On Friday evening in Midtown Manhattan, the Urbanworld Film Festival hosted a special preview of the upcoming movie, “Addicted” (based on a novel by Zane).
It was a night filled with laughter and excitement amongst the men of “Addicted” namely Boris Kodjoe, William Levy and Tyson Beckford. They were also joined by director, Billie Woodruff and the author of the novel, Zane for a Q & A/Special preview at AMC Loews 34 Street. The night started off with the cast walking and doing interviews on the red carpet. It was a complete pandemonium of fans who wanted to steal a glimpse of the awesome cast. Jennifer Williams was also spotted on the red carpet.
Soon after, we entered the theater hall where the Q & A took place. After much mingling with others and a round of more pictures taken, Boris Kodjoe unofficially began the Q & A by exchanging jokes on the mic with co-star, Tyson Beckford in a plead to begin the Q & A on time. They both took some “selfies” with William Levy before officially kicking off the Q & A session with the trailer of the movie, “Addicted” being played. The crowd was in awe while watching the trailer and the excitement they felt in anticipation of the upcoming movie quickly took over the room clip after clip.
Speaking of the characters they play, Boris Kodjoe who plays Jason Reynard says he was drawn to the character because of the topic, sexual addiction. He says it’s an addiction that has been ignored in the society. Tyson Beckford who plays Corey in the movie explains that his character plays someone who wants to fall in love with Zoe Reynard (played by Sharon Leal) but can’t because she’s married to Jason (played by Boris Kodjoe). He explains his bad boy image becomes inflated as the movie goes on.
William Levy (Quentin) says he wanted to be a part of the movie because of how deep the story is and the fact it touches on a real addiction, sexual addiction which he otherwise refers to as a real disease. On tapping into their sexual characters, Beckford says he had a sexy co-actor (Sharon Leal) so it was easy though he admits that having her boyfriend on set was a little awkward. For Kodjoe, he admits that as human beings, we are sexual beings so it wasn’t too much of a stretch for him. “Putting something personal into the character you are playing is important.” He says.
Actor William Levy was asked about his struggle with being from a non-English speaking country, Cuba and doing the movie in English. In response, he talked about his past, growing up in Cuba and moving to America. He explains he now has a chance to chase his dreams. On chasing dreams, Boris Kodjoe emphasized on how everyone has their own journey and that there’s no universal path, “everyone has to walk their own path at their own time, no rules and regulations … when you’re willing to sacrifice, anything is possible and don’t look at the next person. What is meant for them may not be for you. We all should embrace who we are and go from there.”
When asked about modeling advice, Supermodel/Actor, Tyson Beckford mentioned how important it is to have strong photos and to find an agent who will be willing to fight for you everyday. The final question of the night addressed what each member of the panel was addicted to. Billie Woodruff says he is addicted to the game, “World of War Craft,” Author of the novel, Zane admits she is addicted to her children. William Levy without a thought admits he is addicted to food while Tyson Beckford says he is addicted to motorcycles and chocolates from around the world. Boris Kodjoe chimes in and asks if he has ever had German chocolate specifically Milka in which Beckford admits to have had.
Zane says the conversation of the movie started in February 2005 and is happy with the way the movie came out with the help of Billie Woodruff who is the director of the movie. “As a writer, I am only looking at my own finish line.” Zane responded to a question asking about advice for writers. “Be disciplined and passionate.”
In advising directors, Woodruff who directed the 2003 movie, “Honey” says, “Keep pushing because you don’t know how your big break will come.”
On why Zane turned the novel to a movie, she says, “it makes sense now and then, it’s an evergreen story”
The reception took place immediately after at the Eventi – A Kimpton Hotel. It was super intimate and assorted finger foods and drinks were served whilst guests mingled, took pictures and celebrated. Notable guests included the men of “Addicted,” Zane, Billie Woodruff and renown fashion activist, Bethann Hardison.
Addicted is set to premiere on October 10th 2014.
