{"id":63239,"date":"2012-05-04T17:14:54","date_gmt":"2012-05-04T17:14:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/0de2709a84.nxcli.net\/0-kjasnb\/2012\/05\/04\/abff-star-project-2012-winners\/"},"modified":"2018-12-18T10:59:19","modified_gmt":"2018-12-18T10:59:19","slug":"abff-star-project-2012-winners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/abff-star-project-2012-winners\/","title":{"rendered":"ABFF Star Project Announces 2012 Winners, Sherial McKinney and Robert Hunter"},"content":{"rendered":"

ABFF Star Project Announces 2012 Winners, Sherial McKinney and Robert Hunter<\/strong>Posted by Wilson Morales<\/p>\n

May 4, 2012<\/p>\n

FILM LIFE\u2019S 16th<\/sup> ANNUAL AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THE 2012 STAR PROJECT GRAND PRIZE WINNERS \u2013 SHERIAL MCKINNEY AND ROBERT HUNTER<\/em><\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n

One grand-prize winner will receive a walk-on role on NBC\u2019s daytime drama<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDays of our Lives\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Film Life, Inc., announced that the winners of its 16th<\/sup> annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Star Project <\/em>are Sherial McKinney<\/strong> of Sherman Oaks, CA and Robert Hunter<\/strong> of Cleveland, OH. Sponsored by NBCUniversal, this program is an international acting competition designed to spotlight emerging multi-cultural talent.<\/p>\n

The ABFF Star Project<\/em> was launched in 2009 as part of the common goal to encourage serious pursuit of the craft by providing a platform for undiscovered actors while supporting their career advancement.\u00a0 The winners, Sherial McKinney and Robert Hunter, where selected among a stellar group of finalists which included Ozioma Akagha<\/strong> (Los Angeles, CA), Stephanie La Capra<\/strong> (New York, NY), Justin Chu Cary<\/strong> (Berkeley, CA) and Kenny Cooper <\/strong>(Los Angeles, CA).<\/p>\n

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Star Project<\/em> entrants were required to submit two videotaped monologues online, one of their choice, and one selected by NBCUniversal and ABFF.\u00a0 The Star Project<\/em> jury, comprised of an esteemed panel of accomplished actors, directors and casting executives, selected three female and three male finalists.\u00a0 From the six finalists, the two winners, one male and one female, will receive all-expense-paid trips to Miami, Florida, to this year\u2019s ABFF festival. One grand-prize winner will be selected by NBCUniversal to appear in a walk-on role on \u201cDays of our Lives\u201d and will have the opportunity to audition before a leading casting director.<\/p>\n

\u201cNBCUniversal is honored to partner with the ABBF to encourage and reward promising young film artists with a chance to elevate their work in order to receive instruction, guidance and our full support in their endeavors,\u201d said Kendra Carter, Director of Talent Diversity Initiatives, NBCUniversal.\u00a0 \u201cWe look forward to provide these actors with the right platform that could launch their careers and allow an even greater audience to enjoy their talents.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to the paid trips to the ABFF in Miami, the Star Project<\/em> winners will be introduced to the festival audience at The Winners Circle awards presentation<\/em> on the closing day of the festival.<\/p>\n

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In 2010, Emayatzy E. Corinealdi<\/strong> was the Star Project<\/em> winner.\u00a0 This year, she will appear in two starring roles on BET; the emotionally dramatic film, \u201cMiddle of Nowhere<\/a><\/strong>,\u201d with Omari Hardwick<\/strong>, and the dramatic series \u201cGun Hill<\/strong>\u201d with Larenz Tate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Jeff Friday<\/strong>, founder and CEO of ABFF states, \u201cI am pleased to provide a platform for fresh, hopeful, talented actors to get exposure.\u00a0 Through our commitment to the Star Project, we will continue to offer our winners opportunities to advance their careers as actors.\u201d\u00a0 He adds, \u201cNext year we plan to bring this contest to the web to provide more visibility for the finalists and the winners.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sherial McKinney bio:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Sherial McKinney<\/strong>, an Orange County native, was raised (along with her five sisters) by her adoptive family from the age of 10 years old. Taking an early interest in vocal performance and university-wide Shakespearean competitions, it came as no surprise when McKinney decided to pursue acting full time.<\/p>\n

Though her professional career began just a few years ago, McKinney\u2019s talent and determination have allowed her to work with hit director Melina Matsoukas in the UK release of Leona Lewis\u2019s \u201cBleeding Love\u201d as the dramatic lead, garner a lead role in the Netflix featured film \u201cHe\u2019s on My<\/p>\n

Mind\u201d (2009), and host for Style Network\u2019s producers of Vimby.com. Recently, McKinney has also been seen in TV One\u2019s newest series “Will to Live.”<\/p>\n

Praised by industry talents such as Kym Whitley and Alphonso McAuley for her comedic timing, authenticity and dedication to her craft; the sky is the limit for this gifted young actress.<\/p>\n

Robert Hunter bio:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Robert Hunter<\/strong> is a Cleveland native who moved to Los Angeles at the age of 18. He started in theatre with the roles of Frank Elgin in the Clifford Odets play “The Country Girl” and East in John Cariani’s romantic comedy “Almost Maine.” Hunter made his film debut in 2011 when he starred in a short film entitled \u201cLA Bros.\u201d Hunter is a young actor who is focused on traveling and learning from the best.<\/p>\n

HBO (Founding and Premier Sponsor); Gold Peak Tea (Premier); gmc Television Network, American Airlines, Cadillac and CNN (Official Sponsors); Grab Media, NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon, smartwater, Nielsen, BET Networks and Wells Fargo (Supporting Sponsors); The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority and Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (Host Sponsors) and SAGIndie, One Village Entertainment, Miami Film Month, thirdREEL (Promotional Partners); Media Sponsors include: Black Enterprise, Uptown (Official Level); Jones Magazine and Precious Times (Supporting Level).<\/p>\n

The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a New York-based event marketing, production and film distribution company founded in 2000 by Jeff Friday (CEO). For full details on this year\u2019s festival, please visit www.abff.com<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n

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