Martin McCann
ActingBelfast, Northern Ireland, UKMartin McCann grew up with a brother and sister in the Divis Flats area of Falls Road in Belfast.In 2006 Lord Richard Attenborough cast McCann in his film after seeing him play Alex in a stage production of A Clockwork Orange. Attenborough called Spielberg and recommended McCann. He was invited to LA to audition for 'The Pacific' HBO miniseries, Attenborough sent along scenes from his film for Spielberg to view. McCann was cast in The Pacific as R.V. Burgin.In early 2010 he filmed in Belfast for the new music-comedy Killing Bono, a film about the life of one of Bono's classmates who tries to make it in the music business, only to have his failures and frustrations magnified by the continued rise U2. McCann plays the role of Bono. He has performed on stage in Ireland and on tour.In 2011 Martin won the Irish Film and Television Award for best male performance in a feature film, the nominees in the category were fellow northern Irish man Liam Neeson, Cillian Murphy and Colm Meaney.Martin has become Patron of the charity YouthAction Northern Ireland.
Joanne Crawford
ActingDublin, IrelandJoanne has enjoyed a varied acting career for the last 20 years, both in the UK and Ireland, playing characters from Northern Ireland, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester and the US. Having started in theatre, she has worked mainly on screen recently, for BBC TV, RTE and in feature and short films. For the last ten years she has honed her voice craft on commercial and corporate campaigns.
Andi Osho
ActingPlaistow, London, England, UKAndi was born in Stratford, East London and attended Sarah Bonnell Comprehensive School. She studied drama at Barking College of Technology where peers included Razaaq Adoti (Amistad (1997), Black Hawk Down (2001)), Sarah Webb, lead singer of acid jazz group D Influence and Idris Elba (Pacific Rim (2013), The Wire (2002)).She later went on to study TV production at Ravensbourne College of Design after which she took several roles at TV post production companies. Andi also worked in TV broadcasting at Walt Disney Television International and was the technical ops manager at new media start up, Where-It's-At. After working as a post production supervisor on ITV soap Night & Day (2001) Andi retrained as an actor at The Academy Drama School in London. She made her stage debut in 2003 and went on to appear at several renowned fringe and off-West End venues including The Arts Theatre, Riverside Studios, Kings Head and Liverpool Everyman.2005 saw her "powerful" (Time Out) performance in Medea and as jazz singer, Dolly Rathebe in Who Killed Mr Drum? Andi ended the year with a No. 1 tour of Dael Orlandersmith's Pulitzer nominated play, Yellowman which received critical praise.Andi's TV debut was in long-running BBC soap EastEnders (1985).In 2007 Andi began performing stand up comedy and in July of that year won the coveted Funny Women award at London's Comedy Store. She went on to be runner up at Hackney Empire New Act of The Year and Leicester Mercury Comedian of The Year. This launched a successful television career which saw Andi make regular appearances on popular panel shows including Mock the Week (2005) and Never Mind the Buzzcocks (1996). She has also made two appearances on Jack Dee Live at the Apollo (2004) as well as three sell out tours of her solo stand up shows, All The Single Ladies and Afroblighty.She performed live, in front of a 15,000 strong audience at London's O2 arena for the Channel 4 Great Ormond Street Comedy Gala.She made her feature debut in Swinging with the Finkels (2011) opposite Sherlock (2010) and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) star Martin Freeman.Andi is an accomplished writer (The One Lenny (2011) and Stand Up for the Week (2010) (in which she also appeared). Andi is also developing her own film and television projects.She has written for Fox US and BBC TV and Radio and for several newspapers including The Times and The I and is a regular blogger.In 2014 Andi wrote and produced Brit.i.am (2014), a crowd-sourced short film about Britishness which went on to win three awards and was officially selected for ten festivals. She recently completed her second short, The Grid (2015), a sci thriller starring newcomer Stony Blyden and Eastenders alumni Troy Titus-Adams.
Frank Blake
Acting
Chaske Spencer
ActingTahlequah, Oklahoma, USAChaske Spencer's journey into the world of acting is a compelling tale of talent and perseverance. Born into the Lakota (Sioux) Nation, he has always been proud of his heritage, which has influenced not only his personal life but also his professional choices. Chaske's foray into acting began in the early 2000s, with small roles that showcased his potential. His dedication and passion for the craft quickly caught the attention of industry insiders.
His breakthrough came with the role of Sam Uley in the wildly popular Twilight Saga. Appearing in 'New Moon', 'Eclipse', and 'Breaking Dawn', he captivated audiences with his portrayal of the protective werewolf leader. This role not only elevated his profile but also opened doors to more significant projects that allowed him to showcase his versatility as an actor.
Following his success in the Twilight series, Chaske took on a range of roles that demonstrated his depth as a performer. He starred in 'Woman Walks Ahead', where he shared the screen with Jessica Chastain and Sam Rockwell. This film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, highlighted his ability to tackle complex characters and narratives. His work in this film was well-received, further solidifying his standing in the industry.
Chaske's television credits are equally impressive, featuring in high-profile series such as the acclaimed Cinemax show 'Banshee' and Netflix's 'Jessica Jones'. His role in 'Barkskins', based on the novel by Annie Proulx, showcased his ability to adapt to diverse genres, while 'Longmire' allowed him to delve into the world of contemporary Western storytelling. In addition, he appeared in 'Sneaky Pete' alongside Bryan Cranston, a role that demonstrated his knack for bringing intriguing characters to life across various platforms.
Chaske's recent work includes a standout performance in the feature film 'Wild Indian', which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. His portrayal in this film earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Independent Spirit Awards, a testament to his continuous growth and commitment to his craft.
Looking ahead, Chaske is set to star in Disney+'s Marvel series 'Echo', a role that positions him within the ever-expanding universe of superhero storytelling. This project not only highlights his adaptability but also reflects the industry's increasing recognition of diverse voices and stories.
Throughout his career, Chaske Spencer has emerged as a prominent figure, influencing the representation of Indigenous actors in Hollywood. His performances often bring a depth that challenges stereotypes and offers audiences a glimpse into the rich narratives of Native cultures. As he continues to evolve as an actor and storyteller, his legacy is likely to resonate for years to come.
Insomniacs Trivia
- Chaske Spencer's name is pronounced 'Chess-Kay', reflecting his Native American heritage.
- Before pursuing acting, Chaske was a model and participated in various fashion shows.
- He has a passion for environmental activism, which he often speaks about in interviews.
- Chaske has trained in martial arts, which he incorporates into his acting roles.
- He is an advocate for Indigenous rights and representation in the film industry.
Insomniacs Take
Chaske Spencer's career reflects a broader shift in Hollywood, where stories from Indigenous perspectives are gaining the attention they deserve. His ability to navigate complex roles with authenticity is commendable. As he steps into new projects, audiences can expect an enriching blend of entertainment and cultural representation. Spencer's work not only entertains but also educates, making him a vital voice in today's cinematic landscape.
