From Display screen to Web page: How Cas Sigers Transforms Tales into Cinematic and Literary Gold

Interview By Charron Monaye

Cas Sigers has written and produced many standard movies. A few of her well-known works embrace Scheme Queens, Unthinkably Good Issues, The place’s the Love, Girlfriends Getaway 1 & 2, Welcome to the Household, and the biopic When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story, which earned two NAACP Picture Award nominations. Underneath her manufacturing firm, Nina Vacation Leisure, Cas co-created For Richer or Poorer, Merry Wishmas, Angrily Ever After, Hip Hop Vacation, and T’was the Chaos Earlier than Christmas, which grew to become the highest-rated Christmas movie in BET historical past.

Sigers additionally directed movies like Open, Mediator, and Sugar Plum Twist for Hallmark, and her latest launch, The Match, got here out in 2024 on AllBlk. Along with her work in movie, Cas is the creator of six fiction novels revealed by way of Kensington Press. In September of 2024, Cas Sigers launched her romantic comedy novel A Woman Named Lilly, and in November, she’s going to comply with up with the discharge of Sycamore Tune a drama. Her storytelling expertise span throughout each the display and the web page, showcasing her expertise in a number of artistic shops.

The artistic spark for each novels and screenplays is comparable, however the course of varies considerably. For movies, that are extra visible, I deal with creating the world after crafting the characters. With novels, I start with the story after which take into consideration the folks surrounding the protagonist and the way they impression the narrative. I don’t fear a lot about balancing tasks—I merely comply with what evokes me within the second. As a mother, the true problem lies in balancing being current with my household whereas dwelling with the characters in my head.

HH: What impressed you to jot down Sycamore Tune? Is there a private or cultural connection to the story that drew you to this venture?

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Dwelling in Atlanta, I’ve encountered folks affected by intercourse trafficking, and one girl’s story specifically caught with me. She got here to America anticipating to work for a household however discovered herself trapped in a trafficking ring. Though I by no means bought her full backstory, I used to be impressed to create the character Chimwala from this encounter. I’ve additionally been fascinated by the idea of dowries and needed to jot down a few younger woman sacrificing her desires for her household. “Sycamore Tune” merges these two concepts into one narrative.

HH: The characters in Sycamore Tune appear to hold deep emotional layers. How did you develop them, and what message do you hope readers take away from their journeys?

I’ve immersed myself in tales in regards to the folks from and the tradition of Malawi and Tanzania, finding out the land and tradition to make sure accuracy. The emotional layers in my writing stem from fundamental human wants and needs. Chimwala’s eager for love and respect is one thing anybody can relate to, irrespective of their background. Her bond together with her sister is drawn from my family relationships. Authenticity is essential—when characters are real and relatable, you possibly can place them in any setting and nonetheless inform a strong story.

HH: With out giving an excessive amount of away, are you able to inform us a few pivotal scene within the e book that formed the course of the narrative? How did it come to life throughout the writing course of?

One of the crucial pivotal scenes in Sycamore Tune is when Chimwala and her son confront her betrothed. That is the turning level the place she decides to cease dwelling in concern, and it’s this act of braveness that units her on the trail that ultimately leads her to America.

HH: With every little thing you’ve got happening, what’s left? What can our readers anticipate and the way can we additional help you?

Daily brings a brand new inventive journey for me, and I really feel so blessed to have a thoughts that’s always creating tales. I’ll be releasing a rom-com novel subsequent yr, although the title remains to be a secret. “Scheme Queens 2” is in post-production and also will be launched subsequent yr, whereas we’re presently filming a thriller known as “Raven’s Eye,” set to air on AllBlk in 2026. Assist me by supporting genuine Black tales—when there’s a requirement for extra of those tales, creators like me can proceed producing significant content material.

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