Filmmaker Angela Hutchinson spoke to rolling out and shares her thoughts on Oprah, Ava DuVernay and the best new actors in Hollywood.
Oprah has affected the Movie business by …
Starting the Oprah Winfrey Network, allowing for filmmakers of color to have a distribution platform to showcase our voices.
Ava DuVernay means what for Black women in the film industry …
I actually interviewed to be Ava’s assistant when I first moved to LA. I had been here just a few days and that was one of my first interviews. I didn’t get the job, but she seemed like a cool person. I respect how she first developed a 15-year career as a film publicist, working with directors like Steven Speilberg and Bill Condon. Then took that knowledge and branched out as a filmmaker telling the stories that she desires to tell. That’s admirable. I think success stories like hers inspire black women and help mainstream Hollywood realize that black women can be powerful storytellers.
The top five Black new actresses in Hollywood are …
Vanessa Simmons, Yaya DaCosta, Alexandra Shipp, Brittany Alexis Phillips and Mary Nicole.
Who are the leading Black male actors?
Mykel Shannon Jenkins, Tyler Lepley, Vaugh Wilkinson and Keedar Whittle.
If you could create an all-star cast of 5 who would it be and what would the story be?
Check out the cast of Hollywood Chaos!
What are you reading?
Pushing to the Front: The Classical Guide to Success by Orison Swett Marden
If you could shoot your next movie in any city in the world where would it be?
My dream city to shoot a movie is Paris, France. I actually had a second unit director shoot original footage of Paris scenery for my film, Hollywood Chaos.
What are your favorite two movies and why?
The Last Dragon because I loved the story and Vanity did an amazing job. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off because it’s such a funny film to me. I also love Lean on Me, and have so many lines memorized from that film.
What book would like to turn into a movie?
Charm Kids, which is my published picture book.
How has the TV business helped the careers of Black actors and actresses?
I don’t watch a lot of TV because I’m so busy juggling being a mom, wife, producer, casting director, entrepreneur, etc. But I think anytime black women can see themselves on TV or in a specific light, it inspires them to believe in their dreams and passions.
3 tips for any one thinking about making a film?
- Don’t make a short film. It takes about the same amount of time, and sometimes the same amount of money. Make a feature film that’s at least 80 minutes long.
- Consider having a producing partner, it’s more manageable and efficient if you can find a smart and trustworthy producer.
- Take informational meetings with independent directors and producers to gain insight to their process and how they went about producing or directing a film.
