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Jaki recently wrapped up hosting on a local CT show call Elm City featuring events and happenings around the state. The show is on hiatus and hopes to come back soon. Visit the show online at www.elmcityonline.com. |
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Not wasting anytime the ever busy Jaki Valensi-Lauper
immediately was cast as one of 3 lovely hosts in another CT based production called "Local Rock Gods" featuring up and coming bands and musicians along the lines of MTV in the good old days when it only played music!
Jaki is currently enjoying working on the show and meeting LOCAL ROCK GODS and working locally close to her family. Jaki is really enjoying being able to work in the state she lives in with talented, creative people.
Please go to http://localrockgods.org/ to find out more about Local Rock Gods and be sure to check out Jaki under the hosts segment! |
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Jaki recently played the lead role of Maggie in a wonderful, refreshing original play called Suburbia which ran in November in North Haven at the popular High Lane Club. This was a drama with much comedic moments which Jaki played brilliantly said producer/director Brett Epstein. Jaki was amazing in the role and we must do another project again soon said Brett.
The play begins with a series of flashbacks that lead up to a particularly awkward dinner scene where Rob (played by Rick Beebe) and Maggie (played by Jaki Valensi Lauper) announce to their two younger sons, Josh (played by Bryan Sorrentino) and James (played by Gary Wilson) that their brother will be returning home. What follows can be only described as comically intense as the family welcomes home their "problem child" in an attempt to start over. |
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The cast had amazing chemistry, ranging from the rebellious nature of James, to the wonderfully, quirky state of Maggie. Epstein's dialogue was both funny and dramatic in telling the story of an almost typical Suburban household. More specifically, the subject matter was realistic and daring to put family values to the test.
In this dark comedy emotions are brought to light, secrets are revealed and twists and turns take the audience for a remarkable journey into the lives of these five seemingly ordinary people. Brett Epstein and his brilliant actors challenged the audience to "put some truth on the table, and [move on]."
The show ran for two successful nights at the High Lane Club in North Haven. |
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Above and to the left, photos from the filming of a PSA advocating for the CT Film Industry tax credit. |
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In a recent public service announcement, Jaki Valensi-Lauper was quoted saying "We want to make movies here so please help us keep the tax credit incentive in Connecticut. We don't want to go else where for work"
All Filmmakers, actors, & those interested. PLEASE contact your State Rep and State Senator, voice your opinion.. let them know that:
INCREASING THE TAX CREDIT THRESHOLD FROM $50K TO $1M WILL HURT INDEPENDENT CT FILMMAKERS!
THE REAL LONG-TERM FUTURE OF THE CT FILM INDUSTRY. PLEASE DON'T WAIT! WE ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT HERE.
Make your opinion heard. Click here to look up your State Representative or follow this link www.cga.ct.go. |
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Jaki Valensi-Lauper, arguably the hardest working actress in Connecticut, recently started shooting her second feature length independent film in Connecticut.
The film is "The Clearing" and Jaki, as always brings her best game, plays a small role, Cindy the waitress, in this film. This film is part of a trilogy where Cindy will be a far more prominent character.
"This film is extremely exciting" said Jaki, "The role of Cindy was written specifically for me to tie the character in with the next increment of this trilogy." |
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| Above Jaki Valensi-Lauper as Cindy in front of Erica's Diner, one of the local Connecticut locations used in the film. |
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Above Ren Knopf (Writer/Producer), Jaki Valensi-Lauper and Martin Abankwa (Producer/Director)
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| The Clearing is a Hitchcock style thriller written by Ren Knopf and Martin Abankwa. This film is slated for limited release in theaters around the country and promises to be a great thrill ride of suspense and horror. |
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Above Jacquie Slater, Ryan Zanomi, Jaki Valensi-Lauper and Ren Knopf |
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Having recently relocated from Los Angeles, this petite dynamic force Is creating quite "the buzz" on the east coast!
Since arriving in CT Jaki has starred in several short films, commercials and industrial videos.
Jaki hosts a web tv series, "The Fitting Room", aimed at helping children find their career options.Jaki
is currently filming 3 feature films, The Clearing, Family Secrets and The Whisper On The Bridge. |
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Above, Jaki Valensi-Lauper and director Geno McGahee on the set of Family Secrets |
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"I expect this production to be great, and Jaki's talent and charisma is a great part of the reason. I'm honored to have her in my production." - Geno McGahee, writer and director of Family Secrets. |
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After the first night of shooting Geno McGahee had the following to say:
"Great job tonight. You stole the show. You are such an impressive actress and I love your understanding of how I want the lines delivered. Also, you being a great person helps the production. You're one of those people where you meet them once and it's like you've known them forever. Once again, great work and I look forward to working with you again. BTW, everyone is singing your praises from the read through, including me of course. You have great skills and I could not have wished for a better actress. You are an exceptional actress. You blew me away. Amazing." |
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Above, Jaki Valensi-Lauper,Brent Northup and director Geno McGahee on the set of Family Secrets |
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Jaki shines where ever she goes and always leave everyone wanting for more. Furahi Achebe of Elite Media Productions had the following to say after Jaki 's first day of shooting on the Fitting Room, "Jaki you are a delight to work with. Thank you for your enthusiasm. preparation, and professionalism. It will be fun to work with you again on future episodes"
"The Fitting Room" is incredibly professional and such a great concept! You are going to sell this series—I have NO doubt! Beautiful, well-paced, informative! Jaki is just incredible—both hip and business-like, PERFECT host for a “tweens” show! -
Meg Greene |
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Jaki's second venture here on the east coast was a short horror film directed and produced by Effrem J. Adams. Pictured on the left are several of the cast members including Jaki Valensi-Lauper with the director/Producer Effrem J. Adams.
Effrem had the following to say to his entire cast:
"THANKS SO MUCH to everyone who worked on Goldilocks. Everyone was so easy to work with and I had a great time working with you all for our 3 days together. Some of you only 1 or 2 days! Simply quick and amazing!
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| Above, Jaki Valensi-Lauper, Effrem J. Adams and Goldilocks cast |
You guys did an amazing job and I'm very grateful and excited about our finished product. There are only two days of filming left. The footage came out great and I cant wait to share it with you all!"
The short was a great success on YouTube and received several thousand hts. "Thanks Jaki. I didn't think this would be such a huge hit so fast :). I'll certainly work with you again in the future!" - Effrem J. Adams |
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