Mark Armstrong has gone through three versions, two directors and a manager in the evolution of his “epic gothic hip-hop farce” “Chickenhead Bound.”
It started in 1999 as a skit that was part of Armstrong’s documentation of the promotional tour for R&B one-hit wonder Kibwe Dorsey (“No Pigeons”). Then Armstrong fictionalized the skit and expanded it into a short film. He produced the short on Hi-8, then wrote a feature script and made a 16mm trailer, with two different directors.
Unsatisfied with the outcome creatively and facing tensions on the business side, Armstrong took on more and more of the project himself. “I never wanted to be a writer-director-producer, but I finally decided I had to direct the film myself,” Armstrong said.
The feature-length “Chickenhead Bound” started production in late March on 24P DV, and is shooting weekends through the summer.
“This dark comedy of a multicultural urban picture will be very Chicagoland in nature,” Armstrong said.
Tamika Powell stars as a hip-hop purist murdering her way through the ranks of playas that she believes are corrupting the music scene. Her first victim in the film is played by Barry Hood, also known as K-Rec of rap legends Public Enemy.
Armstrong is paying for most of the five-figure budget through his DuSablean Enterprises, with support from executive producer Helen Wooten of HK Enterprises, former manager of R. Kelly.
Armstrong has worked in production on a number of local urban indies, including as production coordinator on 2003’s “When Thugs Cry,” (on which Wooten was also E.P.) out on video from Maverick Entertainment, and associate production coordinator on Urban Entertainment’s “The Hostage,” which premiered April 1 at the Lawndale Theater.
Armstrong said he hopes for a theatrical release, but is also considering a video release through Maverick, by way of his connection to Urban president William Pierce.
“Chickenhead Bound” co-stars are Craig Heard, Rico Stamper, and AC Mikell. DC is Mark Pratt. Production designer is Gabe Marroqu?n.
Armstrong’s DuSablean Enterprises is at 11706 S. Throop. Call 773/568-6574 or e-mail markarmystrong62@aol.com.
? by Ed M. Koziarski, edk@homesickblues.com
