Anthony Rapp Joins Claire Coffee in GRIND Musical Short Film

The producers of "Grind" have announced that Anthony Rapp of the cultural phenomenon "Rent" has joined the project as their male lead, Vincent. A versatile screen presence, Rapp has also appeared in films as varied as A Beautiful Mind, Dazed & Confused, Six Degrees of Separation, School Ties, and Adventures in Babysitting. He joins previously announced Claire Coffee in this independent musical short film.

Rapp plays Vincent a gay man in is late 30's living in Hells Kitchen. His roommate, Thane, is in his early twenties and is a gorgeous underwear model. For every ounce of sex that Thane is, Vincent is every ounce of plain. All seems to be fun and games when Vincent first acts as Thane's ghostwriter, helping him find dates with a smartphone app, but deep down there is something darker and both are left to question whether they are their online identities. Coffee plays Autumn, best friend to Vincent who is intrigued with the gay hook-up culture that offers easily accessible sex with the simple exchange of a few texts. "Grind" takes a sexy and artistic look at the ways we connect in today's multi screened hook up culture and asks, "Do you REALLY know who you're talking to?"

Joining Rapp in the cast in supporting roles are: Trey Gerrald (NBC's Next Caller), Max Rhyser (Chaser), Drew Brody (M-Lab), Adam Halpin (Dog Fight), JoNathan Chang (Violet Tendencies), and Danny Blu (The Factory Blu).

"Grind" is brought to you by a group of artists from the big apple- including:

- Zachary Halley, Writer/ Director/ Producer.

- Selda Sahin, Lyricist and Producer.

- Derek Gregor, Composer and Producer.

- Telly Leung, Producer.

- Sing Out Louise! Productions, Producer

- Masie Productions, Producer

- Steven Tylor O'Connor, Producer and Casting Director.

- Joe Rusin, Producer

- David Larsen, Choreographer.

Additional details are available at: http://www.facebook.com/grindthemovie and http://www.twitter.com/grindthemovie. The creative team will be accepting grassroots donations through June 9, 2013 to help cover production costs via http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/grind.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski