OutKast members Andre Benjamin (Andre 3000) and Antwan Patton (Big Boi) star in the film, which was directed by Bryan Barber. Barber has worked with OutKast before directing music videos and makes his feature film directorial debut with the OutKast project.
Ving Rhames, Terrence Dashon Howard, Faizon Love, Malinda Williams, Paula Jai Parker, Jackie Long, Paula Patton, and recording artist Patti LaBelle co-star in the film. Singer Macy Gray, Ben Vereen, and Cicely Tyson are also featured.
In a statement issued by Universal Pictures, Adam Fogelson, President, Universal Pictures Marketing and Eddie Egan, Co-President, Universal Pictures Marketing said, "Seeing a very rough cut of this film was an incredibly exciting experience. We very much wanted to be part of bringing this film to a wide audience, and we're delighted to be partnering with HBO Films and Charles Roven."
HBO Films President Colin Callender said, "Andre Benjamin and Antwan Patton are artists without parallel on the cultural landscape. Together with director Bryan Barber, their videos have taken the synthesis of music, cinema and style to a whole new dimension. We are proud and excited that they have chosen to work with HBO to bring their unique vision of an original musical to the screen, and we are delighted to be working with Universal Pictures -- whose unbridled enthusiasm for the film promises to turn this into a major motion picture event."
The OutKast musical takes place in the 1930s and is set in a Southern speakeasy. Benjamin stars as Percival, the club's piano player. Patton plays Rooster, the club's lead performer and manager.
Universal plans on releasing the film, which was shot in Wilmington, North Carolina and Universal City, CA, in 2006.
SOURCE: Universal Pictures
