As a child, The Blackening star Antoinette Robertson was easily scared by horror movies, but it wasn’t until she got older that she realized the genre was scaring her off for a whole different reason.
Written by Dewayne Perkins and Tracy Oliver, the Tim Story-directed The Blackening is a horror-comedy that expands on Perkins’ 2018 short, parodying the age-old trope that Black characters are the first to die in horror films. Robertson plays Lisa, an ambitious lawyer who reunites with her college friends for a weekend getaway at a remote cabin. And despite some personal drama involving her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Nnamdi (Sinqua Walls), Lisa must step up to help save her friends from a masked killer, who’s ensnared them into playing a dangerous board game called The Blackening.
For Robertson, The Blackening was especially meaningful because she and her fellow collaborators were able to bring a bit...
Written by Dewayne Perkins and Tracy Oliver, the Tim Story-directed The Blackening is a horror-comedy that expands on Perkins’ 2018 short, parodying the age-old trope that Black characters are the first to die in horror films. Robertson plays Lisa, an ambitious lawyer who reunites with her college friends for a weekend getaway at a remote cabin. And despite some personal drama involving her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Nnamdi (Sinqua Walls), Lisa must step up to help save her friends from a masked killer, who’s ensnared them into playing a dangerous board game called The Blackening.
For Robertson, The Blackening was especially meaningful because she and her fellow collaborators were able to bring a bit...
- 6/18/2023
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: AMC Networks streaming service, AllBlk, has renewed four of its most popular series: Double Cross, Terror Lake Drive, Hush and Wicked City.
The vigilante “Wonder Twins,” are back as Double Cross returns for its fifth season. Ashley A. Williams and Jeff Logan will reprise their roles as crime fighters Erica and Eric Cross, respectively, and continue their crusade against child trafficking no matter the cost. This season the duo is faced with a case hitting extremely close to home as Eric’s newborn son is kidnapped. Meanwhile, the twins discover a bus full of elementary school children has mysteriously vanished. With the stakes higher than ever it will take a village to get everyone home safely.
Hush, which has been renewed for a second season set to premiere in November, follows the story of top marriage and sex therapist, TV personality, and best-selling author, Dr. Draya Logan (Joyful Drake...
The vigilante “Wonder Twins,” are back as Double Cross returns for its fifth season. Ashley A. Williams and Jeff Logan will reprise their roles as crime fighters Erica and Eric Cross, respectively, and continue their crusade against child trafficking no matter the cost. This season the duo is faced with a case hitting extremely close to home as Eric’s newborn son is kidnapped. Meanwhile, the twins discover a bus full of elementary school children has mysteriously vanished. With the stakes higher than ever it will take a village to get everyone home safely.
Hush, which has been renewed for a second season set to premiere in November, follows the story of top marriage and sex therapist, TV personality, and best-selling author, Dr. Draya Logan (Joyful Drake...
- 6/16/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Aafca and BAFTA in North America announced a joint program designed to engage Black creatives and entertainment executives in the U.S. and U.K. around their shared challenges in the industry. Titled “The Struggle to be Seen,” the discussion series will offer a deep dive into topics, sectors and industry roles faced by both groups within current industry structures and systems.
The series kicked off on February 27 with an event at Soho Works West Hollywood. The panel, moderated by Tamara Houston (Icon Mann) features panelists Leah Daniels-Butler (Casting Director), Charles Murray (Writer/Producer), Tamara-Lee Notcutt (Casting Director), Chike Okonkwo (Actor), Cassandra Butcher (Marketing Executive) and Franklin Leonard (Founder and CEO of The Black List). The series concludes in October to coincide with UK Black History Month. In all, there will be a total of nine in-person and virtual discussions curated monthly by Aafca and BAFTA.
“We want our series...
The series kicked off on February 27 with an event at Soho Works West Hollywood. The panel, moderated by Tamara Houston (Icon Mann) features panelists Leah Daniels-Butler (Casting Director), Charles Murray (Writer/Producer), Tamara-Lee Notcutt (Casting Director), Chike Okonkwo (Actor), Cassandra Butcher (Marketing Executive) and Franklin Leonard (Founder and CEO of The Black List). The series concludes in October to coincide with UK Black History Month. In all, there will be a total of nine in-person and virtual discussions curated monthly by Aafca and BAFTA.
“We want our series...
- 3/1/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has announced the 395 artists and executives that have been invited to join this year — about half the number of last year’s class. The 2021 class is comprised of 46% women, 39% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities and 53% international from 49 countries outside the United States. Of the 395 invitees, 89 are former Oscar nominees, including 25 winners.
Eight individuals have been invited to join by multiple branches and must select one branch upon acceptance. They include Leslie Odom Jr, Kaouther Ben Hania, Craig Brewer, Lee Isaac Chung, Emerald Fennell, Shaka King, Alexander Nanau, Florian Zeller.
Other big names among the newly invited include Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek, “Promising Young Woman” original screenplay winner Emerald Fennell and “Minari” stars Steven Yeun, Ye-ri Han and recently crowned supporting actress Yuh-Jung Youn.
In the directing category, new invitees include Janicza Bravo, Nia DaCosta, Cathy Yan, Darius Marder, Michael Almereyda, Lizzie Borden,...
Eight individuals have been invited to join by multiple branches and must select one branch upon acceptance. They include Leslie Odom Jr, Kaouther Ben Hania, Craig Brewer, Lee Isaac Chung, Emerald Fennell, Shaka King, Alexander Nanau, Florian Zeller.
Other big names among the newly invited include Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek, “Promising Young Woman” original screenplay winner Emerald Fennell and “Minari” stars Steven Yeun, Ye-ri Han and recently crowned supporting actress Yuh-Jung Youn.
In the directing category, new invitees include Janicza Bravo, Nia DaCosta, Cathy Yan, Darius Marder, Michael Almereyda, Lizzie Borden,...
- 7/1/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar winner Yuh-Jung Youn, who took Supporting Actress in April for Minari, along with a number of her recent fellow acting nominees including Maria Bakalova, Andra Day, Vanessa Kirby, Leslie Odom Jr., Paul Raci, and Steven Yeun, are among the new class of 395 artists and executives who have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. A number of other recent winners and nominees including both of the latest screenwriting victors, Emerald Fennell and Florian Zeller, Music Score winner Jon Batiste, and all three writers of Oscar winning song “Fight For You” including H.E.R. are also on the list from the 17 branches of the Academy. Overall, there are 89 Oscar nominees, including 25 winners, among the new class. 46% are women, 39% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 53% coming from countries outside of the U.S. this time around.
Although receiving an Oscar and/or a nomination is a big plus,...
Although receiving an Oscar and/or a nomination is a big plus,...
- 7/1/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations for 395 artists and executives working in film to join the ranks of a growing membership of more than 9,000 film industry figures. Per AMPAS, “membership selection decisions are based on professional qualifications, with representation, inclusion and equity remaining a priority of Academy Aperture 2025.”
Statistically, the 2021 class is comprised of 46 percent women, 39 percent underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 53 international members from 49 countries outside of the United States. Among the new class are 89 Oscar nominees and 25 winners, including “Minari” Best Supporting Actress winner Yuh-jung Youn, Best Actor nominee Steven Yeun, multi-nominated director/writer Lee Isaac Chung, and co-star Ye-ri Han, plus “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” Best Actress nominee Andra Day, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” Supporting Actress nominee Maria Bakalova, “Pieces of a Woman” Best Actress nominee Vanessa Kirby, and Supporting Actor nominees Leslie Odom Jr. (“One Night in Miami”) and Paul Raci...
Statistically, the 2021 class is comprised of 46 percent women, 39 percent underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 53 international members from 49 countries outside of the United States. Among the new class are 89 Oscar nominees and 25 winners, including “Minari” Best Supporting Actress winner Yuh-jung Youn, Best Actor nominee Steven Yeun, multi-nominated director/writer Lee Isaac Chung, and co-star Ye-ri Han, plus “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” Best Actress nominee Andra Day, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” Supporting Actress nominee Maria Bakalova, “Pieces of a Woman” Best Actress nominee Vanessa Kirby, and Supporting Actor nominees Leslie Odom Jr. (“One Night in Miami”) and Paul Raci...
- 7/1/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Oscar-nominated actors Leslie Odom Jr., Maria Bakalova and Steven Yeun are among the 395 people who have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy announced on Thursday.
Also on the list of invites: actors Yahya Abdul-Mateen, Nicole Beharie, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Carrie Coon, Laverne Cox, Andra Day, Vanessa Kirby, Nathan Lane, Jonathan Majors, Robert Pattinson and Issa Rae; directors Lee Isaac Chung, Sean Durkin, Emerald Fennell, Jonathan Glazer, Shaka King, Darius Marder and Florian Zeller; and musicians Jon Batiste, H.E.R., Janet Jackson and Emile Mosseri.
Eight people were invited by two different branches: Chung, Fennell, King, Zeller, Kaouther Ben Hania and Craig Brewer were invited by both the directors and writers branches, while Alexander Nanau was invited by the directors and documentary branches, and Odom Jr. by both the actors and music branches. If they accept the invitations, double invitees must choose a single branch...
Also on the list of invites: actors Yahya Abdul-Mateen, Nicole Beharie, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Carrie Coon, Laverne Cox, Andra Day, Vanessa Kirby, Nathan Lane, Jonathan Majors, Robert Pattinson and Issa Rae; directors Lee Isaac Chung, Sean Durkin, Emerald Fennell, Jonathan Glazer, Shaka King, Darius Marder and Florian Zeller; and musicians Jon Batiste, H.E.R., Janet Jackson and Emile Mosseri.
Eight people were invited by two different branches: Chung, Fennell, King, Zeller, Kaouther Ben Hania and Craig Brewer were invited by both the directors and writers branches, while Alexander Nanau was invited by the directors and documentary branches, and Odom Jr. by both the actors and music branches. If they accept the invitations, double invitees must choose a single branch...
- 7/1/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Being in the entertainment industry is challenging but comes with rewards, so when I was asked to talk about what Black history meant to me, I couldn’t start the conversation without mentioning the history of Black casting directors who made it possible for me to be in the position I am in now.
I am blessed to have been mentored by a casting legends Jaki Brown and Kimberly Hardin, two phenomenal women whose shoulders I stand on. They gave me an opportunity and platform to be a part of some of the greatest history in Black cinema.
There is also Monica Swan, Chemin Bernard and Robi Reed, who have all played a big part in the history of Hollywood, paving the way in championing diversity both on and off the screen.
Reuben Cannon, the first Black casting director in Hollywood, stated “African Americans don’t get the respect they deserve in Hollywood.
I am blessed to have been mentored by a casting legends Jaki Brown and Kimberly Hardin, two phenomenal women whose shoulders I stand on. They gave me an opportunity and platform to be a part of some of the greatest history in Black cinema.
There is also Monica Swan, Chemin Bernard and Robi Reed, who have all played a big part in the history of Hollywood, paving the way in championing diversity both on and off the screen.
Reuben Cannon, the first Black casting director in Hollywood, stated “African Americans don’t get the respect they deserve in Hollywood.
- 2/28/2021
- by Leah Daniels Butler
- Variety Film + TV
Last week, the Media Access Awards, in partnership with nonprofit disability services provider Easterseals, celebrated the honorees of the 2020 Media Access Awards. This year’s event paid tribute, virtually, to those individuals, series, and films that have redefined on-screen representation for the disability community, while advancing the portrayal and employment of people with disabilities in Hollywood.
To view the show in its entirety and learn more about the showcase, visit:
MediaAccessAwards2020.com.
Advocate, producer, model and actor Nyle Dimarco served as the evening’s host and welcomed viewers to a night filled with memorable moments, touching tributes, and awe-inspiring performances. The night’s honorees were selected by the diversity committees of their professional guilds with awards from the Casting Society of America (Csa), Producers Guild of America (PGA), Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), and Writers Guild of America (WGA). This year’s honorees were:
SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award: Lauren Ridloff
Presented...
To view the show in its entirety and learn more about the showcase, visit:
MediaAccessAwards2020.com.
Advocate, producer, model and actor Nyle Dimarco served as the evening’s host and welcomed viewers to a night filled with memorable moments, touching tributes, and awe-inspiring performances. The night’s honorees were selected by the diversity committees of their professional guilds with awards from the Casting Society of America (Csa), Producers Guild of America (PGA), Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), and Writers Guild of America (WGA). This year’s honorees were:
SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award: Lauren Ridloff
Presented...
- 11/27/2020
- Look to the Stars
Exclusive: Fledgling Georgia-based production outfit Southern Stories will produce and finance rodeo drama Ride from Conor and Jake Allyn, whose most recent feature No Man’s Land was picked up by IFC Films last month.
Based on an original screenplay from Jake Allyn and Josh Plasse (The Baxters), the feature will be directed by Conor Allyn (Walk. Ride. Rodeo), with plans to expand into series format. Leah Daniels Butler (Empire) is currently casting for a scheduled fall production.
Maggie Monteith (Swimming With Men) is producing through her recently launched Georgia-based label Southern Stories and Upton Films, alongside James Gibb (V Wars). The film will be financed by Southern Stories.
The film will follow a successful couple whose relationship is tested when their child is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Cracks in the family begin to show when their adopted son returns from prison to start a career as a bull rider.
Based on an original screenplay from Jake Allyn and Josh Plasse (The Baxters), the feature will be directed by Conor Allyn (Walk. Ride. Rodeo), with plans to expand into series format. Leah Daniels Butler (Empire) is currently casting for a scheduled fall production.
Maggie Monteith (Swimming With Men) is producing through her recently launched Georgia-based label Southern Stories and Upton Films, alongside James Gibb (V Wars). The film will be financed by Southern Stories.
The film will follow a successful couple whose relationship is tested when their child is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Cracks in the family begin to show when their adopted son returns from prison to start a career as a bull rider.
- 7/22/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman and Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Manny Halley, CEO of Imani Media Group, has signed a first-look development deal with NBC’s Wilshire Studios, Variety has learned.
Under the pact, Imani Media Group will develop and produce scripted and unscripted content for the NBCUniversal portfolio of networks including Bravo, E!, USA, and Oxygen as well as for outside buyers. Dawn Olmstead is the president of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment production unit.
Halley has worked in the music industry for more than two decades with recording artists including Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, and Keyshia Cole. Halley’s first foray into television production began with producing and executive producing the reality series, “Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is” for Bet and the spinoff, “Frankie and Neffe.”
Halley’s Faith Media Distribution company moved into the feature film business with “True to the Game,” starring Columbus Short and Erica Peeples. The movie, an adaptation of the New York Times bestseller by Teri Woods,...
Under the pact, Imani Media Group will develop and produce scripted and unscripted content for the NBCUniversal portfolio of networks including Bravo, E!, USA, and Oxygen as well as for outside buyers. Dawn Olmstead is the president of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment production unit.
Halley has worked in the music industry for more than two decades with recording artists including Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, and Keyshia Cole. Halley’s first foray into television production began with producing and executive producing the reality series, “Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is” for Bet and the spinoff, “Frankie and Neffe.”
Halley’s Faith Media Distribution company moved into the feature film business with “True to the Game,” starring Columbus Short and Erica Peeples. The movie, an adaptation of the New York Times bestseller by Teri Woods,...
- 7/13/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
“Straight Outta Compton” actor Neil Brown Jr., “Scandal’s” Dan Bucatinsky and “NYPD” actress Sharon Lawrence will present at the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles “Best of 2014” awards on Sept. 12 in the Downtown Los Angeles Arts District. Taking place at the new A+D Architecture and Design Museum, it will be hosted by Kate Flannery, best known for her role as Meredith Palmer on “The Office.” Other presenters include Allen Maldonado, Leah Daniels Butler, Deborah Del Prete and TheWrap executive editor Joseph Kapsch. Also Read: 12 Shortlist Finalists: See TheWrap's Interviews With 2015's Filmmakers Forty-three films have been nominated for the “Best of 2014” Awards in six categories,...
- 9/11/2015
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
The Casting Society of America (Csa) is kicking off its 31st year right with an exciting list of TV, theater, Web series, and short film nominees for their Artios Awards, set to take place at the height of awards season on Jan. 21. Recognized in the comedy TV series category are last year’s winner Jennifer Euston (“Orange Is the New Black”), who was also nominated in the TV pilot comedy category for Netflix’s “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”; Jeanne McCarthy, the CD behind “Silicon Valley” who also cast the five–time Oscar nominated “Foxcatcher” and landed Amy Adams her Golden Globe–winning role in “Big Eyes;” Eyde Belasco for the groundbreaking Amazon original “Transparent,” starring Jeffrey Tambor; and others. In the TV drama category: Debra Zane for “Bloodline”; Leah Daniels Butler for “Empire”; Nina Gold for “Game of Thrones”; Mark Saks for “The Good Wife”; and Laray Mayfield for “House of Cards” were all recognized.
- 8/24/2015
- backstage.com
Netflix’s comedy Transparent and Fox’s drama Empire both scored two nominations each as the Casting Society of America today unveiled nominations for its 31st annual Artios Awards in the categories of television, theater, web series and short film. Feature film nominations will be announced in early January. Winners will then be announced at bicoastal ceremonies in Los Angeles (at the Beverly Hilton Hotel) and New York (at the Hard Rock Café) on Jan. 21. Edye Belasco was nominated for Transparent in both the television pilot comedy category and the TV comedy series category, while Leah Daniels Butler, Claire Simon and
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- 8/21/2015
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lisa Soltau was living in Seattle when her friend Bonnie Gillespie sent her a book she had written called "Casting Qs," a compilation of interviews with casting directors. "I read it and I absolutely loved all the aspects of the job," says Soltau. "I loved the entertainment industry and movies and television. The process of casting sounded wonderful."She called one of the two casting offices in Seattle and ended up working as an intern there for about six months. But the CD told her she should move to New York or Los Angeles if she really wanted to pursue a career in casting. "I picked L.A. because I had lived there once for about three years and I thought it would be easier to acclimate there," Soltau says. "Plus I wanted to work on 'Six Feet Under,' which was airing at the time.
- 10/20/2010
- backstage.com
A judge in New York has turned down Lee Daniels's $1 million (£666,667) bail offer to free his incarcerated brother-in-law from prison.
The Precious director offered up the sum to help his sister's husband Henry Butler after he was accused of drug smuggling.
Butler was arrested in August and accused of shipping large quantities of cocaine from Los Angeles to New York.
The moviemaker's sister Leah Daniels-Butler was detained by police a month later on obstruction charges after allegedly attempting to sneak guns and cash out of the family home.
Butler has been held in custody and Daniels attempted to win his freedom last week (ends10Oct10) by offering up a $1 million bail bond for his brother-in-law, but Federal Judge John Gleeson rejected the offer.
According to a court transcript, obtained by the New York Daily News, Butler's defence lawyer Jason Russo told the judge, "I don’t know if the court is aware of who Mr. Daniels is. He was the producer and director of the movie Precious that won some awards over the last couple of years."
While Judge Gleeson replied, "Oh, okay. No, I wasn’t. Now I am.”
But the plea failed to sway the official's decision and he refused to grant Butler bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations against him.
The Precious director offered up the sum to help his sister's husband Henry Butler after he was accused of drug smuggling.
Butler was arrested in August and accused of shipping large quantities of cocaine from Los Angeles to New York.
The moviemaker's sister Leah Daniels-Butler was detained by police a month later on obstruction charges after allegedly attempting to sneak guns and cash out of the family home.
Butler has been held in custody and Daniels attempted to win his freedom last week (ends10Oct10) by offering up a $1 million bail bond for his brother-in-law, but Federal Judge John Gleeson rejected the offer.
According to a court transcript, obtained by the New York Daily News, Butler's defence lawyer Jason Russo told the judge, "I don’t know if the court is aware of who Mr. Daniels is. He was the producer and director of the movie Precious that won some awards over the last couple of years."
While Judge Gleeson replied, "Oh, okay. No, I wasn’t. Now I am.”
But the plea failed to sway the official's decision and he refused to grant Butler bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations against him.
- 10/14/2010
- WENN
Precious director Lee Daniels' sister has been charged after allegedly sneaking guns and money out of her Californian home following her husband's arrest for drug dealing.
Leah Daniels-Butler's house was placed under surveillance by the Ventura County Sheriff's Department after her husband Henry Butler was arrested last month and charged with transporting significant quantities of cocaine from Los Angeles to New York.
The 44-year-old casting associate, who helped Daniels discover actress Gabourey Sidibe, was spotted carrying at least one bag out of the property and driving away in a Mercedes-Benz.
According to an affidavit filed by Drug Enforcement Administration agent Steven Miller, cops then pulled over her car and Daniels-Butler agreed to a search. Cops discovered a loaded 9-mm handgun, an unloaded Intratec Tec-9 pistol, several loaded magazines, and boxes of ammunition, along with $39,500 (£26,333) in cash in a bag, reports the New York Daily News.
In a statement, Miller says, "There is probable cause to believe that the items recovered from the Leah Daniels-Butler vehicle were evidence of Henry Butler's drug trafficking."
Daniels-Butler was charged in New York on Tuesday with obstructing a federal investigation and was ordered to wear an ankle monitoring bracelet after posting $50,000 (£33,333) bail.
Leah Daniels-Butler's house was placed under surveillance by the Ventura County Sheriff's Department after her husband Henry Butler was arrested last month and charged with transporting significant quantities of cocaine from Los Angeles to New York.
The 44-year-old casting associate, who helped Daniels discover actress Gabourey Sidibe, was spotted carrying at least one bag out of the property and driving away in a Mercedes-Benz.
According to an affidavit filed by Drug Enforcement Administration agent Steven Miller, cops then pulled over her car and Daniels-Butler agreed to a search. Cops discovered a loaded 9-mm handgun, an unloaded Intratec Tec-9 pistol, several loaded magazines, and boxes of ammunition, along with $39,500 (£26,333) in cash in a bag, reports the New York Daily News.
In a statement, Miller says, "There is probable cause to believe that the items recovered from the Leah Daniels-Butler vehicle were evidence of Henry Butler's drug trafficking."
Daniels-Butler was charged in New York on Tuesday with obstructing a federal investigation and was ordered to wear an ankle monitoring bracelet after posting $50,000 (£33,333) bail.
- 9/22/2010
- WENN
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