l to r: Lisa Arrindell Anderson, BLFF’s Kathleen Bertrand and Jasmine Burke
Written by | Ray Cornelius
Thursday night the BronzeLens Film Festival hosted an exclusive premiere for the highly anticipated VH1 Original movie, Drumline: A New Beat. The red carpet screening took place in Atlanta at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema and was attended by the film’s director Bille Woodruff and cast members Lisa Arrindell Anderson, Jasmine Burke and Big Tigger. Also in attendance were Renee Lawless (The Have and The Have Nots), Chanita Foster (Football Wives), Keshia Knight-Pulliam, John Grant (100 Black Men Atlanta), Rob Hayes (model), Carl Payne (Martin) and Don Roberts, executive band coordinator.
Drumline: A New Beat stars Alexandra Shipp as Danielle (Dani) Bolton an upper-class Brooklyn girl who defies her parents in order to attend Atlanta A&T so she can join – and revitalize – their once-prominent drumline. Dani’s quest to become the first female section leader of the drumline in the school’s history will be hampered by upperclassmen (including her cousin, Tyree); her feelings for fellow band mate and rival, Jayven; and the school’s crosstown rivals. Rounding out the cast is Letoya Luckett, Jordan Calloway, Jeff Pierre, Leonard Roberts and Scott Shilstone. Executive producer, Nick Cannon makes a cameo appearance as his memorable character, Devon Miles.
Carl Payne and Jasmine Burke
For actress Jasmine Burke, starring in the sequel is a full circle moment considering she was an extra in the original film. “This is amazing especially because I was an extra in Drumline. Fast forward to ten years later and I’m co-starring in Drumline 2. It’s been both nostalgic and inspiring all at the same time,” said Burke.
Drumline: A New Beat was initially supposed to be shot in New Orleans. However, director Bille Woodruff wanted to bring the story back to Atlanta, giving the sequel a direct connection to the first movie.
“I switched locations because I really wanted to shoot the film in Atlanta. (LOL) I love the ATL and wanted the sequel to feel a lot like the first film. I also wanted people to see some familiar places like, ‘OMG, that’s the same band room.’ I also shot scenes in the same Quad area too. I did do some new things as well but I really wanted a strong connection to the first film and I believe I achieved that,” said Woodruff.
Drumline: A New Beat airs this Monday, October 27 at 9p.m. on VH1
Check out photos from the red carpet below:
The Have and the Have Nots star Renee Lawless
Big Tigger and Keshia Knight-Pulliam/Lisa Arrindell Anderson
Don Roberts and guest/John Grant of 100 Black Men Atlanta
Model Rob Hayes
Football Wives stars Chanita Foster
Photo Credit: Megan Alodie