Creative Two Productions — one part Olishia Johnson-Robinson and one part James Irving — borrowed against their 401(k) plans to fund their dream film, “Hard to Find.” The two Prince George’s County residents have been friends for 23 years. Both have had a love for theater since the age of 10 and several years ago decided to produce their first local independent film.
The cast and crew recently reminisced over the process of creating a film set in the District that explores the male perspective on how finding the perfect woman is easier said than done.
“I shared an idea for what at the time I wanted to make into a play with my cousin, who resides in L.A. It was there she said it may make a better movie,” Ms. Johnson-Robinson said. “I called James and told him about my idea, and from the first day, we started writing our story.”
A recent red-carpet gala provided fans and family with the opportunity to view the premier of “Hard to Find” at the Cinema Arts Theatre in Fairfax City.
“I’m overwhelmed to see so many people. I’m usually in the background, so I am very nervous,” Ms. Johnson-Robinson said. “My goal is that everybody smiles and realizes that somebody had an idea, and a dream came true for them.”
By day, Mr. Irving, 43, is a behavioral specialist and Ms. Johnson-Robinson, 42, is a financial analyst. Their home office is based in Fort Washington.
The two met with several actors and production companies, including Wicked Cinemas, New Wave Productions and Red Carpet Media, to secure financing.
“We went to Los Angeles and met with several actors and actresses interested in the project. However, after being pushed back financially several times for almost a year, James and I sat down and put a game plan together,” Ms. Johnson-Robinson said.
Actor and director Carl Anthony Payne II, best known for his roles as Walter “Cockroach” Bradley in “The Cosby Show” and Cole Brown in “Martin,” immediately fell in love with the concept and intended to direct the independent film after hearing about the project through his publicist, but he dropped out because of financial reasons.
Erika Ringor (“Love and Basketball” and “Queen of Media”), Denyce Lawton (“Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”) and Lamman Rucker (“Why Did I Get Married” and “Meet The Browns”) were among the actors considered for the roles. However, the lack of finances led Creative Two Productions to cast local actors. They approached director Brian Nesbit (“Premise of Duality”) to guide their first feature-length film.
“Often you don’t see a lot of films that can break the mainstream. When you find a crew and cast that can really break out of the mold, it’s really exciting,” Mr. Nesbit said.
Much to their surprise, local businesses gave the OK to film at their locations. Among them were Annie’s Art Gallery in Temple Hills and Nora’s restaurant in the District.
“We had a lot of people willing to take a chance on us,” Mr. Irving said.
“Hard to Find” captures Theodore (Marco Washington), a successful sports agent who finds himself in love with four women. His journey begins when his father, Pops (Antwon Temoney) notices that Theodore stays at home on Friday nights. “You are not going to find a woman sitting here on your butt,” Pops tells him.
Meanwhile, Tanya (Ebony Richardson), a sporty and successful lawyer; Sasha (Saudade Stranger), a salon owner and shopaholic; Nina (Lauren “Elle” Blackwell), an art gallery owner; and Lola (Lorna Kelley), a “business by day and party by night” reporter, are all looking for the man of their dreams. Theodore must come to a choice before his girls — all best friends since high school — find out they are all dating the same man.
“I liked the role because he is not just the typical player type,” Mr. Washington said. “My character is honest and is looking for true love. I was a little concerned that if I did have to be the player, it would take a lot of work.”
Miss Richardson made her debut in “Temporary Dreams,” a film about a D.C. drug kingpin.
“I remember auditioning for the role and feeling nervous in the beginning, but I got over it once things got started,” she said.
Rounding out the cast was funnyman Demetrius “D” Parker, who portrays Theodore’s best friend, musical director Kevin.
“I enjoyed playing the guy that gets a chance to be the ladies’ man,” Mr. Parker said. “I normally play the upstanding gentlemen.”
Creative Two Productions firmly believes the D.C. area can, and will, be the next Hollywood, Ms. Johnson-Robinson said.
* Odell B. Ruffin is a writer and photographer living in Prince George’s County.
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