Highlight - Exit Strategy: An Un-Romantic Comedy

Tinsel & Tine was invited to a ReelBlack Taste-Maker's preview screening of a new comedy, or rather Un-Romantic Comedy, called Exit Strategy , set to open Friday, February 10, 2012 in the Philadelphia area - AMC Cherry Hill and Franklin Mills.

Here's the run down: Exit Strategy features James (JAMEEL SALEEM), likeable but irresponsible, who moves in with his take-charge girlfriend of three months Kim (KIMELIA WEATHERS) and quickly discovers she’s everything he never wanted in a woman - chores instead of football on Sundays, no TV allowed in the bedroom, no sex, her pink on pink decor and crazy father. At first he tries to tough it out because he's got no place else to live; but when he eventually breaksdown and tells her he wants out, he discovers she's not only annoying, but psychotic!

Now James, with the help of his friends Carville (QUINCY “QDEEZY” HARRIS) and Leona (NOELLE BALFOUR), with cameo appearances by KEVIN HART AND BIG BOY, must devise an Exit Strategy that frees him from Kim with his life and limbs intact.

Q & A Excerpts with the Filmmakers

Q to Jameel: What attracted you to this project?

J: I played the role of James because I started out playing him in the web
series. People liked our chemistry (Kimelia and I) so I thought we should keep it that way for the feature.

Q to Kimelia: What are your favorite movies? What are your favorite comedies?

K: Some of my favorite movies: Slumdog Millionaire, Shawshank Redemption, The Color Purple, Million Dollar Baby, The Usual Suspects. Favorite comedies: Bridesmaids, Mean Girls, Tropic Thunder, Sister Act, The Princess Bride, Uptown Saturday Night, The Seven Year Itch.

Q to Qdeezy: How did you get the project started?

Qdeezy: I was talking to my boss at the time, Big Boy, about making some projects outside of radio. I told him I had a script, that I wanted to make a movie. I gave him the starting budget and he cut me a check. It was really that simple. I really appreciate him believing in my ability to make it happen.

Q to director Michael Whitton: What inspires or motivates you to be a Director?

M: I love putting pieces together; and filmmaking is the only thing that allows me to assemble my abilities in writing, music, design, and photography.

Q to Jameel: What are your top 5 reasons audiences should go see Exit Strategy?

J: It's funny. It's different. I’m in it. I wrote it. Best date movie ever. It may shed some light on your own relationship problems.

Exit Strategy The Movie Promo #3 - "I Do, I Don't" from Michael Whitton - Film Director on Vimeo.

Update: Exit Strategy was extended a second week!  Click HERE to see pictures from Reelblack opening weekend with cast and attendees.

Directed and edited by
Michael Whitton
Screenplay by
Jameel Saleem
Executive producer
Big Boy
Produced by
Kellie Maltagliati and Quincy “Qdeezy” Harris
Original music by
Simon A. Stevens