Revisiting My 1st Directorial Production “Tonight’s The Night” (07/08 Talk Show) By Dan Adams
Posted: December 3, 2020
Way back before webseries was the popular project to shoot, I created a production for the web entitled Tonight’s the Nite(a late night entertainment talk show). I wanted to take fresh new faces, mix in lively entertaining conversations and film in from a sexy lounge environment. Easier said than done. My ambition led be to become a victim of blind ambition and not recognizing all of the big, medium and small details of producing a live talk show(esp for a first time director). Let me start with underestimate the production cost (in which we were already on a shoestring budget) was just one of the factors why this this was by far my most challenging productions to date. On the technical side, a multi camera shoot (4 cameras), a live audience, booking guest, live band, cast, crew was an incredible animal to manage. We shot a few episodes before the cost became too expensive for me to continue to produce. I tried to secure investors but those that know the pitch game, that is also easier said than done. I was able to cast a phenomenal cast of talented personalities that you normally see on a talk show (host, co host, band leader etc). Sharon Divine, Lexi Lawson(you might have seen her recently starring in Hamilton), Nick Z, Lissette Reynoso and Cina Smash. The show was able to book guest like Wynter Gordon(Atlantic Records), From VH1 Flava of Love Dara “Like Dat” Boyd, Frank Lucas Jr and a host of others.
The first episode we shot in Jersey City, NJ at a black box theater. The next episodes were shot in New York City from a live bar/lounge location. You can watch two of the episodes below now available in 4k. Be advised of people plugging their Myspace pages, as you know this was thing go to social media before FB & IG.
Now that I’m more seasoned and polished writer, director, & producer I may reboot this series.
Written By Dan Adams
WATCH: My rare interview with the late CHADWICK BOSEMAN by Dan Adams
Posted: November 13, 2020
My interview with the late Chadwick Boseman
After some thought on the passing of Chadwick Boseman, I’ve decided to share an interview we did for his 2014 James Brown biopic Get On Up. In 2014 I was apart of the media for TimeOut New York covering the American Black Film festival (ABFF). I was fortunate to have a great transparent discussion with Chadwick, Tika Sumpter & director Tate Taylor(video below). Chadwick opens up on his journey and spiritual connection he encountered with the late James Brown during the making of this film. After our interview Chadwick and I chopped it up and I got to know him a little better. I don’t try to be a spokesman for cancer awareness but I do try to mention when I feel it’s needed to tell to someone to go & get a colonoscopy because…. I too fought a battle with Colon Cancer in 2009. Doctors said it was stage 2 but acted like stage 3. This meant the cancer broke through the walls of the colon but had not yet attacked other areas like my lymph nodes. I was treated in time before the cancer could spread. I KNOW all about the symptoms, physical pain, the surgery of having part of your colon removed, the long therapy, the anxiety, uncertainty, the weight loss and the need for keeping this inside my trusted circle. I also know all about the passion to keep working/ creating during this fight, and it is a fight. I shot films & other content during my therapy treatment as I figured out a way to manage my health. Chad and I are the same age & I’m in a place of physical and mental empathy with him. I also undertand why Chadwick did not want to overshare his cancer battle. My heart, thoughts and prayers goes out to his family. The word of his passing hit me differently. The moral of this story go and get a colonoscopy done especially if u feel something isn’t right.
Written By Dan Adams