SYNOPSIS
GO FOR IT!, the Audience Award winner and an official selection of the 2010 Chicago
International Film Festival is an inspirational dance (hip-hop) drama. Carmen is 19 year old
student who is trying to find her identity, raised in the inner-city of Chicago. She spends most of her
time in underground clubs enthralled with her true passion in life, dance. She proves herself to the
tough streets of Chicago as she follows her own beat. Born a first generation Mexican-American,
she is faced with what her parents expect and what her heart is demanding. Afraid to believe in
herself Carmen is put to the test, when she is challenged by her professor to audition for a formal
dance school in California. She is torn between a chaotic family, love interest and her best friend's
abusive relationship. Can Carmen overcome life’s obstacles and take the biggest chance of her life
or will she fall victim to self-sabotage?
The filmmaker created “GO FOR IT!” inspired by her experiences as a street dancer growing up in
Chicago and hopes to inspire urban youth to believe in their inner-strength and follow their dreams.
Pantelion presents in association with Lionsgate and Sparkhope Productions a GO FOR IT! LLC
production, a Carmen Marron film. Written, produced and directed by Carmen Marron and starring
Aimee Garcia.
SHORT SYNOPSIS:
This inspirational dance (hip-hop) drama follows Carmen, a 19 yr. old girl living in Chicago, who
struggles to overcome her fears and follow her dream to be a dancer.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
I was inspired to write this script several years ago when I was working at an elementary school in
South Phoenix teaching social, interpersonal and self-esteem building skills to over 600 “at risk”
students. The boys were tough little street kids who ruled the school, but the girls were learning at
a young age to take on the role of being the “arm candy” for them. They based their self worth on
how much they were desired by boys. To top it off, they would emulate their identities around
famous stars like Britney Spears, who had nothing in common with their world. Imagine seeing
dark skinned 12 year olds show up to school with bleached hair and blue contacts covering their
dark brown eyes. Fast forward a couple years later and seeing many of these girls pregnant or
dropping out of school…before some learned how to actually read! I knew this was a real problem
because I experienced the same thing growing up. I had to do something about it. In a day and age
when a woman can be president, how can so many young girls around our country, the world, be
excluded from a progressive society?
CUT TO: 2008
I was casting in LA, NY and Chicago. My script was put out on breakdowns. This was an ultra low
budget production so I didn’t expect many submissions. I received 1,000’s of submissions. I will
never forget how many actors contacted me telling me that I wrote about their lives, their friends
and they just HAD to be a part of this movie. I received emails, phone calls, was pulled aside at
auditions. They all felt and lived the story themselves. Many of these actors chose the arts to
escape their environment. It was energizing to feel their passion for their characters.
I remember one day that was so surreal. We were filming in an alternative high school in the innercity of Chicago that my nephew attended. We used a lot of the students as extras and they were so
excited to be a part of it. The girls who also reminded me of the kids I worked with in Phoenix, kept
staring at me during filming. They were confused as to my role in the movie. When the crew set up
for the next scene, I walked over and chatted with them about their lives and dreams. They asked
me what my job was and I told them. They were utterly shocked. They sincerely thought only men
were directors and made movies. I vividly remember telling them that I grew up in their
neighborhood and had the same life as them and if I can do this, so can they. Their eyes lit up and
mirrored a reflection of the same yearning face that I had when I was their age trying to find myself.
It was unforgettable…and my reason to forge ahead with “GO FOR IT!”
CARMEN MARRON/WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER
Carmen Marron is a filmmaker and the founder of Sparkhope Productions, a company dedicated to
creating films that bring awareness to women’s issues and support cultural diversity in
relationships.
Carmen grew up in the inner-city of Chicago as one of ten children from Mexican immigrant
parents. She earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from DePaul University and a Master’s
in Educational Psychology from the University of Arizona. She worked for the Illinois Treasury
where she partnered The Board of Education with The Federal Reserve and financial institutions to
mentor inner-city elementary school children.
Carmen began her filmmaking aspirations in Arizona while a guidance counselor for high-risk
elementary school children in South Phoenix. It was then that Carmen began writing the
screenplay, “GO FOR IT!” as a response to the disparity in role models for minorities and their
reverence for violence on TV and in film. “GO FOR IT!” represents the reality of socio-economically
disadvantaged youth and addresses the societal issues they face while integrating the cool
underground world of street dance.
After completing her screenplay, Carmen moved to LA and relentlessly worked on turning her
script into a feature film. Carmen wrote, directed and produced the feature in Chicago and Los
Angeles. In 2010, “GO FOR IT!” was selected for narrative competition at The Boston International
Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival,
Dances With Films Festival, HBO Presents New York International Latino Film Festival, amongst a
few others. The movie received three Audience Award recognitions.
Carmen is a member of the organizations: Nosotros, NALIP, as well as Film Independent and
Women in Film. Her goal is to continue to create multicultural works like “GO FOR IT!” which
targets women and teens. Her personal goal is to support educational programs in inner-cities and
spread the word on pet adoption and animal welfare. She has 10 dogs and cats and plans on
adopting children.
CAST
AIMEE GARCIA/CARMEN SALGADO
Aimee Garcia is an actress of Mexican and Puerto Rican
descent born and raised in Chicago, IL. She broke into the
entertainment industry at age 7 as a professional dancer in
Paul Mejia’s Cinderella at the Auditorium Theater, and by age
12, she was dancing 20 shows a month as “Clara” in The
Nutcracker. She meanwhile joined the Young People's
Company, whose alumni include John Cusack, Joan Cusack,
Jeremy Piven, Lili Taylor, and Aidan Quinn.
Aimee later graduated Northwestern University as a triple
major in Economics, Journalism and French, all while
performing the lead role of “Diana Morales” in A Chorus Line
for Broadway choreographer Mitzi Hamilton. After
Northwestern, Aimee moved to Los Angeles and had her first
big Hollywood role as a series regular in the WB’s Greetings
From Tucson. The short-lived series established Aimee as a
TV regular, and since then she’s done 11 pilots and 4 series. These include her character as Andy
Garcia's daughter and George Lopez’s niece, "Veronica Palmero," on The George Lopez Show, and
“Marisa Benez” on NBC’s Trauma.
She is currently the only Latina in her generation to be on syndicated television, was nominated for
both Imagen and Alma Awards for her work on The George Lopez Show, and most recently received
the Impact Award for “Outstanding Performance in a Television Series” for her role in Trauma. Film
credits include, Spanglish and The Good Girl.
GINA RODRIGUEZ/GINA
Born and raised in Chicago, IL Gina Rodriguez began her life
in the arts traveling the world as a salsa dancer with Los
Soneros del Swing Dance Company
under renowned choreographer Andy Cruz. At the age of 14,
after appearing in a national commercial for AOL, Gina
decided to follow her new passion in acting. Determined to
receive the best training possible, Gina went on to be
accepted as a drama major at New York University's
prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. As a sophomore,
Gina landed the lead role in Theatreworks USA's offbroadway production of Walk Two Moons, and upon
graduating in 2006, continued her success by being cast as a
lead in the Sundance Workshop film, Tiny Dancer. Armed
with fearless ambition, she has gone on to work on stage and
screen, performing in productions such as American
Stage's Casa Blue and guest star appearances on television's
Law and Order, Johnny Zero, and Guiding Light.
2008 proved to be a very big year for Gina as she was selected to perform in the New York ABC
Diversity showcase as well as being cast in Go For It!, an Independent Dance Film that brought her
to Los Angeles. Her move to Los Angeles shortly followed suit and within the first year of her career
in Los Angeles, Gina booked TV shows Eleventh Hour, Ten Things I Hate About You, along with a
recurring role on Army Wives as a new army wife on base. She also appeared in the blockbuster
film Our Family Wedding alongside America Ferrera and Forrest Whitaker.
All and all, Gina Rodriguez is a salsa dancing, graffiti artist, race car driving actress. Her journey has
just begun, who knows what's next...
AL BANDIERO/ MR. MARTIN
Al Bandiero is the executive producer and co-lead of the
newly completed TV pilot, Matter of Family, a family
drama created and written by his wife, Marlyn Bandiero.
He is also one of the stars in the independent film GO FOR
IT! Al was a series regular for 72 episodes on Desire,
(FOX). Al has also appeared in lead roles in made for TV
movies such as SCENE OF THE CRIME and REASONABLE
DOUBT.
Al has appeared on TV shows such as The Practice, Mr.
Sterling, and the TV remake of Dragnet among others. His
film credits include I AM STAMOS where Al plays John
Stamos’ agent. This short film has won awards in film
festivals. He also had a supporting role in THE
CONFESSION with Wentworth Miller (PRISON BREAK). Al
was also personally picked by Sylvester Stallone to be in
ROCKY IV.
Al played four characters in the worldwide popular video game series franchise, Silent Hill
Homecoming. He has appeared in numerous national commercials such as Miller Beer, McDonald’s,
E-Trade and Match.com. His voice can be heard on TV and radio commercials for Revlon, Nestea Ice
Tea, Volvo, Pop Albums, SBC, etc. His voice introduced the hard rock band, GODSMACK, on their
national tour with METALLICA.
Al has an extensive background in TV hosting, interviewing the biggest stars of the day. He is one of
the most respected radio personalities in the country, enjoying years of successful ratings in New
York City.
LOUIE ALEGRIA/PABLO
Louie Alegria currently makes his home in Santa Monica, Ca
but is a proud native of Chicago. After making the move to LA
over a decade ago has had a successful career as a
commercial actor selling everything from cars to candy bars.
Recently Louie has been landing roles on TV shows such as
Monk, Three Rivers, and the new Nickelodeon hit series
Victorious. Occasionally Louie can be seen doing stand-up
comedy around the LA comedy circuit. His next role has
already been written and that is as Daddy to his son expected
in July with his beautiful wife Gabriela. Go For It! is a film
with a powerful message and Louie is proud to have been a
part of it.
Louie is represented by The Savage Agency and managed by
Studio Talent Group.
DERRICK DENICOLA/JARED
Derrick Denicola has been in entertainment all of his life,
starting when he recorded his own talk shows with only a
cassette recorder and a VCR full of celebrity guests. He
acquired his B.A. in Theatre Performance at Louisiana State
University before becoming a resident of Los Angeles. Aside
from the random, late night, Sci-fi monster flicks; Derrick's
film credits include: The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond, Print,
Ben and Jake's Big Deal, and Black and Blue which was just
released to DVD this summer.
DAVID HERNANDEZ/CUKO
David Hernandez is a Chicago Native and has been involved
in the entertainment industry since 1984. His Career began
with a chance meeting with Silvia Giannini and Jack Ginay
from NBC Channel 5 in Chicago while the NBC veterans were
shooting footage for a Docu-drama named "Still a Stranger",
a program that introduces the Latino culture to the rest of
the world. David was also the lead star of such made for
television programming such as " Night of Courage" that
aired on Nationwide network of ABC. He has worked in such
incredible films such as "Go For It!" the award winning
"Helix" and the controversial " Broken" amongst others.
David Hernandez has worked directly or opposite to
talented actors such as John Leguizamo, Alfredo Molina,
Freddy Rodriguez, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Daniel Hugh Kelly,
Lilly Taylor, Alexa Vega, Renee Enriques and many more.
David Hernandez is awaiting for that opportunity to work
face to face with Al Pacino, his all time favorite actor.
RENE ROSADO/NINO
Rene Rosado was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and raised
in Connecticut. He attended the University of Connecticut
where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Human
Rights. Rene’s first starring film role was in the acclaimed
Columbia University thesis short, “st. paul,” which was
awarded Best Short at the NY Latino Film Festival.
Recently Rene was awarded Best Male Actor for the short
film “Sandman’s Box” at the Orlando Film Festival. Since
then Rene has worked on numerous films and television
shows including NBC's “Conviction,” “ER,” and a recurring
role on the New 90210. Among his most memorable
experiences are working alongside James Gandolfini and
Edy Falco in HBO's series “The Sopranos,” as well as with
Harvey Keitel in Franc Reyes’ latest film, "The Ministers,”
and Tom Sizemore and Danny Trejo on the film, “513.” In
2010, Rene will also star in the feature film “Asher” from
Kulture Machine, and “Blood of the Martyr” from Alumbra Films, as well as The Hallmark Channel
movie of the week, “A Soldier Love Story,” starring Lori Loughlin.
ANDRES PEREZ-MOLINA/JESSE
Andres Perez-Molina was born and raised in Washington DC,
growing up as the youngest of three to a Peruvian father and
Bolivian mother. Andres started to pursue his acting career
after high school. As things progressed working in VA, DC,
MD, and NY, he had the opportunity of a lifetime to come to
LA and pursue his career full-time. On the first day of
arrival, Andres’ mother told him that his father's life dream
was to be a working actor. Being born on the same day as
his father, July 11th, Andres always felt a strong bond with
him. After his father passed away from cancer when Andres
was 18, he knew more than ever that being an actor is more
than a job, more than his passion for the art, it's his life. He
was born to do this. ACTION!
KEELEY “LocknKey”
KAUKIMOCE/BEAT FREAK
Keeley Lockn’Key Kaukimoce,
world known female locker and
street dancer, has gained
recognition as a singer,
songwriter, dancer,
choreographer and one of the
only original style locking
teachers of our generation. She
discovered street dance while watching music videos at the age of ten in her small Garland, Texas
home. She grew up with a unique affection for all forms of street dance, which include locking,
popping, b-girling, party dancing and freestyle. Keeley moved to Los Angeles, after feeling the need
to grow and stretch her passion for music and dance, and to pursue a recording contract. In the
process, a flourishing dance career took on a life of itself. She has had the honor of being trained by
original locker Greg Campbellock Jr. and Flomaster of Footwork Fanatics. Keeley is currently a
member of the female crew the Beat Freaks, who placed second on Season 3 of America’s Best
Dance Crew and a core member of the Groovaloos. She has worked in countless music videos with
such artists as The Black Eyed Peas, Missy Elliott, Christina Aguilera, and Run DMC vs. Jason Nevins
and Justin Bieber to name a few. She also appeared in “You Got Served”, “Legally Blonde”, Honey 2,
and received the Master Locking Student Award from Greg Cambellock Jr himself. Keeley is
currently doing various entertainment ventures, such as the children’s show THE BEAT BOTS,
appearing with The Beat Freaks, Groovaloos and teaching original style locking techniques and her
own choreographed hip hop, with a funky old school flare, all over the world. She is very passionate
about keeping first generation locking alive and trying her best to educate the youth on the history
and origins of various street dances.
MARISSA LABOG/ALL-STAR DANCER
Marissa Labog is an LA Native whose professional career
has spanned over ten years. Proficient in acting, dance, and
martial arts, she is honored with awards such as the Lester
Horton Award for Outstanding Performer, Palm Desert Solo
Award, and an Ovation Award Nomination. With a strong
belief in the transformative power of dance and
storytelling, Marissa has extensively studied Ballet,
Modern, Hip Hop, Breaking, Martial Arts, and is currently
studying with acclaimed acting teachers Diana Castle and
Steve Tietsort., making her one of the most versatile artists
in the industry. Marissa has worked with such artists as
Tina Turner, Christina Aguillera, LL Cool J, T-Pain, Sean
Paul, N’Sync, Toni Basil, K-OS, and Slum Village. She has
also appeared on countless commercials including Nike,
iPod, Coke, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Hyundai. Her TV and Film
credits include, Shake It Up, That’s So Raven, MTV Movie
Awards, the Emmy’s, Jimmy Kimmel Live, House Bunny,
Bratz, Bring It On All or Nothing, I Kissed a Vampire, Colombiana directed by Olivier Megaton, and
award winning Go For It! directed by Carmen Marron.
JOSSARA JINARO/ ACTRESS, DANCER and SINGER
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jossara grew up in Colombia
and as a little girl dreamed of dancing like Rita Hayworth in
GILDA. Samba and salsa rhythms pulled Jossara onto the
stage and she began dancing at the age of 5. She made her
stage debut at 8 years old and left home at the age of 16 to
pursue her artistic dreams. She earned a Bachelor of Fine
Arts degree in Musical Theatre from Columbia College, a
private fine arts college in Chicago and graduated top of her
class.
Her professional career began on stage in Chicago and received rave reviews "dynamic and
versatile, the ultimate chameleon," "a classic beauty who fills the stage with heat, passion, and
intensity." She earned those reviews many times over with stage performance in the American
Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, Chicago's Teatro Vista, The Kennedy Center, The Doolittle
Theatre, Los Angeles Theatre Center, and Teatro Sinergia. She performed on stage in Ten Tricks at
the Elephant Asylum, and the historical Sor Juana in The Nun, The Countess and Beirut, directed by
Cameron Thor at The Ventura Court Theatre. She was the female lead in Paddy Chayefsky's The
Tenth Man at the Skylight Theatre under the direction of Golden Globe® Award and multi-EMMY®
Award winner Gene Reynolds.
On the big screen, she held her own opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in COLLATERAL DAMAGE,
THE FLYBOYS with Stephen Baldwin, Oliver Stone’s WORLD TRADE CENTER with Maggie
Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena and has a lead role in MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. She has two films
coming out this year, HOLE IN ONE and brings the character of 'Loli' to life in the Pantelion film GO
FOR IT!
On Television, Jossara earned an ALMA Nomination for her role as the funny and lovely 'Virginia
Bustos' in the Columbia/Tristar sitcom VIVA VEGAS on Telemundo and for 5 years played 'Rae
Thomas' on NBC's award winning daytime drama PASSIONS. Her compelling performance as the
strong and sexy club owner was instrumental in her story line winning the 2006 GLAAD Media
Award. She had a recurring role as 'Courtney Messina' Cheech Marin's smart and driven activist
daughter on the CBS legal drama JUDGING AMY and guest starred on THE CLOSER. Jossara went to
Colombia to star as 'Katty' in La Bella Ceci y el Imprudente a novela on the Caracol Network.
Jossara is a proficient stage actress and is currently on stage in three productions, The Circle
directed by award winning director Shirley Jo Finney at the Matrix Theatre, The Birthday Present
2050 directed by Academy Award® winner Jonathan Sanger at the Skylight Theatre and Firehouse
written by award-winning playwright Pedro Antonio Garcia, directed by Bryan Rasmussen and
produced by Academy Award® winner Bobby Moresco.
Jossara produced and starred in the pilot WHAT ABOUT US and is currently producing a feature
that was accepted into Panavision's new filmmaker's program. A member of the Screen Actor's
Guild, she served on the EEOC and Latino subcommittee, she also chaired the committee
responsible for the first SAG study "Missing in Action, Latinos in and out of Hollywood" in
conjunction with the Thomas Rivera Institute.
Her talents are not limited to show business. Jossara served as an Executive Director for Hispanas
Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) and works with other non-profit organizations including
The Children's Institute, Upward Bound and SSG (Special Service for Groups). She also worked with
the Los Angeles Unified School District as a 6th grade Math and Science teacher.
Jossara is a trained ballet/jazz/modern/tap dancer and masters Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha, and Belly
dancing. She has won several salsa competitions, plays the guitar and the clarinet.
CREW
KRISTIN DENEHY/CHOREOGRAPHER
KRISTIN DENEHY is a multi-faceted choreographer who began her career in the industry as a
dancer, and has performed with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Britney Spears, P. Diddy,
Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Mya, George Michael, No Doubt, Shakira, Snoop Dogg, and many of the
other top artists of this generation.
KRISTIN has used her experience from working with top artists and Choreographer’s to build her
own style. She incorporates hip hop, jazz, house, and various other dance styles, melding them
together as each unique job requires. KRISTIN has always created her art with an eye on what the
audience will see; be it on a large stage, or through “the box” of the television screen. Always busy,
KRISTIN has most recently worked with Taylor Swift on her current tour - “FEARLESS,” working as
both the choreographer, and show doctor.
RINO NAKASONE/CHOREOGRAPHER
Rino was born in Okinawa, Japan and grew up with a
passion for dance. She learned how to dance watching
footage of Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and TLC. She
moved to Los Angeles in 1999 and started taking classes
and going to auditions.
She has been working with top choreographers in the
industry and have done 2 world tours, and appeared in
Awards shows like Grammy's, AMA's and VMA's to name a
few. Her credit includes Britney Spears, Missy Elliot, Mary J.
Blige, Avril Lavigne, Chris Brown, Ciara, Rihanna, Janet
Jackson, and she is one of the Harajuku girls from Gwen
Stefani. You can also find her in the films "You Got Served",
"Dance Flick", “GO FOR IT!” and commercials like ipod, Nike,
and Hard Tail.
Her choreography credit includes, Common, Kovas, Big Red commercial, up coming film "Go for it",
and most famous work for SM entertainment Korean Artists like SHINee, Girl's Generation, and F
(x). She is in a crew called "Beat Freaks" who won 2nd place in MTV's America's Best Dance Crew
Season 3, and have been doing a lot of activity's and work as a crew. You can see them in Dirty
Money, P Diddy's new group music video "love come down" and they have recently performed with
Shiela E. for Dizzy feet foundation.
She also teach class at Debbie Reynolds dance studio with Maryss from Paris who is also in the Beat
Freaks.
ALISON FAULK/CHOREOGRAPHER
Alison was born and raised in South Florida. She was
brought up in a musical household, and studied dance from
an early age. She moved to LA at age 19, where she studied
dance on scholarship at Tremaine Dance Center. During her
professional career, she has been blessed to work with such
artists as Pink, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Missy Elliot,
Madonna, and Miley Cyrus. She has also been seen in such
films as American Beauty, Along Came Polly, You Got
Served, and Step Up to the Streets. As a choreographer, she
co- choreographed (along with Leo Moctezuma) Pink’s sold
out Funhouse Tour. Her film credits include Go For It,
Women in Trouble 2, B-Girl the Movie, and The Last
Godfather. She is also a member of the all female hip hop
crew The Beat Freaks, and the street dance company the
Groovaloos.
KENNY WOOD/COMPOSER
Los Angeles native Kenny Wood has been actively
composing scores for film and video games over the last
decade. He had the great fortune of composing the music
for "Oktapodi," an Academy Award nominated film, under
the Best Animated Short category at the 2009 Oscars. His
earlier credits also include the Student Emmy winning
"Camp Bean: All Things Woodsey." Always delighted by
the collaborative nature of filmmaking, Kenny has found
himself working in virtually every genre of film from the
Hip-Hop feature, "Go For It!" starring Aimee Garcia, to the
upcoming movie-musical short, "Sudden Death!" starring
Matt Lutz and Autumn Hurlbert. When away from the
studio, he can be found performing with the L.A.-based
indie band, KLUM, whose songs are featured in the film
"Go For It!"
CHRISTIAN SPRENGER/DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Throughout Christian Sprenger's diverse career as a cinematographer, he has shot everything from
feature films, TV shows, commercials, to music videos, and filmed on everything from 35mm to Red
and HD, all the way down to Super 16 and 8mm. His technically informed, artisan approach to
filmmaking has kept him a cut above the rest and his work has screened on TV worldwide, at over
30 international film festivals, and inevitably, on the web. A true collaborator, Christian prides
himself in transforming a director’s vision into fully realized, beautiful moving images.
ROSALIND GENE COLLECTION /COSTUME
DESIGNER
Born Rosalind Lott, Rosalind named her clothing line
Rosalind Gene attributing to the fact that both her
grandmothers were seamstresses and that fashion design
was just in her genes. After graduating from AIU in
California for Fashion Design and Marketing, Rosalind
decided to start her own clothing line. Rosalind Gene
Collection is a fashion-forward, sophisticated, street-couture
line of clothing that is geared towards women and men who
project their individuality through their clothes with a
classic, yet modern edge. Rosalind’s love of art, dance, music
and film are some of the inspirations used to create the line.
The designs that are created bring a refreshing and
incomparable look, letting the clothes speak for themselves.
Rosalind’s designs debuted for Mercedes Benz Fashion
Week in NY, receiving write-ups from bloggers such as YBF (Young Black and Fabulous) and many
more. It was these accomplishments that caught the eye of various directors. This resulted in her
production of Costume Designs for films, theatre and television. Rosalind Gene is not just a clothing
line and Rosalind is not just a designer. She is an all around art lover, expressing herself artistically
through clothing, music, and film. Stay tuned for more to come.
Written, Directed and Produced by
Carmen Marron
Original Music by
Kenny Wood
Editors
Carmen Marron
Anthony David
John Coniglio
Costume Designer
Rosalind Gene Collection
Production Designer
Allessandro Marvelli
Music Editor
Matthew Llewellyn
Executive Producer
Sid Idris
Director of Photography
Christian Sprenger
Choreography By
Kristin Denehy
Choreographer
Rino Nakasone
Choreographer
Alison Faulk
Special Appearance by
The Beat Freaks
Somaya Reece
IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Carmen Salgado
Gina Esperanza
Pablo Salgado
Loli
Cuko
Imported Delight Leader
Imported Dancers
Aimee Garcia
Gina Rodriguez
Louie Alegria
Jossara Jinaro
David Hernandez
Rino Nakasone
Maya Chino
Ayodhya “Yoda” Jones
PeiPei Yuan
Mayuko Kitayama
Jeanine Carrillo
All-Star Dancers Ashlee Nino
Jessica Rabone
Diana Carreno
Katie Orr
Marissa Labog
Reina Hidalgo
Nino
Mr. Martin
Jared
Miss Simpson
Jesse Salgado
Luis Salgado
Cecy Salgado
Irene Salgado
Student in Class
Mrs. Lopez
Store Manager
Carlos
Richard Hatton
Dancers in Park
Girlfighter 1
Girlfighter 2
DJ SHY
Danny
Jared’s Father
Jared’s Mother
Gina’s Mother
Rene Rosado
Al Bandiero
Derrick Denicola
Katie L. Hall
Andres Perez-Molina
Gustavo Mellado
Safia Hannin
Liliana Montenegro
Peter Blanchett
Eloisa Garcia
Hector Garcia
Carlos Pratts
David Ross Paterson
Nicole True Armstrong
Ro Lott
Amy Fernandez
Jeannette Rodriguez
Karine Da Silva
Sophie Green
Karen Jin Beck
Daniel Yabut
Brad Armacost
Peggy Lee Goss
Yomi Perry
Beat Freaks Alison Faulk
Teresa Espinosa
Lindsey Blaufarb
Keeley Kaukimoce
Marina
Juan
Somaya
Woman kissing Jared
Judge 1
Judge 2
Judge 3
Lisa Roumain
Gil Menchaca
Somaya Reece
Jennifer Horeni
Susie Mancini
Kristin Denehy
Sid Idris
BACKGROUND ACTORS
Victoria Dmitrenko
Imia Edwards
Alex Mansolino
Jonathan Thomas Armstrong
Sandra Menard-Vilips
Lauren Vilips
Gretzalee Torres
Amy Collazo
Tasharee Deleon
Shail Mishra
Sean Trimpe
Zac Morris
Shae Wilson
Chris Vanderhorst
Michelle Wellman
Liliana Medina
Maria Cortez
Joel Maisouef
John Everly
Lisa Rozman
Corwin Nunes
Lauren King
Bobby Hooper
Klein Singleton
Daniela Paredes
Allison Shore
MaQuita Lamb
Rita Chen-Howard
Dorise Johnson
Dan Jacobson
Kris Miller
Taleh Rzayev
LeAndre Bell
Amy Johnston
Jennifer Durst
Roger Dancel
Jonathan Vicioso
Gerrit Yank
Deanna Paley
Eric C. Field
Jules Sanchez
Julia Modi
Alan Gaona
Theresa Jun-Tao
Sean Harris-McKinnie
Johanna Rodriguez
Rushaun Loriano
Ray Corasani
Nolan Hamlin
Edwin Dones
Roberto Cabral
Zachary Block
Michael Rojas
Guadalupe S. Ramirez
Nicholas Leverette
Chrisgen D. Whitfield
Crystal Callahan
Natalie Timmermans
Sebastian Vale
ADR ACTORS
Ginny You
Lauren D. King
Peter Blanchett
Christina Escandon
Karine Da Silva
Paul H. Gutierrez
Sophie Green
Barry Alexander
CREW
Additional Choreography by Ruthy Inchaustegui
Addional Choreography for Imported Dancers by PeiPei Yuan
Mayuko Kitayama
Maya Chino
Music Supervisor Carmen Marron
Casting Elisha Gruer, C.S.A. and Michelle Levy
Preproduction Line Producer
Line Producer
First AD
Second AD
Production Coordinator
Script Supervisor
Art Director
Set Decorator
Set Decorator
Seamstress
Wardrobe Assistant
Wardrobe Assistant
Hair Stylist
Assistant Makeup Artist
Sound Mixer
Boom Operator
Second Boom Operator
Gaffer
First AC
Second AC
Steadicam Operator
Second Unit First AC
Key Grip
Key Grip
Grip
Grip & Electric
Key Production Assistant
Key Production Assistant
Key Production Assistant
Production Assistant
Camera Production Assistant
Still Photographer
Graphic Design
Storyboard Artist
Additional Sound by
Assistant to the Editor
Audio Post Services provided by
Sound Supervisor
Supervising Sound Editor
Re-recording Mixer
Dialogue Editor
ADR Supervisor/Mixer
Foley Artist/Mixer
Sound Effects Editors
Jessie Ottolini
Sid Idris
Kevin Dreher
Chris Fishel
Kendall Gensler
Lindsay Cohen
Andrew Jesse Gutierrez
Susie Mancini
Alexi Gomez
Heather Torres
Lisa Rozman
Harold Gray Jr.
Erica Acevedo
Ashley Teno
Michael Crosby
Brent McClain
Jonathan Grant
Cody Jacobs
Alyssa Soetebier
Scotty G. Field
Nicholas Davidoff
Brandon Zachary
Andrew Dickieson
Charles Cooper
Carlos Oropeza
Nate Kelly
Seth Burke
Brett Konner
Jason Wells
Mathew Schmidgall
Kenneth B. Walker
Philip Holbrook
Bob Wynne, Wynne Graphics
Torsten Keller
Alejandro Kubac
Michael Litzenberg
Juniper Post, Inc.
David Kitchens
David Barber
David Barber
Ben Zarai
Gonzalo "Bino" Espinosa
Gonzalo "Bino" Espinosa
Mike Pipgras
Gonzalo "Bino" Espinosa
David Barber
Legal Services by Law Offices of Elsa Ramo
Production Attorney Elsa Ramo
Production Attorney Erika Canchola
CHICAGO CREW
Line Producer
First AD
Second AD
Production Coordinator
Script Supervisor
Location Scout
Sound Mixer
Boom Operator
Art Director
Production Designer
Swing Crew
Swing Crew
Swing Crew
Set Dresser
Props Master
Assistant Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist
Wadrobe Assistant
Second AC
Best Boy Electric
Electric
Driver/Grip
Publicist
Still Photographer
Still Photographer
Still Photographer
Security Guard
Security Guard
Studio Teacher
Production Assistant
Production Assistant
Production Assistant
Camera Production Assistant
Key Production Assistant
Production Intern
Production Intern
Carrie Holt De Lama
Alicia Zaragoza
Kimberly Sizemore
Janice Hollinger
Kristin Owings
Caryn Capotosto
Kevin Faber
Matthew Betlej
Colin Bach
Jesslyn Jalayerian
James Jasionowski
Eric Frankel
Erik Harris
Jeff Frumess
Jordan Treml
Jennifer Horeni
Marita Avio-Sanchez
Curtis Davis
Elliot Dickerhoof
Scott Mohrman
Sam A. Andrzejewski
Veronica Resa
Tamara Bell
Augustine Marron
Angelica Pitroda
Louie Marron
Christopher Marron
Terrie Quinlan
Paul Sharpe
Jamison S. Acker
Brian Corbin
Jacqueline Charak
Isaiah Santopoalo
Hannah Dolbeer
Elizabeth Riley
SONGS
“I’m Not Broken”
Music written by: Jennifer Parsignault
Performed by: Jennifer Parsignault
Published by: 2008 Botticelli-Winter Music (BMI)
Courtesy of: Greenehouse Records
“Baila Loca”
Music written by: Gleen Ortiz
Performed by: Los Perdios
Published by: Gleen Ortiz
Courtesy of: 90-94 Entertainment
“El Control”
Music written by: Paul H. Gutierrez
Performed by: Latin Power
Published by: Paul H. Gutierrez
“Club Swag”
Music written by: B Boy Wicket
Performed by: Bigwick Music
Published by: Toward The One, ASCAP
Courtesy of: Bee Dub Entertainment
“Make It Hot 2008”
Music written by: B Boy Wicket
Performed by: Bigwick Music
Published by: Toward The One, ASCAP
Courtesy of: Bee Dub Entertainment
“Sueno En Rio Grande”
Music written by: Anonymous
Performed by: MaryLuz Martinez
Published by: Public Romain
Arrangement By: Manuel Arellano, Ismael Mota
“LOVE/HATE”
Music written by: Jack Oat Rayner
Performed by: Jack Oat Rayner
Published by: Jack Oat Publishing
“Escencia de lo Vivido”
Music written by: Jorge Villanueva
Performed by: Jorge Villanueva
Published by: BMI
“I Can’t Dance”
Music written by: KLUM
Performed by: KLUM
Published by: BMI
“Victory All My Life”
Music written by: KLUM
Performed by: KLUM
Published by: BMI
“Donde Esta”
Music written by: Freddy Kenton Jr.
Performed by: Freddy Kenton Jr.
Published by: Freddy De Los Santos
Arrangement by: Richard Marcell
“Heart of Mine”
Music written by: Jennifer Parsignault
Performed by: Jennifer Parsignault
Published by: 2004 Botticelli-Winter Music (BMI)
Courtesy of: Greenehouse Records
Habanera from “Carmen”
Music written by: Georges Bizet
Performed by: Adrienne Chandhok &
William Vendice
Published by: GO FOR IT! LLC
Courtesy of: GO FOR IT! LLC
“Ooh Baby Baby”
Music written by: Scoop Deville
Performed by: Somaya Reece
Published by: Elijah Molina Publishing
Courtesy of: Savvy Entertainment
"Pushed Away"
Music written by: Kenny Wood
Performed by: Kenny Wood
Published by: Go For It! LLC
Courtesy of: Kenny Wood Music
“Believe (GO FOR IT!)”
Music written by: Jennifer Parsignault
Performed by: Jennifer Parsignault
Published by: 2008 Boticelli-Winter Music (BMI)
Courtesy of: Greenehouse Records
“Starting All Over”
Lyrics written by: Tito Calloway
Music written by: Chris Rosa & Jared Gosselin
Performed by: Tito Calloway featuring Chris Rosa
Published by: BMI Publishing, Strange Science
Publishing (ASCAP)/Flying Boy
Entertainment
Courtesy of: 8 Moon Entertainment/Flying Boy
Entertainment/Gosselin
Entertainment
“GO FOR IT!”
Music written by: Carmen Marron, Scott Mayo
Performed by: Alexx Daye
Published by: Mayonaze Music-BMI,
Sparkhope Productions
Filmmaker Q & A for GO FOR IT!
1. Please explain your inspiration and point of view when you first started developing and
collaborating on GO FOR IT! and why you made this film. How or what prompted the
idea for your film and how did it evolve?
The inspiration behind this story was to inspire urban kids and young women. I remember
one day going to work at an inner-city school in South Phoenix and seeing a young Latina girl
come to school dressed like Britney Spears. Her hair was dyed. She had tight clothes with a
thong peeking up out of her pants and she was wearing her t-shirt. I thought to myself, there
aren’t really minority girls in the public eye that young girls can look up to and really identify
with. I need to create opportunities for that to happen. That’s when I just started writing.
From the script, many doors closed on me before I decided to make the film myself.
2. What inspired you to become a filmmaker? Please explain your history in filmmaking.
What I mentioned above is what inspired me. I have no history whatsoever in filmmaking,
nor did I ever desire to be a filmmaker or producer. It just came about and I loved it.
3. What do you want the audience to ‘take away’ after they have seen the film.
I want people to tap into their hearts and allow themselves to take the emotional ride. Most
will hopefully laugh, cry and dance in their seats. I also want them to know that there is
hope in this world and it lies within their own spirits.
4. What is your relationship to the cast of this film?
I never knew any of the actors until I met them at auditions, except for David Hernandez, the
Cuko character. I actually went to high school with him and we used to hang out at the club
that is represented in the film. He was a dancer too. We lost touch after he dropped out. It
was awesome to see him walk through the door when I was casting in Chicago. Incredible
déjà vous.
5. What is the most important message in this film to you?
It’s Si Se Puede! No matter what your obstacles, you can change your life!
6. When did you meet your collaborators? How did those partnerships come about?
I have been the one driving this project for most of the time. It was not until right before
production that the crew and cast came on board because I could not afford to bring them on
sooner. I did spend a year casting so when I found an actor in the beginning, I just kept in
touch with them and let them know that the project was still moving ahead, I just needed to
finish casting.
7. What made this project come together and be successful?
I believe the love and passion is what really inspired everyone to give their all. It was not the
pay I can tell you that. It was a 19 day shooting schedule so the cast had to be committed
and focused from day one to get through it. There was no time for rehearsals. The chemistry
between them was also amazing. I searched to find actors that really worked off each other’s
energy.
8. Please elaborate a bit on your approach to making the film, including your influences (if
any).
I watched a LOT of films and treated them like my film school. I took lots of notes and
created lots of files on movie stills that spoke to me. My biggest influence was the drama
“Bread and Roses.” I wanted to make a film at that caliber and try to get the ‘GO FOR IT!”
audience to feel what I felt after I saw it. To this day, it has affected me more than any other
film. It’s the Si Se Puede attitude!
9. What was your most memorable experience about shooting GO FOR IT!?
Honestly, what I remember the most was that I didn’t sleep for months. I was the only
producer on a very big production. I literally remember writing checks and reviewing
invoices in between takes of scenes, and not making our “day” on many days! There were
injuries, illnesses, lack of funds, we lost locations that I had to find at the end of a long day.
You name it, it happened. It was one challenge after another and I had to stay focused on the
creative aspect which was critical to keep the actors in sync and have scenes that were
emotionally charged.
10. How did you find your actors for the film?
First through Actors Access, LA Casting, Now casting. Then the project was put on
breakdowns and I did a second round of casting in LA. Gina Rodriguez was in NY, so she sent
her audition through youtube. She recorded herself from her phone. I could tell from that bit
that she was going to be great. Then when she flew out to LA to do a chemistry read with
Aimee, my husband Sid and I knew instantly she was going to be a star. We couldn’t stop
laughing. She turned me into a giddy spectator!
11. Please address the music in the film. How did these choices come about?
The music took two years to find. I went through 1000 Myspace pages to find the right song
for every scene I wanted to add music into. I found a couple of the dance songs through
friends and I co-composed the finale song with a friend. I then hired a gifted up-and-coming
composer, Kenny Wood, to do the beautiful score. There is a lot of music in the film, over 18
songs, and score throughout. It’s a diverse compilation from Salsa, ballads, Opera, Samba,
Latin Hip Hop, to Indie Rock, Rap, and some Flamenco thrown in during the finale. Nice
array.
12. How do you think GO FOR IT! fits into your personal growth as a director? How will it
affect your future projects?
“GO FOR IT!” was an advanced kick in the butt education on filmmaking. I grew leaps and
bounds during the entire process. I feel like things can only get easier with my next film
because I absolutely plan to have another producer(s) to allow more time to focus on the
creative areas. I also love dance and definitely see myself making more films with this
theme.
13. Share something unique about the film. It can be related to the subject, the title, the
making of the film, the vision behind the film, casting, location, script, etc.
“GO FOR IT!” is my first film and I think it’s the perfect title and story to represent my own
personal journey as well. Just like Aimee Garcia’s character, I was scared to death when I
decided to take this on. I decided to just face my fears, roll up my sleeves, and I went for it!
Making this film really taught me that sometimes when you face your fears, you end up
finding your destiny.
14. What are some of your favorite films, and what are your other creative influences?
My favorite films that influenced me were “Bread and Roses”, “Raising Victor Vargas”,
“Saturday Night Fever”, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Flashdance.” Anything that
expresses dance in an artistic way and not vulgar, influences me.
15. What are you currently working on?
I’m collaborating with a writer on a script that I hope to take into production shortly after
“GO FOR IT!” I’m actually really excited about it, which is telling because I’ve only been
visualizing “GO FOR IT!” in my head for the past few years. Stay tuned…
“GO FOR IT!” BEHIND THE SCENES FUN FACTS
Aimee Garcia (Carmen character) spent months training on her own to get in
technical shape for her dance routines. She learned the finale routine she performs at
the end of the movie through a video she played on her laptop during production.
Every break she had during production, she would open her laptop and practice in a
corner. We shot her last dance number in 5 hours.
I spent a couple years location scouting in Chicago to find locations for free. The
grocery store where the girls work was donated with one contingency. We had to
start at 9:00pm when it closed and finish before they opened their doors at 9:00am.
We shot through the night and Gina Rodriguez (Gina character) danced through the
aisles with her brother-in-law to keep people happy and motivated. Aimee Garcia’s
(Carmen’s character) parents made a guest appearance as the store manager and the
customer Mrs. Lopez.
On our first day of shooting it rained almost 15 hours straight. We had to incorporate
the rain and the umbrella with the professor Mr. Martin and the lead Carmen in the
last scene at the park to be able to shoot it. Every outdoor scene at the park was shot
in the rain on that day.
We stole the bus scene where the Carmen character is in the back of the bus with the
dance brochure. I went up to the bus driver and distracted him by telling him we
were lost and asked for directions while the DP quickly recorded the scene. The bus
driver was convinced we snuck a dog on the bus under a big sweater, which was
actually the RED camera. He kept asking me “Are you sure there’s no dog back there?
I better not find out you have a dog back there. It’s against the law.” Little did he
know what we were really doing. Aimee said everyone in the back thought that the
camera under the sweater was a bomb and even the thugs’ eyes were bugging out.
Derrick Denicola (Jared character) had kidney stones and was rushed to the hospital
the day before we shot all his classroom scenes with Aimee. The following day he
dismissed himself even though the kidney stones didn’t pass and showed up to shoot
the scenes. He was in so much pain & pulled it off incredibly.
I lost the family house location two days before we were going to shoot a bulk of the
movie there. I spent those two days putting out ads on Craig’s list & making calls in
between takes. I drove all over LA at night and part of the day before we’re supposed
to shoot and found a location at 5:00pm. I sent photos to the crew and began to do a
shot list as I walked through the house. The following morning we started
production at 6:00am.
Right before we shot the garage scene where Aimee (Carmen character) practices
dancing in front of a mirror, the PA dropped the large mirror and it broke into several
pieces. I had them put the biggest piece left in the garage and started rolling. The
mirror turned out to look perfectly chiseled for the scene.
In the classroom scene where Aimee (Carmen character) gets on the desk and flirts
with Derrick (Jared), I hadn’t decided on the song yet and we all forgot to bring music
for her to dance to on that day. It was the end of a very long day, half the classroom
was also tired crew members, and the location was truly uninspiring. Nobody was
into it. I talked to Aimee about the plan, then went behind the monitor & started
dancing in place & yelling “Whooaaa, Whoooo, Yeaaaah” & began clapping to a beat to
get the rest of the room going. Aimee jumped on the desk, and strutted her sexy hips
and smile in the direction of Derrick and the magic began. We added the song and
ADR of the students howling and loud clapping in post and the rest was history! Talk
about creating an illusion!