Photograph courtesy of A&e Networks A&e will premiere the two-night documentary event “James Brown: Say It Loud” delving into the immeasurable musical and cultural impact of the entertainment icon. Directed by Deborah Riley Draper (The Legacy of Black Wall Street, Versailles ’73: American Runway Revolution) and executive produced by legendary artist Mick Jagger, Academy Award® winner Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter, Peter Afterman, David Blackman, Victoria Pearman, Bruce Resnikoff, Shawn Gee, Zarah Zohlman, Charlie Cohen, and Mari Keiko Gonzalez, the documentary examines Brown’s incredible life that was as innovative as it was influential. The special examines Brown’s legacy through exclusive interviews, never-before-seen archival footage and his beloved music catalog. “James Brown: Say it Loud” premieres Monday, February 19 and Tuesday, February 20 at 8Pm Et/Pt on A&e. Across four hours, “James Brown: Say it Loud” traces the incredible trajectory of Brown’s life and career from...
- 1/20/2024
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
The North Road Company will partner with Two One Five Entertainment. The Peter Chernin-founded company acquired a significant stake in Oscar-winner Questlove and Black Thought’s production business. The deal will result in North Road financing future Two One Five films, television shows and other creative projects. The partnership will also see North Road supporting Two One Five with nonscripted content which will enable Two One Five to leverage its best-in-class IP portfolio while expanding its scripted slate.
North Road CEO David Nevins said, “Questlove and Black Thought have long been not only iconic musicians, but also beacons for talent. They are visionaries who have been behind some of the most impactful stories about music and Black culture and how they shaped America. We are thrilled to partner with such a uniquely creative team as they enter their next phase of growth, supporting them as they continue their excellent...
North Road CEO David Nevins said, “Questlove and Black Thought have long been not only iconic musicians, but also beacons for talent. They are visionaries who have been behind some of the most impactful stories about music and Black culture and how they shaped America. We are thrilled to partner with such a uniquely creative team as they enter their next phase of growth, supporting them as they continue their excellent...
- 11/7/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Peter Chernin’s spending continues.
The former Fox boss’ The North Road Company has invested in and acquired a “significant” stake in Two One Five Entertainment, the production company founded by Questlove and Black Thought of The Roots.
The deal includes an equity stake, project financing and support to scale the business across scripted and non-scripted content.
The company is behind Academy Award-winning documentary Summer of Soul, which was directed by Questlove and told the story of the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Other projects including The League, directed by Sam Pollard, about the Negro Baseball League, Descendant, which tells the stories of descendants of survivors of the Clotilda, the last ship that carried enslaved Africans to the United States, directed by Margaret Brown and produced with the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions, and a Questlove-directed documentary for Hulu about Sly and the Family Stone.
The former Fox boss’ The North Road Company has invested in and acquired a “significant” stake in Two One Five Entertainment, the production company founded by Questlove and Black Thought of The Roots.
The deal includes an equity stake, project financing and support to scale the business across scripted and non-scripted content.
The company is behind Academy Award-winning documentary Summer of Soul, which was directed by Questlove and told the story of the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Other projects including The League, directed by Sam Pollard, about the Negro Baseball League, Descendant, which tells the stories of descendants of survivors of the Clotilda, the last ship that carried enslaved Africans to the United States, directed by Margaret Brown and produced with the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions, and a Questlove-directed documentary for Hulu about Sly and the Family Stone.
- 11/7/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s been a half-century since DJ Kool Herc energized a West Bronx rec room and invented the most popular musical genre on the planet. Now the celebration is going primetime.
The Recording Academy said today that it will honor the legends of the game with A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop, a concert special that will air in December on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
The two-hour program will showcase and celebrate the genre’s profound history and monumental cultural impact around the world. Among the first announced performers are Black Thought, Bun B, Common, De La Soul, Jermaine Dupri, J.J. Fad, Talib Kweli, The Lady Of Rage, LL Cool J, Mc Sha-Rock, Monie Love, The Pharcyde, Queen Latifah, Questlove, Rakim, Remy Ma, Uncle Luke and Yo-Yo, with many more promised to be added.
Related: Aafca Celebrates Hip-Hop’s 50th With Screening Series Dedicated to Hip-Hop Films...
The Recording Academy said today that it will honor the legends of the game with A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop, a concert special that will air in December on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
The two-hour program will showcase and celebrate the genre’s profound history and monumental cultural impact around the world. Among the first announced performers are Black Thought, Bun B, Common, De La Soul, Jermaine Dupri, J.J. Fad, Talib Kweli, The Lady Of Rage, LL Cool J, Mc Sha-Rock, Monie Love, The Pharcyde, Queen Latifah, Questlove, Rakim, Remy Ma, Uncle Luke and Yo-Yo, with many more promised to be added.
Related: Aafca Celebrates Hip-Hop’s 50th With Screening Series Dedicated to Hip-Hop Films...
- 10/13/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
On an early Saturday evening in Philadelphia, in a pastoral stretch of park known as the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Questlove is making time stand still. Onstage with him are Ronald Isley, wearing a patent-leather suit and looking ageless enough at 82 to make you think of Dorian Gray; Ernie Isley, playing a guitar solo with his teeth at a comparatively youthful 71; and the rest of the current-day iteration of the Isley Brothers, along with Questlove’s Roots bandmate Captain Kirk Douglas on guitar.
As Questlove begins playing the...
As Questlove begins playing the...
- 6/5/2023
- by Abe Beame
- Rollingstone.com
The widow of founding Roots bassist Leonard Hubbard and his estate have filed a lawsuit against band co-founders Questlove and Black Thought, among others, alleging they violated Rico laws and claiming they defrauded Hubbard out of millions.
The complaint, obtained by Rolling Stone, alleges that Questlove (whose real name is Ahmir Thompson), Black Thought (real name Tariq Trotter), the Roots manager Shawn Gee and band employee Munir Nuriddin “are advancing a continuing scheme to defraud” the estate and Hubbard’s widow Stephanie of money. The suit also names Live Nation Entertainment,...
The complaint, obtained by Rolling Stone, alleges that Questlove (whose real name is Ahmir Thompson), Black Thought (real name Tariq Trotter), the Roots manager Shawn Gee and band employee Munir Nuriddin “are advancing a continuing scheme to defraud” the estate and Hubbard’s widow Stephanie of money. The suit also names Live Nation Entertainment,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Everybody wants to be a cat, but not a ton of people want to direct cats. Count Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson in that rarefied latter group, because the Oscar winner behind “Summer of Soul” is making his narrative debut with a remake of the Disney animated feature “The Aristocats,” IndieWire has confirmed.
An individual with knowledge of the project told IndieWire that the film will be a “live-action hybrid reimagining” of the original film, a 1970 animated feature directed by Wolfgang Reitherman. In addition to directing, Questlove will oversee the music for the film. The script was penned by Will Gluck, director of the 2014 “Annie” and “Peter Rabbit,” and Keith Bunin, writer of the 2020 Pixar film “Onward.”
The project makes sense for Questlove in a way because the film’s most memorable moment is a jazz sequence, set to the song “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat” — Quentin Tarantino claims the...
An individual with knowledge of the project told IndieWire that the film will be a “live-action hybrid reimagining” of the original film, a 1970 animated feature directed by Wolfgang Reitherman. In addition to directing, Questlove will oversee the music for the film. The script was penned by Will Gluck, director of the 2014 “Annie” and “Peter Rabbit,” and Keith Bunin, writer of the 2020 Pixar film “Onward.”
The project makes sense for Questlove in a way because the film’s most memorable moment is a jazz sequence, set to the song “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat” — Quentin Tarantino claims the...
- 3/27/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson will direct a remake of Disney’s 1970 animated film “The Aristocats,” Disney has confirmed to TheWrap.
Questlove, who won an Oscar last year for his Hulu documentary “Summer of Soul,” will serve as director, executive producer, and oversee music on the project, which will be a live-action/animation hybrid retelling of the story of Duchess, a Parisian cat whom is left an immense fortune by her owner only to be thrown out into the countryside with her three kittens by a jealous butler. Out alone for the first time, Duchess and her kittens turn to a street-smart tomcat named Thomas O’Malley for help.
Also Read:
CNN Contributor Compares Jonathan Majors Arrest to Johnny Depp Trial, Warns ‘Court of Public Opinion’ Will Be Quick to Judge (Video)
Will Gluck, writer-director of the “Peter Rabbit” films, will adapt the screenplay with Keith Bunin and produce through his company Olive Bridge.
Questlove, who won an Oscar last year for his Hulu documentary “Summer of Soul,” will serve as director, executive producer, and oversee music on the project, which will be a live-action/animation hybrid retelling of the story of Duchess, a Parisian cat whom is left an immense fortune by her owner only to be thrown out into the countryside with her three kittens by a jealous butler. Out alone for the first time, Duchess and her kittens turn to a street-smart tomcat named Thomas O’Malley for help.
Also Read:
CNN Contributor Compares Jonathan Majors Arrest to Johnny Depp Trial, Warns ‘Court of Public Opinion’ Will Be Quick to Judge (Video)
Will Gluck, writer-director of the “Peter Rabbit” films, will adapt the screenplay with Keith Bunin and produce through his company Olive Bridge.
- 3/27/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is getting behind the camera for his narrative feature debut for Disney.
The Oscar and Grammy winner will direct the live-action adaption of the Jazz-focused 1970s animated feature The Aristocats for the studio.
The story follows a cat and her three kittens, who inherit the fortune of their heiress owner, only to have a jealous butler dump the cats out in the countryside. The cats have to find their way back home to Paris with the help of a musically-inclined alley cat. The original voice cast included Eva Gabor and Phil Harris, with music by Robert and Richard Sherman, whose legendary work for the studio included Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Thompson will also oversee the music for the film, which will have a script by Will Gluck and Keith Bunin. Gluck and his production company, Olive Bridge, are producing along with Thompson’s Two One Five Entertainment.
The Oscar and Grammy winner will direct the live-action adaption of the Jazz-focused 1970s animated feature The Aristocats for the studio.
The story follows a cat and her three kittens, who inherit the fortune of their heiress owner, only to have a jealous butler dump the cats out in the countryside. The cats have to find their way back home to Paris with the help of a musically-inclined alley cat. The original voice cast included Eva Gabor and Phil Harris, with music by Robert and Richard Sherman, whose legendary work for the studio included Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Thompson will also oversee the music for the film, which will have a script by Will Gluck and Keith Bunin. Gluck and his production company, Olive Bridge, are producing along with Thompson’s Two One Five Entertainment.
- 3/27/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the Oscar-winning director of “Summer of Soul,” is helming a remake of “The Aristocats” for Disney.
Similar to “Sonic the Hedgehog” or “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” the adaptation of “The Aristocats” will be a blend of live action and CGI.
Thompson, the drummer of the Roots, is also executive producing and overseeing music for the film. As previously announced, “Peter Rabbit” filmmaker Will Gluck and Pixar’s “Onward” writer Keith Bunin are adapting the screenplay.
Tarik Trotter, Shawn Gee and Zarah Zohlman will serve as executive producers. Gluck, via his production company Olive Bridge, is producing along with Thompson’s Two One Five Entertainment.
Originally released in 1970, “The Aristocats” centers on a family of pampered felines — mother Duchess and her three kittens Berlioz, Marie and Toulouse — who live in Paris and are expecting to soon inherit a massive fortune. But when their owner’s jealous butler learns of their inheritance,...
Similar to “Sonic the Hedgehog” or “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” the adaptation of “The Aristocats” will be a blend of live action and CGI.
Thompson, the drummer of the Roots, is also executive producing and overseeing music for the film. As previously announced, “Peter Rabbit” filmmaker Will Gluck and Pixar’s “Onward” writer Keith Bunin are adapting the screenplay.
Tarik Trotter, Shawn Gee and Zarah Zohlman will serve as executive producers. Gluck, via his production company Olive Bridge, is producing along with Thompson’s Two One Five Entertainment.
Originally released in 1970, “The Aristocats” centers on a family of pampered felines — mother Duchess and her three kittens Berlioz, Marie and Toulouse — who live in Paris and are expecting to soon inherit a massive fortune. But when their owner’s jealous butler learns of their inheritance,...
- 3/27/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: After winning the Oscar for Best Documentary last year, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson has found his feature film directing debut as sources tell Deadline he will helm a live-action/hybrid reimaging of The Aristocats for Walt Disney Studios. Thompson also is executive producing and overseeing music for the film, whose script is by Will Gluck and Keith Bunin. Tarik Trotter, Shawn Gee and Zarah Zohlman will exec produce on behalf of Two One Five Entertainment.
Related Story Warner Bros. Wins Fevered Weekend Auction For T.J. Newman Novel ‘Drowning: The Rescue Of Flight 1421;’ Deal Reaches $1.5M Against $3M Related Story Documentary On Late Music Producer J Dilla, Seminal Figure In Hip Hop, Coming From EP Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson Related Story Peabody Awards: The Complete List Of 2022 Winners
Gluck and his production company, Olive Bridge, are producing along with Thompson’s Two One Five.
The film is based on the 1970 animated pic...
Related Story Warner Bros. Wins Fevered Weekend Auction For T.J. Newman Novel ‘Drowning: The Rescue Of Flight 1421;’ Deal Reaches $1.5M Against $3M Related Story Documentary On Late Music Producer J Dilla, Seminal Figure In Hip Hop, Coming From EP Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson Related Story Peabody Awards: The Complete List Of 2022 Winners
Gluck and his production company, Olive Bridge, are producing along with Thompson’s Two One Five.
The film is based on the 1970 animated pic...
- 3/27/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
The Recording Academy will celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop at the Grammys with an all-star performance featuring Missy Elliott, Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, Queen Latifah, Run-dmc, Lil Wayne, Rakim and more.
The academy said Thursday that LL Cool J — who has hosted the Grammys in the past — will introduce the segment and give a dedication to hip-hop. Questlove will work as musical director and producer, while his band The Roots will play onstage, and Black Thought will narrate.
Others who will be part of the performance include De La Soul, Big Boi, Scarface, Salt-n-Pepa and Spinderella, Grandmaster Mele Mel & Scorpio/Ethiopian King, Ice-t, Busta Rhymes with Spliff Star, The Lox, Method Man, Raheim, Lil Baby, Too hort, Future, Nelly, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Swizz Beatz, DJ Drama and GloRilla.
Questlove will produce the segment alongside Jesse Collins, Patrick Menton of Fulwell 73, creative producer and choreographer Fatima Robinson, and Questlove’s manager and president of Lnu,...
The academy said Thursday that LL Cool J — who has hosted the Grammys in the past — will introduce the segment and give a dedication to hip-hop. Questlove will work as musical director and producer, while his band The Roots will play onstage, and Black Thought will narrate.
Others who will be part of the performance include De La Soul, Big Boi, Scarface, Salt-n-Pepa and Spinderella, Grandmaster Mele Mel & Scorpio/Ethiopian King, Ice-t, Busta Rhymes with Spliff Star, The Lox, Method Man, Raheim, Lil Baby, Too hort, Future, Nelly, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Swizz Beatz, DJ Drama and GloRilla.
Questlove will produce the segment alongside Jesse Collins, Patrick Menton of Fulwell 73, creative producer and choreographer Fatima Robinson, and Questlove’s manager and president of Lnu,...
- 2/2/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
At this year’s Sundance Film Festival, content brand company Onyx Collective showcased its slate of programming, which includes two new projects, one from Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media, as well as the highly anticipated sophomore documentary feature from music artist and filmmaker Questlove.
The company has acquired an untitled Sly Stone feature documentary from Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, marking the artist’s second collaboration with the collective.
According to Variety, the documentary promises to examine the life and legacy of Sly and the Family Stone, the groundbreaking band led by the famous Sly Stone.
The documentary aims to explore the rise, reign and fadeout of one of pop music’s most influential artists and, in doing so, tell a human story about the cost of genius.
Questlove will direct and executive produce, alongside Shawn Gee and Zarah Zohlman for Two One Five Entertainment Inc. Lonnie Rashid Lynn, a.k.a.
The company has acquired an untitled Sly Stone feature documentary from Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, marking the artist’s second collaboration with the collective.
According to Variety, the documentary promises to examine the life and legacy of Sly and the Family Stone, the groundbreaking band led by the famous Sly Stone.
The documentary aims to explore the rise, reign and fadeout of one of pop music’s most influential artists and, in doing so, tell a human story about the cost of genius.
Questlove will direct and executive produce, alongside Shawn Gee and Zarah Zohlman for Two One Five Entertainment Inc. Lonnie Rashid Lynn, a.k.a.
- 1/22/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
As part of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Onyx Collective unveiled its expanding slate of programming to come in the near future during their Storytellers Showcase – which notably includes two new projects, one from Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media, as well as the highly anticipated sophomore documentary feature from music artist and filmmaker Questlove.
The company has acquired an untitled Sly Stone feature documentary from Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, marking the artist’s second collaboration with the collective. Variety has learned the doc promises to examine the life and legacy of Sly and the Family Stone, the groundbreaking band led by the famous Sly Stone. The documentary aims to explore the rise, reign and fadeout of one of pop music’s most influential artists and, in doing so, tell a human story about the cost of genius.
Questlove will direct and executive produce, alongside Shawn Gee and Zarah Zohlman for Two One Five Entertainment Inc.
The company has acquired an untitled Sly Stone feature documentary from Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, marking the artist’s second collaboration with the collective. Variety has learned the doc promises to examine the life and legacy of Sly and the Family Stone, the groundbreaking band led by the famous Sly Stone. The documentary aims to explore the rise, reign and fadeout of one of pop music’s most influential artists and, in doing so, tell a human story about the cost of genius.
Questlove will direct and executive produce, alongside Shawn Gee and Zarah Zohlman for Two One Five Entertainment Inc.
- 1/21/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Onyx Collective has acquired rights to Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s untitled Sly Stone documentary, which chronicles the life and legacy of Sly and the Family Stone, it was announced Saturday during its Sundance Film Festival panel. The documentary was acquired from MRC. Hulu is the primary domestic destination for all Onyx titles.
Questlove, who won an Oscar last year for “Summer of Soul,” directs what is his sophomore feature, which is from a script by Joseph Patel and Jeff Mao. The film examines “the rise, reign and fadeout of one of pop music’s most influential artists” while telling a “very human story about the cost of genius,” per the official description.
Producers are Derrik Murray for Network Entertainment Inc. and Patel. They’re joined by executive producers Stone, Brian Gersh of Network Entertainment Inc., and Two One Five Entertainment Inc.’s Questlove, Shawn Gee, and Zarah Zohlman. Lonnie Rashid Lynn,...
Questlove, who won an Oscar last year for “Summer of Soul,” directs what is his sophomore feature, which is from a script by Joseph Patel and Jeff Mao. The film examines “the rise, reign and fadeout of one of pop music’s most influential artists” while telling a “very human story about the cost of genius,” per the official description.
Producers are Derrik Murray for Network Entertainment Inc. and Patel. They’re joined by executive producers Stone, Brian Gersh of Network Entertainment Inc., and Two One Five Entertainment Inc.’s Questlove, Shawn Gee, and Zarah Zohlman. Lonnie Rashid Lynn,...
- 1/21/2023
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Onyx Collective came armed with news during its presentation Saturday at the Sundance Film Festival.
Disney’s Tara Duncan-led quasi studio has put a Queen of Sheba scripted drama series in development. Onyx, which produces content exclusively for Hulu, has also nabbed two documentaries out of the snowy fest: Questlove’s untitled Sly Stone feature and Ryan Coogler’s Anthem.
Sheba, which is also exec produced by Coogler, is co-created by Chantelle Wells (Showtime’s Yellowjackets) and actress-writer-producer Azie Tesfai (Supergirl). The drama explores the rise to power of the first queen on the continent of Africa as she seeks to unite the nation now known as Ethiopia, making it one of the richest, most formidable kingdoms in the world. Inspired by true events, the potential series follows Makeda into a world of danger, deceit and political intrigue as she is forced to step into a role that no one,...
Disney’s Tara Duncan-led quasi studio has put a Queen of Sheba scripted drama series in development. Onyx, which produces content exclusively for Hulu, has also nabbed two documentaries out of the snowy fest: Questlove’s untitled Sly Stone feature and Ryan Coogler’s Anthem.
Sheba, which is also exec produced by Coogler, is co-created by Chantelle Wells (Showtime’s Yellowjackets) and actress-writer-producer Azie Tesfai (Supergirl). The drama explores the rise to power of the first queen on the continent of Africa as she seeks to unite the nation now known as Ethiopia, making it one of the richest, most formidable kingdoms in the world. Inspired by true events, the potential series follows Makeda into a world of danger, deceit and political intrigue as she is forced to step into a role that no one,...
- 1/21/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Onyx Collective has landed a pair of documentaries including Questlove’s upcoming Sly Stone film.
The brand, which airs on Hulu, will air both Questlove’s Untitled Sly Stone documentary and Anthem, which follows composer Kris Bowers and music producer Dahi as they take on a musical journey across the U.S. experimenting to reimagine the National Anthem.
Separately, the brand has struck an overall deal with Joseph Patel, who produced Oscar-winning doc Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised alongside Questlove.
Questlove will direct the Stone doc about Stone, otherwise known as Sylvester Stewart, who was frontman of Sly and the Family Stone and known for pioneering funk music.
It will examine the life and legacy of Sly and the Family Stone and tells the story behind the rise, reign and fadeout of one of pop music’s most influential artists and, in doing so,...
The brand, which airs on Hulu, will air both Questlove’s Untitled Sly Stone documentary and Anthem, which follows composer Kris Bowers and music producer Dahi as they take on a musical journey across the U.S. experimenting to reimagine the National Anthem.
Separately, the brand has struck an overall deal with Joseph Patel, who produced Oscar-winning doc Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised alongside Questlove.
Questlove will direct the Stone doc about Stone, otherwise known as Sylvester Stewart, who was frontman of Sly and the Family Stone and known for pioneering funk music.
It will examine the life and legacy of Sly and the Family Stone and tells the story behind the rise, reign and fadeout of one of pop music’s most influential artists and, in doing so,...
- 1/21/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has released the powerful first trailer for the Sundance Award-winning documentary “Descendant.”
Directed by Margaret Brown, the documentary focuses on members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known ship illegally carrying enslaved Africans to the United States.
The ship arrived in America 40 years after African slave trading became a capital offense. It was promptly burned and its existence denied, but now, as the documentary’s logline explains, “after a century shrouded in secrecy and speculation, descendants of the Clotilda’s survivors are reclaiming their story.”
“It’s slowly been erased, and as far as I can remember, it’s never been in history books,” one subject says early in the teaser, which chronicles the period after the buried history of the Clotilda had been quite literally unearthed when remains of the ship were discovered.
Directed by Margaret Brown, the documentary focuses on members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known ship illegally carrying enslaved Africans to the United States.
The ship arrived in America 40 years after African slave trading became a capital offense. It was promptly burned and its existence denied, but now, as the documentary’s logline explains, “after a century shrouded in secrecy and speculation, descendants of the Clotilda’s survivors are reclaiming their story.”
“It’s slowly been erased, and as far as I can remember, it’s never been in history books,” one subject says early in the teaser, which chronicles the period after the buried history of the Clotilda had been quite literally unearthed when remains of the ship were discovered.
- 9/29/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar-winner Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson has lined up his next project – a documentary on the late groundbreaking hip hop producer J Dilla (James Dewitt Yancey).
Thompson, who won the Academy Award earlier this year for directing Summer of Soul, will executive produce Dilla Time, based on the New York Times bestseller Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, The Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm by Dan Charnas. Joseph Patel, who produced Summer of Soul (along with with Robert Fyvolent and David Dinerstein) will co-direct Dilla Time with Darby Wheeler.
Thompson’s Two One Five Entertainment, Cinetic Media, and Scenario Media are among the production partners on the film, which enjoys the approval of Yancey’s survivors. Dilla died in 2006 at the age of 32 from a rare blood disorder.
“The estate of James Dewitt Yancey, and its wholly-owned production entity, Pay Jay Productions, Inc., which benefits J Dilla’s two children,...
Thompson, who won the Academy Award earlier this year for directing Summer of Soul, will executive produce Dilla Time, based on the New York Times bestseller Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, The Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm by Dan Charnas. Joseph Patel, who produced Summer of Soul (along with with Robert Fyvolent and David Dinerstein) will co-direct Dilla Time with Darby Wheeler.
Thompson’s Two One Five Entertainment, Cinetic Media, and Scenario Media are among the production partners on the film, which enjoys the approval of Yancey’s survivors. Dilla died in 2006 at the age of 32 from a rare blood disorder.
“The estate of James Dewitt Yancey, and its wholly-owned production entity, Pay Jay Productions, Inc., which benefits J Dilla’s two children,...
- 9/22/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Following his Oscar win with Summer of Soul, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and his Two One Five Entertainment have signed on for a new nonfiction project about late music producer J Dilla.
Dilla Time will document, according to the project’s description, “the brief life and pervasive and largely uncredited influence of music producer J Dilla.” Dilla worked with some of hip-hop’s biggest names throughout the ’90s and into the early ’00s, including Questlove, as well as Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, Common and Erykah Badu. Other collaborators include Ye, Dr. Dre and Pharrell Williams, and his influence can be heard in the newer generation of hip-hop like Kendrick Lamar, Flying Lotus, Kamasi Washington and Hiatus Kaiyote.
Thompson and Two One Five will reteam on the doc with Summer of Soul producer Joseph Patel, who will produce and co-direct with Darby Wheeler.
Following his Oscar win with Summer of Soul, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and his Two One Five Entertainment have signed on for a new nonfiction project about late music producer J Dilla.
Dilla Time will document, according to the project’s description, “the brief life and pervasive and largely uncredited influence of music producer J Dilla.” Dilla worked with some of hip-hop’s biggest names throughout the ’90s and into the early ’00s, including Questlove, as well as Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, Common and Erykah Badu. Other collaborators include Ye, Dr. Dre and Pharrell Williams, and his influence can be heard in the newer generation of hip-hop like Kendrick Lamar, Flying Lotus, Kamasi Washington and Hiatus Kaiyote.
Thompson and Two One Five will reteam on the doc with Summer of Soul producer Joseph Patel, who will produce and co-direct with Darby Wheeler.
- 9/22/2022
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Following news that the award-winning documentary “Descendant” will screen as an official selection at the 60th New York Film Festival, Variety can exclusively announce that the film will launch Oct. 21 on Netflix and in select theaters.
Directed by Margaret Brown, the documentary follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known ship illegally carrying enslaved Africans to the United States. The ship arrived in America 40 years after African slave trading became a capital offense. It was promptly burned and its existence denied, but now, as the documentary’s logline explains, “after a century shrouded in secrecy and speculation, descendants of the Clotilda’s survivors are reclaiming their story.”
The documentary made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January, where it won the U.S. special jury award for creative vision.
Directed by Margaret Brown, the documentary follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known ship illegally carrying enslaved Africans to the United States. The ship arrived in America 40 years after African slave trading became a capital offense. It was promptly burned and its existence denied, but now, as the documentary’s logline explains, “after a century shrouded in secrecy and speculation, descendants of the Clotilda’s survivors are reclaiming their story.”
The documentary made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January, where it won the U.S. special jury award for creative vision.
- 8/9/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The 2022 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (Mvaaff) kicked off Friday with great pomp and circumstance — and a few bars of “Hail to the Chief” — as Barack and Michelle Obama made a special appearance for the opening night screening of Netflix documentary “Descendant.”
When Netflix acquired worldwide rights to the Sundance award-winning documentary in January, the Obamas’ production company Higher Ground signed on to present the feature alongside the streamer and Participant. The documentary, which earned the U.S. special jury award for creative vision at Sundance, is set to launch on the streamer later this year.
Directed by Margaret Brown, the documentary follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known ship carrying enslaved Africans to the United States. The ship arrived in America 40 years after African slave trading became a capital offense.
When Netflix acquired worldwide rights to the Sundance award-winning documentary in January, the Obamas’ production company Higher Ground signed on to present the feature alongside the streamer and Participant. The documentary, which earned the U.S. special jury award for creative vision at Sundance, is set to launch on the streamer later this year.
Directed by Margaret Brown, the documentary follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known ship carrying enslaved Africans to the United States. The ship arrived in America 40 years after African slave trading became a capital offense.
- 8/6/2022
- by Angelique Jackson and Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Earth, Wind & Fire was alternately singing about the 12th of never and the 21st night of September, but it was all about the 19th evening of June as the veteran group proved an obvious audience favorite during “Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom,” a multi-artist, multi-genre show at the Hollywood Bowl broadcast live on CNN Sunday to commemorate the national holiday.
Held to celebrate the anniversary of Black emancipation in the U.S., the concert spanned almost as wide an array of musical and performance styles as could be packed into a single prime-time slot, from soul to classical to country to jazz. That breadth established, the lineup had a special emphasis on artists that ruled the R&b world of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, leading an emcee to joke to the sold-out audience about a time “before all those knee replacements out there.”
Even with Ewf, Chaka Khan...
Held to celebrate the anniversary of Black emancipation in the U.S., the concert spanned almost as wide an array of musical and performance styles as could be packed into a single prime-time slot, from soul to classical to country to jazz. That breadth established, the lineup had a special emphasis on artists that ruled the R&b world of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, leading an emcee to joke to the sold-out audience about a time “before all those knee replacements out there.”
Even with Ewf, Chaka Khan...
- 6/20/2022
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Besides having its full lineup revealed, the Juneteenth celebration at the Hollywood Bowl is due to get an audience much bigger than can fit into a Los Angeles ravine. “Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom” will be broadcast live on all CNN platforms June 19, with artists including Earth, Wind & Fire, the Roots, Robert Glasper, Mickey Guyton, Anthony Hamilton, Billy Porter and Jhené Aiko.
Virtually every major genre of music will be represented in the lineup, including R&b, classical, hip-hop, country, pop, gospel and jazz. Killer Mike, Lucky Daye, Mary Mary, Michelle Williams and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy further round out a program that will also feature the first time an all-Black orchestra has performed on the Hollywood Bowl stage in its 101 years.
Besides performing with his group the Roots, Oscar winner Questlove will serve as co-musical director, working alongside Adam Blackstone. Conductors for what has been dubbed the...
Virtually every major genre of music will be represented in the lineup, including R&b, classical, hip-hop, country, pop, gospel and jazz. Killer Mike, Lucky Daye, Mary Mary, Michelle Williams and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy further round out a program that will also feature the first time an all-Black orchestra has performed on the Hollywood Bowl stage in its 101 years.
Besides performing with his group the Roots, Oscar winner Questlove will serve as co-musical director, working alongside Adam Blackstone. Conductors for what has been dubbed the...
- 6/2/2022
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Mick Jagger and Questlove are exec producing a four-part docuseries about “I Got You (I Feel Good)” star James Brown for A&e.
The cable network has ordered James Brown: Say It Loud (w/t), directed by The Legacy of Black Wall Street helmer Deborah Riley Draper.
It is the latest doc on the Godfather of Soul after Alex Gibney directed Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown for HBO in 2014. Jagger was a producer on that project.
James Brown: Say It Loud is set for a 2023 release, marking what would have been Brown’s 90th birthday. It will explore Brown’s legacy with interviews with friends, family, collaborators and proteges as well as his beloved music catalog and includes never-been-seen-before archival footage.
It will trace his life from a seventh-grade dropout arrested for armed robbery in the Jim Crow-era South to an entertainment legend.
It is produced by Inaudible Films,...
The cable network has ordered James Brown: Say It Loud (w/t), directed by The Legacy of Black Wall Street helmer Deborah Riley Draper.
It is the latest doc on the Godfather of Soul after Alex Gibney directed Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown for HBO in 2014. Jagger was a producer on that project.
James Brown: Say It Loud is set for a 2023 release, marking what would have been Brown’s 90th birthday. It will explore Brown’s legacy with interviews with friends, family, collaborators and proteges as well as his beloved music catalog and includes never-been-seen-before archival footage.
It will trace his life from a seventh-grade dropout arrested for armed robbery in the Jim Crow-era South to an entertainment legend.
It is produced by Inaudible Films,...
- 2/25/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The Roots Picnic will mark its first in-person event since 2019 on June 4 and 5 at the Mann Center at Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. The fest will feature a headlining set from Mary J. Blige and the Roots, who will share the stage for the first time.
The stacked lineup also features appearances from Summer Walker, Wizkid, Kirk Franklin, Jazmine Sullivan, Yebba, Tierra Whack, Mickey Guyton, Chief Keef, Muni Long, J Period Live Mixtape featuring Black Thought, Rick Ross, G Herbo, Masego, Serpentwithfeet, and more.
“After a long two years, we are...
The stacked lineup also features appearances from Summer Walker, Wizkid, Kirk Franklin, Jazmine Sullivan, Yebba, Tierra Whack, Mickey Guyton, Chief Keef, Muni Long, J Period Live Mixtape featuring Black Thought, Rick Ross, G Herbo, Masego, Serpentwithfeet, and more.
“After a long two years, we are...
- 2/15/2022
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Netflix takes Sundance doc ‘Descendant’, Warner Bros/HBO Max, Showtime, Mubi also in action (update)
Festival runs through January 30.
Updated January 29: Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant on Friday (28), which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Showtime Documentary Films moved on Ramin Bahrani’s Sundance Premieres entry 2nd Chance and on Saturday Warner Bros and HBO Max took worldwide rights to Dakota Johnson drama Am I Ok? and Mubi picked up Free Choi Soo Lee.
Margaret Brown’s Descendant premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community...
Updated January 29: Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant on Friday (28), which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Showtime Documentary Films moved on Ramin Bahrani’s Sundance Premieres entry 2nd Chance and on Saturday Warner Bros and HBO Max took worldwide rights to Dakota Johnson drama Am I Ok? and Mubi picked up Free Choi Soo Lee.
Margaret Brown’s Descendant premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community...
- 1/29/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
“Descendant,” the Participant feature documentary and Sundance Award winner about the legacy of slavery, has been acquired for worldwide rights by Netflix, the company announced on Friday. Higher Ground, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, will present the film, alongside Netflix.
“I have been humbled and honored to spend four years with the residents of Africatown as they seek justice and reconciliation for what happened in 1860, and what is still happening today,” Brown said in a statement. “I am excited that through Netflix and Higher Ground’s global reach, audiences around the world will learn this powerful history.”
“Descendant” follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America. The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is...
“I have been humbled and honored to spend four years with the residents of Africatown as they seek justice and reconciliation for what happened in 1860, and what is still happening today,” Brown said in a statement. “I am excited that through Netflix and Higher Ground’s global reach, audiences around the world will learn this powerful history.”
“Descendant” follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America. The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is...
- 1/29/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to the Sundance award-winning documentary “Descendant,” by filmmaker Margaret Brown. Higher Ground, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, will present the Participant feature alongside Netflix later this year.
The film follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known ship carrying enslaved Africans to the United States. The ship arrived in America 40 years after African slave trading became a capital offense. It was promptly burned and its existence denied, but “after a century shrouded in secrecy and speculation, descendants of the Clotilda’s survivors are reclaiming their story” in the film.
“I have been humbled and honored to spend four years with the residents of Africatown as they seek justice and reconciliation for what happened in 1860, and what is still happening today,” Brown said in a statement announcing the acquisition.
The film follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known ship carrying enslaved Africans to the United States. The ship arrived in America 40 years after African slave trading became a capital offense. It was promptly burned and its existence denied, but “after a century shrouded in secrecy and speculation, descendants of the Clotilda’s survivors are reclaiming their story” in the film.
“I have been humbled and honored to spend four years with the residents of Africatown as they seek justice and reconciliation for what happened in 1860, and what is still happening today,” Brown said in a statement announcing the acquisition.
- 1/29/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has taken worldwide rights to Participant’s feature documentary Descendant, which just won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award: Creative Vision at the Sundance Film Festival.
Higher Ground, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, will present the film alongside Netflix.
Descendant, from director Margaret Brown, follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America. The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is confirmed by a team of marine archeologists. The film explores implications of the Clotilda’s discovery for the descendants, who grapple with their heritage while claiming the power to shape their own destinies.
Producers are Kyle Martin, Essie Chambers and Brown.
EPs are Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Diane Weyermann; Kate Hurwitz...
Higher Ground, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, will present the film alongside Netflix.
Descendant, from director Margaret Brown, follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America. The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is confirmed by a team of marine archeologists. The film explores implications of the Clotilda’s discovery for the descendants, who grapple with their heritage while claiming the power to shape their own destinies.
Producers are Kyle Martin, Essie Chambers and Brown.
EPs are Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Diane Weyermann; Kate Hurwitz...
- 1/29/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Two deals on Friday follow Focus’ worldwide buy on Brian And Charles, IFC/Shudder acquisition of Resurrection.
Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Margaret Brown’s film premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America.
The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is...
Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Margaret Brown’s film premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America.
The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is...
- 1/29/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Two deals on Friday follow Focus’ worldwide buy on Brian And Charles, IFC/Shudder acquisition of Resurrection.
Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Margaret Brown’s film premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America.
The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is...
Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Margaret Brown’s film premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America.
The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is...
- 1/29/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Growing up in the 1960s, director Sam Pollard lived in a household that loved baseball, specifically the St. Louis Cardinals. It was that 1961 team that consisted of a large list of African-American players that stood out to Pollard, especially in a time when rosters that looked like this were scarce across Major League Baseball.
That team would be the beginning of his love affair with baseball and the history of the sport, specifically the Negro League and the impact it would have not only on sports history but American history in the years to come.
“I became enamored with baseball and I eventually started doing research on the Negro Leagues learning about players like Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige,” Pollard said. “What really sparked my interest was this idea that these players were playing in this league because of segregation and were not allowed to play...
That team would be the beginning of his love affair with baseball and the history of the sport, specifically the Negro League and the impact it would have not only on sports history but American history in the years to come.
“I became enamored with baseball and I eventually started doing research on the Negro Leagues learning about players like Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige,” Pollard said. “What really sparked my interest was this idea that these players were playing in this league because of segregation and were not allowed to play...
- 9/28/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
The first installment of Lifetime’s “Highway to Heaven” film series is set to debut in November, and the cable network has just shared the first trailer for the reboot of the classic ’80s series starring Michael Landon.
Starring Jill Scott in the lead role of Angela Stewart, the projects centers on an angel who is sent back to Earth to help others in need. Lifetime picked up the reboot back in June, with Scott and her co-star Barry Watson set to return for future installments.
“Just like the original series, Lifetime wishes to retain the same messages of hope and encouragement for its audience, while exploring social and emotional issues with sensitivity, joy, and humor,” the network said. Read the full description of the first film, titled “Highway to Heaven,” below, and see the new trailer above.
In the premiere movie, Angela takes on the role of a temporary...
Starring Jill Scott in the lead role of Angela Stewart, the projects centers on an angel who is sent back to Earth to help others in need. Lifetime picked up the reboot back in June, with Scott and her co-star Barry Watson set to return for future installments.
“Just like the original series, Lifetime wishes to retain the same messages of hope and encouragement for its audience, while exploring social and emotional issues with sensitivity, joy, and humor,” the network said. Read the full description of the first film, titled “Highway to Heaven,” below, and see the new trailer above.
In the premiere movie, Angela takes on the role of a temporary...
- 8/17/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Nickelodeon announced that the two new animated series “The Patrick Star Show” and “Middlemost Post” will debut back-to-back on July 9 at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Both series will continue to roll out new episodes on Friday nights.
“The Patrick Star Show” marks the second “SpongeBob SquarePants” spin-off series after “Camp Coral” made its debut on Paramount Plus earlier this year. The series will follow a younger Patrick Star living at home with his family, where he hosts his own variety show for the neighborhood from his television-turned-bedroom.
In the premiere episode, “Late for Breakfast,” Patrick presents a show about food after missing out on a hearty breakfast. Then in “Bummer Jobs,” Patrick and SpongeBob experience the wonders of the workforce.
Bill Fagerbakke returns to voice the iconic starfish alongside an array of new cast members, including Tom Wilson as Cecil Star; Cree Summer as Bunny Star; Jill Talley...
Both series will continue to roll out new episodes on Friday nights.
“The Patrick Star Show” marks the second “SpongeBob SquarePants” spin-off series after “Camp Coral” made its debut on Paramount Plus earlier this year. The series will follow a younger Patrick Star living at home with his family, where he hosts his own variety show for the neighborhood from his television-turned-bedroom.
In the premiere episode, “Late for Breakfast,” Patrick presents a show about food after missing out on a hearty breakfast. Then in “Bummer Jobs,” Patrick and SpongeBob experience the wonders of the workforce.
Bill Fagerbakke returns to voice the iconic starfish alongside an array of new cast members, including Tom Wilson as Cecil Star; Cree Summer as Bunny Star; Jill Talley...
- 6/17/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: An updated version of Highway to Heaven is coming to the small screen. Lifetime has greenlighted event movie series Highway To Heaven, a modern take on the classic Michael Landon TV series, starring Grammy winner Jill Scott (First Wives Club) in a gender-switching lead role, and Barry Watson (The Loudest Voice). Scott also serves as an executive producer.
Scott stars as new angel Angela who comes down to Earth to help people in crisis. Landon played the male version of the character in the original series, the angel Jonathan, who was sent to Earth to help people in need. Watson portrays Junior High School principal Bruce to whom Angela reveals her true identity.
Cast also includes Ben Daon (The Astronauts), Robert Moloney and Ashley Ross (A Series of Unfortunate Events).
In cooperation with Cindy Landon and the Michael Landon Estate, the movies are inspired by...
Scott stars as new angel Angela who comes down to Earth to help people in crisis. Landon played the male version of the character in the original series, the angel Jonathan, who was sent to Earth to help people in need. Watson portrays Junior High School principal Bruce to whom Angela reveals her true identity.
Cast also includes Ben Daon (The Astronauts), Robert Moloney and Ashley Ross (A Series of Unfortunate Events).
In cooperation with Cindy Landon and the Michael Landon Estate, the movies are inspired by...
- 6/17/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Former CNN International anchor Isha Sashay has been tapped as the first female CEO of OkayMedia.
At the multimedia organization, which is dedicated to “uplifting the artistic and progressive voice of global Black culture,” she will oversee digital publications, including OkayAfrica and OkayPlayer.
Sashay will also co-found and serve as CEO of Spkn/Wrd, the organization’s new, boutique production arm, while serving on OkayMedia’s board of directors, alongside Dataminr co-founder Sam Hendel and President, Live Nation, Urban, Shawn Gee.
Key in her priorities as CEO is the expansion of the company’s commitment to “innovative storytelling that moves the culture forward.” Through Spkn/Wrd, she looks to bring seldom-heard voices and fresh perspectives from around the world to the forefront, across feature films, documentaries, television, podcasting and publishing. In doing so, she will rely on her decades of reporting experience, which has included significant global coverage of social injustice,...
At the multimedia organization, which is dedicated to “uplifting the artistic and progressive voice of global Black culture,” she will oversee digital publications, including OkayAfrica and OkayPlayer.
Sashay will also co-found and serve as CEO of Spkn/Wrd, the organization’s new, boutique production arm, while serving on OkayMedia’s board of directors, alongside Dataminr co-founder Sam Hendel and President, Live Nation, Urban, Shawn Gee.
Key in her priorities as CEO is the expansion of the company’s commitment to “innovative storytelling that moves the culture forward.” Through Spkn/Wrd, she looks to bring seldom-heard voices and fresh perspectives from around the world to the forefront, across feature films, documentaries, television, podcasting and publishing. In doing so, she will rely on her decades of reporting experience, which has included significant global coverage of social injustice,...
- 3/31/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Isha Sesay, who spent 13 years at CNN International as an anchor and reporter, is the new CEO of OkayMedia, a media company dedicated to Black culture and uplifting Black voices.
Sesay has also been appointed to the OkayMedia board of directors, which includes Sam Hendel, co-founder of Dataminr, and Shawn Gee, president of Live Nation Urban and manager of The Roots.
As CEO of New York-based OkayMedia, Sesay will oversee the company’s verticals: Okayplayer, the progressive music site founded by The Roots frontman Amir “Questlove” Thompson in 1999, and OkayAfrica, dedicated to African culture, music and politics. In addition, she has been named co-founder and CEO of OkayMedia’s new production arm, Spkn/Wrd, which will “bring seldom-heard global voices and fresh perspectives to the forefront” across feature films, documentaries, TV, podcasting and publishing, the company announced.
Hendel said in announcing Sesay’s appointment, “Isha’s leadership throughout her career...
Sesay has also been appointed to the OkayMedia board of directors, which includes Sam Hendel, co-founder of Dataminr, and Shawn Gee, president of Live Nation Urban and manager of The Roots.
As CEO of New York-based OkayMedia, Sesay will oversee the company’s verticals: Okayplayer, the progressive music site founded by The Roots frontman Amir “Questlove” Thompson in 1999, and OkayAfrica, dedicated to African culture, music and politics. In addition, she has been named co-founder and CEO of OkayMedia’s new production arm, Spkn/Wrd, which will “bring seldom-heard global voices and fresh perspectives to the forefront” across feature films, documentaries, TV, podcasting and publishing, the company announced.
Hendel said in announcing Sesay’s appointment, “Isha’s leadership throughout her career...
- 3/30/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson has announced his second feature film as a director quickly on the heels of winning both the grand jury and audience prizes at Sundance this month for his first documentary, “Summer of Soul.” He’ll return to that same era and musical milieu with a a documentary about Sly Stone, the frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, a group that appeared in 1969 footage used in “Summer of Soul.”
“It goes beyond saying that Sly’s creative legacy is in my DNA,” said the Roots member and music producer turned filmmaker in announcing the new film on Friday. “It’s a Black musician’s blueprint.” He added, “To be given the honor to explore his history and legacy is beyond a dream for me.”
The “Untitled Sly Stone Project” was announced by MRC Non-Fiction, which is following up a Sundance bow of its own. The festival just...
“It goes beyond saying that Sly’s creative legacy is in my DNA,” said the Roots member and music producer turned filmmaker in announcing the new film on Friday. “It’s a Black musician’s blueprint.” He added, “To be given the honor to explore his history and legacy is beyond a dream for me.”
The “Untitled Sly Stone Project” was announced by MRC Non-Fiction, which is following up a Sundance bow of its own. The festival just...
- 2/19/2021
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson made a splash at Sundance earlier this month with his feature directing debut “Summer of Soul.” Now, the Roots drummer is trying his hand at another music documentary, as MRC Non-Fiction announced Friday that Questlove will direct a feature about the life of Sly Stone, founding member of Sly and the Family Stone.
Here’s what MRC had to say about the project: “The untitled documentary follows the story of the influential artist, king of funk, and fashion icon Sly Stone, a musician who was breaking all the rules at a time when doing so was extremely challenging, even dangerous. The pressure of explosive mainstream pop success and the responsibility of representing Black America forced him to walk the fine line of impossible expectations.”
“It goes beyond saying that Sly’s creative legacy is in my DNA….it’s a Black musician’s blueprint….to be given...
Here’s what MRC had to say about the project: “The untitled documentary follows the story of the influential artist, king of funk, and fashion icon Sly Stone, a musician who was breaking all the rules at a time when doing so was extremely challenging, even dangerous. The pressure of explosive mainstream pop success and the responsibility of representing Black America forced him to walk the fine line of impossible expectations.”
“It goes beyond saying that Sly’s creative legacy is in my DNA….it’s a Black musician’s blueprint….to be given...
- 2/19/2021
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
As Sly and the Family Stone’s 1971 tune says, it’s a family affair,
Less than two weeks after his directorial debut Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) was picked up in a multi-million dollar Sundance Film Festival deal, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is heading back behind the camera for a documentary on Sly Stone – with some long time collaborators on board.
“It goes beyond saying that Sly’s creative legacy is in my DNA….it’s a black musician’s blueprint….to be given the honor to explore his history and legacy is beyond a dream for me,” the Roots drummer and musicologist said in a statement today on MRC Non-Fiction project.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stone formed and fronted the genre and culturally defining Family Stone. This latest film on Stone is expected to focus not just on his successes, but also...
Less than two weeks after his directorial debut Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) was picked up in a multi-million dollar Sundance Film Festival deal, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is heading back behind the camera for a documentary on Sly Stone – with some long time collaborators on board.
“It goes beyond saying that Sly’s creative legacy is in my DNA….it’s a black musician’s blueprint….to be given the honor to explore his history and legacy is beyond a dream for me,” the Roots drummer and musicologist said in a statement today on MRC Non-Fiction project.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stone formed and fronted the genre and culturally defining Family Stone. This latest film on Stone is expected to focus not just on his successes, but also...
- 2/19/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson has found his follow-up documentary project to the Sundance hit “Summer of Soul.” He will next direct a still-untitled film about Sly Stone, the founding member of the iconic funk band Sly and the Family Stone.
The film comes from MRC Non-Fiction. Questlove will direct on behalf of his banner Two One Five Entertainment along with his producing partners Zarah Zohlman and Shawn Gee. Rapper and Oscar winner Common will also executive produce the documentary via Stardust Films.
The documentary follows the story of the influential artist and fashion icon Sly Stone, a musician who broke all the rules at a time when doing so was extremely challenging and even dangerous. The pressure of explosive mainstream pop success and the responsibility of representing Black America forced Stone to walk the fine line of impossible expectations.
“It goes beyond saying that Sly’s creative legacy is in my DNA…...
The film comes from MRC Non-Fiction. Questlove will direct on behalf of his banner Two One Five Entertainment along with his producing partners Zarah Zohlman and Shawn Gee. Rapper and Oscar winner Common will also executive produce the documentary via Stardust Films.
The documentary follows the story of the influential artist and fashion icon Sly Stone, a musician who broke all the rules at a time when doing so was extremely challenging and even dangerous. The pressure of explosive mainstream pop success and the responsibility of representing Black America forced Stone to walk the fine line of impossible expectations.
“It goes beyond saying that Sly’s creative legacy is in my DNA…...
- 2/19/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Sam Pollard has been tapped to direct The League, a documentary centered on the tumultuous journey of Negro league baseball. Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson of the Roots is serving as executive producer along with Jon Kamen, Dave Sirulnick and Jen Isaacson of RadicalMedia.
Told through the personal experience of notable Negro League umpire Bob Motley, the pic explores Black baseball as a stage for some of the world’s best athletes, an economic and social pillar of Black communities, and the unintended consequences of MLB integration. The rise and fall of the Negro Leagues follows the arc of race history in the United States.
Featuring interviews from Negro League players like Buck O’Neil and Hall of Fame Inductees Monte Irvin, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron, The League celebrates some of the 20th century’s best athletes and entrepreneurs while grappling with America’s difficult march toward equality, including a discussion...
Told through the personal experience of notable Negro League umpire Bob Motley, the pic explores Black baseball as a stage for some of the world’s best athletes, an economic and social pillar of Black communities, and the unintended consequences of MLB integration. The rise and fall of the Negro Leagues follows the arc of race history in the United States.
Featuring interviews from Negro League players like Buck O’Neil and Hall of Fame Inductees Monte Irvin, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron, The League celebrates some of the 20th century’s best athletes and entrepreneurs while grappling with America’s difficult march toward equality, including a discussion...
- 11/23/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
In response to calls to diversify the mainly white live-music industry, concert giant Live Nation launched the Black Tour Directory Tuesday, October 13th, a new online resource for tour organizers that the company hopes will create more work for black live-industry workers.
The directory lists hundreds of black-owned companies and workers in the live sector, from tour and production managers to caterers, lighting specialists, sound engineers, and travel agents.
Live Nation Urban spearheaded the new directory’s creation, and Live Nation Urban president Shawn Gee discussed the new initiative with...
The directory lists hundreds of black-owned companies and workers in the live sector, from tour and production managers to caterers, lighting specialists, sound engineers, and travel agents.
Live Nation Urban spearheaded the new directory’s creation, and Live Nation Urban president Shawn Gee discussed the new initiative with...
- 10/13/2020
- by Ethan Millman
- Rollingstone.com
YouTube has unveiled a slate of shows dedicated to amplifying Black voices including a documentary from Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, and livestreamed homecoming from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
These projects have emerged from the company’s $100M #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund.
Resist, which launches this month is a 12-part docuseries that follows the grassroots work of organizations fighting the Los Angeles county’s $3.5 billion jail expansion plan in 2018 and examines the issues of cash bail, unlawful arrest, over-policing of Black and brown neighborhoods, and mass incarceration. The series is produced by Blackpills and Pulse Films with Patrisse Cullors exec producing alongside Dream Hampton, Mervyn Marcano, Thomas Benski, Marisa Clifford, Robin Frank, Tani Ikeda, Kai Bowe, Davey Spens, Clara Levy and Philipe Haim.
Hbcu Homecoming 2020: Meet Me On The Yard is an event that launches on October 24. Jesse Collins Entertainment and Live Nation Urban are putting together...
These projects have emerged from the company’s $100M #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund.
Resist, which launches this month is a 12-part docuseries that follows the grassroots work of organizations fighting the Los Angeles county’s $3.5 billion jail expansion plan in 2018 and examines the issues of cash bail, unlawful arrest, over-policing of Black and brown neighborhoods, and mass incarceration. The series is produced by Blackpills and Pulse Films with Patrisse Cullors exec producing alongside Dream Hampton, Mervyn Marcano, Thomas Benski, Marisa Clifford, Robin Frank, Tani Ikeda, Kai Bowe, Davey Spens, Clara Levy and Philipe Haim.
Hbcu Homecoming 2020: Meet Me On The Yard is an event that launches on October 24. Jesse Collins Entertainment and Live Nation Urban are putting together...
- 10/7/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Queen Latifah and Jamie Foxx have teamed up to executive produce a new film about the life of civil rights activist and gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, starring Jill Scott.
Shakim Compere and Holly Carter will also executive produce “Mahalia!.”
“This is such an incredibly important story to tell and we’re thrilled to work with Jamie on the project,” Latifah said in a statement. “Shakim and I are also looking forward to reteaming with our ‘Clark Sisters’ producing partner, Holly Carter, to share Mahalia’s inspiring journey to becoming the queen of Gospel music.”
The film, based on Darlene Donloe’s bigraphy “Mahalia Jackson,” will tell the true story of the artist and her entertainment career — with career highlights like becoming the first gospel artist to sing at Carnegie Hall — as well as her behind-the-scenes political and social work alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy. The screenplay was written by Richard Hocutt,...
Shakim Compere and Holly Carter will also executive produce “Mahalia!.”
“This is such an incredibly important story to tell and we’re thrilled to work with Jamie on the project,” Latifah said in a statement. “Shakim and I are also looking forward to reteaming with our ‘Clark Sisters’ producing partner, Holly Carter, to share Mahalia’s inspiring journey to becoming the queen of Gospel music.”
The film, based on Darlene Donloe’s bigraphy “Mahalia Jackson,” will tell the true story of the artist and her entertainment career — with career highlights like becoming the first gospel artist to sing at Carnegie Hall — as well as her behind-the-scenes political and social work alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy. The screenplay was written by Richard Hocutt,...
- 8/12/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Grammy-winning singer and Black Lightning and Why Did I Get Married? actor Jill Scott will play the Queen of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson, in Mahalia!, a new big-screen take that’s being executive produced by Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah and her partner Shakim Compere and Clark Sisters EP Holly Carter.
Written by Richard Hocutt, Mark Gould and Tricia Woodgett, Mahalia! is based on the novel Mahalia Jackson by Darlene Donloe.
During a time when gospel music was not as mainstream as it is today, Jackson became one of the wealthiest and most powerful entertainers in the world. Known as the mentor and inspiration behind Aretha Franklin, Jackson rose from brutal poverty in New Orleans to become a platinum-selling artist. She was the first gospel singer to perform at Carnegie Hall and would continue to captivate audiences around the world, including presidents, kings, and queens, until her death in 1972.
Known as...
Written by Richard Hocutt, Mark Gould and Tricia Woodgett, Mahalia! is based on the novel Mahalia Jackson by Darlene Donloe.
During a time when gospel music was not as mainstream as it is today, Jackson became one of the wealthiest and most powerful entertainers in the world. Known as the mentor and inspiration behind Aretha Franklin, Jackson rose from brutal poverty in New Orleans to become a platinum-selling artist. She was the first gospel singer to perform at Carnegie Hall and would continue to captivate audiences around the world, including presidents, kings, and queens, until her death in 1972.
Known as...
- 8/12/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Weeks after music’s Blackout Tuesday, which sparked a plethora of heated, industry-wide conversations about systemic racism, companies and executives are still debating the use of the word “urban” in job titles, awards categories, and other facets of the music business. While not all organizations are in agreement about what to do with the word, the radio community seems to be largely doing away with it.
A rep for iHeartMedia — the U.S.’s largest radio conglomerate, operating 855 stations — says that the company is in the process of removing “urban” from job titles,...
A rep for iHeartMedia — the U.S.’s largest radio conglomerate, operating 855 stations — says that the company is in the process of removing “urban” from job titles,...
- 7/2/2020
- by Samantha Hissong
- Rollingstone.com
The Roots, the house band for NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, are drumming up new business for their production company Two One Five Entertainment after striking a first-look deal with Universal Television.
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tarik “Black Thought” Trotter are to work with Universal Television and Universal Television Alternative Studio to develop scripted and non-scripted programming and specials for the studio.
The three-year deal extends their ten-year relationship with NBC, having been with Fallon, then on Late Night, since 2009.
This comes after the launch of Hip Hop Songs that Shook America, the docuseries they produced for AMC. Other projects on the Two One Five Entertainment docket include Black Woodstock, about the Harlem Cultural & Arts Festival in 1969, Black No More, in partnership with John Ridley and Soul Train the Musical.
Thompson, Tarik Trotter, The Roots and Two One Five are all represented by Shawn Gee of Maverick Management.
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tarik “Black Thought” Trotter are to work with Universal Television and Universal Television Alternative Studio to develop scripted and non-scripted programming and specials for the studio.
The three-year deal extends their ten-year relationship with NBC, having been with Fallon, then on Late Night, since 2009.
This comes after the launch of Hip Hop Songs that Shook America, the docuseries they produced for AMC. Other projects on the Two One Five Entertainment docket include Black Woodstock, about the Harlem Cultural & Arts Festival in 1969, Black No More, in partnership with John Ridley and Soul Train the Musical.
Thompson, Tarik Trotter, The Roots and Two One Five are all represented by Shawn Gee of Maverick Management.
- 5/13/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Blueprint Group, through their company, Bpg Media, and Foundation Media, have formed a partnership bringing both companies together to expand their collective reach in film, TV, and music.
This union will enable both firms to execute together an expansive film and television development/production slate focused on cutting edge content. The new partnership will also bolster their collective roster of talent and allow both firms to capitalize on their entertainment positioning and provide a platform for strategic growth.
Foundation Media has been developing and executing an entertainment strategy in partnership with Build-a-Bear Workshop which has resulted in many multi-year deals including Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions for movie content, Warner Brother’s Arts Music Division for the creation of the Build-a-Bear Record label, The Hallmark Channel and Muse Entertainment, as well as the recently announced deals with iHeart Media for Build-a-Bear Radio and Warner Chappell for Build-a-Bear Music Publishing. Upcoming...
This union will enable both firms to execute together an expansive film and television development/production slate focused on cutting edge content. The new partnership will also bolster their collective roster of talent and allow both firms to capitalize on their entertainment positioning and provide a platform for strategic growth.
Foundation Media has been developing and executing an entertainment strategy in partnership with Build-a-Bear Workshop which has resulted in many multi-year deals including Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions for movie content, Warner Brother’s Arts Music Division for the creation of the Build-a-Bear Record label, The Hallmark Channel and Muse Entertainment, as well as the recently announced deals with iHeart Media for Build-a-Bear Radio and Warner Chappell for Build-a-Bear Music Publishing. Upcoming...
- 2/21/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.