April 2009 | blackfilm.com | NEXT DAY AIR | An Interview with Cisco Reyes

April 2009

NEXT DAY AIR | An Interview with Cisco Reyes

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NEXT DAY AIR
An Interview with Cisco Reyes
By Wilson Morales

May 4, 2009

Having done numerous television appearance on various TV shows such as ‘Las Vegas’, ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ and ‘Numb3rs’, Cisco Reyes is ready to take the next leap in his acting as he has a major role in ‘Next Day Air,’ which stars Mike Epps, Wood Harris, and Mos Def.

Two inept (Wood and Epps) criminals are mistakenly delivered a package of cocaine and think they've hit the jackpot, triggering a series of events that changes ten people's lives forever.

Reyes plays Jesus, a drug dealer from Philly whose drug package was accidentally delivered to the wrong apartment and he has to retrieve it before his bosses come into town looking for it themselves.

In speaking with Blackfilm.com, Reyes talks about his role and working with the cast.

How did you get the role?

Cisco Reyes: When I heard that Benny Boom had his first feature coming out and I have known Benny for a while and watched his journey as a filmmaker through his videos, so I had to be a part of it. I know that it’s going to be big and a great production. When I finally reached out to everybody and got hold of a script, the role of Jesus was so on the money, I couldn’t have written a better role for myself. That’s exactly how I wanted to step on the scene for people to see for the first time on a big scale in a major feature. I felt that Jesus was Cisco Reyes; everything but the drug dealer per se. I had the Latin flavor and the East coast vibe.

How was working with the cast?

CR: It was one of those ensemble cast that you love to come to work for. Even if you weren’t schedule to work, you wanted to go down and see what they were shooting and watch their scenes. I’ve always respected Wood Harris as an actor and always wanted to work with him. Mike Epps has always been hilarious to me and Donald Faison, and when I heard Mos Def was a part of the project and that I would have a scene with him, I got really excited. Mos Def’s acting ability has been an inspiration to me. Working with Yasmin and her East coast Dominican flavor was a dynamic element to the film.

What was the best scene you shot for the film?

CR: There is a scene where I’m looking at the mirror testing out my guns like I was Tony Montana from ‘Scarface’ and that was a lot of fun. They let me take it there and improv a little bit. My character Jesus thinks he’s the Scarface of Philly. Mos Def did some improv in the scene that we shot and that was a blast as well.

What other roles are you looking to do?

CR: I want people to see me as a trained skilled actor. I studied at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in Los Angeles and numerous other places. I want them to go see my films. I want to encompass the character work of Johnny Depp, the swagger of Terrence Howard, and the longevity of Al Pacino and put all that together.

What’s next for you?

CR: I have a film with Mike Epps called ‘The Janky Promoters.’ I also have some other projects lined and am currently writing and producing. I plan on taking Hollywood by storm. I plan on sticking around for a long time.

Why should anyone see ‘Next Day Air?’

CR: This movie has so many different cultures that there’s something in here for everyone. Not only are you on the edge of your seat with the action, but you are laughing with the comedy that’s in the film as well. Benny Boom and Summit Entertainment have put together a great project that everyone will love.

NEXT DAY AIROPENS ON MAY 8, 2009

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