"Under the Pieces"
CAST & CREW
Yuki Yoshimatsu
Writer & Director
Yuki Yoshimatsu is a Japanese - Mexican writer/director based in Los Angeles, California. Yoshimatsu aims to captivate the charm and complexity of life whilst encouraging the audience to question the world around them. She tackles from basic to complex emotions or situations and twists them to create doubt and wonder. Through her work, she hopes to captivate the audience's attention and emit emotion to the characters on screen, enough that they forget that they are watching a motion picture.
Xuewei Sherry Yang
Producer
Xuewei Sherry Yang is a Chinese producer with film festival winner films under her belt. Sherry is a talented and ambitious producer who takes extra care and effort in all the work she does. Every project she takes on is a welcome challenge for her. Not only does she make sure that all paperwork is done precisely and in a timely matter, but she goes the extra mile to make sure all cast and crew are happy and enjoying their time making the film together.
Ruixi Royce Gao
Director of Photography & Producer
Ruixi (Royce) Gao was born in Shanghai and is based in Los Angeles. With a Master's Degree in Cinematography, Gao has shot a number of short films and series of commercials. In 2017, the short film "Under the Pieces" was selected in the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner. In the same year, it also won titles in the LA Shorts Awards, NYC Indie Film Awards, Houston International Film Festival, and Hollywood Film Festival. The feature film "The International Student" was directed and shot in 2018, and was consequently launched for online streaming service worldwide. From 2019 to 2020, Gao has worked with renowned brands such as Adidas and TikTok, etc.
Mimi Masters
Producer
Ruixi (Royce) Gao was born in Shanghai and is based in Los Angeles. With a Master's Degree in Cinematography, Gao has shot a number of short films and series of commercials. In 2017, the short film "Under the Pieces" was selected in the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner. In the same year, it also won titles in the LA Shorts Awards, NYC Indie Film Awards, Houston International Film Festival, and Hollywood Film Festival. The feature film "The International Student" was directed and shot in 2018, and was consequently launched for online streaming service worldwide. From 2019 to 2020, Gao has worked with renowned brands such as Adidas and TikTok, etc.
Mikael Mattsson
as Kaleb
Born and raised in Sweden, Mikael did his first theatre appearance in a Christmas show at the age of six, and performance has been a major part of his life ever since. At age ten, he started doing theatre in a youth group at Vår Teater (Our Theatre) in Stockholm, and by fourteen he made his professional debut on a popular youth TV-show. In high school, Mikael majored in Science with fire fighting and rescue but continued to pursue his passion for acting with active participation in a fringe theatre group. After high school, he did his compulsory military service, before moving on to do a one-year diploma course in acting at Folkuniversitetet in Stockholm. Mikael then made the move across the Atlantic to Santa Monica, CA, where he attended Santa Monica College and attained an AA-degree in Theatre Arts. Upon graduation, he was accepted onto the Master program at Guildford School of Acting, where he studied with such esteemed performers as Sheila Allen, Paul Brennen, and Ian Ricketts. During his time at GSA, Mikael was awarded the Post Graduate Principals Award for his achievements. After graduation, Mikael moved back to Sweden and worked as an actor, starring in such projects as the international award-winning short film Reyounion (2012), among others. After a couple of years in Sweden, it became clear that a return to Los Angeles would be the best move for Mikael's career. Upon his return to Los Angeles, he continued his education and graduated from USC School of Dramatic Arts in 2015. During his time at USC, Mikael worked with and learned from prestigious professionals such as Michael Keenan, John DeMita, Andrew Borba, and Evgeniy Lazarev. Since graduating, Mikael has worked on such project as award-winning short films Under the Pieces (2017) and Mr. Bowling Ball (2018), as well as feature films Scariest Night of Your Life (2018), Sunnyfield Kids (2021), and Chop Chop (2020).
Susan Papa
as Rodriguez
Magda Marcella is an actress and writer based in Los Angeles, California. Born in Germany to Polish parents, she grew up in Austin, TX before attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After graduating, she honed her skills at the Groundlings, UCB, and Ivana Chubbuck Studio, and worked on internet projects and indie features including Miracle Mile Girls, Hunter, and School’s Out. In her spare time, she interviews women on their successes, big and small, for her blog “Miracle Mile Girls Online.” She is a pescatarian, loves animals, and volunteers for Art of Elysium.
Ramon Antonio
as Blake
Ramon Antonio was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. He grew up all over the eastern half of the United States, moving throughout his youth because his father was enlisted in the military.
Starting his career in entertainment at Walt Disney World, Ramon played many of the classic Disney characters including Aladdin. During this time he was accepted to the United States Air Force Academy where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Space Operations. He then went on to serve in the Air Force as a Space and Missile Operator in Montana where he also earned his MBA in Finance. Ramon left active duty after obtaining the rank of Captain and continues to serve in the Air Force Reserves.
Throughout college, Ramon performed on stage in Colorado and continued performing on stage while in Montana. Recently Ramon performed in a PSA for Boys and Girls Club, directed by Ron Howard, as an Army father of a young girl. He is also a precision driver on sets such as The Dark Knight Rises and has done several industrial films for the military aiding in the continued training for soldiers in cultural awareness during operations overseas. Ramon speaks conversational Spanish and has booked a Carl's Jr. National Spanish Language commercial.
Brandi Emma
as Ria
Maria has developed her professional career as an actress, dancer and journalist working in the industry for more than 8 years. She was born in Spain where she has been working lately at the Classical National Theatre Company and is preparing two other stage productions. In addition to all her professional and training Spanish background, she has trained at Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (London), Piccolo Teatro di Milano (Italy), Royhart Theatre (France), Moscow Theatre Arts School (Russia) and worked in L.A, London, France and Spain in TV, feature films etc. Her leading role in the Spanish web series “Sin Vida Propia” (Best foreign webseries Vancouver Webfest 2014/ Best foreign comedy Lawebfest 2014/Best script AustinWebfest 2014) awarded Maria with Best Lead Actress at LAWEBFEST 2014 and nominated as Best Lead Actress at RomeWeb Awards 2015.
Tess Porter
as Ellie
Magda Marcella is an actress and writer based in Los Angeles, California. Born in Germany to Polish parents, she grew up in Austin, TX before attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After graduating, she honed her skills at the Groundlings, UCB, and Ivana Chubbuck Studio, and worked on internet projects and indie features including Miracle Mile Girls, Hunter, and School’s Out. In her spare time, she interviews women on their successes, big and small, for her blog “Miracle Mile Girls Online.” She is a pescatarian, loves animals, and volunteers for Art of Elysium.
Brittany Fisheli
as Hayden
Brittany is a TRIPLE THREAT: Singer/Songwriter, Actor, and Dancer.
This All-American girl has been on 2 episodes of Henry Danger, which aired in March 2017. She has also been known for several short films and commercials. She has performed at several benefits and fundraisers. As a Recording Artist she has 3 songs which have been distributed at most of the major music websites.