*(Los Angeles, CA) – Lewis T. Powell’s short film, “Padlock Men,” of which he wrote, starred, directed, and produced has to date netted 28 ‘Official’ Film Festival selections with 17 wins and nominations for its depiction of the historically secret band of vigilante civil rights soldiers.
Doubling throughout the years as a master barber, filmmaker and musician with coast to coast experience from Washington, DC to South Los Angeles, Powell is proud to celebrate 15 years in Hollywood.
He is one of the most diverse talents in the entertainment industry.
Lewis, known as “Lew” to his friends is also a musician and artist, producing and releasing under his independent record company Col’Beast Entertainment as, “Big Lew.” He has worked with a plethora of artists like E-40, Too Short, Scarface, Born Jamerican Edley Shine, B-Legit and Nonchalant.
“Big Lew,” the recording artist stage name of actor Lewis T. Powell has also reached a No. 2 on the Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles charts for over 18 weeks with his hit, “How We Do,” as “Big Lew BKA Popeye Reds featuring Nonchalant” in 2001.
A conversation with Lewis about ‘Padlock Men’ and his career in Hollywood.
Q: Could you share with readers some info about your background?
LTP: I’m a native of Washington, DC and became a Master Barber by family trade. My father has been a barber for 47 years, along with 17 barbers in my extended family. I started off as a sweeper at my family’s barbershop at age 5. I became known in the entertainment circles, as a celebrity master barber. I’ve probably cut the hair of over 50 celebrities like 50 Cent, Wale, OutKast (Big Boi, Andre 3000), John Singleton, Chris Paul, Soulja Boy, Master P, and David Koechner.
Q: What stands out most of your years in the barbershop?
LTP: Growing up in the barbershop gives you a chance to experience men from various walks of life. You see them at some of their most vulnerable times and most intimate times, especially when sharing their life experiences to you. It’s something to be said about learning through other people’s experiences, while you’re gaining traction through your own.
Q: What has been your education path to writing?
LTP: I received a writing scholarship to Howard University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management and administration. I’ve always enjoyed writing and acting. I appreciate the creative process behind storytelling.
Q: How many roles in front of the camera would you say, you have to your credit?
LTP: I’ve been very fortunate in Hollywood to have been in front of the camera acting with 25 credits/roles in television and films, and still counting. (smiles)
Q: What is your true passion?
LTP: I’ve always enjoyed doing different things from writing to sharing authentic stories. I would say my true passion is storytelling. Whether I am acting, writing or directing, it is all storytelling. I enjoy most sharing great stories.
Q: What project(s) are you currently working on?
LTP: Padlock Men is one of my featured projects. It’s a three episode limited series. I shot a proof of concept or pilot project, which is available on Amazon Prime.
Q: How did the conceptual process begin for Padlock Men?
LTP: It started in 2014. I woke up from my sleep one morning and saw this vivid picture of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and John F. Kennedy. It was like these series of pictures around 5 o’clock in the morning came to me and I started vividly speaking the narrative out loud. I had been waiting on an idea to come to me that I really wanted to work on. I knew I wanted to step into another level with my career. I wanted to tell stories of power through my writing that came from the perspective of black people and be unapologetic about it. Fast forward to two years later, I shot the proof of concept to Padlock Men. I am currently shopping a development and creative producer partnership for the film. I am receiving a lot of interest, so stay tuned.
Q: When you leave this earth, what do you what people to know about you?
LTP: He wasn’t a perfect man, but his perfection was in his imperfection and in that growth process, that we all share, he was an honest man to be able to allow himself to be true and organic for other people to grow along with him. This is the kind of work I want to put out, work that is produced in the most honest way possible.
Lew is quick to say, “The journey is the experience and the experience is the journey.” “I believe, if you aim for the sky, but move slowly, enjoying every step along the way, it is all those little steps that make the journey complete.” “Sometimes, it just takes a little longer to get to your destination, but if you make sure to enjoy the journey, eventually, you will get there.”
Lewis T. Powell is known for his roles in the films, ‘Kings” starring Halle Berry and Daniel Craig, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Squatters, starring Richard Dreyfuss and Gabriella Wilde, to name a few.
Lew continues to appear in films, as well as earning notice as a writer, producer, and director.
Learn more at https://www.lewistpowell.com/
source:
The BNM Publicity Group
[email protected]
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