Four short days after stepping into New York City, Amber Gristak was
landed a role as a political supporter in the film "Maid in Manhattan."
Audiences everywhere were surprised as they watched the blooper that
made the final cut. The scene shows Ralph Fiennes calling Gristak by
her real name before she introduces herself. Newspaper reporters back
in Gristak's hometown of Zanesville, Ohio were eager to get all the
details on the Zanesville native's quick leap into Hollywood. The
newspaper sold out on the day Gristak's article appeared. Residents in
the city were all gossip but more importantly they were proud to see a
Zanesville native on the big screen.
Gristak accredits her crash course into the world of film to her work
as a stand-in and photo double for Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine of
the Spotless Mind directed by Michelle Gondry. Following this
experience, Gristak landed a reoccurring spot as a student for two
seasons on NBC's popular sitcom, ED. During this time Gristak
auditioned and was selected to perform the monologue "My Short Skirt"
in Eve Ensler's highly acclaimed Vagina Monologues.
Gristak began training her vocals with industry staple Craig Derry.
Derry has worked with such household names as Etta James, Mark Anthony,
Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blidge, Ashanti, The Backstreet Boys, Kevin
Lyttle and More.
Gristak spent 2004 as the main host on the IMM Show. Designers
including the prestigious Diane Von Furstenberg contributed full racks
of clothing for Gristak to pull from. The IMM Show filmed in both New
York City and Los Angeles California. Initial broadcast of The IMM Show
began on ITV (UK Number). Shortly after this launch the show's
broadcast was extended to ITV's sibling stations around Europe and
Asia. The IMM Show was later remade in French.
Gristak was chosen to be a co-host the Independent Movie Awards.
Designer Betsey Johnson jumped on board to dress Gristak for the event.
Following the awards, Gristak began working with various casting
directors on her auditioning skills at The Actors Connection in New
York City.
Gristak was then offered the chance to play "Leon's Mistress," a
street-talking tough-girl confined in a detention home, in the film
"House of D" directed by David Duchovny. Following this Gristak was
offered and accepted the role as a "Well Wisher" in the independent
film "Hard Rock."
Late summer 2005 Gristak was asked back to the Independent Film Awards
to be the main Host. Following the event, Gristak was inspired by the
ceremony and decided to tune in on her acting skills. She auditioned
and was cordially invited to attend the prestigious William Esper
Studio.
Early 2006 Gristak contributed the poem "Grandma Tell Me Again" to be
used in the book "Beyond Memories." The book was released and sold by
the Outreach for Breast Health Foundation (OFBH) to raise money to fund
mobile mammogram stations and promote the early detection of breast
cancer. After the success of the books initial release the OFBH has
continued to sell copies of the book at their other events, fundraisers
and auctions.
Gristak recently released her first compilation book "O.F.O.N: String
of Consciousness." The book overviews a journey through the changing
perception of a youth made in America!
