PAFF 2013: Eddie Goines talks The Coalitionby Damien D. Smith
February 16, 2013
Currently playing at the Pan African Film Festival is The Coalition, which was co-written and produced by Baltimore Ravens’ and Super Bowl Champion Terrell Suggs.
The cast includes Adrienne Bailon, Denyce Lawton, Jackée Harry, Nadine Ellis, Shanti Lowry , Eddie Goines, J.R. Ramirez, Chanta Patton, Vonet Woods, and James Phillips.
Prime Alexander (played by Eddie Goines) is a professional athlete living the life most men dream of. He has a huge guaranteed contract, beautiful women chasing him and the best friends a man could ask for. He’s used to getting what he wants, when he wants it and doesn’t believe in explaining himself to anyone, especially Autumn, the beautiful woman he’s been dating for a little over a year. Autumn Singletary is a wealthy socialite who doesn’t understand the word no. Her relationship with Prime has more to do with appearances than real feelings but that’s of no consequence when Prime decides to end their relationship by publicly humiliating her in the presence of his new interest, Skylar. The bond Prime shares with his boys, Lonzo, Kalif and Dallas has been nurtured throughout the years as the main constant in their life. They are always together. They are always taking care of each other. They are a true pact and have the secrets and the code to prove it. 1080 for life.
Jilted, Autumn and a group of women form an unlikely alliance to get revenge on Prime and his friends for playing them. For these playboys used to getting whatever they want when they want it – all that’s about to change. But in this game of who’s playing who, some discover that revenge has a price all its own.
For Goines, and ex-NFL player, the role represents a starring vehicle for the Jackson, Tennessee native. After appearing in numerous commercials for big name products such as Coors Beer, Dockers, Jordache, and Nike, and others, Goines has started to make the shift to guest spots on various TV shows and feature films.
Blackfilm.com caught up with Goines as the film plays at the Pan African Film Festival
It’s good to see that ‘The Coalition’ is being showcased at PAFF.
Eddie Goines: Yeah it’s fantastic. Again, here’s someone that has created an avenue in this event to showcase African American talent. From actors to directors, writers and producers as well as crew members. I commend Pan African for creating this vehicle for us to highlight what we’re doing.
Have you seen any films this year so far?
EG: A few. I had a couple of friends in some shorts so I went and saw theirs. Emayatzy Corinealdi, the star from Middle of Nowhere, was in a silent film that was cool and then I have another friend that’s chipping away at doing some good things; and CJ Mcbath who was in a film called the Redeemer. And I plan on spending a lot of time at the festival this weekend and seeing some great stuff.
Tell us about your experience with ‘The Coalition.’
EG: Well I’m just grateful to have been given the opportunity by the director Monica Mingo and of course the All-Pro, Super Bowl winner, writer, producer…I mean how many more superlatives can you have (Laughs)- Terrell Suggs. Monica saw me in the Beyonce’s ‘If I Were A Boy’ video and wanted to give a new face this opportunity and I’m very thankful for it.
What was it like working with the Super Bowl champion Terrell?
EG: He was great. I’m blown away that he was able to even do something like a feature film on top of all of the great things he’s doing on the field. It’s really something to see him balance both lives and not just do them but do them at a high level. I mean this film has been very entertaining for people to watch and I just feel that it’s a heck of a first effort for him and Monica. They should have a bright future.
What else do you have going on?
EG: Yeah that’s the number one question in Hollywood, what’s next?! (Laughs) I’m busy. I’ve really tried to go full speed ahead in creating my own lane and making myself a force in the business. I have a show coming out in May called Eddie Goines and Friends present ‘The Time Is Now’ starring Chris Spencer of Real Husbands of Hollywood on BET, Guy Torrey and myself amongst others. It’s hilarious and I’m ninety percent sure it will be on video on demand. Also I’m going to shop a few short films to some of the top film festivals including one with director Corey Grant of Dysfunctional Friends. Lastly, the Muhammad Ali Center is currently reviewing my film ‘ALI SPEAKS!’ and considering it in terms of putting it in the center which would be an incredible honor. So I’m busy and intent on shaking the world.
What has the transition been like going from football to acting?
EG: Well they’re totally different without a doubt. One key thing that was a major adjustment was in being vulnerable. As a football player, being vulnerable is one of the worst things you can do. You want to be a rock. Indestructible. But as an actor, as we see with some of the greats like Denzel, Viola, Tom Hanks being vulnerable is gold. That was a very difficult transition for me and took me literally years upon years to have a breakthrough but it has really transformed my work and took me to another level.
Where else can audiences see ‘The Coalition?’
EG: If you can’t make it out to the Pan African Film Festival this weekend then please go to Target, Walmart, Amazon or iTunes and pick up ‘The Coalition.’ I think you’ll really enjoy it and of course black films can use the support. Otherwise, look for The Time Is Now in May. It’s going to be great. Oh, and follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/EddieGoines or my new site EddieGoines.com.
