The documentary “Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution” is set to premiere globally on June 18 on Netflix. The feature-length documentary, the first of its kind to address this topic, examines the history of queer stand-up comedy as — according to its logline — “an instrument for social change over the past five decades, actively reflecting and challenging cultural norms and values.”
The film combines stand-up performances and talking head interviews, as well as archival materials featuring LGBTQ+ comedians, and includes Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Wanda Sykes, Suzy Izzard, Hannah Gadsby, Tig Notaro, Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho, Bob The Drag Queen and Trixie Mattel.
Historians interviewed for the documentary include Dave Holmes, Roger Mason, Shar Jossell, Susan Stryker and Kate Aurthur, Variety‘s Editor-at-Large.
“Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution” is written and directed by Page Hurwitz. “I’m excited for the film to premiere, particularly at this time, because comedy has the power to unite, and...
The film combines stand-up performances and talking head interviews, as well as archival materials featuring LGBTQ+ comedians, and includes Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Wanda Sykes, Suzy Izzard, Hannah Gadsby, Tig Notaro, Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho, Bob The Drag Queen and Trixie Mattel.
Historians interviewed for the documentary include Dave Holmes, Roger Mason, Shar Jossell, Susan Stryker and Kate Aurthur, Variety‘s Editor-at-Large.
“Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution” is written and directed by Page Hurwitz. “I’m excited for the film to premiere, particularly at this time, because comedy has the power to unite, and...
- 4/17/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety Film + TV
The story of MTV is set to be rolled out in a new podcast series hosted by former VJ Dave Holmes.
Audacy Podcasts is launching Who Killed the Video Star? The Story of MTV, an eight-part series that launches today, March 27.
“MTV is still on the air in 2024, and it’s still profitable, but my nieces and nephews know it as a logo on an Urban Outfitters t-shirt. I wanted to know what happened, and where the spirit of MTV exists now,” said Holmes.
The series will explore the cultural history, impact, legacy, and phenomenon of MTV and looks at what it turned into.
Holmes, who previously hosted Waiting for Impact, the wild story of boy band Sudden Impact, is hosting with guests including former VJs such as Julie Brown, Damien Fahey, and Kevin Seal, former MTV News correspondents Gideon Yago, Chris Connelly, and Suchin Pak, former Viacom Music and Entertainment Group president Doug Herzog,...
Audacy Podcasts is launching Who Killed the Video Star? The Story of MTV, an eight-part series that launches today, March 27.
“MTV is still on the air in 2024, and it’s still profitable, but my nieces and nephews know it as a logo on an Urban Outfitters t-shirt. I wanted to know what happened, and where the spirit of MTV exists now,” said Holmes.
The series will explore the cultural history, impact, legacy, and phenomenon of MTV and looks at what it turned into.
Holmes, who previously hosted Waiting for Impact, the wild story of boy band Sudden Impact, is hosting with guests including former VJs such as Julie Brown, Damien Fahey, and Kevin Seal, former MTV News correspondents Gideon Yago, Chris Connelly, and Suchin Pak, former Viacom Music and Entertainment Group president Doug Herzog,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The humble beginnings of Matt Stone and Trey Parker's "South Park" are nothing short of inspiring, with two friends crafting a stop-motion short film that would evolve into one of the most popular and longest-running shows in television history. "The Spirit of Christmas" was first released in 1992 (colloquially referred to as "Jesus vs. Frosty") and again in 1994 as a Christmas card (colloquially known as "Jesus vs. Santa" to differentiate) Fox executive Brian Graden had commissioned to send to his friends. Parker and Stone then developed the characters and the mountain town setting into what would become "South Park," and the rest is history.
This timeline certainly makes "South Park" sound like one of those dreamy Hollywood Cinderella stories in which two unknown comedy animators were plucked from obscurity to become billionaires and one award shy of earning Egot status. However, this narrative ignores the countless other projects -- both...
This timeline certainly makes "South Park" sound like one of those dreamy Hollywood Cinderella stories in which two unknown comedy animators were plucked from obscurity to become billionaires and one award shy of earning Egot status. However, this narrative ignores the countless other projects -- both...
- 2/24/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
A federal judge has ordered the arrest of Rovier Carrington, who’s facing a perjury charge for falsely accusing late Paramount chief Brad Grey of rape, for missing court hearings in his criminal case. Carrington says he failed to appear because he’s immunocompromised and was recommended not to travel.
“The Court gave Mr. Carrington plenty of chances,” reads the order issued on Friday.
In 2018, Carrington sued Viacom for 50 million alleging a corporate scheme to cover up being raped by Grey and exploited by former MTV chief Brian Graden. He claimed they tricked him into signing a nondisclosure agreement and said he had the emails to support the allegations. The case fell apart when the authenticity of the emails were called into question, leading to Carrington losing his attorney. He tried to withdraw his case but the matter was referred to the Justice Department,...
A federal judge has ordered the arrest of Rovier Carrington, who’s facing a perjury charge for falsely accusing late Paramount chief Brad Grey of rape, for missing court hearings in his criminal case. Carrington says he failed to appear because he’s immunocompromised and was recommended not to travel.
“The Court gave Mr. Carrington plenty of chances,” reads the order issued on Friday.
In 2018, Carrington sued Viacom for 50 million alleging a corporate scheme to cover up being raped by Grey and exploited by former MTV chief Brian Graden. He claimed they tricked him into signing a nondisclosure agreement and said he had the emails to support the allegations. The case fell apart when the authenticity of the emails were called into question, leading to Carrington losing his attorney. He tried to withdraw his case but the matter was referred to the Justice Department,...
- 6/20/2022
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Page Hurwitz had a plan to tell the story of LGBTQ+ comedians with the help of one big historic show — and then the pandemic hit.
But as the global shuttering put a pause on her original plans, it opened the door for an invitation to the Netflix Is a Joke festival, where the director, writer, producer and comedian’s planned show — a featured part of Stand Out: The Documentary, which will debut on Netflix later this year — was able to be part of the streamer’s first major live comedy festival.
Hosted by Billy Eichner and headlined by Eddie Izzard, Margaret Cho, Sandra Bernhard, Tig Notaro, Wanda Sykes and Rosie O’Donnell, the show is the largest known amassing of LGBTQ+ comedic talent on one stage. The sold-out three-hour set, held at the 5,900-capacity outdoor Greek Theatre, featured Billy Porter, Lena Waithe, Sarah Paulson,...
Page Hurwitz had a plan to tell the story of LGBTQ+ comedians with the help of one big historic show — and then the pandemic hit.
But as the global shuttering put a pause on her original plans, it opened the door for an invitation to the Netflix Is a Joke festival, where the director, writer, producer and comedian’s planned show — a featured part of Stand Out: The Documentary, which will debut on Netflix later this year — was able to be part of the streamer’s first major live comedy festival.
Hosted by Billy Eichner and headlined by Eddie Izzard, Margaret Cho, Sandra Bernhard, Tig Notaro, Wanda Sykes and Rosie O’Donnell, the show is the largest known amassing of LGBTQ+ comedic talent on one stage. The sold-out three-hour set, held at the 5,900-capacity outdoor Greek Theatre, featured Billy Porter, Lena Waithe, Sarah Paulson,...
- 6/11/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix is celebrating Pride Month, revealing its greenlit “Stand Out: The Documentary.”
The documentary film will examine the history of LGBTQ+ stand-up comedy. While exact details of who will be featured in the doc were not available, Netflix did note that many of the comedians in “Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration” are in both projects.
Also Read:
9 Essential LGBTQ Romantic Comedies to Watch and Where to Stream Them (Photos)
The feature-length documentary will include original performances, interviews, archival materials and backstage vérité-style footage. It will explore themes including comedy as activism, diversity in stand-up, new queer culture and mainstreaming the alternative.
Page Hurwitz is writer and director. Hurwitz executive produces alongside Wanda Sykes for Push It Productions, and Brian Graden, Dave Mace and Lb Horschler for Brian Graden Media.
Read original story Netflix Greenlights ‘Stand Out: The Documentary’ About LGBTQ Comedy History At TheWrap...
The documentary film will examine the history of LGBTQ+ stand-up comedy. While exact details of who will be featured in the doc were not available, Netflix did note that many of the comedians in “Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration” are in both projects.
Also Read:
9 Essential LGBTQ Romantic Comedies to Watch and Where to Stream Them (Photos)
The feature-length documentary will include original performances, interviews, archival materials and backstage vérité-style footage. It will explore themes including comedy as activism, diversity in stand-up, new queer culture and mainstreaming the alternative.
Page Hurwitz is writer and director. Hurwitz executive produces alongside Wanda Sykes for Push It Productions, and Brian Graden, Dave Mace and Lb Horschler for Brian Graden Media.
Read original story Netflix Greenlights ‘Stand Out: The Documentary’ About LGBTQ Comedy History At TheWrap...
- 6/9/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
Billy Eichner and Mae Martin have called out Netflix’s support of Dave Chappelle’s jokes about queer and trans people — in a comedy special released by Netflix itself.
Both comedians appear in “Stand Out: An LGBTQ Celebration,” which debuted on June 9 after being taped at Netflix Is a Joke Fest in May. The event, hosted by Eichner, was the largest-ever gathering of LGBTQ+ comics in one stand-up special, according to Netflix.
“We all know how backwards and dangerous the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ laws are,” Eichner says in the special. “Queer people, and especially trans people, are under legislative attack in this country. Trans people are being demeaned. They’re trying to dehumanize trans people. They’re trying to erase trans people. And I’m not even talking about Florida. I’m talking about Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix special!”
“Oh, come at me! I don’t have Jamie Foxx to defend me,...
Both comedians appear in “Stand Out: An LGBTQ Celebration,” which debuted on June 9 after being taped at Netflix Is a Joke Fest in May. The event, hosted by Eichner, was the largest-ever gathering of LGBTQ+ comics in one stand-up special, according to Netflix.
“We all know how backwards and dangerous the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ laws are,” Eichner says in the special. “Queer people, and especially trans people, are under legislative attack in this country. Trans people are being demeaned. They’re trying to dehumanize trans people. They’re trying to erase trans people. And I’m not even talking about Florida. I’m talking about Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix special!”
“Oh, come at me! I don’t have Jamie Foxx to defend me,...
- 6/9/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has given a green light to Stand Out: The Documentary, a feature-length documentary that examines the history of LGBTQ stand-up comedy, for premiere this year.
Intended to complement Netflix’s Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration special, the documentary will combine original performances, interviews, archival materials, and backstage vérité footage to explore themes such as comedy as activism, diversity in stand-up, new queer culture, and mainstreaming the alternative. The film considers the importance of LGBTQ stand-up as an instrument for social progress over the past five decades, changing the world one joke at a time.
The film is written and directed by Page Hurwitz, who executive produces with Wanda Sykes for Push It Productions; and Brian Graden, Dave Mace and Lb Horschler for Brian Graden Media.
Intended to complement Netflix’s Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration special, the documentary will combine original performances, interviews, archival materials, and backstage vérité footage to explore themes such as comedy as activism, diversity in stand-up, new queer culture, and mainstreaming the alternative. The film considers the importance of LGBTQ stand-up as an instrument for social progress over the past five decades, changing the world one joke at a time.
The film is written and directed by Page Hurwitz, who executive produces with Wanda Sykes for Push It Productions; and Brian Graden, Dave Mace and Lb Horschler for Brian Graden Media.
- 6/9/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has greenlit “Stand Out: The Documentary,” which examines the history of LGBTQ stand-up comedy and will debut in 2022.
The film is written, directed and executive produced by Page Hurwitz, who was recently named one of Variety‘s 55 Queer Artists and Decision-Makers to Know in 2022.
Intended to complement Netflix’s recent comedy special “Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration,” “Stand Out: The Documentary” will combine original performances, interviews, archival materials and backstage vérité footage to explore themes like comedy as activism, diversity in stand-up, new queer culture and mainstreaming the alternative. The film focuses on the importance of LGBTQ stand-up as an instrument for social progress over the past five decades, changing the world one joke at a time.
“Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration” premiered on June 9 after being taped at the inaugural Netflix is a Joke Fest in Los Angeles in May with Billy Eichner as host. Several of the...
The film is written, directed and executive produced by Page Hurwitz, who was recently named one of Variety‘s 55 Queer Artists and Decision-Makers to Know in 2022.
Intended to complement Netflix’s recent comedy special “Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration,” “Stand Out: The Documentary” will combine original performances, interviews, archival materials and backstage vérité footage to explore themes like comedy as activism, diversity in stand-up, new queer culture and mainstreaming the alternative. The film focuses on the importance of LGBTQ stand-up as an instrument for social progress over the past five decades, changing the world one joke at a time.
“Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration” premiered on June 9 after being taped at the inaugural Netflix is a Joke Fest in Los Angeles in May with Billy Eichner as host. Several of the...
- 6/9/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
With less than four weeks until the festival begins, Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival has added new shows to its lineup, including top stand-up performances, Netflix series cast events, as well as a free outdoor fan experience. The festival, which now boasts over 250 live shows across over 30 venues covering Los Angeles, is produced by Netflix in association with Live Nation.
One of the added highlights of the event is the Billy Eichner-hosted Stand Out: An LGBTQ + Celebration. The celebration is happening in 2022, (although postponed from 2020) in the wake of the October 2021 Netflix controversy that saw LGBTQ employees stage an office walkout due to what they considered to be transphobic content during Dave Chappelle’s Netflix comedy special, The Closer. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos received backlash due to two internal emails — sent out on the same day and leaked days apart — in which he defended Chappelle and argued that...
One of the added highlights of the event is the Billy Eichner-hosted Stand Out: An LGBTQ + Celebration. The celebration is happening in 2022, (although postponed from 2020) in the wake of the October 2021 Netflix controversy that saw LGBTQ employees stage an office walkout due to what they considered to be transphobic content during Dave Chappelle’s Netflix comedy special, The Closer. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos received backlash due to two internal emails — sent out on the same day and leaked days apart — in which he defended Chappelle and argued that...
- 4/5/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
"South Park" began its life as a series of crudely animated short film called "The Spirit of Christmas," which Matt Stone and Trey Parker made while students at the University of Colorado. The first short, made with paper cutouts, featured several small boys witnessing an ultra-violent fight between Jesus Christ and Frosty the Snowman. It was all very amusing. When Brian Graden, a Fox executive, saw "The Spirt of Christmas," he gave Stone and Parker $1,000 to remake it as a personal video Christmas card he was going to share with friends. The central fight was changed to Jesus...
The post South Park 25th Anniversary Concert with Trey Parker and Matt Stone is Coming to Red Rocks appeared first on /Film.
The post South Park 25th Anniversary Concert with Trey Parker and Matt Stone is Coming to Red Rocks appeared first on /Film.
- 3/17/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Brian Graden Media has upped EVP of Development Dave Mace to President. Meanwhile, Lb Horschler, who had been Executive in Charge of Production at the company for seven years before leaving for Citizen last spring, is returning in a new, larger role, as EVP of Production.
Veteran executive and producer Mace is taking over full day-to-day running of the company, with all development and production reporting into him. The company’s CEO Graden will still be heavily involved but will focus more on creative as well as expanding initiatives in the documentary arena.
Since joining Brian Graden Media in 2016, Mace has developed and produced a number of series, including Emmy-winning Create Together starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Escape the Night, Band Together with Logic and the Instant Influencer franchise for YouTube Originals; Mrs. T’s Music Factory for Lifetime, Logo Network’s Finding Prince Charming; Oxygen’s highest-rated true crime documentary series,...
Veteran executive and producer Mace is taking over full day-to-day running of the company, with all development and production reporting into him. The company’s CEO Graden will still be heavily involved but will focus more on creative as well as expanding initiatives in the documentary arena.
Since joining Brian Graden Media in 2016, Mace has developed and produced a number of series, including Emmy-winning Create Together starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Escape the Night, Band Together with Logic and the Instant Influencer franchise for YouTube Originals; Mrs. T’s Music Factory for Lifetime, Logo Network’s Finding Prince Charming; Oxygen’s highest-rated true crime documentary series,...
- 2/22/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Just call them the Golden Girls for a new generation.
TikTok stars Robert Reeves, Mick Peterson, Bill Lyons and Jessay Martin — known collectively as the “Old Gays” — have signed with Brian Graden Media (Bgm) to develop a docuseries about their personal and professional social media lives, all while living together in Cathedral City, Calif.
The “Old Gays” have more than 3.2 million followers and 320 million views across their social media platforms.
“We are thrilled to be working with the hilarious and very talented ‘Old Gays,’” Bgm CEO Brian Graden tells me exclusively. “Their videos resonate with audiences young and old alike and viewers have shown extreme interest in seeing their lives on a more personal level which we intend to deliver upon.”
In addition to their viral videos, the “Old Gays,” who range in age from mid-60s to late 70s, have appeared on the “Drew Barrymore Show” and “Today” show.
TikTok stars Robert Reeves, Mick Peterson, Bill Lyons and Jessay Martin — known collectively as the “Old Gays” — have signed with Brian Graden Media (Bgm) to develop a docuseries about their personal and professional social media lives, all while living together in Cathedral City, Calif.
The “Old Gays” have more than 3.2 million followers and 320 million views across their social media platforms.
“We are thrilled to be working with the hilarious and very talented ‘Old Gays,’” Bgm CEO Brian Graden tells me exclusively. “Their videos resonate with audiences young and old alike and viewers have shown extreme interest in seeing their lives on a more personal level which we intend to deliver upon.”
In addition to their viral videos, the “Old Gays,” who range in age from mid-60s to late 70s, have appeared on the “Drew Barrymore Show” and “Today” show.
- 11/3/2021
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Rovier Carrington, a self-described Hollywood “it boy,” has been charged with perjury in connection with a salacious sex abuse lawsuit he filed against Viacom and its executives in 2018.
Carrington was arrested Tuesday on allegations that he had fabricated emails to support the suit, which was ultimately dismissed. In the suit, Carrington accused former MTV executive Brian Graden of luring him into a sexual relationship with false promises of stardom, and also accused Brad Grey, the late CEO and chairman of Paramount Pictures, of rape. He also claimed to have been blacklisted at Viacom, and that his idea for a dating reality show had been stolen.
The lawsuit unraveled after a forensic examination of his phone and email accounts failed to turn up the original emails. The defense lawyers in the case accused Carrington of fabricating 39 emails in total.
U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla ordered the suit dismissed with...
Carrington was arrested Tuesday on allegations that he had fabricated emails to support the suit, which was ultimately dismissed. In the suit, Carrington accused former MTV executive Brian Graden of luring him into a sexual relationship with false promises of stardom, and also accused Brad Grey, the late CEO and chairman of Paramount Pictures, of rape. He also claimed to have been blacklisted at Viacom, and that his idea for a dating reality show had been stolen.
The lawsuit unraveled after a forensic examination of his phone and email accounts failed to turn up the original emails. The defense lawyers in the case accused Carrington of fabricating 39 emails in total.
U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla ordered the suit dismissed with...
- 9/22/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
A man who claimed to be the descendant of a Three Stooges star and accused late Paramount chief Brad Grey of rape has been arrested and is a facing perjury charge, the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday.
Rovier Carrington in 2018 sued Viacom claiming the company covered up the alleged crime and also claimed former MTV exec Brian Graden exploited him, among other things. Graden’s attorney Larry Stein at the time issued a statement calling the suit a “sensationalized and meritless” extortion attempt. Ultimately, the court dismissed the suit with prejudice and awarded defendants more than ...
Rovier Carrington in 2018 sued Viacom claiming the company covered up the alleged crime and also claimed former MTV exec Brian Graden exploited him, among other things. Graden’s attorney Larry Stein at the time issued a statement calling the suit a “sensationalized and meritless” extortion attempt. Ultimately, the court dismissed the suit with prejudice and awarded defendants more than ...
- 9/22/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
A man who claimed to be the descendant of a Three Stooges star and accused late Paramount chief Brad Grey of rape has been arrested and is a facing perjury charge, the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday.
Rovier Carrington in 2018 sued Viacom claiming the company covered up the alleged crime and also claimed former MTV exec Brian Graden exploited him, among other things. Graden’s attorney Larry Stein at the time issued a statement calling the suit a “sensationalized and meritless” extortion attempt. Ultimately, the court dismissed the suit with prejudice and awarded defendants more than ...
Rovier Carrington in 2018 sued Viacom claiming the company covered up the alleged crime and also claimed former MTV exec Brian Graden exploited him, among other things. Graden’s attorney Larry Stein at the time issued a statement calling the suit a “sensationalized and meritless” extortion attempt. Ultimately, the court dismissed the suit with prejudice and awarded defendants more than ...
- 9/22/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Brian Graden Media has upped Catherine Keithley Lawson to Senior Vice President, Development & Current Series.
Keithley Lawson, who joined Bgm in 2013, previously served as Director of Development and has developed and overseen the company as it developed four YouTube Orignal shows including Escape the Night. As Director of Development she has also sold and developed a number of titles at Bgm at various stages of development, casting, presentations, and pilots for networks including NBC, Lifetime, BET, and Bravo. Additionally, she has stepped up as primary Current Executive on a variety of projects including Miss T’s Music Factory for Lifetime, as well as current presentations for A&e, OWN, and Nickelodeon.
“We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Catherine Keithley Lawson to Senior Vice President, Development & Current Series,” said Bgm CEO Brian Graden. “Catherine has developed an honest, straightforward, creative style that engenders trust from our creative and network partners alike,...
Keithley Lawson, who joined Bgm in 2013, previously served as Director of Development and has developed and overseen the company as it developed four YouTube Orignal shows including Escape the Night. As Director of Development she has also sold and developed a number of titles at Bgm at various stages of development, casting, presentations, and pilots for networks including NBC, Lifetime, BET, and Bravo. Additionally, she has stepped up as primary Current Executive on a variety of projects including Miss T’s Music Factory for Lifetime, as well as current presentations for A&e, OWN, and Nickelodeon.
“We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Catherine Keithley Lawson to Senior Vice President, Development & Current Series,” said Bgm CEO Brian Graden. “Catherine has developed an honest, straightforward, creative style that engenders trust from our creative and network partners alike,...
- 4/29/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Zach “Zhc” Hsieh, a popular YouTube creator and artist, has been tapped as the host for Season 2 of YouTube’s “Instant Influencer” competition series, which promises one up-and-coming artist a $100,000 cash prize.
Last month YouTube confirmed that James Charles, the beauty vlogger who hosted the first season of “Instant Influencer,” would not return to host Season 2. That came after Charles had been accused of “grooming” a 16-year-old online; Charles called the accusation “completely false.”
The “Instant Influencer” Season 2 with Zhc will run for eight episodes, up from four in Season 1, and is slated to debut later in 2021.
In Season 2, a group of 10 contestants — artists selected by Zhc and his producing partners — will compete for the title of “Instant Influencer” and the $100,000 prize. Casting kicks off Thursday (April 15) and aspiring contestants can apply to be on the show (at this link) during the next two weeks; applicants must be 18 and older and live in the U.
Last month YouTube confirmed that James Charles, the beauty vlogger who hosted the first season of “Instant Influencer,” would not return to host Season 2. That came after Charles had been accused of “grooming” a 16-year-old online; Charles called the accusation “completely false.”
The “Instant Influencer” Season 2 with Zhc will run for eight episodes, up from four in Season 1, and is slated to debut later in 2021.
In Season 2, a group of 10 contestants — artists selected by Zhc and his producing partners — will compete for the title of “Instant Influencer” and the $100,000 prize. Casting kicks off Thursday (April 15) and aspiring contestants can apply to be on the show (at this link) during the next two weeks; applicants must be 18 and older and live in the U.
- 4/15/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
The fourth round of Creative Arts Emmy Awards were handed out on Thursday, honoring winners in scripted categories including short-form, interactive programming, casting, voice-over performance and music composition.
The short-form video streamer Quibi took home its first two Emmys, with Jasmine Cephas Jones and Laurence Fishburne taking home trophies for their roles on the drama “#FreeRayshawn.” The acclaimed animation studio Pixar also nabbed its first win for the “Forky Asks a Question” shorts on Disney+.
Among the other winners were Maya Rudolph for Netflix’s “Big Mouth,” Netflix’s “Big Mouth,” HBO’s “Euphoria” and AMC’s digital “Better Call Saul” companion series, “Employee Training.”
Hosted by “Nailed It’s” Nicole Byer, Thursday’s ceremony is the last of four online Creative Arts Emmys ceremonies this week, which will be followed by a fifth live broadcast on Fxx on Saturday. The week will culminate in the Primetime Emmy Awards broadcast on ABC this Sunday,...
The short-form video streamer Quibi took home its first two Emmys, with Jasmine Cephas Jones and Laurence Fishburne taking home trophies for their roles on the drama “#FreeRayshawn.” The acclaimed animation studio Pixar also nabbed its first win for the “Forky Asks a Question” shorts on Disney+.
Among the other winners were Maya Rudolph for Netflix’s “Big Mouth,” Netflix’s “Big Mouth,” HBO’s “Euphoria” and AMC’s digital “Better Call Saul” companion series, “Employee Training.”
Hosted by “Nailed It’s” Nicole Byer, Thursday’s ceremony is the last of four online Creative Arts Emmys ceremonies this week, which will be followed by a fifth live broadcast on Fxx on Saturday. The week will culminate in the Primetime Emmy Awards broadcast on ABC this Sunday,...
- 9/17/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
The Television Academy announced the juried award winners for the 2020 Emmy Awards in categories including Animation, Choreography, Interactive Programming and Motion Design, set to be celebrated at the 2020 Creative Arts Awards ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 17, streaming on Emmys.com.
Among the winners is artist and animator Genndy Tartakovsky, who has now won four Emmys total, the latest for his work as storyboard artist on his Adult Swim series “Primal.” The series received two other juried wins this year in addition to Tartakovsky’s: one for art director Scott Wills and one for character designer Stephan DeStefano. Tartakovsky’s prior Emmy wins include consecutive wins in 2004 and 2005 in Outstanding Animated Program (for programming one hour or more) for “Star Wars: Clone Wars” and “Star Wars: Clone Wars Vol. 2 (Chapters 21-25),” as well as Outstanding Animated Program (for programming less than one hour) in 2004 for “Samurai Jack.”
Other winners in Outstanding Individual...
Among the winners is artist and animator Genndy Tartakovsky, who has now won four Emmys total, the latest for his work as storyboard artist on his Adult Swim series “Primal.” The series received two other juried wins this year in addition to Tartakovsky’s: one for art director Scott Wills and one for character designer Stephan DeStefano. Tartakovsky’s prior Emmy wins include consecutive wins in 2004 and 2005 in Outstanding Animated Program (for programming one hour or more) for “Star Wars: Clone Wars” and “Star Wars: Clone Wars Vol. 2 (Chapters 21-25),” as well as Outstanding Animated Program (for programming less than one hour) in 2004 for “Samurai Jack.”
Other winners in Outstanding Individual...
- 9/1/2020
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
Exclusive: The last 30 years of reality television is to be the subject of a documentary series for Quibi. How’s that for meta?
The short-form platform, launched by Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman, is developing Get Real from Queer Eye producer Scout Productions and Brian Graden Media, the company behind YouTube’s Joseph Gordon-Levitt-fronted Create Together.
The doc series will highlight the good, the bad, the ugly, and the infamous across the 30-year history of reality television.
Get Real will explore the many ways reality television has impacted our real life, and vice versa, while hearing from culture critics, the producers, and the participants who brought it to the screen in the first place.
Graden knows a thing or two about reality television, having worked at MTV during the days of The Osbournes, Punk’d and Jersey Shore.
Sarah Girgis, who has worked on Catfish and Leavenworth, is showrunner. It...
The short-form platform, launched by Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman, is developing Get Real from Queer Eye producer Scout Productions and Brian Graden Media, the company behind YouTube’s Joseph Gordon-Levitt-fronted Create Together.
The doc series will highlight the good, the bad, the ugly, and the infamous across the 30-year history of reality television.
Get Real will explore the many ways reality television has impacted our real life, and vice versa, while hearing from culture critics, the producers, and the participants who brought it to the screen in the first place.
Graden knows a thing or two about reality television, having worked at MTV during the days of The Osbournes, Punk’d and Jersey Shore.
Sarah Girgis, who has worked on Catfish and Leavenworth, is showrunner. It...
- 7/10/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
An all-new documentary series following Demi Lovato’s ups and downs over the last three years is coming exclusively to YouTube, as part of the video giant doubling down on its music, celebrity and creator-focused originals strategy.
In addition to the new four-part Lovato docuseries, YouTube has renewed four original projects featuring big-name digital talent: “Instant Influencer with James Charles,” “The Creator Games Presented by MrBeast,” a sequel to interactive series “A Heist With Markiplier,” and “Retro Tech” hosted by Marques Brownlee.
“We’re continuing to invest [in originals] – and we’ve investing more,” Robert Kyncl, YouTube’s chief business officer, said in an interview. He called out YouTube’s recent announcement to establish a multiyear $100 million fund dedicated to Black creators and artists.
YouTube’s free, ad-supported push with originals has largely abandoned scripted programming (which originally was designed to drive subscriptions to YouTube Premium). “The strategy we embarked on a...
In addition to the new four-part Lovato docuseries, YouTube has renewed four original projects featuring big-name digital talent: “Instant Influencer with James Charles,” “The Creator Games Presented by MrBeast,” a sequel to interactive series “A Heist With Markiplier,” and “Retro Tech” hosted by Marques Brownlee.
“We’re continuing to invest [in originals] – and we’ve investing more,” Robert Kyncl, YouTube’s chief business officer, said in an interview. He called out YouTube’s recent announcement to establish a multiyear $100 million fund dedicated to Black creators and artists.
YouTube’s free, ad-supported push with originals has largely abandoned scripted programming (which originally was designed to drive subscriptions to YouTube Premium). “The strategy we embarked on a...
- 6/25/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
YouTube is following the lead of other streamers and making some of its content available for free amid the coronavirus pandemic.
For a limited time the platform will make a few of its original series, including the now-canceled “Escape The Night,” “Step Up: Highwater” and “Impulse,” free to stream for a limited time. A number of kids and family series will also become available, as will additional titles in coming weeks.
“As people cope with a more limited way of life, we remain committed to lifting peoples’ spirits during these challenging times,” Susanne Daniels, YouTube’s global head of original content, said in a statement. “With a diverse collection of fan favorite YouTube Originals now available to stream for free, we are continuing to promote safety while offering our users of all ages entertainment across the globe.”
Also Read: HBO Sees 40% Spike in Streaming During Coronavirus-Forced Shutdown - Led by...
For a limited time the platform will make a few of its original series, including the now-canceled “Escape The Night,” “Step Up: Highwater” and “Impulse,” free to stream for a limited time. A number of kids and family series will also become available, as will additional titles in coming weeks.
“As people cope with a more limited way of life, we remain committed to lifting peoples’ spirits during these challenging times,” Susanne Daniels, YouTube’s global head of original content, said in a statement. “With a diverse collection of fan favorite YouTube Originals now available to stream for free, we are continuing to promote safety while offering our users of all ages entertainment across the globe.”
Also Read: HBO Sees 40% Spike in Streaming During Coronavirus-Forced Shutdown - Led by...
- 4/8/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
South Park is now a multi-million dollar industrial complex, but all of that would have been unimaginable to creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone when they first teamed up back in 1992. They were students at the University of Colorado at the time, and Parker was already working on a film called Giant Beavers of Southern Sri Lanka. “It was sort of a Godzilla thing,” Parker told Rolling Stone in 1998. “But with a huge beaver. I had a little girl dressed in a beaver costume rampaging a town.”
Once Parker grew close to Stone,...
Once Parker grew close to Stone,...
- 12/24/2019
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
In today’s TV news roundup, Humanitas has released the finalists for the 45th Annual Humanitas Prize, and YouTube announced a new beauty competition series hosted by James Charles.
Castings
Jason Kennedy has been named as the host of E!’s new series “In The Room.“ The “E! News” host will bring viewers inside celebrity homes for in-depth interviews and conversation around their latest projects, products, passions and more. Several primetime specials of the series will be aired before its full launch. Four-time Super Bowl Mvp Tom Brady will be featured in the first episode premiering, Dec. 4. Watch a preview clip below:
Dates
“The Degenerates” will return with Season 2 Dec. 31, Netflix announced. The comedy stand-up series will feature six new and unfiltered sets from Adrienne Iapalucci, Donnell Rawlings, Jim Norton, Nikki Glaser, Ms. Pat and Robert Kelly. Watch a first look below:
Developments
YouTube Originals and James Charles have teamed...
Castings
Jason Kennedy has been named as the host of E!’s new series “In The Room.“ The “E! News” host will bring viewers inside celebrity homes for in-depth interviews and conversation around their latest projects, products, passions and more. Several primetime specials of the series will be aired before its full launch. Four-time Super Bowl Mvp Tom Brady will be featured in the first episode premiering, Dec. 4. Watch a preview clip below:
Dates
“The Degenerates” will return with Season 2 Dec. 31, Netflix announced. The comedy stand-up series will feature six new and unfiltered sets from Adrienne Iapalucci, Donnell Rawlings, Jim Norton, Nikki Glaser, Ms. Pat and Robert Kelly. Watch a first look below:
Developments
YouTube Originals and James Charles have teamed...
- 11/16/2019
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
YouTube star and beauty influencer James Charles is launching a “Project Runway”-style reality competition show — in which he’ll pick one up-and-coming makeup artist as the winner of a $50,000 cash prize.
The show, which has the working title “James Charles Instant Influencer,” is slated to debut in the spring of 2020 on Charles’ YouTube channel with episodes to be released weekly. Charles will host, direct and executive produce the series.
YouTube is funding the four-part series as part of its revamped originals strategy, focusing less on scripted fare and more on personality-driven, music and learning content, with all original programming being made available on the free, ad-supported service.
“Ever since I entered the beauty space three years ago, I’ve dreamed of producing my own beauty competition show,” Charles told Variety. “It’s a dream come true… It’s such an amazing opportunity for [YouTube] to take it above and beyond what we expected.
The show, which has the working title “James Charles Instant Influencer,” is slated to debut in the spring of 2020 on Charles’ YouTube channel with episodes to be released weekly. Charles will host, direct and executive produce the series.
YouTube is funding the four-part series as part of its revamped originals strategy, focusing less on scripted fare and more on personality-driven, music and learning content, with all original programming being made available on the free, ad-supported service.
“Ever since I entered the beauty space three years ago, I’ve dreamed of producing my own beauty competition show,” Charles told Variety. “It’s a dream come true… It’s such an amazing opportunity for [YouTube] to take it above and beyond what we expected.
- 11/15/2019
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
It took years of hustle and hard work in high heels before RuPaul hit it big in TV. But while he was on the road to becoming a household name and multiple Emmy winner, the host and executive producer of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” never doubted that he was destined for small-screen success.
“Everything I know I learned from television,” RuPaul says. “I grew up watching television. I was groomed for it before I ever stepped in front of a camera. The first time I did, I knew exactly what to do.”
RuPaul recalls being obsessed with TV as a kid growing up in San Diego and the Atlanta area, frequently watching “Perry Mason” and “Murder, She Wrote” with his mother. He never missed “The Carol Burnett Show” and variety series hosted by Sonny & Cher. “Good Times” and “Sanford & Son” were also favorites. He watches reruns of “Golden Girls” regularly to this day.
“Everything I know I learned from television,” RuPaul says. “I grew up watching television. I was groomed for it before I ever stepped in front of a camera. The first time I did, I knew exactly what to do.”
RuPaul recalls being obsessed with TV as a kid growing up in San Diego and the Atlanta area, frequently watching “Perry Mason” and “Murder, She Wrote” with his mother. He never missed “The Carol Burnett Show” and variety series hosted by Sonny & Cher. “Good Times” and “Sanford & Son” were also favorites. He watches reruns of “Golden Girls” regularly to this day.
- 10/14/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Half a dozen projects about Nxivm have emerged since the accusations arose that the group is a sex-trafficking cult that kept women as sex slaves for its founder, Keith Raniere, and that he branded them with his initials.
So far, Lifetime, HBO and ID have all announced new projects in development or production. No doubt more are coming — and a handful already exist to quell the public’s insatiable thirst for insider information about the organization that presented itself as a self-improvement group.
Nxivm first captured attention from national media and Hollywood last year after charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy were brought against some of its highest-ranking members, most notably former “Smallville” star Allison Mack and Raniere himself.
Also Read: 'The Lost Women of Nxivm': ID Orders 2-Hour Special on Sex-Trafficking Cult
Lifetime’s is the most recent project to be announced, with a film in the works...
So far, Lifetime, HBO and ID have all announced new projects in development or production. No doubt more are coming — and a handful already exist to quell the public’s insatiable thirst for insider information about the organization that presented itself as a self-improvement group.
Nxivm first captured attention from national media and Hollywood last year after charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy were brought against some of its highest-ranking members, most notably former “Smallville” star Allison Mack and Raniere himself.
Also Read: 'The Lost Women of Nxivm': ID Orders 2-Hour Special on Sex-Trafficking Cult
Lifetime’s is the most recent project to be announced, with a film in the works...
- 7/1/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
The YouTube hit murder mystery competition web series Escape The Night is coming back for a fourth season, making it the longest-running YouTube Original series. The new season will include 10 half-hour episodes with the first two debuting on YouTube Premium July 11.
The first episode will also premiere simultaneously July 11 at VidCon during a panel with series star Joey Graceffa. As an added bonus the episode will also be available for free all around the world.
In addition to Graceffa, the new season will feature new cast member Bretman Rock, along with returning fan favorites Colleen Ballinger, Alex Wassabi, Justine Ezarik, DeStorm Power, Timothy DeLaGhetto, Gabbie Hanna, Tana Mongeau and Rosanna Pansino — with other surprise guest stars will join them along the way.
In the new season of Escape the Night, Graceffa ventures into purgatory to rescue his friends, who have fallen in past eras, from the clutches of the Collector.
The first episode will also premiere simultaneously July 11 at VidCon during a panel with series star Joey Graceffa. As an added bonus the episode will also be available for free all around the world.
In addition to Graceffa, the new season will feature new cast member Bretman Rock, along with returning fan favorites Colleen Ballinger, Alex Wassabi, Justine Ezarik, DeStorm Power, Timothy DeLaGhetto, Gabbie Hanna, Tana Mongeau and Rosanna Pansino — with other surprise guest stars will join them along the way.
In the new season of Escape the Night, Graceffa ventures into purgatory to rescue his friends, who have fallen in past eras, from the clutches of the Collector.
- 6/12/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
It began with explosive allegations. Now the suit from Rovier Carrington has crumbled, and those he targeted with a salacious story of being repeatedly victimized sexually say they have ample evidence of a fraud on the court. On Monday, Viacom, Brian Graden and the Brad Grey Estate told a New York federal judge to refer the matter to the United States Attorney's Office for criminal investigation.
When Carrington filed his complaint a year ago demanding $100 million in damages over a purported corporate cover-up in connection with an alleged rape by former Paramount CEO Brad Grey and alleged exploitation by ...
When Carrington filed his complaint a year ago demanding $100 million in damages over a purported corporate cover-up in connection with an alleged rape by former Paramount CEO Brad Grey and alleged exploitation by ...
- 5/14/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
2:38 Pm Pt -- According to the docs -- obtained by TMZ -- Parker lists their date of separation as February 28, 2019. Trey is asking for joint legal and physical custody ... and wants their prenup enforced. "South Park" creator Trey Parker has filed for divorce from his wife after nearly 5 years of marriage. Parker filed docs in Los Angeles Tuesday to split from Boogie Parker. The pair got hitched in 2014, and they had a daughter named...
- 3/5/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
2Nd Update, 2:20 Pm: The man who sued ex-MTV exec Brian Graden and the late Brad Grey for $100 million in May alleging sexual assault has asked the court to ax the lawsuit. Rovier Carrington petitioned a federal court last week to drop the suit, but Judge Katherine Polk Failla instead ruled Tuesday that the plaintiff must file an official motion to dismiss the case. Read details about the lawsuit below.
Updated 4:06 Pm with statement from Brian Graden’s attorney: “We take allegations of this sort seriously, and are reviewing the complaint,” Viacom spokesperson Jeremy Zweig said today in response to a $100 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault and corporate blacklisting by former Paramount boss Brad Grey and other nefarious actions.
“The instant case, is yet another example of depravity existing throughout an industry now synonymous with sexual deviancy,” the multi-claim complaint from Rovier Carrington filed today in New York Supreme Court claims.
Updated 4:06 Pm with statement from Brian Graden’s attorney: “We take allegations of this sort seriously, and are reviewing the complaint,” Viacom spokesperson Jeremy Zweig said today in response to a $100 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault and corporate blacklisting by former Paramount boss Brad Grey and other nefarious actions.
“The instant case, is yet another example of depravity existing throughout an industry now synonymous with sexual deviancy,” the multi-claim complaint from Rovier Carrington filed today in New York Supreme Court claims.
- 1/23/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Rovier Carrington, the aspiring entertainer who brought a lawsuit that alleges he was once raped by late Paramount chief Brad Grey and sexually exploited by former MTV chief Brian Graden, finds himself on the defensive over the authenticity of emails attached to his complaint. Now, Carrington's attorney Kevin Landau is seeking to withdraw from the case.
Carrington's complaint made shocking accusations. The plaintiff not only claims a rape in 2011 on Grey's part, but also how pressure was then exerted upon him to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Carrington says he was blacklisted in the entertainment industry because ...
Carrington's complaint made shocking accusations. The plaintiff not only claims a rape in 2011 on Grey's part, but also how pressure was then exerted upon him to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Carrington says he was blacklisted in the entertainment industry because ...
- 9/25/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Viacom has outlined the way it intends to fight a $100 million lawsuit from Rovier Carrington, who alleges being raped by late Paramount studio head Brad Grey, sexually exploited by former MTV chief Brian Graden, tricked into a non-disclosure agreement with the promise of a production deal and blacklisted from the entertainment industry upon objection to his situation.
When the complaint was filed in May, Viacom said at the time it was taking the allegations seriously and reviewing the complaint. The media conglomerate has now concluded that it has no business being a co-defendant in Carrington's lawsuit.
On Thursday, attorneys ...
When the complaint was filed in May, Viacom said at the time it was taking the allegations seriously and reviewing the complaint. The media conglomerate has now concluded that it has no business being a co-defendant in Carrington's lawsuit.
On Thursday, attorneys ...
- 6/15/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Update: Viacom has released an official statement to IndieWire about the lawsuit against the company: “We take allegations of this sort seriously, and are reviewing the complaint.”
Earlier: Rovier Carrington, who says he is the great-grandson of “Three Stooges” star Moe Howard, has filed a $100 million lawsuit against Viacom, late Paramount Pictures CEO Brad Grey, and former MTV executive Brian Graden. The court documents accuse Grey of raping Carrington, and claim Graden engaged in aggravated sexual abuse, stole Carrington’s idea for a gay reality dating show, and destroyed his career. Carrington seeks $50 million in actual and compensatory damages, and another $50 million in exemplary and punitive damages.
According to the lawsuit, Grey was driving Carrington home from a business dinner and said he would kill Carrington’s potential entertainment career if he did not have sex with him. He allegedly pulled Carrington’s pants down and performed oral sex on him.
Earlier: Rovier Carrington, who says he is the great-grandson of “Three Stooges” star Moe Howard, has filed a $100 million lawsuit against Viacom, late Paramount Pictures CEO Brad Grey, and former MTV executive Brian Graden. The court documents accuse Grey of raping Carrington, and claim Graden engaged in aggravated sexual abuse, stole Carrington’s idea for a gay reality dating show, and destroyed his career. Carrington seeks $50 million in actual and compensatory damages, and another $50 million in exemplary and punitive damages.
According to the lawsuit, Grey was driving Carrington home from a business dinner and said he would kill Carrington’s potential entertainment career if he did not have sex with him. He allegedly pulled Carrington’s pants down and performed oral sex on him.
- 5/2/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
A man who says he’s the great-grandson of Moe Howard, of the legendary “Three Stooges” vaudeville comedy team, filed a lawsuit Wednesday accusing the late Paramount chief Brad Grey of having raped him. In the suit, obtained by TheWrap, Rovier Carrington also accuses Brian Graden, a former head of programming at MTV Networks, of sexual misconduct.
Carrington said in the legal filing that he was also tricked by Viacom into signing a non-disclosure agreement over his misconduct claims. He is demanding $100 million in damages. The lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court.
The lawsuit also contends that Graden stole his idea for a gay reality dating show after the two engaged in a two year relationship.
Also Read: Charlie Rose Faces Backlash Over Proposed #MeToo Redemption Series: 'My Feed Is Just Anger'
In his lawsuit, Carrington said that he was sexually assaulted by Brad Grey, the late CEO and chairman of Paramount Pictures.
According to Carrington, Grey invited him to a dinner. Grey then drove Carrington home and parked his car. It was then, according to the lawsuit, Grey “began kissing Carrington all over his face, neck and mouth.”
When Carrington rebuffed his advances, Grey became violent, the lawsuit said, as he slammed Carrington’s face into the window.
“The abruptness of Grey’s personality from dinner until that moment completely took [Carrington] off-guard and he did not know how to react,” states the complaint. “Grey indicated to Carrington, that if he did not have sex with him, he would destroy any chance [he] had of building a career in the entertainment industry.”
Also Read: Bill Mechanic's Academy Exit Blasts CEO Dawn Hudson, Inclusion Efforts, #MeToo Response
Carrington claims that Grey then pulled his pants down and performed oral sex on him, and eventually anally raped him.
“Carrington as expected, was conflated; crying, scared and did not want to go through with having sex,” the complaint went on to say. “Grey demanded Carrington drink alcohol to make it easier, at which point he proceeded to pour the spirit down Carrington’s throat, ripped off his clothes, and proceeded to anally rape him, without a condom.”
Following the encounter, Carrington claims he was asked by Viacom’s human resource department to sign a non-disclosure agreement. To sweeten the deal, the documents say, he was promised an envelope filled with money. Carrington said that after he declined the offer, he was blacklisted by Viacom.
A rep for Viacom told TheWrap in a statement: “We take allegations of this sort seriously, and are reviewing the complaint.”
Grey, a former Hollywood talent manager was the head of Paramount from 2005 to 2017. He died of cancer shortly after leaving his job at age 59.
Also Read: Tony Robbins Dragged Over #MeToo Comments: 'Biggest Pile of Dog S-' (Video)
Carrington said during that time he came into contact with Brian Graden through a gay dating site. Graden, best known for helping Matt Stone and Trey Parker develop the hit animated series “South Park,” was running MTV at the time and launching the Logo Network for Viacom.
“Graden indicated to Carrington that if he wished to move forward with his reality show, and come off Viacom’s banned list, that he would be required to have sex with Graden, Carrington agreed, as having sex with Graden was now his only option if he wanted to work in the entertainment industry,” the lawsuit states.
Graden’s lawyer, Larry Stein, told TheWrap in a statement: “This sensationalized and meritless lawsuit is particularly egregious as it attacks two respected executives, one of whom is an industry icon whose death prevents him from defending himself, and the other, who has had a long, sterling and unblemished career free of any implication of inappropriate behavior personally or professionally. The complaint, which reads more like fiction than fact, seems to be based more upon Mr. Carrington’s entitled belief that he is ‘Hollywood royalty’ with a ‘pedigree of a star’ because he claims his great grandfather was one of the Three Stooges, than on facts. It is unfortunately too common for wannabes to hold on to their entitlement, but uncommon for such claims to make headlines by use of hyperbole and baseless allegations of rape and conspiratorial extortionist conduct. The complaint ends just as it started, wildly untethered to reality, seeking damages in the hundreds of millions of dollars. We are confident that Mr. Graden will be fully vindicated and Mr. Carrington will be exposed for what and who he truly is.”
Carrington is seeking $50 million in actual and compensatory damages and another $50 million in exemplary and punitive damages.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.
Read original story Brad Grey, Brian Graden Accused of Rape, Sexual Exploitation in $100 Million Lawsuit At TheWrap...
Carrington said in the legal filing that he was also tricked by Viacom into signing a non-disclosure agreement over his misconduct claims. He is demanding $100 million in damages. The lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court.
The lawsuit also contends that Graden stole his idea for a gay reality dating show after the two engaged in a two year relationship.
Also Read: Charlie Rose Faces Backlash Over Proposed #MeToo Redemption Series: 'My Feed Is Just Anger'
In his lawsuit, Carrington said that he was sexually assaulted by Brad Grey, the late CEO and chairman of Paramount Pictures.
According to Carrington, Grey invited him to a dinner. Grey then drove Carrington home and parked his car. It was then, according to the lawsuit, Grey “began kissing Carrington all over his face, neck and mouth.”
When Carrington rebuffed his advances, Grey became violent, the lawsuit said, as he slammed Carrington’s face into the window.
“The abruptness of Grey’s personality from dinner until that moment completely took [Carrington] off-guard and he did not know how to react,” states the complaint. “Grey indicated to Carrington, that if he did not have sex with him, he would destroy any chance [he] had of building a career in the entertainment industry.”
Also Read: Bill Mechanic's Academy Exit Blasts CEO Dawn Hudson, Inclusion Efforts, #MeToo Response
Carrington claims that Grey then pulled his pants down and performed oral sex on him, and eventually anally raped him.
“Carrington as expected, was conflated; crying, scared and did not want to go through with having sex,” the complaint went on to say. “Grey demanded Carrington drink alcohol to make it easier, at which point he proceeded to pour the spirit down Carrington’s throat, ripped off his clothes, and proceeded to anally rape him, without a condom.”
Following the encounter, Carrington claims he was asked by Viacom’s human resource department to sign a non-disclosure agreement. To sweeten the deal, the documents say, he was promised an envelope filled with money. Carrington said that after he declined the offer, he was blacklisted by Viacom.
A rep for Viacom told TheWrap in a statement: “We take allegations of this sort seriously, and are reviewing the complaint.”
Grey, a former Hollywood talent manager was the head of Paramount from 2005 to 2017. He died of cancer shortly after leaving his job at age 59.
Also Read: Tony Robbins Dragged Over #MeToo Comments: 'Biggest Pile of Dog S-' (Video)
Carrington said during that time he came into contact with Brian Graden through a gay dating site. Graden, best known for helping Matt Stone and Trey Parker develop the hit animated series “South Park,” was running MTV at the time and launching the Logo Network for Viacom.
“Graden indicated to Carrington that if he wished to move forward with his reality show, and come off Viacom’s banned list, that he would be required to have sex with Graden, Carrington agreed, as having sex with Graden was now his only option if he wanted to work in the entertainment industry,” the lawsuit states.
Graden’s lawyer, Larry Stein, told TheWrap in a statement: “This sensationalized and meritless lawsuit is particularly egregious as it attacks two respected executives, one of whom is an industry icon whose death prevents him from defending himself, and the other, who has had a long, sterling and unblemished career free of any implication of inappropriate behavior personally or professionally. The complaint, which reads more like fiction than fact, seems to be based more upon Mr. Carrington’s entitled belief that he is ‘Hollywood royalty’ with a ‘pedigree of a star’ because he claims his great grandfather was one of the Three Stooges, than on facts. It is unfortunately too common for wannabes to hold on to their entitlement, but uncommon for such claims to make headlines by use of hyperbole and baseless allegations of rape and conspiratorial extortionist conduct. The complaint ends just as it started, wildly untethered to reality, seeking damages in the hundreds of millions of dollars. We are confident that Mr. Graden will be fully vindicated and Mr. Carrington will be exposed for what and who he truly is.”
Carrington is seeking $50 million in actual and compensatory damages and another $50 million in exemplary and punitive damages.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.
Read original story Brad Grey, Brian Graden Accused of Rape, Sexual Exploitation in $100 Million Lawsuit At TheWrap...
- 5/2/2018
- by Itay Hod
- The Wrap
A self-described Hollywood “It boy” has sued producer Brian Graden, alleging that the former MTV executive used the lure of a potential reality TV series to extort sex.
Rovier Carrington filed the suit in New York Supreme Court. It accuses Graden, a former head of programming at MTV, of destroying his career and stealing his idea for a gay reality dating show. The suit states that Carrington and Graden had a two-year sexual relationship, during which time Graden promised to help produce various reality shows that Carrington was working on.
Carrington also alleges that he was sexually assaulted by Brad Grey, the late CEO and chairman of Paramount Pictures. He contends that Grey blacklisted him from working at Viacom after Carrington refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Carrington said he initially agreed to have sex with Graden because Graden agreed to help him work at Viacom again.
“Graden indicated to...
Rovier Carrington filed the suit in New York Supreme Court. It accuses Graden, a former head of programming at MTV, of destroying his career and stealing his idea for a gay reality dating show. The suit states that Carrington and Graden had a two-year sexual relationship, during which time Graden promised to help produce various reality shows that Carrington was working on.
Carrington also alleges that he was sexually assaulted by Brad Grey, the late CEO and chairman of Paramount Pictures. He contends that Grey blacklisted him from working at Viacom after Carrington refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Carrington said he initially agreed to have sex with Graden because Graden agreed to help him work at Viacom again.
“Graden indicated to...
- 5/2/2018
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Annapurna Television is developing a scripted series inspired by the alleged sex cult NXIVM, with “Westworld” actress Shannon Woodward attached to executive produce.
The potential series is based on the New York Times report about the group published last year. The report, authored by Barry Meier, featured interviews with multiple women who said the purported self-help group, led by Keith Raniere, recruited women to serve as “slaves” and branded them with Raniere’s initials.
No writer is attached yet, but Woodward will executive produce along with Megan Ellison, Sue Naegle and Susan Goldberg of Annapurna.
The group has come under renewed interest in recent weeks, after Raniere was arrested in Mexico last month on charges of sex trafficking. “Smallville” star Allison Mack, who was identified as Raniere’s top lieutenant in the Times report, was arrested last week.
The potential series is based on the New York Times report about the group published last year. The report, authored by Barry Meier, featured interviews with multiple women who said the purported self-help group, led by Keith Raniere, recruited women to serve as “slaves” and branded them with Raniere’s initials.
No writer is attached yet, but Woodward will executive produce along with Megan Ellison, Sue Naegle and Susan Goldberg of Annapurna.
The group has come under renewed interest in recent weeks, after Raniere was arrested in Mexico last month on charges of sex trafficking. “Smallville” star Allison Mack, who was identified as Raniere’s top lieutenant in the Times report, was arrested last week.
- 4/25/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Nxivm has been making headlines the past few weeks with the high-profile arrests of founder Keith Raniere and one of his top lieutenants, Smallville actress Allison Mack, on charges of sex trafficking as the so called self-help organization has been called by prosecutors a sex cult that has been keeping women as “slaves,” and branding them with Raniere’s initials.
One of those branded women is Canadian actress Sarah Edmondson who last fall became the first to speak out about the alleged abuse after a decade inside Nxivm along with her husband, Anthony Ames, a fellow actor and former Ivy-League Quarterback.
Edmondson and Ames are now slated to headline a documentary TV series. Set against the ongoing legal drama involving the leaders of Nxivm, the series will follow the duo as they, under the guidance of renowned cult expert and deprogrammer Rick Alan Ross, head of the Cult Education Institute,...
One of those branded women is Canadian actress Sarah Edmondson who last fall became the first to speak out about the alleged abuse after a decade inside Nxivm along with her husband, Anthony Ames, a fellow actor and former Ivy-League Quarterback.
Edmondson and Ames are now slated to headline a documentary TV series. Set against the ongoing legal drama involving the leaders of Nxivm, the series will follow the duo as they, under the guidance of renowned cult expert and deprogrammer Rick Alan Ross, head of the Cult Education Institute,...
- 4/25/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The mother of Natalee Holloway, the teenager who disappeared during a 2005 class trip to Aruba, has filed a $35 million lawsuit against Oxygen Media, saying that its series, “The Disappearance of Natalee Holloway,” was “a pre-planned farce” and a “hoax.” In the suit, filed in federal court in Alabama on Friday, Elizabeth Holloway says that, not only did the six-part series, which aired last year, contain “gruesome depictions of Natalee’s death and desecration” that were “lies,” but that the defendants obtained the elder Holloway’s DNA under false pretenses. According to the suit, Oxygen and Brian Graden Media, also named as...
- 2/5/2018
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
It’s been 20 years since TV was changed forever by four boys and their Ma-tv language in a quiiiiiet mounnnntain townnnn. While indulging in a few member berries, Et is looking back at South Park and the day creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone started satirizing everything we hold dear on August 13, 1997.
Immediately following the animated series’ Comedy Central debut, Et sat down with Parker and Stone to discuss the real South Park, the Colorado town in which the show takes place, what made their TV debut nerve-wracking and how they ended up at the premiere of Batman & Robin.
“[South Park] is actually an area right in the middle of the Rocky Mountains and it's strange, because it's almost a perfectly circular valley,” Parker said, with Stone adding: “South Park is like if you were flying a UFO over Colorado, you would want to land in South Park. It looks like a nice place to land.”
Growing up in a...
Immediately following the animated series’ Comedy Central debut, Et sat down with Parker and Stone to discuss the real South Park, the Colorado town in which the show takes place, what made their TV debut nerve-wracking and how they ended up at the premiere of Batman & Robin.
“[South Park] is actually an area right in the middle of the Rocky Mountains and it's strange, because it's almost a perfectly circular valley,” Parker said, with Stone adding: “South Park is like if you were flying a UFO over Colorado, you would want to land in South Park. It looks like a nice place to land.”
Growing up in a...
- 8/11/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Today at Mipcom, Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Content for YouTube, announced the Escape the Night TV show has been renewed for a second season on YouTube Red. Joey Graceffa stars in the reality adventures series and produces with Brian Graden Media.Season two will feature 10 top YouTube stars. The first season cast of Escape the Night included: GloZell Green, Justine Ezarik (iJustine), Lele Pons, Shane Dawson, Eva Gutowski (MyLifeAsEva), Andrea Brooks (AndreasChoice), Timothy DeLaGhetto, Matt Haag (Nadeshot), Oli White (TheOliWhiteTV), and Sierra Furtado (SierraMarieMakeup).Read More…...
- 10/18/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Today at Mipcom, an annual entertainment trade show held in Cannes, France, YouTube’s global head of content Susanne Daniels shed some insight into the performance of the company’s one-year-old subscription service, YouTube Red, and announced the renewal of one of its original shows, the unscripted murder mystery Escape The Night starring hallmark creator Joey Graceffa.
Escape The Night was a runaway hit and its first episode clocked 9.2 million views and 1.1 billion social impressions, according to YouTube. Graceffa will once again headline season two, which is set to debut next year, alongside 10 fellow YouTube creators who must solve a whodunit murder mystery. Escape The Night is produced by Brian Graden Media and Graceffa.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
Escape The Night was a runaway hit and its first episode clocked 9.2 million views and 1.1 billion social impressions, according to YouTube. Graceffa will once again headline season two, which is set to debut next year, alongside 10 fellow YouTube creators who must solve a whodunit murder mystery. Escape The Night is produced by Brian Graden Media and Graceffa.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
- 10/17/2016
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
The last thing you’d expect on a gay version of “The Bachelor” is homophobia among contestants — but Logo’s new dating show is flirting with that possibility. In the first episode of “Finding Prince Charming,” which premieres Thursday, the most effeminate of the all-male contestants is confronted and humiliated for his flamboyance. The mocking of Robby, a 26-year-old beauty expert, is sure to ignite conversations about internalized homophobia — and that’s the point. “I would never do anything that perpetuated stereotypes that I thought were destructive,” show creator Brian Graden told TheWrap. “What happened was the honest reaction and...
- 9/6/2016
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Below, watch a first look video, check out photos, and meet some of the suitors from the Finding Prince Charming TV show, premiering on Logo, Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 9:00pm Et/Pt. Lance Bass hosts the new dating reality show -- the first featuring an all-male gay cast.Robert Sepulveda Jr. is the first season's "Prince Charming," who is searching for one of his own. Finding Prince Charming is executive produced by Brian Graden and Dave Mace for Brian Graden Media. Fred Birckhead and Nick Murray also executive produce. Pamela Post and Stevenson Greene executive produce for Logo. Jen Passovoy serves as producer.Read More…...
- 8/31/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Logo is looking for love. The cabler has given the greenlight to the new Finding Prince Charming TV show. Hosted by Lance Bass, the new dating competition series is the first to feature a cast of all gay men. Bass was a contributor on The Meredith Vieira Show, which was cancelled in January, after two seasons, by NBC-Universal Domestic Television.The Finding Prince Charming TV series is produced by Brian Graden Media and executive produced by Brian Graden and Dave Mace, with Fred Birckhead and Nick Murray. Chris McCarthy, Pamela Post and Stevenson Greene executive produce for Logo. Jen Passovoy serves as producer. Finding Prince Charming is in production and will debut on Logo in fall, 2016.Read More…...
- 7/12/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
It was a flash mob set inside of a Target that earned Todrick Hall the approval of Beyonce and put him on the map back in 2011, but it was a different flash mob altogether that helped score him his new MTV series. For one of the initial pitch meetings, Hall recruited his friends and collaborators to put on a surprise song and dance performance for executive producers Brian Graden and Danny Rose. Set to an original song called “Put Me on TV,” the flash mob is what sold the execs on the idea that eventually became Todrick’s reality show premiering Monday.
- 9/1/2015
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Entertainment Weekly has a fascinating new oral history that rehashes the humble beginnings of Matt Stone and Trey Parker's South Park. Parker, along with TV producer Brian Graden and former Comedy Central president Doug Herzog, recounts in detail how he and Stone morphed from two University of Colorado graduates with a viral-video Christmas card into the wielders of one of the longest-running subversive cartoons on TV today. Whether or not you're familiar with the "Jesus vs. Frosty" story, we've gone through and picked half a dozen highlights that are sure to catch your eye (it's available here in its entirety).1) The South Park kids' voices were born from film-school boredom. Parker: When you’re in the film school, you’re working on someone’s film every weekend, so you’re spending your weekends on set. Matt and I would always end up either running cameras or running sound or something.
- 3/19/2015
- by Sean Fitz-Gerald
- Vulture
Had these pilots been given the green light, we might have been without Breaking Bad, 24, Hannibal, Community and more…
It’s not all grumble and moan round here when TV networks decline to pick up pilots. Sometimes, we’re even grateful.
Hindsight teaches that every so often, passing on a particular show is the best thing a channel could have done. Not ordering one pilot to series spurs its creators on to start another, and frees up its cast to join new projects.
Had the failures below all thrived, there’s a chance we could now be living in a world with no Breaking Bad, Hannibal, or even South Park. Had these pilots gone on to enjoy healthy, lengthy lives, then Jack Bauer, Oberyn Martell, Chandler Bing and more might all be unrecognisable today.
Here then, are the TV pilots we’re grateful weren’t taken to series because their...
It’s not all grumble and moan round here when TV networks decline to pick up pilots. Sometimes, we’re even grateful.
Hindsight teaches that every so often, passing on a particular show is the best thing a channel could have done. Not ordering one pilot to series spurs its creators on to start another, and frees up its cast to join new projects.
Had the failures below all thrived, there’s a chance we could now be living in a world with no Breaking Bad, Hannibal, or even South Park. Had these pilots gone on to enjoy healthy, lengthy lives, then Jack Bauer, Oberyn Martell, Chandler Bing and more might all be unrecognisable today.
Here then, are the TV pilots we’re grateful weren’t taken to series because their...
- 2/24/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
By Terence Johnson
Managing Editor
Way back in 2005, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his brother created HitRecord.org, a collaborative website where artists could work together to create new works of art. Nine years later, the group has grown exponentially, to the point that they have developed a variety show, hitRECord on TV, to highlight the collaborations and tell unique stories.
HitRecord on TV is one of the more interesting TV ventures I’ve seen in a while. It’s kind of a Generation Y variety show, with it’s kinetic energy, wild inventiveness and the sense of community each piece has created. I screened the first three episodes and there’s a lot to like with this show. Each show has a given theme (Number One, Fantasy, and Trash, respectively) and the show works as like a patchwork of ideas. There’s a musical number per episode, some sort of short film,...
Managing Editor
Way back in 2005, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his brother created HitRecord.org, a collaborative website where artists could work together to create new works of art. Nine years later, the group has grown exponentially, to the point that they have developed a variety show, hitRECord on TV, to highlight the collaborations and tell unique stories.
HitRecord on TV is one of the more interesting TV ventures I’ve seen in a while. It’s kind of a Generation Y variety show, with it’s kinetic energy, wild inventiveness and the sense of community each piece has created. I screened the first three episodes and there’s a lot to like with this show. Each show has a given theme (Number One, Fantasy, and Trash, respectively) and the show works as like a patchwork of ideas. There’s a musical number per episode, some sort of short film,...
- 1/21/2014
- by Terence Johnson
- Scott Feinberg
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