The
Greatest Fan
presents
LaMont Ferrell
By: Tierra Smith
The GREATEST Fan takes you behind the scenes of the
PHILLY MAN who takes on HOLLYWOOD!!!
Question:
The television shows you
have written for were ICONIC to the African American community. Which show is
your favorite and why?
I would have to say my
favorite show to write on was my first
show, The Parent Hood. To drive across country to LA from Philly
and sell cars and work at Red Lobster then get hired to work with Robert
Townsend on the Parent Hood' was a dream come true.
Question: How was working with Tyler Perry and what did
you learn from him?
It's public knowledge
that I along with a few other writers ended up suing Tyler, so our working
relationship ended up not being the best. However, I learned that he is a
talented individual and an extremely hard worker. In my opinion, he is the
Walt Disney of the modern era. His ability to be able to create an empire
and green lit movie and TV projects as a independent producer is absolutely
amazing.
Question: To be on the panel for African American Film Festival
what message did you tell aspiring entertainers?
I just told them that
the entertainment industry is unique in that jobs are not advertised like in
most industries. They have huge 15-foot walls around the Hollywood
Studios for a reason. It is to keep people out. It is a closed
industry with more people than there are jobs so you have to have a don't take
no for an answer attitude. Samuel L Jackson didn't become a celebrity until he was in his forties. The
difference between ordinary and extraordinary is a little extra. Work
hard at your craft and don't ever give up.
Question: Robert Townsend has been pivotal of telling
great stories. Parenthood is my favorite show, which LaMont Ferrell wrote for,
and the Five Heartbeats is one of my favorite musical movies. What is your
favorite Robert Townsend project?
My favorite Robert
Townsend project for me by far was Hollywood Shuffle. I can remember
sitting in the movie theater with my brother Jamar, (RIP Bro), like it was
yesterday. That movie was not only hilarious, I felt like it spoke to
me. It changed me. It made me feel that I could accomplish anything
I set my mind too and that anything in life was possible.
Question: Bentley Kyle Evans is behind two of the funniest comedies of all time with the Jamie Foxx and Martin television shows. Which Bentley project is your favorite and why?
I am a friend of Bentley
and a fan of his work. I would have to say Martin stands at the top of
the Mountain. That show was one of the funniest sitcoms of all-time.
Question: What do you do to prepare to write your great stories (eat cereal, workout, watch TV)?
I listen to music.
Old school hip hop, old school R & B, smooth jazz...lots and lots of
music.
Question: What music songs you listen to unwind and/or working?
I love all types of
music and artists. Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys...
Question: Cool FANS love Hot CELEBRITIES, which celebrity
you loved working with and why.
I am also an actor and
had a recurring role on hit NBC show, The Office. I had a great time
working with Steve Carell and Craig Robinson. They both made me feel at
home and Craig and I remain friends till this day.
Question: What television projects are you working with
now?
For the past three
seasons I've been writing for BET's Let's Stay Together.
Question: What's next for LaMont Ferrell?
I have several projects
that I am working on. I teach a writing class, LaMont Ferrell's Sitcom
101. (http://www.justjokesentertainment.com/). I finished my first animated feature that I
am trying to sell and I am directing and producing a documentary, The Wise Old
Owl, about outspoken Hall of Fame Coach, John Chaney. The best is yet to
come.
Covered by: Kingi Knox
Written by: Tierra Smith
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