LTG Actors Continue to Kick it Up a Notch
More good news for gang members as we congratulate Eric Thomas who makes his motion picture debut starring in the new film, "Kickin' It High" released through DC Productions and Mattie Films by Maverick Entertainment. The film features Eric as Jamal Monroe, a senior in high school who has to make the choice between the streets and an education. This movie is rated PG-13 and fun for the entire family. What I liked most about this flick was its "stay in school message". The film also features Rap recording artist Sean Cross from the "Ruff Ryder" crew. "Kickin" marks the fifth movie that filmmaking phenomenon Juney Smith has featured LTG actors in premiere roles. His widely popular Direct-to-Video presentations are dedicated to filling an oblivious void in the urban entertainment video market. We caught up with Eric to ask him what it was like working on his first feature. In his own irreverent way, he had some very candid and light-hearted things to say and you can read all about it by clicking on the hyperlink below. Two more LTG actors have been cast to appear in Smith's next film scheduled to roll cameras in March of 2004. Lazaro Viciedo and Alexandra Gutierrez have been signed to appear in a Latin action drama, but for now you can rent or purchase a DVD or Video copy of "Kicking It High" at your local Blockbuster or Hollywood Video store.

Click Here to Read LTG's Interview With Eric Thomas

 Marc Frasier
 LTG East Coast Correspondent


 

Kickin' It High With Eric Thomas

 
I caught up with Eric Thomas at a Perkins outside Parsippany, NJ.  Stretched out across a table in the back were papers, notebooks, a laptop and three or four newspapers.
 
Eric Thomas: Somewhere under this stuff is a Grand Slam breakfast.
 
LTG:  What is all this stuff?
 
Eric Thomas:  I have a spot at the Comedy Castle tonight, I'm just trying to prepare. He shook my hand and sat down quickly.  He instructed me to order anything I wanted, not on the menu.  Against my will, he ordered two over easy eggs and raisin bread.
 
LTG:  So, Eric, first tell me about your recently released hit movie, Kickin It High.
 
Eric Thomas:  Well, (Thoughtful pause, though I really don't think he was thinking much), we shot "Kickin' It High" in two months.  It was one heck of an experience!  My first film.  Shuttling between Harlem and Yonkers living off of Crown Fried Chicken, linear notes and naps between scenes.
 
LTG:  Fried chicken?
 
Eric Thomas:  I became a vegetarian shortly after.
 
LTG:  So, I take it you got along with cast?
 
Eric Thomas:  Oh of course, we're like a family, we hung out together.  Had a lot of laughs on the set, we're still close to this day.
 
Eric was interrupted by a 2 way page from Robert Humphrey who played boxer/friend Kaisean in the flick.  Shortly after, Denny Lopez who co-starred as troubled Carlos Fernandez 2 way paged him as well.  Popular guy, that Eric Thomas is.
 
LTG:  What was it like working with Ruff Ryders' Sean Cross?
 
Eric Thomas:  He's actually hilarious.  One of the funniest people I know.
 
LTG:  One word to describe Director/Writer Juney Smith.
 
Eric Thomas:  Visionary.
 
LTG:  One word to describe Crown Fried Chicken.
 
Eric Thomas:  Socially Awkward.
 
LTG:  That's two words.
 
Eric Thomas:  Socially or awkward.
 
LTG:  What?
 
Eric Thomas:  Nevermind. 
 
LTG:  How did you prepare for the role of Jamal Monroe?
 
Eric Thomas:  We'll to start off the two of us are a lot alike.  Him being a comedian and all.  I happen to live in Harlem and I took walks around the area Jamal grew up.  I grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs, so I understand the struggle with identity that he had.
 
LTG:  A lot of young kids go through it.
 
Eric Thomas:  He's a senior in high school, trying to be down with the boys while trying to keep in mind his future goal of becoming a comedy writer.  He's affected like everybody, but doesn't know how to deal exactly.
 
LTG:  There were many touching moments in your performance, even through the wisecracking.
 
Eric Thomas:  Thanks.
 
LTG:  Did you show up for class when you were in high school.
 
Eric:  Maybe a few times.
 
Eric flashes his trademark smile.
 
LTG:  So all in all you had a good time doing this movie?
 
Eric Thomas:  Oh, it was great.  I can't wait to do another.  And you'll see Eric Thomas for sure in the Hollywood circuit.  He's a tremendous talent and Kickin' It High is definitely a flick you don't want to miss!  You can rent Kickin' It High now at any Blockbuster and Hollywood Video or buy it at your local video store. 
 
My eggs and toast came.  "Eat Up."  Eric said.