Slayers Movie
Of all the television and film sets I’ve been on, Slayers has been my favorite for so many reasons.
I remember my amazing agent in Texas, Kacey Roye @ Bankston Talent, sending me a text that said, “I'm super stoked about this one because I pitched you. I mean- it's you! ” What’s so terrific about Kacey is that she always gets me in for roles outside of my stereotypical casting of Indian doctor. This specific character was David Dean, and the casting breakdown— “This role is the Social Media Manager of our lead. He is a little sleazy but is the best at his job in the business. No denying his slimy personality has brought many deals together through means we don't need to know about.” Nice to see what my agent really thinks about me.
First round was a typical taped audition, where you send an audition into the ether and wait. And 2 weeks later, voila! I was in for a callback. After getting adjustments from the director on Zoom, he gave me the job right on the spot. This was back in 2020 when Covid was wrecking the world so it was a bonus to be working again.
We filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico—turns out this place was becoming a hotspot for TV and film. I could not believe the cast I was about to act alongside…Oscar nominees, Emmy winners. I mean, these were people that I watched on the big screen for decades…Malin Akerman, Abigail Breslin, Thomas Jane, Kara Hayward, Lydia Hearst, Jack Donnelly! I was only 2 years into my acting career and already working with some of the most talented thespians in the business. It was a dream come true.
Not to be too cheeky, but I slayed. I would say it’s connected to my training with John Dapolito, a masterclass acting teaches who specializes in the actor’s niche in NYC. There are certain roles that every actor is drawn to and what they do best, and it’s tied to understanding their own frequency. After being niched, I found mine to be “smooth-talking charmers and/or master manipulators in a power struggle”. In areas like politics, finance, and law. It’s not often I get to work on this type of material, but when I do, I kill.
Still from Slayers
L to R: Kara Hayward, Lydia Hearst, Jack Donnelly, Abigail Breslin, Ash T
On set in Albuquerque, NM
Ash T and Ashley Reyes
Behind the Scenes
with Jack Donnelly, Kara Hayward, Lydia Hearst, and Abigail Breslin.
Slayers premiere at Screamfest
Asher Levin, Jack Donnelly, Malin Akerman, Lydia Hearst, Ash T
A candid photo at Screamfest
Jack Donnelly, Ash T, Malin Akerman
Malin Akerman says nice things about me in press.
