A movie based in Bermuda could be in the cards for Robert Teitel, the producer of a string of popular movies including 'Notorious' about the late rap star Christopher (Biggie Smalls) Wallace.

Mr. Teitel, producer of such movies as 'Notorious' (2009), 'Barbershop' (2002), and 'Men of Honor' (2000) was recently in Bermuda to speak at the Bermuda College 2009 Spring Colloquium lecture series 'Hollywood 21st Century Film Producer Robert Teitel'.

Mr. Teitel told The Royal Gazette it would be possible for someone to make films in Bermuda.

"The way Spike Lee makes movies in New York, I think it would be interesting to make a film out of Bermuda," he said. "I have been inspired by Bermuda, and have thrown a few ideas around in the past.

"That is how it usually goes. But it might take a couple of years to move on it. 'Barbershop' was a lot like that. You could find your voice here," he said.

Mr. Teitel has been visiting Bermuda for about 10 years with his wife, Bermudian filmmaker Alison Swan, daughter of former Premier Sir John Swan. Ms Swan wrote and directed 'Mixing Nia' (1988).

'Notorious' is one of Mr. Teitel's most recent films and opened on January 16. It was about Biggie's rise from crack dealer to hip-hop star, and his death in 1997. The movie starred Jamal Woolard as Biggie, Angela Bassett as Biggie's mother, Voletta Wallace, and Derek Luke, as Sean (Puffy) Combs, among others. It was written by Reggie Rock Bythewood and Cheo Hodari Coker.

The producer almost didn't make it to Bermuda when he was suddenly called away for a special showing of 'Notorious' at the Berlin Film Festival.

"I was surprised at how well the film was received in Germany," Mr. Teitel said. "But Biggie Smalls was very popular over there."

He said that when he heard there was going to be a film about the life of Biggie Smalls he wanted very much to be a part of it.

"When I found out they were making this movie I pursued it heavily," he said. "It took months for it to finally happen. The film was already set up by his mother and two former managers. I knew they didn't have a producer. I have been a huge fan of Biggie Smalls."

'Notorious' was directed by George Tillman, Jr., Mr. Teitel's business partner in the production company 'State Street Pictures'.

Mr. Tillman and Mr. Teitel have worked on many movies together. In the early days of Mr. Teitel's career, it was a chance encounter with former collegemate Mr. Tillman that forever launched him out of the category of "wannabe" filmmaker.

"The two of us went to Los Angeles with $600 in our pockets," said Mr. Teitel.

One of the first films they made together was 'Paula' about an African-American teenage mother.

It received many awards including the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Student Academy Award and the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame award.

State Street Pictures released 'Nothing Like The Holidays' last Christmas co-produced with Alison Swan. "I met my wife in Los Angeles," said Mr. Teitel. "I saw her film 'Mixing Nia'. I saw that movie, and I met her. In terms of 'Nothing Like the Holidays' it was interesting working together to say the least. It was a good process."

'Nothing Like the Holidays' is a comedy about a Puerto Rican family at Christmas. It starred Debra Messing, Luiz Guzman, John Leguizamo, Alfred Molina and Freddy Rodriguez.

"It was an idea I had that stems from my Puerto Rican upbringing in Chicago," said Mr. Teitel.

"I thought there was an audience out there, the Latin audience. The family is so relatable. My mother was Puerto Rican. My grandmother and uncle were from the Humboldt Park neighbourhood.

"I had a great childhood. I worked for my father, Maurice, who had a body shop. That was different from what I got involved in, but I think my father gave me the work ethic."

He is now putting that strong work ethic into making a name for himself and his films.

"We still want to get to a place where we are making more films and appealing more to a world-wide audience," said Mr. Teitel. "Being in Berlin for five days opened my eyes. I am still working to find that balance with film-making and finding those scenes from life that are relatable.

"We are always trying to find great human stories."

Mr. Teitel said filmmaking was always something he wanted to do.

"I was always a fan of movies," he said. "At an early age I knew I wanted to get into film. When my family found out I wanted to go into film they were intrigued and a little worried.

"They were worried, as any parents would be because it is such a hard profession to crack."

But Mr. Teitel's family soon got over their concerns and actually invested a little money in his first film.

Sajni Tolaram a professor of English and film studies at the Bermuda College said she hoped that Mr. Teitel's lecture inspired other budding filmmakers, and people, in general.

"The aim of the colloquium series is to offer stimulus for the campus," Dr. Tolaram said. She has been teaching film studies at the Bermuda College for two years.

"Having access to someone like Mr. Teitel is an amazing opportunity for some people."

She said even before the lecture people were e-mailing her and calling her with questions for Mr. Teitel.

"I respect what he does, and I am very excited for his new projects," she said.

Mr. Teitel is currently in pre-production with 'Phenom'. 'Phenom' takes place shortly before the NBA playoffs. The press learns that the league's new hotshot player – a young man who went pro after high school – is the illegitimate son of an aging NBA star. The release date is projected to be July 2010.

"We are always drawn to scripts and stories with human emotions and relatability," said Mr. Teitel. "I love movies like 'Goodfellas' (1990), 'Platoon' (1986), and Spike Lee's 'Do The Right Thing' (1989). "We are working on a story about Bobby Martinez, number three surfer in the world.

"There is a kid who was literally in a gang and then rose to become this major surfer. It is a great story. Then we are working on a comedy called 'Cadillac' about a car dealership in Chicago."

To learn more about Mr. Teitel and his work go to www.statestreetpicutres.com.