VH1 WELCOMES FIVE LEAD ACTORS IN ITS NEXT ORIGINAL MOVIE "THE BREAKS"

NEW YORK, NY (June 1, 2015) - VH1's next original movie "The Breaks" welcomes actors Wood Harris, Mack (Tristan) Wilds, Afton Williamson, David Call and Antoine Harris to its cast. Based on the book by journalist Dan Charnas' entitled "The Big Payback," a narrative history of the hip-hop business, "The Breaks" is written, directed and executive produced by Seith Mann ("The Wire," "The Walking Dead," "Homeland"). Legendary New York music producer DJ Premier will compose the score and serve as executive music producer for "The Breaks," which will begin production this week and premiere late Fall 2015.

"The Breaks" will chronicle the journey of Nikki, David and DeeVee, three friends united by their love of hip-hop, as they work to make their big mark in the music industry. The film will travel viewers back to the summer of 1990 in New York City where the music industry's artists and hustlers intersect in the dance clubs and the street corners of the still crime-ridden city. But they will all soon discover lives can be broken as fast as legends can be born.

The cast includes:

Wood Harris will play Barry Fouray, the infamous founder of iconic hip-hop company, Fouray Management. He's a man short on time and of temper, zeroed in on his bottom line, but has launched legendary artists in his day. The question is whether he can keep the legend alive as the industry continues to transform. Wood is repped by The Gersh Agency and managed by Principato-Young.

Mack (Tristan) Wilds will take on the role of Daryl "DeeVee" Van Putten, Jr., an aspiring producer on the hunt to find the next big rapper on the come-up. Prep school educated since his father moved him from the Ft. Greene projects to a middle class neighborhood in Jamaica, Queens, where he grew up. A George Washington University dropout, DeeVee faces constant disappointment and pressure from his dad on his decision to forego his academic career in favor of one in music. Mack is repped by ICM Partners and MKS&D.

Afton Williamson joins the cast as Nikki Jones, a brilliant, recent George Washington University grad who is also a smart, striking, and very determined hip-hop aficionado. Nikki gets her first big break in the industry when she fast talks her way into an internship at the premier hip-hop company, Fouray Management, and catches the eye of the label's infamous founder, Barry Fouray. Afton is repped by Leading Artists, Inc. and Suskin Management.

David Call will play David Aaron, known as much for his passion and knowledge of music as his wicked sense of humor. Nikki's boyfriend and the scrappy son of legendary music producer Juggy Aaron, David is unwilling to rest on his father's laurels and notorious reputation. Like Nikki and his best friend, DeeVee, David is a passionate, true fan of hip-hop determined to see the art form properly recognized, respected and presented to the masses in an unfiltered fashion. David is repped by The Gersh Agency, Anonymous Content and Schreck Rose Dapello & Adams LLP.

Antoine Harris will play Ahmed "Ahm" Harris a hard-knock Brooklyn kid who grew up in the drug game. Ahm is a cold and pragmatic, as well as a brilliant rapper who has gained a reputation for himself as an unrivaled MC. Antoine is repped by Sana Hanible and Jason Steinberg of Steinberg Talent Management.

"The Breaks" is the third movie in VH1's recent successful push into scripted programming, following the 2013 record-breaking premiere of "CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story" and the success of last year's original movie, "Drumline: A New Beat."

Be sure to 'like' "The Breaks" on Facebook and follow @TheBreaksVH1 on Twitter and use #TheBreaks to join the conversation.

"The Breaks" is written and directed by Seith Mann. In addition to Seith Mann, Dan Charnas and Maggie Malina will also serve as executive producers. VH1 executive producers are Susan Levison and Bill Flanagan.

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