God Bless You Chris

Chris gets in Fred's (JJ Zaxby) face, in opening scene of "Christmas."

A Tribute to Christopher Simpson
Chris played the role of Lonnel Jenkins in "Christmas ... Who Needs It", the loud brash security guard of the Hackett empire.

When we see Fred the first time in 'Cricket Fence,' Lonnel greets him with comedic intensity in his security blues and quasi 70's Jheri Curl, lamb chop side burns and gold teeth ... that's right gold teeth. (That is from Fred's sick mind. Smile.)

Fred assembled a deeply talented cast and they all delivered with power, but there was something about Chris that foretold of an IT factor. I have cast Gabrielle Union in her first commercial, Kelita Smith in her first campaign and even Jeremy Suarez in his first professional gig ever. Chris, like Touissant Duchess as "Half Right," had the subtleties and cognizance of knowing what made people laugh. I actually followed his lead through some scenes. When Chris was on the screen he owned it ... even with a dominant force like Fred.

Chris was always on time, ready to work. He was courteous, kept the crew light, never missed his cue. The last time I saw him was at the wrap party at Fred's place, flying through the air and landing in the pool. Now Chris was big boy, so you can imagine the waves he created. He was swimming, dancing and having a great time with everyone. Never any drama from him, always a positive vibe from his smile, his intent, his words and his 'tone.'

If you get the chance to watch the movie, pay close attention to Chris sharing scenes, supporting his co-stars, owning particular sequences and making others look good.

From Martin Jones, Producer of "Christmas"
Last weekend, Chris was struck by an out of control car as he was on the sidewalk. Chris died as a hero, because he was able to throw his youngest son out of the way and save his life. God bless you Chris.

Like many Americans, Chris did not have insurance. I don't know what the financial impact will be on his estate. Although the driver did not have insurance, apparently the car was insured, but I still don't know how the financial chips will settle. Chris leaves behind two sons, age 15 ans 5, I believe.

In lieu of flowers and/or in addition to, you may want to consider making a donation to his mom to help out during this time. I will leave that up to you, I just feel the need to share this information. Not sure if a trust fund will be set up for his boys or not.

I know that many of you are out of town, cannot travel or are on jobs and cannot be here for services this week. If nothing else, please keep Chris' family in your prayers and drop them an encouraging note when you can.

Maelene Simpson
3324 Inwood Rd.
Dallas, TX 75235
214 868-5534

God bless you all,

Martin Jones
Director of the Film Division
f Hammond Family Entertainment


Misc. Shots on Set

Chris messes with new stylist on set. He was sensitive about his Jheri Curl wig.

Chris and Touissant w/ James Grace as "Duck" in the background.

Chris being metered on set.

Wrap Party 9.30.07

Justin "IROCC" Williams (as Corn)

Justin Williams proved to be a consummate professional. He arrived on time, prepared and ready to explore any direction I gave him for his character to go. In this dramatic scene his character, Corn, to discusses a secret that he and Mechee are engaged in together. She wants to tell their parents now and he is determined to tell them after graduation.

Justin has a natural kindness in his persona that easily speaks to the sensitive side of emotions. This scene with Mechee involved hours of blocking to work out the mechanics of the story part, but he made it look easy.

Never complains. Never second guesses + the ladies love him. He knows when to play off of others and when to lead a scene.

David Whitfield as "Uncle Benny Hackett"

David Whitfield is a 3 time NAACP Award winner of recent years. A veteran actor, gospel and jazz vocalist with a world of experience that made scenes smooth and rich with emotion. His credits include "Murder She Wrote" and "The invisible Woman."

His role in the film was that of Uncle Ben, the patriarch of the Hackett family and the Cricket Fence community. His character represents a steadfast standard of hope and resilience that upholds and lifts the Hacketts, various visitors to the Hackett Hotel/Airport/Barbershop/Restaurant (you have to see the movie). Through his rich portrayal of accepting of God's providence over life, the film and the audience have the opportunity believe in the possibilities of faith.

As he shared his craft with each cast member over the shoot schedule, Mr. Whitfield gave pointers, coached a little, lead by example, explored new expressions and was as consistent as any director could ask for.

I recently shot a short film starring David, it's an excerpt from a script and stage play he has written and produced. The short is designed to provide potential investors with a peek at the production. The short will be released this summer.

Special Note:
If you look just to the right of Uncle Benny, there is a pic of JFK on the wall, well that is part of an hour long discussion about the classic ensemble in most Black homes for decades. I grew up with it, most of my friends had the same reverence paid to these men in various forms -- brass tri-frame, mini-pics in a nic-nac shelf, even framed among family pics on the mantel. This classic combo fit perfectly in the Hackett home/hotel/airport/barbershop/restaurant.

Why an hour? Well, we had to determine if Jesus should be Black. The size of each pic was a topic of discussion and the closeness of the pics -- especially who is closest to Jesus.

Eventually, our art director worked out the size, framing and placement issues. I think I only had to give one note about the positioning and it was a ... Hot Set.