Whitehouse company signs model, Troup man for local movie

Robin Arcuri

East Texas producer Jeff Walston recently saw a longtime dream realized when Italian/ American actress and supermodel Robin Arcuri was signed for White Horse Entertainment's latest movie project "Totem."

"We are in production on our third feature and felt it was necessary to bring a 'Hollywood' actor to Whitehouse, Texas, in order for the company to move to the next level. I believe Robin Arcuri is that actor," said Walston.

Playing the role of "Jimmy" in the film will be Troup's Spencer Langley, making his film debut.

A native of Colorado, Langley has been in East Texas most of his life and has been involved with theater since he was in the eighth grade.

"My wife showed me the article about the auditions for a movie being filmed locally and I got really excited. I thought here's my chance to get a role in a movie. The auditions were kind of funny. I was clueless. I really didn't know what part I might get, or how I should look, or what I should wear. I was a nervous wreck, really. But, from the minute I checked in, to the time I was shaking hands afterward it was a smooth process," said Langley. "It was over so quick that I wondered why I got so nervous."

Spencer Langley

"I didn't go into the audition expecting to secure this big of a part. The character itself is different than any that I've done in the past, so it will be refreshing to get back into acting with a different role and different format (theatre versus film)," said Langley.

"Auditioning for "Totem" was based on my passion for acting. My main goal, aside from having a great time, is to hopefully open the door for more opportunities in film. It's funny that all this time I've wanted to get into the film industry and never knew the resources were this close," said Langley.

Langley's co-star Arcuri describes herself as an actress, model, producer, mentor and activist. She began her career in modeling at the ripe age of 14, and a year later was on the roster of major talent agencies in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. Campaigns, endorsements, magazine ads, runway, catalogs, billboards, trading cards, postcards and calendars followed. Fans have seen her advertisements for Mountain Dew, Evian, Ralph Lauren, Body Glove, Maybelline and Budweiser just to name a few. But, she is most famous for her appearances in TEEN, Vogue, Glamour, Orange Coast, SHAPE, Cover Models and Cosmopolitan magazines.

Arcuri's latest project is "Ripple Effect" starring Philippe Caland, Forest Whitaker, Virginia Madsen and Minnie Driver. She plays "Andrea" in the film that was also directed by Philippe Caland. She has starred in a few episodes of "Walker Texas Ranger" and was also seen this year in several episodes of "Entourage" on HBO.

"We have been trying for years to get a 'Hollywood name' to Whitehouse for one of our projects, but just couldn't reach an agreement that was advantageous for both parties. Fortunately, Robin really wanted to do the part, and we really wanted to have her involved. So, after a few months of back and forth, we reached an agreement that worked for everyone. It's not going to be cheap by any stretch of the imagination, and she's definitely taking a pay cut to work on a movie in Whitehouse, Texas. We are extremely happy to have her on board," said Walston.

"I hadn't heard of White Horse Entertainment prior to my agent contacting me regarding the auditions," Arcuri said about her new project. "But I absolutely fell in love with the role. It seemed like it would be a challenge."

"When I flew in for the auditions, everything just felt right. As an actor, I try to create as I go. Jeff's production style will allow me to explore my character," said Arcuri.

"We had people across the United States send in headshots and resumes. But, when Robin walked in for her audition, I knew our search for "Debbie" was over," said Walston. "If she fills the screen like she filled the room that day, we should have a hit on our hands."

"Totem" follows an investigation into the disappearances of young women in East Texas. When a supernatural connection is discovered by alcoholic investigator "John Scott", there is a chance that his own secrets may be discovered.

Following leads that stretch from Vegas to Baltimore and all the way back to the Civil War, Scott realizes he may not be able to save the next victim, or himself.

White Horse Entertainment is still looking for a few lead character spots to be filled, and has a need for day players, extras and a few actresses with model looks. Send Headshots and Resumes to: White Horse Entertainment, P.O. Box 1925, Whitehouse, TX, 75791.

"Although, there have been several actors signed for the project so far from the local area, we still have a need for more," said Roy Bell, White Horse Entertainment casting supervisor.

"Our biggest casting problem has been with locating an actress of Native American descent to portray the demon that is, I guess you could say, haunting the totem."

Walston and his team turned to Rachel Arteaga and Mary Santiago for expert advice concerning the Native American angle involved in the movie. Arteaga and Santiago, who are of Apache/Hopi Indian descent, own Wamani, a Native America Arts and Crafts store in downtown Tyler.

(Photographs by Glenn Francis)