelmed by urban glamour and professional elegance. Of course I’m talking about the October 22nd 2025 film premiere for Gregory Smith’s presentation to A Beautiful Voice. As I began chatting with one of the attendees, a young lady approached our section. She must have recognized me from my YouTube channel, I can dream right. She introduced herself as the Chapter leader for the Dallas division for the NSA (National Stuttering Association) Ashley Todd. Ashley told us that films like A Beautiful Voice are super important because most people have no idea about stuttering and more importantly how to respond to someone who has a stutter. She said her personal issue is when people tell her to “slow down”, she says stuttering has nothing to do with the speed that one is talking, yet, it’s a neurological glitch that causes the stutter. We all agreed that education is what everyone can use. 

Gregory personally has been to NSA chapter meetings several times promoting the film at first, then as a student of the subject himself. When asked, Gregory admitted he plans on being a life long partner with the NSA, also hoping to include characters in future film projects. “One of the challenges to writing a character that stutters is to do it without making it comical, or something to be sympathetic too. A character that organically fits in the story without laughter or tears, this is a challenge I am ready to take on” 

Sivan Aulov doing an interview at the premiere of A Beautiful Voice.
Ashley Todd Dallas NSA Chapter Leader

Ashley was not the only NSA chapter leader at the film premiere, there were many others. In fact, I’d say that half the attendees were members from NSA. I read that one of the supporting cast members, David Alpuche, had written on his Facebook, how “uncomfortable” he felt knowing that people were watching him stutter on the big screen. How I see it, David being uncomfortable is just as much our (Society) responsibility as it is for himself to feel comfortable in his own voice. Society, in person or masked by the vail of social media can be mean, let’s be honest. Men who could never be replicated as a Ken doll, or women who could never win Miss Universe will hide themselves behind their keyboard to laugh and poke fun at other people that they’ve never met.

David Alpuche talking with good friend Sivan Aulov.

Well this film and premiere proves we no longer care about the trolls, no longer sensitive living in the dark, and instead, we, the marginalized are outside. Just like the lead character in the film. Sivan was able to break free from those invisible chains and feel absolutely free to speak out in her beautiful voice.

Gregory standing with Fort Worth Chapter Leader Matthew Johnson.
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A Beautiful Voice Premiere: Gregory Sets New Standard for Dallas Premiere
October 21, 2025by Kamal L. WyattNews Articles
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A Beautiful Voice Premiere: Gregory Sets New Standard for Dallas Premiere

Written by Kamal L. Wyatt

Well, there we have it!  The coverage of the 2025 film premiere for A Beautiful Voice has made it full swing and the night proved to be a massive success. Gregory Smith really rolled out the red carpet for this one. Well actually, “I didn’t have a physical red carpet this time. The theater showed us what they had to offer and honestly, it simply wasn’t to scale”, Gregory told us, “When I think red carpet, I don’t want a red sidewalk mat. But, that doesn’t reflect the theater’s total service provided. They were beyond great, five stars!”

Gregory produced the premiere and the film, a family drama with a social message, this message that created the overall tone for the premiere. The film involves the world of the stuttering community, in this case the NSA (National Stuttering Association) community specifically. The NSA is divided in several chapters nationwide. At the premiere were several chapter members and leadership. Including the beautifully shy Sivan Aulov whom the lead character in the film was based on.

Gregory greeting David Alpuche as he arrives.
Gregory with actor Jorge Ramirez.

Everyone that arrived made the entire event look as if it were a major Hollywood film premiere. Some dressed in full sparkling gowns and suits, everyone was absolutely gorgeous. Lights hit the roped-off runway for the cast and crew to ask questions from the local press. Photographers snapping away grabbing a collection of images to showcase the creators and performers. Family members lit with unremovable smiles as they watched their children, parents, siblings, spouses and friends doing what they set out to do. Gregory admitted he prides himself on providing a space that elevates the people he works with. “I love it! When someone comes to me with that big hug, it’s a big reason why I do this”.

Gregory standing with speech language pathologist Patrice Thomas.
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Here’s Why Actors Would Love Gregory’s Couch Reads!
February 9, 2025by Kamal L. WyattNews Articles
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Here’s Why Actors Would Love Gregory’s Couch Reads!

Written by Kamal L. Wyatt

Out of all the archives reviewed and books read, one can only find hints to what takes place during a big budget table read. Even I found it very difficult to write this as there is not much revealed on such a highly secretive topic. Hollywood makes us imagine table reads are always in a conference room environment with pounds of coffee, finger pastries and completed scripts. But is it really like that today? Does Hollywood only show us a traditional version of the table read? TV Shows like 30 Rock and Entourage known for scripting the behind the scenes table reading moments in their episodes, but again, is it really done that way, and if it is, does it have to be? Well, we’re going to ask the question now, “What are some advantages to having your table read AWAY from the table?”

Traditionally table reads are considered creative meetings, sitting down on a hard back chair with a pen, notepad and script, it was designed to be serious and selfishly important. Actors had one goal in mind when attending – to make sure their character receives the best results. However, some film studios including Edgewood Ent noticed, as soon as they changed it from the cold office room, into something more comfortable and casual, the egos were left outside, thus creating a well built collaborative.

– Ideas For Your Next Read –

Idea One: Instead of booking a cold office room try obtaining a house, something comfy, inviting and safe. Keep the air temperature perfect, provide ambient lighting, even a bit intentional. A home where the restrooms are perhaps not in the same room as the read but also not so far away like in most offices or sound stage where a person will need to travel around a maze just to find a place to freshen up. Make sure that actors know and understand they can make themselves at home. It maintains to be a good idea to record the read-through to review later, a home will give you plenty of space to move around with recording equipment, cords and cables.

Idea Two: Instead of using the dining room table, go ahead and have everyone read in the living room. Ideally a decent size living room with several couches, sofas and love seats. Professional actors know this is not nap time. Arranged this way, actors can make good eye contact with each other while rehearsing their lines. When scenes are intense, the couch can help enhance the intensity. Actors are able to stand up rapidly and sit at the edge of their seat easily. Also, when the scenes are relaxed the sofa is ideal for the director to notice small often subtle body language ques, as well as hearing the line’s rhythm and tone. And, as an added bonus, lets say for example parts of your script takes place at “exterior front lawn”, or “interior kitchen”, you now have the option to rehearse it there.

There are many more but will close with one last idea, Food! Who wants to be in a meeting all day snacking on pretzels and coffee? Exactly, no one! When you’re in a home, might as well have a home cooked meal, right? So visit that one relative who loves to cook and could provide your cast with aluminum trays of delicious home cooked taco meats, guacamole and tortilla chips as opposed to just ordering pizza and sandwiches. Stock the fridge with some cold drinks and have plenty of plasticware, napkins and plates. From what I’ve witnessed no one is ever shy to dig in, and that one perfect shaped super model actress that normally only orders a salad, will break her rule just once for a plate or two.

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Edgewood Entertainment Adds New Cast Members for a Beautiful Voice
July 1, 2024by Kamal L. WyattNews Articles
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Edgewood Entertainment Adds New Cast Members for a Beautiful Voice

Written by Kamal L. Wyatt

It doesn’t appear that work ever stops nor does Gregory Smith, director/writer/producer and founder of Edgewood Ent will ever sleep. On top of multiple film projects and social events Edgewood has finally unveiled the newest cast members for the production of A Beautiful Voice. We were able to catch up with Gregory and the new cast at a premiere photography studio in Dallas, Texas. 

The photoshoot gave an opportunity for all the cast members to meet each other for the first time. “I couldn’t wait to meet them” said Livi Bee. Livi playing the character of Lisa, a young filmmaker. Chemistry between the cast was immediate. Jorge Ramirez who is playing Eugene, a soft spoken man. “My character Eugene is such a laid back guy, just like me.” Jorge said while enjoying the complimentary food spread out by Edgewood.

Livi Bee
Jorge Ramirez

A Beautiful Voice could be misunderstood as a film about stuttering. Yet Alan Watts, founder of L.A. Writer’s Lab would consider “stuttering” a subject matter, and not the theme. This film is about vulnerability and opening up emotionally with others. Lisa is opening herself up by showing her film to her friends, and the lead character in Lisa’s movie is opening herself up to love. “I think this is such a blessing, they could have picked anyone.” Said Livi while doing an interview, “I read the part of Lisa and thought that could be me, I could play her”

JC Ruml
Thomas Leonzi
Sky Okolie

JC Ruml, portraying Kelly and Sky Okolie, playing Rachel, both best friends to Lisa (Livi Bee) and, along with Eugene, stand up to the semi-protaganist Phil, played by Thomas Leonzi. “My favorite part of course is the dialogue I have with Phil” Sky said while glancing at a copy of her script. “We really turn things up by the 3rd act” she laughs. Next, JC walks over to the photo area with a tall modelesque stride as if on a New York fashion runway, while Sky returns from the dressing room with a captivating “girl next door” look. 

 “I really hit the target with this one, each of these guys are exactly what I was looking for when writing the characters”, Gregory (The Director) exclaimed. Glenn Franklin, playing one of the character’s Dad has worked with Gregory many times, “I really appreciate Gregory’s drive and commitment to this project” Deborah Kay, playing Mom, no doubt the more seasoned cast member on the team. Glen and Deborah are members of the original cast. “This film is basically a movie within a movie” Gregory teases, “Be looking out for the artwork and trailer…very good stuff coming up.”

Photo: Deborah Kay & Glenn Franklin

“I really hit the target with this one, each of these guys are exactly what I was looking for when writing the characters”, Gregory (The Director) exclaimed. Glenn Franklin, playing one of the character’s Dad has worked with Gregory many times, “I really appreciate Gregory’s drive and commitment to this project” Deborah Kay, playing Mom, no doubt the more seasoned cast member on the team. Glen and Deborah are members of the original cast. “This film is basically a movie within a movie” Gregory teases, “Be looking out for the artwork and trailer…very good stuff coming up.”

Photo: Deborah Kay & Glenn Franklin

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Film Director Gregory Smith’s Comeback, Ends 2-Year Hiatus!
June 8, 2024by Kamal L. WyattNews Articles
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Film Director Gregory Smith’s Comeback, Ends 2-Year Hiatus!

Written by Kamal L. Wyatt

Big budget films are very expensive and often require directors to take a few years off between projects; smaller independent films are no different. Starting off, the amount of work needed to completely move a self produced project off the ground, some would say is even harder, not to forget all the obstacles life throws at you before, AND after a release date.

One late evening, just finished my second round of scotch. The lounge was moderately busy, the regulars engaged in conversations. In the middle of our debate, a man I thought far too young to be enjoying cigars walks over and takes a seat in the den amongst the old men. But, he wasn’t as young as I thought and before I knew it, the lounge staff was closing out, all the guests had left, yet Gregory and I continued chatting on about none other than – The Movies.

Intrigued to discover that night Gregory himself was a filmmaker and had already had shown a few projects under his own production company Edgewood Entertainment. I was impressed by his body of work. However, the most interesting examples of his work being the collection of screenplays – masterful stories in the pipeline ranging from suspense and horror, to romantic comedies, drama and TV. “One at a time, But Nikki is priority right now, I’m almost there” he expressed while closing his laptop and placing the finish of his favorite large 80 gauge Asylum 13 Medulla Medium bodied cigar in the ash tray.

“Who is Nikki?” I asked, now leaving the cigar lounge, both of us moving towards the parking lot. He explained about a building he is renovating in his hometown of Hope, Arkansas. “It’s an event facility where the members of the community can rent out to host all sorts of functions.” Nikki’s main purpose is to provides a safe place for the youth of the community. “I never had a place like this for myself growing up… It’s taking up so much, I had no time to work on any of these till now” referring to his scripts he had shown me, patting his laptop bag.

A year later from that night and 2 years later from the acquisition of Nikki’s, “She’s months away” from grand opening and one of the scripts has already led to the completion of its final casting/ audition for his most recent film project soon to be revealed. 

I was invited to show up, I walked in to see a waiting room full of eager talent all whispering their lines quietly to themselves as they wait their turn. Each would be called in where Gregory positioned himself on a loveseat sofa across the sun filled room, the door is closed and each audition begins. I asked if he had a particular style to his auditions, He said he doesn’t give too much backstory to the actors, “I like for them to simply read the part to see how they give the character life”. He points at an actress in a photo he had in his hands, “You see her, I gave her some backstory, she was nervous but I really liked her look”.  “Everyone does their casting calls different, I like to make the space extremely comfortable. Nothing intimidating.”, Greg said after the last candidate had left and as he thumbed through a handful of 8x10s. Gregory reflects, “This felt good, I feel like I’m back in a good space”. 

 

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Dallas Women Attend Edgewood First Creative Dinner!
March 19, 2021by Edgewood EntertainmentNews Articles
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Dallas Women Attend Edgewood First Creative Dinner!

After some time of planning, the dinner is finally over, however, we must say the food is not even close to being the best part. Moving into this year we felt it was time to start having some serious conversations. Not the quick one on one talks you have while on set in between setups but where we sit and take our time regarding both questions and answers.

Sunday afternoon creative dinner started off great with a nice salad as the group started off the conversation about where we were in the world of film. Obviously, many of us travel different roads in hope to get us all to same destination and most know those roads are long and there’s no speeding.

It was very informative to sit, eat, and talk with women in Dallas who’s working their way through life but behind the scenes working on their passion in film. The key to this dinner was just to listen to what working woman in the growing industry of Dallas felt about production, their current career status, and lanes they wanted to go down next. Films have been made in the city for decades going all the way back to Bonnie and Clyde in 1967 all the way to The Queen of the South 2016 which one of our ladies had to pleasure to be in. However, with the ideas and dedication that was expressed we need to do a whole lot more. To hear these women, detail their most desired roles you can feel how important it would be to them to get that out to the world.

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Playing Yourself vs. Playing Your Character: Larry D. Johnson Deep Dive Into Mastering His Roles
November 16, 2020by Edgewood EntertainmentNews Articles
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Playing Yourself vs. Playing Your Character: Larry D. Johnson Deep Dive Into Mastering His Roles

When it comes to acting its often people ask one another, “What you do to get into character?” and for many that answer is different. When it comes to Larry D. Johnson he’s doing a great job at setting the example of that. When it comes to acting most are really excited about being seen instead of being the person they need to be for the scene. We all understand the work that comes with the projects and the excited that comes with putting your work out into the world but no one person is better than the story.

Larry has been acting in the city of Dallas for a few years now and unlike very few he has found a way to standout by not focusing on himself but the people that matter the most, the characters that he plays. He puts a full load of time on grounding himself into what he wants people to see on the screen. Finding out as much as possible about why you character sound the way they do, move certain ways, and even reacts oddly to different things are important areas that Larry looks into to bring his character to life. When you want people to admire the work you do it takes a lot more than just remembering lines.

For example, above is an image of Larry portraying two different characters in the same scene discussing slave ownership. Not a film, just him working on bettering his talent. Edgewood has not done any work with Larry but with the skills he has it won’t be long. Larry has done some feature films and some short films as well. However, that doesn’t stop him from working on his craft in between projects.

Regardless of what part you play, your name is not on script. It’s the characters. So let the world see them at their best. Let us know what character your playing next because it’s important and we want to know.

Now let’s go to work. Action!

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Call Glenn Franklin and Ask For Whoever You Want to Show Up
September 28, 2020by Edgewood EntertainmentNews Articles
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Call Glenn Franklin and Ask For Whoever You Want to Show Up

Building up your resume when it comes to the successful film career is no easy task, especially in the city of Dallas, Texas. Glenn has been constant working in the industry for at least 5 year. If you live here and decide you want to go all in on film, tighten your seat belt. The value that Glenn has is that you can call him and have almost anybody you want to show up probably—except of a black man.

Since his short time working with Edgewood Entertainment on projects and seeing other work he’s done Glenn can and will show up ready to go. You can ask for a dad, brother, cop, stranger, extra, co-worker, neighbor, supporter, husband, demon, or even just a friend. Just see below!

Due to this talent Glenn has formed many relationships with people in the industry which is an important aspect when it comes to your career. Just deciding to come out when it seems like a good idea to a character or position you think you can fill will leave you off the call sheet. We feel this is a lesson for many who claim to be an artist. The results show for those who really put in the work.

We believe that having Glenn in your contact list, which can lead to him playing many different roles in your life or on your set, can be a incredible asset. He just started pursuing notary classes to add additional value to a list of good he already has. There are many roles beside being in front of the camera and Glenn is a fan of it all. In due time I’m sure Glenn will get his brake and will set a good example to up and coming artist in this city. Glenn, who’s in good status with us at Edgewood, is in works of leading another project that will likely release next year. We will be calling him!

Are you?

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Actress LaNita Bryant and Director Melvin Johnson Answers “Land Line”
August 12, 2020by Edgewood EntertainmentNews Articles
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Actress LaNita Bryant and Director Melvin Johnson Answers “Land Line”

LaNita Bryant, the beautiful up and coming actress out of DFW, has landed the role of a passionate mother who works to protect her child in the film “Land Line”. After months of projects being postponed many artist are eager to get back in action, including LaNita. After a unique and timely audition, Gregory Smith, producer and owner of Edgewood Entertainment and director Melvin Johnson thought she would be great for the role. After getting the news LaNita took to her social media and got much encourage from supporters.

After taking a leap of faith and dedicating more time to her acting career we believe LaNita will be a talent more filmmakers would want to work with in the future. Gregory stated, “she feels like a natural and with her outgoing personality I don’t think it will be hard for her to adapt into the role”.

Land Line is one of many stories E2 has in the works to produce despite of film delays due to Covid-19. Since this pandemic forced a shutdown early this year many artist have been working hard on how to stay working and keeping their name in the mix of film. Taking every precaution, LaNita made her way to the casting and landed the role. With the new rules and regulation that applies to set, shooting is schedule take place this August in Dallas, Texas.

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