Our ongoing Member Lens feature spotlights current Film Independent Members to see how they got started, where they are now and what being part of Film Independent means to them. This month: screenwriter Hank Jones.
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It’s great when filmmaking can be a family affair, which is why we’re excited to kick off the 2024 edition of our community spotlight series with writer Hank Jones. Because in addition to working as a supervising producer on the ABC procedural Will Trent and being part of Film Independent’s Project Involve and Episodic Lab, Jones is also the spouse of last July 2023 Member Lens subject Thembi Banks. But while Banks’ trip through Fi Artist Development may have laid the groundwork for Jones to follow, his narrative perspective–and desire to tell stories rooted in universal truth–are uniquely his own.
Hailing from the outskirts of Philadelphia with no obvious showbiz ins, Jones...
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It’s great when filmmaking can be a family affair, which is why we’re excited to kick off the 2024 edition of our community spotlight series with writer Hank Jones. Because in addition to working as a supervising producer on the ABC procedural Will Trent and being part of Film Independent’s Project Involve and Episodic Lab, Jones is also the spouse of last July 2023 Member Lens subject Thembi Banks. But while Banks’ trip through Fi Artist Development may have laid the groundwork for Jones to follow, his narrative perspective–and desire to tell stories rooted in universal truth–are uniquely his own.
Hailing from the outskirts of Philadelphia with no obvious showbiz ins, Jones...
- 1/31/2024
- by Matt Warren
- Film Independent News & More
Hello, and welcome to the Scene 2 Seen Podcast. I am Valerie Complex, an associate editor and film writer at Deadline.
Today, we’re talking to television and film director Thembi Banks about her directorial debut film Young.Wild.Free, which premiered at Sundance and stars Algee Smith, Sanaa Lathan, Sierra Capri and Mike Epps. The film is produced by Charles D. King, James Lopez, Poppy Hanks, Tommy Oliver, Baron Davis, and Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd, and was written by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier.
Young.Wild.Free follows Brandon (Smith), who between struggling in school, caring for his two younger siblings and having just been let go from his job, tends to use his art as an escape from the confines of his subdued day-to-day life. Enter Cassidy, a bedazzled bad girl dripping in confidence, freedom and danger. Lured in by her whimsy, Brandon teams with Cassidy, seamlessly slipping into the...
Today, we’re talking to television and film director Thembi Banks about her directorial debut film Young.Wild.Free, which premiered at Sundance and stars Algee Smith, Sanaa Lathan, Sierra Capri and Mike Epps. The film is produced by Charles D. King, James Lopez, Poppy Hanks, Tommy Oliver, Baron Davis, and Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd, and was written by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier.
Young.Wild.Free follows Brandon (Smith), who between struggling in school, caring for his two younger siblings and having just been let go from his job, tends to use his art as an escape from the confines of his subdued day-to-day life. Enter Cassidy, a bedazzled bad girl dripping in confidence, freedom and danger. Lured in by her whimsy, Brandon teams with Cassidy, seamlessly slipping into the...
- 12/28/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Our ongoing Member Lens feature spotlights current Film Independent Members to see how they got started, where they are now and what being part of Film Independent means to them. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Film Independent’s Artist Development department, our summer 2023 series focuses on our incredible roster of Film Independent Fellows.
Film Independent is currently in the middle of a Matching Campaign to raise support for the next 30 years of filmmaker support. All donations make before or on September 15 will be doubled—dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000.
Growing up in New York’s historic Harlem neighborhood, filmmaker Thembi Banks considers herself fortunate to have been immersed in such an eclectic cultural environment during her formative years. With the support of family and an abundance of creative mentorship afforded to her by the Big Apple’s best and brightest, she chased her creative passions onto the stage as a dancer...
Film Independent is currently in the middle of a Matching Campaign to raise support for the next 30 years of filmmaker support. All donations make before or on September 15 will be doubled—dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000.
Growing up in New York’s historic Harlem neighborhood, filmmaker Thembi Banks considers herself fortunate to have been immersed in such an eclectic cultural environment during her formative years. With the support of family and an abundance of creative mentorship afforded to her by the Big Apple’s best and brightest, she chased her creative passions onto the stage as a dancer...
- 7/21/2023
- by Matt Warren
- Film Independent News & More
Steve Martin casually dropped the release date for the third season of “Only Murders in the Building” during his “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!” touring show alongside Martin Short.
At Saturday’s 8 p.m. show at the Walt Disney Theater. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Fla., which also included Jeff Babko and The Steep Canyon Rangers, the comedic duo unveiled the news while warming up the audience at the start of the show.
According to two patrons who were in attendance, Martin and Short were delivering updates on what they were up to recently, showing a picture of them alongside their co-star Selena Gomez and two new cast members for Season 3, Oscar and Emmy winner Meryl Streep and Golden Globe nominee Paul Rudd. At one point, Martin stated, “Catch the new season August 8,” which was followed by Short responding, “Our show is...
At Saturday’s 8 p.m. show at the Walt Disney Theater. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Fla., which also included Jeff Babko and The Steep Canyon Rangers, the comedic duo unveiled the news while warming up the audience at the start of the show.
According to two patrons who were in attendance, Martin and Short were delivering updates on what they were up to recently, showing a picture of them alongside their co-star Selena Gomez and two new cast members for Season 3, Oscar and Emmy winner Meryl Streep and Golden Globe nominee Paul Rudd. At one point, Martin stated, “Catch the new season August 8,” which was followed by Short responding, “Our show is...
- 4/30/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Fresh off of her turn in Amazon’s “Swarm,” Heather Alicia Simms has joined Gabourey Sidibe’s “1266” pilot at Onyx Collective as a recurring guest star.
She’ll portray Lashanna. According to her official character description, Lashanna is Imagine Inc.’s most dichotomous employee: a phone sex worker who is a very religious Christian with quite conservative views on sexuality. She has photos of her kids and grandkids on her wall and is proud of the fact that most of her money goes to tithes and taking care of her grandkids.
She joins previously announced cast members Karim Diané, Kristin Dodson, and Kassandra Lee Diaz as series regulars to star alongside Sidibe, who will executive produce and play the lead role of Gabby. Anna Maria Horsford, Tisha Campbell, and Judy Reyes have been announced as recurring guest stars.
Set in the early 2000’s, the series follows Gabby (Sidibe) is...
She’ll portray Lashanna. According to her official character description, Lashanna is Imagine Inc.’s most dichotomous employee: a phone sex worker who is a very religious Christian with quite conservative views on sexuality. She has photos of her kids and grandkids on her wall and is proud of the fact that most of her money goes to tithes and taking care of her grandkids.
She joins previously announced cast members Karim Diané, Kristin Dodson, and Kassandra Lee Diaz as series regulars to star alongside Sidibe, who will executive produce and play the lead role of Gabby. Anna Maria Horsford, Tisha Campbell, and Judy Reyes have been announced as recurring guest stars.
Set in the early 2000’s, the series follows Gabby (Sidibe) is...
- 4/26/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
The “1266” pilot set at Onyx Collective has added Karim Diané, Kristin Dodson, and Kassandra Lee Diaz as series regulars to star alongside Gabourey Sidibe, who will executive produce and play the lead role of Gabby. Anna Maria Horsford, Tisha Campbell, and Judy Reyes have been announced as recurring guest stars.
Diané (“One of Us Is Lying”) portrays Posh, a student at the New York Institute of Fashion who’s described as everyone’s favorite, even if they are constantly trying to figure out if he’s straight or gay. They’re Gabby’s best friend who doesn’t put up with her antics and isn’t scared to hold her accountable. Posh’s brutal honesty is always delivered with love, understanding and some attitude. He’s repped by Paradigm and managed by Reed Baker at Legendize.
Dodson plays Jimmy, the youngest of the phone sex workers at Imagine Inc. She’s flighty,...
Diané (“One of Us Is Lying”) portrays Posh, a student at the New York Institute of Fashion who’s described as everyone’s favorite, even if they are constantly trying to figure out if he’s straight or gay. They’re Gabby’s best friend who doesn’t put up with her antics and isn’t scared to hold her accountable. Posh’s brutal honesty is always delivered with love, understanding and some attitude. He’s repped by Paradigm and managed by Reed Baker at Legendize.
Dodson plays Jimmy, the youngest of the phone sex workers at Imagine Inc. She’s flighty,...
- 4/5/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Onyx Collective has rounded out the series regular cast for Hulu comedy pilot 1266 starring Gabourey Sidibe. Karim Diané (One Of Us Is Lying), Kristin Dodson (Flatbush Misdemeanors) and Kassandra Lee Diaz (You Married Dat) are set as leads alongside Sidibe in the pilot from 20th Television.
1266 follows Gabby Brixton (Sidibe), who’s living with her mom and making half-hearted attempts to become a singer/model and overnight millionaire. When she’s fired from her job, she stumbles upon the gig of a lifetime ― phone sex. What initially seems like a quick way to make money turns into a life-changing experience when she meets the women who become her chosen family and learns how powerful, profitable and prolific her voice can be.
Diané will play Posh, who is everyone’s favorite, even if they are constantly trying to figure out if he’s straight or gay. A student at...
1266 follows Gabby Brixton (Sidibe), who’s living with her mom and making half-hearted attempts to become a singer/model and overnight millionaire. When she’s fired from her job, she stumbles upon the gig of a lifetime ― phone sex. What initially seems like a quick way to make money turns into a life-changing experience when she meets the women who become her chosen family and learns how powerful, profitable and prolific her voice can be.
Diané will play Posh, who is everyone’s favorite, even if they are constantly trying to figure out if he’s straight or gay. A student at...
- 4/5/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
“With Each Interior Location We Had a Distinct Color Palette”: Dp Cary Lalonde on Young. Wild. Free.
Teenage lovers Brandon (Algee Smith) and Cassidy (Sierra Capri) embark on dangerous but lust-fueled journey in Young. Wild. Free., the feature debut from director Thembi Banks. Cinematographer Cary Lalonde tells Filmmaker about shooting this modern day take on Bonnie and Clyde. See all responses to our annual Sundance cinematographer interviews here. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up being the cinematographer of your film? What were the factors and attributes that led to your being hired for this job? Lalonde: The project was initially shut down after one day of shooting in the early days of Covid. Once it was […]
The post “With Each Interior Location We Had a Distinct Color Palette”: Dp Cary Lalonde on Young. Wild. Free. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “With Each Interior Location We Had a Distinct Color Palette”: Dp Cary Lalonde on Young. Wild. Free. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/30/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
“With Each Interior Location We Had a Distinct Color Palette”: Dp Cary Lalonde on Young. Wild. Free.
Teenage lovers Brandon (Algee Smith) and Cassidy (Sierra Capri) embark on dangerous but lust-fueled journey in Young. Wild. Free., the feature debut from director Thembi Banks. Cinematographer Cary Lalonde tells Filmmaker about shooting this modern day take on Bonnie and Clyde. See all responses to our annual Sundance cinematographer interviews here. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up being the cinematographer of your film? What were the factors and attributes that led to your being hired for this job? Lalonde: The project was initially shut down after one day of shooting in the early days of Covid. Once it was […]
The post “With Each Interior Location We Had a Distinct Color Palette”: Dp Cary Lalonde on Young. Wild. Free. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “With Each Interior Location We Had a Distinct Color Palette”: Dp Cary Lalonde on Young. Wild. Free. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/30/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
“From the First Assembly, I Knew the Film Was There”: Editor Lindsay Armstrong on Young. Wild. Free.
Teenagers Brandon (Algee Smith) and Cassidy (Sierra Capri) form a perilous romance that rivals Bonnie and Clyde’s in Young. Wild. Free., director Thembi Banks’s feature debut. Filmmaker asked editor Lindsay Armstrong about her experience cutting the film, including the unexpected importance of VFX. See all responses to our annual Sundance editor interviews here. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up being the editor of your film? What were the factors and attributes that led to your being hired for this job? Armstrong: Director Thembi Banks and I met and became good friends while working towards our MFAs in Film Production […]
The post “From the First Assembly, I Knew the Film Was There”: Editor Lindsay Armstrong on Young. Wild. Free. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “From the First Assembly, I Knew the Film Was There”: Editor Lindsay Armstrong on Young. Wild. Free. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/29/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
“From the First Assembly, I Knew the Film Was There”: Editor Lindsay Armstrong on Young. Wild. Free.
Teenagers Brandon (Algee Smith) and Cassidy (Sierra Capri) form a perilous romance that rivals Bonnie and Clyde’s in Young. Wild. Free., director Thembi Banks’s feature debut. Filmmaker asked editor Lindsay Armstrong about her experience cutting the film, including the unexpected importance of VFX. See all responses to our annual Sundance editor interviews here. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up being the editor of your film? What were the factors and attributes that led to your being hired for this job? Armstrong: Director Thembi Banks and I met and became good friends while working towards our MFAs in Film Production […]
The post “From the First Assembly, I Knew the Film Was There”: Editor Lindsay Armstrong on Young. Wild. Free. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “From the First Assembly, I Knew the Film Was There”: Editor Lindsay Armstrong on Young. Wild. Free. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/29/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Every production faces unexpected obstructions that require creative solutions and conceptual rethinking. What was an unforeseen obstacle, crisis, or simply unpredictable event you had to respond to, and how did this event impact or cause you to rethink your film? On March 11, 2020, we shot and completed our first day of principal photography of Young. Wild. Free. On March 12…well, you know what happened that day. Our entire industry and the rest of the world shut down because of Covid. I, along with the rest of the producers who had worked so hard to get to the point of […]
The post “It Was a Blessing in Disguise To Have More Time” | Thembi Banks, Young. Wild. Free. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “It Was a Blessing in Disguise To Have More Time” | Thembi Banks, Young. Wild. Free. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/25/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Every production faces unexpected obstructions that require creative solutions and conceptual rethinking. What was an unforeseen obstacle, crisis, or simply unpredictable event you had to respond to, and how did this event impact or cause you to rethink your film? On March 11, 2020, we shot and completed our first day of principal photography of Young. Wild. Free. On March 12…well, you know what happened that day. Our entire industry and the rest of the world shut down because of Covid. I, along with the rest of the producers who had worked so hard to get to the point of […]
The post “It Was a Blessing in Disguise To Have More Time” | Thembi Banks, Young. Wild. Free. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “It Was a Blessing in Disguise To Have More Time” | Thembi Banks, Young. Wild. Free. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/25/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
“These kind of stories have sustained us for 25 years.”
IndieWire’s Eric Kohn set the tone at the First-Time Filmmakers Cocktail Party, presented by Canada Goose at Sundance on January 22. The original stories and perspectives from directors making their feature debuts powers IndieWire and the film industry, and IndieWire couldn’t be happier to celebrate them.
There’s something electric about new filmmakers meeting each other for the first time. At the three-hour event, hosted at the Canada Goose Basecamp on Main Street in Park City, “Aum: The Cult at the End of the World” co-director Chiaki Yanigimoto talked with “Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” filmmaker Anna Hints, while Sing J. Lee arrived with the cast of his stirring film “The Accidental Getaway Driver.” Narrative filmmakers exchanged tips with documentarians, and everyone celebrated cinema.
Among the other attendees were Lin Alluna, Thembi L. Banks, Razelle Benally, Ben Braun, Jacqueline Castel, Mstyslav Chernov,...
IndieWire’s Eric Kohn set the tone at the First-Time Filmmakers Cocktail Party, presented by Canada Goose at Sundance on January 22. The original stories and perspectives from directors making their feature debuts powers IndieWire and the film industry, and IndieWire couldn’t be happier to celebrate them.
There’s something electric about new filmmakers meeting each other for the first time. At the three-hour event, hosted at the Canada Goose Basecamp on Main Street in Park City, “Aum: The Cult at the End of the World” co-director Chiaki Yanigimoto talked with “Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” filmmaker Anna Hints, while Sing J. Lee arrived with the cast of his stirring film “The Accidental Getaway Driver.” Narrative filmmakers exchanged tips with documentarians, and everyone celebrated cinema.
Among the other attendees were Lin Alluna, Thembi L. Banks, Razelle Benally, Ben Braun, Jacqueline Castel, Mstyslav Chernov,...
- 1/24/2023
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Actress Sanaa Lathan sat down in The Hollywood Reporter’s Studio at Sundance to promote her new feature Young. Wild. Free., alongside director Thembi Banks and co-stars Algee Smith and Sierra Capri. Lathan, most recently known for her Emmy-nominated guest starring role on season 3 of HBO’s Succession, also reflected on the upcoming season of the HBO series.
Lathan portrayed attorney Lisa Arthur on the Emmy-winning series’ most recent season, representing Jeremy Strong’s troubled media heir Kendall Roy. Asked whether she’s been on Succession’s set for season 4, Lathan revealed: “I have not, no, I have not.” However, in response to learning that co-star Nicholas Braun one-word summation of the upcoming season would be “Banger,” she said: “I mean, how can it bang more than my season? I’m kidding. Lisa Arthur was a legend. Who knows, maybe she’ll come back in the future.”
Sundance’s lineup...
Lathan portrayed attorney Lisa Arthur on the Emmy-winning series’ most recent season, representing Jeremy Strong’s troubled media heir Kendall Roy. Asked whether she’s been on Succession’s set for season 4, Lathan revealed: “I have not, no, I have not.” However, in response to learning that co-star Nicholas Braun one-word summation of the upcoming season would be “Banger,” she said: “I mean, how can it bang more than my season? I’m kidding. Lisa Arthur was a legend. Who knows, maybe she’ll come back in the future.”
Sundance’s lineup...
- 1/24/2023
- by Hilton Dresden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s been nearly a decade since Justin Simien stormed Sundance with his debut feature “Dear White People.” Premiering in Park City in January 2014 — his first trip to the festival — it marked the realization of a long held dream. The audacious social satire had been Simien’s passion project, inspired by his own college experience and fueled by a concept trailer that went viral and an Indiegogo campaign that raised 40,000 for the cause. The reception to “Dear White People” — for which Simien won the breakthrough talent special jury prize — launched the filmmaker’s career, spawning a four-season Netflix series, his sophomore film “Bad Hair” (which also debuted at Sundance) and Disney’s upcoming “Haunted Mansion.”
Now, he’s back at the festival with a new mission: paying it forward.
“This is my first time going without having a movie there and I’m really excited to do that, because usually I’m a mess,...
Now, he’s back at the festival with a new mission: paying it forward.
“This is my first time going without having a movie there and I’m really excited to do that, because usually I’m a mess,...
- 1/24/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
“Rebel Without a Cause,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” “The Wiz,” “Thelma & Louise,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “Unforgiven,” “Dazed and Confused,” “Fight Club,” “Kill Bill” — the movie references in “Young. Wild. Free.” pass by fast and furiously. Unfortunately, only viewers who haven’t seen all of the above are likely to appreciate the cinematic tropes on which this film’s plot rests — including a final twist that, depending on one’s perception, either enhances or undermines everything to come before it.
Where “Y.W.F” works best is as a showcase for the powerhouse performance of outstanding lead Algee Smith (“Euphoria”). Smith plays Brandon, a thoughtful high-school senior who’s forced to inhabit a range of roles each day: dutiful son, loving brother, aspiring artist, head of household. His mother is struggling with mental illness that leaves her in bed all day, and her boyfriend (an excellent Mike Epps) shows up only intermittently...
Where “Y.W.F” works best is as a showcase for the powerhouse performance of outstanding lead Algee Smith (“Euphoria”). Smith plays Brandon, a thoughtful high-school senior who’s forced to inhabit a range of roles each day: dutiful son, loving brother, aspiring artist, head of household. His mother is struggling with mental illness that leaves her in bed all day, and her boyfriend (an excellent Mike Epps) shows up only intermittently...
- 1/23/2023
- by Elizabeth Weitzman
- The Wrap
Sunday’s anticipated premieres include Drift, Flora And Son.
Heading into Sunday at Sundance studios and streamers were continuing to bid on Chloe Domont’s finance world psychological thriller Fair Play in what sources say could result in an eight-figure deal by the time a winner emerges.
The US Dramatic Competition entry has been the talk of the acquisitions scene since it premiered on Friday and MRC and T-Street have been taking their time mulling offers on the acclaimed feature directing debut that stars Alden Ehrenreich and Phoebe Dynevor as a newly engaged couple at a hedge fund.
After three...
Heading into Sunday at Sundance studios and streamers were continuing to bid on Chloe Domont’s finance world psychological thriller Fair Play in what sources say could result in an eight-figure deal by the time a winner emerges.
The US Dramatic Competition entry has been the talk of the acquisitions scene since it premiered on Friday and MRC and T-Street have been taking their time mulling offers on the acclaimed feature directing debut that stars Alden Ehrenreich and Phoebe Dynevor as a newly engaged couple at a hedge fund.
After three...
- 1/22/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The MacRo Lodge is back at Sundance for its 6th annual edition of programming and events centered on celebrating diversity and inclusion.
Over the course of four days, the invite-only showcase will host screenings, panels and parties at its location on Park City’s Main Street.
MacRo, which also sponsors the festival, is presented by the company’s founder and CEO Charles D. King and his wife, Chief Brand Officer Stacey Walker King. Confirmed guests include Algee Smith, Daniel Dae Kim, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Lena Waithe, Logan Browning, Meagan Good, Misty Copeland, Pinky Cole, Sanaa Lathan, Sierra Capri, Teyana Taylor and William Catlett. Directors A.V. Rockwell, Boots Riley, Nneka Onuorah, Peter Nicks, Ryan Coogler and Thembi Banks will make appearances, as well as producer Erick Peyton and writer/producer Tracy Oliver, among others.
Also Read:
Sundance’s 20 Buzziest Movies for Sale in 2023, From ‘Cat Person’ to ‘Shortcomings’ (Photos)
Programming kicks...
Over the course of four days, the invite-only showcase will host screenings, panels and parties at its location on Park City’s Main Street.
MacRo, which also sponsors the festival, is presented by the company’s founder and CEO Charles D. King and his wife, Chief Brand Officer Stacey Walker King. Confirmed guests include Algee Smith, Daniel Dae Kim, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Lena Waithe, Logan Browning, Meagan Good, Misty Copeland, Pinky Cole, Sanaa Lathan, Sierra Capri, Teyana Taylor and William Catlett. Directors A.V. Rockwell, Boots Riley, Nneka Onuorah, Peter Nicks, Ryan Coogler and Thembi Banks will make appearances, as well as producer Erick Peyton and writer/producer Tracy Oliver, among others.
Also Read:
Sundance’s 20 Buzziest Movies for Sale in 2023, From ‘Cat Person’ to ‘Shortcomings’ (Photos)
Programming kicks...
- 1/20/2023
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
The MacRo Lodge is back in time for the weekend.
The sixth annual MacRo Lodge opens today in conjunction with the Sundance Film Festival in Park City with a slate of (invitation-only) programming of inclusive screenings, panels and parties, many of which serve to champion inclusion and people of color at its prime location on Main Street over four days.
Presented by Chase Sapphire and hosted by MacRo founder and CEO Charles D. King and his chief brand officer wife Stacey Walker King, the MacRo Lodge will host appearances by Algee Smith, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Byers, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Lena Waithe, Logan Browning, Meagan Good, Misty Copeland, Pinky Cole, Sanaa Lathan, Sierra Capri, Teyana Taylor, William Catlett, directors A.V. Rockwell, Boots Riley, Nneka Onuorah, Peter Nicks, Ryan Coogler, Thembi Banks, producer Erick Peyton, writer-producer Tracy Oliver and more.
Midnight MacRo, MacRo’s annual late night bash and signature party event,...
The sixth annual MacRo Lodge opens today in conjunction with the Sundance Film Festival in Park City with a slate of (invitation-only) programming of inclusive screenings, panels and parties, many of which serve to champion inclusion and people of color at its prime location on Main Street over four days.
Presented by Chase Sapphire and hosted by MacRo founder and CEO Charles D. King and his chief brand officer wife Stacey Walker King, the MacRo Lodge will host appearances by Algee Smith, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Byers, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Lena Waithe, Logan Browning, Meagan Good, Misty Copeland, Pinky Cole, Sanaa Lathan, Sierra Capri, Teyana Taylor, William Catlett, directors A.V. Rockwell, Boots Riley, Nneka Onuorah, Peter Nicks, Ryan Coogler, Thembi Banks, producer Erick Peyton, writer-producer Tracy Oliver and more.
Midnight MacRo, MacRo’s annual late night bash and signature party event,...
- 1/20/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Multi-hyphenate filmmaker, producer and financier Tommy Oliver has signed with CAA for representation of Confluential Films, his award-winning, Black-owned and -founded film, television, and docu production company and financier. CAA will also represent Oliver personally, as a writer-director, outside of Confluential.
Oliver is the Founder & CEO, and he and his wife, Codie Elaine Oliver, are co-chairs of the creator-driven company devoted to championing inclusive, authentic and culturally specific projects, which only finances works from creators of color.
News of the CAA signing comes just ahead of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where Oliver will be unveiling four projects. Features produced by Oliver and Confluential that are heading to the Utah festival include Erica Tremblay’s Fancy Dance, starring Lily Gladstone, Isabel Deroy-Olson and Shea Whigham; the Thembi Banks-directed drama Young. Wild. Free., starring Algee Smith, Sanaa Lathan and Mike Epps; and the documentary Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project.
Oliver is the Founder & CEO, and he and his wife, Codie Elaine Oliver, are co-chairs of the creator-driven company devoted to championing inclusive, authentic and culturally specific projects, which only finances works from creators of color.
News of the CAA signing comes just ahead of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where Oliver will be unveiling four projects. Features produced by Oliver and Confluential that are heading to the Utah festival include Erica Tremblay’s Fancy Dance, starring Lily Gladstone, Isabel Deroy-Olson and Shea Whigham; the Thembi Banks-directed drama Young. Wild. Free., starring Algee Smith, Sanaa Lathan and Mike Epps; and the documentary Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project.
- 1/18/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Before Covid upended the film festival scene, Sundance premieres were a hotbed of drama as studio chiefs and streaming executives staked out the best seats in the theater and then beat a path for the exits as soon as the credits rolled in the hopes of outmaneuvering each other for the hottest films. After two years of going virtual, Sundance is back in-person. However, it’s unclear if the all-night bidding wars that were such a staple of past festivals will also return in force. At a time of cost-cutting and box office struggles for indie movies, a new era of fiscal restraint may be the order of the day.
But Sundance’s thin mountain air could cause all that economizing to evaporate. And if it does, here are 13 films that could have buyers writing big checks.
Drift
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Alia Shawkat
Director: Anthony Chen
Sales Agent: UTA
Why...
But Sundance’s thin mountain air could cause all that economizing to evaporate. And if it does, here are 13 films that could have buyers writing big checks.
Drift
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Alia Shawkat
Director: Anthony Chen
Sales Agent: UTA
Why...
- 1/17/2023
- by Brent Lang and Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
A three-part docuseries charting the rise, movements, voices and memes that made Black Twitter an influential and dominant force in nearly every aspect of American political and cultural life has received a straight-to-series order from Disney’s Onyx Collective.
“Black Twitter” (working title), based on Jason Parham’s Wired article “A People’s History of Black Twitter,” will be produced by Parham and directed by Prentice Penny, marking his first project with Onyx through an overall deal under his A Penny for Your Thoughts banner.
The series’ executive producers include Penny, Chris Pollack and Alex Solar from A Penny for Your Thoughts; Sarah Amos, Helen Estabrook, Agnes Chu and Andrew Whitney from Wired Studios; and Raeshem Nijhon, Carri Twigg, Nicole Galovski and showrunner Joie Jacoby from Culture House.
Also Read:
FX Sets Premiere Dates for Tupac Docuseries ‘Dear Mama’, ‘Dave’ and New York Times Documentaries
Additionally, Onyx has picked up...
“Black Twitter” (working title), based on Jason Parham’s Wired article “A People’s History of Black Twitter,” will be produced by Parham and directed by Prentice Penny, marking his first project with Onyx through an overall deal under his A Penny for Your Thoughts banner.
The series’ executive producers include Penny, Chris Pollack and Alex Solar from A Penny for Your Thoughts; Sarah Amos, Helen Estabrook, Agnes Chu and Andrew Whitney from Wired Studios; and Raeshem Nijhon, Carri Twigg, Nicole Galovski and showrunner Joie Jacoby from Culture House.
Also Read:
FX Sets Premiere Dates for Tupac Docuseries ‘Dear Mama’, ‘Dave’ and New York Times Documentaries
Additionally, Onyx has picked up...
- 1/14/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Onyx has ordered a scripted comedy from 20th Television featuring Gabourey Sidibe and has made straight to series order on a docuseries about Black Twitter.
The pilot 1266 follows Gabby Brixton (Sidibe), who’s living with her mom and making half-hearted attempts to become a singer/model and overnight millionaire. When she’s fired from her job, she stumbles upon the gig of a lifetime ― phone sex. What initially seems like a quick way to make money turns into a life-changing experience when she meets the women who become her chosen family and learns how powerful, profitable and prolific her voice can be.
The series is inspired by the true-life story of Sidibe, who is executive producing with Thembi Banks (Only Murders in the Building), Steven Canals (Pose), and Julie Bean (grown-ish), with Jill Kaplan to serve as a non-writing executive producer. Banks and Bean will be co-showrunners. Banks is writing...
The pilot 1266 follows Gabby Brixton (Sidibe), who’s living with her mom and making half-hearted attempts to become a singer/model and overnight millionaire. When she’s fired from her job, she stumbles upon the gig of a lifetime ― phone sex. What initially seems like a quick way to make money turns into a life-changing experience when she meets the women who become her chosen family and learns how powerful, profitable and prolific her voice can be.
The series is inspired by the true-life story of Sidibe, who is executive producing with Thembi Banks (Only Murders in the Building), Steven Canals (Pose), and Julie Bean (grown-ish), with Jill Kaplan to serve as a non-writing executive producer. Banks and Bean will be co-showrunners. Banks is writing...
- 1/14/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Onyx Collective presented several new scripted and unscripted TV series as part of its expanding programming slate, highlighting creators of color at the Television Critics Association 2023 winter press tour.
The premiere date for the original dramedy “UnPrisoned” has been set for March 10 on Hulu, with all episodes streaming at once.
Executive produced by and starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, the half-hour series tells the story of “a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son,” per Onyx Collective.
Created by Tracy McMillan and inspired by her life, the author also serves as an executive producer alongside Washington and Pilar Savone through their Simpson Street production company, Lindo, Joy Gorman Wettels, Jen Braeden and Yvette Lee Bowser, who also serves as showrunner. ABC Signature is behind the production.
The...
The premiere date for the original dramedy “UnPrisoned” has been set for March 10 on Hulu, with all episodes streaming at once.
Executive produced by and starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, the half-hour series tells the story of “a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son,” per Onyx Collective.
Created by Tracy McMillan and inspired by her life, the author also serves as an executive producer alongside Washington and Pilar Savone through their Simpson Street production company, Lindo, Joy Gorman Wettels, Jen Braeden and Yvette Lee Bowser, who also serves as showrunner. ABC Signature is behind the production.
The...
- 1/14/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Gabourey Sidibe is dialing up her next TV role: The Empire and American Horror Story veteran will play a phone sex operator in the comedy pilot 1266, in the works at Hulu via Onyx Collective. The pilot order was announced Saturday at the Television Critics Association winter press tour.
Sidibe will play Gabby Brixton, an aimless woman living with her mom and getting fired from job after job. But then, “she stumbles upon the gig of a lifetime ― phone sex! What initially seems like a quick way to make money turns into a life-changing experience when she meets the women who...
Sidibe will play Gabby Brixton, an aimless woman living with her mom and getting fired from job after job. But then, “she stumbles upon the gig of a lifetime ― phone sex! What initially seems like a quick way to make money turns into a life-changing experience when she meets the women who...
- 1/14/2023
- by Team TVLine
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Macro Film Studios, Confluential Films and No Label Productions are collaborating on the film Young. Wild. Free. Sanaa Lathan (The Perfect Guy), Algee Smith (Judas and the Black Messiah), Sierra Capri (On My Block) and Mike Epps (The Upshaws)star.
Directed by Thembi Banks (Insecure) and written by Juel Taylor (from a story created by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier), the film follows a hot-tempered high school senior who finds his claustrophobic life suddenly thrust into an enticing, dangerous direction after he is robbed at gunpoint by the girl of his dreams.
Producers include Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks, Tommy Oliver and Baron Davis. Executive producers include Codie Elaine Oliver, Prince Baggett and Charlotte Koh; Jenna Cavelle; Taylor, Rettenmaier, Mark R. Wright, Jo Henriquez, Thembi Banks and Lathan.
Production is underway in Los Angeles.
Directed by Thembi Banks (Insecure) and written by Juel Taylor (from a story created by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier), the film follows a hot-tempered high school senior who finds his claustrophobic life suddenly thrust into an enticing, dangerous direction after he is robbed at gunpoint by the girl of his dreams.
Producers include Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks, Tommy Oliver and Baron Davis. Executive producers include Codie Elaine Oliver, Prince Baggett and Charlotte Koh; Jenna Cavelle; Taylor, Rettenmaier, Mark R. Wright, Jo Henriquez, Thembi Banks and Lathan.
Production is underway in Los Angeles.
- 8/11/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
MacRo Film Studios and Confluential Films has announced the start of production on the new film “Young. Wild. Free.”
Directed by Thembi Banks, the movie stars Sanaa Lathan, Algee Smith, Sierra Capri and Mike Epps. According to the official logline for the project, Smith plays a hot-tempered high school senior who finds his claustrophobic life suddenly thrust into an enticing, dangerous direction after he is robbed at gunpoint by the girl of his dreams. Production on the project is underway in Los Angeles.
The film’s script is written by Juel Taylor (“Creed II”), from a story by Taylor and his “They Cloned Tyrone” co-writer Tony Rettenmaier, with revisions by Banks. “Young. Wild. Free” is produced by Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks, Confluential Films’ Tommy Oliver and No Label Productions’ Baron Davis. Taylor, Rettenmair, Banks and Lathan will executive produce the project alongside Confluential Films’ Codie Elaine Oliver,...
Directed by Thembi Banks, the movie stars Sanaa Lathan, Algee Smith, Sierra Capri and Mike Epps. According to the official logline for the project, Smith plays a hot-tempered high school senior who finds his claustrophobic life suddenly thrust into an enticing, dangerous direction after he is robbed at gunpoint by the girl of his dreams. Production on the project is underway in Los Angeles.
The film’s script is written by Juel Taylor (“Creed II”), from a story by Taylor and his “They Cloned Tyrone” co-writer Tony Rettenmaier, with revisions by Banks. “Young. Wild. Free” is produced by Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks, Confluential Films’ Tommy Oliver and No Label Productions’ Baron Davis. Taylor, Rettenmair, Banks and Lathan will executive produce the project alongside Confluential Films’ Codie Elaine Oliver,...
- 8/11/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
You made it through the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the Directors Guild Awards, and the Producers Guild Awards, too. The wait for the Oscars is almost over, but one more major guild had yet to give out its trophies before the Academy Awards. Tonight, Hollywood’s top writers came together for the Writers Guild of America Awards, which honored the finest achievements in film and television writing.
On the film side, the nominees were actually quite different from what you’ll see at the Oscars next week. In the Original Screenplay category, “Licorice Pizza,” “Don’t Look Up,” and “King Richard” were still nominated, but “Belfast” and “The Worst Person in the World” were replaced with “Being the Ricardos.” The Adapted Screenplay category was even more distinct, with only two Oscar contenders (“Dune” and “Coda”) nominated.
But it ultimately did not matter, as two Oscar nominees took the top prizes. “Coda...
On the film side, the nominees were actually quite different from what you’ll see at the Oscars next week. In the Original Screenplay category, “Licorice Pizza,” “Don’t Look Up,” and “King Richard” were still nominated, but “Belfast” and “The Worst Person in the World” were replaced with “Being the Ricardos.” The Adapted Screenplay category was even more distinct, with only two Oscar contenders (“Dune” and “Coda”) nominated.
But it ultimately did not matter, as two Oscar nominees took the top prizes. “Coda...
- 3/20/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Sunday’s 74th Writers Guild of America Awards will wrap up the guild season, along with the American Society of Cinematographers Awards. Will the winners be an Oscar preview?
“Licorice Pizza,” written by Paul Thomas Anderson, and “Coda,” by Sian Heder, are favored to win Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay, respectively. However, they are not facing off against many of their Oscar rivals as the WGA’s rules have rendered several scripts ineligible, including Oscar nominees “Belfast” and “The Worst Person in the World” in original, and “Drive My Car,” “The Lost Daughter” and “The Power of the Dog” in adapted. But if they both prevail, they will have bagged the two top industry prizes as they won at BAFTA last weekend right in the middle of final Oscar voting (it ends Tuesday).
The TV field features heavy-hitters “Succession” and “Ted Lasso,” both of which are expected to...
“Licorice Pizza,” written by Paul Thomas Anderson, and “Coda,” by Sian Heder, are favored to win Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay, respectively. However, they are not facing off against many of their Oscar rivals as the WGA’s rules have rendered several scripts ineligible, including Oscar nominees “Belfast” and “The Worst Person in the World” in original, and “Drive My Car,” “The Lost Daughter” and “The Power of the Dog” in adapted. But if they both prevail, they will have bagged the two top industry prizes as they won at BAFTA last weekend right in the middle of final Oscar voting (it ends Tuesday).
The TV field features heavy-hitters “Succession” and “Ted Lasso,” both of which are expected to...
- 3/20/2022
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
We don't like it like that. Just one week before the start of production, Cardi B has decided not to star in the movie Assisted Living. As a result of the rapper's decision, Paramount Players has pulled the plug on the entire project but hopes to "put the pieces back together later this year," Deadline reports. Cardi B's abrupt exit is due to the fact that "she is overextended," according to Deadline. Assisted Living, which was set to be produced by Temple Hill and directed by Thembi Banks, follows a low-level criminal named Amber (Cardi B) who goes on the run when she's wrongly accused of a crime. Disguised as a senior citizen, Amber...
- 3/11/2022
- E! Online
Exclusive: Paramount Players has pulled the plug on its comedy feature Assisted Living after Cardi B backed away from the starring role, sources tell Deadline. The film was just a week away from starting production, and other cast and crew were just told the film has at least temporarily been scratched.
The $30 million film is produced by Temple Hill and was to be directed by Thembi Banks. In Assisted Living, Cardi B (Hustlers) was to play a low-level criminal on the run when she’s wrongly accused of a crime. She has to stay free long enough to prove her innocence and holes up at her grandmother’s retirement home. She fits in with the help of some old-lady prosthetics.
The reason for her pullout is that she is overextended.
This is happening in real time, and when a star pulls out of a movie this late, the exit often is followed by legal action.
The $30 million film is produced by Temple Hill and was to be directed by Thembi Banks. In Assisted Living, Cardi B (Hustlers) was to play a low-level criminal on the run when she’s wrongly accused of a crime. She has to stay free long enough to prove her innocence and holes up at her grandmother’s retirement home. She fits in with the help of some old-lady prosthetics.
The reason for her pullout is that she is overextended.
This is happening in real time, and when a star pulls out of a movie this late, the exit often is followed by legal action.
- 3/10/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
On Thursday, January 13, Writers Guild of America West (Wgaw) and Writers Guild of America East (Wgae) jointly announced their 2022 nominations for television and new media. Winners will be rewarded on Sunday, March 20 in a ceremony that also honors motion pictures. Read on for the complete list of 2022 Writers Guild Award nominations for TV, which includes a nice mix of new series (like Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building”) and established fare (like HBO’s “Succession”).
SEEReminder: Here’s who won last year’s WGA Awards
This year’s drama series contenders are “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Loki,” “The Morning Show,” “Succession” and “Yellowjackets.” Of these, only “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Morning Show” and “Succession” also showed up in the Episodic Drama category, which was rounded out by specific episodes of “1883,” “This Is Us” and “New Amsterdam.”
The comedy series nominees are “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Hacks,” “Only Murders in the Building,...
SEEReminder: Here’s who won last year’s WGA Awards
This year’s drama series contenders are “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Loki,” “The Morning Show,” “Succession” and “Yellowjackets.” Of these, only “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Morning Show” and “Succession” also showed up in the Episodic Drama category, which was rounded out by specific episodes of “1883,” “This Is Us” and “New Amsterdam.”
The comedy series nominees are “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Hacks,” “Only Murders in the Building,...
- 1/13/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
The Writers Guild of America revealed nominations Thursday in television, new media, news, radio/audio and promotional categories for the 2022 WGA Awards, which are scheduled to take place Sunday, March 20 hosted by the WGA West and WGA East.
Nominees in the marquee TV categories include reigning Comedy Series winners Ted Lasso from Apple TV+, with newcomers to the list including several shows with multiple noms: HBO Max’s Emmy winner Hacks, Showtime’s Yellowjackets, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building and Disney+’s Marvel series Loki. That group along with FX’s Reservation Dogs comprise the awards’ New Series nominees list.
The wide-ranging list also includes noms for Netflix’s Maid and Midnight Mass, HBO’s critically lauded The White Lotus and Emmy winner Mare of Easttown, Amazon Prime Video’s The Underground Railroad and Disney+’s WandaVision in the longform categories.
Other notables: noms for Taylor Sheridan’s...
Nominees in the marquee TV categories include reigning Comedy Series winners Ted Lasso from Apple TV+, with newcomers to the list including several shows with multiple noms: HBO Max’s Emmy winner Hacks, Showtime’s Yellowjackets, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building and Disney+’s Marvel series Loki. That group along with FX’s Reservation Dogs comprise the awards’ New Series nominees list.
The wide-ranging list also includes noms for Netflix’s Maid and Midnight Mass, HBO’s critically lauded The White Lotus and Emmy winner Mare of Easttown, Amazon Prime Video’s The Underground Railroad and Disney+’s WandaVision in the longform categories.
Other notables: noms for Taylor Sheridan’s...
- 1/13/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
“Only Murders in the Building,” “Hacks,” “Loki” and “Yellowjackets” are among the top nominees for this year’s Writers Guild Awards, announced on Thursday. Winners will be honored at a joint 2021 Writers Guild Awards ceremony on Sunday, March 20, 2022.
The nominations from the Writers Guild of America West (Wgaw) and Writers Guild of America, East (Wgae) include outstanding achievement in television, new media, news, radio/audio, and promotional writing during 2021. The WGA Awards announcement caps a busy week that also included the Golden Globes’ unusual non-ceremony ceremony on Sunday, and this year’s SAG Awards nominations on Wednesday.
“Only Murders” led the WGA tally with three noms, including comedy, new series and comedy episodic. Shows with two nominations include “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Loki,” “The Morning Show,” “Succession,” “Yellowjackets,” “Hacks,” “Reservation Dogs,” “Bob’s Burgers” and “The Simpsons.” HBO led all networks with nine; followed by Apple TV Plus, FX, Hulu, NBC, Netflix and PBS,...
The nominations from the Writers Guild of America West (Wgaw) and Writers Guild of America, East (Wgae) include outstanding achievement in television, new media, news, radio/audio, and promotional writing during 2021. The WGA Awards announcement caps a busy week that also included the Golden Globes’ unusual non-ceremony ceremony on Sunday, and this year’s SAG Awards nominations on Wednesday.
“Only Murders” led the WGA tally with three noms, including comedy, new series and comedy episodic. Shows with two nominations include “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Loki,” “The Morning Show,” “Succession,” “Yellowjackets,” “Hacks,” “Reservation Dogs,” “Bob’s Burgers” and “The Simpsons.” HBO led all networks with nine; followed by Apple TV Plus, FX, Hulu, NBC, Netflix and PBS,...
- 1/13/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Thembi Banks has signed on to direct Paramount Players’ Assisted Living starring Grammy-winner Cardi B. The original spec was penned by Kay Oyegun that Paramount bought in a competitive bidding war in the Spring of 2019. Insiders add the film is still in development.
The comedy follows Amber (Cardi B), a small time crook, who finds herself in over her head when a heist goes wrong. On the run from both the cops and her former crew, she struggles to find anyone to take her in. Running out of options, Amber disguises herself as an elderly woman and hides out in the one place no one will look – her estranged grandmother’s nursing home.
Temple Hill and Stephen “Dr” Love are producing.
Banks has been on rising star on the directing circuit cutting her teeth with several short films and this would mark her first directing job at a major studio.
The comedy follows Amber (Cardi B), a small time crook, who finds herself in over her head when a heist goes wrong. On the run from both the cops and her former crew, she struggles to find anyone to take her in. Running out of options, Amber disguises herself as an elderly woman and hides out in the one place no one will look – her estranged grandmother’s nursing home.
Temple Hill and Stephen “Dr” Love are producing.
Banks has been on rising star on the directing circuit cutting her teeth with several short films and this would mark her first directing job at a major studio.
- 11/22/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
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
“I don’t fuck with Molly anymore.” Those are the first words said by Issa Dee, played by co-creator and star Issa Rae, in the beginning of Season 4 of HBO’s “Insecure.” She’s talking, of course, about her best friend Molly (Yvonne Orji), one half of an inseparable pair that goes way back. If you’ve kept up with “Insecure” the last four seasons, then you know that for Issa to say “I don’t fuck with Molly anymore” means a tectonic shift is afoot.
Once the scene is revealed to be a flash-forward, this foreboding cold open sets the stage for a new season that is all about distance: the distance you put between yourself and feeling vulnerable again, the distance showing up between you and your best friend, and the distance between you and your ex, whose new girlfriend you’re getting to know.
More from IndieWire'Outlander'...
Once the scene is revealed to be a flash-forward, this foreboding cold open sets the stage for a new season that is all about distance: the distance you put between yourself and feeling vulnerable again, the distance showing up between you and your best friend, and the distance between you and your ex, whose new girlfriend you’re getting to know.
More from IndieWire'Outlander'...
- 4/10/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
With a record number of 10,397 submissions, the 2020 Sundance Film Festival short film programmers undertook a herculean task to narrow the official selections down to 74 narrative, animated, and documentary shorts. After previewing 45 official selections made available for advance press screening, IndieWire culled 10 of the most artistically compelling, dramatically surprising, and emotionally resonate pieces. The filmmakers were then emailed and asked to share their inspiration and what they are working on next.
Although no theme unifies this year’s “must see” shorts, there are some trends to note. Perhaps because the list favors the U.S. narrative shorts, the many unique neighborhoods of Los Angeles play an outsized role in many storylines. Sundance alumni return with a vengeance, with last year’s “must-see” short filmmakers Terence Nance and Matthew Puccini and 2014 jury prize winner Bernardo Britto debuting superior new work. And the five-minute-or-less “short shorts” were more satisfying to consume than the...
Although no theme unifies this year’s “must see” shorts, there are some trends to note. Perhaps because the list favors the U.S. narrative shorts, the many unique neighborhoods of Los Angeles play an outsized role in many storylines. Sundance alumni return with a vengeance, with last year’s “must-see” short filmmakers Terence Nance and Matthew Puccini and 2014 jury prize winner Bernardo Britto debuting superior new work. And the five-minute-or-less “short shorts” were more satisfying to consume than the...
- 1/23/2020
- by Kim Adelman
- Indiewire
Exclusive: HBO, TNT and TBS are heading to the Sundance Film Festival with “Our Stories to Tell”, a 3-day pop-up experience that will celebrate their commitment to multicultural storytelling, creators and audiences. This event will take place January 24-26 on Main Street in Park City, Utah.
Similar to the event held in November in Los Angeles, the invite-only event space will include interactive programming that will empower and celebrate diverse voices and the creatives that bring the networks’ award-winning programming to life. The event will include panel conversations and discussions with on-screen and behind-the-scenes talent, exclusive dinners with casts, and more to showcase ongoing initiatives that engage African American, Asian American, Lgbtq+, and Latinx audiences.
“We are excited to kick off 2020 by bringing Our Stories To Tell to the Sundance Film Festival. The creativity and powerful discussions this space has inspired since its inception in 2017 is truly impactful and we...
Similar to the event held in November in Los Angeles, the invite-only event space will include interactive programming that will empower and celebrate diverse voices and the creatives that bring the networks’ award-winning programming to life. The event will include panel conversations and discussions with on-screen and behind-the-scenes talent, exclusive dinners with casts, and more to showcase ongoing initiatives that engage African American, Asian American, Lgbtq+, and Latinx audiences.
“We are excited to kick off 2020 by bringing Our Stories To Tell to the Sundance Film Festival. The creativity and powerful discussions this space has inspired since its inception in 2017 is truly impactful and we...
- 1/17/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Malcolm D. Lee is set to produce The Untitled Double Dutch Project at Universal, based off an original idea by Thembi Banks which she will write.
The story we hear will revolve around the journey of a coach and his double-dutch jump rope team.
Banks is currently the co-producer on the Untitled Hilde Lysiak Project for Apple, and she’s a 2018 HBO Directing Fellow, and was a 2017 Directing Fellow for Film Independent’s Project Involve.
Lee will produce Double Dutch under his banner Blackmaled Productions. Universal Vice President of Production Sara Scott is overseeing the project on behalf of the studio.
Lee’s Kevin Hart-Tiffany Haddish fall comedy Night School recently grossed over $101M at the global box office. In total, Lee’s directing canon has amassed close to $600M worldwide. Lee’s Girls Trip last year repped a high mark for comedies at the B.O.
The story we hear will revolve around the journey of a coach and his double-dutch jump rope team.
Banks is currently the co-producer on the Untitled Hilde Lysiak Project for Apple, and she’s a 2018 HBO Directing Fellow, and was a 2017 Directing Fellow for Film Independent’s Project Involve.
Lee will produce Double Dutch under his banner Blackmaled Productions. Universal Vice President of Production Sara Scott is overseeing the project on behalf of the studio.
Lee’s Kevin Hart-Tiffany Haddish fall comedy Night School recently grossed over $101M at the global box office. In total, Lee’s directing canon has amassed close to $600M worldwide. Lee’s Girls Trip last year repped a high mark for comedies at the B.O.
- 12/11/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Feig, through his digital media company Powderkeg he started with Laura Fisher, has launched a new female director program titled Powderkeg: Fuse, a new development incubator for female filmmakers.
As its first initiative, Powderkeg: Fuse selected six short films submitted by a group of ethnically diverse women, and all of them will begin production in Los Angeles this week. Forty female directors were invited to submit their ideas based on a prompt, and the chosen six were paired with top producers and casting directors to develop their short.
When the short is completed, it will be distributed as part of the Fuse Anthology, a total of 30 minutes in length, all tied together thematically.
Also Read: Paul Feig Says He Will Add 'Inclusion Riders' to All His Films, TV Projects
The last section of the prompt read, “This mosaic of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct micro-culture is the source of endless conversation and comedy.
As its first initiative, Powderkeg: Fuse selected six short films submitted by a group of ethnically diverse women, and all of them will begin production in Los Angeles this week. Forty female directors were invited to submit their ideas based on a prompt, and the chosen six were paired with top producers and casting directors to develop their short.
When the short is completed, it will be distributed as part of the Fuse Anthology, a total of 30 minutes in length, all tied together thematically.
Also Read: Paul Feig Says He Will Add 'Inclusion Riders' to All His Films, TV Projects
The last section of the prompt read, “This mosaic of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct micro-culture is the source of endless conversation and comedy.
- 10/5/2018
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
HBOAccess has selected three helmers for its 2018 Directing Fellowship. Thembi Banks, Cary Williams and Ryan Zaragoza will take part in a weeklong workshop before mounting their production in July. Read more about the new fellows below.
The program supports directors who are interested in a career in television by giving them the opportunity to shoot a pilot presentation which will air on HBO. The scripts they have chosen to direct all come from material created through the HBOAccess Writing Fellowship.
“Every year we are overwhelmed with the amazing talent introduced to us through this process,” said Kelly Edwards, VP Talent Development at HBO. “These directors are superstars on the verge of making the leap to episodic. Our hope is that we can be a small part of their story.”
The HBOAccess Directing Fellowship selects three to four fellows to participate in a biennial program designed to foster diverse directing talent.
The program supports directors who are interested in a career in television by giving them the opportunity to shoot a pilot presentation which will air on HBO. The scripts they have chosen to direct all come from material created through the HBOAccess Writing Fellowship.
“Every year we are overwhelmed with the amazing talent introduced to us through this process,” said Kelly Edwards, VP Talent Development at HBO. “These directors are superstars on the verge of making the leap to episodic. Our hope is that we can be a small part of their story.”
The HBOAccess Directing Fellowship selects three to four fellows to participate in a biennial program designed to foster diverse directing talent.
- 5/4/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
HBOAccess has announced the top 20 semi-finalists for their 2018 Directing Fellowship. The program supports directors who are interested in a career in television by giving them the opportunity to shoot a pilot presentation which will air on HBO, HBO Go, and HBO Now.
HBO received over 1,000 submissions when it opened its application portal in February. “There are so many talented new directors doing great work. Getting this list down to only three fellows will be difficult,” remarked President of HBO Films Len Amato, “but we gladly accept that challenge and are excited to support and give a platform to new voices and artists with vision.”
The 2018 HBOAccess semi-finalists are:
Alicia J. Rose
Carey Williams
Damon Russell
Dinh Thai
Dubois Ashong
Erika Bagnarello
Huay-Bing Law
Jacqueline Dow
Kaitlin Fontana
Mary Gulino
Maureen Bharoocha
Michael Olmos
Mylissa Fitzsimmons
Olivia Clare Newman
Ryan Richmond
Ryan Zaragoza
Tanuj Chopra
Tarik Jackson
Thembi Banks
Zao Wang...
HBO received over 1,000 submissions when it opened its application portal in February. “There are so many talented new directors doing great work. Getting this list down to only three fellows will be difficult,” remarked President of HBO Films Len Amato, “but we gladly accept that challenge and are excited to support and give a platform to new voices and artists with vision.”
The 2018 HBOAccess semi-finalists are:
Alicia J. Rose
Carey Williams
Damon Russell
Dinh Thai
Dubois Ashong
Erika Bagnarello
Huay-Bing Law
Jacqueline Dow
Kaitlin Fontana
Mary Gulino
Maureen Bharoocha
Michael Olmos
Mylissa Fitzsimmons
Olivia Clare Newman
Ryan Richmond
Ryan Zaragoza
Tanuj Chopra
Tarik Jackson
Thembi Banks
Zao Wang...
- 4/11/2018
- by Sean McAloon
- Age of the Nerd
In today’s roundup, Lifetime released the trailer for new thriller series “You,” and the CW announced the return dates for several summer shows.
Frist Looks
Lifetime released the first official trailer of thriller series “You” based on the best-selling book of the same name by Caroline Kepnes. From executive producers Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble, the show follows a twisted, obsessive love story about a man who uses the hyper-connectivity of today’s world to make a woman fall for him. “You” stars Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, Luca Padovan, and Zach Cherry, with a special guest appearance by John Stamos. It premieres September 9 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt. Watch the trailer below.
Casting
Undefeated boxing champion Andre “Son of God” Ward will host Mark Burnett’s boxing competition series “The Contender.” Freddie Roach and Naazim Richardson have also joined the series as trainers. The 12-episode season will...
Frist Looks
Lifetime released the first official trailer of thriller series “You” based on the best-selling book of the same name by Caroline Kepnes. From executive producers Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble, the show follows a twisted, obsessive love story about a man who uses the hyper-connectivity of today’s world to make a woman fall for him. “You” stars Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, Luca Padovan, and Zach Cherry, with a special guest appearance by John Stamos. It premieres September 9 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt. Watch the trailer below.
Casting
Undefeated boxing champion Andre “Son of God” Ward will host Mark Burnett’s boxing competition series “The Contender.” Freddie Roach and Naazim Richardson have also joined the series as trainers. The 12-episode season will...
- 4/10/2018
- by Ariana Brockington
- Variety Film + TV
Evita Castine’s recently completed short film "Only Light" is one of those rare films that deals with a subject matter that isn't often spoken about, or brought to attention - that of human sex trafficking. The films tells what happens when a young girl is kidnapped from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and sold as a sex worker in the U.S., and who finds an escape from reality by watching a teenage girl next door. Written by Thembi Banks, and produced by Zac Skipp and Elena Ostromouva, and starring Kennedy Zimet, Brooke McNeal, Michael Beach, Aaron Spears, Michole White, Ms. Castine made the film as part of USC Cinema’s Advanced Production...
- 9/10/2014
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
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