Malina Moye – The Samuel Project

By starrymag | October 22, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) Currently, I’m in the middle of a press tour with the new movie I’m in called The Samuel Project. I can’t wait for everyone to see it, it hits select theaters October 5. It’s one of those movies that starts conversations about issues that need to be addressed. I’m also getting ready for my European tour which kicks off in November.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the film The Samuel Project.

 

A) A young boy discovers an incredible story about is isolated grandfather after he makes him the subject of his school art project.

 

Q) How was your character Violet Leroux originally described to you?

 

A) She was described as a free-spirited advertising director.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to her that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

 

A) The fashion aspect, I felt she was a layered individual, so I was always layering the fashion as well-skirts, belts, shirts. I envisioned a free spirit who is full of life and marches to the beat of her own drum. I always found individuals like that are confident, and empowering and extremely likable.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the movie?

 

A) No, not at all except for Ken Davitian. I knew him from the movie Borat. In fact, I went and watched old episodes of Barney Miller on Hal Linden.

 

Q) What advice did writer/director Marc Fusco offer you while filming that you took to heart?

 

A) Watching how he was on set I would say spoke louder than advice. He was always respectful, focused and new the parts better than the actors. I’d also say one pieces of advice would be, continue to roll with the punches and be open to new ideas.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite behind the scenes moments from working on the movie?

 

A) The comradery of the people on set.

 

Q) What do you hope viewers take away from watching The Samuel Project?

 

A) That the film makes them look into their own lives and ask their parents questions about their heritage and what happened to them to make them the people they are today. It goes back to the saying you have to know where you came from to know where you’re going.

 

Q) We’re also hearing some new music from you now. Talk about the story behind your song “Enough.”

 

A) I wrote the song for the movie. I sat with Marc, the director, and we discussed what he was hoping to achieve, and I digested the script the movie and wrote from Eli’s perspective. I love songwriting rather it’s my truth or someone else’s. I was excited to be asked to do it and it also appears on my new album “Bad As I Wanna Be.” Hopefully, this is the first of many opportunities to pen an original song for a movie. It’s the end credit song.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live performance during the Bad As I Wanna Be tour?

 

A) I hope a lot of real raw energy and good time.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song?

 

A) There’s so many but Eminem, Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, John Mayer and Maroon 5.

 

Q) What would you would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you for coming to the shows and buying the music Thank you for just being supportive. I surely appreciate sharing my journey with you and I appreciate everyone of you! See you soon!!