THE WEDDING RINGER Producer Says Kevin Hart Is His 'Go To' Actor

Hollywood Producer Will Packer is no stranger to making hit movies. He has produced box office blockbuster's such as Think Like A Man, Ride Along, No Good Deed and the recently successful "The Wedding Planner". Packer sat down with Maria Menounos' Black Hollywood Live network and discussed why he loves working with superstar Kevin Hart. "Kevin is a hustler, whatever it takes, he is going to make it happen. He is tireless. The reason we work so well together is because we have a similar work ethic. He has the drive to never slow down and he is insanely funny".

When asked how often Hart is top choice for his projects, Packer stated "Because I know Kevin's talent and skill set, when I read projects, I immediately think of him because I automatically know if its something that's tailered for his skill set. Other times, it's about developing things around him, because I know if it is something he will want to do. THE WEDDING RINGER was a project that was already in existence and wasn't written for Kevin, but I knew he would kill it in the role! On the other hand, The character in THINK LIKE A MAN was totally designed with Kevin in mind."

Packer continued "As a producer, you have to see talent. When I first started workig with Kevin, I saw how he was building a really strong fan base on social media, even though on the Hollywood side, it had not translated yet to a box office hit at that point. It did translate to a whole bunch of twitter followers, which meant there were a lot of people who were aware of his talent."

Packer also loves creating strong female characters. He has cast some of todays top female talent such as Taraji P. Henson and Beyonce in projects. "Beyonce, its been said a million times, let it be a million and one, she is the Queen for a reason. She works hard. That was the one thing with being on set with her while making Obsessed. If she's into a project she is in 110%. She goes hard. Every film I make I have a component with an eye towards women, and especially African American women. They are a monster demographic, they are tastemakers, they are influencers, they are loud and I mean that in a persuasive kind of way. I would be remiss if I didn't make content with that audience in mind."

The sought after producer is one of the busiest men in Hollywood. He is currently developmenting deals with NBC and producing several new movies, such as the highly anticipated NWA biopic directed by F. Gary Gray. "It is some of F.Gary Gray's finest work. I am so happy, because this was a film that was a long time coming and wasn't an easy film to make, but people are really going to enjoy it. It's going to deliver what audiences are hoping and expecting and more."

For more of this interview, check out:
Itunes:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/portraits/id611663536?mt=2
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_i509fbve0
Site:http://www.blackhollywoodlive.com/2015/01/10/portraits-w-will-packer-january-9th-2015-black-hollywood-live/

Black Hollywood Live is the world's first online broadcast network dedicated to African American entertainment. Black Hollywood Live programming features insider information, insightful commentary and in-depth interviews with some of Hollywood's biggest stars and influencers. For more information about the network, visit http://www.BlackHollywoodLive.com, or contact Executive Producer @DerrialChriston

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