In The Spotlight - Kings of the Evening
An Interview with Producer and Actor Reginald T. Dorsey
Oct 19, 2009
If you asked a group of filmmakers why they make certain films, you would get a variety of answers. Some would say they make films to satisfy their personal creative urges. Others would say that they want to clarify and document historical events. However, when this question was posed to actor/producer Reginald T. Dorsey about his latest project Kings of the Evening, he responded without hesitation. “The material. It was such a lovely story that uplifted the images of African-Americans during a time when we were really under pressure. The material spoke to my spirit and as an artist, I wanted to do something different, to make a difference,” says Dorsey.
The Story and Star Quality of Kings of the Evening
Dorsey co-produced the film for Picture Palace Films, LLC along with director/co-producer/co-writer Andrew P. Jones. Jones’ father, Robert Page Jones, co-wrote and executive produced the film. The premise of Kings of the Evening is loosely based on an actual South African tradition called oswenkas..the Zulu version of the English word "swank." The story is set in the South during America’s Great Depression of the 1930s.
“The origins of the competitions go back over 50 years. The oswenkas are a type of fashion show where the men compete for dignity and self-respect despite their improverished conditions. My partner’s father grew up during the Great Depression down South and he wanted to create a story that spoke to the integrity and honor that these men and women had for one another during this difficult time,” says Dorsey. “We knew this era would be rich in texture, in terms of locations and characters,” he adds.
The concept of the disenfranchised character seeking a better life is beautifully told by the writers and actors. They bring the personal experiences of the characters to the forefront of the audience’s own experiences through vivid portrayals by such notable actors as Glynn Turman, Lynn Whitfield, Tyson Beckford, up-and-coming actor Linara Washington and Dorsey’s character Benny Potter.
When asked why he thinks the movie’s theme appeals to so many people, Dorsey replied, “People need inspiration, people need hope. And if as an artist I can do that in material that I associate myself with, then in some small way, I’ve uplifted someone. As an actor/artist/filmmaker, I feel we take on the faces of humanity if we get it correct in the films that we do. It was important that I send that message of hope and inspiration out into the universe.”
On Location in Bartlett, Texas
John Gardner wrote in The Art of Fiction, “True artists, whatever smiling faces they may show you, are obsessive, driven people - whether driven by some mania or driven by some high, noble vision.” The latter description surely applies to the cast and crew of Kings of the Evening.
Principal photography commenced in Bartlett, Texas, a small town not far from Austin. Dorsey remembers, “I didn’t know that my late grandmother had been born and raised in Bartlett until after I told my mother that we’d be shooting there.”
As experienced filmmakers know, shooting on location can be tricky when obstacles present themselves or when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Dorsey talked about several disruptions in the shooting schedule. “We dealt with hail, snow, and tornadoes. But because we had such a solid crew and great cast, we all forged together and completed the film despite the circumstances we were faced with.”
The cast and crew completed the film over a six-week period with a 28-day shooting schedule. “Despite the disruptions, I felt like we had my grandmother's spirit watching over us during the production,” adds Dorsey.
Kings of the Evening Wins Major Festival Awards; Distribution Deal Signed with Indican Pictures
Kings of the Evening has won several major film festival awards and is set for a limited release in late November or early December 2009 and for wider theatrical release in early 2010. “Audiences from all walks of life have received Kings of the Evening with nothing but love and total appreciation and for a filmmaker, that’s a great feeling,” says Dorsey.
Distributed by Indican Pictures, Dorsey hopes that as a result of the film's accolades, he will be able to continue to create opportunities for other artists. "There are so many gifted actors that I've come up with through the ranks who are suffering tremendously in terms of the lack of opportunities. This was one of the main reasons why I wanted to be on the producing team of this film so that I could hire people who are really deserving of a chance to show their artistry," states Dorsey.
For complete cast and crew information, log on to www.picturepalacefilms.com/coming-soon.htm.
Source: Interview with Reginald T. Dorsey conducted on October 16, 2009
Gardner, J. (1991). The Art of Fiction. Vintage: New York
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