Adequate representation of black people and culture in TV and film is a well-chronicled fight in America but most people forget why. If there’s one thing the world can stop producing right this second and still get along fine, it’s actors. So this isn’t as much about numbers as it is about impact.

It’s vital that black people are well represented in film because of the awesome power of moving pictures. The normal human brain is wired to believe what you see, above all else. For centuries, people could reliably believe what was before their eyes i.e. if you see a flying man, then men must be able to fly. But that all changed when movies were invented.

Now you’re forced to cope with images, many more vivid than actual memories, that are merely figments of a producer’s imagination. On a cognitive level, you know that you’re watching TV, and that it is not reality. But on a deeper, sensory level, your brain is processing those images as knowledge and experience, just like always.

Enter millions of Americans watching black people robbing, killing, rapping or serving on TV, all day, every day. Add that to the fact that most of them are white and it’s obvious these TV/Film watchers are going to have fcuked up knowledge and experience of black people.

Why go into all this to bring you a list of Underrated Hollywood Actors?

(A) Reminders are always helpful and (B) when minorities are lumped into a category of an industry already divided by genres and generic award systems, they end up fighting for what’s left. Too often black actors are seen as a homogeneous group rather than unique and talented professionals.

These next few actors are underrated because they forced America to cope with marvelously diverse images of black people. And that is what adequate representation in Hollywood is all about. First up:

Don Cheadle
Winner of the “Most Diverse Body of Work” Award

Although you probably haven’t recognized his face until the last few years or so, Don has probably been in the game longer than your favorite on-screen eye candy. He’s a dark skinned brother, which makes it even harder to shine in Hollywood, yet he’s been acting steadily since the late 80′s with no two roles alike, Ocean’s franchise, notwithstanding.

Everyone remembers Mr. Epps from Love and Basketball, opposite Sanaa Lathan, and fans of House get to see him regularly on TV. He’s come a long way from the “troubled ghetto youth” type cast held down early roles in flicks like Juice and Higher Learning. Then, like now, Epps is adept at convincing you his character is a real person. He has a relatable charm, selling you not only on the character he portrays, but also everything in that character’s back story.

Considering he’s the only brother ill enough to pull off portrayals of Basquiat, Martin Luther King and Colin Powell, it’s astounding that people often forget that Jeffrey Wright is a black man.

Mos Def may be a critically acclaimed underground rapper, but he’s also poster-child for “there’s a thin line between rappers and actors” campaign. Mos got into acting before his rap career, even working alongside Bill Cosby in the ill-fated Cosby Mysteries. It wasn’t until the early 2000′s, long after he’d made his mark on Hip Hop, that Mos Def became a familiar face on the big screen. Right now, he’s the only super star commanding high praise from fans and critics in both acting and hip hop.

Chiwetel Ejiofor
Winner of the “Most Chilling Performance” Award

If Schwarznegger can become a household name, there’s hope for a man as talented as Chiwetel Ejiofor. Maybe you have no clue how to pronounce his name, but his stoic and intense delivery will send chills through your spine, especially when he plays a bad guy, like in the sci-fi smash, Serenity.

Read More “7 Underrated Hollywood Actors” On: MadameNoire

Black Hollywood is out in full effect to support George Lucas’ “Red Tails.” The film which cost over $50 million to make, raked in $19.1 million this weekend, making it the number two movie in America behind “Underworld.”

If you haven’t seen the touching movie about the trials and tribulations of the Tuskegee Airmen, make sure to check it out!

via HelloBeautiful

Did You Go See “Red Tails” This Weekend? How Did It Do at the Box Office?

George Lucas Says All-Black Cast of “Red Tails” Scared Hollywood Away

It was do or die time for black movie lovers this weekend. #WeFight! #WeFight! #WeFight!

George Lucas kicked out $93M (budget and marketing) of his own money to make “Red Tails,” a risky move especially because the mostly Black cast doesn’t include Will Smith or Denzel Washington.

If the film is #1 it’ll be a major victory not only for George Lucas but the Black community.

Lucas has been developing the project for about 20 years. None of the studios wanted to fund the war movie about the Tuskegee airmen, reportedly because they didn’t think a film with a mostly Black cast would make enough to justify the $58M budget. (the most EVER spent on an all black cast)

So far according to boxofficemojo.com Underworld Awakening is leading with $9.4 million on Friday, for the 9 year old old franchise.

Red Tails launched is surprising to hollywood execs at #2 with a better than expected $6 million on Friday. Saturday the movie took in $8.6M. It’s estimated to take in $19 million for the weekend which is not bad – just to give you something to compare it with 2. Sony’s TAKERS last year did $7.5M on Friday, Saturday $7.7M and total Weekend $20.3M.

Lots of folks are at the movies today (Sunday) so we will see if RedTails can keep the momentum.

Here are 5 REASONS to see the movie if you have not already.

5. Get an early star on celebrating Black History Month which is just days away…

4. Sticking it to Hollywood who didn’t want the damn movie because they didn’t think people would want to watch

3. Sexy Chocolate allll over the screen… ladies you’l love YUMMMM & men you’ll love all of the action.

2. For the many times you’ve complained about those Madea movies, the success of this movie paves the way for more expensive films about minorities with substance.

1. The Tuskegee airmen! Wouldn’t it be great if the underdogs won again but this time at the box office? It’s a shame they fought racism and war back in the day and we’re still fighting but now in subtle ways like funding important projects for long and overdue stories of bravery.

via TheWordEyeHeard

George Lucas Says All-Black Cast of “Red Tails” Scared Hollywood Away

Isaiah Washington’s Wife Slaps Up Make Up Artist For Talking To Her Man!

If you hadn’t already come to the conclusion that Hollywood has had its good share of discriminatory moments, George Lucas might have just laid it out there for everyone in black and white. Actually, make that black and green–as in money.

Lucas is both the movie’s executive producer and writer, and while sitting down with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show, he kept it real about the issues he encountered trying to get funding for Red Tails. The budget at one time reached around $58 million, way over the usual or average for”typical all-black productions.” Hollywood execs weren’t having that, claiming the film wouldn’t have a foreign appeal to take overseas. Among other things missing (some white folks).

Win Tickets To The Exclusive Cleveland Premiere Of ‘Red Tails’ The Movie

“This has been held up for release since 1942 since it was shot, I’ve been trying to get released ever since (he’s joking of course)…I showed it to all of them and they said no. We don’t know how to market a movie like this. . . because it’s an all-black movie. There’s no major white roles in it at all. It’s one of the first all-black action movies ever made.”

But still, Lucas claims he foot the bill himself for the budget, because that’s how important getting the film out there was to him. Lucas also pointed out that he wanted to make the film for teenage boys (young, black teenage boys in particular), to show them real heroes and real role models (outside of the Jay-Zs and Michael Jordans as he said). However, while talking to the folks over at USA Today, he said the pressure of having it do well at the box office has him worried about what impact Red Tail‘s success could have on the success of future films with all black casts.

“I realize that by accident I’ve now put the black film community at risk,” Lucas said. “I’m saying, if this doesn’t work, there’s a good chance you’ll stay where you are for quite a while. It’ll be harder for you guys to break out of that (lower-budget) mold. But if I can break through with this movie, then hopefully there will be someone else out there saying let’s make a prequel and sequel, and soon you have more Tyler Perrys out there.”

Hmmm…I don’t know about Tyler, but I get what he’s trying to say.  What’s important to take from his comments is that it’s very, VERY important that we step out and support this film. If not, who knows the next time we’ll be able to get our people in a big budget film that can get widely released to everyone? If we don’t help out, then we definitely can’t complain if we get stuck with Madea, and Madea only. So you know what to do on Jan. 20 when Red Tails drops–go see it!

More on Madame Noire

Most Popular Articles

• Win Tickets To The Exclusive Cleveland Premiere Of ‘Red Tails’ The Movie
• Breaking News!!!They Released the Top 15 Cities…With the Worst Herpes Rates!!!
• Arrest Warrant Issued for Kid ‘N Play’s Reid
• Khloe Kardashian is OJ’s Kid!?
• When “You Are Not the Father” Goes Wrong!! Yikes!!
• LOCAL NEWS: Well-Known Cleveland area Man Commits Suicide
• Khloe Kardashian Has Different Father than Sisters…???
• More Photos: Beyonce’s Extravagant Birthing Suite!!!
• Tisha Campbell & Husband Dish On Their Relationship!
• Signs You Need to Let The Relationshop Go

UPDATE: Variety has confirmed that Crystal will indeed host the Oscars.
_____

PREVIOUSLY: Billy Crystal is coming to the rescue for the Oscars — or so he’s tweeting, anyway.

The comedy veteran and nine time Oscar host tweeted on Thursday afternoon that he would be hosting the Oscars, though he added a sarcastic aside: “Am doing the Oscars so the young woman in the pharmacy will stop asking my name when I pick up my prescriptions. Looking forward to the show.”

If true, Crystal will take over for Eddie Murphy, the planned host who withdrew on Wednesday after Brett Ratner resigned from his producing post on Tuesday night. Ratner left amid controversy, including making a homophobic slur at a screening of his new movie, “Tower Heist,” last week.

New producer Brian Grazer, who took over last night, was allegedly trying to bring Murphy back into the fold, but instead has turned to a beloved choice to right the ship.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/10/billy-crystal-oscar-host-_n_1086866.html

Article Courtesy of The Huffington Post

The T.D. Jakes produced “Jumping The Broom” leapt over expectations this weekend with an opening of over $13 million.

The class-conscious comedy movie was only expected to open up with between $8-10 million in sales.

While Tyler Perry seemed to have the Black marriage/comedy market in a stranglehold, Jakes appears to be a player now with the success of this movie.

Read more at WSJ

RELATED:

Jumping The Broom not as likely to happen for Black women

Ohio Gov. John Kasich says filming of the Marvel Studios superhero movie “The Avengers” will take place in Cleveland.

Kasich made the announcement Thursday before Mayor Frank Jackson’s State of the City address.

The film for release next year features the Marvel comics superheros, including Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow.

Ohio Film Office publicist Katie Sabatino says the state was in discussions with Marvel throughout the week before reaching an agreement.

The Detroit Free Press reported last month that Marvel considered filming in Detroit but backed out after Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder proposed eliminating the state’s film incentive program.

Courtesy Of  Newsnet5

Read More

1. The cliche but truly enjoyable “Brotha to the Night” performance.

2. The introduction of spoken-word “culture” to the mainstream.

3. Bill Bellamy drove a hearse.

4. Nina’s photography skills were dope.

5. They went to a stepper’s set.

6. Marvin’s classic line, “I’m going to get some muthaf*ckin Toasted Oats. You tripping!”

7. Darius dedicated his book to Nina.

8. Savon’s wife called him “triflin.”

9. Sheila’s consummate mother-earth-tell-it-like-it-is-diva-ness.

10. The house party scene where Vaughn brings his female “co-worker” and Wood brings Nina.

11. Nina and Darius both feed their insecurities by dating other people which was both real and accurate.

12. The soundtrack was epic.

13. Nia Long was “house-sitting” the dopest apartment ever.

14. Nina’s got her dream job at Vibe magazine.

Check out the rest in our photo gallery.

Related: 25 Reasons We Love “A Different World”

Share this post on Facebook! CLICK HERE:

Related: 25 Reasons We Love Blaxploitation Films

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) – You know how it goes, you get invited to a Halloween party and you have no clue what to wear. So 19 Action News ventured out in search of the hottest costumes for 2010.

This year there are more than ever before and according to the store manager at Factory card & Party Outlet, pop culture is leaving its imprint on the Halloween costume choices.

“We have Lady Gaga and Jersey Shore those are widely popular this year. Everybody wants to come in and get those and dress up like their favorite pop culture reality TV type character,” Joseph Soworowski.

Read More Here: http://www.19actionnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=13368348

Article Courtesy of WOIO 19 Action News

CLEVELAND – When the crew of the movie “Spiderman 3″ rolled into Cleveland, through computer generation effects, we saw Spiderman leaping among the concrete and brick buildings of the city’s downtown area. The effects masters had cars careening along Euclid Avenue, bouncing off the curbs.

“Spiderman 3″ was literally on a roll. However, Cleveland hopes Hollywood turns a keener eye toward Cleveland to keep filmmakers coming to this Ohio city on the shores of Lake Erie.

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission, designed to woo filmmakers, both Hollywood big-feature producers and studios and smaller independent ones, to Cleveland.

“Spiderman came here for five days of filming,” said film commission executive director Ivan Schwarz. “I want an industry in Cleveland that can provide opportunities for jobs 24/7, 365 days a year.”

Schwarz is a newcomer to Cleveland. He left southern California where he worked in the film industry for years. In his small office in downtown Cleveland, his walls are plastered with posters from his years as a producer and locations manager for film units. Schwarz won a Golden Globe award as one of the producers of the high HBO film series, “Band of Brothers.”

He tells anyone who asks that his lifestyle, Cleveland is a better place to live than southern California. He is in love with cinema and praises the work of those who have made films for generations in Southern California.

“But there is a lot that Cleveland has to offer any filmmaker,” he said.

“Whether its a covered bridge, or a big Shaker Heights house, or rance-style homes, Cleveland has it,” said Schwarz. “We have Lake Erie, rivers, urban areas, suburban areas. It’s all within thirty minutes of Cleveland.”

With a chuckle, he added the only thing Cleveland could not duplicate for any filmmaker would be high mountains and the desert.

Schwarz is aware filmmaking is about theater. Many films have been made in Chicago, Toronto, and other places. Producers have found it finanacially advantageous to work outside of Southern California.

Legislators in the state of Ohio, as lawmakers in several other states have done, had given financial incentives to filmmakers to turn on their cameras and focus their lenses in this state.

Esthetically, Schwarz sings the praises of Cleveland because of its diverse population and its architectural makeup. “Cleveland could be transformed into almost any city in the world,” said Schwarz.

He envisions a film industry of thousands of people permanently based in Ohio’s largest metropolitan area.