Billy Corben: from child actor to filmmaker

Billy Corben and former UM player Kevin Brinkworth

If you read this blog on a regular basis, you've probably seen a post or two on Miami filmmaker Billy Corben.

Billy is an approachable, immensely likable and highly quotable guy who hasn't let success go to his head.

His latest film, "Square Grouper," - a film about 70's and 80's marijuana culture in South Florida - just had its premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival last month in Austin.

Of course, Billy and his business partner at Rakontur Films, Alfred Spellman, are best known for their wildly popular film, "The U," which premiered in Dec. of 2009.

Ever since meeting Billy at "The U" premiere, I've wanted to interview him and find out what makes him tick.

I sat down with him and Rakontur producer Lindsey Snell back in March, just before the Austin screening of "Square Grouper."

I made Corben start at the beginning and I think what I found out makes a very readable story.

Snell, a Florida native and law school graduate, pretty much defies description. Trust me on that. But without her, an important part of "Square Grouper" might not have been made.

Read the story here at MiamiBeach411.com