On Wednesday (September 6th), Imani Entertainment Group premiered their feature film, an adaptation of Terri Woods’ urban novel “True to the Game” at New York City’s AMC 34th Street movie theater.
In attendance was author Terri Woods, Imani Entertainment Group CEO and the film’s executive producer Manny Halley, as well as the film’s cast members Vivica A. Fox and Andra Fuller. Also in attendance were Power actresses Donshea Hopkins and Andrea Rachel-Parker (who said about anticipating seeing the film, “I like the author, I met her like a year and a half ago. My friend did a nice event for the youth, and she brought her there to speak, and ever since then I fell more in love with her and I grew up reading her books. So I just want to see how the book translates to film.”) Columbus Short who stars as he male lead Quadir, was not in attendance. We spoke to Manny, Vivica and Andra at the premiere prior to the screening about working on the film .
About working with late actor Nelsan Ellis in what would become his final on screen appearance:
Manny Halley: “Nelsan Ellis is a sweetheart. One thing I can tell you is I couldn’t even afford to pay him. The amount of money he was getting paid for True Blood he just did this project just on straight gp. Like hey you’re a black brother trying to make films I’m gonna support you. That man came in and he supported that movie from the beginning to the end ,and I want to say rest in peace to Nelsan you’ve made this a masterpiece movie, and I’m glad he’s a part of my first movie.”
Vivica A Fox: “I didn’t get a chance to work with Nelsan, a lot of my scenes were mostly with Columbus and I had a lot of individual scenes on my own which was cool. But I really was happy I got a chance to work with Columbus. Like I said this was his welcome back party, and from here True to the Game we will be doing the stage play Two Can Play That Game.”
On speaking about how he related to his character Andra Fuller said, “I think the thing that stands out most about my character is his perseverance. I’m definitely a person who doesn’t take no for an answer. You gonna have to tell me no seventeen, eighteen, nineteen times before I actually think that you mean no. My character Jerrell is just like that too.” I just tapped into some of them cats I went to school with some of my cousins, people I know from the neighborhood, from Houston. Yeah we all know these street cats Fuller added about how he prepared for the role.
On what message they want viewers to take away from the film each shared:
Manny Halley: ” I want you to know it’s ok to have a guy trying to do everything to get you, and it’s ok guys to go try and do anything to get a girl. It’s all about unity and trying to become one and you always have bad guys and people on the street trying to overthrow you so you gotta be careful with the other side. Be Careful.”
Andra Fuller: “The most prominent message is, when you find somebody you connect with on a eternal level then you gotta go with those natural instincts it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been knowing that person or how long you been dating. You find that true love you gotta go for it. So that’s what Quadir and Gena did. This movie is actually a love story that just happens to be caught up in some gangsta sh*t.”
Vivica A. Fox: “True to the Game, the message I want them to take away from it is just hey don’t let the game play you, play the game, be true to the game.”
True to the Game will be released in theaters nationwide on September 8th.
