With 'Something New' and 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2' among her film credits, Sanaa Hamri is quickly establishing herself as the go-to latest director of romantic comedies told from a woman's perspective. Her latest film, 'Just Wright,' is another fine example.

Queen Latifah stars as Leslie Wright, a physical therapist who stumbles upon love when caring for her latest client, NBA player Scott McKnight (Common). After going out on many dates and coming home depressed, has she finally found Mr. Right?

Having done numerous music videos for various artists, Hamri not only worked behind the director's chair but tapped Prince's former cohorts, Wendy and Lisa, to compose the music for the film.

Black Voices caught up with the Morocco native, who she talked about working with Queen Latifah and Common and being hands-on with the music in the film.

How was working with Queen Latifah, who is the star and the film's producer?

Sanaa Hamri: Queen Latifah is so creative and collaborative. She knew how to switch off the producer hat on set and just be the actor, which I think is an amazing thing. There are times I had to approach her as a producer, and we would find out a good time to speak, because when you are in your character, you don't take the actor out and start talking about shots. We were pretty much in sync throughout the whole shoot.

Common has played small roles in several films. How was his chemistry with Latifah?

SH: I knew Common from over 10 years ago. I've worked with him. I did a music video for him called 'Come Close' with Mary J. Blige. I just knew him well. I knew that it was going to work. Knowing Queen Latifah, I also knew that she knew him and that they would be comfortable with each other. With romantic comedies, it's so important to have the two actors be comfortable with each other. I knew that they had a mutual liking for each other to start with. I also knew Common outside his supporting roles. There are not many roles in Hollywood for a good-looking African American actors, and he was playing gangsters roles so far. I knew him outside that persona. He's Scott McKnight. He very much inspired the character for me.

Why not anyone 6-foot-7 or taller?

SH: First, Common is 6 feet, and he plays a point guard. In basketball, point guards are not the tallest, and they are usually his size. From height to size, he fits the description.

Is this a sports film disguised as a romantic comedy or vice versa?

SH: This is a romantic comedy. It's a romance. It's a love story that has a sports element. I tried not to go too sporty with the film because that wasn't the point of the movie. The point of the film is this character, Leslie Wright, who is a regular woman who lives in New Jersey. She bought a fixer-upper and is trying to make her life happy. I think all women of all ethnicities can relate to that. There are so many roles out there where you see these women who do not represent what most people look like or go through. This movie is about showing organic life and a regular love story.

Some of the cast members made their acting debut in film, like the basketball players. How did they do?

SH: All of the NBA players in the film were amazing. They took direction well, which I realized because they are used to being coached all the time. Anything I wanted and they were like, "No problem. We'll do it again." They hung out with us. Dwight Howard was charming and fun. Dwayne Wade was so strong and thoughtful. Rashad Lewis, Bobby Simmons and the rest were great. I loved them all. It was fun.

How did you get the New Jersey Nets to cooperate?

SH: I don't think it was hard for them because the character and Queen Latifah are from Jersey. The film was always based around reality. It wouldn't have made sense if she lived in Jersey and she had another team. The team is proud of being from the state, and Queen Latifah is as well.

Most of your films tend to be female-driven. Is this a pattern you look to approach?

SH: I just like movies that are entertaining and have substance. This film is twofold. It's Leslie Wright's story, but there's a lot of Scott McKnight's background brought out as well. I like movies that I can relate to and that I will enjoy.

What's the state of having more female directors, female producers and so on? Do you see an upward trend?

SH: I think there are more women producing or executive producing at studios and being in that power position, but in terms of directing, no. It's the same small pool that's continuing to work. I don't know why that is. To me, there needs to be more people from different backgrounds and different perspectives doing films, male or female. I'm from Morocco, North Africa. I came here for college. I had a scholarship, and I bring all that with me into my work. It's not only what I'm about but a part of it, and I feel there needs to be people with different perspectives.

Since they are mostly associated with Prince, for whom you have done several videos for, how was working with musicians Wendy and Lisa in this film?

SH: I love Wendy [Melvoin] and Lisa [Coleman]. They did another movie for me as well, 'Something New.' I met them through Prince and because I've worked with him a lot, and we know each other really well, I knew that I would be very hands-on musically. I do have that music background. That's why I used them in the first place. I really like them and their music, and for the first film, there was a lot of collaboration. I felt that they understood my sensibility, which is very similar to his as well. That's why I brought them on to this film, too.

Do you call everyone you want to be in the film musically, or do you wait until you to see the cut of the film and then add the music?

SH: My editor, Melissa Kent is very involved in the music. When she puts in the music, it guides me, and I'll look at it and know what works and what doesn't work. I usually let her put stuff together because she always surprises me. From there, I'll know who to use. On my last film, I used [film composer] Rachel Portman, who is just amazing. Melissa suggested her when she realized that all the music I love is from her catalog.

What do you want to do next?

SH: I would love to do a musical, more like a 'Chicago' or 'Moulin Rouge,' but on the Fosse vibe.