We all know Trey Parker and Matt Stone from South Park, but what about all that came before it? Sure, some of us may have checked out Orgazmo to get an idea of what the boys were up to and maybe you even tracked down Cannibal! The Musical. But only the true die hard Parker and Stone fans have seen Your Studio and You. Styled after industrial movies of the 1950s – which would guide viewers through the process of any given corporation – Your Studio and You gives us a glimpse inside of Universal Studios…with exactly the sort of humor that fans would expect from Parker and Stone.
Released in 1995, Your Studio and You was a commissioned piece from David Zucker, who would go on to direct Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s BASEketball. Meant for internal studio use only, the 14-minute short begins by poking fun at “classic talking...
Released in 1995, Your Studio and You was a commissioned piece from David Zucker, who would go on to direct Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s BASEketball. Meant for internal studio use only, the 14-minute short begins by poking fun at “classic talking...
- 4/22/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
The USC School of Cinematic Arts has announced that Miky Lee will deliver the 20024 Commencement address.
James Gray, director, writer, and Sca alumnus, will receive the Mary Pickford Alumni Award at the graduation ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium on Friday, May 10, 2024.
“Miky Lee is a true pioneer and ambassador of collaborative global filmmaking, and we are so happy to have her share her insight and expertise with our graduating students,” Elizabeth M. Daley, Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said in a statement. “Miky works across borders, cultures, and genres, and champions the kinds of projects our students aspire to creating. We are so pleased she agreed to be this year’s graduation speaker.”
Sca alumnus Jon M. Chu, who graduated in 2003 with a Bfa in film & television production, will speak at this year’s main, university-wide commencement ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at Alumni Park.
As Commencement Speaker,...
James Gray, director, writer, and Sca alumnus, will receive the Mary Pickford Alumni Award at the graduation ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium on Friday, May 10, 2024.
“Miky Lee is a true pioneer and ambassador of collaborative global filmmaking, and we are so happy to have her share her insight and expertise with our graduating students,” Elizabeth M. Daley, Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said in a statement. “Miky works across borders, cultures, and genres, and champions the kinds of projects our students aspire to creating. We are so pleased she agreed to be this year’s graduation speaker.”
Sca alumnus Jon M. Chu, who graduated in 2003 with a Bfa in film & television production, will speak at this year’s main, university-wide commencement ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at Alumni Park.
As Commencement Speaker,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Director Wade Allain-Marcus reflected on his experience directing his new film, Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead, in his new uInterview.
Inspired by the 1991 film of the same name, the movie follows a teenager whose summer plans are canceled when his and his siblings’ babysitter unexpectedly dies.
Allain-Marcus thought back on the process of remaking a film, “For me when I read the script, being aware of the original but not necessarily holding it precious, was just sort of like, ‘Oh this could be a really interesting remix of the original by using some of the tent-poles from the first one and then being able to kind of take off from there.'”
When asked about the experience on set, Allain-Marcus revealed, “We shot this film in 22 days, in the midst of the writer’s strike, so a lot of that, emotionally and physically, was quite challenging. A lot of...
Inspired by the 1991 film of the same name, the movie follows a teenager whose summer plans are canceled when his and his siblings’ babysitter unexpectedly dies.
Allain-Marcus thought back on the process of remaking a film, “For me when I read the script, being aware of the original but not necessarily holding it precious, was just sort of like, ‘Oh this could be a really interesting remix of the original by using some of the tent-poles from the first one and then being able to kind of take off from there.'”
When asked about the experience on set, Allain-Marcus revealed, “We shot this film in 22 days, in the midst of the writer’s strike, so a lot of that, emotionally and physically, was quite challenging. A lot of...
- 4/15/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Many actors would love to portray James Bond, yet there is a specific casting process that must be adhered to and not everybody is willing to play the role. For example, Christian Bale turned down the role of James Bond early in the new millennium.
Ian Fleming created the prominent British secret agent in 1953, and he has since been featured in 12 novels and two collections of short stories. Despite having a readership of their own, James Bond’s cinematic adaptations helped popularize the character on a large scale.
Christian Bale in The Dark Knight Rises
Following the expiration of Pierce Brosnan’s contract, Bale, the British actor, was deemed one of the best candidates to portray James Bond due to his acclaimed appearance. Unexpectedly, The Dark Knight star rejected the role—which has historically only been given to British actors—because he felt it promoted negative stereotypes about the country.
Ian Fleming created the prominent British secret agent in 1953, and he has since been featured in 12 novels and two collections of short stories. Despite having a readership of their own, James Bond’s cinematic adaptations helped popularize the character on a large scale.
Christian Bale in The Dark Knight Rises
Following the expiration of Pierce Brosnan’s contract, Bale, the British actor, was deemed one of the best candidates to portray James Bond due to his acclaimed appearance. Unexpectedly, The Dark Knight star rejected the role—which has historically only been given to British actors—because he felt it promoted negative stereotypes about the country.
- 3/22/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Regina King is an American actress and director. She is best known for her roles in films such as “Jerry Maguire,” “Ray,” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.” She has also appeared in numerous television shows, including “227,” “The Boondocks,” and “American Crime.” In 2019, King won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “If Beale Street Could Talk.” She has also won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on television. King is known for her powerful performances and is considered one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood.
Early Life and Background
Regina King was born on January 15, 1971 in Los Angeles, California. Her mother, Gloria, was a special education teacher and her father, Thomas King, was an electrician. King has credited her parents for instilling in her the value of hard work. King also has an older sister, Reina. Although King did not grow up in a show business family,...
Early Life and Background
Regina King was born on January 15, 1971 in Los Angeles, California. Her mother, Gloria, was a special education teacher and her father, Thomas King, was an electrician. King has credited her parents for instilling in her the value of hard work. King also has an older sister, Reina. Although King did not grow up in a show business family,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Molly Se-kyung
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Over the course of a film career that has grown over three decades, writer/director Regina King has built one of the most impressive sets of credits of any actor working today. From her early performances in films by John Singleton, King has worked with such other distinguished directors as Cameron Crowe, Taylor Hackford and Barry Jenkins, delivering performances that have showcased her skills in comedy, romance and even action films. All of this work culminated in an Academy Award win for her stunning performance in 2018’s “If Beale Street Could Talk.”
King’s honors are not limited to her performances on the big screen, however. For her work in television, King has won an impressive four Emmy Awards — for the Netflix series “Seven Seconds,” the HBO limited series “Watchmen” and two consecutive Emmys for her performance in ABC’s “American Crime.” In addition, she starred in several successful series — “The Boondocks,...
King’s honors are not limited to her performances on the big screen, however. For her work in television, King has won an impressive four Emmy Awards — for the Netflix series “Seven Seconds,” the HBO limited series “Watchmen” and two consecutive Emmys for her performance in ABC’s “American Crime.” In addition, she starred in several successful series — “The Boondocks,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Tom O'Brien, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Actor Omar Epps has signed with Independent Artist Group for representation.
Recently starring in three seasons of Starz’s hit crime drama Power Book III: Raising Kanan, which is coming back for a fourth, Epps is otherwise perhaps best known for starring alongside Hugh Laurie across all eight seasons of Fox’s acclaimed medical drama House. A three-time NAACP Image Award winner, he’s also been seen on shows like USA drama Shooter, NBC’s Emmy winner This Is Us, and ABC’s Resurrection, to name a few.
On the film side, Epps’ recent credits include Lionsgate’s thriller The Devil You Know, as well as Netflix’s Fatal Affair with Nia Long, which was the streamer’s most-streamed film in the U.S. in the two weeks following its debut. Other notable big-screen credits include Gina Prince-Bythewood’s acclaimed debut feature Love & Basketball and the hit urban drama Juice,...
Recently starring in three seasons of Starz’s hit crime drama Power Book III: Raising Kanan, which is coming back for a fourth, Epps is otherwise perhaps best known for starring alongside Hugh Laurie across all eight seasons of Fox’s acclaimed medical drama House. A three-time NAACP Image Award winner, he’s also been seen on shows like USA drama Shooter, NBC’s Emmy winner This Is Us, and ABC’s Resurrection, to name a few.
On the film side, Epps’ recent credits include Lionsgate’s thriller The Devil You Know, as well as Netflix’s Fatal Affair with Nia Long, which was the streamer’s most-streamed film in the U.S. in the two weeks following its debut. Other notable big-screen credits include Gina Prince-Bythewood’s acclaimed debut feature Love & Basketball and the hit urban drama Juice,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
On Thursday, Disney Entertainment Television (Det) announced that it has selected the latest cohorts for the company’s Scripted Directing and Writing Programs, two of the entertainment industry’s most successful talent development initiatives.
After expanding into daytime television just last year, three program participants will direct episodes for ABC’s “General Hospital,” with other individuals positioned across Disney-owned 20th Television, ABC Entertainment and ABC Signature-produced programs as directors or writers.
“General Hospital”
ABC
Joining the “General Hospital” team are Erica Eng, Nina Kramer and Aubrey Smyth, each of whom will be shadowing and directing episodes of the daytime drama series, which recently won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series at “The 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” in December. The team was represented by directors Tina Keller, Robert Markham, Allison Reames Smith, Gary Tomlin, Frank Valentini (the show’s executive producer), Denise Van Cleave and Phideaux Xavier,...
After expanding into daytime television just last year, three program participants will direct episodes for ABC’s “General Hospital,” with other individuals positioned across Disney-owned 20th Television, ABC Entertainment and ABC Signature-produced programs as directors or writers.
“General Hospital”
ABC
Joining the “General Hospital” team are Erica Eng, Nina Kramer and Aubrey Smyth, each of whom will be shadowing and directing episodes of the daytime drama series, which recently won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series at “The 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” in December. The team was represented by directors Tina Keller, Robert Markham, Allison Reames Smith, Gary Tomlin, Frank Valentini (the show’s executive producer), Denise Van Cleave and Phideaux Xavier,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Errol Lewis
- Soap Opera Network
Disney Entertainment Television has selected its latest cohorts for its Directing and Writing Programs, talent development initiatives which nurture creatives on the cusp of television episode directing and staff writing.
“It’s an honor to welcome these exceptional directors and writers into the Det Directing and Writing Programs,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development and Inclusion, Det. “It’s clear that this group of talented creatives will have a lasting impact not only on Disney but on the industry at large. We’re proud to be part of their journey to shape the future of storytelling.”
2023-2024 Det Directing Program – Scripted Cohort
The Det Directing Program guarantees participants the opportunity to direct an episode of a Disney scripted series or a segment of a Disney unscripted series, and offers professional and career development through mentorship, on-set shadowing experience, and networking opportunities with the company’s creative executives and program alumni.
“It’s an honor to welcome these exceptional directors and writers into the Det Directing and Writing Programs,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development and Inclusion, Det. “It’s clear that this group of talented creatives will have a lasting impact not only on Disney but on the industry at large. We’re proud to be part of their journey to shape the future of storytelling.”
2023-2024 Det Directing Program – Scripted Cohort
The Det Directing Program guarantees participants the opportunity to direct an episode of a Disney scripted series or a segment of a Disney unscripted series, and offers professional and career development through mentorship, on-set shadowing experience, and networking opportunities with the company’s creative executives and program alumni.
- 2/29/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix says its ad-supported plan includes “the vast majority” of TV shows and movies available on the standard no-ads tiers — but more than a year after the streamer introduced the cheaper option, several popular titles remain unavailable to customers with the ad plan.
Most recently, Netflix customers noticed that Eli Roth’s horror film “Thanksgiving” (pictured above), added Feb. 17 for subscribers on ad-free tiers, is unavailable on the ad plan. The service notes that the slasher pic — currently at the No. 3 spot on Netflix’s top 10 movies in the U.S. — is not available to members on the ad plan because of licensing restrictions.
“While the vast majority of TV shows and movies are available on an ad-supported plan, a small number are not due to licensing restrictions,” the streamer says in an article on its help site. “These titles will appear with a lock icon when you search or browse Netflix.
Most recently, Netflix customers noticed that Eli Roth’s horror film “Thanksgiving” (pictured above), added Feb. 17 for subscribers on ad-free tiers, is unavailable on the ad plan. The service notes that the slasher pic — currently at the No. 3 spot on Netflix’s top 10 movies in the U.S. — is not available to members on the ad plan because of licensing restrictions.
“While the vast majority of TV shows and movies are available on an ad-supported plan, a small number are not due to licensing restrictions,” the streamer says in an article on its help site. “These titles will appear with a lock icon when you search or browse Netflix.
- 2/22/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
If you are a comic book reader who has a long flight coming up, writer Jimmy Palmiotti has one humble suggestion. He is offering hundreds of pages’ worth of his comics at a steep discount as part of a sale that see proceeds go to the World Wildlife Fund.
“It can get you from Japan and back from the east coast,” Palmiotti says with a laugh of the hefty reading material, available via the service Humble Bundle, which allows buyers to adjust how much of the proceeds to go charity and how much go to creators like Palmiotti.
Among them is Random Acts of Violence, which Jay Baruchel adapted as a feature in 2019. Another book in the batch was also in development as a movie: the crime drama Back to Brooklyn.
Palmiotti reveals that that late Boyz n the Hood filmmaker John Singleton, who died unexpectedly in 2019, was developing a feature version of the book,...
“It can get you from Japan and back from the east coast,” Palmiotti says with a laugh of the hefty reading material, available via the service Humble Bundle, which allows buyers to adjust how much of the proceeds to go charity and how much go to creators like Palmiotti.
Among them is Random Acts of Violence, which Jay Baruchel adapted as a feature in 2019. Another book in the batch was also in development as a movie: the crime drama Back to Brooklyn.
Palmiotti reveals that that late Boyz n the Hood filmmaker John Singleton, who died unexpectedly in 2019, was developing a feature version of the book,...
- 1/17/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeffrey Wright began his distinguished career as a member of John Houseman‘s renowned Acting Company, touring the country performing Shakespeare and honing his craft. His stage breakthrough came with his co-starring role in the original production of “Angels in America” as the nurse Belize, a performance that won him a Tony Award and later an Emmy when Wright reprised it for the 2003 HBO miniseries adaptation.
That Tony win led to Wright starring in the title role of his first major film, “Basquiat,” directed by Julian Schnabel. His powerful performance led to a long and distinguished career as a character actor in film, where he worked with such acclaimed filmmakers as Wes Anderson, Jim Jarmusch and John Singleton. During that time, Wright balanced his career with TV and stage appearances as well, earning a second Tony nomination for 2002’s “Topdog/Underdog,” and three Emmy nominations for his co-starring role in...
That Tony win led to Wright starring in the title role of his first major film, “Basquiat,” directed by Julian Schnabel. His powerful performance led to a long and distinguished career as a character actor in film, where he worked with such acclaimed filmmakers as Wes Anderson, Jim Jarmusch and John Singleton. During that time, Wright balanced his career with TV and stage appearances as well, earning a second Tony nomination for 2002’s “Topdog/Underdog,” and three Emmy nominations for his co-starring role in...
- 12/10/2023
- by Tom O'Brien and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Jeffrey Wright began his distinguished career as a member of John Houseman‘s renowned Acting Company, touring the country performing Shakespeare and honing his craft. His stage breakthrough came with his co-starring role in the original production of “Angels in America” as the nurse Belize, a performance that won him a Tony Award and later an Emmy when Wright reprised it for the 2003 HBO miniseries adaptation.
That Tony win led to Wright starring in the title role of his first major film, “Basquiat,” directed by Julian Schnabel. His powerful performance led to a long and distinguished career as a character actor in film, where he worked with such acclaimed filmmakers as Wes Anderson, Jim Jarmusch and John Singleton. During that time, Wright balanced his career with TV and stage appearances as well, earning a second Tony nomination for 2002’s “Topdog/Underdog,” and three Emmy nominations for his co-starring role in...
That Tony win led to Wright starring in the title role of his first major film, “Basquiat,” directed by Julian Schnabel. His powerful performance led to a long and distinguished career as a character actor in film, where he worked with such acclaimed filmmakers as Wes Anderson, Jim Jarmusch and John Singleton. During that time, Wright balanced his career with TV and stage appearances as well, earning a second Tony nomination for 2002’s “Topdog/Underdog,” and three Emmy nominations for his co-starring role in...
- 12/8/2023
- by Tom O'Brien, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Clockwise from left: The Godfather Part II, Bonnie And Clyde, Goodfellas, The Departed (all images courtesy Warner Bros.)Graphic: The A.V. Club
Gangster movies are loaded with inherently alluring qualities: the vicarious thrill of watching an antihero buck the establishment and take what they want with impunity; the glamorous trappings...
Gangster movies are loaded with inherently alluring qualities: the vicarious thrill of watching an antihero buck the establishment and take what they want with impunity; the glamorous trappings...
- 12/6/2023
- by Scott Huver
- avclub.com
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges never planned on being an actor when he started his rap career during the late ’90s. He attributes his successful transition from music to acting to late writer-director John Singleton, who gave him his breakout role as Tej Parker in the “The Fast and the Furious” (2001) sequel “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003).
During a discussion about his new role as Eddie Garrick in Disney+’s new Christmas movie “Dashing Through the Snow,” Bridges discussed his more than 20-year career as an actor, and how acting initially was never “part of the plan.”
While his debut role was playing an unsatisfied customer in record producer and filmmaker DJ Pooh’s comedy “The Wash” (2001), it wasn’t until Singleton cast him as a former street racer and mechanic that his acting career went full speed ahead.
“No, it was not part of the plan. I always give credit to John Singleton,...
During a discussion about his new role as Eddie Garrick in Disney+’s new Christmas movie “Dashing Through the Snow,” Bridges discussed his more than 20-year career as an actor, and how acting initially was never “part of the plan.”
While his debut role was playing an unsatisfied customer in record producer and filmmaker DJ Pooh’s comedy “The Wash” (2001), it wasn’t until Singleton cast him as a former street racer and mechanic that his acting career went full speed ahead.
“No, it was not part of the plan. I always give credit to John Singleton,...
- 11/20/2023
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
Snoop Dogg announced Thursday on social media that he is “giving up smoke.”
Fans quickly responded with doubtful comments such as, “But not weed, right?”
The “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper has his own cannabis line called “Leafs by Snoop,” which he launched in 2005. And one of his signature team-ups with Dr. Dre, 1999’s “The Next Episode,” ends with the immortal line, “Smoke weed every day.”
“After much consideration and conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke,” he shared to X, adding, “Please respect my privacy at this time.”
Today isn’t April Fools day Snoop pic.twitter.com/ZwqwaRTwTh
— greg (@greg16676935420) November 16, 2023
Followers were convinced he was joking, with several pointing that it’s not April Fool’s Day. Others speculated that he didn’t say anything about giving up marijuana edibles or vaping.
In a 2013 Twitter Q&a, he said he smokes up to 81 blunts per day,...
Fans quickly responded with doubtful comments such as, “But not weed, right?”
The “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper has his own cannabis line called “Leafs by Snoop,” which he launched in 2005. And one of his signature team-ups with Dr. Dre, 1999’s “The Next Episode,” ends with the immortal line, “Smoke weed every day.”
“After much consideration and conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke,” he shared to X, adding, “Please respect my privacy at this time.”
Today isn’t April Fools day Snoop pic.twitter.com/ZwqwaRTwTh
— greg (@greg16676935420) November 16, 2023
Followers were convinced he was joking, with several pointing that it’s not April Fool’s Day. Others speculated that he didn’t say anything about giving up marijuana edibles or vaping.
In a 2013 Twitter Q&a, he said he smokes up to 81 blunts per day,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
It’s not homework, it’s “American Fiction.”
At first glance, writer-director Cord Jefferson’s satire about the exploitation of Black people in media might seem like another “message” movie offering difficult conversations around politics and race. Well, it is that — but it’s also funny. So funny, it just might be this year’s Oscar best picture winner.
Jefferson’s MGM-distributed debut is taking the festival circuit by storm. Since its world premiere at Toronto, where it won the People’s Choice Award — an Oscar bellwether — the film has also tacked on audience awards from regional festivals Mill Valley and Middleburg. The last two movies to win those three prizes were “Belfast” (2021) and “Green Book” (2018); both were Oscar nominated, and the latter took home best picture.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
Considering that “American Fiction” didn’t have a title...
At first glance, writer-director Cord Jefferson’s satire about the exploitation of Black people in media might seem like another “message” movie offering difficult conversations around politics and race. Well, it is that — but it’s also funny. So funny, it just might be this year’s Oscar best picture winner.
Jefferson’s MGM-distributed debut is taking the festival circuit by storm. Since its world premiere at Toronto, where it won the People’s Choice Award — an Oscar bellwether — the film has also tacked on audience awards from regional festivals Mill Valley and Middleburg. The last two movies to win those three prizes were “Belfast” (2021) and “Green Book” (2018); both were Oscar nominated, and the latter took home best picture.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
Considering that “American Fiction” didn’t have a title...
- 11/2/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The trailblazing filmmaker John Singleton was a pivotal figure in the world of cinema, whose impact transcended the silver screen. Throughout his career, Singleton consistently used his artistic talent and unique perspective to shed light on the realities of African-American life and culture, addressing themes of race, identity, and social justice. Besides his work as a director, Singleton was a producer and a screenwriter. Singleton was always open about his influences as a director, often listing Steven Spielberg, playwright August Wilson, Spike Lee, and the original Star Wars film as his influences. Proud of his African-American heritage, Singleton often cast...
- 10/29/2023
- by Onyinye Izundu
- TVovermind.com
Richard Roundtree, who will forever be linked with the role of trailblazing Black detective John Shaft, has died. The actor, who on screen is best remembered for the iconic role, was also a breast cancer survivor known for raising funds to treat the condition. He was more recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died yesterday afternoon, with his family at his bedside.
Richard Roundtree was born in New Rochelle, New York, played football for Southern Illinois University and did some modeling before the acting bug bit.
He was drawn to theater and joined New York’s acclaimed Negro Ensemble Company, then starred as Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope off-Broadway before the role of John Shaft presented itself — a lucky break secured after Sidney Poitier refused to screen test for the role, leading director Gordon Parks to cast Roundtree instead.
The role of Shaft, the “hotter than Bond, cooler than Bullitt” private detective,...
Richard Roundtree was born in New Rochelle, New York, played football for Southern Illinois University and did some modeling before the acting bug bit.
He was drawn to theater and joined New York’s acclaimed Negro Ensemble Company, then starred as Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope off-Broadway before the role of John Shaft presented itself — a lucky break secured after Sidney Poitier refused to screen test for the role, leading director Gordon Parks to cast Roundtree instead.
The role of Shaft, the “hotter than Bond, cooler than Bullitt” private detective,...
- 10/25/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Blaxploitation star broke the mould.
Richard Roundtree, the star of Shaft who was an icon of the Blaxploitation movement, has died in his Los Angeles home of pancreatic cancer. He was 81.
Roundtree was born in 1942 in Rochelle, New York, to parents John, a caterer and rubbish collector, and Kathryn, a maid and nurse.
He left Southern Illinois University when he chose to become a model and before long moved to New York City where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company.
Roundtree was acting in a play when he auditioned for Shaft, eventually landing the iconic role as the private detective...
Richard Roundtree, the star of Shaft who was an icon of the Blaxploitation movement, has died in his Los Angeles home of pancreatic cancer. He was 81.
Roundtree was born in 1942 in Rochelle, New York, to parents John, a caterer and rubbish collector, and Kathryn, a maid and nurse.
He left Southern Illinois University when he chose to become a model and before long moved to New York City where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company.
Roundtree was acting in a play when he auditioned for Shaft, eventually landing the iconic role as the private detective...
- 10/25/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Richard Roundtree, an icon of Blaxploitation film who starred as detective John Shaft in Gordon Parks’ 1971 action thriller, died Tuesday afternoon after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81 years old.
His death was confirmed by Patrick McMinn, his manager since 1987.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” McMinn said in his statement. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Roundtree was a leading man from the very start of his lifetime in screen acting. After beginning his career in modeling, he secured “Shaft” at the age of 28, marking his feature debut. The MGM release earned $12 million in ticket sales off of a $500,000 production budget, helping to save the studio from bankruptcy. A breakthrough hit, “Shaft” set the tone for a prolific decade of Blaxploitation filmmaking and demonstrated Hollywood’s historical failure to consider Black talent...
His death was confirmed by Patrick McMinn, his manager since 1987.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” McMinn said in his statement. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Roundtree was a leading man from the very start of his lifetime in screen acting. After beginning his career in modeling, he secured “Shaft” at the age of 28, marking his feature debut. The MGM release earned $12 million in ticket sales off of a $500,000 production budget, helping to save the studio from bankruptcy. A breakthrough hit, “Shaft” set the tone for a prolific decade of Blaxploitation filmmaking and demonstrated Hollywood’s historical failure to consider Black talent...
- 10/25/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Richard Roundtree, who broke ground with his signature role in the Shaft movie franchise, died October 24 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer with his family at his bedside. He was 81.
Roundtree’s career spanned five decades and included everything from his most popular blaxploitation role to a very early appearance on As the World Turns in 1956 to being a Season 2 main cast member on Ava DuVernay’s OWN series Cherish the Day last year.
He is best known for playing detective John Shaft in the 1971 action thriller and its sequels, Shaft’s Big Score! (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973) as well as the short-lived 1973 Shaft TV series.
For his performance in the original film, Roundtree was nominated for a New Star of the Year Golden Globe and hailed as the first Black action hero. More importantly, the films made Shaft a cultural hero, a symbol of Black power onscreen, at the box office and beyond.
Roundtree’s career spanned five decades and included everything from his most popular blaxploitation role to a very early appearance on As the World Turns in 1956 to being a Season 2 main cast member on Ava DuVernay’s OWN series Cherish the Day last year.
He is best known for playing detective John Shaft in the 1971 action thriller and its sequels, Shaft’s Big Score! (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973) as well as the short-lived 1973 Shaft TV series.
For his performance in the original film, Roundtree was nominated for a New Star of the Year Golden Globe and hailed as the first Black action hero. More importantly, the films made Shaft a cultural hero, a symbol of Black power onscreen, at the box office and beyond.
- 10/25/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Applications are now being accepted for Disney Entertainment Television’s 2024 Writing Program. Now in its 34th year, the one-year writing program helps emerging, diverse writers secure their first staff writer assignment on a Disney series, in addition to offering mentorship and advanced professional development.
Managed by Det’s Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (Ctdi) team, the Det Writing Program has had a 100% annual staffing rate for over a decade, according to organizers. Program writers are contract employees of Disney, with weekly salary and benefits, for one year, or until they staff on a show and are compensated at WGA scale. During the program, writers participate in advanced creative workshops, refine their portfolios, and meet and learn from Det creative executives, producers, showrunners and program alumni, through networking, mixers and professional development sessions.
This year, Ctdi and FX are also launching the FX Singleton Scholars initiative, in honor of the life...
Managed by Det’s Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (Ctdi) team, the Det Writing Program has had a 100% annual staffing rate for over a decade, according to organizers. Program writers are contract employees of Disney, with weekly salary and benefits, for one year, or until they staff on a show and are compensated at WGA scale. During the program, writers participate in advanced creative workshops, refine their portfolios, and meet and learn from Det creative executives, producers, showrunners and program alumni, through networking, mixers and professional development sessions.
This year, Ctdi and FX are also launching the FX Singleton Scholars initiative, in honor of the life...
- 10/24/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Zola Mashariki, the former Fox Searchlight and BET exec who has headed up Audible Studios for the last two years, is leaving the Amazon-owned company.
Mashariki has been in the position since early 2021. She is expected to remain in a transition role through the middle of October.
As head of Audible Studios, she was tasked with spearheading original content for the company, reporting to Chief Content Officer Rachel Ghiazza.
She oversaw series such as singing competition podcast Breakthrough, which starred Sara Bareilles and Kelly Rowland, and was behind signing a slew of talent deals with A-list stars.
Mashariki spent 15 years at Searchlight, where she rose to SVP of production, overseeing projects like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Secret Life of Bees and The Last King of Scotland. As part of the acquisitions team, she also worked on Best Picture Oscar winners Slumdog Millionaire and 12 Years A Slave.
Mashariki has been in the position since early 2021. She is expected to remain in a transition role through the middle of October.
As head of Audible Studios, she was tasked with spearheading original content for the company, reporting to Chief Content Officer Rachel Ghiazza.
She oversaw series such as singing competition podcast Breakthrough, which starred Sara Bareilles and Kelly Rowland, and was behind signing a slew of talent deals with A-list stars.
Mashariki spent 15 years at Searchlight, where she rose to SVP of production, overseeing projects like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Secret Life of Bees and The Last King of Scotland. As part of the acquisitions team, she also worked on Best Picture Oscar winners Slumdog Millionaire and 12 Years A Slave.
- 9/14/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Robert Munic created the American crime drama TV series ‘Power Book IV: Force’ which serves as a sequel and the third spin-off of Courtney A. Kemp created the series ‘Power’.
The plot is centered upon Tommy Egan who wants to be the biggest drug dealer in the city. The series premiered on February 6, 2022, with its second season released on 1st September this year.
Following is a list of other crime TV series that you might be interested in Power Book IV: Force.
Also Read: Top 10 Television Series Like Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
Top 10 Television Series Like Power Book IV: Force Season 2. The Oath – Number of Seasons: 2 Variety
This crime drama TV series follows criminal gangs consisting of members whose duty is to uphold the law. Very few selected police officers are able to join the members and swear to do everything that is possible in order to protect one another.
The plot is centered upon Tommy Egan who wants to be the biggest drug dealer in the city. The series premiered on February 6, 2022, with its second season released on 1st September this year.
Following is a list of other crime TV series that you might be interested in Power Book IV: Force.
Also Read: Top 10 Television Series Like Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
Top 10 Television Series Like Power Book IV: Force Season 2. The Oath – Number of Seasons: 2 Variety
This crime drama TV series follows criminal gangs consisting of members whose duty is to uphold the law. Very few selected police officers are able to join the members and swear to do everything that is possible in order to protect one another.
- 9/3/2023
- by Suvechchha Saha
- https://dailyresearchplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/new-sam
Justified: City Primeval may not be the show some expected to find Aunjanue Ellis in this summer. But the draw in playing attorney Carolyn Wilder was not the Justified brand’s cult status. Instead, the original source material is what intrigued her most.
“I’m always interested in stories in film and television that have been adapted from books. So this was from Elmore Leonard originally [and] I’m always fascinated by characters who have novel beginnings,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Unlike Justified, where Harlan, Kentucky is the center, with Timothy Olyphant’s Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens dishing out his own unique blend of tough justice, Detroit is the setting for this FX offshoot. Traveling with his daughter Willa, played by Olyphant’s actual child Vivian, Raylan gets detoured in Detroit and tasked with catching sociopath Clement Mansell (an...
“I’m always interested in stories in film and television that have been adapted from books. So this was from Elmore Leonard originally [and] I’m always fascinated by characters who have novel beginnings,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Unlike Justified, where Harlan, Kentucky is the center, with Timothy Olyphant’s Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens dishing out his own unique blend of tough justice, Detroit is the setting for this FX offshoot. Traveling with his daughter Willa, played by Olyphant’s actual child Vivian, Raylan gets detoured in Detroit and tasked with catching sociopath Clement Mansell (an...
- 8/29/2023
- by Ronda Racha Penrice
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Few American filmmakers of the last 40 years await a major rediscovery like Hal Hartley, whose traces in modern movies are either too-minor or entirely unknown. Thus it’s cause for celebration that the Criterion Channel are soon launching a major retrospective: 13 features (which constitutes all but My America) and 17 shorts, a sui generis style and persistent vision running across 30 years. Expect your Halloween party to be aswim in Henry Fool costumes.
Speaking of: there’s a one-month headstart on seasonal programming with the 13-film “High School Horror”––most notable perhaps being a streaming premiere for the uncut version of Suspiria, plus the rare opportunity to see a Robert Rodriguez movie on the Criterion Channel––and a retrospective of Hong Kong vampire movies. A retrospective of ’70s car movies offer chills and thrills of a different sort
Six films by Allan Dwan and 12 “gaslight noirs” round out the main September series; The Eight Mountains,...
Speaking of: there’s a one-month headstart on seasonal programming with the 13-film “High School Horror”––most notable perhaps being a streaming premiere for the uncut version of Suspiria, plus the rare opportunity to see a Robert Rodriguez movie on the Criterion Channel––and a retrospective of Hong Kong vampire movies. A retrospective of ’70s car movies offer chills and thrills of a different sort
Six films by Allan Dwan and 12 “gaslight noirs” round out the main September series; The Eight Mountains,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Lori Harvey is a model, entrepreneur, and socialite. She’s also the daughter of Marjorie Harvey and the adoptive daughter of comedian Steve Harvey. The Skn by Lh founder has had a few relationships with some very famous faces, leaving people wanting to know more about her love life.
Lori Harvey attends Anastasia Beverly Hills Mother’s Day Celebration | Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Anastasia Beverly Hills
Here are the details of Lori Harvey’s dating history, including a few things about the man she’s seeing now.
Lori Harvey’s longest relationship turned into an engagement, but not marriage
Lori’s longest serious relationship was with Dutch soccer superstar Memphis Depay. The pair began dating in 2016. A year later, he proposed and she accepted.
Lori was 20 years old at the time of the proposal. Steve Harvey took to social media to share his and Majorie’s excitement about their daughter’s engagement.
Lori Harvey attends Anastasia Beverly Hills Mother’s Day Celebration | Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Anastasia Beverly Hills
Here are the details of Lori Harvey’s dating history, including a few things about the man she’s seeing now.
Lori Harvey’s longest relationship turned into an engagement, but not marriage
Lori’s longest serious relationship was with Dutch soccer superstar Memphis Depay. The pair began dating in 2016. A year later, he proposed and she accepted.
Lori was 20 years old at the time of the proposal. Steve Harvey took to social media to share his and Majorie’s excitement about their daughter’s engagement.
- 8/17/2023
- by Michelle Kapusta
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
On the surface, the whimsy of Pee-wee’s Playhouse appears to be worlds apart from the solemnity of Boyz N the Hood, other than the curious resemblance between Cowboy Curtis and Furious Styles. But it’s no coincidence that Laurence Fishburne and other key creatives were part of both projects.
As a USC film student in the late 1980s, John Singleton spent one summer working as a security guard-slash-production assistant on the set of Pee-wee’s Playhouse. “John was the lowest of lowly PAs,” recalled Fishburne on Late Night with Conan O’Brien in 1995. “He was working on the door and his job was to stop people at the door and go, ‘Are you supposed to be here? Do you have the proper ID?’”
Singleton would press Fishburne for stories of working with Spike Lee, as the actor had appeared in School Daze a few months prior. The budding filmmaker...
As a USC film student in the late 1980s, John Singleton spent one summer working as a security guard-slash-production assistant on the set of Pee-wee’s Playhouse. “John was the lowest of lowly PAs,” recalled Fishburne on Late Night with Conan O’Brien in 1995. “He was working on the door and his job was to stop people at the door and go, ‘Are you supposed to be here? Do you have the proper ID?’”
Singleton would press Fishburne for stories of working with Spike Lee, as the actor had appeared in School Daze a few months prior. The budding filmmaker...
- 8/4/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor Wesley Snipes feels that he and his Blade films contributed a lot to the superhero genre of films. And he was disappointed when those contributions seemed to go highly unnoticed.
Wesley Snipes believed only a few communities gave ‘Blade’ the respect it deserved Wesley Snipes | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Snipes didn’t feel that Blade was given its just due for its influence over the film industry. Even Snipes seemed to underestimate just how big the Blade franchise would be when he was cast.
“In the beginning, my motivation for doing the first Blade project was to have fun and to do something I knew my homeboys and homegirls would absolutely love. The ones from the martial arts world. The ones from the Shaft world, and the ones who love Kung-fu and all that. We knew that would be attractive to that niche audience, but I had no idea it would have broader appeal.
Wesley Snipes believed only a few communities gave ‘Blade’ the respect it deserved Wesley Snipes | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Snipes didn’t feel that Blade was given its just due for its influence over the film industry. Even Snipes seemed to underestimate just how big the Blade franchise would be when he was cast.
“In the beginning, my motivation for doing the first Blade project was to have fun and to do something I knew my homeboys and homegirls would absolutely love. The ones from the martial arts world. The ones from the Shaft world, and the ones who love Kung-fu and all that. We knew that would be attractive to that niche audience, but I had no idea it would have broader appeal.
- 7/28/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
1. What made you want to get involved in the film industry?
Growing up watching comedies that had Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor and the Wayans Brothers made me want to be a comedic actor. They were so funny watching them inspired me to make comedy skits that’s how I started out on youtube, But later ended up being so much more than just a comedic actor.
2. From script–to–screen, how close did Scared Crazy come to its original vision?
Scared Crazy actually came out better than what I wrote see the Crazy thing about Scared Crazy is most it is improvised, I would say about a good hour of it is.
3. What was your favorite day on set and why?
My favorite day was honestly the last day because this was such an exhausting movie to get done having to learn all the special effects and even playing 4 characters it was rough,...
Growing up watching comedies that had Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor and the Wayans Brothers made me want to be a comedic actor. They were so funny watching them inspired me to make comedy skits that’s how I started out on youtube, But later ended up being so much more than just a comedic actor.
2. From script–to–screen, how close did Scared Crazy come to its original vision?
Scared Crazy actually came out better than what I wrote see the Crazy thing about Scared Crazy is most it is improvised, I would say about a good hour of it is.
3. What was your favorite day on set and why?
My favorite day was honestly the last day because this was such an exhausting movie to get done having to learn all the special effects and even playing 4 characters it was rough,...
- 7/4/2023
- by Michael Joy
- Horror Asylum
Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks and Carol Littleton will receive honorary Oscars at this year’s Governors Awards, announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In addition, the Sundance Institute’s Michelle Satter will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Awards. The four statuettes will be presented at the 14th annual ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Los Angeles.
“The Academy’s Board of Governors is thrilled to honor four trailblazers who have transformed the film industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and movie fans,” said Academy President Janet Yang. “Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting. Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment. Carol Littleton’s career in film editing serves as a model for those who come after her. A pillar of the independent film community,...
“The Academy’s Board of Governors is thrilled to honor four trailblazers who have transformed the film industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and movie fans,” said Academy President Janet Yang. “Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting. Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment. Carol Littleton’s career in film editing serves as a model for those who come after her. A pillar of the independent film community,...
- 6/26/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
When Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels thinks of those who inspired him, Patrik-Ian Polk easily comes to mind.
Known for telling groundbreaking stories centered on Black gay life — including the independent film Punks, which premiered at Sundance in 2000, and Noah’s Arc, which ran on Logo TV for two seasons from 2005-06 — Polk is a creative force who has chronicled (and continues to chronicle) the lives of underrepresented people while championing diversity way before “Dei” became a buzz term.
“[Polk] was way ahead of the curve, and he took the bullets for all of us when it just wasn’t accepted to do what he was doing,” Daniels, 63, says of Polk, 49. “His bravery is what I ran with in my career. I learned from Patrik that I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. When I say he really has inspired me — he’s a mentor.”
Polk has been a bold...
Known for telling groundbreaking stories centered on Black gay life — including the independent film Punks, which premiered at Sundance in 2000, and Noah’s Arc, which ran on Logo TV for two seasons from 2005-06 — Polk is a creative force who has chronicled (and continues to chronicle) the lives of underrepresented people while championing diversity way before “Dei” became a buzz term.
“[Polk] was way ahead of the curve, and he took the bullets for all of us when it just wasn’t accepted to do what he was doing,” Daniels, 63, says of Polk, 49. “His bravery is what I ran with in my career. I learned from Patrik that I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. When I say he really has inspired me — he’s a mentor.”
Polk has been a bold...
- 6/14/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has released its weekly global top 10 chart for the week of June 5, showing how movies and television series have been doing on the streamer. Jennifer Lopez‘s “The Mother” has been dominating the English language film chart for weeks, and it finally dropped out of the top spot, but not before taking sixth place in the all-time movie chart. Read on for this week’s analysis.
Library films were the name of the game this week as “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve‘s 2013 thriller “Prisoners” and Mark Wahlberg‘s “Shooter” from 2007 were the top two movies in the English language film chart with 13.9 million and 12.8 million hours viewed, respectively. The 2011 Taylor Lautner action-thriller “Abduction,” directed by the late John Singleton, entered the chart in third place with 9.6 million hours viewed, then followed by “The Mother” in fourth place with 8.4 million viewing hours. “Prisoners” and “Abduction” were helped greatly by being...
Library films were the name of the game this week as “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve‘s 2013 thriller “Prisoners” and Mark Wahlberg‘s “Shooter” from 2007 were the top two movies in the English language film chart with 13.9 million and 12.8 million hours viewed, respectively. The 2011 Taylor Lautner action-thriller “Abduction,” directed by the late John Singleton, entered the chart in third place with 9.6 million hours viewed, then followed by “The Mother” in fourth place with 8.4 million viewing hours. “Prisoners” and “Abduction” were helped greatly by being...
- 6/14/2023
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Two years ago, during the lockdown, I wrote that I had become addicted to those little bird-box libraries that make walking here something of a literary pilgrimage.
I’m still addicted. And almost two months ago, just before the writers strike began, I made a charming discovery–that one of my neighbors is a Very Famous Writer– all thanks to his sidewalk library.
The writer will remain unnamed, because privacy is something to be respected, even by reporters. But here’s the short form:
About four o’clock one afternoon, before the dog-crowd comes out, I felt a need for one of those short, head-clearing walks. A good target, I figured, would be a spot some blocks away, where somebody or other was maintaining what I’d long thought was the best little library in town. I won’t give titles, because some of those might tip the owner’s identity.
I’m still addicted. And almost two months ago, just before the writers strike began, I made a charming discovery–that one of my neighbors is a Very Famous Writer– all thanks to his sidewalk library.
The writer will remain unnamed, because privacy is something to be respected, even by reporters. But here’s the short form:
About four o’clock one afternoon, before the dog-crowd comes out, I felt a need for one of those short, head-clearing walks. A good target, I figured, would be a spot some blocks away, where somebody or other was maintaining what I’d long thought was the best little library in town. I won’t give titles, because some of those might tip the owner’s identity.
- 6/11/2023
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Profiles by Seth Abramovitch, Gary Baum, Evan Nicole Brown, Tyler Coates, Kirsten Chuba, Aaron Couch, Scott Feinberg, Mesfin Fekadu, Mia Galuppo, James Hibberd, Rebecca Keegan, Sydney Odman, Rick Porter, Lacey Rose, Julian Sancton, Rebecca Sun and Beatrice Verhoeven
Cris Abrego & Karla Pita Loor Cris Abrego and Karla Pita Loor
Banijay Americas
Abrego is one of the top-ranking Latino execs in English-language media, and Pita Loor is the board chair of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, a major conduit for industry players who are invested in improving inclusion. Under their leadership, Banijay Americas has stepped up initiatives to help people from historically excluded backgrounds break into entertainment. “This work has both financial and cultural bottom lines, and those are not only equally important but also inextricably connected,” says Abrego of the content business. “Success requires attention to both.”
I’m excited about …
Abrego “Mindy Kaling is just laugh-out-loud funny...
Cris Abrego & Karla Pita Loor Cris Abrego and Karla Pita Loor
Banijay Americas
Abrego is one of the top-ranking Latino execs in English-language media, and Pita Loor is the board chair of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, a major conduit for industry players who are invested in improving inclusion. Under their leadership, Banijay Americas has stepped up initiatives to help people from historically excluded backgrounds break into entertainment. “This work has both financial and cultural bottom lines, and those are not only equally important but also inextricably connected,” says Abrego of the content business. “Success requires attention to both.”
I’m excited about …
Abrego “Mindy Kaling is just laugh-out-loud funny...
- 5/31/2023
- by Ashley Cullins, Editor and Mikey O'Connell, Editor
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In November 2001, Ludacris was set to release his third album, “Word of Mouf.” At the same time, however, his debut on film, “The Wash,” was also about to hit theaters. Luda’s role in the DJ Pooh-directed comedy starring Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg was small. But “The Wash,” along with his goofball antics in several of his music videos, put Luda in front of major league filmmakers such as the late John Singleton and Paul Haggis. In back-to-back films, the rapper became a movie star as Tej Parker in 2003’s “2 Fast 2 Furious,” followed in 2004 by the Oscar-winning “Crash.” Some 30 more movies would follow.
“The theatricality of my videos, my image — it was a bit of transition, going into acting, playing myself playing the Ludacris persona,” says Luda, credited in film as Chris Bridges. “But ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ was a great way to start, because the year after was when ‘Crash’ came along.
“The theatricality of my videos, my image — it was a bit of transition, going into acting, playing myself playing the Ludacris persona,” says Luda, credited in film as Chris Bridges. “But ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ was a great way to start, because the year after was when ‘Crash’ came along.
- 5/17/2023
- by A.D. Amorosi
- Variety Film + TV
Not only are there few franchises bigger in the history of popular cinema than "Fast & Furious," but the so-called Fast Saga may also be the most unlikely multi-billion-dollar enterprise that Hollywood has ever created. A series of movies about street racing and (relatively) petty crime miraculously morphed into a grand, globe-trotting saga boasting an A-list ensemble cast of talent. For years, the tip of that pyramid was doubly headed up by Vin Diesel's Dom Toretto and Paul Walker's Brian O'Connor, dating back to 2001's "The Fast and the Furious."
Sadly, Walker passed away during the production of 2015's "Furious 7," marking the end of an incredibly promising career far too soon. But the saying "the show must go on" certainly applied here, with Dom and the gang soldiering on without Walker's Brian O'Connor in the years since the actor's tragic death. Brian is very much alive in...
Sadly, Walker passed away during the production of 2015's "Furious 7," marking the end of an incredibly promising career far too soon. But the saying "the show must go on" certainly applied here, with Dom and the gang soldiering on without Walker's Brian O'Connor in the years since the actor's tragic death. Brian is very much alive in...
- 5/17/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
This episode of Revisited was Written by Cody Hamman, Narrated by Travis Hopson, Edited by Juan Jimenez, Produced by Adam Walton and Chris Bumbray, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
No Vin Diesel? No problem. Paul Walker goes on a solo adventure in the first sequel to The Fast and the Furious. Miami sunshine, neon nights, a dangerous drug runner, Eva Mendes, and two new characters who would have prominent roles in future sequels: all of these elements collide in a follow-up that has the unforgettable title 2 Fast 2 Furious (watch it Here). And it’s time for it to be Revisited.
Set-up: The Fast and the Furious was released in June of 2001. Made on a budget of thirty-eight million dollars, the street racing action movie earned more than two hundred and six million dollars at the global box office. Its home studio Universal wanted to cash in on that success as quickly as possible,...
No Vin Diesel? No problem. Paul Walker goes on a solo adventure in the first sequel to The Fast and the Furious. Miami sunshine, neon nights, a dangerous drug runner, Eva Mendes, and two new characters who would have prominent roles in future sequels: all of these elements collide in a follow-up that has the unforgettable title 2 Fast 2 Furious (watch it Here). And it’s time for it to be Revisited.
Set-up: The Fast and the Furious was released in June of 2001. Made on a budget of thirty-eight million dollars, the street racing action movie earned more than two hundred and six million dollars at the global box office. Its home studio Universal wanted to cash in on that success as quickly as possible,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The evolution of the "Fast & Furious" film series hasn't been so much an act of growth as it has been a mutation. Rob Cohen's 2001 original, "The Fast and the Furious," was little more than a low-expectation, mid-budget summer action flick that was expected to come and go in the public consciousness quite quickly. It was also very clearly cribbing its plot directly from Kathryn Bigelow's decade-old film "Point Break." Cohen merely transposed the 1991 film's setting from the world of criminal surfers to the world of criminal street racers. Vin Diesel is Patrick Swayze and Paul Walker is Keanu Reeves.
But the film ended up a major hit, grossing over $200 million worldwide, and inspiring a sequel with the amusing title of John Singleton's 2003 chapter "2 Fast 2 Furious." Because Diesel didn't return, Walker's character was teamed up with a rival played by Tyrese Gibson. Perhaps unwittingly, an ensemble began to grow.
But the film ended up a major hit, grossing over $200 million worldwide, and inspiring a sequel with the amusing title of John Singleton's 2003 chapter "2 Fast 2 Furious." Because Diesel didn't return, Walker's character was teamed up with a rival played by Tyrese Gibson. Perhaps unwittingly, an ensemble began to grow.
- 5/16/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for the series finale of “Snowfall.”
When John Singleton set out to tell the story about the effects of the ’80s cocaine business on Los Angeles, he had a clear vision in mind. He wanted something that came full circle and ultimately led into his directorial debut “Boyz ‘N the Hood,” a film that was set in the ’90s and explored the harsh realities of Black families living in South Central L.A. The movie earned the then 24-year-old his first Oscar nomination, making him the youngest and first Black filmmaker to be nominated for best director.
Damson Idris was a major part of the story of “Snowfall.” Starring as Franklin Saint, Idris carried out Singleton’s tale and vision down to the show’s final scenes. As Franklin’s story came to an end on Wednesday night, fans finally said goodbye to what...
When John Singleton set out to tell the story about the effects of the ’80s cocaine business on Los Angeles, he had a clear vision in mind. He wanted something that came full circle and ultimately led into his directorial debut “Boyz ‘N the Hood,” a film that was set in the ’90s and explored the harsh realities of Black families living in South Central L.A. The movie earned the then 24-year-old his first Oscar nomination, making him the youngest and first Black filmmaker to be nominated for best director.
Damson Idris was a major part of the story of “Snowfall.” Starring as Franklin Saint, Idris carried out Singleton’s tale and vision down to the show’s final scenes. As Franklin’s story came to an end on Wednesday night, fans finally said goodbye to what...
- 4/22/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
The University of Southern California’s (USC) School of Cinematic Arts (Sca) announced the creation of the John Singleton Lounge during a special screening of the series finale of FX’s Snowfall — Singleton’s final work — on the campus Thursday night. Set for location outside of the dean’s office suites, the seating area will be decorated with posters showcasing the work of the late filmmaker and USC alum who also co-founded the school’s African American Cinema Society while he was a student there.
“I want to thank John for being my son, and I want to thank John for listening to me and allowing me to guide his life,” said Singleton’s mother, Sheila Ward-Johnson, in opening remarks during the event, which was one of a series of screenings Sca has held throughout the 2022-2023 academic year as part of a yearlong celebration honoring the Academy Award-nominated director.
“I want to thank John for being my son, and I want to thank John for listening to me and allowing me to guide his life,” said Singleton’s mother, Sheila Ward-Johnson, in opening remarks during the event, which was one of a series of screenings Sca has held throughout the 2022-2023 academic year as part of a yearlong celebration honoring the Academy Award-nominated director.
- 4/21/2023
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Network: FX.
Episodes: 60 (hour).
Seasons: Six.
TV show dates: July 5, 2017 — April 19, 2023.
Series status: Ending.
Performers include: Damson Idris, Carter Hudson, Emily Rios, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Michael Hyatt, Amin Joseph, Angela Lewis, Juan Javier Cardenas, Isaiah John, Filipe Valle Costa, Alon Aboutboul, Malcolm Mays, Marcus Henderson, Kevin Carroll, Devyn A. Tyler, Gail Bean, and Alejandro Edda.
TV show description:
A crime drama created by John Singleton, Eric Amadio, and Dave Andron, the Snowfall TV show kicks off in 1983 in Los Angeles at the dawn of the crack cocaine epidemic. The story centers on several characters who will crash into each other's lives in a brutal fashion.
Although he was born and raised in South Central L.A., Franklin Saint (Idris),...
Episodes: 60 (hour).
Seasons: Six.
TV show dates: July 5, 2017 — April 19, 2023.
Series status: Ending.
Performers include: Damson Idris, Carter Hudson, Emily Rios, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Michael Hyatt, Amin Joseph, Angela Lewis, Juan Javier Cardenas, Isaiah John, Filipe Valle Costa, Alon Aboutboul, Malcolm Mays, Marcus Henderson, Kevin Carroll, Devyn A. Tyler, Gail Bean, and Alejandro Edda.
TV show description:
A crime drama created by John Singleton, Eric Amadio, and Dave Andron, the Snowfall TV show kicks off in 1983 in Los Angeles at the dawn of the crack cocaine epidemic. The story centers on several characters who will crash into each other's lives in a brutal fashion.
Although he was born and raised in South Central L.A., Franklin Saint (Idris),...
- 4/20/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Spoiler Alert: The following story reveals major plot points from tonight’s series finale of FX’s Snowfall.
After 6 seasons, FX’s hit drama series Snowfall said its final goodbye tonight, and while most of what transpired was somewhat expected, seeing a promising life end in poverty and despair is absolutely heartbreaking.
Viewers have been on a journey with Franklin Saint (Damson Idris), seeing his highs and lows and cheering him on no matter what he’s gotten himself into. But money and power tend to change people, especially when said fortune comes from criminal activities. In the end, Franklin is left with no family and friends to speak of—except his day one Leon Simmons (Isaiah John)—a shadow of himself resembling his father Alton Williams (Kevin Carroll) at his lowest in Season 1, drunk and destitute.
“His final moments were incredibly challenging. There was a fatherhood connection there, which...
After 6 seasons, FX’s hit drama series Snowfall said its final goodbye tonight, and while most of what transpired was somewhat expected, seeing a promising life end in poverty and despair is absolutely heartbreaking.
Viewers have been on a journey with Franklin Saint (Damson Idris), seeing his highs and lows and cheering him on no matter what he’s gotten himself into. But money and power tend to change people, especially when said fortune comes from criminal activities. In the end, Franklin is left with no family and friends to speak of—except his day one Leon Simmons (Isaiah John)—a shadow of himself resembling his father Alton Williams (Kevin Carroll) at his lowest in Season 1, drunk and destitute.
“His final moments were incredibly challenging. There was a fatherhood connection there, which...
- 4/20/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
[The following story contains spoilers from the Snowfall series finale “The Struggle.”]
For six seasons, FX’s Snowfall explored how the crack cocaine epidemic contributed to the destruction of a community in South Central Los Angeles. The 1980s-set drama also touched on the intersections between the unfolding drug crisis and larger societal and geopolitical issues like the Iran-Contra affair and Cold War tensions between the CIA and Kgb.
But for its final episode, which aired Wednesday night, the series, co-created by the late John Singleton, ended in some ways as it began, with Damson Idris‘ Franklin Saint walking along a palm tree-lined street.
“For all of the show’s aspirations and its geopolitical reach, it started on the street with a kid who was full of potential in a neighborhood that was just a working-class neighborhood on a summer day,” showrunner Dave Andron tells The Hollywood Reporter of ending the series on Franklin. “And we always knew that the story,...
For six seasons, FX’s Snowfall explored how the crack cocaine epidemic contributed to the destruction of a community in South Central Los Angeles. The 1980s-set drama also touched on the intersections between the unfolding drug crisis and larger societal and geopolitical issues like the Iran-Contra affair and Cold War tensions between the CIA and Kgb.
But for its final episode, which aired Wednesday night, the series, co-created by the late John Singleton, ended in some ways as it began, with Damson Idris‘ Franklin Saint walking along a palm tree-lined street.
“For all of the show’s aspirations and its geopolitical reach, it started on the street with a kid who was full of potential in a neighborhood that was just a working-class neighborhood on a summer day,” showrunner Dave Andron tells The Hollywood Reporter of ending the series on Franklin. “And we always knew that the story,...
- 4/20/2023
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Everyone involved with Snowfall told us that the series wouldn’t end well. No one consumed by the show’s crescendoing tension could expect anything but tragedy.
Few, if any, outlaws ever got away scot-free. And, even with the boundless capabilities of historical fiction, neither could Damson Idris’s Franklin Saint. Many Snowfall fans anticipated the series concluding with him being whisked away by the CIA, or killed at the hands of his Aunt Louie (Angela Lewis) — if not one of the many people whose lives he’d ruined en...
Few, if any, outlaws ever got away scot-free. And, even with the boundless capabilities of historical fiction, neither could Damson Idris’s Franklin Saint. Many Snowfall fans anticipated the series concluding with him being whisked away by the CIA, or killed at the hands of his Aunt Louie (Angela Lewis) — if not one of the many people whose lives he’d ruined en...
- 4/20/2023
- by Andre Gee
- Rollingstone.com
Image Source: FX
"Snowfall"'s reign has come to an end, but the cast and crew are pleased with their series's epic six-season run. "Looking at the totality of it, I'm just so proud that it went the distance," cocreator Dave Andron tells Popsugar while reflecting on the FX show's legacy. "We managed to make something that meant a lot to a lot of people. We got to end the story, with the blessing of FX, the way we wanted to and on our terms. And that's an incredibly special and gratifying thing."
"We got to tell our story from beginning, middle, to end. That makes me extremely proud, grateful, and very excited."
For the past six seasons, "Snowfall" has built the world of the critically acclaimed crime drama, as Damson Idris's Franklin Saint would say, "brick by brick." Set against the backdrop of an '80s South Central LA,...
"Snowfall"'s reign has come to an end, but the cast and crew are pleased with their series's epic six-season run. "Looking at the totality of it, I'm just so proud that it went the distance," cocreator Dave Andron tells Popsugar while reflecting on the FX show's legacy. "We managed to make something that meant a lot to a lot of people. We got to end the story, with the blessing of FX, the way we wanted to and on our terms. And that's an incredibly special and gratifying thing."
"We got to tell our story from beginning, middle, to end. That makes me extremely proud, grateful, and very excited."
For the past six seasons, "Snowfall" has built the world of the critically acclaimed crime drama, as Damson Idris's Franklin Saint would say, "brick by brick." Set against the backdrop of an '80s South Central LA,...
- 4/20/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Legal drama “Reasonable Doubt” will serve up a second season at Hulu, Onyx Collective announced Monday.
Along with returning cast members Emayatzy Corinealdi, McKinley Freeman, Tim Jo, Angela Grovey, Aderinsola Olabode and Thaddeus J. Mixson, NAACP Image Award-winning actor Morris Chestnut will join the courtroom as a series regular.
In “Reasonable Doubt” Season 1, viewers met Jax Stewart (Corinealdi), the brilliant and courageous Los Angeles-based civil and crime defense attorney as she tackled professional and personal battles in and out of the courthouse, which included a failing marriage, broken friendships and a crazed former client-turned-love interest named Damon (Michael Ealy), who died by suicide at the end of Season 1.
Also Read:
‘Reasonable Doubt': Jax Zeroes in on the ‘Burden of Proof’ in Exclusive Season 1 Finale Clip (Video)
Chestnut will star as Corey Cash, a charming and media-savvy defense attorney who likes to work with underdogs. Jax brings Corey in to...
Along with returning cast members Emayatzy Corinealdi, McKinley Freeman, Tim Jo, Angela Grovey, Aderinsola Olabode and Thaddeus J. Mixson, NAACP Image Award-winning actor Morris Chestnut will join the courtroom as a series regular.
In “Reasonable Doubt” Season 1, viewers met Jax Stewart (Corinealdi), the brilliant and courageous Los Angeles-based civil and crime defense attorney as she tackled professional and personal battles in and out of the courthouse, which included a failing marriage, broken friendships and a crazed former client-turned-love interest named Damon (Michael Ealy), who died by suicide at the end of Season 1.
Also Read:
‘Reasonable Doubt': Jax Zeroes in on the ‘Burden of Proof’ in Exclusive Season 1 Finale Clip (Video)
Chestnut will star as Corey Cash, a charming and media-savvy defense attorney who likes to work with underdogs. Jax brings Corey in to...
- 4/17/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
Spoiler Alert: The following reveals major plot points from tonight’s episode of FX’s Snowfall.
After nearly 6 seasons, tonight’s episode of FX’s Snowfall really hammers in the reality that the series is almost over.
Things really started feeling real after Uncle Jerome (Amin Joseph) was killed, no doubt, but since the beginning, this story revolved around Franklin Saint (Damson Idris) and Teddy McDonald (Carter Hudson) who finally come face to face in episode 9 aptly titled “Sacrifice.” This was a complicated relationship that fluctuated between business partners, and friends, to mortal enemies caught up in a cat-versus-mouse game where no one is a winner.
As for the Saint family and the rest of the surviving characters who made it this far alive, there is no happy ending no matter how you slice it. Everyone was gobbled up by Los Angeles’ seedy underbelly at the height of the crack epidemic,...
After nearly 6 seasons, tonight’s episode of FX’s Snowfall really hammers in the reality that the series is almost over.
Things really started feeling real after Uncle Jerome (Amin Joseph) was killed, no doubt, but since the beginning, this story revolved around Franklin Saint (Damson Idris) and Teddy McDonald (Carter Hudson) who finally come face to face in episode 9 aptly titled “Sacrifice.” This was a complicated relationship that fluctuated between business partners, and friends, to mortal enemies caught up in a cat-versus-mouse game where no one is a winner.
As for the Saint family and the rest of the surviving characters who made it this far alive, there is no happy ending no matter how you slice it. Everyone was gobbled up by Los Angeles’ seedy underbelly at the height of the crack epidemic,...
- 4/13/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
MGM+ has greenlit a new four-part docuseries that will tackle the experience of Black creatives in Hollywood over the course of a century.
The linear channel and streaming service has ordered an adaptation of historian Donald Bogle’s 2019 book Hollywood Black from director Justin Simien (Dear White People), it announced on Tuesday. The docuseries, from Simien’s Culture Machine as well as Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi’s Significant Productions and RadicalMedia, will chronicle the careers of pioneering directors, actors, producers and writers “who fought for their place on the page, behind the camera, on the screen, and in the credits,” MGM+ said in a statement.
Simien and Kyle Laursen from Culture Machine, Whitaker and Yang Bongiovi from Significant Productions and Dave Sirulnick, Stacey Reiss and Jon Kamen from RadicalMedia will all executive produce. Amy Goodman Kass (I Love You, You Hate Me) will serve as showrunner as Simien directs.
The linear channel and streaming service has ordered an adaptation of historian Donald Bogle’s 2019 book Hollywood Black from director Justin Simien (Dear White People), it announced on Tuesday. The docuseries, from Simien’s Culture Machine as well as Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi’s Significant Productions and RadicalMedia, will chronicle the careers of pioneering directors, actors, producers and writers “who fought for their place on the page, behind the camera, on the screen, and in the credits,” MGM+ said in a statement.
Simien and Kyle Laursen from Culture Machine, Whitaker and Yang Bongiovi from Significant Productions and Dave Sirulnick, Stacey Reiss and Jon Kamen from RadicalMedia will all executive produce. Amy Goodman Kass (I Love You, You Hate Me) will serve as showrunner as Simien directs.
- 4/11/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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