Five and a Half

Cast

Lauren Jude Rosa

Abbie

Lauren Jude Rosa makes her film debut in the lead role of “Abbie” in “Five and a Half.” Best known for her role as “Young Harmony” on the wildly popular Brat TV series, “Chicken Girls,” seven-year-old Lauren recently completed shooting a supporting role in another short film, which is currently in post-production.

In addition to acting, Lauren has appeared in several commercials, and has done print and promotional work for brands such as Walmart, Lowes, LEGO, Hasbro, Dunkin’, Summer Infant, and Disney+. Originally from Massachusetts, Lauren loves dancing, singing, fashion, and playing dolls with her sister, Lane.

James Hal Hardy

Chuck

James Hal Hardy stars in the INSP series “Into the Wild Frontier” as the historical pioneer Jedidiah Smith. The “Jedidiah Smith” episode is the finale of season 1.

James found early success on the hit show “Syfy’s: Face Off.” where he embodied a multitude of characters. James was hired to NBC’s award-winning show “Hollywood Game Night.” He has since co-starred opposite Carly Chaikin from Mr. Robot in the movie “Social Animals” and starred as “Stu” in the indie comedy “Tournament.” He has also starred or guest-starred on many shows including: The Inspectors, Murder Book, My Crazy Ex, Betrayed, Mr. Mercedes, among others.

James studied Meisner Theory at the famed Playhouse West in North Hollywood, scene study at Adapt Acting, and continues to develop his craft with private coaches. He pursues acting roles that help him understand the human condition from interesting and new perspectives.

James has a passion for martial arts, training at the World Famous “House of Champions” in Los Angeles. He also has a daily yoga practice and backpacks through whatever mountains he can find.

Katherine Cozumel

Jess

KATHERINE recently had two films premiere at the historic Chinese Theater in Hollywood in association with the Beverly Hills Film Festival and she was given an honorary cover tribute from her hometown magazine, being named one of “Tomorrow’s Stars.” Working since the age of 14, KATHERINE began her professional acting career in commercials and performing in New York City. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University in Theatre, was accepted into Northwesterns highly competitive Music Theater Certificate Program, and was one of three students in her class to graduate with Honors in both Acting and Music Theatre. Highlights from KATHERINE’s 16-year career include her performance as the lead in the NY Times Critics Pick F%#king Up Everything, singing for a sold-out audience at Lincoln Center, and performing alongside fellow Northwestern University graduates Heather Headley and Brian d’Arcy James. She believes that all women are born intelligent, resilient, and unique and deserve to see themselves represented that way on screen.

Valerie Gould

Marla

Valerie has been active in the entertainment industry for many years, but until only a few years ago her work was primarily behind the camera working as an on‑set coach for young actors and as a commercial voice over artist. Valerie has enjoyed finally working in front of the camera and has received festival accolades for her roles in the short films “Shabbos Goy”, “Fred”, “The World Next Door” and “Moving Out”.

Chanden Jackson

Calvin

Chanden Jackson is an absolute joy to be around. As the middle child, he easily weaves his way through harmoniously fitting into any environment he’s placed in. Although sometimes you may not even know he’s in the room. He loves to play all sports, ride his bike, and of course video games. He’s also a natural at acting, as one of his absolute favorite pastimes is to fake sleeping.

Ratoya Banks

Alice

From North Little Rock, AR, Ratoya started performing at a very young age. She is a trained singer, dancer and actor and always found opportunities to entertain. Being from Arkansas, she thought that a career in television and film was just a distant dream so after high school she went to college and obtained her degree in Biomedical Engineering. She enjoyed working in that field but felt like God was calling her to make an even bigger impact. As a black woman from the south, she understood what it was like to feel underrepresented and silenced therefore she vowed to help as many people as possible tell their story so they can feel like they matter. She moved to Los Angeles and has been storytelling ever since.

Producing Team

Heidi Nyburg

Writer/Director

2022 HUMANITAS finalist, & WIF top 10, Heidi’s writing focuses on female‑driven dramatic comedies that explore themes of motherhood, having/not having it all, and sometimes, murder. She’s won several respected contests, has been featured on The Blacklist for pilots and has two scripts in Coverfly’s Top 1% of all time. She’s also a mother and a director, and those two things feel the same most of the time.

Kristin Higgins

Producer

Kristin is a graduate of Northwestern University and the Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Kristin made films in parallel with a software marketing career until switching to full‑time film production in 2018, launching her production company River Place Productions. She has produced three short films: Aye Boy, which has won five awards in festivals; The Boy’s Gone, currently in the festival circuit with three wins to date and recently screened at the 2021 Austin Film Festival; and Five and a Half.

Trailer