EXCLUSIVE: Andi Matichak (Halloween trilogy), Steven Strait (The Expanse), and Ashleigh Murray (Riverdale) are among cast in A.I. thriller Serena, which is currently in production in New York City.
Also staring are Tyrone Marshall Brown (Power) María Gabriela González (Fantasy Island) and Nicole Gut.
Directed by Rob Alicea in his feature debut and written by Jonathan Benecke and P.T. Hylton, producers include Jerry Careccio of Bad Idea, Scarlett Camargo of Leaving Normal Productions and Brodrick Haygood from Moon Howler, with casting by Sig De Miguel and Stephen Vincent of S2 Casting.
The synopsis reads: “Desperate to launch her company into the future with resounding success, a CEO commissions tech engineer Holly (Murray) to build her an AI model. However, before being implemented it must be tested. Down-on-his-luck and funds, former rock star, Chris Sadowsky (Strait), is asked to be one of the testers — with devastating repercussions. A simple tool, a chatbot who calls herself ‘Serena’ (Matichak) proves to be a soothingly sinister weapon of destruction, all while being void of conscience or heart.”
Director Rob Alicea created the comedy series Adulthood (2017 HBO New York Latino Film Festival) and supernatural thriller short The Hat Man (Leaving Normal Productions). He most recently penned the psychological horror script Just Smile with Alexander Vargas for Luz Films (In the Summers).
Said producer Jerry Careccio: “In an era where technology is seamlessly woven into our lives, our film serves as both a gripping thriller and a stark warning. The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence holds incredible promise, but it also presents certain dangers we can’t afford to ignore. With a killer script and under Rob’s human vision, Serena aims to shine a light on the dilemmas, vulnerabilities, and costs of an unchecked A.I. revolution.”
Matichak is repped by Innovative Artists, Strand Entertainment and Frankfurt Kurnit. Strait is repped by Gersh and Circle M+P. Murray is repped by Innovative Artists and G & G Talent. Brown is repped by Gersh, Luber Roklin Entertainment and Jackoway Austen. González is repped by CESD Talent Agency and AC Management. Alicea is repped by Zero Gravity.