The Six Triple Eight with Tyler Perry and J.C. Chandor (Ep. 524)
Jan 3, 2025
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Tyler Perry, a renowned film director known for his impactful works, joins fellow filmmaker J.C. Chandor to discuss his latest project, The Six Triple Eight. Perry reveals the serendipitous moments that shaped the film, including casting Kerry Washington and collaborating with Debbie Allen for choreography. He emphasizes the importance of accurately portraying the all-Black, all-women unit of World War II, their struggles, and contributions, while sharing insights about transforming a former military base into a dynamic film studio, honoring these unsung heroes.
Tyler Perry emphasizes the importance of accuracy in storytelling by collaborating with historians to honor the legacy of the Six Triple Eight.
Casting Kerry Washington as Charity Adams was a pivotal moment that reflected the collaborative spirit and depth of character development in filmmaking.
Deep dives
Unveiling the Six-Triple Eight
The podcast delves into the story of the Six-Triple Eight, the only women's Army Corps unit of color during World War II. This all-Black, all-female unit was tasked with addressing a three-year backlog of undelivered mail for American servicemen, aiming to sort over 17 million pieces of correspondence. The unit operated under severe discrimination while contributing significantly to the war effort, showcasing their dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity. This historical narrative sheds light on their remarkable achievements and the importance of their legacy in shaping the history of women and Black service members in the military.
From Script to Screen: The Writing Process
Director Tyler Perry highlights the meticulous writing process behind the film, inspired by Lena Derrickotte King, a 99-year-old survivor of the Six-Triple Eight. Perry emphasizes the significance of accuracy in storytelling, utilizing a historian to verify the events recounted by King, ensuring the narrative's authenticity. He recounts how he approached the script by seeking to capture the heartfelt journey of these women, weaving their personal experiences into a cohesive story. This dedication to authenticity not only honored the legacy of the unit but also elevated the film's emotional impact.
Casting and Character Depth
The casting process for the film was pivotal, with Perry recounting how he envisioned Kerry Washington as Charity Adams even before the script was completed. A serendipitous moment occurred when Washington unknowingly dressed as Lena King for an Instagram shoot, solidifying her connection to the character. Perry discusses how Washington's dedication to understanding her character's history added layers of depth to her performance, allowing her to embody Charity Adams authentically. This effort highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where the actors' commitment to their roles enriches the storytelling experience.
Director Tyler Perry discusses his new film, The Six Triple Eight, with fellow Director J.C. Chandor in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses the serendipitous moment when casting Actor Kerry Washington, enlisting Debbie Allen to help choreograph the marching scenes, and shooting at his own film studio which was formerly a military base.
Inspired by the real-life story, the film recounts how the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black, all-woman unit, joined the war to fix a three-year backlog of undelivered mail for U.S. service members. Aiming to sort more than 17 million pieces of mail to their rightful servicemen, they work tirelessly in the face of discrimination and a country devastated by war.