FAQ(s)

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE IT’S ALRIGHT, DAD? Our children are being killed and wounded. What the covid pandemic has left behind is not only unemployment, but an increase in gun violence and gun crime especially in our black and brown communities. Back-to-back pandemics is what a majority of our major cities are facing. We must find a way to save our children. There is an increase in gun violence across America, in the major cities, Chicago, Atlanta, D.C. Philadelphia, Houston, and especially where I live in New York City.  We are watching young, innocent children being gunned down steps away from playgrounds, from schools and from the homes. We are all responsible to be change agents. 

Is it true that this was a 1-day film shoot?  Yes. Incredibly.  We were scheduled for a one day 12-hour film shoot and came in at 11.5 hours. The cast and crew had an amazing professional bond. Mutual respect. One goal. One mission. The important thing was that everyone believed in the script. 

WAS IT DIFFICULT WORKING WITH THE DOG AND THE CHILDREN? It is said that it is very difficult to work with children and dogs. Hard to get their attention. The young boys on set where very professional and dedicated. They soaked in everything.  It was unbelievable and beautiful to watch. They are truly our future. Each of the boys are bright and very talented. The first time I saw Noble, the lead actor’s photo…I knew he was the one. Menelik, I met because his young twin sisters were in my short film, Compassionate Release. And Mathieu was in my short film, Still Harlem. The two boys in the park, one is my cousin and the other from my church.   However, it was Bailey the Bernese Mountain dog who stole the show.  Very cooperative. Never barked. Just lovable. Give Bailey a treat and you will get his attention.  I became a dog lover on the set. 

DID YOU REALLY USE YOUR CHILDHOOD CHURCH and CAST YOUR PASTOR? Yes. I was baptized there and still attend, my Grandmomma’s church, as I like to call it. They are so proud and supportive. They’ve seen me work hard and encouraged me to stay with it.  And yes, I casted one of the elderly members,  another as an extra and of course, my Pastor. And it’s funny because my very first short film, Above the Sun, I casted my Pastor in the role of the Preacher.  He kept rewriting the dialogue, so I fired him.  With this short film, “It’s Alright, Dad,” I also needed a Pastor and I cast him again, but this time I gave him no lines so, it worked out perfectly. He deserves an Oscar. 

Your previous films were dedicated to a family member…will that be the same with It’s Alright, Dad? Indeed. This one is in remembrance of the half million plus Americans we loss during the pandemic that were not able to have a celebration.  Also, to those who have served this country in the US Army while trying to maintain a strong presence with their families back home.  To raise a young black boy to manhood while serving I feel is a very powerful thing.