LeVar Burton celebrates his television series Reading Rainbow in the trailer for the forthcoming documentary feature Butterfly in the Sky.
Butterfly in the Sky tells the story of Reading Rainbow, the educational show promoting literacy that Burton hosted for 23 seasons. The program first aired on PBS and later on PBS Kids before signing off in November of 2006, collecting a Peabody Award and 26 Emmy Awards throughout the course of its run.
The movie from co-directors Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb is set for a limited theatrical release March 17 from AMC Theatres. A full run follows later in New York City and other destinations, overseen by Mia Bruno of Fourth Act Film. It will be available on digital platforms including iTunes and Amazon on April 30, with Roco Films making the film available that month for classrooms, educators and libraries.
Burton is among the insiders participating in exclusive interviews for the project. “I...
Butterfly in the Sky tells the story of Reading Rainbow, the educational show promoting literacy that Burton hosted for 23 seasons. The program first aired on PBS and later on PBS Kids before signing off in November of 2006, collecting a Peabody Award and 26 Emmy Awards throughout the course of its run.
The movie from co-directors Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb is set for a limited theatrical release March 17 from AMC Theatres. A full run follows later in New York City and other destinations, overseen by Mia Bruno of Fourth Act Film. It will be available on digital platforms including iTunes and Amazon on April 30, with Roco Films making the film available that month for classrooms, educators and libraries.
Burton is among the insiders participating in exclusive interviews for the project. “I...
- 3/7/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"He was on TV as himself. That's power." Xtr & Roco Films have revealed the trailer for the documentary film Butterfly in the Sky, a look back at the magic & brilliance of the "Reading Rainbow" TV program. This first premiered in 2022 at the Tribeca Film Festival, and at the Calgary, Hot Springs, Philadelphia, & Heartland Film Festivals. Finally set for a release in theaters first (at AMC locations) in March before hitting VOD in April. The inspirational doc chronicles the journeys of broadcasters, educators and filmmakers who believed television could inspire a lifelong love of reading. Featuring LeVar Burton (the Reading Rainbow host), along with many more: Whoopi Goldberg (Guest Star), Jason Reynolds (Former National Ambassador for Young People's Literature), Twila Liggett (Reading Rainbow co-creator), Larry Lancit & Cecily Truett Lancit (Reading Rainbow co-creators), Tony Buttino (Reading Rainbow co-creator), Steve Horelick (series composer), Ed & Orly Wiseman (Reading Rainbow director / producer) and also lots...
- 3/6/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
It’s Oscar month. And that means Best Picture alt-poster time.
Four of my favorites are below, courtesy of the usual suspects. I love that some (George Grey and Eileen Steinbach) use a consistent theme to connect their line-up while others (Haley Turnbull and Matt Needle) create whatever that title inspires in them. There’s obviously no wrong direction to head and, regardless of which they choose, we get to enjoy the spoils of extra art long past the actual marketing campaigns.
And despite those nominees not necessarily needing the added boost, it is nice for us to receive another in-road to talk about them again. Because, as is usually the case, the morning after the Oscars unofficially moves everyone’s attention towards next year’s hopefuls (if Sundance praise hasn’t done so already).
Artists: George Grey (Killers of the Flower Moon), Haley Turnbull (Poor Things), Eileen Steinbach (The Zone of Interest...
Four of my favorites are below, courtesy of the usual suspects. I love that some (George Grey and Eileen Steinbach) use a consistent theme to connect their line-up while others (Haley Turnbull and Matt Needle) create whatever that title inspires in them. There’s obviously no wrong direction to head and, regardless of which they choose, we get to enjoy the spoils of extra art long past the actual marketing campaigns.
And despite those nominees not necessarily needing the added boost, it is nice for us to receive another in-road to talk about them again. Because, as is usually the case, the morning after the Oscars unofficially moves everyone’s attention towards next year’s hopefuls (if Sundance praise hasn’t done so already).
Artists: George Grey (Killers of the Flower Moon), Haley Turnbull (Poor Things), Eileen Steinbach (The Zone of Interest...
- 3/1/2024
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb’s feature documentary “Butterfly in the Sky,” about the beloved 1980’s PBS children’s series “Reading Rainbow” will be released in select AMC theaters and digitally through Fifth Season.
The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2023, takes audiences behind the scenes of the children’s series and tells the story of the show’s creators, who believed the small screen could inspire a love of reading. The docu also spotlights the show’s host LeVar Burton and gives an inside look at the challenges he and the show’s creators faced in cultivating a love of reading through television.
The doc, produced by Xtr, will have a limited theatrical release beginning on March 17 in select AMC theaters followed by a full run in New York and additional cities. The film’s digital and international rights have been acquired by Fifth Season. The...
The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2023, takes audiences behind the scenes of the children’s series and tells the story of the show’s creators, who believed the small screen could inspire a love of reading. The docu also spotlights the show’s host LeVar Burton and gives an inside look at the challenges he and the show’s creators faced in cultivating a love of reading through television.
The doc, produced by Xtr, will have a limited theatrical release beginning on March 17 in select AMC theaters followed by a full run in New York and additional cities. The film’s digital and international rights have been acquired by Fifth Season. The...
- 2/28/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
On Sunday, February 18, CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” won Best Hairstyling for Daytime Television during “The 11th Annual Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Awards” at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. Hairstylists Lauren Mendoza, Justin Jackson, Michelle Corona and Diana Santana received the award for their work on the daytime drama series. Melissa Peterman hosted the awards show which honors members of the Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (IATSE Local 706)
“The Bold and the Beautiful” and “The Young and the Restless” were also nominees in the Best Make-Up for Daytime Television category, but both shows lost out to “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula,” with make-up artists Swanthula Boulet and Dracmorda Boulet taking home the award.
Kate Linder, John Brotherton
Emma McIntyre/Getty (Courtesy)
That said, there was a mix-up with the hairstylist and make-up categories as “The Young and the Restless” was initially announced as the winner for make-up,...
“The Bold and the Beautiful” and “The Young and the Restless” were also nominees in the Best Make-Up for Daytime Television category, but both shows lost out to “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula,” with make-up artists Swanthula Boulet and Dracmorda Boulet taking home the award.
Kate Linder, John Brotherton
Emma McIntyre/Getty (Courtesy)
That said, there was a mix-up with the hairstylist and make-up categories as “The Young and the Restless” was initially announced as the winner for make-up,...
- 2/19/2024
- by Errol Lewis
- Soap Opera Network
On Tuesday night’s episode of Finding Your Roots, LeVar Burton was shocked to discover that he’s part-white.
Burton, the renowned host of PBS educational series Reading Rainbow and star of Roots and Star Trek: The Next Generation, came into the show with questions about his family tree, since him and his two sisters were raised by a single mother, Erma Gene, in Sacramento, California. And Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., host of the PBS genealogy series that traces celebrities’ ancestry, and is currently in its tenth season, had plenty of answers for him.
Burton, the renowned host of PBS educational series Reading Rainbow and star of Roots and Star Trek: The Next Generation, came into the show with questions about his family tree, since him and his two sisters were raised by a single mother, Erma Gene, in Sacramento, California. And Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., host of the PBS genealogy series that traces celebrities’ ancestry, and is currently in its tenth season, had plenty of answers for him.
- 1/17/2024
- by Marlow Stern
- Rollingstone.com
Two of TV’s most genial educators team up this week as Finding Your Roots marks its 10th anniversary. When Henry Louis Gates Jr. sits down with LeVar Burton on January 16, he pays homage to his former fellow PBS host, who followed up his lead role in the groundbreaking miniseries adaptation of Alex Haley’s Roots with one of the all-time great children’s programs, Reading Rainbow. The Star Trek alum, Gates says, has educated the public in virtually every role he’s ever had:
"LeVar Burton has changed the way America sees itself … He has embodied the journey of Black people in our country from slavery to outer space, giving us a glimpse of our nation's tragic past while pointing us to a more hopeful future."...
"LeVar Burton has changed the way America sees itself … He has embodied the journey of Black people in our country from slavery to outer space, giving us a glimpse of our nation's tragic past while pointing us to a more hopeful future."...
- 1/16/2024
- by Danette Chavez
- Primetimer
Tim Russ played 5 different characters in the Star Trek franchise, including his iconic role as Lieutenant Tuvok in Star Trek: Voyager. Russ tried for years to land a role in the franchise and appeared in multiple Star Trek TV series and the film Star Trek Generations before being cast as Tuvok. Russ made a surprise appearance as a Changeling impersonating Tuvok in Star Trek: Picard season 3, showcasing his versatility as an actor within the Star Trek universe.
Tim Russ has played 5 different characters in the Star Trek franchise. Russ was a devoted Trekkie before landing the life-changing lead role of Lieutenant Tuvok in Star Trek: Voyager. Since the series ended in 2001, Russ has remained active in Star Trek fandom; in addition to writing extended universe content, Tim also provided voice acting for various games and even directed two fan productions. While Russ is forever synonymous with Tuvok, he played 3 other...
Tim Russ has played 5 different characters in the Star Trek franchise. Russ was a devoted Trekkie before landing the life-changing lead role of Lieutenant Tuvok in Star Trek: Voyager. Since the series ended in 2001, Russ has remained active in Star Trek fandom; in addition to writing extended universe content, Tim also provided voice acting for various games and even directed two fan productions. While Russ is forever synonymous with Tuvok, he played 3 other...
- 1/8/2024
- by Sarah Bea Milner
- ScreenRant.com
When Star Trek returned to television screens after two decades in 1987, it looked very different from its predecessor. Gone were James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Bones, most of whom planned to return in the original sequel series Star Trek: Phase II. In their place stood a bald Shakespearean actor, the breakout star of the television miniseries Roots, and a member of Muppet creator Jim Henson’s team.
From those unlikely beginnings, Star Trek: The Next Generation grew to match and, for some, exceed the original series. Much of that success came from the cast, who had a far easier camaraderie than their predecessors and, some might argue, a more impressive resume. Before and after Trek, these actors became beloved figures in genre cinema and television, proving that they are even more than the crew who boldly went where no one had gone before.
Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier...
From those unlikely beginnings, Star Trek: The Next Generation grew to match and, for some, exceed the original series. Much of that success came from the cast, who had a far easier camaraderie than their predecessors and, some might argue, a more impressive resume. Before and after Trek, these actors became beloved figures in genre cinema and television, proving that they are even more than the crew who boldly went where no one had gone before.
Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier...
- 12/6/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Prior to his job playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," actor Patrick Stewart wasn't terribly well-known in the United States. One might have recognized him for his supporting roles in high-profile genre films like John Boorman's "Excalibur," David Lynch's "Dune," or Tobe Hooper's "Lifeforce," but the vast bulk of his career up to that point was on the British stage, or throughout the vast network of BBC television. Starting in 1966, Stewart began starring in productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company, appearing as the Player King in "Hamlet" (opposite David Warner) and as the Dauphin in "Henry V." His status as a go-to player of well-known American fantasy characters wouldn't begin in earnest until 1987.
In his new autobiography "Making It So: A Memoir," Stewart recalls how the American publicity machine viewed him when he first started working on "Star Trek: The Next Generation." He...
In his new autobiography "Making It So: A Memoir," Stewart recalls how the American publicity machine viewed him when he first started working on "Star Trek: The Next Generation." He...
- 11/11/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Back in 1986, Patrick Stewart famously balked at playing the role of Jean-Luc Picard on "Star Trek: The Next Generation." The role was contracted for six seasons, and the actor had never made that enormous of a commitment before. Many of Stewart's professional colleagues encouraged him to sign the contract, feeling that it was to be lucrative, and that "Star Trek: The Next Generation" would be swiftly canceled and he could walk away and work on other projects. Only his friend Ian McKellan discouraged Stewart from moving to TV, feeling that they both had more important things to be done on stage.
But Stewart signed the contract, went to Los Angeles, and crashed with a friend for a few weeks at a posh mansion in Bel Air. Strewart's rich friends provided him with good food, access to a swimming pool, and fascinating conversation. In exchange, Stewart only needed to bring...
But Stewart signed the contract, went to Los Angeles, and crashed with a friend for a few weeks at a posh mansion in Bel Air. Strewart's rich friends provided him with good food, access to a swimming pool, and fascinating conversation. In exchange, Stewart only needed to bring...
- 10/21/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
LeVar Burton, the longtime host of PBS’ Reading Rainbow and current host of the LeVar Burton Reads podcast, has been selected to host next month’s National Book Awards ceremony in New York City, replacing the previously named – and subsequently dropped – Drew Barrymore.
“LeVar Burton has introduced multiple generations of young people to the joys of reading, and is a fearless advocate for book access, especially amidst the alarming rise in book banning across the country,” said David Steinberger, Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Book Foundation, in a statement. “We are delighted to welcome LeVar back onto the National Book Awards stage, alongside special guest Oprah Winfrey, to champion the power of literature as the host this year’s Ceremony & Benefit Dinner.”
The statement made no mention of Barrymore, who last month was dropped as host by the Foundation after news broke that Barrymore would resume...
“LeVar Burton has introduced multiple generations of young people to the joys of reading, and is a fearless advocate for book access, especially amidst the alarming rise in book banning across the country,” said David Steinberger, Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Book Foundation, in a statement. “We are delighted to welcome LeVar back onto the National Book Awards stage, alongside special guest Oprah Winfrey, to champion the power of literature as the host this year’s Ceremony & Benefit Dinner.”
The statement made no mention of Barrymore, who last month was dropped as host by the Foundation after news broke that Barrymore would resume...
- 10/13/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
It's looking like the Trivial Pursuit game show hosted by LeVar Burton might have finally found its home.
The CW has reportedly been finalizing a deal to pick up the game show, per Deadline. It's an update that comes nearly two years after it was first reported that Burton had teamed up with eOne to host a new game show based on Trivial Pursuit. The Star Trek: The Next Generation star is serving as an executive producer on the series in addition to his plans to host. It comes after Burton served as a guest host for Jeopardy! following the passing of Alex Trebek, a job that he'd campaigned for only to find that it wasn't the right fit for him in the end.
Related: LeVar Burton's Geordi La Forge Gets an Overdue Star Trek Moment
"Trivial Pursuit is one of the best-known brands in the gaming universe. I am...
The CW has reportedly been finalizing a deal to pick up the game show, per Deadline. It's an update that comes nearly two years after it was first reported that Burton had teamed up with eOne to host a new game show based on Trivial Pursuit. The Star Trek: The Next Generation star is serving as an executive producer on the series in addition to his plans to host. It comes after Burton served as a guest host for Jeopardy! following the passing of Alex Trebek, a job that he'd campaigned for only to find that it wasn't the right fit for him in the end.
Related: LeVar Burton's Geordi La Forge Gets an Overdue Star Trek Moment
"Trivial Pursuit is one of the best-known brands in the gaming universe. I am...
- 8/31/2023
- by Jeremy Dick
- Comic Book Resources
“Star Trek” hasn’t been recognized by the Emmys for acting since the original series aired in the 1960s. Back then Leonard Nimoy earned three bids for his iconic role as Spock. But no actors from the franchise have been nominated since. Will that change with the third and final season of “Star Trek: Picard”? The Paramount+ series submitted the following 12 actors for consideration on the Emmy ballot.
See‘Star Trek: Picard’ cinematographer Crescenzo G.P. Notarile on being ‘daring’ and ‘disciplined’ behind the camera [Exclusive Video Interview]
Best Drama Actor
Patrick Stewart
Best Drama Supporting Actor
LeVar Burton
Michael Dorn
Jonathan Frakes
Ed Speleers
Brent Spiner
Todd Stashwick
Best Drama Supporting Actress
Michelle Hurd
Gates McFadden
Amanda Plummer
Jeri Ryan
Marina Sirtis
SEEPatrick Stewart (‘Star Trek: Picard’) on long-awaited ‘Tng’ reunion: ‘It was nothing but pleasant and satisfying’
Perhaps surprisingly, “Picard” didn’t enter any performers for consideration in guest categories. That means no Michelle Forbes,...
See‘Star Trek: Picard’ cinematographer Crescenzo G.P. Notarile on being ‘daring’ and ‘disciplined’ behind the camera [Exclusive Video Interview]
Best Drama Actor
Patrick Stewart
Best Drama Supporting Actor
LeVar Burton
Michael Dorn
Jonathan Frakes
Ed Speleers
Brent Spiner
Todd Stashwick
Best Drama Supporting Actress
Michelle Hurd
Gates McFadden
Amanda Plummer
Jeri Ryan
Marina Sirtis
SEEPatrick Stewart (‘Star Trek: Picard’) on long-awaited ‘Tng’ reunion: ‘It was nothing but pleasant and satisfying’
Perhaps surprisingly, “Picard” didn’t enter any performers for consideration in guest categories. That means no Michelle Forbes,...
- 6/16/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Star Trek icon Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) has become a legendary member of the franchise and has featured in some all-time great episodes of both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard. Burton was already a household name by the time he joined the final frontier, having made a named for himself with the groundbreaking miniseries Roots and the educational children's program Reading Rainbow. Geordi made his debut in the Tng pilot "Encounter At Farpoint," an eager young Ensign understandably excited for his adventures on the USS Enterprise-d to get underway.
Geordi was promoted to the ship's Chief Engineer at the start of Star Trek: The Next Generation season 2, a role he'd stay in for the remainder of Tng's seven-season run, as well as the four followup films starring the show's cast. Two decades after the final Tng film, Star Trek: Nemesis, Geordi made his triumphant return...
Geordi was promoted to the ship's Chief Engineer at the start of Star Trek: The Next Generation season 2, a role he'd stay in for the remainder of Tng's seven-season run, as well as the four followup films starring the show's cast. Two decades after the final Tng film, Star Trek: Nemesis, Geordi made his triumphant return...
- 5/26/2023
- by Dusty Stowe
- ScreenRant.com
When creating the unique look of a television series, producers want every frame to be instantly recognizable to fans. Yet, some television brands extend beyond just the fans of the show. Some things become so iconic they become recognizable to everyone. Geordi La Forge's visor was one of those things, making it The Next Generation's most important prop.
Star Trek was already iconic when The Next Generation debuted in 1987, though differently than today. Much like Batman, which also debuted in 1966, it was known for its 1960s retro-futuristic aesthetic and bright colors. The design of Tng was such a departure from it, that one could look at early episodes at the time and not know it was Star Trek. With all due respect to Stand By Me star Wil Wheaton, LeVar Burton was the most recognizable face in the cast. From his groundbreaking turn as Kunta Kinte in Roots to the...
Star Trek was already iconic when The Next Generation debuted in 1987, though differently than today. Much like Batman, which also debuted in 1966, it was known for its 1960s retro-futuristic aesthetic and bright colors. The design of Tng was such a departure from it, that one could look at early episodes at the time and not know it was Star Trek. With all due respect to Stand By Me star Wil Wheaton, LeVar Burton was the most recognizable face in the cast. From his groundbreaking turn as Kunta Kinte in Roots to the...
- 5/20/2023
- by Joshua M. Patton
- Comic Book Resources
The series finale of Star Trek: Picard delivered on the promise of The Next Generation reunion fans craved since the series was announced. However, one of the most beloved members of the bridge crew wouldn't exist if not for Nichelle Nichols and her Star Trek: The Original Series character, Lieutenant Uhura.
LeVar Burton was already a national treasure by the time Star Trek: The Next Generation came around, thanks to his historic turn in Roots and Reading Rainbow. It's hard to imagine The Next Generation without Geordi, one of the show's most immediately recognizable characters. Originally the navigator, Geordi La Forge went on to become the Chief Engineer of the USS Enterprise-d. The character was born from the idea that the blind crew member steers the ship. Whether for disability representation or, like Nichols before him, for Black representation, Geordi is as important a character to fans as Uhura was to her generation.
LeVar Burton was already a national treasure by the time Star Trek: The Next Generation came around, thanks to his historic turn in Roots and Reading Rainbow. It's hard to imagine The Next Generation without Geordi, one of the show's most immediately recognizable characters. Originally the navigator, Geordi La Forge went on to become the Chief Engineer of the USS Enterprise-d. The character was born from the idea that the blind crew member steers the ship. Whether for disability representation or, like Nichols before him, for Black representation, Geordi is as important a character to fans as Uhura was to her generation.
- 5/11/2023
- by Joshua M. Patton
- Comic Book Resources
Although it made him a household name and led to a hugely successful Hollywood career, Patrick Stewart wasn't the biggest star attached to Star Trek: The Next Generation when it first aired in 1987. Patrick Stewart wasn't Gene Roddenberry's preferred choice for the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, and he doubted that the classically trained actor would be a good fit for the captain's chair. As Star Trek author Mark A. Altman observed in Peter Holstrom's book The Center Seat: 55 Years of Star Trek, Patrick Stewart didn't have many strong Hollywood credits to his name, and this may have further impeded his chances of being cast as Picard.
Although Stewart had predominantly done theater and had roles in, to quote Altman, "bad movies like Lifeforce", he had also been in some of the most critically acclaimed British TV dramas of the 1970s and 80s. Stewart had appeared in Tinker, Tailor,...
Although Stewart had predominantly done theater and had roles in, to quote Altman, "bad movies like Lifeforce", he had also been in some of the most critically acclaimed British TV dramas of the 1970s and 80s. Stewart had appeared in Tinker, Tailor,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Mark Donaldson
- ScreenRant.com
LeVar Burton never thought he’d play Geordi La Forge again.
He never even thought there’d be an onscreen “Next Generation” reunion after “Star Trek: Picard” was announced four and a half years ago. On that day, August 4, 2018, when Patrick Stewart took the stage at the Star Trek Las Vegas convention to say that the later life of his beloved captain would be explored in a follow-up series, Burton and Jonathan Frakes were excitingly peering out from backstage to support their friend as he had his moment. But Burton never expected to get in uniform as La Forge once more.
“In fact, quite the opposite,” Burton said in a new interview with IndieWire. “We were quite certain that we would not be a part of ‘Picard.’ This was Patrick’s opportunity to play the character, but to play stories that were in large measure unrelated to that part of...
He never even thought there’d be an onscreen “Next Generation” reunion after “Star Trek: Picard” was announced four and a half years ago. On that day, August 4, 2018, when Patrick Stewart took the stage at the Star Trek Las Vegas convention to say that the later life of his beloved captain would be explored in a follow-up series, Burton and Jonathan Frakes were excitingly peering out from backstage to support their friend as he had his moment. But Burton never expected to get in uniform as La Forge once more.
“In fact, quite the opposite,” Burton said in a new interview with IndieWire. “We were quite certain that we would not be a part of ‘Picard.’ This was Patrick’s opportunity to play the character, but to play stories that were in large measure unrelated to that part of...
- 3/23/2023
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
On Oscar night, “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” will almost certainly win the Academy Award for feature animation. For many of those following along at home, it will look as though the director of “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Shape of Water” is being rewarded for some kind of secondary passion, as if del Toro had scaled Everest and then set his sights on a smaller peak on which to plant his flag. But that’s not how it happened at all.
Way back in Mexico, del Toro started his filmmaking career doing animated shorts: Obsessed with Ray Harryhausen, the amateur future auteur built rudimentary armatures, painstakingly repositioning the puppets one frame at a time. Decades later, once established in Hollywood, del Toro accepted a side gig at DreamWorks Animation, serving as a story consultant on films such as “Megamind” and “Kung Fu Panda 2” as a pretext for teaching himself the trade.
Way back in Mexico, del Toro started his filmmaking career doing animated shorts: Obsessed with Ray Harryhausen, the amateur future auteur built rudimentary armatures, painstakingly repositioning the puppets one frame at a time. Decades later, once established in Hollywood, del Toro accepted a side gig at DreamWorks Animation, serving as a story consultant on films such as “Megamind” and “Kung Fu Panda 2” as a pretext for teaching himself the trade.
- 3/2/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
While the main cast of Community played a lovable and quirky study group, the sitcom had many guest appearances over its six-season run, including LeVar Burton's memorable cameos. Burton is known for hosting the beloved PBS children's series Reading Rainbow from 1983 until 2006 and for playing Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation, reprising this famous role in several movies. The actor has also made cameo appearances on a variety of TV shows, from reality competitions such as Hell's Kitchen and Face Off to sitcoms such as The Big Bang Theory.
Playing a version of himself on Community, Burton made two cameos on the show, and they are among his most entertaining TV appearances. His scenes were perfectly set up in each episode and had humorous results, fitting seamlessly into the show's light-hearted tone.
Related: The True Story Behind Betty White’s Community Cameo
LeVar Burton Was Seen...
Playing a version of himself on Community, Burton made two cameos on the show, and they are among his most entertaining TV appearances. His scenes were perfectly set up in each episode and had humorous results, fitting seamlessly into the show's light-hearted tone.
Related: The True Story Behind Betty White’s Community Cameo
LeVar Burton Was Seen...
- 2/25/2023
- by Aya Tsintziras
- ScreenRant.com
Star Trek: The Next Generation nearly cast Tim Russ, who would go on to play Lieutenant Commander Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager, as Geordi La Forge, a role that eventually went to LeVar Burton. Russ was just beginning his acting career when he auditioned for the part of Geordi in 1987. Though he missed out on the role of Geordi, Russ would spend the next few years building up a solid resume of TV guest appearances and minor movie roles in projects like The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air and Spaceballs.
While the role of Geordi La Forge ultimately went to the more established LeVar Burton, Russ made an impression on the Tng producers. They kept him in mind when casting the spinoff series Star Trek: Voyager, and he ultimately won the role of Tuvok, the stoic Vulcan officer who served as one of Captain Kathryn Janeway's (Kate Mulgrew) closest friends and advisors.
While the role of Geordi La Forge ultimately went to the more established LeVar Burton, Russ made an impression on the Tng producers. They kept him in mind when casting the spinoff series Star Trek: Voyager, and he ultimately won the role of Tuvok, the stoic Vulcan officer who served as one of Captain Kathryn Janeway's (Kate Mulgrew) closest friends and advisors.
- 2/22/2023
- by Dusty Stowe
- ScreenRant.com
The game show "Jeopardy" may have bungled its chance to have LeVar Burton take over as host, but at least we'll get to see him again as Geordi La Forge in "Star Trek: Picard" season 3. It's been over 20 years since Burton last appeared in live-action as Geordi, with the 2002 film "Star Trek: Nemesis" having served as the previous swan song for him and the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" crew. That leaves a lot of undocumented time and backstory to fill in for Geordi, who appeared as the captain of his own ship in the "Star Trek: Voyager" episode "Timeless".
We know from pre-release interviews and trailers that Geordi is a family man now, having finally found a healthy relationship and raised two daughters. One of them is a helm officer aboard the USS Titan in "Picard" season 3, and the other is an ensign played by Burton's real-life daughter, Mica Burton.
We know from pre-release interviews and trailers that Geordi is a family man now, having finally found a healthy relationship and raised two daughters. One of them is a helm officer aboard the USS Titan in "Picard" season 3, and the other is an ensign played by Burton's real-life daughter, Mica Burton.
- 2/13/2023
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
The Barney franchise is going to be relaunched and will feature an entirely new look for the lovable dinosaur. First appearing in Barney and the Backyard Gang in 1988, Barney has since become a fixture in kids' education for decades with his sons, dances, and lessons. Yet, while his legacy remains, the successor show Barney & Friends went off the air in 2010, leaving the character waiting for the chance for a relaunch.
That relaunch has finally come, and Barney has received a massive CGI upgrade in preparation. Check it out (via Variety) below:
In the coming years, Barney the Dinosaur will also begin to stretch across mediums with Barney appearing in movies, TV shows, and YouTube content, while Mattel returns to pushing out Barney toys. A new animated series will be premiering in 2024 and revolving around the friendly purple dinosaur.
Related: Knives Out Crossover Could Redeem A Major Muppets Flop
How...
That relaunch has finally come, and Barney has received a massive CGI upgrade in preparation. Check it out (via Variety) below:
In the coming years, Barney the Dinosaur will also begin to stretch across mediums with Barney appearing in movies, TV shows, and YouTube content, while Mattel returns to pushing out Barney toys. A new animated series will be premiering in 2024 and revolving around the friendly purple dinosaur.
Related: Knives Out Crossover Could Redeem A Major Muppets Flop
How...
- 2/13/2023
- by Lukas Shayo
- ScreenRant.com
Exclusive: WME has signed the Emmy-winning husband-and-wife filmmaking team of Bryan Storkel and Amy Bandlien Storkel, as well as their non-scripted production company, Sidestilt Films.
The Storkels most recently directed and produced the award-winning documentary The Pez Outlaw, which claimed a Special Jury Prize at this year’s SXSW Film Festival and was recently acquired for the U.S. by Gravitas Ventures, with plans for a day-and-date release on October 21. The fish-out-of-water story follows the adventures of Steve Glew, a small-town Michigan man who boards a plane for Eastern Europe soon after the fall of the Berlin Wall. His mission is to locate a secret factory that holds the key to the most desired and valuable Pez dispensers. If he succeeds, he will pull his family out of debt and finally be able to quit his job of 25 years. Steve becomes the hero of his own adventure, smuggling the rarest of goods into the U.
The Storkels most recently directed and produced the award-winning documentary The Pez Outlaw, which claimed a Special Jury Prize at this year’s SXSW Film Festival and was recently acquired for the U.S. by Gravitas Ventures, with plans for a day-and-date release on October 21. The fish-out-of-water story follows the adventures of Steve Glew, a small-town Michigan man who boards a plane for Eastern Europe soon after the fall of the Berlin Wall. His mission is to locate a secret factory that holds the key to the most desired and valuable Pez dispensers. If he succeeds, he will pull his family out of debt and finally be able to quit his job of 25 years. Steve becomes the hero of his own adventure, smuggling the rarest of goods into the U.
- 8/16/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Gravitas Ventures has acquired U.S. rights to the 2022 SXSW award winner The Pez Outlaw, from directors Amy Bandlien Storkel and Bryan Storkel, with plans for a day-and-date release on October 21.
The fish-out-of-water story follows the adventures of Steve Glew, a small-town Michigan man, who boards a plane for Eastern Europe soon after the fall of the Berlin Wall. His mission is to locate a secret factory that holds the key to the most desired and valuable Pez dispensers. If he succeeds, he will pull his family out of debt and finally be able to quit his job of 25 years. Steve becomes the hero of his own adventure, smuggling the rarest of goods into the U.S. and making millions in the process. It was all magical, until his arch-nemesis, The Pezident, decided to destroy him.
The Pez Outlaw made its world premiere at this year’s SXSW Film Festival,...
The fish-out-of-water story follows the adventures of Steve Glew, a small-town Michigan man, who boards a plane for Eastern Europe soon after the fall of the Berlin Wall. His mission is to locate a secret factory that holds the key to the most desired and valuable Pez dispensers. If he succeeds, he will pull his family out of debt and finally be able to quit his job of 25 years. Steve becomes the hero of his own adventure, smuggling the rarest of goods into the U.S. and making millions in the process. It was all magical, until his arch-nemesis, The Pezident, decided to destroy him.
The Pez Outlaw made its world premiere at this year’s SXSW Film Festival,...
- 8/3/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Tribeca Festival, the event that wants to offer something for everyone, returns Wednesday with its sprawling collection of features and shorts, live music, TV, podcasts, games, and Ar/VR. The annual New York City-set fest has moved mostly back indoors this year, but will feature nods to 2021 like free outdoor screenings and an online edition, Tribeca At Home. A rich documentary slate tackles abortion, press freedom and the rise of social media. There’s a first-time award for environmental impact and a series of talks with Blackhouse Foundation centered on Poc storytelling.
“We’re an activist festival,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder with Robert De Niro and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises. “When you think back to how we founded the festival, we’ve always been political,” she added, a nod to the duo launching Tribeca after the September 11 terrorist attacks to buck up a physically and emotionally devastated neighborhood.
This year,...
“We’re an activist festival,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder with Robert De Niro and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises. “When you think back to how we founded the festival, we’ve always been political,” she added, a nod to the duo launching Tribeca after the September 11 terrorist attacks to buck up a physically and emotionally devastated neighborhood.
This year,...
- 6/7/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Turns out Jeopardy! wasn't all fun and games for LeVar Burton. Following the death of long-time host Alex Trebek in 2020, the Reading Rainbow star was in the running to be chosen as Jeopardy!'s replacement host. The role ultimately went to former executive producer Mike Richards—who was fired after allegations of sexist comments—and then to Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings. Now, the author is opening up about not being chosen for the position, revealing that he was "not just disappointed, but wrecked." "Experiencing a very public defeat, humiliation, if you will, was sobering," Burton told Newsy's In the Loop in an interview....
- 5/31/2022
- E! Online
Can the venerable Scripps National Spelling Bee take on the look of a Winter Olympics or “American Idol”? Its backers are about to find out.
Organizers of the event, which has kept Americans trying to figure out how to connect the right letters for words ranging from “sanitarium” to “xanthosis” for nearly a century, want to add new elements to the mix that might make the contest look less like something for elementary-school students and more like “America’s Got Talent.”
Actor LeVar Burton, known for his turn as the host of public television’s “Reading Rainbow,” is joining the proceedings. And producers hope to boost “the Bee” with backstage looks at contestants and a set of vignettes that give viewers a peek at how the spelling champions made their way from school competitions to the national stage. It all takes place as Scripps, the longtime owner of the contest, takes...
Organizers of the event, which has kept Americans trying to figure out how to connect the right letters for words ranging from “sanitarium” to “xanthosis” for nearly a century, want to add new elements to the mix that might make the contest look less like something for elementary-school students and more like “America’s Got Talent.”
Actor LeVar Burton, known for his turn as the host of public television’s “Reading Rainbow,” is joining the proceedings. And producers hope to boost “the Bee” with backstage looks at contestants and a set of vignettes that give viewers a peek at how the spelling champions made their way from school competitions to the national stage. It all takes place as Scripps, the longtime owner of the contest, takes...
- 5/31/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Looking for some lighthearted television to kick off the summer season? Look no further than these three premieres — an annual TV event hosted by an even bigger icon, a warm-weather spin on HGTV reno shows, and a star-studded dance competition like you’ve never seen before — for a dose of “just for fun” entertainment. Scripps National Spelling Bee How do you spell synergy? For the 234 schoolkids in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, that’s an easy word. But for contest organizers, it meant securing LeVar Burton—the face of PBS’s pioneering Reading Rainbow for 23 years—as host. Between Rainbow and his 2021 guest-host stint on Jeopardy!, emceeing comes naturally to Burton at this point. “It’s part of my DNA,” says the television legend. The 2022 Bee brings back two elements introduced last year: the potential for a rapid-fire finale spell-off and word-meaning rounds that test oral vocabulary, which Burton appreciates...
- 5/29/2022
- TV Insider
The 49th Daytime Emmy Awards return to a live, in-person format this year on Friday, June 24, airing on both CBS and Paramount+. Also, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences confirmed that, as expected, the ceremony will take place at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif.; nominations will be announced on May 5.
The Daytime Emmys dates were part of a slew of announcements made on Tuesday morning by NATAS, which also revealed Lifetime Achievement Awards for PBS’ “This Old House,” soap opera icon John Aniston (“Days of Our Lives”), documentarian Sir David Attenborough, “Reading Rainbow” host LeVar Burton and journalist Judy Woodruff. Also, sports journalist Lesley Visser and tech entrepreneur Yvette Kanouff, who were originally slated to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 until the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to it, will finally receive their honors this year.
NATAS also provided more details on the launch of the Children...
The Daytime Emmys dates were part of a slew of announcements made on Tuesday morning by NATAS, which also revealed Lifetime Achievement Awards for PBS’ “This Old House,” soap opera icon John Aniston (“Days of Our Lives”), documentarian Sir David Attenborough, “Reading Rainbow” host LeVar Burton and journalist Judy Woodruff. Also, sports journalist Lesley Visser and tech entrepreneur Yvette Kanouff, who were originally slated to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 until the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to it, will finally receive their honors this year.
NATAS also provided more details on the launch of the Children...
- 4/26/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton and Days of Our Lives vet John Aniston will be among the Lifetime Achievement honorees at this year’s newly expanded Daytime, Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle, News & Documentary and Children’s & Family Emmy Award ceremonies, it was announced on Tuesday morning.
All NATAS events are scheduled to return to being in-person this year, after holding virtual ceremonies in 2020 and 2021.
More from TVLineDays Shocker: Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso Returning as Bo and Hope in Peacock's Beyond SalemStar Trek: Picard: Next Generation's LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn and Gates McFadden Join Final SeasonDays of Our Lives:...
All NATAS events are scheduled to return to being in-person this year, after holding virtual ceremonies in 2020 and 2021.
More from TVLineDays Shocker: Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso Returning as Bo and Hope in Peacock's Beyond SalemStar Trek: Picard: Next Generation's LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn and Gates McFadden Join Final SeasonDays of Our Lives:...
- 4/26/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
LeVar Burton is lining up some new projects this year that might come as consolation to viewers who were left disappointed when his guest stint hosting "Jeopardy" in 2021 didn't develop into a full-time gig. First, we heard that Burton was developing his own game show. Then, his voice and name appeared in a recent teaser for "Picard" season 3, confirming that he will reprise his role as Geordi La Forge alongside other returning cast members from "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Now comes the news that the "Roots" and "Reading Rainbow" alum is joining the cast of the Starz series "Blindspotting."
According to The Wrap, Burton is among...
The post LeVar Burton Joins Blindspotting Season 2 in Recurring Role appeared first on /Film.
According to The Wrap, Burton is among...
The post LeVar Burton Joins Blindspotting Season 2 in Recurring Role appeared first on /Film.
- 4/15/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
“Blindspotting” is adding some fresh faces to Oakland.
LeVar Burton Katlynn Simone Smith Tamera Tomakili and Tim Chantarangsu have joined Season 2 of the critically-acclaimed comedy series in recurring roles, Starz announced Thursday. Information regarding the characters they will be playing has yet to be announced.
In addition, Starz also announced that Margo Hall, April Absynth, Lance Holloway, Andrew Chappelle and Utkarsh Ambudkar, who recurred in the first season, will return in expanded capacities for the second season. An episode of the season will also feature guest appearances from rappers E-40, P-Lo and Too hort, who will all play themselves.
A spin-off of the 2018 film of the same name, “Blindspotting” stars Jasmine Cephas Jones as Ashley Rose, an ordinary woman whose life is upended when her boyfriend Miles (Rafael Casal) is sent to prison for 12 years. Forced to move in with her mother-in-law Rainey (Helen Hunt), Ashley begins relying on her community of friends and family,...
LeVar Burton Katlynn Simone Smith Tamera Tomakili and Tim Chantarangsu have joined Season 2 of the critically-acclaimed comedy series in recurring roles, Starz announced Thursday. Information regarding the characters they will be playing has yet to be announced.
In addition, Starz also announced that Margo Hall, April Absynth, Lance Holloway, Andrew Chappelle and Utkarsh Ambudkar, who recurred in the first season, will return in expanded capacities for the second season. An episode of the season will also feature guest appearances from rappers E-40, P-Lo and Too hort, who will all play themselves.
A spin-off of the 2018 film of the same name, “Blindspotting” stars Jasmine Cephas Jones as Ashley Rose, an ordinary woman whose life is upended when her boyfriend Miles (Rafael Casal) is sent to prison for 12 years. Forced to move in with her mother-in-law Rainey (Helen Hunt), Ashley begins relying on her community of friends and family,...
- 4/14/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
“Roots” made TV history when it premiered on ABC 45 years ago, with more than half the country tuning in for the adaptation of Alex Haley’s bestselling novel about his enslaved ancestors.
To celebrate the film’s anniversary and to mark Black History Month, TheWrap recently spoke with John Amos, who was Emmy-nominated for his portrayal of main character Kunta Kinte, and Louis Gossett Jr, who won a Best Supporting Emmy for his role as Kunta’s often contentious mentor Fiddler.
Neither actor dreamed the epic tale of Kunta (who was played as a young man in the miniseries by LeVar Burton) would be such an enormous hit, and Gossett couldn’t believe it got made in the first place.
“The story about [slavery] was we knew it, we heard it from our parents and our aunts and uncles and stuff, but we knew it would never be on primetime television,...
To celebrate the film’s anniversary and to mark Black History Month, TheWrap recently spoke with John Amos, who was Emmy-nominated for his portrayal of main character Kunta Kinte, and Louis Gossett Jr, who won a Best Supporting Emmy for his role as Kunta’s often contentious mentor Fiddler.
Neither actor dreamed the epic tale of Kunta (who was played as a young man in the miniseries by LeVar Burton) would be such an enormous hit, and Gossett couldn’t believe it got made in the first place.
“The story about [slavery] was we knew it, we heard it from our parents and our aunts and uncles and stuff, but we knew it would never be on primetime television,...
- 2/27/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Array Releasing has acquired two new feature films from emerging South Asian female directors: Agam Darshi’s Donkeyhead, and Sujata Day’s Definition Please. The company has acquired distribution rights to both films in the U.S., UK, Australia and New Zealand, with the additional territory of Canada for Definition Please. Both films will debut January 21 on Netflix.
“Array Releasing is proud to distribute the work of Sujata Day and Agam Darshi, two promising South Asian women filmmakers who both wrote, directed and star in their directorial debuts,” Array president Tilane Jones said. “Definition Please and Donkeyhead beautifully showcase the dynamic talent of their creators while sharing the oftentimes humorous dynamics of tradition and culture that film lovers of all kinds can relate to, appreciate and celebrate.”
Definition Please follows Monica (Day), a former Scripps spelling bee champion who must reconcile with her estranged brother when he returns home...
“Array Releasing is proud to distribute the work of Sujata Day and Agam Darshi, two promising South Asian women filmmakers who both wrote, directed and star in their directorial debuts,” Array president Tilane Jones said. “Definition Please and Donkeyhead beautifully showcase the dynamic talent of their creators while sharing the oftentimes humorous dynamics of tradition and culture that film lovers of all kinds can relate to, appreciate and celebrate.”
Definition Please follows Monica (Day), a former Scripps spelling bee champion who must reconcile with her estranged brother when he returns home...
- 1/10/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
LeVar Burton has played more meaningful roles in his career than most actors could dream of. From his turn on the groundbreaking 1977 miniseries "Roots" to his work on the PBS children's show "Reading Rainbow," Burton has been a beloved mainstay in American homes for decades. These days, he's busy with all sorts of projects, including his podcast "LeVar Burton Reads" and an upcoming game show. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Burton is looking back at his career so far, and he's upfront about the things he wishes had been different. Namely, the actor has a note on the way his "Star...
The post The One Thing LeVar Burton Would Change About His Star Trek Character appeared first on /Film.
The post The One Thing LeVar Burton Would Change About His Star Trek Character appeared first on /Film.
- 12/22/2021
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
LeVar Burton missed his shot to be Jeopardy! host, but he might have landed an even better hosting gig, as the longtime literacy advocate has been announced as the host of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The Star Trek actor, who served as host of the long-running children’s educational program Reading Rainbow, will helm the bee telecast as Scripps takes over production for the upcoming competition. Speaking to The Associated Press on Thursday, Burton explained that he immediately said yes when offered the hosting role. “I want to normalize the pursuit of knowledge in this culture. That wouldn’t be a bad thing, would it?” Burton said. “Not just making stuff up and calling it a fact. Achievement through knowledge, scholarship, putting in the work to gain the reward.” Earlier this year, Burton stepped in as guest host for Jeopardy! while producers looked for the late Alex Trebek‘s permanent replacement.
- 12/17/2021
- TV Insider
More than four years ago, New York-based broadcaster Wned sued former Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton over his use of his old Reading Rainbow catchphrase “but you don’t have to take my word for it” on this LeVar Burton Reads podcast. At the same time, Burton and a company he had called RRKidz had been running a…...
- 12/8/2021
- by Sam Barsanti
- avclub.com
Depending on your age, you either know LeVar Burton as Kunta Kinte on the groundbreaking Seventies series Roots, as the host of the classic Eighties educational TV show Reading Rainbow, or, of course, as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge on Star Trek: The Next Generation.
So when fans approach him, can he tell where on that timeline they fall? “Ninety-five percent of the time,” the actor says. “More often than not, I am absolutely able to tell what’s their entry point to LeVar and the work I do. It’s cool.
So when fans approach him, can he tell where on that timeline they fall? “Ninety-five percent of the time,” the actor says. “More often than not, I am absolutely able to tell what’s their entry point to LeVar and the work I do. It’s cool.
- 11/26/2021
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
Somebody needs to order a ton of colored wedge pieces. "Reading Rainbow" host and all-around national treasure LeVar Burton will be hosting a game show version of the classic game "Trivial Pursuit," which is currently in development at Hasbro's Entertainment One (eOne). Burton will executive produce the show under his LeVar Burton Entertainment (Lbe) banner along with Lbe's Sangita Patel, and Tara Long and Geno McDermott from eOne. Together, they'll develop the series from tabletop trivia game to game show format. No network is currently attached.
"'Trivial Pursuit' is one of the best-known brands in the gaming universe,"...
The post LeVar Burton Will Host a Trivial Pursuit Game Show, and Everything is Right With the World appeared first on /Film.
"'Trivial Pursuit' is one of the best-known brands in the gaming universe,"...
The post LeVar Burton Will Host a Trivial Pursuit Game Show, and Everything is Right With the World appeared first on /Film.
- 11/16/2021
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
That Jeopardy! hosting gig may not have worked out, but LeVar Burton just found another way to ask people trivia questions on TV.
The Emmy-winning actor has signed on to host a game show based on the classic board game Trivial Pursuit, now in development from game maker Hasbro’s entertainment studio eOne. Burton will also executive-produce the series, which doesn’t yet have a network attached.
More from TVLineJeopardy! Professors Tournament to Air in December; Mayim Bialik to HostMatt Amodio's 38-Day Jeopardy! Winning Streak Ends; Ranks as Third Highest Regular Season Earner EverJeopardy! Fave LeVar Burton Speaks Out Amid...
The Emmy-winning actor has signed on to host a game show based on the classic board game Trivial Pursuit, now in development from game maker Hasbro’s entertainment studio eOne. Burton will also executive-produce the series, which doesn’t yet have a network attached.
More from TVLineJeopardy! Professors Tournament to Air in December; Mayim Bialik to HostMatt Amodio's 38-Day Jeopardy! Winning Streak Ends; Ranks as Third Highest Regular Season Earner EverJeopardy! Fave LeVar Burton Speaks Out Amid...
- 11/16/2021
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
We’re over the Reading Rainbow for LeVar Burton! The former Jeopardy! guest host will officially be heading up the new Trivial Pursuit game show as permanent emcee. Burton is also an executive producer on the series — produced by game maker Hasbro and Entertainment One — via his eponymous production company, LeVar Burton Entertainment. The competition series is not yet attached to a network. Burton stated, “Trivial Pursuit is one of the best-known brands in the gaming universe. I am thrilled to have partnered with Hasbro and eOne to bring this beloved game to market as a premium show for television.” Tara Long, the president of eOne’s Global Unscripted Television and Trivial Pursuit executive producer, stated, “LeVar Burton has been an iconic member of American pop culture for decades from Roots to Reading Rainbow to Star Trek and beyond. His love for intellectual curiosity paired with his ability to connect...
- 11/16/2021
- TV Insider
LeVar Burton is set to host a game show version of the classic trivia game “Trivial Pursuit,” which is currently in development at Entertainment One (eOne).
“’Trivial Pursuit’ is one of the best-known brands in the gaming universe,” Burton said. “I am thrilled to have partnered with Hasbro and eOne to bring this beloved game to market as a premium show for television.”
The hosting gig is part of a deal between eOne, which is owned by Hasbro, and Burton’s LeVar Burton Entertainment (Lbe) to develop “Trivial Pursuit” into a game show format. Burton will also executive produce the series along with Lbe’s Sangita Patel and Tara Long and Geno McDermott from eOne. No network is currently attached to the series.
“LeVar Burton has been an iconic member of American pop culture for decades from ‘Roots’ to ‘Reading Rainbow’ to ‘Star Trek’ and beyond,” said said Long, president...
“’Trivial Pursuit’ is one of the best-known brands in the gaming universe,” Burton said. “I am thrilled to have partnered with Hasbro and eOne to bring this beloved game to market as a premium show for television.”
The hosting gig is part of a deal between eOne, which is owned by Hasbro, and Burton’s LeVar Burton Entertainment (Lbe) to develop “Trivial Pursuit” into a game show format. Burton will also executive produce the series along with Lbe’s Sangita Patel and Tara Long and Geno McDermott from eOne. No network is currently attached to the series.
“LeVar Burton has been an iconic member of American pop culture for decades from ‘Roots’ to ‘Reading Rainbow’ to ‘Star Trek’ and beyond,” said said Long, president...
- 11/16/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
LeVar Burton has found a new game show that he’d like to host.
Burton has teamed up with eOne to develop a TV game show adaptation of classic board game Trivial Pursuit. He will host and exec produce the project via his LeVar Burton Entertainment banner.
It comes after Burton guest hosted Jeopardy! and was one of the candidates considered to take on permanent duties for the classic show. After this guest stint, Burton told The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah that he was looking for the “right” game show to host.
Burton will exec produce alongside Tara Long and Geno McDermott from eOne and Lbe’s Sangita Patel. No broadcaster is currently attached.
Trivial Pursuit has become a television show before; Freeform precursor The Family Channel ran a series hosted by Wink Martindale in 1993/94 that was loosely based on the game, while a syndicated version, Trivial Pursuit: America...
Burton has teamed up with eOne to develop a TV game show adaptation of classic board game Trivial Pursuit. He will host and exec produce the project via his LeVar Burton Entertainment banner.
It comes after Burton guest hosted Jeopardy! and was one of the candidates considered to take on permanent duties for the classic show. After this guest stint, Burton told The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah that he was looking for the “right” game show to host.
Burton will exec produce alongside Tara Long and Geno McDermott from eOne and Lbe’s Sangita Patel. No broadcaster is currently attached.
Trivial Pursuit has become a television show before; Freeform precursor The Family Channel ran a series hosted by Wink Martindale in 1993/94 that was loosely based on the game, while a syndicated version, Trivial Pursuit: America...
- 11/16/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
LeVar Burton may not be the next host of Jeopardy!, but his love for quiz shows has landed him another gig: Trivial Pursuit.
The Star Trek and Reading Rainbow favorite will host a new Trivial Pursuit TV game show that is being produced by game maker Hasbro and Entertainment One. A network is not yet attached. Burton’s involvement, however, should make the series easy to sell.
“LeVar Burton has been an iconic member of American pop culture for decades from Roots to Reading Rainbow to Star Trek and beyond. His love for intellectual curiosity paired with his ability to connect with audiences worldwide make him the perfect partner ...
The Star Trek and Reading Rainbow favorite will host a new Trivial Pursuit TV game show that is being produced by game maker Hasbro and Entertainment One. A network is not yet attached. Burton’s involvement, however, should make the series easy to sell.
“LeVar Burton has been an iconic member of American pop culture for decades from Roots to Reading Rainbow to Star Trek and beyond. His love for intellectual curiosity paired with his ability to connect with audiences worldwide make him the perfect partner ...
- 11/16/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
LeVar Burton may not be the next host of Jeopardy!, but his love for quiz shows has landed him another gig: Trivial Pursuit.
The Star Trek and Reading Rainbow favorite will host a new Trivial Pursuit TV game show that is being produced by game maker Hasbro and Entertainment One. A network is not yet attached. Burton’s involvement, however, should make the series easy to sell.
“LeVar Burton has been an iconic member of American pop culture for decades from Roots to Reading Rainbow to Star Trek and beyond. His love for intellectual curiosity paired with his ability to connect with audiences worldwide make him the perfect partner ...
The Star Trek and Reading Rainbow favorite will host a new Trivial Pursuit TV game show that is being produced by game maker Hasbro and Entertainment One. A network is not yet attached. Burton’s involvement, however, should make the series easy to sell.
“LeVar Burton has been an iconic member of American pop culture for decades from Roots to Reading Rainbow to Star Trek and beyond. His love for intellectual curiosity paired with his ability to connect with audiences worldwide make him the perfect partner ...
- 11/16/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Production designer Alex Digerlando had a unique opportunity when it came to set-building for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s stage-to-screen adaptation of “Tick, Tick … Boom!” (in theaters Nov. 12) — he could walk around the actual Greenwich Street apartment of “Rent” playwright Jonathan Larson. “There are a lot of vestiges of that period that are still there,” Digerlando says.
“Tick, Tick … Boom!,” an autobiographical musical, tells the story of Jon, a promising young theater composer who navigates love, friendship and the pressures of life as an artist in New York City.
Larson, played in the film by Andrew Garfield, lived at the address his entire adult life, and died there in 1996 after suffering an aortic dissection on the day “Rent” was about to have its first preview performance.
Digerlando found a treasure trove of photos from Larson’s friends. But it was the playwright’s sister, Julie, who provided the most valuable asset: Larson...
“Tick, Tick … Boom!,” an autobiographical musical, tells the story of Jon, a promising young theater composer who navigates love, friendship and the pressures of life as an artist in New York City.
Larson, played in the film by Andrew Garfield, lived at the address his entire adult life, and died there in 1996 after suffering an aortic dissection on the day “Rent” was about to have its first preview performance.
Digerlando found a treasure trove of photos from Larson’s friends. But it was the playwright’s sister, Julie, who provided the most valuable asset: Larson...
- 10/18/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
SNL Cold Open Tackles NFL Email Scandal With Excuse-Happy Raiders Coach and... LeVar Burton? — Watch
How many Saturday Night Live cast members does it take to cover every terrible thing about the National Football League? Does the show even have enough actors? In this weekend’s cold open, we found out.
Let’s count….
More from TVLineAmerica's Got Talent: Extreme Production Temporarily Shut Down Following Stuntman's On-Set AccidentSNL: Bowen Yang's Oompa Loompa Rages at Timothée Chalamet's 'Lickable' Willy Wonka -- Watch VideoSNL Imagines Squid Game as a Sad Song Country Music Video -- Watch
For starters, 1) Cecily Strong starts off as the NFL’s Head of PR – who doesn’t want to give her name,...
Let’s count….
More from TVLineAmerica's Got Talent: Extreme Production Temporarily Shut Down Following Stuntman's On-Set AccidentSNL: Bowen Yang's Oompa Loompa Rages at Timothée Chalamet's 'Lickable' Willy Wonka -- Watch VideoSNL Imagines Squid Game as a Sad Song Country Music Video -- Watch
For starters, 1) Cecily Strong starts off as the NFL’s Head of PR – who doesn’t want to give her name,...
- 10/17/2021
- by Robert Clarke-Chan
- TVLine.com
This week’s “Saturday Night Live” cold open took aim at the scandal surrounding former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden, who was forced out last week after shockingly racist, misogynistic and homophobic comments he made in emails while he was an ESPN commentator resurfaced.
The sketch featured “SNL” key players including Colin Jost, Cecily Strong, Kenan Thompson, Heidi Gardner and Pete Davidson. The sketch featured a series of people accepting and then quickly resigning as Raiders coach because of problematic statements in their past.
Raiders owner Mark Davis (played by Alex Moffat) was also skewered for his unusual bowl haircut: “I’ve heard all the jokes about my hair and how it looks like Donald Trump’s haircut gave me a haircut.”
Jost played NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. “All 32 teams understand that diversity is our strength,” Jost as Goodell said. “I know our Black coaches would agree. Both of them.
The sketch featured “SNL” key players including Colin Jost, Cecily Strong, Kenan Thompson, Heidi Gardner and Pete Davidson. The sketch featured a series of people accepting and then quickly resigning as Raiders coach because of problematic statements in their past.
Raiders owner Mark Davis (played by Alex Moffat) was also skewered for his unusual bowl haircut: “I’ve heard all the jokes about my hair and how it looks like Donald Trump’s haircut gave me a haircut.”
Jost played NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. “All 32 teams understand that diversity is our strength,” Jost as Goodell said. “I know our Black coaches would agree. Both of them.
- 10/17/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
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