Exclusive: Brian White Talks “Where Children Play”Posted by Wilson Morales
December 9, 2015
Currently out on VOD platforms and DVD from Urban Movie Channel is indie film ‘Where Children Play,‘ starring Macy Gray, Teyonah Parris, Brian White, Leon, Miranda Bailey, Edwina Findley, Kylee Russell and Osas Ighodaro.
Written and directed by Leila Djansi, the film centers on a young woman who extricates herself from a violent family situation in an act of self-preservation but to find herself, she must face her fears.
Estranged from her family for ten years, Bellissima, ‘Bell’ Mccain, returns to Compton for her mother’s funeral and then is forced to stay and care for her sick father. The house becomes flooded not only with vivid memories of the abuse doled out by the very man whom Bell must nurse, but also her teenage sister, Ruby, who had died in the house has long awaited Bell’s return.
For Brian White, this is his second time he’s work with Djansi. He starred in her 2013 film “And Then There Was You” opposite Garcelle Beauvais. A veteran of many films and TV series, he’s currently a good run playing Captain Dallas Patterson in season 4 of NBC’s firefighter drama “Chicago Fire.”
In speaking with Blackfilm.com, White talks about his role in “Where Children Play” and working with Djansi again.
How would you describe your character?
Brian White: My character Jeremy is connected to Bell from their childhood through my brother, who was her first love. I knew her as a younger child and her behavior changed based on what was going on in her house. I never knew what was going on in the house. We re-connect later at her mother’s funeral as adults. My character was the catalyst for her to realized that to change your life is make the choice to not let the past affect the future.
What was the attraction to doing this film?
BW: This is my second film with Leila Djansi. I’m a big fan of writing and directing style. She’s a BAFTA winner and an African female director who brings in stories to promote female empowerment and it struck with me. It means something to me. Teyonah is a fantastic actress and the combination of her and Leila Djansi makes a powerful team.
Having worked with Leila Djansi twice, did you notice any difference in her directing style?
BW: Black directors who are not African American have a different world view. American politics versus the Diaspora world are different as we can see on the nightly news. Different countries report things differently, but Leila Djansi comes with films, and it doesn’t matter what the subject matter is, with a world perspective; in particularly an African female perspective, which is a very unique. This is an African American story where Leila focuses on certain angles, from the romance, the pacing, the moral of the story and her writing.
How was working with Teyonah?
BW: I had seen Teyonah in “Dear White People,” which also featured another young female actress that I worked with, Brittany Curran. Teyonah has something to say. She’s a strong Southern African American woman, educated and well aware of her power as a woman. I love how Teyonah is telling a dark story with this film and character and illustrating how one can overcome and move on and hopefully help other people.
How much fun are you having playing Dallas on “Chicago Fire”?
BW: It’s been great. “Chicago Fire” has one of the most family oriented cast that I have ever seen. From the cast, the crew, and the writers, everyone really loves each other. They love what they are doing. It’s a blessing to be a show where everyone is like a brother.
You came to the show after being seen on ABC’s Scandal. Is there TV a good platform where there’s a lot of work?
BW: I think TV is a good platform for everybody. Jennifer Lopez has a TV series coming out with the talented and Academy Award nominated actor Ray Liotta. I don’t believe that JLo ever has to work again but here she is choosing to do an NBC series. Jason Statham is doing TV. Denzel Washington is directing an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.” TV is a great medium to work with the best, talent wise, producer wise and director wise. It’s been wonderful to work on shows like “Scandal” and “Chicago Fire” that hire the best directors and be given the opportunity to show that I have the chops to do whatever it is they need me to do. That’s how careers build longevity. These shows allow me to show my work on the highest level.
