Maybe there’s hope for quality Netflix originals apart from its awards contenders. “Rebel Ridge,” a topical thriller about an ex-Marine confronting a corrupt small-town sheriff, is #1 at Netflix. It stars Aaron Pierre — who stepped into the role after John Boyega walked off the production in June 2021. A respected actor and ascendant star, Pierre is not a household name like Mark Wahlberg or Adam Sandler or Eddie Murphy, all of whom recently took Netflix originals to #1.
Nor is it a flashy drama, or a big-budget production. Its director, Jeremy Saulnier, most recently directed “Hold the Dark” for Netflix in 2018 (along with a couple of episodes of “True Detective”). IndieWire has watched his career for years, but directors like these also have wound up at Netflix making films that lack edginess or creativity. This seems like a happy exception. Its success suggests that well-crafted stories driven by substantial characters can be popular,...
Nor is it a flashy drama, or a big-budget production. Its director, Jeremy Saulnier, most recently directed “Hold the Dark” for Netflix in 2018 (along with a couple of episodes of “True Detective”). IndieWire has watched his career for years, but directors like these also have wound up at Netflix making films that lack edginess or creativity. This seems like a happy exception. Its success suggests that well-crafted stories driven by substantial characters can be popular,...
- 9/9/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
A big-screen adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s dystopian sci-fi novel Uglies; Emily in Paris becoming Emily in Rome; Jeremy Saulnier’s latest genre piece; the latest installment of Ryan Murphy’s grisly crime anthology series; Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen and Natasha Lyonne playing sisters in a critically acclaimed family drama; and rom-com series toplined by the charming coupling of Kristen Bell and Adam Brody are some of the highlights among the new films and series hitting Netflix in September.
Buzzy filmmaker Jeremy Saulnier releases his latest feature, Rebel Ridge, on Netflix on Sept. 6. The action film stars up-and-coming Brit actor Aaron Pierre as a man who comes to a small town to bail out his cousin, but has his money seized by a corrupt local police force led by Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson). He is then forced to use his skills to retrieve the money and exact revenge. Saulnier...
Buzzy filmmaker Jeremy Saulnier releases his latest feature, Rebel Ridge, on Netflix on Sept. 6. The action film stars up-and-coming Brit actor Aaron Pierre as a man who comes to a small town to bail out his cousin, but has his money seized by a corrupt local police force led by Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson). He is then forced to use his skills to retrieve the money and exact revenge. Saulnier...
- 9/2/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Una historia basada en hechos reales protagonizada por Kerry Washington. © Netflix
Netflix ha publicado el primer tráiler de Seis Triple Ocho, la película escrita y dirigida por Tyler Perry (Diario de una chiflada), que narra la motivadora historia real de las increíblemente valientes mujeres del primer y único cuerpo del Ejército de Estados Unidos integrado exclusivamente por mujeres negras que sirvió en el extranjero en la Segunda Guerra Mundial.
Seis Triple Ocho sigue a estas valientes que se enfrentaron al sexismo y la discriminación, a un entorno desconocido y un país asolado por la guerra, pero se mantuvieron firmes y ordenaron más de 17 millones de cartas en solo 3 meses, gracias a lo cual los soldados estadounidenses pudieron retomar el contacto con sus familiares y seres queridos. Su lema para motivarse a diario era: «Sin correo, no hay moral». Y es que las mujeres del batallón 6888 del Directorio Postal no solo ayudaron a repartir el correo,...
Netflix ha publicado el primer tráiler de Seis Triple Ocho, la película escrita y dirigida por Tyler Perry (Diario de una chiflada), que narra la motivadora historia real de las increíblemente valientes mujeres del primer y único cuerpo del Ejército de Estados Unidos integrado exclusivamente por mujeres negras que sirvió en el extranjero en la Segunda Guerra Mundial.
Seis Triple Ocho sigue a estas valientes que se enfrentaron al sexismo y la discriminación, a un entorno desconocido y un país asolado por la guerra, pero se mantuvieron firmes y ordenaron más de 17 millones de cartas en solo 3 meses, gracias a lo cual los soldados estadounidenses pudieron retomar el contacto con sus familiares y seres queridos. Su lema para motivarse a diario era: «Sin correo, no hay moral». Y es que las mujeres del batallón 6888 del Directorio Postal no solo ayudaron a repartir el correo,...
- 8/31/2024
- by Marta Medina
- mundoCine
Tyler Perry is shrugging off criticisms of his films, especially his comedies.
The multi-hyphenate mogul addressed wanting to represent his audience onscreen, regardless of critical reception.
“A large portion of my fans are disenfranchised, who cannot get in the Volvo and go to therapy on the weekend,” Perry said during the “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer” podcast. “You’ve got this highbrow negro who is all up in the air with his nose up looking at everything. Then, you got people like where I come from, and me, who are grinders, who really know what it’s like, whose mothers were caregivers for white kids and were maids, housekeepers, beauticians. Don’t discount these people and say their stories don’t matter. Who are you to be able to say which Black story is important, or should be told? Get out of here with that bullshit.”
Perry continued, “If you...
The multi-hyphenate mogul addressed wanting to represent his audience onscreen, regardless of critical reception.
“A large portion of my fans are disenfranchised, who cannot get in the Volvo and go to therapy on the weekend,” Perry said during the “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer” podcast. “You’ve got this highbrow negro who is all up in the air with his nose up looking at everything. Then, you got people like where I come from, and me, who are grinders, who really know what it’s like, whose mothers were caregivers for white kids and were maids, housekeepers, beauticians. Don’t discount these people and say their stories don’t matter. Who are you to be able to say which Black story is important, or should be told? Get out of here with that bullshit.”
Perry continued, “If you...
- 7/26/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
You're probably just as shocked to be reading this guide to the fantastic cast and characters of S.W. A.T. as we were to put it all together for you, considering the show was expected to end after Season 7, but the disturbingly handsome Hondo is back and better than ever!
The reboot of the 1975 series will give it one more go-ahead, or, at least, that's what we've been told so far because we might find ourselves here again in another year if the next season of the police procedural does as remarkable as its previous season.
Whatever the case, fans were undoubtedly over the moon to get another season of their favorite characters and all the crazy drama and exciting action of this thrill-ride series.
Before the eighth and final season, catch up with our Cast & Character Guide for S.W.A.T.!
What Is S.W.A.T. About?
Related: CBS Fall Schedule 2024-25: Tracker on the Move,...
The reboot of the 1975 series will give it one more go-ahead, or, at least, that's what we've been told so far because we might find ourselves here again in another year if the next season of the police procedural does as remarkable as its previous season.
Whatever the case, fans were undoubtedly over the moon to get another season of their favorite characters and all the crazy drama and exciting action of this thrill-ride series.
Before the eighth and final season, catch up with our Cast & Character Guide for S.W.A.T.!
What Is S.W.A.T. About?
Related: CBS Fall Schedule 2024-25: Tracker on the Move,...
- 7/2/2024
- by Joshua Pleming
- TVfanatic
When Kevin Daniels got a call from his agent’s mom that she’d pitched him for the lead role in a film she was producing, it didn’t take much for him to say “yes.”
“We had a zoom meeting and we kind of laughed and told some jokes and they were like, ‘Hey, you want to come down to Savannah?’ and I was like, ‘I like Savannah. That sounds nice,’” Daniels tells The Hollywood Reporter.
The film was Not Another Church Movie, a spoof comedy of Tyler Perry’s Madea series, written, directed and produced by Johnny Mack (Real Husbands of Hollywood), which is set to hit theaters on May 10. In it, Daniels, stars as the hardworking Taylor Pherry, a man given a mission directly from God (Jamie Foxx) to write a story about his dysfunctional family to save billionaire talk show host Hoprah Windfall’s plummeting TV ratings.
“We had a zoom meeting and we kind of laughed and told some jokes and they were like, ‘Hey, you want to come down to Savannah?’ and I was like, ‘I like Savannah. That sounds nice,’” Daniels tells The Hollywood Reporter.
The film was Not Another Church Movie, a spoof comedy of Tyler Perry’s Madea series, written, directed and produced by Johnny Mack (Real Husbands of Hollywood), which is set to hit theaters on May 10. In it, Daniels, stars as the hardworking Taylor Pherry, a man given a mission directly from God (Jamie Foxx) to write a story about his dysfunctional family to save billionaire talk show host Hoprah Windfall’s plummeting TV ratings.
- 5/10/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black’: Netflix Reveals Cast For New Series Under Creator’s First Look Deal
Netflix has revealed the cast of Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, a new series coming to the streamer that’s the result of a previously announced creative partnership.
The pact calls for Perry will write, direct, and produce feature films and series under a multi-year first-look deal.
Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black follows two women leading very different lives. While Kimmie is struggling to make a living after her mother kicked her out, and Mallory is running a successful business, they find themselves entangled in each other’s lives.
The 16-episode hour-long drama is written, directed, and produced by Perry.
The cast includes Taylor Polidore Williams (Divorce in the Black; Snowfall) as Kimmie; Amber Reign Smith (Outlaw Posse; Wu-Tang: An American Saga) as Rain; Crystle Stewart (Tyler Perry’s The Oval; Acrimony) as Mallory; Ricco Ross (A Husband for Christmas; Aliens) as Horace; Debbi Morgan (Power; Power Book...
The pact calls for Perry will write, direct, and produce feature films and series under a multi-year first-look deal.
Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black follows two women leading very different lives. While Kimmie is struggling to make a living after her mother kicked her out, and Mallory is running a successful business, they find themselves entangled in each other’s lives.
The 16-episode hour-long drama is written, directed, and produced by Perry.
The cast includes Taylor Polidore Williams (Divorce in the Black; Snowfall) as Kimmie; Amber Reign Smith (Outlaw Posse; Wu-Tang: An American Saga) as Rain; Crystle Stewart (Tyler Perry’s The Oval; Acrimony) as Mallory; Ricco Ross (A Husband for Christmas; Aliens) as Horace; Debbi Morgan (Power; Power Book...
- 4/4/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Tyler Perry is reevaluating where to put his resources amid the rise of OpenAI technology.
The mega-producer told The Hollywood Reporter that his $800 million plans to expand his Atlanta-based studio have been put “indefinitely on hold” after he saw the “mind-blowing” capabilities of the artificial intelligence company’s text-to-video model, Sora. Perry spent four years planning the pricey expansion at his studio, which would have added 12 soundstages on the backlot.
“All of that is currently and indefinitely on hold because of Sora and what I’m seeing,” Perry said. “I had gotten word over the last year or so that this was coming, but I had no idea until I saw recently the demonstrations of what it’s able to do. It’s shocking to me. Being told that it can do all of these things is one thing, but actually seeing the capabilities, it was mind-blowing.”
According to Perry,...
The mega-producer told The Hollywood Reporter that his $800 million plans to expand his Atlanta-based studio have been put “indefinitely on hold” after he saw the “mind-blowing” capabilities of the artificial intelligence company’s text-to-video model, Sora. Perry spent four years planning the pricey expansion at his studio, which would have added 12 soundstages on the backlot.
“All of that is currently and indefinitely on hold because of Sora and what I’m seeing,” Perry said. “I had gotten word over the last year or so that this was coming, but I had no idea until I saw recently the demonstrations of what it’s able to do. It’s shocking to me. Being told that it can do all of these things is one thing, but actually seeing the capabilities, it was mind-blowing.”
According to Perry,...
- 2/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Like all demos, viewers of Black-led programming are cutting the cord in favor of streaming. Many end up at Philo.
Philo is not a niche SVOD (subscription video on-demand) service like BET+. The cable replacement boasts 70+ channels; it just so happens the vMVPD (virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributor) serves certain niches — like BET’s — really well.
To hear CMO Nii Addy say it, Philo is about affordability and focus — and definitely not sports.
When every other vMVPD was chasing pricey sports rights, Addy stepped aside and let them through. What those services ended up with was a huge bill; the basic monthly Philo bill, including unlimited DVR, has remained just $25 since June 2021..
What many Philo subs do watch is a whole lot of Tyler Perry. Last week, three of the Top 5 series on Philo were from BET; the Top 2 shows, in order, were Perry’s “Sistas” and “The Oval.” Four...
Philo is not a niche SVOD (subscription video on-demand) service like BET+. The cable replacement boasts 70+ channels; it just so happens the vMVPD (virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributor) serves certain niches — like BET’s — really well.
To hear CMO Nii Addy say it, Philo is about affordability and focus — and definitely not sports.
When every other vMVPD was chasing pricey sports rights, Addy stepped aside and let them through. What those services ended up with was a huge bill; the basic monthly Philo bill, including unlimited DVR, has remained just $25 since June 2021..
What many Philo subs do watch is a whole lot of Tyler Perry. Last week, three of the Top 5 series on Philo were from BET; the Top 2 shows, in order, were Perry’s “Sistas” and “The Oval.” Four...
- 1/12/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
A movie with the title “Maxine’s Baby” brings with it certain expectations; namely, that it will help you learn something, anything of substance regarding a person named Maxine. The new documentary from directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz does not fulfill that promise. Maxine in the film is Willie Maxine Perry, and the baby is her son, Tyler Perry. Over the course of its too-long one-hour and 55-minute runtime, “Maxine’s Baby” shares a grand total of maybe three facts about Perry’s mother: 1) she was married to an abusive man, 2) she was religious, and 3) she died in 2009. Any real meat about who she was as a person is cast aside in favor of picture montages and in-the-moment interviews where Perry discusses his love for his Maxine, and how she shaped him into the artist he is today. These sections universally go down like a wafer cookie: sweet but...
- 10/29/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Tyler Perry has signed a multi-year first-look deal with Netflix. The prolific filmmaker behind “Boo!: A Madea Halloween,” “For Colored Girls,” “The Family That Preys” and “Why Did I Get Married?” will write, direct and produce feature films for the streaming giant.
Perry’s upcoming Netflix originals include “Six Triple Eight,” with Kerry Washington heading up an ensemble flick about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to be stationed overseas during World War II. Perry’s upcoming “Mea Culpa” stars Kelly Rowland as a defense attorney who represents an artist accused of murdering his girlfriend.
Perry has already made several films for Netflix, including “A Jazzman’s Blues,” “A Fall from Grace” and “A Madea Homecoming.”
The latter was the 12th film featuring Perry’s marquee character. The fast-talking, zero-s–t-taking atheist grandmother — played by Perry himself — was first introduced onstage in “I Can Do Bad All By Myself...
Perry’s upcoming Netflix originals include “Six Triple Eight,” with Kerry Washington heading up an ensemble flick about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to be stationed overseas during World War II. Perry’s upcoming “Mea Culpa” stars Kelly Rowland as a defense attorney who represents an artist accused of murdering his girlfriend.
Perry has already made several films for Netflix, including “A Jazzman’s Blues,” “A Fall from Grace” and “A Madea Homecoming.”
The latter was the 12th film featuring Perry’s marquee character. The fast-talking, zero-s–t-taking atheist grandmother — played by Perry himself — was first introduced onstage in “I Can Do Bad All By Myself...
- 10/23/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Few in the film industry may be as quietly prolific as Tyler Perry. And a lot of his success comes thanks to his “Madea” movies: totaling twelve in all since “Diary Of A Mad Black Woman” in 2005. But what the roots of Perry’s success as an entertainer? Prime Video explores that in “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story,” set for its world premiere at AFI Fest later this month.
Continue reading ‘Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story’ Trailer: Doc About The Popular Entertainer Premieres At AFI Fest, Hits Prime Video On November 17 at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story’ Trailer: Doc About The Popular Entertainer Premieres At AFI Fest, Hits Prime Video On November 17 at The Playlist.
- 10/17/2023
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Allblk, the popular streaming service for Black television from AMC Networks, has unleashed the trailer for the sophomore season of supernatural drama, “Wicked City.”
The 8-episode series premieres Thursday, October 19, with new episodes dropping every Thursday exclusively on Allblk. Watch the trailer for Season 2 below, only here on Bd.
In season one, we followed a coven of Black witches who pushed their supernatural powers to new heights after uncovering dark secrets and accidentally entering the world of the forbidden. This season, three months after failing to stop a magical slaver named The Handler, the Atlanta coven find themselves broken and separated.
Jordan – who now runs The Mystic Haven – and Angela try and fail to find Sherise who’s being held captive by The Handler. Mona has moved away, and Camille is put in permanent hiding by her birth mother, Claudette. Unbeknownst to the coven, Tabitha and Caden are trapped inside...
The 8-episode series premieres Thursday, October 19, with new episodes dropping every Thursday exclusively on Allblk. Watch the trailer for Season 2 below, only here on Bd.
In season one, we followed a coven of Black witches who pushed their supernatural powers to new heights after uncovering dark secrets and accidentally entering the world of the forbidden. This season, three months after failing to stop a magical slaver named The Handler, the Atlanta coven find themselves broken and separated.
Jordan – who now runs The Mystic Haven – and Angela try and fail to find Sherise who’s being held captive by The Handler. Mona has moved away, and Camille is put in permanent hiding by her birth mother, Claudette. Unbeknownst to the coven, Tabitha and Caden are trapped inside...
- 10/4/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
If you watched J.J. Abrams' 2009 reboot of the "Star Trek" motion picture franchise — and considering that the film made almost $400 million, earned rave reviews, won an Academy Award for Best Makeup, and helped spawn a "Star Trek" renaissance that persists to this day through multiple acclaimed TV shows, there's a decent chance you did — then you probably weren't surprised to discover the film had surprises. Maybe you knew that original series star Leonard Nimoy came back, but maybe you didn't know that the planet Vulcan would be destroyed, or that Scotty accidentally killed Captain Archer's dog. Either way, the references, revelations, and cameos were practically inevitable, so much so that many "Trek" fans probably didn't raise an eyebrow at some of them.
But there was one moment in Abrams' first "Star Trek" movie that was genuinely unexpected, thanks to a cameo that had no relationship whatsoever to the franchise's past,...
But there was one moment in Abrams' first "Star Trek" movie that was genuinely unexpected, thanks to a cameo that had no relationship whatsoever to the franchise's past,...
- 8/14/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
Producer, actor, writer and director Tyler Perry has set his first film at Amazon Studios, “Black, White, & Blue,” which falls under the four-picture film deal Perry and the studio forged in November, the company announced on Wednesday.
The film was written, directed, and produced by Perry and stars Kat Graham (“The Vampire Diaries”), Tyler Lepley (“Harlem”), Meagan Tandy (“Batwoman”), Josh Adeyeye (“Ruthless”), RonReaco Lee (“First Wives Club”), Jimi Stanton (“Your Honor”), Shannon Lanier (“God’s Not Dead 3”), and Nick Barrotta (“The Oval”).
The official logline is as follows: “Fela Blackburn’s life is shattered when she loses her husband, Rodney Blackburn, at the hands of a police officer. Determined to get to the bottom of the incident and seek justice, she leans on her best friend, Marley Wells, who is a lawyer, and her husband, Tony Wells, who is a former cop turned private investigator, to use their influence to find the truth.
The film was written, directed, and produced by Perry and stars Kat Graham (“The Vampire Diaries”), Tyler Lepley (“Harlem”), Meagan Tandy (“Batwoman”), Josh Adeyeye (“Ruthless”), RonReaco Lee (“First Wives Club”), Jimi Stanton (“Your Honor”), Shannon Lanier (“God’s Not Dead 3”), and Nick Barrotta (“The Oval”).
The official logline is as follows: “Fela Blackburn’s life is shattered when she loses her husband, Rodney Blackburn, at the hands of a police officer. Determined to get to the bottom of the incident and seek justice, she leans on her best friend, Marley Wells, who is a lawyer, and her husband, Tony Wells, who is a former cop turned private investigator, to use their influence to find the truth.
- 6/28/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Tyler Perry‘s most famous character, Madea, has appeared in nearly half the director’s films: a gun-toting, “Hallelu-yer”-shouting force of nature, and an outrageous drag tribute to his mother and aunt. But some films in the Madea Cinematic Universe are gleefully manic, while others arrive in what appears to be a half-finished state of sad melodrama and mediocrity. Not counting her cameo appearance in the otherwise Madea-free “Meet the Browns,” or the animated kids offering “Madea’s Tough Love,” here’s where to find maximum Madea mayhem:
10. “Madea’s Witness Protection”
To look at box office receipts, this one would appear to have been a fan favorite, the second-highest-grossing Madea movie to date. But it came along at a time when Perry was making minor noise about retiring the character, and it really shows. The film looks cheap even by Perry’s budget-minded standards, the jokes are flat, and...
10. “Madea’s Witness Protection”
To look at box office receipts, this one would appear to have been a fan favorite, the second-highest-grossing Madea movie to date. But it came along at a time when Perry was making minor noise about retiring the character, and it really shows. The film looks cheap even by Perry’s budget-minded standards, the jokes are flat, and...
- 6/23/2023
- by Dave White
- The Wrap
Eighteen years ago, Tyler Perry brought his DIY play to the big screen. Released in 2005, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” chronicles one beleaguered woman’s journey to healing and self-discovery after being betrayed by her philandering husband. The film features all the classical elements of Perry productions. It’s set in a predominantly Black area of the South, there are theatrical church scenes and plenty of the over-the-top histrionics extracted straight from his plays. But more importantly, there was Madea.
Played by Perry himself, the matriarch emerged as a rambunctious, pistol-packing matriarch who’s as comfortable espousing quirky wisdom as she is ferocious clapbacks. Upon its release, the flick got mixed reviews from critics — but it grossed $50.7 million at the box office, just about 10-times more than its budget. Since then, Perry’s released nine additional Madea films, with the eight that came out in theaters grossing $570 million at the box office,...
Played by Perry himself, the matriarch emerged as a rambunctious, pistol-packing matriarch who’s as comfortable espousing quirky wisdom as she is ferocious clapbacks. Upon its release, the flick got mixed reviews from critics — but it grossed $50.7 million at the box office, just about 10-times more than its budget. Since then, Perry’s released nine additional Madea films, with the eight that came out in theaters grossing $570 million at the box office,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Peter Berry
- The Wrap
The film financier out of Atlanta, Georgia, Jon Gosier of FilmHedge, was very visible this year in Cannes. Aside from the banner on the Croisette advertising his office, his company sponsored the Producer’s Club for the second year and it graced the cover of the Cannes Market Guide. Who is this newly visible player? A discussion with Gosier follows.(L to R) Mickey Vetter (FilmHedge), Bruno Chaetlin (FilmFestivals.com), Erik Gordon (FilmHedge), Jon Gosier (FilmHedge), Ashley H. (Morgan Stanley)
His company, FilmHedge, along with his company Southbox Entertainment, announced a $25M partnership with Riveting Entertainment in which Gosier will be both investor and strategic advisor. Production on their first feature-length film will begin in Georgia this year.
FilmHedge also announced that Archstone Entertainment has secured worldwide sales rights to a film they financed called The December Cross.
This marks the second year that FilmHedge has sponsored the Cannes Film Festival Producers’ Club. They sponsor it, not because they are looking for producers. Producers themselves are always looking for money. They sponsor it so that they can educate the producers on how best to get that money. Things like equity vs. debt loans and how to get FilmHedge’s debt loans. The Film Financing Forum is the only program I know of that explains the business of film financing to filmmakers and that is the reason for Jon’s presence at the Producers’ Club.
Last year the Film Financing Forum focused on female filmmakers. Two of the largest investors in his company are women in venture capital. This year the focus has broadened but includes filmmakers from Africa and the African Diaspora.
Jon Gosier, the Founder and CEO of FilmHedge, is an entrepreneur, software developer, investor, and philanthropist. He graduated Scad, The Savannah College of Art and Design and began his career in music at a recording studio. He always had an interest in movies, but at that time in Atlanta, there was no movie industry. When a “then-unknown guy” brought his movie to the studio, Gosier asked to be put on his session because of this interest.
The unknown guy was Tyler Perry doing some audio for the movie Diary of A Mad Black Woman. About two years later, Tyler Perry Studios reached out and asked him to join them as Music/Audio Supervisor. That made him one of the first employees to work at the illustrious Tyler Perry Studios, where he learned the ins and outs of closing media deals. Now Gosier is using his knowledge to help filmmakers finance feature films, TV series, and documentaries.
Fast forward ten years. After working for Tyler for a while, he quit to do his own thing as an entrepreneur and he built several technology companies across multiple continents, became an angel investor and dabbled as a venture capitalist.
Gosier founded Audigent, which is the leading data activation, curation, and identity platform used by major music publishers, including Warner Music, which now owns a substantial stake of the company. Jon, a native of Georgia, is also the founder of Southbox Entertainment (2018), a film and TV production and co-financing company based in Atlanta.
He was named as one of Ten African Tech Voices to Follow on Twitter by CNN and one of the 25 most influential African-Americans in Technology by Business Insider. He was awarded a Ted Fellowship in 2009 and later named a Ted Senior Fellow. He was born May 20, 1981 (age 42 years) in Reston, Virginia, United States and has also founded Appfrica, HiveColab, and Abayima.
Now Gosier is using his knowledge to help aspiring filmmakers find their footing by securing financing for their feature films, TV shows or documentaries.
Sydney: I liked how your CFO/COO, Josh Harris, explained it: “Technology and streaming has rewired entertainment consumption forever, pushing Hollywood to produce more content at greater speed. FilmHedge is built at the intersection of technology and entertainment and is uniquely positioned to influence the evolution of the film industry by creating efficiencies while deploying much needed private capital into a diverse marketplace.”
Josh Harris, with 20-plus years in institutional finance, worked as a lender on over $1 billion of film transactions and in leadership for top banks like Rbc and Bank of Hawaii, supporting their corporate and commercial banking platforms. Most recently, he grew the entertainment financing division at City National Bank, an Rbc company, helping to increase returns and expand the entertainment portfolio of businesses. Harris is steeped in regulatory know-how. His training and experience in financial services gives him the ability to forecast trends and anticipate market dynamics. His involvement in the entertainment financing vertical and working closely with studios, film, and television has resulted in Harris building a vast influential network at the nexus of Hollywood and Wall Street.
“Josh is an instrumental part of our executive team as a board member and co-founder, helping us secure our debt deal earlier this year and he has the creativity to improve how we deliver financial products to filmmakers. Josh’s acumen and experience in the C-suite will be vital to the growth of FilmHedge, as we continue to see a greater usage rate on our platform,” said Gosier.
Headquarted in Atlanta, Georgia, FilmHedge is a film and TV finance company that leverages proprietary technology to improve the lending process for filmmakers. FilmHedge is an alternative lender providing short-term debt financing up to $10 million dollars per film or TV series to qualified productions. The technology that FilmHedge has built upon is customized for the unique needs of the film and TV finance industry. Through the innovative application of this technology, FilmHedge can approve lending in a matter of days whereas legacy bank lenders can take weeks or even months. Because FilmHedge relies on technology for the underwriting process, another advantage is that there is no bias in the financing process.
Can you explain to me what non-equity means?
It means debt financing. We don’t own the film or have a share (equity) in the film. We are loaning money to the film company to make the film.
Could you explain to me the differences between venture capital, private equity and hedge funds?
Venture capitalists are only privately held companies using other people’s money to drive up the paper value of other privately owned companies. They can remain privately owned up to 10 years or more before going public. That is a long time to wait for a return on the investment. They typically start early with start-up companies which then go public or are flipped to other owners.
Private equity firms invest a mix of private and public traded companies. They have shorter return times but also less return on the investment, but they have more deals than Vc companies.
Hedge funds are a mix of both of the above. We invest in private and public companies and have both long and short positions.
How do you determine what films to make loans to?
To secure lending from FilmHedge, the production must satisfy our key criteria. First, the borrowers must have sufficient collateral for their production. The film must also have a completion bond, a type of insurance that guarantees a film will be completed or the financial backers will be made whole. FilmHedge considers distribution agreements (with payment clauses known as minimum guarantees), tax credits, and pre-sales as collateral.
FilmHedge earns a net average of 11.28%, which is believed to be above the industry average. Gosier believes transparency is critical to the industry, which is why his company publicly publishes an annual report detailing returns. In 2021, FilmHedge directed $101 million into 10 feature films which generated $113 million within 12 months.
FilmHedge’s technology monitors for production redflags that can result in severe financial problems like going over-budget, misappropriation of funds, and fraud. The software FilmHedge employs monitors in real-time producer spending and transactions via an easy-to-use dashboard that allows investors to see things like allocation of monies, interest earned, and more. You can see an example here.
With increased scrutiny and regulatory oversight of traditional banks brought on by the recent failure of high-profile banks, it’s become more difficult for filmmakers to access capital. This is a gap FilmHedge seeks to fill and the company has already seen increased demand in the past few months.
How can you guarantee such an Roi?
In short, it goes back to the criteria we require for FilmHedge to fund a production. We only fund deals that are bonded and where there’s essentially already a buyer or other financial stakeholders in place. The agreements between the producer and these stakeholders serve as collateral for us.
What about the recent bank failures? How are you affected?
When we began in 2020, Covid broke out. Now there are bank failures. FilmHedge provides private credit. We lend funding to the project, not the filmmaker. Private credit is attractive for investors, and film financing offers a reliable, relatively quick return akin to other asset classes like real estate, trade finance, or factoring.
Also consider that in turbulent economic times, three things thrive: guns, liquor, and entertainment. As a critical piece of the entertainment puzzle, FilmHedge stands to benefit in times like these when compared to traditional investment paths.
Ok, now for the hard questions:
Can you explain the systemic exclusion of Blacks in film financing?
The perception that financing is tilted against a particular group is not that easy. The reality is that a lot of filmmakers simply do not understand how the industry works. And the financing part can be daunting for creatives who invest so much of their energy on developing scripts. Filmmakers have to learn how the business side of the system works. The system, in large part, is not broken. Many filmmakers run into a wall and they think it’s because of x, but it is not always the case. And with FilmHedge in particular, we have improved the system to virtually eliminate any discrimination when it comes to who gets funding and who does not. Our system approves deals exclusively based on quantitative attributes, either there’s collateral in place or there isn’t. That’s as objective and equitable as it gets. It is looking strictly at whether or not the production has met our criteria for funding. I spend a lot of time and do a lot of mentoring with emerging filmmakers educating on the basics of film finance. Once you understand how the system works, you can work within it.
Well you can say that, but I know plenty of women who are well qualified who cannot raise money because the Hollywood old boy’s network does exclude them. If there are more projects looking for money than there is money, choices get made ln who gets that money.
I am not saying the industry is free of blame. The entertainment industry faces the same systemic issues other industries face no doubt. That is why it’s important to educate marginalized groups on how to work the system, and in the case of FilmHedge, how to access funding. I can tell you that Georgia is a welcoming home for mainstream filmmakers, as well as marginalized groups. Our open minds and innovative spirit is part of what makes Georgia the top destination for production, outpacing even Hollywood.
Why did FilmHedge establish roots in Atlanta?
During the 2021 fiscal year, the film and television industry set records with $4 billion in direct spending on productions in the state of Georgia. This industry spending was the result of 366 productions filmed in the state — represented by 21 feature films, 45 independent films, 222 television and episodic productions, 57 commercials, and 21 music videos.
Georgia has led the industry in production-friendly policy that has brought blue chip talent and spending to the state. These policies also bring investment, this transaction being a great example.
I also grew up here.
Perks of filming in Georgia:
In Georgia, entertainment tax credits are coveted by TV and Film producers. The State’s film, television, and digital entertainment tax credit of 30% offers significant cost savings for those producing feature films, television series, music videos and commercials, as well as interactive games and animation.
Georgia Film and TV Tax Credit Jumps to a Record $1.2 Billion
Through the Entertainment Industry Investment Act, Georgia provides a 20% tax credit for companies that spend $500,000 or more on production and post-production in-state, either in a single production or across multiple projects. The state grants these productions an additional 10 percent tax credit if the finished project includes a promotional logo in the end credits.
How is Georgia’s election-fraud, anti-abortion and pro-gun stand affecting funds and filming there? I know I myself am guilty of condemning a political stance, but if there is still money to be gotten, I will go after it and I imagine filmmakers concur.
Well so far the rhetoric has not resulted in any policy changes. But politicians need to calculate the risk they are taking with their words.
Yes they should look both ways before crossing the line. You know how they use code words about Hollywood…Meanwhile, it’s business as usual, or as unusual, because it is an unusual business.
Thank you for your time.
You are welcome. Just to summarize:
FilmHedge financing is available to fill gaps in Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, Re-shoots, or Finishing: FilmHedge provides private credit financing to Film and TV producers up to $10 million per production. We offer short term financing to borrowers working in Film, TV, and Media. Forms of collateral for lending include corporate media agreements like distribution, minimum guarantees, pre-sales, and federal or state tax credits etc.
Upon approval, in 24 to 72 hours applicants can receive the capital needed to complete their project. Types of funding does FilmHedge offer to borrowers:
-Gap Loans
-Bridge Loans
-Finishing Funds
-Liquidity Financing (i.e. Line of Credit)
Term Loans: Up to $10M*
Lines of Credit: Up to $25M*
Typically film projects with total budgets between $1 million and $50 million or TV projects with budgets of at least $500 thousand per episode. Additionally, we primarily finance productions that have, or intend to get, completion bonds.
No development funds. No full budgets (100%)
What’s Happening in Georgia? The Atlanta Film Industry in 2021...
His company, FilmHedge, along with his company Southbox Entertainment, announced a $25M partnership with Riveting Entertainment in which Gosier will be both investor and strategic advisor. Production on their first feature-length film will begin in Georgia this year.
FilmHedge also announced that Archstone Entertainment has secured worldwide sales rights to a film they financed called The December Cross.
This marks the second year that FilmHedge has sponsored the Cannes Film Festival Producers’ Club. They sponsor it, not because they are looking for producers. Producers themselves are always looking for money. They sponsor it so that they can educate the producers on how best to get that money. Things like equity vs. debt loans and how to get FilmHedge’s debt loans. The Film Financing Forum is the only program I know of that explains the business of film financing to filmmakers and that is the reason for Jon’s presence at the Producers’ Club.
Last year the Film Financing Forum focused on female filmmakers. Two of the largest investors in his company are women in venture capital. This year the focus has broadened but includes filmmakers from Africa and the African Diaspora.
Jon Gosier, the Founder and CEO of FilmHedge, is an entrepreneur, software developer, investor, and philanthropist. He graduated Scad, The Savannah College of Art and Design and began his career in music at a recording studio. He always had an interest in movies, but at that time in Atlanta, there was no movie industry. When a “then-unknown guy” brought his movie to the studio, Gosier asked to be put on his session because of this interest.
The unknown guy was Tyler Perry doing some audio for the movie Diary of A Mad Black Woman. About two years later, Tyler Perry Studios reached out and asked him to join them as Music/Audio Supervisor. That made him one of the first employees to work at the illustrious Tyler Perry Studios, where he learned the ins and outs of closing media deals. Now Gosier is using his knowledge to help filmmakers finance feature films, TV series, and documentaries.
Fast forward ten years. After working for Tyler for a while, he quit to do his own thing as an entrepreneur and he built several technology companies across multiple continents, became an angel investor and dabbled as a venture capitalist.
Gosier founded Audigent, which is the leading data activation, curation, and identity platform used by major music publishers, including Warner Music, which now owns a substantial stake of the company. Jon, a native of Georgia, is also the founder of Southbox Entertainment (2018), a film and TV production and co-financing company based in Atlanta.
He was named as one of Ten African Tech Voices to Follow on Twitter by CNN and one of the 25 most influential African-Americans in Technology by Business Insider. He was awarded a Ted Fellowship in 2009 and later named a Ted Senior Fellow. He was born May 20, 1981 (age 42 years) in Reston, Virginia, United States and has also founded Appfrica, HiveColab, and Abayima.
Now Gosier is using his knowledge to help aspiring filmmakers find their footing by securing financing for their feature films, TV shows or documentaries.
Sydney: I liked how your CFO/COO, Josh Harris, explained it: “Technology and streaming has rewired entertainment consumption forever, pushing Hollywood to produce more content at greater speed. FilmHedge is built at the intersection of technology and entertainment and is uniquely positioned to influence the evolution of the film industry by creating efficiencies while deploying much needed private capital into a diverse marketplace.”
Josh Harris, with 20-plus years in institutional finance, worked as a lender on over $1 billion of film transactions and in leadership for top banks like Rbc and Bank of Hawaii, supporting their corporate and commercial banking platforms. Most recently, he grew the entertainment financing division at City National Bank, an Rbc company, helping to increase returns and expand the entertainment portfolio of businesses. Harris is steeped in regulatory know-how. His training and experience in financial services gives him the ability to forecast trends and anticipate market dynamics. His involvement in the entertainment financing vertical and working closely with studios, film, and television has resulted in Harris building a vast influential network at the nexus of Hollywood and Wall Street.
“Josh is an instrumental part of our executive team as a board member and co-founder, helping us secure our debt deal earlier this year and he has the creativity to improve how we deliver financial products to filmmakers. Josh’s acumen and experience in the C-suite will be vital to the growth of FilmHedge, as we continue to see a greater usage rate on our platform,” said Gosier.
Headquarted in Atlanta, Georgia, FilmHedge is a film and TV finance company that leverages proprietary technology to improve the lending process for filmmakers. FilmHedge is an alternative lender providing short-term debt financing up to $10 million dollars per film or TV series to qualified productions. The technology that FilmHedge has built upon is customized for the unique needs of the film and TV finance industry. Through the innovative application of this technology, FilmHedge can approve lending in a matter of days whereas legacy bank lenders can take weeks or even months. Because FilmHedge relies on technology for the underwriting process, another advantage is that there is no bias in the financing process.
Can you explain to me what non-equity means?
It means debt financing. We don’t own the film or have a share (equity) in the film. We are loaning money to the film company to make the film.
Could you explain to me the differences between venture capital, private equity and hedge funds?
Venture capitalists are only privately held companies using other people’s money to drive up the paper value of other privately owned companies. They can remain privately owned up to 10 years or more before going public. That is a long time to wait for a return on the investment. They typically start early with start-up companies which then go public or are flipped to other owners.
Private equity firms invest a mix of private and public traded companies. They have shorter return times but also less return on the investment, but they have more deals than Vc companies.
Hedge funds are a mix of both of the above. We invest in private and public companies and have both long and short positions.
How do you determine what films to make loans to?
To secure lending from FilmHedge, the production must satisfy our key criteria. First, the borrowers must have sufficient collateral for their production. The film must also have a completion bond, a type of insurance that guarantees a film will be completed or the financial backers will be made whole. FilmHedge considers distribution agreements (with payment clauses known as minimum guarantees), tax credits, and pre-sales as collateral.
FilmHedge earns a net average of 11.28%, which is believed to be above the industry average. Gosier believes transparency is critical to the industry, which is why his company publicly publishes an annual report detailing returns. In 2021, FilmHedge directed $101 million into 10 feature films which generated $113 million within 12 months.
FilmHedge’s technology monitors for production redflags that can result in severe financial problems like going over-budget, misappropriation of funds, and fraud. The software FilmHedge employs monitors in real-time producer spending and transactions via an easy-to-use dashboard that allows investors to see things like allocation of monies, interest earned, and more. You can see an example here.
With increased scrutiny and regulatory oversight of traditional banks brought on by the recent failure of high-profile banks, it’s become more difficult for filmmakers to access capital. This is a gap FilmHedge seeks to fill and the company has already seen increased demand in the past few months.
How can you guarantee such an Roi?
In short, it goes back to the criteria we require for FilmHedge to fund a production. We only fund deals that are bonded and where there’s essentially already a buyer or other financial stakeholders in place. The agreements between the producer and these stakeholders serve as collateral for us.
What about the recent bank failures? How are you affected?
When we began in 2020, Covid broke out. Now there are bank failures. FilmHedge provides private credit. We lend funding to the project, not the filmmaker. Private credit is attractive for investors, and film financing offers a reliable, relatively quick return akin to other asset classes like real estate, trade finance, or factoring.
Also consider that in turbulent economic times, three things thrive: guns, liquor, and entertainment. As a critical piece of the entertainment puzzle, FilmHedge stands to benefit in times like these when compared to traditional investment paths.
Ok, now for the hard questions:
Can you explain the systemic exclusion of Blacks in film financing?
The perception that financing is tilted against a particular group is not that easy. The reality is that a lot of filmmakers simply do not understand how the industry works. And the financing part can be daunting for creatives who invest so much of their energy on developing scripts. Filmmakers have to learn how the business side of the system works. The system, in large part, is not broken. Many filmmakers run into a wall and they think it’s because of x, but it is not always the case. And with FilmHedge in particular, we have improved the system to virtually eliminate any discrimination when it comes to who gets funding and who does not. Our system approves deals exclusively based on quantitative attributes, either there’s collateral in place or there isn’t. That’s as objective and equitable as it gets. It is looking strictly at whether or not the production has met our criteria for funding. I spend a lot of time and do a lot of mentoring with emerging filmmakers educating on the basics of film finance. Once you understand how the system works, you can work within it.
Well you can say that, but I know plenty of women who are well qualified who cannot raise money because the Hollywood old boy’s network does exclude them. If there are more projects looking for money than there is money, choices get made ln who gets that money.
I am not saying the industry is free of blame. The entertainment industry faces the same systemic issues other industries face no doubt. That is why it’s important to educate marginalized groups on how to work the system, and in the case of FilmHedge, how to access funding. I can tell you that Georgia is a welcoming home for mainstream filmmakers, as well as marginalized groups. Our open minds and innovative spirit is part of what makes Georgia the top destination for production, outpacing even Hollywood.
Why did FilmHedge establish roots in Atlanta?
During the 2021 fiscal year, the film and television industry set records with $4 billion in direct spending on productions in the state of Georgia. This industry spending was the result of 366 productions filmed in the state — represented by 21 feature films, 45 independent films, 222 television and episodic productions, 57 commercials, and 21 music videos.
Georgia has led the industry in production-friendly policy that has brought blue chip talent and spending to the state. These policies also bring investment, this transaction being a great example.
I also grew up here.
Perks of filming in Georgia:
In Georgia, entertainment tax credits are coveted by TV and Film producers. The State’s film, television, and digital entertainment tax credit of 30% offers significant cost savings for those producing feature films, television series, music videos and commercials, as well as interactive games and animation.
Georgia Film and TV Tax Credit Jumps to a Record $1.2 Billion
Through the Entertainment Industry Investment Act, Georgia provides a 20% tax credit for companies that spend $500,000 or more on production and post-production in-state, either in a single production or across multiple projects. The state grants these productions an additional 10 percent tax credit if the finished project includes a promotional logo in the end credits.
How is Georgia’s election-fraud, anti-abortion and pro-gun stand affecting funds and filming there? I know I myself am guilty of condemning a political stance, but if there is still money to be gotten, I will go after it and I imagine filmmakers concur.
Well so far the rhetoric has not resulted in any policy changes. But politicians need to calculate the risk they are taking with their words.
Yes they should look both ways before crossing the line. You know how they use code words about Hollywood…Meanwhile, it’s business as usual, or as unusual, because it is an unusual business.
Thank you for your time.
You are welcome. Just to summarize:
FilmHedge financing is available to fill gaps in Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, Re-shoots, or Finishing: FilmHedge provides private credit financing to Film and TV producers up to $10 million per production. We offer short term financing to borrowers working in Film, TV, and Media. Forms of collateral for lending include corporate media agreements like distribution, minimum guarantees, pre-sales, and federal or state tax credits etc.
Upon approval, in 24 to 72 hours applicants can receive the capital needed to complete their project. Types of funding does FilmHedge offer to borrowers:
-Gap Loans
-Bridge Loans
-Finishing Funds
-Liquidity Financing (i.e. Line of Credit)
Term Loans: Up to $10M*
Lines of Credit: Up to $25M*
Typically film projects with total budgets between $1 million and $50 million or TV projects with budgets of at least $500 thousand per episode. Additionally, we primarily finance productions that have, or intend to get, completion bonds.
No development funds. No full budgets (100%)
What’s Happening in Georgia? The Atlanta Film Industry in 2021...
- 6/15/2023
- by Sydney
- Sydney's Buzz
It’s a new month, and Hulu subscribers are getting a slew of new movies and TV shows to enjoy.
June 1 is jam-packed with more than 30 titles that have landed on the streamer, including the seventh and final season of Ava DuVernay’s “Queen Sugar,” the Jack Nicholson-led film “Hoffa,” Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Borat” and the entire “Twilight” franchise.
Mixing in a little of the old with new come goodies from 2023, like “Flamin’ Hot,” which tells the story of Mexican migrant Richard Montanez who came up with the idea for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos while working as a janitor at Frito Lay. The film lands on Hulu June 9.
Ending June with a bang will the be second season of “The Bear,” (June 22), Season 20 of “The Bachelorette” (June 27) and the sixth and final season of “Grown-ish.”
Here’s everything you can expect to hit Hulu this June.
Also Read:
The Best Free Movie Streaming Sites,...
June 1 is jam-packed with more than 30 titles that have landed on the streamer, including the seventh and final season of Ava DuVernay’s “Queen Sugar,” the Jack Nicholson-led film “Hoffa,” Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Borat” and the entire “Twilight” franchise.
Mixing in a little of the old with new come goodies from 2023, like “Flamin’ Hot,” which tells the story of Mexican migrant Richard Montanez who came up with the idea for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos while working as a janitor at Frito Lay. The film lands on Hulu June 9.
Ending June with a bang will the be second season of “The Bear,” (June 22), Season 20 of “The Bachelorette” (June 27) and the sixth and final season of “Grown-ish.”
Here’s everything you can expect to hit Hulu this June.
Also Read:
The Best Free Movie Streaming Sites,...
- 6/3/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
It’s summer time on Hulu and that can only mean one thing. With its list of new releases for June 2023, Hulu is bringing back last summer’s unexpected hit.
FX’s The Bear season 2 premieres all episodes on June 22. If you’re not already captivated by this intense culinary story about the little Italian beef shop that could, definitely catch up now. This time around, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and friends will attempt a major foodie rebrand. The only other Hulu series of note this month is the docuseries The Age of Influence. Premiering on June 5, this doc will examine the dark side of influencer culture.
Just like its corporate partner Disney+, Hulu will premiere Eva Longoria’s directorial debut, Flamin’ Hot, in June 9. The movie tells the true story of Frito-Lay janitor Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia) who created an iconic snack that forever changed the food industry. Also...
FX’s The Bear season 2 premieres all episodes on June 22. If you’re not already captivated by this intense culinary story about the little Italian beef shop that could, definitely catch up now. This time around, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and friends will attempt a major foodie rebrand. The only other Hulu series of note this month is the docuseries The Age of Influence. Premiering on June 5, this doc will examine the dark side of influencer culture.
Just like its corporate partner Disney+, Hulu will premiere Eva Longoria’s directorial debut, Flamin’ Hot, in June 9. The movie tells the true story of Frito-Lay janitor Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia) who created an iconic snack that forever changed the food industry. Also...
- 6/1/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Season 2 of last summer’s hit breakout series “The Bear” is set to premiere on Hulu on Thursday, June 22. After a tumultuous return to his family’s hole-in-the-wall Chicago restaurant, chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) and his staff transform the greasy sandwich joint into a first-class dining experience after he discovers the slush fund his brother left behind. Despite having the extra money to make his dreams a reality, the future proves to be both a personal and professional challenge for Carmy and the crew.
Watch the trailer for Season 2 of “The Bear”:
Beginning on June 14, the new series continuation of the beloved film “The Full Monty” arrives on Hulu. It’s 25 years later and the men and women of Sheffield, England, are in reboot mode, navigating life and family. The original 1997 movie focused on a group of down-on-their-luck, blue-collar men who put on a strip show to make ends meet.
Watch the trailer for Season 2 of “The Bear”:
Beginning on June 14, the new series continuation of the beloved film “The Full Monty” arrives on Hulu. It’s 25 years later and the men and women of Sheffield, England, are in reboot mode, navigating life and family. The original 1997 movie focused on a group of down-on-their-luck, blue-collar men who put on a strip show to make ends meet.
- 5/24/2023
- by Fern Siegel
- The Streamable
Two major hits debuted for home viewing this week, with very different gaps between their theatrical releases and PVOD availability. “Avatar: The Way of Water” (Disney), which appeared after 100 days and $680 million in domestic gross, is currently #1 everywhere. “Creed III” (MGM) arrived after only 28 days to place #2, also on all charts. “The Way of Water” is available to buy for $19.99, while “Creed III” can only be rented for 48 hours.
Also debuting is “Champions”, consistent with the company’s usual post-third weekend release. It made two lists, as high as #4 at Vudu. Vudu also has the latest DC Comics home video original “Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham” (Warner Bros. Discovery) at #9 for $14.99.
Two films that made all three lists are now available at $5.99 with “A Man Called Otto” (Sony) and “Puss in Boots: The Last Exit” (Universal). “Cocaine Bear” (Universal), still at $19.99, also made all three and charted as high as #3 at Vudu.
Also debuting is “Champions”, consistent with the company’s usual post-third weekend release. It made two lists, as high as #4 at Vudu. Vudu also has the latest DC Comics home video original “Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham” (Warner Bros. Discovery) at #9 for $14.99.
Two films that made all three lists are now available at $5.99 with “A Man Called Otto” (Sony) and “Puss in Boots: The Last Exit” (Universal). “Cocaine Bear” (Universal), still at $19.99, also made all three and charted as high as #3 at Vudu.
- 4/3/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Love Is Blind season four, Murder Mystery 2, Rob Lowe starrer Unstable and docuseries Waco: American Apocalypse and Emergency: NYC are among the much-anticipated projects hitting Netflix this month.
Dating show Love Is Blind returns on March 24, featuring a new group of singles looking to make a connection based on something other than looks.
Later in the month, the streamer drops Rob and John Owen Lowe’s Unstable, a scripted comedy inspired by the playful dynamic between the real-life father and son. In the series, co-created by Santa Clarita Diet creator Victor Fresco, the elder Lowe plays successful biotech entrepreneur Ellis Dragon who is struggling after the death of his wife. John Owen Lowe plays his introverted son, Jackson, who seems to be the only one who can save his dad.
And Netflix closes out the month with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler’s Murder Mystery 2. The sequel finds Aniston...
Dating show Love Is Blind returns on March 24, featuring a new group of singles looking to make a connection based on something other than looks.
Later in the month, the streamer drops Rob and John Owen Lowe’s Unstable, a scripted comedy inspired by the playful dynamic between the real-life father and son. In the series, co-created by Santa Clarita Diet creator Victor Fresco, the elder Lowe plays successful biotech entrepreneur Ellis Dragon who is struggling after the death of his wife. John Owen Lowe plays his introverted son, Jackson, who seems to be the only one who can save his dad.
And Netflix closes out the month with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler’s Murder Mystery 2. The sequel finds Aniston...
- 3/19/2023
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Media moguls Tyler Perry and Byron Allen are vying to purchase a majority stake of BET Media Group amid reports that owner Paramount Global is exploring a sale of the asset.
Variety has confirmed that Perry is in talks to acquire the network, while a spokesperson for Allen stated that the Allen Media Group founder is also “interested in buying BET, and he will be pursuing the acquisition of the network.”
Perry currently owns a minority stake in the operation run by CEO Scott Mills, which includes cablers BET and VH1, and also produces a large portion of the programming available on BET and streamer BET+, which he helped launch in 2019. Also among BET’s divisions is production company BET Studios, which counts Kenya Barris, Rashida Jones and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas as minority stake holders.
Perry and BET have a long history, as the network helped fund his first feature,...
Variety has confirmed that Perry is in talks to acquire the network, while a spokesperson for Allen stated that the Allen Media Group founder is also “interested in buying BET, and he will be pursuing the acquisition of the network.”
Perry currently owns a minority stake in the operation run by CEO Scott Mills, which includes cablers BET and VH1, and also produces a large portion of the programming available on BET and streamer BET+, which he helped launch in 2019. Also among BET’s divisions is production company BET Studios, which counts Kenya Barris, Rashida Jones and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas as minority stake holders.
Perry and BET have a long history, as the network helped fund his first feature,...
- 3/6/2023
- by Jennifer Maas and Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
There’s something for everyone this month on Netflix, including the streamer’s first-ever live-streamed global event: Chris Rock’s comedy special “Selective Outrage.”
The last time the comedian was on a stage of this scale, he was slapped in the face by Will Smith. You’ll have to tune in at 7 pm Pm Pt/10 pm Et on Saturday, March 4 to find out if he addresses the Oscars incident!
On the drama front, the second half of “You” Season 4, starring Penn Badgley, returns March 9. Fans of political intrigue will want to tune into “The Night Agent.” Former child star Gabriel Basso stars as a vigilant FBI agent who answers a call that plunges him into a deadly conspiracy involving a mole at the White House. Idris Elbra returns as disgraced London detective John Luther in “Luther: The Fallen Son” on March 10. And of course, we can’t forget the steamy series “Sex/Life,...
The last time the comedian was on a stage of this scale, he was slapped in the face by Will Smith. You’ll have to tune in at 7 pm Pm Pt/10 pm Et on Saturday, March 4 to find out if he addresses the Oscars incident!
On the drama front, the second half of “You” Season 4, starring Penn Badgley, returns March 9. Fans of political intrigue will want to tune into “The Night Agent.” Former child star Gabriel Basso stars as a vigilant FBI agent who answers a call that plunges him into a deadly conspiracy involving a mole at the White House. Idris Elbra returns as disgraced London detective John Luther in “Luther: The Fallen Son” on March 10. And of course, we can’t forget the steamy series “Sex/Life,...
- 3/1/2023
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
March is a time for madness, whether it comes from basketball, Mercury retrograde, or a person’s home streaming habits. Netflix joins in on the chaos by updating its library with all three “Hangover” movies, a whole lot of workout content, “Magic Mike Xxl,” and much, much more.
On March 9, the streamer will premiere Part 2 of “You” Season 2, starring Penn Badgley, Charlotte Ritchie, and Ed Speleers. The five remaining episodes find Joe (Badgley) trapped in a volatile dance with London mayoral candidate and serial killer Rhys (Speleers), trying to prevent more murders but also not go down for the many he’s committed in the process. The trailer shows Joe and Kate (Ritchie) growing closer, more brushes with Kate’s wealthy socialite friends, and the return of Victoria Pedretti as Joe’s wife Love — or maybe the ghost of his wife, and of sins past.
“You” Season 4 Part 2 premieres March...
On March 9, the streamer will premiere Part 2 of “You” Season 2, starring Penn Badgley, Charlotte Ritchie, and Ed Speleers. The five remaining episodes find Joe (Badgley) trapped in a volatile dance with London mayoral candidate and serial killer Rhys (Speleers), trying to prevent more murders but also not go down for the many he’s committed in the process. The trailer shows Joe and Kate (Ritchie) growing closer, more brushes with Kate’s wealthy socialite friends, and the return of Victoria Pedretti as Joe’s wife Love — or maybe the ghost of his wife, and of sins past.
“You” Season 4 Part 2 premieres March...
- 2/22/2023
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
Shemar Moore began his career as a soap-opera heartthrob on "The Young and the Restless" before starring in hit shows and movies like "S.W.A.T.," "Sonic the Hedgehog 2," and "Criminal Minds." Along the way, the 52-year-old star has had a storied dating life. From Halle Berry to his "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" costar Kimberly Elise, Moore has been connected to quite a few familiar faces.
On Jan. 9, the "S.W.A.T." actor announced he and girlfriend Jesiree Dizon are expecting a baby in February. The baby will be Moore's first and Dizon's third (she has a son and daughter from previous relationships), and the shift into family-man mode marks a big change for the longtime bachelor. However, it's not entirely unexpected.
In the past, Moore was candid about wanting to focus on his career before he started a family, but in recent years, he's opened up about being ready to settle down.
On Jan. 9, the "S.W.A.T." actor announced he and girlfriend Jesiree Dizon are expecting a baby in February. The baby will be Moore's first and Dizon's third (she has a son and daughter from previous relationships), and the shift into family-man mode marks a big change for the longtime bachelor. However, it's not entirely unexpected.
In the past, Moore was candid about wanting to focus on his career before he started a family, but in recent years, he's opened up about being ready to settle down.
- 1/11/2023
- by Sabienna Bowman
- Popsugar.com
While Chinonye Chukwu was filming “Till” — which tells the story of Mamie Till-Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice following the lynching of her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till — she spotted someone she didn’t recognize visiting with the film’s producer and star Whoopi Goldberg on the Atlanta set. “I see this tall man. I was like, ‘Who is this?’” Chukwu recalls. The mysterious visitor was Tyler Perry.
“I came in to support,” Perry explains as the two filmmakers sit down. “I just wanted to let you and Whoopi and everybody else know that anything I could do, I was there 100. Atlanta’s a little bit of my town.”
The “Till” production office had been set up at Tyler Perry Studios, which was “glorious,” Chukwu says before asking the million-dollar question: “I look at you and the legacy that you built for yourself, and I look at the studio, at you as a filmmaker,...
“I came in to support,” Perry explains as the two filmmakers sit down. “I just wanted to let you and Whoopi and everybody else know that anything I could do, I was there 100. Atlanta’s a little bit of my town.”
The “Till” production office had been set up at Tyler Perry Studios, which was “glorious,” Chukwu says before asking the million-dollar question: “I look at you and the legacy that you built for yourself, and I look at the studio, at you as a filmmaker,...
- 12/19/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Tyler Perry is going to Amazon Prime Video. The studio, with a film division led by Julie Rapaport, has notched a deal with the Atlanta-based entertainment mogul that will see him produce, write and direct four features for worldwide distribution on Prime Video.
“I’m excited and grateful to start working with Amazon Studios to bring movies to Prime Video,” said Perry in a statement. “Jennifer Salke and the entire team have welcomed me with open arms, and I’m looking forward to continuing telling unique stories and bringing my next projects to the global audiences that they reach.”
Perry broke out in Hollywood in 2005 with the surprise smash “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” The adaptation of his self-penned stage play introduced filmgoing audiences to Madea, the fast-talking, zero-shit-taking atheist grandmother played (in a supporting role) by Perry himself.
The film earned 50.6 million domestic from a 5.5 million budget, kicking...
“I’m excited and grateful to start working with Amazon Studios to bring movies to Prime Video,” said Perry in a statement. “Jennifer Salke and the entire team have welcomed me with open arms, and I’m looking forward to continuing telling unique stories and bringing my next projects to the global audiences that they reach.”
Perry broke out in Hollywood in 2005 with the surprise smash “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” The adaptation of his self-penned stage play introduced filmgoing audiences to Madea, the fast-talking, zero-shit-taking atheist grandmother played (in a supporting role) by Perry himself.
The film earned 50.6 million domestic from a 5.5 million budget, kicking...
- 11/28/2022
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Journalist Chris Wallace put Tyler Perry in a rather uncomfortable position on CNN/HBO Max’s “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace” when he pointed out that Perry’s Madea character has been accused of fostering negative stereotypes of Black men and women. Wallace even mentioned how fellow filmmaker Spike Lee in 2009 called Madea “coonery buffoonery” — a term Urban dictionary defines as “antics and behavior displayed by certain underclass individuals in the Black culture, the end result being the embarrassment of the rest of the upstanding Black community.”
Perry, the creator and performer behind the tough, elderly woman in roughly a dozen films since 2005, acknowledged that he has faced widespread criticism for his most popular creation. ”Emasculating Black men, I’ve heard it all. Yeah,” he told Wallace in an interview that started streaming Saturday.
“There’s a certain part of our society, especially Black people in the culture, that...
Perry, the creator and performer behind the tough, elderly woman in roughly a dozen films since 2005, acknowledged that he has faced widespread criticism for his most popular creation. ”Emasculating Black men, I’ve heard it all. Yeah,” he told Wallace in an interview that started streaming Saturday.
“There’s a certain part of our society, especially Black people in the culture, that...
- 9/25/2022
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Sistas alumna Novi Brown and Terrell Carter (Empire) are set to star in horror thriller Alone In The Dark, a Tubi original movie set for premiere on Fox’s free ad-supported streaming service in October.
Directed by Brant Daugherty, and co-written by Daugherty and wife, Kimberly Daugherty (A Christmas Movie Christmas), who also appears in the movie, Alone In The Dark revolves around a recent divorcée under house arrest who must deal with a stalker that appears to have control over her surroundings.
Brown plays Bri Collins, a recent divorcée who is under house arrest due to her ex-husband’s crimes. As she begins to feel stalked in her own home, she hires a personal bodyguard named Xavier at her friend’s recommendation and works with him to take down her stalker.
Carter portrays Xavier Johnson, a personal security guard searching for his missing sister when he is hired...
Directed by Brant Daugherty, and co-written by Daugherty and wife, Kimberly Daugherty (A Christmas Movie Christmas), who also appears in the movie, Alone In The Dark revolves around a recent divorcée under house arrest who must deal with a stalker that appears to have control over her surroundings.
Brown plays Bri Collins, a recent divorcée who is under house arrest due to her ex-husband’s crimes. As she begins to feel stalked in her own home, she hires a personal bodyguard named Xavier at her friend’s recommendation and works with him to take down her stalker.
Carter portrays Xavier Johnson, a personal security guard searching for his missing sister when he is hired...
- 8/22/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Prime Video got off to a fast start this summer with the release of The Boys season 3 on June 3. Now, as we enter the dog days, Prime Video is set to keep the warm weather good times rolling with a new twist on an old classic. That’s right, Amazon’s list of new releases for August 2022 is highlighted by some good old-fashioned baseball.
A League of Their Own, the TV adaptation of Penny Marshall’s 1992 movie, is set to premiere on Aug. 12. Like the movie before it, the series will dramatize the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League which saw women playing America’s pastime while the major leagues were on pause for World War II. Abbi Jacobson (Broad City) co-created the show and will star as catcher Carson Shaw.
Other Prime Video Originals of note this month include season 2 of British comedy The Outlaws on and the Ron Howard-directed Thirteen Lives,...
A League of Their Own, the TV adaptation of Penny Marshall’s 1992 movie, is set to premiere on Aug. 12. Like the movie before it, the series will dramatize the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League which saw women playing America’s pastime while the major leagues were on pause for World War II. Abbi Jacobson (Broad City) co-created the show and will star as catcher Carson Shaw.
Other Prime Video Originals of note this month include season 2 of British comedy The Outlaws on and the Ron Howard-directed Thirteen Lives,...
- 8/1/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
If you’ve been putting off watching the terrifically adventurous Brendan Fraser-led “The Mummy” again, now’s the time to prioritize it. The 1999 film is one of a bevy of movies leaving HBO Max in June, the full list of which you can read below.
Also leaving HBO and HBO Max this month is a bevy of Tyler Perry’s Madea movies, “Rounders,” “She’s All That” and “Real Steel.”
If you’re looking to prioritize some selections, “Presumed Innocent” is one of Harrison Ford’s most underrated films (featuring one of his best performances) and the Melissa McCarthy/Jason Bateman comedy “Identity Thief” is good for some solid laughs.
Check out the full list of what’s leaving HBO Max below.
Also Read:
Here’s What’s New on HBO and HBO Max in June 2022
June 9:
12 Strong, 2018
June 30:
2 Guns, 2013
20 Feet From Stardom, 2013 (HBO)
All Dogs Go To Heaven,...
Also leaving HBO and HBO Max this month is a bevy of Tyler Perry’s Madea movies, “Rounders,” “She’s All That” and “Real Steel.”
If you’re looking to prioritize some selections, “Presumed Innocent” is one of Harrison Ford’s most underrated films (featuring one of his best performances) and the Melissa McCarthy/Jason Bateman comedy “Identity Thief” is good for some solid laughs.
Check out the full list of what’s leaving HBO Max below.
Also Read:
Here’s What’s New on HBO and HBO Max in June 2022
June 9:
12 Strong, 2018
June 30:
2 Guns, 2013
20 Feet From Stardom, 2013 (HBO)
All Dogs Go To Heaven,...
- 6/3/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
How old is Tyler Perry’s spitfire matron Madea? Her age isn’t specified (I’d say she’s in her mid-70s), but whatever it is she’s that many years young. She has a sneaky-dog irascibility that won’t quit. And Tyler Perry can’t quit her. He had hinted that “A Madea Family Funeral,” in 2019, might be the last Madea outing. But the pandemic changed his mind. I say that with or without it, Perry would have returned to Madea, because she’s more than his greatest hit — she’s his unleashed id, the character he’s addicted to playing because she expresses so many of his angels and demons.
Of course, she’s also an eternal crowd-pleaser. The first Tyler Perry movie, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” (which included an appearance by Madea), was released 17 years ago today. At the time, he’d already been doing Madea onstage for years.
Of course, she’s also an eternal crowd-pleaser. The first Tyler Perry movie, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” (which included an appearance by Madea), was released 17 years ago today. At the time, he’d already been doing Madea onstage for years.
- 2/26/2022
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Spoiler Alert: Do not read unless you’ve watched “A Madea Homecoming,” now streaming on Netflix.
As Tyler Perry prepared to bring his famously “braless and lawless” character Madea to Netflix, the media mogul came up with an idea to spoof some pop culture moments and some of his famous friends as part of the movie’s marketing campaign.
“This is all me. I haven’t gone through Netflix or anything for all of that stuff. I just started in my office,” he tells Variety. “I was like, ‘Let’s just poke some fun,’ so when I saw the Adele interview and concert, I thought, ‘Man, I’ve got to spoof this.’”
Next up was a cover mimicking Beyoncé’s “Homecoming” documentary, with Madea posing in a crystal headpiece like the superstar songstress. Perry captioned the post, “Homegoing! Live from her backyard. I want to thank my incredible Moth-hive. Ma-Chella.
As Tyler Perry prepared to bring his famously “braless and lawless” character Madea to Netflix, the media mogul came up with an idea to spoof some pop culture moments and some of his famous friends as part of the movie’s marketing campaign.
“This is all me. I haven’t gone through Netflix or anything for all of that stuff. I just started in my office,” he tells Variety. “I was like, ‘Let’s just poke some fun,’ so when I saw the Adele interview and concert, I thought, ‘Man, I’ve got to spoof this.’”
Next up was a cover mimicking Beyoncé’s “Homecoming” documentary, with Madea posing in a crystal headpiece like the superstar songstress. Perry captioned the post, “Homegoing! Live from her backyard. I want to thank my incredible Moth-hive. Ma-Chella.
- 2/25/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Madea, the gun-toting grandmother who can rock a house arrest ankle bracelet like no one else, is making her Netflix debut next month.
Tyler Perry’s beloved character is emerging from retirement after 2019’s “Madea’s Family Funeral” and returning for “A Madea Homecoming,” which is scheduled to premiere on Feb. 25.
Perry will write, direct and star in the movie, the 12th installment in the long-running film franchise. The latest chapter in the commercially successful Madea Cinematic Universe centers around the character’s great-grandson’s college graduation. However, the celebratory moment hits a halt as hidden secrets and family drama threaten to destroy the happy reunion.
Neither Perry nor Netflix has offered up specifics about said “hidden secrets” and “family drama,” though the filmmaker hinted to Entertainment Weekly that it’ll involve an LGBTQ+ storyline. Perry hopes the message will encourage audiences to be more inclusive.
“Even if you don’t understand,...
Tyler Perry’s beloved character is emerging from retirement after 2019’s “Madea’s Family Funeral” and returning for “A Madea Homecoming,” which is scheduled to premiere on Feb. 25.
Perry will write, direct and star in the movie, the 12th installment in the long-running film franchise. The latest chapter in the commercially successful Madea Cinematic Universe centers around the character’s great-grandson’s college graduation. However, the celebratory moment hits a halt as hidden secrets and family drama threaten to destroy the happy reunion.
Neither Perry nor Netflix has offered up specifics about said “hidden secrets” and “family drama,” though the filmmaker hinted to Entertainment Weekly that it’ll involve an LGBTQ+ storyline. Perry hopes the message will encourage audiences to be more inclusive.
“Even if you don’t understand,...
- 1/18/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Tyler Perry Studios has named veteran producer Angi Bones as president of original programming.
The newly created role expands Bones’ relationship with Tyler Perry Studios, where she will work on the fourth seasons of BET’s “The Oval” and “Sistas,” plus its newly announced spin-off “Zatima,” and the third seasons of BET Plus’ “Bruh” and Nickelodeon’s “Young Dylan.” Bones will report to Tyler Perry Studios COO Robert A. Boyd II.
“I’m grateful to have Angi on board at Tps as we continue to build on an always growing and expansive slate of both films and television,” Perry told Variety, announcing Bones’ assignment.
“I’ve known Angi for 15 years and her expansive industry knowledge and working experience makes her the perfect fit for this newly created position at Tps,” Perry continued. “She has the insight to understand the everyday production needs in a challenging pandemic-ridden atmosphere, while understanding the...
The newly created role expands Bones’ relationship with Tyler Perry Studios, where she will work on the fourth seasons of BET’s “The Oval” and “Sistas,” plus its newly announced spin-off “Zatima,” and the third seasons of BET Plus’ “Bruh” and Nickelodeon’s “Young Dylan.” Bones will report to Tyler Perry Studios COO Robert A. Boyd II.
“I’m grateful to have Angi on board at Tps as we continue to build on an always growing and expansive slate of both films and television,” Perry told Variety, announcing Bones’ assignment.
“I’ve known Angi for 15 years and her expansive industry knowledge and working experience makes her the perfect fit for this newly created position at Tps,” Perry continued. “She has the insight to understand the everyday production needs in a challenging pandemic-ridden atmosphere, while understanding the...
- 12/16/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Kim Williams has been elected president of the Casting Society of America, and Caroline Liem has been elected vice president as part of CSA’s newly elected board of directors. Williams is the fifth woman, and the second woman of color, to helm the organization since its founding in 1982.
Williams is vice president of casting at Disney Television Studios, a post she’s held since October 2019. She oversaw casting for the recently completed pilot of Lee Daniels’ The Spook Who Sat by the Door for FX, and the Emmy-nominated Genius: Aretha for Nat Geo. She also oversees casting for The Chi for Showtime and the upcoming The Old Man starring Jeff Bridges for FX. Williams also serves as casting director for the upcoming Freeform series Single Drunk Female.
As director of casting at ABC, Williams worked on projects for the network, Disney+ and ABC Studios, including the drama series For Life.
Williams is vice president of casting at Disney Television Studios, a post she’s held since October 2019. She oversaw casting for the recently completed pilot of Lee Daniels’ The Spook Who Sat by the Door for FX, and the Emmy-nominated Genius: Aretha for Nat Geo. She also oversees casting for The Chi for Showtime and the upcoming The Old Man starring Jeff Bridges for FX. Williams also serves as casting director for the upcoming Freeform series Single Drunk Female.
As director of casting at ABC, Williams worked on projects for the network, Disney+ and ABC Studios, including the drama series For Life.
- 7/28/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Summer is officially here and with it comes a surfeit of new movies and television shows available on HBO Max. Next month, the WarnerMedia streaming service will debut the long-awaited sequel to “Space Jam” with Lebron James taking the baton from Michael Jordan and the latest heist movie from Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh. But while those titles arrive, others depart, including “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” and “In the Heights.”
Ahead, highlights of the month ahead on HBO Max, plus the full list of July programming.
“No Sudden Move” (July 1): Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, David Harbour, Kieran Culkin, Jon Hamm, Ray Liotta, and “Uncut Gems” breakout Julia Fox, among others, the heist thriller is set in 1950s Detroit and “enters on a group of small-time criminals who are hired to steal what they think is a simple document. When their plan goes horribly wrong,...
Ahead, highlights of the month ahead on HBO Max, plus the full list of July programming.
“No Sudden Move” (July 1): Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, David Harbour, Kieran Culkin, Jon Hamm, Ray Liotta, and “Uncut Gems” breakout Julia Fox, among others, the heist thriller is set in 1950s Detroit and “enters on a group of small-time criminals who are hired to steal what they think is a simple document. When their plan goes horribly wrong,...
- 6/23/2021
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Say Hallelujer, Madea fans! Tyler Perry is bringing back his most beloved character for an all-new adventure on Netflix.
Perry will write, direct and star in the film, donning Madea’s dress, wig and devil-may-care attitude one more time. Perry retired Mabel “Madea” Simmons in 2020 with the sold-out “Madea’s Farewell Tour” (which was also filmed for BET plus), while the character’s final film appearance came in 2019’s “A Madea Family Funeral,” where Perry ostensibly closed the casket on the character.
Perry has been quietly developing the project since last fall.
“I was done with Madea, completely done with it,” Perry told Variety, when he was honored as 2020’s Showman of the Year. “But as I’ve been looking at the state of the world — and I finished a tour in January, just before the pandemic started to break in the country — and the amount of joy and laughter...
Perry will write, direct and star in the film, donning Madea’s dress, wig and devil-may-care attitude one more time. Perry retired Mabel “Madea” Simmons in 2020 with the sold-out “Madea’s Farewell Tour” (which was also filmed for BET plus), while the character’s final film appearance came in 2019’s “A Madea Family Funeral,” where Perry ostensibly closed the casket on the character.
Perry has been quietly developing the project since last fall.
“I was done with Madea, completely done with it,” Perry told Variety, when he was honored as 2020’s Showman of the Year. “But as I’ve been looking at the state of the world — and I finished a tour in January, just before the pandemic started to break in the country — and the amount of joy and laughter...
- 6/8/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Allow her to reintroduce herself: Mabel, a series exploring the untold origins of Tyler Perry‘s Madea character, is being developed at Showtime, our sister site Deadline reports.
“Every great story has to start somewhere and every legend has a beginning,” reads the series’ official logline. “Long before she was the force of nature known as Madea she was a smart, fierce, irresistible, dangerous, crazy 20-something black woman named…Mabel Simmons. When she moved to Atlanta in 1972 she set the city – and the world – on fire!”
More from TVLineThe Oval's Kron Moore Reveals the Scene That Caused Her to Have...
“Every great story has to start somewhere and every legend has a beginning,” reads the series’ official logline. “Long before she was the force of nature known as Madea she was a smart, fierce, irresistible, dangerous, crazy 20-something black woman named…Mabel Simmons. When she moved to Atlanta in 1972 she set the city – and the world – on fire!”
More from TVLineThe Oval's Kron Moore Reveals the Scene That Caused Her to Have...
- 4/7/2021
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Tyler Perry is developing a prequel series about his popular Madea character with Showtime. The series, titled “Mabel,” would follow the early years of the character when she was in her 20s.
Showtime has ordered multiple scripts of the potential series, which Perry is co-creating with Tim Palen. JaNeika James and JaSheika James will write the script and executive produce. It is being developed as a one-hour drama.
Here is the official description of the series: “Long before she was the force of nature known as Madea, she was a smart, fierce, irresistible, dangerous, crazy 20-something black woman named Mabel Simmons. When she moved to Atlanta in 1972 she set the city — and the world — on fire.”
The character, played by Perry, has appeared in nine films, beginning with 2005’s “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” The most recent film was 2019’s “A Madea Family Funeral.” Perry first developed the character...
Showtime has ordered multiple scripts of the potential series, which Perry is co-creating with Tim Palen. JaNeika James and JaSheika James will write the script and executive produce. It is being developed as a one-hour drama.
Here is the official description of the series: “Long before she was the force of nature known as Madea, she was a smart, fierce, irresistible, dangerous, crazy 20-something black woman named Mabel Simmons. When she moved to Atlanta in 1972 she set the city — and the world — on fire.”
The character, played by Perry, has appeared in nine films, beginning with 2005’s “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” The most recent film was 2019’s “A Madea Family Funeral.” Perry first developed the character...
- 4/7/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Tyler Perry is developing a drama prequel series about the early life of his iconic character Madea for Showtime, Variety has learned.
Showtime has ordered multiple scripts for the projects, which is titled “Mabel.” Per the official description of the project, long before she was the force of nature known as Madea she was a smart, fierce, irresistible, dangerous, crazy 20-something black woman named Mabel Simmons. When she moved to Atlanta in 1972 she set the city – and the world – on fire.
Perry and Tim Palen are the creators and executive producers of “Mabel,” with JaNeika James and JaSheika James attached to write and executive produce.
Perry is one of the most prolific and powerful creators working in entertainment today with a long list of film and TV projects to his name, both in front of and behind the camera. The Madea character originated onstage during his time as a playwright before he came to Hollywood.
Showtime has ordered multiple scripts for the projects, which is titled “Mabel.” Per the official description of the project, long before she was the force of nature known as Madea she was a smart, fierce, irresistible, dangerous, crazy 20-something black woman named Mabel Simmons. When she moved to Atlanta in 1972 she set the city – and the world – on fire.
Perry and Tim Palen are the creators and executive producers of “Mabel,” with JaNeika James and JaSheika James attached to write and executive produce.
Perry is one of the most prolific and powerful creators working in entertainment today with a long list of film and TV projects to his name, both in front of and behind the camera. The Madea character originated onstage during his time as a playwright before he came to Hollywood.
- 4/7/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
After starting off on stage and then moving to the big screen, Tyler Perry’s Madea is now headed to television.
Showtime is developing Mabel, a drama series created by Perry and Tim Palen. The high-profile project, which has received a multiple-script order, tracks the origin story of the larger-than-life Madea character created and performed by Perry. It is written by JaNeika James and JaSheika James.
Per Mabel’s official description, every great story has to start somewhere and every legend has a beginning. Long before she was the force of nature known as Madea she was a smart, fierce, irresistible, dangerous, crazy 20-something black woman named…Mabel Simmons. When she moved to Atlanta in 1972 she set the city – and the world – on fire!
Perry and Palen executive produce alongside JaNeika and JaSheika James.
Perry’s Hollywood career was launched by his plays featuring Mabel “Madea” Earlene Simmons, a character...
Showtime is developing Mabel, a drama series created by Perry and Tim Palen. The high-profile project, which has received a multiple-script order, tracks the origin story of the larger-than-life Madea character created and performed by Perry. It is written by JaNeika James and JaSheika James.
Per Mabel’s official description, every great story has to start somewhere and every legend has a beginning. Long before she was the force of nature known as Madea she was a smart, fierce, irresistible, dangerous, crazy 20-something black woman named…Mabel Simmons. When she moved to Atlanta in 1972 she set the city – and the world – on fire!
Perry and Palen executive produce alongside JaNeika and JaSheika James.
Perry’s Hollywood career was launched by his plays featuring Mabel “Madea” Earlene Simmons, a character...
- 4/7/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar balloting for the final five nominees in the song and score categories begins March 5. But none of the music supervisors that worked on those movies will get to vote. That’s because the Academy music branch, which chooses the nominees, bars music supervisors — the people who advise and collaborate with filmmakers on songs and other musical matters — from membership.
It’s been a longstanding rule for the branch, which consists of approximately 375 composers, songwriters and music editors. Their argument has always been that membership is limited to those who actually create the musical material that goes into a movie.
“The sense that we don’t contribute creatively to telling stories with music is not an argument that holds water,” says Joel C. High, president of the 500-member Guild of Music Supervisors. “We want to be sitting at the table with our music peers.”
This issue has rankled the music-supervision community for years.
It’s been a longstanding rule for the branch, which consists of approximately 375 composers, songwriters and music editors. Their argument has always been that membership is limited to those who actually create the musical material that goes into a movie.
“The sense that we don’t contribute creatively to telling stories with music is not an argument that holds water,” says Joel C. High, president of the 500-member Guild of Music Supervisors. “We want to be sitting at the table with our music peers.”
This issue has rankled the music-supervision community for years.
- 3/2/2021
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Bones alumna Tamara Taylor is set as a lead opposite Christopher Meloni and Dylan McDermott in Law & Order: Organized Crime, NBC’s Law & Order: Svu spinoff series slated to premiere later this year.
In Law & Order: Organized Crime, Elliot Stabler (Meloni) returns to the NYPD to battle organized crime after a devastating personal loss. Stabler will aim to rebuild his life as part of a new elite task force that is taking apart the city’s most powerful criminal syndicates one by one. Meloni who also is reprising his role as Stabler on Svu this season. No information about the other Organized Crime characters is being released.
Law & Order: Organized Crime was created by Dick Wolf, who will executive produce along with showrunner Ilene Chaiken, Terry Miller, Fred Berner, Arthur W. Forney and Peter Jankowski.
The series is produced by Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television,...
In Law & Order: Organized Crime, Elliot Stabler (Meloni) returns to the NYPD to battle organized crime after a devastating personal loss. Stabler will aim to rebuild his life as part of a new elite task force that is taking apart the city’s most powerful criminal syndicates one by one. Meloni who also is reprising his role as Stabler on Svu this season. No information about the other Organized Crime characters is being released.
Law & Order: Organized Crime was created by Dick Wolf, who will executive produce along with showrunner Ilene Chaiken, Terry Miller, Fred Berner, Arthur W. Forney and Peter Jankowski.
The series is produced by Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television,...
- 2/2/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran actress Cicely Tyson, whose career spanned almost seven decades, died Thursday.
She was 96.
“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” Tyson’s manager, Larry Thompson, said in a statement to Variety.
“Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.”
A cause of death has not been revealed.
On TV screens, Tyson made history in 1963 with her role as secretary Jane Foster in on East Side/West Side, making her the first Black actress to co-star in a TV drama.
The actress went on to guest-star or recur in many series over the years, Guiding Light, The Outer Limits, Touched by an Angel, House of Cards, How to Get Away With Murder, and Madam Secretary.
She was 96.
“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” Tyson’s manager, Larry Thompson, said in a statement to Variety.
“Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.”
A cause of death has not been revealed.
On TV screens, Tyson made history in 1963 with her role as secretary Jane Foster in on East Side/West Side, making her the first Black actress to co-star in a TV drama.
The actress went on to guest-star or recur in many series over the years, Guiding Light, The Outer Limits, Touched by an Angel, House of Cards, How to Get Away With Murder, and Madam Secretary.
- 1/29/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Honorary Oscar winner Cicely Tyson passed today at the age of 96. During a career that spanned seven decades, Tyson appeared in dozens of films, TV series, telefilms and on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for The Trip to Bountiful in 2013. She might be best known to younger audiences for her role in the hit ABC drama How to Get Away with Murder, on which she recurred as Ophelia Harkness, mother of lead character Annalise Harkness (Viola Davis).
Tyson made her silver-screen debut in 1957’s Carib Gold and went on to appear in such films as The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1967), George Cukor’s The Blue Bird (1976) — which also featured Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Fonda and Ava Gardner — A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ But a Sandwich (1978) and 1981 Richard Pryor comedy Bustin’ Loose, Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005) and Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) and Best Picture...
Tyson made her silver-screen debut in 1957’s Carib Gold and went on to appear in such films as The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1967), George Cukor’s The Blue Bird (1976) — which also featured Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Fonda and Ava Gardner — A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ But a Sandwich (1978) and 1981 Richard Pryor comedy Bustin’ Loose, Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005) and Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) and Best Picture...
- 1/29/2021
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
Cicely Tyson’s co-stars and admirers shared their remembrances of the late Emmy and Tony-winning actor, who died Thursday at 96.
Viola Davis, who starred opposite Tyson, playing mother and daughter for six seasons on “How to Get Away with Murder,” shared a lengthy tribute to the legend alongside a photo from the set.
“I’m devastated. My heart is just broken. I loved you so much!! You were everything to me! You made me feel loved and seen and valued in a world where there is still a cloak of invisibility for us dark chocolate girls. You gave me permission to dream,” Davis wrote in her caption. “Because it was only in my dreams that I could see the possibilities in myself. I’m not ready for you to be my angel yet. But…I also understand that it’s only when the last person who has a memory of you dies,...
Viola Davis, who starred opposite Tyson, playing mother and daughter for six seasons on “How to Get Away with Murder,” shared a lengthy tribute to the legend alongside a photo from the set.
“I’m devastated. My heart is just broken. I loved you so much!! You were everything to me! You made me feel loved and seen and valued in a world where there is still a cloak of invisibility for us dark chocolate girls. You gave me permission to dream,” Davis wrote in her caption. “Because it was only in my dreams that I could see the possibilities in myself. I’m not ready for you to be my angel yet. But…I also understand that it’s only when the last person who has a memory of you dies,...
- 1/29/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Cicely Tyson, the trailblazing actress died whose career spanned more than six decades, died Thursday afternoon, her manager Larry Thompson confirmed. She was 96.
From the start of her career, Tyson resolved to portray strong, positive, and realistic images of black women onscreen, and for many, she represented an enduring strength. Tyson received an Oscar nomination in 1973 for Martin Ritt’s drama Sounder (and was finally given an honorary Oscar in 2018), and became famous to a wider audience for her starring role in the 1974 TV movie The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,...
From the start of her career, Tyson resolved to portray strong, positive, and realistic images of black women onscreen, and for many, she represented an enduring strength. Tyson received an Oscar nomination in 1973 for Martin Ritt’s drama Sounder (and was finally given an honorary Oscar in 2018), and became famous to a wider audience for her starring role in the 1974 TV movie The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,...
- 1/29/2021
- by Jerry Portwood
- Rollingstone.com
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