How to Make a Spoof "Blaxploitation" Film

If you haven't seen the 2009 Blaxploitation comedy, Black Dynamite, you have probably walked right upon the rug that this movie's been swept under. Starring a very chiseled Michael Jai White, Black Dynamite is the stuff that real parodies are made of. Blaxploitation films of the 1970s possessed a kind of awkward charm that is considered unrivaled by today's foolhardy brand of comedy. Blaxploitation films stir deep nostalgia; to capture the subtlety of this genre with a fresh and modern spin takes great skill. Director Scott Sanders manages to walk the delicate tightrope between over the top B-humor and clever innuendo. If you're ever in the mood to direct and/or produce your own Blaxploitation parody, you might want to heed these tips.

Tip #1: Opt for the top of the line film and effects team(s).

They'll make sure to authenticate the grainy cinematography that screams Vintage Movie. Black Dynamite was filmed with a traditional 16mm camera. If you skip this tiny detail, your overall product will look a well-filmed television sitcom.

Tip #2: Get a believable action hero.

Sanders scored a really great character when Michael Jai White was cast as Black Dynamite. As a professional martial artist, White was able to make the fight scenes "semi-realistic." Your lead star must possess the uncanny ability to exploit the perceived machismo of the black action hero.

Tip #3: Break out the ensemble cast.

Provided you have the millions to shell out for Hollywood's biggest names, you should go ahead and make sure that plenty of them sign on for this project. In Sanders' movie, you'll see lots of famous faces that might surprise you. (NBA star John Salley, singer Brian McKnight, and Captain Kangaroo are pimps?) The cast members dive into their roles with abandon, sliding into personas that have been buried within the African American community for decades. (Be sure to check out Kym Whitley's "lone tear" scene.)

Tip #4: Polish up your score.

You would be best served by a score produced by musicians who really understand the genre you're portraying. Blaxploitation films go hand in hand with the popular R&B of the 70s. But in order to avoid all those pricey royalties, hire a music director who can re-create the sound perfectly. Scott Sanders hired Adrian Younge to play all the instruments on the Black Dynamite score. The result was a delicious reproduction of dusty soul music.

Tip #5: Don't forget the goofy nuances.

Poking fun at the nuances of 70's Blaxploitation films is crucial. Incorporate subtleties like The Split Screen Action Sequence, the exposed boom mic, the film "hiccups"-and tons of others. These are the amateurish bloopers that fans will be looking for.

Tip #6: Include a smokin' hot love scene.

Those expecting lots of writhing flesh between co-stars Michael Jai White and Salli Richardson, were probably really disappointed. But those open to having their left-brains cajoled into a coy erotic fantasy, were in luck. Sanders' film features an animated display of the zodiac signs tantalizes all the while leaving nothing to the imagination. Find a creative way to mock a sexy love scene to keep viewers mentally tuned in.

SOURCES:

www.imdb.com
www.netflix.com
www.amazon.com