How A.C.T.4Life is Changing the Movie Game With Monthly ‘Hollywood South’ Events
A.C.T.4Life’s monthly presentation “Hollywood South: A Music and a Movie” is part of an indisputable paradigm shift in the concept of how and where movies are created in America — and by whom. The Atlanta-based A.C.T.4Life is the talent fusion of four dynamic divas of the movie and music industries — Roman James, Maria Howell, Gwen Layne and Nicky — that leverage their organization’s influence and platform to illuminate new or unheralded talent in movies and music. They also work to obliterate antiquated beliefs about women and minorities in the two genres.
A.C.T.4Life works essentially to increase the opportunities available to aspiring actors and musicians of color by connecting up-and-coming actors with principle players in the entertainment industries and getting the work of independent filmmakers and musicians exposed to studio and label executives. The collaborative of actresses provides a forum for productive networking and works to harness the collective talents of actresses of color to secure work opportunities. The A.C.T.4Life mission statement clearly states the group’s objective which is “ … to challenge traditional notions about women of color, actresses over thirty and actors outside of Hollywood and [New York]. Along the way, we expect to raise the bar, enlighten the masses, inspire those who come behind us and annihilate the status quo.”
“We chose to put together this sort of showcase, because we’re looking to elevate Atlanta to the second foremost city for film and television production,” says James, an actress, producer, writer and voiceover artist. “We have the resources here in Atlanta I believe to take us to the next level, and not only the metro area or downtown Atlanta [but also] the countryside of rural Georgia.”
Every month A.C.T.4Life uses a venue named on their site, myspace.com/act4lifers, to showcase musical acts followed by locally and regionally produced movies. Also, prominent personalities in the industry — filmmakers, producers, acting coaches, agents, etc. — regularly serve as keynote speakers. Networking ensues after the event, says Howell, a singer, actor and voiceover artist.
“The market here is burgeoning. I believe that with Tyler Perry, with Will Packer and Rob Hardy [of Rainforest Films] and some other folks who are now coming to Atlanta, there are some things that can lead them here that will take us to the next level,” says Howell. “We hope that Hollywood-style music and movies will continue to engender creativity and engender resourcing and connecting people.” –terry shropshire
