Yonie: Nine Questions about Sunset Blvd.

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"SUNSET BLVD", is a docu-drama following the life of music video casting director, Yonie. Working for Hollywood's hottest music video casting agency, Yonie quickly learns that even in a world of A-list celebrities, gorgeous video models, and red carpet treatment, the dream life can sometimes be a nightmare. The trailer features Lil Wayne, Pharrell, T-Pain and more.

1. Describe the character you play.

I play myself in the show. The characters around me are all people that are actually in my life.

2. How did you manage to get the part?

Casting videos for many A-list artists like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, T.I. and more has given me some credibility and semi-celeb status in Hollywood. Some producers apparently heard about me and then approached me about doing the show based on my crazy life.

3. Who is in charge of the writing/production of Sunset Boulevard?

Sunset Blvd Entertainment LLC is a production company based in Hollywood. They created and are producing the show.

4. We first heard of you as a rapper based in Seattle. What s the transition from rapping to acting been like?

I decided to put my music on hold when I moved to LA in 2005 to pursue acting. The transition hasn't been too difficult just because as a lyricist, I write all the time and as an actor and producer I write as well. The only difference is format and content but to me it's all just creativity with different forms of expression.

5. What s the most challenging part of acting?

For me the most challenging part is finding roles that fit me. They don't offer too many roles for people of color let alone Ethiopians. That's specifically why I've focused on writing as much as I focus on acting. I'm not the type to sit around and wait for anyone to discover me.

6. The most enjoyable part?

The most enjoyable part by far is seeing something you've created come to fruition. Whether you're acting in it or producing it or directing it or all of those things, to see a project come together from beginning to end is the most gratifying part of the whole process. And it doesn't hurt when the audience loves it as well.

7. There seem to be a lot of noteworthy cameos of famous music personalities in the show. Who are they and what are the roles they play?

All of the celebrities in the trailer play themselves. The trailer features cameos by Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Pharrell, Bow Wow, Lauren London, Angela Simmons and Wyclef. As a music video casting director in Hollywood I deal with platinum-selling artists almost every day. When the cameras were capturing my life they also captured all of those celebrities because they're a part of my world.

8. What s it like working with Lil Wayne?

I've casted a few videos for Lil Wayne and he has consistently been down to Earth and professional. It's always been a pleasure working with Wayne.

9. When does the show premiere?

The show will be on air January 2010. Make sure to watch it!