Words by DeWayne Rogers
Images by Scott Hebert
Chapter 1: Drawn to the Star
For as long as man has dwelled the earth, our destinies have in many ways been tied to that of the stars. Take a look at the three wise men of biblical times, for example. If it had not been for the guidance of the North Star, who knows if they would have ever been able to make their way to a newly born baby Jesus to offer gifts, thereby forever altering the course of history as we know it. Even great philosophers such as Plato and Socrates often attributed a lion’s share of their wisdom to the inspiration found in simply staring into the heavens at the stars. Perhaps that’s why in today’s times, society is so captivated by another type of star — those spotlighted by Hollywood on a seemingly daily basis.
This inexplicable fascination with those stars found us inhaling air filled with the familiar scent of anxious anticipation, as crew members and bystanders all awaited the arrival of the beautiful actress Meagan Good for her interview and exclusive photo shoot with rolling out. The restless chatter abounded as those in attendance could hardly wait to cast their eyes on the star who for the better part of 10 years has wowed audiences with ample doses of grace and beauty.
“Is she here yet?”
“No, I [heard] that there was an accident, so traffic is really bad right now.”
“Do you think she’s just as pretty in person?”
The buzz had reached a fever pitch when the front door of our nondescript set location swung open and in walked Good, both apologetic and gracious. “Hello, everyone,” she beamed. “I’m glad to see you guys. I’m sorry we were a little late; it was kind of tough getting out here with the traffic. Give me just one second, and I’ll be ready to start.”
The buzz continued …
“See I told you she was nice.”
“Yep. One of the nicest people in the industry.”
“And did you see her? She’s even more beautiful in person.”
“I have to get a picture with her.”
What an entrance …
Chapter 2: The Search For Freedom
“Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”
–Mahatma Gandhi
This was a monumental occasion for Good. Not because she had inked another big budget film (although technically she had with the completion of Love Guru with Mike Myers, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Alba, due out in the summer of 2008). No, today marked an opportunity for Good to publicly endorse her production company, Freedom Bridge Entertainment. The labor of love with partners Ty Hodges, Tamara Bass and Marlon Olivera, was to establish a company with the primary intention being to create an outlet for Good and her cohorts to experience an artistic freedom often missing within the strictures of Hollywood.
“We created this company, Freedom Bridge, to basically serve as the bridge to … freedom to do the type of movies that we wanted to do,” the talented actress explains. “We don’t want to be stereotyped, and made to play the typical characters that we have played in our past. We also wanted to create an avenue for others actors to get work as well. For me personally though, this was important because I wanted us to bring a type of film to the public that has a message and a story that’s not just about making money and making a huge blockbuster film. We are making independent films that have substance, that mean something to you, and that warm your heart. Our first film is Miles From Home, which Ty Hodges wrote, directed and co-starred in with me. I personally think that the project is wonderful, and I want to go on record to tell the world just how talented I think Ty is. I don’t want to call him the next Spike Lee, because I don’t think he’s the next anything, but he’s just that brilliant. I feel honored that we’re working together.”
For Hodges, a talented writer, director and actor in his own right, the decision to partner with Good was a no-brainer, as the partnership is one that he believes to be divinely ordained. It’s this collective spiritual foundation that steers the group through the rough and icy patches that often destroy many Hollywood hopefuls.
“You need that spiritual base, because you can kind of get jaded in Hollywood,” Hodges explains. “This industry is an amazing industry as far as the effect that it has on the world, and how film heals people. But at the same time, it is a business, and it’s a business that people can make mad money in. So with that being said, when things do come up, and times do get hard, it’s good to know that we can look at each other and say, ‘hey, we walk by faith and not by sight.’ As a partnership, we live in the world of having faith, and knowing that we are not in control. It takes a lot of the stress away for us, because we know that we
are not the end all, be all. There’s a higher power that’s in charge. So we’re just allowing things to evolve into what they’re going to be, not just for our purpose,but for His greater purpose.”
Chapter 3: Yielding To A Higher Power
As the talented brain trust at Freedom Bridge continues to carve their own unique path to Hollywood greatness, the peace that emanates throughout their ranks is palpable. All four partners are acutely aware of the enormous task that lies ahead of them. And while such lofty expectations would seem to weigh heavily on even the broadest of shoulders, this talented collective appears to be completely oblivious to any of the pressures that would seemingly come with the creation of a company designed to go toe-to-toe with many of the long-standing Hollywood production institutions. But leave it to the calm and eloquent Good to succinctly provide a peek into the psyche of Freedom Bridge as they head into the New Year. “Why should we worry?” she asks with a shrug of her shoulders. “I truly believe that God has things under control. Everything is going to work out just fine for us.” How can you argue with that?
