Logic isn’t being highfalutin, but it seems necessary for them to work around us as we converse,” Logic states, with a team of makeup artists gathering around him, applying powder to his skin while we continue our conversation.
“It’s okay,” I assure him. “You’re in Hollywood now!”
“I know…it’s crazy.”
Although we’re not physically located in Hollywood, we find ourselves at the Getty Portrait Studios during New York’s Tribeca Film Festival. Here, the artist formerly known as Sir Robert Bryson Hall II is unveiling his first directorial project titled “Paradise Records.” Despite being new to the film industry, he’s navigating its complexities – a stark contrast to the lifestyle that propelled his musical success. Before declaring retirement in 2021, he had already garnered numerous award-winning, critically acclaimed albums. Now, music no longer serves as his primary creative source. Instead, he’s fully immersing himself in his true passion: cinema.
He declares his affection for movies, stating, “Every morning when I first open my eyes, it’s as if a film is playing on the inside of my eyelids.
For a figure like Logic, boasting impressive achievements and high-profile relationships, transitioning to a new career wasn’t a walk in the park. When he presented his screenplay to Hollywood studios, he encountered numerous dismissals from executives.
He comments that everyone rejected his idea, and it seems logical given the proposal he made. Essentially, he suggested creating a movie from scratch, writing the script, acting in it, directing it despite lacking experience, casting his untrained friend as the lead, demanding creative control, final cut rights, and expecting payment for all of this – quite an unusual and risky request for a studio head.
Instead, let me rephrase this for you:
He chose to finance and produce the movie himself using a large amount of his personal funds, estimated at millions. The turning point came when he enlisted Kevin Smith as a producer, which ultimately propelled the project into full-scale production.
I privately messaged him. I wrote, ‘Hey there,’ and that’s how our friendship started. He turned out to be very special, almost like a brother to me now, part of our family. He supported me and encouraged me to create this film.” – Logic, on his relationship with Smith.
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, if there’s ever a moment of doubt about my place in Tinseltown, my deep understanding and passion for the film industry always shine through. “I’m a bona fide film geek,” I proudly admit.
A significant portion of our 10-minute chat involves him listing off his preferred filmmakers and screenwriters. Names like Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, Spike Jonze, Spike Lee, and Charlie Kaufman are just a few of his idols. Interestingly enough, Smith has been a major source of inspiration for Logic as well, with the 1994 movie “Clerks” playing a pivotal role in shaping “Paradise Records.”
Or:
In our chat, he frequently mentions some of his favorite directors and screenwriters. These include Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, Spike Jonze, Spike Lee, and Charlie Kaufman – a select few among his heroes. Moreover, Smith has been a significant muse for Logic, with the 1994 film “Clerks” serving as a clear influence on the creation of “Paradise Records.
In this 106-minute comedy, the character Cooper, played by Logic, is a jovial, marijuana-smoking record store owner with a debt of $100,000 to the bank and a business on the verge of foreclosure. The plot unfolds around him and his assorted group of friends – an unusual mix of characters like Slaydras, a dim-witted pot dealer, and a towering drag queen named Tajh Jordan. They encounter a series of misfortunes, such as a robbery, throughout the story. At one instance, their record store is utilized as a hideout by robbers who capture the staff – a deliberate reference to “Clerks,” where there’s a comparable hostage scene in a convenience store.
Prior to the debut of “Paradise Records” at the Tribeca Film Festival, EbMaster engaged in a conversation with Logic about seeking guidance from J.J Abrams for his directorial debut, taking an independent route to produce the film after encountering rejections in Hollywood, and his ambitious plans for writing and directing (he has numerous scripts in development).
Where did the idea for ‘Paradise Records’ come from?
Everything I’ve written is based on my own experiences. My team, with its vibrant mix of individuals and cultures, makes me feel like a leader akin to Captain Planet. I wanted to visually represent this diversity in a way that was fresh and authentic. I’ve noticed that sometimes things can seem contrived, and we all know when something feels forced. That’s definitely not the vibe I wanted to create. In particular, for a comedy, it was crucial to ensure that jokes didn’t rely on stereotypes related to sexual orientation or race. The humor should never come at the expense of someone being gay or black. Instead, the humor arises from a stereotype viewed through the lens of an uninformed character learning and growing.
Was there any specific experience you had in the industry that inspired the story?
To be truthful, the key factor was discussions with my friends that led to this. I’m quite proud of my conversations because if something amusing, unusual, or out-of-the-ordinary is said, I jot it down. Unfortunately, I don’t have my phone on me now, but I have accumulated thousands and thousands of such lines – simple phrases about the most unexpected topics. Whenever I can incorporate these into a piece of writing, I always do.
What was the biggest challenge or surprise taking on a role as director for the first time?
frankly, I believe it boiled down to the choice of tone. Over the past few years, many subjects have become sensitive or considered off-limits for discussion by some. However, I’ve always felt that in art, an artist should be free to express themselves without limitations. I think this is all about embracing change. I was pleased when Kevin managed to edit the piece according to my original intention of promoting peace, love, positivity, and inclusivity. This wasn’t a forced or insincere effort at appearing inclusive, but rather an expression of my genuine and authentic self.
How did you and Kevin meet, and come together for this?
I sent him a private message on social media, greeted with a casual ‘Hey there!’, which led to us forming a friendship. Now, he feels more like a brother to me, part of my family. He had faith in me, encouraging me to create this movie, and I invested a significant amount of money into it because I trusted myself and the Hollywood dream. Many dismissed the idea, which was understandable, considering my lack of experience in writing scripts, acting, directing, and casting. Nevertheless, I proposed making a film without any prior experience in these areas, wanting creative control, final cut, and financial backing for my best friend who had never acted before.
Who are some of your favorite filmmakers and films that inspired you during this process?
Oh, wow! Filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, Spike Jonze really catch my eye. But let me tell you, Charlie Kaufman is simply exceptional – he’s one of my all-time favorite writers. He penned ‘Adaptation’ and ‘Being John Malkovich,’ two of my favorite films. I guess you could say I’m quite the cinephile!
How did this work seep into ‘Paradise Records’?
In this movie, I chose to represent dialogues that mirror real-life conversations – the kind we’re all used to having. Interestingly, I penned down lines I found myself hesitant to express in reality. It turns out, these are the exact things everyone else is saying too, whether they mean it or not, and even when joking. However, what intrigued me was not just the words themselves, but the underlying psychological motivations driving specific characters, and the reasons behind their actions as depicted through dialogue.
In this movie, there’s a character who is the most despicable individual imaginable, and I had an opportunity akin to Eddie Murphy’s memorable roles. I portrayed a 80-year-old man, a womanizer and chauvinist pig, who is absolutely detestable. If you dislike this character, it suggests that I performed well in my role, particularly by showcasing his lack of knowledge effectively.
The movie features a truly reprehensible character, and I was fortunate enough to have a moment reminiscent of Eddie Murphy’s iconic roles. I took on the part of an 80-year-old scoundrel, a womanizer and chauvinist pig, who is loathed by many. If you find him detestable, it indicates that my portrayal was convincing, especially in depicting his ignorance convincingly.
Did you take acting classes?
In a recent development, I engaged the services of an acting coach named Jessica Simmer for one session. She’s incredibly talented, and I was genuinely impressed. After our initial meeting, she reassured me that I wouldn’t require further coaching as I would manage just fine on my own. Subsequently, I requested her to assist my closest friend, which she graciously did, providing valuable guidance.
Who did you turn to for advice before your first day on set as director?
I reached out to numerous individuals, and among them was J.J Abrams. He replied with, ‘Firstly, enjoy the process.’ Then he showered me with an overwhelming amount of guidance. However, he emphasized, ‘It’s essentially problem-solving. That’s what filmmaking is all about. And remember, it takes a community to achieve this.’
What are your goals within the film industry?
I’ve got a passion for both writing and directing films, as I have an immense affection for the art of cinema. It seems as though movies play on the inside of my eyelids every morning when I wake up. Truthfully, while I’ll continue to create music, it’s no longer the love of my life as it once was in my younger years. Instead, my heart belongs entirely to cinema. My thoughts are consumed by it, and I can’t help but constantly jot down scripts, envision shots, and reach out to friends who happen to be actors – that’s what I yearn to do.
How many scripts do you have?
This upcoming movie of yours seems quite extraordinary. It’s as if Spike Jonze combined the artistic elements of ‘Adaptation’ with the casual humor of ‘Friday,’ featuring Ice Cube. Essentially, it shares similarities with ‘Vanilla Sky.’ It’s a groundbreaking cinematic expression that offers a fresh perspective on filmmaking, using an innovative voice. Quite intriguing, indeed!
How much money did you spend on ‘Paradise Records?’
You can quote me on millions and millions. That’s how much I believed in myself.
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2025-06-10 22:17