The Adventures of Philippi

OUR STORY

THE ADVENTURES OF PHILIPPI is a unique and exciting action adventure comedy film written by first time independent film maker/comic actor, Toney Riley. You may remember Toney from the hit Fox television show ‘In Living Color.’ Toney was in the pilot series most remembered for the sketch “Get it your damn self!” He also appeared on famous television show, ‘Soul Train’ and the HBO series ‘Dream On.’ Toney resides in Los Angeles, but has found himself spending more time in the bay area seeking locations and a film crew for his latest project.

What is it about?

THE ADVENTURES OF PHILIPPI. This film will feature an all African American cast to tell the story based in the 16th century that magically teleports into present 21st century San Francisco. The main character Philippi Benjamin, is a village rouge and rebel that is named after the city of Philippi from the bible’s New Testament, “The Book of Philippians.” Summoned by the King to seek out his stolen family gold by one of the King’s former royal guards, Philippi has no option but to help his King who once spared his life. Philippi sets out in his new adventure and finds a young 10 year old boy along the way. Philippi and the boy create a beautiful father and son relationship through tackling all obstacles together. To experience the rest of the story one will have to see the film. I can assure you, you will be entertained!

OUR goal

As you may already know, independent films have to raise their own money. Toney Riley has already secured an investor and is currently seeking other investors to help assist in beginning production. Toney has done his research and has noted the success in black films. The black community is very supportive of box office African American films. Toney and his team believe this film will do well on its return.

Toney Riley is a native of Sacramento, California, and by the early age of 15 the entertainment bug had already hit him, While in junior high school Toney auditioned for the school's one act musical "Yankee Doodle." When he was not selected, Toney went on to write his own one act play titled "Maybe Tomorrow" which went on to be more popular then the school's " Yankee Doodle" production, bringing a large audience week to week after school. That same year Toney's one act play was awarded the Play Of The Year by 1976.By high school Toney went on to write and direct 11 more one act plays which received great reviews and air play on several local television stations in Sacramento. While attending Sacramento Junior College, Toney formed his own comedy troop called "The Toney Riley Players." The group consisted of five comic actors who would put on comedy shows throughout California from the Sacramento Convention Center to the Hollywood Comedy Store. After junior college Toney applied for The California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, California, a prestigious performing arts school (FAME). His audition was held in San Francisco and out of the 500 people who auditioned, Toney was one out of only 13 people selected.After graduation from Cal Arts Toney's gift for creating characters propelled him into the world of stand-up comedy. He created a one-man show and performed in places like the Comedy Store, The Improv and several other comedy clubs throughout Los Angeles. Toney was even the opening act for Kool & The Gang in Palm Springs, CA, and performed a private show for Motown legend, Smokey Robinson. Toney also appeared on "Soul Train," and HBO's "Dream On." In 1985 Toney was Runner up in actor Ted Lange's Ira Aldridge Acting Awards and the late actor, Pat Morita of "Happy Days" praised his performance.But Toney's big break came when he was featured in the pilot and several other episodes of FOX Television's hit show "In Living Color." There he got a chance to work along side of Keenan and Daymond Wayans, Jim Carey, Tommy Davidson and David Alan Grier.Toney received a shot at producing under the tutorage of Producer Lorena Mendez of Peace at the Border Productions in Burbank, California. Together they produced a film titled "Echoe Wars." After line producing and learning the ropes from Lorena he used his skills to work as a production associate on ABC's "That So Raven."
Currently, Toney has created and written two other television shows, a sitcom titled "Paco" and a musical variety show titled "Bringing Them Back."

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Artwork by Javier Tafolla