INTERVIEW WITH TIM STORY AND CHAT ABOUT NEW SHAFT (2019) MOVIE Friday 14 June, 2019
The complicated man but no one understands him but his woman is back! Who am I talkin’ about? Well I am talking about Shaft! Don’t tell me to shut my mouth yet, as I gotta share the Shaft (2019) themed movie screening in Atlanta and an exclusive interview with director Tim Story! Let me get into this amazing screening first!
The Shaft (2019) movie screening was amazing as it was held at the historical Atlanta vintage Plaza Theater. It was perfect as this original blackplotation film has been expanded for 4 decades going strong since the original Shaft in 1971. Shaft Bad Mutha is the 5th installment of this movie legacy series and the screening made sure to keep some of that retro flair of the original with 1971 Chevy Chevelle SS parked right in front of the theater, and this car makes it in the 2019 film as well. The car is as important to the Shaft franchise so I definitely had to pose in front of it!
During the screening I surprisingly sat next to Issac Hayes III. His father is a big part of the Shaft brand as the Shaft theme song is one of the most recognized movie themes in the world. This movie was super hilarious him and I were laughing together! My dad is a huge fan of the original Shaft because it was his era, and he also still has lots of Issac Hayes II vinyl music so I am sure my father would appreciate that I sat next to his son.
INTERVIEW WITH TIM STORY
Tim Story (Think Like a Man, Ride Along) is an amazing director and has a wonderful portfolio and mix of movies and music videos alike. I talked briefly with him on his work directing Shaft (2019) and being apart of a legacy movie franchise.
Shaft is such a legacy film franchise, how did it feel to be a director of it for the first time and how do you think the new generation will react to the expansion of Shaft?
Tim Story: First I felt honor, to be able to bring this to the screen. Its a certain about of respect and humbleness that you get because I knew so much of it comes before me, I’ve been given this gift I have to take care of. Felt a lot of responsibility in a good way.
When speaking of the young generation, he is what was fun about making the movie. I found that with the script given to me by Kenya Barris (blackish), there was this generation conflict that was at the heart of it. I really hope millennial, young people go see this movie that they will see a diaglog of an older iconic character. I am looking forward to hearing what people think about it and hope they enjoy it as much as I had fun making it.
There is actually 3 generations of Shafts in this film. How was it working with Richard Roundtree (Original John Shaft Sr.), Samuel L. Jackson (John Shaft Jr.) and Jessie T. Usher (John “JJ” Shaft III)?
TS: It was so much fun! First you got Sam Jackson in the center of it. He is so good at what he does he is at the top of the game. Sam just commands a certain level of respect, he is so good at playing this character, he knows exactly what should happen and he is just so much fun. Then you have Richard Roundtree who brings this regal royalty to the screen. He is actually playing his character he made famous, as he is the reason I am there with all three of the guys.
Then we bring the new blood, which is Jessie T. Usher who just brings a new stab at was it was like to be a Shaft. I had a lot of fun having him grow up on screen basically becoming cool as the movie went down. Having the three generations its not done often, but I am honored and humbled to have been able to put them all on screen together and the fact that they had to listen to what I had to say.
JJ the newest Shaft isn’t like his predecessors as far as personality goes. He is a lot more tamed, suburban, collegiate, well-rounded and polite. Was that intentional and what was the ideology of fitting JJ’s characters traits into the next generation of Shaft?
TS: JJ doesn’t become Shaft, but he comes closer to his dad and grandad. It was intentional, in order to make the drama of this story work that he would have to start from the opposite end of the room so to speak in order for them to come together and learn to respect one another’s viewpoint. It was very intentional, especially with JJ and Sam L.Jackson’ character of Shaft see them draw to each other for dramatic purposes.
Both Samuel L. Jackson and Richard Roundtree’s character of Shaft both didn’t use technology to do their jobs. How important was it to include more technology in this film and fit it into the world of Shaft and detective work?
TS: It was very important. I think where this franchise can go and what it needed to be for this film was to bring in this new style of detective work. Having cameras, audio equipment and just with all of this access to technology at our fingertips, it only made sense to have Shaft (who is considered to be one of the greatest detectives in film history) that he would have access to it. But I could never see Samuel L. Jackson or Richard Roundtree’s Shaft see them going all the way there, but JJ’s Shaft had a perfect in for him to utilize it in his character because of his youth.
What do you hope audience members will get out of this new version of Shaft?
TS: What I hope will get out of it, without disrespecting what Shaft [legacy] is we had a lot of fun. In my movies, I like to give people reasons to laugh and think, and I want people to be entertained and I love to draw from the characters, especially iconic ones humor but still keep it respectable!
About Shaft (2019)
The most badass private detective ever to walk the streets. The epitome of cool. Shaft is back on the big screen. Right on!
New Line Cinema’s action comedy “Shaft” was directed by Tim Story (the “Ride Along” and “Think Like a Man” franchises). The film stars Oscar nominee Samuel L. Jackson (“Pulp Fiction,” “Glass,” “Captain Marvel”), Jessie T. Usher (“Independence Day: Resurgence,” “Almost Christmas”), Regina Hall (“Girls Trip,” “Little”), Alexandra Shipp (“X-Men: Apocalypse,” “Love, Simon”), Matt Lauria (TV’s “Kingdom,” “Friday Night Lights”), Titus Welliver (“Argo,” TV’s “Bosch”), Cliff “Method Man” Smith (“Peppermint,” “Trainwreck”), and Richard Roundtree, the original John Shaft.
JJ, aka John Shaft Jr. (Usher), may be a cyber security expert with a degree from MIT, but to uncover the truth behind his best friend’s untimely death, he needs an education only his dad can provide. Absent throughout JJ’s youth, the legendary locked-and-loaded John Shaft (Jackson) agrees to help his progeny navigate Harlem’s heroin-infested underbelly. And while JJ’s own FBI analyst’s badge may clash with his dad’s trademark leather duster, there’s no denying family. Besides, Shaft’s got an agenda of his own, and a score to settle that’s professional and personal.
The film was produced by John Davis (“Game Night,” “Joy”) under his Davis Entertainment banner. Kenya Barris (“Girls Trip,” TV’s “Black-ish”) & Alex Barnow (TV’s “The Goldbergs”) wrote the screenplay, based upon the character John Shaft from the novel by Ernest Tidyman. Richard Brener, Josh Mack, Tim Story, Ira Napoliello, Kenya Barris, and Marc S. Fischer served as executive producers.
Story’s behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Larry Blanford (“Ride Along,” “Tag”), production designer Wynn Thomas (“Hidden Figures”), editor Peter S. Elliot (“Ride Along 2”), and costume designer Olivia Miles (“Ride Along 2”). The music is by Christopher Lennertz (“Nobody’s Fool,” “Pitch Perfect 3”). Dave Jordan and Trygge Toven served as music supervisors. – via Warner Bros.
Shaft (2019) is now playing in theaters.
Back to the cinema a new chapter of Shaft? Ahhh me happy!
What a great interview! I had no idea there was going to be a new Shaft. Can’t wait to check it out!
Being part of the legacy must have been so cool for the writers and director! I love that they were able to get the original actor back!
This sounds like a cool show. I love the name of the drinks that they served.
This looks like a great movie! I think my family would giggle and be amused throughout most of it. We like Samuel L Jackson.
How awesome to get to talk to Tim Story! I bet this is going to be an incredible movie as well! I’m looking forward to seeing more about it.
How exciting is this! The interview seemed really fun and I am super excited to see the new Shaft movie!
What a fun event! Looks like you had a blast meeting people and checking out the movie!
Not sure if I am going to see this but after this, I might just go! Great actors
I had no idea a new SHAFT was coming out! I will have to look for this in theaters!
I love reading about new film projects! Especially, when this comes from the people who met first-hand with the cast and directors.
I have never seen Shaft before but my husband has and he is thrilled that they are making a new one. I know that we will be watching it for sure.
That must have been so exciting. I would really love to see this movie too. Can’t wait to be able to see it.
I almost went to see this movie this last weekend. Maybe this weekend!
What a beautiful interview. I am so glad that you had this opportunity!
I am actually surprised that I have never heard of the movie Shaft before (old or new). However, it does look like a good film production to go and see.
I can’t wait to see this movie! Love me some Samuel L Jackson!
How cool is this interview?!!! The hubs and I are looking forward to seeing this!
Great interview! Now, I want to see the movie…thanks for sharing!
I haven’t seen the original version. I will have to watch both.
I am honestly not amped to see this movie. Didn’t love the first one either. Loved the old school show though.
LOL, I can’t wait for the new Shaft to come out. Samuel L Jackson rocks!
I think I want to see Shaft! I like samuel L jackson movies. He’s so BA.
Great article. I think I want to see Shaft! Seems like a cool movie
That is going to be a really great flick! I love Sam’s movies too.
No matter what movie SLJ stars in makes it a quick big hit. I cannot wait to see how awesome this is going to be. That cocktail looks good tho.
Looks like a great time and good interview! Will have to catch the movie when it comes out.
My husband is going to love this movie!
I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this before. It sounds like a movie that I’m really going to enjoy. What a great interview.
I’m sure it was incredible being able to get to screen a movie and then also get to interview with the director. I always wanted to be someone who interviewed celebrities and those who helped make them. What a fun opportunity!
I can’t wait to see Shaft. I rarely hit the movie theaters but it looks way too good to wait for it to hit DVD or streaming. It’s so cool that you got to do this interview and see the screening.
I want to see this! What a great opportunity looks like you had a great time!
This remake is sure to make a lot of difference. That looks like bad boy drink made by SLJ. I super love Shaf.
I had never heard of the shaft series before, but I will be checking it out thanks to this post. Thanks for shedding light!
How exciting that you got to interview Tim Story! I’ve heard that the movie is hella good. I can’t wait to see it.
I think this is going to be a must-see movie! We love SLJ…
Oh wow what a cool interview and insight!! I didn’t actually know there was a new Shaft coming out but really want to see it now
Laura x