Looking for a film to watch that is packed with action, suspense and romance but also carries a strong message?
Well N. C. Central University has its own resident director/producer grinding away in the studio to fill the bill.
Mass communication junior Demetrius Phillips, aka Dede, is filming a drama that delves into the domestic violence that springs from sticky romantic relationships.
"It covers the cliché what goes around comes around," said Phillips about the film's message. "I have completed a trailer on YouTube."
"The Watchmen" tells the story of Lisa Roberts, a young "naïve" female in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend. After witnessing a bank robbery, she is followed home by a member of the Watch "stick-up" crew, Ricky Johnson. The Watchmen are a mafia-like, secret male organization that hires themselves out for various criminal activities.
Ricky, played by theatre senior, Corwin Evans, eventually finds Lisa's boyfriend abusing her and intervenes.
Evans explains that his bank-robbing character falls in love with Lisa and teaches her about love and what qualities to look for in a man while continuously battling her violent ex-boyfriend throughout the movie.
"The overall message is to stay focused and don't get caught up in the temptations of the world," said Evans.
Evans said he wants to work in film after graduation in May and said he has been talking to producer Tyler Perry's people about work.
"This is different from theatre because here we use a camera," said Evans. "Because there is a camera around it makes things easier. In theatre everything's all live."
Phillips said she had a casting call a month before she began shooting.
"I looked for stage presence, voice projection, as well as individuals I thought could best fit into the character's role I was looking for," said Phillips.
Currently Phillips is waiting for props in order to continue filming.
Evans called his work in "The Watchmen" "a great experience" and said he has high hopes that it benefits everyone.
"Dede's a great writer and director," said Evans. "She's open to input and I see a bright future for her."
Phillips, originally from Charlotte, is writing a book of poetry and working to get it published. She also writes music, short stories, and plays in addition to rapping and making instrumentals.
"I came to NCCU because we have a variety of programs offered that I was interested in such as music, graphic design, business, and law," said Phillips. "When I got here I was undecided but later I discovered that communications was the best field to help make me become well-rounded."
Phillips said she believes NCCU helps her to obtain help in areas she needs to get to and where she can do the things she loves. She plans to attend a film school or film alternative program for graduate school once she completes her education at NCCU.
Phillips has completed a documentary on pregnancy at NCCU last year and expects to be done with the current production by January 2011.
Phillips is already planning her next production.
"On the next film I'm working on I cover racism, prejudice, stereotypes, and karma," said Phillips.
Student film to explore domestic violence
Published: Monday, January 11, 2010
Updated: Monday, January 11, 2010 15:01
 "Photo: Jamon Glover/Echo staff photographer")
Jamon Glover/Echo staff photographer
Demetrius Phillips with Felecia Casey-Hicks, NCCU TV station manager
 "Photo: Jamon Glover/Echo staff photographer")
Jamon Glover/Echo staff photographer
Quan Wiggins, a member of a secret criminal organization, robs a bank in the trailer of "The Watchmen," a film directed by Demeterius Phillips. Phillips expects to release the film in May.
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