‘Unsolved’ stars solve all your industry questions at aTVfest

One of the best things about aTVfest is the exclusive access to screenings before the general public and Q&A sessions with select cast members. This year included “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G.,” which brings new life to the old murders of former friends and legendary rappers Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace, also known as Notorious B.I.G. The show shifts between three different time periods and story arcs: Shakur and Wallace as friends before their infamous feud, the initial investigation in Wallace’s death and a decade later when the cases were reopened. While there has yet to be justice for Shakur or Wallace, the show highlights the human aspect of the grisly murders and delves into the two men’s friendship in the early days of their careers.

Director Anthony Hemingway expressed his desire that the storyline feel real and uncensored. He wanted an actor who was new and fresh, hungry for success and willing to work hard, just as Christopher Wallace was in his early days. Through an open casting call he found Wavvy Jonez. The parallels between Jonez and his character are striking, as Jonez is a rapper whose music evokes 90’s hip-hop.

The Connector had the opportunity to sit down with Hemingway, Jonez, Marcc Rose (playing Tupac Shakur) and Bokeem Woodbine (playing officer Daryn Dupree) to talk about what it’s like to work in the film and television industry.

The Connector: What’s the most challenging part about working in your industry?

Woodbine: Diet [Burst of laughter]. I hate dieting, but you have to do it. That and just keeping maximum focus and maximum inspiration. It’s easy to slip into malaise and allow yourself to just rest on your laurels. It’s the easiest thing to do, particularly if you’ve been doing it for a while. But to remain inspired. That and, the diet. [Laughter]

Hemingway: To not take everything so personal in this industry. Don’t take it personally. Also, don’t be afraid to take risks. Because gems and gold are found when you dare and you soar and you never stop digging. And to that point, I was confident enough to take the bold idea of making this open call, all over, because I wanted to tap into new talent. I wanted someone who really wanted it and connected to the characters and fit into the storytelling that we were doing. The character of Christopher Wallace in our story starts prior to his status as a celebrity. He was still hungry and grinding and wanting what he was passionate about and that’s true for his life right now.

The Connector: How did you guys get your break into the film and the television industry?

Jonez: Mine was through an open casting call. Anthony had put it out. At first, when I saw it I was like, this is a scam. I don’t know who this dude is. Finally, I said let me go ahead and just try it, so I did. Then, soon enough the producers called me and wanted to fly me out for a camera test.

The Connector: What advice do you have to students looking to break into the industry?

Woodbine: Don’t give up. Don’t give up. Don’t give up.

Rose: Perseverance is very necessary. I think continuing to strive for whatever that dream is inside that is leading you to something. Sometimes what we start off thinking we want to do isn’t necessarily what we were supposed to do. I think a lot of times that causes people to get discouraged and give up and so, like brother Bo said, don’t give up because that just may be the stepping stone to getting to what you were really purposed to do.

The Connector: Is there anything else you want students to know?

Rose: That it premiers Feb. 27, tune in.

Woodbine: Tell a friend!