From Affion Crockett who plays a crazy TSA agent, Paula Patton to David E. Talbert, the director of the romantic comedy, Trendy’s entertainment editor Samantha Ofole-Prince catches up with the cast at the film’s premiere in Los Angeles. Comedian and actor Rickey Smiley can still remember the first time he was booed off the stage.
Paula Patton and husband Robin Thicke arriving at the Baggage Claim premiere in Los Angeles
“It was a long time ago at Show Time at the Apollo, but they edited it and cut out the booing so it wasn’t too bad. For Smiley who appears in the film alongside Paula Patton, ‘Baggage Claim’ was an exciting project to work on. “It’s been a great year for black films and I think it is going to get even better. After you see this movie, everybody is going to be making movies. It was a great experience making this movie and I had so much fun on set.”
Director David E. Talbert
Funnyman Affion Crockett didn’t have to audition for his role as a TSA agent. “David called me up and said I have this role for you. He didn’t even write lines for the character so all the lines you hear was me improvising. He said come and do this character who is a crazy TSA agent and we are going to knock it out.” For Aaron Zigman who has composed music for several Tyler Perry films, working with David was the attraction for him.
Ashley Cusato and Aaron Zigman at the Baggage Claim premiere in downtown Los Angeles
“David is a fantastic director and this movie is great film making.” Trae Ireland who plays one of Paula Patton’s ex-boyfriends in the movie says working on “Baggage Claim” felt like a reunion. “Black Hollywood is such a small industry and everyone knows each other so it was like a family reunion. There was no ego even though it has a large cast and it was a fun movie to be part of.”
Despite a small cameo for actor Tyler Lepley, working with Paula Patton was a great experience and a memorable one. “I am one of her exes in the movie and anytime you can be around a pretty girl it is fun. I auditioned for a bigger role and didn’t get the bigger one, but the casting director felt comfortable enough to give me this one and it was definitely a great experience working with all these great actors in the movie.
Terrence J
Paula Patton, the star of the movie had advice for young couples looking to settle down. “The woman in this movie is very desperate to find marriage and love, and there is something about marriage that can sometimes put a cloud over things. I think the longer you can have fun and do things together usually the longer the marriage lasts.”
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2013 has been a successful year for several black directors including “Baggage Claim’s” David Talbert who credited President Barack Obama for the opportunity.
“He put blackness in households all across America where it won’t normally be. He has helped the commerce in Hollywood a whole lot so I thank him for this.” A romantic comedy which follows a woman yearning to find love in a limited time, “Baggage Claim” is currently playing in US theaters.
Samantha Ofole-Prince is a journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film. She serves as the Entertainment Editor for Trendy Africa.
Photo by Moises Aguila
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