"Beyond The Red Lights" NYC Premiere

1. Machine Gun Kelly, Nate Parker, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Amar’e Stoudemire (Producer), Gina Prince-Bythewood, Debra Lee, Reggie Rock Bythewood

The cast of “Beyond The Lights” gathered in NYC at the Regal Theater in Union Square for an enchanting evening filled with flashing lights, gorgeous gowns and handsome fellas. We caught up with the stars of “Beyond The Lights,” Nate Parker and Gugu Mbatha-Raw who revealed the hardest part about filming the love story and which entertainers inspired their characters. Keep scrolling to read what they had to say.

2. Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu looked radiant in this flowing green gown. The “Beyond The Lights” star opened up about the inspiration behind her character Noni. “We definitely looked to [Rihanna] for inspiration. The great thing about Noni is that she is a fictionalized character so she’s not trying to be anybody specifically. Gina looked at a variety of different artists from Nina Simone to Rihanna to Beyonce to Marilyn Monroe.”

3. Nate Parker

Nate Parker’s character K is beyond charming in “Beyond The Lights.” We chatted with the budding star on the red carpet and found out the hardest part about filming the project. “From the moment I got the script, the second we started rehearsal — everything was fantastic. I think the hardest part will be moving on once the movie comes out and washing it out of your system and going on tot he next project.”

4. Nate Parker & Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Nate and Gugu looked simply divine on the red carpet.

5. Reggie Rock Bythewood & Gina Prince-Bythewood

Gina Prince-Bythewood, director/writer of “Beyond The Lights” told us, “We need more love stories especially with people of color. I think it’s important to us as a community, but also the world, to see that we fall in love too and fight for each other.”

6. India.Arie

India.Arie was particularly excited about “Beyond The Lights.” “One of my songs is in it. It’s called “I Am Light.” I love anytime that people portray Black women outside of the regular media box.”