July 25th, 2005
“Rumble,” a short film starring Cedric the Entertainer, Noah Wyle, Mekhi Phifer, Deezer D, Mike Beach and Duane Martin premiered on Friday, July 22nd, 2005 in Los Angeles.
The film tells the story of Velvet Dupree, a young man destined to bring happiness to the world through his Salsa dancing! This comedy short began as a kind of birthday roast for former ER star Eriq LaSalle, who is, unbeknownst to most people, a terrific and accomplished Salsa dancer. The story is a fictional, yet semi-biographical look at this little known aspect of LaSalle’s life.
However, the film soon ballooned from a birthday surprise to a full out production complete with celebrity attachments and three production companies invovlement. Stock Yard Films, Ken Czechanski served as lead camera operator for the Los Angeles production, and Mike Leber edited the movie in time for the birthday deadline. There is talk of a film festival tour, and possible inclusion at next years Sundance Film Festival. Keep your fingers crossed!
