Filming, Parties, Performance, and Karaoke: The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I got off work, chilled out, took a nap, got up, did a little shopping, and saw Smokin' Aces. I was a little disappointed. Common, one of my favorite rappers, was good in his first film role. Alicia Keys was cool, Taraji P. Henson (Hustle and Flow, Four Brothers), Jason Bateman (Silver Spoons, Arrested Development), and Ryan Reynolds (Waiting, Blade:Trinity) were good, but the plot was all over the place. The action and violence were good, though.

Saturday:

I got off work and headed to the Media Co-Op and played a small role in a trailer being created by Courdoroy Wednesday. They are submitting a "grindhouse" trailer for a fake movie to the Grindhouse contest. Grindhouse is a new film coming out directed by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. Robert Rodriquez will show the best trailers at the South by Southwest Festival in March. Shout out to Edward Phillips of Courdoroy Wednesday and Jon Sparks (www.jonwsparks.blogspot.com), who also played a role. Without giving away too much, I died. Again. I'm starting to develop a complex! Ever since the zombie film I was in this past summer, I keep dying in movies, short films, and "trailers". It was fun, though, and I hope it looks cool.

Later on, I went to Target and ran into my good friend Nantille Boards. He works for a moving company and is a physical trainer on the side. He was in this giveaway magazine called Memphis Fitness or something like that. Nantille's gotten buff. He was always in shape, but now hes' approaching "He-Man" status. And for the ladies out there, he's single and looking (I ain't no hater!)

Next, I went to the mall and ran into a former church member, Quincy Henderson. He's back in town, looking for a job (who isn't?) and trying to get out of Moscow, Tennessee, our home town. Moscow's a great place to retire too, but not a lot of opportunity for young men. We chewed the fat for a minute, he said somebody told him that I had written a book...maybe one day.

My next stop was a party at my girl Tamara's house. It was cool, but everybody was drinking (which I don't do) and talking about Memphis high school's (which I can't do...I grew up in Fayette County). I began feeling lonely in a crowded room, so I broke out and went to Precious Cargo and saw the Iron Mic Coalition's hip-hop show. Shout out to Ennis, Jason Harris Fyte Club, and MOS, the soloists and groups that comprise the IMC (www.myspace.com/ironmiccoaliton). Afterwards, some of us went to Perkins on Poplar and chilled out and talked about hip-hop. It was good to see my IMC people again. It had been a while.

Sunday:

I went out to Moscow and got my new sticker for my license plate (my car's registered in Fayette County), new proof of insurance, and several dress shirts, slacks, sweaters, and a new leather coat. Thanks, Mom, you rule!!

I went back home, took a quick nap, then met up with Timm Scalita, Vineet Thapar, and the rest of the crew to finish up my scene in The Sick. I didn't die in this scene, although I already shot my death scene a few weeks ago (See what I'm talking about). It was cool, it was relatively quick, but cars and people kept coming by. I cannot wait until the day when I am on big-time movies that shout down streets. Until then, we make a way the best we can.

After that, I went over my friend Shomari's house and watched a wrestling pay-per-view. Then, I ended the night at Jordan's. I sang Outkast's "The Way You Move". It was okay. I also attempted Jamie Foxx's "Unpredictable". I was a little pitchy. It was cool, though.

This week, I should finally act in a parody of the Mac vs. PC commercial. Also, Rod Pitts (www.pittstopproductions.com) wants me to play a role in his short for the Lil' Film Fest 5. The theme is a tribute to Craig Brewer. I'm looking forward to it. Be easy, readers!!

Birthday Shout-outs

Happy birthday to actor/filmmaker Keenon Nikita (Poor and Hungry, Just the Two of Us) and Lavita Brooks (Katrina's Wake, Tricks). These are good friends of mine and are a part of my "film family". I hope they have fun and be merry.

Movies, Theatre, and Karaoke: The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I got off work, napped, got up, and I watched Children of Men. Clive Owen gave a solid performance as a guy charged with protecting the mother of the first baby born in the world in 18 years. It was set in Britain, but by this time, Britain looked like Beirut. All refugees, or "fugees" were sent into concentration camps or locked in cages on the sidewalk. Very bleak and violent film. Kudos also to Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Serenity, Inside Man) for solid performances.

Saturday:

I got off work, went to the comic book store and other stores, and that night I saw Last of the Red Hot Lovers at the Hattiloo Theatre. Shout out to Monette McLin, an actress that I know, and Lisa Sanchez (Dollars and Signs, Slow Down You're Dating Too Fast) for good performances. The play follows a middle-aged man who keeps trying to have an affair with his wife, but there are always complications involving his potential mistresses. Interesting play, and if you've never seen it or read it, it is very unpredictable.

Sunday:

I had to visit my good friend Denna Greer (What Goes Around), who was taking up money for Girl Scout cookies for her niece, Joy. Markus is for the kids...sometimes. After that, I met up with Rod Pitts and we checked out The Last King of Scotland, the movie about the rise and fall of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. Idi Amin was not covered in my Fayette County schools elementary or high school education. That fool was crazy!!! Forrest Whitaker deserves an Oscar right now!!! Kerry Washington (Ray, Save the Last Dance) and Gillian Anderson (X-Files) also gave solid performances.

After that, I went to Jordan's for some more karaoke fun!! I started out with Aerosmith's "Jaded"....I kinda knew the words. Next, ome of my friends begged until I gave in and performed New Kids On the Block's "The Right Stuff", yes, I do the dance, I have to!!! Next, it became an R&B showdown. A couple performed Earth Wind and Fire's "September", I responded with New Edition's "Can You Stand the Rain". Next, I performed Cameo's "Word Up". Someone performed Bobby Brown's "My Prerogative". I came back with "She's a Bad Mama Jama". Next, I went country and performed David Allan Coe's "You Never Even Called Me By My Name". Then, I performed Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl". My voice cracked, and I couldn't hit those high notes. I bounced back with Five for Fighting's "Superman". Then, I sang Prince's "Raspberry Beret". My last song was Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down". Yeah, I like a lot of different genres of music. It was cool. I had fun. I like performing, whether it's three or three hundred people. Be easy, readers!!!

Random Items:1/17/2007

1: Shout out to Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson for their Golden Globe wins for Dreamgirls. Shout out to Sacha Baron Cohen for winning for Borat. Shout out to Hugh Laurie for winning for House...a damn good show!!! Another equally deserving Golden Globe goes to Kyra Sedgwick for The Closer. I am also glad that Grey's Anatomy won, and that America Ferrera won for Ugly Betty. Alec Baldwin also deserved his Golden Globe for 30 Rock, and I can only hope that Martin Scorsese's win for Best Director for The Departed will be a precursor to the Academy Awards. If I may quote last year's host, John Stewart, "Martin Scorsese 0, Three Six Mafia 1". Either I'm growing up or the Golden Globes are dumbing down, but I don't remember watching so many critically acclaimed shows before. I guess I could only watch so much wrestling and Power Rangers before I began to crave variety.

2: Rod Pitts is one of the winners in the Black Snake Moan trailer contest. There was a contest for fans to make their own trailers for Craig Brewer's next movie. Fortunately, my film mentor (Rod Pitts) saw fit to have me play the role of Samuel Jackson in his trailer. I am very appreciative. Rod always has my back, but will tell me when I am dead wrong. You can't ask for much more in a friend. Pittstop Productions, baby!!! Here is the trailer:

http://one.revver.com/watch/94962/format/flv/affiliate/0


3: Muhammad Ali turns 65 today. Ali and Hulk Hogan are the inspirations for my "King Indie" title. I enjoy their penchant for fanfare and trash talking, and how they said something, then backed it up. I wish there were a cure for Parkinson's disease so Ali, Michael J. Fox, and others who suffer from this disease could be freed from its debilitating symptoms.

4: Be easy, readers!!!

Watching Movies, Acting in Movies, and MLK: The Weekend Wrapup

Friday:

I worked until 6 PM, chilled out, ordered pizza

Saturday:

I ran a few errands, arrived at Newby's at 6 PM, and eventually, the cast and crew of "The Sick" poured in. This segment was directed by Timm Scalita. I actually had to act like I was fighting someone. Vineet Thapar (Uri's Move) and Al Lahiri did the camera work. Chris Byerly was also helping out. We almost finished shooting my scene, but it started to rain. That sucked!!! We all went to Tracks and chilled out.

Sunday:

I met Chris Byerly at Newby's at 4 PM. I then rode with him to Dwayne Scott's house. Dwayne is a writer, director, and a GREAT special effects guy. He assisted Chris and I with Chris' segment for The Sick. In case you haven't guessed by now, it's a horror film. As the title suggests, it's sick. Let's just say that my character did some real bad things to himself, but I think it will look cool.

Afterwards, I went to Jordan's and sang a bit. I sang Al Green's "Love and Happiness", then I sang "Why Georgia" by John Mayer. I finished with "My Life" by Billy Joel.

Monday:

I met up with my good buddy Steve aka Furious Stiles (yes, he's a rapper). He gave me some of his music, and we chatted about life and hip-hop. It was cool to chat with him. He has an album out now, and you can find out about this and hear songs at: www.myspace.com/furiousstiles1 .

After that, I went to an audition for Rommel's Crossroads. John Fuess is directing this one. We also worked on Mail Call, one of the many films that I've been in. He said he's heard me read before, so I didn't have to do it again. He talked about the film. It's set in the 40s in Tupelo. As you can probably guess, the African-American roles are not that glamorous. I like playing different types of characters, so I am up to the challenge. Hopefully, this project will get us all some exposure.

After that, I went to Jordan's, but they were closing soon because nobody was there: MLK Day was not very lucrative for them. So, I went to Ryan's Steakhouse and then I saw Dreamgirls. This movie is phenomenal!!!! Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson definitely deserve the Golden Globes that they received for their supporting roles. Jamie Foxx shines as well. Beyonce...was decent. It's a very good film!!!

Next on the horizon is finishing my part in Timm Scalita's segment of "The Sick", and hopefully acting in a parody of the "Mac vs. PC" commercials. The hustle continues. Be easy, readers!!!

Random Items: 1/11/07

1: Shout out to John Beifuss for mentioning two local, indie films that I acted in during his "Year in Review" feature in the Memphis Playbook a few weeks ago. He mentioned The Importance of Being Russell and Eat. That's hot!!! Those who read Beifuss know that he doesn't mince words; if he mentioned us, he had to like us.

2:Shout out to The Importance of Being Russell and Grim Sweeper for being accepted to the Southern Fried Flicks Festival in Augusta, Georgia. The festival is taking place this weekend. I wish I could be there.

3:Okay, any of my friends who wish to confide in me and start their sentence with "Don't put this in your blog", turn around and walk the hell away from me instantly. That crap's insulting!!! I am not freaking Wendy Williams or Joan Rivers or any gossip columnist!!! If I have put anybody "out there" with my blog, it's me. I do not betray trust!!! If you really pay attention, I am the focus of this blog, other people just happen to come into contact with me. Okay, had to get that off my chest. I feel better now.

4: Pay attention to the plug below

Plug Time!!!

The motion picture Eat, from veteran local filmmakers Oddly Buoyant Productions, will have a showing on January 14 at 5PM at Malco's Studio on the Square movie theatre. Please come out and enjoy this look at the lives of waiters in three restaurants and the "interesting" patrons they encounter. A new trailer for Craig Brewer's Black Snake Moan precedes the film.

Eat screening
January 14, 2007 (this Sunday!!!) at 5 PM.
Malco's Studio on the Square
2105 Court Street (near Madison)
Memphis, TN 38104
901-725-7151

Countdown to Markus Seaberry's next screening: 3 days, people!!!

Be Easy, Readers!!!!

Late Gifts and Meetings: The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

Got off work, got my haircut, watched WWE Smackdown! Relatively uneventful.

Saturday:

Got off work at 2 PM, chilled at the crib for a minute, FINALLY caught up with Rod Pitts (www.pittstopproductions.com) and gave him his Christmas gift: The soundtrack to Dolemite. Hey, it's his favorite movie!!! I also gave him this cheesy cartoon DVD back. He had bought me Seabiscuit on DVD for Christmas, and he returned my Robin Thicke DVD and CD back. Don't sleep on Alan Thicke's ( of Growing Pains) son, he's soulful. We chilled out, I left for a minute to go over Keenon Nikita's house (Just the Two of Us, Poor and Hungry) and get back my Jay-Z: Fade to Black concert DVD and Kanye West's Late Registration CD. By the time I got back, Arnita Williams (In an Instant, What Goes Around) had shown up. We talked about her new movie she's working on, and her schedule. She's really getting things together. I'm always glad to see new filmmakers taking this serious. It's fun, but it has to be structured.

Later on, I went to Jordan's and sang some karaoke. I sang "When Doves Cry" by Prince, and John Mayer's "Your Body Is a Wonderland". The KJ, Tony, started messing with me by changing the lyrice to "Wonderland". I began yelling at him back on the mic. It was crazy, but Tony's my buddy. Shout out to Chris (the bustboy), La La (waitress), and the rest of the staff at Jordan's.

Sunday:

I met with Chris Byerly and Timm Scalita about my role in the movie The Sick. This is a gruesome horror film. I won't be inviting the family to this one. We start filming Friday, it should be cool.

Later, I went over my boy Shomari's house and watched the WWE pay-per-view, New Year's Revolution. The main event sucked, and I got a little heated when everybody started arguing with me because I felt that horror movie coming out on Christmas (ie Black Christmas) is just wrong. Yeah, the day is commercial anyway, but that is sickening to me. Besides, I have to deal with my crazy cousins on most holidays, and I don't need to see anything too violent before I get into that environment.

Oh, yeah, shout out to Learyn Wilde (Unholy Passion, Just the Two of Us). She was in the winning trailer for the Black Snake Moan contest. Learyn has always been passionate about acting, and I am glad to see her receiving well-deserved accolades.

I am looking forward to filming my part in The Sick this weekend. Also, shout out to my film mentor Rod Pitts for giving me a copy of What Goes Around and including shorts and trailers that we've been a part of over the years. I hope to get my first Academy Award in a Pittstop Productions film. Be easy, readers!!!

Here We Go Again: The New Year's Weekend Blog

Friday:
I got off at 7 PM, and I chilled out. Shout out to my big brother for the late Christmas gift: Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveSounds. Hey, I like it!!!! Other than that, it was wrestling on TV and DVDs.

Saturday:
I got off work at 3 PM, went to the comic book store, went to Wal-Mart and got my mom a birthday gift. I got her the movie The Gospel on DVD. Next, I went to Target and bought the Mos Def's new CD, Tru3 Magic. Later, I went to the Wingate Inn on Germantown Parkway thinking that there would be a wrestling show there. There wasn't, I called my buddy Clint and learned that the event had been cancelled. BOOO!!! I went home, and vegged out in front of the TV and ordered pizza.

Sunday:

I chilled out, went out to my parents' house to celebrate my mom's birthday for a little while, then I drove back to Memphis and hung out over my partner Shomari's house for a few hours. They were watching Mission:Impossible II. I hadn't seen that movie since its theatrical release in 2000, so it was almost like watching it for the first time. I then watched part of M:I-3 before I bid adieu to everyone and made it to my next destination. I went to my friend Tamara Wicks' house. Shout out to Tamara, Rafael, Tam's baby girl Lex, Rudechild and his wife, Clint and his wife, and others that came through. Rudechild and I got in a heated argument about music, but we came to an understanding. I left there about 3 AM, made it home about 4 AM. It was a pretty cool New Year's Eve/New Year's Day.

Monday:

I slept. I was drained. I could not move. I watched another beltated Christmas present: Idlewild on DVD. It's a musical starring the rap duo Outkast. I had seen the movie already, so that was cool, but the bonus features sucked!!! Two deleted scenes and 2 music videos?! No making of, behind the scenes, or commentary from video director-turned movie director Bryan Barber and/or Outkast?! That wasn't cool. I still like the movie, though.

Yes, this weekend was relatively uneventful, but at least I got some rest. I assume that I'll be burning the midnight oil soon enough. Be easy, readers....and Happy New Year!!!!