August 23, 2008

Gay Icon Maurice Jamal discusses his new TV series, the wedding rumor, good sex
and what's really going on with B-Boy Blues.
Director/Actor Maurice Jamal's Exclusive Interview!

Chris Chattworth
Los Angeles, CA

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CC: So lets start with the easy stuff first. Tell us about "Friends and Lovers: Ski Trip 2":
MJ: Oh is that the easy stuff? (Laughs). I'm really excited about it. It's a project I have wanted to do for the past couple of years. Its a sequel to my first film SKI TRIP. Well it's kind of a sequel, part reboot, part feature film, part TV series.

CC: That's a lot of things:
MJ: So am I. (Laughs)

CC: Seriously. It seems as if you don't fit squarely in one box. Is that why this project is so different in it's format?"
MJ: Um.....maybe. I think the project really came more because of two reasons. The fans and technology. This is the first film I've ever done because the fans were always writing and asking about these characters. And it's the first totally digital project for me to. Really incredibly exciting. It's allowed me to be more flexible, create faster and be more responsive as a writer. I love commenting on popular culture so to be able to do that in a series is amazing.

CC: OK. You've called it both a film and a series. Which is it?
MJ: Both. It's really up to the audience.

CC: Let's get to the gritty stuff.
MJ: OK, lets do it.

CC: So what's up with you getting married?
MJ: What makes you think I'm married?

CC: Everyone thinks you are.
MJ: Really? I was trained and certified this year to perform marriages in California as part of the reversal which allows gays and lesbians to marry. So maybe that's where the rumor started. It has been an amazing experience. I married dozens of people this summer and to take part ion that union and witness these families and friends standing up in love and truth for each other. Truly life altering.

CC: So not married?
MJ: I thought I just answered that question.

CC: Not secretly married? Maybe to a celebrity? Someone in the cast of "Friends and Lovers" maybe?
MJ: (Laughs). You're really fishing now.

CC: So for the sake of time, let's assume you're single.
MJ: I am (laughs).

CC: So as a "single" man, are you looking?
MJ: I would love to settle down. Someone smart, intelligent, fun, outgoing. A good cook, um...sexy eyes, killer smile.

CC: Sounds like you're describing yourself.
MJ: You're a riot.

CC: So what else are you looking for? What does a successful actor/director want sexually?
MJ: I am SO not going to go into those details in an interview. But he does have to have some skills.

CC: Do you?
MJ: There have never been complaints. I aint no joke. (Laughs)

CC: So are you looking for a boyfriend, friend with benefits or partner?
MJ: I'm looking for someone whose a match. Someone who balances me. Ideally someone who can be all those things.

CC: You look amazing. I can't help but notice that you are looking different these days. How much weight have you lost? Is that because you're looking for a man now?
MJ: No. (Laughs). I actually gained a lot of weight for the role of "Eugene" in Dirty Laundry, probably 40 pounds or more. And I'm not a tall guy, so that was significant.

CC: How'd you do it?
MJ: All you have to do is see yourself on film looking like Chubb Rock and the motivation happens (Laughs). But honestly, I know I'm supposed to say how hard it was, but it kinda just came off once I got serious about changing my routine. I'm really kind of a health nut. I really believe in eating right, exercising. I do like my vodka cocktails though. And waffles. That's my kryptonite.

CC: Favorite workout routine.
MJ: Sex. Hands down.

CC: Ooooo...so..
MJ: I won't say anything else.

CC: Last question.
MJ: Liar.

CC: OK. Last series of questions. B-Boy Blues...what the hell is going on with that?
MJ: I know. I know. I get asked everywhere I go. It is definitely happening.

CC: The rumors are flying.
MJ: I'm sure. But that's really because people are so excited about the film. And they should be. It's an amazing book and the film really takes those characters and that amazing love story and brings it to screen in a way that we truly deserve.

CC: So no drama.
MJ: None. Making movies is tough. And it takes time, especially when you want to make it independently and do it right. I love the project. James Earl Hardy has been amazing and I just want to do him and his work proud. I'm kinda glad we had to push back a year or so...I've grown as a person and am more confident in many ways and I think that confidence will be seen on screen. I think it's going to be a sexier and hotter film than I had originally planned.

CC: Any details?
MJ: I will say that I hope to be rolling the cameras before the end of the year.


FRIENDS AND LOVERS: SKI TRIP 2 debuts as part of Atlanta Black Pride this Labor Day Weekend.
Sunday, August 31, 5:00PM
Artistry
942 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309 US

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NEW! Exclusive Audio Interview with GBM News' Justin Smith!
Link: http://www.gbmnews.com/articles/3670/1/Maurice-and-Me-Interview-with-ActorDirectorWriter-Maurice-Jamal/Page1.html