I was trying to keep this low, but my good friend Jacqueline let me know that my buisiness is already in the street, so I’ll announce it here. Aletha Spann of 30Nineteen Productions has optioned film rights for LEAVING ATLANTA.
Of course, an option is just one baby step toward actually having a movie made, but it’s fun to sort of think of the possibilities.
I mean, how would a person cast LEAVING ATLANTA? One of the fun things would be finding kid actors. And how refreshing it would be to see a black movie without all the usual suspects. Not that I have anything against the black actors who have acheived success, but it will be nice to see some fresh faces.
As everyone knows, I don’t have a TV. And I hardly ever make it to the movies. So, I am asking you all who you would cast for the grown up parts? Who would be Octavia’s mother? What about Rodney’s dad? And we can’t forget the uptight teacher, Mr. Harrell. I wonder if they would let me be in, just in a bit part. I’d love to put on a hairnet and play the role of the compassionate cafeteria lady!
Comments
One response to “Well, It *is* Oscar Weekend”
TAYARI…CONGRATULATIONS!!!! This is so AWESOME!!!!! Ooh, I hope they do justice to your book.
As far as casting suggestions, I’ve always liked Jurnee Smollett, the young girl who played Eve in Eve’s Bayou,–but what is she now 20 years old? I’m clueless as to who they would cast as Tasha. Well there is this young girl appearing in Lawrence Fishburne & Angela Bassett’s upcoming film AKEELAH AND THE SPELLING BEE who might be a candidate to consider for Octavia. Granted I haven’t seen the film but the clips that I have seen show her with a little vunerability. Or maybe the young rap affociando turned professional music critic, Sanaa Lathan–sorry Sidney in Brown Sugar. But I’m sure there’s plenty of talented kids out there who could do the role.
As for the big people, I can easily see Michael Ealy as Rodney’s Dad. In Ealy, I see this look of controlled madness in his gaze sometimes. In my opinion, there’s this sinister beauty to his persona. i’m never quite know what his mood is until he starts speaking–which throws me off guard when he demonstrates a soft side. I don’t know how to react or what to expect in Ealy’s movie roles. And if Ealy were to play Rodney’s dad, I would imagine that his steely gazes would frighten any chld and leave him/her guarded at all times. Oh, hell I’ll just fess up and say he’s awfully sexy and I would go see him in ANY role.
I could see Taraji P. Henson (Hustle & Flow) as Octavia’s mother. She just has this single mother-working-hard-trying-to-take-care-of business-look. A “you to young to be hearing grown folks conversation but if you should listen happen to listen to it anyway–you best take note” attitude..LOL. Now if there’s going to be a bigger part where there is another male appearance, then I would love to see Mr. Jeffrey Wright(Basquiat/Boycott/Syriana) IN anything. He is SUCH a talented actor. I can’t even remember who all played in Shaft but I do remember HIS performance. LOL I can see Loretta Devine as one of the school teachers. And why couldn’t you be one of the school teachers rather than the cafeteria lady? I can’t see why you shouldn’t be in it as an extra? Tee hee
And thanks for asking, I’m curious as to what other people would suggest and whether or not the casting agent would even consider our recommendations. I’m sure not but it was fun offering the suggestions. By the way, who would you like to see cast in your movie? *-)