After seeing the film, COOLEY HIGH and TAXI DRIVER, Milwaukee, Wisconsin native George Tillman, Jr. became inspired to make films of his own. In 1994,George wrote and directed his first feature film, SCENES FOR THE SOUL. It was shot entirely in Chicago, using local talent and resources. The film, which cost $150,000 to make, caught the attention of Doug McHenry and George Jackson who acquired it for Savoy Pictures for $1 million. Following the momentum of this success, George began to write a script, loosely based on his own life--SOUL FOOD. SOUL FOOD began production on November 6th, 1996 on a hectic 30-day schedule with a cast that included Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, Mekhi Phifer, Michael Beach, Irma P. Hall, and Brandon Hammond. Modestly budgeted at $7 million, SOUL FOOD opened to critical and financial success, grossing over $43 million domestically. As a result, George and his producing partner, Bob Teitel, landed a two-year, first look deal at Fox 2000. State Street Pictures became their company's new name-a reference to their earlier years as a filmmaking team in Chicago.
George's next directorial effort was MEN OF HONOR, an epic story inspired by the life of Carl Brashear, a man who battled the obstacles of racism, a lack of education, and the loss of his leg to become the United States Navy's first African-American Master deep sea diver. The film starred Oscar winning actors Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Robert De Niro with an ensemble cast that included Charlize Theron, Michael Rapaport, Lonette McKee, Glynn Turman, and Hal Holbrook. After the success of MEN OF HONOR, George ventured into producing. In addition to his role as Executive Producer of the beloved "Soul Food: The Series" for Showtime Networks, George co-produced with partner, Bob Teitel the MGM film BARBERSHOP and ROLL BOUNCE.
George stepped back into the director's chair in 2007 to direct the biopic NOTORIOUS at Fox Searchlight. This edgy telling of slain rapper Notorious Big's life proved to be the perfect vehicle for George's directorial style and finesse. Starring the unknown Jamal Woolard as Christopher "Notorious Big" Wallace,the film also boasts strong talent such as Derek Luke as Sean "Puffy" Combs, Oscar nominated Angela Bassett as Voletta Wallace and Anthony Mackie as Tupac Shakur. The film began shooting principle photography in March of 2008 and FASTER in the 2011.
George fell in love with INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER AND PETE written by Michael Starrbury IN 2009 and spend 3 three years trying to get the film made. It debut at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival . The cast include Jennifer Hudson, Anthony Mackie, Jeffery Wright and introducing Skylan Brooks and Ethan Dizon. The movie will be release fall 2013 by Lionsgate. George is currently in development on the Miles Davis biopic MILES: PRINCE OF DARKNESS.
