LA FILM FEATURES GREATWOOD TEEN BROOKE BILLEDO

from March 2021 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

in her First Starring Role

From her start as Owl in Winnie the Pooh to her casting in Melanie, about a disturbed little girl who turns into a monster, 14-year-old Brooke Billedo has always enjoyed exploring characters.

“My favorite part of acting is the auditions,” Billedo said. “Each time you get a script, you get to create a new person and just be really creative. It’s ok to be sassy, mad or sad because it’s in the script!”

In 2018, when the Melanie audition opportunity was first presented to Billedo, her mom was hesitant. “Brooke was always very strong comedically, and mostly auditioned for those types of roles. So this was a big departure for her,” said Pam Billedo. “I didn’t think she’d be interested, but she read the script and thought it was really cool. I was both surprised and impressed with her ability to embody such a different character.”

Writer, producer and director, Howard McCain, known for movies such as Underworld and Outlander, was also impressed with Billedo’s range and ability to understand the character.

“Brooke’s instinctual interpretation of the character was wonderful. She was able to take the idea of this disturbed, lonely little girl, who was not so likable on the page, and make her both relatable and empathetic, even as she is slowly becoming a monster,” he said. “The audience is both worried for her and afraid of her. It is a terrifically uncomfortable emotional state and it keeps your eyes glued to her. That’s all Brooke. She created that.”

Brooke Billedo.

Photo by Kristine Canterbury.

Billedo plays the title role in the film about a disturbed little girl with dark thoughts about life and people. The short screenplay upon which Melanie is based, was written by Cody Young, originally titled Goodnight, Scarecrow.

“I first read his story when I was judge for a short screenplay competition, where his screenplay easily won first prize. His original story had this wonderful, dark fairy tale feel to it and at its center was this unexpected story about two lonely characters who find each other, who also just happen to be monsters,” McCain said. “I bought the rights to his screenplay and together, Cody and I began the process of rewriting and expanding the story together. Many drafts later the screenplay tripled in length and changed its title to Melanie, which, since it is really is her story anyway, is a more appropriate title.”

“Her parents try to help, but as Werner, the scarecrow, comes to life, it becomes a little otherworldly,” Pam said.

“I was so excited to be cast as Melanie, but to be honest, it was kind of hard to get into character,” Billedo said. “I had to think the complete opposite of everything I normally do. I had to focus on evil things to stay in character.”

Brooke, now a Reading Junior High 8th grader, started acting as a kindergartner, doing local theatre camps where her favorite role was Owl in Winnie the Pooh. Her family soon realized that this could be a ‘thing’ for her. They originally signed her with a local agency, then entered her into an online competition, where she soared to the top in just three

months. That got her noticed by a manager in Los Angeles. She signed with the LA agency in July 2018 at age 11 and started auditioning, mostly for television shows. By October of that same year, she had already booked Melanie.

The film was complete in mid-2020, however, because of COVID, McCain and his team originally decided to delay submitting the film to the major festivals until 2021, “hoping the world will have returned to somewhat normal by then.”

McCain’s last short film, A Boys Life, saw success at the Tribeca Film Festival, Montreal Film Festival, and won best short at the Leeds Film Festival. “We are hoping to have a repeat performance with Melanie,” he said, which is why they’ve again decided to delay the film’s introduction until the 2022 festival circuit.

“I deeply, passionately, love these kinds of movies, but too often genre tropes and forms become lazy excuses for avoiding any attempt at real feelings, no matter how uncomfortable those feelings may be,” McCain said. “But genre can be more than that. It can ask difficult questions and touch upon avoided truths. Rarely do these kinds of films seriously ask what the world in these types of films might really feel like to a child; how do they see it and experience it. That is what I think Melanie tries to do.”

“The film is very suspenseful, and I don’t think anyone will be able to guess the ending,” Billedo said.

For Billedo’s part, her first experience as a lead in a film was exciting and rewarding. “When I arrived on set the first day, there was a little trailer for me with my name on it, and I was immediately super excited,” she said. “Shooting the scenes is the best part for sure. I got to act with Julian Richings (from the CW’s Supernatural) and he was amazing! He was so kind and nice to me. He really made me feel comfortable on set.”

An otherwise typical suburban teen, Billedo plays piano, swims competitively and loves to read. She loves her goldendoodle named Leo, “who I like to call Nugget because that’s what I wanted to name him.”

Photo by El Rey Pictures.

Brooke Billedo (Melanie) and Julian Richings (Werner) waiting between takes.

Though she loves attending school “in-person” at Reading, she also enjoyed her “on-set” experience. “There is a teacher on the set to help you with school work, so it is not hard to balance. They make a good schedule so that you have a couple hours of shoot time, then school time, then break, and of course lunch,” she said. “The set teacher also watches you while you are filming. They are supposed to watch out for your safety. They balance it all really well.

“I am really blessed to be able to do this because I have the support of my mom, dad, sister, grandparents, agent, manager and acting coaches. My faith brought me on this journey and I will continue to follow it until it leads me somewhere else,” Billedo said.

For now, Billedo plans to just keep auditioning. “Getting the role is like winning the lottery so you have to love auditioning,” she said. “I have an amazing agent and manager that get me the best auditions. It is so fun, and I’m so grateful.”

High Net Worth Individuals Only

For large, permanent life insurance policies • $5,000,000 plus for estate planning / legacy / charitable / business buy-sell agreements • Dramatically lower cost • Utilizing leverage and the time value of money

Please call for a complimentary consultation:

Denman Moody Jr, J.D. • 713.202.5229

Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant Former Senior Vice President & Trust Officer of a major Houston bank.

By Steve Kursar

2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE

The all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade is the new flagship for the iconic luxury automotive brand. This really big SUV takes the place of your grandfather’s Caddy in the carmaker’s line up. It’s a spectacular vehicle that truly raises the bar to a new high in terms of technology and interior design. It’s big, it’s beautiful, and it’s going to be a hit with buyers with deep wallets who just want the best in American luxury.

Cadillac has always been that car brand that meant you had “made it.” Back in the day, movie stars and politicians and captains of industry all drove those big Cadillac sedans with fancy names like “Sedan DeVille” and “Eldorado.” The cars were huge and shiny and designed to be noticed. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, Cadillac began to feel old and dated, and younger luxury car buyers gravitated to European and Japanese luxury vehicles. Well, Cadillac got the hint, and the new Escalade is leading the way to attracting a new crowd.

Pricing for a new 2021 Escalade starts off with an MSRP of $76,195, but buyers can watch that final price go closer to $100,000 if they’re looking to drive off with the top trim. Both gasoline and diesel engines are offered and both are mated to a ten-speed transmission. The gasoline powertrain is the massive 420 hp, 6.2 liter V8 that gets 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. The diesel option is the 277 hp, 3.0 liter I-6 turbodiesel that gets 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

The state-of-the-art technology designed into the Escalade is immediately evident once you get behind the steering wheel. The instrument panel features an exclusive, first-to-market curved Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) screen, the kind of high-def screen more familiar to expensive flat-screen televisions. The system includes three screens: a 7.2-inchdiagonal touch control panel driver information center to the driver’s left, a 14.2-inch-diagonal cluster display behind the steering wheel and a 16.9-inch-diagonal Infotainment screen to the driver’s right.

Cadillac’s Super Cruise driver assistance technology is now available in the Escalade. This exclusive system uses map data, high-precision GPS, a state-of-the-art driver attention system and a network of cameras and radar sensors to allow hands-free driving on more than 200,000 miles of compatible highways.

There’s so much more that the new Escalade has to offer. The only way to experience it is to go for a test drive.

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher

The Last Straw

has finally happened. That last nerve of mine that has been poked, proded and provoked over the course of the past 12 months has finally snapped – kind of like our water pipes this week. It’s not so much that the wicked winter wonderland did it; it was the response – or lack thereof – of our leaders.

This winter thing is serious; we are in quite a fix, and what we need are solutions and solid advice. Now don’t get me wrong, we are getting just that from a few amazing Fort Bend leaders, and I am going to call them out right here for their diligence in providing solutions, cogent information and compassion. These men are the real deal, and as I dealt with no water, no electricity, evacuating mother from a dangerous situation and sending a magazine to press, I appreciated their guidance because that’s what they did: they guided, they led, they offered solutions during a crisis.

Now for the less than stellar news. Here is what we do not need from leaders during a crisis: snarky comments. No “Good morning to everyone but ERCOT” or “Good morning to everyone except those with power who are not conserving.” Wow. And I thought I was cranky in the morning. That is not helpful nor is it indicative of a leader. It’s rather adolescent in my opinion. Could anyone really imagine – during a crisis where people are losing their lives and their livelihoods – the highest-ranking county official saying something like that?

I don’t know what we are going to do Fort Bend, but we need to do something. It’s important; it’s imminent. It’s not easy being an elected official. I have and have had many dear friends in public service, and the name says it all: serving the public for the greater good. It’s work. It’s hard. It’s self-sacrificing. Kind of like running your own business and raising a family – just sayin’. I have immense respect for our leaders who chose this arena as their life’s work and do it well. I reiterate: it’s not easy. And frankly, it’s not for everyone.

Or maybe it is. I know people who run their own successful businesses, take care of their employees, raise their families and give back to the community. So, who’s going to step up? Honestly, I think it could be any of us – and yes, I did say us – you or I. I don’t know what the future holds. My crystal ball froze up this week. But please remember my friends, we are Fort Bend Strong; not Fort Bend Petty.

Frozen, fierce and fed up.

They distributed information about warming centers, they answered real questions about ERCOT and our power instability and most importantly, they shared their dedication to legislative accountability. And my understanding is that two of these leaders weren’t even in Fort Bend. Congressman Troy Nehls and State Representative Jacey Jetton were on this situation from Washington and Austin. Thank you, gentlemen.

Missouri City Mayor Robin Elackatt and Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman stepped up to do what their jobs required: lead. When the water supply became dangerous, when more warming centers needed to be opened, when vital information about city services needed to be shared, these leaders were there. I thank you, gentlemen.

The views and opinions expressed in Op-Ed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of absolutely! focus media. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

EVENTS

Tax Accountants Auditors Consultants

Every Saturday in March, 9 am – 1 pm Farmers Market at Imperial

The market features fresh seasonal produce from local farmers, grass-fed meats, free-range chickens and eggs, local honey, small-batch foods and bakery items. Visitors can also browse art from local artisans and try delicious, ready-to-eat food from local chefs Every Saturday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, rain or shine and popular food trucks while listening to the best local musicians. A 198 Kempner St. at Imperial Sugar Land festival of food and fun happening at 234 Matlage Way in Sugar Land.

Visit fortbendchamber.com/imperial-farmers-market.

Every Saturday in March, 10 am – 2 pm Farmers Market Partners Missouri City

A community farmers market that features organic and locally grown vegetables, fruits, baked goods, honey, artisan foods, fresh eggs, olive oil, food trucks and more. COVID-19 guidelines are in place. Vendors and customers must wear masks and social distance from each other. Market is located at 5855 Sienna Springs Way in Missouri City.

For more information, visit www.FarmersMarketPartners.com.

It’s Almost Tax Time . . . Are You Ready?

Call

March 13th, 10 am – 1 pm 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

Join a fun and competitive half court basketball tournament that faces two teams of three in a fast paced style game. This tournament is open to ages 15 and up. Registration deadline is March 10th. Complete the team roster and register at the Recreation and Tennis Center.

Check out the tournament information packet for more information at www.missouricitytx.gov/ Calendar or call Adam at 281-403-8633.

March 27th, 9 am – noon Intro to Kayaking Workshop

Participants ages 10+ will learn fundamental kayak skills including safety, basic strokes, concepts in craft handling and identifying hazards. Children ages 10-15 must use a tandem kayak and have an adult in the craft with them at all times. Event will be held at Independence Park, located at 2621 Half Court Road in Missouri City.

Register online or by calling 281-403-8637.

281.242.3232

or e-mail info@cpa-tx.com for a free consultation.

12603 Southwest Freeway, Suite 165 Stafford, TX 77477 (Across from the New TI Re-Development Project) www.cpa-tx.com

March 27th, 1 – 8 pm The Taste of Louisiana Festival 2021

Experience 360 degrees of Louisiana food, music and culture. Enjoy 20+ Louisiana food vendors, arts and craft vendors, live entertainment, Bayou crawfish and beer garden, chef’s demo and kids zone with inflatable games and rides. Event will be held at Brazos River Park, located at 18427 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land. Free Parking.