Stormzy has announced he's launching his own film production company - and will star in its first release. #Merkyfilm, like the rapper's other projects #Merkybooks and #MerkyFC, will focus on celebrating black British stories and talent, he says. Its first project is short film Big Man, directed by Oscar-winning film-maker Aneil Karia, known for projects including The Long Goodbye and Surge. It'll be released on YouTube on 18 June and stars Stormzy as a former rap star navigating an uncertain new chapter. The film, produced with Apple, marks the first time the London rapper has acted in a lead role. On the poster for the short, he is credited as Michael "Stormzy" Omari - mixing his real name with his more famous alter-ego. "It captures the joy, the spirit and the fearless energy of youth and I hope it inspires you to dream big," he said, as he announced the project. In the film, which was shot entirely on a phone, Stormzy plays Tenzman, who rediscovers his love of music after forging a bond with two young boys, Klevis and Tyrell. It's an acting debut for 15-year-old Klevis Brahja, who plays his namesake, who bagged the role after being scouted in the street. Tyrell is played by Jaydon Eastman, 14, who's already had West End roles including Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda the Musical and Little Michael in MJ The Musical. Stormzy says he's been working on #Merkyfilm "for a long time" and hopes it will be "a platform for bold, authentic and powerful British storytelling". "I always say: music is my first love, but film is my second. "It's a natural extension of everything we do at #Merky - telling our stories, shining a light on real voices and creating space for those who deserve to be seen and heard." Stormzy established #MerkyBooks six years ago with a prize each year aiming to increase access to the publishing industry for a wider range of voices. In 2022, he added #MerkyFC (Football Careers) to his portfolio, aiming to support people who wanted jobs in the sports industry, witha youth hub in Croydon opening last yearas part of it, complete with a full-size football pitch, recording studio and gaming centre. As well as Big Man, Stormzy also announced other film projects in the pipeline. These include a drama series, animation project and a mockumentary as well as a biopic that his representatives say "promises to leave a lasting cultural mark". Listen to Newsbeatliveat 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen backhere.
Stormzy launches film company with starring role
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"Stormzy Launches Film Company #Merkyfilm with First Project 'Big Man'"
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Stormzy has officially announced the launch of his own film production company, #Merkyfilm, which aims to celebrate black British stories and talent, similar to his previous initiatives like #Merkybooks and #MerkyFC. The first project to be released under this new banner is a short film titled "Big Man," directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Aneil Karia, who is known for his work on projects such as "The Long Goodbye" and "Surge." The film, which is set to premiere on YouTube on June 18, features Stormzy in the lead role as a former rap star named Tenzman, who embarks on a journey of rediscovery after forming a bond with two young boys, Klevis and Tyrell. This marks a significant milestone for Stormzy, as it is his first time taking on a lead acting role, and he is credited in the film as Michael "Stormzy" Omari, blending his real name with his stage persona. He expressed his hopes that the film encapsulates the joy and fearless energy of youth, inspiring viewers to dream big.
In addition to the short film "Big Man," Stormzy has revealed that he has a variety of other film projects in development, including a drama series, an animated project, a mockumentary, and a biopic that is expected to have a notable cultural impact. The film was uniquely shot entirely on a mobile phone, which underscores the innovative approach Stormzy is taking with his film company. The young actors in the film, 15-year-old Klevis Brahja and 14-year-old Jaydon Eastman, represent a new generation of talent, with Eastman already having experience in West End productions. Stormzy has emphasized that his passion for film is a natural extension of his commitment to storytelling and providing a platform for voices that deserve recognition. His previous ventures, such as #MerkyBooks, which aimed to diversify the publishing industry, and #MerkyFC, which supports careers in sports, reflect his dedication to empowering underrepresented communities through various mediums, including film.
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