Interview: Dusan Brown Dishes on the New Netflix movie, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ + Drops Knowledge on #BlackLivesMatter
Teen director, writer, and actor, Dusan Brown has been named one of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts for his short film, Reece, where he served as writer, director, co-DP, editor, colorist and is featured in. Notably, he’s also won numerous other impressive awards for this film. Dusan can next be seen in the Netflix movie, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, starring opposite Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is based on August Wilson’s play by the same name. Dusan sat down with Glitter to discuss his acting career, what it was like working opposite Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman in the Netflix film, his short films, and his thoughts on the state of the nation. Find out more about this extraordinary writer, director, and actor who is just getting started.
GLITTER: How long have you been acting?
DUSAN: Pretty much all of my life. Booked my first print ad, I think, when I was about six or seven-weeks-old and my first commercial at about two or three-years-old for Kohls, I think. lol
GLITTER: What was your big break?
DUSAN: I wouldn’t necessarily say that I’ve had “that big break” role, yet, but I’ve more so had many breaks along the way – each have kind of been building blocks. 🙂 I will say, though, that as an eight-year-old, booking Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway as Young Simba… that experience has been just… PHENOMENAL, then working with Chadwick Boseman in the movie 42 at age 10, knowing that I worked with The Black Panther BEFORE he was Black Panther, will go down in the history books for me as a great break… shouts to Casting Director Ms. Vickie Thomas & The Director Mr. Brian Helgeland for believing in me! 🙂 But getting the call that I booked Netflix’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, last summer, was surreal and having worked with Mr. Chadwick Boseman (a 2nd time), Mrs. Viola Davis, Mr. Glynn Turman, Mr. Colman Domingo, Mr. Michael Potts and spend an entire summer with Mr. Denzel Washington, was a young actor’s dream come true. So perhaps that’ll be my “big break”… you never know in this industry. I enjoy the work so much, I just take each role as they come and do my due diligence to bring to life that character as best as possible and not worry about what’s next, but just hope that I’ve embodied the role enough to inspire and uplift viewers, as much as possible through the story the writer and directors are conveying.
GLITTER: What is your approach to auditioning?
DUSAN: I first read the breakdown, then the sides while highlighting my lines, then I thoroughly research the filmmakers attached, so I’ll have an idea perhaps of their vision for the character, given their style for previous projects. Then I go back to the sides, then I make character notes on the back based on what the breakdown has given, in addition to what I’ve discovered about the character myself based on studying the sides, researching dialects (if from a certain period or region) and script (if available); then I review and read the sides, again, and start working through various interpretations to myself until I feel my read is in a natural, profound enough state, then I go to my Mom for up-coaching, finishing touches and nuisances.
GLITTER: What can you tell us about your role in the upcoming Netflix movie, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom?
DUSAN: If you’re familiar with August Wilson’s play, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, then you’ll also be familiar with my character, Sylvester. Sylvester is the nephew to Ma Rainey, who’s played by Mrs. Viola Davis. My character is sort of her right-hand man, transitioning from a kid to this young man, learning to gain independence, earn his own money. That’s about the extinct of what I can say about the character at this point, but I believe audiences will fall in love with Sylvester as they often have expressed their love for this classic character from the play, as well. I hope my interpretation doesn’t disappoint. 🙂
GLITTER: What’s it like starring opposite Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman?
DUSAN: Aww, man, again for a young entertainer, working alongside them on a daily basis… watching them shift into character… and literally BRINGING IT, every take, going hard, just blew my mind! It was extremely inspiring and motivated me to step up my game as an actor and made me so excited about my future as a filmmaker to dream of collaborating with such talented professionals that could bring my stories to life in such a way… it’s almost indescribable. Just know that if I never work another day as an actor, I wouldn’t be mad, because working with such legendaries in the game has taught me a lifetime of knowledge… of the importance of ownership… creating my own content… being true to self… and the importance of always reaching back to help others coming up behind me. I look forward to that, as an actor, writer, and director.
GLITTER: How like or unlike your characters are you?
DUSAN: Regarding my character, Sylvester in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, I’ll start by saying I don’t have a stutter in real life and my aunt isn’t an iconic blues singer! (lol) So in more ways than not, I tend to be more unlike many of the characters I’ve played, so far, but can definitely find a commonality and for Sylvester that was the fact that he was “coming into his own.” And as I booked it the summer before my senior year of high school, I felt I was going through that life transition, as well. So, that’s all I’ll say about that… sshhh, no spoilers… if you haven’t read the play, been living under a theatrical / entertainment rock (lol) or haven’t come across any of the thousands of posts about famous playwright August Wilson or his beautiful, body of works.
GLITTER: Can you tell us about being named “2020 US Presidential Scholar” and how that came about?
DUSAN: Being “bestowed upon the highest honor achievable by a high school student,” for me, came about through an abundance of hard work, sweat and tears… and maybe even a little bit of blood! (lol) It took tremendous dedication on both ends, academics, and creatively and wouldn’t be possible to have achieved such an honor, without my family and friends who supported and helped me along the way, though. Being a Presidential Scholar is a great feeling of accomplishment and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my fellow Scholars, as well as tapping the brains of my newly adopted mentors through YoungArts, as well as the resources available to us. Although we didn’t get to take the traditional, all-expense, trip to DC, visit the White House, and attend the various, regularly scheduled educational sessions and such, I’m hopeful that we’ll still reap the benefits of the tremendous hard work exerted to receive the honor. I received my medallion a few days ago and if nothing else, it made my chest pop out with pride more than ever! (lol). But becoming a Presidential Scholar (Arts – Film) all started when I submitted my short film, Reece, to the National YoungArts Foundation competition. From there, out of 7,000+ applicants across all arts disciplines, I became 1/170 or so chosen as a Finalist, 1/10 in the Film category. Then out of the 170 finalists, 60 are recommended to the Department of Education as Presidential Scholar (Arts) Candidates. That application was probably about a 16-hour process (lol) and out of the 60 arts recommendations, Presidential Scholars selects their top 20 Scholars of the Arts, which included me! So a very lengthy, highly competitive process, but an extreme, national honor!
GLITTER: Can you tell us more about your short film, Reece?
DUSAN: I wrote, directed, edited and was featured in my short film, Reece, which was shot my junior year in high school and my goal with this project was to tell a story about a young, Black man in America… or anywhere for that matter… showing the humanity in a young man that takes strong pride in his community, so much so that he’s looked upon as the neighborhood hero. Reece stands up for those who need help, because well… calling the cops is basically like calling a free hitman in these neighborhoods. Reece was the first project I submitted to national film festivals and that was the end of my junior year of high school. So, to date, in addition to being instrumental in my being named a U.S. Presidential Scholar (Arts) and 2020 National YoungArts Winner, Reece has won five (5) national film festivals, received 14 nominations, has been viewed by over 10,000 people and is currently being used to teach filmmaking to tweens and teens all around the world, through All American High School Film Fest’s curated student films. Reece has forced me to dream bigger – it’s impact and results are more than I could’ve ever dreamt for this project or any of my work as a beginning filmmaker.
GLITTER: Can you tell us about being recently being accepted into Chapman University and what you are looking to pursue there?
DUSAN: Yes, for sure! This fall I head off to Chapman University as a freshman matriculating their film production program with a concentration on directing. It’s a pretty prestigious film program and I’m elated to have earned a spot in this very selective class. I look forward to learning and growing, not only as a filmmaker but as an actor, as well given the many life adventures I’m sure I’ll encounter, as most college freshmen do. I can’t wait to collaborate with other brilliant minds and make more dope content. If nothing else, I plan to get my money’s worth… that’s for sure! (lol) So I hope the professors are ready for my overload of curiosity and eagerness to soak up as much knowledge and experience as possible, with a goal of honing my craft. Also, given the state of our country, I look forward to being an active member of the Black Student Union to continue further amplifying our voices, helping to change laws, policies and the systemic racism and injustices my race has suffered for over 400 years in our country.
GLITTER: Can you tell us about Cereal and Trash?
DUSAN: Cereal is a short film (10 minutes) I wrote, directed and starred in alongside my older brother, Dante Brown. I filmed this one the second semester of my senior year in high school. Cereal tells the story of how in a time of crisis a brother is always there to lend a helping hand. It explores the dynamics of brotherly bond, as well as the idea that every human, no matter their age, has a breaking point. This was the last project I filmed before quarantine and I feel my best work, so far. I’ve shared it with a few of my mentors, so far, and their feedback has been very, very encouraging and I’m excited to witness how it impacts other viewers, as well. Next steps, I’ll be submitting Cereal to various film festivals and using it as my calling card to, hopefully, secure other filmmaking opportunities whether unpaid shadowing or paid internships.
Trash is another short film (about 9 minutes) I wrote and directed at the beginning of my senior year of high school. I didn’t act in this one, but instead one of my best friend’s, Faith Tucker, who’s normally my AD (Assistant Director) on my sets and was actually my AD on this shoot, too, (lol… yes, we multi-task a lot!) stars in this one. In addition, I must shout out Maya Boyce who’s the other star in Trash… they REALLY brought it! The beauty of attending an arts high school, we get to tap in to so much talent, right from within our immediate circle. Both Faith and Maya are also new LACHSA (Los Angeles County High School for the Arts) alumni. But Trash is a story about a girl who finds out the truth about her background and goes on a search to discover the essence of her being.
Trailers for both Cereal and Trash will soon be posted to my social media and for a limited time, the full versions are currently being screened through my high school’s first virtual film showcase. Check them out and let me know what you think: LACHSACinema/Showcase.com
GLITTER: What is the film/short making process like for you?
DUSAN: The filmmaking process for me, is honestly, a love-hate relationship… but definitely more love than hate! I love writing, getting in the minds of different people, creating different characters, finding their motivations, their wants, their needs, and either fulfilling them or depriving them of those things to progress the story. It’s a joy and challenge to create compelling characters that push the story forward with their actions and watching their consequences unfold. I’ve been told that the passion I exemplify for filmmaking, comes off as being easy. When my mind is open and flowing, I can write 60+ pages over a 2-day period. I’ve always been very curious, and my mentors have told me this is an advantage in storytelling, so I use that to communicate my thoughts and stories, in the hopes of reaching the audience and making the story relatable.
I’ve always been obsessed with listening to stories, pondering alternate endings, as well as telling them and building entire worlds; taking viewers on a journey through my characters’ eyes and getting them to understand a character’s choices and to view their world from a perspective they thought they’d never see. Having been an actor, all of my life, directing appears to come naturally for me, and just as much as I enjoy the freedom to experiment, I love leading actors on an adventure, letting them explore and find truths of the character, in order to create something authentic.
GLITTER: What pushes and motivates you on a daily basis?
DUSAN: The idea that I’m going to die someday pushes me forward, tremendously… I understand that sounds bleak, but it’s true, at least for me. The idea that there is this ticking clock on my life, makes me want to work harder and shoot for the stars to reach my full potential and make my mark on the world… or at least get in a position to help those in need or to find a kid like me and be that guiding force in their life… like a mentor or something of that nature, before my clock strikes zero. The feeling I experienced last summer, being in the presence of Netflix’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom cast AND crew, left me wanting to be on the giving end because what I received from them, compelled me to want to do the same.
GLITTER: One highlight of your career so far?
DUSAN: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom has probably been my career highlight so far, because it was such a phenomenal experience working amongst so many legends, learning so much from them and their talks on breaks and during lunch, on a daily basis. Then having an opportunity to change hats and go from being an actor in front of the camera to a young filmmaker shadowing the director, DP, and crew members working behind the camera, learning so much, has definitely been a highlight in my career, so far.
GLITTER: Best advice you were ever given?
DUSAN: Actually, I might be biased (lol), but my parents are constantly pouring into me great advice as I advance from one stage of life to the next. But last summer, I had an opportunity to interview the men of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Chad Boseman, Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, Michael Potts, Larry Cherry (hairstylist) and Denzel Washington) and while interviewing Mr. Washington, he shared some very personal information with me, during the hour and half time we spent together, and the quote that he shared with me that was a huge eye-opener and really hit home, considering how things were going at that particular time in my life as a high schooler was “Ships don’t sink because of the water behind them, they sink because of the water in them.” I’ll let that sink in… and standby for more to come when I release my documentary resulting from my interviews with these living legends.
GLITTER: What are your thoughts on the current state of our nation and the #BlackLivesMatter Movement?
DUSAN: I’m gonna start by saying I believe the current state of our nation is, unfortunately, absolutely divided! And I believe this is mostly attributed to the lack of leadership, compassion and mental limitations and unwillingness to change, longstanding unjust policies and practices, exemplified by those in power. But at the same time, I think the current movement is long overdue and exhilarating in a sense! I love the positive aspect of what’s going on! This is a different time period, yet the same injustices keep happening to our race… enough is enough. It’s great to see the large number of people stepping up, protesting, demanding justice for not just George Floyd, but a call to end the systemic racism and injustices experienced by Black and brown people, on a daily basis.
The call to defund the police makes sense to me, as it’s a known fact that when you pour more positivity into the communities of those less fortunate, it arms them with valuable resources to educate, expand and explore, thus positioning themselves in a more positive situation. It’s one thing to see the historical videos of the marches and activism that took place in the past, but for my generation to be able to take part, whether by spreading the word, making calls to Congress and our legislators, donations to reputable organizations like GrassRootsLaw.com or on the front line marching and protesting, has created a sense of hope.
It makes me feel good seeing more and more people that aren’t Black or brown, standing at the front line, helping us along the way… joining the movement. We all know that there’s power in numbers and we’re witnessing it right before our very eyes. #BlackLivesMatter is more than a hashtag… it’s a movement that I’m excited to be a part of, proud of being in that number and hopeful to witness the change coming to fruition, in my lifetime.
GLITTER: What can others do to show support?
DUSAN: First of all, connect with me to stay abreast of my latest projects. Starving artist ALWAYS need and appreciate your support! (lol) I have quite a bit in the hopper and all support is greatly appreciated. I know filmmaking and acting isn’t an easy profession, but I also realize that the power of one strong story can impact millions. And my goal is to continue bringing our stories to life. So, when my website goes live, I’d appreciate everyone signing up to be a part of my community, watching my films, leaving comments about my music videos, and any other work I share. And then, later this year, when Netflix releases Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, please go to the movies and take a family member and friend. Show up in huge numbers, because as it’s been said time and time again, if we want more stories with us as leads, we must support and spread the word about these stories… put your money where your mouth is and let’s keep these exciting times going. In addition to that, Ma Rainey‘s an amazing film, with legendary actors and I believe all ages will relate to it, which speaks to the authenticity and timelessness of this great work of August Wilson. So, go now and follow me on Instagram… stay tuned for the announcement of my coming soon crowdfunding campaign to raise funds as I gear up to shoot my first feature film, next summer.
GLITTER: Glitter has a Celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign, what’s self-love mean to you?
DUSAN: Being able to celebrate my accomplishments and learn from my failures. Also, self-love to me, means participating in activities that keep me level headed and balanced, so that I can continue being as healthy (spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally) and productive as possible and that sometimes looks like, just sitting down and being still, praying or even an occasional massage. Yes, I said it, blame it on my Mom for exposing me to one of her fave pastimes. lol
GLITTER: What would be a dream role for you?
DUSAN: Working alongside Donald Glover in an action-packed, dramedy that we both star in and have written together along with Stephen Glover; and/or the lead in a psychological thriller!
…and or a stress-inducing drama!
…and or a John Wick shoot ’em up type movie!
…and or a laugh out loud comedy alongside Kevin Hart!
I’m all over the place (lol)… I know, but being so young, the advantage is that I still have sooooo many more dreams and goals to pursue both as an actor and filmmaker!
GLITTER: What’s a day in the life for you like on isolation?
DUSAN: After the typical, morning hygiene stuff, I map out my day, going down the calendar and things-to-do list, because even though we’re in quarantine, that doesn’t mean that the work stops (lol), you know? I start by answering emails. Right now I’m finishing up registering for college, marketing the screenings of my short films that are out, prepping and researching as much as possible in anticipation of shooting my feature, next summer, devising a plan to launch the young filmmakers’ program I mentioned earlier and organizing my ideas and concepts for the feature film I want to make with the young actors I mentioned above, as well. I’m writing, writing, and doing more writing! (lol) I attend A TON of online filmmaking workshops, whether via MasterClass.com, Seed&Spark, SundanceInstitute.com, SXSW Speaker Series on YouTube, watching a documentary or a bio about one of my filmmaking role models, basically keeping my mind in motion. I make sure I get in family time, whether we binge-watch a show or go to the drive-in to catch a movie. I’m working on implementing a workout routine, because the extinct of that, right now, for me consists of walking my puppy and even half of those are shared responsibilities with my brother. (lol)
And in the midst of work, setting goals, honing my business plans, and accomplishing things on my to-do list, on my downtime, I might hop on a Zoom call with my fellow Chapman film classmates, where we’ll watch a movie or play a game or you can find me… playing VIDEO GAAAAMMEEESSS. it’s normally Call of Duty Warzone with my friends, Jaden Martin and Niles Fitch. Having had an action-packed senior year, left very little time to socialize, so I figured I’d get my gaming time on, right now, before I’m back into the routine of work, work, work while in college. But I’m having fun and I think I might even start streaming. (lol) As a team, I think we’re hilarious to watch… don’t expect a win every game, but you can definitely expect some laughs.
GLITTER: Favorite ways to find your Zen?
DUSAN: Writing. I find it very therapeutic and calming, and this quarantine has given me plenty of opportunities to flush out and write a plethora of new stories, shorts, and a couple of features. Talking things out with my parents and God Mom (Dr. Douglass) and playing video games with my friends and brother.
GLITTER: First place you’ll go when isolation ends?
DUSAN: Six Flags!
GLITTER: What are your top 5 binge-worthy shows?
DUSAN: Rick & Morty, BlackAF, Ozark, Avatar the Last Airbender, and Atlanta (if you haven’t seen Atlanta, and why on earth there would be someone who hasn’t is beyond me, but definitely a MUST WATCH!!!)… and if I could slide in a 6th, it would have to be Todd McFarlane’s SPAWN!
GLITTER: Is there something about you that your fans would be surprised to know?
DUSAN: I enjoy watching Gossip Girl… (lol) like for real, for real. (lol)
GLITTER: Smoothies or Green Drinks?
DUSAN: Smoothies for sure, but don’t tell my Mom because she’ll make me watch Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead again!
GLITTER: Any projects you can tell us about that you’re working on next?
DUSAN: Absolutely, I have a few in the works! Along with my Dad and brother, Dante, we co-wrote a feature film currently entitled, The Last Concert for Ricky… very powerful and moving story. It would be great if it’s selected to screen at Sundance and SXSW, but after completing our first draft, we had a table read, last year, and almost everyone in attendance was in tears as the story came to an end. So, pretty soon we’ll be launching a crowdfunding campaign for that, with the goal of shooting it summer 2021… it’ll be my first feature film directing, too… I’m super excited! I also have a few music videos for some rising entertainers I’ll be shooting before the end of the year.
And I also plan to curate a community comprised of young filmmakers where we’ll come together, on occasion, to review one another’s screenplays and work, give constructive criticism/feedback, as well as allow young film lovers to join in on the screenings, pose questions and hopefully learn from our experiences, while in turn also helping us filmmakers by giving us their frank opinions… sort of like what a focus group would do, but in this case, peer-to-peer and more fun! (lol)
And finally, I want to join forces with other young actors that have expressed interest in filmmaking, as well, such as Marsai Martin, Lexi Underwood, so that we can create a movie together. We’d act in it, I’d direct it, we’d all produce it and present it to our peers and the world. In a sense, a movie made for us, by us… I think that would not only be a lot of fun, but an amazing opportunity for Young Hollywood to show that we’re about the business, too, of this industry called “show business” and that our stories and voices should be heard, too.
GLITTER: How can fans follow you?
DUSAN: Instagram & Twitter – @dusanbrown. Facebook – Dusan Brown (with the blue checkmark); don’t send requests to the other one, because that’s private, strictly for family and friends, only. (lol) DusanBrown.net – my website showcasing my body of work as a filmmaker and actor… coming soon. •
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