Local Color - Casting the Story

"You're young and life has not kicked the shit out of you yet." -Nicholi Seroff

From director/writer George Gallo:
"I was less interested in casting someone who looked or sounded like me and more interested in finding an actor who could capture the wide eyed innocent youth that I believe I was. Trevor Morgan fit the bill perfectly because, not only is he one of the best young actors around, he has both an openness and toughness all at the same time. He also does something that I find many young actors don't do, and that is, appear to be listening to the other actors in the scene. Since the character of John is in the learning stages of life, I thought it essential that the character listened to the older and wiser Seroff, played by Armin Mueller-Stahl.

Originally, another actor was being considered for the role of Seroff, but he fell out. I was completely dismayed until late one night my wife pointed at the TV set. The movie SHINE was on, and Julie said, "How about Armin Mueller-Stahl?" I didn't think it would be possible because I didn't know Armin, and I assumed he lived in Germany. Also, I did not know how I was going to call a complete and total stranger whose work I admired so much and ask him to fly several thousand miles and work on my film for scale.

I took a shot, but Armin replied that he was not interested in acting anymore. He told me he 'just wanted to paint.' When I told him the movie was about a painter, he paused, and said, 'Send it to me.' A few days later Armin called me from Germany. My heart was in my throat when I asked him what he thought of the script. He grumbled, 'You son of a bitch. When do we start?'

Ray Liotta was cast in the role of John Sr., who was based on my father. I cast Ray, not only because he is a consummate actor, he knew my father for 20 years. Diane Scarwood, who plays the role of Edith, was based on my mother. I think she is a fantastic actress and she captured both my mom's strength and sensitivity."