This film is still in post-production
...and its title will either be "Unbought & Unbossed", "Shirley", or surely something else. This was the most powerful and authentic narrative project I've had the privilege of seeing through. Set in a racially turbulent time in American History, this film is a historical drama about the life and political career of Shirley Chisholm, the first black women elected to United States Congress. Shot in the Queen city of Cincinnati, OH, this was also the first film I worked out outside of Michigan.
My role in this film was, again, to coordinate and direct the masses of background actors that every movie needs. Arrive at 5:30 AM every morning, check in the first, second, third, waves of extras, put them through the works to make them 60s and 70s proof, take bus loads of them to the set, read them the scene so they know what's going on, hand them off to the ADs and help place and direct them as needed. Other times, work with the lead actors in cueing and relaying direction from the director, John Ridley. Take background back at the end of the day, get them out of the works, sign them out, get home by midnight usually. Fun.
This was a great experience working in a new city, with new people, and being 1 of 2 people representing Michigan. This project takes on a very significant piece of American history that has yet to be adapted to the screen. If all goes as rumored, it should make a run in the Academy Awards. It is exciting to help re-create a true story that not many know about, but soon will.
Key Takeaway: Sleep as much as you can while working long hours. Tell stories that actually happened that nobody has bothered telling before.
↓ See photos from this experience ↓
