"Friends of Strangers" Cast Gets Real About Their Experiences, & Challenges Filming During Covid!

NDME TV Drama Series, Friends of strangers, starring, Stacy Casaluci , Colette Owens, Co-starring Andrew Sedman, Kelley Bias, Stanley Butler Jr., Dawnielle Smith, Valerie-Jean Hume & Alexa Jimenez. is a rollercoaster ride dramatic, comedic, mystery TV Drama series written by writer, producer, director, Gina Sedman along with additional writing contributions (the role of Mike) by her husband Andrew Sedman.

The story filmed during the pandemic spotlights the lives childhood best friends, Vicky and Grace. After experiencing their own personal traumatic life changing events on top of the pandemic, they realize that their only option is to escape their prior lives, downsize, and move into a small one-bedroom apartment together. One problem, although they’ve been best friends since childhood, living together as adults might be a bit of a challenge.

This family dramatic 5 episodic series deal with friendship and truth. Friends of Strangers premiers January 3, 2022, on NDME TV. You can also stream from all smart devices including YouTube on or after January 3, 222.

Writer Director, Producer, Gina Sedman

Filming anything during a pandemic was extremely risky. Being a germophobe, its defiantly a challenge to film in a small space praying that no one came in sick unaware. For me, after being locked in for so long when the world shut down, I just wanted to continue pursing my creative arts. With all the madness happening in the world, I needed to do this project to help keep my sanity. (lol) The funny thing is that I wrote a TV drama series prior to any knowledge of a pandemic called, agoraphobia. Who would have thought that not too long after that, I would live out that same thing in my own personal life? Strange indeed.

But, as afraid as I was to film this production, I equally wanted to live the life God gave me. One of the things I did different was I wrote a screenplay for a small cast. No more than 4 to 5 ppl on a set at any given time. Because of all that was at stake, I truly grateful to God that we were all able to complete this amazing production. I was blessed to have had the opportunity to cast my adorable husband, Andrew Sedman for the role of Mike in which he wrote the dialogue of his character. Mikes character is a mooching British nag. By my husband being a Brit, he was able to write Mikes lines and make them authentic to the way they word their dialog. He was a pleasure to work with as well! My husband came out here from England and smashed it! Although it was his first time acting in a film, he did a phenomenal job with the role of Mike! He knew his lines and was super professional. Many husbands and wives can't work together but, we worked very well! We had a ball! He's a star in my eyes both as a husband and as one of my cast members!

Collette and Stacy, who play the starring roles, in my eyes are super stars! Not only can they act but they are super professional and a joy to work with. They really understood their characters and even added in a touch of themselves. They kept me laughing!

Additionally, I was truly blessed to work with my personal family, my sister Kelley Bias, Robert James and the talented bassist, Stanley Butler. They were stars too! Lots of people warn against working with family, but my family rocks! They supported and encouraged me throughout the entire project! It was comforting just to have them there with me on set. They did a phenomenal job! True professionals!

Alexa, Dawnelle and VJ are also stars! They came in and rocked their parts! Some of them didn't even have a long time to learn their lines but nevertheless, they came on set prepared, positive and professional! I loved working with everyone! They are all stars!!

I had a chance to interview each one of my cast members to find out what their personal experiences were. Here what they said.

Contributing Writer Andrew Sedman

I’m Andrew Sedman and I play Mike in Friends of Strangers

I have been in around 13 Episodes of a reality show on Channel 5 in the UK and Netfix USA called ‘Slum Landlord’s Nightmare Tenants’ as a London Borough Enforcement Officer. I’ve also appeared with Jeremy Kyle on ITV’s Kyle Files and done various slots on national news in my job. As a reality TV star, I’m very much used to being filmed and throwing the odd sound bite and joke for the camera crew which occasionally makes the cut. I am also a radio presenter and have also done some voice acting as a radio voice in three independent films for Gina Sedman. Friends of Strangers is my debut as an actor on screen, so I hope I’m a believable character.

I loved playing the annoying Brit Neighbour in the show and had great fun getting into these annoying characters persona. I enjoyed this as I had a little hand in writing my parts and deliberately used some Brit terminology that may confuse the cast and viewers deliberately just to emphasize my smug British pride.

I learnt so much and know I have so much more to learn as my debut role in a production. Acting alongside seasoned professional actors gave me the experience and bar to hit to be believable.

Just do it, get your head down in the script and try to get into the head of the character you are going to portray, if you know someone in your private life who has a similar character to the fictional one you are portraying then loosely base your traits on them. Be calm and learn those lines over and over once they’re in your head your energy can go into your character and the words will flow.

Those that said something was impossible never attempted to do it. Whatever your dream, believe in yourself. if it doesn’t work out at least you know you tried but you will be surprised what you are capable of. Just do it!

Colette M Owens

My name is Colette M Owens (CoCo Maria) and I play the role of Grace in Friends of Strangers

I am an actress and singer! I am fairly new to the acting side of things, as I have only gotten started about 4 years ago. But I have been singing consistently since I was 12. I married and raised a family at an early age, and when my life changed, I started a new chapter which included following my dream of pursuing my acting. Although I have not been in the industry for a long time, I have built my resume rather quickly, having been cast as lead and supporting actress in several plays and short films. I have also done numerous background roles in TV shows. Some of the movies I have been in are Between The Sheets which is on Amazon Prime and Same Difference on ndmetv.

I enjoyed being able to take a character through the different developmental stages as she evolved from episode to episode. I also loved my cast mates and director. They were wonderfully talented and amazing to work with.

I learned how to be more flexible in my acting and how to develop a character to provide more insight into who they are and what motivates them.

I would say that it is never too late to follow your dreams! When it comes to acting, there are always parts needed for actors of all ages, sizes and ethnicity! Take that first audition or sign up for an acting class. The most important thing is to just DO it!!!

One thing that has really been driven home to me this last year is that life is really short, and we only get one. Find your passion and DO THAT! Love the people that love you and pray for the rest! Live passionately, Laugh a lot and Love Fiercely.

Blessings,

Coco Maria

Stacy Casaluci-Grenrock

Hi, I’m Stacy Casaluci-Grenrock and I play the role of Vicky in Friends of Strangers.

I’m an actor, author and choreographer and live with my husband in Palm Desert, CA. I have three adult children and two beautiful granddaughters.

I started acting in plays and musicals in high school. I’ve continued to study acting

throughout my life and doing commercials and films. I have a couple films on Amazon, Braking for Whales and Gremlin. I’ve done other films, short films and numerous commercials.

I enjoyed how unpredictable my character Vicky was. I wasn’t ever sure what she was going to do next. I also really enjoyed her friendship with Grace. They go on quite a journey together. Being in this production, I learned what it’s like to be a co-star in a TV series. It’s quite a challenge to always be learning new lines and being ready to shoot. If you want to become a film actor, try taking a class or doing extra work. Being around other people who want to do the same thing is inspiring and you learn a lot just talking to other actors and finding out what they’re doing. My advice is to stay positive and be kind to ourselves and others. Life right now requires a lot of patience.