Due to travel related issues, our Script-to-Screen conversation with Craig Brewer has been CANCELLED. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and the late notice.
Before Luscious and Cookie Lyon, Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson first tested their musical chops in this Oscar nominated film following a Memphis pimp attempting to become a successful hip-hop artist. And though Craig Brewer did in fact direct an episode of Empire, for this panel, he will focus on his 2005 Sundance film. Brewer will reference specific scenes as examples – with clips projected on the screen– to highlight the process of directing his own script, what worked from the original screenplay, what needed to change for production, and why.
A great case study for those interested in learning more about infusing originality, heart and soul into their work, the pros and cons of directing your own script, and what to expect in between the first draft and final shot.
Trailer:
CRAIG BREWER
BIOGRAPHY
Craig Brewer studied playwriting at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. His first feature film, The Poor and Hungry, won Best Digital Feature at the Hollywood Film Festival and was acquired by the Independent Film Channel. (We will be screening The Poor and Hungry as part of our Best Films You’ve Never Seen series. Click here for more info)
Brewer’s second film, Hustle & Flow, premiered at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, winning the Audience Award for Best Feature. The film went on to secure a record-breaking acquisition deal by Paramount Pictures and MTV Films, garner an Academy Award nomination for lead actor Terrence Howard, and win the Academy Award for best original song, Three 6 Mafia’s It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp.
Brewer’s third film, Black Snake Moan, starred Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci. Driven by a classic and contemporary Blues soundtrack, Black Snake Moan is a Southern gothic tale featuring the Brewer hallmarks of sex, sin and redemption. The film premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and was released by Paramount Vantage in February of the same year.
In 2008 Brewer launched $5 Cover, an online music drama series for MTV dedicated to the Memphis music scene. The series followed a cast of young musicians as they fought for love, inspiration, and money to pay the rent.
In 2011 Brewer adapted and directed the remake of the Paramount Pictures’ classic, Footloose. The film introduced Kenny Wormald as Ren MacCormack and Julianne Hough as Ariel Moore. Screen veterans Dennis Quaid and Andie MacDowell also starred in the film.
In 2012 Brewer produced Paramount Pictures’ concert documentary Katy Perry: Part of Me, which was released July of 2012.
In 2015 Brewer developed and shot a drama pilot, Urban Cowboy, for Fox. An updated, reimagination of the 1980 film, heavily featuring music with a Latin twist, the project is about family legacies, starting over, finding true love and the American dream.
Brewer is currently developing multiple feature projects, along with developing television projects for Paramount Pictures.
When not in production, Brewer lives in Memphis, Tennessee with his family.