National recording artist Deitrick Haddon is preparing to release a new feature film, and local fans will have an opportunity to celebrate with him next week.
“A Beautiful Soul,” featuring Haddon in the starring role, will make its debut in AMC film theaters across the country on May 4.
“We’re staying true to producing faith based films,” said Bryant Scott, president of Tyscot Music and Entertainment. “What viewers can expect from this film is a message of redemption that says no matter how far you strayed away or what your circumstances in life have become, God is able and willing to redeem you.”
Produced by Tyscot ManHaddon Films, a division of Indianapolis based Tyscot Music and Entertainment, “A Beautiful Soul,” also stars Golden Brooks (from the television show “Girlfriends”), Harry Lennix, of “The Matrix” and “The Five Heartbeats,” Vanessa Bell Calloway (“Hawthorne”), Bishop Noel Jones and Robert Ri’chard, best known for his roles in “Coach Carter” and “One on One.”
It tells the story of Andre Stephens (Haddon), an R&B superstar who has success, fame and fortune but has lost his way spiritually. The film follows Andre after his “perfect” life is shattered in a brutal attack that leaves he and his best friend (Ri’chard), clinging to life. The tragedy pushes Andre onto a spiritual journey that forces him to make a choice that could change his destiny forever.
Haddon said he hopes viewers, after seeing “A Beautiful Soul,” will understand that they are indeed beautiful in the eyes of God, no matter who they are, what they have done or how good or bad they are.
“We also hope people understand that when you are obedient to God and tap into what he wants, he’ll help you accomplish what you want to accomplish,” Haddon said.
Prior to the debut of “A Beautiful Soul,” Tyscot and WTLC-AM (1310) will partner to present a free fan appreciation launch party on May 1 at 7 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Church, 9610 E. 42nd St. Haddon will perform and parts of the new movie will also be shown.
“It’s a way for both Deitrick and the radio station to thank everyone for their support,” Scott said. “The format will be basically set up as a party. We will have a DJ there, along with performances, a question and answer session and maybe a visit from one of the other cast members.”
After limited showings in select theaters, “A Beautiful Soul” will be sold on DVD in retail stores this summer. Scott, however, said his company had to work hard to get AMC officials to have screenings of “A Beautiful Soul” in Indianapolis, and is therefore hopeful that the local community comes out and shows support so that the film can stay in theaters longer.
Over the last decade, high profile Christian figures such as Tyler Perry and T.D. Jakes have released faith-based films. Tyscot, however, became the first gospel recording label to make a foray into film after releasing “Blessed & Cursed,” which also starred Haddon, in 2010.
“I don’t think we’re in competition with Tyler Perry,” Scott said. “The market is wide open for faith based movies right now. We’re not competition, but we do take it (films) to another level. Our message about salvation is a little more blunt than in the other Black movies that are out right now. We don’t endorse a specific denomination, but you can tell it’s a Christian film.”
It must be noted, however, that unlike “Blessed and Cursed,” “A Beautiful Soul” has a PG-13 rating.
“We have to show bits and pieces of the life lived by the character that Deitrick plays,” Scott said. “ It’s not enough for an R-rating, but enough for you to get a good feel for how much this guy has lost his way.”
Production will begin this summer on a third Tyscot ManHaddon film. According to Haddon, it will take viewers inside the contemporary gospel music industry.
“It will do for gospel what ‘Krush Groove’ did for hip-hop and ‘Breakin’ did for the urban graffiti culture,” he said. “It will be exciting because you will see many gospel and secular artists, and have an understanding of why we do what we do.”
“A Beautiful Soul” will be shown at AMC Theater Castleton, 6020 E. 82nd St.
For more information about “A Beautiful Soul” and the appreciation launch party, visit www.tyscot.com.
