Kevin Grevioux Has A Theory On The Lack Of Black Sci-Fi Filmmakers

[theworldismine13]

http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/kevin-grevioux-has-a-theory-on-the-lack-of-sci-fi-filmmakers

Let’s start a debate shall we?

We have previously written about actor/screenwriter/producer Kevin Grevioux whose latest film, which he wrote, co-produced and co-stars in, I, Frankenstein, comes out in January 2014.

And despite my reservations about the film, judging from the trailer I posted two weeks ago, that it looks like another routine CGI orgy “tentpole” movie lacking in originality, I still genuinely admire Grevioux for always thinking “outside the box” in terms of what black filmmakers and artists are supposed to be doing.

And also the fact that he’s got the deepest voice of any human being on the planet. No joke.

Aside from his work in films, Grevioux also writes and creates his own comic books, starting out as a writer with Marvel and DC, before breaking out on his own to form his own company, Dark Storm Studios, eventually creating the character of Blue Marvel who will become one of The Avengers.

And there’s no need to tell you that there are many African Americans involved in the comic book field as writers, illustrators and just avid readers, but not enough in his point of view. Especially when it comes to black filmmakers of sci-fi films; and he believes he knows the reason why.

According to a recent interview with The Grio, Grevioux states that the lack of black people creating sci-fi projects, comes from “a pragmatism facing the dreams of black youth…and depends on what fits within a frame of reference."

As he went on to elaborate: "When you’re white, your dreams go far and a lot of times that is because there are no encumbrances. The world is wide open to them in a way that isn’t open for us. So when their reality is taken care of, it’s like, ‘Okay well we can dream about this. We can do this. We can do that.’ For us, it’s a little different."

He goes on to say: "It’s like how can you think about traveling to another solar system or alien life if you have a problem getting a job or eating on Earth. African-American dreams are more reality-based, and that’s why I think our films have to do with our daily environment more so than alien or science fiction environments."

He also added that: "A lot of science fiction is based upon your experience in terms of looking at the world differently. Thinking about it in more abstract ways, a lot of times that takes education."

O.K. I can see what he’s saying and definitely agree with him, but I think there’s a lot more to it than that, which goes back to that "box" I referred to which black filmmakers are put in.

I think peer pressure is also a huge burden to overcome. I don't need to tell you that, way too often, we allow our so-called friends, colleagues and even family members to tell us what we should or should not be doing for fear of being shunned, ridiculed or, the greatest fear of all, accused of “not being black enough. Hell, I’ve been assured of that by commenters on this site.

The fact is that you can’t let people with closed-off minds dictate your life. They want you to live in their own closed-off, hermetically-sealed little world and be strangled creatively and spiritually. Why should you limit your what you want to do for them and be miserable the rest of your life? Follow your own path. If you love sci-fi or want to become a classical musician, or whatever, just do it and be happy.

Do you agree, or is what Grevioux said ridiculous in your opinion? Do you have anything to add?

 

[Danie84]

I'm from the hood and was intrigue from the time I could talk of everything scifi, like Twilight Zone,

The Munsters, Tales From The Crypt, Freddy, Return Of The Living Dead, RL Stine Goosebumps/Fear Street books, and Ghostwriter

 

[Dr. Sebi Jr.]

Space is just a THEORY.

 

[Master Teacher]

very c00n as statement to make
when i was kid it was nikkaz in hood drawning their own comic books

he's the guy who created the underworld series is black, and he's only black person in the damn movies

most sci fi writers in general don't have the business savvy to make it in the game, and black writers have a hard time getting into simply because many can't afford to invest all their time in relocating and doing the shyt full time

 

[boskey]

very c00n as statement to make
when i was kid it was nikkaz in hood drawning their own comic books

the guy who created the underworld series is black, and he's only black person in the damn movies

Yup. Not gonna call him a c00n but I disagree with him. The issue of a lack of black filmmakers is one thing. And the issue of black people being uninterested in science fiction is something else...and wrong in my opinion. If I had to guess I'd say Black kids are probably more into scifi movies and comics than white kids on average. Whats was the alternative? Archie comics and shyt like that? Sweet Valley High?

 

[marcuz]

didnt read the thread yet but it's because white people fantasize of a future with no black people

 

[ℒℴѵℯJay ELECTUA]

they all went into creating Cults..dr M. Z York-El.

 

[The Real]

He's got a point in terms of career pursuits. I know tons of kids who were interested in that stuff growing up, but none of them actually tried to make them career options. Everyone went for the usual unrealistic shyt (music, sports, etc, not that no one should try for these) or ended up doing minimum wage jobs if they didn't end up unemployed.

He needs to step his game up, too, though. The Underworld series was straight ass, and this new film doesn't look any better.

 

[Blackking]

they all went into creating Cults..dr M. Z York-El.

lol

 

[Blackking]

sIn certain situations all nikkas had was their imagination. most black kids are into scifi heavy. But black kids simply don't have time to think about drawing vampires or martians for a living. some black kids are forced to find a way to eat right away and sci fi just seems like a silly way to do it.

 

[Spoonz]

Most black people are not into sci-fi you guys can try to deny all you want but it's true.

Just look at books, there are black sci-fi novels but they hardly get any attention because black folks aren't reading them.

The black books that do sell are romance, humor and black struggle type stuff.

And I have a feeling a sci-fi show with an all black cast would fail in a second.

 

[theworldismine13]

And I have a feeling a sci-fi show with an all black cast would fail in a second.

stop hating

 

[Spoonz]

stop hating

comedy/c00nfest

 

[Julius Skrrvin]

Most black people are not into sci-fi you guys can try to deny all you want but it's true.

Just look at books, there are black sci-fi novels but they hardly get any attention because black folks aren't reading them.

As a 90s baby, kinda gotta disagree. All the black people my age I know at the very least fukk with dragonball, harry potter, lord of the rings, etc

maybe not some of the classics by Herbert, Asimov etc but hey most people of any ethnicity dont

 

[Spoonz]

As a 90s baby, kinda gotta disagree. All the black people my age I know at the very least fukk with dragonball, harry potter, lord of the rings, etc

maybe not some of the classics by Herbert, Asimov etc but hey most people of any ethnicity dont

why aren't more supporting black sci-fi and fantasy writers tho?