Tag Archives: Dan Charnas

Diaz to Star in VHI’s Scripted Hip-Hop Series “The Breaks”

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Melonie Diaz has landed a real Break…

The 32-year-old Puerto Rican actress has joined the cast of VH1’s The Breaks, the network’s new scripted series based on its critically acclaimed hit film that aired earlier this year.

Melonie Diaz

Diaz will portray a new character in the series. She’ll play Damita Alonzo, a writer for a hip New York weekly.

Diaz joins a cast that includes Sinqua Walls, Ali Ahn, Afton Willamson, Wood Harris, Mack Wilds, Antoine Harris, David Call and Evan Handler.

Inspired by Dan Charnas’ book The Big Payback, a narrative history of the hip-hop business, The Breaks is written, directed and executive produced by Seith Mann with a story by Mann and Charnas.

The film followed three young friends fulfilling their hip hop dreams in New York City in 1990. The series will continue to explore their triumph and heartbreak trying to make their mark in a new and complex hip hop culture.

Diaz’s previous television credits include appearances on Girls, Person of Interest and CSI: Miami.

Wilds to Star in VH1’s Original Hip-Hop Movie “The Breaks”

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Tristan Wilds is getting his big break…

The 25-year-old part Dominican American actor has been cast in one of the lead roles in VH1’s original hip-hop movie The Breaks.

Tristan Wilds

Wilds will star opposite Wood Harris, Tristan Mack, Afton Williamson, David Call and Antoine Harris in the television movie, which begins production this week for premiere in fall 2015.

Based on Dan Charnas’ non-fiction book The Big Payback: The History Of the Business Of Hip-Hop, The Breaks chronicles the journey of Nikki (Williamson), David (Call) and DeeVee (Wilds), three friends united by their love of hip-hop as they work to make their big mark in the music industry.

Wilds is Daryl “DeeVee” Van Putten, Jr., an aspiring producer on the hunt to find the next big rapper on the come-up. A George Washington University dropout, DeeVee faces constant disappointment and pressure from his dad on his decision to forego his academic career in favor of one in music.

The film is set in 1990 New York City where the music industry’s artists and hustlers intersect in the dance clubs and street corners of the still crime-ridden city.

Seith Mann writes, directs and executive produces the project.

Multiple Grammy-winner DJ Premier will compose the score and serve as executive music producer.