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V-103’s Miss Sophia In New Tyler Perry Film
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In a minute, Atlanta entertainment mogul Tyler Perry might as well just set up a camera in V-103’s Colony Square studios.
First Perry had the top-rated station’s morning co-announcers — Frank Ski and Wanda Smith — in his most recent blockbuster, “Madea Goes To Jail.” Now, their show’s entertainment reporter - Miss Sophia - has announced that “she” will be in his latest stage play-turned-movie, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.”
“Of course I’m excited,” the “Girl Talk” reporter said shortly after telling listeners about her movie debut, this morning. “But I’m more excited for the fans of Miss Sophia who’ve come up to me for a long time and said me and Tyler need to do something together…Well now it’s finally happening.”
Miss Sophia (pictured above, right, with Smith) has been cast as an emcee in a club, and said she is scheduled to start filming her part in the local production in late April. Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson, “Stomp The Yard’s” Brian White, “CSI: Miami’s” Adam Rodriguez, R&B singers Gladys Knight and Mary J. Blige and gospel singer and pastor Marvin Winans are also in “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.”
Along with — Ski added on the air — his wife Tanya (pictured with him above) and their sons.
Did you catch Ski and Smith in “Madea Goes To Jail”? Are you one of those fans who’ve wanted to see Miss Sophia on the wide screen?
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Exclusive interviews about “Get Low” with Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek & Bill Murray
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Sam Emerson
For the past month, three well respected veteran actors have been shooting a very modest independent film called “Get Low” here in metro Atlanta — Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek and Bill Murray.
I snagged exclusive interviews with each of the actors, the first time the trio have talked about the film and their time here in the area. The publicist rented out a room on Saturday at a local hotel and the three came by, 15 minutes at a time. The goal was to help promote the film and encourage folks to show up Wednesday as extras at Pickett’s Mill Historic Site in Dallas. More details at www.getlowextras.com
First up: Robert Duvall, whose beard was trimmed from ZZTop stylings in the photo above to something more manageable, was in good spirits, and happy to gab about local restaurants as much as the movie. He’s sampled Kyma, the Buckhead Diner and the Vortex (“Good burgers. Not the best.”).
Q: How are you enjoying Atlanta so far?
A: It’s like a boxed in version of Dallas. You gotta know where to go.
Q: Where have you eaten?
A: We had a pretty good meal at Bones. I tried out the Ghetto Burger at Ann’s (Snack Bar). It’s good. We had to wait but I was impressed. I also tried this Pig in a Pit place, 70 miles from here. Very good ribs.
Q: What drew you to this project?
A: It’s as good a script I’ve ever dealt with. Charlie Mitchell was brought in and turned it around. Technically, he was right on the nose. I usually hate rewriters. I resent them. But he came in and enriched it. And it’s as good a cast as “The Godfather.”
Q: What’s the story about?
A: It’s a story about a guy based on fact but fictionalized since. He goes to his own funeral to see what people say. He confesses a secret he had for 40 years. When he really does die, he can die in peace… He lives alone with his mule. It’s a champion mule 20 miles from my farm in Virginia. Amazing Gracey. He’s a trick mule. They needed a mule that reared for the movie. They could have used her more.
Q: You and Sissy Spacek have both won Oscars playing country singers. Have you ever talked about that?
A: No. She lives about 50 miles from me. I’ve known her in passing. She’s very nice to work with.
Q: Have you worked with Bill Murray before?
A: I don’t even know him. He’s probably the only legitimate actor to come out of “Saturday Night Live.” He’s the best of the lot I’ve seen. I remember him from “Stripes,” “Caddyshack.” A clever guy. A very good actor, excellent actor.
Q: What sort of Southern ties do you have? You grew up in Maryland, right?
A: Virginia, Maryland. I’m on the border. My mother’s people were from Milledgeville, Georgia. Years and years ago, a great uncle moved to Texas. My dad’s people are from Virginia. This project, I just talk like my uncles.
Then came in Sissy Spacek, who was sweet and thoughtful.
Q: I heard you joined this project pretty late.
A: No. I met them years ago. They were just being respectful. [Director] Aaron [Schneider]. [Producer] Dean [Zanuck]. They’ve been so devoted to this. It’s a struggle to get money for a movie like this. It’s a beautiful script. It’s an odd story. It’s a story I had no idea what was going to happen next. That’s so rare. Usually, films are formula. This is not. This is just out there in a wonderful way. It’s about relationships and people. It was inspired by a true story. I loved that Aaron and Dean stayed with this so long. They never ran out of steam. I joked that I’m finally old enough to play the part!
Q: Can you tell me a bit of your role?
A: [Robert Duvall’s character] Felix and I knew each other when we we were really young. We went our separate ways. He has a secret. My character has always carried a torch for him. My character is the emotional center of the film.
Q: This is truly an independent film based on the budget, eh?
A: Everybody really wants to be here. This is a real labor of love. Robert has really carried the torch on this one. He’s the reason this film got made. I was so excited to work with him.
Q: How’s it been like working with Bill Murray?
A: He’s just heavenly! He brings an incredible talent. I cannot even describe him. What he brings to the script we needed.
Q: So what should extras expect Wednesday?
A: We need Georgians. We need the people of Atlanta to come and spend time with us. I can promise them an interesting time. They’re going to be there with us. I’m going to be an audience member like the others. Anyone who wants to come glimpse filmmaking from the inside should come out… I do suggest people bring a lawn chair, some jackets, comfortable shoes.
Q: Would you ever do a funeral for yourself while alive?
A: Never! It’s macabre. Maybe to be a fly in the wall. Maybe we can find out on the other side.
Q: What have you done here in Atlanta?
A: I rented a car, have a GPS. I found the Whole Foods. I found all my favorite places. I’ve been to some malls. I’ll try to get to the aquarium before I go.
And in a bit of a surprise, Bill Murray strolled in. He was in a good mood, munching on some snack mix and being mildly snarky at times.
Q: You’re a tough man to reach. How did this land in your lap?
A: I got this thing worked out where I get a page synopsis of what it is. This sounds interesting. Send me the script. I had a conversation with Dean Zanuck. He’s a third-generation movie guy, a really good guy. We had a pretty good conversation. Nuts. I like this guy. I may have to do this. Then I got the script. The script was great. It was amazing. Oh, crap. Now I may really have to do this. They sent me this movie Aaron Schneider made. Two Soldiers. It won an Oscar for shorts… it was a 40-minute film. It was really good. Nuts. I kept trying to get out of making the movie. I was waiting for someone to be a jerk. But I couldn’t come up with a reason not to do it.
Q: Did you know Sissy before this?
A: I knew her from SNL. I bumped into her at a concert not long ago. I hadn’t seen her for a long time.
Q: How about Duvall?
A: Robert? I don’t know Robert from Adam. I’ve seen him. You know him. He’s in heavy rotation on AMC. I didn’t know Lucas [Black, another actor in the film.]. Real fun kid. Good golfer. We had a couple days off, played Reynolds Plantation and East Lake.
Q: East Lake? I live really close by.
A: It’s beautiful. Just played yesterday. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play it. It was great. It was so much fun. Played the 18th from the back tee. What a hard hole!
Q: Tell me what it’s going to be like for the extras on Wednesday.
A: We’ll be shooting fast and furious. We’ll be making a lot of movie in a short time. A lot of characters will be running around. This is the climax of the film. All sorts of stuff is happening… We’ll feed the extras and keep them safe. There will be a band. I’ve got this boom-box I bring to the set. They’re too serious, these movie guys. It’s amazing how the music playing makes people feel it’s a civilized venture.
Q: What sort of music do you play?
A: You’ve got to find music that’s acceptable to the crew. I like hip hop but not everyone likes that. I like classical. Everyone will take classical to some degree. I’ve played some Horowitz piano pieces on the set… we play this Robert Johnson. It’s of the period. Everyone likes Robert Johnson. We got some tango music. Robert is a big tango nut. He’s begun giving tango lessons out there. Bob will tango on demand.
Q: Tell us about your character in the movie?
A: Frank Quinn is the funeral director. This guy has been looking for a big payday. He figured funeral work couldn’t fail. He’s desperate. It’s written all over his face — sort of like mine! This [fake funeral] has got to go. He’s extended himself. He’s borrowed against this big event. It’s his cash cow. Duvall’s character is always upsetting the apple cart. He’s playing you all the time. He didn’t get old by being stupid. He’s old and he’s working people. Everyone is getting worked. He’s an irascible older senior.
Q: You won’t be like that, will you?
A: I’ll be a bad one. I’ve seen enough of them. I hope I won’t. As long as your body holds up, you’ll be okay… I try to keep my body in decent enough shape. I was dancing last night. Great Latin band…
He also made a crack about the weather, which has been poor during shooting days here. “Who says anything about the sunny South? It’s about as big a lie as April in Paris!”
Before walking out of the room, he gave some facetious advice to the extras: “Bring some good jokes!”
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Jonas Brothers give fans an Atlanta surprise
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mega pop stars The Jonas Brothers surprised hundreds of screaming fans at an Atlanta area movie theater Saturday evening.
The Disney stars are spending the weekend swooping into theaters in several cities for the opening of their new movie, “The Jonas Brothers: 3D Experience.” Locally, that theater was The Regal Hollywood 24 in Chamblee, where the Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas quietly made their way through the back for a secret press conference in an adjoining theater about 6 p.m.
As moviegoers (mostly teens, youngsters and parents) lined up to enter the theater next door, many didn’t appear to suspect that anything special was brewing behind the scenes. Even as they made their way into the theater, only a few seemed to take note of the reporters and TV crews.
The trio, known for making surprise appearances, called their cross-country visits a “surprise theater invasion.”
“This idea came to mind and we thought about it,” Nick Jonas told reporters moments before the group entered the theater. “We could drop in on select cities and surprise fans, even if it’s an acoustic song or just a hello.”
And hello seemed to be more than okay for about 300 Atlanta fans who went crazy, screaming and jumping up and down (a few even cried), when the stars popped in from a back door near the stage. The brothers stayed for less than two minutes, basically just saying hi and thanking everyone for coming. There were more fans to visit on the 6,000 mile weekend invasion.
The brothers began their Saturday with a 10 a.m. visit to a theater in White Plains, N.Y. Traveling by private jet, courtesy of Marquis Jets, the teen heart throbs then made their way to Charlotte, before stopping in Atlanta. They also hit Regal Medlock in Duluth for a private screening and performed two songs - “SOS” and “Burning Up” at the theater. They ended the day at the Main Event in Grapvine, Texas, near Dallas, which they now call home. More surprise visits are set for Sunday.
But even after the Jonases were long gone from Atlanta, screams could be heard throughout the concert movie, which lasted an hour and 16 minutes. At times, several teenagers and tweens stood up from the seats, dancing and singing along to the movie. It was a “concert,” too, after all.
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Be an extra on a film with Robert Duvall and Bill Murray! (Stars not necessarily included.)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Want to “hang out” with Robert Duvall (right), Sissy Spacek and Bill Murray on Wednesday as an extra in a movie?
You’ll get your chance if you’re willing to arrive before sunrise, endure some possibly chilly weather and wear your hair like it’s 1938. (No streaks or highlights!).
The $7 million film “Get Low” is shooting a major scene at Pickett’s Mill Park that needs as many extras as possible. The film, based on a true story of Tennessee man Felix “Bush” Breazeale, features Duvall playing a man who decides to hold his funeral — before he dies. In the real story, as many as 12,000 people show up.
Dean Zanuck, the producer (whose father shot “Driving Miss Daisy” in Georgia 20 years ago), said he hopes for 300 to 400 people. He said prizes will be given out and a Grammy nominated bluegrass band The Steel Drivers will entertain the masses. The filmmakers will provide food and drink as well. “It’ll be kind of a Depression-era Woodstock,” he joked.
The producers are asking folks who have already been “prefit” for 1930s era clothing to arrive at 3:30 a.m. to get a better spot in the film. Those who haven’t been “prefit” can show up around 5 to 5:30 a.m. The shoot was originally set for Saturday but rain has been forecast and Sunday was dumped because of cold temperatures and possible snow. So Wednesday was picked since it will be clear and a wee bit warmer, with lows in the 30s and high of 58, according to an early Weather.com report.
Go to www.getlowextras.com for more details.
“We will have plenty of coffee and soup and other great warm stuff along with heated tents, etc.,” the Web site notes. “But filming will still be outside so make sure to wear long underwear and plan simple jackets that you can take on and off as needed!!!”
There will also be shooting on Monday.
For folks familiar with film production, there’s plenty of standing around and waiting. And it could take many many hours. In other words, it’s not as sexy as it sounds. Plus, we’re not sure how much you’ll realistically get to mingle with the big stars but you’ll certainly see them.
Here’s a video of the Steel Drivers, the musical entertainmen:
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See Keshia Knight Pulliam March 7
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Apparently a lot of you saw Atlanta actress Keshia Knight Pulliam in the country’s No. 1 movie this week, “Madea Goes To Jail,” which should only boost interest in her upcoming in-person appearance.
Pulliam is scheduled to join T.I., “Real Housewives of Atlanta’s” Lisa Wu Hartwell and fellow Tyler Perry film alum Rockmond Dunbar (“The Family That Preys”) March 7 at the Barnes & Noble Camp Creek to sign copies of “Saving Our Daughters: From A Man’s Point of View.”
The book is part of a campaign launched last October during Domestic Violence Prevention month, when some of the male celebrity contributors (including Atlanta rapper-actor T.I.) took part in a national media campaign supporting abuse survivors and challenging men to seek help.
A month later female celebs took on a more prominent role.
“I consistently donate clothing to shelters, prepare meals for Project Open Hand in Atlanta for girls in need and participate in projects like this,” Pulliam said in a press release. (Read our interview with her before “Madea” hit theaters.)“Regardless of what other people look like or what clothes they are wearing, beauty is on the inside.”
Have you read “Saving Our Daughters”? Plan to see Pulliam (from 3 to 5 p.m.) next week? And what grade would you give her in “Madea Goes To Jail”?
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Oscars 09: What did you think?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some slumdog.
It was time for some slummin’ at the Oscars Sunday night, as “Slumdog Millionaire” dominated even more than predicted, winning eight Academy Awards. With no names in the cast, set entirely in India and a jumpy narrative, it’s as unlikely a Best Picture as we’ve seen.
Even more unlikely:
The show actually finished in under three and half hours, and moved pretty well. There were a lot of little changes and one big one: Having five past winners come out to present each of the four acting awards, with heartfelt one-to-one speeches to the nominees. Classy.
Some other memorable moments:
“Man on Wire” crazoid Philippe Petit balancing the Oscar upside down on his chin while millions cringed;
Ben Stiller hilariously channeling Joaquin Phoenix;
Hugh Jackman’s opening musical number with its recession theme, including the “Craigslist Dancers.” Nice job, Hugh.
What did you think of the show? Better but still too long? What did you think of the awards that were handed out? Anybody get robbed?
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Oscars: Make your predictions now
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Time to put up or shut up, movie buffs. The Oscars are Sunday night, and it’s prediction time.
Here are my predictions:
Picture: “Slumdog Millionaire.”
Actress: Kate Winslet
Actor: Sean Penn
Supporting Actress: Viola Davis
Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger
Director: Danny Boyle
Just to be clear, this is who I think will win, not who I wish would win.
Your turn. Post your predictions before the show starts. I used my own name; do you have the guts to do the same? We’ll do a post-mortem on everything Monday morning, and I hope I have time to circle back and see who did the best on predictions.
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If you ran the Oscars…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Oscars are Sunday night. Here are some predictions:
They will be too long. They will have way too many people I don’t know and don’t care about. I will keep watching cause it’s got to get better any minute. It won’t.
No other awards show is as self-indulgent as the Oscars. The others give us great performances and end at exactly 11 p.m. The Oscars give us a team of film sound editors all huddled around a microphone thanking their spouses and end the next day.
So if you ran the Oscars, how would you change it? Who would you have as host? Who or what would you ban?
Making it shorter is a given. Here’s your chance to be creative.
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What’s your favorite Oscar moment?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“It’s a wonderful night for Oscar! Oscar! Oscar!”
So sang Billy Crystal in 1997, on one of those awesome introductory musical numbers he did so well when he hosted the Academy Awards. I wish Hugh Jackman well when he hosts on Sunday night, but it will be a revelation if he’s anywhere near as great as Crystal used to be.
When you think back over the Academy Awards you’ve seen, what are the memories that stick with you? Were you watching in 1974 when the streaker ran across the stage naked in front of David Niven? How about the year before, when Marlon Brando sent Sacheen Littlefeather to refuse his Oscar for “The Godfather?”
There was Jack Palance doing the one-armed push-ups when he won Best Supporting Actor for “City Slickers” in 1991, and Sally Field gushing “I can’t deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!”
Halle Berry cried when she was the first African-American to win Best Actress in 2002, and Roberto Benigni climbed over seats when he won in 1999.
Even though we love to slam the show, there sure have been some memorable moments. What are your favorites?
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Oscars: What’s your Best Picture?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Oscar awards start at 8 p.m. Sunday, which means that sometime after most of us have dozed off Monday morning they will get around to giving the last award, for Best Picture.
Why wait? We’ll do our own Best Picture vote, right here and now, and we won’t limit it to the 5 nominees. Just tell us what you think the best movie of 2008 was and, if you want, why. You want to vote for “Kung Fu Panda” or “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan,” fine.
If you want a little help remembering what came out, here’s a good list, ordered by box office grosses.
My winner would be “Slumdog Millionaire.” I know, it has a lot of buzz that feels like overkill, but strip all that away, just look at the film itself, and man is that a great piece of moviemaking.
What do you think was the best movie of last year?
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