Tasha Smith Opens Up About Working on When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story
TV One unveiled the list of the latest films and television series that are set to come to the network in the coming months and we were on hand for it. One of the top priorities is the full length directorial debut by actress, Tasha Smith. You know her as the actress from Camden, New Jersey who’s starred in the films, Addicted, Daddy’s Little Girls, and Why Did I Get Married? among others. The latter film was also turned into a series for “Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse”, which is about to launch it’s 10th and final season. Tasha also has a recurring role on “Empire” as Cookie’s younger sister. Smith will now take her talents behind the camera to direct The Falicia Blakely Story.
Tasha Smith previously directed the 2015 short film, Boxed In. The film, which told the story of a man battling bipolar disorder and dealing with manic episodes, premiered at the American Black Film Festival.
The short film is actually what drew interest from the folks at TV One. Once they had an opportunity that made sense, they reached out to Tasha for her to direct it. That film turned out to be When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story.
Based on a true story, When Love Kills tells the tragic story of Falicia Blakely, a teen mom who only knows life in the fast-lane. When she becomes an exotic dancer, she attracts the attention of a pimp and predator, Dino. His empty promises of a life together turn Falicia into a pawn in his dangerous games and she’s forced to prove her love for him at the expense of innocent lives.
Tasha admits she had never heard the story of Falicia Blakely prior to TV One approaching her about the film, but once she was introduced to her story, she knew she had to be part of telling it.
When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story also stars Lance Gross, Floyd Mayweather, Big Freedia, Tami Roman and Lil Mama as Falicia Blakely.
We caught up briefly with Tasha Smith to talk about making When Love Kills, and working with TV One.
Why She Was Excited To Work on The Falicia Blakely Story:
I wanted to tell this story because it’s a true story. It’s about a woman in Atlanta who went to the jail for the rest of her life getting caught up in the strip game and a guy ended up having her hit these licks for him. I just wanted to be able to tell this story so young girls know what to look out for and hopefully people can see themselves in the storytelling of When Love Kills.
Working With The Cast
I’m in love with Lance Gross, Tami Roman, Big Freedia, Lil Mama who plays Falecia Blakely. I couldn’t have been blessed with a better cast!
Hardest Part About Making The Film
Trying to do it in 12 days with a lower budget!
When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story Premieres Labor Day weekend 2017 on TV One.
#WhenLoveKills
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