OUR CAST & CREW

MEET THE CAST OF LOVE POTION
DAVID LEE GARVER AS CHRIS
David Lee Garver (SAG-AFTRA/AEA) is an Atlanta-based actor and producer. In 2021 he formed Bigbee Films, a production company named for his grandfather's Ford dealership in Hugoton, Kansas. Garver starred in Bigbee Films' first two releases, the horror-comedy Gravedigger, making its world premiere at Kevin Smith's SModCastle Film Festival in December 22', and Division, which premiered at the 2022 Lady Filmmakers Festival in Beverly Hills where Garver won the Best Supporting Actor award. Notable film credits include Kill the Messenger, Ovation, and 10 Days in a Madhouse with TV appearances including Desperate Housewives and What I Like About You. For several years Garver was a frequent performer in LA Theatre working at REDCAT, Sacred Fools, Edgemar Center Theatre, and many more while simultaneously raising money for Center Theatre Group. He is proud to be a part of the robust Atlanta film community, and is looking forward to helping James Carey bring Love Potion to life!
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Lainie Smith is an award-winning American actress, born of International heritage, residing in Atlanta, GA. She has studied in the Meisner Foundation & Technique, as well as Practical Aesthetics and Voiceover. She is known on-screen for her work in Gravedigger (2022), Dead Winter (2019), Beauty and the Beholder (2018). Lainie began her film work in 1990 with a small role on a syndicated TV series filmed in Conyers, GA. Her first scene was opposite Carroll O'Connor and Diane Ladd. After taking some personal time, she returned to the industry and began acting on stage, but found film and storytelling to be where her true passions lie. As a member of the Southern Screenwriters Group, she has written a number of short films; one of which she will produce in the coming year, 2023.

Lainie is notorious for working with students of SCAD, University of North Georgia, UGA and other film students from colleges and universities in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. With such on-set experience, she has since participated with University of North Georgia Actors Panel to advise and discuss with students and faculty, acting methods and share industry knowledge.

Through networking with fellow actors and other industry personnel, she has thrown her hat into the casting ring on a full-feature film, now in post and will be released in 2023. She also sits on the Advisory Board for a new Atlanta theater company, the Authenticity Theater Company.

Her work also includes commercial and print work along the East Coast. 

MEET THE CAST OF LOVE POTION
DAVID CAPRITA AS THE MAN

David Caprita officially joined the entertainment world when he hosted his first radio show at the ripe age of thirteen. Since then, he has hosted and produced radio shows from Miami to Seattle, Vegas to LA. He began acting in South Florida and has been featured in film and television productions including: “The Specialist”, “My Girl”, “Shameless”, “New Girl” and most recently, “Till”. Stage performances include “Glengarry Glen Ross”, “Waiting for Godot”, “Of Mice and Men” and a deranged Van Helsing in NOHO’s Theater 68 production of “Dracula”. Two of his favorite roles were in Tracy Letts’ “Bug” and as the ominous detective Joe in “Killer Joe”, where he was nominated for Florida’s Carbonell Awards for best actor. Since moving to Atlanta, David has written, produced and starred in “Jake & the Angel”, performed at last year’s Atlanta Fringe Festival.
David is a published short story writer, playwright and has written TV pilots such as “Tropic Air” and “Tuscumbia” as well as film scripts and comedy sketches for radio and the stage.
David is represented theatrically by J Pervis Talent in Atlanta and as a voice actor by Marci Polzin of Artistic Talent. More info is available at davidcaprita.com. 

MEET THE CAST OF LOVE POTION
ALIX EFAW IN THE ROLE OF EMILY
Alix hails from Denver, Colorado and although she is enjoying living in Atlanta, she misses “real” mountains. Alix is an Army veteran having served as a Field Artillery officer for a few years before chasing her dreams to become an actor. She studied theatre in London and now is pursuing film in Atlanta.

AUBRI EBONY is a Model and Actress that was born in Chicago, Il. Aubri started her career as a model while finishing up her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and signed with her first talent agency in Orlando, Florida in 2016. In 2017, Aubri placed Top 35 out of 5,000 submissions in Sports Illustrated SI Swim Search gaining her the attention of agents along the East Coast. Following Aubri's graduation in July of 2018, Aubri has studied acting techniques under multiple coaches ranging from The Producer Club Theater in New York City to the The Alliance Theater in Atlanta, Georgia. Aubri has wrote and Co- Produced films that have screen in International Film Festivals and can be seen on an upcoming Apple TV limited series as well as additional streaming platforms.

MEET JON RUST. Jon has signed on to the cast of Love Potion for the role of JACK. Jon moved to Atlanta from DC in 2019 and has a BFA in acting. He is also a model and personal trainer, and we are all excited to be working with him!
@rustic_charmer 

 MEET SHANNON THOMAS! Shannon is an Atlanta-based actor, and has signed on with our Shortfilm project LOVE POTION The Film. He is known for the Christmas Ride (2020), The Best of Enemies (2019), Black Lightning (2018), and Empire (2017). He thrives as a Character Actor and continues to embrace diverse roles. When asked about a favorite role, you will hear his stories of portraying Santa Claus in a WB theatrical production for The Polar Bear Express.
We are delighted to have him in the role of the GALLERY OWNER!! Gonna be EPIC!

 Ana-Lisa Patterson is an American actress born and raised in Atlanta, GA.  Ana-Lisa began her acting career in the early 2000’s by joining the local theatre and taking the classes offered. She took a hiatus from the industry to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree at Clemson University before returning in 2020.

Ana-Lisa has since trained at ActHer Studio, Catapult Acting Studio and the Professional Actor’s Studio in Atlanta. She is known for her on-screen work on A Token of The Heart (2022), He Was Hope (2022), The Bad Man (2021) and the long running series Fatal Attraction (2022). Ana-Lisa is excited for her upcoming role in Love Potion which is projected to film in January 2023.

ELIZABETH GIBBS! She is an Atlanta native with years in music theatre, and studies in Meisner Technique and Foundation! She recently starred in the feature film MADLY (2021) and also directed and wrote the short film, DANICNG WITHOUT MUSIC. She also has a recurring character in the TV series MEN ON PAUSE. (2021). 

 An accomplished actress who graduated from U of Georgia with a degree in Theatre, she is a proud union member of AEA and SAG/AFTRA. Known for the feature films Redeemed and My Brother's Keeper, and the soon to be released The Warrior. We welcome her to the cast of Love Potion shooting in Jan 2023. 

James R. Carey is an award winning filmmaker and theatre director/writer/producer/performer with both national and international credits who is based out of Atlanta, GA. He recently moved to ATL after living and working in Los Angeles for over 30 years. Since arriving in ATL he has been very busy acting in films (COLOR PURPLE THE MUSICAL, DIVISION and more), directing film (indie features ALTERNATIVE ENDINGS  and MADLY both on the film festival circuit) and theatre (the plays PIZZA MAN and DOUBT for the Authenticity Theatre).

His short film, DIVORCE DURING PANDEMIC was "Best of Fest" at two international festivals and a Finalist at the WORLDFEST/HOUSTON FILM FESTIVAL and an Official Selection for 13 film festivals around the world. His short film, FANCY MEETING YOU HERE was selected Best Independent Short at the INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE in Los Angeles for 2019. His short film from 2008 A COST OF FREEDOM has been re-edited and is currently touring film festivals where it won Best International Short Film at Ellora Film Festival and Best Dramatic Short at Reale Film Festival in Milan, and is an Official Selection for 6 other festivals. 

He served as the Artistic Director of two of LA's most prestigious theatre companies. The ATTIC Theatre Ensemble located near Culver City from 1987 to 2012, and starting in 2018, with SkyPilot Theatre Company, which focuses on new play development. He has overseen the production of over 400 plays and short films covering a wide range of genres including musicals, Shakespeare, and new works. His productions have won numerous awards including 14 LA Drama-Logue awards and several Picks of the Week.

He was the Co-founder and the 1st President of Hollywood Theatre Row from 1992 to 1994 for which he received a LA Drama Critics Circle Award and a Hollywood Arts Council “Charlie” Award. 

As a stage director, he has over 100 plays to his credit including award winning productions of The Elephant Man and All My Sons, world premiere one acts by Lee Blessing and Jeffery Hatcher, classics like The Cherry Orchard for Oasis Theatre and MacBeth for Kingsmen Shakespeare, and the creation of original works like Coming to Zimbabwe and Come Together, A Beatles Cabaret that have toured the US, Africa and the Middle East. 

He has a MFA in Theatre Management, Cum Laude from California State University–Long Beach, and has taught at New York Film Academy–LA Campus, California Lutheran University, Pepperdine University, American Musical and Dramatic Academy-LA, and California State University - Long Beach.

In 2013, his one man show, COMING TO ZIMBABWE debuted at the Harare International Festival of Arts and toured southern Africa. His second award wining one man show MI CASA SU CASA debuted in 2018 touring the fringe festival circuit in the USA. In 2016, he started a travel/lifestyle blog called www.tripswithjames.com. 

Ahren Steis recently completed his latest project, The Warrior serving has DP/Editor. His production company, Black Crowe Productions specializes in  Photography and Videography Media Production. He has served as Director/1st AD on many short films, industrials and training films.  His first art form was still photography for 20 years where he developed his style to feel the moment and capture it in a relatable, emotional way. He brings a wealth of creativity and life experience to this project having been a US Military veteran, a Pastor, and an IT Analyst along the way. He brings a joy for the craft and a positive approach to the set everyday. We are excited to have him shoot this film.    

Melissa Steis is a Production Coordinator with experience In many areas within the film industry. Melissa started on her career path in film while being a manager for her son Miles, an Atlanta actor, and her daughter Ava Bell an aspiring makeup artist. After being on multiple sets with her son, Melissa gained knowledge and experience in the industry. She started her career as Key PA on the feature film the Warrior, and was quickly promoted to Production Coordinator. Her duties include making decisions that will help production run smoothly, managing production assistants, book keeping, receipts, and making sure directors, actors, wardrobe, makeup, and audio departments have everything they need for the production to be successful. Melissa has always had a passion for film and tv and working in Production is a dream come true. Melissa is so excited to be a part of this amazing project! Being able to work with her husband and children has truly been a blessing as well as working with the amazing James Carey and Lainie Smith.