Magzoid Magazine - A Luxury Magazine in the Creative Space | July 2021

INTERVIEW
"From the
Scriptto the
BIG SCREEN,
a producer's angle of the entire journey
of a movie, with Elijah Long"
Elijah Long, an American film actor turned
producer and writer has produced blockbusters
like Rambo, Tesla and many others. Born and
brought up in Chicago, Elijah became the first
African American to join Rambo as an executive
producer. Starting his journey in front of the
camera, he got to a place where he is today
when he learned about his career inclination
as he felt more at home when he was behind
the cameras. Long’s strong belief in teamwork
and in creating something different has earned
him the success that he desires for. Here’s a
small and very interesting discussion with Elijah
where he throws light on the producer’s view of
a film from a script to the big screen. As you read
it, you’d know that it’s not just putting in money
but an innumerable number of hidden elements
that stays off the screen.
Exclusive to Magzoid
How did your journey as a
producer begin?
My journey as a
producer began with a
thought that clicked me
while being in front of the camera as
an actor. When you are on the set, you
see groups of people working so hard
and doing their jobs relentlessly. This
made me realize the importance of
all the other elements in order for me
to do my job as an actor. It made me
more interested to find out a deeper
level of filmmaking so I decided to
write a script. I wrote one and to my
surprise, people started liking it.
That marked the turning point within
me. I wanted to see the script on the
screen. And that’s how it all began.
Among the movies that you have
made, which one is your personal
favorite and why?
I will have to say, it’s Rambo with
Sylvester Stallone. I’m glad to be
a part of that project. I remember
watching that movie as a kid with my
father, from there to become the first
black producer to be on the franchise
of the Rambo, it was a history made. I
brought my partner Dorman Radcliffe,
along as well. We were the first black
producers to be a part of the franchise
of Rambo.
We would like to know the process
of movie-making in the view of a
producer.
Well, there are so many different
ways. One of the ways is the producer
knowing a highly popular actor. The
main thing the producer needs to
do is have relationships, because
if you don't know anybody you can’t
get anything to produce. I always
tell people to not burn bridges. The
people that may be on the lowest
level when you come in, within no
time, could be at the top. So, nobody
is big or small; everyone is equal.
Everybody is a part of the movie.
Everybody is needed. Only after all
these efforts can we see a movie like,
Rambo!
The discussion all begins from
the endless pages of the black
and white script. This script then
undergoes countless modifications
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