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"CUTTIN
DA MUSTARD"
Directed By Reed McCants
Producer/Executive Producer Neema Barnette
By Donza Meagley
Reed McCants is making history with his
first film "CUTTIN DA MUSTARD." This is a
comedy that chronicles the lives of young actors
who are members of a community theater. The film
features Sinbad, Charles Dutton, and Keisha
Knight Pulliam.
Reed, was driven to create this film because of
his own life experiences. Reed identified with
the lead character by the name of Rolo, played
by Brandon T. Jackson. You see Rolo can not read
and his secret is revealed when he attempts to
read stage instructions. Yes, Reed McCants had
the same secret. Born and raised in Harlem, New
York, as the baby of the family of 5 siblings,
his single mom struggling working two jobs,
obstacles mounted for Reed. He memorized a
reading part at the age of 21 to pass an
audition for a theatre group in the Queens. At
that point in his life he was reading at the
level of the 5th grade. Reed knew he had to do
something about his inability to read.
.:read more:. |
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So
he worked hard and soon his reading comprehension increased
to the level that it needed to be. In the film the leading
character Rolo, also teaches himself to read. This is no
coincident, because the film has a lot of Reeds own life
time experiences and obstacles to over come. Reed had road
blocks to go through, so that he could follow his dreams of
becoming an actor.
Truly this film is a message film, dealing with illiteracy,
heartbreak and low-self esteem. This films screenplay origin
dates back 14 years when Reed and his wife Neema Barnette
had a deal with Columbia Pictures to write and develop urban
projects for the company. “The group is called LiveTheatre
Gang and we are proud of our first film, says Reed.
"CUTTIN DA MUSTARD," a panavision format-35mm Ratio film.
Filmed in a couple of locations like New York City, Queens,
New York and Hollywood, California. In total the films
running time is about a hour and seven minutes. The film is
so well produced that every important element comes across
the screen with flying colors. The film can be seen by
others as a tool to inspire people to pick up a book and
continue to follow their dreams. Finally a film without any
violence or gangs, this film is a must see. The film edges
on a theatre play but only on film. This is not a singing
play like film but a comedy/drama about aspiring actors in
Queens, New York who are trying to prefect their craft.
You’ll see characters struggling with life obstacles that so
many of us face today.
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So many people young and
old are impeded from participating in the arts due to illiteracy. Well,
you can say in everything in life that requires you to read and
comprehend. Reed says, “illiteracy is a personal battle that often must
be won by the individual alone.” The character Rolo is a good example
when he is pushed in a leadership role and his secret is revealed that
he can’t read. This film brings a shinning star filled with hope and
motivation. A film taking you on a journey we all can identify with. |
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Empowering people through
literacy is the key. Studies have shown that more than 20%
of adults living in the U.S. read below the fifth grade
level. Also, officials say more than 40% suffering from
illiteracy live in poverty. This film sends a message that
it is never to late to learn and LITERACY MATTERS.
Center Stage: Is it true your own life experience is
what inspired you to create this film?
Reed: Yes, I battled with illiteracy growing up. I
was the baby of the family and with my single mom working
two jobs, I was able to run in the streets more
Center Stage: What was a pivotal moment that made you
realize you had to do something about your battle with
reading?
Reed: When I knew I needed to be able to read in
order to follow my acting dreams. I locked myself in a room
and taught myself to read.
Center Stage: I understand you have a brilliant wife
on your team and she made history for being history’s first
African American female sitcom director?
Reed: Yes, Neema Barnette, she directed the show
called “What’s Happening Now” and made history she is great.
Center Stage:
Tell us about the lead character Rolo?
Reed: Keep a look out for Brandon T. Jackson.
He is also coming out with a leading role in a
DreamWorks film called Tropic Thunder, directed by
Ben Stiller. Featuring Tom Cruise, Robert Downey
Jr., Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey and Nick Nolte.
Scheduled to be released next July.
Center Stage:
Who are some of the students that you’ve worked with
in the past?
Reed:
So many, like Kim Whitley, John Singleton’s father
and Tommy Ford for stand up comedy come to mind to
name a few. |
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Center Stage:
Can you
tell me about a proud moment for the film?
Reed: Yes, when Mustard played as a closing film of
the night of the Pan African Film Festival this year and
winner of the Festival Choice Award for Best Feature.
Reed McCants, a director touching on life, what motivates
us, comedy, drama and I would say his mission has been
accomplished in his first film, "CUTTIN DA MUSTARD."
Donza Meagley,
Managing Editor, Center Stage Magazine
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