Shenae Grimes ("90210"), Marshall Allman ("True Blood"), Evan Ross, Alex Meraz ("Twilight") and Austin Williams will star in indie drama "Sugar," due to shoot early next month.
Rotimi Rainwater will direct "Sugar" from his own script, co-written with Tony Aloupis. Ari Palitz of All Is Well Films is producing with Rainwater through his Village Entertainment banner.
Grimes will portray a young woman suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder who lives on the streets of Venice Beach. "Sugar" is Rainwater's feature debut, and the story is loosely based on his youth.
Producers have partnered with homeless shelter My Friends Place to raise funds for its activities. WME handles finance and distribution.
Grimes and Allman are repped by Gersh and Ross is repped by ICM. Meraz is repped by Innovative and Williams by Media Talent.
Contact Dave McNary at
dave.mcnary@variety.com