10 Questions with Dwayne Boyd, Producer of "4 Minutes" by Autumn Jones

AJ: What is “4 Minutes” about?

DB: It’s a romantic comedy inspired by films such as Swingers, 40Year Old Virgin, The Best Man & Brown Sugar. We wanted to tell a story dealing with speed dating.

 

AJ: What inspired the Film?

DB: A lot of real life situations from people I know. I always wanted to tell stories from a different perspective. We don’t get to see honesty enough when it comes to what dating is really like for African-Americans.

 

AJ: Who wrote the film? Who produced it? Who directed it?

DB: I co-wrote with Charles Saunders jr., produced, and co-directed with Bodie Norton. Genia N. Nooks served as Co-Producer.

 

AJ: When you wrote the film, did you already have the actors in mind for each role?

DB: I did. I wanted to cast types. I was able to let the actors bring what they wanted to bring to the role. They did an amazing job in bringing these characters to life.

 

AJ: Who are some of the actors in the movie?

DB: We have an outstanding cast. We have Pierre (B.A.P.s., How To Be A Player), Gregalan Williams (Remember The Titans, Baywatch), Lil’ Duval (Grand Hustle Recording Artist, Comedian), Bobby Valentino, Jason Sylvain, Ja’el Roberson.

 

AJ: What’s the biggest obstacle in completing the film?

DB: Staying on budget and schedule.

 

AJ: Which of the character do you most relate to?

DB: The character I played, Omar. I think a lot of guys will relate to him.

 

AJ: What do you want the audience to take from the film?

DB: To believe that no matter what has happened in the past, love conquers all. Also, we have to fight for what we believe in and forgive one another.

 

AJ: What's the biggest challenge you think for African-American movies today?

DB: Breaking the mold of what Hollywood wants to see us as. In the independent realm, we have a voice that’s untampered with. No execs telling us what’s the trend. We are the people who live and breath in our communities. We know what we want to see most.

 

AJ: Is it hard writing material for such a large number of people, a challenge?

DB: Not at all. I had fun writing it.

 

AJ: What's next for Dwayne Boyd?

DB: A thriller.

 

AJ: Which do you prefer? Acting? Directing? Writing? Producing?

DB: All of the above. I have to say producing the most.

Dreams can come true...

Good People,

   We have officially wrapped production and are in the post stage. I will have to be honest with you, shooting a feature is really hard work. Post- production is just as hard. I didn’t realize how much time and money goes into making sure you have great sound, publishing, marketing (which has already started) and achieving the professional look that everyone doesn’t expect an indie to have. I have done and will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that does not happen with 4 Minutes. I am extremely proud of what we have and I know once post is over, we will have created a great feature film. 

            While producing 4 Minutes, I realized the importance of having  key people around you be positive and supportive. It was a lot of daily stress for me just making sure we stayed on budget and on schedule. It made all the difference in the world to have people who shared the same goal and had fun in the process. It was days where every one was tired and drained, but the morale remained high. Always make sure the environment YOU create is conducive to a relaxed atmosphere.  Remember why everyone is there, because YOU asked them too. Not really for pay or credit, but because they believe in your vision. Its so important for you to be able to share your vision and have others see it as well as believe in it.

I am also proud of the fact that we set a start and finish date and we stuck to it.

 And finally...

Just wanted to say a heartfelt thanks to all the members of the 4 Minutes Team who all put their souls and wallets on the line to make this happen - couldn't have done it without each and every one of you...

 

Thanks Family

 Dwayne-

Pierre on the set of