Paper Made, the upcoming martial arts feature directed by Ryan Watson, has released its first trailer and movie poster, timed to Juneteenth, offering fans their first look at the film.
Principal photography wrapped March 20 on the film, which was shot at a fictional HBCU in Tampa, Florida. The story follows Tavon Watkins, played by Myles Truitt, a college student whose academic standing is thrown into jeopardy after a severe hazing incident. Searching for purpose, Tavon is pulled into a secret fraternity of Black martial artists who challenge him to confront his ego, his legacy, and the true meaning of brotherhood. The screenplay was co-written by Watson and Jerron Horton, known for his work on Netflix’s Forever.
https://youtu.be/78ci4NUL_Fo
The release marks the first time three pioneering Black action stars, Michael Jai White, Taimak and Walter E. Jones, have shared the screen together. White, Taimak and Jones will also serve as executive producers on the film, alongside Miranda Motlow and Jonathan Blitt.
The ensemble cast includes Quartay DeNaya, TNA superstars Daria Rae Berenato and Mara Sadè, viral martial arts sensation Jair Muhammad, Sam Lee Herring, Jaden Lucas Miller, Zephaniah Terry, Marrese Crump, Jamara Garrett, Devante Thomas, De’Andre Asbury, and viral martial artists Michael Quick McGee and Cequence Henry, among a roster that features 13 black belt level martial artists.
“Juneteenth is the perfect time to release the first look at this transcendent African American martial arts story,” said Watson.
Shaun Greenspan, Brian Yuran and Daria Rae Berenato are producing, with casting by Karlie Loland-Ringer, CSA.