Back in 2020, alumnus Timothy Richardson (M.A.’21) was in the midst of his graduate studies in cinematography at the School of Film, Media & Theatre, when a call from his agent led him to a role of a lifetime. Not just any role, but a starring role in the highly anticipated film adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s “B-Boy Blues,” the iconic best-selling1994 novel of a classic gay love story.
“B-Boy Blues,” a film centering on class and culture clash, celebrates African American gay men and is directed by actor Jussie Smollett in his directorial debut. The story follows college-educated journalist, Mitchell Crawford (Richardson) from Brooklyn and a homeboy-bike messenger, Raheim Rivers (co-star Thomas Mackie) from Harlem as they fall in love.
It’s Richardson’s first leading role in a feature film. Through talent, timing, and in part by chance, he landed the lead after Smollett came across his audition tape at Tyler Perry Studios. One Zoom meeting later, and the rest is history. Two days after booking the role, Richardson flew to New York in time for the first official day of the film shoot. “B-Boy Blues” was also filmed in Harlem and took three weeks to complete the shoot.
“Being able to play Mitchell was such an honor. James Earl Hardy and Jussie gave me a chance to play a real person with complex layers of human emotion,” said Richardson. “Prior to 'B-Boy Blues,' I had been acting for about four years professionally, so leading my first feature film was a special milestone in my career.”
Richardson relied on balance while filming “B-Boy Blues” and pursuing his master’s degree, all within the pandemic landscape. Production shoots maintained careful COVID-19 safety measures, including isolating the actors between scenes. Richardson used the mandated alone-time to study his script and to work on his degree, which he proudly earned in summer 2021.”
The cast and crew became Richardson’s extended family, instilling confidence in him as an artist. According to Richardson, “From the beginning, we knew the stakes were high because this was such an iconic piece of literature, but with the trust of the production team to tell this story and Jussie’s guiding hand, we were able to tell a beautiful love story.”
“B-Boy Blues” made its world premiere last December at the prestigious American Black Film Festival and was awarded Fan Favorite for Narrative Feature. The film continues its film festival run as a Closing Night Film & Official Selection for the Mardi Gras Film Festival in Sydney, Australia. “B-Boy Blues” will be available later this year.
Behind the camera, Richardson puts his master’s degree to work with his short, “First Time,’’ streaming on untraditionalfilms.com, and his thesis film, “Brothers,” is currently being considered for distribution.