TV One today announced that production is underway in Atlanta, Georgia for the new film, “Hit a Lick,” which marks the feature-length directorial debut for Tasha Smith (“For Better Or Worse,” “Empire”) and stars Lil Mama, Lance Gross, Tami Roman, Big Freedia, Lil Zane, and Floyd Mayweather.

Slated for a second half of 2017 premiere, the film is the network’s first original movie inspired by an episode of TV One’s original series, “For My Man.”

“Hit A Lick,” tells the tragic story of Falicia Blakely, a teen mom who grows up in the fast-lane. When she becomes an exotic dancer, she attracts the attention of local pimp and predator, Dino. His empty promises of a life together turn Falicia into a pawn in his dangerous games; and she’s forced to prove her love for him at the expense of innocent lives.

Hit A Lick cast announced today:

· Lil Mama as Falicia, a sassy 17 year-old young mom-turned-exotic dancer who falls hard for her pimp boyfriend and finds herself forced to choose between commitment to his love and a life of crime.

· Lance Gross as Dino, a modern day Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, who uses Falicia’s weakness for his gain.

· Tami Roman as Stacey, Falicia’s alcoholic mother who has jumped in and out of her daughter’s life, exposing her to too much too soon.

· Floyd Mayweather Jr. as Punch, a loud and cocky club owner from Miami

· Tiffany Black as Pumpkin, Falicia’s rough around the edges “road dog” who fully intends to strip her way out of poverty.

· Walter Fauntleroy as “Q,” Falicia’s regular customer-turned-friend; a good guy caught in a bad situation.

· Big Freedia as Tam, neighborhood friend and confidante to Falicia’s mother.

· Lil Zane as DJ Pierre, Club DJ




Tasha Smith will direct “Hit a Lick” from a script penned by Cas Sigers-Beedles (“Welcome to the Family” and “Girlfriends Getaway” 1 &2) who is also executive producer.

“Hit a Lick” is produced for TV One by Eric Tomosunas, Keith Neal and James Seppelfrick for Swirl Films. For TV One, Tia A. Smith is Sr. Director of Original Programming & Production and Executive in Charge of Production; Donyell McCullough is Senior Director of Talent & Casting; Robyn Greene-Arrington is VP of Original Programming, and D’Angela Proctor is Head of Original Programming and Production.