“What a joy to share the set with you! Thank you for contributing your considerable talent and kindness to this project. You're a gracious, generous, gorgeous class act. You made a difference.”
— Ava DuVernay, Director of Origin
“Yoooooo. You crushed our movie!”
— Adam Sandler, Actor and Producer of Netflix film Hustle
“Noëlle was an invaluable part of our film. She took an ensemble cast made up almost entirely of first-time actors and gave them a foundational set of skills that they were able to take into production. Her generosity, kindness, and vulnerability with our cast fostered an environment that allowed them to give some truly amazing performances. Working with Noëlle was the definition of collaboration. I hope she becomes a mainstay in all my films.”
— Sydney Freeland, Director of Rez Ball
“In the chaos of a film set, Noëlle is an incredibly warm, nurturing and centering presence. She not only created a safe space for my cast so that they could play and explore but also was an incredible conduit for me to effectively communicate the nuances of character and script which speak to her abilities as both a collaborator and also a creative in her own right. She was absolutely indispensable for this film and I hope to work with her again on all my future projects.”
— Jingyi Shao, Director and Writer of Chang Can Dunk
“Meeting Noëlle is one of my life's luckiest encounters. Without her, I would never have been able to achieve what we did in We The Animals or Hustle. She is a whisperer, a teacher and confidant who makes everyone around her better.”
“I brought in Noëlle Gentile, and she brought out amazing work. When Adam [Sandler] told me they wanted to work with real basketball players, I decided we needed to bring on somebody who could bring out what was deep inside of them. So we brought Noëlle on. She worked with Juancho, [Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard] Anthony [Edwards], and Dr. J for weeks, if not months. And they were dedicated, they gave it their all. There is a scene between Juancho and Adam, and Juancho is shaking and crying in the car — it was incredible. He put himself in that space, and it was Noëlle that helped him get there.”
“Boban is incredible and Anthony Edwards is unbelievable and Kenny Smith is amazing and Jauncho is a revelation. That’s a testament to Noëlle. I get a lot of credit for her work, but for me it’s just a joy knowing that they are as good as they are on screen.”
— Jeremiah Zagar, Director of Netflix film Hustle and We The Animals
“Noëlle creates a connection between actors and their director. Her process opens the troupe to the foundational elements of great ensemble performance; trust, relationship, and security. Through playfulness, movement and listening she brings to cast what is essential but often overlooked in film preparation. Not only that- is’s fun, even when the material might be heavy.”
— Mark Ruffalo, On workshop for Brad Ingelsby’s Untitled HBO Drama Series
“I’m continuously impressed with Noelle’s ability to pull forth honest performances from within everyone she works with, regardless of their experience level. Her warm and patient spirit mixed with her firecracker emotional intelligence means that she crafts environments on set in which non-actors and the most experienced feel equally excited to play and experiment. Quite frankly, she helps us all elevate the language on the page, and reminds us that acting happens throughout the entire body, even if the body isn’t in the camera’s frame. Noëlle reminds us that we are all actors, and that’s it’s about tapping into that well of empathy, and using it in service of the character and the story. Working with her before directing my first feature, Selah and The Spades, made me a better director.”
— Tayarisha Poe, Director of Selah and The Spades
“Noëlle’s class in the NYU Grad Film program is one of my most memorable experiences. After the pandemic, I hadn’t worked with actors for quite a while. I was so nervous to get back into the director's chair, but Noëlle created an environment of creative curiosity that really took away any pressure. She really encouraged us to constantly ask questions, explore and most importantly - to play. I know that working with her made me a better collaborator with actors. I will always cherish what I’ve learned from her and hope we can continue working together down the road. Anyone, even the most seasoned directors, can learn so much from her.”
— Ishkwaazhe Shane McSauby, Filmmaker
"Noëlle’s approach gave me a whole new perspective on not only directing actors, but how to manifest an ideal and open creative environment. Coming from a film school background can reinforce the tendency many of us already have of jumping to critique first. However, in countless ways, our work is the opposite of that. Noëlle helps to illuminate that and provide tools, techniques, and exercises to get us out of that mental trap. Through her guidance I was able to harness the power of improv in a fresh and exciting new way. We were able to create and suspend a sense of play, which ultimately freed up both myself and the actors to new opportunities and moments. I was also amazed by her ability to usher non-actors into a space of honesty and presence. That’s an invaluable tool to pocket for my work (and life) moving forward. The experience of working with Noëlle empowered me in many ways, especially as a writer and director."
— Kaitlyn Busbee, Filmmaker
“Noëlle was an incredible force on our set. Her coaching was invaluable and she brought a wonderful, collaborative energy every day. Could not recommend her more highly!”
— Rishi Rajani, Producer of Chang Can Dunk, President of Hillman Grad Productions
“Noëlle has quickly become an essential part of our process—from casting all the way through production. Her intuitiveness and sensitivity with actors is second to none. Simply put, she makes the work better and we don’t want to make another film without her.”
— Jeremy Yaches, Producer of We The Animals, Netflix film Hustle, and Co-Founder of Public Record
“Noëlle’s work with the actors was invaluable for the movie.
The film is better for it.”
— Barry Bernardi, Executive Producer of Netflix’s Hustle
“It is really difficult to quantify the magnificent impact Noëlle had on me and the set of Chang Can Dunk. When she was on set, I felt safer as an artist and more willing to risk everything in order to discover more. She was always there to catch me if I fell. Noëlle played a role in all of my best days. Just her presence was enough to put me at ease and that was so vital in my process. Moreover, she’s infinitely adaptive and malleable. That’s my favorite part of working with her. She doesn’t have only a singular way to approach the day or a person, but rather she is able to intuitively take in the whole moment and understand where and how she is most needed. She works with everyone as an individual, from each cast member to the crew. She’s able to hold all the chaos and provide space for us to work with her unrelenting support. Noelle’s positive impact on set is so unique and so special. I consider anyone who gets to work with her as incredibly lucky.”
— Bloom Li, Lead actor in Chang Can Dunk
“Noëlle has been my daily inspiration to be better: a better actor, and more importantly, a better person. She’s the light that illuminates our path forward. She's one of the best people I've ever known. An unwavering fighter who is always ready to help. She's always there for what you need - anytime, anywhere - and there are few people like that in the world. And I have the good fortune to have met and worked with her.”
“As soon as I met her, [Noëlle Gentile] was one of the best people I ever met. She worked so much with me, all summer we were doing three or four zoom calls a week. Everything I did right was because of her. She gave me homework, we played games, she had my write letters to my father and my daughter in character.
She helped me not just through acting, but through life. She taught me to love and give my best to the people around me. She was always so positive and she would push me to keep going. She really got me to open my heart and love and trust her. She’s one person who’s going to be in my life forever. Whatever she needs, I’m going to be there.”
— Juancho Hernangomez co-star on Netflix film Hustle, NBA player on Timberwolves
“I couldn’t be more grateful to have worked with Noëlle. She has such a warm and welcoming approach to acting. Especially for me and many of my cast having little experience, she was able to sharpen our skills in a fun and interactive way while protecting the authenticity. She has such a kind soul and that really shows off in every aspect of her work!”
— Kusem Goodwind, Actor in Rezball
“I got to work with Noëlle on my first day of pre-production for TASK (HBO) and I’m so grateful! She curated an incredible program that allowed me to connect not only with my fellow actors but with the directors as well. Thanks to her very specific exercises, we were able to start the first day of shooting with extra confidence and sense of community! Day 1!!! And I got to do the ‘Monster Machine’ exercise with Mark Ruffalo- when does one ever get to say that!?”
— Silvia Dioncio, Actor in Brad Ingelsby Untitled HBO Drama Series
“Noëlle Gentile, first and foremost is a beautiful human being with a powerful soul. She has a huge heart, is so welcoming, and was an anchor for the first time actors on the set of Rez Ball. Her ability to bring people together and build connection, coupled with her devotion and passion is unquestionably her super power.”
— Kauchani Bratt, Actor in Rezball
“Noëlle is a breath of fresh air on set. She navigates the chaos that comes with big productions with ease, and makes you feel safe to build honest characters. On set, She juggles guidance, friendship, and her love of story telling so well! Noëlle isn’t afraid of the raw things and doesn’t look past the simple moments. You can tell she genuinely enjoys the process with no sense of judgement! I’m so lucky to work with her and can’t wait to do it again!”
— Zoë Renee , Actor in Disney film, Chang Can Dunk
“Noëlle did a terrific job of guiding and helping me throughout my first big acting role. She really helped me dive deep not only into myself as an actor, but also as a human. Something I am extremely grateful for. Noëlle rocks!”
— Devin Sampson Craig, Actor in Rezball
“Noëlle is one of one, my first acting coach and made it feel like I knew what I was doing from the start. Such a good soul.”
— Damian Henry Castellane, Actor in Rezball
"Noëlle's workshop with us was a true standout. She masterfully crafted an inclusive and interactive experience over Zoom, bringing together actors of all levels. Her knowledge and warmth created a comfortable and informative space that left us all wanting more. It was a fantastic time!"
— American High
“Thanks to sessions with Noëlle, the cast came to work better prepared for each shoot day. Not only did that make for finer scenes, the movie saved precious time. Noëlle was always there for the cast on set, listening to and watching their performances, stepping in quickly and judiciously when needed. I appreciated her calm unpretentious positive style. She communicated extremely well not only with the actors but with me and my A.D. staff. I have worked with many acting coaches over the years and I can say that Noëlle would certainly be my first recommendation.”
— Mike Topoozian, First A.D. in Hustle
“Noëlle’s work on We the Animals was integral to the spirit of the film, I can’t imagine the process without her. Working with young (and in our case, first-time) actors presents its own sets of challenges: without the proper care, it can be disastrous. But under Noëlle’s guidance, our actors excelled, they found their voices, in some cases quite literally, and we were able to capture authentic, raw and exciting performances.”
— Raúl Castillo, We The Animals
“Noëlle was such a joy to work with! Always provided such precise & accurate notes, with a sensitive delivery! She always brought joy to set, and provided creative energy that was ALWAYS NEEDED!”
— Dexter Darden, Actor in Chang Can Dunk
“Working with Noëlle gave me a vulnerability into the world of acting I didn’t know existed.”
— Kenny Smith, Co-star on Netflix film Hustle, Host on Inside the NBA
“Noëlle is the best.”
— Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timeberwolves NBA Player, Actor in Netflix film Hustle
"
Ms. Noëlle, you are a great acting coach. You taught me so many things like how to cry for a scene. I had such a good time with you on set and off set. I cant wait to see you again! Thank you for being so kind and patient.
— Lennox Simms, Actor in Origin
“Noëlle is an outstanding acting coach and a loving person. She is like a psychologist in a way. I feel so safe and comfortable on set when she is around. She creates space and connections for us and makes things so much easier to be done. If there are any amazing scenes I did in Chang Can Dunk, that’s with her support and love!”
— Mardy Ma, Actor in Chang Can Dunk
“I’ve never worked with an acting coach who made such a dramatic impact in such a short time.”
— Chase Liefeld, Actor in Chang Can Dunk
“Noëlle is a really good teacher. I had no experience in acting before and she helped me reach my potential on my first film. She teaches with patience and kindness. She was one of many that inspired me to keep going with my acting career.”
— Evan Rosado, Actor in We The Animals
“I was in a movie called We The Animals and had the pleasure to work with Noëlle as my acting coach. As I auditioned she worked with me very well and made me feel comfortable. Later when I got the part in the movie, Noëlle always helped before every scene by acting out the lines and showing me what emotions I had to give for the scene. Noëlle taught me many good things during the process of filming which makes her an amazing acting coach. I never felt lost in a scene or was confused about the lines in the script because Noëlle was there to support and guide me. Noëlle is the best acting coach to work with, she is also fun to be around and is caring even when we aren’t on set or filming.”
— Josiah Gabriel, Actor in We The Animals
“Noëlle created a safe space where I was met with encouragement, validation and immediately put at ease. I was having a hard time connecting to my character and Noëlle helped me to find beauty in her flaws. Her technique of improvisation for each scene really helped me to ultimately understand what the scene called for! Oh, and I booked the job!”
— Daniela Malavé, Actor
“Meeting Noëlle and getting the opportunity to work with her has been unbelievable. She is kind, sweet, and great person. Her ability to help me channel my inner self and get into character is incredible. She made me realize my potential. Because of her, acting is something I would love to continue to pursue.”
— Elvin Rodriguez, Actor in Hustle
“Noëlle is such an amazing acting coach and a really caring person. There were certain scenes that I needed a lot of emotion for and I couldn’t have done without Noëlle.”
— Isaiah Kristian, Actor in We The Animals
“Noëlle posses this incredible energy that positively impacts everyone. She has a magnificent teaching style that prepares you, while providing the techniques and confidence to bring out your best performance. She is awesome!!!”
— Dell Demps, Utah Jazz Assistant Coach, Actor in Netflix Film Hustle
“Noëlle is really nice, I like her acting games and how she help me to play my role as Lucia.”
— Aihnoa Pillet, Lucia in Netflix film Hustle
“Noëlle was my daughter’s coach on her first job as an actress. She is an amazing acting coach and an amazing person. She helped her to connect with her character and to give the best of herself. We feel very fortunate for having her as a acting coach. She definitely helped my daughter to grow as an actress with kindness, love and fun!”
— Natalia Rodríguez, Mother of Actor Aihnoa Piller, in Netflix’s Hustle
“We had an extraordinary connection since day one. Being able to have somebody who touches and takes care of your heart and your soul is priceless.
I’d work with her every day of my life.”
— Maria Botto, Actor in Netflix’s Hustle
“Noëlle is brilliant with no ego or judgement this makes the work pure joy and fills you with confidence.”
— Jackie Sandler, Actor in You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah!
"I had so much fun working with Noëlle on set. She helped all the kids on set create a space of individuality and sense of camaraderie. Often times as kids, we meet on set for the first time and get to work, but Noëlle really wanted to create the space for us to be comfortable working together to enhance our on-screen friendship. I can't wait to work with Noëlle again, she is truly an acting coach you can see growth in your work with her."
— Kaden Amari Anderson, Actor in Shooting Stars
"Meeting Noëlle was a huge blessing. She was kind and lovable with the child actors on set. As a parent of a child actor, I don't often get invited to be a part of the rehearsal process. Noëlle was so welcoming to the parents, making us feel at ease knowing our children were in great hands."
— Dominique Anderson, Mother of Actor Kaden Amari Anderson, Shooting Stars
“My son Ascen Lomack had his first opportunity at acting in a pretty major role. He had no experience prior, and we didn’t know what to expect. We went to a rehearsal and Mrs. Noëlle worked with my son and the boys. From the moment she started, I new she was special. A lot of techniques that she made easy for them to learn and pick up on and just her overall patience. I thank her very much for making it comfortable and fun!”
— Anthony Lomack, Father of Actor Ascen Lomack, Shooting Stars
“Getting coached by Noëlle is, first of all, so much fun. It's always a playful, creative, and collaborative experience. With her, it's safe to take risks and trust your instincts. She has an innate ability to understand what's special and unique about you, and she knows how to bring it out so that it glows. She will drop you in the moment that you need to live in to be natural, energized, connected and present. Noëlle has been with me on my acting journey since my formative years in high school. I had the great fortune of being directed by her in two productions that changed me forever and made me a better actor and person. She helped me prepare and get accepted into a summer conservatory when I was 16 years old, and then a BFA program after graduating from high school. Now I am 25 and have turned to my friend, Noëlle, yet again after several years of being out of the game. I am overjoyed to share that I have just landed my first professional acting gig in a lead role! The best part about Noëlle is that she is there jumping up and down just as excited as I am!”
— Anna Depmf, Actor
“Noëlle has a gift for seeing sparks in people. She worked through my monologue with me and pulled out the moments where something lit up , often moments I didn't even know were there. She gently guided me through digging into those moments to bring the truest parts of myself to the character.”
— Morgan Heyward, Actress and Founder and Director of Illuminate
“Noëlle provided me with the tools to evoke emotions that helped me go into character. Through a series of exercises and drills she helped me fine tune my acting skills. She created a safe atmosphere on set that allowed actors to be vulnerable and dig deep. I believe that some of my best work is due to having her on set.”
— Camille Dobbs, Youth FX Actor