Story perspectives

Filmmaker's Rom-Com Stalled as Studios Await Box Office Results

4/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Filmmaker Nina Lee says her rom-com That's Her is stalled in post-production as studios await the box office performance of You, Me & Tuscany.
Will Packer, the film's producer, notes Hollywood pressures Black filmmakers to deliver box office success.
He says Hollywood often reacts to audience spending, shaping responses to Black-led projects.
Lee remains hopeful that That's Her will resonate at the American Black Film Festival and advance authentic representation.

History

Historical Context

"Boyz n the Hood," released in 1991, grossed over $57 million and marked a turning point for Black cinema, prompting studios like Columbia Pictures to invest in Black filmmakers such as Spike Lee and John Singleton. This shift followed decades of struggle for representation, rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, and continues today as films like Nina Lee's "That's Her" navigate Hollywood's focus on box office success for Black-led projects.

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Story summary

Filmmaker Nina Lee says her rom-com That's Her is stalled in post-production as studios await the box office performance of You, Me & Tuscany.
Will Packer, the film's producer, notes Hollywood pressures Black filmmakers to deliver box office success.
He says Hollywood often reacts to audience spending, shaping responses to Black-led projects.
Lee remains hopeful that That's Her will resonate at the American Black Film Festival and advance authentic representation.

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