Meet The Team

At Tel.Ur.Heart. Films, our team is a vibrant mix of talent and creativity, bringing together diverse skills and innovative ideas to craft compelling stories. Each member contributes their unique vision, allowing us to push boundaries and create exceptional cinematic experiences. Get to know the amazing individuals who make up our passionate crew.

Phil Hughes

"Tom"

When I joined Motor City Bambino, it was because I believed in Mister's vision. K.L. Wilkins' script was deeply touching—funny, heartfelt, and filled with characters who felt like people you know. It’s a love letter to the city of Detroit and a celebration of resilience and hope. Playing Tom, this man of such integrity and undying optimism, has been an actor’s dream. And working alongside my friend Pat AKA Mister, our steadfast director, as well as a dedicated and talented cast and crew, has made this experience very special. This journey reminds me that great stories often emerge from unexpected places, driven by people of great passion and strong character. I’m honored to be part of this film, and I look forward to sharing it with audiences.

Leisa Pullido

"Linda"

Anything that Pat is directing or writing, I want to be a part of. There is so much heart in everything that he does and this story takes it to another level. I am so HONORED to play a role in this story about hope and love.

Growing up in SE Michigan, I used to spend my teenage years coming down to Detroit, singing songs through Trappers Alley (BEFORE it was developed), and ice skating at midnight in Hart Plaza because I didn’t have the money to pay during the day! Detroit has always been a story of love and hope for me, so filming here is incredibly special. And filming with my real life daughter is a dream come true!

So thrilled to work with this talented cast and crew!

Marrina Celander

"Akahana"

Marina Celander received the Pan Asian Rep’s Lila Kan Red Socks Award for contribution to Asian American theatre, and was nominated for the Innovation In Performance Award for her solo show Mermaid’s Howl at the Stockholm Fringe. Her work has been invited to perform at the Tony award-winning theatre venue, LaMama ETC.

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Kez Settle

"Amy"

The artistic community here in Detroit is very tight knit. One thing that I love about working as an actor in Detroit is that people are very willing to help each other out. They show up and give 1000%. People are here to support each other, and the love for the art really shows in their generosity on film, on stage, and with each other.. The talent is exceptional and having trained in Chicago at the School at Steppenwolf, and having worked with artists across the country as both an actor and as a director, I can honestly say that Detroit holds its own when it comes to talent.

Barton Bund

"Oscar"

BARTON BUND (Oscar) is Michigan’s versatile actor of stage and screen. Star of The Dunes and Age of Ice. Seen on Netflix, Hulu, AMC, Disney +, Prime and Sundance. Creator of the Line 5 Documentary Series.
Member of Actors Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA since 2010.

Ken Alter

"Sam"

“Detroit has a fervent independent film community and after reading K.L. Wilkins' MOTOR CITY BAMBINO script I am so excited to be a part of such a warm, inspirational, and unique story. The filmmakers, writers and actors in Detroit are so passionate about their craft. I believe MCB will show that to the world!

Montie Brown

"Pastor Thompson"

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Kristen Nader

"Barefoot Girl"

Kristen is delighted to be performing in Motor City Bambino as
Barefoot Girl. She recently acted in the film Oasis LX directed by
Ryan Hamlin that screened at the Mighty Mac Fest. She also played Kate
in the feature film, Captain Buffalo directed by Patrick Moug, and
24-7 directed by Tito Calloway. She trained at Wayne State University
where she graduated with her Bachelor's in Fine Arts in Theatre and at
Second City Detroit improv classes. She portrayed Jeanette Braden in
Old Heart at the Redford Theatre, Belinda in Noises Off at the
Riverbank Theatre, and Unlocking Desire at the Marlene Boll Theatre.
She has been performing improv and played with ComedySportz, Go
Comedy, Open Book Theatre, and at the Detroit Improv Festival with
Eleven Marbles. With a love of storytelling, Kristen looks forward to
future creative collaborations that inspire audiences.

Rich Giteri

"Frankie Russo"

Rich Goteri has worked in theatre, tv and film for over 40 years. He has played in principal roles opposite Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Keegan- Michael Key, Gerard Butler and Hugh Jackman to name a few. He is an alumnus of The Second City, ComedySportz, National Lampoon and The Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute.

Yolanda Jack

"Sylvia"

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Zoe Niemkiewicz

"Maria"

Zoe has been tagging along with her mom to auditions since she was an infant which inevitably led her to several print, commercial and film jobs starting at 6 months old! Zoe graduates this year from Interlochen Academy High School and will continue to study performing arts in her College years. While Zoe and her mom have auditioned for Mother/Daughter roles over the years, they were always told they didn’t look enough alike!! So a big thank you to Pat for finally teaming the real duo up!

She is so excited and grateful to be a part of this cast and this journey!

Blake Brown

"Louis Aaron"

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Eric Wydra

"Fr McCarthy"

Getting the chance to act in a feature film is a privilege for any actor. Getting the chance to act in a feature film in your hometown is an absolute gift! I’m so appreciative of the creative film community here in Michigan!

Barbara Lynn

Barbara Lynn is an American R&B legend and she will be making her acting debut in Motor City Bambino. Tel Ur Heart Films is proud to announce that two of Barbara Lynn's songs will be in MCB - including her R&B chart-topping hit, "You'll Lose a Good Thing".

Patrick Elliott

"Tom"

"Patrick is a graduate of the University of Michigan Dearborn School of Business and The Motion Picture Institute, where he discovered his passion for cinematography and all things camera-related. With over 15 years of industry experience, Patrick has worked across the country with prominent clients such as Ford, GM, Bosch, Whirlpool, Fathead, La SED, Inner City Scholarship Fund NY, Skrillex, Eminem, and Hitsville.

As an instructor at the Motion Picture Institute for over a decade, Patrick has dedicated himself to shaping the next generation of filmmakers. He is also the founder of Diakonia Productions LLC, a successful production company committed to giving back to the community.

A tech enthusiast, Patrick enjoys working with the latest industry tools and innovations. Outside of work, he is a proud husband to his high school sweetheart and a father of four. When he’s not filming, Patrick can be found on the golf course or taking a walk with his dog.

Justin Ward

Light Design

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K.L. Wilkins

Screenwriter / Producer

K.L. has produced several full length feature films both narrative an documentary. Her work also includes stage plays, reality shows, and music videos. Motor City Bambino is K.L.'s first screenplay to be produced. She also has 30 plus years a successful sales account representative for Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Pat "Mister" Moug

Director

Pat Moug has directed several feature films, television pilots and music videos. He has been a member of the Screen Actors Guild / AFTRA and Actors Equity for over 20 years. Pat is also a detective for the Sexual Assault Kit Task Force of the Wayne County Prosecutors' Office in Detroit.

"I've been so excited about the Motor City Bambino project ever since I turned the script over to K.L. Wilkins. K.L. took our nice story about the Babe Ruth Birthday Party and developed it into a beautifully crafted story which warms the heart.