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Your new movie Bastard Son of a Thousand Fathers - in a few
words, what is it about?
Bastard Son of a Thousand Fathers
is a crime/action film about the drug business, its
ugliness and potential rewards; the extremes people are willing to go to
in order get ahead. It's also quite fun! How did the project get off the
ground in the first place, and what attracted you to it? It
was the second feature slated for production. The director/writer, Lanre
Sarumi was a producer on our company's first feature, Critical Nexus. Once
he introduced Bastard Son of a Thousand Fathers, it was like "Hell yeah!" What
were the challenges of getting the movie in the can from a producer's
point of view? And how hands-on or hands-off are you as producer,
actually? One particular challenge related to the special
fx in the film. We wanted to use as much practical ones as possible. It
slowed us down a bit, but it worked out better overall. Realism is
important at this budget level. I'm pretty hands-on as a producer -
especially since I'm also a director... and a closet techie. I like
getting my hands dirty. You also play a lead role in Bastard Son of a Thousand Fathers
- so what can you tell us about your
character, and what did you draw upon to bring Rex to life? I
never saw Rex as a bad guy! He's a young man trying to get ahead, create a
better life for himself. I left out judgment and gave in to the moments.
I'm the youngest of 6 siblings, I know all about trying to figure it all
out.
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What
can you tell us about the rest of your cast, and to what extent have you
been involved in the casting process, even? We had a pretty
extensive casting process-pulling in people form Chicago's theater
community and actors from previous projects. Chad Meyer headed it
up, but all the producers had input. What can you
tell us about your director Lanre Sarumi, and what was your collaboration
with him like? I was the lead actor in Lanre's first
directorial debut, Banana Leaves. So initially it was the director/actor
dynamic we built on. However, after working on a couple other features
together we found the way to play to each other's strengths. Lanre was
pretty clear with his vision. I worked to help realize that both in front
of and behind the camera. Do talk about the shoot as such, and the
on-set atmosphere! The shoot was primarily hand-held! That
made for lighting challenges during the more action based sequences. We
had a dedicated crew though. Our DP Melissa Flores was a creative
machine. I'm pretty sure she needed massages every day for a month after
the shoot.
The $64-question of course, where can
your movie be seen? It premiered in Chicago 9/16. Select
city screenings are scheduled for Los Angeles 10/2, New York 10/7 and will
be available nationwide October 11 on Xfinity, Dish, iTunes and other
major VOD platforms. Visit Bastardsonmovie.com
for the latest. Anything you can tell us about
audience and critical reception of Bastard Son of a Thousand Fathers? People
have discovered how layered this film is! Lots of twists and also great
comedy built in. Critical reception has been wonderful and I hope that
continues:) Any
future projects you'd like to share? We're working on a
comedy set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan! Script is nearing
completion. Can't wait! What got you into
the filmworld in the first place, and did you receive any formal training
on the subject? I have a BA in acting from Columbia College
Chicago so that background has informed my directing/producing. The best
film training is being on set and doing and doing while borrowing from the
people around you. Of course, watching a ton of great films also helps. What can you tell us about your filmwork
prior to Bastard Son of a Thousand Fathers? I
dove into feature filmmaking with Critical Nexus, a thriller I
directed about about young girl's pursuit of self-discovery and
satisfaction that turned deadly. I got to work with over 50 actors for my
first feature. A little nuts, but I loved it. It was a performance-driven
piece. Kiley Moore, Karmann Bajuyo, and Ron Lipski were wonderful in it.
Shortly after Critical Nexus, I found myself pouring my heart into the
Lakay - a
documentary about two brothers who return to Haiti to search for family
after the devastating earthquake. That experience changed my life. Do
talk about your production company 4
Feature Film Company and the philosophy behind it!
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At 4
Features we strive to create films that artistically push limits.
Performances are key for us; technology second. We like to be involved
early in the development process and guide the project through completion.
We also launched a distribution arm to company in 2014. These smaller
titles can't take an Iron Man release approach. Filmmakers,
actors, whoever else who inspire you? I'm a big fan of Don
Cheadle, Lionardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt. As for filmmakers, I love the
actor/director types: Ron Howard, Rob Reiner, Mel Gibson. Your favourite
movies? Shawshank Redemption, Gladiator, LA
Confidential, Memento. ... and of course, films you really deplore? I'll
need a few more cups of coffee for that one.... Your/your movie's/your
company's website, Facebook, whatever else?
Movie
site: Bastardsonmovie.com
IG/Twitter:
@Bastardsonmovie
Company sites: 4features.com and
fb.com/4features
Anything
else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask? Yes!
I have two fantastic kids: Aubrey (5) and Jalen (2) who have contributed
to the permanently shaved status of my hair. And a stellar wife,
Jessica (age need not be disclosed), who keeps my world intact. Thanks
for the interview!
Please was mine!
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