As a child of the 1980s, I thought I knew pretty much everything I needed to know about Wham!, just as I thought I had a pretty good handle on the behind the scenes of the late-night all-star recording of “We Are the World.” But maybe that’s why I enjoyed the docs “Wham!” and “The Greatest Night in Pop” so much — a mix of the familiar with those moments of surprise.
In the case of “Wham!,” it’s how Andrew Ridgeley managed to be so gracious as his buddy George Michael went on to a massively successful solo career. In “The Greatest Night in Pop,” I learned just how instrumental Lionel Richie was in serving as traffic cop for producer Quincy Jones in creating “We Are The World” with dozens of A-list musicians over just one late night. The doc is filled with legend-help-legend moments, like when Stevie Wonder...
In the case of “Wham!,” it’s how Andrew Ridgeley managed to be so gracious as his buddy George Michael went on to a massively successful solo career. In “The Greatest Night in Pop,” I learned just how instrumental Lionel Richie was in serving as traffic cop for producer Quincy Jones in creating “We Are The World” with dozens of A-list musicians over just one late night. The doc is filled with legend-help-legend moments, like when Stevie Wonder...
- 5/31/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Being away from home allows room for perspective, and for a group of U.S.-based documentary experts who made the trip to Cannes, the glass remains half full, despite the headwinds. The closure of Participant, Showtime Docs, CNN Films scaling back and belt-tightening across the board have led many to posit that a Golden Age of documentary films has ended. A discussion in the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival begged the question: If the Golden Age is over, what comes next?
For the assembled speakers, there was an acceptance of the challenges, but also a desire to take a long view and to look to the future.
“With the market retracting and some distribution outlets not being replaced by others, we’re forced to be creative again about how we get these films out to market, how we find audiences,” said Cinetic Media’s Jason Ishikawa during the Deadline-hosted panel.
For the assembled speakers, there was an acceptance of the challenges, but also a desire to take a long view and to look to the future.
“With the market retracting and some distribution outlets not being replaced by others, we’re forced to be creative again about how we get these films out to market, how we find audiences,” said Cinetic Media’s Jason Ishikawa during the Deadline-hosted panel.
- 5/24/2024
- by Stewart Clarke
- Deadline Film + TV
The historical significance and impact of the “Godfather of Soul” are explored in James Brown: Say It Loud which airs February 19 & 20 on A&e. The four-part documentary chronicles the singer’s roots from middle school dropout and juvenile delinquent to music legend and cultural icon. Archival footage and images along with exclusive interviews help tell the story of a multi-dimensional, often controversial figure. Among those featured in the doc are Mick Jagger, Questlove, Bootsy Collins, LL Cool J, Rev. Al Sharpton, Chuck D, Dallas Austin, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis. Brown’s kids Larry Brown, Dr. Deanna Brown Thomas, and Dr. Yamma Brown also reflect on their dad they knew beyond the bright lights and Apollo Theater and other grand stages. Here Deanna and Yamma open up about being part of the project. What does it mean for you to see this multi-part documentary made on your dad, especially during Black History Month?...
- 2/17/2024
- TV Insider
Hello, and welcome to the Scene 2 Seen Podcast! I am Valerie Complex, an associate editor and film writer at Deadline. Today I’m chatting with award-winning filmmaker and advertising agency veteran Deborah Riley Draper.
Draper is getting set to premiere her newest project, James Brown: Say It Loud, on Monday on A&e Network. She directed and co-wrote the four-part docuseries, which examines Brown’s legacy through exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage and his beloved music catalog. It is executive produced by Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Oscar winner Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.
Draper previously directed the two-part series The Legacy of Black Wall Street for OWN/Discovery+, which received an NAACP Image Awards nomination for Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television). In 2017, she received an NAACP Image Award nomination for her documentary Olympic Pride, American Prejudice, which she also directed, produced and wrote, telling the untold story of the 18 African Americans who defied Hitler...
Draper is getting set to premiere her newest project, James Brown: Say It Loud, on Monday on A&e Network. She directed and co-wrote the four-part docuseries, which examines Brown’s legacy through exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage and his beloved music catalog. It is executive produced by Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Oscar winner Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.
Draper previously directed the two-part series The Legacy of Black Wall Street for OWN/Discovery+, which received an NAACP Image Awards nomination for Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television). In 2017, she received an NAACP Image Award nomination for her documentary Olympic Pride, American Prejudice, which she also directed, produced and wrote, telling the untold story of the 18 African Americans who defied Hitler...
- 2/16/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Get ready for an eye-opening episode of “James Brown: Say It Loud” as it returns with Season 1 Episode 3, titled “Life in the Raw,” airing at 8:00 Pm on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, on A&e. In this revealing installment, viewers will delve deep into the tumultuous life of the legendary musician, James Brown.
Amidst financial pressures, record company politics, substance abuse, and personal struggles, James Brown found himself on a perilous path. The episode sheds light on the challenges Brown faced, including collisions with the law and the looming threat of revisiting prison.
Through archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis, “Life in the Raw” offers a candid portrayal of Brown’s life, showcasing both his triumphs and tribulations. Viewers will witness the highs and lows of Brown’s journey, gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities behind the music icon.
Don’t miss out on Season 1 Episode 3 of “James Brown: Say It Loud...
Amidst financial pressures, record company politics, substance abuse, and personal struggles, James Brown found himself on a perilous path. The episode sheds light on the challenges Brown faced, including collisions with the law and the looming threat of revisiting prison.
Through archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis, “Life in the Raw” offers a candid portrayal of Brown’s life, showcasing both his triumphs and tribulations. Viewers will witness the highs and lows of Brown’s journey, gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities behind the music icon.
Don’t miss out on Season 1 Episode 3 of “James Brown: Say It Loud...
- 2/14/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Get ready to delve deeper into the life and legacy of a true icon with Season 1 Episode 2 of “James Brown: Say It Loud,” titled “The Most Powerful Black Man in America,” airing at 9:00 Pm on Monday, February 19, 2024, on A&e. In this episode, viewers will witness James Brown’s remarkable journey as he aligns himself with the civil rights movement, transforming into a cultural force.
Through his music and activism, Brown articulates a message of community pride and political influence, inspiring generations and leaving an indelible mark on American society. As he rises to prominence, he earns the title of the most important Black man in America, solidifying his place in history.
From his electrifying performances to his unwavering commitment to social justice, “The Most Powerful Black Man in America” explores the multifaceted legacy of James Brown and the profound impact he had on shaping the cultural landscape of the nation.
Through his music and activism, Brown articulates a message of community pride and political influence, inspiring generations and leaving an indelible mark on American society. As he rises to prominence, he earns the title of the most important Black man in America, solidifying his place in history.
From his electrifying performances to his unwavering commitment to social justice, “The Most Powerful Black Man in America” explores the multifaceted legacy of James Brown and the profound impact he had on shaping the cultural landscape of the nation.
- 2/12/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Get ready to be inspired by the incredible journey of music legend James Brown in the premiere episode of “James Brown: Say It Loud,” titled “Making a Life for Myself,” airing at 8:00 Pm on Monday, February 19, 2024, on A&e. In this captivating debut, viewers will be taken on a remarkable ride through Brown’s early life, from his humble beginnings in poverty-stricken conditions to his rise to fame as the “Godfather of Soul.”
Born in the Jim Crow South and facing adversity from a young age, Brown defied the odds and overcame unimaginable challenges, including abuse and discrimination. Through sheer determination and talent, he secured a record deal, captivating audiences with his electrifying performances and groundbreaking music.
As Brown breaks down racial barriers and propels himself into stardom, viewers will witness the power of resilience and the transformative impact of music on society. Don’t miss the premiere of “James Brown: Say It Loud...
Born in the Jim Crow South and facing adversity from a young age, Brown defied the odds and overcame unimaginable challenges, including abuse and discrimination. Through sheer determination and talent, he secured a record deal, captivating audiences with his electrifying performances and groundbreaking music.
As Brown breaks down racial barriers and propels himself into stardom, viewers will witness the power of resilience and the transformative impact of music on society. Don’t miss the premiere of “James Brown: Say It Loud...
- 2/12/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Photograph courtesy of A&e Networks A&e will premiere the two-night documentary event “James Brown: Say It Loud” delving into the immeasurable musical and cultural impact of the entertainment icon. Directed by Deborah Riley Draper (The Legacy of Black Wall Street, Versailles ’73: American Runway Revolution) and executive produced by legendary artist Mick Jagger, Academy Award® winner Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter, Peter Afterman, David Blackman, Victoria Pearman, Bruce Resnikoff, Shawn Gee, Zarah Zohlman, Charlie Cohen, and Mari Keiko Gonzalez, the documentary examines Brown’s incredible life that was as innovative as it was influential. The special examines Brown’s legacy through exclusive interviews, never-before-seen archival footage and his beloved music catalog. “James Brown: Say it Loud” premieres Monday, February 19 and Tuesday, February 20 at 8Pm Et/Pt on A&e. Across four hours, “James Brown: Say it Loud” traces the incredible trajectory of Brown’s life and career from...
- 1/20/2024
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Exclusive: Paul McCartney’s incredible creative output in the decade after he left The Beatles will come into focus in Man on the Run (working title), a documentary to be directed by Oscar and Grammy winner Morgan Neville.
Mpl and Polygram Entertainment – the film and television unit of Universal Music Group – announced the project today, a day before the 65th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. The feature film will explore “Paul McCartney’s extraordinary life following the breakup of The Beatles and how the love he shared with Linda McCartney influenced a journey that would lead to the formation of Wings and more of the greatest music ever created.”
Paul and Linda McCartney, circa 1970.
Neville, whose directing credits include 20 Feet From Stardom, Won’t You Be My Neighbor, and Roadrunner: An Anthony Bourdain Movie, has been granted access to never-before-seen home videos and photos from the archives...
Mpl and Polygram Entertainment – the film and television unit of Universal Music Group – announced the project today, a day before the 65th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. The feature film will explore “Paul McCartney’s extraordinary life following the breakup of The Beatles and how the love he shared with Linda McCartney influenced a journey that would lead to the formation of Wings and more of the greatest music ever created.”
Paul and Linda McCartney, circa 1970.
Neville, whose directing credits include 20 Feet From Stardom, Won’t You Be My Neighbor, and Roadrunner: An Anthony Bourdain Movie, has been granted access to never-before-seen home videos and photos from the archives...
- 2/4/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
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