"16 And Pregnant" Prod. on Filming Barton
Morgan J. Freeman has a lot on his plate at the moment. The TV producer remains focused on the hit, and at times controversial, reality show, "16 and Pregnant," which centers on pregnant high schoolers and now airs regularly on MTV, the cable channel now almost exclusively devoted to this type of programming.
It has been announced that this hit series has been renewed for a second season. Freeman, who just finished taping the show's season one series finale with health expert Dr. Drew, looks forward to the work ahead of him.
"There's a lot going on," Freeman told CBS News in a recent phone interview, "But it's all exciting. … I'm trying to deliver all of these elements."
Freeman, of no relation to the popular actor who shares nearly the same name, also looks forward to the viewer and critical reception of his directing efforts behind the new film "Homecoming," a suspense thriller, starring Mischa Barton of TV's "The O.C." fame.
Barton, who has faced heavy media scrutiny over alleged mental health issues, recently missed the premiere of "Homecoming," as it has been reported by several mainstream news sources that she was involuntarily admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for psychiatric treatment.
Despite these claims, Freeman had nothing but praise for his star during the production of "Homecoming." Freeman also described his directing techniques while on set.
"My whole sort of M.O. there was first, to get on the same page with what the movie is and what the character's journey through it is. And then, to create a comfortable place for Mischa to bring what she's bringing, day to day, scene to scene."
"Homecoming," which also stars Matt Long ("Ghost Rider," "Jack And Bobby") and Jessica Stroup (the new "90210"), focuses on Barton's character, Shelby, a small-town secret sociopath who will kill anyone standing in the way of her and her former flame (Long), a football star who returns to his rural hometown to receive an award.
In a nod to Kathy Bates' role in "Misery," Shelby even kidnaps and tortures a perceived threat of hers in her isolated home deep in the woods. Freeman noted the level of intensity of Barton's performance.
"Her role is a little more dynamic. She's plays this Southern Belle sweaty fresh off of the farm, and then a deranged psychotic becoming more of a loose cannon inside. We were seeing we're we could go with it," Freeman explained.
The director also wishes that Barton, who connected with a generation of young viewers on TV, will now draw attention to the film.
"I hope audiences get to have a good time, and a good scare. It's great to see Mischa go someplace she hasn't gone before. Through the woods, with an axe, chasing "90210"'s Jessica Stroup," he said.
Indeed, that alone should be worth the price of admission.
"Homecoming" is now playing in limited release in New York and Los Angeles.