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Date: 6/19/2019
AGAWAM/WEST SPRINGFIELD – Jack Jonah was known by his loved ones as a boy with many interests and talents. He worked as a medical technician at Boston Road Animal Hospital, co-directed and wrote the play “LABELS” and played guitar and piano.
Jack passed away suddenly in April 2016 at the age of 19 as a result of an accidental overdose. In the wake of this tragedy, Jack’s family started the Jack Jonah Foundation, a 501c3 organization that seeks to spread opioid awareness. According to Kirk Jonah, Jack’s father, “The foundation’s core mission statement is “to honor those that we have lost to the opioid crisis along with their families and friends, educate young adults and the communities along with supporting those that continue to fight the fight every day due to addiction.”
To honor the life of Jack and spread awareness, a film is now in the works inspired by Jack. JCFilms, a faith-based production company, will produce the film, titled “Jack Jonah.” JCFilms recently released “A Promise To Astrid,” a film inspired by the novel of the same name written by Agawam resident Mike Tourville. Tourville is now working alongside Kirk to share his son’s story.
Kirk said his family feels honored to have JCFilms working on the “Jack Jonah” movie. “Jason Campbell of JCFilms is a talented producer and writer who has great character as a person. My family feels honored and blessed that he along with Dean Cain are willing to produce a movie on this topic,” Kirk shared.
According to the Jack Jonah Foundation website, “Jack Jonah is a new feature film about a family’s endurance and struggle after unspeakable tragedy. Actor Dean Cain leads the cast in this multi-plot drama uncovering the deadly drug culture in Western Massachusetts.” Cain is known for his role as Clark Kent/Superman in the television series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.”
Kirk told Reminder Publishing that his family is hoping that sharing Jack’s story will educate others. “My family is looking to share Jack’s story along with others so that we can educate young adults and the communities in the opioid crisis we are all facing, Kirk shared.
Kirk continued, “Jack was a young man who was smart, well liked, artistic and had a lot of opportunities in front of him with his life. He made a decision prior to doing heroin that led him on a journey to heroin. This is the case with a majority of heroin users. They come from good homes. The goal is to let those viewing the film know that a wrong decision can lead you on a journey to eventually use heroin.”
Production for the film will begin in August 2019. JCFilms will host auditions on July 20 at West Springfield High School, located at 425 Piper Road in West Springfield, for various roles. The auditions will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Below is a complete list of open roles as listed by the Jack Jonah Foundation:
•Jack Jonah (White, Male, 15-22) — a vibrant young man; witty, passionate and artistic
•Kirk Jonah (White, Male, 50-65) — A serious man on a mission to educate young people on the dangers of drugs
•Debbie Jonah (White, Female, 50-65) — A sophisticated mother dealing with an enormous family tragedy
•Dan Jonah (White, Male, 18-28) — An athletic college age student with a passion for his family
•Karlye Jonah (White, Female, 15-20) — A bubbly high school age student who loves her family and dance
•Tara (White, Female, 20-28) — A beautiful New York model type
•Brian (Black, Male, 50-60) — A very large former professional football player. Linebacker type
•Pastor Karen (White, Female, 35-45) — A compassionate and humorous pastor with insight and vision
•Principal Stephens (Any, Male, 30-40) — An academic serious type
•Heather (White, Female, 40-50) — Tara’s mother. Classy and refined
•Ann (Any, Female, 40-50) — A drug counselor and former addict
•Thad (Any, Male, 50-60) — A former addict with keen insight
• Younger Brian (Black, Male, 15-20) — A younger version of the above. Football type
• Herb (Any, Male 18-25) — Young adult in a rock band
• Rick (Any, Male, 18-25) — Young adult in a rock band
• Drew (Any, Male, 18-25) — Young adult in a rock band
• Collin (White, Male, 15-20) — Friend of Jack’s with a fury for video games
•Abby (Any, Female, 15-20) — Ann’s daughter and recovering addict
•Rory (Any, Male, 15-20) — A loner type teen
•Madison (Any, Female, 15-20) — The cheerleader type teen
•Emma (Any, Female, 15-20) — The goth type teen
•Grace (Any, Female, 15-20) — The over aggressive trying to fit in type teen
•Sam (Any, Male, 15-20) — The athletic bully arrogant type teen
Additionally, JCFilms is seeking over 200 background actors.
There are two ways to audition for a role in the “Jack Jonah” film. The first is to attend the open casting audition on July 20. The community is welcome to come to learn more about the film project. Parents are welcome to attend. For those who cannot attend the casting call but are still interested in auditioning, please email a resume, headshot and reel (if available) to Jason@JCFilms.org by July 20.
Upon arrival, those auditioning will be provided audition sides. Each side will be several sentences. Auditionees will have time to prepare and will then be asked to add their name to an audition list. Names will be called in order to the audition room.
The auditions will take place in front of the writer, director and an actor from the film. Those auditioning may also read a pre-prepared monologue or piece. Each audition will be less than four minutes per person.
Those wishing to audition should bring an acting resume and headshot. If an official headshot is not available, an unofficial photo will be accepted.
The film is expected to be cast by Aug. 10 and filming is expected to begin between late August and early September.
Kirk said those wishing to help support the Jack Jonah Foundation can volunteer in several ways. “Participating at future events, financial donations, watching the film and continuing to communicate about the opioid crisis can help support the Jack Jonah Foundation,” Kirk said.
For more information on the Jack Jonah Foundation and the film, visit www.jackjonahfoundation.com.