Accenting the positive aspects of Hispanic families, and their community in general, has always been important to independent film executive producer Redford Mejia.Mejia, is currently engaged in producing what he calls the Mexican version of the recent blockbuster hit The Hangover.
I’m Not Like that No More is the latest project Mejia is involved with and is following on the heels of The Deported, starring Nick Turturro, Talia Shire, Michael Rapaport and Paul Rodriguez.
I’m Not Like That No More stars talented newcomer Felipe Esparza, who is described by Mejia as the next Carlos Mencia, and is currently filming in various locations around Hollywood. Playing his father as an ex-luchador is veteran actor Paul Rodriguez.
“Good hearted humor in the Hispanic community has always been the focus of my films,” said Mejia. “I don’t want to forget the Hispanic community in my work.”
“We have a specific demographic target for our films,” said Mejia. “We want to target the Latino Belt, which includes California, Arizona, New Mexico…all the way to Florida.”
“My goal is to target the Latino community and to employ Hispanics,” added Mejia.
During the filming of The Deported, 80 percent of the film’s crew was Hispanic and for I’m Not Like That No More, that figure has grown to 90 percent.
Fellow 701 Productions Inc. producer Helyn Taylor, who has the overwhelming task of seeing to the day-to-day needs of the production, cast and crew shares Mejia’s view of the film and the community it represents.
“This film is full of hope for the Latino Community,” said Taylor. “I get tears in my eyes from all the love and hope that is portrayed here.”
“This is such a well written script,” added Taylor. “As a matter of fact, we were able to attract actors from theatrical agencies that normally wouldn’t get involved with a low-budget film like this.
“They just loved our script,” added Taylor.
The film is written and directed by Christian Sesma and takes place in modern-day Los Angeles and has a very Mexican cultural flavor and appeal to it.
Mejia plans to debut his film at the Latino Film Festival at the city of Huntington Park’s Sabor de Mexico Lindo - Downtown Festival on Pacific Blvd. this October 3.
Next on the horizon for the fledgling production company and Mejia is an ambitious project film called Pobrecito (poor little boy) starring Hector Jimenez of Nacho Libre fame.
Mejia hopes to take full advantage of the Jimenez talent who most recently played the role of pro-wrestler El Esqueleto (the skeleton) in Nacho Libre.
Pobrecito is a film that was written specifically with Jimenez in mind.
The film is about the struggles, trials and tribulations facing an illegal alien who is pursuing the American Dream that becomes a millionaire according to Taylor.
“This film is made for Jimenez,” said Taylor. “Without him…there is no movie.”
Working closely with 701 Productions is the Norm Marshall & Associates entertainment marketing firm that is providing the publicity for the film.
NMA public relations executive Lindsey Rowe has been a fixture at the on-site shoots along with Monica M. Jaramillo, NMA public relations director and are excited about this project.
“701 Productions and Redford Mejia is a phenomena,” said Jaramillo. “Their dedication to creating quality films which also highlight the Latino community is inspiring.”
“Everyone on the team is passionate about movie making and I am proud to be a part of the 701 Productions family,” added Jaramillo.
