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Lionell Hilliard:lighting a fire in film
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Lionell on the set of his original sitcom As For Me and My House
about a blended Houston family coping after Hurricane Katrina
Talk to Lionell Hilliard for any length of of time and you're sure to learn a few things right off the bat. He is a consummate professional with a strong work ethic. He is genuinely humble and a pretty funny guy. Lionell Hilliard bills himself as the “hardest working Producer 'outside' of Hollywood. It's not just lip service but a lifestyle. Growing up in Houston, he developed a love for performing and discovered that putting on a good show has its benefits. After high school, he attended Sam Houston State University where he graduated with a degree in Radio, Television and Film Production. From there he headed west to Los Angeles where he started work in the TV industry. Seeking to hone his craft and further his career he enrolled at Los Angeles', American Film Institute where he received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Producing in 2003. Such was his focus, fortitude and commitment to the pursuit of his craft that no one knew that he was virtually homeless during his first year of graduate school; living discretely out of the back of his SUV.
During his time in Hollywood, Lionell built up a formidable resume working on some of the most prestigious shows in prime time television history. These include, “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”, “Sister, Sister”, “The Bernie Mac Show” and “Girlfriends”. He has received numerous accolades for his production and comedic screen writing talents. In addition to his numerous production credits he has created several original works. These include the controversial yet humorous film, “The Sunday Morning Stripper” for which he won Showtime's 15th Annual Black Filmmaker Showcase. The film starred such notables as Hollywood powerhouse Jenifer Lewis and comedic talents Bruce Bruce and Reynaldo Rey.
Movie Poster for Sunday Morning Stripper
Though Lionell has traded in L. A.'s sandy beaches for Houston's signature skyline, he's still plying his trade and making films that, in his words “incite people to action.”
Hilliard, who is currently preparing for a hectic summer shooting schedule took some time out to talk about his life, in film making, so far.
When did you know you were going to work in film?
I can remember one summer while growing up, a local McDonalds partnered with one of the branch libraries in sponsoring a read-a-thon. For every book you read, you’d get a free cheeseburger! Or a quarter-pounder! Or a Big Mac! That was a great summer. My brother and I would check books out by the ton… and read them all! But before we could collect our free sandwich coupons, we had to stand before the library staff and prove that we actually read them all. I got really good at this. I would dramatically reenact the entire story by introducing the characters, describing the situation, cutting to the chase, then revealing the solution. What I did not realize was that this was perfect rudimentary training for what I would be doing for a living some 20 years later: facing network executives while pitching storyline treatment ideas for possible television shows or movies. Who’d a thunk it?
How do you define success as a filmmaker? Is it seeing your film on the large screen or is it then knowledge that you have taken the vision that was in your head and sculpted into a vision first through words and then through visuals?
For me it’s bigger than that. Sure we love toiling over our script from concept to completion, then finally seeing it on the big (or small) screen. I especially love watching the looks on the audience’s faces, making sure they got every joke, gag or punch line. But anyone who knows me also knows that I am no stranger to inserting social commentary into my storylines, even the controversial subject matter that nobody is really talking about, but should be. I don’t propose to have any answers. But I will use a character to ask a hard question and launch a discussion. So when the lights come back on and the credits are rolling, and I see small conversations beginning to erupt about what was just seen, then I know I have done my job as a filmmaker.
What is your vision for your body of work?
The same as it should be for anyone who is serious about the craft of professional storytelling. Four goals: to entertain, to interpret, to inform and to inspire. Some of my films also have a fifth goal: to incite. I want to incite people to action and cause them to have a passionate reaction. If it's a controversial topic, I'll go there. My goal is to get people talking and taking action. So if I light a fire and draw attention to something with my film. I've done my job. As filmmakers we must understand our responsibility and wield our power through the use of the medium.
With all of the new media on the horizon, do you think that working in Hollywood still occupies the same place of importance that it used to?
Hollywood will always maintain its mystique, inspiring pop culture and the world. And we will continue to compare our own works to that “machine.” But the internet has made the world smaller and more navigational. I look at sites like YouTube and think “Man, if that was around when I was younger, I’d have less lumps on my head from when I was trying to break into the business.”
As technology becomes more user-friendly, and as we continue to recognize the sound of our own independent voice, we will come to recognize that “breaking in” will not be as important as it once was just to “get a show on the air.”
I often hear that the larger studios and media outlets don't tell our [the African American] story correctly. Do you think it's their responsibility to tell our story or is it ours? Do you feel the new modes of media will make it easier to have our vision seen by others?
Good question. I think in times past, we have erroneously given far too much credence and validity to images that demean and even ridicule us. We have so many stories yet to tell. If there was more of a balance between the number of “Cosby Shows” vs. “Homeboys in Outer Space” (and that’s not a hit, because I actually liked both shows), then we probably wouldn’t be the subject of so many public stereotypes. But the fact is there are not enough positive images to offset the negative ones. And that’s just as much our fault as it is their’s. So the result is that the audience begins to buy into the notion that maybe we “really do act like that.”
But to answer your question, as far as any studio regulation is concerned, on one hand we can regulate the proper telling of our stories (i.e. by not patronizing those images that are damaging or misleading). But on the other, we must also take responsibility for telling those stories that must be told but have not as of yet.
Is there a genre you aspire to or are you open to wherever your interests lead you?
Writing and producing for comedy has always been my weapon of choice. But this year I will be doing my first horror picture. It’s a kid thriller entitled “The Legend of Goatman” and it’s due out in time for Halloween.
Who are your role models with regard to film? Either directors, producers or actors and why?
I am a fan of David E. Kelley (The Practice, Boston Legal). I believe he and I have similar writing styles. I often find myself watching his programs, then blurting out the actors’ lines before they are even said. Funny thing is that, if anyone else is in the room watching with me, they’d swear the show was a rerun, for how else could I know what was about to be said. I also appreciate the direction of Ron Howard, John Woo and Oliver Stone. As far as producing is concerned, I like Joel Silver, Robert Townsend and Suzanne dePasse. If I had the opportunity to work with the actor and actress of my choosing, it would be Will and Jada. Hands down.
What are you working on currently and what does the future hold for you?
The horror picture “The Legend of Goatman,” will occupy most of the summer. But I also have two (2) dramatic pieces in development based on a couple of old school R&B classic songs: “Cry Together” by the O’jays and “Sideshow” by Blue Magic. I also have a tribute piece to fallen soldiers entitled “I Pledge Allegiance.” These will all be available for viewing on the [film]festival circuit before the end of the year.
“Sideshow” is one of my most favorite songs. Can you tell me a bit more about the movie and how the song inspired you?
“Sideshow” is based on the 70's hit, by Blue Magic. The movie consists of three vignettes. The film is about how quickly our well ordered lives can spiral out of control when betrayal and anger are part of the mix. What is our breaking point? What is that unexpected thing that pushes us past our endurance? What do we do when our lives have gone off the rails? When we learn that white picket fences are no guard against real life, real pain, real actions and real consequences. How do we reconcile that? So then we become transformed, for better or worse. “Sideshow” was one of my favorite songs as a kid. Back then I, like a lot of people, failed to realize how really sad the song is. It is wrapped in this beautiful melody but it's really heartbreaking.
When does shooting start and are you still looking for actors?
Shooting starts this summer. Yes, I am still taking headshots. They can send them via email at reelbrotha@gmail.com or they may submit them to my attention:
11200 Broadway St.
Suite 3101
Pearland, TX 77584
You've mentioned the film festival circuit. Tell me about the benefits of getting your work into film festivals.
Festivals are a great marketing tool. Once you get into one it opens the door to others. You may not sell a film but screening a film gives producers an idea of your style and your vision. A lot of times it's a way of getting a high profile celebrity interested in working with you. If, say someone like Tom Cruise, sees your work at a festival and he likes what you're doing and is able to see your vision. He may be more willing to do something with you because he's familiar with you from the festival circuit. Of course, there's always the chance that one can make the great 'unknown' like “Slumdog Millionaire“ that starts a buzz that leads straight to the Oscars.
How do all of your interests assist you in crafting your vision on film?
Storytelling is my main vocational pursuit, be it on film, television or the stage. Just like a method actor, I believe it’s important to bring every personal experience into your work. It can only assist you when you need it the most. As a producer, and thus the parent of the project, I have to wear several hats for all involved: parent, coach, therapist, physician, partner, servant, pastor, etc. These are all roles I’ve played in real life as well.
How did you come by your love of story.
My dad is a great storyteller. He tells this one, where he is returning from fishing and he's stopped by a game warden. Turns out he's over his limit for fish. Well he tells the game warden that he didn't catch all of the fish. A few of the fish are his pets and he brought them back to play with their friends The warden, intrigued by this answer tells my dad to “prove it”. My dad says okay, so he puts all the fish back in the water. The game warden then says “okay, get them back in the boat.” My dad in his most innocent tone says, “Get what back in the boat.”
You've been working in the industry for a while. What are some lessons you have for filmmakers who are just starting out?
Learn the proper way to tell a story. Nowadays, anyone can purchase a decent camcorder, get some editing software and put a film together. But not everyone knows the essence of telling a good story. Take a class or attend a workshop and learn this skill. Your audience will thank you.
Do you have any specific pointers for prospective screenwriters?
Yes. A succesful screenplay needs to have three specific components.
What the hell? Something unexpected happens – Usually within the first 10 minute
Oh my God! I can't believe he, she or it is responsible.
Oh S#$t. How could things get this screwed up? I was better off before I even got involved in this.
What are some of your other interests?
I like a good Riesling with great seafood (sushi, perhaps). I also like fine cigars, comedy clubs and listening to jazz.
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