HBO Documentary Films has acquired U.S. and Canada television and streaming rights to Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project, winner of the Grand Jury Prize for U.S. Documentary at Sundance.
The film directed and produced by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson examines the life and career of poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, who rose to fame in the 1960s through her writings and television appearances. Today’s announcement will come as welcome news to a documentary community concerned about the relatively sluggish pace of acquisitions since at least the beginning of the year. The fact that a Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner wasn’t snapped up right away bred a feeling of gloom that streamers and distributors were only interested in nonfiction content that focused on true crime or celebrities.
Directors Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson
“We are thrilled and deeply honored that HBO Documentary Films, a beacon of innovation, authenticity, and a leading force committed to the art of storytelling, has recognized the significance of our work,” Brewster and Stephenson said. “We believe that through this collaboration, Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project has found a home where it will shine and have a global reach.”
The documentary “travels through time and space to reveal the enduring influence of Nikki Giovanni, one of America’s greatest living artists and social commentators,” HBO Documentary Films said in a release. “Giovanni reckons with the inevitable passing of time in intimate vérité and revealing archival footage. The film is a collision of memories, moments in American history, live readings, and visually innovative treatments of her poetry.”
Producer Tommy Oliver commented, “Joe and Michèle have crafted a bold, glorious, boundary-pushing portrait of one of our Greats and I couldn’t be more excited to partner (yet again) with Lisa [Heller], Nancy [Abraham], and the rest of the wonderful HBO Docs team to bring Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project to the world.”
As we reported last January, Taraji P. Henson voices Giovanni’s poetry in the film and she is one of the documentary’s executive producers.
“I’m thrilled to join Michèle and Joe in bringing Nikki’s remarkable work to life on screen,” Henson said in a statement in January. “Interpreting and giving voice to her powerful words was a revelatory and emotional process, and moved me completely. This film reflects Nikki’s vibrance and legacy in all its complexity, and I am honored to be a part of it.”
Poet Nikki Giovanni
Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project is a production of Confluential Films and Rada Studio, in association with JustFilms | Ford Foundation; in association with Bertha Doc Society. Written and directed by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson; with the voice of Taraji P. Henson; producers, Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson, Tommy Oliver; executive producers, Codie Elaine Oliver, Taraji P. Henson; editors, Terra Long, Lawrence Jackman, Regi Allen.
Giovanni, who has been named one of Oprah’s “25 Living Legends,” turned 80 in June. She has earned seven NAACP Image Awards, a Grammy nomination, the Maya Angelou Lifetime Achievement Award and numerous other honors in a career spanning more than 50 years.
The film directed and produced by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson examines the life and career of poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, who rose to fame in the 1960s through her writings and television appearances. Today’s announcement will come as welcome news to a documentary community concerned about the relatively sluggish pace of acquisitions since at least the beginning of the year. The fact that a Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner wasn’t snapped up right away bred a feeling of gloom that streamers and distributors were only interested in nonfiction content that focused on true crime or celebrities.
Directors Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson
“We are thrilled and deeply honored that HBO Documentary Films, a beacon of innovation, authenticity, and a leading force committed to the art of storytelling, has recognized the significance of our work,” Brewster and Stephenson said. “We believe that through this collaboration, Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project has found a home where it will shine and have a global reach.”
The documentary “travels through time and space to reveal the enduring influence of Nikki Giovanni, one of America’s greatest living artists and social commentators,” HBO Documentary Films said in a release. “Giovanni reckons with the inevitable passing of time in intimate vérité and revealing archival footage. The film is a collision of memories, moments in American history, live readings, and visually innovative treatments of her poetry.”
Producer Tommy Oliver commented, “Joe and Michèle have crafted a bold, glorious, boundary-pushing portrait of one of our Greats and I couldn’t be more excited to partner (yet again) with Lisa [Heller], Nancy [Abraham], and the rest of the wonderful HBO Docs team to bring Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project to the world.”
As we reported last January, Taraji P. Henson voices Giovanni’s poetry in the film and she is one of the documentary’s executive producers.
“I’m thrilled to join Michèle and Joe in bringing Nikki’s remarkable work to life on screen,” Henson said in a statement in January. “Interpreting and giving voice to her powerful words was a revelatory and emotional process, and moved me completely. This film reflects Nikki’s vibrance and legacy in all its complexity, and I am honored to be a part of it.”
Poet Nikki Giovanni
Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project is a production of Confluential Films and Rada Studio, in association with JustFilms | Ford Foundation; in association with Bertha Doc Society. Written and directed by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson; with the voice of Taraji P. Henson; producers, Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson, Tommy Oliver; executive producers, Codie Elaine Oliver, Taraji P. Henson; editors, Terra Long, Lawrence Jackman, Regi Allen.
Giovanni, who has been named one of Oprah’s “25 Living Legends,” turned 80 in June. She has earned seven NAACP Image Awards, a Grammy nomination, the Maya Angelou Lifetime Achievement Award and numerous other honors in a career spanning more than 50 years.
- 8/29/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Eight months after it won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project” has been officially picked up by HBO Documentary Films, which is buying U.S. and Canada television and streaming rights. Backed by Confluential Films and Rada Studio and directed and produced by respected veterans Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, producer Tommy Oliver (HBO’s “40 Years A Prisoner”), and executive producers Taraji P. Henson and Codie Elaine Oliver, the film will also screen in the Spotlight section of the upcoming 61st New York Film Festival.
To qualify for the Oscars, the film will play in theaters this fall ahead of its 2024 debut on HBO and Max. Sundance always supplies a number of Oscar nominees in the documentary race and “Going to Mars” is a strong contender.
As innovative and unpredictable as its subject, “Going to Mars” travels through time and space,...
To qualify for the Oscars, the film will play in theaters this fall ahead of its 2024 debut on HBO and Max. Sundance always supplies a number of Oscar nominees in the documentary race and “Going to Mars” is a strong contender.
As innovative and unpredictable as its subject, “Going to Mars” travels through time and space,...
- 8/29/2023
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson is joining the Sundance documentary Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project as executive producer and voice of Giovanni’s poems throughout the film.
Going to Mars, directed by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, premieres Friday at the festival in U.S. Documentary Competition. It examines the life and work of Giovanni, who emerged in the 1960s as one of the nation’s foremost poets and a leader of the Black Arts Movement. She has won seven NAACP Image Awards and has been named one of Oprah’s 25 “Living Legends.”
“I’m thrilled to join Michèle and Joe in bringing Nikki’s remarkable work to life on screen,” Henson said in a statement. “Interpreting and giving voice to her powerful words was a revelatory and emotional process, and moved me completely. This film reflects Nikki’s vibrance and legacy in all its complexity, and I...
Going to Mars, directed by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, premieres Friday at the festival in U.S. Documentary Competition. It examines the life and work of Giovanni, who emerged in the 1960s as one of the nation’s foremost poets and a leader of the Black Arts Movement. She has won seven NAACP Image Awards and has been named one of Oprah’s 25 “Living Legends.”
“I’m thrilled to join Michèle and Joe in bringing Nikki’s remarkable work to life on screen,” Henson said in a statement. “Interpreting and giving voice to her powerful words was a revelatory and emotional process, and moved me completely. This film reflects Nikki’s vibrance and legacy in all its complexity, and I...
- 1/19/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Taraji P. Henson will lend her voice to the Sundance-bound Nikki Giovanni doc Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project. Henson, who has also been named an executive producer, will voice Giovanni’s seminal poems throughout the film.
Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson directed the feature, which will debut in the festival’s U.S. documentary competition section. The doc, according to the project’s description, sees “present-day Giovanni reckon with the inevitable passing of time, while an evocative melding of vérité and archival images act as openings into her mindscape, transcending time and place. The Afro-futuristic lens honors Giovanni’s complexity and transports us on a journey through Black liberation from the perspective of one of America’s most acclaimed and beloved writers, a profound artist and activist.”
Brewster, Stephenson and Tommy Oliver produced Going to Mars, with Codie Elaine Oliver executive producing along with Henson. Cinetic Media is...
Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson directed the feature, which will debut in the festival’s U.S. documentary competition section. The doc, according to the project’s description, sees “present-day Giovanni reckon with the inevitable passing of time, while an evocative melding of vérité and archival images act as openings into her mindscape, transcending time and place. The Afro-futuristic lens honors Giovanni’s complexity and transports us on a journey through Black liberation from the perspective of one of America’s most acclaimed and beloved writers, a profound artist and activist.”
Brewster, Stephenson and Tommy Oliver produced Going to Mars, with Codie Elaine Oliver executive producing along with Henson. Cinetic Media is...
- 1/19/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Multi-hyphenate filmmaker, producer and financier Tommy Oliver has signed with CAA for representation of Confluential Films, his award-winning, Black-owned and -founded film, television, and docu production company and financier. CAA will also represent Oliver personally, as a writer-director, outside of Confluential.
Oliver is the Founder & CEO, and he and his wife, Codie Elaine Oliver, are co-chairs of the creator-driven company devoted to championing inclusive, authentic and culturally specific projects, which only finances works from creators of color.
News of the CAA signing comes just ahead of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where Oliver will be unveiling four projects. Features produced by Oliver and Confluential that are heading to the Utah festival include Erica Tremblay’s Fancy Dance, starring Lily Gladstone, Isabel Deroy-Olson and Shea Whigham; the Thembi Banks-directed drama Young. Wild. Free., starring Algee Smith, Sanaa Lathan and Mike Epps; and the documentary Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project.
Oliver is the Founder & CEO, and he and his wife, Codie Elaine Oliver, are co-chairs of the creator-driven company devoted to championing inclusive, authentic and culturally specific projects, which only finances works from creators of color.
News of the CAA signing comes just ahead of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where Oliver will be unveiling four projects. Features produced by Oliver and Confluential that are heading to the Utah festival include Erica Tremblay’s Fancy Dance, starring Lily Gladstone, Isabel Deroy-Olson and Shea Whigham; the Thembi Banks-directed drama Young. Wild. Free., starring Algee Smith, Sanaa Lathan and Mike Epps; and the documentary Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project.
- 1/18/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Sundance Institute and Hartbeat have selected Mayanna Berrin, Kiana Butler Jabangwe and Danielle Solomon as the recipients of the “Women Write Now” fellowship for Black female comedic screenwriters.
Logan Browning, Tika Sumpter and Nicole Byer have signed on to direct three short films written by the fellows, which will debut at a special exhibition during the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
Additionally, the fellows have been awarded a one-year first-look deal with Hartbeat, the multi-platform media company founded by Kevin Hart. Script mentors will include Leigh Davenport (“Run the World”), Kay Oyegun (“This Is Us”), and Yamara Taylor (“Black-ish”). The company’s Head of Film, Candace Cherry Wilson and its VP of TV Development Tiffany Brown will serve as creative advisors at the program’s career development lab.
Also Read:
‘Last Night in Soho’s’ Thomasin McKenzie to Star in Sundance Now Series ‘Totally Completely Fine’
They are joined by Producer Stephanie Allain,...
Logan Browning, Tika Sumpter and Nicole Byer have signed on to direct three short films written by the fellows, which will debut at a special exhibition during the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
Additionally, the fellows have been awarded a one-year first-look deal with Hartbeat, the multi-platform media company founded by Kevin Hart. Script mentors will include Leigh Davenport (“Run the World”), Kay Oyegun (“This Is Us”), and Yamara Taylor (“Black-ish”). The company’s Head of Film, Candace Cherry Wilson and its VP of TV Development Tiffany Brown will serve as creative advisors at the program’s career development lab.
Also Read:
‘Last Night in Soho’s’ Thomasin McKenzie to Star in Sundance Now Series ‘Totally Completely Fine’
They are joined by Producer Stephanie Allain,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat and the Sundance Institute today named Mayanna Berrin (Power Dynamics), Kiana Butler Jabangwe (Night Off) and Danielle Solomon (Hey Boo) as the recipients of this year’s Women Write Now comedic screenwriting fellowship, designed to elevate the next generation of Black women in comedy.
The Fellows, whose short film scripts were selected from a pool of hundreds submissions, will now further develop their material under the guidance of Hartbeat’s panel of script mentors and creative advisors including Leigh Davenport (Starz’s Run the World), Kay Oyegun (NBC’s This Is Us) and Yamara Taylor (ABC’s Black-ish). As part of the development process, each will also participate in an immersive career development lab, where they’ll receive mentorship from creative advisors including Hartbeat’s Head of Film Candice Wilson Cherry and VP, TV Development Tiffany Brown, as well as such industry veterans as Dear White People EP Stephanie Allain,...
The Fellows, whose short film scripts were selected from a pool of hundreds submissions, will now further develop their material under the guidance of Hartbeat’s panel of script mentors and creative advisors including Leigh Davenport (Starz’s Run the World), Kay Oyegun (NBC’s This Is Us) and Yamara Taylor (ABC’s Black-ish). As part of the development process, each will also participate in an immersive career development lab, where they’ll receive mentorship from creative advisors including Hartbeat’s Head of Film Candice Wilson Cherry and VP, TV Development Tiffany Brown, as well as such industry veterans as Dear White People EP Stephanie Allain,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Macro Film Studios, Confluential Films and No Label Productions are collaborating on the film Young. Wild. Free. Sanaa Lathan (The Perfect Guy), Algee Smith (Judas and the Black Messiah), Sierra Capri (On My Block) and Mike Epps (The Upshaws)star.
Directed by Thembi Banks (Insecure) and written by Juel Taylor (from a story created by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier), the film follows a hot-tempered high school senior who finds his claustrophobic life suddenly thrust into an enticing, dangerous direction after he is robbed at gunpoint by the girl of his dreams.
Producers include Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks, Tommy Oliver and Baron Davis. Executive producers include Codie Elaine Oliver, Prince Baggett and Charlotte Koh; Jenna Cavelle; Taylor, Rettenmaier, Mark R. Wright, Jo Henriquez, Thembi Banks and Lathan.
Production is underway in Los Angeles.
Directed by Thembi Banks (Insecure) and written by Juel Taylor (from a story created by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier), the film follows a hot-tempered high school senior who finds his claustrophobic life suddenly thrust into an enticing, dangerous direction after he is robbed at gunpoint by the girl of his dreams.
Producers include Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks, Tommy Oliver and Baron Davis. Executive producers include Codie Elaine Oliver, Prince Baggett and Charlotte Koh; Jenna Cavelle; Taylor, Rettenmaier, Mark R. Wright, Jo Henriquez, Thembi Banks and Lathan.
Production is underway in Los Angeles.
- 8/11/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
MacRo Film Studios and Confluential Films has announced the start of production on the new film “Young. Wild. Free.”
Directed by Thembi Banks, the movie stars Sanaa Lathan, Algee Smith, Sierra Capri and Mike Epps. According to the official logline for the project, Smith plays a hot-tempered high school senior who finds his claustrophobic life suddenly thrust into an enticing, dangerous direction after he is robbed at gunpoint by the girl of his dreams. Production on the project is underway in Los Angeles.
The film’s script is written by Juel Taylor (“Creed II”), from a story by Taylor and his “They Cloned Tyrone” co-writer Tony Rettenmaier, with revisions by Banks. “Young. Wild. Free” is produced by Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks, Confluential Films’ Tommy Oliver and No Label Productions’ Baron Davis. Taylor, Rettenmair, Banks and Lathan will executive produce the project alongside Confluential Films’ Codie Elaine Oliver,...
Directed by Thembi Banks, the movie stars Sanaa Lathan, Algee Smith, Sierra Capri and Mike Epps. According to the official logline for the project, Smith plays a hot-tempered high school senior who finds his claustrophobic life suddenly thrust into an enticing, dangerous direction after he is robbed at gunpoint by the girl of his dreams. Production on the project is underway in Los Angeles.
The film’s script is written by Juel Taylor (“Creed II”), from a story by Taylor and his “They Cloned Tyrone” co-writer Tony Rettenmaier, with revisions by Banks. “Young. Wild. Free” is produced by Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks, Confluential Films’ Tommy Oliver and No Label Productions’ Baron Davis. Taylor, Rettenmair, Banks and Lathan will executive produce the project alongside Confluential Films’ Codie Elaine Oliver,...
- 8/11/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
“Black Love,” created by African American filmmakers Codie Elaine Oliver and Tommy Oliver with Confluential Films, features true stories about love and life. Currently, for past episodes, you can watch now on Oprah Winfrey Network or watch new episodes live on OWN Saturdays at 10:00 pm Est.
If you’re looking to learn more about the background, hosts, episodes, or popular couples on “Black Love,” keep reading.
What Is “Black Love” About?
The show originally aired on August 29, 2017, and has since become the most-viewed “unscripted telecast” in Oprah Winfrey Networks History. The show was started by Codie and Tommy Oliver, best known for their film “The Perfect Guy.” As newlyweds themselves, the Oliver’s wanted to explore the common experience of Black love stories and how they varied between couples.
The show interviews Black couples on all things love, marriage, and children while also sharing the less-delightful parts of life.
If you’re looking to learn more about the background, hosts, episodes, or popular couples on “Black Love,” keep reading.
What Is “Black Love” About?
The show originally aired on August 29, 2017, and has since become the most-viewed “unscripted telecast” in Oprah Winfrey Networks History. The show was started by Codie and Tommy Oliver, best known for their film “The Perfect Guy.” As newlyweds themselves, the Oliver’s wanted to explore the common experience of Black love stories and how they varied between couples.
The show interviews Black couples on all things love, marriage, and children while also sharing the less-delightful parts of life.
- 7/11/2022
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Exclusive: Tommy Oliver’s Confluential Films has expanded its executive team, tapping Charlotte Koh as its first President and Prince Baggett as Head of Film.
In their new roles, Koh and Baggett will continue the company’s strategic growth and allow it to further expand its creative footprint.
Koh will report to Confluential Founder and CEO Tommy Oliver, working to help drive the organization’s vision, operational strategy, and hiring needs, while co-managing the development team and their projects.
Baggett will lead Confluential’s motion picture group with an emphasis on studio fare from diverse creators with appropriate representation in front of and behind the camera. He will report to Koh, and both will work closely with Oliver’s partner (and wife) Codie Elaine Oliver, and Confluential’s Head of Development, Jonny Paterson.
“I couldn’t be more excited about Charlotte and Prince joining the Confluential squad,” said Tommy Oliver.
In their new roles, Koh and Baggett will continue the company’s strategic growth and allow it to further expand its creative footprint.
Koh will report to Confluential Founder and CEO Tommy Oliver, working to help drive the organization’s vision, operational strategy, and hiring needs, while co-managing the development team and their projects.
Baggett will lead Confluential’s motion picture group with an emphasis on studio fare from diverse creators with appropriate representation in front of and behind the camera. He will report to Koh, and both will work closely with Oliver’s partner (and wife) Codie Elaine Oliver, and Confluential’s Head of Development, Jonny Paterson.
“I couldn’t be more excited about Charlotte and Prince joining the Confluential squad,” said Tommy Oliver.
- 8/25/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: La La Anthony (Power), Aisha Hinds (Underground) and Janet Hubert (The Last O.G.) have joined the cast of The Perfect Find.
In Netflix’s romantic comedy, they’ll star opposite previously announced cast members Gabrielle Union, Keith Powers and Gina Torres. The new cast members’ roles have not yet been disclosed.
The film, based on the novel by Tia Williams, centers on a 40-year-old woman with everything on the line—including a high-stakes career, ticking biological clock and bank account—watching to see if she’s willing to risk it all for an intensely lusty secret romance with the one person who could destroy her comeback for good.
Numa Perrier is directing, from a script she wrote with Leigh Davenport. Producers on the project are Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver for Confluential Films; Gabrielle Union for I’ll Have Another; Glendon Palmer for AGC Studios, and Jeff Morrone.
In Netflix’s romantic comedy, they’ll star opposite previously announced cast members Gabrielle Union, Keith Powers and Gina Torres. The new cast members’ roles have not yet been disclosed.
The film, based on the novel by Tia Williams, centers on a 40-year-old woman with everything on the line—including a high-stakes career, ticking biological clock and bank account—watching to see if she’s willing to risk it all for an intensely lusty secret romance with the one person who could destroy her comeback for good.
Numa Perrier is directing, from a script she wrote with Leigh Davenport. Producers on the project are Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver for Confluential Films; Gabrielle Union for I’ll Have Another; Glendon Palmer for AGC Studios, and Jeff Morrone.
- 6/21/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: 9-1-1: Lone Star and Westworld actress Gina Torres has boarded the Gabrielle Union and Keith Powers Netflix romantic comedy feature The Perfect Find.
I hear she’ll be stepping in for Niecy Nash who has departed the project due to a scheduling conflict.
The Leigh Davenport and Numa Perrier scripted movie, based on the Tia Williams novel, follows Will, a 40-year-old woman with everything on the line: Her high-stakes career, ticking biological clock, bank account as she risks it all for an intensely lusty secret romance with the one person who could destroy her comeback. Perrier also directs.
Producers are Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver for Confluential Films; Union for I’ll Have Another; Jeff Morrone; and Glendon Palmer for AGC Studios. EPs are Stuart Ford, Linda McDonough, and Miguel Palos for AGC Studios; Holly Shakoor Fleischer for I’ll Have Another; Mel Jones for Confluential Films; and Davenport.
I hear she’ll be stepping in for Niecy Nash who has departed the project due to a scheduling conflict.
The Leigh Davenport and Numa Perrier scripted movie, based on the Tia Williams novel, follows Will, a 40-year-old woman with everything on the line: Her high-stakes career, ticking biological clock, bank account as she risks it all for an intensely lusty secret romance with the one person who could destroy her comeback. Perrier also directs.
Producers are Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver for Confluential Films; Union for I’ll Have Another; Jeff Morrone; and Glendon Palmer for AGC Studios. EPs are Stuart Ford, Linda McDonough, and Miguel Palos for AGC Studios; Holly Shakoor Fleischer for I’ll Have Another; Mel Jones for Confluential Films; and Davenport.
- 6/18/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith and his Mr. Sas Productions have teamed with Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens’ Propagate (Hulu’s Hillary) and Confluential Films (OWN’s Black Love) for Black Excellence, a documentary series examining the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Confluential Films’ Codie Elaine Oliver will direct Black Excellence, which will explore HBCUs’ impact across American politics, business, culture, sports and entertainment. With a mix of original interviews, archival footage and media, the series will look at prominent figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Raphael Warnock, Stacey Abrams, Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Taraji P. Henson, Anthony Anderson and many more who attended HBCUs. Depicting how their experiences at HBCUs shaped their careers, the series will spotlight moments in culture where these colleges set the tone from Beyonce’s Homecoming to Ohio State Football Marching Band presentations,...
Confluential Films’ Codie Elaine Oliver will direct Black Excellence, which will explore HBCUs’ impact across American politics, business, culture, sports and entertainment. With a mix of original interviews, archival footage and media, the series will look at prominent figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Raphael Warnock, Stacey Abrams, Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Taraji P. Henson, Anthony Anderson and many more who attended HBCUs. Depicting how their experiences at HBCUs shaped their careers, the series will spotlight moments in culture where these colleges set the tone from Beyonce’s Homecoming to Ohio State Football Marching Band presentations,...
- 3/9/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Niecy Nash has signed on to star alongside Gabrielle Union and Keith Powers, in the Numa Perrier-directed romantic comedy, The Perfect Find. The Netflix film is based on the 2016 book by Tia Williams.
Written by Leigh Davenport, the plot follows Jenna Jones Union, who is hopeful that her new job in beauty journalism will be a fresh start in her life. She soon learns that her new boss, Darcy, is her frenemy. Jenna starts a relationship with the company’s videographer, Eric, and things get complicated when she learns he’s Darcy’s son.
Union is producing the pic via her I’ll Have Another banner with Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver, and Codie Elaine Oliver of Confluential Films, and AGC Studios. Stuart Ford and Glendon Palmer will serve as exec producers on behalf of AGC with I’ll Have Another’s Holly Shakoor Fleischer.
Nash is returning to...
Written by Leigh Davenport, the plot follows Jenna Jones Union, who is hopeful that her new job in beauty journalism will be a fresh start in her life. She soon learns that her new boss, Darcy, is her frenemy. Jenna starts a relationship with the company’s videographer, Eric, and things get complicated when she learns he’s Darcy’s son.
Union is producing the pic via her I’ll Have Another banner with Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver, and Codie Elaine Oliver of Confluential Films, and AGC Studios. Stuart Ford and Glendon Palmer will serve as exec producers on behalf of AGC with I’ll Have Another’s Holly Shakoor Fleischer.
Nash is returning to...
- 3/2/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Jan. 20, 2021 will go down in history as the day Kamala Harris became the first woman, Black woman and woman of South Asian descent to serve as vice president of the United States. In honor of the momentous milestone, seven renowned artists - María Magdalena Campos-Pons, Okwui Okpokwasili, Latasha N. Nevada Diggs, Dell Marie Hamilton, Jana Harper, Lisa E. Harris, and Samita Sinha - have come together to develop a three-minute art film that celebrates the legacy of women who came before Harris.
"When We Gather offers an empowering moment to heal and unite the country through creative energy," Campos-Pons told Essence. "The circle shows us how we can remain connected even while we are separated due to this pandemic or due to the state of the nation. All of these factors have informed the collaborative choreography and spoken word of this global collective experience."
"When We Gather offers an empowering...
"When We Gather offers an empowering moment to heal and unite the country through creative energy," Campos-Pons told Essence. "The circle shows us how we can remain connected even while we are separated due to this pandemic or due to the state of the nation. All of these factors have informed the collaborative choreography and spoken word of this global collective experience."
"When We Gather offers an empowering...
- 1/21/2021
- by Monica Sisavat
- Popsugar.com
Exclusive: Keith Powers will co-star opposite Gabrielle Union in The Perfect Find, the Netflix/AGC Studios romantic comedy directed by Jezebel helmer Numa Perrier.
The pic is based on the 2016 book by Tia Williams bestseller, which was adapted for the screen by Leigh Davenport. Union stars as Jenna Jones, who is hopeful that her new job in beauty journalism will be a fresh start in her life. She soon learns that her new boss, Darcy, is her frenemy. Jenna starts a relationship with the company’s videographer, Eric, and things get complicated when she learns he’s Darcy’s son.
Union is also producing the film under her I’ll Have Another banner along with Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver, and Codie Elaine Oliver of Confluential Films. AGC’s Stuart Ford and Glendon Palmer will serve as exec producers with I’ll...
The pic is based on the 2016 book by Tia Williams bestseller, which was adapted for the screen by Leigh Davenport. Union stars as Jenna Jones, who is hopeful that her new job in beauty journalism will be a fresh start in her life. She soon learns that her new boss, Darcy, is her frenemy. Jenna starts a relationship with the company’s videographer, Eric, and things get complicated when she learns he’s Darcy’s son.
Union is also producing the film under her I’ll Have Another banner along with Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver, and Codie Elaine Oliver of Confluential Films. AGC’s Stuart Ford and Glendon Palmer will serve as exec producers with I’ll...
- 12/16/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Gabrielle Union Romantic Comedy ‘The Perfect Find’ Lands At Netflix; Numa Perrier Attached To Direct
Exclusive: We hear that the Gabrielle Union Agc Studios movie The Perfect Find has landed at Netflix and that Jezebel filmmaker Numa Perrier is attached to direct the feature adaptation of the Tia Williams bestseller.
Previously announced, Union stars and will also produce The Perfect Find via her production company I’ll Have Another, which Agc is financing and producing. The Bring It On and Breaking In star plays Jenna Jones, a woman hopeful that her new job in beauty journalism will rep a fresh start in her life. She soon learns that her new boss, Darcy, is her frenemy. Jenna starts a relationship with the company’s videographer, Eric, and things get complicated when she learns he’s Darcy’s son.
Leigh Davenport adapted Williams’ book. Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver of Confluential Films are also producing. Agc’s Stuart Ford and Glendon Palmer are EPs...
Previously announced, Union stars and will also produce The Perfect Find via her production company I’ll Have Another, which Agc is financing and producing. The Bring It On and Breaking In star plays Jenna Jones, a woman hopeful that her new job in beauty journalism will rep a fresh start in her life. She soon learns that her new boss, Darcy, is her frenemy. Jenna starts a relationship with the company’s videographer, Eric, and things get complicated when she learns he’s Darcy’s son.
Leigh Davenport adapted Williams’ book. Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver of Confluential Films are also producing. Agc’s Stuart Ford and Glendon Palmer are EPs...
- 6/12/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, VH1 revealed the contestants for the upcoming season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and the Oprah Winfrey Network renewed several of its unscripted series.
Casting
VH1 revealed the 13 queens that will be competing on the 12th season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” are Aidenn Zhane, Bria, Crystal Methyd, Dahlia Sin, Gigi Goode, Heidi N Closet, Jackie Cox, Jaida Essence Hall, Jan, Nicky Doll, Rock M. Sakura, Sherry Pie and Widow Von’Du. The season will premiere Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. on the cabler.
David Arquette will guest star on an upcoming episode of “Deputy,“ Variety has learned exclusively. Arquette will appear in the seventh episode of the first season, which is currently airing on Fox, playing a man named Roger Durbin who is described as “the kind of guy who has blended in his whole life. But behind the affable façade, lies his secret world — one...
Casting
VH1 revealed the 13 queens that will be competing on the 12th season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” are Aidenn Zhane, Bria, Crystal Methyd, Dahlia Sin, Gigi Goode, Heidi N Closet, Jackie Cox, Jaida Essence Hall, Jan, Nicky Doll, Rock M. Sakura, Sherry Pie and Widow Von’Du. The season will premiere Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. on the cabler.
David Arquette will guest star on an upcoming episode of “Deputy,“ Variety has learned exclusively. Arquette will appear in the seventh episode of the first season, which is currently airing on Fox, playing a man named Roger Durbin who is described as “the kind of guy who has blended in his whole life. But behind the affable façade, lies his secret world — one...
- 1/24/2020
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
The Oprah Winfrey Network has renewed four of its unscripted series.
“Love & Marriage: Huntsville,” “Ready to Love,” and “Black Women Own the Conversation” were all renewed for a second seasons, while “Black Love” was picked up for a fourth. All four will air later in 2020.
“We are thrilled to continue building our unscripted slate with the return of these fan favorite series,” Own president Tina Perry said. “These shows collectively tell real stories that deeply resonate with our audience, and we are proud to create authentic content that’s relatable to our viewers. We look forward to keep exploring love in African American relationships.”
Also Read: 'American Gods' Actor Orlando Jones Says He Was Fired, Told That Mr. Nancy Was 'Wrong Message for Black America'
“Love & Marriage: Huntsville” is described as following “the lives of three successful and powerful couples in the thriving city of Huntsville, Alabama who are helping...
“Love & Marriage: Huntsville,” “Ready to Love,” and “Black Women Own the Conversation” were all renewed for a second seasons, while “Black Love” was picked up for a fourth. All four will air later in 2020.
“We are thrilled to continue building our unscripted slate with the return of these fan favorite series,” Own president Tina Perry said. “These shows collectively tell real stories that deeply resonate with our audience, and we are proud to create authentic content that’s relatable to our viewers. We look forward to keep exploring love in African American relationships.”
Also Read: 'American Gods' Actor Orlando Jones Says He Was Fired, Told That Mr. Nancy Was 'Wrong Message for Black America'
“Love & Marriage: Huntsville” is described as following “the lives of three successful and powerful couples in the thriving city of Huntsville, Alabama who are helping...
- 1/23/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Own: Oprah Winfrey Network has renewed four of its hit unscripted series that focus on love and relationships. Love & Marriage: Huntsville, Black Women Own the Conversation and Ready to Love have been picked up for second seasons, and Black Love has been renewed for a fourth season. All will air later in 2020.
“We are thrilled to continue building our unscripted slate with the return of these fan favorite series,” said Tina Perry, president, Own. “These shows collectively tell real stories that deeply resonate with our audience, and we are proud to create authentic content that’s relatable to our viewers. We look forward to keep exploring love in African American relationships.”
The four series have been critical to the success of Own’s Saturday night lineup. The most recent cycles of Love & Marriage: Huntsville and Ready to Love last fall saw double-digit ratings growth in the core demo vs.
“We are thrilled to continue building our unscripted slate with the return of these fan favorite series,” said Tina Perry, president, Own. “These shows collectively tell real stories that deeply resonate with our audience, and we are proud to create authentic content that’s relatable to our viewers. We look forward to keep exploring love in African American relationships.”
The four series have been critical to the success of Own’s Saturday night lineup. The most recent cycles of Love & Marriage: Huntsville and Ready to Love last fall saw double-digit ratings growth in the core demo vs.
- 1/23/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Urban Movie Channel has commissioned the new docuseries “Behind Her Faith,” and Disney Channel has greenlit family dance competition series, “Disney Fam Jam.”
Greenlights
AMC Networks’ Urban Movie Channel has commissioned “Behind Her Faith,“ a new docuseries from writer/director Paula Bryant-Ellis. Executive produced by “Insecure” star Jay Ellis and “Black Love” producer Codie Elaine Oliver, the show promises to explore how the power of faith has been a driving force in the lives of successful women in various industries. The first four episodes will feature appearances from Niecy Nash (“When They See Us,” “Claws”), Aisha Hinds, Essence Atkins (“Marlon,” “Ambitions”) and The Shade Room founder, Angelica Nwandu.
Disney Channel has greenlit family dance competition series “Disney Fam Jam.” Inspired by choreographer Phil Wright’s “The Parent Jam” online videos, each episode of the competition series will feature two families hitting the floor in...
Greenlights
AMC Networks’ Urban Movie Channel has commissioned “Behind Her Faith,“ a new docuseries from writer/director Paula Bryant-Ellis. Executive produced by “Insecure” star Jay Ellis and “Black Love” producer Codie Elaine Oliver, the show promises to explore how the power of faith has been a driving force in the lives of successful women in various industries. The first four episodes will feature appearances from Niecy Nash (“When They See Us,” “Claws”), Aisha Hinds, Essence Atkins (“Marlon,” “Ambitions”) and The Shade Room founder, Angelica Nwandu.
Disney Channel has greenlit family dance competition series “Disney Fam Jam.” Inspired by choreographer Phil Wright’s “The Parent Jam” online videos, each episode of the competition series will feature two families hitting the floor in...
- 10/11/2019
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Claws and When They See Us star Niecy Nash, Underground‘s Aisha Hinds, Essence Atkins and the Shade Room founder Angelica Nwandu will be featured in Behind Her Faith, a new docuseries for Urban Movie Channel. A spring launch is in the works.
The AMC Networks-based streaming service has ordered four episodes of the series, created by writer-director Paula Bryant-Ellis. Each episode will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the power of faith and its driving force for successful women in entertainment, sports, music, business, politics and the ministry. The featured guests from varied walks of life have one thing in common: the conscious decision to put their faith first without fear or regret.
Jay Ellis (HBO’s Insecure) is an executive producer and Black Love co-creator Codie Elaine Oliver is a consulting producer on the series, which is in production.
“As Umc’s viewership continues to grow, we...
The AMC Networks-based streaming service has ordered four episodes of the series, created by writer-director Paula Bryant-Ellis. Each episode will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the power of faith and its driving force for successful women in entertainment, sports, music, business, politics and the ministry. The featured guests from varied walks of life have one thing in common: the conscious decision to put their faith first without fear or regret.
Jay Ellis (HBO’s Insecure) is an executive producer and Black Love co-creator Codie Elaine Oliver is a consulting producer on the series, which is in production.
“As Umc’s viewership continues to grow, we...
- 10/11/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Production scheduled to commence in 2019.
Gabrielle Union will star in rom-com The Perfect Find, which Agc Studios will finance, and produce alongside the actor and her production company I’ll Have Another, Jeff Morrone, and Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver for Confluential Films.
The project is based on the book by Tia Williams that Leigh Davenport is adapting.
The Perfect Find tells of beauty journalist Jenna Jones (Union) who takes the only job available to her at a magazine where her boss is her frenemy, Darcy.
As Jenna struggles to keep up with her hip co-workers while keeping her boss happy,...
Gabrielle Union will star in rom-com The Perfect Find, which Agc Studios will finance, and produce alongside the actor and her production company I’ll Have Another, Jeff Morrone, and Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver for Confluential Films.
The project is based on the book by Tia Williams that Leigh Davenport is adapting.
The Perfect Find tells of beauty journalist Jenna Jones (Union) who takes the only job available to her at a magazine where her boss is her frenemy, Darcy.
As Jenna struggles to keep up with her hip co-workers while keeping her boss happy,...
- 11/6/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Gabrielle Union is set to star in the romantic comedy “The Perfect Find,” based on a novel by “The Accidental Diva” author Tia Williams.
Agc Studios will finance and produce the project alongside Union and her production banner I’ll Have Another, the content studio announced on Tuesday.
“The Perfect Find” is the story of Jenna Jones (Union) who, desperate to have a fresh start in the world of beauty journalism, takes the only job available to her at a magazine where her boss is her frenemy, Darcy. Jenna finds herself struggling to keep up with her younger and more social media savvy co-workers while keeping Darcy happy. When Jenna starts a relationship with the company’s new videographer Eric, she thinks her life is finally turning around – until she finds out that Eric is Darcy’s son.
Also Read: 'Breaking In' Signals the Rise of Gabrielle Union...
Agc Studios will finance and produce the project alongside Union and her production banner I’ll Have Another, the content studio announced on Tuesday.
“The Perfect Find” is the story of Jenna Jones (Union) who, desperate to have a fresh start in the world of beauty journalism, takes the only job available to her at a magazine where her boss is her frenemy, Darcy. Jenna finds herself struggling to keep up with her younger and more social media savvy co-workers while keeping Darcy happy. When Jenna starts a relationship with the company’s new videographer Eric, she thinks her life is finally turning around – until she finds out that Eric is Darcy’s son.
Also Read: 'Breaking In' Signals the Rise of Gabrielle Union...
- 11/6/2018
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Gabrielle Union is set to produce and star in romantic comedy “The Perfect Find” with Stuart Ford’s Agc Studios financing and producing, Variety has learned exclusively.
The project is based on the best-selling book of the same title by Tia Williams (“The Accidental Diva”). “The Perfect Find” is scheduled to shoot in 2019.
Union will produce through her production company I’ll Have Another along with Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver. Agc’s Ford, Greg Shapiro and Glendon Palmer are onboard as executive producers, with Holly Shakoor Fleischer of I’ll Have Another co-producing.
Leigh Davenport is writing the screenplay, in which Union’s character is desperate to have a fresh start in the world of beauty journalism and takes the only job available to her at a magazine where her boss is her frenemy, Darcy. She finds herself struggling to keep up with her younger and...
The project is based on the best-selling book of the same title by Tia Williams (“The Accidental Diva”). “The Perfect Find” is scheduled to shoot in 2019.
Union will produce through her production company I’ll Have Another along with Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver. Agc’s Ford, Greg Shapiro and Glendon Palmer are onboard as executive producers, with Holly Shakoor Fleischer of I’ll Have Another co-producing.
Leigh Davenport is writing the screenplay, in which Union’s character is desperate to have a fresh start in the world of beauty journalism and takes the only job available to her at a magazine where her boss is her frenemy, Darcy. She finds herself struggling to keep up with her younger and...
- 11/6/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Bring It On and Think Like a Man star Gabrielle Union has been cast as the lead in The Perfect Find, an upcoming romantic comedy based on the best-selling book of the same name by Tia Williams.
Stuart Ford's Agc Studios will fully finance and produce the film alongside Union, who will produce under her I’ll Have Another shingle. Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver of Confluential Films will also produce. Agc’s Ford, Greg Shapiro and Glendon Palmer will executive produce, with I’ll Have Another’s Holly Shakoor Fleischer as co-producer.
Perfect Find is set to begin shooting ...
Stuart Ford's Agc Studios will fully finance and produce the film alongside Union, who will produce under her I’ll Have Another shingle. Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver of Confluential Films will also produce. Agc’s Ford, Greg Shapiro and Glendon Palmer will executive produce, with I’ll Have Another’s Holly Shakoor Fleischer as co-producer.
Perfect Find is set to begin shooting ...
- 11/6/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Bring It On and Think Like a Man star Gabrielle Union has been cast as the lead in The Perfect Find, an upcoming romantic comedy based on the best-selling book of the same name by Tia Williams.
Stuart Ford's Agc Studios will fully finance and produce the film alongside Union, who will produce under her I’ll Have Another shingle. Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver of Confluential Films will also produce. Agc’s Ford, Greg Shapiro and Glendon Palmer will executive produce, with I’ll Have Another’s Holly Shakoor Fleischer as co-producer.
Perfect Find is set to begin shooting ...
Stuart Ford's Agc Studios will fully finance and produce the film alongside Union, who will produce under her I’ll Have Another shingle. Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver of Confluential Films will also produce. Agc’s Ford, Greg Shapiro and Glendon Palmer will executive produce, with I’ll Have Another’s Holly Shakoor Fleischer as co-producer.
Perfect Find is set to begin shooting ...
- 11/6/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Black Love creators Codie Elaine Oliver and Tommy Oliver first started the docuseries, it was a documentary. They had way too much material for a feature doc so they created a series which is now the most watched unscripted series on Own.
From A-list couples like Sterling K. Brown and wife Ryan Michelle Bathe to everyday people that could be your next door neighbor, the series highlights the different kinds of positive love stories in the Black community — something that Codie saw there was a lack of in TV and film. She has plenty of experience in the Black love department seeing as though she and Tommy are married in real life.
The two filmmakers are currently in the second season of Black Love and took some time out of their schedule of exploring the ins and outs and ups and downs of relationships to stop by the New...
From A-list couples like Sterling K. Brown and wife Ryan Michelle Bathe to everyday people that could be your next door neighbor, the series highlights the different kinds of positive love stories in the Black community — something that Codie saw there was a lack of in TV and film. She has plenty of experience in the Black love department seeing as though she and Tommy are married in real life.
The two filmmakers are currently in the second season of Black Love and took some time out of their schedule of exploring the ins and outs and ups and downs of relationships to stop by the New...
- 6/5/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Last summer, Black Love became the most-watched unscripted series debut in Own history. Now it’s ready to stream. Umc has booked exclusive Svod rights to the show and will premiere it on February 2. Created by newlywed filmmakers Codie Elaine Oliver and Tommy Oliver and Confluential Films, Black Love highlights love stories from the black community and seeks to answer the burning question, "What does it take to make a marriage or relationship work?" Featured…...
- 1/17/2018
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: Here’s a clip from Episode 2 of Own’s new docuseries Black Love, which airs this Saturday. From Codie Elaine Oliver, Tommy Oliver and Confluential Films, the show highlights love stories from the black community and dives into how love begins, while showing the reality of what life-long love looks like. The video (see it above) features Sister, Sister alum Tia Mowry and her husband, actor Cory Hardrict (All Eyez On Me), discussing ways to deal with contentious…...
- 9/1/2017
- Deadline TV
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