JOHN SINGLETON’s SCHOOL DAZE…
Being on Southern University's campus took John back to his
School Daze as he reminisced about being in film class at University of Southern California and meeting his
filmmaker mentor Spike Lee.
John Singleton gave advice to aspiring writing students as
they were able to ask their personal questions to him after his speech. John encouraged Southern University students
to write long hand first. Afterwards,
transfer your creation to your laptop.
He also encouraged Southern University students to trust their instincts and their creativity. John Singleton was brought to Southern University by Jonas Vanderbilt and was presented with a plaque from his fraternity brothers of
Kappa Alpha Psi. It was great to see my Greek brother not just speaking to the students, but going ABOVE and BEYOND his requested 20 minute speaking engagement time sharing his journey for 1 hour and
a half. John Singleton is a director, filmmaker,
and a storyteller. John's speaking
engagement felt more like a 1 Man Broadway stage play…all I was missing was my
popcorn, nachos, and Coca-Cola.
I had a chance to hangout with John Singleton in the green
room with other Southern University students as he enjoyed the food catered by
the Southern University. Attorney Dwayne
Murray is a professor at Southern University and asked John 3 times was he
ready to leave and retire to his hotel so he may catch his flight in the
morning. John repeatedly replied, “I’m cool”. After he left Southern University, he hung
out with his Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity brothers at Fox & Hound Sports Bar.
John told his journey in sequential order about how his two
friends inspired him to write…or I should say challenged him. John's friends told
him, "you can’t be a writer." He ignored their
comment because he believed in himself. After
he met Spike Lee and talked to him about his writing aspirations, he knew he
was going to be a filmmaker. After John
Singleton's speech, he asked did anyone have any questions. No one had any questions. I got up from my seat, walked from to the
front of the stage, and spoke. I expressed how John Singleton's journey mentored me from
taking an idea to a Hollywood reality. I wrote, hosted, and produced my
radio segment for Speedy’s Comedy Corner for the Jamie Foxx FOXXHOLE to now
hosting The GREATEST Fan on ESPN’s Jaguar Journal and Grambling Sports Radio. When I got frustrated with the entertainment
business, John Singleton’s former assistant, Jamaica Carter, would encourage
me. Jamaica would tell me how John
Singleton would check into a local hotel to write. (Did you get that? John would
check into a hotel in Los Angeles, which is his hometown. In doing so, he blocks himself from negativity so he can focus on the voices from within himself to
create his next blockbuster movie). Being a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sisterhood,
I thanked my Greek frat brother for being one of the realest and strongest men
I have met. With that gesture, I made the
front page of Southern University Digest with John Singleton.
FYI: If you didn’t know. John is what I call a “Thug Intellect”. He represents street swagger that is hot, yet
he is focused while accomplishing success with critically acclaimed Oscar
nominations for best director and best screen play that is so cool, it makes
his mother proud.
Now highlights of
John Singleton’s speech at Southern University or John Singleton’s 1 Man show…..
BOYZ N THE HOOD
John talked about how the journey begin with his two friends and then about a professor referring him to an agent. Russel Simmons heard about the project and sent it to the studio president. He met Ice Cube before. Ice Cube and John Singleton worked together for an iconic movie and soundtrack. He is grateful for Cuba Gooding, Jr., Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, and the rest of his cast, crew, and executives for believing in him with his first project.
POETIC JUSTICE
John talked about how he saw Janet Jackson at the studio and he said, "Janet I got a project for you." He joked as he said how that was a great way to get Janet's number. He also shared how when he saw the pre-copy of Tupac in the movie titled "Juice" he knew he wanted Tupac for his project. He also explained that due to the weather conditions with the rain, the love scene between Tupac and Janet had to be cut short. John joked how Regina King said if the love scene would have been longer, Poetic Justice would have sold $20M.
HIGHER LEARNING
John told the men in the audience how his girlfriend was suppose to go to Paris to do a modeling gig. He wanted her close to him. So, he had an epiphany. "I can put my girlfriend in my movie!" He fought for Tyra Banks to be in Higher Learning.
ROSEWOOD
John talked about how he wanted to show how there were slaves that did fight back. His goal was to capture our strength and journey. After Ving Rhames' great success, he decided to put him in his next project.
BABY BOY
John talked about how Baby Boy was originally supposed to be cast for Tupac. After seeing Tyrese Gibson on television as an MTV VJ, he gave Tyrese a chance.
2 FAST 2 FURIOUS
John talked about the success of Baby Boy. The studio asked about Tyrese leading the project and he would he be interested in directing. John stepped up for another challenge as producer.
SHAFT
Originally, someone asked about Chris Tucker being in the movie SHAFT. Well, after executive meeting and creative directions...Samuel Jackson was chosen for the part of.
HUSTLE AND FLOW
John talked about his Oscar Award winning movie score with 3 6 Mafia and reuniting with Taraji P. Henson.
FOUR BROTHERS
John joked how he wasn't able to pay Terrance Howard much in Hustle and Flow, so he was able to take care of him in Four Brothers. John also talked about how talented Mark Wahlberg is as an actor and how he reunited with Tyrese on another project.
ABDUCTION
John discussed how Abduction is his latest project and his next project will be a comedy.
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