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Synopsis

Cast

• Henry: Lou Diamond | bio

  Lou seems a natural to play in a film called “The Bet” – he started his career in sport handicapping. In 1991, Lou cemented his reputation early on as one of the country’s premier sports analysts by sharing second place in the Las Vegas Hilton’s NFL Supercontest. HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel documented Lou’s picks for five months, leading to a regular stint of FX’s The X Show. From there, Lou has made numerous appearances in film, including "Ocean’s 11" and the independent thriller "S.I.N.," as well as gigs on "Scare Tactics," "The OC" and "Dinner and a Movie."

• The Girl: Courtney Stavros | bio

  Courtney is thrilled to be in her first film. She is a professional stage actress currently recurring her role as “Carol” in “A Christmas Carol: On the Air” at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. For her day job, she teaches piano and flute in Utah.

• James: Walt Turner | bio

  Born and raised on the outskirts of Las Vegas, Walt Turner has been doing one thing his entire life: entertaining. From singing and dancing in places up and down the Las Vegas Strip, to small-time college films, Walt is slowly but surely working his way up the ladder. He is currently co-producing and co-starring in his first feature-length film with Amir Naderi, set to premiere in Italy in late 2007. His role in “The Bet” is by far one of his favorites and “a role that had been on my wish list.”

• Donnie: Mat Planet
• Maree: Shannon Sarver | bio

  Born, raised and schooled in Las Vegas, Shannon is an astute observer of pop culture and vice – making her a decent advertising copywriter and excellent drinking buddy. This is her second time working a puppet. The first was in eighth grade, when she wrote and made the puppets for a nativity program at her Catholic School loosely based on the popular nighttime soap, Dallas. Shannon lives in the suburbs with her eight-year-old son.

• The Guy in the Hallway: Mike Minnick | bio

  Mike Minnick was the vocalist of the metalcore band Curl Up and Die. "The Bet" marks his film debut.

• The Man in the Bedroom: Drew Marvick

Crew

• Director: Michael Dunn | bio

  Michael is a published author who hasn't quit his day job as an art director at a Las Vegas advertising agency. After making a few short films in high school, he studied film and creative writing at Cal State Fullerton and UNLV before shifting into graphic design. The change of focus eventually led back to his first love when he made his directorial debut with the short film that introduced a graphic design club awards show. He recently directed the music video for "Hallway" and is currently developing, with co-writer Chris Smith, a feature-length film entitled "Detox." Michael and his wife live on the outskirts of the Las Vegas valley with their two sons and a bulldog.

• Producer: Matt Wilkinson | bio

  Matt is co-owner of Abe Froman Productions, which specializes in producing and directing for film, video and event production. Clients include AFLAC, Cisco Systems, Conde Nast Traveler, Discovery Channel, EBAY, Fairfield Resorts and Mandalay Resort Group.

• Director of Photography: Kurt Rauf | bio

  Kurt is not only a talented cinematographer, but a respected director as well (not to mention having been involved with making the classic "Evil Dead"). He has been recognized by Shoot and Markee as a Top Regional Commercial Director/DP. In addition to numerous commercials, video games and other media, his credits include "Becoming Marty" (2003), "Fanalysis" (2002) and "If I Had a Hammer" (1999). Kurt recently finished shooting the Bruce Campbell-directed "My Name is Bruce."

• Screenplay: Michael Dunn & Chris Smith | bio

  Chris Smith is a writer who, until recently, has never penned dialog for puppets. "The Bet" is the first film collaboration between Chris and Michael Dunn, although the two are responsible for many advertising onslaughts throughout the region. Chris lives in Las Vegas with his wife, his son and two very saucy cats.

• Sound Design: John McClain
• Associate Producer: Chris DeFranco
• Composer: Rachel Bellinsky | bio

  This Cleveland transplant came to Las Vegas before she could walk. Rachel’s music is “melancholic and full of expectancy” – the perfect sound for “The Bet.” Her band, Switchyard, released their first album, "The Secret Life of Spiders," in 2005 to much acclaim.

• Picture Editor: Michael Dunn
• Production Company: Rubbersquare and Abe Froman Productions

Bonus Features

• Director Commentary
• Actor Commentary
• Making Of Featurette
• Cast Interviews
• Outtakes
• Alternate Ending(s)
• Music Videos
• Theatrical Trailers
• TV Spots
• Scene Selections
• Interactive Menus
• Behind the Scenes

Accolades