Natalie Vazquez Rivera wasn't originally going to play the role of Gisela. She fell into the role because they were unable to cast a Spanish speaking actress in the Orlando area willing to play a lesbian role.
Ilia del Mar was originally going to be a belly dancer for the film. Upon speaking to the director about the film she insistently gave Natalie Vazquez Rivera all of her background info and asked to audition. Ilia then became one of the leading actresses, costume designer for the gypsies and composer of the film.