Hollywood has local connection

He preceded Gabriel in the industry and was constantly drawn to theatrical arts. Gabriel’s uncle started his “big screen” acting career in 1974, appearing in “Truck Turner.”

Through the years, he appeared in several other films such as; “Cavegirl” (1985), and “Trackdown” (1976.) In 2003, his uncle produced his first movie, “The Job” (2003), staring Daryl Hannah. His most recent project is “Uncross the Stars,” starring Barbara Hershey and Ron Pearlman.

Unfortunately, “Uncross the Stars” was his last project, as he passed away July of 2007, before the film was finished.

“I didn’t give it a second thought,” said Gabriel “When I was 12, my father died and Larry watched over me and was like a father, so this was the least I could do for him.”

Gabriel is a 20-year veteran in the insurance industry. He lives in Atascocita with his wife, Caroline, and children Joseph, Cara and Brad.

Their children attend Eagle Springs Elementary, Timberwood Middle School and Atascocita High School. Teaming up with Gabriel is John Nicholas, who is now the chief operating officer for G2 Productions. Nicholas also lives in Atascocita with his wife Kerry and children Kelsey, Colleen and Derek.

“If it wasn’t for the tremendous support and steadfast effort from John and Kenny Golde, the film’s director and co-producer, my uncle’s film legacy might not have been possible,” said Gabriel.

The Houston premier screening for “Uncross the Stars” took place at the Angelika Film Center at 510 Texas Street.

“Uncross the Stars” is a movie about a young man whose wife passes away and is ill-equipped to handle his grief. Troy, who lost his direction, ends up spending time with his Aunt Hilda (Barbara Hershey), her friends, and Bobby (Ron Perlman), who live in a small Arizona town.

They all play a role in opening Troy’s eyes to the fact that his pain is not unique, and help him with the fact that life does goes on.

One of the actors attending the Houston screening was Erma P. Hall, who played Lulu in the film and is one of Aunt Hilda’s close and dear friends.

Erma’s portrayal of the character allows viewers to identify with her as someone who might be part of their own family. The character offers advise from experience and with love and understanding.

The film was written and co-produced by Ted Henning directed and co-produced by Kenny Golde.

To view the trailer and learn more about the movie, visit www.uncrossthestarsmovie.com.

“Uncross the Stars” won several awards, including a Gold Remi at the Houston Worldfest in 2008.

The film also appeared at the Phoenix Film Festival in 2008 and The Cannes Film Market in France.

The film’s DVD was released for distribution by Eco Bridge Entertainment on Sept. 29.

The movie can be ordered on-line at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is also available to purchase and rent at local video stores and DVD retailers.

In the near future, the film will be available through NetFlix and also countrywide at Red Box kiosks.

As a special tribute to Gabriel’s uncle’s dedication to and passion for the theatrical arts, G2 Productions announced that proceeds from the movie’s sales will be donated to the Humble Independent School District’s theatrical arts programs.

A special presentation to the staff and students at Timberwood Middle School was made on Sept. 25.

The presentation educated students on the movie making process and gave them a chance to ask questions about what directors and producers do to create movies.

The team’s next project is “The Jupiter Effect, a psychological thriller, which is currently in pre-production stages.

Photo: From left, “Uncross the Stars” producer Mark Gabriel, CCO John Nicholas and director Kenny Golde pay a tribute to filmmaker Larry Gabriel. Photo by David Stuhlmiller