In a conversation with Jessica Gillespie of Cypher News, LT Perry, producer of the Chicago made, half hour pilot, The Come Up, discusses the team’s recent distribution deal with AMC+ and the process behind creating this powerful work.
The Come Up follows a group of talented Chicago high school students who seize the opportunity to compete in a slam poetry competition as a way to navigate their lives. Written by Justin Burns and produced by LaTariyon (LT) Perry—two of the creative minds behind Missed Turns Productions—the pilot episode lays the foundation for a raw, authentic portrayal of Chicago’s youth.
With original music and poetry penned by the cast, spoken word takes center stage in this film, serving as a powerful tool for healing and justice. The story follows Jazz, played by Ireon Roach (winner of the 2016 National August Wilson Monologue Competition), whose rising star and determination to overcome challenges embody the emotional truth of coming of age in a city marked by senseless gun violence. The murder of Jazz’s brother, Dré (played by Victor Musoni), sparks a turning point, motivating Jazz and her friends—Tori, L, and Gabby—to share the untold stories of their lives through lyrical verse.
LT reflects on the seamless collaboration with a cast of real-life friends from high school, the challenges of filming just before the world shut down in 2020, and the hurdles the team faced during post-production to secure the film’s distribution. He also shares the audience’s response to The Come Up and what’s next for Missed Turns Productions!
Check out the full audio conversation on Spotify here:
Check out the YouTube video of the conversation here:
Watch the entire film here. Streaming free on YouTube.
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The Come Up delivers a raw and authentic portrayal of Chicago youth
