Underwood’s return more than a sentimental journey
Blair Underwood’s return to Pittsburgh will mark a milestone in an already extensive acting career. He is directing his first feature film, “The Bridge To Nowhere,” starring actor Ving Rhames. The movie is set to start shooting March 26 and filming should be completed within a month.
An open casting call was held at DejaVu in the Strip District last week where hundreds auditioned for speaking and “extra” roles, drawing hopefuls aged 21 to 60.
THREE FOR THE ‘BURGH—From left: Blair Underwood with producers Mike Wittlin and Brian Hartman of Smithfield Street Productions.
Underwood is a Carnegie Mellon University graduate and is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. His first feature film role was in “Krush Groove,” released in 1985. He says the Courier was one of his first interviews from back in the day and he is very glad to be in Pittsburgh again.
About 15 years ago he wanted to start directing and get behind the scenes to tell stories. “I never directed for the big screen before, but I’ve done a number of music videos, as well as the short film “The Second Coming,” Underwood says.
“The Bridge to Nowhere” was a script brought to Underwood about five years ago.
“We’ve been trying to raise money all of this time and it wasn’t until Mike Wittlin and Brian Hartman stepped up and got the financing that we were able to start filming,” says Underwood. Producers Wittlin and Hartman of Smithfield Street Productions, both from Shadyside, are excited about the opportunities this film will create for their hometown. Chris Gutierrez wrote the script for the movie.
“The movie is about four best friends from the North Side of Pittsburgh who get into a life of crime. They get involved with a prostitute to form an escort service, among other things. It’s about the four characters and their journey and odyssey they take from childhood to the end of the movie that I can’t give away,” said Underwood.
“I want everyone to get a nice ride and a sense of hope at the end of the day and, like any morality tale, you have to look at the consequences of the choices you make in life.”
Underwood also produces “Nowhere,” along with partners Tommy Morgan Jr. and Blondel Aidoo, to further his production credits. He’s also producing and starring in “My Soul To Keep” and producing TLC’s “Easy Money.”
Underwood can also be seen on the small screen in CBS’ “The New Adventures of Old Christine.”
Alvin Dixon, 25, left DejaVu with a good feeling about his audition. Asked why he came out, he said, “I like to act, sing, dance, you know…an entertainer.”
“I think I did great,” said the Knoxville resident who has some theatre experience. “It was a cold read. I usually do horrible, overall it was cool.”
Twenty-five-year-old Juston Jones of Jefferson Hills decided to shoot his best shot at the casting call because he always wanted to act.
“What attracted me is that experience wasn’t a pre-requisite for these positions. That not only encouraged me to step forward, I’m sure it allowed others to do the same.”
Both Dixon and Jones feel the film is a coup for the city.
“You don’t hear about Pittsburgh in world news as much as New York, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, etc. People can learn that we are more than just the Steelers, Pirates, or the Penguins,” said Jones. “We are a culture that goes through similar issues as the bigger cities. I’m very happy that Blair chose (Pittsburgh) for this movie.”
Both hopefuls will learn if their efforts were successful by the end of the week when the chosen will receive callbacks.
Comments
Comment #1
(Posted by Dell Saunders) Rating
First of all it is A GOOD THING that a Brotha such as Blair Underwood can bring some culture and Black Flavor to The Burgh and remember how GOOD this city is and where he was once at.
Blair a Carnegie Mellon University graduate coming back and sharing his Talented Gifts with US is an honor and sharing his interview with another Brotha (BrothaAshProductions) is even more of an honor!
This is something that the Black Community needs.
Thank you Brotha Ash for the Historical Article!
Peace, Love & Blessings,
Dell Saunders
Comment #2
(Posted by Bryan Dixon) Rating
This is a great article Ash and I'm glad that he is making a movie in the 'Burgh. Keep up the great work.
B
