Hot Set

HBFF Signage and Registration

2008-06-24T02:20:00.000-07:00

Juan Roberts - Unexpected Snapshot

2008-06-24T02:18:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Lunch (12 hour day)

2008-06-24T02:14:00.000-07:00

Post Cards of 2008 HBFF Movies

2008-06-24T02:11:00.000-07:00

After the Screening of "Jada" - Sunday Night

2008-06-24T02:09:00.000-07:00

Allyson Carey and Juan Roberts

2008-06-24T02:06:00.000-07:00

Martin Jones and Seminar Coordinator

2008-06-24T02:04:00.000-07:00

Maddox (DP) and Martin

2008-06-24T01:53:00.000-07:00

Maddox is an amazing talent. Check out his website at http://www.maddoxdp.com/index.html

Misc. Shots - Sunday - Day

2008-06-24T01:41:00.000-07:00

Panel Discussion on Faithbased Film Making

Willette DuVall (willetteduvall.com) and David Whitfield (plays Uncle Benny)

Between Seminars on Sunday at Clarity Pictures

Juan & Martin Jones (Producer)

2008-06-24T01:34:00.000-07:00

Martin and I have known each other for over 10 years.

He was the hot shot studio executive in Virginia at New Millennium Studios with Tim Reid, doing movies with Blair Underwood. I connected with him to produce commercials for me, when I was with GlobalHue in Detroit. We produced millions in projects for DaimlerChrysler and Kmart. Big fun.

Martin produced Fred's movie and shot second unit. All of the opening sequence images of the town and the sequences at JJ Zaxby's office were directed by Martin -- cool stuff.

Mark Harris at Seminar

2008-06-24T01:23:00.000-07:00

Mark Harris, in the foreground, is a bad brotha. Writer, Director and Producer from Chicago. He has screened a few films at the HBFF over the years. Check out, "I Used to Love Her."

Hollywood Black Film Festival

2008-06-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

"Coolness"“My first feature film debuts today at the 2008 Hollywood Black Film Festival”

THE FESTIVAL
This screening is a testament of the faith and diligence of my friend of 28 years, Fred Hammond, as he brings to fruition his dream and philosophy, "The Gospel Must Be Seen.” The project, “Christmas ... Who Needs It,” (CWNI) was birthed out of Fred’s amazing sense of humor and keen storytelling ability. As a tiny independent DVD release, the movie is taking on a life of it’s own -- acceptance and slotting at a national film festival to be screened in Beverly Hills at the Writer's Guild Theater. Wow.

This festival is the first time CWNI will be seen by a group audience. Martin Jones, producer and I will be attendance with other cast and crew members. The evening should be fun and a kind of a homecoming for a few of the movie principals. Martin has been going non-stop to ensure that people show-up, the screening gets coverage and we can have solid representation at the festival. Hey, he’s a producer through-and-through.

THE MOVIE
We shot for 30 days last September / October in Dallas, on set and location. A crew of 40-60 (depending on the shoot day), cast of 30+ and we cranked out 11-14 pages a day in 100+ degree temperatures. It was classic movie production: simultaneous stress and fun.

CWNI is a wild comedic tale with a heart. Fred stars and the original dramatic musical stage play, that is shot like a movie. I think the marketing line is, It's a Down-Home Country Fried Holiday Tale. The story is a cross between “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “Sanford & Son” -- crazy, right. Leave it to Fred.

COOLNESS
Throughout my career, I have hated it when my work is exposed to the public. I work hard to manage this feeling each time a magazine or newspaper ad, billborad, TV commercial, radio spot or even a business card are placed before others for scrutiny. Now, it’s a feature length movie, oh my. Most directors I know would never admit that, but it’s cool. Being real is one of my raison d’tere. I pray this movie is received well and grows a national audience ... so I can book the next fun project. (grin)

If you’re in town, get tickets at HBFF.org. I will hit you back next week with pics from the event, here on my fresh new blog at hot-set.blogspot.com.

Click to enlarge.