Director McCants Returns to Acting in TD Jakes New Film.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Burbank, California, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) August 11, 2011 --

Writer/Director Reed McCants is no foreigner when it comes to acting, having taught acting in both Los Angeles and New York for over 20 years. However, it has been over 8 years since he has appeared in front of the camera as an actor. In the past few years, McCants has been busy directing feature films like the independent award-winning classic” Cuttin’ Da Mustard” along with directing, writing, editing and producing multiple episodes of his popular youtube comedy web series “40 and Leroy Crazy in New York”, Reed hasn’t had much time for acting. Notably, the last time audiences had a chance to catch McCants' on screen as an actor, was in the popular urban film “Civil Brand” directed by Award winning filmmaker, Neema Barnette.

So when Barnette signed on to direct "On the Seventh Day" for executive producer Bishop T.D. Jakes, she was given the challenge of honoring and channeling Jakes' brand, one that emphasizes faith, family and life lessons in the black community, while still creating a film with its own identity. Barnette called upon some of the top stars in Hollywood, first enlisting renown superstar Blair Underwood who was coming fresh off the popular sci-fi television series "The Event" where he stepped into the role of US President. Then Barnette called upon legendary actress Pam Grier, who was tapped to play a hard-nosed detective. Up-and-coming powerhouse performers Sharon Leal ("Why Did I Get Married, Too?") and Nicole Beharie ("American Violet") were impressive additions to the film's cast and then there was a call for McCants who rounded out the cast in this gritty drama shot in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Barnette, stated that she selected McCants for the character of Les, (Underwood's film characters best friend) because of his ability to do both comedy and drama effectively. "Our film deals with some very heavy subject matters and we need an actor who could deliver with serious themes in the film as well as adding some comic relief" Barnette concluded. The story of the film focuses on a married couple whose past secrets unravel when their six-year-old daughter is kidnapped.

"On the Seventh Day" is being produced and distributed by independent Codeblack Entertainment and has just wrapped shooting this week. The film is scheduled to be released this winter but you can catch Reed's web series, “40 and Leroy” on youtube anytime or visit 40andleroy.com

More information can be found online at http://www40andleroy.com

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