Antonique Smith talks Yelling to the SkyBy Wilson Morales
December 12, 2012
Coming out this week (Dec.14) is Victoria Mahoney’s debut film, ‘Yelling to the Sky,’ featuring a bevy of talent (Zoe Kravitz, Jason Clarke, Antonique Smith, Yolonda Ross, Gabourey Sidibe, Shareeka Epps, Sonequa Martin, Tariq Trotter, Tim Blake Nelson, EJ Bonilla, Gio Perez, Gleendilys Inoa, Dennis Kellum, Marc John Jeffries, Adam Tomei, Billy Kay, Peter Tambakis, Antoine de Pharoah, Sarah Schaefer, Maurice Compte, and Zabryna Guevara)
An Official Selection of the 2011 Berlin Film Festival and the SXSW Film Festival, ‘Yelling to the Sky’ stars Zoe Kravitz as Sweetness O’Hara, an introspective and shy inner-city teenager who unsuccessfully tries to quietly blend into the crowded halls of her high school. But an increasingly complex home life, and a persistent, growing threat at school, soon carry her into a world of reckless ambivalence.
For Antonique Smith, who plays Sweetness’ sister Ola, the film offers her another opportunity to work with a big ensemble. Known for her debut film role as Faith Evans in ‘Notorious,’ which was based on the life of Evans’ late husband, rapper The Notorious B.I.G, the East Orange, NJ native was also seen opposite Taylor Lautner in John Singleton’s Abduction.
Besides her film career, Smith is also an accomplished theater actress and singer, having played Mimi in Jonathan Larson‘s Broadway production of ‘Rent.’ She’s also working on her first album.
Blackfilm.com recently spoke with Smith as she about her role in ‘Yelling to the Sky’ and her future projects.
How would you describe Ola Katherine O’Hara?
Antonique Smith: Ola is a 20 year old, older sister to Zoe’s character, growing up in a bad environment…Not only because of severe poverty but because her parents are jacked up! I don’t want give away too much. But, because of the things going on around her, Ola has learned to deal with things improperly.
What attracted you to the role?
AS: When I read the script there was a poetic feel to it amongst all the crazy drama in the story and I also thought the other cast members would be cool to work with. Plus, I knew it would be such a different look and feel from everything else I had done. You see such a different side of me in this!! I’m bad to the bone, as the director said!
How was working with Victoria Mahoney and what did you learn from her?
AS: It was really interesting! She’s so full of the art that you see. It was amazing to hear her pour out so many details. She really puts so much thought into everything! I mean, every little detail! And she gave me good advice on male directors for future references.
How was working with the rest of the cast, from Zoe, Gabby, Jason, and Yolanda?
AS: So much fun! It was really cool to see everyone’s different methods and ways of bringing the scenes to life. The performances in this movie are amazing. Zoe really felt like my sister.
Was there anything all of you did together to get better acquainted?
AS: Other than the table read and the little get together the director had just before we started shooting, no. We just jumped in. But the conditions we shot in felt so much like the ones in the movie that it bonded us quickly. We didn’t have any trailers or any of the normal movie set comforts. We had a cold warehouse to chill in between takes and the set was a cold beat up house. So we felt “in it” immediately.
Since ‘Notorious,’ you were also featured in John Singleton’s Abduction. How’s the road to getting acting work?
AS: Yes! That was fun to play a CIA agent and shoot some guns! I’ve been trying to continue to do different types of things and show my versatility. There are some projects brewing for next year!
How’s your singing career going?
AS: It’s just getting started, but it’s already going great! I did a successful Kickstarter campaign… $50,000 in 30 days and became the first African American artist to raise that much money on the site. I’ve been writing and recording some really great songs and working with some of the best in the business and I can not wait for everyone to hear it next year!
Which would you prefer, music or film?
AS: I don’t know how to pick! They’re so intertwined for me. I feel so passionate about both. But, I’m definitely most excited for everyone to soon hear my music. It’s more personal. I’m sharing me with them. I’m not playing a character. I’m exposing my heart and my experiences. But, I’m blessed to be able to do both film and music and I always want it to be that way.
What’s next for you?
AS: After the launch of ‘Yelling To The Sky,’ I’ll go back to recording and making beautiful music for my fans and gearing up to release a single soon. I’m very excited and grateful.
