Featured photo: Full scene shot during filming of ‘You Belong to Me”, produced by Pop Productions, screenplay by Michael Matthews. Filming took place at Triumphant Temple of Praise Christian Church on Pasadena Rd., in Flint. The film crew shooting the church scene is fifth Production. Other than the four actors sitting in the middle of the photo, the extras are all Flint area residents.
Written and photographed by L. M. Land
Would you like to see an action-packed movie with a surprise twist love triangle, no swearing or nudity, but lots of real-life drama, in a film featuring local talent which is filmed in Flint? Yes, of course you would!
The movie is “She Belongs to Me,” and it is almost ready for post-production. An exciting red-carpet premiere is planned for September at Flint’s Capitol Theatre.
Famed Flint playwright Michael Matthews has come out of retirement and shifted his successful Pop Productions to movies instead of theater plays. “She Belongs to Me” is Pop Productions’ first film.
“We are thankful for the support from the community so far.” Vice President Larry Keels said. “It’s like a snowball rolling down the hill. We are picking up steam, it’s getting bigger and excitement is through the roof! Most of the people who are in it, they have never experienced anything close to this. So when they see the cameras, ‘this is real’! We’re doing a movie!“
The general theme of Matthews’ scripts has always been about the human condition of failure, followed by personal redemption through faith and love. That theme will continue, and the new film deals with the streets, drugs, church, faith, love and redemption.
Actors in the film are from Flint and Saginaw: Daniel Brown, Jessica Jackson, James Petty Jr., Candice Harper, Larry Keels and DeWaun Robinson. There is also a special guest star: Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley.
Keels explained their film philosophy further.
“We’re not doing a total church movie, we’re doing a real movie that’s got church in it, and we’re dealing with real situations that happen in the real world. But we’re not being graphic with it; we’re not into being raw. We have scenes where things get kind of heated…We have a scene where a person gets killed. We don’t even really show any of that; we just show that the body was found….We try to keep it as clean as possible but get the message across at the same time.”
“As movie creators, we think about the fact that we can be different, even if we think it’s old fashioned,’ added Rev. Dr. Frank Gilliard, Pastor of Triumphant Temple of Praise Christian Church.
Gilliard added: “We can still present that to our young; they still need to see that there is quality of life (without the graphic imagery).”
Gilliard joined Pop Productions as its president, spiritual consultant and chaplain.
Matthews is globally considered the Godfather of gospel music theater, touring from Michigan down through the southern states for many years. They also produced a television series and theater camps to train aspiring actors. (See their website for a list of productions and the high caliber talent who have worked with Matthews.)
Keels had been road manager and public relations manager for Matthews for many years on the road. In 45 days, they would do 22 shows with nationally known celebrities.
“I’ve had a marvelous, tremendous experience of working with Mr. Matthews.” Keels explained.
He’s honored to continue working with him in this new direction.
Pops base of operation is Flint; Michael and Vita Matthews are the CEOs. Their grant writer is Lois Viverette.
Keels feels that “God brought us all together, and we have excellent chemistry as far as us working together. We can talk about things, and we can agree to disagree and move on.”
There was a discussion about the many skilled jobs needed to produce a film, where Gilliard mentioned a future Pop goal, a film school.
“A key thing for the youth is so they can see the whole gambit of what entertainment is about. It’s not just what is on the screen. Getting them trained and at least aware of the different fields they can go into and give them a start, to give them information on where to go to further their education.”
“We just trying to be a beacon of light to the whole Flint Community,” continued Keels, “and definitely for the north side. We’re looking as far as the whole Flint community, and to making it better. “
Matthews will also consider helping others develop their talents, whether it be script writing, producing, fund raising or more. Contact Pop through their address listed below for details.
As a new venture, Keels said “We are seeking grants …we’re always going to be open to donations.”
They also encourage investments in movie production.
Gilliard added that “As we become more successful we will give more opportunities for more people to invest and profit from their investments.”
“Tyler Perry says after every award: Whatever your dreams are, follow them.” Keels said. “He’s really a good source of inspiration because look where he came from, with perseverance, believing in God and believing in Jesus and having faith. Like it says in 11th chapter in Hebrews: Faith is the substance of things, hope for evidence of things not seen. Believing without seeing is a vision and you believe it and you press on to a mark and a high calling, then you keep going. Then you start seeing the fruits of your labor. You start seeing it come into fruition. That’s how he got to where he is now.”
And Pop Productions is headed there too. We’ll see you at the red carpet opening!
For a promo of ‘She belongs to Me’, go to: https://youtu.be/XfipnOyLDus
info@pop-productions.com
