As if serving as the creative director of the 28th edition of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) wasn’t enough, Issa Rae will now sit for the inaugural “Creator Conversation” with two very special guests: Ava DuVernay and Kenya Barris.
The exclusive live event — which is part of a new program dubbed “Creator Conversations” — will take attendees on a journey through their Rae, DuVernay and Barris’ processes and careers, including recent projects such as DuVernay’s latest film “Origin” and Barris’ hit “Black-ish” franchise and his directorial debut “You People.”
“We are truly delighted to get a rare glimpse into the minds of three trailblazers who are reshaping the landscape of film and television. Ava DuVernay, Kenya Barris and Issa Rae are incredibly talented creators whose work and careers we admire tremendously,” said Nice Crowd President Nicole Friday announcing the special event, which will be held on Friday, June...
The exclusive live event — which is part of a new program dubbed “Creator Conversations” — will take attendees on a journey through their Rae, DuVernay and Barris’ processes and careers, including recent projects such as DuVernay’s latest film “Origin” and Barris’ hit “Black-ish” franchise and his directorial debut “You People.”
“We are truly delighted to get a rare glimpse into the minds of three trailblazers who are reshaping the landscape of film and television. Ava DuVernay, Kenya Barris and Issa Rae are incredibly talented creators whose work and careers we admire tremendously,” said Nice Crowd President Nicole Friday announcing the special event, which will be held on Friday, June...
- 6/10/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Genneya Walton (Candy Cane Lane) has been cast in the upcoming Marvel Disney+ series Daredevil: Born Again.
Character details are not being revealed but she is said to be playing a young journalist with connections to a character from the original series.
Following a production pause in mid-June due to the writers strike, Marvel Studios implemented a creative overhaul of Daredevil: Born Again, which follows original star Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, a blind attorney-turned-crimefighting superhero, and also features Vincent D’Onofrio reprising his role as mob boss Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin and Jon Bernthal returning as Punisher.
As part of the changes, Dario Scardapane (The Punisher) replaced Matt Corman and Chris Ord as showrunner.
The cast of Daredevil: Born Again also includes Margarita Levieva, Arty Froushan, Sandrine Holt, Michael Gandolfini and Nikki M. James. As we previously reported, we also hear Wilson Bethel is set to reprise his role as...
Character details are not being revealed but she is said to be playing a young journalist with connections to a character from the original series.
Following a production pause in mid-June due to the writers strike, Marvel Studios implemented a creative overhaul of Daredevil: Born Again, which follows original star Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, a blind attorney-turned-crimefighting superhero, and also features Vincent D’Onofrio reprising his role as mob boss Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin and Jon Bernthal returning as Punisher.
As part of the changes, Dario Scardapane (The Punisher) replaced Matt Corman and Chris Ord as showrunner.
The cast of Daredevil: Born Again also includes Margarita Levieva, Arty Froushan, Sandrine Holt, Michael Gandolfini and Nikki M. James. As we previously reported, we also hear Wilson Bethel is set to reprise his role as...
- 2/6/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Stefon Diggs‘ talent should be on full display today as the star wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, but while you’re watching his team take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, you may be wondering who he’s dating.
Well, we dug up some info and have the latest for you about his love life!
Keep reading to find out more…
The 30-year-old wide receiver has last been linked to actress Tae Heckard, 45.
Online reports indicate that they’ve been together since around 2019. They don’t have much of a paper trailer together, but there are photos of them together over the years.
Over 2 decades ago, Tae was featured as Busta Rhymes‘ love interest in the “I Know What You Want” music video that also featured Mariah Carey.
Since then, she’s made numerous TV and movie appearances, including a role in...
Well, we dug up some info and have the latest for you about his love life!
Keep reading to find out more…
The 30-year-old wide receiver has last been linked to actress Tae Heckard, 45.
Online reports indicate that they’ve been together since around 2019. They don’t have much of a paper trailer together, but there are photos of them together over the years.
Over 2 decades ago, Tae was featured as Busta Rhymes‘ love interest in the “I Know What You Want” music video that also featured Mariah Carey.
Since then, she’s made numerous TV and movie appearances, including a role in...
- 1/21/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Variety is returning to the Sundance Film Festival this year with its annual Interview Studio, presented by Audible, the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling. Throughout the festival, videos from the interview studio will be distributed across Variety.com as well as Variety and Audible’s social media channels.
Beginning Friday, January 19, running through Sunday, January 21, the Variety Studio, presented by Audible, will feature interviews with industry-leading directors and top talent from the films premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. Confirmed talent includes Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”); Jodie Foster, Alex Hedison, Alok Vaid-Menon (“Alok”); Lionel Richie, Bao Nguyen, Julia Nottingham (“The Greatest Night in Pop”); Kerry Washington, Angela Patton, Natalie Rae (“Daughters”); June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Clark Gregg, Josh Margolin (“Thelma”); Anna Fleck, Ryan Boden, Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorn, Ji-Young Yoo, Jack Champion (“Freaky Tales”); Richard Linklater, Glen Powell (“Hit Man”); Susanna Fogel,...
Beginning Friday, January 19, running through Sunday, January 21, the Variety Studio, presented by Audible, will feature interviews with industry-leading directors and top talent from the films premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. Confirmed talent includes Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”); Jodie Foster, Alex Hedison, Alok Vaid-Menon (“Alok”); Lionel Richie, Bao Nguyen, Julia Nottingham (“The Greatest Night in Pop”); Kerry Washington, Angela Patton, Natalie Rae (“Daughters”); June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Clark Gregg, Josh Margolin (“Thelma”); Anna Fleck, Ryan Boden, Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorn, Ji-Young Yoo, Jack Champion (“Freaky Tales”); Richard Linklater, Glen Powell (“Hit Man”); Susanna Fogel,...
- 1/17/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
After nabbing a lead role in “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,” Ravi Cabot-Conyers has joined the cast of “Beneath the Grass,” a drama about the criminal justice system and marijuana incarceration rates.
Cabot-Conyers joins Mía Maestro, Quincy Isaiah and Jeff Kober in the film, which begins production next month in New Jersey, directed by Will Bermudez and Sam Friedman. Paradigm is representing worldwide sales for the title, which launched at the Cannes Film Festival.
“Beneath the Grass” is set in 2008 and explores both the economic recession and the inequities of incarceration rates of the era. The film follows Leo, an inquisitive and sensitive Latino boy (Cabot-Conyers) who puts his single mother’s (Maestro) illegal marijuana business at risk when he befriends the new neighbors, a young white boy and his police officer grandfather (Kober).
The film’s official synopsis explains that “Leo finds himself yearning for human connection while struggling with...
Cabot-Conyers joins Mía Maestro, Quincy Isaiah and Jeff Kober in the film, which begins production next month in New Jersey, directed by Will Bermudez and Sam Friedman. Paradigm is representing worldwide sales for the title, which launched at the Cannes Film Festival.
“Beneath the Grass” is set in 2008 and explores both the economic recession and the inequities of incarceration rates of the era. The film follows Leo, an inquisitive and sensitive Latino boy (Cabot-Conyers) who puts his single mother’s (Maestro) illegal marijuana business at risk when he befriends the new neighbors, a young white boy and his police officer grandfather (Kober).
The film’s official synopsis explains that “Leo finds himself yearning for human connection while struggling with...
- 5/31/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Rashida Jones has joined Kate McKinnon to star in In the Blink of An Eye, a sci-fi drama that Andrew Stanton is directing for Searchlight Pictures.
Stanton is known for his animated classics Wall-e and Finding Nemo but is going live-action with a story that seeks to explore no less than the entire history of the world and tackle the nature of life, love, hope and connection.
Colby Day (Spaceman) wrote the script that focuses on three intersecting storylines with Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar and Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia mentioned as touchstones. Jones’ character is an anthropology professor who is taking care of her dying mother.
Jared Ian Goldman, who counts indie Ingrid Goes West and heady TV series Russian Doll among his credits, is producing.
Day is acting as an exec producer. Senior vp of production Taylor Friedman and creative executive...
Stanton is known for his animated classics Wall-e and Finding Nemo but is going live-action with a story that seeks to explore no less than the entire history of the world and tackle the nature of life, love, hope and connection.
Colby Day (Spaceman) wrote the script that focuses on three intersecting storylines with Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar and Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia mentioned as touchstones. Jones’ character is an anthropology professor who is taking care of her dying mother.
Jared Ian Goldman, who counts indie Ingrid Goes West and heady TV series Russian Doll among his credits, is producing.
Day is acting as an exec producer. Senior vp of production Taylor Friedman and creative executive...
- 3/21/2023
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Since the premiere of ABC’s hit sitcom black-ish in 2014, Kenya Barris has quickly risen up the ranks of Hollywood stardom. The writer, director and producer has been at the forefront of Black television over the past decade, creating shows that center a particular kind of Black experience for a post-Obama, Black Lives Matter media landscape.
Barris has expanded the family comedy into a series of -ish spinoffs, has a lucrative development deal with Netflix and is now coming to the big screen with his forthcoming remakes of The Wiz,...
Barris has expanded the family comedy into a series of -ish spinoffs, has a lucrative development deal with Netflix and is now coming to the big screen with his forthcoming remakes of The Wiz,...
- 1/29/2023
- by Hanna Phifer
- Rollingstone.com
Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘n Waffles, the American soul food restaurant chain with seven Los Angeles locations spanning from Pasadena to Hollywood, Long Beach and beyond, has officially closed its Mid-City location on Pico Boulevard after a 32-year run.
First founded by Harlem native Herb Hudson in 1975 when he opened the original Long Beach outpost, Roscoe’s’ iconic location on Pico and La Brea Avenue welcomed countless high-profile guests over the years, including Snoop Dogg, Larry King, David Beckham and U.S. President Barack Obama, who ended up with his own “Obama Special” on the menu. Consisting of three wings with a choice of waffle, potato salad or french fries), it replaced the original No. 9 “Country Boy” which he ordered during an unplanned visit to the restaurant amid his campaign for a second term in 2011.
A statement posted to the company’s Instagram account reads: “After over 30 years of...
First founded by Harlem native Herb Hudson in 1975 when he opened the original Long Beach outpost, Roscoe’s’ iconic location on Pico and La Brea Avenue welcomed countless high-profile guests over the years, including Snoop Dogg, Larry King, David Beckham and U.S. President Barack Obama, who ended up with his own “Obama Special” on the menu. Consisting of three wings with a choice of waffle, potato salad or french fries), it replaced the original No. 9 “Country Boy” which he ordered during an unplanned visit to the restaurant amid his campaign for a second term in 2011.
A statement posted to the company’s Instagram account reads: “After over 30 years of...
- 1/25/2023
- by Evan Nicole Brown
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Emmy-winning writer, creator, actor and Hillman Grad founder Lena Waithe will serve as the ambassador for the 2023 American Black Film Festival (ABFF).
As ambassador, Waithe — an influential advocate for underrepresented storytellers in Hollywood — will aid ABFF’s mission of showcasing Black talent and discovering new voices.
“I am so honored to have been chosen as ABFF’s 2023 Festival Ambassador,” Waithe said in a statement. “I am excited to collaborate with the festival to shine a light on unique and groundbreaking stories and the creatives behind them.”
Added Nicole Friday, festival producer and president of ABFF Ventures LLC: “Lena is a powerhouse in the film and television industry and a trailblazer for emerging creative artists. Her commitment to elevate diverse voices personifies ABFF’s commitment to diversify Hollywood. We are excited to have her unique perspective and talent as our 2023 ABFF Ambassador.”
The 27th edition of the festival will be held June 14-18 in Miami Beach,...
As ambassador, Waithe — an influential advocate for underrepresented storytellers in Hollywood — will aid ABFF’s mission of showcasing Black talent and discovering new voices.
“I am so honored to have been chosen as ABFF’s 2023 Festival Ambassador,” Waithe said in a statement. “I am excited to collaborate with the festival to shine a light on unique and groundbreaking stories and the creatives behind them.”
Added Nicole Friday, festival producer and president of ABFF Ventures LLC: “Lena is a powerhouse in the film and television industry and a trailblazer for emerging creative artists. Her commitment to elevate diverse voices personifies ABFF’s commitment to diversify Hollywood. We are excited to have her unique perspective and talent as our 2023 ABFF Ambassador.”
The 27th edition of the festival will be held June 14-18 in Miami Beach,...
- 11/2/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Nicole Emanuele has been made a partner at Le Train Train Productions, the banner owned by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. Emanuele will produce alongside the duo and lead development.
Emanuele was a founding member of the YouTube Originals team where she developed and oversaw scripted shows like On Becoming a God in Central Florida (which was spun off to Showtime), Step Up High Water for Starz, Doug Liman’s Impulse, Season 3 of Cobra Kai and films like the Eminem-produced Bodied. Most recently, she was leading YouTube Original’s efforts in music-related content, shepherding unscripted projects with artists including Taylor Swift, Tom Petty, Migos, Anuel and Alicia Keys.
She also produced the 2012 feature film Not Waving But Drowning featuring Adam Driver and Lili Reinhart.
“I’ve long admired Rashida and Will, they are as smart, funny and genuine as their work,” said Emanuele. “I’m thrilled to team...
Emanuele was a founding member of the YouTube Originals team where she developed and oversaw scripted shows like On Becoming a God in Central Florida (which was spun off to Showtime), Step Up High Water for Starz, Doug Liman’s Impulse, Season 3 of Cobra Kai and films like the Eminem-produced Bodied. Most recently, she was leading YouTube Original’s efforts in music-related content, shepherding unscripted projects with artists including Taylor Swift, Tom Petty, Migos, Anuel and Alicia Keys.
She also produced the 2012 feature film Not Waving But Drowning featuring Adam Driver and Lili Reinhart.
“I’ve long admired Rashida and Will, they are as smart, funny and genuine as their work,” said Emanuele. “I’m thrilled to team...
- 10/19/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
A review of this week’s Atlanta, “Work Ethic!” coming up just as soon as I develop a tolerance to grits…
The last time Atlanta put Donald Glover into heavy prosthetic makeup, it was to play the unnerving title character of the incredible “Teddy Perkins” episode. That one was a commentary on Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and a host of other Black artists who channeled the pain of their own abuse into their music. So it made sense to give him a chalky, uncanny valley face not unlike Jackson’s post-plastic surgery appearance.
The last time Atlanta put Donald Glover into heavy prosthetic makeup, it was to play the unnerving title character of the incredible “Teddy Perkins” episode. That one was a commentary on Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and a host of other Black artists who channeled the pain of their own abuse into their music. So it made sense to give him a chalky, uncanny valley face not unlike Jackson’s post-plastic surgery appearance.
- 10/7/2022
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
Hulu has ordered the comedy series “The Other Black Girl.”
The series is based on the Zakiya Dalila Harris novel of the same name. In the show, Nella, an editorial assistant, is tired of being the only black girl at her company, so she’s excited when Hazel is hired. But as Hazel’s star begins to rise, Nella spirals out and discovers something sinister is going on at the company.
Danielle Henderson will serve as showrunner and executive producer on the show. Rashida Jones, Tara Duncan, Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey of Temple Hill, Adam Fishbach, and Harris will also serve as executive producers. Harris and Jones co-wrote the pilot script. Onyx Collective will produce. “The Other Black Girl” was first put into development in 2020 when Duncan signed an overall deal with Hulu.
Henderson has previously written for shows like “The Harper House” at Paramount+, “Dare Me” at USA Network,...
The series is based on the Zakiya Dalila Harris novel of the same name. In the show, Nella, an editorial assistant, is tired of being the only black girl at her company, so she’s excited when Hazel is hired. But as Hazel’s star begins to rise, Nella spirals out and discovers something sinister is going on at the company.
Danielle Henderson will serve as showrunner and executive producer on the show. Rashida Jones, Tara Duncan, Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey of Temple Hill, Adam Fishbach, and Harris will also serve as executive producers. Harris and Jones co-wrote the pilot script. Onyx Collective will produce. “The Other Black Girl” was first put into development in 2020 when Duncan signed an overall deal with Hulu.
Henderson has previously written for shows like “The Harper House” at Paramount+, “Dare Me” at USA Network,...
- 8/4/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
After his thrilling halftime performance at the 2022 Super Bowl, Snoop Dogg is entering the sports world — on the big screen. The acclaimed rapper is set to star in Metro Goldwyn Mayer’s upcoming sports comedy film “The Underdoggs,” and will produce the movie alongside “Black-ish” creator Kenya Barris.
Set for a theatrical release on Oct. 20, 2023, “The Underdoggs” is described by the studio as “The Bad News Bears” in the world of youth football. Snoop Dogg stars as Jaycen Jenning, “2Js,” a former NFL superstar who has a run-in with the law and winds up coaching youth football in lieu of going to prison, in the hopes of relaunching his fledgling career.
“‘The Underdoggs’ is a real personal project for me considering that I’ve been coaching football for 15-plus years with the Snoop Youth Football League that I started with my long-time business partner Constance Schwartz-Morini,” Snoop Dogg said in a statement announcing the project.
Set for a theatrical release on Oct. 20, 2023, “The Underdoggs” is described by the studio as “The Bad News Bears” in the world of youth football. Snoop Dogg stars as Jaycen Jenning, “2Js,” a former NFL superstar who has a run-in with the law and winds up coaching youth football in lieu of going to prison, in the hopes of relaunching his fledgling career.
“‘The Underdoggs’ is a real personal project for me considering that I’ve been coaching football for 15-plus years with the Snoop Youth Football League that I started with my long-time business partner Constance Schwartz-Morini,” Snoop Dogg said in a statement announcing the project.
- 8/2/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Snoop Dogg and Kenya Barris are partnering up with MGM on the upcoming comedy feature “The Underdoggs.” Snoop Dogg will star in and co-produce the project.
Described as “The Bad News Bears” meets youth football, the film revolves around former NFL superstar Jaycen “2Js” Jenning (Snoop Dogg), who agrees to coach a youth football team in hopes of jumpstarting his career after he has a run-in with the law.
Charles Stone will direct. The script, based on an original pitch by Snoop Dogg and producing partner Constance Schwartz-Morini, is written by Danny Segal and Isaac Schamis, whose previous work includes Barris projects “Grown-ish” and “#BlackAF”.
Also Read:
Kid Cudi and Kenya Barris’ ‘Entergalactic’ Gets Sept. 30 Premiere Date
“Black-ish” and “Mixed-ish” creator Barris will produce alongside Mychelle Deschamps for Khalabo Ink Society and Jonathan Glickman for Panoramic Media. Snoop Dogg will produce under his banner Death Row Pictures, with Schwartz-Morini producing through Smac Entertainment.
Described as “The Bad News Bears” meets youth football, the film revolves around former NFL superstar Jaycen “2Js” Jenning (Snoop Dogg), who agrees to coach a youth football team in hopes of jumpstarting his career after he has a run-in with the law.
Charles Stone will direct. The script, based on an original pitch by Snoop Dogg and producing partner Constance Schwartz-Morini, is written by Danny Segal and Isaac Schamis, whose previous work includes Barris projects “Grown-ish” and “#BlackAF”.
Also Read:
Kid Cudi and Kenya Barris’ ‘Entergalactic’ Gets Sept. 30 Premiere Date
“Black-ish” and “Mixed-ish” creator Barris will produce alongside Mychelle Deschamps for Khalabo Ink Society and Jonathan Glickman for Panoramic Media. Snoop Dogg will produce under his banner Death Row Pictures, with Schwartz-Morini producing through Smac Entertainment.
- 8/2/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Exclusive: James Moses Black is the latest addition to the cast of Renfield, the Universal monster movie from director Chris McKay.
He joins an ensemble that includes Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage, Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, Adrian Martinez, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Bess Rouss, as previously announced.
The film based on an original story outline by Robert Kirkman centers on Renfield (Hoult), who has grown sick and tired of his centuries as Dracula’s (Cage) lackey. The henchman finds a new lease on life and maybe even redemption when he falls for feisty, perennially angry traffic cop Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina).
Ryan Ridley wrote the script. McKay is producing the film shooting in New Orleans with Skybound Entertainment’s film team, including Kirkman, David Alpert, Bryan Furst and Sean Furst. His producing partner Samantha Nisenboim is serving as executive producer.
Black most recently found...
He joins an ensemble that includes Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage, Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, Adrian Martinez, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Bess Rouss, as previously announced.
The film based on an original story outline by Robert Kirkman centers on Renfield (Hoult), who has grown sick and tired of his centuries as Dracula’s (Cage) lackey. The henchman finds a new lease on life and maybe even redemption when he falls for feisty, perennially angry traffic cop Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina).
Ryan Ridley wrote the script. McKay is producing the film shooting in New Orleans with Skybound Entertainment’s film team, including Kirkman, David Alpert, Bryan Furst and Sean Furst. His producing partner Samantha Nisenboim is serving as executive producer.
Black most recently found...
- 2/23/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple has ordered the dark comedy series “Sunny” with Rashida Jones set to star, Variety has confirmed.
The 10-episode series is based on the book “Dark Manual” by Colin O’Sullivan. In the half-hour show, Jones stars as Suzie, an American woman living in Kyoto, Japan, whose life is upended when her husband and son disappear in a mysterious plane crash. As “consolation” she’s given Sunny, one of a new class of domestic robots made by her husband’s electronics company. Though at first Suzie resents Sunny’s attempts to fill the void in her life, gradually they develop an unexpected friendship, as together they uncover the dark truth of what really happened to Suzie’s family, becoming dangerously enmeshed in a world Suzie never knew existed.
“Sunny” will be produced by A24. This is now the second project A24, Apple, and Jones have collaborated on. The other was...
The 10-episode series is based on the book “Dark Manual” by Colin O’Sullivan. In the half-hour show, Jones stars as Suzie, an American woman living in Kyoto, Japan, whose life is upended when her husband and son disappear in a mysterious plane crash. As “consolation” she’s given Sunny, one of a new class of domestic robots made by her husband’s electronics company. Though at first Suzie resents Sunny’s attempts to fill the void in her life, gradually they develop an unexpected friendship, as together they uncover the dark truth of what really happened to Suzie’s family, becoming dangerously enmeshed in a world Suzie never knew existed.
“Sunny” will be produced by A24. This is now the second project A24, Apple, and Jones have collaborated on. The other was...
- 2/7/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Oscar and Emmy winner Kathy Bates, two-time Oscar nominee and Emmy winner John Malkovich and Lewis Pullman have signed on to star in Thelma, an indie directed by two-time Emmy nom Ken Kwapis.
Thelma recounts the true story of the mother of John Kennedy Toole (Pullman), the Pulitzer Prize winning author of A Confederacy of Dunces. Toole died by suicide before finding a home for his masterpiece, and his mother Thelma (Bates) made it her life’s mission, through outrageous gamesmanship, to see the book published. She eventually succeeded in getting the manuscript into the hands of writer Walker Percy (Malkovich), who became the novel’s champion. It would be published in 1980, eleven years after Ken’s death, thereafter becoming a widely celebrated cult classic.
Black List screenwriter Andrew Farotte penned the original screenplay.
Thelma recounts the true story of the mother of John Kennedy Toole (Pullman), the Pulitzer Prize winning author of A Confederacy of Dunces. Toole died by suicide before finding a home for his masterpiece, and his mother Thelma (Bates) made it her life’s mission, through outrageous gamesmanship, to see the book published. She eventually succeeded in getting the manuscript into the hands of writer Walker Percy (Malkovich), who became the novel’s champion. It would be published in 1980, eleven years after Ken’s death, thereafter becoming a widely celebrated cult classic.
Black List screenwriter Andrew Farotte penned the original screenplay.
- 1/19/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
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After six years off the air, fans can officially get back in “The Game.” The rebooted sports dramedy that explores the lives of football players and their families premiered on Paramount+ on November 11.
Hosea Chanchez (“Black Lightening”) and Wendy Raquel Robinson (“Insecure”) reprise their roles as footballer Malik Wright, and Wright’s sports agent mother, Tasha Mack. The series, however, will feature a mix of old and new players (it’s also set in Las Vegas instead of San Diego).
Adriyan Rae (“Chicago Fire”) plays Brittany Pitts, the daughter of Jason and Kelly Pitts; Vaughn Hebron (“Tyler Perry’s The Oval”) plays Jamison Fields, an undrafted free agent. Analisa Velez (“Sneaky Pete”) is Brittany’s best friend,...
After six years off the air, fans can officially get back in “The Game.” The rebooted sports dramedy that explores the lives of football players and their families premiered on Paramount+ on November 11.
Hosea Chanchez (“Black Lightening”) and Wendy Raquel Robinson (“Insecure”) reprise their roles as footballer Malik Wright, and Wright’s sports agent mother, Tasha Mack. The series, however, will feature a mix of old and new players (it’s also set in Las Vegas instead of San Diego).
Adriyan Rae (“Chicago Fire”) plays Brittany Pitts, the daughter of Jason and Kelly Pitts; Vaughn Hebron (“Tyler Perry’s The Oval”) plays Jamison Fields, an undrafted free agent. Analisa Velez (“Sneaky Pete”) is Brittany’s best friend,...
- 11/11/2021
- by Latifah Muhammad
- Indiewire
Exclusive: David Duchovny and Nia Long have rounded out the cast of a new untitled Netflix comedy starring Jonah Hill with Kenya Barris directing. They join an ensemble that already includes Lauren London, Eddie Murphy, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sam Jay and Molly Gordon.
The film follows a new couple (Hill and London) and their families, who find themselves examining modern love and family dynamics amidst clashing cultures, societal expectations and generational differences.
Barris will produce through Khalabo Ink Society, Hill will produce through his Strong Baby banner and they will be joined by Kevin Misher who will produce through Misher Films. Mychelle Deschamp and Hale Rothstein will exec produce for Khalabo Ink Society along with Matt Dines and Ali Goodwin for Strong Baby; Andy Berman for Misher Films and David Hyman and Charisse Hewitt Webste.
Duchovny has been on a roll as of late recently wrapping production on Paramount Players’ new...
The film follows a new couple (Hill and London) and their families, who find themselves examining modern love and family dynamics amidst clashing cultures, societal expectations and generational differences.
Barris will produce through Khalabo Ink Society, Hill will produce through his Strong Baby banner and they will be joined by Kevin Misher who will produce through Misher Films. Mychelle Deschamp and Hale Rothstein will exec produce for Khalabo Ink Society along with Matt Dines and Ali Goodwin for Strong Baby; Andy Berman for Misher Films and David Hyman and Charisse Hewitt Webste.
Duchovny has been on a roll as of late recently wrapping production on Paramount Players’ new...
- 10/1/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Rashida Jones and David Oyelowo are joining the cast of the Apple series adaptation of Hugh Howey’s “Wool” novels, Variety has learned.
The pair joins previously announced cast members Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Robbins. “Wool” is a set in a ruined and toxic future where a community exists in a giant silo underground, hundreds of stories deep. There, men and women live in a society full of regulations they believe are meant to protect them.
Oyelowo will star as Holston, the Silo’s sheriff. Jones will play Allison, his wife who also works in It for the Silo.
News of Oyelowo’s casting comes shortly after it was announced he and his Yoruba Saxon production banner had signed a TV overall deal with ViacomCBS and MTV Entertainment. Under that deal, Oyelowo is attached to star in and executive produce a series about legendary Old West lawman Bass Reeves. He...
The pair joins previously announced cast members Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Robbins. “Wool” is a set in a ruined and toxic future where a community exists in a giant silo underground, hundreds of stories deep. There, men and women live in a society full of regulations they believe are meant to protect them.
Oyelowo will star as Holston, the Silo’s sheriff. Jones will play Allison, his wife who also works in It for the Silo.
News of Oyelowo’s casting comes shortly after it was announced he and his Yoruba Saxon production banner had signed a TV overall deal with ViacomCBS and MTV Entertainment. Under that deal, Oyelowo is attached to star in and executive produce a series about legendary Old West lawman Bass Reeves. He...
- 9/22/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Rashida Jones and David Oyelowo have joined the cast of Apple TV+’s upcoming adaptation of “Wool,” a world-building drama series based on Hugh Howey’s trilogy of dystopian novels, the streaming service said Wednesday.
Per Apple, “Wool” is set in a ruined and toxic future where a community exists in a giant silo underground, hundreds of stories deep. There, men and women live in a society full of regulations they believe are meant to protect them.
Jones and Oyelowo will play a married couple on the series, with the “#blackAF” star set as Allison, “Holston’s wife who works at It,” and the “Selma” star in the role of Holston, “the Silo’s sheriff.”
They join Rebecca Ferguson, who stars as Juliette, “an independent and hardworking engineer,” and Tim Robbins who will play Bernard, “the head of It for the Silo.”
Graham Yost, who is also currently writing for...
Per Apple, “Wool” is set in a ruined and toxic future where a community exists in a giant silo underground, hundreds of stories deep. There, men and women live in a society full of regulations they believe are meant to protect them.
Jones and Oyelowo will play a married couple on the series, with the “#blackAF” star set as Allison, “Holston’s wife who works at It,” and the “Selma” star in the role of Holston, “the Silo’s sheriff.”
They join Rebecca Ferguson, who stars as Juliette, “an independent and hardworking engineer,” and Tim Robbins who will play Bernard, “the head of It for the Silo.”
Graham Yost, who is also currently writing for...
- 9/22/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
ViacomCBS Wednesday announced the launch of BET Studios led by Aisha Summers-Burke with partners including Kenya Barris, Rashida Jones and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas. The studio venture provides equity ownership to Black creators across premium TV and film content.
Deadline had reported in March that the longtime Warner Bros. Television development executive Summers was leaving the studio to join the ViacomCBS venture.
Propelled by the infrastructure and financing of BET and ViacomCBS, BET Studios will create premium television series and films for an array of internal buyers, including Paramount+, Showtime, CBS, Nickelodeon, BET+ and BET in addition to select third-party platforms that it said “seek best-in-class content from both leading and rising Black creatives.”
Burke will be responsible for working collaboratively with the Studio’s creative partners and key internal constituencies. She will overseeing day-to-day creative affairs, oversee the BET Studios content slate and focus on growing its production output...
Deadline had reported in March that the longtime Warner Bros. Television development executive Summers was leaving the studio to join the ViacomCBS venture.
Propelled by the infrastructure and financing of BET and ViacomCBS, BET Studios will create premium television series and films for an array of internal buyers, including Paramount+, Showtime, CBS, Nickelodeon, BET+ and BET in addition to select third-party platforms that it said “seek best-in-class content from both leading and rising Black creatives.”
Burke will be responsible for working collaboratively with the Studio’s creative partners and key internal constituencies. She will overseeing day-to-day creative affairs, oversee the BET Studios content slate and focus on growing its production output...
- 9/15/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Having enjoyed a recent comeback on streaming platforms of late, comedian Eddie Murphy has landed another streaming project. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Murphy will star opposite fellow funnyman Jonah Hill in an untitled family comedy that Kenya Barris will direct for Netflix.
Continue reading Eddie Murphy Joins Jonah Hill In Netflix Comedy Directed By Kenya Barris at The Playlist.
Continue reading Eddie Murphy Joins Jonah Hill In Netflix Comedy Directed By Kenya Barris at The Playlist.
- 8/27/2021
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Kenya Barris’ single-camera comedy series #blackAF will not be returning for a second season at Netflix. The renewal decision, announced a year ago today, has been reversed. Barris is in early conversations with the streamer to potentially turn #blackAF into a comedy movie franchise in the mold of National Lampoon’s Vacation, sources confirmed to Deadline.
#blackAF was one of several series Black-ish creator Barris developed under a mega overall deal at Netflix for his Khalabo Ink Society, which he exited late last year for a pact at ViacomCBS. In February, he teased the first series under the ViacomCBS agreement, a show examining contemporary relationships for Paramount+.
At Netflix, Barris also executive produced the Astronomy Club sketch comedy series, which ran for one season, and has the upcoming Kid Cudi adult animated music series Entergalactic.
Barris also remains actively involved in the Black-ish franchise, which has spawned three series to date: the mothership comedy,...
#blackAF was one of several series Black-ish creator Barris developed under a mega overall deal at Netflix for his Khalabo Ink Society, which he exited late last year for a pact at ViacomCBS. In February, he teased the first series under the ViacomCBS agreement, a show examining contemporary relationships for Paramount+.
At Netflix, Barris also executive produced the Astronomy Club sketch comedy series, which ran for one season, and has the upcoming Kid Cudi adult animated music series Entergalactic.
Barris also remains actively involved in the Black-ish franchise, which has spawned three series to date: the mothership comedy,...
- 6/23/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Kenya Barris wasn’t the first high-profile showrunner to strike up a multimillion dollar deal with Netflix (he joined the likes of Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy), but he was the first notable creator to walk away. News broke last October that Barris was looking for an exit from his reported $100 million deal with Netflix. A new cover story for The Hollywood Reporter confirms Barris got out of the deal in January. The showrunner also spoke about his Netflix departure for the first time in detail. According to THR, Barris’ “Netflix marriage had been imperfect” because he “wasn’t willing to be the broadly commercial producer that the streamer wanted him to be, and Netflix wasn’t interested in being the edgy home that Barris craved.”
“I want to do in-your-face shit,” Barris said, explaining the content Netflix didn’t let him create and teasing what will come next as...
“I want to do in-your-face shit,” Barris said, explaining the content Netflix didn’t let him create and teasing what will come next as...
- 6/23/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Kenya Barris expanded on his decision to walk away from Netflix while he was in the middle of a $100 million deal with the streaming giant. Barris left early this year to form a partnership with BET to launch BET Studios, for which Barris has an equity stake and serves a board member.
“I just don’t know that my voice is Netflix’s voice,” Barris said in a wide-ranging interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “The stuff I want to do is a little bit more edgy, a little more highbrow, a little more heady, and I think Netflix wants down the middle… Netflix became CBS.”
Barris’ first project for Netflix was the semi-autobiographical comedy “#BlackAF,” in which Barris played a version of himself in a series that was styled after Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Though the series was renewed for a second season, Barris said he felt like...
“I just don’t know that my voice is Netflix’s voice,” Barris said in a wide-ranging interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “The stuff I want to do is a little bit more edgy, a little more highbrow, a little more heady, and I think Netflix wants down the middle… Netflix became CBS.”
Barris’ first project for Netflix was the semi-autobiographical comedy “#BlackAF,” in which Barris played a version of himself in a series that was styled after Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Though the series was renewed for a second season, Barris said he felt like...
- 6/23/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Netflix is rescinding another renewal.
The streaming giant is no longer moving forward with #blackAF Season 2, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Season 2 was officially ordered a year ago, but with Covid-19 bringing the TV and movie industry to a halt, there have been questions about the viability of the series.
For their part, Netflix canceled Glow Season 4 and The Society Season 2 due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.
Still, the story may not be over for the Kenya Barris series.
THR is reporting that the semi-autobiographical sitcom is being redeveloped as a potential film franchise, and that movies are in development.
The news will undoubtedly be concerning for fans of the series, especially because the movie franchise has not officially been ordered.
When projects are in development, a number of things can change, but we'll keep you posted.
From Kenya Barris, #blackAF was loosely inspired by Barris' irreverent, highly flawed,...
The streaming giant is no longer moving forward with #blackAF Season 2, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Season 2 was officially ordered a year ago, but with Covid-19 bringing the TV and movie industry to a halt, there have been questions about the viability of the series.
For their part, Netflix canceled Glow Season 4 and The Society Season 2 due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.
Still, the story may not be over for the Kenya Barris series.
THR is reporting that the semi-autobiographical sitcom is being redeveloped as a potential film franchise, and that movies are in development.
The news will undoubtedly be concerning for fans of the series, especially because the movie franchise has not officially been ordered.
When projects are in development, a number of things can change, but we'll keep you posted.
From Kenya Barris, #blackAF was loosely inspired by Barris' irreverent, highly flawed,...
- 6/23/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
#blackAF has been un-renewed.
Kenya Barris’ semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy — which received a Season 2 pickup exactly one year ago today — will no longer return in its current form. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the semi-autobiographical sitcom is being redeveloped as a potential film franchise at the streaming giant, á la National Lampoon’s Vacation. Brazil and Mexico-set installments are reportedly in early development. (TVLine has reached out to Netflix for a comment.)
More from TVLineSex Education Sets Season 3 Premiere -- See First Photos of the New EpisodesSex/Life's Sarah Shahi on the Steamy Netflix Drama's Female Gaze, Shooting Sex Scenes With...
Kenya Barris’ semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy — which received a Season 2 pickup exactly one year ago today — will no longer return in its current form. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the semi-autobiographical sitcom is being redeveloped as a potential film franchise at the streaming giant, á la National Lampoon’s Vacation. Brazil and Mexico-set installments are reportedly in early development. (TVLine has reached out to Netflix for a comment.)
More from TVLineSex Education Sets Season 3 Premiere -- See First Photos of the New EpisodesSex/Life's Sarah Shahi on the Steamy Netflix Drama's Female Gaze, Shooting Sex Scenes With...
- 6/23/2021
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
“Black-ish” has been renewed for Season 8 at ABC, which will also be the show’s last.
The announcement was made by series creator Kenya Barris on Friday. “To All the people in the world I love, honor, respect and care for it is both exciting and bittersweet to share that black-ish been Renewed by ABC for it’s Eighth… and Final Season,” Barris wrote in part on Instagram. “In this day and age it is rare to get to decide when your show should come to an end, and we are grateful along with ABC to be able to make this final season exactly what we’d hoped for – and to do it with the entire and Amazingly Stellar cast coming back to close this chapter out with us the right way!”
The series originally debuted on ABC in 2014 and has aired over 150 episodes at the time of this publishing.
The announcement was made by series creator Kenya Barris on Friday. “To All the people in the world I love, honor, respect and care for it is both exciting and bittersweet to share that black-ish been Renewed by ABC for it’s Eighth… and Final Season,” Barris wrote in part on Instagram. “In this day and age it is rare to get to decide when your show should come to an end, and we are grateful along with ABC to be able to make this final season exactly what we’d hoped for – and to do it with the entire and Amazingly Stellar cast coming back to close this chapter out with us the right way!”
The series originally debuted on ABC in 2014 and has aired over 150 episodes at the time of this publishing.
- 5/14/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Around the time they were married in a private civil ceremony in 2018, Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin reportedly shelled out almost $100,000 per month to rent a stylized lakefront home in the Hollywood-favored Toluca Lake neighborhood. The music phenom and the supermodel have since bought a $25.8 million mansion in the illustrious Beverly Park enclave, and the Toluca Lake residence for which they once paid so dearly, originally listed in 2019 at almost $8.5 million, has been sold for its full and final asking price of $7.25 million to powerhouse television writer-producer Kenya Barris, creator of the hit sitcom Black-ish, and anesthesiologist Rania “Rainbow” Edwards-Barris.
Originally built in 2000, and completely rebuilt in recent years, the three-story home is hidden among lush plantings on more than one-third of an acre with five bedrooms and 6.5 deluxe bathrooms in about 6,500 square feet. The exterior of the white stucco and clay tile roofed Mediterranean villa, described in marketing materials as a “Spanish Contemporary oasis,...
Originally built in 2000, and completely rebuilt in recent years, the three-story home is hidden among lush plantings on more than one-third of an acre with five bedrooms and 6.5 deluxe bathrooms in about 6,500 square feet. The exterior of the white stucco and clay tile roofed Mediterranean villa, described in marketing materials as a “Spanish Contemporary oasis,...
- 5/12/2021
- by Mark David, Dirt.com
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Tfc Management has signed writers-producers Kyle Long (Unsolved), Taylor Elmore (The Stand), Sabaah Folayan (Betty) and Alison McDonald (Your Honor). Launched last summer by senior TV lit agents Ben Jacobson and David Stone, Tfc Management represents creators, showrunners, filmmakers and producers.
Long recently exited an overall deal at UCP where he created and executive produced the USA Network series Unsolved about the murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. Prior to that, he worked on USA’s Suits and Fox’s The Good Guys. Long also has worked extensively as a feature writer, setting up projects at Disney, New Regency and recently just sold a pitch, with Jameal Turner and Will Packer producing, to Lionsgate.
Elmore is an executive producer on the Justified offshoot in the works at FX. He was most recently under an overall deal at CBS Studios where he was the co-showrunner of the...
Long recently exited an overall deal at UCP where he created and executive produced the USA Network series Unsolved about the murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. Prior to that, he worked on USA’s Suits and Fox’s The Good Guys. Long also has worked extensively as a feature writer, setting up projects at Disney, New Regency and recently just sold a pitch, with Jameal Turner and Will Packer producing, to Lionsgate.
Elmore is an executive producer on the Justified offshoot in the works at FX. He was most recently under an overall deal at CBS Studios where he was the co-showrunner of the...
- 4/29/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Gravitas Ventures has acquired U.S. and Canadian distribution rights to Too Late, a horror comedy that marks the debut feature from director D.W. Thomas and writer Tom Becker. Alyssa Limperis (Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun), Ron Lynch, Will Weldon (This Isn’t Happening), Mary Lynn Rajskub, Fred Armisen, Jenny Zigrino, Jack De Sena (Avatar: The Last Airbender) and Brooks Wheelan (SNL) star.
Set in the Los Angeles indie comedy scene, the pic centers on Violet (Limperis), who works a thankless job as the assistant to Bob Devore (Lynch), famed comedian and host of the live variety show Too Late. But what only Violet knows is that Bob is a monster both literally and figuratively. Resigned to her fate, Violet is caught by surprise when she meets aspiring comedian Jimmy Rhodes (Weldon) and sparks fly.
Set in the Los Angeles indie comedy scene, the pic centers on Violet (Limperis), who works a thankless job as the assistant to Bob Devore (Lynch), famed comedian and host of the live variety show Too Late. But what only Violet knows is that Bob is a monster both literally and figuratively. Resigned to her fate, Violet is caught by surprise when she meets aspiring comedian Jimmy Rhodes (Weldon) and sparks fly.
- 4/6/2021
- by Patrick Hipes and Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The 52nd NAACP Image Awards crowned more winners on Saturday (in addition to the awards announced earlier this week), in a ceremony once again hosted by black-ish star Anthony Anderson. The awards, of course, celebrate the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and will be simulcast across BET, CBS, MTV, VH1, MTV2, BET Her and Logo tonight at 8/7c.
Heading into the live show, ABC’s black-ish led the TV pack with five awards, winning trophies for Outstanding Actor (Anthony Anderson), Supporting Actor (Deon Cole) and Supporting Actress (Marsai Martin). That makes two wins for Martin,...
Heading into the live show, ABC’s black-ish led the TV pack with five awards, winning trophies for Outstanding Actor (Anthony Anderson), Supporting Actor (Deon Cole) and Supporting Actress (Marsai Martin). That makes two wins for Martin,...
- 3/27/2021
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
March might have come in like a lamb but it’s going out like a circus bear sleeping off a sugar high after an ill-advised venture through the bleachers to forage on leftover cotton candy and nachos. Which is to say, everything seems quiet but it’s an uneasy quiet from which anarchy might spring at any moment.
This lurking sense of drama likely comes from the fact that there really isn’t any drama to speak of currently within the world of TV awards. Various guilds are recognizing winners that repeat themselves show after show, “The Crown,” “Ted Lasso,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” repeat. And if a show does deviate from the script it’s often only to honor a series that won’t be eligible for the upcoming Emmy season, which primarily means “Schitt’s Creek.”
And yes, not everything has been decided yet, but there’s definitely a sinking...
This lurking sense of drama likely comes from the fact that there really isn’t any drama to speak of currently within the world of TV awards. Various guilds are recognizing winners that repeat themselves show after show, “The Crown,” “Ted Lasso,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” repeat. And if a show does deviate from the script it’s often only to honor a series that won’t be eligible for the upcoming Emmy season, which primarily means “Schitt’s Creek.”
And yes, not everything has been decided yet, but there’s definitely a sinking...
- 3/26/2021
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
Exclusive: ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith and his Mr. Sas Productions have teamed with Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens’ Propagate (Hulu’s Hillary) and Confluential Films (OWN’s Black Love) for Black Excellence, a documentary series examining the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Confluential Films’ Codie Elaine Oliver will direct Black Excellence, which will explore HBCUs’ impact across American politics, business, culture, sports and entertainment. With a mix of original interviews, archival footage and media, the series will look at prominent figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Raphael Warnock, Stacey Abrams, Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Taraji P. Henson, Anthony Anderson and many more who attended HBCUs. Depicting how their experiences at HBCUs shaped their careers, the series will spotlight moments in culture where these colleges set the tone from Beyonce’s Homecoming to Ohio State Football Marching Band presentations,...
Confluential Films’ Codie Elaine Oliver will direct Black Excellence, which will explore HBCUs’ impact across American politics, business, culture, sports and entertainment. With a mix of original interviews, archival footage and media, the series will look at prominent figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Raphael Warnock, Stacey Abrams, Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Taraji P. Henson, Anthony Anderson and many more who attended HBCUs. Depicting how their experiences at HBCUs shaped their careers, the series will spotlight moments in culture where these colleges set the tone from Beyonce’s Homecoming to Ohio State Football Marching Band presentations,...
- 3/9/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Rashida Jones has more than a few strings to her bow. Between roles in a slew of cult TV hits like The Office, Parks and Recreation and Angie Tribeca, writing skills that span everything from poignant indie film Celeste & Jesse Forever to Toy Story 4 and Black Mirror, her Grammy-winning documentary Quincy, and a singing career to boot, Jones is a true multi-hyphenate. Lately, she’s been back in the comedy series realm as the larger-than-life Joya in Kenya Barris’ show #BlackAF. And now there’s her lead role in Sofia Coppola’s feature On the Rocks. Jones plays Laura, a Manhattan novelist and mother of two, who finds herself second-guessing her husband (Marlon Wayans)’s commitment. Joining forces with her errant bon vivant father (Bill Murray), hijinks ensue. Jones cites this as the role closest to her real self, as she muses over some career highlights and favorite memories.
- 3/1/2021
- by Antonia Blyth
- Deadline Film + TV
Kenya Barris Takes On Contemporary Relationships For Paramount+ In First Series Under ViacomCBS Deal
Black-ish creator Kenya Barris appeared during the ViacomCBS streaming event Wednesday to tease his first series for the company. It will be for Paramount+.
“The first series I will be involved with, we are taking an intimate look at contemporary relationships,” he said. “We will explore the complicated, ever changing boundaries and sometime racy dynamics that have shaped and redefined what modern love is.”
As Deadline reported late last year, Barris opted to end his big Netflix overall pact early for a production venture with ViacomCBS. The pact with ViacomCBS is still being finalized.
“For me, when it comes to content, the thing that interests me the most is telling stories from new perspectives and from fresh voices, stories that expand how we see ourselves on screen, who we see ourselves as on screen and, most importantly who is telling those stories behind the screen,” Barris said at today’s presentation.
“The first series I will be involved with, we are taking an intimate look at contemporary relationships,” he said. “We will explore the complicated, ever changing boundaries and sometime racy dynamics that have shaped and redefined what modern love is.”
As Deadline reported late last year, Barris opted to end his big Netflix overall pact early for a production venture with ViacomCBS. The pact with ViacomCBS is still being finalized.
“For me, when it comes to content, the thing that interests me the most is telling stories from new perspectives and from fresh voices, stories that expand how we see ourselves on screen, who we see ourselves as on screen and, most importantly who is telling those stories behind the screen,” Barris said at today’s presentation.
- 2/25/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: In a pairing of two of the most prolific TV producers of the past decade, Kenya Barris, the creator/executive producer behind the Black-ish franchise, and the Power franchise executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, are developing a series for Netflix. It is based on The 50th Law, the bestselling book by Jackson and Robert Greene.
Barris and Hale Rothstein, who together executive produce Barris’ Netflix comedy series blackAF, will write the pilot script and executive produce the potential series alongside Jackson via G-Unit and Greene. Lionsgate TV will produce via Jackson’s overall deal at Starz.
The 50th Law is a semi-autobiographical account detailing 50 Cent’s rise as both a young urban hustler and as an up-and-coming musician with lessons and anecdotes from historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Sun Tzu, Socrates, Napoleon, Malcolm X and James Baldwin.
Barris executive produces through his company Khalabo Ink Society via his overall deal at Netflix,...
Barris and Hale Rothstein, who together executive produce Barris’ Netflix comedy series blackAF, will write the pilot script and executive produce the potential series alongside Jackson via G-Unit and Greene. Lionsgate TV will produce via Jackson’s overall deal at Starz.
The 50th Law is a semi-autobiographical account detailing 50 Cent’s rise as both a young urban hustler and as an up-and-coming musician with lessons and anecdotes from historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Sun Tzu, Socrates, Napoleon, Malcolm X and James Baldwin.
Barris executive produces through his company Khalabo Ink Society via his overall deal at Netflix,...
- 2/23/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Nominations for the 52nd NAACP Image Awards were announced on Tuesday, and ABC’s black-ish and HBO’s Lovecraft Country led TV’s comedy and drama packs, respectively.
Topping all of TV as it did in 2020 (and the year before…), black-ish amassed 11 total nominations, including recognition for Outstanding Comedy Series and eight of its stars. (Last year, black-ish won in nearly every category for which it was nominated, including its fifth consecutive trophy for Outstanding Comedy). HBO’s Insecure followed with seven total comedy nods.
More from TVLineBridgerton Is Now Netflix's Biggest Series Launch In the Streamer's HistoryTV Ratings: NCIS Rises,...
Topping all of TV as it did in 2020 (and the year before…), black-ish amassed 11 total nominations, including recognition for Outstanding Comedy Series and eight of its stars. (Last year, black-ish won in nearly every category for which it was nominated, including its fifth consecutive trophy for Outstanding Comedy). HBO’s Insecure followed with seven total comedy nods.
More from TVLineBridgerton Is Now Netflix's Biggest Series Launch In the Streamer's HistoryTV Ratings: NCIS Rises,...
- 2/2/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
The nominees for the 52nd NAACP Image Awards are officially in, with Netflix taking the lead with 51 noms overall for titles across film and TV including Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Bridgerton and Da 5 Bloods.
Set to simulcast across all ViacomCBS Networks including BET, CBS and MTV on Saturday, March 27th at 8 p.m. Et, the 52nd NAACP Image Awards honors the accomplishments of Bipoc artists across TV, music, film and literature.
Additional titles receiving nominations Tuesday include ABC’s Black-ish, Miss Juneteenth, Soul, HBO’s I May Destroy You and Insecure.
Up for the ceremony’s entertainer of the year honor are D-Nice, Regina King, Viola Davis, Trevor Noah and Tyler Perry. Receiving a nomination for the new Social Impact honor are April Ryan, Debbie Allen, Lebron James, Stacey Abrams and Tamika Mallory.
Anika Noni-Rose, Chloe Bailey, Erika Alexander and Nicco Annan and Tc Carson presented the nominees this morning.
Set to simulcast across all ViacomCBS Networks including BET, CBS and MTV on Saturday, March 27th at 8 p.m. Et, the 52nd NAACP Image Awards honors the accomplishments of Bipoc artists across TV, music, film and literature.
Additional titles receiving nominations Tuesday include ABC’s Black-ish, Miss Juneteenth, Soul, HBO’s I May Destroy You and Insecure.
Up for the ceremony’s entertainer of the year honor are D-Nice, Regina King, Viola Davis, Trevor Noah and Tyler Perry. Receiving a nomination for the new Social Impact honor are April Ryan, Debbie Allen, Lebron James, Stacey Abrams and Tamika Mallory.
Anika Noni-Rose, Chloe Bailey, Erika Alexander and Nicco Annan and Tc Carson presented the nominees this morning.
- 2/2/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
“Raya and the Last Dragon” star Kelly Marie Tran says there is an “unfair” amount of pressure that comes with taking on the role of Disney’s first Southeast Asian princess, due to the expectation that she be “extra grateful” to represent a historically underrepresented community.
“It should not feel so precious that there is something like this that exists in the world,” the “Star Wars” alum said Tuesday during “The Future Is Now: Next Gen Hollywood Roundtable” at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit. “There should just be so many. Do you know what I mean? I feel like sometimes when you are in an underrepresented group of people and you get this opportunity, you sort of have to do all of these mental Olympics of being like, ‘Oh, I have to be extra grateful because it will never happen again.’ And that’s such an unfair pressure to put on yourself.
“It should not feel so precious that there is something like this that exists in the world,” the “Star Wars” alum said Tuesday during “The Future Is Now: Next Gen Hollywood Roundtable” at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit. “There should just be so many. Do you know what I mean? I feel like sometimes when you are in an underrepresented group of people and you get this opportunity, you sort of have to do all of these mental Olympics of being like, ‘Oh, I have to be extra grateful because it will never happen again.’ And that’s such an unfair pressure to put on yourself.
- 12/8/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
“Black Bear” star Aubrey Plaza joins WrapWomen’s 2020 Power Women Summit, the largest annual gathering of women in media and entertainment. With the theme “Inclusion 360,” the event will take place virtually December 8-10.
Plaza is best known for playing April Ludgate on the Emmy-nominated series “Parks and Recreation.” Her comedic talents landed her starring roles in hit films like “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates” opposite Anna Kendrick and Zac Efron and “Bad Grandpa” opposite Robert De Niro.
More recently, Plaza made the transition into drama with projects such as Noah Hawley’s FX series “Legion” and the film “Ingrid Goes West,” which she also produced. Plaza continues to shine on screen and behind the camera in her recent film “Black Bear,” which she both stars in and produced.
Plaza will be interviewed by TheWrap’s founder and editor-in-chief, Sharon Waxman.
The Power Women Summit, presented by the WrapWomen Foundation,...
Plaza is best known for playing April Ludgate on the Emmy-nominated series “Parks and Recreation.” Her comedic talents landed her starring roles in hit films like “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates” opposite Anna Kendrick and Zac Efron and “Bad Grandpa” opposite Robert De Niro.
More recently, Plaza made the transition into drama with projects such as Noah Hawley’s FX series “Legion” and the film “Ingrid Goes West,” which she also produced. Plaza continues to shine on screen and behind the camera in her recent film “Black Bear,” which she both stars in and produced.
Plaza will be interviewed by TheWrap’s founder and editor-in-chief, Sharon Waxman.
The Power Women Summit, presented by the WrapWomen Foundation,...
- 11/25/2020
- by Emily Vogel
- The Wrap
Activist, actor, host and founder of I Weigh Jameela Jamil will join WrapWomen’s 2020 Power Women Summit, the largest annual gathering of women in media and entertainment. With the theme “Inclusion 360,” the event will take place virtually December 8-10.
Jamil will discuss how she is using her I Weigh platform to celebrate progress, not perfection, in conversation with Dr. Deepika Chopra. Instead of giving into cancel culture, I Weigh is a radically inclusive community built to share ideas and stories that teach and mobilize activism. During this session, attendees will learn how to find value from within while making meaningful change both in their own communities and globally.
Jameela Jamil rose to fame as ‘Tahani’ in the Golden Globe-nominated series “The Good Place” and is currently the host of the TBS game show “The Misery Index.” In addition to her on-screen career, Jamil launched the movement and activism platform I Weigh.
Jamil will discuss how she is using her I Weigh platform to celebrate progress, not perfection, in conversation with Dr. Deepika Chopra. Instead of giving into cancel culture, I Weigh is a radically inclusive community built to share ideas and stories that teach and mobilize activism. During this session, attendees will learn how to find value from within while making meaningful change both in their own communities and globally.
Jameela Jamil rose to fame as ‘Tahani’ in the Golden Globe-nominated series “The Good Place” and is currently the host of the TBS game show “The Misery Index.” In addition to her on-screen career, Jamil launched the movement and activism platform I Weigh.
- 11/12/2020
- by Emily Vogel
- The Wrap
Kenya Barris is in talks to launch a new studio venture at ViacomCBS, TheWrap has confirmed.
The new agreement would see Barris become an equity partner in a joint venture overseen by BET Networks president Scott Mills and CBS Chief Creative Officer and Showtime CEO David Nevins. A representative for the company did not return TheWrap’s request for comment.
Barris is just over two years in to a three-year overall deal at Netflix, which he would have to exit should the ViacomCBS venture proceed. The streamer is said to be willing to let Barris out of his deal early, but Netflix declined to comment on the matter.
Barris previously left his overall deal with ABC Studios early after clashing with executives over the decision to shelve an anti-Trump episode of “black-ish” that was deemed too partisan. (The episode was recently released on Hulu in the wake of the George Floyd protests earlier this summer.
The new agreement would see Barris become an equity partner in a joint venture overseen by BET Networks president Scott Mills and CBS Chief Creative Officer and Showtime CEO David Nevins. A representative for the company did not return TheWrap’s request for comment.
Barris is just over two years in to a three-year overall deal at Netflix, which he would have to exit should the ViacomCBS venture proceed. The streamer is said to be willing to let Barris out of his deal early, but Netflix declined to comment on the matter.
Barris previously left his overall deal with ABC Studios early after clashing with executives over the decision to shelve an anti-Trump episode of “black-ish” that was deemed too partisan. (The episode was recently released on Hulu in the wake of the George Floyd protests earlier this summer.
- 10/31/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Kenya Barris is currently in talks to be a part of a new venture at ViacomCBS, according to a source familiar with the situation, one in which he would be an equity partner.
Per the source, ViacomCBS is in “serious talks” to launch a new studio that would be overseen by BET Networks president Scott Mills and CBS chief creative officer and Showtime CEO David Nevins.
Deadline first reported the news.
The move would mean that Barris might have to exit his three-year, $100 million Netflix deal early. The “Black-ish” creator inked the deal in mid-2018 after departing ABC Studios, and during his time at Netflix has created “#blackAF,” which was renewed for a second season in June, and executive produced sketch comedy series “Astronomy Club,” the latter of which was canceled after one season. “#blackAF” was Barris’ first show to be produced under his overll deal at the streamer.
Netflix...
Per the source, ViacomCBS is in “serious talks” to launch a new studio that would be overseen by BET Networks president Scott Mills and CBS chief creative officer and Showtime CEO David Nevins.
Deadline first reported the news.
The move would mean that Barris might have to exit his three-year, $100 million Netflix deal early. The “Black-ish” creator inked the deal in mid-2018 after departing ABC Studios, and during his time at Netflix has created “#blackAF,” which was renewed for a second season in June, and executive produced sketch comedy series “Astronomy Club,” the latter of which was canceled after one season. “#blackAF” was Barris’ first show to be produced under his overll deal at the streamer.
Netflix...
- 10/31/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Kenya Barris is making the leap from content creation to content ownership. The prolific comedy creator behind the black-ish comedy franchise is in serious conversations with ViacomCBS for a new venture, sources said. I hear the negotiations are focused on jointly launching a studio, in which Barris will be an equity partner. At ViacomCBS, the joint venture would be overseen by BET Networks President Scott Mills and David Nevins, Chief Creative Officer of CBS & Chairman And CEO of Showtime Networks, whose portfolio includes BET, I have learned.
Barris is midway through a mega overall deal at Netflix. According to sources, the streamer is considering letting Barris out of his deal to pursue the big opportunity of co-owning a studio. Reps for Netflix and ViacomCBS declined comment.
The deal with ViacomCBS would allow Barris to join the elite ranks of entertainment moguls. ViacomCBS also has a joint venture with Tyler Perry,...
Barris is midway through a mega overall deal at Netflix. According to sources, the streamer is considering letting Barris out of his deal to pursue the big opportunity of co-owning a studio. Reps for Netflix and ViacomCBS declined comment.
The deal with ViacomCBS would allow Barris to join the elite ranks of entertainment moguls. ViacomCBS also has a joint venture with Tyler Perry,...
- 10/31/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Kenya Barris is up there with names like Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy as one of the most successful producers in the realm of TV, with numerous hit shows under his belt such as “Black-ish” (and its three spinoffs) and the recently released Netflix show “#BlackAF.” He’s also the writer of features such as “Girls Trip,” “The Witches,” and the upcoming “Coming 2 America.” And now, it appears the writer-producer is ready to add “director” to his resume with an upcoming film based on the life of legendary comedian Richard Pryor.
Continue reading ‘Black-ish’ Creator Kenya Barris To Write & Direct A Richard Pryor Biopic at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Black-ish’ Creator Kenya Barris To Write & Direct A Richard Pryor Biopic at The Playlist.
- 10/27/2020
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Okay, who’s ready for “family time” at the movies? Now I’m not talking about the standard “family flick” that’s usually the big animated musical fable that many use as a weekend afternoon “out of the house” excursion. And lots of you may feel a tad skittish about trotting all the kids over to the multiplex (soon we hope). This week we’ve got a real “family” film dealing with lots of adult themes that are aimed at the “grown-ups”. Oh, and it’s focused on a rare “family dynamic”: the father-daughter relationship. Often we see dynamic clashes between mother and daughter (2017’s Snatched comes to mind) or brittle reunions of fathers and sons as when Indy and his pop went on that “last crusade”. On TV this pairing has been a staple from “My Little Margie” to “Gidget” leading up to the recent, sublime duo of...
- 10/1/2020
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Kenya Barris has a lot on his plate already with three comedies in the “ish” universe already airing, as well as #BlackAF on Netflix (not to mention his overall deal to create new content with the streamer in general) — so what made him want to deliver a fourth “ish” series in “Old-ish,” starring “Black-ish’s” Laurence Fishburne and Jenifer Lewis?
“Everyone’s been wanting to see Pop and Ruby together because they’re basically together anyway,” Barris said during a virtual panel for “Black-ish’s” upcoming season on Tuesday. “It’s the weirdest divorce I’ve ever seen in my life. And truthfully in real life there is a huge recurrence of second time around in the older demographic…people are living longer and having experiences later in life, and it was just finding something that we felt we could tell a good story [about], that fit with the brand and what we’re doing.
“Everyone’s been wanting to see Pop and Ruby together because they’re basically together anyway,” Barris said during a virtual panel for “Black-ish’s” upcoming season on Tuesday. “It’s the weirdest divorce I’ve ever seen in my life. And truthfully in real life there is a huge recurrence of second time around in the older demographic…people are living longer and having experiences later in life, and it was just finding something that we felt we could tell a good story [about], that fit with the brand and what we’re doing.
- 9/29/2020
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
The Black-ish franchise continues to expand at ABC.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, a third spinoff is in the works.
Titled Old-ish, it would focus on Laurence Fishburne's Earl "Pops" Johnson and Jenifer Lewis' Ruby Johnson, the parents of Anthony Anderson's Dre.
Fishburne has recurred on the original series since it kicked off, appearing in over 60 episodes.
Per the outlet, it will "follow Ruby and Earl as they give love a second chance."
"When they move to a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of L.A., they'll meet characters who represent the old and new faces of the community as they try to make it work as a married couple. Again."
The first spinoff, Grown-ish, started its life as an ABC pilot, but was shifted to Freeform after the network felt it skewed too young.
The series is a hit for the cabler, and will enter its fourth season in 2021.
The second spinoff,...
Per The Hollywood Reporter, a third spinoff is in the works.
Titled Old-ish, it would focus on Laurence Fishburne's Earl "Pops" Johnson and Jenifer Lewis' Ruby Johnson, the parents of Anthony Anderson's Dre.
Fishburne has recurred on the original series since it kicked off, appearing in over 60 episodes.
Per the outlet, it will "follow Ruby and Earl as they give love a second chance."
"When they move to a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of L.A., they'll meet characters who represent the old and new faces of the community as they try to make it work as a married couple. Again."
The first spinoff, Grown-ish, started its life as an ABC pilot, but was shifted to Freeform after the network felt it skewed too young.
The series is a hit for the cabler, and will enter its fourth season in 2021.
The second spinoff,...
- 9/9/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
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