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The seed was planted more than 15 years ago when the four Philly friends (Paul Williams, Fred Thomas, Charles Stone III and Scott Brooks) began saying "Whassup?!" to greet one another. In 1998, Stone created a two-minute film called "True" in which he and his buddies sit around using the word. Someone at a Chicago-based Budweiser ad agency saw the film and collaborated with Stone to adapt the concept, and Stone signed on to direct the commercials. Stone auditioned more than 240 people for the four spots, seeking a multicultural cast. On the last day, Stone's three buddies -- all of whom are African American -- came in to audition. They got picked to play themselves. When they made the ads, they just wanted to get a foot in the door for roles in sitcoms or movies, or opportunities to direct their own stuff. And now they have it. |