Age: 44
female
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Lesley-Ann Brandt has shot to stardom rapidly in New Zealand. She immigrated to Auckland with her parents and younger brother in 1999. Her unusual path to acting has seen her go from IT Recruitment Consultant to landing the lead role in the hit comedy series 'Diplomatic Immunity', starring alongside Craig Parker (of Spartacus, Lord of the Rings and Underworld: Rise of the Lycans), quickly moving her into the hearts of the nation. Lesley-Ann started her career as a model, booking prestigious national and international campaigns as well as big international TV commercials. She very soon drew the attention of Casting Directors who encouraged her to pursue acting. Whilst working full time, Brandt trained with various New Zealand and internationally based acting coaches. She has most recently appeared in guest roles on New Zealand's series 'Shortland Street', 'This Is Not My Life' and her current role as 'Naevia' in the Starz series 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand'. Lesley-Ann has just completed filming her first feature film 'Hopes and Dreams’. She is fluent in Afrikaans, and has in the past played competitive and social hockey. Brandt is currently based in Los Angeles.
Lesley-Ann Brandt
Maria Berry
for Maria Berry in Streets to Screens: The Evolution of Hood Cinema
Suggested by zeldalover603
"Streets to Screens" is an epic journey through the evolution of hood cinema, chronicling the gritty, real-life stories that have captivated audiences for decades. From the early 1970s to the present day, this TV series dives deep into the cultural impact and historical significance of hood movies, exploring how they've reflected and shaped society's perceptions of urban life. Each episode of "Streets to Screens" focuses on a different era, highlighting iconic films, groundbreaking directors, and the socio-political climates that influenced their creation. We'll explore the birth of the genre with classics like "Shaft" and "Super Fly," examining how they laid the groundwork for future filmmakers to depict the realities of life in marginalized communities. As the series progresses, we'll delve into pivotal moments in hood cinema, from the rise of blaxploitation in the 1970s to the emergence of hip-hop culture in the 1990s, which brought a new wave of voices and perspectives to the screen. We'll examine the controversies and criticisms surrounding these films, while also celebrating their cultural significance and enduring popularity.
