The University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts (Sda) has officially opened its long-awaited new drama center.
The grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting event for the USC School of Dramatic Arts (Sda) Drama Center took place today at the building, located at the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Hoover Street.
Speakers at the event included faculty and USC alum LeVar Burton and Storm Reid, a current School of Dramatic Arts student and actor in Euphoria and The Last of Us.
The renovated historical building preserves the feel and element of the original Italian Romanesque Revival-style architecture, while incorporating green building strategies that make it a sustainable home for 21st-century artists. The renovation is seeking Leed certification for the nearly 40,000-square-foot building at the heart of the USC University Park Campus.
Faculty and students were allowed onsite last month in a soft launch to move into their offices and begin...
The grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting event for the USC School of Dramatic Arts (Sda) Drama Center took place today at the building, located at the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Hoover Street.
Speakers at the event included faculty and USC alum LeVar Burton and Storm Reid, a current School of Dramatic Arts student and actor in Euphoria and The Last of Us.
The renovated historical building preserves the feel and element of the original Italian Romanesque Revival-style architecture, while incorporating green building strategies that make it a sustainable home for 21st-century artists. The renovation is seeking Leed certification for the nearly 40,000-square-foot building at the heart of the USC University Park Campus.
Faculty and students were allowed onsite last month in a soft launch to move into their offices and begin...
- 3/28/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
On Thursday, Disney Entertainment Television (Det) announced that it has selected the latest cohorts for the company’s Scripted Directing and Writing Programs, two of the entertainment industry’s most successful talent development initiatives.
After expanding into daytime television just last year, three program participants will direct episodes for ABC’s “General Hospital,” with other individuals positioned across Disney-owned 20th Television, ABC Entertainment and ABC Signature-produced programs as directors or writers.
“General Hospital”
ABC
Joining the “General Hospital” team are Erica Eng, Nina Kramer and Aubrey Smyth, each of whom will be shadowing and directing episodes of the daytime drama series, which recently won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series at “The 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” in December. The team was represented by directors Tina Keller, Robert Markham, Allison Reames Smith, Gary Tomlin, Frank Valentini (the show’s executive producer), Denise Van Cleave and Phideaux Xavier,...
After expanding into daytime television just last year, three program participants will direct episodes for ABC’s “General Hospital,” with other individuals positioned across Disney-owned 20th Television, ABC Entertainment and ABC Signature-produced programs as directors or writers.
“General Hospital”
ABC
Joining the “General Hospital” team are Erica Eng, Nina Kramer and Aubrey Smyth, each of whom will be shadowing and directing episodes of the daytime drama series, which recently won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series at “The 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” in December. The team was represented by directors Tina Keller, Robert Markham, Allison Reames Smith, Gary Tomlin, Frank Valentini (the show’s executive producer), Denise Van Cleave and Phideaux Xavier,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Errol Lewis
- Soap Opera Network
Disney Entertainment Television has selected its latest cohorts for its Directing and Writing Programs, talent development initiatives which nurture creatives on the cusp of television episode directing and staff writing.
“It’s an honor to welcome these exceptional directors and writers into the Det Directing and Writing Programs,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development and Inclusion, Det. “It’s clear that this group of talented creatives will have a lasting impact not only on Disney but on the industry at large. We’re proud to be part of their journey to shape the future of storytelling.”
2023-2024 Det Directing Program – Scripted Cohort
The Det Directing Program guarantees participants the opportunity to direct an episode of a Disney scripted series or a segment of a Disney unscripted series, and offers professional and career development through mentorship, on-set shadowing experience, and networking opportunities with the company’s creative executives and program alumni.
“It’s an honor to welcome these exceptional directors and writers into the Det Directing and Writing Programs,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development and Inclusion, Det. “It’s clear that this group of talented creatives will have a lasting impact not only on Disney but on the industry at large. We’re proud to be part of their journey to shape the future of storytelling.”
2023-2024 Det Directing Program – Scripted Cohort
The Det Directing Program guarantees participants the opportunity to direct an episode of a Disney scripted series or a segment of a Disney unscripted series, and offers professional and career development through mentorship, on-set shadowing experience, and networking opportunities with the company’s creative executives and program alumni.
- 2/29/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Applications are now being accepted for Disney Entertainment Television’s 2024 Writing Program. Now in its 34th year, the one-year writing program helps emerging, diverse writers secure their first staff writer assignment on a Disney series, in addition to offering mentorship and advanced professional development.
Managed by Det’s Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (Ctdi) team, the Det Writing Program has had a 100% annual staffing rate for over a decade, according to organizers. Program writers are contract employees of Disney, with weekly salary and benefits, for one year, or until they staff on a show and are compensated at WGA scale. During the program, writers participate in advanced creative workshops, refine their portfolios, and meet and learn from Det creative executives, producers, showrunners and program alumni, through networking, mixers and professional development sessions.
This year, Ctdi and FX are also launching the FX Singleton Scholars initiative, in honor of the life...
Managed by Det’s Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (Ctdi) team, the Det Writing Program has had a 100% annual staffing rate for over a decade, according to organizers. Program writers are contract employees of Disney, with weekly salary and benefits, for one year, or until they staff on a show and are compensated at WGA scale. During the program, writers participate in advanced creative workshops, refine their portfolios, and meet and learn from Det creative executives, producers, showrunners and program alumni, through networking, mixers and professional development sessions.
This year, Ctdi and FX are also launching the FX Singleton Scholars initiative, in honor of the life...
- 10/24/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Third time’s a charm for Hollywood Health & Society’s Do the Write Thing.
The organization — a program of the USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center that provides the entertainment industry with intel that can be incorporated into storylines on health, safety and security — is finalizing details for its third installment of Do the Write Thing, a mixer that creates space specifically for “creatives and the community to come together, celebrate, and uplift unheard voices in Hollywood.”
The event, open to Hollywood creatives who RSVP, is scheduled to take place at the Aster on Vine Street in Los Angeles on Oct. 5. Anthony Sparks, executive producer of Peacock’s series Bel-Air, is confirmed to participate in the featured conversation. He’s got a long list of credits that also includes writing, producer or executive producer credits on such shows as The Blacklist, Queen Sugar and Mike. He’s also the recipient...
The organization — a program of the USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center that provides the entertainment industry with intel that can be incorporated into storylines on health, safety and security — is finalizing details for its third installment of Do the Write Thing, a mixer that creates space specifically for “creatives and the community to come together, celebrate, and uplift unheard voices in Hollywood.”
The event, open to Hollywood creatives who RSVP, is scheduled to take place at the Aster on Vine Street in Los Angeles on Oct. 5. Anthony Sparks, executive producer of Peacock’s series Bel-Air, is confirmed to participate in the featured conversation. He’s got a long list of credits that also includes writing, producer or executive producer credits on such shows as The Blacklist, Queen Sugar and Mike. He’s also the recipient...
- 9/27/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Meredith Stiehm will seek a second two-year term as president of WGA West in the fall election, and the other top officials of the guild will also seek reelection.
Justine Bateman, the writer-director and former “Family Ties” star, is running for a spot on the WGA West board. Bateman has become outspoken on the need for tight regulation of artificial intelligence.
The guild announced its preliminary list of nominees on Wednesday. Stiehm, who has been active in both the agency campaign and the current strike, will run against challenger Rich Talarico, a “Key and Peele” writer who has faulted the guild for not doing more to fight back against the release of free clips of the show on YouTube.
Michele Mulroney is running for reelection as vice president, and Betsy Thomas is seeking another term as secretary-treasurer. They will run against Isaac Gomez and Jeffrey Thompson, respectively.
The WGA West has a 16-member board,...
Justine Bateman, the writer-director and former “Family Ties” star, is running for a spot on the WGA West board. Bateman has become outspoken on the need for tight regulation of artificial intelligence.
The guild announced its preliminary list of nominees on Wednesday. Stiehm, who has been active in both the agency campaign and the current strike, will run against challenger Rich Talarico, a “Key and Peele” writer who has faulted the guild for not doing more to fight back against the release of free clips of the show on YouTube.
Michele Mulroney is running for reelection as vice president, and Betsy Thomas is seeking another term as secretary-treasurer. They will run against Isaac Gomez and Jeffrey Thompson, respectively.
The WGA West has a 16-member board,...
- 6/21/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America West is holding officer and board elections in the middle of its ongoing strike, which is now in its 51st day. Incumbent president Meredith Stiehm is seeking reelection and will face off against Rich Talarico – both of whom were selected by the guild’s nominating committee.
In the race for vice president, incumbent Michele Mulroney will face challenger Isaac Gómez, while in the contest for secretary-treasurer, incumbent Betsy Thomas will face Jeffrey Thompson.
The guild said Wednesday that the nominating committee also selected 24 candidates to run for eight open seats on the guild’s board of directors. They are incumbents Nicole Yorkin, Dailyn Rodriguez, Adam Conover, Dante W. Harper, and Zoe Marshall, and challengers Molly Nussbaum, Danielle Iman, Maggie Levin, Blake Masters, Rob Forman, Anthony Sparks, Justine Bateman, Alex O’Keefe, Jonterri Gadson, Leah Folta, Susannah Grant, Grant Scharbo, Safia M. Dirie, Sean Presant, Scott Alexander,...
In the race for vice president, incumbent Michele Mulroney will face challenger Isaac Gómez, while in the contest for secretary-treasurer, incumbent Betsy Thomas will face Jeffrey Thompson.
The guild said Wednesday that the nominating committee also selected 24 candidates to run for eight open seats on the guild’s board of directors. They are incumbents Nicole Yorkin, Dailyn Rodriguez, Adam Conover, Dante W. Harper, and Zoe Marshall, and challengers Molly Nussbaum, Danielle Iman, Maggie Levin, Blake Masters, Rob Forman, Anthony Sparks, Justine Bateman, Alex O’Keefe, Jonterri Gadson, Leah Folta, Susannah Grant, Grant Scharbo, Safia M. Dirie, Sean Presant, Scott Alexander,...
- 6/21/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Jabari Banks as Will and Olly Sholotan as Carlton in ‘Bel-Air’ (Photo by: Casey Durkin/Peacock)
Peacock’s given their popular drama Bel-Air an early season three renewal. According to the streaming service, season two of the modern reimagining of Will Smith’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is Peacock’s most-watched original sophomore show.
Jabari Banks leads the cast as Will, with Adrian Holmes starring as Phillip Banks, Cassandra Freeman plays Vivian Banks, Olly Sholotan is Carlton Banks, and Coco Jones is Hilary Banks. Akira Akbar is Ashley Banks, Jimmy Akingbola is Geoffrey, Jordan L. Jones is Jazz, and Simone Joy Jones is Lisa.
Fresh Prince‘s Tatyana Ali appears in a recurring role in season two.
The modern take on Fresh Prince was inspired by Morgan Cooper’s 2019 four-minute spec trailer. Cooper and Will Smith serve as executive producers along with writer and showrunner Carla Banks Waddles. Additional executive producers include Anthony Sparks,...
Peacock’s given their popular drama Bel-Air an early season three renewal. According to the streaming service, season two of the modern reimagining of Will Smith’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is Peacock’s most-watched original sophomore show.
Jabari Banks leads the cast as Will, with Adrian Holmes starring as Phillip Banks, Cassandra Freeman plays Vivian Banks, Olly Sholotan is Carlton Banks, and Coco Jones is Hilary Banks. Akira Akbar is Ashley Banks, Jimmy Akingbola is Geoffrey, Jordan L. Jones is Jazz, and Simone Joy Jones is Lisa.
Fresh Prince‘s Tatyana Ali appears in a recurring role in season two.
The modern take on Fresh Prince was inspired by Morgan Cooper’s 2019 four-minute spec trailer. Cooper and Will Smith serve as executive producers along with writer and showrunner Carla Banks Waddles. Additional executive producers include Anthony Sparks,...
- 3/17/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
“Bel-Air” has been renewed for Season 3 at Peacock.
The dramatic reboot of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is currently airing its second season on the streamer, with the season finale set to run on April 27. This marks the first official renewal for the show, as it was originally picked up for two seasons back in 2020.
Like the sitcom version, “Bel-Air” follows a teenager named Will (Jabari Banks), who moves from West Philadelphia to live with his auntie and uncle in the titular posh Los Angeles neighborhood.
Along with Banks, Season of the series also stars Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan L. Jones and Simone Joy Jones. Tatyana Ali, who played the original Ashley Banks in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” appeared in Season 2 in a recurring guest role.
Universal Television produces with Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios.
Season 2 guest stars also included Karrueche Tran,...
The dramatic reboot of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is currently airing its second season on the streamer, with the season finale set to run on April 27. This marks the first official renewal for the show, as it was originally picked up for two seasons back in 2020.
Like the sitcom version, “Bel-Air” follows a teenager named Will (Jabari Banks), who moves from West Philadelphia to live with his auntie and uncle in the titular posh Los Angeles neighborhood.
Along with Banks, Season of the series also stars Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan L. Jones and Simone Joy Jones. Tatyana Ali, who played the original Ashley Banks in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” appeared in Season 2 in a recurring guest role.
Universal Television produces with Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios.
Season 2 guest stars also included Karrueche Tran,...
- 3/17/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Bel-Air is getting another go at Peacock.
The streamer announced Friday that the series has been renewed for Season 3. The second season is airing new episodes through April 27.
Related Story We’ll Be Back: Photo Gallery Of TV Series Renewed In 2023 Related Story 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz': Jonah Hauer-King, Anna Próchniak & Melanie Lynskey To Star In Peacock & Sky Drama Series Related Story 'Monk' Returns As Peacock Orders Reunion Movie Starring Tony Shalhoub & Original Series Cast
When it launched on Peacock last year, Bel-Air became the streamer’s most-watched original premiere. With the debut of Season 2, it has become Peacock’s most-watched original sophomore series to date.
Bel-Air is a reimagining of the ’90s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons...
The streamer announced Friday that the series has been renewed for Season 3. The second season is airing new episodes through April 27.
Related Story We’ll Be Back: Photo Gallery Of TV Series Renewed In 2023 Related Story 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz': Jonah Hauer-King, Anna Próchniak & Melanie Lynskey To Star In Peacock & Sky Drama Series Related Story 'Monk' Returns As Peacock Orders Reunion Movie Starring Tony Shalhoub & Original Series Cast
When it launched on Peacock last year, Bel-Air became the streamer’s most-watched original premiere. With the debut of Season 2, it has become Peacock’s most-watched original sophomore series to date.
Bel-Air is a reimagining of the ’90s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons...
- 3/17/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock’s Bel-Air is nearly matching the number of seasons with its showrunners.
The NBCUniversal-backed streamer has handed out a third-season renewal for its reimagining of Will Smith’s beloved The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The dramatic take on the former comedy series that is inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral short was originally picked up at Peacock with a two-season order following a competitive bidding process with other streamers vying for the series.
The season three renewal marks its first vote of confidence beyond that initial order and follows a wave of showrunner changes as the drama struggled to find its creative voice. Carla Banks Waddles was recruited as showrunner at the start of season two. The Good Girls and The Soul Man alum was promoted from co-exec producer to showrunner and replaced T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson (Army Wives, Lie to Me) at the helm of Bel-Air.
The NBCUniversal-backed streamer has handed out a third-season renewal for its reimagining of Will Smith’s beloved The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The dramatic take on the former comedy series that is inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral short was originally picked up at Peacock with a two-season order following a competitive bidding process with other streamers vying for the series.
The season three renewal marks its first vote of confidence beyond that initial order and follows a wave of showrunner changes as the drama struggled to find its creative voice. Carla Banks Waddles was recruited as showrunner at the start of season two. The Good Girls and The Soul Man alum was promoted from co-exec producer to showrunner and replaced T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson (Army Wives, Lie to Me) at the helm of Bel-Air.
- 3/17/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Peacock has rounded out the recurring cast for Season 2 of Bel-Air with newcomer Al-Shabazz Jabateh (Prime Day Show), Nicholas Duvernay (Purple Hearts), Diandra Lyle (Secrets of Sulphur Springs), Justin Cornwell (The Umbrella Academy) and Reno Wilson (Good Girls).
Bel-Air, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that reenvisions the 1990s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air as a drama, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television, part of Universal Studio Group. In its first season, it became Peacock’s most streamed original series.
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions, and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.
Bel-Air, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that reenvisions the 1990s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air as a drama, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television, part of Universal Studio Group. In its first season, it became Peacock’s most streamed original series.
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions, and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.
- 2/21/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The princess of “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is coming back. Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks in the original NBC sitcom, will guest star in Season 2 of the show’s dramatic re-interpretation “Bel-Air,” Peacock announced January 19.
Ali — whose other credits include the TV One original series “Love That Girl!” and a stint on CBS soap “The Young and the Restless” — will play Mrs. Hughes, an English literature teacher at a Bel-Air middle school. In a wink to the original series, her character will develop a mentorship role across the season with the new version of Ashley (played by Akira Akbar), a precocious 12-year-old.
In addition to announcing the casting, Peacock also released the official trailer for Season 2 of “Bel-Air,” which premieres February 23. The series was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper, which took the basic premise of the original sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in...
Ali — whose other credits include the TV One original series “Love That Girl!” and a stint on CBS soap “The Young and the Restless” — will play Mrs. Hughes, an English literature teacher at a Bel-Air middle school. In a wink to the original series, her character will develop a mentorship role across the season with the new version of Ashley (played by Akira Akbar), a precocious 12-year-old.
In addition to announcing the casting, Peacock also released the official trailer for Season 2 of “Bel-Air,” which premieres February 23. The series was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper, which took the basic premise of the original sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in...
- 1/19/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” from 1990 to 1996, has joined the cast of the Peacock reboot “Bel-Air.”
In the series’ upcoming second season, Ali will recur as Mrs. Hughes, the middle school English teacher who sees something special in Ashley (played by Akira Akbar in this version), often giving her books from her personal collection. See a first look at Ali as Mrs. Hughes in a new trailer for “Bel-Air” Season 2 below.
“Bel-Air” is a dramatic reimagining of the original comedy series that follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.
Season 2 picks up with Will at a crossroads as...
In the series’ upcoming second season, Ali will recur as Mrs. Hughes, the middle school English teacher who sees something special in Ashley (played by Akira Akbar in this version), often giving her books from her personal collection. See a first look at Ali as Mrs. Hughes in a new trailer for “Bel-Air” Season 2 below.
“Bel-Air” is a dramatic reimagining of the original comedy series that follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.
Season 2 picks up with Will at a crossroads as...
- 1/19/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
When “Bel-Air” returns to Peacock for Season 2, it’s getting a huge dose of freshness courtesy of Tatyana Ali, the original Ashley Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” who has joined the dramatic reimagining in a recurring role.
And in the official trailer for the series’ second season, you can catch a glimpse of Ali as new character Mrs. Hughes, an English Literature teacher at Bel-Air middle school who sees something unique in Ashley (Akira Akbar), and begins giving her books to read from her personal collection. Watch the clip now.
Of course the trailer for Peacock’s most-streamed original series also tells us what to expect from the Banks family and the Bel-Air High School students, including some tension between Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv, Will stepping back onto the basketball court and also into some trouble, as well as Carlton’s struggle with anxiety.
But you’re here for Ali,...
And in the official trailer for the series’ second season, you can catch a glimpse of Ali as new character Mrs. Hughes, an English Literature teacher at Bel-Air middle school who sees something unique in Ashley (Akira Akbar), and begins giving her books to read from her personal collection. Watch the clip now.
Of course the trailer for Peacock’s most-streamed original series also tells us what to expect from the Banks family and the Bel-Air High School students, including some tension between Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv, Will stepping back onto the basketball court and also into some trouble, as well as Carlton’s struggle with anxiety.
But you’re here for Ali,...
- 1/19/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
A familiar face is about to matriculate on Bel-Air: Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, is set to recur as an English literature teacher in the second season of the Peacock reboot.
Ali joins stars Jabari Banks (Will), Adrian Holmes (Philip Banks) and Cassandra Freeman (Vivian Banks) in the new, 10-episode season that kicks off Feb. 23 on Peacock. Ali will play Mrs. Hughes, a teacher at Bel-Air middle school who sees something special in Ashley Banks (Akira Akbar).
“In season two, the show will continue to find ways to push the envelope and feel refreshing and unique while also honoring the heart of the legacy series,” said Carla Banks Waddles, the new showrunner who took over for Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson in October. “Last season was very much about the introduction to the Banks family world, and this season we get...
Ali joins stars Jabari Banks (Will), Adrian Holmes (Philip Banks) and Cassandra Freeman (Vivian Banks) in the new, 10-episode season that kicks off Feb. 23 on Peacock. Ali will play Mrs. Hughes, a teacher at Bel-Air middle school who sees something special in Ashley Banks (Akira Akbar).
“In season two, the show will continue to find ways to push the envelope and feel refreshing and unique while also honoring the heart of the legacy series,” said Carla Banks Waddles, the new showrunner who took over for Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson in October. “Last season was very much about the introduction to the Banks family world, and this season we get...
- 1/19/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Rap star Saweetie is set to make a cameo in the Season 2 premiere of “Bel-Air” at Peacock, Variety has learned exclusively. In addition, three actors have been cast in the series in recurring roles.
Brooklyn McLinn, Jazlyn Martin, and Riele Downs will all appear in the new season of the drama series take on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Saweetie will appear as herself in the show. It will not be her first time acting onscreen, as she previously appeared in multiple episodes of the “Black-ish” spinoff “Grown-ish” at Freeform during the show’s third season.
McLinn will play Doc Hightower, described as “a busy and driven basketball recruiter and Aau Coach who is impressed by Will’s game at Bel-Air Academy.” Martin will play Jackie. Of her character it is said, “Her South L.A. street smarts put Will’s Philly swagger to the test when they are introduced...
Brooklyn McLinn, Jazlyn Martin, and Riele Downs will all appear in the new season of the drama series take on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Saweetie will appear as herself in the show. It will not be her first time acting onscreen, as she previously appeared in multiple episodes of the “Black-ish” spinoff “Grown-ish” at Freeform during the show’s third season.
McLinn will play Doc Hightower, described as “a busy and driven basketball recruiter and Aau Coach who is impressed by Will’s game at Bel-Air Academy.” Martin will play Jackie. Of her character it is said, “Her South L.A. street smarts put Will’s Philly swagger to the test when they are introduced...
- 1/12/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Disney General Entertainment has selected 13 participants for its 2023 Writing Program.
The one-year writing initiative, formerly known as the Disney|ABC Writing Program and the Walt Disney Television Writing Program, helps participants secure their first TV staff writer assignments on a Dge series. Participants also are offered mentorship, advanced professional development and access to Dge’s creative executives, producers, showrunners and program alumni.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (Ctdi). “The flagship Writing Program is one of the critical ways Ctdi connects creative talent to opportunities across Disney and continues to fuel our company’s staffing pipeline specifically for emerging, diverse TV writers. We look forward to seeing this cohort shape the next generation of producers and showrunners.”
The program was the starting...
The one-year writing initiative, formerly known as the Disney|ABC Writing Program and the Walt Disney Television Writing Program, helps participants secure their first TV staff writer assignments on a Dge series. Participants also are offered mentorship, advanced professional development and access to Dge’s creative executives, producers, showrunners and program alumni.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (Ctdi). “The flagship Writing Program is one of the critical ways Ctdi connects creative talent to opportunities across Disney and continues to fuel our company’s staffing pipeline specifically for emerging, diverse TV writers. We look forward to seeing this cohort shape the next generation of producers and showrunners.”
The program was the starting...
- 1/10/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
“Bel-Air,” the hit series that reimagines the 1990 sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” is coming back with its second season in February, and the characters have a slew of decisions to make according to the Season 2 teaser trailer.
“Life is a series of choices,” says character Will in the opening of the “Bel-Air” Season 2 trailer. The entire trailer is narrated by Will, who is played by Jabari Banks, as the video clip cuts to each of the show’s leads, with Will highlighting some of the challenges each character was faced with in the first season. “Push for what you want, or let people figure it out on their own,” says Will over a visual of Philip Banks, played Adrian Holmes.
You can watch the full teaser in the video above.
The one-hour drama series stars series regulars Banks, Holmes, Cassandra Freeman (Vivian Banks), Olly Sholotan (Carlton Banks), Coco Jones...
“Life is a series of choices,” says character Will in the opening of the “Bel-Air” Season 2 trailer. The entire trailer is narrated by Will, who is played by Jabari Banks, as the video clip cuts to each of the show’s leads, with Will highlighting some of the challenges each character was faced with in the first season. “Push for what you want, or let people figure it out on their own,” says Will over a visual of Philip Banks, played Adrian Holmes.
You can watch the full teaser in the video above.
The one-hour drama series stars series regulars Banks, Holmes, Cassandra Freeman (Vivian Banks), Olly Sholotan (Carlton Banks), Coco Jones...
- 11/17/2022
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
“No one chooses for me,” Will Smith (played by Jabari Banks) declares in the first teaser for Bel-Air Season 2, which you can check out above.
Peacock also released new photos (below) from the upcoming season, which will premiere with the first three episodes on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023; new episodes will stream weekly.
More from TVLineDays of Our Lives' John Aniston Dies: Peacock Sets Release Date for His Final Episode as Victor KiriakisDays of Our Lives: Steve Burton to Reprise Role as Harris MichaelsAdam Devine Falls for Sarah Hyland (Again) in Peacock's Pitch Perfect Series -- Watch Bumper in Berlin Trailer
Bel-Air...
Peacock also released new photos (below) from the upcoming season, which will premiere with the first three episodes on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023; new episodes will stream weekly.
More from TVLineDays of Our Lives' John Aniston Dies: Peacock Sets Release Date for His Final Episode as Victor KiriakisDays of Our Lives: Steve Burton to Reprise Role as Harris MichaelsAdam Devine Falls for Sarah Hyland (Again) in Peacock's Pitch Perfect Series -- Watch Bumper in Berlin Trailer
Bel-Air...
- 11/17/2022
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
I’d like to take a minute, just sit right there, I’ll tell you when Season 2 of the “Fresh Prince” reboot is set to air. “Bel-Air” Season 2 will premiere on Peacock February 23, the streamer announced Thursday.
Based on the beloved ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which helped launch a young Will Smith to fame, “Bel-Air” was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper. Cooper’s short film took the basic premise of the sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in West Philadelphia and is forced to flee the city to live with his wealthy Los Angeles family — and reimagined it as a gritty drama. The short film caught the attention of Smith, who expressed interest in expanding the premise into a new series, and Cooper ultimately developed the show for Peacock with Malcolm Spellman, Tj Brady, and Rasheed Newson.
Season 1 of “Bel-Air” retold the...
Based on the beloved ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which helped launch a young Will Smith to fame, “Bel-Air” was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper. Cooper’s short film took the basic premise of the sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in West Philadelphia and is forced to flee the city to live with his wealthy Los Angeles family — and reimagined it as a gritty drama. The short film caught the attention of Smith, who expressed interest in expanding the premise into a new series, and Cooper ultimately developed the show for Peacock with Malcolm Spellman, Tj Brady, and Rasheed Newson.
Season 1 of “Bel-Air” retold the...
- 11/17/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Bel-Air is back, and Will (Jabari Banks) has some decisions to make.
In the teaser for Season 2, which was released Thursday, Banks narrates the 45-second clip, explaining that “life is a series of choices.”
“Set your own rules, or disturb the system,” he says, adding: “We all got choices to make, but this time, no one chooses for me.”
Watch the full trailer below. Bel-Air Season 2 premieres on Peacock February 23 with three episodes, followed by a new episode streaming Thursdays.
Bel-Air follows Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions, and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.
In Season 2, he is at a crossroads as a new figure comes into his life who challenges what he...
In the teaser for Season 2, which was released Thursday, Banks narrates the 45-second clip, explaining that “life is a series of choices.”
“Set your own rules, or disturb the system,” he says, adding: “We all got choices to make, but this time, no one chooses for me.”
Watch the full trailer below. Bel-Air Season 2 premieres on Peacock February 23 with three episodes, followed by a new episode streaming Thursdays.
Bel-Air follows Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions, and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.
In Season 2, he is at a crossroads as a new figure comes into his life who challenges what he...
- 11/17/2022
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
It wouldn't be the first time the life of "Bel-Air" gets flipped turned upside down. The series, which is a dramatic adaptation of the 1990s comedy "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," once again changes showrunners ahead of its second season.
Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a writer and co-executive producer on the first season, will now take over as showrunner from Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson, who departed the series over creative differences, according to a source who spoke with Variety. They will still be credited as executive producers going forward, and Waddles will also receive an executive producer credit. The new showrunner is currently under an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces the series.
Brady and Newson themselves were not the first showrunners on this series. They were named co-showrunners on season 1 after Diane Houston left the show. She took over the helm after the original showrunner,...
Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a writer and co-executive producer on the first season, will now take over as showrunner from Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson, who departed the series over creative differences, according to a source who spoke with Variety. They will still be credited as executive producers going forward, and Waddles will also receive an executive producer credit. The new showrunner is currently under an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces the series.
Brady and Newson themselves were not the first showrunners on this series. They were named co-showrunners on season 1 after Diane Houston left the show. She took over the helm after the original showrunner,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Lex Briscuso
- Slash Film
“Bel-Air,” Peacock’s dramatic reimagining of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” began production on its upcoming Season 2 last month. But the show is already being forced to take a hiatus, as showrunners Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson have exited the series due to creative differences, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a co-executive producer on the show and an executive producer of “Good Girls” on NBC, has been promoted to showrunner and will also serve as an executive producer for Season 2. Banks Waddles has an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces “Bel-Air.”
“Bel-Air” is the brainchild of Morgan Cooper, whose viral fan film imagined the multi-camera comedy as a contemporary drama that digs into the racial and class-based issues that would inevitably arise from a character moving from West Philadelphia to the ultra-wealthy Los Angeles suburb. The three-minute film...
“Bel-Air” is the brainchild of Morgan Cooper, whose viral fan film imagined the multi-camera comedy as a contemporary drama that digs into the racial and class-based issues that would inevitably arise from a character moving from West Philadelphia to the ultra-wealthy Los Angeles suburb. The three-minute film...
- 10/13/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Peacock’s breakout hit Bel-Air is making a change at the helm for Season 2, which is currently in production. Carla Banks Waddles has been promoted to showrunner. She takes over for Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson who have stepped down from the role over creative differences. The duo remain executive producers on the series, from Westbrrok Studios and Universal Television. The series is taking a brief hiatus as the showrunner transition is taking place.
Former Good Girls EP Banks Waddles, who is under an overall deal at Universal Television, was a co-executive producer on Season 1 of Bel-Air. She is being elevated to executive producer, along with taking over showrunner duties for Season 2.
Bel-Air, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that reenvisions the 1990s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air as a drama, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television,...
Former Good Girls EP Banks Waddles, who is under an overall deal at Universal Television, was a co-executive producer on Season 1 of Bel-Air. She is being elevated to executive producer, along with taking over showrunner duties for Season 2.
Bel-Air, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that reenvisions the 1990s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air as a drama, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television,...
- 10/13/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
“Bel-Air” is getting a new showrunner — again.
The Peacock drama series is undergoing a change at the top behind the scenes for the third time as it prepares its second season at the NBCUniversal streamer.
Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a writer and co-executive producer on Season 1, will now take over as showrunner and executive producer. She takes over from Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson, who have departed the series over creative differences, an individual with knowledge of the situation says. They will still be credited as executive producers going forward.
Waddles is currently under an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces the series. Brady and Newson themselves were named co-showrunners on Season 1 following the departure of Diane Houston. Houston had taken over from the show’s original showrunner, Chris Collins, who departed the show long before Season 1 had aired.
“Bel Air,” a dramatic reboot of the...
The Peacock drama series is undergoing a change at the top behind the scenes for the third time as it prepares its second season at the NBCUniversal streamer.
Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a writer and co-executive producer on Season 1, will now take over as showrunner and executive producer. She takes over from Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson, who have departed the series over creative differences, an individual with knowledge of the situation says. They will still be credited as executive producers going forward.
Waddles is currently under an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces the series. Brady and Newson themselves were named co-showrunners on Season 1 following the departure of Diane Houston. Houston had taken over from the show’s original showrunner, Chris Collins, who departed the show long before Season 1 had aired.
“Bel Air,” a dramatic reboot of the...
- 10/13/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Don’t Look Up, Black-ish and Pachinko were among the winners of the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes announced Friday from a luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
The awards, honoring the craft of screenwriting, featured winners in nine juried categories spanning film and television. These included Don’t Look Up from writer Adam McKay for comedy feature film, The Starling from Matt Harris for drama feature film and Encanto from Charise Castro Smith and Jared Bush for family feature film.
On the TV side, Black-ish writer Robb Chavis prevailed for comedy teleplay, Pachinko creator Soo Hugh won for drama teleplay and Women of the Movement creator Marissa Jo Cerar was tops for limited series, TV movie or special.
Larry Wilmore hosted the event, and presenters included Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks. Also honored were...
Don’t Look Up, Black-ish and Pachinko were among the winners of the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes announced Friday from a luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
The awards, honoring the craft of screenwriting, featured winners in nine juried categories spanning film and television. These included Don’t Look Up from writer Adam McKay for comedy feature film, The Starling from Matt Harris for drama feature film and Encanto from Charise Castro Smith and Jared Bush for family feature film.
On the TV side, Black-ish writer Robb Chavis prevailed for comedy teleplay, Pachinko creator Soo Hugh won for drama teleplay and Women of the Movement creator Marissa Jo Cerar was tops for limited series, TV movie or special.
Larry Wilmore hosted the event, and presenters included Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks. Also honored were...
- 9/10/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Retiring ABC series “Black-ish” picked up one more honor on Friday, a Humanitas Prize for comedy teleplay, while Apple TV+’s “Pachinko” and ABC’s “Women of the Movement” also were recognized at the event.
Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and hosted by comedian Larry Wilmore, the 46th annual Humanitas Prize event centered on awards and 10,000 cash prizes to screenwriters across ten categories. In addition, Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks presented Filmmakers for Ukraine with the Kieser Award “in recognition of their work to connect the Ukrainian film and TV community impacted by the Russo-Ukrainian War with resources, jobs, and funding to meet basic needs.”
And Jasmine Cephas Jones presented Starz with Voice for Change Award for its #TakeTheLead initiative. Starz president/CEO Jeffrey Hirsch accepted the prize on the network’s behalf. Nkechi Okoro Carroll oversaw the New Voices Fellowship and College Screenwriting Award presentations.
Here are this...
Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and hosted by comedian Larry Wilmore, the 46th annual Humanitas Prize event centered on awards and 10,000 cash prizes to screenwriters across ten categories. In addition, Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks presented Filmmakers for Ukraine with the Kieser Award “in recognition of their work to connect the Ukrainian film and TV community impacted by the Russo-Ukrainian War with resources, jobs, and funding to meet basic needs.”
And Jasmine Cephas Jones presented Starz with Voice for Change Award for its #TakeTheLead initiative. Starz president/CEO Jeffrey Hirsch accepted the prize on the network’s behalf. Nkechi Okoro Carroll oversaw the New Voices Fellowship and College Screenwriting Award presentations.
Here are this...
- 9/10/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Last week, more than 400 TV creators and showrunners — all of them women — sent letters to top executives at Hollywood studios demanding that specific safety protocols be put in place for pregnant employees in states where abortion has been outlawed, or soon will be. Now, letters of support signed by 594 men — including J.J. Abrams, Jordan Peele, Greg Berlanti, Donald Glover, Aaron Sorkin, David E. Kelley, Taika Waititi and Ryan Murphy — have been sent to the same companies.
The text of the letter is short, simply saying the undersigned stand with their “female, trans & non-binary showrunner colleagues in demanding a response from our employers regarding the imminent crisis” at hand. It was delivered by replying-all to the first letter, and was sent to Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Apple, NBC Universal, Amazon, Lionsgate and AMC.
These activist correspondences have been instigated by the Supreme Court’s June 24 Dobbs decison, which overturned Roe v.
The text of the letter is short, simply saying the undersigned stand with their “female, trans & non-binary showrunner colleagues in demanding a response from our employers regarding the imminent crisis” at hand. It was delivered by replying-all to the first letter, and was sent to Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Apple, NBC Universal, Amazon, Lionsgate and AMC.
These activist correspondences have been instigated by the Supreme Court’s June 24 Dobbs decison, which overturned Roe v.
- 8/1/2022
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
“Moonlight” star Trevante Rhodes has entered the ring. The actor stars as famous and controversial boxer Mike Tyson in the new Hulu limited series “Mike.”
The eight-episode show was created by “I, Tonya” screenwriter Steven Rogers, who also executive produces the series.
Karin Gist will serve as showrunner and executive producer under her The Gist of It banner along with Claire Brown. The “I, Tonya” team of director Craig Gillespie, Clubhouse Pictures’ Bryan Unkeless and Scott Morgan, and LuckyChap’s Tom Ackerley and Margot Robbie will also executive produce along with Entertainment 360’s Darin Friedman. Anthony Hemingway, Anthony Sparks, and Samantha Corbin-Miller executive produce as well, with Rhodes executive producing in addition to starring. 20th Television will produce.
The synopsis for the show reads as follows:
“Focusing the lens on Mike Tyson, the series examines class in America, race in America, fame and the power of media, misogyny, the wealth divide,...
The eight-episode show was created by “I, Tonya” screenwriter Steven Rogers, who also executive produces the series.
Karin Gist will serve as showrunner and executive producer under her The Gist of It banner along with Claire Brown. The “I, Tonya” team of director Craig Gillespie, Clubhouse Pictures’ Bryan Unkeless and Scott Morgan, and LuckyChap’s Tom Ackerley and Margot Robbie will also executive produce along with Entertainment 360’s Darin Friedman. Anthony Hemingway, Anthony Sparks, and Samantha Corbin-Miller executive produce as well, with Rhodes executive producing in addition to starring. 20th Television will produce.
The synopsis for the show reads as follows:
“Focusing the lens on Mike Tyson, the series examines class in America, race in America, fame and the power of media, misogyny, the wealth divide,...
- 7/20/2022
- by Caillou Pettis
- Gold Derby
Hulu has debuted a new trailer for its upcoming limited series “Mike,” starring Trevante Rhodes (“Moonlight”) as iconic and polarizing heavyweight champion boxer Mike Tyson. The eight-episode series will launch on Aug. 25 with two episodes; two additional episodes will stream weekly from there.
From creator and screenwriter Steven Rogers and the team behind “I, Tonya” and showrunner Karin Gist (“Our Kind of People” executive producer), “Mike” explores the dynamic and controversial story of Tyson throughout the tumultuous ups and downs of his career and personal life.
Over the last 30 years in the public eye, Tyson has infamously swung from a beloved global athlete to a pariah and back again. Through its brutal and towering central figure, “Mike” looks to examine class and race in America, fame and the power of media, misogyny, the promise of the American Dream and ultimately society’s own role in shaping Tyson’s story. The...
From creator and screenwriter Steven Rogers and the team behind “I, Tonya” and showrunner Karin Gist (“Our Kind of People” executive producer), “Mike” explores the dynamic and controversial story of Tyson throughout the tumultuous ups and downs of his career and personal life.
Over the last 30 years in the public eye, Tyson has infamously swung from a beloved global athlete to a pariah and back again. Through its brutal and towering central figure, “Mike” looks to examine class and race in America, fame and the power of media, misogyny, the promise of the American Dream and ultimately society’s own role in shaping Tyson’s story. The...
- 7/20/2022
- by Brandon Katz
- The Wrap
Actor Trevante Rhodes wooed viewers as the grown-up Chiron in Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winning 2016 film “Moonlight,” cementing a reputation for understated performances that find the softness beneath a macho exterior. Now, he is jumping into the ring to make his limited series debut for Hulu’s “Mike,” an eight-episode series about the tumultuous professional and personal ups and downs of heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. Watch the trailer below.
“People just see an animal. They call me a savage. I’m the most vicious, ruthless champion there’s ever been. No one can match me,” Rhodes’ Kid Dynamite says in the intense trailer. “My style’s impetuous. I’m ferocious. I want your heart. I want to eat your children. Praise be to Allah.”
The series hails from creator/screenwriter Steven Rogers and the creative team behind “I, Tonya” and showrunner Karin Gist, executive producer of “Our Kind of People.” “Mike...
“People just see an animal. They call me a savage. I’m the most vicious, ruthless champion there’s ever been. No one can match me,” Rhodes’ Kid Dynamite says in the intense trailer. “My style’s impetuous. I’m ferocious. I want your heart. I want to eat your children. Praise be to Allah.”
The series hails from creator/screenwriter Steven Rogers and the creative team behind “I, Tonya” and showrunner Karin Gist, executive producer of “Our Kind of People.” “Mike...
- 7/20/2022
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Humanitas has revealed the nominees for this year’s Humanitas Prizes, which recognize “television and film writers whose work explores the human condition in a nuanced way.” The award is given out in nine categories, including comedy, drama and limited series.
This year’s nominees include “Maid,” “This Is Us,” “Queen Sugar,” “Pachinko,” “Abbott Elementary,” “Somebody Somewhere” and “Black-ish.” Winners will be announced at an in-person awards luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 9, 2022.
“The Humanitas Prizes were created to recognize writers whose work explores the beauty and complexity of the human experience and the 2022 nominees do just that,” said Michelle Franke, Humanitas Executive Director. “Ranging in scope, style, and perspective, these stories underscore our bonds, our history and responsibility to each other in the present as well as possibilities for the future. Especially during challenging times, writers dedicate themselves to the stories that connect and entertain us.”
Here...
This year’s nominees include “Maid,” “This Is Us,” “Queen Sugar,” “Pachinko,” “Abbott Elementary,” “Somebody Somewhere” and “Black-ish.” Winners will be announced at an in-person awards luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 9, 2022.
“The Humanitas Prizes were created to recognize writers whose work explores the beauty and complexity of the human experience and the 2022 nominees do just that,” said Michelle Franke, Humanitas Executive Director. “Ranging in scope, style, and perspective, these stories underscore our bonds, our history and responsibility to each other in the present as well as possibilities for the future. Especially during challenging times, writers dedicate themselves to the stories that connect and entertain us.”
Here...
- 6/27/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
After a two-year hiatus, Humanitas has revealed the nominations for its 2022 Humanitas Prizes in nine categories
Winners will receive their trophies during a September 9 in-person ceremony at the Beverly Hilton.
Launched in 1974, the Humanitas Prizes honor film and television writers whose work explores the human condition, with recipients receiving a trophy and a cash prize.
Here are the nominees for the 46th annual Humanitas Prize:
Children’s Teleplay
El Deafo: Written by Cece Bell and Will McRobb
Karma’s World: “Hair Comes Trouble” – Written by Kellie R. Griffin and Halcyon Person
Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), with Love: Written by Alex Galatis
The Babysitters Club: “Claudia and the Sad Goodbye” – Written by Sascha Rothchild
Comedy Feature Film
Don’t Look Up: Written by Adam McKay
Everything Everywhere All At Once: Written by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
Queen Bees: Written by Donald Martin
tick, tick…Boom!:...
Winners will receive their trophies during a September 9 in-person ceremony at the Beverly Hilton.
Launched in 1974, the Humanitas Prizes honor film and television writers whose work explores the human condition, with recipients receiving a trophy and a cash prize.
Here are the nominees for the 46th annual Humanitas Prize:
Children’s Teleplay
El Deafo: Written by Cece Bell and Will McRobb
Karma’s World: “Hair Comes Trouble” – Written by Kellie R. Griffin and Halcyon Person
Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), with Love: Written by Alex Galatis
The Babysitters Club: “Claudia and the Sad Goodbye” – Written by Sascha Rothchild
Comedy Feature Film
Don’t Look Up: Written by Adam McKay
Everything Everywhere All At Once: Written by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
Queen Bees: Written by Donald Martin
tick, tick…Boom!:...
- 6/27/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Humanitas has announced the nominees for the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes, which celebrates the craft of screenwriting. Across nine juried categories, which include both television and film, 45 writers are nominated for their work.
Among the nominees are Abbott Elementary creator and star Quinta Brunson (comedy teleplay) and Academy Award-winning Coda writer-director Sian Heder (drama feature film). Adam McKay, who was nominated for an Oscar this year for Netflix’s Don’t Look Up, also received a nom for comedy feature film, along with Everything Everywhere All At Once scribes and directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert.
“The Humanitas Prizes were created to recognize writers whose work explores the beauty and complexity of the human experience and the 2022 nominees do just that,” said Humanitas executive director Michelle Franke in a statement. “Ranging in scope, style, and perspective, these stories underscore our bonds, our history and...
Humanitas has announced the nominees for the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes, which celebrates the craft of screenwriting. Across nine juried categories, which include both television and film, 45 writers are nominated for their work.
Among the nominees are Abbott Elementary creator and star Quinta Brunson (comedy teleplay) and Academy Award-winning Coda writer-director Sian Heder (drama feature film). Adam McKay, who was nominated for an Oscar this year for Netflix’s Don’t Look Up, also received a nom for comedy feature film, along with Everything Everywhere All At Once scribes and directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert.
“The Humanitas Prizes were created to recognize writers whose work explores the beauty and complexity of the human experience and the 2022 nominees do just that,” said Humanitas executive director Michelle Franke in a statement. “Ranging in scope, style, and perspective, these stories underscore our bonds, our history and...
- 6/27/2022
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hulu released an official trailer for its new Mike, a series from Steven Rogers and 20th Television that chronicles the life of controversial heavyweight champion boxer Mike Tyson. It premieres Aug. 25.
The streamer describes the 8-episode limited series as “an unauthorized and no-holds-barred look at the life of Mike Tyson.” It explores the tumultuous ups and downs of Tyson’s boxing career and personal life – from being a beloved global athlete to a pariah and back again. Focusing the lens on Mike Tyson, the series examines class in America, race in America, fame and the power of media, misogyny, the wealth divide, the promise of the American Dream and ultimately our own role in shaping Mike’s story.
Trevante Rhodes plays Tyson. Other cast members include Russell Hornsby, Harvey Keitel, Laura Harrier, and Li Eubanks.
Karin Gist will serve as showrunner and executive producer under her The Gist...
The streamer describes the 8-episode limited series as “an unauthorized and no-holds-barred look at the life of Mike Tyson.” It explores the tumultuous ups and downs of Tyson’s boxing career and personal life – from being a beloved global athlete to a pariah and back again. Focusing the lens on Mike Tyson, the series examines class in America, race in America, fame and the power of media, misogyny, the wealth divide, the promise of the American Dream and ultimately our own role in shaping Mike’s story.
Trevante Rhodes plays Tyson. Other cast members include Russell Hornsby, Harvey Keitel, Laura Harrier, and Li Eubanks.
Karin Gist will serve as showrunner and executive producer under her The Gist...
- 6/8/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Because of Peacock’s modest, U.S.-only reach so far (It has more than 28 million monthly active accounts and 13 million paid subscribers), its shows have never made the Nielsen Top 10 weekly streaming rankings. At its newfront today, the NBCUniversal streamer is announcing that new drama Bel-Air is the platform’s most-streamed original series, reaching 8 million accounts to date, and has broken Peacock’s records for new subscribers, usage, and upgrades.
Peacock originally landed Bel-Air, a drama retelling of WIll Smith’s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sitcom, with a two-season order. Former Queen Sugar showrunner Anthony Sparks is joining the upcoming second season as an executive producer, working alongside executive producers/co-showrunners Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson. Season 2 is slated to return in 2023, with Smith continuing as an executive producer following the Oscar controversy.
Bel-Air was the most heavily promoted Peacock original series to date and was showcased during NBC’s Feb.
Peacock originally landed Bel-Air, a drama retelling of WIll Smith’s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sitcom, with a two-season order. Former Queen Sugar showrunner Anthony Sparks is joining the upcoming second season as an executive producer, working alongside executive producers/co-showrunners Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson. Season 2 is slated to return in 2023, with Smith continuing as an executive producer following the Oscar controversy.
Bel-Air was the most heavily promoted Peacock original series to date and was showcased during NBC’s Feb.
- 5/2/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Queen Sugar has a new boss to take the Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey executive produced drama to its conclusion later this year
Shaz Bennett will serve as showrunner for the OWN series in its seventh and final season. Set to start production this month down in Louisiana, Queen Sugar is expected to premiere its last cycle this fall.
“Shaz is a multi-hyphenate who has been a dream to collaborate with because she is kind, open, dedicated and about the work with no ego and all heart,” DuVernay told Deadline today of co-ep, writer and long-time director Bennett.
“From her episodic directing of Queen Sugar to being a true leader as our co-executive producer last season, I’ve reveled in watching her shine, the Oscar nominee noted. “When considering who we wanted to end the series with by our side, Paul and I chose Shaz hands-down and I’m...
Shaz Bennett will serve as showrunner for the OWN series in its seventh and final season. Set to start production this month down in Louisiana, Queen Sugar is expected to premiere its last cycle this fall.
“Shaz is a multi-hyphenate who has been a dream to collaborate with because she is kind, open, dedicated and about the work with no ego and all heart,” DuVernay told Deadline today of co-ep, writer and long-time director Bennett.
“From her episodic directing of Queen Sugar to being a true leader as our co-executive producer last season, I’ve reveled in watching her shine, the Oscar nominee noted. “When considering who we wanted to end the series with by our side, Paul and I chose Shaz hands-down and I’m...
- 3/2/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney General Entertainment has selected the 12 participants for its 32nd annual Writing Program.
The one-year initiative offers promising young writers the chance at staff writing assignments on a Dge series. Participants are also provided with mentorship, professional development opportunities and access to Dge’s network of executives, producers, showrunners and alumni.
The program also provides participants with salary and benefits, and writers who are staffed on a Dge scripted series will be compensated at WGA scale, according to Disney.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president of Disney’s Ctdi team. “The flagship Writing Program is one of the critical ways Ctdi connects creative talent to opportunities across Disney and continues to fuel our company’s staffing pipeline specifically for emerging, diverse TV writers. We look forward to...
The one-year initiative offers promising young writers the chance at staff writing assignments on a Dge series. Participants are also provided with mentorship, professional development opportunities and access to Dge’s network of executives, producers, showrunners and alumni.
The program also provides participants with salary and benefits, and writers who are staffed on a Dge scripted series will be compensated at WGA scale, according to Disney.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president of Disney’s Ctdi team. “The flagship Writing Program is one of the critical ways Ctdi connects creative talent to opportunities across Disney and continues to fuel our company’s staffing pipeline specifically for emerging, diverse TV writers. We look forward to...
- 1/20/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Studios and Howard University have once again banded together for the Howard Entertainment program. The effort is meant to diversify the entertainment industry by creating a pipeline for Black and other underrepresented students into its ranks, according to a statement from the partners. This marks the program’s third year. The window for applications opened today.
The program is divided into two parts: a spring semester wherein students take courses related to the business and a summer semester that sees them working in the field via an internship. Students may focus on film and TV, public relations, business, law, fine arts, theater arts administration, theater tech or the music business. Courses count toward students’ graduation requirements.
“Over the past two years, we have made great strides with our initiatives to create new diverse pipeline programs in the entertainment industry,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios. “As we enter our third year,...
The program is divided into two parts: a spring semester wherein students take courses related to the business and a summer semester that sees them working in the field via an internship. Students may focus on film and TV, public relations, business, law, fine arts, theater arts administration, theater tech or the music business. Courses count toward students’ graduation requirements.
“Over the past two years, we have made great strides with our initiatives to create new diverse pipeline programs in the entertainment industry,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios. “As we enter our third year,...
- 10/2/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the most endearing aspects of Davis’ reunion with the Bordelon brood in Season 6 of Queen Sugar was Hollywood’s prayer.
“We all know it’s been a hard year,” Hollywood said while blessing the family’s dinner in Episode 3 of the beloved OWN drama. “We lost a lot of people: friends, coworkers, mothers. But this year has also given us the opportunity to put stock in what’s important. To let go of what we need to let go of, hold tight to things that we want, and remember what matters the most.”
More from TVLineQueen Sugar Season...
“We all know it’s been a hard year,” Hollywood said while blessing the family’s dinner in Episode 3 of the beloved OWN drama. “We lost a lot of people: friends, coworkers, mothers. But this year has also given us the opportunity to put stock in what’s important. To let go of what we need to let go of, hold tight to things that we want, and remember what matters the most.”
More from TVLineQueen Sugar Season...
- 9/28/2021
- by Mekeisha Madden Toby
- TVLine.com
Russell Hornsby has been cast as Don King in the upcoming Hulu limited series about Mike Tyson, “Iron Mike,” Variety has learned exclusively.
Hornsby joins previously announced series lead Trevante Rhodes, who will play Tyson. The series is said to be an exploration of the wild, tragic and controversial life and career of Tyson, one of the most polarizing figures in sports culture. Production on the eight-episode series is currently underway.
The King character is described as ruthlessly ambitious with a flashy personality. He is a notorious boxing promoter that takes Tyson’s boxing career to the next level. He’s a businessman; strategic, resilient, knowing how to work everything in his favor. However, much of his arrogance might be hiding a deeper vulnerability. While others may focus on the little details, King has his eyes on the prize – always thinking of the bigger picture.
King entered the world of...
Hornsby joins previously announced series lead Trevante Rhodes, who will play Tyson. The series is said to be an exploration of the wild, tragic and controversial life and career of Tyson, one of the most polarizing figures in sports culture. Production on the eight-episode series is currently underway.
The King character is described as ruthlessly ambitious with a flashy personality. He is a notorious boxing promoter that takes Tyson’s boxing career to the next level. He’s a businessman; strategic, resilient, knowing how to work everything in his favor. However, much of his arrogance might be hiding a deeper vulnerability. While others may focus on the little details, King has his eyes on the prize – always thinking of the bigger picture.
King entered the world of...
- 9/27/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Are you ready for Queen Sugar Season 6?
OWN announced today the acclaimed drama series, created and executive produced by filmmaker Ava DuVernay, returns Tuesday, September 7 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt on OWN.
In anticipation of the series return, the season six trailer was unveiled, showing glimpses of the Bordelon family reclaiming their lives coming out of the pandemic.
"As Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) and Darla (Bianca Lawson) plan the arrival of their new baby, Nova (Rutina Wesley) continues to speak out against political corruption, and Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) faces a life-altering decision," according to OWN.
"Throughout the season, we witness the joy amid the struggle and humanity's ability to persevere through whatever life may bring," the logline continues.
In continuing the creative vision DuVernay established in season one of hiring an entirely female directorial team, season six includes five filmmakers making their television directing debut.
The Queen Sugar Season 6 directorial line-up includes: Bertha Bay-Sa Pan,...
OWN announced today the acclaimed drama series, created and executive produced by filmmaker Ava DuVernay, returns Tuesday, September 7 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt on OWN.
In anticipation of the series return, the season six trailer was unveiled, showing glimpses of the Bordelon family reclaiming their lives coming out of the pandemic.
"As Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) and Darla (Bianca Lawson) plan the arrival of their new baby, Nova (Rutina Wesley) continues to speak out against political corruption, and Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) faces a life-altering decision," according to OWN.
"Throughout the season, we witness the joy amid the struggle and humanity's ability to persevere through whatever life may bring," the logline continues.
In continuing the creative vision DuVernay established in season one of hiring an entirely female directorial team, season six includes five filmmakers making their television directing debut.
The Queen Sugar Season 6 directorial line-up includes: Bertha Bay-Sa Pan,...
- 8/3/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
“We were literally just one episode into filming when we had to shut down because of Covid,” Queen Sugar executive producer Paul Garnes says about Season 5 of the Ava DuVernay-created OWN series executive produced by Oprah Winfrey and hailing from Warner Bros Television. “We used that opportunity to reset and repivot the show to be more relevant to the audience and I think to all of us involved.”
In fact, Oscar nominee DuVernay and showrunner Anthony Sparks rewrote most of the planned season during the production’s down time to focus on the pandemic and much more of what was happening in America 2020 – from the political to the personal and back again.
“I think that every character in some ways is a reflection or at least a part of Ava,” notes Dawn-Lyen Gardner, who plays Charlotte “Charley” Bordelon West on the multiple NAACP Image Award-winning show.
Garnes and Gardner...
In fact, Oscar nominee DuVernay and showrunner Anthony Sparks rewrote most of the planned season during the production’s down time to focus on the pandemic and much more of what was happening in America 2020 – from the political to the personal and back again.
“I think that every character in some ways is a reflection or at least a part of Ava,” notes Dawn-Lyen Gardner, who plays Charlotte “Charley” Bordelon West on the multiple NAACP Image Award-winning show.
Garnes and Gardner...
- 5/16/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Spoiler Alert: This post contains details of Queen Sugar’s Season 5 finale
“Looking back over the season, as emotional as it was for people to watch it when it aired, it was very emotional even when we shot it,” says Queen Sugar executive producer Paul Garnes of the fifth season of the Ava DuVernay created series and its Onward finale last night.
After a 10-episode run that chronicled and detailed the coronavirus pandemic, police violence, the death of George Floyd, and the politics of division on Black America, the OWN drama based on Natalie Baszile’s 2014 novel took the lacerated Bordelon siblings, their offspring, extended family and rural Louisiana community to an optimistic place, or sorts.
The DuVernay and showrunner Anthony Sparks co-penned Season 5 finale saw a Covid infected Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) reach out to ex-husband Davis West (Timon Kyle Durrent) and find new depths to the initial dismay of...
“Looking back over the season, as emotional as it was for people to watch it when it aired, it was very emotional even when we shot it,” says Queen Sugar executive producer Paul Garnes of the fifth season of the Ava DuVernay created series and its Onward finale last night.
After a 10-episode run that chronicled and detailed the coronavirus pandemic, police violence, the death of George Floyd, and the politics of division on Black America, the OWN drama based on Natalie Baszile’s 2014 novel took the lacerated Bordelon siblings, their offspring, extended family and rural Louisiana community to an optimistic place, or sorts.
The DuVernay and showrunner Anthony Sparks co-penned Season 5 finale saw a Covid infected Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) reach out to ex-husband Davis West (Timon Kyle Durrent) and find new depths to the initial dismay of...
- 4/21/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tammy Townsend (K.C. Undercover) has been tapped as a new series regular on the upcoming sixth season of Ava DuVernay’s drama Queen Sugar, which is currently in production in New Orleans.
Paula Jai Parker (The Wayans Bros.), Marquis Rodriguez (When They See Us) and McKinley Freeman (Titans) have joined the OWN series as recurring, while Lisa France, Bertha Bay-Sa Pan, Carmen Marrón, Cierra Glaude, Keisha Rae Witherspoon, Marie Jamora, Shari L. Carpenter, Shaz Bennett and Stephanie Turner will all have their turn as helmers for Season 6, which is set to premiere later in the fall. The addition of the nine directors continues DuVernay’s commitment to hiring an entirely woman-led directing team for the show. The latest addition brings the series’ total women director count to 42 filmmakers, 39 of whom are first-time television directors.
Set in rural Louisiana and the fictional community of St. Josephine, the Anthony Sparks...
Paula Jai Parker (The Wayans Bros.), Marquis Rodriguez (When They See Us) and McKinley Freeman (Titans) have joined the OWN series as recurring, while Lisa France, Bertha Bay-Sa Pan, Carmen Marrón, Cierra Glaude, Keisha Rae Witherspoon, Marie Jamora, Shari L. Carpenter, Shaz Bennett and Stephanie Turner will all have their turn as helmers for Season 6, which is set to premiere later in the fall. The addition of the nine directors continues DuVernay’s commitment to hiring an entirely woman-led directing team for the show. The latest addition brings the series’ total women director count to 42 filmmakers, 39 of whom are first-time television directors.
Set in rural Louisiana and the fictional community of St. Josephine, the Anthony Sparks...
- 4/6/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
When Linda Yvette Chavez, the showrunner of Netflix’s “Gentefied,” took her mom and brothers to New York during a press tour, she knew her show was a success.
“This is the first time I’ve seen something where I see working-class communities where it looks like us and it feels like us,” Chavez recalled her mother saying. “I could tell whoever made it wasn’t afraid or ashamed of being poor, they weren’t ashamed of who they were, they weren’t ashamed of being Mexican, really Mexican.
“That filled my whole heart,” Chavez said. “That was exactly what we were trying to do.”
Along with Chavez, showrunners Steven Canals (“Pose”), Marvin Lemus (“Gentefied”), Anthony Sparks (“Queen Sugar”) and Erika Green Swafford (“New Amsterdam”) sat down virtually on Thursday to discuss how their shows are part of changing the narrative around poverty. The writer-producers gathered for a panel hosted...
“This is the first time I’ve seen something where I see working-class communities where it looks like us and it feels like us,” Chavez recalled her mother saying. “I could tell whoever made it wasn’t afraid or ashamed of being poor, they weren’t ashamed of who they were, they weren’t ashamed of being Mexican, really Mexican.
“That filled my whole heart,” Chavez said. “That was exactly what we were trying to do.”
Along with Chavez, showrunners Steven Canals (“Pose”), Marvin Lemus (“Gentefied”), Anthony Sparks (“Queen Sugar”) and Erika Green Swafford (“New Amsterdam”) sat down virtually on Thursday to discuss how their shows are part of changing the narrative around poverty. The writer-producers gathered for a panel hosted...
- 3/26/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
Black history, to me, means my Mississippi mother was right after all. She often told me that “Any room you walk into, assume you belong there.”
Ironically, I’m not sure my mother– a domestic, sharecropper, and factory worker for much of her life– ever fully realized that feeling for herself. However, she certainly believed that I, as a Black man raised in urban spaces, had a right to exist, matter, and thrive. She wanted me to know in that unshakeable place that I belonged in any room I entered. I thank her for the gift of that feeling. It is one I seek to pass onto my own children.
I’m also quite sure that Vice-President Kamala Harris’ parents raised her to believe that she belonged to any room that she entered. This is one reason why her recent Vogue cover photo was irritating and offensive to so many.
Ironically, I’m not sure my mother– a domestic, sharecropper, and factory worker for much of her life– ever fully realized that feeling for herself. However, she certainly believed that I, as a Black man raised in urban spaces, had a right to exist, matter, and thrive. She wanted me to know in that unshakeable place that I belonged in any room I entered. I thank her for the gift of that feeling. It is one I seek to pass onto my own children.
I’m also quite sure that Vice-President Kamala Harris’ parents raised her to believe that she belonged to any room that she entered. This is one reason why her recent Vogue cover photo was irritating and offensive to so many.
- 2/25/2021
- by Anthony Sparks
- Variety Film + TV
In a competitive situation, Disney+ has landed a two-project package based on the inspirational story behind America’s Got Talent finalists the Detroit Youth Choir, from Blumhouse Television, Maniac Productions and Campfire. The streamer has picked up Choir, a six-episode unscripted docuseries about Dyc, marking the first original series order for Blumhouse at Disney+.
A companion scripted series also is in development by the same production team at Disney Branded Television for the streaming service. Writer/producer and showrunner Anthony Sparks is attached to create the scripted drama series and will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Both projects had been in the works at Blumhouse for several months.
The unscripted series, which has been filming in Detroit since last fall, chronicling the 2020/2021 season of the Dyc, is inspired by Artistic Director Anthony White’s story. As a teacher, mentor and father figure in the heart of Detroit,...
A companion scripted series also is in development by the same production team at Disney Branded Television for the streaming service. Writer/producer and showrunner Anthony Sparks is attached to create the scripted drama series and will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Both projects had been in the works at Blumhouse for several months.
The unscripted series, which has been filming in Detroit since last fall, chronicling the 2020/2021 season of the Dyc, is inspired by Artistic Director Anthony White’s story. As a teacher, mentor and father figure in the heart of Detroit,...
- 2/18/2021
- by Denise Petski and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Plus has greenlit a six-episode unscripted docuseries from Blumhouse Television, Maniac Production and Campfire centered on “America’s Got Talent” finalists, the Detroit Youth Choir.
The docuseries, titled “Choir,” is Blumhouse’s first series for the Disney streaming service, inspired by Dyc artistic director Anthony White’s story. The teacher and mentor has impacted the lives of more than 1,000 kids through music for over 20 years, and the choir captured America’s attention by rocketing to the finals of Season 14 of “America’s Got Talent” in 2019.
“Disney Branded Television continues to seek out creative talent that is diverse, inclusive and representative of our multi-cultural landscape, and we are proud to team with Anthony White and the young voices of the Detroit Youth Choir to present this true-to-life story that is sure to inspire audiences of all ages,” said Disney Branded Content exec vice president of creative development and strategy Ayo Davis. “We...
The docuseries, titled “Choir,” is Blumhouse’s first series for the Disney streaming service, inspired by Dyc artistic director Anthony White’s story. The teacher and mentor has impacted the lives of more than 1,000 kids through music for over 20 years, and the choir captured America’s attention by rocketing to the finals of Season 14 of “America’s Got Talent” in 2019.
“Disney Branded Television continues to seek out creative talent that is diverse, inclusive and representative of our multi-cultural landscape, and we are proud to team with Anthony White and the young voices of the Detroit Youth Choir to present this true-to-life story that is sure to inspire audiences of all ages,” said Disney Branded Content exec vice president of creative development and strategy Ayo Davis. “We...
- 2/18/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
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