Category: All About The Movies

Doc’s Thumbs Up: The Mighty Herd Studios Premieres “Liquor for Water” starring Damian Byrd Jr and Micaiah Jones

I’m branching off from sharing any music artist this week. I’ll give you a little break from the “Baltimore Rapper” and the singer’s scene.

The Doc’s Thumb’s Up is The Mighty Herd Productions Liquor for Water short film which was just released to the public Monday, December 1st at 8 pm ET.

The film is directed and executive produced by media producer and photographer David Wavey. I first caught wind of who Mr. Wavey was in 2015. He was my coworker at my 9 to 5 job at the time. But something about him screamed he’s different from the rest of these folk. Wavey, to me, was destined to be more than his surroundings and that’s why I chose to follow his artistic journey throughout the years. I love that I literally watched his photography and creativity grow.

Photo by schaunchampion

Liquor For Water follows protagonist Damian Byrd Jr’s conquest towards his living purpose. Uncertain whether he is destined to be better following God’s graces, he finds himself in a church airing his grievances to what the audience believes to be a priest played by Micaiah Jones. We later find out he should be more careful about what he asks for. The film is a play on the Christian parable of turning water to Wine. We see this at the end of the video when the protagonist finds that his spirit bottle was turned into water. Dun, dun, dun!

Other familiar names involved in this project are co-writer and filmmaker Raquel LM, producer LaTonya Joyce-Palmer, director of photography Michael J. Johnson Jr., working as assistant camera, director of the Lost Kings Series brand Terrence Smalls and numerous other Baltimore creatives.

Liquor for Water is now available to view on YouTube. Watch the Full Film below.

The Lost Kings Series Premiers at Baltimore’s Charles Theater July 24th

Has Baltimore found it’s new Wire series? It’s possible to say after viewing the premiere of the Lost Kings Series this week at the Charles Theater July 24th.

Terrence Smalls, director at 89 Crowns and writer of the independent film, may be onto something with his new series because it’s been a long time coming since Baltimore had such rich production embedded with its culture. In Lost Kings, Smalls shares his perspective of the city trenches, finally giving a glimpse of the inside from an insider of Baltimore City.

Any Baltimorean can tell the world is ready for more insight into how we live our lives whenever our radar flashes anytime tourists compare the lifestyle of the residents in Baltimore City to actors in the phenomenal HBO Series The Wire. Watching the Lost Kings at its premier made me realize it could have the same potential. From people’s accents to the infamous dirt bike riding in Baltimore streets, this fictional story portrays our city life artistically instead of, in recent years, the common factual documentary.

Through Smalls’ enactment of Max, played by Baltimore’s dirt bike Wheelie Queen, we watch her journey to avenge her brother’s death and thrive in an arena full of corrupt men. According to the premiere’s Facebook e-vite, Lost Kings’ purpose is to “bring Baltimore Culture to the forefront, while also highlighting and examining factors that contribute to psychological trauma.”

The film did great in portraying its purpose. Many artists throughout Baltimore’s art scene had a part in the production of the film. So it was easy to pick up on the city’s culture naturally as we watch the native actors. The film also highlighted characters having Post Traumatic Stress in situations highly aggravating and aggressive.

The series premiere is broken into 3 chapters in a total length of 30 minutes. It didn’t feel like 30 minutes at all with its many break in-between scenes acting as identifiers for the audience to refresh their attention on a new direction the story will take lead. We can see Smalls create a signature of his artistry while implementing this playwright style into the first episode. It also sets the series apart from independent “hood films” of its time, labeling a little more cinematic than that of what I can find “googling” indie hood films or come across on YouTube. So let’s say in three chapters Baltimore’s rawness is indeed depicted authentically and successfully in a swift 30 minutes.

I also did my part as I was a production assistant for the film, which is always great. Woo! I enjoyed having met many of the cast a crew since last year in 2017 at the start of shooting. Other participants in the production took to social media to share that they felt the same.

Terrence Smalls shares his appreciation for the turnout of the Lost Kings Premiere:

Justin Moten posts a picture with other cast members.

 

Hell of a time last night with my cast mates @bmore_lucky_lilman @justcallme_smoove

A post shared by jmo1305 (@jmo1305) on


Ramona Rideout shares a scene of her character at the premiere:

 

OMG 😯…..seeing myself on the screen in the #movie #theater for the VERY FIRST TIME!… Was thee #BEST feeling in this whole world !!!! Lol I can’t even type the words on this screen to explain … there’s only one way from here to go…👆🏽UP ….I pray I work and I don’t give up 🙌🏽 #thankgod #alwaysbegrateful This project involves so many AMAZING people but @tonyasays you are the real #MVP and @4th.eye.diaries there’s no other like you… you guys are the epitome of #friends turned #family #lostkings #2018 Annnnd @smallroomzsuck @36seagulls this project is so freaking dope Annnnnnnd I couldn’t have done it without @bmore_lucky_lilman guidance and greatness! And I had awesome scene partners @jmo1305 ! Lol this was just so great !

A post shared by Ramona Rideout (@rideout365_) on

Does the Lost Kings series look like a series that you’d tune into? Leave your comments below.

If you missed out on the Lost Kings Series first premier, you have the opportunity to check it out really soon. The producers are expecting for the Lost Kings Series second premier to be held this August 2018.

“Child Support The Comedy” Premieres August 14 at The Historic Senator Theatre in Baltimore

There’s a new film reaching our local theaters and I had the pleasure interviewing the director of this indie film. Mr. Frankie Jones was pleased to give me the scoop on his newest creation. This film is folks who may relate to the feeling of having their pockets emptied by the most evils of evil; a revenge seeking baby mother. Child Support The Comedy premieres for all to see this August 14 at The Historic Senator Theatre.

What’s the basics of Child Support The Comedy? What’s the movie about?

Frankie: Child Support The Comedy is about a character named Corey who’s subjected to pay child support because he’s not in a relationship with his vindictive baby mother. While Corey does not have a steady job due to being laid off, he struggles to pay his dues. After receiving a notice from the judge to pay one thousand dollars for child support with in 24 hours or be condemned into jail, Corey and his best friend come up with various plans to hustle up some money.

What inspired you to produce this film?

Frankie: I hear all kinds of Child Support Stories, and for the most part, its always frustration or anger that’s coming from the person who’s talking about it.  Since I wanted my next film to be a comedy, I figured “Child Support” was catchy and its topic is real. I thought maybe I could come up with a storyline in a comedic sense to get a small message out there to people. It was also a challenge to make this film because its my first comedy.

Is this your first indie film? If not, what are some of your other works you’d like to share with the Doc’s Castle Media readers?

Frankie: This is my third film.  The first was Family Faith and Money, based on my book Family Faith and Baltimore Money. The second film is One Song.

Should we expect more movie from you soon?

Frankie: You can definitely expect more movies. We will be having a casting call in August for a new project.

Are there any other events we should look forward to from you in the upcoming year?

Frankie: You can expect more movies and projects in the upcoming year.

Do you know anyone who’s experiencing what Corey’s going through in real life?

Frankie: Its a lot of people who I know that can relate to Child Support The Comedy or are going through similar situations.

Doc’s Castle Media seeks to inspire positivity and productivity in the people of our city. From your experiences, could you share a few words about what motivated you to keep pushing to make Child Support The Comedy or any other film you’ve created?

Frankie: First and foremost, what motivates me the most is God because he wakes me up every morning and gives me the strength and talent to be able to do what I do. Then, of course, there’s my family that motivates me. Connecting with my friends while bringing our ideas and creativity together to create a great production also motivates me. I just like helping people take steps towards something that they always wanted to do.

What are your links for people to keep up with what’s new coming from Frankie Jones Movies? (Social Media, websites, etc.)

My website is www.frankiejonesmoves.com

Twitter: @frankiejones122


PREMIERE FLYER

What’s the funniest child support experience you’ve heard? Leave your comments below.

Is It Really Chinese Food Or Nah?

Are we eating cat or are we eating dog? Someone has to let us know!

Well, I’m assuming the mystery for many shall be over sometime at this year’s 2014 Tribeca Film Festival. Wicked Delicate Films takes us on a journey to explain one of America’s famous delicacies, General Tso Chicken. Mmm!

I don’t know about you, but while I was growing up, I would hear a lot of rumors regarding chinese food. Can it be trusted? Is it really chicken? What part of the chicken looks like this? Nobody knew so ignorance took the lead, and people began to think we were eating cat. I don’t know why people would continue to eat cat if they believe that’s what the chicken was. But it must have been some delicious cat.

I always thought why would the health department allow stores to slaughter cats? I never stopped eating. It was chicken to me. For the people who didn’t think so, why the hell would you eat something you do not trust?

Anyway, I want to know all the crazy things people heard about their food while growing up. What’s the craziest assumption you heard about food? Let me know in the comments below.