This movie officially starts to shoot today. This should be good. I hope Whitney made it back from Shelby, NC this weekend. She was there to support her sister in law/co manager's pat houston's charity teen summit weekend event. | |
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 DebraMChase Debra Martin Chase
@WHFAN Whitney is here. Looks fabulous! Is very excited. Starts shooting later this week. Will keep u updated.
DebraMChase Debra Martin Chase
Re#Sparkle derek Luke making his debut as Styx. SO handsome. Channeling some definite Denzel and Sidney.
DebraMChase Debra Martin Chase
@IanniB Carmen ejogo is now the "prettiest girl in Detroit". We have the same spirit as the original with some delicious surprises.
[Edited 10/10/11 9:12am] | |
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With the Lions hosting "Monday Night Football" at Ford Field and the Tigers fighting for the pennant at Comerica Park, it's been a big week in Detroit. And there's more excitement going on. Filming started here this week on "Sparkle," a reboot of the notable 1976 movie about the triumphs and turmoils of a musical sister act. "Sparkle" producer Debra Martin Chase is happy to be in Detroit at a time when the city is getting such positive national buzz. "It's a good omen for us as a movie, and maybe we brought a little good omen to town, however it works," said Chase on Tuesday from the lobby of the One Woodward Avenue building, where shooting was under way on an upper floor. The new version of "Sparkle" is set in Detroit in the latter half of the 1960s and stars Jordin
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Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Tika Sumpter ("Gossip Girl"), Omari Hardwick ("The A-Team") and Carmen Ejogo (from the upcoming "I, Alex Cross," another project that filmed here). Singer and NBC's "The Voice" coach Cee Lo also will appear in the film. Detroit was always the leading contender for the filming, according to Chase. "This is the only place we ever thought about shooting and it worked," she says. "Sparkle" was approved for $3.1 million in incentives on about $7.4 million in expected spending. The production plans to be here until the week before Thanksgiving. The remake is the first big movie role for Sparks, an "American Idol" winner who has gone on to a successful recording career. It also represents a potential film comeback for Houston, who has been absent from the big screen since her 1990s box-office hits such as "The Bodyguard," "Waiting to Exhale," and "The Preacher's Wife." Houston made some gossip-page headlines Thursday with reports that she initially refused to wear a seatbelt on a flight from Atlanta to Detroit. The original "Sparkle," which arrived several years before that other famous girl-group musical, "Dreamgirls," was set in New York. It featured Irene Cara, Lonette McKee (who's originally from Detroit) and Philip Michael Thomas and boasted songs by the legendary Curtis Mayfield. A number of the original songs will be used in the remake, according to Chase. There also will be new music from R. Kelly. Aretha Franklin, who provided the vocals for a popular "Sparkle" companion album, isn't attached to the project as of now. "But we would love to have her," says Chase. The movie is being directed by Salim Akil of "Jumping the Broom" and BET's "The Game" and was written by Mara Brock Akil of "The Game" and ABC's "Cougar Town." The husband and wife are co-producers as well. Bishop T.D. Jakes, whose last movie project was "Jumping the Broom," is a producer. Ruth E. Carter, nominated for Oscars for "Amistad" and "Malcolm X," is designing the costumes. "The wardrobe is fierce," says Chase. Local landmarks such as the Detroit Opera House, Cliff Bell's and Baker's Keyboard Lounge are expected to be used as locations. And Chase says the "Sparkle" team looks forward to exploring the rest of Detroit during its stay. "We're here," she says enthusiastically. "We're going to be out on the town." Contact Julie Hinds: 313-222-6427 or jhinds@freepress.com | |
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@DebraMChase Debra Martin Chase
@StaceyLewis today was whitney's first day on camera! Was with@ jordin sparks and tamela mann. Very cute scene.
DebraMChase Debra Martin Chase
@thewhitneyvault I do know how passionate u r about Whitney!
 thewhitneyvault Whitney Houston Fan
RT @THA_SHIZNIT I dont think @DebraMChaseknows how passionate Whtiney Houston fans R about her! #Sparkle Glad 2 hear they will Promote! GR8
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Oh wow, so Whitney is here in Detroit? Interesting indeed.
Too bad this will likely be one of the final projects being filmed here in Michigan. I'm sure all these cash incentives this film received was award before our current govenor was voted in.
He is saving all this cash bonaza for Big Business owners (himself being part of this crowd).
Okay... I'm off of my soapbox now. "Remember, one man's filler is another man's killer" -- Haystack | |
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Yes Sparkle received a $3.1mil tax incentive on projected $7mil being spent by the producers/studio in the state. Tyler Perry's 'I , Alex Cross' received $3.85mil, however, it is my understanding that the initial $25mil fun has been exhausted.
It's a shame that they won't reestablish it or I'm hoping that they do because films bring jobs. Sparkle has advertised for over 3k extras and that's not counting any technical help that they use, location shoots, busnesses, hotel/transportation for staff and crew, airport travels etc | |
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 LincolnSteffens Lincoln Steffens
Wow! @BishopJakes just announced his is producing a remake of "Sparkle" starring Whitney Houston
 JordinSparks Jordin Sparks
Had an amazing time w/ the cast at Cliff Bells tonight! Ended up on stage singing one of my faves, At Last. #goodtimes #ILML(ilovemylife)
 Just_Nilla Chase Nilla
 DebraMChase Debra Martin Chase
 JitnJesusRUNJIT Jitting Jesus/Genius
 Aehr22 Rhea
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@HarveyMasonjrHarvey Mason, Jr.
@whoisMelOd jordin sparks n Whitney
@HarveyMasonjrHarvey Mason, Jr.
@PhamRock jordin sparks n Whitney.
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 HarveyMasonjr Harvey Mason, Jr.
One of the best to ever do it. Always an honor to work w/ Whitney. instagr.am/p/Qm9Yp/
Whitney in the studio with Harvey Mason Jr Sparkle Movie Detroit, MI Either today or last night | |
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Whitney got puffy face now. Space for sale... | |
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Whitney looks gorgeous! Glad to see her back in the studio. I'm so going to see this movie! | |
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Will Houston
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Whitney Houston went to Pastor Marvin Winan's church called Perfecting Church in Detroit this morning.
 AceTajo_Wasabi Naomi Tajo
OH MY GOSH!!!! I SEE WHITNEY HOUSTON!!!!!!!!
 _JustAsh Ashleigh
S/O to Whitney Houston for being at PC today. She looks GREAT! And those boots...MY LORD
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 iDomanike Domanike ✔
Whitney Houston know she be praising. Praise the Lord for her. May He continue to restore her.
AceTajo_Wasabi Naomi Tajo
RT @_JustAsh: RT @AceTajo_Wasabi: yo my mom just spazzed out!!! lmbo!-- Spazzed is not the WORD! Oh my goodness!
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@HarveyMasonjrHarvey Mason, Jr.
@ddtomlin She was great. Worked hard and nailed her vocal. She is in good voice right now.
via Twitter for iPho
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Whitney's getting around today. First at Perfecting Church and now the Detroit Lions game.
 LaTanyaWright LaTanya Wright
Omg Whitney Houston is at the game @mizcici!!!! I HAVE to find her!!!!!
    washburn_41 Isaac Washburn
My girl Whitney Houston is at the game. Lets get a win for her! #letsgolions
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The cast of the upcoming Sparkle movie has been chillin’ around the Motor City where they are currently filming. And yesterday, they all hit up the Detroit Lions NFL game. Pics of Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks, Tika Sumpter, and more kickin’ it inside… Fun times for the Sparkle cast! The ladies (plus Omari Hardwick) chilled in a suite at Lions stadium yesterday to take in the Sunday game. And Whitney was looking great too:
Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions Defensive Tackle and the current NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, invited the cast to watch from his suite:
And he met up with them afterwards. Cute.
All the cast members–including Omari Hardwick above–and Producer Curtis Wallace were there for some fun. Jordin tweeted:
The cast will be filming until Thanksgiving.
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excited for this..love jordin and whitney cant wait for this | |
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Hot Shot: Whitney Houston Shines On Set Of ‘Sparkle’
The legendary Whitney Houston looked a picture of beauty as she posed it up on the set of her new movie ‘Sparkle’, with actor Mike Epps. Starring Jordin Sparks, the remake of the 1976 movie (loosely based on the story of The Supremes) is also being executively-produced by the ‘Million Dollar Bill’ singer. With filming commencing in Detroit this week, it appears the diva jumped straight in with the singing scenes. What did those on cast say about her much-debated vocals? Find out for yourself after the jump… Via Twitter: Mike Epps tweeted this pic @therealmikeepps: Me and the QUEEN OF MUSIC WITNEY HOUSTON ON THE SET OFSPARKLE!! yfrog.com/esctdij | |
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TWITTER LOOP: WHITNEY HOUSTON LOOKING GREAT ON SET OF ‘SPARKLE’
R&B’s legendary singer, Whitney Houston took a picture with her fellow Sparkle cast mate, actor/comedian Mike Epps. The 48-year-old songstress was all smiles as she looked beautiful on set in her 70′s mother-esque, dark lavender dress. Apparently, Houston began filming some of her singing scenes and people on set were blown away by the “Dance With Somebody” singer:  Houston will be playing Jordin Sparks’ mother, Emma in the remake of the 1976 film Sparkle. Epps will be playing a club owner name Satin Struthers. The two of them alongside Jordin Sparks and Tika Sumpter have been busy working hard in Detroit, Michigan, filming scenes for the movie, which is a story inspired by the story of Motown’s The Supremes. Doesn’t Whitney look great?!
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Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks & Mike Epps On The Set of ‘Sparkle’
 Nippy is looking good!
Michael Epps shared a few pics from the movie set of ‘Sparkle’ yesterday that included cast mates Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks. The remake of the 1973 classic film is currently in production in Detroit and also stars Tiki Sumpter, Derek Luke and Omari Hardwick.
 In case you missed it, check out photos of the cast at the Detroit Lions Game this past weekend below  
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Awww Whitney looks great... very happy for her!
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“Sparkle” Producer Says Aaliyah Was Originally Cast In The LeadWritten by ReBecca Theodore-Vachon on October 28, 2011 10:00 am
Meet Debra Martin Chase, shot caller extraordinaire. Easily one of the most powerful and influential women in Hollywood, Chase has produced some of the most lucrative film franchises such as Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants, The Princess Diariesand The Cheetah Girls. She’s also dominated the small screen as well, with Disney Channel’s musical Lemonade Mouth being the most watched cable movie of 2011 (the soundtrack was the #4 album in the U.S.). Formerly a high pedigreed attorney (graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Mount Holyoke College, J.D. at Harvard Law School), Chase decided chase her dream of entering of the movie biz, and soon found herself running production companies for Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington. Eventually Chase would land her own producing deal with The Walt Disney Company, making her the first African-American woman to do so with a major studio. Find more shooting stars in this hot city! Chase also has an uncanny eye for talent, responsible for launching the careers of A-listers like Anne Hathaway, Blake Lively and Chris Pine. In her gutsiest move yet, this savvy mover and shaker is at the helm of two iconic remakes: the 1976 classic Sparkle and the steamy 1986 coming of age dramaDirty Dancing. The Urban Daily caught up with Chase to find out which R&B chanteuse was originally up for the role of Sparkle, the controversial casting of Whitney Houston, and why America seems to be so obsessed with musicals. TUD: Can you tell us how you came to be involved in the Sparkle remake? DMC: Whitney and I used to be producing partners and one of our favorite movies was Sparkle. Warner Bros. owned it, so we approached them and we went into development, with Aaliyah as the lead. My good friend, the late E. Lynn Harris wrote the screenplay and we were going to shoot it either right before or after Matrix 2 when Aaliyah died tragically. It was sitting on the shelf for years and I would go back to Warner Bros every year, but they weren’t interested. One night I was having dinner with the head of Sony Pictures, Michael Lynton, and Sparkle came up. He said, “I’d make that movie.” So now here we are, two years later, in production. Jordin Sparks has been cast as Sparkle. What qualities did Jordin possess that made her right for the role?
She’s perfect. Obviously she has an amazing voice and she has just the right quality about her. She’s young and still has that innocence about her, but sophistication as well. People will be thrilled to see that she’s a wonderful actress. She has great raw talent and instincts—she’s going to knock this out of the park. Whitney Houston is also on board, in the role of the girls’ mother. It’s been a while since Whitney has been on the big screen. What do you say to those who feel she might not be up to the task? She’s Whitney Houston, come on! She’s gone from The Bodyguard to Waiting To Exhale. She loves this movie and we’ve been working on this project for over 11 years, and it’s very dear to her heart. Ironically when we first started she had aged out of the Sister’s role and she was too young to play the mother. We are staying very true to the spirit of the original movie, but we’ve made some updates that will make it more interesting. Whitney is very excited, and she’s going to be fabulous. What elements of the original Sparkle will remain the same in this remake? What elements will be different? The movie will be set in Detroit, 1968. It’s the same plot for the most part, but we’ve sort of made it our own. It will have the same emotional impact and we’re keeping the most iconic of the songs, and adding some new original songs. We approached this with the idea of thrilling the fans of the original movie but also having something fresh for people coming to Sparkle for the first time.
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^
Wow, Aaliyah was about to go to go into the stratosphere in her career before she died.
Sad. I really liked her and thought she had true talent and style "Remember, one man's filler is another man's killer" -- Haystack | |
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@JordinSparks Jordin Sparks
Omg @iamtikasumpter, @carmenejogo, Whitney, some of the crew & I just dougied for our lives!! Never a dull moment on this set!
 via Twittelator
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I hope her dick is tucked real good because that's a damn drag queen for sure. Andy is a four letter word. | ||||
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Video: Mike Epps Stops by WJLB Detroit to Dish on ‘Sparkle,’ Whitney & More
He got clowned rocking some “Ginuwine-esque” waves, spit a hilarious freestyle and even gave us some behind-the-scenes dirt from hosting the BET Hip Hop Awards… Mike is currently in Detroit shooting the remake of “Sparkle” with�Whitney Houston�& Jordin Sparks. That’s why he’s rocking those fresh new waves in his hair! He told us Whitney is a true pro, and a pleasure to work with. Watch the video (below) of COCO, Foolish & Mr. Chase poking fun at Mike after he busted out his new hairdo all nonchalantly… Mike also busted a hilarious freestyle with COCO & Foolish; talked about comedians stealing his & Foolish’s jokes; a crazy naked Asian man on the set of “Hangover 2;” and he even told us about being in the presence of so many felons while hosting the�BET Hip Hop Awards. http://www.eurweb.com/201...tney-more/ | |
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Whitney looks really, really good! Full interview on monday on ET
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/wa...e=youtu.be[/youtube]
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