Mahershala Ali Interview | Swan Song
Ellen Tha Great speaks with two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali about Swan Song, discussing his dual performance, character chemistry, and the ethical questions that make the story so compelling.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali about Swan Song. During their conversation, they discuss portraying two versions of the same character, building believable chemistry across dual performances, and the moral question at the heart of the story: what choice would you make if faced with the same circumstances? Watch the interview to hear Mahershala reflect on performance, identity, and the emotional complexity behind one of his most thought-provoking roles.
Marlon Wayans Interview | Respect
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Marlon Wayans about Respect, discussing his portrayal of Ted White, preparing for a dramatic role, and collaborating with Jennifer Hudson in the Aretha Franklin biopic.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with actor Marlon Wayans about Respect. During their conversation, they discuss portraying Ted White, stepping into the world of a biographical drama based on the life of Aretha Franklin, and the responsibility of bringing a real-life figure to the screen. Watch the interview to hear Marlon reflect on preparing for the role, working alongside Jennifer Hudson, and the creative process behind one of his most dramatic performances.
Ava DuVernay Interview | Colin in Black & White
Ellen Tha Great speaks with filmmaker Ava DuVernay about Colin in Black & White, discussing authenticity, collaborating with Colin Kaepernick, and the creative process behind bringing his coming-of-age story to life.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with filmmaker Ava DuVernay about Colin in Black & White. During their conversation, they discuss creating an authentic coming-of-age story, balancing historical truth with dramatic storytelling, and collaborating with Colin Kaepernick to bring his early experiences to the screen. Watch the interview to hear Ava reflect on directing a deeply personal story and the creative choices that shaped the series.
Samuel L. Jackson Interview | The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Samuel L. Jackson about The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, discussing his personal connection to the story, adapting Walter Mosley's acclaimed novel, and bringing the title character's emotional journey to the screen.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Academy Award-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson about The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. During their conversation, they discuss his personal connection to the story, adapting Walter Mosley's acclaimed novel for the screen, and the emotional journey of bringing one of literature's most unforgettable characters to life. Watch the interview to hear Samuel reflect on the themes that drew him to the project and the responsibility of telling such a deeply human story.
Melissa McCarthy & Octavia Spencer Interview | Thunder Force
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer about Thunder Force, discussing their on-screen partnership, comedic chemistry, action, and the creative collaboration behind the superhero comedy.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with actresses Melissa McCarthy and Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer about Thunder Force. During their conversation, they discuss bringing lifelong friendship to the screen, balancing action with comedy, and the creative chemistry that shaped their superhero partnership. Watch the interview to hear Melissa and Octavia reflect on collaboration, storytelling, and what made the film such a fun experience to create.
Kevin Hart Interview | Fatherhood
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Kevin Hart about Fatherhood, discussing his transition into dramatic acting, portraying a single father, and the emotional journey behind one of his most heartfelt performances.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with actor and comedian Kevin Hart about Fatherhood. During their conversation, they discuss his transition into dramatic storytelling, the emotional depth of the film, and the challenge of portraying a father navigating grief, love, and single parenthood. Watch the interview to hear Kevin reflect on stepping beyond comedy and embracing one of the most vulnerable performances of his career.
Tyler Perry Interview | A Madea Homecoming
Ellen Tha Great speaks with filmmaker Tyler Perry about A Madea Homecoming, discussing Madea's return, the creative process behind revisiting the beloved franchise, and the enduring appeal of one of his most iconic characters.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with filmmaker, writer, director, and actor Tyler Perry about A Madea Homecoming. During their conversation, they discuss bringing the iconic Madea back to the screen, why the character continues to resonate with audiences, and the creative process behind returning to one of entertainment's most recognizable franchises. Watch the interview to hear Tyler reflect on storytelling, comedy, and the lasting legacy of Madea.
Regina King Interview | The Harder They Fall
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Academy Award-winning actress Regina King about Netflix's The Harder They Fall, discussing the creation of Gertrude "Treacherous Trudy" Smith, character development, and the artistry behind her unforgettable performance.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Academy Award-winning actress Regina King about The Harder They Fall. During their conversation, they discuss building the unforgettable character of Gertrude "Treacherous Trudy" Smith, creating a formidable woman in a male-dominated world, and the preparation behind bringing one of the film's most compelling outlaws to life. Watch the interview to hear Regina reflect on character development, storytelling, and the creative choices that shaped her performance.
Idris Elba & Caleb McLaughlin Interview | Concrete Cowboy
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin about the Netflix film Concrete Cowboy, discussing their father-son dynamic, the film's emotional themes, and bringing the story to life.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin about Concrete Cowboy. During their conversation, they discuss portraying an estranged father and son, building the emotional dynamic between their characters, and what drew them to a story centered on family, identity, and reconciliation. Watch the interview to hear both actors reflect on the film's emotional core and the experience of bringing these complex relationships to the screen.
Macy Gray Interview | Phobias
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Macy Gray about Phobias, discussing her role in the horror anthology, personal fears, upcoming film projects, and music with The California Jet Club.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Macy Gray about Phobias. During their conversation, they discuss her role in the horror anthology, the fears that shape both the film and everyday life, her own personal phobias, and what's next in her career, including upcoming film projects and music with her band, Macy Gray and The California Jet Club. Watch the interview to hear Macy reflect on balancing acting and music while embracing new creative challenges.
Deborah Joy Winans Interview | Don’t Waste Your Pretty
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Deborah Joy Winans about the TVOne rom-com drama Don't Waste Your Pretty, discussing friendship, personal growth, and her upcoming acting and music projects.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Deborah Joy Winans about Don't Waste Your Pretty. During their conversation, they discuss the film's themes, the importance of surrounding yourself with friends who are willing to tell you the truth, and what's ahead in her acting and music career. Watch the interview to hear Deborah reflect on authentic relationships, personal growth, and the creative projects she's most excited about.
Gary Dourdan Interview | Redemption Day
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Gary Dourdan about Redemption Day, discussing his lead role, filming in Morocco, and the craft of creating compelling characters.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Gary Dourdan about Redemption Day. During their conversation, they discuss stepping into the film's lead role, his experience filming in Morocco, and the qualities that bring a memorable character to life. Watch the interview to hear Gary reflect on his creative process, acting philosophy, and the experiences that continue to shape his work.
Meagan Good & Tamara Bass Interview | If Not Now, When?
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Meagan Good and Tamara Bass about directing If Not Now, When?, representation, friendship, and inspiring young girls.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Meagan Good and Tamara Bass about If Not Now, When?, their feature directorial debut. During their conversation, they discuss stepping behind the camera, bringing a story about friendship and resilience to the screen, and why creating films that reflect the experiences of a new generation of young girls matters. Watch the interview to hear them reflect on collaboration, representation, and expanding their creative voices as filmmakers.
Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman & Michael Potts Interview | Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, and Michael Potts about Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, discussing their performances, character preparation, and bringing August Wilson's story to life.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, and Michael Potts about Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. During their conversation, they discuss the emotional and physical demands of portraying their characters, bringing August Wilson's celebrated work to the screen, and the depth required to tell stories rooted in history and humanity. Watch the interview to hear the actors reflect on their performances, creative process, and the responsibility of honoring such powerful material.
Skylan Brooks Interview | Archenemy
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Skylan Brooks about Archenemy, discussing his role opposite Joe Manganiello, upcoming projects, and his new music.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Skylan Brooks about Archenemy. During their conversation, they discuss his role opposite Joe Manganiello in the superhero mystery-thriller, the experience of bringing the film to life, and what's next in his career, including upcoming acting projects and new music. Watch the interview to hear Skylan reflect on balancing multiple creative passions and the journey of growing as both an actor and recording artist.
Zolee Griggs Interview | Archenemy
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Zolee Griggs about Archenemy, discussing her role as Indigo, the creative process behind the character, and bringing the superhero thriller to life.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Zolee Griggs about Archenemy. During their conversation, they discuss bringing the fearless and fiercely loyal Indigo to life, what drew her to the superhero mystery-thriller, and the creative process behind portraying such a dynamic character. Watch the interview to hear Zolee reflect on stepping into the role, collaborating with the cast, and embracing characters who lead with strength and conviction.
Morgan Dixon & Alonzo Slater | A Christmas For Mary
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Morgan Dixon and Alonzo Slater about A Christmas for Mary, discussing their first lead film roles, character development, and working with Vivica A. Fox and Jackée Harry.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Morgan Dixon and Alonzo Slater about A Christmas for Mary. During their conversation, they discuss landing their first lead film roles, connecting with their characters, and what it was like sharing the screen with industry veterans Vivica A. Fox and Jackée Harry. Watch the interview to hear them reflect on the opportunities, challenges, and lessons that came with this milestone in their acting careers.
Carly Hughes Interview | Christmas Edition
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Carly Hughes about Christmas Edition, discussing her lead role, working with Marie Osmond, and the themes of new beginnings and unexpected opportunities.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Carly Hughes about Christmas Edition. During their conversation, they discuss what drew her to the role of Jackie, portraying a journalist navigating an unexpected new chapter, and the themes of fresh starts and finding opportunity in unlikely places. Hughes also reflects on working alongside Marie Osmond and bringing the heart of the holiday story to the screen. Watch the interview to hear Carly share the experiences and creative choices behind the film.
In an interview with blackfilm.com, Carley Hughes covers the joy of working on a Christmas movie as we near the Christmas holiday, working during the Covid pandemic, empowering measures learned from her father and being single & happy in that space. Check out the full interview and be sure to watch The Christmas Edition on Lifetime!
Hayley Law Interview | Echo Boomers
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Hayley Law about the crime drama Echo Boomers, discussing her character, the ensemble cast, her music, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with Hayley Law about Echo Boomers. During their conversation, they discuss breaking down her character, bringing a female perspective to a predominantly male ensemble cast, her music, and the unexpected fun of getting to smash things on set. Watch the interview to hear Hayley share behind-the-scenes stories from the film and reflect on balancing multiple creative pursuits.
Allison A. Waite Interview | The Dope Years: The Story of Latasha Harlins
Ellen Tha Great speaks with filmmaker Allison A. Waite about The Dope Years: The Story of Latasha Harlins, discussing the documentary, its historical significance, and her storytelling process.
Ellen Tha Great speaks with filmmaker Allison A. Waite about her documentary, The Dope Years: The Story of Latasha Harlins. During their conversation, they discuss the inspiration behind the film, preserving an important chapter of Los Angeles history, and the responsibility of telling stories rooted in real events. Watch the interview to hear Allison reflect on the documentary's impact, her creative process, and being recognized with a Student Academy Award.