Exclusive: AspireTV and producer, Ri-Karlo Handy of Sunwise Media, will develop and produce new original programming as the network continues to expand the AspireTV Studios slate this year. The first series to be greenlit under this agreement is Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City, a travel series that follows the Harlem Globetrotters as they span the globe on their 2024 world tour. AspireTV has ordered eight 30-minute episodes.
The show combines adventure and cultural immersion; utilizing a documentary style that transports viewers to the soul of the city and the heart of the people wherever the team travels. The Globetrotters share untapped secrets of culture, cuisine and adventure from the most renowned cities around the globe. The Harlem Globetrotters have been touring the world for almost 100 years, visiting over 120 countries which has given them unfiltered access, connections and exploration of Brown and Black culture throughout the world. Going into production this Spring,...
The show combines adventure and cultural immersion; utilizing a documentary style that transports viewers to the soul of the city and the heart of the people wherever the team travels. The Globetrotters share untapped secrets of culture, cuisine and adventure from the most renowned cities around the globe. The Harlem Globetrotters have been touring the world for almost 100 years, visiting over 120 countries which has given them unfiltered access, connections and exploration of Brown and Black culture throughout the world. Going into production this Spring,...
- 3/4/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The Braxtons are returning to We TV — two years after the death of Traci Braxton, a singer, actress and TV/radio personality who appeared on all seven seasons of their previous series for the AMC Networks-owned cabler, “Braxton Family Values.”
“The Braxtons” will feature remaining family members Toni, Towanda, Trina, Tamar and matriarch Ms. Evelyn, reuniting “to share new love, success, heartbreak, ongoing family dynamics and so much more,” We TV announced Tuesday during AMC Networks’ portion of the Television Critics Assn.’s Winter 2024 press tour.
According to We TV, the new series will chronicle the Braxtons during the pandemic quarantine, and chronicle the aftermath of the death of Traci, who died at 50 in 2022 after a battle with esophageal cancer.
“Thank you all for sharing our lives,” Braxton matriarch Evelyn said in a statement. “I hope that through each one of our experiences, you’ll grow with us. Inspiring you in your endeavors,...
“The Braxtons” will feature remaining family members Toni, Towanda, Trina, Tamar and matriarch Ms. Evelyn, reuniting “to share new love, success, heartbreak, ongoing family dynamics and so much more,” We TV announced Tuesday during AMC Networks’ portion of the Television Critics Assn.’s Winter 2024 press tour.
According to We TV, the new series will chronicle the Braxtons during the pandemic quarantine, and chronicle the aftermath of the death of Traci, who died at 50 in 2022 after a battle with esophageal cancer.
“Thank you all for sharing our lives,” Braxton matriarch Evelyn said in a statement. “I hope that through each one of our experiences, you’ll grow with us. Inspiring you in your endeavors,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Tara Long, who was President of Global Unscripted Television at eOne, has finalized a deal with John Morayniss’ Blink49 Studios.
Deadline revealed that Long was leaving after the Lionsgate merger went through and was set to strike a deal with the Fifth Season-backed company. Instead of setting up her own shop with the company, she is instead becoming President of Global Unscripted Television.
Joining her is former Bounce TV exec Ri-Karlo Handy, who will become SVP, Unscripted.
Based in LA and reporting to CEO Morayniss, whom she worked with for over ten years when he was at eOne, Long will oversee its U.S. unscripted television slate and will assume responsibility for managing the global unscripted division including the ongoing Canadian operations.
EVP Toby Dormer and Handy will report to Long, while VP Allison Brough will continue to report to Dormer.
Long has been behind series such as Impact...
Deadline revealed that Long was leaving after the Lionsgate merger went through and was set to strike a deal with the Fifth Season-backed company. Instead of setting up her own shop with the company, she is instead becoming President of Global Unscripted Television.
Joining her is former Bounce TV exec Ri-Karlo Handy, who will become SVP, Unscripted.
Based in LA and reporting to CEO Morayniss, whom she worked with for over ten years when he was at eOne, Long will oversee its U.S. unscripted television slate and will assume responsibility for managing the global unscripted division including the ongoing Canadian operations.
EVP Toby Dormer and Handy will report to Long, while VP Allison Brough will continue to report to Dormer.
Long has been behind series such as Impact...
- 1/29/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has partnered with the Handy Foundation, an organization that connects below-the-line workers to job opportunities in the entertainment industry, on a new program focused on representation among assistant editors and production coordinators.
Netflix and the Handy Foundation began piloting this program in 2022, helping train and identify talent for potential job opportunities on Netflix projects. Among the programs where trainees have worked include “Selling the O.C.,” “The Circle” and “Perfect Match,” all popular unscripted series.
The career-building initiative is split into two tracks: an apprentice and assistant editors program, which provides a springboard toward future assistant editor roles and equips participants with post-production experience; and a production coordinator program which is a pipeline to a career in production management.
“We created the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity to build new pathways for underrepresented communities and support the organizations committed to creating a more equitable environment within entertainment,” said Tiffany Burrell-Lewis,...
Netflix and the Handy Foundation began piloting this program in 2022, helping train and identify talent for potential job opportunities on Netflix projects. Among the programs where trainees have worked include “Selling the O.C.,” “The Circle” and “Perfect Match,” all popular unscripted series.
The career-building initiative is split into two tracks: an apprentice and assistant editors program, which provides a springboard toward future assistant editor roles and equips participants with post-production experience; and a production coordinator program which is a pipeline to a career in production management.
“We created the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity to build new pathways for underrepresented communities and support the organizations committed to creating a more equitable environment within entertainment,” said Tiffany Burrell-Lewis,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The trailer for OWN’s forthcoming docuseries, “Rebuilding Black Wall Street,” featuring host Morris Chestnut has been revealed.
Premiering on Sept. 29, the series will follow Chestnut and build teams, led by designers Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin (Two Steps Home), as they take viewers through Greenwood’s rich history and the personal journeys of those featured – many of whom are the descendants of original Black Wall Street residents – over the course of six episodes. As new businesses and projects progress, viewers will experience the physical and emotional challenges that come with large-scale construction and celebrate the promise of Greenwood’s future.
On May 31, 1921, Tulsa’s Greenwood District, also referred to as Black Wall Street — a community where Black leaders and entrepreneurs and homeowners thrived, was destroyed by mobs in what has been called the single most horrific incident of racial terrorism since slavery. An estimated 300 people were killed, more than 1,200 homes destroyed,...
Premiering on Sept. 29, the series will follow Chestnut and build teams, led by designers Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin (Two Steps Home), as they take viewers through Greenwood’s rich history and the personal journeys of those featured – many of whom are the descendants of original Black Wall Street residents – over the course of six episodes. As new businesses and projects progress, viewers will experience the physical and emotional challenges that come with large-scale construction and celebrate the promise of Greenwood’s future.
On May 31, 1921, Tulsa’s Greenwood District, also referred to as Black Wall Street — a community where Black leaders and entrepreneurs and homeowners thrived, was destroyed by mobs in what has been called the single most horrific incident of racial terrorism since slavery. An estimated 300 people were killed, more than 1,200 homes destroyed,...
- 9/6/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Ri-Karlo Handy has signed with A3 Artists Agency for representation in their alternative programming, digital media, licensing and branding division.
With over 25 years of experience producing and editing scripted and unscripted original content, Handy currently serves as the showrunner for NBC’s “Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward.” Through his company, Sunwise Media, he’s also the brain behind all content for fintech firm, Greenwood, including their branded iHeart Podcast “Money Moves” which is sponsored by MasterCard. The multi-platform media company has also landed several creative partnerships, through which it is currently developing a number of projects.
“I’m excited to be represented by A3 and to know that my efforts and goals are backed by a team who not only believe in the creative impact we aim to make as a company, but who are in lockstep with our vision of parity in Hollywood,” says Handy.
“Ri-Karlo Handy’s incredibly diverse track record of success,...
With over 25 years of experience producing and editing scripted and unscripted original content, Handy currently serves as the showrunner for NBC’s “Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward.” Through his company, Sunwise Media, he’s also the brain behind all content for fintech firm, Greenwood, including their branded iHeart Podcast “Money Moves” which is sponsored by MasterCard. The multi-platform media company has also landed several creative partnerships, through which it is currently developing a number of projects.
“I’m excited to be represented by A3 and to know that my efforts and goals are backed by a team who not only believe in the creative impact we aim to make as a company, but who are in lockstep with our vision of parity in Hollywood,” says Handy.
“Ri-Karlo Handy’s incredibly diverse track record of success,...
- 2/17/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Applications are now being accepted for a career initiative to provide traditionally unrepresented groups with a pathway to behind the scenes skills and jobs.
Late last year, the Handy Foundation was awarded the Pilot Career Pathways Training Program by the California Film Commission. Breaking down into five separate programs, the one-year pilot received a total grant of 130,000 from the state funded Cfc. Hollywood CPR and Manifest Works are also part of the program.
“Our long-term goal is to standardize sustainable pathways to these technical jobs and careers behind the scenes such that they become more diverse, equitable, and accessible to those willing to do the work it takes to be successful,” says Ri-Karlo Handy of the Cfc program and the Foundation’s motivations.
Having started to take applications on New Year’s Eve, the Production Audio & Post Audio Mixer Training Program has two seasonal offerings with Winter 2023 running from February...
Late last year, the Handy Foundation was awarded the Pilot Career Pathways Training Program by the California Film Commission. Breaking down into five separate programs, the one-year pilot received a total grant of 130,000 from the state funded Cfc. Hollywood CPR and Manifest Works are also part of the program.
“Our long-term goal is to standardize sustainable pathways to these technical jobs and careers behind the scenes such that they become more diverse, equitable, and accessible to those willing to do the work it takes to be successful,” says Ri-Karlo Handy of the Cfc program and the Foundation’s motivations.
Having started to take applications on New Year’s Eve, the Production Audio & Post Audio Mixer Training Program has two seasonal offerings with Winter 2023 running from February...
- 1/6/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Editor’s Note: On June 22, 2020, veteran editor and Sunwise Media co-founder Ri-Karlo Handy penned a guest column for Deadline on the wide ranging response to his social media call for Black union editors just days beforehand. As Americans took to the streets after the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd to demand an end to institutional violence and racism in numbers unprecedented for decades, Handy turned part of the spotlight on Hollywood. The reaction to his outcry was almost immediate. It was also encouraging from unions, to schools, to studios and every other crevice of Tinseltown. Today, Handy examines what a difference the past two years have made, and what more there is to do as political and cultural sands appear to be shifting again.
Two years ago, following George Floyd’s horrifying murder and civil unrest that followed, every industry including Hollywood scrambled to solve for their lack of diversity.
Two years ago, following George Floyd’s horrifying murder and civil unrest that followed, every industry including Hollywood scrambled to solve for their lack of diversity.
- 6/18/2022
- by Ri-Karlo Handy
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated, 9 Am Pt: MTV Entertainment Group has set Better Together: Mental Health Storytelling Summit to address the impact of storytelling on mental health. Additionally, WarnerMedia has signed on as a partner in the entertainment coalition committed to changing mental health representation.
Kenya Barris, Rachel Bloom, Liz Brixius, Margaret Cho, Andy Cohen, Charlamagne tha God, David Collins, Alex Gansa, Regina Hall, Hill Harper, H.E.R., Michael Imperioli, Lisa Ling, Nika King, Delroy Lindo, Chuck Lorre, Romany Malco, Miguel, DJ Nash, Sheila Nevins, Trevor Noah, Tig Notaro, Kevin Powell, Phor & Puma, Ally Sheedy will participate in the virtual summit set for May 3-5.
Better Together: Mental Health Storytelling Summit is produced by Viva Creative in partnership with Ri-Karlo Handy of Sunwise Media as Executive Producer.
More information can be found here.
Previous, April 6: Big media companies led by ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group have teamed up with medical experts to form the Mental Health Storytelling Coalition,...
Kenya Barris, Rachel Bloom, Liz Brixius, Margaret Cho, Andy Cohen, Charlamagne tha God, David Collins, Alex Gansa, Regina Hall, Hill Harper, H.E.R., Michael Imperioli, Lisa Ling, Nika King, Delroy Lindo, Chuck Lorre, Romany Malco, Miguel, DJ Nash, Sheila Nevins, Trevor Noah, Tig Notaro, Kevin Powell, Phor & Puma, Ally Sheedy will participate in the virtual summit set for May 3-5.
Better Together: Mental Health Storytelling Summit is produced by Viva Creative in partnership with Ri-Karlo Handy of Sunwise Media as Executive Producer.
More information can be found here.
Previous, April 6: Big media companies led by ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group have teamed up with medical experts to form the Mental Health Storytelling Coalition,...
- 4/22/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The history of labor unions and social change in America are obviously deeply entwined. Now a portion of that alliance is marching to increasing inclusion and opportunity in Hollywood with studios, streamers and Tyler Perry.
The Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700 has teamed up with SunWise Media co-founder Ri-Karlo Handy and the LA Urban League to provide a new pipeline to Tinseltown training and below-the-jobs for people of color. Working with the Urban League’s existing Backstage Careers Program, the Editors Guild has signed on specifically to foster exposure and hands-on skills to young people from communities that are often excluded from the entertainment industry.
“As a union, we remain committed to enhancing our outreach to programs and schools that serve all communities, especially those who might not otherwise have opportunities to be exposed to the array of jobs with our jurisdiction so they can envision a career path they may...
The Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700 has teamed up with SunWise Media co-founder Ri-Karlo Handy and the LA Urban League to provide a new pipeline to Tinseltown training and below-the-jobs for people of color. Working with the Urban League’s existing Backstage Careers Program, the Editors Guild has signed on specifically to foster exposure and hands-on skills to young people from communities that are often excluded from the entertainment industry.
“As a union, we remain committed to enhancing our outreach to programs and schools that serve all communities, especially those who might not otherwise have opportunities to be exposed to the array of jobs with our jurisdiction so they can envision a career path they may...
- 7/2/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Editor’S Note: Ri-Karlo Handy is the co-founder of Sunwise Media, a production company based in Pasadena. Over a 25-year career in the entertainment industry, Handy has been an editor and producer for networks like BET, MTV, and OWN. Joining then start-up network Bounce TV in 2013, he became the SVP of Original Programming for the Katz Broadcasting-owned African-American focused outlet. Three years ago, Hope Village Project executive producer Handy left Bounce to form Sunwise.
On June 16, 2020 I posted on a private Facebook group ‘I Need An Editor! looking for Black Union Editors.’
While most of the group sent back names of editors they knew, some ignorant comments — complaining of racism — caused a firestorm when the screen shots of a conversation calling for a White uprising were shared on Twitter, by Attorney Nicole French. Her Tweets put the question of diversity in Hollywood, and post-production in particular, centerstage.
Since then I...
On June 16, 2020 I posted on a private Facebook group ‘I Need An Editor! looking for Black Union Editors.’
While most of the group sent back names of editors they knew, some ignorant comments — complaining of racism — caused a firestorm when the screen shots of a conversation calling for a White uprising were shared on Twitter, by Attorney Nicole French. Her Tweets put the question of diversity in Hollywood, and post-production in particular, centerstage.
Since then I...
- 6/22/2020
- by Ri-Karlo Handy
- Deadline Film + TV
A black film editor responded Thursday to the uproar over his call for “black Union editors” on Facebook, saying, “to create authentic storytelling that touches diverse audiences, you must have the inclusion of diverse voices in the room. “
On Tuesday, Ri-Karlo Handy posted in a private Facebook group for filmmakers that read: “Looking for black Union editors… please [direct message] me your contact info!” Hardy later wrote in a post detailing the ensuing uproar, “Those 11 words set off a firestorm in the group, leading to racist posts in the comments and a heated debate about diversity, discrimination, and opportunity.”
Actress Nicole French screengrabbed and posted some of the responses, which included white editors saying “look what we’re asked to tolerate” and claiming they were victims of reverse racism.
Also Read: CNN Urges Trump to 'Be Better' After He Posts Phony Video of Network Story About Two Toddlers
Handy noted in his...
On Tuesday, Ri-Karlo Handy posted in a private Facebook group for filmmakers that read: “Looking for black Union editors… please [direct message] me your contact info!” Hardy later wrote in a post detailing the ensuing uproar, “Those 11 words set off a firestorm in the group, leading to racist posts in the comments and a heated debate about diversity, discrimination, and opportunity.”
Actress Nicole French screengrabbed and posted some of the responses, which included white editors saying “look what we’re asked to tolerate” and claiming they were victims of reverse racism.
Also Read: CNN Urges Trump to 'Be Better' After He Posts Phony Video of Network Story About Two Toddlers
Handy noted in his...
- 6/19/2020
- by Lindsey Ellefson
- The Wrap
When filmmaker Ri-Karlo Handy posted a Facebook request on Tuesday for fellow Black union editors to get in touch with him, he thought he was helping diversify productions and expand opportunities for people of color. But the storm of racist responses to the post from within the post-production community has now drawn attention throughout the entertainment industry.
“My priority has been to give people opportunities because, throughout my whole life, people gave me opportunities,” says the editor and producer, whose credits include “Floribama Shore” and “Kitchen Nightmares.”
Hardy had written in the private industry Facebook group called “I Need An Editor.” The post read, ‘Looking for Black editors, please Dm me your contact info?'”
Some commenters leapt to judgment, assuming Handy was looking to staff a show with only Black crew, which they called discriminatory and illegal. Even after it was explained that Hardy was simply looking to assemble...
“My priority has been to give people opportunities because, throughout my whole life, people gave me opportunities,” says the editor and producer, whose credits include “Floribama Shore” and “Kitchen Nightmares.”
Hardy had written in the private industry Facebook group called “I Need An Editor.” The post read, ‘Looking for Black editors, please Dm me your contact info?'”
Some commenters leapt to judgment, assuming Handy was looking to staff a show with only Black crew, which they called discriminatory and illegal. Even after it was explained that Hardy was simply looking to assemble...
- 6/18/2020
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Bounce TV has renewed their original sitcom Family Time for a second season and stand up comedy show Off the Chain for a third season. They've also ordered two new scripted sitcoms -- Mann & Wife and Sisters -- for 2015.
Here are the details:
Bounce TV Unveils New Original Series & Renewals for 2014-15 Upfront Season, Grows Viewership by Nearly 50% in Prime and Total Day After First Year of Nielsen Measurement
Ri-Karlo Handy Named VP, Original Programing
Atlanta (May 5, 2014) - Bounce TV (www.bouncetv.com) -- the nation's first-ever and fastest-growing broadcast television network designed for African American audiences -- today announced its original programming plans for the current upfront season as well as revealed massive ratings and viewership gains in Households and all key demographics across all dayparts since first beginning to receive Nielsen ratings...
Here are the details:
Bounce TV Unveils New Original Series & Renewals for 2014-15 Upfront Season, Grows Viewership by Nearly 50% in Prime and Total Day After First Year of Nielsen Measurement
Ri-Karlo Handy Named VP, Original Programing
Atlanta (May 5, 2014) - Bounce TV (www.bouncetv.com) -- the nation's first-ever and fastest-growing broadcast television network designed for African American audiences -- today announced its original programming plans for the current upfront season as well as revealed massive ratings and viewership gains in Households and all key demographics across all dayparts since first beginning to receive Nielsen ratings...
- 5/5/2014
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
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