ACTOR JERRY HAYES IS SULTAN SHIVALI!

April 10, 2014By Aladdin3477Movie News, Production News

Kaleidoscope Koi Entertainment has just announced that Actor Jerry Hayes is playing the part of Sultan Shivali in Aladdin 3477, shooting in Michigan this summer! Writer/Director Matt Busch is excited about what Hayes brings to the table. “Jerry is a well-respected actor in the community. He’s so good!” Busch comments, “And he definitely brings class to the film. A perfect piece of the puzzle I’m trying to create.”

Rather than linger on previous incarnations of the Aladdin tale, Hayes is admiring what the future will bring. He observes, “I enjoyed aspects on a couple of the actors in the old Tim Burton live-action TV version and the fairy tale aspect of the Disney film that has brought so many joy. But for my own creative expression, Matt’s Aladdin 3477 vision is perfect for an actor like me.”

Hayes is one of over 10,000 world-wide applicants of the Casting Call held last January who was called in to audition for several roles. “Matt and (Producer) Lin Zy made me feel right at home.” recalls Hayes, “I saw Matt’s concept art work and I’m very visual, so I was sucked in and enveloped into the story. Here I had my future director helping create this wonderful environment for me to have a greater sense of truth and belief. I remember reading for it and feeling so centered in a state of I am.”

Originally, Hayes was eyed for a smaller role, but his audition proved otherwise. Producer Lin Zy comments, “After watching some of Jerry’s previous movies, we knew he was incredible, and in our minds had him locked for something else. And his read for that part so good, out of curiosity we had him read for the Sultan, a much larger role. Once he read that, we knew there was no need to continue looking for Sultan Shivali. He was it!”

How did Hayes feel when he found out he got the part? Answers Hayes, “A sense of belonging as part of this film and a deep sense joy, being where I am supposed to be, collaborating with Matt and Lin Zy as part of this beautiful vision.”

The Sultan in Aladdin 3477 is much more deep and noble character than that of previous incarnations. Without revealing too much, Hayes describes, “I’m a strong, smart and visionary  leader with great compassion.” What will Hayes bring to the role in bringing Sultan Shivali to life? “Human truth, believability and nobility with strength and compassion where needed. And my own unique presence as all actors bring, of course.”

Our visions are the children to our soul. The aim is to give audiences an enriching, compelling, moving and entertaining experience.”

Hayes is looking forward to principle photography, which begins next month. “I do know so many around the world are waiting for this and have wanted to see a modern live-action Aladdin. And now an Aladdin in the future with a bit of a Star Wars feel to it is a beautiful concept. But my joy in the process is walking in as the Sultan. And collaborating with Matt and the rest of the cast and crew. I love the creative collaboration of filmmaking.”

The end result is of course the film, and the final product of the art. Hayes offers, “Our visions are the children to our soul. The aim is to give audiences an enriching, compelling, moving and entertaining experience.” In the case of Aladdin 3477, the goal continues beyond the film with building a brand. What licensed products would Hayes like to see most? “I think the posters and art prints, as well as stills from the film and behind-the-scenes images on trading cards done with the class, edge and style that Matt always has.”

Prior to Aladdin 3477, Hayes is proud of his work as part a rotating cast for the past 2 years on the Michigan based anthology TV series Lee Martin’s The Midnight Hour. (Check out the website HERE.)  Hayes also stars as a hitman in an upcoming feature film by Director Nick Felice entitled Getting Out, and Bianca, based on a best-selling book. In addition to acting, Hayes also directed a TV pilot about 5 successful black families living in the suburbs of posh Birmingham, Michigan called The 10th.

Past, present and future brings Jerry Hayes back to what film is all about. “Film is a form of permanent record. Painters had this long before actors & directors. In theater we sculpted in ice and left in the hearts and minds of those who saw it… Until it melted away. With film we have a microscope to the soul, a form of visual poetry. A form of permanent record.”

Be sure to check out Jerry Hayes IMDb, where you can see more information and watch demo reels of his work: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5628369/

Also check out this article on Hayes’ creative journey in the Macomb Daily & Tribune: http://www.macombdaily.com/arts-and-entertainment/20140224/stars-finally-align-for-michigan-actor