03/19/04

Billy Dee Williams drums up support for Huntsville film

A real, live movie star was in Huntsville Thursday night meeting and greeting local officials, potential investors and hopeful actors.

Actor Billy Dee Williams' appearance in town was the latest sign that the filming of the feature movie "Constellation," announced last November by director Jordan Walker-Pearlman, is moving ahead.

Walker-Pearlman said filming of the movie is expected to be in April, but he said he couldn't be more specific because of details that must be worked out.

Williams, who starred in Walker-Pearlman's last film, "The Visit," said he was impressed with Huntsville. "I saw some very nice buildings and very few people. This is a very clean city, cleaner than Singapore," Williams said.

Williams said he has already seen one building he wants to return to for some shopping: Harrison Brothers Hardware on the courthouse square.

"I'm a big fan of antiques. I love to watch the 'Antiques Roadshow' on TV," the award-winning actor said.

Williams, who was a successful visual artist with work in the Smithsonian before he became an actor, has returned to painting recently. "It's very difficult to be known as an actor and try to let the world know that you paint," he said.

"But when I finally drop, those paintings will be worth some money," Williams said with a smile.

Williams said he likes to follow his creativity where it leads him. He also has tried writing and has co-authored a romance novel with writer Elizabeth Atkins Bowman and a "psychic spy" novel for Tor Books of New York.

He also loves music. "Jazz is the greatest example of eclecticism in the arts," he said.

But right now he's looking forward to acting in a feature movie in Huntsville, he said, especially working again with Walker-Pearlman. "He's like my son. As long as I'm alive, I hope to work with him," Williams said. Walker-Pearlman said, "I came here to make a movie. I didn't expect to fall in love with the community."

Earlier, Walker-Pearlman projected the independent production would need a budget of $3 million. He said his film would feature Huntsville by name and portray the city positively.

Theatrical Lighting Systems (TLS) on Jordan Lane hosted Thursday night's reception.