Metro Detroit Actors Shine in Locally Produced TV Series

Metro Detroit's burgeoning film scene is providing a platform for local actors to gain national recognition.

 

The upcoming television series, 'Firing Line', is set to premiere in May, showcasing the region's talent and revitalizing Michigan's entertainment industry.

 

Filmed across various locations in the area, each of the eight episodes boasts a budget of $50,000.

 

The production has garnered substantial support from businesses in Garden City and Westland, underscoring the community's commitment to the arts.

 

For local actors like Felicia Hage and Taje Brandon, 'Firing Line' represents a significant career milestone.

 

Hage, 32, who immigrated from Moldova over a decade ago, is embracing her first acting role.

 

"This is my first time actually doing acting," Hage shared. "It's a blessing for me because I never thought I'm going to experience this."

 

Brandon, 31, hailing from Ypsilanti, has long aspired to be in the entertainment industry.

 

"I always had dreams of being on TV, being an entertainer, period," Brandon said.

 

The series is co-directed by Detroit-based filmmaker Young Ra and is adapted from a novel by his wife, AJ Brown.

 

Brown describes the show as a second-chance romance featuring relatable characters.

 

"I wanted it to feel like the girl next door vibe where she finds herself again while finding love at the same time," Brown explained.

 

With over a decade in filmmaking, Young Ra aims to rejuvenate Metro Detroit's film industry.

 

He highlighted the challenges local actors faced after Michigan's film tax incentives were discontinued.

 

"Growing up, we never had an industry in Michigan. We finally got that tax break where the major studios were coming, then we lost it," Young Ra said.

 

"So it wasn't really any work out here. I couldn't just go to a cast and call and get a cast for Chicago Fire. So I said, you know what, I'm going to start doing my own thing. If I can't get casted, I'm going to start doing the casting."

 

'Firing Line' features a mix of local talent and Hollywood actors, including JD Williams, Keith Robinson, Rama Montakhabi, and Chris Maher.

 

Maher, who has navigated the challenges of an acting career, advises aspiring actors to gain experience and build their reputation locally.

 

"Just filming anything and getting those reps in, getting some practice and getting your name known, even locally, is super important," Maher said.

 

"Because you never know when that big production is going to roll into town. Or they say, 'hey, we need people from this area. Who do you have?'"

 

Reflecting on his own journey, Maher recounted the struggles he faced in the industry.

 

"Sleeping on the couches for a long time, showering in Planet Fitness. My dinner would sometimes just be like a rotisserie chicken or something for a few days," Maher said.

 

"Those are the days, but at the same time, while I was struggling the most, I made the most monumental decisions."

 

Young Ra emphasizes the importance of broadening one's horizons beyond local boundaries.

 

"You have to broaden your horizons. If I just stay stuck in Michigan and never travel, I can't tell you about nothing else. I can only tell you the story for me being in Michigan," Young Ra said.

 

"Once I started venturing, went to New York, I went to Cali, and I started seeing different things which was possible and opportunities, it started elevating my thinking."

 

To learn more about 'Firing Line' and get involved with other productions, visit Young Ra's Instagram @young_ra.

 

As Metro Detroit continues to foster local talent, productions like 'Firing Line' are pivotal in providing actors with the exposure and experience needed to succeed on a national stage.