FASTER Interview w/ Director George Tillman Jr. [Pt. 2] Video

www.blacktree.tv Mason Richards sits down with Director George Tillman Jr. to discuss his new movie FASTER staring Billy Bob Thornton and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. GEORGE TILLMAN, JR. (Director) After seeing the film, Cooley High, Milwaukee, Wisconsin native George Tillman, Jr. became inspired to make films of his own. In 1994, George wrote and directed his first feature film, Scenes For The Soul. It was shot entirely in Chicago, using local talent and resources. The film, which cost $150000 to make, caught the attention of Doug McHenry and George Jackson who acquired it for Savoy Pictures for $1 million. Following the momentum of this success, George began to write a script, loosely based on his own life--Soul Food. Soul Food began production on November 6th, 1996 on a hectic 30-day schedule with a cast that included Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, Mekhi Phifer, Michael Beach, Irma P. Hall, and Brandon Hammond. Modestly budgeted at $7 million, Soul Food opened to critical and financial success, grossing over $43 million domestically. As a result, George and his producing partner, Bob Teitel, landed a two-year, first look deal at Fox 2000. State Street Pictures became their company's new name—a reference to their earlier years as a filmmaking team in Chicago. George's next directorial effort was Men Of Honor, an epic story inspired by the life of Carl Brashear, a man who battled the obstacles of racism, a lack of education, and the loss of his leg to become ...