UrbanFlix TV: New Streaming Service and Cast Interviews

The new streaming service, UrbanflixTV, launched on May 1. This subscription-based platform is “dedicated to presenting great content that reflects the beauty and power of the diverse world around all of us, featuring original programming and exclusive acquired content that embraces the innate desire people have to not only relate to what they watch, but also to appreciate and learn about the distinctive lives, experiences and perspectives of others. UrbanflixTV is the home of entertaining, unique stories and content with diverse casts, storytellers and themes, not just for some of us, but for all of us.”

UrbanflixTV has a robust slate of scripted series, unscripted shows, feature films, short films, documentaries, and plans to release new original and acquired content on a regular basis.

Among the new scripted shows on the streaming service are Howard High and Casting the Net.

Howard High focuses on a school that is in trouble; it’s about to be shut down for ranking lowest in the state. The newly appointed principal Frank King (Brian White from Moonlight, Beauty and the Beast and Ambitions) enlists Michael Kirsh (Marques Houston from Sister, Sister and UPtv movie Marry Us for Christmas) to revive the Performing Arts Music Program. Among the talented ensemble cast is Dorien Wilson (The Parkers and In the Cut) and Shondrella Avery (Napoleon Dynamite and Domino) as well as newcomers Mila J, Deonte “Dizzy” Jackson, Ray Ray and Chrissy Stokes.

Casting the Net centers on Cassie (Linara Washington, who has appeared in episodes of NCIS, Castle and Grey’s Anatomy), Holly (The Young and the Restless alum Sienna Goines), and Sharice (relative newcomer Apryl Jones) are three talented actors who can’t catch their big break. Feeling “played” by Hollywood, the women clap back and recruit their casting director friend Mabel (Ella Joyce from the popular 90’s comedy Roc) to put out a fake casting call for a “black female Western” film. What began as a publicity stunt meant to up their social media clout ends up giving them a bit more than they auditioned for.

NiceGirlsTV recently had the opportunity to interview Chrissy Stokes from Howard High and Siena Goines from Casting the Net.

Check out what both ladies had to share below:

[Chrissy Stokes – Photo Credit: Courtesy]

First, Chrissy Stokes from Howard High:

Please tell us about Howard High in your own words.

Chrissy: I would describe “Howard High” as a fun Hip Hop Musical. There is nothing like it today in this generation and I am so proud to be apart of such a different project.

How did you get the role of Nicki in Howard High? What was the one thing about Nicki that drew you most to the character?

Chrissy: I like to read the scripts my dad writes; that’s like “our thing” and I loved Nicki’s role, so I asked my dad if I could audition for it. I auditioned and was lucky enough to book the role. One thing that drew me to the character Nicki, was how she is very vulnerable, and she’s not afraid to show her emotions no matter what.

NOTE: Chrissy’s dad – Chris Stokes – is writer and director of Howard High.

What has it been like to work with Brian White and Marques Houston? In fact, you worked with Marques before in Somebody Help Me 2 so how was this experience different?

Chrissy: Working with Marques and Brian was super fun! It’s fun to act with veterans. They pushed me to want to be a better actress. It taught me to let loose and embrace the character. I would say working with Marques was different because it was a different genre. With “Somebody Help Me 2” being a horror film, we had to be a lot more serious, versus “Howard High” it was more hype because of the singing and dancing.

Can you tell us a little about your background? You’re not just an actress, but also a pop singer and you’ve worked in production design. Do you have a favorite medium that you like to work?

Chrissy: I love acting, singing and production design all equally. I love being behind the camera and in front of the camera. All of it is my favorite!

What drew you to the entertainment industry? Did you always want to be a singer and actress?

Chrissy: I love the entertainment industry all together, from the work being done off camera and the work being done on camera. I’ve grown up on sets and in the studio with my dad watching the process. I just love all the aspects! Seeing the work being done and seeing the finished product.

Is there a dream project you would like to work on someday? Would it be Broadway, a big budget movie or one of those great independent films?

Chrissy: A dream project I’d love to work is a nice emotional big budget movie. “My Sisters Keeper” is one of my favorite movies. I’d love to do something where I can show emotion and passion.

With the world under quarantine (so to speak), how are you spending your days? Exercise?  Reading? Cooking? Any hobbies you’ve picked up or resumed?

Chrissy: I love to go on walks, there is nothing like fresh air. It helps me to stay sane and to slow down and enjoy my family.

What is one talent you possess that readers would be surprised to learn about?

Chrissy: I am an interior designer, another talent that was taught to me by my dad. He threw me into production designing in his movies, when Footage Films (her dad’s TV and film production company) first started out, and that’s where I developed a deep love for interior designing.

If you could work with anyone in a TV show or movie, who would it be and why?

Chrissy: I would say Will Smith hands down! He seems so funny and down to earth.

Do you have a pet project, charity or organization that you support? Please tell us a little about them.

Chrissy: My pet project is that I am currently writing an EP that talks about life.

[Siena Goines – Photo Credit: Victoria Bradley Images]

Next up, Siena Goines from Casting the Net:

How would you describe Casting the Net to viewers?

Siena: Casting the Net is like an urban Sex and The City meets Girlfriends Guide to Divorce. Comedy, drama, and a little bit of everything in between.

What do you like most about your character Holly? Are there any attributes of Holly that are similar to you, and how are you and Holly different?

Siena: I like my character’s freewill most. Holly is tenacious, a bit of a sexy dork and her heart is a garden of love. Our similarities are exact ha ha. I’d say that I’m gratefully different from Holly today, to be a working actress while my dramatic range runs deep.

Did you audition for the show or did the creative team seek you out?

Siena: I auditioned and had the honor of booking the role.

Are there any funny behind-the-scenes stories from Casting the Net that you can share with our readers?

Siena: Well… the director Andrew Jones is married to the lead actress Linara Washington and it was wonderful to witness their teamwork. It felt a lot like a family. My chemistry with (co-stars) Linara and Apryl felt natural and our giggles together quickly became magic on screen. We had a blast and the days flew by.

According to your bio, you got your start in modeling, but when did you know you wanted to be an actor?

Siena: I was 11 years old when I got the “bug”. I went to see a film and I said to myself, “I can do what she’s doing.” It was a feeling of belonging, but I had no idea that I’d become an actress.

What was the best piece of advice you received when you first started acting?

Siena: I learned by osmosis and (the late legendary actor) James Garner, who was my first big influence. Gardner’s humility and kindness staggered in the heat of an L.A. and a blazing day of shooting. He did all his off-camera work regardless of the temp and he was a much older man at that time. Gardner told me I was going to make it!

Also, Louis Gossett Jr. said to me: ‘Just keep climbing that mountain baby girl,’ and it’s something I continue to remember and think of to this day.

Is there a dream project you would like to work on someday?

Siena: Yes, my dream project would be a project where I could write and direct, two of my greatest loves.

How you are dealing with the safer at home guidelines? Are you spending more time on hobbies or projects around the home?

Siena: It’s crazy times now and I choose to do my best to use the time we have wisely. I’ve taken a deeper plunge into myself, my desires, it’s important I come out running when this is all over, as (I) feel (we) will be entering a very different world. Clarity is a virtue.

Do you have a secret hobby or talent that your fans would be surprised to learn about?

Siena: Life coaching and writing songs for artists.

Is there a charity or organization that you support or participate in? Please tell us about them.

Siena: I’m a big lover of bees. If you’ve ever seen one close up and personal they have the cutest face I’ve ever seen and I’m terrified of most bugs! But bees are alright with me. I donate to the preservation of bees. I do heed Albert Einstein warnings when it comes to The Bees.

Here is the trailer for Howard High:

Here is the trailer for Casting the Net:

UrbanflixTV is available ad-free 24/7 for $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year. You can try a complimentary 7-day trial period by signing up here.