Category: Film
A Story of overcoming adversity.
A real life look at ENGLEWOOD, CHICAGO
A Real life story from DIRECTOR Billy Ray Valentine. Based on his life and true LIFE EVENTS.
FOLLOW BILLY RAY VALENTINE:
Facebook @Billy Ray Valentine
Instagram @ Billyrayvalentineee
Twitter @BlackDadd
Okema “Seven” Gunn has been an educator for over 16 years in New York City and the Chicagoland area combined. She has a Bachelor degree in Psychology and Master in Secondary Education in Social Studies. Her students have won several awards for State Color Guard and National and State History Fair Competitions, where Ms. Gunn was an integral part. She has written articles for Chicago Now and N’digo Magapaper. She works as a blogger, filmmaker, and educator.
Recently, she wrote, directed, and produced a short film called, A Sisterhood of Signatures that premiered at the Black Harvest Film Festival in August of 2019. This film is making its way around the film festival circuit. Also, Ms. Gunn is in post-production of another YA short film Black Girl Vs. Ambiguous”, which she co-wrote, is co-writing a feature film screenplay, and working on a novel.
GO BANG! Magazine: Why did you write “A Sisterhood of Signatures?”
Okema “Seven Gunn: I wrote A Sisterhood of Signatures because I wanted people to think about the importance of cursive and signatures. There are still children and young adults that do not know how to sign their name. I think that it’s a skill that all of us should have in our toolkit. A signature is like our fingerprint, unique to each one of us. It speaks of our identity and tells a story.
GO BANG! Magazine: How did actor Cynda Williams become associated with the film, not only as an actor, but as a producer too?
Okema “Seven Gunn: I met Cynda at an industry party in 2007, then again at a “Soul Train Impact” event about 6 years ago.
From there, we spoke about doing a film for/or about teens. We kept in touch, and in 2018/2019 I approached her again to be an actress in the film. She also received an associate producer credit and screenplay credit. As an educator, Cynda also appreciates the significance of handwriting and its applications within the curriculum and in the real world.
GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe the lead character of the film?
Okema “Seven Gunn: The main character, Tiyah Owens, is loosely based on my adolescent years in middle school. Tiyah is someone that is a leader, proactive, and is very inquisitive, like most teenagers. She wants to know about her family heritage and challenges her inner circle to be progressive and critical thinking as well.
GO BANG! Magazine: How did you discover the young actor, Maya Hooks, and why did you select her as the lead?
Okema “Seven Gunn: Maya Hooks was recommended by Second City acting instructor Harold Dennis. I asked her to audition and do a cursive writing sample. She reminded me of how I was at that age. If you look at pictures of me in elementary school and you look at some of Maya’s elementary pictures; they are very similar. She studied her lines very well and did a great audition (taking great direction)!
GO BANG! Magazine: You are a Blogger, Film Critic, Educator, Screenwriter, Writer, Producer, Director, and Entrepreneur. Of those talents, which one do you love the best, and why?
Okema “Seven Gunn: I think I like screenwriting/writing the best because although my life is great, I can be somebody else and create characters that have their own world. It’s also about development of self for me and pushing my boundaries of creativity. Character development and world building are essential to creating great stories and I want to evolve as an artist in screenwriting first, and then build as a director, producer, etc. Education and Film criticism have definitely helped sharpen my skills as a content creator.
GO BANG! Magazine: As a screenwriter, what type of films are you interested in making?
Okema “Seven Gunn: Right now, I’m focused on Middle School/YA content. I like sci-fi and drama. But I also love a good western. So we’ll see how this journey goes.
GO BANG! Magazine: What is the mission of your company 7 Gunn Media?
Okema “Seven Gunn: 7 Gunn Media is a visionary company that provides innovative and extraordinary multimedia services, which inspires people to pursue their dreams. Consultations include article writing, blogging, vlogging, press kits, screenwriting, directing, and producing.
GO BANG! Magazine: Imagine this…if you had the opportunity to write your own blockbuster movie. You could choose the Producer, Director and Actors of your choice. What would your movie be about, who would you choose to be involved and why?
Okema “Seven Gunn: I have several indie projects waiting for development that could also be blockbuster movies. But I can’t really divulge at the moment. I would love to work with (in no particular order) Spike Lee, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Barry Jenkins, Deborah Riley Draper, Blair Underwood, Jamie Foxx, Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Kasi Lemmons, Dee Rees, Wood Harris, Larenz Tate, Queen Latifah, B. Monet, Eric Dean Seaton, and Deon Taylor.
GO BANG! Magazine: Who inspires or motivates you?
Okema “Seven Gunn: I have a small tribe of family and friends that have really helped me. I’ve gained some and lost some…But the motivation comes from me and from God. If you don’t want it for yourself, it won’t happen! You have to be hungry and relentless. There will be obstacles and storms, but you have to push through them. It took me a long time to get to where I am…..and to change my thinking.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
Okema “Seven Gunn: After school ended, I took a vacation and did nothing. I needed the break after my Chicago screening. Now, I am taking online classes to improve some skills, working on self-publishing, film project development, and maybe some film reviews. This is a great time to re-invent yourself and get busy on the things that you have put on the back burner or have pushed aside (ie like getting finances in order, re-assessing goals, and working on health and mental wellness).
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
“A Sisterhood of Signatures”, is an award-winning short film about a middle-school tween who discovers a letter from her great-grandmother and challenges her friends to begin a cursive-letter writing club. The film addresses education, personal legacy, civil rights, and the importance of the history of signatures for minorities. The film stars Christopher Greer, Cynda Williams and features Maya Hooks.
Okema “Seven” Gunn has been an educator for over 16 years in New York City and the Chicagoland area combined. She has a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Masters in Secondary Education in Social Studies. Her students have won several awards for State Color Guard and National and State History Fair Competitions, where Ms. Gunn was an integral part. She has written articles for Chicago Now and N’digo Magapaper. She works as a blogger, filmmaker, and educator. Recently, she wrote, directed, and produced a short film called, “A Sisterhood fo Signatures” that premiered at the Black Harvest Film Festival in August of 2019. This film is making its way around the film festival circuit. Also, Ms. Gunn is in post-production of another YA short film “Black Girl Vs. Ambiguous” she co-wrote, is co-writing a feature film screenplay, and working on a novel.
Christopher A. Greer is an actor, known for September Rayne (2017), Mom Told Me (2017) and Confusion 3: Trials of the Gods (2018). He is a musician, screenwriter, actor, director, composer and businessman. He went to Chicago Vocational High School (CVS) as an Instrumental Music major. He received The “Louis Armstrong Jazz Award” and four music scholarships to several colleges.
He began acting in high school in the drama club. He began on network television and feature films at age 16, with Martin Mull, Ruth Gordon and Danny Aielio. He went to Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida majoring in Political Science on a Music scholarship. After college, he continued to act in network television shows and feature films, which include Turks, Barbershop 2, The Lake House, Empire, APB, Fatal Attraction, Chicago Med and The Chi. He has also worked with some of the most inspiring directors and producers in the business, such as Cassandra Bell, Mark Harris, Doreon Johnson, Maurice Eleby Jones, and Cynda Williams.
He also has performed in some of the most prolific Independent movie projects in the Midwest, and in local plays and commercials for Commonwealth Edison, Coca Cola, Goose Island Beer and The Payton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Chicago and all over the Midwest.
He has a passion for feeding the homeless and providing meals and warming goods for the disadvantaged, through his organization, Eureka Charities. He feels, “to ones that much is given, much is expected.” He also owns and operates Gentlemen 2 Cool Cigar Company and Greer Music and Filmworks Studios.
He’s been blessed during his life, and he has to return these blessings to those who need it. He also mentors young men and women with life coaching and career advice.
GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved with “A Sisterhood of Signatures?”
Christopher Greer: Okema Seven Gunn reached out to me about a role in A Sisterhood of Signatures (SOS.) During our conversation, we found out we’re cousins. So, with a little bit of nepotism, I was selected.
GO BANG! Magazine: What about “A Sisterhood of Signatures” attracted you to want to be a part of it?
Christopher Greer: I became really interested after I read the script. I saw that it was a story that needed to be told. We still need cursive writing to be taught in schools.
GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your character in the film?
Christopher Greer: My character was a selfish father that bought a sports car, without talking to his wife about it first.
GO BANG! Magazine: How important is it to you, to preserve the art of cursive writing?
Christopher Greer: We all should be using it to sign checks and contracts. It’s just plain pretty!
GO BANG! Magazine: In what ways have you become more involved, behind the scenes, in the film industry?
Christopher Greer: I am a screenwriter myself, a director and score composer, so I am very hands on regarding the film industry.
GO BANG! Magazine: You are also a singer, actor, model and director. Of those talents, which one do you love the best, and why?
Christopher Greer: Wow! Making a call like that is like asking which child you love best. I’ve been singing and acting for most of my life, it’s part of me. Modeling and directing came later. But, if I had to choose, it would be acting. With acting, I can be whoever I want to be. It’s freedom!
GO BANG! Magazine: How long have you been singing and are you currently still performing?
Christopher Greer: I have been singing ever since I could remember. I come from a musical family. My Father played the bugle in the Army, my mother played piano and my brother is also a multi-instrumentalist. Music has been part of my life since birth. I still perform for special events and I still compose music, which I also sing on. I used to have a stepping band, but I broke it up once I started working on my first film. But, I still sing around the house and in the car to sold-out audiences.
GO BANG! Magazine: Modeling in this day and age has changed. As a male model of a certain age, how has modeling changed with the times, which allows older individuals opportunities?
Christopher Greer: With Modeling, it’s great to have opportunities where your look is wanted. Fortunately, my look covers a 20-25 year range. I can shave off my mustache and look like I’m in my forties, then let my beard grow out and look like a distinguished grandpa.
GO BANG! Magazine: For our readers that may not be familiar with the duties of a Director, can you please explain what Directors do and what you find most interesting about that role?
Christopher Greer: As a Director, you are responsible for everything! If you are fortunate to have a full crew, you can designate tasks and duties. Directors set up looks and try their best to nitpick everything, at least that’s what I do. Being a Director is a job for self-proclaimed control freaks, because if you’re not, you’re not going to get the look or outcome you want or expect. The end result, being flawless, is the ultimate goal. We have to be satisfied.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
Christopher Greer: With this virus going on is a blessing and a curse. Besides the deaths that are occurring, there may be a silver lining. We may to slow down as a human race sometimes. Work, school, and hanging out with friends may come in between interaction with our families. This virus took all that away, unless you are in an essential role. Now, we can hug our children tighter and be there with our loved ones. It was forced, but it IS needed.
I am a Community Service first responder and a Primary Caregiver for my mother, who is terminally ill. I also have a ministry that delivers meals, groceries and supplies to the elderly and needy. If someone needs food, I’m there. If a sick, shut in, elderly person needs someone to pick up their medicine, I’m your man. I stay in when I can, but if I gotta go, I gotta go. I have been blessed enormously by the Lord, so I try to give him glory by helping to take care of my brothers and sisters
GO BANG! Magazine: Thank you and ALL first responders for your service!
Follow Christopher Greer on social media:
Facebook: @Christopher A. Greer
Instagram: @Chrisgreer64
Twitter: @chrisgreer64
YouTube: @Christopher A. Greer
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
Julian is an professional model looking to further his career in acting. He’s a freelance model that has landed opportunities to work with a variety of photographers. His ever-growing skills in modeling are enhanced with each and every shoot.
He’s also a recording artist, as well as a dancer. He’s looking to record beautiful and memorable music, which results in a positive change in the Music industry. This will be achieved by contributing his unique sound to the mix.
So, be on the lookout for the NEW face in town, that’s bringing acting, music and dancing heat… Julian T. Allen!
GO BANG! Magazine: How long have you been acting?
Julian T. Allen: I’ve been acting since I was a child. “Shout out!” to my family for developing my character. It’s been what I’ve always wanted to be growing up. It’s natural…it’s what I love!
GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved in acting?
Julian T. Allen: I got involved seriously in acting at 13, when my grandmother took me to Glamour Model Talent Agency and they kept telling me that I had the face. So, although nothing was pursued, other than a photoshoot for headshots, it always stuck to me that the “sky’s the limit.” With me being naturally funny and always coming up with characters, I decided to join the field to become an entertainer.
GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved with the movie Magic?
Julian T. Allen: “Shoutout!” to Leonard Stewart who introduced me to Billy Ray Valentine about a year ago. I was actually scrolling through my Facebook and noticed my friend was doing some amazing work pertaining to the movie Magic.
I saw a clip and was saying to myself, “if I could only squeeze a spot in that production it soon would be my chance no matter what platform to showcase what I could do.” Big ups to Billy Ray! I Facebook called him and told him what my passion was, and the rest was history. He embraced me with open arms, like a lost child who was in need of a family.
GO BANG! Magazine: What about Magic attracted you to want to be a part of it?
Julian T. Allen: I was attracted to Magic because I’m a great fan of urban films and independent directors. I’ve seen so many, no disrespect…low quality movies in my time that I’ve always felt needed to be seen. We’ve all started from the bottom on so many projects and I’m just the person that sees the best in everything. I just wanted to have a shot and here I am today. Magic was the story I related to.
GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your character in the film?
Julian T. Allen: The character I portrayed was S aka Security. There are so many things you can say by being silent. It’s the look that says it all. When you look at that character, his face says, “I’m not the one to play. I get the job done.” I was the person that would take you out, if the boss said so.
GO BANG! Magazine: You are also a model? Tell us more about that.
Julian T. Allen: I started modeling at 17. I had no interest until it had been suggested by friends I knew from the industry. So me being a hustler, I engaged and developed an interest. I started out freelancing, until I got paid for a shot and thought, hey this is cool I guess. I took it to the next step. Next thing you know, I made a page on Model Mayhem and I just kept getting booked. It’s fun, but sometimes it could be a lot of work, considering the fact that I love to eat. (LOL)
GO BANG! Magazine: As an actor, what type of roles are you currently interested in?
Julian T. Allen: Man, I’d love to do any and every part there is. There are no limits to my interest. I’m very open and comfortable playing whatever part necessary. But preferably a character that’s a stand up, action, grimy type figure, like “John Wick” or “The Equalizer.” Those are my goal roles, but I could be anybody. It’s just my love for acting
GO BANG! Magazine: Who inspires or motivates you?
Julian T. Allen: I’m inspired by mostly my peers and family. I’m self-motivated, so when I see people who grind the way I do, it makes me go harder. Not in a competitive way, but in an inspired, let’s get it, type of way. I love seeing people grind and make it. That’s what motivates me, knowing they never gave up, and hard work actually pays off.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
Julian T. Allen: Today I received news that a close family member has passed, due to COVID-19. I’m deeply devastated. In conclusion, my advice is to be more aware of surroundings and stay as distant (from other people) as possible. This is more serious than we thought. It’s not fun and games no more. (We have to) be more self-sufficient, stay clean, and take care of your health. Not everyone is fortunate (enough) to live through these tough times.
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
Maya Hooks is a child actress, known for Apartment 101 (2017), Growing Pains (2019), Demons (2018) and A Society of Signatures (2020). A naturally bright, funny, and enthusiastic child actor, screenwriter, producer and up and coming filmmaker who has the ability to serious roles, and loves fake accents.
GO BANG! Magazine: How long have you been acting and how did you get started?
Maya Hooks: I have been acting since I was nine years old. I started taking classes at The Beverly Arts Center and the Salvation Army Kroc Center where I started participating in Community theater. Two years after participating in community theater projects, I was cast in my first professional theater project, “The Wedding Band”, and then I started taking “On Camera” classes at Second City Chicago and Chicago Actors Studio to learn how to act on camera.
GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved with “A Sisterhood of Signatures?”
Maya Hooks: I was referred to Director Seven Okema Gunn’s project by zctor Harold Dennis. I auditioned and ended up being cast as the lead role character, Tiyah.
GO BANG! Magazine: What about “A Sisterhood of Signatures” attracted you to want to be a part of it?
Maya Hooks: A Sisterhood of the Signatures was a tween project that centered around a group of friends who started a cursive letter writing club, and the fact that two of my friends, Jada Hamilton and Hailey Alexander, were cast made it very exciting!
GO BANG! Magazine: You are the star and main character of the film. How would you describe your character in the film?
Maya Hooks: Tiyah is a leader, very bossy, inquisitive, and very passionate about her family traditions and history. She was determined to get her friends interested in starting a letter writing club and they did just that!
GO BANG! Magazine: How important is it to you, to preserve the art of cursive writing?
Maya Hooks: Cursive writing is very important to me now. Prior to being cast in the film, I had just transferred to a catholic school, where they made us learn cursive. Prior to sixth grade, I had never written anything in cursive, because my school didn’t teach cursive, but I learned just in time for the casting of A Sisterhood of the Signatures! I didn’t realize that our ancestors, their identities, were tied to their signature and letter writing. At one point in time writing was a main source of communication, especially before a telephone or computer. Signatures are part of our identity. No one has the same signature. I found letters from my great, great, grandparents after my great grandmother died last year, and I could actually read them! This was really cool! It’s so important to preserve cursive writing! I believe it’s really part of our history and who we are!
GO BANG! Magazine: I understand that you want to do more than act in the film industry. What type of behind-the-scene work are you interested in?
Maya Hooks: Most definitely! I am a new screenwriter and producer. I have a new project I wrote and produced called Black Girls Versus Ambiguous, which will be completed by mid April/May, so stayed tuned! I can’t wait to share my film with the world! I’m also in the process of writing a new screenplay for my first feature film. I’m studying screenwriting and filmmaking at Beverly Arts Center and Chicago Academy of Arts. I’m also continuing to work on my craft as an actor at Actors Studio Chicago. I am learning how to be a director and want to write, direct, and produce projects that will make a statement and tell great stories.
GO BANG! Magazine: So currently, you’re an actor, screen writer and producer. Of those talents, which one do you love the best, and why?
Maya Hooks: I love writing sooo much! I always thought I would never love anything more than acting, but when I write I feel “Powerful!” I get a feeling that I can get in a space and just be free to create!
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
Maya Hooks: Oh my gosh! This Covid-19 situation has me homeschooling, but I’m still in production meetings for my new project, working hard on my new script, and I’m taking my acting classes virtually because my acting school is closed. I hope this will end soon, but I’m keeping busy.
You can follow Maya on IG @hooks.maya & Facebook @Maya Hooks
Facebook @Black Girls Versus Ambiguous, for updates, trailer, and screening dates.
Follow her career on Actors Access: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/Mayahooks?fbclid=IwAR39PLGc2Lb1iGD9fUpHx2RpUmdPPCZ_Dhyr1KK9eM4RLv1iBxvp-uk6j1E
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans
Owner: Harold Dennis
Chicago, IL
Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1815557/?fbclid=IwAR0TMyU63_w45IU9h47frppsRoGoaBOK9hNJujUXqV9fsLXBXG8_WLsaoa8
Beginning his acting career in 1997 in Chicago, Harold started with two acting classes taught by the late Okoro Harold Johnson, beginning and advanced acting, studying the Stanislavski Method which ran on Tuesday and Wednesday nights for a whole school year. He repeated the advanced class for an additional six months. Harold, during that time, in February 1998, also formed an acting troupe with twenty-five other actors, whom met religiously on Saturday mornings from 10am to 2pm for a year, in which they actively participated in honing their acting abilities.
He was cast in his first play in June of 1998 as the lead. The play was called “I Was There When the Blues Was Red Hot”. It played at the former Gerri’s Palm Tavern and at colleges. Mr. Dennis performed in one hundred and seventy-one shows, often playing two roles in a show, often signing autographs, on Friday and Saturday nights until June of 2000. There was a 9pm show time, “It was free to get in and $10 to get out!”
His first role in a film came in October 1998, cast as the lead male. It was a Columbia College film directed by Amber Washington. In 1999 he was cast as Ernest in “Impromptu”, which ran for a short period at the former Excalibur Shakespeare Company of Chicago, The award-winning, multiracial, Professional Chamber Theatre in Residence at the Harrison Street Galleries Studio Theatre in Oak Park, Illinois.
His first indie feature film role came in 2001, he was cast as the lead. The film was called “The Seventh” or “The Seventh Stone”, filmed in Louisville, Ky. He had the opportunity to perform at Actors’ Theatre also in Louisville, KY in 2001, in “A Raisin in the Sun” as Joseph Asagai, in which he received applause.
On Wednesday January 7, 2004 he began training with Ted Sarantos, who has been teaching for over 45 years, also in Oak Park, IL, and continues to study with him weekly, to date. October 2004 Mr. Dennis was cast as the title character in the feature film “Pieces Of A Dream”. The film received praise from individuals from all over the planet and Roger Ebert said it was “an extremely interesting film”.
While filming Pyrite (2008), the Chicago, IL-based Harold Dennis earned the nickname “the hardest working man in show business”, a reputation he still lives up to.
In 2011 Harold received training in the Sanford Meisner Acting Technique, levels 1,2,3,4,and 5 which took 15 months to complete, at Green Shirt Studio also in Chicago. For over nine years he has trained and worked as a Standardized Patient for ECFMG, Loyola, Northwestern and The University of Chicago Medical Schools. He serves as a trainer for Future Doc Enterprises.
To date, Harold has taken on many characters. He has performed in over one hundred and twenty-five film productions, including feature films, shorts, commercials, infomercials, training videos, music videos, and television. He has been a member of the “Chicago Actor’s In Film Meetup, is a member of the Chicago Independent Artist Network for six years, Chicago Actors Meetup Group, The Filmmakers In Action and The Chicago Female-Focused Film Meetup Group.
He has volunteered at the Midwest Film Festival, monthly for four years. He facilitated acting workshops at the Bronzeville Film Festival and for two years at The UNA Global Wake-Up Festival of Film, Literature and Creative Arts, and has hosted film screenings during the Black Harvest Film Festival for the past 6 years and was brought on as a member of the Gene Siskel Center’s Black Harvest Film Festival Community Council. Harold sat on the “How To Break Into Film” panel at the Englewood Film Festival in 2012 and 2013.
In 2012 received a nomination for Best Actor for his role in the film “Englewood” from the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago. He has appeared on the red carpet at multiple film premieres and screenings. Films have screened in France, Africa and in many other counties. He has taken on the role of mentor to people wanting to act. His mentors are his aunt (actress) Marian Rolle, (musician/ actor)the late John Watson Sr., Ted Sarantos and the late Okoro Harold Johnson.
In January 2013 Harold reprised his role as Jackie Robinson at the Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebration held at the DuSable Museum. Also in January 2013 he was selected as one of RollingOut Magazine’s Chicago’s 50 Most Wanted Men Of Substance And Style.
While filming Pyrite (2008), the Chicago, IL-based Harold Dennis earned the nickname “the hardest working man in show business”, a reputation he still lives up to.
GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved in Acting?
Harold Dennis: When I decided to seriously look into trying out acting, I began doing “background” work. In 1997 I heard an ad on B96 fm radio, saying “Be an extra in the movies.” I signed up and my first gig was as a “featured extra” on the t.v. show “Early Edition”. I did that show a few times and realized very quickly that I wanted to do more. A buddy suggested that I take a class. By August, I started beginning an advanced acting class on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at Eta Creative Arts Foundation. They ran weekly for a school year. By February 1998 myself, along with other actors, came together to form “The Actin’ Up” performance troupe. We worked on honing our abilities weekly for a year. By October of 1998, the play “I Was There When The Blues Was Red Hot” opened at Gerri’s Palm Tavern. I played the main character. I left the show in June 2000 after 171 performances. That’s how I got involved in acting. I jumped in with both hands and both feet.
GO BANG! Magazine: When did you get bitten by the “acting bug” and knew that you wanted to pursue acting as a career?
Harold Dennis: I remember the moment I was bitten. It was August 1998 after that very first class. During the class, our teacher (mentor) Harold “Ocoro” Johnson gave us a non-verbal exercise. I was nervous and sweating with a slight tremble. It was a simple exercise that affected me so much that I said to myself that I was going to do this the rest of my life. I’m still at it.
GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve played some very interesting characters over the years. What type of characters are you personally drawn to?
Harold Dennis: I’m personally drawn to playing heroic characters. That encompasses protagonists and antagonists, in my opinion. Villains can do good deeds too, right? The characters I’m drawn to gets the audience to empathize and follow the ups and downs of their journey. These characters will get what they want and lose something valuable or not get what they want and gain glory. That type of character I have found to be satisfying for most people.
GO BANG! Magazine: Are you only interested in film acting, or are you also interested in television and stage?
Harold Dennis: Acting in film is my passion. I started off my career saying I wanted to be in movies. Over time I have evolved my thinking. Now I want to have my audience (to) feel. I realized a long time ago that I am one piece in the process of bring a movie to an audience. The first story is what the screenwriter wrote. The second story is what the director makes. The third telling of the story is what the editor cuts together. And the fourth story is what the audience interprets. I have fully invested my time training for 20 years. Sixteen of those years, with Ted Sarantos, have been classes for acting on camera, working to find how I fit in. Now I teach Acting On Camera at The Second City Training Center Chicago, showing other actors how to fit in.
I enjoy acting in Television as well. Stage…community plays demand a lot of time that I am investing in film. I’m busy living the dream!
GO BANG! Magazine: You have worked with, and participated in, various community arts events, where you volunteered your time to causes and events that you believe in. Why is “giving back” important to you.
Harold Dennis: I have gone into schools and talked with our youths about dreams, desires and achievement. I have volunteered with The Chicago International Film Festival. I’ve been a member of the Black Harvest Film Festival Community Council for eight years. I’ve volunteered at the Midwest Film Festival monthly for 11 years, acting as the Volunteer Coordinator for the last year and a half. I’m an Ambassador for the Various Artists Film Festival. I’ve put on free acting workshops at the Various Artists Film Festival, the Black Harvest Film Festival, United Nations Chicago Film Festival and the Bronzeville Film Festival. And I have given online coaching sessions freely. Giving back is important to me because I remember what it felt like to be a novice and wanting the information that would give me an idea of how to discover and pursue my dreams.
GO BANG! Magazine: Do you have an interest in working behind the camera writing, producing, directing movies, tv shows, or plays of your own? (If so, please elaborate. If not, why not?)
Harold Dennis: I have produced, directed and acted in a few projects with my friend Bradford Stevens. We met when we formed the acting troupe back in 1998. He’s an alumnus of Second City, so our pieces lean toward the abstract and comedy. I was the A.D. (Assistant Director) on a short film directed by my friend Edi Mehana called “The Pride”. “The Pride” won a couple of film festivals and it was one of 80 films in 2020 being considered to make the short list for the Academy Awards. We didn’t make the short list but Shorts TV, that distributes the winners and nominees, distributed “The Pride”. It’s like we won anyway. What an honor. I’m currently taking the screenwriting course at Second City. I’ll eventually produce that film.
GO BANG! Magazine: What type of role would really show the range of your acting skills, and have you had an opportunity to play that role?
Harold Dennis: There are a number of films I’m in that show different aspects of range. I have a couple of “demo reels” on YouTube that people can watch to get an idea of what I mean. I did an episode of “Pear Shaped: WBLS” written by El Arthur Bey. It’s on Amazon Prime. It’s just me, in a car for 15 minutes dealing with PTSD and (DWB) Driving While Black. The feedback from the performance is rewarding. I did a short story in the “Paradigm Grey” anthology, created by Chris Adams, called “Reset”. I’m the sole survivor after the apocalypse in search of my last remaining robot nemesis. The project screened a couple times and the feedback again was rewarding. When I say rewarding, I mean the audience mentioning how they were moved by what they saw in my performance. “Paradigm Grey” is close to having a distribution home. I did a series pilot directed by Kenneth Stevenson and Andrew James Bennett called “Rapture”. I played a one eyed recluse living in the forest. The pilot won a Telly Award in 2019 and Kenneth gave me the framed certificate, saying I deserved it for the work I added to the project. To demonstrate range, I use things that I’ve learned over the decades. Range can be developed.
GO BANG! Magazine: What projects are you currently working on?
Harold Dennis: During our current situation dealing with this Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, I’m not filming anything. I have a few projects that I’m waiting on. But I have learned not to talk about films that are not in the can. You can go to YouTube, Google, Amazon Prime and IMDb.com to find projects I’m in.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
Harold Dennis: Since March 16th, I’ve been in the house, 98% of the time for the last 11 days, since flying home from Florida, in a face mask and rubber gloves. I was wondering if the flight was going to be canceled, preventing me from getting back. UC (University of Chicago) canceled face to face Standardized Patient encounters until they can figure out how we can work with the medical students online. Screenings and other networking events have been canceled. My screenwriting class I’m in is being held online, and so is my Acting On Camera class. I’ve been watching a lot of movies and I’m online a lot of the time. I’m talking more with family. I need to catch up on reading. I’m doing things that I’ve heard are preventive. It seemed impossible to keep “Social Distancing” in the grocery store today. I showered when I got back in. I’m attempting to relax during this “Stay at Home” Order the Governor has ordered.
You can follow him on social media and view some of his film credits by visiting www.imdb.com/name/nm1815557.
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
Pierre Andre’ Evans, a graduate of Chicago’s prestigious Columbia College, possesses a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management. He is an accomplished Freelance Writer with published articles, high profile interviews and event recaps, which currently appear in numerous publications and websites including the legendary and iconic New York based SoulTrain.com, Chicago based Ndigo.com, Dallas based UrbanMuseMag.com, D.C. based TheSOULetter.com, and London based EmpireRadioMagazine.com. In 2018 he authored his first book “Inside The Minds Of Entertainers,” which is available on Amazon. In 2020 everything came into focus and he became a publisher, with the launch of his online magazine “GO BANG! Magazine.” Log on at https://gobangmagazine.com/. Coming later in 2020 he will reveal his House dancing alter ego, Andre’ Pierre, when his House dance class, “Gotta Have House” kicks off!
As a freelance journalist, he has interviewed television and movie legend Eric Monte´ (creator of Good Times, The Jefferson’s, What’s Happening and Cooley High,) theater legend Shelly Garrett (Beauty Shop), the rising star Richard Pryor, Jr., legendary jazz/soul/fusion recording artist Roy Ayers, and various R&B singers including O’Bryan, D’Wayne Wiggins (founder of Tony, Toni, Tone´) and Karyn White. He’s even interviewed legendary DJ Herb Kent “The Kool Gent.” In the House music world, he has interviewed 4x GRAMMY ® nominee DJ/Remixer Steve “Silk” Hurly and DJ Jesse Saunders and his 30th Anniversary of House Music Tour. His tribute to the late DJ, Producer and House music legend Frankie Knuckles was well received, worldwide. Although his primary beat is Entertainment, he is well-versed and passionate about Community Affairs, Cultural Events and Educational topics, as demonstrated by his coverage of The Soul Train Impact events and his attendance at the 2014 Soul Train Awards show.
In addition to writing, he is active in several other artistic endeavors, including acting, performing, DJing, modeling and spoken word. As an Actor, he has appeared in numerous Hollywood blockbusters, including both Home Alone II and Richie Rich with Macaulay Culkin, The Negotiator with Samuel L. Jackson, Never Been Kissed with Drew Barrymore and Road to Perdition with Jude Law, Tom Hanks and the late Paul Newman. Performing under the moniker Playerre, he’s a well-known singer/songwriter with a loyal fan base and several self-produced and released recordings, including the dance hit “Mind Groove” and the stepping classic “Guaranteed Love”, which is available on all music platforms. He’s been a DJ for the past 40 years, since he was 12, and is known in the House community and clubs as DJ Playerre. Modeling and Spoken Word are also passions that he performs professionally.
He’s also an astute businessman. He’s been a Board member of Friends for Life Resource Center, Inc., a non-profit organization. He was also the Booking Agent for The Chicago Talent Factory television show, which debuted locally on Chicago’s WCIU, “The U,” the Media Director for The Soul Train Impact team, as well as the host of A Taste of Theater television show which highlights screenwriters and their plays and broadcasts nationwide. He also hosted the annual A Taste of Theater Festival, which occurs in October, and has been conducted in the past thru a collaboration with “The God-Father of Black Theater,” Mr. Shelley Garrett, where playwrights showcase their plays to a live audience and competed for the coveted Shelley Garrett Award.
He’s an entrepreneur and the CEO of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions, which produces a wide variety of events including networking events, dance parties, fashion shows, plays, and concerts. He served as Co-Host on Herb Kent’s “Battle of the Best” radio show, which airs on Chicago’s V103. He served as Host and Master of Ceremonies (MC) of Anita Jefferson’s original stageplay “Jackie’s Secret Life” which was held in Chicago at the Harold Washington Cultural Center.
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
Leonard Steward is a Chicago native that was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. At an early age, he noticed that he had talent. He started performing with the R&B group “New Wave” 30+ years ago, and found success doing that.
Then he was approached and asked to be a part of a brand new movie, “Magic,” that was being made by a Chicago screenwriter, Billy Ray Valentine. This would be his first time acting, but he was up for the challenge. He especially liked the character that he was playing, Big George, the gang leader of the BD’s (Black Disciples.)
After making the film, he was bitten by the “acting bug” and has not looked back. He plans to do more acting in the very near future.
GO BANG! Magazine: How long have you been acting?
Leonard Steward: One year.
GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved in acting?
Leonard Steward: I received a personal invite directly from the Director.
GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved with the movie “Magic?”
Leonard Steward: Billy Ray was starting his first movie, called “Magic,” and I got the first phone call.
GO BANG! Magazine: What about “Magic” attracted you to want to be a part of it?
Leonard Steward: It was who I was playing. (LOL) I wanted to see if I could really pull it off.
GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your character in the film?
Leonard Steward: I was the leader of the BD’s (“Black Disciples”) in Chicago, on the south side of Englewood.
GO BANG! Magazine: You are also an Entertainer? Tell is more about that.
Leonard Steward: Yes, for 30 years and counting. I’m a member of the hottest R&B group in Chicago called “New Wave!” 30 + years in the business baby!!!
GO BANG! Magazine: As an actor, what type of roles are you currently interested in?
Leonard Steward: I’m currently signed to Singles Film and Entertainment, where we just signed a major deal with Maverick Films. I see myself completing whatever task comes my way. I have that type of talent.
GO BANG! Magazine: Who inspires or motivates you?
Leonard Steward: I’m inspired by the universe and my ancestors. That’s still paving the way for me. That’s were my energy comes from.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
Leonard Steward: Research and understanding. I believe in signs and symbols to the conscious mind, so I pay attention to the smoke screen and the population control that’s taking place. Also the placement of the 5G, chemtrails, human meat, abductions of melanated people, cloning, media, etc. To me, this is just the first wave of the “New World Order!”
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram.
