More than four years after Rhythm + Flow debuted on Netflix, the hip-hop music competition series is back with a second season featuring new judges, DJ Khaled, Ludacris and Latto. The streamer also announced Eminem as a special guest who will join the battles round “from a surprise location.” Additional music industry guests for the show, in which a panel of judges aim at discovering the next generation’s rap star, will be revealed at a later date.
The series is currently in production for a premiere later this year. In fact, Rhythm + Flow executive producers Jesse Collins & Dionne Harmon left Los Angeles immediately after the Emmy Awards ceremony, which they executive produced, on Monday night. They flew to Atlanta, the main production hub for Season 2 of Rhythm + Flow, which also is filming in other cities across the country.
“This season features a powerhouse panel of judges, each...
The series is currently in production for a premiere later this year. In fact, Rhythm + Flow executive producers Jesse Collins & Dionne Harmon left Los Angeles immediately after the Emmy Awards ceremony, which they executive produced, on Monday night. They flew to Atlanta, the main production hub for Season 2 of Rhythm + Flow, which also is filming in other cities across the country.
“This season features a powerhouse panel of judges, each...
- 1/18/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with all winners: HBO/Max’s Sesame Street, Disney+’s The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special and Jack Black and Tony Hale were among the winners Sunday at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.
The ceremony capped a full weekend for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which hosted the Children’s & Family Creative Arts Emmys on Saturday.
See the full list of winners both nights below.
Sesame Street won for Outstanding Preschool Series as well as for puppetry and direction, giving it five awards across the weekend, tying it with Saturday’s big winner, Netflix’s Lost Ollie. Guardians and Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur from Disney Channel also scored best-in-field wins tonight to bring their tallies to four apiece.
Among the winners tonight in the voice categories, Black wo for reprising Po in Netflix’s Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight,...
The ceremony capped a full weekend for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which hosted the Children’s & Family Creative Arts Emmys on Saturday.
See the full list of winners both nights below.
Sesame Street won for Outstanding Preschool Series as well as for puppetry and direction, giving it five awards across the weekend, tying it with Saturday’s big winner, Netflix’s Lost Ollie. Guardians and Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur from Disney Channel also scored best-in-field wins tonight to bring their tallies to four apiece.
Among the winners tonight in the voice categories, Black wo for reprising Po in Netflix’s Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight,...
- 12/18/2023
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO/Max’s Sesame Street, Disney+’s The Muppets Mayhem and Jack Black were among the winners at the second annual Children’ &’s and Family Emmy Awards, which were handed out Sunday night by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Among its wins, Sesame Street (in its 56th season) was named best preschool series, while The Muppets Mayhem — which was canceled last month after airing only one season — was named best children’s or family viewing series.
Black, meanwhile, won his first-ever Emmy for best voice performance in a children’s or young teen program for his work as Po on Netflix’s Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight.
An excited Black took the stage to accept his award, giving a high kick and belting out “Kung Fu Panda, the dragon knight!”
“I’m really nervous and stoked to be here,” he added, noting that he was cast in the role 20 years ago.
Among its wins, Sesame Street (in its 56th season) was named best preschool series, while The Muppets Mayhem — which was canceled last month after airing only one season — was named best children’s or family viewing series.
Black, meanwhile, won his first-ever Emmy for best voice performance in a children’s or young teen program for his work as Po on Netflix’s Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight.
An excited Black took the stage to accept his award, giving a high kick and belting out “Kung Fu Panda, the dragon knight!”
“I’m really nervous and stoked to be here,” he added, noting that he was cast in the role 20 years ago.
- 12/18/2023
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Madeleine Gavin’s Sundance award-winning documentary “Beyond Utopia” will kick off the winter season of PBS documentary series “Independent Lens” on Jan. 9.
Using hidden camera footage, the 115-minute doc follows the high-stakes journey that a handful of desperate families make in order to defect from North Korea — a country with the most brutal regime on earth, led by a dictator, Kim Jong-un. The doc, which was acquired by Roadside Attractions in August, is vying for Academy Award attention.
“Beyond Utopia” is one of six feature docus that make up the program’s winter slate, which begins in January and concludes on Mach 25. Notably, all six films were directed by women and filmmakers of color.
The selected titles cover a wide range of timely issues including racial tensions, gentrification, mental health, representation, and humanity through the lens of individuals, families, and tight-knit communities,
“At a time of tremendous upheaval around the world,...
Using hidden camera footage, the 115-minute doc follows the high-stakes journey that a handful of desperate families make in order to defect from North Korea — a country with the most brutal regime on earth, led by a dictator, Kim Jong-un. The doc, which was acquired by Roadside Attractions in August, is vying for Academy Award attention.
“Beyond Utopia” is one of six feature docus that make up the program’s winter slate, which begins in January and concludes on Mach 25. Notably, all six films were directed by women and filmmakers of color.
The selected titles cover a wide range of timely issues including racial tensions, gentrification, mental health, representation, and humanity through the lens of individuals, families, and tight-knit communities,
“At a time of tremendous upheaval around the world,...
- 12/5/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Peacock has acquired U.S. rights to Waad Al-Kateab’s second feature-length documentary “We Dare to Dream.”
The pact comes after the 93-minute film made its world premiere in June at the Tribeca Film Festival and had a Oscar qualifying theatrical run at New York City’s IFC Center in October. The docu, about the refugee Olympic team at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, will begin streaming on Peacock on Dec. 1.
“The fact that Peacock has now acquired our film gives me hope that millions of people will be able to understand our story, and that we, the world’s refugees, are not the crisis,” says Al-Kateab. “We are a consequence of multiple crises in the world from climate instability to political conflict that are causing millions, like me and my children, to lose their homes and their way of life. With new crises at a breaking point today, I think...
The pact comes after the 93-minute film made its world premiere in June at the Tribeca Film Festival and had a Oscar qualifying theatrical run at New York City’s IFC Center in October. The docu, about the refugee Olympic team at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, will begin streaming on Peacock on Dec. 1.
“The fact that Peacock has now acquired our film gives me hope that millions of people will be able to understand our story, and that we, the world’s refugees, are not the crisis,” says Al-Kateab. “We are a consequence of multiple crises in the world from climate instability to political conflict that are causing millions, like me and my children, to lose their homes and their way of life. With new crises at a breaking point today, I think...
- 12/1/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
John Legend is no stranger to documentaries. Last month, he and his Get Lifted Films’ co-founders Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius announced that they would serve as executive producers on Oscar-nominated Waad Al-Kateab’s latest docu “We Dare to Dream.”
This month, Legend is behind HBO Documentary Films’ “Stand Up & Shout: Songs From a Philly High School.” About an annual music program in the city’s Hill-Freedman World Academy, the 54-minute docu features 10th-grade students learning to write, compose, produce, and perform original songs. Together with local musicians, the students pitch concepts, work out arrangements, and eventually create an album that captures the challenges they are living through and the joy music brings to their respective lives.
Director Amy Schatz spent one school year following a group of students from the program as they came up with song ideas, went through the recording process, and release their collaborative album.
This month, Legend is behind HBO Documentary Films’ “Stand Up & Shout: Songs From a Philly High School.” About an annual music program in the city’s Hill-Freedman World Academy, the 54-minute docu features 10th-grade students learning to write, compose, produce, and perform original songs. Together with local musicians, the students pitch concepts, work out arrangements, and eventually create an album that captures the challenges they are living through and the joy music brings to their respective lives.
Director Amy Schatz spent one school year following a group of students from the program as they came up with song ideas, went through the recording process, and release their collaborative album.
- 11/7/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for AFI Fest, The Holdovers, Quiz Lady and The Killer.
Bcrf Awards Luncheon
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation held its annual Symposium and Awards Luncheon on Oct. 20, hosted by Alina Cho and honoring both Kendra Scott and Olufunmilayo (Funmi) I. Olopade, MD, Faacr.
Kendra Scott, Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade and Alina Cho
Hello Sunshine’s Shine Away event
Reese Witherspoon and her Hello Sunshine media company hosted its inaugural Shine Away event on Saturday in Los Angeles, with participants including Jennifer Garner, Mindy Kaling, Tracee Ellis Ross, Fortune Feimster, Allyson Felix and The Home Edit’s Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin.
Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling and Fortune Feimster Reese Witherspoon and Tracee Ellis Ross
Go Gala
Go Campaign hosted its 17th annual Go Gala at Citizen News in Hollywood on Saturday,...
Bcrf Awards Luncheon
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation held its annual Symposium and Awards Luncheon on Oct. 20, hosted by Alina Cho and honoring both Kendra Scott and Olufunmilayo (Funmi) I. Olopade, MD, Faacr.
Kendra Scott, Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade and Alina Cho
Hello Sunshine’s Shine Away event
Reese Witherspoon and her Hello Sunshine media company hosted its inaugural Shine Away event on Saturday in Los Angeles, with participants including Jennifer Garner, Mindy Kaling, Tracee Ellis Ross, Fortune Feimster, Allyson Felix and The Home Edit’s Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin.
Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling and Fortune Feimster Reese Witherspoon and Tracee Ellis Ross
Go Gala
Go Campaign hosted its 17th annual Go Gala at Citizen News in Hollywood on Saturday,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The HBO Original documentary Stand Up & Shout: Songs From A Philly High School, directed by Emmy® and Peabody winner Amy Schatz (HBO’s “We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest” and “In the Shadow of the Towers: Stuyvesant High on 9/11”) and executive produced by the award-winning team at Get Lifted Film Co., Emmy® and Tony® winning producer Mike Jackson, Egot recipient John Legend, and Emmy®-winner Ty Stiklorius, debuts Tuesday, November 7 at 9:00 p.m. Et/Pt on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.
Synopsis: The film follows 10th graders from Hill-Freedman World Academy (Hfwa), a Philadelphia public school, who take part in a unique songwriting collaboration. Working in teams with local musicians, students come together to create an album of powerful original songs that capture both the challenging times they’re living in and the joy that music brings.
Back...
Synopsis: The film follows 10th graders from Hill-Freedman World Academy (Hfwa), a Philadelphia public school, who take part in a unique songwriting collaboration. Working in teams with local musicians, students come together to create an album of powerful original songs that capture both the challenging times they’re living in and the joy that music brings.
Back...
- 10/22/2023
- by TV Shows Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid - TV
John Legend is lending his voice to “We Dare to Dream,” a documentary about the refugee Olympic team at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Legend will write, compose and record “Don’t Need to Sleep,” an original song for the docu, which will open theatrically Oct. 20 at New York’s IFC Center.
Legend as well as his Get Lifted Film co-founders Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius will serve as executive producers on the project alongside Angelina Jolie.
“I am honored to contribute an original song to ‘We Dare to Dream,'” says Legend. “Waad Al-Kateab has created an important film and I hope “Don’t Need to Sleep” does the documentary and its extraordinary subjects justice.”
“We Dare to Dream” is director Waad Al-Kateab’s second feature doc. In her first film, “For Sama,” which was nominated for an Academy Award, the Syrian director used her camera to capture her daily...
Legend will write, compose and record “Don’t Need to Sleep,” an original song for the docu, which will open theatrically Oct. 20 at New York’s IFC Center.
Legend as well as his Get Lifted Film co-founders Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius will serve as executive producers on the project alongside Angelina Jolie.
“I am honored to contribute an original song to ‘We Dare to Dream,'” says Legend. “Waad Al-Kateab has created an important film and I hope “Don’t Need to Sleep” does the documentary and its extraordinary subjects justice.”
“We Dare to Dream” is director Waad Al-Kateab’s second feature doc. In her first film, “For Sama,” which was nominated for an Academy Award, the Syrian director used her camera to capture her daily...
- 10/17/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
John Legend is writing the score to a stage adaptation of the 1959 film Imitation of Life.
The musical, which is in development and aiming for Broadway, features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage (Sweat, Ruined) and direction by Liesl Tommy, who directed Danai Gurira’s Eclipsed on Broadway. The production held a private industry reading at the end of April.
Universal Theatrical Group and Get Lifted Film Co, a production company led by Legend, as well as producer Mike Jackson and Friends at Work CEO Ty Stiklorius, are producing the musical.
Imitation of Life, which originated as a 1933 novel written by Fannie Hurst, follows Delilah Johnston, a Black woman and mother living in Atlantic City in the 1920s with her daughter Peola, who passes as white. Johnston forms a friendship and business partnership with Bea Pullman, a white woman who is a widow, and must navigate the...
The musical, which is in development and aiming for Broadway, features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage (Sweat, Ruined) and direction by Liesl Tommy, who directed Danai Gurira’s Eclipsed on Broadway. The production held a private industry reading at the end of April.
Universal Theatrical Group and Get Lifted Film Co, a production company led by Legend, as well as producer Mike Jackson and Friends at Work CEO Ty Stiklorius, are producing the musical.
Imitation of Life, which originated as a 1933 novel written by Fannie Hurst, follows Delilah Johnston, a Black woman and mother living in Atlantic City in the 1920s with her daughter Peola, who passes as white. Johnston forms a friendship and business partnership with Bea Pullman, a white woman who is a widow, and must navigate the...
- 6/26/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sterling K. Brown and the cast of “The Blackening” have been added to the lineup at CultureCon Los Angeles 2023. The festival kicks off on Saturday, June 17 at Rolling Greens Mateo, making it the first-ever full CultureCon summit to take place in L.A.
The festival is presented by Max and will be hosted by comedian Jay Pharoah and Emmy-winning journalist Francesca Amiker. Also slated to appear is singer-songwriter Victoria Monét, rapper Lakeyah and “The Blackening” director Tim Story and stars Dewayne Perkins and X Mayo, who’ll discuss the horror-comedy with Pharoah.
Festival partners Cîroc, Sephora, My Black is Beautiful, Prime Video, McDonald’s, Coca Cola and others will be hosting panels and activities for festival goers. In addition, CultureCon will be filled with skill-building workshops, activations and numerous Black-owned small businesses to shop from.
“When it comes to real community work in the East, CultureCon has held it down bar for bar,...
The festival is presented by Max and will be hosted by comedian Jay Pharoah and Emmy-winning journalist Francesca Amiker. Also slated to appear is singer-songwriter Victoria Monét, rapper Lakeyah and “The Blackening” director Tim Story and stars Dewayne Perkins and X Mayo, who’ll discuss the horror-comedy with Pharoah.
Festival partners Cîroc, Sephora, My Black is Beautiful, Prime Video, McDonald’s, Coca Cola and others will be hosting panels and activities for festival goers. In addition, CultureCon will be filled with skill-building workshops, activations and numerous Black-owned small businesses to shop from.
“When it comes to real community work in the East, CultureCon has held it down bar for bar,...
- 6/2/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, Sophia Scorziello and Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Roku is reinvesting in — and bulking up — its originals lineup, announcing a new season of “The Great American Baking Show” and an unscripted comedy featuring singer-songwriter Charlie Puth among the shows coming to the Roku Channel.
Notably, the content announcements at Roku’s 2023 NewFronts presentation — coming on Day One of the WGA writers strike — were unscripted/reality formats. Also at the event in New York Tuesday, the streaming platform unveiled a suite of new ad solutions, including sponsorships for its popular Roku City screensaver.
The company announced that it has renewed reality competition series “The Great American Baking Show” for Season 2. The news came ahead of the premiere Friday, May 5, of the new six-episode run of the show featuring Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, Ellie Kemper and Zach Cherry on the Roku Channel. “The Great American Baking Show,” produced by Love Productions USA, ran for five seasons on ABC as a...
Notably, the content announcements at Roku’s 2023 NewFronts presentation — coming on Day One of the WGA writers strike — were unscripted/reality formats. Also at the event in New York Tuesday, the streaming platform unveiled a suite of new ad solutions, including sponsorships for its popular Roku City screensaver.
The company announced that it has renewed reality competition series “The Great American Baking Show” for Season 2. The news came ahead of the premiere Friday, May 5, of the new six-episode run of the show featuring Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, Ellie Kemper and Zach Cherry on the Roku Channel. “The Great American Baking Show,” produced by Love Productions USA, ran for five seasons on ABC as a...
- 5/2/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Roku is expanding its 2023-2024 slate with new series from Charlie Puth, Reese Witherspoon, Zoe Saldana, Juanpa Zurita and more, the streamer announced during its Iab NewFront presentation in NYC Tuesday.
Related: We’ll Be Back: Photo Gallery Of TV Series Renewed In 2023
Roku also announced renewals for popular series including Honest Renovation, hosted and executive produced by Jessica Alba and Lizzy Mathis, for Season 2. The Great American Baking Show also will return for a second season, and will be accompanied by The Great American Baking Show: Celebrity Holiday Special for the second year, with a new lineup of celebrity bakers.
Related: No Kimmel? No Meyers? NewFront & Upfront Presentations Face Adjustments With WGA On Strike
Roku also has greenlighted a second installment of its Meet Me franchise, from Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine and Cinestar Pictures. Following its first film, Meet Me in Paris, the second installment of the reality rom-com,...
Related: We’ll Be Back: Photo Gallery Of TV Series Renewed In 2023
Roku also announced renewals for popular series including Honest Renovation, hosted and executive produced by Jessica Alba and Lizzy Mathis, for Season 2. The Great American Baking Show also will return for a second season, and will be accompanied by The Great American Baking Show: Celebrity Holiday Special for the second year, with a new lineup of celebrity bakers.
Related: No Kimmel? No Meyers? NewFront & Upfront Presentations Face Adjustments With WGA On Strike
Roku also has greenlighted a second installment of its Meet Me franchise, from Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine and Cinestar Pictures. Following its first film, Meet Me in Paris, the second installment of the reality rom-com,...
- 5/2/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO Original documentary film 1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed, directed by W. Kamau Bell (“United Shades of America”), debuts Tuesday, May 2 (9:00-10:00 p.m. Et/Pt) on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max. The documentary is produced in association with Get Lifted Film Co.
Synopsis: Through a series of compelling and insightful conversations, Emmy®-winning producer, director, host, and comedian W. Kamau Bell explores the experiences of mixed kids and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. The film was inspired by Kamau and his wife Melissa’s desire to better understand what life is like for their mixed daughters, who are navigating issues of identity in a world that often asks them to pick a side. With humor and heart, the film reveals the joys and complexities of growing up mixed in today’s America.
W. Kamau Bell quote: “As a father of three mixed daughters,...
Synopsis: Through a series of compelling and insightful conversations, Emmy®-winning producer, director, host, and comedian W. Kamau Bell explores the experiences of mixed kids and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. The film was inspired by Kamau and his wife Melissa’s desire to better understand what life is like for their mixed daughters, who are navigating issues of identity in a world that often asks them to pick a side. With humor and heart, the film reveals the joys and complexities of growing up mixed in today’s America.
W. Kamau Bell quote: “As a father of three mixed daughters,...
- 4/20/2023
- by TV Shows Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid - TV
“It’s not being less of one culture, it’s having the opportunity to have a deeper connection to more cultures,” says one of the multiracial young people featured in the trailer for HBO’s upcoming documentary 1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed.
The film, directed and executive produced by W. Kamau Bell, sees the Emmy-winning host and comedian sitting down with a number of San Francisco Bay Area families. Through interviews with both interracial couples and their multiracial kids (ranging in age from 7 to 16), as well as experts in the field, Bell uncovers insights about the experience and identity formation of being young and multiracial today.
“As a father of three mixed daughters, directing this film was a deeply personal and profound journey of discovery,” said Bell, who was inspired to make the doc by his and his wife Melissa’s curiosity to better understand their own children. “I wanted to...
The film, directed and executive produced by W. Kamau Bell, sees the Emmy-winning host and comedian sitting down with a number of San Francisco Bay Area families. Through interviews with both interracial couples and their multiracial kids (ranging in age from 7 to 16), as well as experts in the field, Bell uncovers insights about the experience and identity formation of being young and multiracial today.
“As a father of three mixed daughters, directing this film was a deeply personal and profound journey of discovery,” said Bell, who was inspired to make the doc by his and his wife Melissa’s curiosity to better understand their own children. “I wanted to...
- 4/20/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jade Sacker’s new documentary, “A House Divided,” will explore the story of two brothers interracially adopted at birth by a white Morman family, who grew up to become bitter ideological rivals during the Trump era presidency.
The examination of how the ties that bind can be severed at a time of hyper-partisanship emerged after Sacker met brothers John and James Sullivan on opposing sides of a police barricade. They were there to protest on behalf of their respective political champions at the vice presidential debate at the University of Utah.
“They were initially surprised that I wanted to make a film about their relationship with a family member who each saw as their own worst enemy,” Sacker says. “But I told them it would be a fair reflection.”
“I wasn’t interested in doing a documentary about political figures,” she adds. “I wanted to tell a human story at...
The examination of how the ties that bind can be severed at a time of hyper-partisanship emerged after Sacker met brothers John and James Sullivan on opposing sides of a police barricade. They were there to protest on behalf of their respective political champions at the vice presidential debate at the University of Utah.
“They were initially surprised that I wanted to make a film about their relationship with a family member who each saw as their own worst enemy,” Sacker says. “But I told them it would be a fair reflection.”
“I wasn’t interested in doing a documentary about political figures,” she adds. “I wanted to tell a human story at...
- 1/5/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Event chair and host Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis announced today that Egot-winning, critically acclaimed, and multi-platinum singer-songwriter John Legend will perform at the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball, presented by Dexcom on Saturday, October 8 at The Beverly Hilton hotel.
“I am thrilled John Legend will be joining our celebration on October 8,” said event chair and host Barbara Davis. “John Legend’s musical talent has gone around the world and has brought joy to so many people. This year that excitement and joy will come to us at the 36th annual Carousel of Hope Ball.”
In his career, John Legend has garnered 11 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award. He was the first African-American man to earn an Egot and is one of only fifteen people in the prestigious Egot club. Over almost two decades, Legend has released seven celebrated albums,...
“I am thrilled John Legend will be joining our celebration on October 8,” said event chair and host Barbara Davis. “John Legend’s musical talent has gone around the world and has brought joy to so many people. This year that excitement and joy will come to us at the 36th annual Carousel of Hope Ball.”
In his career, John Legend has garnered 11 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award. He was the first African-American man to earn an Egot and is one of only fifteen people in the prestigious Egot club. Over almost two decades, Legend has released seven celebrated albums,...
- 9/22/2022
- Look to the Stars
Click here to read the full article.
Fresh from performing at the Emmys, John Legend is confirmed to perform at the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton on Oct. 8.
“I am thrilled John Legend will be joining our celebration,” said Barbara Davis, host and event chair alongside co-chair Dana Davis. “John Legend’s musical talent has gone around the world and has brought joy to so many people. This year that excitement and joy will come to us at the 36th annual Carousel of Hope Ball.”
The event typically hosts luminaries from film, TV, music and business to support the cause of increasing awareness for diabetes while raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Carousel Balls have raised more than 110 million to date. This year’s event is presented by Dexcom with additional support provided by American Airlines, the Beverly Hilton,...
Fresh from performing at the Emmys, John Legend is confirmed to perform at the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton on Oct. 8.
“I am thrilled John Legend will be joining our celebration,” said Barbara Davis, host and event chair alongside co-chair Dana Davis. “John Legend’s musical talent has gone around the world and has brought joy to so many people. This year that excitement and joy will come to us at the 36th annual Carousel of Hope Ball.”
The event typically hosts luminaries from film, TV, music and business to support the cause of increasing awareness for diabetes while raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Carousel Balls have raised more than 110 million to date. This year’s event is presented by Dexcom with additional support provided by American Airlines, the Beverly Hilton,...
- 9/14/2022
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co. has a new home.
The production outfit headed by Legend, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius has signed an overall deal with Universal Studio Group’s UCP that covers scripted programming, as well as a first-look deal for unscripted content. Get Lifted moves to UCP from Disney’s ABC Signature.
“We are elated to align with the talented team at Get Lifted Film Co. to bring their incredible scripted and unscripted stories to life,” said UCP president Beatrice Springborn. “Mike, John and Ty have an absolutely astonishing track record, and we’re excited to support their vision through this new alliance.”
Get Lifted has worked with NBCUniversal previously on the Emmy-winning Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert and A Legendary Christmas With John and Chrissy, both of which aired in 2018. The company has also produced WGN America’s Underground,...
John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co. has a new home.
The production outfit headed by Legend, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius has signed an overall deal with Universal Studio Group’s UCP that covers scripted programming, as well as a first-look deal for unscripted content. Get Lifted moves to UCP from Disney’s ABC Signature.
“We are elated to align with the talented team at Get Lifted Film Co. to bring their incredible scripted and unscripted stories to life,” said UCP president Beatrice Springborn. “Mike, John and Ty have an absolutely astonishing track record, and we’re excited to support their vision through this new alliance.”
Get Lifted has worked with NBCUniversal previously on the Emmy-winning Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert and A Legendary Christmas With John and Chrissy, both of which aired in 2018. The company has also produced WGN America’s Underground,...
- 7/7/2022
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Get Lifted Film Co. has entered a multi-year overall deal for scripted content at UCP. The deal also includes a first-look deal for unscripted programming.
Get Lifted is led by Mike Jackson, John Legend, and Ty Stiklorius. The company previously had an overall deal with ABC Studios (now ABC Signature), which they entered into in 2019.
“We are elated to align with the talented team at Get Lifted Film Co to bring their incredible scripted and unscripted stories to life,” said Beatrice Springborn, president of UCP. “Mike, John and Ty have an absolutely astonishing track record, and we’re excited to support their vision through this new alliance.”
Get Lifted’s upcoming projects include a feature adaptation the S.A. Cosby novel “Blacktop Wasteland,” the documentary “Loudmouth” about Al Sharpton, and the third season of the IFC comedy series “Sherman’s Showcase.” “Loudmouth” recently premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.
“We’re...
Get Lifted is led by Mike Jackson, John Legend, and Ty Stiklorius. The company previously had an overall deal with ABC Studios (now ABC Signature), which they entered into in 2019.
“We are elated to align with the talented team at Get Lifted Film Co to bring their incredible scripted and unscripted stories to life,” said Beatrice Springborn, president of UCP. “Mike, John and Ty have an absolutely astonishing track record, and we’re excited to support their vision through this new alliance.”
Get Lifted’s upcoming projects include a feature adaptation the S.A. Cosby novel “Blacktop Wasteland,” the documentary “Loudmouth” about Al Sharpton, and the third season of the IFC comedy series “Sherman’s Showcase.” “Loudmouth” recently premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.
“We’re...
- 7/7/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Get Lifted Film Co., the production company run by John Legend, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius, is getting into business with NBCUniversal.
The company, which is behind series such as IFC and AMC comedy series Sherman’s Showcase, has struck a scripted overall deal with UCP and a first-look deal for unscripted series.
It comes after their previous three-year overall deal with the then-titled ABC Studios that was signed in 2019 and marks the company’s third home after previously having a first-look pact at Sony Pictures Television.
Get Lifted’s upcoming projects include Al Sharpton’s documentary Loudmouth that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, a third season of Sherman’s Showcase and feature film Blacktop Wasteland.
It also produced tennis documentary Citizen Ashe, HBO’s The Legend of the Underground as well as Netflix’s Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey and HBO Max’s reality series Rhythm + Flow.
“We...
The company, which is behind series such as IFC and AMC comedy series Sherman’s Showcase, has struck a scripted overall deal with UCP and a first-look deal for unscripted series.
It comes after their previous three-year overall deal with the then-titled ABC Studios that was signed in 2019 and marks the company’s third home after previously having a first-look pact at Sony Pictures Television.
Get Lifted’s upcoming projects include Al Sharpton’s documentary Loudmouth that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, a third season of Sherman’s Showcase and feature film Blacktop Wasteland.
It also produced tennis documentary Citizen Ashe, HBO’s The Legend of the Underground as well as Netflix’s Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey and HBO Max’s reality series Rhythm + Flow.
“We...
- 7/7/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
John Legend is continuing his relationship with NBCUniversal’s UCP.
Get Lifted Film, Legend’s production company with Emmy and Tony-winning producer Mike Jackson and Friends At Work CEO Ty Stiklorius, has a new, multi-year overall deal at UCP, which is part of Universal Studio Group and the larger NBCUniversal, it was announced Thursday morning.
The deal includes first-looks at unscripted series from the company, as well as scripted content.
“We are elated to align with the talented team at Get Lifted Film Co. to bring their incredible scripted and unscripted stories to life,” Beatrice Springborn, president, UCP, said in a statement. “Mike, John and Ty have an absolutely astonishing track record, and we’re excited to support their vision through this new alliance.”
Also Read:
John Legend Sells Music Catalog to BMG and Investment Firm Kkr
“We’re so excited to broaden our relationship with the Universal family,” Jackson said in a statement.
Get Lifted Film, Legend’s production company with Emmy and Tony-winning producer Mike Jackson and Friends At Work CEO Ty Stiklorius, has a new, multi-year overall deal at UCP, which is part of Universal Studio Group and the larger NBCUniversal, it was announced Thursday morning.
The deal includes first-looks at unscripted series from the company, as well as scripted content.
“We are elated to align with the talented team at Get Lifted Film Co. to bring their incredible scripted and unscripted stories to life,” Beatrice Springborn, president, UCP, said in a statement. “Mike, John and Ty have an absolutely astonishing track record, and we’re excited to support their vision through this new alliance.”
Also Read:
John Legend Sells Music Catalog to BMG and Investment Firm Kkr
“We’re so excited to broaden our relationship with the Universal family,” Jackson said in a statement.
- 7/7/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Gary Gilbert’s Gilbert Films, Mike Jackson and John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co., and Harvey Mason Jr.’s Harvey Mason Media have set director Numa Perrier to helm The War and Treaty about the Nashville husband and wife vocal duo.
Oscar-winner Will McCormack and Oscar nominee Craig Borten (Dallas Buyers Club) are penning the screenplay which revolves around the true story of Michael, a soldier who has just returned from a tour in Iraq, who falls in love with Tanya, a singer with a deferred dream. The project was developed by and financed by Gilbert Films. Casting for the movie is underway.
The pic will be produced by Academy Award nominee Gilbert (La La Land), Legend, Jackson, Mason Jr., Peter Morgan and Perrier. EPs are War and Treaty’s Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, along with McCormack,...
Oscar-winner Will McCormack and Oscar nominee Craig Borten (Dallas Buyers Club) are penning the screenplay which revolves around the true story of Michael, a soldier who has just returned from a tour in Iraq, who falls in love with Tanya, a singer with a deferred dream. The project was developed by and financed by Gilbert Films. Casting for the movie is underway.
The pic will be produced by Academy Award nominee Gilbert (La La Land), Legend, Jackson, Mason Jr., Peter Morgan and Perrier. EPs are War and Treaty’s Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, along with McCormack,...
- 6/6/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Queen of the South co-producer and Queen Sugar producer Tina Mabry has signed on to direct and co-write Pretty Big at Warner Bros. and HBO Max, a project which Mike Jackson of Get Lifted Film Co., Poppy Hanks and Jelani Johnson of Macro and Kristina Sorensen will produce.
Pretty Big is based on the true life story of Akira Armstrong and the origin of her Pretty Big Movement dance company. In the movie, a young plus-sized woman takes matters into her own hands when she keeps getting rejected from dance companies, despite her obvious talent. When she starts her own company for bodies of all shapes, sizes, and colors, she sets out to win a prestigious competition and prove to the dance community that anyone can dance at an elite level. This was a competitive package bid on by several studios. Dan Steele is co-writing.
EPs...
Pretty Big is based on the true life story of Akira Armstrong and the origin of her Pretty Big Movement dance company. In the movie, a young plus-sized woman takes matters into her own hands when she keeps getting rejected from dance companies, despite her obvious talent. When she starts her own company for bodies of all shapes, sizes, and colors, she sets out to win a prestigious competition and prove to the dance community that anyone can dance at an elite level. This was a competitive package bid on by several studios. Dan Steele is co-writing.
EPs...
- 1/19/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Akira Armstrong’s Pretty Big Movement dance company set out to destroy stereotypes in the dance world — and now that story is getting the Hollywood treatment in a new film.
Set at Warner Bros. for HBO Max, “Pretty Big” is based on the true life story and the origin of Armstrong’s dance company, which is inclusive of bodies of all shapes, sizes and colors. Tina Mabry has signed on to direct the project, co-writing the screenplay with Dan Steele.
The movie follows Armstrong, a young, plus-sized woman who takes matters into her own hands after being rejected from other dance companies, despite her obvious talent. After starting her own company, she sets out to win a prestigious competition and prove to the dance community that anyone can dance at an elite level.
Warner Bros. nabbed the competitive package, bid on by multiple studios, for HBO Max. Get Lifted Film Co.
Set at Warner Bros. for HBO Max, “Pretty Big” is based on the true life story and the origin of Armstrong’s dance company, which is inclusive of bodies of all shapes, sizes and colors. Tina Mabry has signed on to direct the project, co-writing the screenplay with Dan Steele.
The movie follows Armstrong, a young, plus-sized woman who takes matters into her own hands after being rejected from other dance companies, despite her obvious talent. After starting her own company, she sets out to win a prestigious competition and prove to the dance community that anyone can dance at an elite level.
Warner Bros. nabbed the competitive package, bid on by multiple studios, for HBO Max. Get Lifted Film Co.
- 1/19/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Lionsgate has purchased Homecoming, a screenplay that made the 2021 Black List, in a competitive situation, and is setting it up as a film.
The feature scripted by Murder Ink’s Brandon Broussard, Hudson Obayuwana and Jana Savage picks up with one of New York’s most eligible bachelors and his eccentric, globetrotting wingman 10 years after their graduation from Howard University, as they try to pull their recently divorced friend out of his rut. They do so by taking him back to Howard for its legendary homecoming, there experiencing the best weekend of their lives.
Broussard, Obayuwana and Savage will produce the adaptation with David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman for Mandeville Pictures, and Mike Jackson and John Legend for Get Lifted. Mandeville’s Alex Young will exec produce alongside Get Lifted’s Ty Stiklorius. Hoberman and Carly Kleinbart are overseeing the project for Mandeville, with Jackson and Mackenzie Marlowe for Get Lifted,...
The feature scripted by Murder Ink’s Brandon Broussard, Hudson Obayuwana and Jana Savage picks up with one of New York’s most eligible bachelors and his eccentric, globetrotting wingman 10 years after their graduation from Howard University, as they try to pull their recently divorced friend out of his rut. They do so by taking him back to Howard for its legendary homecoming, there experiencing the best weekend of their lives.
Broussard, Obayuwana and Savage will produce the adaptation with David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman for Mandeville Pictures, and Mike Jackson and John Legend for Get Lifted. Mandeville’s Alex Young will exec produce alongside Get Lifted’s Ty Stiklorius. Hoberman and Carly Kleinbart are overseeing the project for Mandeville, with Jackson and Mackenzie Marlowe for Get Lifted,...
- 1/7/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Universal Pictures has acquired the John Fusco spec script Phantom, a package that includes producers Harvey Mason Jr of Harvey Mason Media, and John Legend and his Get Lifted Film Co producing partner Mike Jackson. Pic will be an adaptation of the 1910 Gaston Leroux novel Phantom of the Opera, set in contemporary New Orleans.
Ty Stiklorius is the executive producer.
Fusco, whose script work includes Crossroads and Hidalgo, came up with the idea after becoming reacquainted with the French Quarter music scene where he began, while shooting the Bonnie and Clyde pic The Highwaymen.
“I was in New Orleans with Costner, Woody and John Lee Hancock and found myself reconnecting with my old musical haunts, and the next generation of my music cronies,” he told Deadline. “I began playing with them again, writing music and recorded two albums and during the pandemic I reflected on that journey and wanted...
Ty Stiklorius is the executive producer.
Fusco, whose script work includes Crossroads and Hidalgo, came up with the idea after becoming reacquainted with the French Quarter music scene where he began, while shooting the Bonnie and Clyde pic The Highwaymen.
“I was in New Orleans with Costner, Woody and John Lee Hancock and found myself reconnecting with my old musical haunts, and the next generation of my music cronies,” he told Deadline. “I began playing with them again, writing music and recorded two albums and during the pandemic I reflected on that journey and wanted...
- 12/10/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Arthur Ashe film received world premiere at Telluride and will receive Oscar campaign.
Heading into its international premiere at BFI London Film Festival on Sunday (October 10) Magnolia Pictures has acquired US theatrical rights to Citizen Ashe, the documentary about pioneering tennis champion Arthur Ashe.
Rex Miller and Sam Pollard directed the feature produced by Dogwoof for CNN Films and HBO Max. The film premiered at Telluride last month and will open in cinemas in New York on December 3 and in Los Angeles on December 10 accompanied by an Oscar campaign.
Citizen Ashe reveals the private person behind the historic Grand Slam...
Heading into its international premiere at BFI London Film Festival on Sunday (October 10) Magnolia Pictures has acquired US theatrical rights to Citizen Ashe, the documentary about pioneering tennis champion Arthur Ashe.
Rex Miller and Sam Pollard directed the feature produced by Dogwoof for CNN Films and HBO Max. The film premiered at Telluride last month and will open in cinemas in New York on December 3 and in Los Angeles on December 10 accompanied by an Oscar campaign.
Citizen Ashe reveals the private person behind the historic Grand Slam...
- 10/8/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Magnolia Pictures has come aboard the documentary “Citizen Ashe” from Emmy winner Rex Miller and Academy Award nominee Sam Pollard. The nonfiction awards hopeful will be heading to theaters on Dec. 3 in New York and Dec. 10 in Los Angeles, hoping for Oscar recognition at the height of awards season.
Accompanying an Academy campaign, and produced by Dogwoof for CNN Films and HBO Max, the film explores the legacy of three-time tennis legend and humanitarian Arthur Ashe, who broke barriers in the sport and won three Grand Slams. Despite being a top athlete, Ashe struggled with health problems, suffering a heart attack at 36. He contracted HIV due to a blood transfusion that occurred when he had heart surgery, dying of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1993 at the age of 49.
“Sam Pollard and Rex Miller have delivered an exquisite, moving look at the life of a true iconoclast, one who forged his own path...
Accompanying an Academy campaign, and produced by Dogwoof for CNN Films and HBO Max, the film explores the legacy of three-time tennis legend and humanitarian Arthur Ashe, who broke barriers in the sport and won three Grand Slams. Despite being a top athlete, Ashe struggled with health problems, suffering a heart attack at 36. He contracted HIV due to a blood transfusion that occurred when he had heart surgery, dying of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1993 at the age of 49.
“Sam Pollard and Rex Miller have delivered an exquisite, moving look at the life of a true iconoclast, one who forged his own path...
- 10/8/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Madi Diaz was psyched when she heard that Kesha wanted to record her song “Resentment,” but learning Brian Wilson would sing on it too put her in a state of disbelief. “That was just fucked up,” Diaz says, breaking out into a laugh. “I called my dad and said, ‘I just need you to know that this is happening.’ The very idea that somebody like that would even listen to a song that I wrote is weird, crazy, and unfathomable.”
“Resentment,” which Diaz co-wrote with Wrabel and Jamie Floyd, appeared...
“Resentment,” which Diaz co-wrote with Wrabel and Jamie Floyd, appeared...
- 8/27/2021
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
CNN Films and HBO Max have partnered with Dogwoof on a new documentary feature that will explore the impact Arthur Ashe had on tennis and HIV activism.
During his momentous tennis career, Ashe won three Grand Slam singles titles and became the first-ever Black player to join the United States Davis Cup team. He retired in 1980 and died of AIDS-related complications in 1993. His impact on the sport is only surpassed in esteem by his off-court activism on behalf of civil rights, global human rights and compassion for those afflicted by HIV.
Rex Miller and Sam Pollard are co-directors on the film about the tennis player and humanitarian, which will be released in 2022. Miller described their film as a first-person exploration that describes Ashe’s origin story as a social activist in his own words.
“He created a unique blueprint for advancing civil rights for disenfranchised and oppressed people throughout the world,...
During his momentous tennis career, Ashe won three Grand Slam singles titles and became the first-ever Black player to join the United States Davis Cup team. He retired in 1980 and died of AIDS-related complications in 1993. His impact on the sport is only surpassed in esteem by his off-court activism on behalf of civil rights, global human rights and compassion for those afflicted by HIV.
Rex Miller and Sam Pollard are co-directors on the film about the tennis player and humanitarian, which will be released in 2022. Miller described their film as a first-person exploration that describes Ashe’s origin story as a social activist in his own words.
“He created a unique blueprint for advancing civil rights for disenfranchised and oppressed people throughout the world,...
- 7/15/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Dogwoof co-produced the film with Rexpix, Stick Figure and Get Lifted.
CNN Films and HBO Max are partnering with UK-based documentary specialists Dogwoof to distribute Rex Miller and Sam Pollard’s Citizen Ashe, about the legacy of tennis player and humanitarian Arthur Ashe.
CNN and HBO Max will handle the US release of the completed title in 2022. Details of the release format are yet to be confirmed.
Dogwoof developed and produced the film alongside US companies Rexpix Media, Stick Figure Productions and Get Lifted Film Co.
It is co-directed by Miller and Pollard, with Beth Hubbard and Dogwoof CEO Anna Godas,...
CNN Films and HBO Max are partnering with UK-based documentary specialists Dogwoof to distribute Rex Miller and Sam Pollard’s Citizen Ashe, about the legacy of tennis player and humanitarian Arthur Ashe.
CNN and HBO Max will handle the US release of the completed title in 2022. Details of the release format are yet to be confirmed.
Dogwoof developed and produced the film alongside US companies Rexpix Media, Stick Figure Productions and Get Lifted Film Co.
It is co-directed by Miller and Pollard, with Beth Hubbard and Dogwoof CEO Anna Godas,...
- 7/15/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Get Lifted Film Co. and Mandalay Pictures have a new feature drama in the works based on the life of cycling champion Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor, entitled The Black Cyclone.
Alan Fox is writing with Jason Michael Berman of Mandalay Pictures and Mike Jackson and John Legend of Get Lifted Film Co. producing.
The Black Cyclone charts the legendary rise of Taylor, once proclaimed the fastest man in America at the turn of the 20th century. In 1896, only months after the landmark “Separate but Equal” Supreme Court ruling, Major Taylor rockets onto the national scene in an unauthorized Six Day Race at Madison Square Garden. Thus begins Taylor’s extraordinary journey from obscurity to becoming one of the greatest athletes in American history. The feature project will pull back the curtain on Taylor – the world’s first Black sports superstar – his obstacles amidst...
Alan Fox is writing with Jason Michael Berman of Mandalay Pictures and Mike Jackson and John Legend of Get Lifted Film Co. producing.
The Black Cyclone charts the legendary rise of Taylor, once proclaimed the fastest man in America at the turn of the 20th century. In 1896, only months after the landmark “Separate but Equal” Supreme Court ruling, Major Taylor rockets onto the national scene in an unauthorized Six Day Race at Madison Square Garden. Thus begins Taylor’s extraordinary journey from obscurity to becoming one of the greatest athletes in American history. The feature project will pull back the curtain on Taylor – the world’s first Black sports superstar – his obstacles amidst...
- 7/1/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
"Nobody is free until all of us are free." HBO has unveiled the first trailer for an activism documentary film titled The Legend of the Underground, described as a "searing and timely look at the struggle against rampant discrimination that exists in Nigeria today, as seen through the lens of several charismatic, non-conformist youth who fight to live life out loud." It's premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival soon then on HBO a few weeks later. "Through social media, celebrity and bold creativity, they spark a cultural revolution that challenges the ideals of gender, conformity and civil rights in Nigeria. Exec produced by John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Ty Stiklorius, The Legend of the Underground is a timely and critical look at a vibrant and resilient community that continues to fight state-endorsed discrimination in Nigeria while celebrating who they are." I dig how this film fights the hate and prejudice...
- 6/4/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Exclusive: UTA has signed Nigerian-America filmmaker, producer and activist Nneka Onuorah in all areas. Onuorah’s projects focus on championing social justice across several mediums, including documentary features, series, live events, commercials, campaigns, and scripted features and series.
Most recently, it was announced that her project with HBO, The Legend of the Underground, will debut Tuesday, June 29 on HBO and available to stream on HBO Max. The feature documentary, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival, is a timely look at the struggle against rampant discrimination in Nigeria today, as seen through the lens of several bold and charismatic, non-conformist youth who fight to live life out loud. Directed by Nneka Onuorah and Giselle Bailey, the film is executive produced by Mike Jackson, John Legend, Ty Stiklorius and Austyn Biggers of Get Lifted Film Co.
Onuorah is best known for her debut feature, The Same Difference, a documentary about internalized homophobia within the U.
Most recently, it was announced that her project with HBO, The Legend of the Underground, will debut Tuesday, June 29 on HBO and available to stream on HBO Max. The feature documentary, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival, is a timely look at the struggle against rampant discrimination in Nigeria today, as seen through the lens of several bold and charismatic, non-conformist youth who fight to live life out loud. Directed by Nneka Onuorah and Giselle Bailey, the film is executive produced by Mike Jackson, John Legend, Ty Stiklorius and Austyn Biggers of Get Lifted Film Co.
Onuorah is best known for her debut feature, The Same Difference, a documentary about internalized homophobia within the U.
- 6/1/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
The City of Philadelphia’s long and bloody conflict with the Move organization, a “radical” back-to-nature group that followed the teachings of John Africa, forms the backdrop to the HBO documentary 40 Years a Prisoner.
In 1978, the Philadelphia Police Department stormed the Move compound with armored vehicles, bulldozers and 600 officers, triggering a gun battle that left one policeman dead. Nine Move members, including Mike Africa and his wife, Debbie Africa, who was eight months pregnant at the time, were arrested. A few weeks after her arrest Debbie gave birth, behind bars, to a boy the couple named Mike Africa Jr.
The documentary, directed by Tommy Oliver, follows Mike Jr on a lifelong journey to win his parents’ freedom and see his family reunited. Mike Jr. never gave up on seeing his mother and father released.
“Unless they were home there was no reason to give up, there was no need to give up,...
In 1978, the Philadelphia Police Department stormed the Move compound with armored vehicles, bulldozers and 600 officers, triggering a gun battle that left one policeman dead. Nine Move members, including Mike Africa and his wife, Debbie Africa, who was eight months pregnant at the time, were arrested. A few weeks after her arrest Debbie gave birth, behind bars, to a boy the couple named Mike Africa Jr.
The documentary, directed by Tommy Oliver, follows Mike Jr on a lifelong journey to win his parents’ freedom and see his family reunited. Mike Jr. never gave up on seeing his mother and father released.
“Unless they were home there was no reason to give up, there was no need to give up,...
- 5/1/2021
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Shout! Studios has acquired worldwide rights to Emmy-winning director Nancy Buirski’s documentary A Crime on the Bayou, the third in her trilogy of films that explore vital stories from the Civil Rights era.
Shout! Studios, the distribution and production arm of Shout! Factory, plans a theatrical release for A Crime on the Bayou later this year, followed by a rollout on VOD, digital, broadcast and home entertainment. Egot-winner John Legend is an executive producer of the film that revisits the case of Gary Duncan, who as a Black teenager in 1966 was arrested in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana in a racially-charged incident.
Duncan’s “crime” was to break up a fight between white and Black youths outside a newly-integrated school, during which he “gently [laid] his hand on a white boy’s arm,” setting in motion a prosecution for assault on a minor. Duncan was defended by Richard Sobol, a young Jewish attorney,...
Shout! Studios, the distribution and production arm of Shout! Factory, plans a theatrical release for A Crime on the Bayou later this year, followed by a rollout on VOD, digital, broadcast and home entertainment. Egot-winner John Legend is an executive producer of the film that revisits the case of Gary Duncan, who as a Black teenager in 1966 was arrested in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana in a racially-charged incident.
Duncan’s “crime” was to break up a fight between white and Black youths outside a newly-integrated school, during which he “gently [laid] his hand on a white boy’s arm,” setting in motion a prosecution for assault on a minor. Duncan was defended by Richard Sobol, a young Jewish attorney,...
- 4/1/2021
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
In just eight years, John Legend and Mike Jackson (with partner Ty Stiklorius) have won a slew of awards for content from their Get Lifted Film Co. This week, they will be gifted another accessory thanks to the Critics Choice Association which is honoring Legend and Jackson with The Producers Award during the 3rd annual Celebration of Black Cinema.
Tuesday’s ceremony follows another banner year for Get Lifted. The company’s recent releases include Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, the documentary Giving Voice, the docu-series Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children, the comedy series Sherman’s Showcase and the competition showcase Rhythm ...
Tuesday’s ceremony follows another banner year for Get Lifted. The company’s recent releases include Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, the documentary Giving Voice, the docu-series Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children, the comedy series Sherman’s Showcase and the competition showcase Rhythm ...
In just eight years, John Legend and Mike Jackson (with partner Ty Stiklorius) have won a slew of awards for content from their Get Lifted Film Co. This week, they will be gifted another accessory thanks to the Critics Choice Association which is honoring Legend and Jackson with The Producers Award during the 3rd annual Celebration of Black Cinema.
Tuesday’s ceremony follows another banner year for Get Lifted. The company’s recent releases include Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, the documentary Giving Voice, the docu-series Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children, the comedy series Sherman’s Showcase and the competition showcase Rhythm ...
Tuesday’s ceremony follows another banner year for Get Lifted. The company’s recent releases include Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, the documentary Giving Voice, the docu-series Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children, the comedy series Sherman’s Showcase and the competition showcase Rhythm ...
John Legend and Mike Jackson co-founded their production company, Get Lifted Film Co., alongside the singer-songwriter’s longtime manager Ty Stiklorius eight years ago. Their projects have included “La La Land,” “Southside With You,” David E. Talbert’s “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey,” Netflix’s “Rhythm + Flow,” “40 Years a Prisoner” on HBO Max as well as the upcoming film “Monster” and the sports drama “Signing Day” with Steph Curry’s Unanimous Media for Sony Pictures.
On Tuesday, Feb. 2, Legend and Jackson will be honored with the Producer’s Award during the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Black Cinema hosted by Bevy Smith. Following an invite-only live stream, the event will air as a 90-minute special in Los Angeles on Ktla on Feb. 6.
Others being honored and presenting during the ceremony include Zendaya, John David Washington, Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Taraji P. Henson, Jesse Williams, Shaka King, George C. Wolfe,...
On Tuesday, Feb. 2, Legend and Jackson will be honored with the Producer’s Award during the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Black Cinema hosted by Bevy Smith. Following an invite-only live stream, the event will air as a 90-minute special in Los Angeles on Ktla on Feb. 6.
Others being honored and presenting during the ceremony include Zendaya, John David Washington, Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Taraji P. Henson, Jesse Williams, Shaka King, George C. Wolfe,...
- 2/1/2021
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Leading the list of honorees for the Critics Choice Association’s third annual Celebration of Black Cinema are Delroy Lindo receiving the Career Achievement Award, John Legend and Mike Jackson as Producers of the Year, Tessa Thompson winning the Actors Award, recent Emmy winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II for the Breakthrough Award, Andra Day as a Special Honoree, and the cast of Amazon Studios’ One Night in Miami taking the Ensemble Award. The virtual ceremony will take place on Tuesday, February 2, and will be hosted by author and media personality Bevy Smith.
The event will also showcase a series of powerful photographs captured by Black filmmaker Tommy Oliver around Los Angeles in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. Oliver utilized his platform as a multi-hyphenate visual artist to channel the energy of the protests, seeking to inspire, incite, and challenge those who would see the final images.
The event will also showcase a series of powerful photographs captured by Black filmmaker Tommy Oliver around Los Angeles in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. Oliver utilized his platform as a multi-hyphenate visual artist to channel the energy of the protests, seeking to inspire, incite, and challenge those who would see the final images.
- 12/8/2020
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The critically acclaimed historical drama series Underground, which aired for two seasons on Wgn America, is heading to OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. OWN said today it has acquired the series to air beginning Tuesday, January 5 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt. The series, from Sony Pictures Television, will have a revitalized presentation on OWN, with newly filmed episodic introductions by cast members, never-before-seen behind the scenes footage and more, according to the network.
Co-created by Misha Green (Lovecraft Country) and Joe Pokaski (Cloak & Dagger) and starring Aldis Hodge, Jurnee Smollett and Christopher Meloni, Underground follows a courageous group of American heroes who attempt a daring flight to freedom in the greatest escape in history.
The logline: In 1857, a restless slave named Noah (Hodge) organizes a small team of fellow slaves on the Macon plantation outside Atlanta, and puts together a plan to run for their lives — 600 dangerous miles North — to freedom.
Co-created by Misha Green (Lovecraft Country) and Joe Pokaski (Cloak & Dagger) and starring Aldis Hodge, Jurnee Smollett and Christopher Meloni, Underground follows a courageous group of American heroes who attempt a daring flight to freedom in the greatest escape in history.
The logline: In 1857, a restless slave named Noah (Hodge) organizes a small team of fellow slaves on the Macon plantation outside Atlanta, and puts together a plan to run for their lives — 600 dangerous miles North — to freedom.
- 12/3/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Mike Africa Jr., the son of two Move members imprisoned for the death of a police officer during a 1978 Philadelphia police raid, spent decades trying to free his parents, a struggle depicted in the documentary “40 Years a Prisoner.” Watch the trailer above.
“When I learned that they were actually in prison, I might have been 13 years old, I started looking for something that would show their innocence,” says Africa Jr. “I wound up doing that for over 25 years.”
The documentary will debut on Tuesday, Dec. 8 on HBO and HBO Max. “40 years a Prisoner” was an official selection and special presentation of the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.
“40 Years a Prisoner” chronicles the 1978 Philadelphia police raid on the radical back-to-nature group Move and the aftermath that led to a son’s decades-long fight to free his parents. The documentary illuminates the story of a city grappling with racial tension and police brutality...
“When I learned that they were actually in prison, I might have been 13 years old, I started looking for something that would show their innocence,” says Africa Jr. “I wound up doing that for over 25 years.”
The documentary will debut on Tuesday, Dec. 8 on HBO and HBO Max. “40 years a Prisoner” was an official selection and special presentation of the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.
“40 Years a Prisoner” chronicles the 1978 Philadelphia police raid on the radical back-to-nature group Move and the aftermath that led to a son’s decades-long fight to free his parents. The documentary illuminates the story of a city grappling with racial tension and police brutality...
- 11/16/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Erik Feig’s Picturestart and Mike Jackson and John Legend’s production company Get Lifted Film Co. are teaming to bring the critically acclaimed S.A. Cosby novel “Blacktop Wasteland” to the big screen.
The former Lionsgate film honcho and the Egot-chasing Legend have tapped “Mudbound” co-screenwriter Virgil Williams. who was nominated for an Academy Award for the Netflix original film, to adapt the heist drama.
Jessica Switch and Royce Reeves-Darby are overseeing for Picturestart, with MacKenzie Marlowe for Get Lifted Film Co., and Ty Stiklorius serving as executive producer.
“Blacktop” follows Beauregard “Bug” Montage, a hardworking family man in the American South, who happens to be a most skilled driver for people up to no good. As Bug tries to go legit, the pangs of the straight-and-narrow weigh on him — a rival auto business lures his customers away, his daughter eyes a fancy college, his wife eager to upgrade from their mobile home.
The former Lionsgate film honcho and the Egot-chasing Legend have tapped “Mudbound” co-screenwriter Virgil Williams. who was nominated for an Academy Award for the Netflix original film, to adapt the heist drama.
Jessica Switch and Royce Reeves-Darby are overseeing for Picturestart, with MacKenzie Marlowe for Get Lifted Film Co., and Ty Stiklorius serving as executive producer.
“Blacktop” follows Beauregard “Bug” Montage, a hardworking family man in the American South, who happens to be a most skilled driver for people up to no good. As Bug tries to go legit, the pangs of the straight-and-narrow weigh on him — a rival auto business lures his customers away, his daughter eyes a fancy college, his wife eager to upgrade from their mobile home.
- 10/27/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The Film Life Foundation’s inaugural Social Justice Now Film Festival (Sjnff) has unveiled its robust program including its spotlight screenings including the documentaries 40 Years A Prisoner from HBO, Us Kids, and Sncc executive produced by Pharell Williams as well as I Am Other. and the narrative feature Reefa. The fest will also feature the Destin Daniel Cretton-directed Just Mercy and Ryan Coogler’s award-winning Fruitvale Station as opening night films which will screen at Paramount’s Drive-In Theater on Wednesday, October 21. Both films star Michael B. Jordan, who was previously announced as Co-Ambassador alongside Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Opal Tometi. All official selections and spotlight screenings will be available to stream for free on abffplay.com, a new digital platform, powered by Endeavor Streaming from October 21-25.
“Through these films, we hope to advance the dialogue and help to reshape the narrative of racial and social justice in this country.
“Through these films, we hope to advance the dialogue and help to reshape the narrative of racial and social justice in this country.
- 10/12/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
“There is a dividend in diversity,” agreed Neil Peplow, head of international at the BFI.
Films will become more representative and more international in scope as the industry emerges from the Covid-19 crisis, suggested a group of experts talking on the TIFF panel ‘Unprecedented Territory: Financing In The Shadow Of A Pandemic’ earlier this week.
Leading US producers Effie Brown CEO of Gamechanger Films and Mike Jackson, managing partner of Get Lifted Film Company, were joined by Neil Peplow, head of international at the British Film Institute (BFI). They were all optimistic about the dynamic forces shaping the new entertainment world.
Films will become more representative and more international in scope as the industry emerges from the Covid-19 crisis, suggested a group of experts talking on the TIFF panel ‘Unprecedented Territory: Financing In The Shadow Of A Pandemic’ earlier this week.
Leading US producers Effie Brown CEO of Gamechanger Films and Mike Jackson, managing partner of Get Lifted Film Company, were joined by Neil Peplow, head of international at the British Film Institute (BFI). They were all optimistic about the dynamic forces shaping the new entertainment world.
- 9/16/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Producer Mike Jackson is ready and waiting for Hollywood to get the greenlight so Get Lifted Film Co. can get out there and resume production.
The company, co-founded in 2012 with John Legend and Ty Stiklorius, focuses its storytelling on multi-cultural content. Its credits include: “Jesus Christ Superstar Live!,” Wgn’s “Underground” and “La La Land.”
When the coronavirus pandemic forced a shutdown, Jackson, like many other producers, didn’t stop working — he pivoted. During the pandemic, Jackson relied on Zoom and scouting for safe filming locations to produce “John Legend and Family: A Bigger Love Father’s Day,” while developing other projects when Hollywood reopens.
Below, Jackson provides insight into how he’s been navigating production restart in a pandemic landscape, and the stories Get Lifted Film Co. has been highlighting long before the Black Lives Matter movement.
How are you navigating your way around and what do you see...
The company, co-founded in 2012 with John Legend and Ty Stiklorius, focuses its storytelling on multi-cultural content. Its credits include: “Jesus Christ Superstar Live!,” Wgn’s “Underground” and “La La Land.”
When the coronavirus pandemic forced a shutdown, Jackson, like many other producers, didn’t stop working — he pivoted. During the pandemic, Jackson relied on Zoom and scouting for safe filming locations to produce “John Legend and Family: A Bigger Love Father’s Day,” while developing other projects when Hollywood reopens.
Below, Jackson provides insight into how he’s been navigating production restart in a pandemic landscape, and the stories Get Lifted Film Co. has been highlighting long before the Black Lives Matter movement.
How are you navigating your way around and what do you see...
- 9/12/2020
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Cultural Icon, actor and producer, Nia Long has signed with Verve for representation in all areas.
Most recently, Long starred in and executive produced the hit Netflix psychological thriller Fatal Affair, which debuted number one on the platform. She is also currently starring alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie and Nicholas Hoult in Apple’s The Banker.
Next up, Long will star in and produce Paper Gods for ABC alongside Sony Pictures Television and Get Lifted Film Co.’s Mike Jackson, John Legend and Ty Stiklorius. She will soon also begin production on Dreams of The Moon in which she will star and serve as executive producer.
Recent credits include Kenya Barris’ critically acclaimed Netflix series #Blackaf, the Sundance nominated indie film Lemon, and Netflix series Dear White People.
No stranger to box office and television success, Long has been a part of three successful film franchises including Johannes Roberts’ 47 Meters Down,...
Most recently, Long starred in and executive produced the hit Netflix psychological thriller Fatal Affair, which debuted number one on the platform. She is also currently starring alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie and Nicholas Hoult in Apple’s The Banker.
Next up, Long will star in and produce Paper Gods for ABC alongside Sony Pictures Television and Get Lifted Film Co.’s Mike Jackson, John Legend and Ty Stiklorius. She will soon also begin production on Dreams of The Moon in which she will star and serve as executive producer.
Recent credits include Kenya Barris’ critically acclaimed Netflix series #Blackaf, the Sundance nominated indie film Lemon, and Netflix series Dear White People.
No stranger to box office and television success, Long has been a part of three successful film franchises including Johannes Roberts’ 47 Meters Down,...
- 8/20/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co and Nia Long are teaming with Sony Pictures TV to bring the saga of power, race and political intrigue of Goldie Taylor’s 2018 bestseller Paper Gods to ABC.
Fatal Affair and Dear White People’s Long will star and executive produce the project, now in development with Get Lifted co-founder Mike Jackson and showrunner Tash Gray.
Paper Gods spotlights the struggles and battles professionally and personally for Atlanta Mayor Victoria Dobb, who will be portrayed by Long in the series. The third novel by ex-political strategist and now Daily Beast editor-at-large Taylor, Paper Gods peels back the layers on the assassination in a church of Dobb’s mentor, a much-venerated congressman, to reveal a greater deception. Taylor is a producer on the small-screen adaptation.
“This project has been a passion of ours for a long time and Nia’s commitment has never wavered,...
Fatal Affair and Dear White People’s Long will star and executive produce the project, now in development with Get Lifted co-founder Mike Jackson and showrunner Tash Gray.
Paper Gods spotlights the struggles and battles professionally and personally for Atlanta Mayor Victoria Dobb, who will be portrayed by Long in the series. The third novel by ex-political strategist and now Daily Beast editor-at-large Taylor, Paper Gods peels back the layers on the assassination in a church of Dobb’s mentor, a much-venerated congressman, to reveal a greater deception. Taylor is a producer on the small-screen adaptation.
“This project has been a passion of ours for a long time and Nia’s commitment has never wavered,...
- 8/10/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
An array of artists, producers, songwriters, managers, record label representatives, attorneys, and other music executives formed the nonprofit Black Music Action Coalition (Bmac) on Monday. In alliance with #TheShowMustBePaused, the group wants to ensure that the music business — which is arguably kept afloat by black music and black creators — continues to combat systematic racism beyond a fleeting moment of uproar and activism.
In an open letter to colleagues, the coalition said it was inspired by recent efforts from players like Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music, Apple, YouTube,...
In an open letter to colleagues, the coalition said it was inspired by recent efforts from players like Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music, Apple, YouTube,...
- 6/22/2020
- by Samantha Hissong
- Rollingstone.com
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