Carla B. Boone, the CEO of Holla’back Records, Entertainment & Management, has spent decades in the entertainment industry as a singer, manager, and executive. Now, she is adding “international screenwriter” to her resume. Her debut script, Who Takes the (W)Rap, has been named a finalist in an international screenplay competition and a semi-finalist in four national contests.
We sat down with Boone to discuss the inspiration behind her legal drama, the “lifelong plight” of independent artists, and how her background, from Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Houses to the corporate world, shaped this powerful new story.
Q: You have just been named a finalist in an international screenplay competition for your debut script, Who Takes the (W)Rap. As a veteran entertainment executive, what does it mean to you to receive this level of recognition for your first venture into screenwriting?
Carla B. Boone:
While personal confidence and encouragement from friends and family are meaningful, industry recognition provides true validation. Being nominated as 1) a finalist internationally 2) both national & international semi-finalists c) “Most Selected” on FilmFreeway and receiving praise from an Emmy Award–winning producer & screenwriter, affirms the hard work, sacrifices, and belief invested in the project.
Q: The screenplay tells the story of an aspiring rap group whose song is stolen and turned into a global hit by established artists. You’ve described this theme of intellectual property theft as a “lifelong plight” for many musicians. How much of this narrative was inspired by real-world situations you’ve witnessed in the independent music landscape?
Carla B. Boone:
Unfortunately, this narrative is inspired by real-life experiences surrounding the founding of Holla’back Records LLC., including allegations that one of our early works was misappropriated by international artists (Boone v. Jackson, Pharrell Williams et al.). These events inform a fictionalized screenplay that examines the emotional, financial, and career-altering impact of alleged copyright theft. Who Takes the W(R)ap exposes how such disputes can devastate creative lives when powerful parties deny wrongdoing and prolong legal battles at others’ expense.
Q: You stated that this screenplay aims to bring “international attention to the ongoing struggles of independent artists.” Beyond the entertainment value of the murder investigation and legal drama within the plot, what specific message do you hope audiences, and the industry, take away regarding artists’ rights?
Carla B. Boone:
Unfortunately, as documented in attorney Steven A. Lowe’s article “The Death of Copyright*” and in the cases examined in our documentary “ InJustice for All… Summary MisJudgment,”** It’s been statistically demonstrated that approximately 98% of copyright infringement actions filed by artists in New York and California (as of 2010) were dismissed at the summary judgment stage. As a result, artists’ constitutional right to a jury trial in copyright cases—particularly when brought against major artists or corporate defendants—has effectively been extinguished. This practice must come to an end.
Fame, fortune and alleged relationships to attorneys/judges should not exempt individuals from accountability or real-life repercussions of illicit behaviors.
For many rap artists, music serves as a gateway out of poverty and toward economic stability for themselves and their families. When established artists—often from similar backgrounds—appropriate the work of lesser-known creators without credit or compensation, it is grossly unfair, unethical and deeply troubling.
For the first time, international audiences will feel & experience—through an engaging and educational lens—the potential ramifications/ real-world impact of copyright infringement on artists’ lives and the possible/lasting consequences of such actions.
Q: Your personal journey is fascinating, ranging from growing up in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Houses to a 20-year corporate career where you earned federal securities licenses. How did balancing that structured corporate life with your creative work as a singer and manager influence your disciplined approach to writing this script?
Carla B. Boone:
The legendary R&B group The Spinners’ lyric, “Life ain’t so easy when you’re a ghetto child,” captures a profound truth: early adversity builds resilience. Life experiences—particularly hardship—prepared me to navigate future challenges with strength and perseverance. Raised in a single-parent household with six siblings, balancing work, education, family, and a professional career while pursuing a passion for entertainment instilled the discipline and resilience that made writing this internationally recognized blockbuster film possible.
Q: With Who Takes the (W)Rap now gaining traction in festivals and competitions, you mentioned you are exploring options with producers. What is the next step for this project, and how does this expansion into film fit into the broader vision for your company, Holla’back Records?
Carla B. Boone:
Once this project is sold and produced, Holla’back Records will receive long-overdue recognition following the alleged infringement of our song. This visibility should generate new writing opportunities, expanded sync and music licensing prospects for our catalog, and momentum for additional projects currently in development.
However, decades of industry experience mandates that we remain cautiously optimistic. We will continue to develop projects while vigorously fighting to protect Holla’back Records’ and all artists’ intellectual property nationwide.
*Death of Copyright
**Injustice for All DVD available
For more information about Carla B. Boone and her work, visit hollaback.org.
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