Exclusive: Mark Harris talks Black CoffeePosted by Wilson Morales
January 14, 2014
Currently in select theaters is the independent romantic comedy, ‘Black Coffee,’ which is directed by Mark Harris.
Starring in the film are Darrin Dewitt Henson, Lamman Rucker, Erica Hubbard, Gabrielle Dennis and Christian Keyes.
“Black Coffee” is a story about Robert (Darrin Henson) who believes his world is crushed after he’s fired from a company that his father built from the ground up. But, oftentimes, people come into your life and plant the seed of purpose and this is what Robert found in Morgan (Gabrielle Dennis). Trouble arises when Morgan’s ex husband: Hill (Lamman Rucker) Robert’s girlfriend Mita (Erica Hubbard) are both still in the picture.
Harris, whose previously directed the film, ‘I Used To Love Her,’ recently spoke with Blackfilm.com about getting ‘Black Coffee’ off the ground and in theaters.
How did you get the cast together?
Mark Harris: Erica Hubbard and I had known each other since 2008. We already wanted to work with one another and this was the perfect opportunity. For Gabrielle Dennis and I, this is actually I second time working together and not the last time. I produced a film called Good Life starring Christian Keyes and Lamman Rucker and Darren Henson were two great brothers that I reached out to and they made themselves accessible. I sent them all the script and they read it and signed on.
What makes Black Coffee different from other urban rom-coms?
MH: Other urban rom-coms stick with the romance. Black Coffee is dealing with a serious issue that is plaguing our community and society which is unemployment. This film not only deals with relationship but will hopefully encourage people to seek to define their purpose in life.
How did the film get from going DVD to theaters?
MH: Well, Brett Dismuke, Vice President of Acquisitions & Urban Programming for RLJ/ Image Entertainment watched the rough cut and made the decision to bring the movie to theaters. But, yes, it was a film that was only supposed to be for DVD audiences.
What’s the most challenging aspect you faced with the film?
MH: Budget. I really don’t think people understand what producer N.D. Brown and I were working with to make this film possible. We’re thankful for the tiny budget we had, but, we didn’t have any real money to make this film.
What’s next for you?
MH: The Walk On, My First Love and 36 Hour Layover are the three films I want to direct in 2014.
You can purchase tickets to see the movie January by clicking on this link.
