An epic trifecta has formed around an upcoming TriFecta Pictures comedy. With Hollywood force Issa Rae at the helm as producer, the currently untitled film will star the triple-threat actress Keke Palmer and Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Sza, according to Deadline.
The film will reunite creators from the Max original series Rap Sh!t, which was produced by Rae and scrapped at the network after two seasons. Director Lawrence Lamont will direct the film with a screenplay from showrunner Syreeta Singleton. It will mark Singleton’s studio feature debut.
Sza...
The film will reunite creators from the Max original series Rap Sh!t, which was produced by Rae and scrapped at the network after two seasons. Director Lawrence Lamont will direct the film with a screenplay from showrunner Syreeta Singleton. It will mark Singleton’s studio feature debut.
Sza...
- 4/26/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Keke Palmer and Sza are set to star in an untitled buddy comedy film for TriStar Pictures.
Lawrence Lamont (“Rap Sh!t”) is set to direct with the screenplay written by “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton.
Hoorae’s Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi, ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and MacRo Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks are producing. Singleton is co-producing. Big Boss’ Palmer and Sharon Palmer are executive producing. MacRo Film Studios is coming on board to co-finance and produce.
The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures. The lab was a previous pact between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures to source and incubate emerging, diverse screenwriters to develop and write their first studio feature based on original ideas.
Palmer and Sza first teamed up for “Saturday Night Live” in Dec. 2022, when Palmer hosted and Sza was the musical guest.
Lamont has...
Lawrence Lamont (“Rap Sh!t”) is set to direct with the screenplay written by “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton.
Hoorae’s Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi, ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and MacRo Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks are producing. Singleton is co-producing. Big Boss’ Palmer and Sharon Palmer are executive producing. MacRo Film Studios is coming on board to co-finance and produce.
The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures. The lab was a previous pact between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures to source and incubate emerging, diverse screenwriters to develop and write their first studio feature based on original ideas.
Palmer and Sza first teamed up for “Saturday Night Live” in Dec. 2022, when Palmer hosted and Sza was the musical guest.
Lamont has...
- 4/26/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Isaa Rae has a buzzy new buddy comedy in the works starring Keke Palmer and Grammy winner Sza, IndieWire has confirmed.
Rae is set to produce the untitled feature for TriStar Pictures. Rae’s “Rap Sh!t” director Lawrence Lamont will direct the film using a screenplay by “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton. The project hailed from the ColorCreative’s lab at Sony Pictures as part of a program between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures to foster emerging diverse screenwriters’ first studio features.
Palmer will executive produce through her Big Boss banner along with Sharon Palmer. Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi will produce through Rae’s banner Hoorae; ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and Charles D. King and MacRo Film Studios’ James Lopez and Poppy Hanks also produce. Singleton is co-producing.
Palmer and Sza did a December 2022 “Saturday Night Life” together — Palmer as host and Sza as her musical guest.
The...
Rae is set to produce the untitled feature for TriStar Pictures. Rae’s “Rap Sh!t” director Lawrence Lamont will direct the film using a screenplay by “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton. The project hailed from the ColorCreative’s lab at Sony Pictures as part of a program between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures to foster emerging diverse screenwriters’ first studio features.
Palmer will executive produce through her Big Boss banner along with Sharon Palmer. Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi will produce through Rae’s banner Hoorae; ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and Charles D. King and MacRo Film Studios’ James Lopez and Poppy Hanks also produce. Singleton is co-producing.
Palmer and Sza did a December 2022 “Saturday Night Life” together — Palmer as host and Sza as her musical guest.
The...
- 4/26/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: It looks like the recent team-up on Saturday Night Live went very well as Keke Palmer and four-time Grammy winner Sza are set to star in an untitled buddy comedy movie from TriStar Pictures, with producer Isaa Rae producing. Rap Sh!t director Lawrence Lamont is set to direct, with the screenplay written by his Rap Sh!t teammate Syreeta Singleton, who served as the series’ showrunner.
Plot details being kept under wraps, but Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi will produce through Rae’s banner Hoorae, joined by ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis, and Charles D. King, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks from Macro Film Studios. Singleton is co-producing. Big Boss’ Palmer and Sharon Palmer are executive producing. Macro Film Studios is coming on board to co-finance and produce.
The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures. The lab was a previous pact between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures...
Plot details being kept under wraps, but Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi will produce through Rae’s banner Hoorae, joined by ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis, and Charles D. King, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks from Macro Film Studios. Singleton is co-producing. Big Boss’ Palmer and Sharon Palmer are executive producing. Macro Film Studios is coming on board to co-finance and produce.
The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures. The lab was a previous pact between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures...
- 4/26/2024
- by Justin Kroll and Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Chervine Naamani has joined ColorCreative, the management and production company co-founded by Issa Rae, Deniese Davis, and Talitha Watkins, as a manager and producer.
Naamani joins from the management company Rain, where he spent four and a half years building a diverse, multicultural list of next generation filmmakers and writers. In his new role, he will continue to help spearhead the development of diverse emerging talent in the entertainment industry, reporting to ColorCreative President Talitha Watkins.
Notable clients Naamani is bringing with him include filmmakers Bishal Dutta (It Lives Inside), Razelle Benally (Murder in Big Horn), Nardeep Khurmi (Land of Gold), Linh Tran (Waiting for the Light to Change), Jonathan Cuartas (My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To) and Bo Mirhosseni (History of Evil), as well as writers Kira Kalush (Ghosts), Erica Meredith (La Brea), Nicole Saad (Lioness), Savannah Ward (Cruel Summer), Brandon Schultz (Star Trek: Discovery...
Naamani joins from the management company Rain, where he spent four and a half years building a diverse, multicultural list of next generation filmmakers and writers. In his new role, he will continue to help spearhead the development of diverse emerging talent in the entertainment industry, reporting to ColorCreative President Talitha Watkins.
Notable clients Naamani is bringing with him include filmmakers Bishal Dutta (It Lives Inside), Razelle Benally (Murder in Big Horn), Nardeep Khurmi (Land of Gold), Linh Tran (Waiting for the Light to Change), Jonathan Cuartas (My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To) and Bo Mirhosseni (History of Evil), as well as writers Kira Kalush (Ghosts), Erica Meredith (La Brea), Nicole Saad (Lioness), Savannah Ward (Cruel Summer), Brandon Schultz (Star Trek: Discovery...
- 4/23/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Enlightened was more than just the title of the HBO TV series Laura Dern starred in from 2011-2013. It’s also the state of being the actress and her future producing partner, Jayme Lemons, found themselves in after Dern served as an executive producer and Lemons a first-time producer on the comedy-drama.
“Once we had that experience on Enlightened, we both felt like we have all of these other passions, maybe it’s time we focus more on getting these projects done,” Dern tells The Hollywood Reporter in the conversation below.
Thus the creation of Jaywalker Pictures in 2017, Dern and Lemons’ production company whose projects span genres. From the 2020 documentary The Way I See It, about the life of former Chief Official White House Photographer Pete Souza; and the Academy Award-winning short If Anything Happens I Love You, about two parents grieving their daughter who was killed in a school shooting,...
“Once we had that experience on Enlightened, we both felt like we have all of these other passions, maybe it’s time we focus more on getting these projects done,” Dern tells The Hollywood Reporter in the conversation below.
Thus the creation of Jaywalker Pictures in 2017, Dern and Lemons’ production company whose projects span genres. From the 2020 documentary The Way I See It, about the life of former Chief Official White House Photographer Pete Souza; and the Academy Award-winning short If Anything Happens I Love You, about two parents grieving their daughter who was killed in a school shooting,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: The Issa Rae and Deniese Davis co-founded ColorCreative is expanding its management ranks again.
Literary manager and producer Neda Niroumand is joining the company as a Manager/Producer.
“I am delighted to welcome Neda Niroumand to the ColorCreative team,” says Talitha Watkins, president and co-founder of the management and production shingle. “With her incredible taste and impressive track record of recognizing and nurturing emerging talent, her addition will bolster our commitment to fostering diverse voices and producing inclusive content,” Watkins added.
A former literary manager at Link and a partner at Equitable Mgmt, Niroumand will report to the ColorCreative president. In her role at ColorCreative, Niroumand will play to her strengths crafting and shepherding the works of writers, directors, and “multi-hyphenate talent,” according to the company,
With a client roster that includes the likes of Black Box director Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour, documentarian and producer Jan Oxenberg, Morrisa Maltz, and Linda Burstyn,...
Literary manager and producer Neda Niroumand is joining the company as a Manager/Producer.
“I am delighted to welcome Neda Niroumand to the ColorCreative team,” says Talitha Watkins, president and co-founder of the management and production shingle. “With her incredible taste and impressive track record of recognizing and nurturing emerging talent, her addition will bolster our commitment to fostering diverse voices and producing inclusive content,” Watkins added.
A former literary manager at Link and a partner at Equitable Mgmt, Niroumand will report to the ColorCreative president. In her role at ColorCreative, Niroumand will play to her strengths crafting and shepherding the works of writers, directors, and “multi-hyphenate talent,” according to the company,
With a client roster that includes the likes of Black Box director Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour, documentarian and producer Jan Oxenberg, Morrisa Maltz, and Linda Burstyn,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
ColorCreative’s Find Your People Program is introducing more people – this time, composers.
The talent development initiative from the company founded by Issa Rae, Deniese Davis and Talitha Watkins is unique in that it isn’t only targeted to emerging creatives in above-the-line roles. Instead, it solicits applicants from seven disciplines – directors, producers, cinematographers, production designers, costume designers, editors and now composers – to form four separate production crews, with one representative from a field on each project.
Each team works together to pitch a greenlight committee and will receive funding from program partner Canva, whose visual communication platform is used throughout Fypp’s yearlong curriculum-based training workshops.
“It’s been a privilege to support the Find Your People Program, and we’re delighted to be back for a second year,” Canva global head of consumer marketing Kristine Segrist said in a statement. “There is incredible value alignment between our brands...
The talent development initiative from the company founded by Issa Rae, Deniese Davis and Talitha Watkins is unique in that it isn’t only targeted to emerging creatives in above-the-line roles. Instead, it solicits applicants from seven disciplines – directors, producers, cinematographers, production designers, costume designers, editors and now composers – to form four separate production crews, with one representative from a field on each project.
Each team works together to pitch a greenlight committee and will receive funding from program partner Canva, whose visual communication platform is used throughout Fypp’s yearlong curriculum-based training workshops.
“It’s been a privilege to support the Find Your People Program, and we’re delighted to be back for a second year,” Canva global head of consumer marketing Kristine Segrist said in a statement. “There is incredible value alignment between our brands...
- 3/12/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Naomi Baker (All American: Homecoming) and Da’Vinchi (Bmf) have been tapped to star in Hard Feelings, an indie romantic drama marking the first feature of writer-director Jo Hatcher.
Selected for the 2021 Sundance Screenwriters Intensive, as well as Gotham Week 2022, the film centers on high school senior Nami (Baker), who after being confronted with a crucial decision, embarks on a journey with her ex-boyfriend Zay (Da’Vinchi) to make a decision about her future.
Deniese Davis (Insecure) is producing for Reform Media Group, with Melora Rivera co-producing. Production kicks off in Atlanta in early February.
Prior to Hard Feelings, Baker was seen on The CW’s sports drama spin-off, All American: Homecoming.
Known for his role as Terry ‘Southwest T’ Flenory on Starz’s crime drama Bmf, Da’Vinchi has also previously been seen on All American and Grown-ish, among other high-profile series. His most notable prior film role came...
Selected for the 2021 Sundance Screenwriters Intensive, as well as Gotham Week 2022, the film centers on high school senior Nami (Baker), who after being confronted with a crucial decision, embarks on a journey with her ex-boyfriend Zay (Da’Vinchi) to make a decision about her future.
Deniese Davis (Insecure) is producing for Reform Media Group, with Melora Rivera co-producing. Production kicks off in Atlanta in early February.
Prior to Hard Feelings, Baker was seen on The CW’s sports drama spin-off, All American: Homecoming.
Known for his role as Terry ‘Southwest T’ Flenory on Starz’s crime drama Bmf, Da’Vinchi has also previously been seen on All American and Grown-ish, among other high-profile series. His most notable prior film role came...
- 1/31/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Picture Classics and Trafalgar Releasing announced that “Carlos: The Santana Journey Global Premiere” will be playing in select theaters worldwide on Sept. 23, 24 and 27.
These special premiere screenings will include showings of the feature length documentary “Carlos,” about the life of the legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, and also feature exclusive introductory content featuring Santana and director Ruby Valdez. “Carlos” debuted earlier this year at the Tribeca Film Festival and will have a general theatrical release on Sept. 29. The film was financed by Sony Music Entertainment and Imagine Documentaries.
“Carlos” includes interviews with Santana and his family, archival footage, concert footage, Santana’s home videos, and behind-the-scenes footage. Interviews with industry icons like Clive Davis and Rob Thomas will also be featured.
Santana has been in the industry for over 50 years and has won 10 Grammy awards for his music that combines jazz, blues, mariachi and rock and roll.
Fathom Events Adds...
These special premiere screenings will include showings of the feature length documentary “Carlos,” about the life of the legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, and also feature exclusive introductory content featuring Santana and director Ruby Valdez. “Carlos” debuted earlier this year at the Tribeca Film Festival and will have a general theatrical release on Sept. 29. The film was financed by Sony Music Entertainment and Imagine Documentaries.
“Carlos” includes interviews with Santana and his family, archival footage, concert footage, Santana’s home videos, and behind-the-scenes footage. Interviews with industry icons like Clive Davis and Rob Thomas will also be featured.
Santana has been in the industry for over 50 years and has won 10 Grammy awards for his music that combines jazz, blues, mariachi and rock and roll.
Fathom Events Adds...
- 8/17/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay and Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
ColorCreative, the management/production company founded by Issa Rae and Deniese Davis, is revealing the inaugural cohort for its Find Your People Program, first announced in February.
Fypp is unique in that it provides training, resources and mentorship to creatives from seven different filmmaking fields, grouping them together to form interdisciplinary production teams to develop, pitch and ideally eventually create a short film to screen next year.
Twenty-eight creatives were chosen from more than 1,500 applicants around the world and matched by ColorCreative managers into four production teams, with one representative from each of the seven disciplines:
Writers: Brian Cohen, Cassandra Hunter, Nzinga Kadalie Kemp, Yolanda Morgan Costume designers: Jalissa Jackson, Kaij, Raquel “Rocky” Avalos, Salina Hernandez Directors: Aisha Amin, Ifeanyi Ezieme, Jeremie Cander, Yeajoon (Joon) Cho Producers: Chidi Amadiume, Fabiola Rodriguez, Maia Miller, Vivy Yupanqui Cinematographers: Anna Mendes, B.P. Edwards, Matt Kleppner, Rayna Rasamee Production Designers: Chidinma Dureke, Jolien Louis,...
Fypp is unique in that it provides training, resources and mentorship to creatives from seven different filmmaking fields, grouping them together to form interdisciplinary production teams to develop, pitch and ideally eventually create a short film to screen next year.
Twenty-eight creatives were chosen from more than 1,500 applicants around the world and matched by ColorCreative managers into four production teams, with one representative from each of the seven disciplines:
Writers: Brian Cohen, Cassandra Hunter, Nzinga Kadalie Kemp, Yolanda Morgan Costume designers: Jalissa Jackson, Kaij, Raquel “Rocky” Avalos, Salina Hernandez Directors: Aisha Amin, Ifeanyi Ezieme, Jeremie Cander, Yeajoon (Joon) Cho Producers: Chidi Amadiume, Fabiola Rodriguez, Maia Miller, Vivy Yupanqui Cinematographers: Anna Mendes, B.P. Edwards, Matt Kleppner, Rayna Rasamee Production Designers: Chidinma Dureke, Jolien Louis,...
- 8/15/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AFI and Disney are teaming up to launch the Underrepresented Storytellers Initiative in partnership with Disney’s Launchpad program to support emerging filmmakers, TheWrap can exclusively report.
Razzaaq Boykin, Paige Compton, Blake Pickens and Sophia Youssef are the recipients of the 2023 grant. Under the program, four first-time or second-time directors are selected to create a short film with a microgrant of $35,000. They will also participate in professional development workshops and mentor meetings hosted by AFI and Disney Launchpad.
AFI alum Deniese Davis, an Emmy-nominated producer and the Founder and CEO of Reform Media Group, will serve as Production Mentor to the four filmmakers. The Disney Launchpad Team and AFI will oversee applicant mentorship together. The program itself will be managed and overseen by AFI Conservatory’s Bridge to the Future program, as well as the Alumni Affairs office in the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center.
Also Read:
Disney+ ‘Zorro’ Series Adds Bryan Cogman as Writer,...
Razzaaq Boykin, Paige Compton, Blake Pickens and Sophia Youssef are the recipients of the 2023 grant. Under the program, four first-time or second-time directors are selected to create a short film with a microgrant of $35,000. They will also participate in professional development workshops and mentor meetings hosted by AFI and Disney Launchpad.
AFI alum Deniese Davis, an Emmy-nominated producer and the Founder and CEO of Reform Media Group, will serve as Production Mentor to the four filmmakers. The Disney Launchpad Team and AFI will oversee applicant mentorship together. The program itself will be managed and overseen by AFI Conservatory’s Bridge to the Future program, as well as the Alumni Affairs office in the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center.
Also Read:
Disney+ ‘Zorro’ Series Adds Bryan Cogman as Writer,...
- 3/8/2023
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Exclusive: ColorCreative, the management and production company founded by Issa Rae and Deniese Davis, has signed first-generation Liberian-Nigerian filmmaker Tari Wariebi for representation.
The signing follows the world premiere of Wariebi’s short We Were Meant To at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation and was nominated for the Short Film Grand Jury Prize. Pic follows Akil, an African American teen, who boasts wings and one goal: to take his first flight.
Wariebi has announced that with ColorCreative’s support, he’ll now look to adapt the short into a feature following a Black man as he defies his fears, insecurities and societal barriers, while discovering his perfect launch into manhood, in a world where Black men have wings and their first flight is a rite of passage.
We Were Meant To
“We Were Meant To was the final premiere for Sundance’s short category and...
The signing follows the world premiere of Wariebi’s short We Were Meant To at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation and was nominated for the Short Film Grand Jury Prize. Pic follows Akil, an African American teen, who boasts wings and one goal: to take his first flight.
Wariebi has announced that with ColorCreative’s support, he’ll now look to adapt the short into a feature following a Black man as he defies his fears, insecurities and societal barriers, while discovering his perfect launch into manhood, in a world where Black men have wings and their first flight is a rite of passage.
We Were Meant To
“We Were Meant To was the final premiere for Sundance’s short category and...
- 1/31/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
December 9, 2022, Los Angeles, CA – The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today the recipients of AFI Awards 2022. AFI Awards honorees include 10 outstanding films and 10 outstanding TV programs deemed culturally and artistically representative of this year’s most significant achievements in the art of the moving image. An additional honoree was selected for an AFI Special Award, designated for works of excellence that fall outside of AFI Awards’ eligibility criteria.
AFI Movies Of The Year
Avatar: The Way Of Water
Elvis
Everything Everywhere All At Once
The Fabelmans
Nope
She Said
TÁR
Top Gun: Maverick
The Woman King
Women Talking
AFI Television Programs Of The Year
Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Better Call Saul
Hacks
Mo
Pachinko
Reservation Dogs
Severance
Somebody Somewhere
The White Lotus
AFI Special Award
The Banshees Of Inisherin
“AFI Awards shines a light upon excellence in storytelling and the collaborators who bring these stories to the screen,” said Bob Gazzale,...
AFI Movies Of The Year
Avatar: The Way Of Water
Elvis
Everything Everywhere All At Once
The Fabelmans
Nope
She Said
TÁR
Top Gun: Maverick
The Woman King
Women Talking
AFI Television Programs Of The Year
Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Better Call Saul
Hacks
Mo
Pachinko
Reservation Dogs
Severance
Somebody Somewhere
The White Lotus
AFI Special Award
The Banshees Of Inisherin
“AFI Awards shines a light upon excellence in storytelling and the collaborators who bring these stories to the screen,” said Bob Gazzale,...
- 12/11/2022
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Exclusive: Deniese Davis and her Reform Media Group banner have entered into a development deal with Tyler Perry Studios. The pact covers TV, unscripted, and first-look feature film projects with the aim of bringing more diverse storytelling across both television and film. In addition to the deal announcement, Reform also announced Monday that it has hired Melora Rivera as a producer.
“I could not be more excited to be joining forces with Deniese Davis and usher in a new era at Tyler Perry Studios, where we invite creatives to have the freedom to tell the kind of stories that they truly believe in,” Perry said.
Related Story Issa Rae's 'Rap Sh!t' Scores CA Tax Incentives To Move West For Anticipated Season 2 Of HBO Max Series Related Story Will Smith Hosts "Epic" Screening Of 'Emancipation' For Dave Chappelle, Tyler Perry, Rihanna & More Related Story Zuri Craig Dies: Tyler Perry Collaborator,...
“I could not be more excited to be joining forces with Deniese Davis and usher in a new era at Tyler Perry Studios, where we invite creatives to have the freedom to tell the kind of stories that they truly believe in,” Perry said.
Related Story Issa Rae's 'Rap Sh!t' Scores CA Tax Incentives To Move West For Anticipated Season 2 Of HBO Max Series Related Story Will Smith Hosts "Epic" Screening Of 'Emancipation' For Dave Chappelle, Tyler Perry, Rihanna & More Related Story Zuri Craig Dies: Tyler Perry Collaborator,...
- 11/21/2022
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Brittani Nichols has signed with CAA for agency representation.
Nichols is best known for her work writing on “Abbott Elementary,” the ABC workplace comedy series created by Quinta Brunson. She has served as an executive story editor on both seasons, a producer on Season 2, and is credited for the Season 1 episodes “Student Transfer” and “Ava vs. Superintendent” and Season 2’s “Principal’s Office.”
“Abbott Elementary” is Nichols’ second project with Brunson — she also wrote for Season 1 of HBO’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” on which Brunson was a cast member.
Additionally, Nichols wrote for Season 2 of the Seeso comedy “Take My Wife” and was a consulting producer on Season 1 of the Netflix reality series “The Circle.” She is also an actor, having made appearances on “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” “Take My Wife” and HBO’s “Transparent.”
As an independent filmmaker, Nichols has written, executive produced and starred in...
Nichols is best known for her work writing on “Abbott Elementary,” the ABC workplace comedy series created by Quinta Brunson. She has served as an executive story editor on both seasons, a producer on Season 2, and is credited for the Season 1 episodes “Student Transfer” and “Ava vs. Superintendent” and Season 2’s “Principal’s Office.”
“Abbott Elementary” is Nichols’ second project with Brunson — she also wrote for Season 1 of HBO’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” on which Brunson was a cast member.
Additionally, Nichols wrote for Season 2 of the Seeso comedy “Take My Wife” and was a consulting producer on Season 1 of the Netflix reality series “The Circle.” She is also an actor, having made appearances on “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” “Take My Wife” and HBO’s “Transparent.”
As an independent filmmaker, Nichols has written, executive produced and starred in...
- 11/11/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Showtime is developing All Her Little Secrets, a one-hour limited series drama based on Wanda M. Morris’ bestselling novel, starring and executive produced by Emmy winner Uzo Aduba. The project hails from writer Aurin Squire (Evil) who penned the pilot, Deniese Davis’ Reform Media Group and CBS Studios, where both Aduba and Squire are under overall deals.
The limited series, based on Morris’ novel, centers on Ellice Littlejohn (Aduba), a Black female lawyer rising to the top of the corporate ladder. When she gets caught up in an affair and a mysterious conspiracy that puts her at risk of being the primary suspect and the next target, Ellice’s perfect façade starts to crumble as she scrambles to hold onto all she has earned, protect her family and stay alive. Timely themes of race, class, gender and power are explored in this fast-paced, mystery thriller.
Squire executive produces with...
The limited series, based on Morris’ novel, centers on Ellice Littlejohn (Aduba), a Black female lawyer rising to the top of the corporate ladder. When she gets caught up in an affair and a mysterious conspiracy that puts her at risk of being the primary suspect and the next target, Ellice’s perfect façade starts to crumble as she scrambles to hold onto all she has earned, protect her family and stay alive. Timely themes of race, class, gender and power are explored in this fast-paced, mystery thriller.
Squire executive produces with...
- 10/18/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The Sundance Institute has unveiled the producers and the projects selected for this summer’s Producers Lab and Producers Summit. Taking place July 25-28 and July 29-31, respectively, the events are being held in person at Utah’s Sundance Mountain Resort. The Producers Lab will feature six fiction films’ and five nonfiction films’ producers and their projects while the summit will host 40 industry insiders and 26 indie filmmakers.
Advisors for the feature film program include David Hinojosa (Zola, Bodies Bodies Bodies), Amy Lo (Nancy, Sugar), Riva Marker (The Guilty, Relic), Josh Penn (Beasts of the Southern Wild) and Jason Michael Berman (Nine Days, Uncorked) while the documentary film program features Daffodil Altan (PBS’ Frontline), Violet Feng (Hidden Letters, Tigre Gente), Andrea Meditch (Ernie & Joe, Fathom), Bob Moore (Midwives, Softie) and Amanda Spain (MSNBC Films).
Industry participants in this year’s summit include Maria Altamirano...
The Sundance Institute has unveiled the producers and the projects selected for this summer’s Producers Lab and Producers Summit. Taking place July 25-28 and July 29-31, respectively, the events are being held in person at Utah’s Sundance Mountain Resort. The Producers Lab will feature six fiction films’ and five nonfiction films’ producers and their projects while the summit will host 40 industry insiders and 26 indie filmmakers.
Advisors for the feature film program include David Hinojosa (Zola, Bodies Bodies Bodies), Amy Lo (Nancy, Sugar), Riva Marker (The Guilty, Relic), Josh Penn (Beasts of the Southern Wild) and Jason Michael Berman (Nine Days, Uncorked) while the documentary film program features Daffodil Altan (PBS’ Frontline), Violet Feng (Hidden Letters, Tigre Gente), Andrea Meditch (Ernie & Joe, Fathom), Bob Moore (Midwives, Softie) and Amanda Spain (MSNBC Films).
Industry participants in this year’s summit include Maria Altamirano...
- 7/25/2022
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sundance Institute, the nonprofit organization that puts on the yearly film festival in Park City, has announced the entrants for its Producers Lab and Producers Summit.
Both events, the former taking place from July 25 to 28 and the latter from July 29 to 31, will be held in person at Utah’s Sundance Mountain Resort. The Institute picked six fiction film and five non-fiction film producers and their projects. Producers Lab and Producers Summit, which counts more than 40 industry leaders and 26 independent filmmakers among its participants, supports up-and-coming producers through year-round mentorship, granting, educational resources, strategic introductions, and networking opportunities with the industry.
“It has been three years since we have been able to gather in person, and over this time, the landscape for independent storytelling has shifted dramatically. It’s never been more critical to work to create a sustainable future for independent producers, a key priority for the Lab and Summit,...
Both events, the former taking place from July 25 to 28 and the latter from July 29 to 31, will be held in person at Utah’s Sundance Mountain Resort. The Institute picked six fiction film and five non-fiction film producers and their projects. Producers Lab and Producers Summit, which counts more than 40 industry leaders and 26 independent filmmakers among its participants, supports up-and-coming producers through year-round mentorship, granting, educational resources, strategic introductions, and networking opportunities with the industry.
“It has been three years since we have been able to gather in person, and over this time, the landscape for independent storytelling has shifted dramatically. It’s never been more critical to work to create a sustainable future for independent producers, a key priority for the Lab and Summit,...
- 7/25/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The Sundance Institute has named the participants for its 2022 Producers Lab and Summit, both of which are set to take place in person this year at Utah’s Sundance Mountain Resort.
The Fellows and projects selected for the Lab’s Feature Film Program are Apoorva Guru Charan (The Rotting Of Casey Culpepper), Leah Chen Baker (The President’s Cake), Eli Raskin (Starfuckers), Chloe Sabin (Sales Per Hour), and the duo of Helena Sardinha and Doménica Castro (Huella). Those set for the Lab’s Documentary Film Program are Lindsey Dryden (Untitled Dwarfism Project), Yoni Golijov (Untitled Sura Mallouh Project), Dawne Langford (Untitled Baltimore Project), Neyda Martinez (Bartolo) and Igor Myakotin (Queendom).
Jade Jackson (Losa), Lauren Lopez de Victoria (Forward), Fox Maxy (Water Tight), Albert Tholen and Aiko Masubuchi (Earthquake), and Séverine Tibi (Birthday) will participate in the Producers Summit on the Fiction Features side, with Nonfiction Feature participants to include Jude Chehab...
The Fellows and projects selected for the Lab’s Feature Film Program are Apoorva Guru Charan (The Rotting Of Casey Culpepper), Leah Chen Baker (The President’s Cake), Eli Raskin (Starfuckers), Chloe Sabin (Sales Per Hour), and the duo of Helena Sardinha and Doménica Castro (Huella). Those set for the Lab’s Documentary Film Program are Lindsey Dryden (Untitled Dwarfism Project), Yoni Golijov (Untitled Sura Mallouh Project), Dawne Langford (Untitled Baltimore Project), Neyda Martinez (Bartolo) and Igor Myakotin (Queendom).
Jade Jackson (Losa), Lauren Lopez de Victoria (Forward), Fox Maxy (Water Tight), Albert Tholen and Aiko Masubuchi (Earthquake), and Séverine Tibi (Birthday) will participate in the Producers Summit on the Fiction Features side, with Nonfiction Feature participants to include Jude Chehab...
- 7/25/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Los Angeles-based “electro-soul” band B00TY has dropped “Matter of Time,” its new single featured in Thursday’s premiere of Issa Rae’s HBO series “Rap Sh!t.”
The song is released on the new label, A Tiny Universe (Atu), formed by hitmakers Adrian Miller and Om’Mas Keith, who have more than 10 Grammys between them and have worked with Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Frank Ocean, Anderson .Paak, Odd Future and many others.
Keith, who is producing the group’s album, says “B00TY perfectly embodies what we’re aiming at musically with A Tiny Universe, and both Adrian and I feel that they will ultimately represent an essential element of our musical legacy. We are truly proud to be working with such unique talents as theirs.” B00TY is led by songwriters/producers Edan Frei and Adam Epelbaum and also features bassist April Kae and singer Sadé Clacken Joseph,...
The song is released on the new label, A Tiny Universe (Atu), formed by hitmakers Adrian Miller and Om’Mas Keith, who have more than 10 Grammys between them and have worked with Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Frank Ocean, Anderson .Paak, Odd Future and many others.
Keith, who is producing the group’s album, says “B00TY perfectly embodies what we’re aiming at musically with A Tiny Universe, and both Adrian and I feel that they will ultimately represent an essential element of our musical legacy. We are truly proud to be working with such unique talents as theirs.” B00TY is led by songwriters/producers Edan Frei and Adam Epelbaum and also features bassist April Kae and singer Sadé Clacken Joseph,...
- 7/19/2022
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Just days before Rap Sh!t’s HBO Max debut, the Issa Rae produced comedy looks to be coming back for a second season and heading out to the Golden State.
Penned by the Insecure co-creator and starring Aida Osman and KaMillion, Rap Sh!t was awarded over 12.6 million this morning in the latest round of small screen tax credits from the state of California. Centered on job creation, the award was one of the two relocating series allocations during this award period from the California Film Commission.
The incentive is intended for a Season 2 of the Miami-set series about the trials and tribulations of two old but now not-so close friends who band together to form a hip hop group. With Rap Sh!t to drop on the Warner Bros Discovery streamer on July 21, no formal Season 2 announcement has come from HBO Max yet. However, the application for the tax credit...
Penned by the Insecure co-creator and starring Aida Osman and KaMillion, Rap Sh!t was awarded over 12.6 million this morning in the latest round of small screen tax credits from the state of California. Centered on job creation, the award was one of the two relocating series allocations during this award period from the California Film Commission.
The incentive is intended for a Season 2 of the Miami-set series about the trials and tribulations of two old but now not-so close friends who band together to form a hip hop group. With Rap Sh!t to drop on the Warner Bros Discovery streamer on July 21, no formal Season 2 announcement has come from HBO Max yet. However, the application for the tax credit...
- 7/18/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO Max on Tuesday released the official trailer for “Rap Sh!t,” an original comedy series from from Emmy nominee Issa Rae (“Insecure”). The series premiere on July 21 with two episodes at 6 p.m. Pt/9 p.m. Et. The eight-episode season continues with one episode weekly until September 1.
The series follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion). The two reunite to form a rap group, forming a new bond along the way. The series also stars Jonica Booth, Devon Terrell and Rj Cyler.
“Rap Sh!t” is executive produced by Issa Rae and showrunner Syreeta Singleton, in addition to Montrel McKay for Hoorae, Jonathan Berry and Dave Becky for 3 Arts Entertainment and Deniese Davis. Rae also wrote the pilot episode and co-wrote the finale episode with Singleton.
Yung Miami and Jt of the hiphop duo City Girls are co-executive producers, along with Kevin “Coach...
The series follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion). The two reunite to form a rap group, forming a new bond along the way. The series also stars Jonica Booth, Devon Terrell and Rj Cyler.
“Rap Sh!t” is executive produced by Issa Rae and showrunner Syreeta Singleton, in addition to Montrel McKay for Hoorae, Jonathan Berry and Dave Becky for 3 Arts Entertainment and Deniese Davis. Rae also wrote the pilot episode and co-wrote the finale episode with Singleton.
Yung Miami and Jt of the hiphop duo City Girls are co-executive producers, along with Kevin “Coach...
- 7/5/2022
- by Sasha Urban and Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Martin Luther King III will host a new docuseries produced by Calabasas Film and Media, the company announced Monday.
Titled “Protect/Serve,” the series sees King, the oldest child of revered civil right activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., moderate a series of conversations with law enforcement officials, activists, grass-roots organization founders, DAs and other prominent figures. The conversations will focus on the role of police in America and the origins of institutional racism, with a goal of finding solutions to these problems. The first episode will feature a one-on-one conversation between King and Los Angeles county sheriff Alex Villanueva, whose tenure as sheriff has been plagued with controversy.
Wendy Eley Jackson directs the series and executive produces with Sam Pollard and Kapil Mahendra and Paul Beahan for Calabasas Films. Calabasas produces the series after having recently produced the Discovery+ reality series “Restaurant Recovery” with Raising Cane founder Todd Graves.
Titled “Protect/Serve,” the series sees King, the oldest child of revered civil right activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., moderate a series of conversations with law enforcement officials, activists, grass-roots organization founders, DAs and other prominent figures. The conversations will focus on the role of police in America and the origins of institutional racism, with a goal of finding solutions to these problems. The first episode will feature a one-on-one conversation between King and Los Angeles county sheriff Alex Villanueva, whose tenure as sheriff has been plagued with controversy.
Wendy Eley Jackson directs the series and executive produces with Sam Pollard and Kapil Mahendra and Paul Beahan for Calabasas Films. Calabasas produces the series after having recently produced the Discovery+ reality series “Restaurant Recovery” with Raising Cane founder Todd Graves.
- 6/13/2022
- by Sasha Urban, Wilson Chapman and Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
The official teaser trailer for Issa Rae’s Rap Sh!t introduces the chaotic adventures of Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion) through the lens of Instagram – and it’s one story you won’t want to click through.
The preview of the comedy series, which arrives on HBO Max on July 21, is part Instagram Live and part Instagram Story. Based in Miami, Rap Sh!t follows estranged friends Mia and Shawna as they reunite years after high school to form a rap duo à la City Girls, whose Yung Miami...
The preview of the comedy series, which arrives on HBO Max on July 21, is part Instagram Live and part Instagram Story. Based in Miami, Rap Sh!t follows estranged friends Mia and Shawna as they reunite years after high school to form a rap duo à la City Girls, whose Yung Miami...
- 6/13/2022
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
A “bad bitch renaissance” is coming to HBO Max.
The teaser trailer for Issa Rae’s upcoming series “Rap Sh!t” debuted on Monday, and it promises a ton of fun as it follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), who reunite to form a rap group.
In the teaser, which you can watch above, Shawna and Mia try to make it big in 2022, taking advantage of social media, club promotions and more to launch their career.
“Rap Sh!t” also stars Jonica Booth, Devon Terrell and Rj Cyler. Syreeta Singleton showruns and executive produces.
Also Read:
Why ‘The White Lotus’ Became the Hot TV Soundtrack of Summer 2021
Rae — who is still coming hot off the success of her last HBO series, “Insecure” — is an executive producer, and she also wrote the premiere episode and co-wrote the finale with Singleton.
Other executive producers are Montrel McKay for Hoorae,...
The teaser trailer for Issa Rae’s upcoming series “Rap Sh!t” debuted on Monday, and it promises a ton of fun as it follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), who reunite to form a rap group.
In the teaser, which you can watch above, Shawna and Mia try to make it big in 2022, taking advantage of social media, club promotions and more to launch their career.
“Rap Sh!t” also stars Jonica Booth, Devon Terrell and Rj Cyler. Syreeta Singleton showruns and executive produces.
Also Read:
Why ‘The White Lotus’ Became the Hot TV Soundtrack of Summer 2021
Rae — who is still coming hot off the success of her last HBO series, “Insecure” — is an executive producer, and she also wrote the premiere episode and co-wrote the finale with Singleton.
Other executive producers are Montrel McKay for Hoorae,...
- 6/13/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
Insecure alum Issa Rae is taking audiences to Miami on July 21 with the release of her latest comedy series Rap Sh!t on HBO Max. A teaser trailer dropped on Monday and can be viewed above.
The series follows Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), two estranged high school friends from the 305 who reunite to form a rap group.
Summer Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
Shawna and Mia lean into the magic and mayhem that Miami is famously known for as they party hard and work even harder to stand out in the music industry. The Magic City has everything they need to not just succeed but thrive in the city that never sleeps — home of Pitbull, strong Cuban coffee and nightclubs with 24-hour liquor licenses. They just have to want it bad enough.
Rap Sh!t is executive produced by Rae and showrunner Syreeta Singleton,...
The series follows Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), two estranged high school friends from the 305 who reunite to form a rap group.
Summer Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
Shawna and Mia lean into the magic and mayhem that Miami is famously known for as they party hard and work even harder to stand out in the music industry. The Magic City has everything they need to not just succeed but thrive in the city that never sleeps — home of Pitbull, strong Cuban coffee and nightclubs with 24-hour liquor licenses. They just have to want it bad enough.
Rap Sh!t is executive produced by Rae and showrunner Syreeta Singleton,...
- 6/13/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated, 2:31 p.m.: A24 and the non-profit Made in Her Image have set the inaugural cohort for their program Beyond the Screen, in support of women and non-binary Poc filmmakers.
Those chosen as mentees are Ailin Mo, Aloha Backenstose, Asari Aibangbee, Jaspreet Kaur, Tyler Newman, Rebecca Howell, Savannah-Rae Jackson, Uzo Ngwu, Vidal Thaver, Ndeye Maguette Doumbia, Nicole Pavia, Ingrid Nin, Aileen Ye, Anthea Liu, Arlyn De los Santos Aquino, Briana Richardson, Christine Lee (aka Esae Hyun), Jessica Ramirez, Kendra Lee, Kierra Usher, Kyra Saldana, Lathenia Johnson, Lauren Begay, Lofanitani Aisea, Maya Washington, Ciara Z Franklin, Kayli Joy Cooper, Sophia Hernandez, Kimberly Lopez Castellanos, Jadyn Newman and Tajianna Okechukw. More information on the Beyond the Screen program can be found below.
Previously, May 10: A24 has partnered with the non-profit Made in Her Image to launch Beyond the Screen, a new program in support of women and non-binary Poc filmmakers.
Those chosen as mentees are Ailin Mo, Aloha Backenstose, Asari Aibangbee, Jaspreet Kaur, Tyler Newman, Rebecca Howell, Savannah-Rae Jackson, Uzo Ngwu, Vidal Thaver, Ndeye Maguette Doumbia, Nicole Pavia, Ingrid Nin, Aileen Ye, Anthea Liu, Arlyn De los Santos Aquino, Briana Richardson, Christine Lee (aka Esae Hyun), Jessica Ramirez, Kendra Lee, Kierra Usher, Kyra Saldana, Lathenia Johnson, Lauren Begay, Lofanitani Aisea, Maya Washington, Ciara Z Franklin, Kayli Joy Cooper, Sophia Hernandez, Kimberly Lopez Castellanos, Jadyn Newman and Tajianna Okechukw. More information on the Beyond the Screen program can be found below.
Previously, May 10: A24 has partnered with the non-profit Made in Her Image to launch Beyond the Screen, a new program in support of women and non-binary Poc filmmakers.
- 6/1/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The nonprofit Made in Her Image has teamed with beloved indie shingle A24 for a new mentorship program that will educate 31 people on how a studio shepherds a film from production to premiere, the groups announced Wednesday. The first coterie is made up of 31 people with diverse backgrounds who have been historically hindered by systemic racial and gender inequality, with an emphasis on women and nonbinary people of color between the ages of 18-25.
The program, called Beyond the Screen, is a free, three-week immersive workshop that kicks of virtually on June 4. The three-session course will cover the business of production, post-production, and distribution. The goal is to allow those interested in film and TV careers to leave with a better understanding of how to naviagate their projects and careers.
The program will feature Q&As with “Burning Cane” director Phillip Youmans, “Insecure” producer Deniese Davis, and Netflix post-production executive Nancy Valle.
The program, called Beyond the Screen, is a free, three-week immersive workshop that kicks of virtually on June 4. The three-session course will cover the business of production, post-production, and distribution. The goal is to allow those interested in film and TV careers to leave with a better understanding of how to naviagate their projects and careers.
The program will feature Q&As with “Burning Cane” director Phillip Youmans, “Insecure” producer Deniese Davis, and Netflix post-production executive Nancy Valle.
- 6/1/2022
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Updated: After a two-year hiatus, the Producers Guild of America is returning for its 12th annual Produced By Conference — to be held on June 11 and 12 at the Fox Studio Lot in Century City — and has announced a number of prominent speakers and panel sessions.
Recently-added speakers include Peter Friedlander, DanTram Nguyen, Megan Colligan, Mark Resteghini, Devin Griffin, Barry Jossen, Mark Gill, Aaron Hart, Catherine Tait, Chris Thomes and Yvette Nicole Brown.
Also added are conversations with Charles D. King, Dan Lin, Seth MacFarlane & Erica Huggins, Viola Davis and Julius Tennon. Sessions added include Web3 and Meet the Buyers.
Earlier confirmed speakers include Academy Award winner Viola Davis, her husband and producing partner, veteran producer Julius Tennon (“The First Lady”), “Family Guy” creator MacFarlane, television producer Betsy Beers (creative partner at Shondaland) and comedy leader Mike Farah.
The conference will feature a networking reception, panels, Q&As and its signature Mentoring Roundtables.
Recently-added speakers include Peter Friedlander, DanTram Nguyen, Megan Colligan, Mark Resteghini, Devin Griffin, Barry Jossen, Mark Gill, Aaron Hart, Catherine Tait, Chris Thomes and Yvette Nicole Brown.
Also added are conversations with Charles D. King, Dan Lin, Seth MacFarlane & Erica Huggins, Viola Davis and Julius Tennon. Sessions added include Web3 and Meet the Buyers.
Earlier confirmed speakers include Academy Award winner Viola Davis, her husband and producing partner, veteran producer Julius Tennon (“The First Lady”), “Family Guy” creator MacFarlane, television producer Betsy Beers (creative partner at Shondaland) and comedy leader Mike Farah.
The conference will feature a networking reception, panels, Q&As and its signature Mentoring Roundtables.
- 5/24/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
On Friday, the Producers Guild of America announced featured speakers and mentors for the 2022 Produced By conference, happening Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12 at the Fox studio lot in Century City.
Among the speakers are Oscar-winner Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon, representing their outfit JuVee Productions; “The Orville” and “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane; “Judas and the Black Messiah” producer Charles D. King (Founder & CEO, MacRo); “The Lego Movie” producer Dan Lin (Founder and CEO of Rideback); and “Hustle and Flow” producer Stephanie Allain (Homegrown Pictures).
Also attending will be Shondaland creative partner Betsy Beers; Funny or Die CEO Mike Farah; UTA Co-Head of Media Rights Jason Richman; Mark Kimsey, co-ceo of Electromagnetic Productions; actor and producer Aml Ameen. More featured speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Per the official description, Produced By Conference 2022 “will feature panels, Q&As, a networking reception, its ever-popular Mentoring Roundtables,...
Among the speakers are Oscar-winner Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon, representing their outfit JuVee Productions; “The Orville” and “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane; “Judas and the Black Messiah” producer Charles D. King (Founder & CEO, MacRo); “The Lego Movie” producer Dan Lin (Founder and CEO of Rideback); and “Hustle and Flow” producer Stephanie Allain (Homegrown Pictures).
Also attending will be Shondaland creative partner Betsy Beers; Funny or Die CEO Mike Farah; UTA Co-Head of Media Rights Jason Richman; Mark Kimsey, co-ceo of Electromagnetic Productions; actor and producer Aml Ameen. More featured speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Per the official description, Produced By Conference 2022 “will feature panels, Q&As, a networking reception, its ever-popular Mentoring Roundtables,...
- 5/13/2022
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
The Emmy-winning sketch comedy series “A Black Lady Sketch Show” will return for its third season Friday, April 8 at 11:00 p.m. Et/Pt, HBO announced on Tuesday. They also released a teaser trailer in which Robin Thede dropped the punny joke, “I just got back from Africa. Wakanda jokes you all lookin’ for?”
The series, which also stars Gabrielle Dennis, Ashley Nicole Black and Skye Townsend, will feature more than 40 celebrity guest stars, including Ava DuVernay, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Raven-Symoné, Wanda Sykes, David Alan Grier, Kyla Pratt, Jemele Hill, Holly Robinson Peete, Kel Mitchell, Michael Ealy, Wayne Brady, Bob the Drag Queen, Vanessa Williams, Lance Reddick, Loni Love, Cari Champion, Shangela, Trevor Jackson, Tommy Davidson, Jay Pharoah, Jidenna, and Essence Atkins.
Watch the teaser below or on YouTube.
The six-episode season will air on HBO and be available to stream on HBO Max.
Thede is the creator of the series,...
The series, which also stars Gabrielle Dennis, Ashley Nicole Black and Skye Townsend, will feature more than 40 celebrity guest stars, including Ava DuVernay, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Raven-Symoné, Wanda Sykes, David Alan Grier, Kyla Pratt, Jemele Hill, Holly Robinson Peete, Kel Mitchell, Michael Ealy, Wayne Brady, Bob the Drag Queen, Vanessa Williams, Lance Reddick, Loni Love, Cari Champion, Shangela, Trevor Jackson, Tommy Davidson, Jay Pharoah, Jidenna, and Essence Atkins.
Watch the teaser below or on YouTube.
The six-episode season will air on HBO and be available to stream on HBO Max.
Thede is the creator of the series,...
- 3/15/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Exclusive: We’ll be seeing more of Skye Townsend on Robin Thede’s A Black Lady Sketch Show. Townsend, who recurred as various characters in Season 2, has been promoted to series regular for the third season of HBO’s Emmy-winning sketch comedy series, executive produced by Issa Rae.
Townsend appeared in six episodes in Season 2.
Created, written by and starring Thede, A Black Lady Sketch Show has broken new ground in sketch comedy TV. Season 2 again featured a core cast of Black women living relatable experiences in a magical reality that subverts traditional expectations.
“Skye quickly proved to be an invaluable cast member of A Black Lady Sketch Show last season and we couldn’t be more excited to promote her to series regular, said Thede. “We haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of her talents and we are thrilled to see more of her dynamic characters on screen.
Townsend appeared in six episodes in Season 2.
Created, written by and starring Thede, A Black Lady Sketch Show has broken new ground in sketch comedy TV. Season 2 again featured a core cast of Black women living relatable experiences in a magical reality that subverts traditional expectations.
“Skye quickly proved to be an invaluable cast member of A Black Lady Sketch Show last season and we couldn’t be more excited to promote her to series regular, said Thede. “We haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of her talents and we are thrilled to see more of her dynamic characters on screen.
- 3/2/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The Black TV & Film Collective (Btfc) is merging with The Parity Project, a data-driven organization founded by Black Writers Guild of America (WGA) union members.
Both parties, who have worked for 8 years to combat underrepresentation in the industry aim to achieve “financial and narrative equity for African American professional writers within the TV industry” with the merger, which they hope will increase their impact. They will now both go forward under the banner The Black TV & Film Collective.
Among the initiatives launched by both Btfc and The Parity Projects in the past are career support, mentorship, and networking for members to assist artists of Black and African descent in carving out financially sustainable careers in television, film and digital entertainment.
In 2020, Btfc also launched a Black Producers Fellowship, granting six emerging Black producers the means to complete a short film while The Parity Project developed a mentorship program called...
Both parties, who have worked for 8 years to combat underrepresentation in the industry aim to achieve “financial and narrative equity for African American professional writers within the TV industry” with the merger, which they hope will increase their impact. They will now both go forward under the banner The Black TV & Film Collective.
Among the initiatives launched by both Btfc and The Parity Projects in the past are career support, mentorship, and networking for members to assist artists of Black and African descent in carving out financially sustainable careers in television, film and digital entertainment.
In 2020, Btfc also launched a Black Producers Fellowship, granting six emerging Black producers the means to complete a short film while The Parity Project developed a mentorship program called...
- 11/12/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The Black TV & Film Collective a nonprofit development and production hub for artists of Black and African descent, has merged with The Parity Project, a data-driven organization with the mission to create financial and narrative equity for African American professional writers within the TV industry, to address systemic racism in Hollywood.
Together, now known singularly as The Black TV & Film Collective, they will offer production and career support, mentorship, and networking to creatives of Black and African descent who are seeking to become creators, producers, directors, and writers in the fields of TV, film, and digital entertainment. Going forward both organizations are excited to increase their impact as a merged organization.
“We see serving Los Angeles and New York as just the beginning, and over time we will open hubs in other major cities across the United States and the world, said Btfc Co-Founder and Board Member Hurriyah Muhammad.
Together, now known singularly as The Black TV & Film Collective, they will offer production and career support, mentorship, and networking to creatives of Black and African descent who are seeking to become creators, producers, directors, and writers in the fields of TV, film, and digital entertainment. Going forward both organizations are excited to increase their impact as a merged organization.
“We see serving Los Angeles and New York as just the beginning, and over time we will open hubs in other major cities across the United States and the world, said Btfc Co-Founder and Board Member Hurriyah Muhammad.
- 11/10/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ladarian Smith is set to adapt Simon B. Rhymin for Sony’s 3000 Pictures. Based on the book from America’s favorite rapping teacher Dwayne Reed, the film will be produced by Homegrown Pictures. Described as a humorous and heartwarming bounce-to-the-beat underdog story about a young rapper whose dream and rhymes help bring his community together. Stephanie Allain is producing and Erin is overseeing for 3000
Simon B. Rhymin is the debut novel from Reed, a teacher from Chicago whose viral back-to-school music video “Welcome to the 4th Grade” took the internet by storm, and was featured on Good Morning America.
Smith, a former high-school English teacher himself who worked for Teach America, previously worked alongside Lena Waithe in the writers rooms for BET’s Boomerang series and Twenties. Smith began his screenwriting career when he was selected as the runner-up of Issa Rae and Deniese Davis’s “Fresh Wave” initiative,...
Simon B. Rhymin is the debut novel from Reed, a teacher from Chicago whose viral back-to-school music video “Welcome to the 4th Grade” took the internet by storm, and was featured on Good Morning America.
Smith, a former high-school English teacher himself who worked for Teach America, previously worked alongside Lena Waithe in the writers rooms for BET’s Boomerang series and Twenties. Smith began his screenwriting career when he was selected as the runner-up of Issa Rae and Deniese Davis’s “Fresh Wave” initiative,...
- 9/23/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Devonté Hynes has signed on to compose the score for Issa Rae’s HBO Max comedy, Rap Sh*t.
The series written by Rae follows Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), two estranged high school friends from Miami, who reunite to form a rap group.
Jonica Booth, Devon Terrell and Rj Cyler also star.
Sadé Clacken Joseph is directing the pilot for the half-hour series.
Issa Rae and Montrel McKay are exec producing for Hoorae, alongside 3 Arts Entertainment’s Dave Becky and Jonathan Berry, Deniese Davis, and Syreeta Singleton, who also serves as showrunner.
Hip hop duo Yung Miami and Jt of City Girls serve as co-executive producers, along with Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas for Quality Control Films and Sara Rastogi for Hoorae.
Rae’s audio content company Raedio is handling music supervision for the series.
The series written by Rae follows Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), two estranged high school friends from Miami, who reunite to form a rap group.
Jonica Booth, Devon Terrell and Rj Cyler also star.
Sadé Clacken Joseph is directing the pilot for the half-hour series.
Issa Rae and Montrel McKay are exec producing for Hoorae, alongside 3 Arts Entertainment’s Dave Becky and Jonathan Berry, Deniese Davis, and Syreeta Singleton, who also serves as showrunner.
Hip hop duo Yung Miami and Jt of City Girls serve as co-executive producers, along with Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas for Quality Control Films and Sara Rastogi for Hoorae.
Rae’s audio content company Raedio is handling music supervision for the series.
- 8/23/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Rj Cyler has been cast in a series regular role in the upcoming Issa Rae HBO Max comedy series “Rap Sh*t,” Variety has learned.
The series follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), who reunite to form a rap group. Cyler will play Lamont, an aspiring music producer with a sharp ear for talent. He is also the loving but sometimes absentminded young father to Melissa, so by association, he has a complicated relationship with Mia. Jonica Booth and Devon Terrell also star in the series.
Cyler broke out with his performance in the feature “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” which he quickly followed up with the big-budget film adaptation of “Power Rangers” and the Brad Pitt film “War Machine.” He also starred in the film “White Boy Rick” and will next be seen in “The Harder They Fall” alongside Idris Elba,...
The series follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), who reunite to form a rap group. Cyler will play Lamont, an aspiring music producer with a sharp ear for talent. He is also the loving but sometimes absentminded young father to Melissa, so by association, he has a complicated relationship with Mia. Jonica Booth and Devon Terrell also star in the series.
Cyler broke out with his performance in the feature “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” which he quickly followed up with the big-budget film adaptation of “Power Rangers” and the Brad Pitt film “War Machine.” He also starred in the film “White Boy Rick” and will next be seen in “The Harder They Fall” alongside Idris Elba,...
- 8/16/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Daniel Augustin, Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut (Cruel Summer), Amandla Jahava (Dmz) and Jaboukie Young-White have been tapped for recurring roles in Rap Sh*t, HBO Max’s half-hour comedy series from Insecure co-creator Rae and her Hoorae Productions.
Written by Rae and starring Aida Osman and KaMillion, Rap Sh*t follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna (Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), who reunite to form a rap group.
Cast also includes previously announced series regulars Devon Terrell and Jonica Booth.
Augustin plays Maurice, Shawna’s (Osman) friend and co-worker. He is very dapper, with great taste in clothes, but maybe not so much in women.
Chestnut portrays Fatima, law classmate and close friend of Shawna’s boyfriend, Cliff (Terrell).
Jahava is Jill, Shawna’s (Osman) friend from college. She currently works at Spotify In New York...
Written by Rae and starring Aida Osman and KaMillion, Rap Sh*t follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna (Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), who reunite to form a rap group.
Cast also includes previously announced series regulars Devon Terrell and Jonica Booth.
Augustin plays Maurice, Shawna’s (Osman) friend and co-worker. He is very dapper, with great taste in clothes, but maybe not so much in women.
Chestnut portrays Fatima, law classmate and close friend of Shawna’s boyfriend, Cliff (Terrell).
Jahava is Jill, Shawna’s (Osman) friend from college. She currently works at Spotify In New York...
- 8/6/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Devon Terrell is set as a lead opposite Aida Osman and Kamillion in Rap Sh*t (working title), HBO Max’s half-hour comedy series from Insecure co-creator Rae and her Hoorae Productions.
Written by Rae, Rap Sh*t follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna (Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), who reunite to form a rap group.
Terrell plays Cliff, Shawna’s (Osman) supportive but long-distance boyfriend who currently attends law school in New York. He met Shawna in Atlanta back when they were in college together. Terrell also joins previously cast Jonica Booth.
Rae executive produces with Montrel McKay via Hoorae, along with Syreenta Singleton, who also serves as showrunner, Dave Becky and Jonathan Berry for 3 Arts Entertainment and Deniese Davis. Hip hop duo Yung Miami and Jt of City Girls serve as co-executive producers, along with Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P...
Written by Rae, Rap Sh*t follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna (Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), who reunite to form a rap group.
Terrell plays Cliff, Shawna’s (Osman) supportive but long-distance boyfriend who currently attends law school in New York. He met Shawna in Atlanta back when they were in college together. Terrell also joins previously cast Jonica Booth.
Rae executive produces with Montrel McKay via Hoorae, along with Syreenta Singleton, who also serves as showrunner, Dave Becky and Jonathan Berry for 3 Arts Entertainment and Deniese Davis. Hip hop duo Yung Miami and Jt of City Girls serve as co-executive producers, along with Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P...
- 7/9/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO has picked up a third season of Robin Thede’s Emmy-nominated sketch comedy series A Black Lady Sketch Show, executive produced by Issa Rae. The renewal comes just ahead of Friday’s Season 2 finale.
“Robin continues to break new ground in the world of sketch comedy,” said Amy Gravitt, EVP, HBO Comedy Programming. “She delivered a hilariously sharp second season, and we’re looking forward to seeing where Robin, Issa Rae and the A Black Lady Sketch Show team take us in Season 3.”
Created, written by and starring Thede, A Black Lady Sketch Show has broken new ground in sketch comedy TV. Season 2 again featured a core cast of Black women living relatable experiences in a magical reality that subverts traditional expectations.
“Making A Black Lady Sketch Show is a dream come true, and I’m honored to continue our incredible series and wonderful partnership with HBO, Issa Rae,...
“Robin continues to break new ground in the world of sketch comedy,” said Amy Gravitt, EVP, HBO Comedy Programming. “She delivered a hilariously sharp second season, and we’re looking forward to seeing where Robin, Issa Rae and the A Black Lady Sketch Show team take us in Season 3.”
Created, written by and starring Thede, A Black Lady Sketch Show has broken new ground in sketch comedy TV. Season 2 again featured a core cast of Black women living relatable experiences in a magical reality that subverts traditional expectations.
“Making A Black Lady Sketch Show is a dream come true, and I’m honored to continue our incredible series and wonderful partnership with HBO, Issa Rae,...
- 5/24/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO (and Robin Thede) will be serving up more laughs with “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” renewed Monday for a third season.
Thede, the creator, showrunner, executive producer, writer and star of the Emmy-nominated narrative comedy show, said making the show has been a dream come true. “I’m honored to continue our incredible series and wonderful partnership with HBO, Issa Rae, Jax Media and our entire producing team,” she added in a statement.
Season 1, which debuted in August 2019, received three Primetime Emmy nods, including outstanding variety sketch series, directing for a variety series and guest actress in a comedy series (Angela Bassett). Season 2, which recently premiered, once again features a core cast of Black women living relatable, hilarious experiences in a magical reality that subverts traditional expectations.
“Robin continues to break new ground in the world of sketch comedy. She delivered a hilariously sharp second season, and we’re...
Thede, the creator, showrunner, executive producer, writer and star of the Emmy-nominated narrative comedy show, said making the show has been a dream come true. “I’m honored to continue our incredible series and wonderful partnership with HBO, Issa Rae, Jax Media and our entire producing team,” she added in a statement.
Season 1, which debuted in August 2019, received three Primetime Emmy nods, including outstanding variety sketch series, directing for a variety series and guest actress in a comedy series (Angela Bassett). Season 2, which recently premiered, once again features a core cast of Black women living relatable, hilarious experiences in a magical reality that subverts traditional expectations.
“Robin continues to break new ground in the world of sketch comedy. She delivered a hilariously sharp second season, and we’re...
- 5/24/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sundance Institute has announced the 21 fellows and 18 projects they have selected for their first-ever, multi-track Episodic Lab, which is being held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fellows chosen include Justin Calen-Chenn (The Cavi), Lauren Glover (A Dignified Death), Andrew Lopez (Emotional), Jessie Barr and Lena Hudson (Fantasia for You), Elissa Blount Moorhead and Ericka Blount Danois (fiftyTWO), Stacy F. McDonald (Gone But Not Forgotten), Zach Gonzalez-Landis (The Great Impasta), Mansoor Adayfi and Antonio Aiello, Yvonne Hana Yi (Hannah with the Dogs), Carly Woodworth (Lasting), Jackie Katzman (Loons), Terrance Daye (Mandingo), Jess dela Merced (On Soul), Shirin Najafi (Regulars), Johnny Alvarez (Somewhere Else), Rom Lotan (Tehran Disco), Melody Cooper (Those Who Kill) and Nicole Saad (Tinderbox).
The 2021 Lab, hosted on Sundance Collab, has been designed as an immersive two-part experience. Fellows were divided into either the “Idea to Pilot Track,” in which they developed an...
Fellows chosen include Justin Calen-Chenn (The Cavi), Lauren Glover (A Dignified Death), Andrew Lopez (Emotional), Jessie Barr and Lena Hudson (Fantasia for You), Elissa Blount Moorhead and Ericka Blount Danois (fiftyTWO), Stacy F. McDonald (Gone But Not Forgotten), Zach Gonzalez-Landis (The Great Impasta), Mansoor Adayfi and Antonio Aiello, Yvonne Hana Yi (Hannah with the Dogs), Carly Woodworth (Lasting), Jackie Katzman (Loons), Terrance Daye (Mandingo), Jess dela Merced (On Soul), Shirin Najafi (Regulars), Johnny Alvarez (Somewhere Else), Rom Lotan (Tehran Disco), Melody Cooper (Those Who Kill) and Nicole Saad (Tinderbox).
The 2021 Lab, hosted on Sundance Collab, has been designed as an immersive two-part experience. Fellows were divided into either the “Idea to Pilot Track,” in which they developed an...
- 5/14/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The ladies of “A Black Lady Sketch” show are back and the second season will be launching even sooner than fans expected.
The sketch comedy series from creator Robin Thede will return on April 23, with a six-episode season airing on HBO and available to stream on HBO Max.
“Oh you thought a pandemic was going to stop me?” Thede says in a teaser for the new season, which you can watch above.
Returning cast members include Thede, Ashley Nicole Black and Gabrielle Dennis, who will be joined by featured players Laci Mosley and Skye Townsend. Additionally, many guest stars will appear throughout the season, including executive producer Issa Rae, Gabrielle Union, Jesse Williams, Miguel, Skai Jackson, Laz Alonso, Ryan Michelle Bathé, Omarion, Kim Wayans, Ayesha Curry, Lance Gross, Wunmi Mosaku and more.
A scheduling conflict caused by industry-wide Covid-19 shutdowns kept Season 1 cast member Quinta Brunson from appearing in Season...
The sketch comedy series from creator Robin Thede will return on April 23, with a six-episode season airing on HBO and available to stream on HBO Max.
“Oh you thought a pandemic was going to stop me?” Thede says in a teaser for the new season, which you can watch above.
Returning cast members include Thede, Ashley Nicole Black and Gabrielle Dennis, who will be joined by featured players Laci Mosley and Skye Townsend. Additionally, many guest stars will appear throughout the season, including executive producer Issa Rae, Gabrielle Union, Jesse Williams, Miguel, Skai Jackson, Laz Alonso, Ryan Michelle Bathé, Omarion, Kim Wayans, Ayesha Curry, Lance Gross, Wunmi Mosaku and more.
A scheduling conflict caused by industry-wide Covid-19 shutdowns kept Season 1 cast member Quinta Brunson from appearing in Season...
- 3/23/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
A Black Lady Sketch Show, Robin Thede’s sketch comedy series, will return to HBO for season 2.
Set to premiere on Friday, April 23 at 11 p.m. Et/Pt on HBO and HBO Max, A Black Lady Sketch Show‘s sophomore season will feature six episodes filled with new sketches from returning cast members Thede, Gabrielle Dennis and Ashley Nicole Black. Issa Rae, Gabrielle Union and Jessie Williams are among the guest stars set to make appearances this season. Additional guests are singer Miguel, Skai Jackson, Laz Alonso, Omarion, Kim Wayans, Ayesha Curry, Lance Gross and Lovecraft Country’s Wunmi Mosaku.
Quinta Brunson, who was a cast member in season one, will not appear this season due to Covid shutdown-related scheduling conflicts.
A Black Lady Sketch Show season one touched on culturally relevant themes as social norms, anxiety, religion, sex, dating and relationships. Each episode consisted of five to six sketches,...
Set to premiere on Friday, April 23 at 11 p.m. Et/Pt on HBO and HBO Max, A Black Lady Sketch Show‘s sophomore season will feature six episodes filled with new sketches from returning cast members Thede, Gabrielle Dennis and Ashley Nicole Black. Issa Rae, Gabrielle Union and Jessie Williams are among the guest stars set to make appearances this season. Additional guests are singer Miguel, Skai Jackson, Laz Alonso, Omarion, Kim Wayans, Ayesha Curry, Lance Gross and Lovecraft Country’s Wunmi Mosaku.
Quinta Brunson, who was a cast member in season one, will not appear this season due to Covid shutdown-related scheduling conflicts.
A Black Lady Sketch Show season one touched on culturally relevant themes as social norms, anxiety, religion, sex, dating and relationships. Each episode consisted of five to six sketches,...
- 3/23/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Deniese Davis wants to bring some reform to Hollywood, literally.
The Insecure co-executive producer has formed Reform Media Group to produce big screen and small screen content. In Davis’ desire to both entertain and illuminate audiences, the A Black Lady Sketch Show producer and her new banner have signed with CAA. The uberagency will represent Davis and Rmg in all areas.
“I am thrilled to be launching Reform Media Group as I embark on this next chapter in my producing career,” ColorCreative co-founder Davis told Deadline today.
“I have a deep appreciation and gratitude for having been able to work alongside Issa Rae for so many years and build ColorCreative together from the ground up,” said Davis. “Issa helped open up several doors for me and has been a longtime inspiration for what a Black woman can do in this industry when they create their own lane,” she added.
The Insecure co-executive producer has formed Reform Media Group to produce big screen and small screen content. In Davis’ desire to both entertain and illuminate audiences, the A Black Lady Sketch Show producer and her new banner have signed with CAA. The uberagency will represent Davis and Rmg in all areas.
“I am thrilled to be launching Reform Media Group as I embark on this next chapter in my producing career,” ColorCreative co-founder Davis told Deadline today.
“I have a deep appreciation and gratitude for having been able to work alongside Issa Rae for so many years and build ColorCreative together from the ground up,” said Davis. “Issa helped open up several doors for me and has been a longtime inspiration for what a Black woman can do in this industry when they create their own lane,” she added.
- 2/18/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
With diversity, equity, and inclusion in the media being more important than ever now, cultural production firm Src Partners has announced a collection of vital industry panels it will produce for the Non-Obvious Beyond Diversity Summit, a free virtual event being held later this month from January 26th to 29th. Over 150 incredible speakers will gather for this event for 48 panels with Src Partners managing eight of them which include acclaimed creators from Ms. Marvel, Insecure, 30 Rock, and Ramy who will speak about their experiences and provide insight into developing a more inclusive industry.
Src Partners is proud to present several of the Summit’s panels. Deniese Davis and Meera Menon headline the panel “Women of Color: Top Producers Flipping the Script” while “Cultural Confidence: Teaching Young People To Be Proud of Their Heritage” will bring together speakers including Maulik Pancholy and Leela Ladnier. The panel “Casting Calls: How to Create...
Src Partners is proud to present several of the Summit’s panels. Deniese Davis and Meera Menon headline the panel “Women of Color: Top Producers Flipping the Script” while “Cultural Confidence: Teaching Young People To Be Proud of Their Heritage” will bring together speakers including Maulik Pancholy and Leela Ladnier. The panel “Casting Calls: How to Create...
- 1/16/2021
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Exclusive: Issa Rae and La La Anthony want to scare the living daylights out of you and make you laugh at the same time with Juju.
The Insecure and Power vets are executive producing the upcoming horror comedy for Universal Pictures, I’ve learned. In the early stages, there are not a lot of plot specifics. However, it will be based on an original concept by Angelica Nwandu, founder of Instagram-based info hub The Shade Room and a Sundance fellow, who will write the script.
Juju will be the studio feature directorial debut for Thembi Banks, who has been a director on Rae’s Insecure, Frankie Shaw’s Smilf and a Sundance alum herself. Earlier this year, Banks was in the midst of helming Young, Wild, Free for Macro, Sk Global and Baron Davis, but that feature project was put on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Longtime Rae...
The Insecure and Power vets are executive producing the upcoming horror comedy for Universal Pictures, I’ve learned. In the early stages, there are not a lot of plot specifics. However, it will be based on an original concept by Angelica Nwandu, founder of Instagram-based info hub The Shade Room and a Sundance fellow, who will write the script.
Juju will be the studio feature directorial debut for Thembi Banks, who has been a director on Rae’s Insecure, Frankie Shaw’s Smilf and a Sundance alum herself. Earlier this year, Banks was in the midst of helming Young, Wild, Free for Macro, Sk Global and Baron Davis, but that feature project was put on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Longtime Rae...
- 12/8/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Issa Rae has consolidated her entertainment production ventures for feature film, television and digital under the recently launched Hoorae media company, Variety has learned exclusively.
Formerly Issa Rae Productions, Hoorae includes HBO’s “Insecure” and “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” Rae received Emmy nominations for comedy series and best actress in a comedy series for “Insecure” and best variety sketch series for “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” Hoorae’s slate includes “Tre Cnt” and the “Seen & Heard” docuseries for HBO, as well as “Rap S—” for HBO Max, “Perfect Strangers” for Spyglass, “Ghost in the Machine” for Netflix and “Sinkhole” with Monkeypaw and Universal.
“Sinkhole,” based on Leyna Krow’s short story about a mysterious sinkhole, was announced in July as a potential starring vehicle for Rae, who will also produce along with Jordan Peele. Rae came aboard “Perfect Strangers” in December as a producer, writer and star for the...
Formerly Issa Rae Productions, Hoorae includes HBO’s “Insecure” and “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” Rae received Emmy nominations for comedy series and best actress in a comedy series for “Insecure” and best variety sketch series for “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” Hoorae’s slate includes “Tre Cnt” and the “Seen & Heard” docuseries for HBO, as well as “Rap S—” for HBO Max, “Perfect Strangers” for Spyglass, “Ghost in the Machine” for Netflix and “Sinkhole” with Monkeypaw and Universal.
“Sinkhole,” based on Leyna Krow’s short story about a mysterious sinkhole, was announced in July as a potential starring vehicle for Rae, who will also produce along with Jordan Peele. Rae came aboard “Perfect Strangers” in December as a producer, writer and star for the...
- 9/30/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The second night of the Creative Arts Emmys Awards kicked off Tuesday.
Among the big winners for the night were “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver,” which won three Emmys. That includes a win for best writing for a variety series. In addition, “Saturday Night Live” walked away with yet another win in the best variety sketch series category, marking one of three wins it scored throughout the night.
The second installment of “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” picked up the award for best live variety special, which it also won last year. The win also made executive producer Norman Lear the oldest Emmy winner ever at 98, beating his own record when he won at 97.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” also picked up two more awards, bringing its total to four so far. Tonight, the show won for best contemporary makeup for a variety, nonfiction or reality program (Non-Prosthetic) as...
Among the big winners for the night were “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver,” which won three Emmys. That includes a win for best writing for a variety series. In addition, “Saturday Night Live” walked away with yet another win in the best variety sketch series category, marking one of three wins it scored throughout the night.
The second installment of “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” picked up the award for best live variety special, which it also won last year. The win also made executive producer Norman Lear the oldest Emmy winner ever at 98, beating his own record when he won at 97.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” also picked up two more awards, bringing its total to four so far. Tonight, the show won for best contemporary makeup for a variety, nonfiction or reality program (Non-Prosthetic) as...
- 9/16/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
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