Local talent powers new Oprah Winfrey Network drama ‘Delilah’ | Area connections in front of and behind camera

PHOTO | TROY HULL
Gastonia native Maria Howell, who is best known as a jazz vocalist, migrates to acting with her portrayal of Judge Adora Morrison in the Oprah Winfrey Network drama “Delilah.”

“Delilah” brings Charlotte to the forefront on March 9.

The latest Oprah Winfrey Network drama series began filming in Charlotte late last year, with local connections ranging from Charlotte City Council member Braxton Winston working as a member of the crew to Charlotte native Martin Damien Wilkins assisting executive producer and York, South Carolina native Charles Randolph-Wright. On screen, the series includes Gastonia native Maria Howell.

“I’m just glad that through COVID-19, my industry has found its way to make it safe for us,” said Howell, who sings and acts.

The series released a 55-second trailer on Feb. 3, teasing the work of “Greenleaf” creator Craig Wright, who also serves as executive producer along with Winfrey and Randolph-Wright on “Delilah.” It follows the journey of Delilah Connolly (Maahra Hill), who balances life as an attorney and single mother. While she loves to fight for the underdog, Connolly had to leave her corporate law firm years ago in order to do so. Now she faces the decision of taking a case that would pit her against her best friend, Tamara Grayson (Jill Marie Jones).

As Jones’ character says, “we’ve made it 20 years without going up against each other in court, let’s not do it now,” the audience sees a somber group gathered around a table signing papers. Howell, who sits at the head of the table, previously auditioned for “Greeleaf,” but “Delilah” marks her OWN debut in the role of Judge Adora Morrison.

“I love the role I play,” Howell said.

As the name implies, Howell’s character is a commanding presence. She only has to channel her real-life role as the oldest of six siblings to get into character.

“I’ve been conditioned to be authoritative—as my siblings would probably call it, bossy,” Howell said. “I tend to call it authoritative. I have that demeanor already as an organizer—a manager of people. So that wasn’t a far stretch. I turned it up a little bit, though.”

Howell considers herself fortunate that the project was done during her time on the East Coast. Production includes daily COVID-19 testing. Howell said the precautions in place make her feel safe, and she knows that she has to keep herself safe away from the set in order to be ready to go when it is her time.

North Carolina offers producers financial rebates of up to 25% on qualified movie and television show expenses. A TV series must average an in-state spend of $1 million or more per episode to qualify. Per NC Commerce, grants will not exceed $12 million per season. Tax incentives were reinstated under current Gov. Roy Cooper.

“Being able to do something in this area, knowing that projects are coming back to the North Carolina and Charlotte area specifically, I’m completely excited,” Howell said. “I was also excited to learn that a couple of cast members in the actual episode I appeared in are friends of mine and I didn’t know they were in the show at first, and the director is originally from York, South Carolina. There are a few other surprises I won’t spill, but it is really nice to have the project here.”