Cast and Crew of "Chardonnay"

Gary Udell plays Michael Robert Oak

• Gary Udell

Gary Udell is thrilled to be part of the “Chardonnay” cast and working once again with Gerald Davenport.

A Sacramento native, Gary began acting in local theater before moving to the Bay Area where he developed his acting in film, television, and commercials.

Notable roles for Gary have included work in “Investigation Discovery” for the Discovery Channel, “Crucifixion” for the History Channel, and in the HBO series “Big Love”.  Gary played the featured role of Dr. Samuels in the independent film “KEYS” as well as a lead role in the Chevron Texaco industrial film.

Gary has appeared in commercials for Herbal Essence Shampoo and locally for Paramount Equity Mortgage.

Recently, Gary played Dad in the THE GOLdEN TREE, a Gerald Davenport film in the eleventh annual A Place called Sacramento in 2010; he also played the lead role of “Detective A” in the production for the Tenth Annual “Place Called Sacramento Film Festival”.  Gary also enjoyed performing in the production of the theatrical films “MILK”, “FOUR CHRISTMASES”, and “FUNNY PEOPLE.”

• michael robert oak

Michael Robert Oak left his home in North San Jaun 30 years ago when he was 14 because of an argument he had with his father, Richard — at least that is what everyone was told.

Over the years Michael took many odd jobs and received a masters in Business Management and Finance as he made his way to New York where he has created several very successful companies from the ground up or buying them — MRO Worldwide Investment Group, T. C. & M. Banking, and Oak Tree Inc.

Michael is proud to have saved many homeowners from certain foreclosure by ignoring the mass-panic and popular exit strategy that other banking and mortgage companies did when the economy took a fall because his companies were prepared and by reinvesting in the homeowner — the people of the world, and although he may have lost money he has gain loyalty by his clients — to Michael, that is more important than a quick buck, because investing in the future and it's families is more important and smart.

Michael has become ill and has taken many trips to various doctors all over the world to find a cure for what ails him — this has cause friction with his relationship with his wife Teresa who has now taken up residence with Jesse Kreger whom Michael does not trust or like to have his daughter Chardonnay being around.

Accepting that he is dying, Michael digs deep inside searching, remembering, and fighting with himself about his life and the past 30 years.  His internal struggle about seeing his father again whom he hates with a passion; seeing his home and where he left his mother who passed away with the same disease he has; wanting a safe and happy place for Chardonnay to grow up — to him, Love is more important than Life and his sacrifice is his choice, his burden, his love for his daughter.

Director Notes

I met Gary while helping out on Detective A — I was the audio guy and post-production guru.  Gary was easy going on set, followed directions — when he was given them, and came alive on screen; so when I was writing Chardonnay, I wrote the part of Michael with Gary in mind to play the role: his mannerisms, voice, and look.  Gary took his role for Detective A and made it entertaining and fun — I know he has more to offer as an actor if given a real challenging role &msash; and that's what I wrote for him.

Gary Agid plays Richard James Oak

Gary Agid

richard james oak

Richard James Oak at age 65 has run Diamond Oak Vineyard & Winery for the passed 46 years and has created a wonderful product that is shared my many people all over the country — unknown to Richard his wine is also enjoyed all over the world thanks to Michael and his investment companies.

Richard James Oak is a man that has had a rough family life: his son leaving and his wife passing away has left Richard a man of few words, but when he speaks it is wise and true.  Richard stays mainly on the vineyard not going out much but has many friends and associates that he has helped financially due to the success of the winery.

Director Notes

I met Gary while helping out on Detective A — It was one day and only one scene, but the hours I spent with him in front of me on screen while editing his charisma bounced around my mind and stuck.

I finally got to meet him as a person and found out he is the most cuddliest person you would want to meet — Tamara was smitten by him as he had the same mannerisms and jokes as her dad; so when I was writing Chardonnay, I wrote the part of Richard (the callous, hard aged man that has a soft tender side when you get to know him) with Gary in mind.  And knowing Gary's background and passion, I had no hesitation with writing challenging emotional scenes for him to play.

Kyriè Sierra Davenport

Wanting to be a writer and actor, Kyriè was wonderful with casting calls and readings that got her a part in the movie that was originally not in there.

chardonnay syrah oak

Chardonnay Syrah Oak is a 12 year old well mannered, and well knowledge little girl.

Casting in progress for

teresa marie oak

Casting in progress for

jesse kreger

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darrel justin mosier: "dj"

Darrel Justin Mosier, aka "DJ," is one of Michael's childhood best friends.  Not being the smartest kid or even the coolest, Darrel was not very popular at school because of his family's history with the law, money, and many other numerous things to mention, but Michael saw potential in Darrel and made him part of everything Michael did.

When Michael left unexpectedly and unannounced it broke Darrel's heart, motivation, and spirit causing Darrel to go back into the family slump and it's ridiculed business practices.

Darrel was always jealous but respectful of Michael in that everything worked out for Michael: smarts, family, and mostly girls. Darrel had a crush on Maureen way before Michael did, but Maureen always had it for Michael until his departure when she fell back to Darrel.

Darrel has had a few run-ins with the law, and if it was not for Martin, Darrel would most likely still be in jail or prison in Folsom.

Casting in progress for

officer martin cooper

Officer Martin Cooper is an energetic go getter kind of guy.  Happy to be a Captain and does not want to be the head Sheriff, Martin is one of Michael's long lost friends, and since Martin had his own path and goal in life he doesn't have the anger toward Michael for being gone so long as Darrel does, although he has missed Michael and wondered what happened to him.

Martin is a divorced parent of two and has been on the force for more than 20 years — right out of the military where he was an MP with commendations — Martin was going to make the military his life but before leaving he became a father and he wanted to be with his kids as they grew up.

Bob Hilsman

himself

Ginny Hilsman

herself

Casting in progress for

maureen mosier

Married to Darrel, Maureen was once Michael's love interest, one of them, and Maureen still has some feelings of what might have been, but since Darrel has always pampered her as a princess Maureen married Darrel and gave up on Michael.

Maureen has put up with Darrel's illicit business dealings knowing that is the only way they can make ends meet since she lost her job in nursing because of the hearsay and innuendoes of Darrel's business.

Casting in progress for

dustin mosier

Dustin is quite active toward girls at his young age of 10 or 11.  He fancy's Chardonnay when he first meets her but is not too sure about a New York girl and how snobby she seems to him.  He soon finds out that Chardonnay can take care of herself.

Dustin is not a trouble child, his dad's business makes him popular in school, although he rarely takes anything and gives it away, but there have been a few occasions where he has made a few bucks from the high school kids — mainly the jocks.

At a young age Dustin is well versed in being a man and what it takes to survive in the wilderness or as they call it the boonies.

Casting in progress for

rebecca mosier

Rebecca is 8 years old and although quiet she does make her point and make herself known — mostly to Dustin.

Not your average girl though Rebecca would love to be if her parents could afford her dresses, make up, and shoes, she would love to be the envy of the plastic mean girls at school who pick on her — the one reason she stays quiet.

Rebecca is also picked on by some of the boys at school calling her names that no one should be called — it is sad to see that class also dictates status and who gets what in this world.

Casting in progress for

terry (bartender: Friar Tucks)

A bartender that has been around the area to know of Richard Starr and his wine, as well as, despising Darrel, "the druggy," but not long enough to know Michael.

Casting in progress for

cecilia patricia oak

A spiritual apparition of Richard's wife and Michael's mother — she watches over the winery and vineyard.

Casting in progress for

waitress 1 (Squeeze In)

A flirtatious interest Jesse Kreger has at the Squeeze In in Truckee.

Casting in progress for

waitress 2

interacts with waitress 1 and eyes Jesse as well. [no lines]

Casting in progress for

officer warren

A deputy sheriff that has been around as long as Richard — they go way back.

Casting in progress for

young michael

A fastidious enterprising young man as age 10 - 12.

Casting in progress for

young darrel

A gentle shy boy, who is looking for guidance and support from Michael — Young Darrel just wants to be included.

Casting in progress for

young martin

A feisty 10 - 12 year old looking for imaginary trouble to shoot , handcuff, and put in jail.