Talented Cast Brings Powerful Story To Life

Ted Lange from "The Love Boat" will soon be making "another run" with a new production: The Journals of Osborne P. Anderson. 

Mr. Lange wrote and directed the play--which premieres today and runs until June 28 at Theatre Theater in Los Angeles. 

Los Angeles News | FOX 11 LA KTTV

The story is based on John Brown's 1859 raid on Harper's Ferry and the untold story of Osborne P. Anderson-- the only surviving black member of that mission. After fleeing north, Anderson was able to pen A Voice From Harper's Ferry-- which has been used a key historical reference since 1861.

One of the play's leading men is Thomas Anthony Jones (above center) who was profiled by Zack's TV in 2013. For Jones, the play presents an exciting challenge; he has a stronger background in television and film. Still, audience members should expect amazing performances from the entire cast. 

If you will be in Los Angeles from May 15 to June 28, this is something to place on your to-do list. 

For ticket information, click here.

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Spike Lee "Claps Back" At Chiraq Critics

Spike Lee wants to "do the right thing" in Chicago. But his upcoming film project, "Chiraq", has attracted all of the wrong attention before one single frame has been filmed. 

This morning, he held a press conference at St. Sabina Church to address his critics. "Wait 'til the movie comes out," Lee advised the naysayers. According to multiple outlets, the premise of the film is based on Lysistrata-- a Greek tale about women withholding sex to keep their men from fighting.

(Lee fails to give credit to the 2003 B-movie, "A Miami Tail" --starring rapper Trina-- which featured the same concept.)

The Economic Impact of "Chiraq"

At today's conference, Lee reported that "Chiraq" has a $15 million budget. In addition to that, the film is expected to bring $40 million to Chicago in various ways.  The film, distributed and produced by Amazon Studios, will be filmed in Englewood-- a neighborhood ranked as one of the nation's most violent.

While the Illinois Film Office has a welcoming approach to big productions, there are some who want to halt Lee's desire for a $3 million tax break. Last week, Chicago alderman Will Burns (4th Ward) submitted a resolution to have the Illinois Film Office reject Lee's possible request.  

What Will A Tax Credit Do?
  
The Illinois Film Production Tax Credit, signed in December 2008, "consists of 30% of Illinois production spending" and applicants must provide a diversity plan which represents the State. 

If granted the credit, Lee's production could receive additional credits if employees come from an impoverished area. Given that the film is set in Englewood, paid extras and general staff from Chicago's South Side could contribute to a quid pro quo arrangement. (In other words, there will be a mutual exchange.) 

Yet, some critics claim that unions benefit from the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit because it applies to Illinois labor only. Being that Illinois is a not "right-to-work" state, unions play a major role in hiring practices.  (Right-to-work allows workers to escape unionism.) 

For Lee's team, time is running out. The application must be received within 24 hours of principal photography.

Hopefully, Lee's investment will pay off for the citizens of "Chiraq" and not just pad the pockets of his production company-- 40 Acres And A Mule-- and Amazon Studios.  

Lee with Bonita Foster, who lost her daughter Porshe to violence in November 2012.

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"The Blexicans" Gives Boost To Chicago's South Side

Only on Chicago's South Side can a TV project help bring a struggling funeral home--and its surrounding community-- "back to life."

"The Blexicans"--directed by Bill Duke and produced by Red Dove Media-- recently began production at Slaughter & Sons Funeral Home on the city's South Side. Being central to the plot, the funeral home is where "an aspiring black comic" works before he secretly elopes with his Mexican girlfriend. 

For now, the major details of "The Blexicans" have been kept under wraps including distribution plans and specific roles for which actors have been cast. However, Facebook posts show that Chicago natives George Wilborn ("The Doug Banks Show"), Marla Gibbs ("The Jeffersons", "227"), and Michael Colyar ("Martin") have been on set. 

Principal casting has been handled by the groundbreaking 9-month-old Gill Hayes Talent Agency; extras casting has been handled by Anthony White. 

The Economic Impact

According to Chicago Magazine, TV shows have a greater economic impact on the city than films. For one reason, TV shows are filmed continuously whereas films usually wrap within 40 days. In addition to that, celebrities attract large crowds which in turn boosts business for the surrounding neighborhoods. With the right celebrity endorsement, the AP Deli sandwich shop across from the funeral home could become a favorite for "The Blexicans" cast.

Stay tuned for more updates about this project. 

 

Patti Gill (Gill Hayes Talent); Executive Producer DeShaun Ragland (Red Dove Media); Michelle Hayes (Gill Hayes Talent); Alvin Smith (Cast Member)

 

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