The Nights of Verona: A Romeo and Juliet Tale
A modern prequel to Romeo and Juliet that follows Mercutio's journey to broker an alliance between his family and the Capulets to weaken the Montagues' power. As Mercutio navigates Verona's criminal underworld, he is tormented by Queen Mab with visions of his imminent death.
Starring Jéan Elie (HBO's Insecure, ALKBLK's Send Help) and Antoinette Greene (HBO's We Own This City). Written and directed by Maxwell Michael Towson (Peacock's Dr. Death). Produced by LaTonya Joyce (MACRO's Really Love). Cinematography by Othello Banaci (HBO's 38 at the Garden). Music by Grammy-nominated composer-producer-songwriter Steve DuBerry. Edited by Ralph Jean-Pierre (HBO’s Tokyo Vice, AppleTV+’s Servant).
Official Festival Selections:
- 2024 DC Shorts International Film Festival
- 2024 Prince George’s Film Festival
- 2024 Playhouse West Film Festival
- 2024 International Black Film Festival
- 2024 Diamond State Black Film Festival
Festival Awards:
- 2024 Diamond State Black Film Festival ( Best Short)
- 2024 DC Shorts International Film Festival ( Showcase Winner)
Written, Directed, and Produced by: Maxwell Michael Towson
Producer: LaTonya Joyce
Executive Producer: Courtni Banaci
Executive Producer: Othello Banaci
Executive Producer: Michele Towson
Associate Producer: Emem Ifon
Associate Producer: Ade Paseda
Associate Producer: Toyosi Shitta-bey
Co-Producer: Liya Amelga
Co-Producer: Erika L. Johnson
Co-Producer: JaMar Jones
Director of Photography: Othello Banaci
Composer: Steve DuBerry
Composer: Rick Roman
Composer: Erie Ave
Editor: Ralph Jean-Pierre
Production Manager: Ayanna Sharif
Cam Op: Aaron Tucker
1st AC: Will Dickson
Gaffer: Karl Riemer
Gaffer: Karl Riemer
Grip: Mitch Wieland
Grip: Ben Toppi
Grip: Julian Weimar
Steadicam Op: Andrew Schwartz
Sound Mixer: Camilla Franco Riberio Gomide
MUA: Tiffany Nate
Scripty: Ronke Olorunfemi
Key PA: Saja Rahim
PA: Azlynn West
PA: Raven Randall
PA: Quentin Green
PA: Sekyia Williams
Wardrobe Stylist: Mieshia Petersen
Stunt Coord: Miciah Jones
SPFX MUA: Isabel Isel
BTS Photographer: Karsten Spencer
Casting Consultant: Thea Washington
Graphic Design: Terence Deabreu
Cast
Mercutio: Jean Elie
Queen Mab: Amber Azadi
Escalus: Antoinette Greene
Councilman Brooke: Harold Young
Bouncer: Miciah Jones
Singer: Brittany Brady
Valentine: Asim Amin
Bartender: Aadam Sharif
Montague: Gary Davenport
Lady Montague: Patrice Tillery
Romeo: Amari Davenport
Capulet: Brandon Spears
Lady Capulet: Lordana Spears
Juliet: Juliana Thompson
Black Jack Dealer: Lee Joyner
Extras
Arielle Green
Bethlehem Horn
Bria Anderson
Briana Miller
Caitlyn Mason
Fayven Amelga
Fiorella Oledibe
Jerome Melo
Liya Amelga
Mieshia Petersen
Special Thanks
Karene Brown
Sydnei Thomas
Ade Dosunmu
Leila P. Smith
Kimberlee Fisher
Tona Barlow
Narineh Hacopian
The Four Seasons - Baltimore
Maryland Art Place - Baltimore
Debbie Dorsey
Trillico Studios - Dallas
Filmed On Location in Baltimore, MD USA
Music
"Got the Blues Can't Be Satisfied" | Performed by Brittany Brady | Written by Mississippi John Hurt
"Came From" | Produced by Rick Roman | Performed and Written by Erie Avenaci
Hassan
