THIS INTERVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.

Writing Volume 2....An interview with Kevin F. Allen.

I'm here with one of the co-writers and co-creators of The CLOSET, Kevin F. Allen. Who also portrays the role of Zachary Sledge. Let me tell you boys and girls he's as cute as me and you all know I'm as cute as a Button. Hello Kevin, thank you for stopping by and you're my first guest.

Kevin: Thanks for having me.

Before we get to the meat and the juice, tell us, why was The CLOSET created and what is its purpose?

The idea of The CLOSET was birthed following the wedding of an acquaintance. Several other guys and I were a part of the wedding party and knew for a fact, the groom was gay. We thought it was really sad this woman, who was an older woman, had no clue. Long story short, the idea of writing a book about the topic was thrown on the table and Maurice eventually proposed a film and later The CLOSET on dvd was born.

Okay The CLOSET…Malcolm's drunk on Donnell's floor. Sheldon left the club with a stranger and the look he gave Sheldon sort-of scared me --- on to the biggies --- Where is Nathaniel? Did Sharon leave him? And Nicholas and Eugene really died? Okay kiddo 'you got sum splan'n to do, an I mean now!' (lol).

Buttons,

It's Button, thank you.

Sorry BUTTON. I once heard gay guys were over sensitive. I see you're no different.

- Excuse me? Do you know my sexuality??

Oh. Please accept my apology and let me answer your questions.

That would be best.

For confidentiality reasons I'm unable to answer most of your questions, but if you and I could go out for drinks after this interrogation I'll share some things with you (smile).

I know you can't give too much away. I heard from your co-writer Maurice Townes - he said your brain never stops when it comes to creating storylines. Tell us about some of them.

Well there are storylines about gay people and straight people and that's all I can say.

I love how all the characters are some how connected. Who's the mastermind behind that? Is it a difficult task?

It was Maurice's idea and I wasn't crazy about it at first, but now I love it, especially when the characters fall together as you'll find in the continuation of the season.….And no it's not difficult.

Hold up, wait a minute, lets get to Zachary's Triangle. Are you, well I mean is Zachary - my homie - is he going to ask Jeanette the question or what? And has Quincy really dumped you? Because I hear there's an "open space" on your throw pillow. I don't have high demands. Oh, you can answer the questions.

Oh by the way, to be clear, my contract should be separate from Thread.

Yes, Quincy does dump Zachary and the jury is still out on Ms. Wellington. He does want to pop the question, but she starts acting a little funny, as in different, later on in the show. And no Button, I'm not going to tell you the details.

What's been the largest writing challenge while continuing the storylines and plots of these great characters?

The biggest challenge, hmmmmm....I would say to be sure we step out of one character and plot and go to the next without getting the storylines crossed. Once the characters are in your head it becomes much easier.

Where do these stories come from?

They are all made up based on things we've heard and witnessed. Very little is based on Maurice's or my personal life.

Is it important to you as a Screenwriter that your words are delivered as you wrote them?

For the most part, as long as it doesn't change the meaning of the line that is being delivered I'm okay if the actor strays just a bit.

Do the characters live in your head?

Constantly!

I really like when the scene turns into a drawing. Is that something you all decide when you're writing? Do you think the artist would create a drawing of me? I'm interviewing him next month. I'm still working on how to pronounce his name. I hear Maurice can't pronounce Isaias name? Is he hard to work with? Maurice that is, not Isaias? Becau-

Button slow done.

I know I just want to meet everyone and make a good impression.

Just be yourself.

I did that on my last job and got fired.

Why?

I told the others it wasn't my fault. Blue Thread 71 was old, and died, so I fell off the job and the owner replaced us all. Everyone blamed me. How was I suppose to stay on the job....as a button with no Thread?

That job is a fifty-fifty position.

That's what I said. And they still let us go. You can CLICK HERE to checkout my story. I better get back to work. … When writing do you decide where the drawings are going to be?

No, that's a Maurice's decision as the Director.

Do you decide how the characters say the words? If the words are sad incorrectly they could have a completely different meaning.

As a screenwriter, I rely on the Director, in this case Maurice, to bring my words to life.

The series is currently written as a continuing story. Will that change in Volume 2?

Yes, you'll find future episodes to be self-contained episodes. In case you're not familiar with that term -- it means the storylines in each episode will not linger on and on as they do in a soap opera.

Tell us about some of the new characters in Volume 2, again.

We'll have men and women, young and old. Why do you keep trying to find out information, which I have clearly deemed as being classified?

I'm just sayin'...I guess I should say ...asking.

In developing a character how is research done in creating his/her background and personality? Like for example, I thought it was kewl to have Brice Hennedy connected to Arcellious Lexx and Walter Winners, Sheldon's father, has no problem with him being gay - now that's brilliant - and it's never been done before.

It could be done a number of ways, but I usually determine the purpose of the character first, then their gender. I then go on to their personality and usually the last decision is the name of the character. Maurice likes hammering out a good name for the characters.

My favorite male character is Sheldon. Will we see more of him? I mean this stranger don't kill him or anything like that??

The Sheldon character will be around for a while.

Who's you're favorite character and Why?

Carol Henderson - "I saw you today -- smack!" and Jeanette Wellington. I like these two because they both are extremely volatile characters, yet they are classy ladies. We can go in a number of directions with both characters.

Do you have a different favorite character when you're wearing a different hat…(lol)…meaning…when you're the Screenwriter who's your favorite character…when you're sitting down watching the series holding your Button - I mean your favorite throw pillow - who's your favorite character…when you're on the set as an Actor, who's your favorite character… when you're---

Button, I got it. Yes, I love filming with Deborah Michelle who portrays Jeanette, but as I stated before, I enjoy writing for both Jeanette and Carol. No, I don't have favorite characters when I'm wearing different hats. (smile)

Okay well we're out of time. Thank you Kevin F. Allen for taking the time and speaking with me.

You're welcome Button. Glad you're here.

Thanks. So, Kevin -- in this business it's all about connections and I know you know people. Can you get me an interview with the new Sheldon?

We'll see. You know he is dating and she takes up most of his time.

Maybe I should speak to her to get the interview. I do well with the ladies, you know I'm cute as a button. Now before we go you have to play the "One-Word" game.

Yeah I've heard about this.

I ask you questions and you give 'one word' answers.

Shoot.

Your favorite word?

Happy

Your least favorite word?

Sad

Favorite curse word?

Fuck

Favorite cereal?

Frosted Flakes

How do you prefer your eggs?

Medium scrambled

Favorite soap?

Tone

Favorite toothpaste?

Colgate

Favorite city or town?

The ATL

Favorite Season?

Spring

Favorite vacation spot?

Any place where there aren't many people.

Favorite book?

The Four Agreements

Favorite Musician?

James Ingram and Patti Labelle

Favorite car?

Jaguar

Favorite dessert?

Red Velvet Cake

Beer wine or liquor?

Courvoisier

Bath or shower?

Depends on who I'm with.

RETURN TO TOP

THIS INTERVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.

I'm here with Actor, Preston J. Horne, who portrays the role of Dr. Isaiah Edwards. Yes, everyone he is fine! I'm glad you're able to take some time to chill with me. -- Folks the mole on his nose is real and it's as cute as I am. LOL

(Blushing) Thanks Button. And welcome aboard. I've been hearing good things about you.

I'm being treated well and I'm enjoying the position. Ask me again in six months. If I'm still here.

Are they feeding you?

I don't require food.

Make sure you get fed.

I heard about you and the food thing.

What have you heard?

We better get started we're live.

Oh, okay.

Dr. Edwards has problems. I know you're excited about the re-release of the platinum series. Tell us what that's been like for you?

It's the beginning of a dream finally coming true. For a lot of people. For me, us and especially Kevin and Maurice. From the beginning they wanted to release a three to four hour mini series. In fact when we first started the series, it was called a mini series.

It's three different episode right?

Yes that's right. In the beginning. Back in 2003, we called it a mini series. Now, it's three (holding up 3 fingers) different episodes. I haven't seen it all quite yet, have you?

Yes. It's excellent. What do you mean you haven't seen it all?

It has been changed into a completely different show. I was at Maurice's place and I saw some scenes I hadn't seen. At first I thought it was a different project, then I realized it was The CLOSET. I didn't say much because I didn't want him to know I hadn't watched it yet.

He would have your head if he knew you hadn't watched the show.

You're right don't tell him.

Oooohhhh right, sure I won't tell him.

(Laughing) Actually, Maurice wouldn't have a problem with it. He would be more concern about,'Do you have your lines committed? Are you completely in character?' (LOL)

That's true I sat in on one of his table reads and he's all about 'knowing your character'. He even requires you all to stay in character while on --

on the set and not filming. Yeah that's right. If it's a filming day we're required to wake up in character. He's a tuff Director but he knows what he wants and he has the vision even with the score in his head. (laughing)

He's here every month in the Director's Corner.

I like this area of the Platinum Edition of The CLOSET. Those guys are always working. You're always working too. You're going to fit in good here.

You'll put in a good word for me.

No doubt.

Now the first thing..... I want to talk about is the church scene. What was your first thought when you first read that scene? I mean, the man is masturbating in church and his thoughts are …..of a white man hitting him from the back. With his face in the bible no less. All I could say was.....wow…and I grabbed the pearls.You had to be thinking...Maurice Townes & Kevin F. Allen you guys are insane!.

(laughing) I was like OHHHHHHH MY…. GOD….. This brother has really got some issues. That's when it hit me! It's either I'm going to do my best or not do it at all and the result is what you see on the screen. After really understanding the character, I knew and understood why he was doing what he was doing and the reasons he was doing them.

Filming day of that scene was like what?

Ah… well it started out very tense, I was bit nervous, I really didn't care that much about what the audience thought because I knew when I became the character I would be believable.

Now the next one. You know it's coming…. The lick! What were your thoughts when you first read the scene? How did you feel about another man licking you?

Honestly, the first thing I thought was, 'I hope this white boy breath DON"T STINK.'(laughing) The second thing I thought is Me and Evan better get this right the first take because I am not doing this again and again and we DID. It was done in one take.

Being a straight man - why did you take on this role?

Well, because I didn't look at the role or character as being a gay man. I looked at the content of the man and what he stood for and that this is REAL and it really does HAPPEN and we as a community need to wake up to it.

Do you like Isaiah?

Well, Yes and No, I like a lot of what he stands for; however, we must face it, he is very hypocritical, therefore, there is a lot of things that he does that I do not like or agree with.

How did you feel about coming in and taking over the role from the man who created the character?

Pressure. …but at the same time grateful and honored. I did feel pressure in the beginning because I knew how important this character meant to Maurice and Kevin and the realism that had to be captured and portrayed. Maurice was the very one that allowed me to be creative and comfortable in the end.

What's the most challenging thing about portraying Isaiah?

It's to eliminate Preston, you know, because every time I pick up that script I have to eliminate Preston because Isaiah is different from me or anyone else I know.

If you and Isaiah could go out and have a drink what would you all talk about?

First, I would have to get him to stop flirting (laughing) once that's accomplished, well, now… he is a very successful man and athletic so therefore we probably would throw in a mix of business, sports, religion and maybe politics you know that's what guys talk about.

Is he going to end up with Brice?

I don't know if I should tell you that…(smirking)… I will let the audience be the judge of that. Shoot, I don't know either.. Well, if he licks me again, he won't; well at least I know Preston won't… (Laughing)

Everyone knows you and Isaiah are like night and day. Is there a twilight or dust area where you and Isaiah are alike on some things?

Yeahhhhhhh I would say, his quest to be the best in what he does, his family and also his love for God, because he really DOES believe in those things and cherish them.

What are your thoughts when people say, 'He must be gay he's playing that role to well' or 'Can't no straight actor do what a gay actor can do'?

Then, I say, Thank you for the compliment.

And thank you Preston for the interview. Before we go you have to play the "One-Word" game.

I'm looking forward to this.

Here we go. Your favorite word?

Amazing.

Your least favorite word?

CAN'T

Favorite curse word?

Dammit

Favorite cereal?

Frosted Flakes

How do you prefer your eggs?

Vegetarian

Favorite soap?

Oil of Olay

Favorite toothpaste?

Pearl Drop

Favorite city or town?

Chicago

Favorite Season?

Fall

Favorite vacation spot?

Jamaica

Favorite book?

The Richest Man in Babylon

Favorite Musician?

Marvin Gaye

Favorite car?

BMW

Favorite dessert?

Strawberry short cake

Beer, Wine or liquor

Wine

Bath or shower?

Shower

RETURN TO TOP

THIS INTERVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.

THE CLOSET REFORMATTED....An interview with Maurice Townes.

I'm here again with the Director of the series who's also the co-screenwriter, co-creater, and portraying the role of Arcellious Lexx, That's a lot.

It is, and it's fun.

And this interview is going to be fun. I've gotten to know you over these past two years and so I have a little more control over my page now so I'm going to ask all of the tuff questions and ..

Button, this is not your audition for The View.

Oh.

Calm it down, you're with me.

Okay. You're right. We love each other here. So you'll let me interview you and you'll get to wear all of your many hats. Please????

Okay. Only for you Button.

I'm sure you've heard about all of the questions regarding 'is the Platinum Edition Volume 1 just the old stuff from Diversity That Bonds, Part 1 and Diversity That Bonds, Part 2 released again?' Is the show different or is it the same? What happened to Diversity That Bonds, Parts 3 and Diversity That Bonds, Part 4?

Oh that. I'm sooooo sick of all those questions. That's a question for the Creators and the Executive Producers of the series. (slight smile).

When I first came here everyone wanted to tell me all of the drama surrounding the series and I didn't allow anyone to tell me anything, because I wanted to get a feel for things myself. Plus, you know if I had a question of any kind, I would hit you up directly because you have an open door policy.

I do have an open door policy. Okay, Button I see you're pouring on the charm here -- so, I'll address the question here once and for all and we can tell everyone you got the story directly from me.. Here's the deal, The CLOSET --

Hold up! Start from the beginning, because some people have been with the series before it was even released. Old cast members that were in the series is telling folks drama, new cast members -- who are now old cast members have a story which involves drama, it's drama about who was fired and who quit. Then we have the Q. Television Network stories and rumors. Some people think they know what happen and their spreading false information it's a mess of rumors out there. Some are saying LOGO made you take the series off the market because they didn't want it to be out during the sametime as Noah's Arc.

(chuckling) I haven't heard that one.

Then the one about the cast and crew suing the company because you all made millions and didn't pay the cast and crew.

(Laughing) That's crazy. Millions! (LOL) So where's my house, plane, yacht, and of course the Aston Martin? Let me just tell you so we can put all of these rumors to rest. And I'll start at the beginning. (chuckling) On March 23, 2004, The CLOSET - Part 1 was released. It's title was, "The CLOSET : Diveristy That Bonds, Part 1". Then, on November 14, 2004, The CLOSET Part 2 was released. It's title was, "The CLOSET : Diveristy That Bonds, Part 2". Next, Part 3 which was entitled, "The CLOSET: Decisions, Decisions..." was scheduled to be released in March 2005. So we started pre-selling it.

Hold on, I heard that it was some type of law suit that held up everything during the release of Part 1.

Yes, that's correct. (smiling) I see they have been telling you about the drama. That stuff is behind us now, but I guess folks have to talk. Here's what happened, one of the Executive Producers (EP) -- no, Button, I will not mention the name...but if I was to mention her name it would be Elizabeth Cooke (smile). This particular EP waited until Part 1 was to be released before mentioning her issues with Isaiah in church masturbating.

You mean the character, Dr. Isaiah Edwards, portrayed by Preston J. Horne. I interviewed him this month.

Yeah, Preston's doing an excellent job portraying confused and hypocritical, Isaiah. Why did you want to --

Clarify that? Because, I know and you know you're talking about a character that's in a fictional series entitled The CLOSET. However, when some folks hear "issues with Isaiah in church masturbating ---". They'll be writing me asking who's his friend Isaiah that was masturbating and blah blah blah.

(smiling) See, I knew I hired the right person for this job. You're correct. Some people can't tell the difference between real life and fiction.

That's another interview. We have you here at the Director's Corner every month. So, we'll get to that aspect of the series.

Okay. So this EP, after reading the script, understanding the storyline and the direction of the character and scenes and after screening the ruff-cut and the final; didn't say a word until three days before we were scheduled to release.

How did it happen?

Which part?

I mean, did your Attorney call you? Did the EP call a meeting?

Our Attorney informed us. Then I telephoned the EP immediately and we met and the bottom line was and I quote, "I consulted my Pastor and we've decided this wasn't a good thing at this particular time". In addition, this EP was not interested in her investment being returned, she wanted the scene removed from the series.

Oh. Wow, and this was after talking to her Pastor? Who's her Pastor, again?

Button, I can't tell you that.

I'm just sayin'...I guess I should say ...asking.

I know you were not going for that.

Hell no. So we ended up in court.

The result.

Okay the bottom line, we won, the scene was released in the series - uncut -- and we all lived happiler ever after.

The EP stayed with the series?

Yes, for another four months. And things were good.

Because the Pastor was staying out of ---

Don't go there Button.

I'm just sayin'

I just don't want folks emailing and ---

They can email me. I always enjoy a healthy conversation. My email address is button@thecloset.tv

You all heard that, email Button don't email me. So, that was the story behind the delay of The CLOSET: Diversity That Boinds, Part 1. Kevin and I funded The CLOSET: Diversity That Bonds, Part 2 and it was released without incident.

Okay, moving on. The pre-sales of The CLOSET: Decision, Decision, Part 3 were coming from folks around the world. Then rumors of delays begun to surface again. Some folks were trying to get in touch with you all and they were not getting returned phone calls, they were not getting returned emails. Then communication ceased. Then they were told -

Button, please spare me the drama.

Sorry.

Seriously what happen? Tell the people.

In February 2005, a month before The CLOSET: Decisions, Decisions - Part 3, was to be released, we were introduced to Q Television Network. And the courtship was on. It was wonderful. Q Television Network(QTN), was launching itself as the "gay" HBO and they wanted the series as a part of their network. The Programming Director at that time, a great guy by the name of Steve Grunberg got the ball rolling. So we moved into negotiations, which caused everything with The CLOSET: Decisions, Decisions - Part 3 to be placed on hold and when you go into negotiations with a network or broadcast company you can't talk about it.

What do you mean you can't talk about it?

Bottom line, we were not allowed to tell folks we were involved in a broadcasting deal with QTN to air the series once a week.

Really?

Yeah. It's happening right now. Some place there's a broadcast deal to air a series that's in negotiation and folks are not allowed to talk about it or tell anyone.

I can understand. Because what if the deal doesn't close the way you opened it.

Exactly. Or the deal could end up NOT happening for one reason or another. I've learned in this industry it's not real until after its been released, aired or broadcasted.

So that's why you all didn't --- I guess I should say, that's why you all couldn't say anything to your fans and customers.

You got it.

I would hate that. After sending in my money and not hearing a word from Senwot Nella. I would be pissed. Especially, after waiting so long for Part 1 and then the delay with Part 2 and then no word with Part 3.

Button.

I know -- cut the drama.

(laughing) You are correct though. Man, folks were pissed. And it was hard on us as well. Not being able to say, "Look, we're working to bring the series to you every week. So pray it happens." We couldn't say anything. The customers and fans...you think it was hard on them; just think about how hard this had to be on the cast.

The cast? What? You all were not allowed to even tell the cast what was going on?

No. Not really. Because the ONLY thing the cast knew was that we were in dicussions with them. They had no idea what the discussions were about.

I heard.

Ut-Oh.

Ut-Oh, what?

When you start a sentence with 'I heard' you're about to start some rumor mess.

You're learning me well, Mr. Townes. So, I heard, they wanted to replaced the cast.

(smiling, leaning in) They whom? (lol) Yes, they wanted to replace the cast and develop a completely different series. We (myself & Kevin) gave massive push back, so you have the 'real deal' to that one. QTN faught us for months on that particular issue.

Getting back to the fans. You seem to always forget them.

(laughing) Don't be messy.

I'm just say'n. (serious) You never thought of calling two or three of the fans and telling them the "real deal" as you put it?

We were not allowed to do that.

It never crossed your mind, once?

We were not allowed to do that. (smiling) So once the negotiations with QTN were completed we made the annoucement that Part 3 and Part 4 would not be released on DVD and the series would be aired on Q Television Network and we're starting the series from Part 1 with slight modifications. Not many people had heard of Q Television.

I know, I hadn't heard of it.

Wait, what do you mean, you haven't heard of it? You're not suppose to have heard of it. You're a button.

Yes, I know, and you're being interviewed by me.

(defeated) Good point. ------ Okay......So you hadn't heard of it either?

No. Not until I saw the advertisement that they were going to be at a popular restaurant in Atlanta. You all were there.

Yes we were. Kevin and I appeared on JackE. Jett's show promoting the series. That was our first promotional spot for the series to be on QTN.

So life was good, then what happened? Did you inform the fans and or customers?

Yes, however, we were not allowed to provide them with refunds until after the deal was completely closed. Once the deal was closed, Steve retired.

Oh.

And that's when everything changed. How we saw and worked with Q Television Network changed. Frank Olsen and his team destroyed a lot of people's dreams.

Ouch.

Ouch is correct. Their selfish financial acts caused a lot of people to loose money, jobs, time & labor, dreams, goals, etc.

I see you're angry about it.

No, just very disappointed. I believed in the vision of Q Television Network. And obviously, I was not alone in that vision. Frank was able to talk a lot of people, broadcast/cable systems and businesses into that vision. Not to mention a cable station with the vision of QTN is needed and God knows it's time! QTN could have been it.

Yeah, I heard they were hours away from signing with Direct TV.

As Malcolm Cross said in The CLOSET: Platinum Edition Volume 1, 'Yeah, it's fucked up." Doing selfish financial acts benefits no one. So the bottom line, a second management team came in Carol and Frank. Not to be confused with the first Frank Olsen. Those folks worked night and day doing everything they could to save QTN. But Olsen and his team left too much of a mess. It's really a disgrace.

Hold up wait a minute! I heard the owners stole money and it's being called the "gay" Enron.

Yes it was labeled the 'gay Enron'. CNN Headline News covered the story, several publications covered the story. It was terrible.

So the show did air on QTN? And how many people got the network?

About 2.5 million folks in the USA got QTN and yes the series did air on QTN Friday nights. We aired six episodes. (chuckling)

Why the laugh?

The show aired and we couldn't see it in Atlanta. I had friends from New York and Cally calling us telling us about it. They were scheduled be in Atlanta with the Direct TV deal. (quite pause)

Damn that's sad. Then what happened?

QTN with it's new management team breached their contract with us. Kevin and I believe in placing everything in writing. If it's not in writing it does not exist. We live our lives by that rule.

I know you had me sign a contract.

(LOL) When they breached the contract we turned it over to our legal team and that caused us to be waiting yet again. This time it was crazy because a year had gone by and the fans had given up on us.

Yeah I heard. They were not getting any phone calls, emails or anything back from us..so they decided to leave.

I completely understand that. I always tell folks some times, 'it is what it is'. I knew we would get most of the fans back because at the core of everything Kevin and I create it's for a good purpose and message. So 'good' always finds good, plus our message is important for people, not to mention masculine gay men don't have a place to view masculine gay characters such as the ones in our series.

Understood.

Once all of the legal battles were concluded we were able to move forward with the series again. We held several brainstorming sessions and decided it would be best to have the series return to its original state as a dvd-Drama Series

How was that decision reached?

With careful consideration. (laughing) No, really. we gave it a lot of thought. And in every meeting the fans kept coming up. We would get emails of support. I remember talking to this one fan. I won't mention his name because I don't have his permission, but he lives in Harlem and he's been doing some promoting of the series to his friends and family. We even called his home during one of his viewing parties. And at his viewing parties his friends and family purchased several copies of the series.

That's excellent. Usually friends and family want to borrow your copy and never return it.

Button, you know a lot about human behavior, to be a button.

Hey, it's part of the job.

This fan is a great guy and he's not the type of person to really raise his voice but he'll get a little small sharp tone in his voice and if you're savvy you know exactly where he's coming from. He was basically telling us "the hell with the money just get me the damn series." During the brainstorming meetings. I kept hearing his voice in my head. When I mentioned it to Kevin he was thinking the same thing. So the next day we told the board we're moving in the DVD direction and not the network game again.

So this brings us to....

To the question of what are we going to release this time around? Are we going to release Part 3 and Part 4? Should we start over? Should we change this or that. Also, it was several scenes that were created specifically for QTN and we deleted scenes for them as well.

Okay.

So we decided, previously we allowed a network to pull our strings for over a year so lets do what we want to do this time around.

That sounds like fun?

It is. Especially, when you're meeting with a potential investor who wants 'creative powers' within the series.

Like changing the content of the series?

Yes and also Kevin and I had not seeked core investors in the past. Everything was self-funded. This time around we decided to do it the industry way, with other people's money. (lol). It was a little rocky in the beginning getting off the gound.

Why?

A few of the investors and sponsors we were in discussions with wanted us to start over with a new cast and a tighter story.

The new cast would not have been such a great idea?

I do understand it and I even understood the tighter story proposal. However, it was not enough time. That would have placed us out another year and a half, so we moved on to the next investor. During the end we entered the investor's office and from jump stated...the series initial episodes is what it is.

Okay.

Our investors understood the vision of the series initial episodes -- and .

Which is?

To set the foundation of the series. To give the audience a taste of the characters.

And these initial episodes are different from The CLOSET: Diversity That Bonds, Part 1 and The CLOSET: Diversity That Bonds, Part 2?

Yes. It's NOT the same show at all. The CLOSET: Platinum Edition Volume 1 includes a Pilot Episode that's 97 minutes long, episode one that's 77 minutes long and episode two that's 68 minutes long.

So The CLOSET: Diversity That Bonds, Part 1 took the place of The CLOSET: Platinum Edition Volume 1?

NO THAT IS NOT CORRECT!

I'm confused.

Think of it this way. Take The CLOSET: Diversity That Bonds, Part 1 and The CLOSET: Diversity That Bonds, Part 2 and think of them as one long episode.

Got it.

Now take that episode and break it down into scenes.

Got it. That's a lot of scene.

Exactly. Now, within all of those scenes we've made modifications. We changed the coloring, we reshot a portion of the scene, we re-edited the scene. We did several modification or edits to every scenes. However, the sound is a different story. Anyway, not to get you confused.

I'm still with you.

Good.

Because I want people to get this. I get questions about it all the time.

Me too. So then we took the storylines and all of the scenes and changed it massively. Meaning we moved scenes around which changes the meaning of the storyline. It changes the meaning of the plots. You with me.

Got it.

Then we added to the mix new characters and 43 completely new scenes that have never been seen before. EVER.

Okay, hold on, you all took The CLOSET: Diversity That Bonds, Part 1 and The CLOSET: Diversity That Bonds, Part 2 and re-mastered all of the scenes one way or another and then moved those scenes around to created a different story and then you added new characters, plots, and storylines consisting of 43 never before released scene.

YES! You got it.

Now it's starting to make since.

So once we finished we had this saga that was 3 hours and 58 minutes. Then we broke it down into three different shows (i.e. The Pilot (i.e. Episode 1and Episode 2), Episode 3 and Episode 4.

Oooooooo. I get it. That's why you're saying some of the scenes in the Platinum Edition Volume 1 people have seen already? Now I understand why you're saying it's a completely different show. Maybe I should watch The CLOSET: Diversity That Bonds, Part 1 and The CLOSET: Diversity That Bonds, Part 2.

No, that would be a waste of your time.

Why? Because Part 1 and Part 2 has nothing to do with this new Platinum Edition storyline?

EXACTLY. You got it Button.

Maurice we're out of time for this month. I'm sorry. Well actually we're over time. Maurice thanks a million.

I didn't mind staying around for this one. I get these question all the time. I'm glad now I can tell folks to just check out my interview with Button.

That's good. Don't forget to tell them. I'm cute -

As a button. Yeah, I know. I won't forget. (lol)

It's time for the "one word" game.

I'm here every month so I guess I won't be answering these questions every month.

We'll work something out. (lol) The first question, what's your favorite word?

Absolutely.

Your least favorite word?

Horrific

Favorite curse word?

Fuck

Favorite cereal?

Rice Crispy

How do you prefer your eggs?

Fried very hard

Favorite soap?

Caress

Favorite toothpaste?

Close Up

Favorite city or town?

London

Favorite Season?

Winter

Favorite vacation spot?

South Beach

Favorite book?

Interview with the Vampire

Favorite Musician or Musical Artist?

Madonna

Favorite car?

Aston Martin

Favorite dessert?

Red Velvet Cake from Sweet Blessing in Decatur Georgia...I know it's a shameless plug.

Favorite Beer, wine or liquor?

Southern Comfort

Bath or shower?

A bath for two of course. LOL

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The RELEASE of PART 3 & PART 4

I'm here with Executive Producers Maxwel Calloway and Fitzgeral Vaughn. They have been the EP's of the series from day one and they're here to give us the scoop about PART 3 & PART 4. Hello Gentlemen. Glad you're here. How are you?

Calloway: Good.

Vaughn: Excellent, Button and you?

I'm good.

Vaughn: We're glad you're here. We've been hearing and seeing great things since you've arrived.

Calloway: That's true.

Thanks guys. Lets get directly to it.

Calloway: Good, we need to clear up some confusion --

Vaughn: Major confusion!

Calloway: -- with parts three and four of The CLOSET.

Okay, tell the people.

Vaughn: During this past week, we met with the Producers, Creators, Director and even spoke to a few of the retail store owners and there is CONFUSION about exactly what episodes are included in The CLOSET Platinum Edition Vol. 1.

Calloway: As it stands now, The Pilot episode is the OLD, The CLOSET: Diversity That Bonds Part 1 and The CLOSET: Diversity That Bonds Part 2. The other two episodes are episode three and episode four; however, with the Platinum Edition those episodes are labeled episode one and episode two.

Vaughn: This is causing major CONFUSION!!!

I see and I can also understand the confusion. Folks were looking for parts three and four after waiting for soooooo many months only to not find it clearly labeled on the DVD. When it was there all the time.

Exactly.

So to fix the confusion the DVD label has been changed to 'clearly' let customers know, The CLOSET Platinum Edition Vol. 1 includes the following episodes:

· The Pilot (Episode 1 & Episode 2) - (90 mins)
· Episode 3 - (72 mins)
· Episode 4 - (70 mins)

Customers will be pleased the story is continuing.

Yes they will be and yes they are!

Button, thanks for allowing us to address this issus and clear up the confusion.

You're welcome! Since I have both of you here, how about answering a few of our questions?

Our?

Yeah, me and the series' fans.

(laughing) Okay.

The number one email question is, "When is The CLOSET: Platinum Edition Volume 2 being released?"

We'll let Director Townes address that question.Don't you interview him, once a month?

Yeah, i do. Especially with his sponsor investor campaign for Volume 2 and Volume 3. I'll be interviewing him montly discussing the progress.

I'm sure he'll enjoy addressing that question.

(laughing) Agreed.

Understood, well gentlemen thanks for clearing up some issues. I know you're busy so I'll let you two get back your work. Have a great evening.

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FINALLY!! The first photos/images of The CLOSET Platinum Edition Volume 2 are released.

REMEMBER, you saw them here first!!!

Donnell & Malcolm. The kiss finally happens.

Clara, Walter & Emory.

Zachary & Ricardo.

Zachary getting strange news.

Ricardo crying.

Troy being real with Sheldon.

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BUTTON'S CORNER

That's it folks. All of the interviews have not been completed. If you have any interview questions or interview request -- just shoot me an email and I'll see if I can line it up . To reach me CLICK HERE.

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