Hulu has unveiled the first official trailer and release date for “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,” its original documentary on Atlanta’s legendary annual Hbcu Spring Break phenomenon of the ‘80’s and ‘90’s. Set to make its world premiere at SXSW’s film festival before arriving on Hulu March 21, the doc features interviews with politicians, event founders, former partygoers and prominent hip-hop artists, including Lil Jon, Killer Mike, 21 Savage, Jermaine Dupri and Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell — the latter three who are among the film’s producers.
“At its heart, Freaknik is a music documentary,” the film’s director and executive producer, P. Frank Williams, tells Variety. “Luke is the soundtrack of Freaknik, [Dupri’s] So So Def label is directly correlated to Freaknik, and 21 Savage is the new school —they’re fascinated with the wild stuff we did, the clothes and the music of that era.”
Showrunner and executive producer Geraldine L. Porras says,...
“At its heart, Freaknik is a music documentary,” the film’s director and executive producer, P. Frank Williams, tells Variety. “Luke is the soundtrack of Freaknik, [Dupri’s] So So Def label is directly correlated to Freaknik, and 21 Savage is the new school —they’re fascinated with the wild stuff we did, the clothes and the music of that era.”
Showrunner and executive producer Geraldine L. Porras says,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Janee Bolden
- Variety Film + TV
Hulu has announced the premiere dates for limited series Under the Bridge and the two docs The Contestant and the film Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told.
Under the Bridge is a limited series with eight episodes that’s based on Rebecca Godfrey’s book about the 1997 true story of fourteen-year old Reena Virk who went to join friends at a party and never returned home. The Hulu limited series that stars Lily Gladstone, Archie Panjabi and Riley Keough premieres April 17.
The series was adapted for screen by Quinn Shephard and is executive produced by Samir Mehta, Liz Tigelaar and Stacey Silverman (Best Day Ever), Shephard, Godfrey and Tara Duncan. Keough will executive produce with Gina Gammell (Felix Culpa). Geeta Patel will direct the pilot and EP the episode. The series is produced by ABC Signature.
Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told bows March 21 on Hulu in the U.S.
Under the Bridge is a limited series with eight episodes that’s based on Rebecca Godfrey’s book about the 1997 true story of fourteen-year old Reena Virk who went to join friends at a party and never returned home. The Hulu limited series that stars Lily Gladstone, Archie Panjabi and Riley Keough premieres April 17.
The series was adapted for screen by Quinn Shephard and is executive produced by Samir Mehta, Liz Tigelaar and Stacey Silverman (Best Day Ever), Shephard, Godfrey and Tara Duncan. Keough will executive produce with Gina Gammell (Felix Culpa). Geeta Patel will direct the pilot and EP the episode. The series is produced by ABC Signature.
Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told bows March 21 on Hulu in the U.S.
- 2/9/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lifetime will air a sequel to Single Black Female, a 2022 movie that averaged more than 8 million total viewers across linear and digital platforms and was the No. 1 original non-holiday movie of 2022.
Stars Amber Riley, Raven Goodwin and K. Michelle will reprise their roles for Single Black Female 2: Simone’s Revenge, which is set to premiere March 2 at 8 p.m.
Three years after narrowly escaping the murderous clutches of her half-sister Simone (Riley), Monica (Goodwin) is ready for a fresh start in Seattle as the host of the city’s #1 primetime investigative television program. With her best friend Bebe (Michelle) by her side and a new love interest, things are looking up for Monica. Secretly nursed back to health and suffering from amnesia, Simone is building a new life when she comes across Monica on TV and her memories come rushing back, leading to a fateful reunion between the sisters.
Stars Amber Riley, Raven Goodwin and K. Michelle will reprise their roles for Single Black Female 2: Simone’s Revenge, which is set to premiere March 2 at 8 p.m.
Three years after narrowly escaping the murderous clutches of her half-sister Simone (Riley), Monica (Goodwin) is ready for a fresh start in Seattle as the host of the city’s #1 primetime investigative television program. With her best friend Bebe (Michelle) by her side and a new love interest, things are looking up for Monica. Secretly nursed back to health and suffering from amnesia, Simone is building a new life when she comes across Monica on TV and her memories come rushing back, leading to a fateful reunion between the sisters.
- 1/30/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Bravo star Kandi Burruss has joined the cast of the BET+ original holiday film Whatever It Takes. Deadline has your exclusive first look at the trailer above.
From writers TuShonda Whitaker and Amaleka McCall Brathwaite, Whatever It Takes is set on Thanksgiving weekend as snow is falling, Christmas is on the horizon and the promises of the New Year are near. Navigating careers, life and the nuances of friendship, five women bond over the imperfections in their love lives. The holidays bring some of them their greatest wishes and others their most profound losses.
The film, starring and executive produced by Tami Roman, will premiere on December 21. The cast also includes Brely Evans, Kendrick Cross, Rayan Lawrence, Zuri James, Stevie Baggs Jr, Linda Boston, Monica Robinson and Aj Akua Johnson.
“I’m so excited to be working with this incredibly talented...
From writers TuShonda Whitaker and Amaleka McCall Brathwaite, Whatever It Takes is set on Thanksgiving weekend as snow is falling, Christmas is on the horizon and the promises of the New Year are near. Navigating careers, life and the nuances of friendship, five women bond over the imperfections in their love lives. The holidays bring some of them their greatest wishes and others their most profound losses.
The film, starring and executive produced by Tami Roman, will premiere on December 21. The cast also includes Brely Evans, Kendrick Cross, Rayan Lawrence, Zuri James, Stevie Baggs Jr, Linda Boston, Monica Robinson and Aj Akua Johnson.
“I’m so excited to be working with this incredibly talented...
- 12/11/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell is getting as docuseries as he wanna be. Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is among the producers behind “Coach Luke,” which chronicles the one-time 2 Live Crew frontman as he became a entrepreneur and the head coach of the Edison Senior High School football team in Miami. Mandon Lovett directs the docuseries, which is exec produced by Smac Entertainment’s Constance Schwartz-Morini, Michael Strahan and FredAnthony Smith; Swirl Films’ Eric Tomosunas and Nikki Byles; and Brian Sher and Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. No outlet is yet attached.
Campbell, of course, is remembered for the popular late 1980s/early 1990s rap group 2 Live Crew — which managed to even hit the Billboard charts with song titles that Casey Kasem wouldn’t say out loud on “American Top 40.” But 2 Live Crew’s lasting impact was its First Amendment fights, via Campbell and the group’s obscenity trials and Supreme Court parody cases.
Campbell, of course, is remembered for the popular late 1980s/early 1990s rap group 2 Live Crew — which managed to even hit the Billboard charts with song titles that Casey Kasem wouldn’t say out loud on “American Top 40.” But 2 Live Crew’s lasting impact was its First Amendment fights, via Campbell and the group’s obscenity trials and Supreme Court parody cases.
- 10/18/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
BET+ has set premiere dates for its fall slate of films and new and returning TV series.
First on the list is “Love & Murder: Atlanta Playboy,” a film series starring Taye Diggs. Part 1 debuts on Sept. 21 while Part 2 will arrive on the streamer a week later, on Sept. 28. The films follow an investigation into the murder of Lance (Diggs), a successful Atlanta businessman known both for revolutionizing the city’s 911 system and for being a womanizer. The cast also includes Keesha Sharp, Ciera Payton, Apryl Jones, Ernestine Johnson, Nicole Lyn, Robert Brown, Tye White, Anton Peeples, Yung Joc, Karlie Redd and Yandy Smith. Jaira Thomas directs scripts from Gregory R. Anderson. Mona Scott-Young and Eric Tomosunas executive produce, with co-executive producers including Lorisa Bates, Marvin Neil, Stephanie R. Gayle, Abbey MacDonald and Nick Roses and producers including Ron Robinson, Jimmy Watson, Ron Stodghill, Keith Neal, Brian Rikuda and Devin Griffin.
First on the list is “Love & Murder: Atlanta Playboy,” a film series starring Taye Diggs. Part 1 debuts on Sept. 21 while Part 2 will arrive on the streamer a week later, on Sept. 28. The films follow an investigation into the murder of Lance (Diggs), a successful Atlanta businessman known both for revolutionizing the city’s 911 system and for being a womanizer. The cast also includes Keesha Sharp, Ciera Payton, Apryl Jones, Ernestine Johnson, Nicole Lyn, Robert Brown, Tye White, Anton Peeples, Yung Joc, Karlie Redd and Yandy Smith. Jaira Thomas directs scripts from Gregory R. Anderson. Mona Scott-Young and Eric Tomosunas executive produce, with co-executive producers including Lorisa Bates, Marvin Neil, Stephanie R. Gayle, Abbey MacDonald and Nick Roses and producers including Ron Robinson, Jimmy Watson, Ron Stodghill, Keith Neal, Brian Rikuda and Devin Griffin.
- 9/12/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Tami Roman will executive produce and star in the BET+ holiday film Whatever It Takes from Swirl Films and Roman Ramsey Productions premiering later this year.
“We wanted to create a film that would not only entertain but also resonate with people during the holiday season,” said Roman. “It’s a story that showcases the beauty of love and the power of forgiveness, even in the face of the most challenging situations.”
From writers TuShonda Whitaker and Amaleka McCall Brathwaite, Whatever It Takes focuses on how messy the holidays can be. Sure, it’s typically the time for love and friendship but that’s not what this movie is about.
As per the logline: Santa’s big bag is carrying nothing but folks’ emotional baggage. When it all gets exposed, chaos ensues, and everyone must learn how to navigate unexpected obstacles. This film combines comedy,...
“We wanted to create a film that would not only entertain but also resonate with people during the holiday season,” said Roman. “It’s a story that showcases the beauty of love and the power of forgiveness, even in the face of the most challenging situations.”
From writers TuShonda Whitaker and Amaleka McCall Brathwaite, Whatever It Takes focuses on how messy the holidays can be. Sure, it’s typically the time for love and friendship but that’s not what this movie is about.
As per the logline: Santa’s big bag is carrying nothing but folks’ emotional baggage. When it all gets exposed, chaos ensues, and everyone must learn how to navigate unexpected obstacles. This film combines comedy,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Taye Diggs and Keesha Sharp are teaming up for the BET+ true crime film series Love & Murder: Atlanta Playboy, slated to debut later this year.
Based on Ron Stodghill’s book Redbone: Money, Malice and Murder in Atlanta, the project follows Lance (played by Diggs), a “successful Atlanta businessman, renowned in equal measure for both revolutionizing the city’s 911 system, and his womanizing ways,” according to our sister site Deadline. The role marks Diggs’ first starring vehicle since his shocking departure from All American earlier this year.
More from TVLineAll American Showrunner Explains That Tragic Billy Flashback in Episode 13Zatima...
Based on Ron Stodghill’s book Redbone: Money, Malice and Murder in Atlanta, the project follows Lance (played by Diggs), a “successful Atlanta businessman, renowned in equal measure for both revolutionizing the city’s 911 system, and his womanizing ways,” according to our sister site Deadline. The role marks Diggs’ first starring vehicle since his shocking departure from All American earlier this year.
More from TVLineAll American Showrunner Explains That Tragic Billy Flashback in Episode 13Zatima...
- 4/28/2023
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Keesha Sharp (Power Book II: Ghost) is set as a lead opposite Taye Diggs in BET+ true crime film series Love & Murder: Atlanta Playboy, from Mona Scott-Young of Monami Productions and Eric Tomosunas of Swirl Films. It is set to debut on BET+ later this year.
Courtney Miller will direct, based on Ron Stodghill’s book Redbone: Money, Malice and Murder in Atlanta. Gregory R. Anderson will pen the script.
Atlanta Playboy follows Lance (Diggs), a successful Atlanta businessman, renowned in equal measure for both revolutionizing the city’s 911 system, and his womanizing ways. When he is found murdered in his own home, questions and allegations abound as to who might have wanted him dead. An investigation into the murder is launched which reveals the truths and suspicions behind Lance’s professional and personal life. Was it a business rival, threatened by Lance’s bid for a big contract?...
Courtney Miller will direct, based on Ron Stodghill’s book Redbone: Money, Malice and Murder in Atlanta. Gregory R. Anderson will pen the script.
Atlanta Playboy follows Lance (Diggs), a successful Atlanta businessman, renowned in equal measure for both revolutionizing the city’s 911 system, and his womanizing ways. When he is found murdered in his own home, questions and allegations abound as to who might have wanted him dead. An investigation into the murder is launched which reveals the truths and suspicions behind Lance’s professional and personal life. Was it a business rival, threatened by Lance’s bid for a big contract?...
- 4/28/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Taye Diggs is set to star in the true crime film series Love & Murder: Atlanta Playboy from Mona Scott-Young of Monami Productions and Eric Tomosunas of Swirl Films. It is set to debut on BET+ later this year.
Courtney Miller will direct, based on Ron Stodghill’s book Redbone: Money, Malice and Murder in Atlanta. Gregory R. Anderson will pen the script.
Atlanta Playboy follows Lance (Diggs), a successful Atlanta businessman, renowned in equal measure for both revolutionizing the city’s 911 system, and his womanizing ways. When he is found murdered in his own home, questions and allegations abound as to who might have wanted him dead. An investigation into the murder is launched which reveals the truths and suspicions behind Lance’s professional and personal life. Was it a business rival, threatened by Lance’s bid for a big contract? Was it a scorned lover jealous of the...
Courtney Miller will direct, based on Ron Stodghill’s book Redbone: Money, Malice and Murder in Atlanta. Gregory R. Anderson will pen the script.
Atlanta Playboy follows Lance (Diggs), a successful Atlanta businessman, renowned in equal measure for both revolutionizing the city’s 911 system, and his womanizing ways. When he is found murdered in his own home, questions and allegations abound as to who might have wanted him dead. An investigation into the murder is launched which reveals the truths and suspicions behind Lance’s professional and personal life. Was it a business rival, threatened by Lance’s bid for a big contract? Was it a scorned lover jealous of the...
- 4/26/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Hulu is adding three new titles to its growing lineup of original docs: “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,” “Queenmaker: The Making of An It Girl,” and “The Jewel Thief.”
“Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told” “recounts the rise and fall of a small Atlanta Hbcu picnic that exploded into an influential street party and spotlighted Atl as a major cultural stage,” per Hulu’s description. “Can the magic of Freaknik be brought back 40 years later?
Executive producers include showrunner Geraldine L. Porras and director P Frank Williams, as well as Jermaine Dupri, Luther Campbell, Peter Bittenbender and Melissa Cooper for Mass Appeal, Eric Tomosunas for Swirl Films, Terry Ross and Alex Avant. Nikki Byles and Jay Allen are producers.
From MRC, “Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl” reveals the story behind the now-defunct “Park Avenue Peerage” blog. “In the height of heiress-era NYC, an anonymous blogger infiltrated Manhattan’s elite,...
“Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told” “recounts the rise and fall of a small Atlanta Hbcu picnic that exploded into an influential street party and spotlighted Atl as a major cultural stage,” per Hulu’s description. “Can the magic of Freaknik be brought back 40 years later?
Executive producers include showrunner Geraldine L. Porras and director P Frank Williams, as well as Jermaine Dupri, Luther Campbell, Peter Bittenbender and Melissa Cooper for Mass Appeal, Eric Tomosunas for Swirl Films, Terry Ross and Alex Avant. Nikki Byles and Jay Allen are producers.
From MRC, “Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl” reveals the story behind the now-defunct “Park Avenue Peerage” blog. “In the height of heiress-era NYC, an anonymous blogger infiltrated Manhattan’s elite,...
- 4/6/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Lifetime is upping its holiday movie game by adding three movies to its 2022 It’s a Wonderful Lifetime movie slate, which will include a reunion of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman stars Jane Seymour and Joe Lando in a flick executive produced by Toni Braxton.
A Christmas Spark follows a widow (Seymour) who has lost her zest for life and given up on ever finding love again. She reluctantly takes on the job of directing the town’s Christmas pageant and soon finds herself falling for her leading man (Lando), the town’s most eligible bachelor.
A Christmas Spark is produced by Lighthouse Pictures and is being distributed by Sony Pictures Television. Braxton, Stephen Bulka and Jamie Goehring are executive producing. Rhonda Baraka directs from a script by Eirene Tran Donohue.
Gospel artist Kirk Franklin is also returning to executive produce and star in his second holiday movie for Lifetime, Kirk...
A Christmas Spark follows a widow (Seymour) who has lost her zest for life and given up on ever finding love again. She reluctantly takes on the job of directing the town’s Christmas pageant and soon finds herself falling for her leading man (Lando), the town’s most eligible bachelor.
A Christmas Spark is produced by Lighthouse Pictures and is being distributed by Sony Pictures Television. Braxton, Stephen Bulka and Jamie Goehring are executive producing. Rhonda Baraka directs from a script by Eirene Tran Donohue.
Gospel artist Kirk Franklin is also returning to executive produce and star in his second holiday movie for Lifetime, Kirk...
- 9/1/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime is reuniting “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” co-stars Jane Seymour and Joe Lando in a holiday movie this year, Variety can exclusively announce. The duo will star in “A Christmas Spark,” executive produced by Toni Braxton. Variety can also reveal that the network’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” lineup will also feature two more films on its 2022 slate: “Merry Swissmas,” starring Jodie Sweetin and Tim Rozon; and “Kirk Franklin’s the Night Before Christmas,” starring Naturi Naughton and Luke James.
“A Christmas Spark,” written by Eirene Tran Donohue, produced by Lighthouse Pictures and distributed by Sony Pictures Television, follows recently widowed Molly (Seymour) who decides to visit her daughter for Christmas. There, she signs on to direct the town’s Christmas pageant and finds herself falling for Hank (Lando), the town’s most eligible bachelor. Braxton, Stephen Bulka, and Jamie Goehring are executive producing. Rhonda Baraka directs.
“Kirk Franklin’s The Night Before Christmas,...
“A Christmas Spark,” written by Eirene Tran Donohue, produced by Lighthouse Pictures and distributed by Sony Pictures Television, follows recently widowed Molly (Seymour) who decides to visit her daughter for Christmas. There, she signs on to direct the town’s Christmas pageant and finds herself falling for Hank (Lando), the town’s most eligible bachelor. Braxton, Stephen Bulka, and Jamie Goehring are executive producing. Rhonda Baraka directs.
“Kirk Franklin’s The Night Before Christmas,...
- 9/1/2022
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
BET has picked up Haus of Vicious, the drama series led by Tami Roman. It is set to premiere August 17 at 8 p.m.
From creator Jill Ramsey, the eight-episode first season follows Roman’s character Chantel Vivian, a fashion designer whose success is overshadowed by her narcissistic husband, addiction, unresolved childhood traumas, and dysfunctional personal life. With the assistance of her secret weapon, Jaelyn Ryan (Erica Peeples), publicist to her Vicious Empire, Chantel works to rise through the ranks, but her husband Kane’s (Redaric Williams) behavior threatens to tear down the house Chantel built.
The series also stars Norman Nixon Jr. (Milan), Tiffany Black (Raven), Kyler O’Neal (Izzy), Brely Evans (Avery), Lyric Anderson (Tia), and industry veteran Ella Joyce (Carolyn).
“I’m excited to be an executive producer on Haus of Vicious and having the capability to offer opportunities to my...
From creator Jill Ramsey, the eight-episode first season follows Roman’s character Chantel Vivian, a fashion designer whose success is overshadowed by her narcissistic husband, addiction, unresolved childhood traumas, and dysfunctional personal life. With the assistance of her secret weapon, Jaelyn Ryan (Erica Peeples), publicist to her Vicious Empire, Chantel works to rise through the ranks, but her husband Kane’s (Redaric Williams) behavior threatens to tear down the house Chantel built.
The series also stars Norman Nixon Jr. (Milan), Tiffany Black (Raven), Kyler O’Neal (Izzy), Brely Evans (Avery), Lyric Anderson (Tia), and industry veteran Ella Joyce (Carolyn).
“I’m excited to be an executive producer on Haus of Vicious and having the capability to offer opportunities to my...
- 8/12/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock has shared the first look at its new upcoming comedy series “Killing It,” streaming this April.
Created by “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” producers Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici, “Killing It” stars Craig Robinson as Craig, a man who competes in a state-sponsored python hunt in his quest to achieve the American Dream. The series co-stars Stephanie Nogueras as Craig’s ex-wife Camille, Jet Miller as his pre-teen daughter Vanessa and Rell Battle as his younger brother Isaiah. Claudia O’Doherty, Scott Macarthur and Wyatt Walter round out the cast.
“We love all the ambitious, challenging, thematically-rich series that populate the current peak-tv landscape,” said Goor in a statement. “We also love jokes. So, we tried to make a show that could deliver both. We wanted ‘Killing It’ to explore America’s quasi-religious obsession with entrepreneurship and wealth, and we also wanted it to be funny. Really, really funny. Plus, we wanted it to have big snakes.
Created by “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” producers Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici, “Killing It” stars Craig Robinson as Craig, a man who competes in a state-sponsored python hunt in his quest to achieve the American Dream. The series co-stars Stephanie Nogueras as Craig’s ex-wife Camille, Jet Miller as his pre-teen daughter Vanessa and Rell Battle as his younger brother Isaiah. Claudia O’Doherty, Scott Macarthur and Wyatt Walter round out the cast.
“We love all the ambitious, challenging, thematically-rich series that populate the current peak-tv landscape,” said Goor in a statement. “We also love jokes. So, we tried to make a show that could deliver both. We wanted ‘Killing It’ to explore America’s quasi-religious obsession with entrepreneurship and wealth, and we also wanted it to be funny. Really, really funny. Plus, we wanted it to have big snakes.
- 2/2/2022
- by Wilson Chapman and Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
Bounce has ordered a sixth and final season of the hit original drama series Saints & Sinners. The eight-episode final season will premiere with the first episode at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 3, with the remaining seven episodes airing weekly thereafter, the network said Wednesday.
Watch a trailer for a preview of Season 6 above.
“Saints & Sinners has been a breakthrough success, attracting a huge and loyal fanbase and taking them on a rollercoaster ride every season and was the No. 1 most-watched program on television, beating such shows as The $100,000 Pyramid on ABC, What Just Happened? (Fox), Instinct (CBS) and Big Little Lies (HBO), in the delivery of African Americans 18-49 and 25-54 Sunday night between 9-10 p.m.,” said David Hudson, head of original programming for Bounce and an executive producer of the series.
Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV Shows Ended Or Continuing In 2021-22 Season
Set against the backdrop of a large Southern church,...
Watch a trailer for a preview of Season 6 above.
“Saints & Sinners has been a breakthrough success, attracting a huge and loyal fanbase and taking them on a rollercoaster ride every season and was the No. 1 most-watched program on television, beating such shows as The $100,000 Pyramid on ABC, What Just Happened? (Fox), Instinct (CBS) and Big Little Lies (HBO), in the delivery of African Americans 18-49 and 25-54 Sunday night between 9-10 p.m.,” said David Hudson, head of original programming for Bounce and an executive producer of the series.
Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV Shows Ended Or Continuing In 2021-22 Season
Set against the backdrop of a large Southern church,...
- 2/2/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lesley-Ann Brandt, Luke James and Erica Ash are among 13 actors who have joined the cast of Shudder’s upcoming horror anthology Horror Noire.
Horror Noire, a Shudder Original, will feature new work from both established and emerging talents, showcasing horror stories from Black directors and screenwriters. The anthology will feature six stories – “Daddy,” “Bride Before You,” “Brand of Evil,” “The Lake,” “Sundown” and “Fugue State” — presented together as a two-hour film. Horror Noire premieres in October on Shudder.
Also joining the anthology are Brandon Mychal Smith, Sean Patrick Thomas, Peter Stormare, Malcolm Barrett, Rachel True, Tone Bell, Lavell Crawford, Tony Todd, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Lenora Crichlow.
Brandt and McIntyre will appear in “The Lake,” written by husband-and-wife writing duo Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due; James will appear in ”Daddy,” written by Victor Lavalle ; Smith will appear in “Brand of Evil,” written by Ezra C. Daniels; Ash, Stormare, Bell...
Horror Noire, a Shudder Original, will feature new work from both established and emerging talents, showcasing horror stories from Black directors and screenwriters. The anthology will feature six stories – “Daddy,” “Bride Before You,” “Brand of Evil,” “The Lake,” “Sundown” and “Fugue State” — presented together as a two-hour film. Horror Noire premieres in October on Shudder.
Also joining the anthology are Brandon Mychal Smith, Sean Patrick Thomas, Peter Stormare, Malcolm Barrett, Rachel True, Tone Bell, Lavell Crawford, Tony Todd, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Lenora Crichlow.
Brandt and McIntyre will appear in “The Lake,” written by husband-and-wife writing duo Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due; James will appear in ”Daddy,” written by Victor Lavalle ; Smith will appear in “Brand of Evil,” written by Ezra C. Daniels; Ash, Stormare, Bell...
- 7/28/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
AMC announced that the first two episodes of the upcoming dark comedy “Kevin Can F**k Himself” will premiere on AMC Plus on June 13 and air on June 20 at 9 p.m. on AMC.
The remaining episodes will continue to debut on AMC Plus one week ahead of the AMC linear airings on Sundays at 9 p.m.
In the new series, “Schitt’s Creek” star Annie Murphy plays Allison McRoberts, a prototypical sitcom wife who wakes up and revolts against the injustices in her life. The series also stars Mary Hollis Inboden, Eric Petersen, Alex Bonifer, Brian Howe and Raymond Lee, and is executive produced by creator Valerie Armstrong, Rashida Jones, Will McCormack and showrunner Craig Digregorio.
Also in today’s TV news roundup…
Dates
BET Plus will stream “Favorite Son” on May 6, Variety learned exclusively. Based on Tiffany L. Warren’s novel of the same name, the film follows a gospel group...
The remaining episodes will continue to debut on AMC Plus one week ahead of the AMC linear airings on Sundays at 9 p.m.
In the new series, “Schitt’s Creek” star Annie Murphy plays Allison McRoberts, a prototypical sitcom wife who wakes up and revolts against the injustices in her life. The series also stars Mary Hollis Inboden, Eric Petersen, Alex Bonifer, Brian Howe and Raymond Lee, and is executive produced by creator Valerie Armstrong, Rashida Jones, Will McCormack and showrunner Craig Digregorio.
Also in today’s TV news roundup…
Dates
BET Plus will stream “Favorite Son” on May 6, Variety learned exclusively. Based on Tiffany L. Warren’s novel of the same name, the film follows a gospel group...
- 4/22/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Allblk, AMC Networks’ popular streaming service for Black TV and film, has teamed with sister brand, Rlje Films, for the VOD release of Lil Duval’s Living My Best Life comedy special.
In his first stand-up special, based on his successful 2018 single “Smile (Living My Best Life)”, Duval takes an intimate and hilarious look at life, sex, relationships and more. Filmed before a star-studded, live audience in Atlanta, Ga, the hourlong special also features appearances from actress Bresha Webb (NBC’s Marlon), comedians Gary “G Thang” Johnson and Navaris “Navv” Greene, and social media star Pretty Vee. Lil Duval’s Living My Best Life premieres on VOD outlets Tuesday, May 4. It will stream exclusively on Allblk later this summer.
Born Roland Powell in the Florida county that inspired his stage name, Lil Duval has appeared in several films and TV shows including Meet the Blacks, Grow House, The Trap,...
In his first stand-up special, based on his successful 2018 single “Smile (Living My Best Life)”, Duval takes an intimate and hilarious look at life, sex, relationships and more. Filmed before a star-studded, live audience in Atlanta, Ga, the hourlong special also features appearances from actress Bresha Webb (NBC’s Marlon), comedians Gary “G Thang” Johnson and Navaris “Navv” Greene, and social media star Pretty Vee. Lil Duval’s Living My Best Life premieres on VOD outlets Tuesday, May 4. It will stream exclusively on Allblk later this summer.
Born Roland Powell in the Florida county that inspired his stage name, Lil Duval has appeared in several films and TV shows including Meet the Blacks, Grow House, The Trap,...
- 4/14/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Patrick Coker and Adam Wiesen have been named the new head writers of the BET series “Tales” going into the show’s third season, Variety has learned exclusively.
The series is a scripted anthology of “song stories” weaving classic and current hip-hop songs into visual narratives from the lyrics of some of hip-hop’s greatest hits. Past episodes have covered songs like “F— the Police” by Nwa, Notorious B.I.G.’s “I Got A Story to Tell”, Meek Mill’s “Cold Hearted”, and Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen.” Season 1 of the series debuted in 2017. Season 2 then launched in 2019, including episodes based around songs like Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” and “My Mind Playing Tricks On Me” by the Geto Boys. The 10-episode second season concluded in September 2019. There is not currently a premiere date for Season 3.
Coker and Wiesen will take over from former head writer Robert Munic. Coker...
The series is a scripted anthology of “song stories” weaving classic and current hip-hop songs into visual narratives from the lyrics of some of hip-hop’s greatest hits. Past episodes have covered songs like “F— the Police” by Nwa, Notorious B.I.G.’s “I Got A Story to Tell”, Meek Mill’s “Cold Hearted”, and Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen.” Season 1 of the series debuted in 2017. Season 2 then launched in 2019, including episodes based around songs like Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” and “My Mind Playing Tricks On Me” by the Geto Boys. The 10-episode second season concluded in September 2019. There is not currently a premiere date for Season 3.
Coker and Wiesen will take over from former head writer Robert Munic. Coker...
- 3/22/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Showtime announced the premiere dates of “The Chi,” “Black Monday” and “Flatbush Misdemeanors,” and Netflix released the official trailer for “Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!”
Dates
Showtime announced that the fourth season of “The Chi,” the third season of “Black Monday” and the freshman comedy “Flatbush Misdemeanors” will premiere on May 23. “The Chi” will kick off the night at 9 p.m., with “Black Monday” following at 10 p.m. and “Flatbush Misdemeanors” at 10:30 p.m. Created and executive produced by Lena Waithe, “The Chi” is a timely coming-of-age story that follows a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. The cast of the fourth season includes Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps and Birgundi Baker. Luke James and Curtiss Cook have been upped to series regulars,...
Dates
Showtime announced that the fourth season of “The Chi,” the third season of “Black Monday” and the freshman comedy “Flatbush Misdemeanors” will premiere on May 23. “The Chi” will kick off the night at 9 p.m., with “Black Monday” following at 10 p.m. and “Flatbush Misdemeanors” at 10:30 p.m. Created and executive produced by Lena Waithe, “The Chi” is a timely coming-of-age story that follows a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. The cast of the fourth season includes Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps and Birgundi Baker. Luke James and Curtiss Cook have been upped to series regulars,...
- 3/18/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Expanding on their exploration of Black genre filmmaking in Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror, Shudder and AMC have announced an Untitled Black Horror Anthology featuring stories of Black horror created by Black directors and screenwriters, with a premiere slated for later this year on Shudder and AMC+ before eventually airing on AMC.
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA / New York, NY - February 18, 2021 - AMC and Shudder, AMC Networks' premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, announced today the greenlight of the scripted Untitled Black Horror Anthology showcasing stories of Black horror from Black directors and screenwriters. The anthology is set to debut later this year on Shudder and AMC+, the company's premium streaming bundle, followed by a premiere on AMC - a successful windowing strategy previously implemented for the streamer's hit original series Creepshow.
The Untitled Black Horror Anthology will feature new work from both established and emerging talents,...
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA / New York, NY - February 18, 2021 - AMC and Shudder, AMC Networks' premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, announced today the greenlight of the scripted Untitled Black Horror Anthology showcasing stories of Black horror from Black directors and screenwriters. The anthology is set to debut later this year on Shudder and AMC+, the company's premium streaming bundle, followed by a premiere on AMC - a successful windowing strategy previously implemented for the streamer's hit original series Creepshow.
The Untitled Black Horror Anthology will feature new work from both established and emerging talents,...
- 2/18/2021
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Shudder has more screams in store after the streaming service renewed Creepshow for a third season.
The service will bring Creepshow back for another six episode run to premiere later this year,
Shudder revealed the renewal ahead of AMC Networks’ virtual TCA winter press tour session. The third season will feature guest stars including Ethan Embry (Grace & Frankie) and Andrew Bachelor (The Walking Dead).
Creepshow‘s renewal comes ahead of the horror anthology’s season two premiere on April 1 on Shudder and AMC+.
“During our season two production, Shudder was so pleased with what they were seeing that they asked us to roll right into production on a brand-new third season that will feature some of our most ambitious stories yet,” said executive producer and showrunner Greg Nicotero. “I’m incredibly thankful to the team at Shudder for the opportunity to continue honoring the genre with more gleefully ghoulish tales over not one,...
The service will bring Creepshow back for another six episode run to premiere later this year,
Shudder revealed the renewal ahead of AMC Networks’ virtual TCA winter press tour session. The third season will feature guest stars including Ethan Embry (Grace & Frankie) and Andrew Bachelor (The Walking Dead).
Creepshow‘s renewal comes ahead of the horror anthology’s season two premiere on April 1 on Shudder and AMC+.
“During our season two production, Shudder was so pleased with what they were seeing that they asked us to roll right into production on a brand-new third season that will feature some of our most ambitious stories yet,” said executive producer and showrunner Greg Nicotero. “I’m incredibly thankful to the team at Shudder for the opportunity to continue honoring the genre with more gleefully ghoulish tales over not one,...
- 2/18/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
The horror-centric streaming service Shudder has picked up a third season of Greg Nicotero’s “Creepshow,” as well as a new horror anthology showcasing the work of Black creatives, the company announced Wednesday.
Additionally, Shudder’s sister streaming service Allblk has picked up the anthology series “Covenant,” which will comprise contemporary retellings of iconic biblical tales.
“Creepshow,” which is set to return for Season 2 on April 1, will feature actors Ethan Embry and Andrew Bachelor, aka King Bach as guest stars for the newly announced season. No premiere date has been set for Season 3.
The untitled Black horror anthology will debut on Shudder and AMC+ later this year and feature the work of writers Tananarive Due (“My Soul to Keep”) and Steven Barnes (“Lion’s Blood”), illustrator and graphic novelist Ezra C. Daniels (“Bttm Fdrs”), novelist Victor Lavalle and Emmy-winner Al Letson (“State of the Re:Union”).
Dr. Robin R. Means Coleman,...
Additionally, Shudder’s sister streaming service Allblk has picked up the anthology series “Covenant,” which will comprise contemporary retellings of iconic biblical tales.
“Creepshow,” which is set to return for Season 2 on April 1, will feature actors Ethan Embry and Andrew Bachelor, aka King Bach as guest stars for the newly announced season. No premiere date has been set for Season 3.
The untitled Black horror anthology will debut on Shudder and AMC+ later this year and feature the work of writers Tananarive Due (“My Soul to Keep”) and Steven Barnes (“Lion’s Blood”), illustrator and graphic novelist Ezra C. Daniels (“Bttm Fdrs”), novelist Victor Lavalle and Emmy-winner Al Letson (“State of the Re:Union”).
Dr. Robin R. Means Coleman,...
- 2/18/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
BET has announced a new original documentary, “Smoke: Marijuana + Black America,” executive-produced and narrated by Nas. The two-hour film will provide a closeup look at marijuana culture and its impact on both American society and especially the Black community. It’s set to air on Nov. 18.
“The world has finally begun opening up to the cannabis industry the way I feel it should have years ago,” says Nasir “Nas” Jones. “Even still, hate exists in this business for black people, and that is something that sickens me and should be recognized for its blatant evil. The people that have been locked up for marijuana should not only be freed but receive restitution for the damage done to them by outdated laws. It’s important to spread awareness on this, and that’s why everyone needs to make sure they tune in and watch the documentary ‘Smoke!’”
Among the notable pundits...
“The world has finally begun opening up to the cannabis industry the way I feel it should have years ago,” says Nasir “Nas” Jones. “Even still, hate exists in this business for black people, and that is something that sickens me and should be recognized for its blatant evil. The people that have been locked up for marijuana should not only be freed but receive restitution for the damage done to them by outdated laws. It’s important to spread awareness on this, and that’s why everyone needs to make sure they tune in and watch the documentary ‘Smoke!’”
Among the notable pundits...
- 10/27/2020
- by Shirley Ju
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Lifetime has lined up the next movie in its Ripped from the Headlines franchise, Girl in the Basement. The film, inspired by actual events of a young woman imprisoned in her family home, stars Stefanie Scott (Insidious: The Last Key), Judd Nelson (St. Elmo’s Fire) and Joely Fisher (9-1-1).
Elisabeth Röhm, who headlined Lifetime’s 2019 movie Family Pictures, is making her directorial debut with Girl in the Basement as part of the network’s Broader Focus initiative. Manu Boyer, who directed Röhm in Family Pictures, will guide Röhm through her first steps as a director. Röhm will also make a cameo in the movie, produced by Big Dreams Entertainment and Swirl for Lifetime, which has started filming in Atlanta for a 2021 debut. (You can see a photo from the set above.)
“We believe in Elisabeth and know her craft as an actress will be invaluable as she...
Elisabeth Röhm, who headlined Lifetime’s 2019 movie Family Pictures, is making her directorial debut with Girl in the Basement as part of the network’s Broader Focus initiative. Manu Boyer, who directed Röhm in Family Pictures, will guide Röhm through her first steps as a director. Röhm will also make a cameo in the movie, produced by Big Dreams Entertainment and Swirl for Lifetime, which has started filming in Atlanta for a 2021 debut. (You can see a photo from the set above.)
“We believe in Elisabeth and know her craft as an actress will be invaluable as she...
- 10/6/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Swirl Films and Mansa Productions announced on Wednesday the top 10 winners of its first-ever Black Life Film Festival, a showcase of short films that show “the beauty and complexities of ‘Black Life’ and what that means to individuals and society.”
The top 10 winners will receive $5,000 grants to continue their film careers and will have the opportunity to meet with executives for potential distribution deals for their project. They are:
“Black Boy Joy” by Martina Lee “MeMaw” by Zanah Thirus “Body + Son” by Chris Hamilton “Thicke” by Britt Banks “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” by Eddie Gorie “Give Us Free” by Mac Grant “She Had to Ask” by Perri Camper “Orange Morning” by Reshaun Jones “Afro” by Jenn Shaw “Bloom” by Jazmen Darnell Brown and Rashad Mubarak
The top five winners, still to be decided by a jury of Atlanta filmmakers and producers, will workshop additional projects with Swirl, Mansa and their respective creative teams.
The top 10 winners will receive $5,000 grants to continue their film careers and will have the opportunity to meet with executives for potential distribution deals for their project. They are:
“Black Boy Joy” by Martina Lee “MeMaw” by Zanah Thirus “Body + Son” by Chris Hamilton “Thicke” by Britt Banks “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” by Eddie Gorie “Give Us Free” by Mac Grant “She Had to Ask” by Perri Camper “Orange Morning” by Reshaun Jones “Afro” by Jenn Shaw “Bloom” by Jazmen Darnell Brown and Rashad Mubarak
The top five winners, still to be decided by a jury of Atlanta filmmakers and producers, will workshop additional projects with Swirl, Mansa and their respective creative teams.
- 9/10/2020
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Atlanta-based Gray Television has expanded its investment in indie Swirl Films with a deal designed to provide Swirl with more resources to produce series and made-for-tv movies.
Swirl Films, headed by producer Eric Tomosunas, is a prolific supplier of movies to outlets such as BET, Netflix, TV One, Lifetime, Hallmark Channel and Up. The company has expanded into multi-part series, scripted and unscripted, in recent years with such entries as TV One’s biography series “Uncensored.”
The deal with Atlanta-based broadcaster Gray calls for Swirl to work more closely with Gray’s existing Tupelo Honey production banner to help expand the volume and scope of operations for both. But Gray Television is not looking to increase the volume of original programming on its stations in 94 small- and mid-size markets. Gray’s stations are Big Four network affiliates that are already well stocked with primetime programming and local newscasts.
At the same time,...
Swirl Films, headed by producer Eric Tomosunas, is a prolific supplier of movies to outlets such as BET, Netflix, TV One, Lifetime, Hallmark Channel and Up. The company has expanded into multi-part series, scripted and unscripted, in recent years with such entries as TV One’s biography series “Uncensored.”
The deal with Atlanta-based broadcaster Gray calls for Swirl to work more closely with Gray’s existing Tupelo Honey production banner to help expand the volume and scope of operations for both. But Gray Television is not looking to increase the volume of original programming on its stations in 94 small- and mid-size markets. Gray’s stations are Big Four network affiliates that are already well stocked with primetime programming and local newscasts.
At the same time,...
- 8/26/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Former 2 Live Crew rapper Luther Campbell, who fought censorship all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, has partnered with Swirl Films to develop and produce film and TV projects.
Swirl Films, the Atlanta-based urban content producer founded by Eric Tomosunas and producer of the Bounce TV Saints & Sinners series, after securing the life rights of Campbell, will co-produce scripted and unscripted projects centering on the rapper's impact on the entertainment industry and his community-driven activism.
Swirl Films, which runs a film studio in Atlanta, will also offer production services for Campbell's Miami-based company.
"I ...
Swirl Films, the Atlanta-based urban content producer founded by Eric Tomosunas and producer of the Bounce TV Saints & Sinners series, after securing the life rights of Campbell, will co-produce scripted and unscripted projects centering on the rapper's impact on the entertainment industry and his community-driven activism.
Swirl Films, which runs a film studio in Atlanta, will also offer production services for Campbell's Miami-based company.
"I ...
- 7/30/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Former 2 Live Crew rapper Luther Campbell, who fought censorship all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, has partnered with Swirl Films to develop and produce film and TV projects.
Swirl Films, the Atlanta-based urban content producer founded by Eric Tomosunas and producer of the Bounce TV Saints & Sinners series, after securing the life rights of Campbell, will co-produce scripted and unscripted projects centering on the rapper's impact on the entertainment industry and his community-driven activism.
Swirl Films, which runs a film studio in Atlanta, will also offer production services for Campbell's Miami-based company.
"I ...
Swirl Films, the Atlanta-based urban content producer founded by Eric Tomosunas and producer of the Bounce TV Saints & Sinners series, after securing the life rights of Campbell, will co-produce scripted and unscripted projects centering on the rapper's impact on the entertainment industry and his community-driven activism.
Swirl Films, which runs a film studio in Atlanta, will also offer production services for Campbell's Miami-based company.
"I ...
- 7/30/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
TV One has set a return date for “Uncensored,” the popular docuseries that lets stars take the wheel as they give viewers a peek into their private lives.
Season 3 of the series, which was taped pre-covid-19, premieres Sunday, Sept. 6 at 10/9c.
This season’s featured personalities include “Power” star Omari Hardwick, “Ray” star Larenz Tate, musician and actor Tyrese Gibson, rapper Eve, “Love and Hip-Hop” star Yandy Smith-Harris, “Black-ish” actress Jenifer Lewis, and “Grey’s Anatomy” actress Debbie Allen.
Also Read: Sarah Cooper Shows Trump How to 'Person, Woman, Man, Camera, TV' (Video)
The new season will also include five bonus episodes including “Uncensored: Black Girl Magic,” “Uncensored: Scandals,” “Uncensored: Hip-Hop,” “Uncensored: Black Hollywood” and “Uncensored: Big Break.”
“We’re excited for the return and talent line-up for this season of Uncensored, which is one of the network’s top-rated series,” said Jason Ryan, executive producer in charge of production. “Viewers...
Season 3 of the series, which was taped pre-covid-19, premieres Sunday, Sept. 6 at 10/9c.
This season’s featured personalities include “Power” star Omari Hardwick, “Ray” star Larenz Tate, musician and actor Tyrese Gibson, rapper Eve, “Love and Hip-Hop” star Yandy Smith-Harris, “Black-ish” actress Jenifer Lewis, and “Grey’s Anatomy” actress Debbie Allen.
Also Read: Sarah Cooper Shows Trump How to 'Person, Woman, Man, Camera, TV' (Video)
The new season will also include five bonus episodes including “Uncensored: Black Girl Magic,” “Uncensored: Scandals,” “Uncensored: Hip-Hop,” “Uncensored: Black Hollywood” and “Uncensored: Big Break.”
“We’re excited for the return and talent line-up for this season of Uncensored, which is one of the network’s top-rated series,” said Jason Ryan, executive producer in charge of production. “Viewers...
- 7/28/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
In today’s film news roundup, UTA promotes agents Chelsea McKinnies and Emerson Davis, “A Deadly Legend’ finds a home and the Black Life Film Fest is unveiled.
Promotions
United Talent Agency has promoted veteran agents Chelsea McKinnies and Emerson Davis to partner status.
“As champions of powerful and unique voices, Chelsea and Emerson have been integral to the growth and evolution of UTA,” said UTA co-president David Kramer. “It is essential our partnership is comprised of dynamic and deserving leaders, particularly as we strive for our company to better reflect the world in which we live. Chelsea and Emerson make us better as a whole and will provide leadership and inspiration to colleagues who have been underrepresented in our partnership. UTA is fortunate to have such esteemed colleagues to help lead us in these times.”
Davis is a 14-year UTA veteran and part of UTA’s Motion Picture Literary Group.
Promotions
United Talent Agency has promoted veteran agents Chelsea McKinnies and Emerson Davis to partner status.
“As champions of powerful and unique voices, Chelsea and Emerson have been integral to the growth and evolution of UTA,” said UTA co-president David Kramer. “It is essential our partnership is comprised of dynamic and deserving leaders, particularly as we strive for our company to better reflect the world in which we live. Chelsea and Emerson make us better as a whole and will provide leadership and inspiration to colleagues who have been underrepresented in our partnership. UTA is fortunate to have such esteemed colleagues to help lead us in these times.”
Davis is a 14-year UTA veteran and part of UTA’s Motion Picture Literary Group.
- 6/16/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Atlanta-based film and TV production studio Swirl Films announced on Monday the launch of the Black Life Film Festival, a new showcase of upcoming Black filmmakers and their short films.
Created in partnership with Mansa Productions, the Black Life Film Festival has opened submissions starting today and continuing through August 22. Swirl Films says that the festival will highlight short films that explore “the beauty and complexities of ‘Black Life’ and what that means to individuals and society.” Documentaries, scripted dramas, comedies, interview compilations, animation and other genres will be accepted.
Also Read: Black LGBTQ+ Activists Paint 'All Black Lives Matter' on Hollywood Blvd.
The festival will be held virtually starting September 5 and will be held on a variety of platforms, including Swirl Films’ Instagram Live page and the MTANow mobile app. The top 10 winners will receive $5,000 grants to continue their film careers and will have the opportunity to meet with...
Created in partnership with Mansa Productions, the Black Life Film Festival has opened submissions starting today and continuing through August 22. Swirl Films says that the festival will highlight short films that explore “the beauty and complexities of ‘Black Life’ and what that means to individuals and society.” Documentaries, scripted dramas, comedies, interview compilations, animation and other genres will be accepted.
Also Read: Black LGBTQ+ Activists Paint 'All Black Lives Matter' on Hollywood Blvd.
The festival will be held virtually starting September 5 and will be held on a variety of platforms, including Swirl Films’ Instagram Live page and the MTANow mobile app. The top 10 winners will receive $5,000 grants to continue their film careers and will have the opportunity to meet with...
- 6/15/2020
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Independent urban production outfit Swirl Films, known for hit Bounce drama series Saints & Sinners, has added two former BET executives to its management ranks.
Robert Boyd is joining the company as chief operating officer and Tony Strickland as unscripted chief and co-executive producer. Both will be based in Atlanta, where Swirl Films is headquartered, and report to Eric Tomosunas, the company’s founder and CEO.
As COO of Swirl, Boyd will lead its day-to-day operations as well as all production aspects, focusing on live events and entertainment shows with Tupelo Raycom.
Boyd was previously Svp of programming operations for BET Networks. In that role, he oversaw the negotiation of development and overall production deals as well as other TV-related personnel and service providers. Prior to Bet, Boyd served as senior vice president of studio operations and production sales for Paramount Pictures.
Strickland will lead Swirl’s efforts in...
Robert Boyd is joining the company as chief operating officer and Tony Strickland as unscripted chief and co-executive producer. Both will be based in Atlanta, where Swirl Films is headquartered, and report to Eric Tomosunas, the company’s founder and CEO.
As COO of Swirl, Boyd will lead its day-to-day operations as well as all production aspects, focusing on live events and entertainment shows with Tupelo Raycom.
Boyd was previously Svp of programming operations for BET Networks. In that role, he oversaw the negotiation of development and overall production deals as well as other TV-related personnel and service providers. Prior to Bet, Boyd served as senior vice president of studio operations and production sales for Paramount Pictures.
Strickland will lead Swirl’s efforts in...
- 6/12/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Boris Kodjoe, known for his roles in films like Resident Evil: Afterlife, Resident Evil: Retribution, and Brown Sugar, is adapting author Eric Jerome Dickey’s novel, One Night, as his first directorial feature. He’ll also serve as executive producer alongside Eric Tomosunas of Swirl Films. Producers are Carol Shine (Blackhouse) and Chris Beal.
The book is about two strangers who push the limits of fear, devotion, and the law, as they attempt to catch a glimpse of their future — in only one night. Allen Sowelle and Eric Jerome Dickey wrote the screenplay.
“Eric Jerome Dickey has made a legendary career out of capturing the imagination of a generation by creating diverse characters who face challenges in love and life,” said Kodjoe. “I’m honored that he entrusted me to lend my vision to his world.”
Kodjoe currently co-stars in ABC’s Shondaland drama, Station 19. Other recent credits include CBS’ Code Black,...
The book is about two strangers who push the limits of fear, devotion, and the law, as they attempt to catch a glimpse of their future — in only one night. Allen Sowelle and Eric Jerome Dickey wrote the screenplay.
“Eric Jerome Dickey has made a legendary career out of capturing the imagination of a generation by creating diverse characters who face challenges in love and life,” said Kodjoe. “I’m honored that he entrusted me to lend my vision to his world.”
Kodjoe currently co-stars in ABC’s Shondaland drama, Station 19. Other recent credits include CBS’ Code Black,...
- 4/5/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime has set premiere dates for three upcoming movies: Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal will debut Memorial Day, May 27 at 8 Pm; Pride & Prejudice: Atlanta will premiere at 8 Pm Saturday, June 1; and Adriana Trigiani’s Very Valentine is set for at 8 Pm. Saturday, June 8.
Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal, the sequel to the 2018 movie, continues the love story of newlyweds Prince Harry (Charlie Field) and American actress Meghan Markle (Tiffany Smith). Jordan Whalen, Maggie Sullivun, Timothy Temple, Charles Shaughnessy, Deborah Ramsay, Natalie Moon, James Dreyfus, Louise Bond and Bonnie Soper also star. Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal is executive produced by Merideth Finn and Michele Weiss. Menhaj Huda directs from a script by Scarlett Lacey.
Pride & Prejudice: Atlanta, featuring an all-African-American cast, is Lifetime’s modern take on the Jane Austen classic. It follows Reverend Bennet (Reginald VelJohnson), a pastor of a prominent Southern Baptist church, and his wife Mrs. Bennet (Jackée Harry...
Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal, the sequel to the 2018 movie, continues the love story of newlyweds Prince Harry (Charlie Field) and American actress Meghan Markle (Tiffany Smith). Jordan Whalen, Maggie Sullivun, Timothy Temple, Charles Shaughnessy, Deborah Ramsay, Natalie Moon, James Dreyfus, Louise Bond and Bonnie Soper also star. Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal is executive produced by Merideth Finn and Michele Weiss. Menhaj Huda directs from a script by Scarlett Lacey.
Pride & Prejudice: Atlanta, featuring an all-African-American cast, is Lifetime’s modern take on the Jane Austen classic. It follows Reverend Bennet (Reginald VelJohnson), a pastor of a prominent Southern Baptist church, and his wife Mrs. Bennet (Jackée Harry...
- 3/25/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Bounce has renewed Saints & Sinners for a fourth season for premiere in summer 2019. The network today also announced a new licensing agreement with Hulu for the first three seasons of the hit drama series, making all previous episodes available for streaming ahead of the Season 4 premiere. The deal marks the first time originally-produced content from the multicast network will be available on the premium streaming service.
Saints & Sinners centers around the pursuit of power, intertwined with greed, deception, corruption, compromising sexual affairs and murder – all set against the backdrop of a large southern church. Cliffhangers and twists abound in the series, which is set Cypress, Georgia, a sleepy southern town outside Atlanta.
The series stars Vanessa Bell Calloway, Clifton Powell, Christian Keyes, Keith Robinson, J.D. Williams, Jasmine Burke, Tray Chaney, Demetria McKinney, Afemo Omilami and Donna Biscoe.
Saints & Sinners is produced in partnership with Swirl Film’s...
Saints & Sinners centers around the pursuit of power, intertwined with greed, deception, corruption, compromising sexual affairs and murder – all set against the backdrop of a large southern church. Cliffhangers and twists abound in the series, which is set Cypress, Georgia, a sleepy southern town outside Atlanta.
The series stars Vanessa Bell Calloway, Clifton Powell, Christian Keyes, Keith Robinson, J.D. Williams, Jasmine Burke, Tray Chaney, Demetria McKinney, Afemo Omilami and Donna Biscoe.
Saints & Sinners is produced in partnership with Swirl Film’s...
- 1/22/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime is putting a contemporary spin on a literary classic with Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta, which reimagines Jane Austen’s iconic novel as a church-based drama in present-day Georgia, TVLine has learned.
Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta stars Jackee Harry (Sister, Sister) as preacher’s wife Mrs. Bennet, the author of a self-help book on how to find the perfect husband. Because of this, she isn’t pleased that her own daughters — Lizzie (Hit the Floor‘s Tiffany Hines, Jane (Being Mary Jane‘s Raney Branch), Mary (The Purge‘s Brittney Level), Lydia (Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta‘s Reginae Carter...
Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta stars Jackee Harry (Sister, Sister) as preacher’s wife Mrs. Bennet, the author of a self-help book on how to find the perfect husband. Because of this, she isn’t pleased that her own daughters — Lizzie (Hit the Floor‘s Tiffany Hines, Jane (Being Mary Jane‘s Raney Branch), Mary (The Purge‘s Brittney Level), Lydia (Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta‘s Reginae Carter...
- 11/5/2018
- TVLine.com
Teyonah Parris stars in the upcoming TV One Original Movie "The Miki Howard Story" (working title), which is being directed by Christine Swanson. Parris plays the R&B/Jazz singer and actress who enjoyed mainstream success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a string of top 10 hits including "Come Share My Love," "Baby, Be Mine," "Love Under New Management," "Ain't Nobody Like You" and others. The film, which is produced by Carl Craig and Eric Tomosunas and Rob Robinson of Swirl Films, will cover 30+ years of Howard's life, both professional and personal trials and triumphs, including her...
- 12/21/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Alchemy has signed a multi-year joint venture with The Swirl Group that calls for the partners to create and acquire 10-15 films a year geared towards urban audiences.
The deal also sees Alchemy pick up home entertainment rights to seven completed films from The Swirl Group, the urban production company founded by Eric Tomosunas in 2008 that has more than 70 credits to its name.
The titles are Saving Westbrook High, Where’s The Love?, My Dad’s A Soccer Mom, The Dempsey Sisters, The Love Letter, Marry Me For Christmas, and Comeback Dad.
Atlanta-based Swirl will maintain an office on Alchemy’s Los Angeles site under the deal.
Alchemy CEO Bill Lee made the announcement with Swirl CEO Tomosunas and president and COO Brett Dismuke.
The deal also sees Alchemy pick up home entertainment rights to seven completed films from The Swirl Group, the urban production company founded by Eric Tomosunas in 2008 that has more than 70 credits to its name.
The titles are Saving Westbrook High, Where’s The Love?, My Dad’s A Soccer Mom, The Dempsey Sisters, The Love Letter, Marry Me For Christmas, and Comeback Dad.
Atlanta-based Swirl will maintain an office on Alchemy’s Los Angeles site under the deal.
Alchemy CEO Bill Lee made the announcement with Swirl CEO Tomosunas and president and COO Brett Dismuke.
- 3/24/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Up TV network (formerly known as Gmc TV) presents the Up Original Movie, The Dempsey Sisters, which follows a family's dramatic pursuit of a musical dream, and stars Cymphonique Miller, Denyce Lawton, Teairra Mari, Mc Lyte, Valarie Pettiford, Antwon Tanner, Lynn Whitfield, Clifton Powell, Taj En'Phiniti and Dom Santana. Produced by Eric Tomosunas' Swirl Films, Roger Melvin directs from a screenplay by Siddeeqah Powell. Here's a synopsis: Petite, take-charge, 27-year-old Deena Dempsey (Denyce Lawton) has been working unenthusiastically as a personal assistant for sophisticated, multi-millionaire socialite Olivia Norman (Lynn Whitfield). Recognizing that...
- 10/30/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Loretta Devine and Salli Richardson will join Esai Morales to star in an indie drama titled Teachers, which will be directed by Gary Wheeler, from a script penned by Rhonda Baraka, who also wrote the screenplay for Pastor Brown, which starred Salli Richardson, as well as Trinity Goodheart, which starred Eric Benét. Teachers centers on a divided community that comes together to save a high school that was once-popular. No word on what exactly divides this community. Devine will play a guidance counselor, Richardson, the principal, and Morales a parent. The film is being produced by Eric Tomosunas and Scott Aronson of Swirl Films. Loretta Devine will...
- 7/25/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Queen Latifah is a rapper, actress, singer, Cover Girl, and now movie mogul. She, her Flavor Unit Entertainment partner Shakim Compere and Eric Tomosunas are producing drama “Percentage,” according to Deadline. Latifah and Compere will also finance the film along with actor/rapper Cam’ron. The film will star Cam’ron as well as Omar Gooding as two hustlers from New York who are running from a bad drug deal. The two end up in Miami, where they become part of the underworld of credit fraud, which only brings them the feds’ attention as well as the attention of some of Miami’s scariest criminals to run across. Basically, things go from bad to...
- 10/16/2011
- by monique
- ShockYa
Exclusive: Queen Latifah and Favor Unit Entertainment partner Shakim Compere are backing Percentage, a drama scripted by Elya Ottenberg that marks the first film shot in Flavor Unit Studios, the Miami soundstages built by Latifah and Compere. Directed by Alex Merkin, the drama stars Cam’ron and Omar Gooding as two New York hustlers who are on the run from a drug deal gone bad. They settle in Miami to build a new empire in the world of credit fraud, but their success brings unwanted attention from law enforcement and Miami’s most notorious criminals. Macy Gray, Ving Rhames, Antwan Tanner, Robert Watson and Malinda Williams also star. Latifah is producing with Compere and Eric Tomosunas, and the film is being independently financed by the Flavor Unit partners and Cam’ron, the hip hop artist and actor.
- 10/14/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
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