Writer’s impasse prevents stars from promoting movies
By Kenneth Miller, NNPA Region 5 President
Black A-List actress Tiffany Haddish was poised for a big summer at the box office with films ‘Back on the Strip’ and ‘Landscape with Invisible Hand’ releasing nationwide in theatres.
However, Haddish two projects vastly under performed in theatres primarily because she could not promote the movies.
The star comedian, like most other Blacks in the industry remained steadfastly loyal to the months long labor dispute between striking Hollywood and major studios.
‘Back on the Strip’, produced by a Black ensemble directed by Black Chris Spencer, produced by Black companies Lumonosity, GVN and 5120 Entertainment, “Back on the Strip’opened August 18 but fell flat because the all-star cast of Blacks starring in the film Haddish, Wesley Snipes, JB Smoove, Bill Bellamy and Faizon Love could not promote it because of the strike.
The film showcases the antics of a group of “past their prime” Black male strippers who get a taste of who they once were, when a young ringer with an enormous …piece of talent- joins the group.
Independently produced, financed, marketed and distributed, ‘Back on the Strip’ had an interim agreement with SAG/AFTRA to go forward with the film, but it still did not gain the support of its cast which essentially will be impacted financially by the lack of success of the film.
Black film producers are left scrambling to get the message out to audiences, utilizing grassroots marketing campaigns in addition targeting women ages 35- and up with slogans such as “Grab your Girls” and “Go Big or Go Home!”.
However, this is a film for everyone, of adult age that is. It weaves a love story into a male stripper reunion that some are hailing as Snipes big screen comeback.
A crafty campaign strategy amid the ongoing labor dispute managed to stir interest in the film, but even sold out Laugh Factory in Hollywood days before the premier of ‘Back on the Strip’ which featured many members of the all-star castperforming stand-up not a single one of them mentioned the movie.
Haddish pulled up to the comedy club in a wrapped ‘Back on the Strip’ convertible that was colorful, shiny and bright
A nice promotional ride indeed, but Haddish like other suffering Black actors and actress can’t speak on it.
