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Production Notes
When slick-talking New York City advertising executive Darrin Fox travels back to his small hometown of Monte Carlo, Georgia to claim the inheritance his aunt Sally left him, he finds he must fulfill her last wish before he can collect -- create a gospel choir and lead it to success. But with a town full of tin ears and a shortage of singers, Darrin is about ready to give up and head back to the city where he belongs…until he
runs into Lilly. A beautiful nightclub singer with a voice that could rock the competition at the annual Gospel Explosion, Lilly is just the miracle Darrin is looking for…. if he can persuade her to sing.
Starring Academy Awardâ winner Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Grammy winner Beyoncé Knowles, “The Fighting Temptations” is a rousing, music-driven ensemble comedy and non-stop entertainment for audiences of all generations.
Paramount Pictures presents an MTV Films Production in association with Handprint Films, A Jonathan Lynn Film, starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Beyoncé Knowles, “The Fighting Temptations.” Directed by Jonathan Lynn from a screenplay by Elizabeth Hunter and Saladin K. Patterson and a story by Elizabeth Hunter, the film also features Mike Epps, LaTanya Richardson, Faith Evans, Steve Harvey and Wendell Pierce. The producers are David Gale, Loretha Jones and Jeff Pollack;
the executive producers are Van Toffler and Benny Medina and the co-producers are Susan Lewis and Momita Sengupta. The executive music producer are Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, James “Big Jim” Wright and Loretha Jones. Spring Aspers serves as the music supervisor and the music score is by Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis and James “Big Jim” Wright.
Paramount Pictures is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc., one of the world’s largest entertainment and media companies and a leader in the production, promotion and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and music.
This film has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for some sexual references.
ABOUT THE STORY
Darrin Fox (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) has just lost his job with a New York advertising firm and bill collectors are chasing him all over the city. But just when he thinks his luck has completely run out, Darrin discovers he’s the only surviving relative of his Aunt Sally who has just left him $150,000.00. Traveling back to his small hometown of Montecarlo, Georgia, to attend the funeral and collect his inheritance, Darrin soon discovers that Sally’s written a tiny catch into her
will. Her last wish is that her beloved nephew create a choir, enter it in the annual Gospel Explosion and bring home a victory.
Between the bickering and the difficulties finding talented singers in the community, not to mention that his heart just isn’t into the whole thing, Darrin has his work cut out for him…until he meets Lilly (Beyoncé Knowles). A beautiful jazz singer with a voice to match, Lilly awakens feelings in Darrin he didn’t know he had. Suddenly, collecting the money or heading back to New York City aren’t important anymore, and he realizes that Aunt Sally left him
something much more than an inheritance.
At the center of the new community that Darrin discovers is the Beulah Baptist Church, a meeting place for an eclectic and hilarious cast of characters not to mention a showcase for a young, talented group of rising stars.
“This whole film is about community,” observes Cuba Gooding, Jr., who rose to instant fame when he took home the Best Supporting Actor Oscarâ for his role in “Jerry Maguire.” “It’s also about how a man can rediscover his life by going back home where he finds himself through finding the talent within others.”
One person in town who has already discovered her talent is jazz singer Lilly, portrayed by none other than the pop sensation of Destiny’s Child, Beyonce’ Knowles. Making her feature film singing debut as the lead singer in “The Fighting Temptations,” Knowles was just coming off the massive success of “Austin Powers in Goldmember,” and she wanted to sink her teeth into a role that would showcase her natural talent as an actress.
“In the script, Lilly is very earthy,” says Knowles. “I saw a lot of comedic and dramatic opportunities in playing this character, and I knew I’d have a lot of fun with it. I was also drawn to the script as a whole. It’s so full of attitude and energy.”
“That’s what Beyonce is all about -- energy,” says Gooding, Jr. “She lights up the screen, and she can just pull this gift out of her voice that’s simply awesome.”
Knowles adds that besides the fact that the film afforded her a chance to debut her singing on the big screen, another key reason she wanted to be in “The Fighting Temptations” was to work with a star the caliber of Cuba Gooding, Jr.
“He’s incredibly dynamic and always maintained a great attitude,” remembers Knowles. “All throughout the project, he kept everyone in good spirits -- singing together, dancing and just sharing stories.”
One of the most colorful characters in the town is Lucius, portrayed by Mike Epps. “Now he’s a talker!” says the actor of his gabby character who drives a beat up Caddy around town, gossiping a mile a minute to anyone who’ll listen. “He’s just a happy-go-lucky guy…pretty much the opposite of the uptight Darrin.”
Epps adds that he feels a very specific bond with Lucius and was drawn to the character’s complexity. “I take roles based on how they speak to my humor,” says the actor. “I liked this script because it allowed me to be funny in subtle ways, which is quite different from the cats I usually play. You see, Lucius is one of those guys that just doesn’t fit in, but he is who he is. That’s what I love about this film. In it, you’ll see that people
are best when they’re just being themselves.”
Adding his special brand of comedy to the film is Steve Harvey, who portrays Miles, the hilariously animated town DJ, a man who spins stories as well as records. For the actor, stand-up comedian, radio personality and star of “The Steve Harvey Show,” appearing in a film with some of the music legends in “The Fighting Temptations” was nothing short of amazing.
“This film rocks, and I mean that in every sense of the word,” says Harvey. “I’m really excited to be involved in a project that brings the music of some of these extraordinary artists to the screen.”
“The music in this film is unbelievable, and I’d be jumping up and dancing myself if my character wasn’t supposed to be such a self-righteous know-it-all,” says LaTanya Richardson, who portrays Paulina Pritchett, who makes it her business to see that everyone in the Beulah Baptist Church toes the line. “In essence, Paulina is Darrin’s nemesis, one of the biggest obstacles he has to overcome, and the best thing about her is that she can see right through
his slick talk. After all,” laughs Richardson, “Paulina’s a pretty sharp talker herself, not to mention the only person in the church who claims to know God personally.”
Paulina’s brother, Reverend Lewis, is a soft-spoken minister who’s frustrated with all the bickering in his congregation, but who doesn’t do much to stop it. “My character isn’t looking to rock the boat,” observes Wendell Pierce, who portrays the good reverend. “He just wants to come in, do his job and possibly even save a few souls along the way.”
Working with such a diverse cast of actors proved to be a great experience for Pierce, who has found success in such films as “Brown Sugar,” and “Waiting to Exhale.”
“In ‘The Fighting Temptations’ I was privileged to work with all kinds of people with different backgrounds and talents,” says Pierce. “I learned a lot and had just a wonderful time.”
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Those involved with the development of “The Fighting Temptations” had a definite vision in mind: to paint a truthful picture of the real dynamics inside a small community, including all the diverse personalities and opinions. To flush out the wide range of eclectic characters, the filmmakers found themselves touching on some interesting topics and true-to-life issues that audiences of all generations will recognize.
“This film has a great balance of music, drama and comedy, which makes a perfect combination for entertainment that crosses several film genres and draws a wide variety of filmgoers,” says director Jonathan Lynn.
Executive Vice President of MTV Films David Gale, who serves as producer on the film, couldn’t agree more, adding that because gospel music is so universal, the appeal of “The Fighting Temptations” is that much greater.
“Gospel music is at the root of all different forms of music from hip-hop to R&B to rock and roll,” says Gale. “And what this movie does is draw all of these diverse varieties of music together in a refreshing, new and exciting way.”
Producer Loretha Jones, who also serves as executive music producer on the film, coordinated the musical talent, and she was more than pleased with the caliber of pros that stepped in to turn “The Fighting Temptations” into a powerhouse musical comedy.
“I’m very proud of how this film employs music to entertain and, at the same time, drive a story that really has something to say,” says Jones. “I think a lot of moviegoers will see bits and pieces of themselves in the characters, and while they’re having a great time, they might come away from the film with a different perspective on life.”
“There’s a zillion characters in this film with dozens of different points of view,” says director Lynn. “And that’s what a community and family are all about -- diverse opinions coming together. That, in fact, is what ‘The Fighting Temptations’ illustrates so well -- people growing up, leaving home, making new connections…then coming home to reconnect with their families, and ultimately, with themselves. Audiences of all ages connect with
this film. They’re on the edge of their seats, they’re standing up singing and dancing, and they’re definitely happier for having seen it.”
ABOUT THE MUSIC
Featuring a star-studded cast of singers from all walks of the music world, “The Fighting Temptations” not only stars the singing sensation of Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé Knowles, but it also features a choir composed of a regular Who’s Who of gospel, R&B and hip-hop recording artists. Joining Beyoncé are such major musical talents as Faith Evans (R & B and hip-hop), Angie Stone (soulful R & B), Melba Moore (R & B and Broadway singer),
Rev. Shirley Caesar (gospel singer and pastor of her own church), The O’Jays (longtime R & B group), Montell Jordan (former R & B Def Jam recording artist), T-Bone (hip-hop and gospel artist) and Lil’ Zane (hip-hop recording artist who has written for Puff Daddy).
A virtual showcase for the gospel world, the film also includes special performances by Ann Nesby (former member of the gospel group Sounds of Blackness), Mary Mary (singer/songwriters Erica and Tina Atkins hit gospel duo), Raymiah (up-and-coming gospel quartet), Yolanda Adams (contemporary gospel, Grammy winner and top Billboard artist), Donnie McLurkin (popular gospel singer featured on the best-selling musical compilation, “Wow Gospel 2003”) and the Blind Boys of Alabama,
who were recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
In addition, Emmy winner and Golden Globe nominee Rue McClanahan, the sassy Blanche Deveraux of “The Golden Girls,” makes a guest appearance as a choir member, along with David Sheridan of “Corky Romano” and Mickey Jones, who was Bob Dylan’s drummer during the historic 1966 tour and a former member of The New Christy Minstrels as well as The Fifth Edition with Kenny Rogers.
With such an extraordinary gathering of talent, the much-anticipated soundtrack album of “The Fighting Temptations,” released in conjunction with the film, offers the first single from the soundtrack entitled, “Fighting Temptation,” sung by none other than Beyoncé Knowles, along with hip-hop artists Missy Elliott, MC Lyte and Free. The song exemplifies a theme that runs throughout the movie: striving for the best in yourself and battling negative influences.
“Once you hear the song, and all the music in this film, you can’t help but fall in love with it,” says Beyoncé. “You’ll definitely get emotional. You might become happy or even sad, but your heart will get full. All the songs are touching and spiritual, and that’s what the movie itself is like.”
Executive Music Producer Loretha Jones, who also serves as the film’s executive music producer, had previously worked with Beyoncé on “Carmen: A Hip-Hopera,” one of MTV’s highest rated TV movies, and she was delighted to have the chance to work with the singer again.
“Beyoncé covers all the emotional ranges of her character Lilly, and musically, she spans the full spectrum of singing styles,” says Jones. “Her voice is phenomenal and her multi-octave range blows everyone away, especially in her a cappella solo ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ sung during the prison sequence.”
In fact, when Cuba Gooding, Jr.’s character, Darrin, has trouble finding suitable singers for his choir, he does end up recruiting some local prisoners, two of which are played by R & B singer Montell Jordan and gospel rapper T-Bone.
“From the age of 9 to 22, I was sitting behind a piano playing gospel in a little Baptist Church in South Central L.A., so that kind of music is at the foundation of the rhythm and blues I’m known for,” says Jordan, whose 6’8” frame and deep rich singing voice is a stark contrast to the falsetto-voiced character (Johnson) that he portrays. “It’s not my trademark style of singing but it was a fun challenge and a great opportunity to step into
a character with a history so different from my own. I used to host a television show called ‘Motown Live,’ so I’ve been around this caliber of musical talent before,” adds Jordan, “but being a part of this film took me to another level musically. It was a spiritual experience and I think audiences will certainly be uplifted.”
T-Bone, who wrote the hip-hop songs his character Briggs sings in the film, agrees wholeheartedly, and says that his rapping style is perfect for this film because it’s meant to be more positive and solution-oriented than negative.
“Briggs mirrors my own life, in that he started off by getting into trouble,” observes T-Bone, who began rapping at age 8 and released his first record at age 18. “But like I did, Briggs transforms himself from the rough guy we see at the beginning of the film to someone who uses his rapping and lyrical talents in constructive ways.”
At the opening of the film, well before Johnson and Briggs are recruited into the group, audiences are introduced to the extraordinary choir that a much younger Darrin (Nigel Washington) experienced as a child. In that scene, Darrin’s Aunt Sally (Ann Nesby), is singing a rousing gospel song entitled, “I’m Getting Ready,” with the church choir swelling behind her. Large, vibrant and bursting with life, this choir is in stark contrast to the ragtag group of singers
the adult Darrin (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) encounters years later upon his return to Monte Carlo for his aunt’s funeral. It is a glimpse back to better days, a time that Darrin’s aunt plans to recapture for her church and her community by making her dying wish that Darrin recreate the choir in all its glory.
One former choir member who used to sing with Aunt Sally is Shirley Caesar, appearing as herself. Executive Music Producer Loretha Jones remembers growing up listening to her grandmother play Caesar’s music, and it is those fond memories of the legendary singer’s voice filling the house that influenced her to have Caesar be a part of “The Fighting Temptations.”
“What we establish in the film is a musical arc that begins by introducing audiences to Shirley Caesar’s type of traditional Southern Gospel, which is rocking, organ-heavy and spiritual,” says Jones. “Then, as the film progresses, we move forward into today’s more contemporary gospel, which combines elements of modern-day music like hip-hop and R & B.”
“Like a lot of musical performers across the board, I began singing in the church,” recalls 9-time Grammy winner Caesar, who has recorded more than 30 albums. “Gospel infiltrates all genres of music on some level, and its influence is at the heart of a lot of today’s lyrics and modern melodies as well.”
While Caesar and others who portray themselves in the film -- such as Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin, who host the Gospel Explosion with Caesar, “really nailed their roles,” according to Jones, assembling the extraordinary talent that makes up the entire choir was a difficult process.
“We auditioned over 600 singers in Columbus, Georgia, and thousands in Atlanta, and we ended up with numerous locals as well as the Pace Sisters (8 sisters that sound like a choir of 25!), several members of the Morehouse Glee Club and Shirley Caesar’s background singers for the choir that opens the film,” recalls Jones. “In fact, a lot of high caliber performers auditioned for the limited number of roles, so those who didn’t get cast were asked to be a
part of the audience at the Gospel Explosion.”
The filmmakers, Jones explains, were primarily looking for individuals who could sing and act, and the turnout of talented people was staggering.
“For example, The O’Jays, who are singing legends, landed the role of the barbers who sing the Paul Simon song, ‘Loves Me Like a Rock,’” remembers Jones. “They’d never acted before, but because the story lends itself to what they do naturally, it didn’t take long for them to become comfortable with the acting process.”
Having sung in movies before but never spoken a line of dialogue, Eddie Levert of The O’Jays, who has been singing professionally for 44 years, couldn’t have been more delighted with his first acting experience.
“I loved doing this movie!” Levert exclaims. “There was such camaraderie on the set, and those who had years of acting experience really gave us a lot of encouragement. Truly, everyone became like family.”
In fact, the film itself is about how one’s community becomes like a family. To that end, the song performed over the end credits, “Come Back Home,” by Oscarâ/Golden Globe nominated producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, illustrates the film’s overriding theme: No matter how far you travel, you can always come back home.
Having worked with artists the likes of Prince, Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson, just to name a few, Grammy-winning producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were more than glad to come aboard to write the musical score for the film and serve as executive producers, along with fellow composer James “Big Jim” Wright.
“Some opportunities happen by chance, but working on ‘The Fighting Temptations’ felt like it was ordained by a higher power,” says Wright. “It was a spiritually rich experience.”
ABOUT THE CAST
Academy Award-winning® actor CUBA GOODING, JR. (Darrin Fox) is one of the most charismatic and captivating performers on the screen today. His remarkable versatility, combined with the unique depth he brings to his roles, has made him one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.
Gooding’s critically-acclaimed, award-winning portrayal of flamboyant professional football player Rod Tidwell in the smash-hit feature film “Jerry Maguire” has propelled him to the forefront of the entertainment industry. The role earned him an unprecedented number of additional honors, including the Screen Actors Guild Award, the Chicago Film Critics Award, the Broadcasters Film Critics Award, the Blockbuster Entertainment Award, the Black Oscars Award and the American
Comedy Award, all for Best Supporting Actor, and he was honored with the prestigious ShoWest Award, presented by the nation’s exhibitors, in the same category. He also received a nomination from the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor.
Prior to “Jerry Maguire,” Gooding had already established his presence in feature films with a number of impressive credits. He made his motion picture debut as the star of John Singleton’s searing coming-of-age drama, “Boyz N the Hood,” in 1991. A year later, he was featured in the Oscar®-nominated film “A Few Good Men,” co-starring Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise and Demi Moore.
In 1992, Gooding was honored as the NATO/ShoWest Newcomer of the Year for his performance in “A Few Good Men.” He also earned rave reviews and a NAACP Image Award nomination for his portrayal of a 17-year high school student in “Boyz N the Hood.”
Gooding segued directly from “Jerry Maguire” into another critically-acclaimed role in the award-winning “As Good as It Gets,” co-starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear for director James L. Brooks. He then went on to star opposite Robin Williams in “What Dreams May Come,” “Instinct” co-starring Anthony Hopkins for director Jon Turteltaub, the action-thriller “Chill Factor” and the independent thriller “A
Murder of Crows,” co-starring Tom Berenger, for which Gooding also served as producer. Gooding also starred opposite Robert De Niro in the highly anticipated 20th Century Fox film “Men of Honor,” the true story of Carl Brashear, the Navy’s first African-American deep-sea salvage master diver. The film was released in November 2000 and was directed by George Tillman (“Soul Food”). Gooding also starred in the Jerry Bruckheimer epic film “Pearl
Harbor,” directed by Michael Bay. He will next be seen staring opposite Ed Harris in “Radio” for director Mike Tollin.
BEYONCÉ KNOWLES (Lilly) made her feature film acting debut opposite Mike Myers in “Austin Powers in Goldmember.” A native of Houston, Texas, she began performing at the age of seven, under the leadership of her father/producer Mathew Knowles. Joining forces with her cousin Kelly Rowland, as well as Michelle Williams, the threesome formed Destiny’s
Child and her singing career took off. A Grammy winner who also has a passion for acting, Knowles’ first role was in MTV’s film “Carmen: The Hip-hopera,” but her real impact on the industry came when she portrayed Foxxy Cleopatra, a CIA agent and the love interest to Myers in “Austin Powers in Goldmember.” “The Fighting Temptations” marks her feature film singing debut.
MIKE EPPS (Lucius) has generated quite a buzz among his peers and within the industry for being one of the funniest comic actors to emerge into the Hollywood scene as of late. After “The Fighting Temptations” he is set to begin production in Paramount’s much anticipated “The Honeymooners” alongside Cedric The Entertainer.
In March of 2002, Epps was seen starring opposite Ice Cube in New Line Cinema’s “All About the Benjamins.” Epps also reprised his role as Day-Day in “Friday After Next,” the third installment of the “Friday” series.
A native of Indiana, who has steadily climbed his way up the stand-up comedy ranks for the last seven years, Epps comedic talent was recognized by a national audience in 1995 when he wound up on the Def Comedy Jam tour and appeared on HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” broadcasts. He moved to Los Angeles after his successful performance at the 1999 Laffapalooza fest in Atlanta, and during his performance at L.A.’s Comedy Store, Epps caught the attention of Ice Cube, which
led to him being cast in his feature film debut, 2000’s hit comedy “Next Friday.” Since then, Epps has also appeared in “Bait,” with Jamie Foxx and “How High,” with Method Man and Redman. In addition, he was the voice of Sonny in “Dr. Dolittle 2.”
Currently residing in Los Angeles, Epps continues to perform his comedy act in sold out theatres and clubs around the country.
STEVE HARVEY (Miles the DJ), despite ending his seven-year run as host of “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” and his six-year run of the WB’s “The Steve Harvey Show,” remains one of the busiest comedians in Hollywood. The Grammy nominated, original “King of Comedy,” Harvey began 2002 carrying the Olympic Torch and hosting his second year
of “B.E.T.’s Celebration of Gospel.” He next welcomed Little Richard into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, presented the Mighty O’Jays with the Quincy Jones Award at the 16th Annual Soul Train Music Awards and filmed a commercial spot for Burger King. His hosting duties included the “2nd Annual Hoodie Awards,” which he co-created, the “2002 Essence Awards Television Special,” the “Essence Music Festival” and co-hosting the
“2002 B.E.T. Awards” for the second year.
Harvey has turned his two comedy specials: “HBO Comedy Half-Hour” and “Steve Harvey: One Man” into a platinum selling DVD. He also hosts the number #1 morning drive radio show in Los Angeles, which is syndicated in parts of Texas. In addition, he has produced a CD with MCA records, “Sign of Things to Come,” with such stars as Mary J. Blige, Carl Thomas, Dave Hollister, Angie Stone, Yolanda Adams, Joe, Mr. Cheeks, Fabolous and two hot new acts Dejur
& The B.L.A.C.K. Experience.
Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Harvey made his first prime-time television appearance in the acclaimed comedy series “Me and The Boys,” earning a nomination for a 1995 People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male Performer in a New Television Series. As the star of “The Steve Harvey Show”, he has won four NAACP Image Awards as “Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series” and one for Outstanding Variety Series as host of “It’s Showtime at The Apollo.”
Critics have praised him for his positive portrayal of African-Americans, and in March 2001, Harvey received the ultimate honor of his career to date: the NAACP Image Award for “Entertainer of the Year.”
Besides his role in “The Fighting Temptations,” Harvey will appear in “If You Were My Girl,” and “Holy Wars” this year, and fans can also look forward to seeing him in upcoming movies with Cedric The Entertainer and B2K, as well as cameo performances on “The Parkers” and “My Wife and Kids.”
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
JONATHAN LYNN (Director) is a filmmaker, screenwriter and novelist. His prolific career spans nearly four decades and includes directing, writing, producing and acting in motion pictures, television and theatre as well as authoring best-selling books. Most recently, Lynn directed the screwball crime movie “The Whole Nine Yards,” which was number one at the US box office for three weeks.
In 1985, Lynn wrote and directed his first feature film, “Clue,” a comedy/mystery based on the popular board game. He then directed his own screenplay, “Nuns on the Run,” which starred Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane, and the acerbic comedy “My Cousin Vinny,” which launched Marisa Tomei’s career and earned her an Academy Awardâ as Best Supporting Actress. Lynn’s satire “The Distinguished Gentleman,” starring Eddie Murphy,
was released in 1992 and raised the issue of campaign finance reform long before it was a publicly recognized problem. He followed with “Greedy,” starring Michael J. Fox and Kirk Douglas, “Sgt. Bilko,” starring Steve Martin and Dan Akroyd and “Trial and Error,” starring Michael Richards and Charlize Theron.
Lynn was initially propelled to fame in his native Great Britain in the 1980s when he co-created and co-wrote the BBC phenomena “Yes, Minister” and “Yes, Prime Minister,” which lampooned his native country’s political system. They are listed among the top ten series of all-time by the British Film Institute. Lynn earned the British Academy Writers’ Award for his efforts and the series garnered numerous BAFTA, Broadcasting Guild and Pye Television Writer’s
Awards as well as an ACE Award in the United States and a Special Award from the Campaign for Freedom of Information. He carried the series’ theme into three novels, which cumulatively sold more than a million copies in hardback and were on the London Sunday Times top-ten bestseller list for three years. They are still in print in paperback, twenty years later, and have been translated into several languages. “Yes, Prime Minister” will be released in its entirety on
DVD in August by BBC Video.
Lynn directed numerous plays in London in the 1970s and 1980s. They include: “The Glass Menagerie” (1977), working with Tennessee Williams; “Songbook” (1979), (Society of West End Theatres Award and the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical); “Anna Christie” (1979-80), at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford and London; “Pass the Butler” (1982) by Eric Idle; and Joe Orton’s “Loot” (1984). His production of “Macbeth,”
featuring Brian Cox, toured the United Kingdom and India and staged a special performance for then Prime Minister Ghandi. Lynn went on to direct one of the companies of the National Theatre of Great Britain, which performed his production of “A Little Hotel on the Side” (Georges Feydeau, translated by John Mortimer, and “Three Men on a Horse” (Best Comedy, Society of West End Theatre Awards 1987). His own play “Collaborators” is set for production
in London’s West End in 2004. Currently, Lynn is developing the feature films “American Health,” “The Pre-Nup” and a film based on his 1993 novel “Mayday.” For more information about past, current and future projects, please visit www.jonathanlynn.com.
DAVID GALE (Producer) is Executive Vice President of MTV Films, overseeing the activities of the feature film division since its inception in 1995 and serving as producer or executive producer on all the movies that MTV develops and produces. During Gale’s tenure, MTV Films established itself as a unique movie label with a slate of diverse and successful films that have grossed
more than a half-billion dollars at the box office. Under his creative leadership and in partnership with Paramount Pictures, MTV Films has released thirteen films including “Beavis and Butt-head Do America,” “Varsity Blues” and “Save the Last Dance,” which each broke box-office records on their opening weekends. MTV Films has also garnered critical acclaim with films such as “The Original Kings of Comedy,” “The Wood” and the
Academy Award-nominated “Election.”
2002 marked another milestone year for MTV Films, with the successful release of “Orange County,” “Crossroads” starring Britney Spears, the comedy concert film “Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat” and “Jackass: The Movie.”
In addition to “The Fighting Temptations,” MTV Films’ projects for 2003 include “Tupac: Resurrection,” “Better Luck Tomorrow,” which earned nearly unanimous critical acclaim at 2002’s Sundance Film Festival and “The Perfect Score,” directed by Brian Robbins (“Varsity Blues”).
LORETHA JONES (Producer/Executive Music Producer) began her career in the entertainment industry through her legal background when she worked on Spike Lee’s 1986 romantic comedy “She’s Gotta Have It.” Two years later, she was co-producing her first feature film “School Daze,” once again directed by Spike Lee. Since then, Jones has built an impressive
list of producing or executive producing credits, including “The Five Heartbeats,” “The Meteor Man,” “B.A.P.S.” and “Carmen: A Hip-hopera,” as well as “Denial” and “Price of Glory.” In addition, Jones directed several episodes and executive produced the popular television series “The Parenthood.”
Besides working in the film industry, Jones has also produced three live events: “Martin Lawrence’s Runteldat,” “Live Music Tribute to David Ruffin” at the Wiltern Theater, which featured such artists as Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick, and a live 13-city music/comedy tour, which featured Eddie Griffin, Robert Townsend and The Dells. In addition, she has been the executive producer on several soundtrack albums, including: “The Five
Heartbeats,” “The Meteor Man,” and “Carmen: A Hip-hopera.”
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