DGA Monthly

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 4 I 3 5 See more detailed descriptions, additional photos and video, where available, online at www.dga.org. DGA Events Roundup "I think it starts with... how bad do you want the dream?" said Director Robert Townsend as he shared how he went from the Chicago kid with the nickname "TV Guide" due to his encyclopedic knowledge of what was on television when he was growing up, to his present status as a multifaceted icon. In an evening full of heartfelt and often hilarious tales, a packed DGA Los Angeles theater audience gathered in Townsend's honor on August 3 as the African American Steering Committee (AASC) hosted special evening to celebrate the Director, Writer, Actor, Producer and Comedian who reshaped the indie film scene in 1987 when, with a few credit cards and a dream, he brought to life the sensational feature, Hollywood Shuffle. The festivities began with a rousing performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by Actor/ Singer Chaz Shepherd which led into a welcome from DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter who spoke about the work of the AASC before turning her attention to Townsend and his accomplishments. "You are going to hear so many wonderful things about Robert Townsend tonight. And the one throughline you will hear is how his career has had such an incredible impact – inspiring the many Directors who followed in his footsteps. But Robert's impact goes well beyond his impressive body of work. His unwavering commitment to diversity and nurturing new talent are a huge and important part of his enduring legacy." AASC Co-Chairs Jeffrey W. Byrd, Princess Monique and Gina Prince-Bythewood saluted Townsend next and spoke about the Committee's rich history and its ongoing mission to address the specific needs of the African American members of the Guild. Townsend's career came to life through a captivating retrospective reel, helmed by AASC's Director Category Representative/Activities & Events Subcommittee Co-Chair Abdul Malik Abbott, which featured Director Dianah Wynter leading an insightful interview that peeled back the layers of Townsend's cinematic journey. Industry luminaries shared personal anecdotes and professional insights all centering on how influential Townsend's work has been to them. Directors Christopher Storer and Cord Jefferson, Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter, Cinematographer Bill Dill, Composer Stephen James Taylor, and actors Hawthorne James, Bobby McGee, Joseph Sikora, Recoe Walker, and Damon Wayans each highlighted how Townsend inspired their careers. AASC Co-Chair alternate Eric Deane Seaton unveiled a series of heartfelt video tributes from Townsend's absent colleagues and collaborators. The virtual messages, featuring industry talents like Directors Salim Akil, Bill Duke, Malcolm D. Lee and Carl Seaton, along with Producer Mara Brock Akil and Actors Morris Chesnut, Regina Hall, Loretta Devine and Ayo Edebiri, added depth to the celebration of Townsend's significance. In a heartfelt conversation with Prince-Bythewood, Townsend reflected on his cinematic influences, including Sidney Poitier, Norman Jewison and Elia Kazan. He recounted the pivotal moment that led to Hollywood Shuffle, born from a humiliating and racist audition for a stereotypical role. He had turned to his friend, Keenan Ivory Wayans, and said, "We gotta' make our own movies or we gonna' die doing this." Sharing part of his survival secrets for longevity in the business, he admitted, "I've learned to ride the wave whatever happens. I don't look at anything as bad. It took me three years to get The Five Heartbeats made. It wasn't ready to be born. Obstacles are potential opportunities, so I never look at the negative. I know how to do comedy. I know how to do drama. So, I just want to run my race and I don't look at it from a negative. Everything is timing." His parting advice to creatives was powerful in its simplicity: "The only thing that can stop you now is fear. Be fearless." Since making his directorial debut with Hollywood Shuffle, some of Townsend's directorial credits include the features The Five Heartbeats, Holiday Heart, Playin' for Love, In the Hive and Meteor Man; the special Carmen: A Hip Hopera; and episodes of Power Book IV: Force, Kaleidoscope, The Best Man: The Final Chapters, The Wonder Years, Colin in Black & White, The Last O.G., Black Lightning, American Soul and Diary of a Single Mom. Townsend has been a DGA member since 1986 and previously served as an alternate on the Western Directors Council. . A Tribute to Director Robert Townsend An African American Steering Committee Event photos by Howard Wise 1 3 2 4 5 8 9 Photos: 1. Director Robert Townsend. 2. DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter. 3. AASC Co-Chairs Gina Prince-Bythewood, Princess Monique and Jeffrey W. Byrd. 4. Activities & Events Subcommittee Co-Chair Abdul Malik Abbott. 5-7. Directors Christopher Storer, Cord Jefferson and Damon Wayans. 8. Townsend speaks about his career in a conversation with Prince-Bythewood (moderator). 9. Townsend poses with members of the DGA African American Steering Committee. See video highlights from this event at www.dga.org. 6 7

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