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“I definitely want the young African American generation to see my show and be intrigued to want to get creative and motivated to reach for the stars,” said filmmaker and actress, Christina Copper about her latest endeavor.
Known for her role as Miko on Netflix original series, “Dear White People” and her short film, “Loyalty”, Cooper is about to conquer the next level—talk TV.
“I was offered the opportunity to produce my own televised talk show, making me the youngest in history to produce & host my own talk show on television,” said Cooper. “I wanted to create this show to inspire the youth, specifically in South Central Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: Patricklee Hamilton
“This talk show is assisting me in fulfilling my purpose of inspiring the world and uplifting the next generation.”
Cooper grew up in California and was raised in Los Angeles. She attended multiple schools, one of those being Crenshaw SEA Charter School. She describes growing up in the streets as being tough but used those experiences to create a new purpose for herself.
“Now I am blessed to own CHRISTINA COOPER PRODUCTIONS, which produces my televised talk show,” said Cooper.
The idea to do a talk show dawned on Cooper this year and much like her short film, she is keeping things right here in the community. She wants to highlight people in South L.A. who are making a difference. In an entertainment medium already saturated with talk shows, Cooper says her show will be different from the rest.
“My talk show is going to be different than anything else out, for the simple fact that my show will inspire positive change for my generation,” said Cooper. “I interview rappers, actors, celebrities, and everyday people/activists inspiring their community.”
If the excitement of a positive and uplifting talk show wasn’t enough, Cooper is also turning her successful short film, “Loyalty” into a full-length feature film entitled, “South Central Love”. She spoke about the film and what we can expect to see.
“The movie is a mix of comedy, drama and action,” said Cooper. “The script is being finalized and we plan to film later this year.”
She continued, “We plan to have local rappers in the film such as Dom Kennedy, J-stone, and Nipsey Hussle.
“I’d also like to thank T.I. as a rapper/activist for giving me genuine advice and for assisting me in this film production process.”
As the landscape and demographics of the South L.A. and Crenshaw District change, Cooper plans to highlight the essence of the community in her projects. She believes in the importance of representing the community in a true and uplifting light.
“South L.A. and the Crenshaw District hold a lot of history and I think it’s important we hold on to those aspects,” said Cooper. “I don’t think it’s right they are moving us out our own communities to build profits.”
Cooper continued, “I’m definitely addressing certain issues in my film so everyone can be well aware of what is really going on within our communities.”
Among her projects, she recently filmed an action thriller entitled “Unintended” alongside Jamal Woolard (“Notorious”) and Dorien Wilson (“The Parkers”).
Filmed in Atlanta, the movie is directed by Mann Robinson and hits theaters in early 2019. Cooper will also be casting for a few roles for “South Central Love” within the South Central and Crenshaw community this summer.
“I’m ecstatic to have my film production company produce the movie and also plan on having award-winning director, Mann Robinson, co-direct alongside myself,” said Cooper
“The Christina Cooper Show” airs June 25th on The Arroyo channel and on AT&T Uverse channel 99 weeknights at 9:30pm. “South Central Love” will hit theaters in 2019. You can follow Christina Cooper on Instagram @thechristinacooper.
