Lawrence Hill’s controversial novel, The Book of Negroes, has been turned into a mini-series, writes Debashine Thangevelo
LAWRENCE Hill’s The Book of Negroes was conceived from the historical chronicles of the American Revolution. It made the bestseller list and got Oprah’s must-read stamp of approval, too.
The South African-Canadian six-part mini-series is as steeped in the slavery aspect as it is in the liberation side. And it features a cast comprising Aunjanue Ellis, Cuba Gooding jr and Louis Gossett jr.
Lance Samuels, a South African producer (Fanie Fourie’s Labola, Strike Back, The Bang Bang Club) now based in Toronto, was in town and shed light on this mini-series as well as plans to make another mini-series, Madiba.
“Our Canadian partners, Conquering Lion Pictures, had the option for the book. Clement Virgo (also the director) co-wrote the screenplay with Lawrence. They were looking at ways to get it financed and shot and approached me to get involved. Being an South African filmmaker, I suggested coming here for many reasons: locations were good, the crew are talented here, we got additional funding for DTI, and so on.”
On bagging Ellis, who is up for Best Actress in a Movie or Limited Series at this weekend’s Critic’s Choice Awards, Samuels offers: “She made it very easy for us. We had a reading with about four or five actors. And she just blew us away within five seconds of the audition; she understood the part better than the rest of the actors. She is beautiful and has a strong presence on camera.
“We’re very lucky to have Cuba Gooding jr and Louis Gossett jr. It is amazing to work with actors of that calibre. And don’t forget we have some great South African actors too (Siya Xaba, Robin Smith and Armand Aucamp).”
The costume designer (Kate Carin) and the DOP (Giulio Biccari) were South African, too. That’s not forgetting the 90 percent homegrown crew.
Shedding light on the sets, Samuels says: “It’s a huge process as this is a period piece. We are shooting New York and Charleston in the 1700s and the plantation house in South Carolina had to be built from scratch on a wine farm just outside of Cape Town. We also had to clear the vineyards and put crops that would be growing at that time in South America. Logistically, it was a humungous undertaking – including building the boat.”
And Samuels, along with his partner Kweku Mandela, are looking to shoot a six-part mini-series based on the life of Nelson Mandela, Madiba.
He offers: “I always felt that to tell the story of one of the greatest men in history, you can’t contain it to two hours. It’s impossible. And that was why I felt a definitive story of him hasn’t been told yet. Some of the movies and documentaries have touched on moments of his life and career.”
This idea took root while Mandela (the grandson) and he were in London on business. The producer recalls it was around the time that Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom was being developed.
“What was most important for us was making sure that Nelson Mandela was happy with us doing it (this was when he was alive). We asked his permission. He said ‘yes’. But it was very important to him that when we tell the story about him – that it wasn’t only about him. He was surrounded by a lot of people who sacrificed a lot and lost their lives. By having six hours, we are able to explore those other leaders and unbelievable people.”
Not just that, the story will be more balanced by also including the apartheid government of the time.
Right now, they are auditioning, with shooting set to start in September. The biggest dilemma is finding an actor to play Nelson Mandela.
Samuels shares: “We are desperately keen to use a South African as the lead. If we do, then great. If we don’t, we will definitely have a Winnie from here.”
By the way, Kevin Hooks (Passenger 57) is already on board to direct the show.
Interestingly, Samuels also has other projects on the go: “We are busy with the first Netflix show in South Africa, Jadotville. And we are wrapping up Mat Joubert in Cape Town. It is based on Deon Meyer’s bestselling crime novel, Dead Before Dying.”
Meanwhile, Mark Rosin, Group COO of Sabido Investments, confirmed: “Sabido Productions has acquired the distribution rights for Africa for The Book of Negroes. Sabido hopes to license these rights broadly across the continent for pay and free offerings to get this series into as many homes as possible. We have yet to schedule the series on e.tv, but will do so as soon as the free TV rights are ready for broadcast.”