Following the yellow brick road to find...
Director Sam Raimi (Spiderman) personally selected child actors for the recently released Disney blockbuster film OZ the Great and Powerful, a prequel to the classic movie favorite The Wizard of Oz. The movie was partially filmed in Pontiac MI in fall 2011.
The children who worked on the OZ movie were demographically diverse. Most of the kids hired were from Michigan but some traveled from New York, California, and other states just for the opportunity to work with the star-filled cast of OZ and under the visionary leadership of local Detroit native, Sam Raimi's direction on a big Disney project.
Find out what's happening in White Lake-Highlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Many children of OZ and their families became friends as a result of their time spent together in makeup, hair, costuming, set, set school, and just hanging out in the "actor holding areas.” In fact, it’s a lot of fun to see familiar faces at local auditions and shoots.
Two such young male actors became fast friends and were surprised to learn they attended the same elementary school - but the two (3 grades apart) didn’t meet until on the set of OZ. Now the boys and another sibling, as well as their parents are friends who socialize and network extracurricular and acting opportunities for their three young male actor/singers.
Find out what's happening in White Lake-Highlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
While Brakke and Podhorsky patiently awaited the release of OZ the Great & Powerful and are enjoying seeing the final movie, they both state they are now focused on obtaining new theater projects or movies such as the upcoming Transformers 4 or How to Catch a Monster which are rumored to be filming in Southeast Michigan this spring. While the boys await “that important call” they all stay as busy as the flying monkeys in OZ.
Mason Podhorsky 8, just finished the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoats with Encore Theatre in Dexter, several films and television shows; as well as commercials. Information: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4846292/ Mason Podhorsky.
Eric Brakke 11, and younger brother Zack Brakke 9, recently performed in two musicals: The Little Mermaid with PA Drama and Oliver with Lakeland Players and two more films: Fractured and Dhoom3. Both Brakkes have done short films and commercial projects. Information www.imdb.me/ericbrakke Eric Brakke and www.imdb.com/name/nm5266990/ Zack Brakke.
Sam Raimi’s new yellow brick road led to increased employment, local purchases and travel expenditures, new friendships, along with a skill and self-confidence boost for a large local “cast of characters” – much like the original yellow brick road adventure! View OZ the Great & Powerful pictures with Mason Podhorsky and Eric Brakke – “Quadling Kids” in OZ the Great & Powerful on Patch- photo credits to OZ media efforts.
