The Crusade of The Undersheperd

Written By: YoursTrulyKara

Photos Credits: Ralph Alswang

What began as Russ Parr's artistic way of expressing the dark side of the black church, which he'd seen and experienced first hand, has become part of a movement. It’s a movement to break black cinema out of its comedic box and to delve into the many layers of African American culture through cinema. Russ Parr, known for being the funny guy on morning radio, has himself had to prove that there's more to him than just jokes. "I've had people push my scripts to the side, or ridicule actors who have chosen to work with me and they're saying, oh you're gonna do the radio guy's film, isn't he the radio guy? I'm like, yeah, I do radio, because I figured out years ago it could feed my family. But I got my degree in radio, television and film from Cal State University Northridge, so I can do more than just talk on the radio." Parr said.

Jeff Friday and Russ Parr

In fact, Parr has done much more than just “talk on the radio.” He's dabbled in and been successful at just about every area of the entertainment industry. So it's no wonder that his most recent venture, writing, producing and directing his own feature films, would be successful as well. His latest film, The Undershepherd, starring Isaiah Washington, Malinda Williams and co-starring Louis Gossett, Jr., had the distinct honor of winning the 2012 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Grand Jury Prizes for Best Narrative Feature, Best Director and Best Actress (Malinda Williams). According to Jeff Friday, CEO of Film Life, Inc and Founder of the ABFF, it was the first film to win both Best Narrative Feature and Best Director in the festival's 16 year history.

"I have tons of stories to tell and I do that every day on the radio. But making films gives you more time to tell your stories, to develop characters and the whole nine. Black people have tons of stories to tell. But we'll never get to tell them if WE don't start to go out and support these films. I love what Tyler Perry does and I have a lot of respect for him, but he's not the only one who should be able to eat. I think there's plenty of room for all of us but it ain't gone happen if we don't get any support,” Parr said.

John Gibson, Chris Dodd, Russ Parr
and Jeff Friday

Parr's work has made an indelible impression on Jeff Friday.  He chose Parr’s film The Undershepherd to be the focus of a special VIP he hosted on in November, as part of partnership with Chris Dodd, Chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

During a Q&A session that followed the film's screening, Parr candidly discussed the challenges he's faced as an African American filmmaker. “You all have to support dramatic themed movies like The Undershepherd to counter the widely regarded belief that African Americans will only support a black director and producer if they produce movies that are urban comedies,” he said. He also spoke about the need for greater distribution opportunities for filmmakers like himself. Jeff Friday expressed the importance of relationships and partnerships like these that support independent filmmakers.

Russ Parr and Chris Dodd

Parr's crusade isn't just about garnering support for the projects, it's about putting talented black actors and actresses to work. Aside from the controversial subject matter he tackles in The Undershepherd, Parr took a chance on a talented yet controversial actor, Isaiah Washington. Parr said, "I knew all about the gay comments during his heyday on Grey's Anatomy  and I'm not condoning it, but I believe there are two sides to every story. People twist words and take things out of context all of the time. Should we write a talented brother off because he made a mistake? No. And I'm a huge supporter of gay rights. I know one thing, this film would not be what it is without him. He set the tone for the whole thing. I mean, I wrote the script and he blew me away with the way he brought my words, my vision to life. Isaiah Washington is one of the most talented black actors in Hollywood. He’s actually one of the most talented actors in Hollywood period.  I dare anybody to name five others who are more talented than Isaiah."

Parr has also made it his mission to go against the grain and not be the director that he's always feared working with. On the first day of shooting on the set of all of his films, he makes a mandate that everyone check their egos at the door. He refuses to yell at anyone and doesn't allow his cast or crew to yell at each other. All issues have to be resolved in a calm, dignified manner, and if things escalate, you have to take it outside. Parr has successfully broken the Hollywood ego barrier. Just ask anyone who's worked on one of his films. Actors and crews alike will drop high paying gigs to work with Parr just for the fun and peaceful atmosphere he creates on set.  It’s refreshing after enduring the abusive rants that have become common place on many Hollywood sets.  And a typical Uptoparr Productions shoot lasts 15 to 20 days, virtually unheard of in Hollywood. It’s no wonder that Kevin Hart was willing to jump out of a rented minivan to snag unauthorized drive-by shots for Parr’s film Something Like A Business. Parr has written, produced and directed five feature films including The Last Stand (2006); Love For Sale (2008); Something Like A Business (2009); 35 & Ticking (2011) and The Undershepherd (2012). Parr is the host of the nationally syndicated radio show, The Russ Parr Morning Show, heard weekdays by more than 3.2 million listeners in 25 major markets. 

"O" on the Go recently attended the Russ Parr Red Carpet Movie Premiere of his new movie "The Undersheperd". The movie premiere took place in Silver Spring, Maryland on March 27th. There were many celebrities in attendance, such as Clifton Powell, Lamman Rucker, Elise Neal, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Robinne Lee and many more. The film focuses on the black church, a familiar territory for some. Parr's idea for the film incorporates a bit of politics as well, the idea for the film is said to have stemmed from a presidential election. Parr completed a variety of research before bringing his idea to life. While Russ Parr discovered a lot of corruption, he held back a bit to avoid going "too far" for the film. The film stars a talented cast of actors and actresses and will definitely be a good one to watch. "O" on the Go was very fortunate to have the opportunity to cover the red carpet and talk to some of the characters of the movie. Check out the red carpet interviews, clips from the movie and much more.
**Make sure to subscribe to the channel before leaving**

"O" on the Go was created in 2010 by Single Mother, Full-Time Paralegal, Model, Stylist, CEO of Paris K., LLC, Omeka Polk. The show started off as a blog, with Omeka "O" attending celebrity events and blogging about them, and later transformed into her creating a show that allows her to interact one on one with celebrities and their life. She also creates episodes with vast topics ranging from health, sports, entertainment, music and more. To see more of "O," view all of the previous episodes, or check out the celebrities pictures visit www.o-onthego.com

From HipHollywood Cast of "The Undershepherd" Talk About The Film

Video courtesy of HipHollywood.com

'The Undershepherd' Stars Isaiah Washington and Malinda Williams

'The Undershepherd' Stars Isaiah Washington and Malinda Williams: MyFoxDC.com

Updated: Tuesday, 27 Mar 2012, 12:07 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 27 Mar 2012, 12:07 PM EDT

WASHINGTON - The struggles of a Baptist congregation and the ministers who serve them are at the core of a new movie screening Tuesday at the AFI Silver Theater.

Two of the stars, Isaiah Washington and Malinda Williams, joined more on ‘The Undershepherd.’

Read more: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/mornings/the-undershepherd-stars-isaiah-washington-and-malinda-williams-032712#ixzz1rBglwL6s

 From The Washington Informer

'The Under Shepherd' Takes Controversial Look at the Black Church

Written by Tene' Croom, NNPA            Thursday, 05 April 2012 02:58

Courtesy Photo

The latest foray into movie making by nationally syndicated morning DJ Russ Parr is astounding. He wrote and directed his fifth movie entitled, The Under Shepherd. It's sure to have people, particularly those deep in the Black church, saying a lot more than amen. For example, this one scene from the movie illustrates what I mean.

"You're a fraud and an insult to this church (First Baptist Church) and God." Deaconess Carter, with controlled anger, deftly portrayed by Vanessa Bell Calloway, said to the Rev. Lawrence "LC" Case. He's played by Isaiah Washington, whose character was a doctor in the ABC network drama, Grey's Anatomy. Looking at her straight in the eye, with an air of self righteousness, Rev. Case replied, "I am God."

It seems Parr was destined to write this story. His mother took him to the Black church as a young child. However, it was not a good experience he said. "I was really invested into the church and the church I was going to. Then I started seeing things that didn't make sense. My mom, who was a very religious woman, pulled me out of the church. She thought I was losing myself."

Politics also had something to do with why he felt the need to make this movie explaining, "It was the 2004 election and I had a Republican friend of mine say, hey I'll tell you a little secret when the election is over. We're going into a lot of swing states and buying off the Black ministers and giving them talking points."

Parr said he did research and found something out six months after George Bush won the presidential election. "I saw evidence of what he said. A lot of these pastors would donate money to their church. A lot of these pastors would put it in their pockets. Then he started to see a lot of the pastors were under federal indictment."

Parr was quick to point out the pastors were not all Black. There were White pastors involved in corruption too. After looking at the situation he said, "That encouraged me. There's a story here."

But he says he held back when he wrote the script. "I didn't want to go too far with it. I didn't want to get into the Bishop Eddie Long stuff. (Long was accused of sexually abusing several teenaged male members of his church.) I wanted just enough on this man's plate that it was real and honest and very believable."

Being Rev. Case wasn't easy especially when he was extremely verbally abusive to his wife Cassandra, played by Malinda Williams. So much so that Washington said he needed to take a break after filming one intense scene. "I stormed out after every take. I think I maybe did two takes. I almost walked back to my trailer. I think the wardrobe person asked me where was I going. I said I hate Russ Parr. (laughing) I told them I'm not being difficult. But, if you don't get it in this take, I'm not doing this again."

Williams, perhaps best known as the hair stylist Tracy "Bird" Van Adams in the Showtime acclaimed drama series, Soul Food, came into this film during an extraordinary year last year. She made five other films in 2011.

She heaped much praise on her co-star husband. "Isaiah was so incredibly powerful in this role, as he is in all of his roles. For me it really was somewhat of a dream come true when Russ told me that Isaiah would be playing LC. Because once he said that I said, of course, there is no one else who can do that. I don't think there's anyone else who could have brought the emotion from that type of pain that was to be in the film inflicted who could bring it out in such a true filet that Isaiah did. And I tell you every time I went back to my trailer; I had to say to myself quietly, I forgive you Isaiah."

Williams said she wanted to show the face of abuse for personal reasons. "I've lived it. I've had friends who have lived it. I've had family members who have lived it. Various levels of abuse. And, initially when Russ approached me to be a part of the film, he approached me about playing Deaconess Carter. So, I took a look at the script. But, immediately Cassandra resonated with me. Part of the reason why she resonated with me is because I do understand certain levels of abuse. I understand them on a personal level and I understand them on a level, you know, just watching someone else go through a situation."

However, The Under Shepherd is not a single issue movie, about a pastor abusing his wife. Williams, when asked to describe the movie said. "The character is representative of many ills that we have to address, particularly in our community when it comes to power and how one abuses it, misuses it or underuses it or undervalues it. There have been many of our leaders that have been put in situations of power and for some reason it's been corrupted. Probably, historically for very simple reasons, maybe it's just different philosophy, ideology, maybe money. I think what Russ was able to do or trying to do is create a character that would put a face on how one has to be accountable for every action that they do. "

A number of other top-notch actors are in the film, including Lou Gossett Jr., Lamman Rucker and Keith David.

Last modified on Thursday, 05 April 2012 03:10

Russ Parr's "The Undershepherd' Takes Controversial Look at the Black Church

From Lee Bailey's EURWEB.com

Russ Parr’s ‘The Undershepherd’ Takes Controversial Look at the Black Church

March 30, 2012 

“You’re a fraud and an insult to this church and God,” Deaconess Carter, with controlled anger said to Rev. Lawrence “LC” Case (Scroll down to see the dramatic scene)

By Tene’ Croom

Russ Parr

*The latest foray into movie making by nationally syndicated radio DJ Russ Parr is astounding. The D.C. based morning show host and film auteur has just written and directed his fifth movie entitled “The Undershepherd.”


It's sure to have people, particularly those deep in the black church, saying a lot more than amen. For example, this one scene for the movie illustrates what we mean.


“You’re a fraud and an insult to this church (First Baptist Church) and God,” Deaconess Carter,  with controlled anger, deftly portrayed by Vanessa Bell Calloway, said to the Rev. Lawrence “LC” Case. He’s played by Isaiah Washington, whose character was a doctor in the ABC network drama, Grey’s Anatomy.  Looking at her straight in the eye, with an air of self righteousness, Rev. Case replied, “I am God.”

It seems Parr was destined to write this story. His mother took him to the black church as a young child. However, it was not a good experience he said.

“I was really invested into the church and the church I was going to. Then I started seeing things that didn’t make sense. My mom, who was a very religious woman, pulled me out of the church. She thought I was losing myself.”

Malinda Williams

Politics also had something to do with why he felt the need to make this movie, explaining: “It was the 2004 election and I had a Republican friend of mine say, ‘hey, I’ll tell you a little secret when the election is over. We’re going into a lot of swing states and buying off the Black ministers and giving them talking points.’

Parr said he did research and found something out six months after George Bush won the presidential election.

“I saw evidence of what he said. A lot of these pastors would donate money to their church. A lot of these pastors would put it in their pockets.”

Then he started to see a lot of the pastors were under federal indictment.

Parr was quick to point out the pastors were not all black. There were white pastors involved in corruption too. After looking at the situation he said, “That encouraged me. There’s a story here.”

But he says he held back when he wrote the script.

“I didn’t want to go too far with it. I didn’t want to get into the Bishop Eddie Long stuff. (Long was accused of sexually abusing several teenaged male members of his church.) I wanted just enough on this man’s plate that it was real and honest and very believable.”

Being Rev. Case wasn’t easy especially when he was extremely verbally abusive to his wife Cassandra, played by Malinda Williams. So much so that Washington said he needed to take a break after filming one intense scene.

Isaiah Washington (in 'The Undershepherd')

“I stormed out after every take. I think I maybe did two takes. I almost walked back to my trailer. I think the wardrobe person asked me where was I going. I said I hate Russ Parr. (laughing) I told them I’m not being difficult. But, if you don’t get it in this take, I’m not doing this again.”

Williams, perhaps best known as the hair stylist Tracy “Bird” Van Adams in the Showtime acclaimed drama series “Soul Food” came into this film during an extraordinary time last year. She made five other films in 2011.

She heaped much praise on her co-star husband:

“Isaiah was so incredibly powerful in this role, as he is in all of his roles. For me it really was somewhat of a dream come true when Russ told me that Isaiah would be playing LC. Because once he said that, I said, of course, there is no one else who can do that. I don’t think there’s anyone else who could have brought the emotion from that type of pain that was to be in the film inflicted who could bring it out in such a true filet that Isaiah did. And I tell you every time I went back to my trailer; I had to say to myself quietly, I forgive you Isaiah.”

Williams said she wanted to show the face of abuse for personal reasons.

“I’ve lived it. I’ve had friends who have lived it. I’ve had family members who have lived it. Various levels of abuse. And, initially when Russ approached me to be a part of the film, he approached me about playing Deaconess Carter. So, I took a look at the script. But, immediately Cassandra resonated with me. Part of the reason why she resonated with me is because I do understand certain levels of abuse. I understand them on a personal level and I understand them on a level, you know, just watching someone else go through a situation.”

However, “The Undershepherd” is not a single issue movie, about a pastor abusing his wife. Williams, when asked to describe the movie, said:

“The character is representative of many ills that we have to address, particularly in our community when it comes to power and how one abuses it, misuses it or under uses it or undervalues it. There have been many of our leaders that have been put in situations of power and for some reason it’s been corrupted. Probably, historically for very simple reasons, maybe it’s just different philosophy, ideology, maybe money. I think what Russ was able to do or trying to do is create a character that would put a face on how one has to be accountable for every action that they do. ”


A number of other top notch actors are in the film including Lou Gossett Jr., Lamman Rucker and Keith David.

Net proceeds from “The Undershepherd” will be going to The Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts in DC.

Tene’ Croom is President of Tene’ Croom Communications. Reach her at tene.croom.tc@gmail.com or www.tenecroom.com

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