As if serving as the creative director of the 28th edition of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) wasn’t enough, Issa Rae will now sit for the inaugural “Creator Conversation” with two very special guests: Ava DuVernay and Kenya Barris.
The exclusive live event — which is part of a new program dubbed “Creator Conversations” — will take attendees on a journey through their Rae, DuVernay and Barris’ processes and careers, including recent projects such as DuVernay’s latest film “Origin” and Barris’ hit “Black-ish” franchise and his directorial debut “You People.”
“We are truly delighted to get a rare glimpse into the minds of three trailblazers who are reshaping the landscape of film and television. Ava DuVernay, Kenya Barris and Issa Rae are incredibly talented creators whose work and careers we admire tremendously,” said Nice Crowd President Nicole Friday announcing the special event, which will be held on Friday, June...
The exclusive live event — which is part of a new program dubbed “Creator Conversations” — will take attendees on a journey through their Rae, DuVernay and Barris’ processes and careers, including recent projects such as DuVernay’s latest film “Origin” and Barris’ hit “Black-ish” franchise and his directorial debut “You People.”
“We are truly delighted to get a rare glimpse into the minds of three trailblazers who are reshaping the landscape of film and television. Ava DuVernay, Kenya Barris and Issa Rae are incredibly talented creators whose work and careers we admire tremendously,” said Nice Crowd President Nicole Friday announcing the special event, which will be held on Friday, June...
- 6/10/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Historically Black Los Angeles has one less landmark that speaks to its cultural heritage. The iconic “Welcome to Black Beverly Hills” billboard, once proudly stationed near the neighborhood of Ladera Heights, has come down.
The creator of the billboard, Robert China Berry, says that he was forced to take down and move the billboard multiple times and is now seeking more permanent signage elsewhere in the area.
Berry trademarked the term “Black Beverly Hills” in 2012 for his clothing brand, which honors the history and cultural importance of the Black community in the region. But the legacy of Black Beverly Hills goes back decades.
During the 1950s, amid a backdrop of segregation and systemic racism, the area encompassing Baldwin Hills, Ladera Heights, View Park and Windsor Hills emerged as a sanctuary for Black professionals, artists and entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. These neighborhoods became synonymous with prominence and achievement and were soon...
The creator of the billboard, Robert China Berry, says that he was forced to take down and move the billboard multiple times and is now seeking more permanent signage elsewhere in the area.
Berry trademarked the term “Black Beverly Hills” in 2012 for his clothing brand, which honors the history and cultural importance of the Black community in the region. But the legacy of Black Beverly Hills goes back decades.
During the 1950s, amid a backdrop of segregation and systemic racism, the area encompassing Baldwin Hills, Ladera Heights, View Park and Windsor Hills emerged as a sanctuary for Black professionals, artists and entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. These neighborhoods became synonymous with prominence and achievement and were soon...
- 6/1/2024
- by Lilly Workneh
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report, now in its 11th year, provides annual in-depth analyses of the industry — behind and in front of the camera — as well as comprehensive breakdowns of the audiences and what they’re watching in the theaters and at home.
Earlier this year, researchers for the Hollywood Diversity Report found that women and people of color drove box office numbers and were more in tune with what makes a movie a global success. Their impact extends beyond the theaters: Women and people of color also led the charge for higher ratings at home, according to the second part of the latest film report, which focuses on the top streaming releases of 2023.
Key Takeaways include:
Women made up the majority of viewers for nine of the top 10 streaming films of 2023, while households of color were also overrepresented as viewers for nine of the top 10.
Among creators, women and...
Earlier this year, researchers for the Hollywood Diversity Report found that women and people of color drove box office numbers and were more in tune with what makes a movie a global success. Their impact extends beyond the theaters: Women and people of color also led the charge for higher ratings at home, according to the second part of the latest film report, which focuses on the top streaming releases of 2023.
Key Takeaways include:
Women made up the majority of viewers for nine of the top 10 streaming films of 2023, while households of color were also overrepresented as viewers for nine of the top 10.
Among creators, women and...
- 5/23/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Earlier this year, researchers for UCLA’S Hollywood Diversity Report found that women and Bipoc audiences drove box office numbers in theaters. But, the impact of those demographics doesn’t stop there. The group’s latest Hollywood Diversity Report found that Bipoc audiences and women also drove viewer ratings for at-home streaming films in 2023.
For nine of the top 10 releases and 17 of the top 20 ranked by household ratings, women represented the majority of viewers for films such as “You People,” “Murder Mystery 2” and “Leave the World Behind.” Similarly, Bipoc households were overrepresented as viewers for nine of the top 10 streaming films and 18 of the top 20 streaming films, like “The Mother” (55.9%) and “You People” (50%).
“Increased diversity in front of and behind the camera continues to draw audiences in,” said Ana-Christina Ramón, co-founder of the report and director of UCLA’s Entertainment and Media Research Initiative. “It reflects the world we...
For nine of the top 10 releases and 17 of the top 20 ranked by household ratings, women represented the majority of viewers for films such as “You People,” “Murder Mystery 2” and “Leave the World Behind.” Similarly, Bipoc households were overrepresented as viewers for nine of the top 10 streaming films and 18 of the top 20 streaming films, like “The Mother” (55.9%) and “You People” (50%).
“Increased diversity in front of and behind the camera continues to draw audiences in,” said Ana-Christina Ramón, co-founder of the report and director of UCLA’s Entertainment and Media Research Initiative. “It reflects the world we...
- 5/23/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety Film + TV
Eddie Murphy is feeling the heat in the first full trailer for Netflix’s forthcoming action-comedy sequel Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.
The feature from director Mark Molloy is set to launch July 3 on the streaming service. Murphy leads a cast that also includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, Bronson Pinchot and Kevin Bacon.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F sees the star reprising his role as detective Axel Foley, who aims to save the life of his daughter (Paige) by teaming up with new partner (Gordon-Levitt) and familiar faces Billy Rosewood (Reinhold) and John Taggart (Ashton) to foil a conspiracy.
Murphy originated his character in the Martin Brest-helmed 1984 smash Beverly Hills Cop, which was written by Danilo Bach and Daniel Petrie Jr. After becoming the year’s highest-grossing film, it was followed by two sequels, the latest of which hit theaters back in 1994.
Axel F...
The feature from director Mark Molloy is set to launch July 3 on the streaming service. Murphy leads a cast that also includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, Bronson Pinchot and Kevin Bacon.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F sees the star reprising his role as detective Axel Foley, who aims to save the life of his daughter (Paige) by teaming up with new partner (Gordon-Levitt) and familiar faces Billy Rosewood (Reinhold) and John Taggart (Ashton) to foil a conspiracy.
Murphy originated his character in the Martin Brest-helmed 1984 smash Beverly Hills Cop, which was written by Danilo Bach and Daniel Petrie Jr. After becoming the year’s highest-grossing film, it was followed by two sequels, the latest of which hit theaters back in 1994.
Axel F...
- 5/23/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
At the second Netflix Upfront presentation, Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria discussed a variety of shows, movies, and live events coming to the streaming service.
Netflix announced new series, including witty comedies like Golf, starring Will Ferrell and executive produced by Ramy Youseff and Rian Johnson, Running Point, starring Kate Hudson and executive produced by Mindy Kaling, and Nobody Wants This, starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody.
Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx in Back in Action
The scripted comedy Golf has received a 10-episode order. In his first TV comedy series, Ferrell stars as a fictional golf legend, and Youssef will also play a role. The series was created by Will Ferrell, Ramy Youssef, and Josh Rabinowitz. Youssef and Rabinowitz are showrunners and executive producers.
Will Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum, and Alix Taylor are executive producers for Gloria Sanchez Productions. Rian Johnson, Ram Bergman, and Nena Rodrigue are executive producers for T-Street.
Netflix announced new series, including witty comedies like Golf, starring Will Ferrell and executive produced by Ramy Youseff and Rian Johnson, Running Point, starring Kate Hudson and executive produced by Mindy Kaling, and Nobody Wants This, starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody.
Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx in Back in Action
The scripted comedy Golf has received a 10-episode order. In his first TV comedy series, Ferrell stars as a fictional golf legend, and Youssef will also play a role. The series was created by Will Ferrell, Ramy Youssef, and Josh Rabinowitz. Youssef and Rabinowitz are showrunners and executive producers.
Will Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum, and Alix Taylor are executive producers for Gloria Sanchez Productions. Rian Johnson, Ram Bergman, and Nena Rodrigue are executive producers for T-Street.
- 5/15/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Theater Camp director Molly Gordon is on board to helm Small Parts, a reimagining for Searchlight Pictures of Outrageous Fortune, which starred Bette Midler and Shelley Long as rivals.
Gordon, who also stars in The Bear, and co-writer Allie Levitan will do a new take on the 1987 comedy directed by Arther Hiller. Small Parts will center on rival actors who clash on a scrappy indie film set and accidentally find themselves entangled in a game of cat-and-mouse more outrageous than any movie, according to a synopsis from the producers.
The Small Parts project is in development, with Searchlight senior vp of production Taylor Friedman overseeing. For Searchlight, Gordon recently co-directed, co-wrote and starred in Theater Camp, which earned the Sundance U.S. dramatic special jury award for ensemble.
Gordon plays Claire in the second season of The Bear series, opposite Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri. Gordon earned a Screen...
Gordon, who also stars in The Bear, and co-writer Allie Levitan will do a new take on the 1987 comedy directed by Arther Hiller. Small Parts will center on rival actors who clash on a scrappy indie film set and accidentally find themselves entangled in a game of cat-and-mouse more outrageous than any movie, according to a synopsis from the producers.
The Small Parts project is in development, with Searchlight senior vp of production Taylor Friedman overseeing. For Searchlight, Gordon recently co-directed, co-wrote and starred in Theater Camp, which earned the Sundance U.S. dramatic special jury award for ensemble.
Gordon plays Claire in the second season of The Bear series, opposite Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri. Gordon earned a Screen...
- 5/13/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After acquiring Molly Gordon’s Sundance movie Theater Camp for $8M, Searchlight Pictures is back in business with the filmmaker again on the movie Small Parts. The movie is currently in development.
The pic is a new take on the 1987 Shelly Long and Bette Midler blockbuster comedy Outrageous Fortune. In the pic, co-written by Gordon and Allie Levitan, two actresses clash on a scrappy indie movie set accidentally find themselves entangled in a game of cat-and-mouse more outrageous than any movie.
Searchlight SVP of Production Taylor Friedman is overseeing Small Parts, reporting into Searchlight Production Heads Dan Tram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas.
Gordon co-directed, co-wrote, and starred in Theater Camp, which won the Sundance U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble and was one of 2023’s Top Ten Independent Films by the National Board of Review. Gordon and her co-writers were nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay.
The pic is a new take on the 1987 Shelly Long and Bette Midler blockbuster comedy Outrageous Fortune. In the pic, co-written by Gordon and Allie Levitan, two actresses clash on a scrappy indie movie set accidentally find themselves entangled in a game of cat-and-mouse more outrageous than any movie.
Searchlight SVP of Production Taylor Friedman is overseeing Small Parts, reporting into Searchlight Production Heads Dan Tram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas.
Gordon co-directed, co-wrote, and starred in Theater Camp, which won the Sundance U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble and was one of 2023’s Top Ten Independent Films by the National Board of Review. Gordon and her co-writers were nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay.
- 5/13/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix added nearly 30 million global paid subscribers in 2023, though it might have watered down its hit pool in the process.
According to a new study by British streaming-data company Digital i, Netflix had fewer than half the global hits in 2023 (10) than it had in 2022 (22). Digital i defines a “hit” as an original movie or a series that was watched by at least 30 percent of Netflix’s subscriber base in North America, EU, and Latam.
The long list of 2022 Netflix hits goes like this: “Wednesday” (61.8%), “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” (53.3%), “Stranger Things 4” (48.0%), “The Adam Project” (47.9%), “Knives Out 2” (45.9%), “The Gray Man” (42.4%), “The Watcher” (41.9%), “The Tinder Swindler” (38.0%), “Inventing Anna” (37.5%), “The Sandman” (35.7%), “Senior Year” (35.6%), “1899” (34.7%), “Bridgerton” Season 2 (34.5%), “Troll” (34.0%), “Enola Holmes 2” (33.7%), “Luckiest Girl Alive” (33.4%), “Harry & Meghan” (32.7%), “Hustle” (32.6%), “The Man from Toronto” (31.5%), “Purple Hearts” (31.3%), “Me Time” (31.1%), “Day Shift” (31.0%), and “Falling for Christmas” (30.8%).
Unless otherwise noted, each series above is a first season (and...
According to a new study by British streaming-data company Digital i, Netflix had fewer than half the global hits in 2023 (10) than it had in 2022 (22). Digital i defines a “hit” as an original movie or a series that was watched by at least 30 percent of Netflix’s subscriber base in North America, EU, and Latam.
The long list of 2022 Netflix hits goes like this: “Wednesday” (61.8%), “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” (53.3%), “Stranger Things 4” (48.0%), “The Adam Project” (47.9%), “Knives Out 2” (45.9%), “The Gray Man” (42.4%), “The Watcher” (41.9%), “The Tinder Swindler” (38.0%), “Inventing Anna” (37.5%), “The Sandman” (35.7%), “Senior Year” (35.6%), “1899” (34.7%), “Bridgerton” Season 2 (34.5%), “Troll” (34.0%), “Enola Holmes 2” (33.7%), “Luckiest Girl Alive” (33.4%), “Harry & Meghan” (32.7%), “Hustle” (32.6%), “The Man from Toronto” (31.5%), “Purple Hearts” (31.3%), “Me Time” (31.1%), “Day Shift” (31.0%), and “Falling for Christmas” (30.8%).
Unless otherwise noted, each series above is a first season (and...
- 4/15/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Cameron Diaz in talks to star opposite Keanu Reeves in the dark comedy Outcome, which Jonah Hill will direct and also star in.
The Apple Studios pic will center on Reeves as Reef, a damaged Hollywood star who must dive into the dark depths of his past to confront his demons and make amends after he is extorted with a mysterious video clip from his past.
Diaz’s long list of screen credits include Something About Mary, The Mask, the Shrek animated franchise and the Charlie’s Angels films. Reeves recently reprised his titular role in the hit John Wick franchise, starring in the fourth film, which hit theaters in March 2023.
Outcome, which landed at Apple Studios a year ago, is also being written by Hill and Ezra Woods and will be produced by Matt Dines, Ali Goodwin and Hill under their Strong Baby banner. The film reteams Hill and Apple...
The Apple Studios pic will center on Reeves as Reef, a damaged Hollywood star who must dive into the dark depths of his past to confront his demons and make amends after he is extorted with a mysterious video clip from his past.
Diaz’s long list of screen credits include Something About Mary, The Mask, the Shrek animated franchise and the Charlie’s Angels films. Reeves recently reprised his titular role in the hit John Wick franchise, starring in the fourth film, which hit theaters in March 2023.
Outcome, which landed at Apple Studios a year ago, is also being written by Hill and Ezra Woods and will be produced by Matt Dines, Ali Goodwin and Hill under their Strong Baby banner. The film reteams Hill and Apple...
- 3/5/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nia Long will play Katherine Jackson, the mother of Michael Jackson, in director Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biographical drama about the King of Pop.
It’s been previously announced that Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play the eponymous musician while Colman Domingo will portray the family’s patriarch, Joe Jackson.
“Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career,” Fuqua said in a statement. “I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
“Michael” is expected to chronicle the singer’s complicated legacy. According to the logline, the story will portray a “brilliant yet complicated man” who became known as one of the greatest performers of all time.
It’s been previously announced that Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play the eponymous musician while Colman Domingo will portray the family’s patriarch, Joe Jackson.
“Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career,” Fuqua said in a statement. “I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
“Michael” is expected to chronicle the singer’s complicated legacy. According to the logline, the story will portray a “brilliant yet complicated man” who became known as one of the greatest performers of all time.
- 1/30/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Nia Long is joining the Jackson family. The actor will star in Michael, the biopic of late pop star Michael Jackson. Long will portray Katherine Jackson, family matriarch to the Jackson musical family, Lionsgate announced Tuesday.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, who is Michael Jackson’s nephew, as the music icon. Oscar nominee Colman Domingo is starring as Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, while 9-year-old actor Juliano Krue is playing a young version of Michael.
Director Antoine Fuqua praised Long in a statement, saying he was excited to “work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
Long called Katherine Jackson “an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family.” Long is known as the star of the Best Man franchise,...
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, who is Michael Jackson’s nephew, as the music icon. Oscar nominee Colman Domingo is starring as Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, while 9-year-old actor Juliano Krue is playing a young version of Michael.
Director Antoine Fuqua praised Long in a statement, saying he was excited to “work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
Long called Katherine Jackson “an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family.” Long is known as the star of the Best Man franchise,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International’s Michael Jackson biopic Michael has cast Nia Long as Jackson matriarch Katherine Jackson. The Antoine Fuqua-directed movie is now shooting for an April 18, 2025 global theatrical release.
“Beyond Nia’s incredible talent, I was deeply moved by her connection to the material and her commitment to honoring Katherine and the love she had for her son,” said Michael producer Graham King.
Fuqua added, “Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
Long said, “Katherine Jackson is an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family. As a mother,...
“Beyond Nia’s incredible talent, I was deeply moved by her connection to the material and her commitment to honoring Katherine and the love she had for her son,” said Michael producer Graham King.
Fuqua added, “Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.”
Long said, “Katherine Jackson is an incredible pillar of strength and grace for the entire Jackson family. As a mother,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: UTA has signed writer, director, comedian and actor Jordan Firstman (Rotting in the Sun) for representation in all areas, with an eye toward securing him new opportunities across film, television, theater and more.
Firstman is coming off of his breakout starring role in the darkly comedic thriller Rotting in the Sun, co-written and directed by Sebastián Silva, which was acquired by Mubi after world premiering at Sundance 2023. Silva and Firstman play versions of themselves in the pic, which went on to be nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards. Pic finds Silva detached from life, struggling to succeed in the art world and habitually taking ketamine. When he meets social media influencer Firstman at a nudist beach, the two discuss collaborating, but fate has other plans.
Previously, Firstman has also been seen on FX’s Dave and the Disney+ Marvel series Ms. Marvel, as well as in Kenya Barris’s...
Firstman is coming off of his breakout starring role in the darkly comedic thriller Rotting in the Sun, co-written and directed by Sebastián Silva, which was acquired by Mubi after world premiering at Sundance 2023. Silva and Firstman play versions of themselves in the pic, which went on to be nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards. Pic finds Silva detached from life, struggling to succeed in the art world and habitually taking ketamine. When he meets social media influencer Firstman at a nudist beach, the two discuss collaborating, but fate has other plans.
Previously, Firstman has also been seen on FX’s Dave and the Disney+ Marvel series Ms. Marvel, as well as in Kenya Barris’s...
- 1/25/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Julia Louis-Dreyfus processes the imminent death of her daughter with the help of a talking parrot in the trailer for A24’s Tuesday.
Tuesday stars Louis-Dreyfus as Zora, a mother who takes care of her terminally ill daughter, Tuesday. When a talking, size-altering parrot — known simply as “Death” — arrives in their lives, he prepares Tuesday for her eventual demise and helps Zora understand, process, and accept her daughter’s fate.
Written and directed by Daina O. Pusić in her directorial debut, Tuesday premiered at Colorado’s Telluride Film Festival last fall. The dramatic appearance marks Louis-Dreyfus’ second starring role in an A24-distributed film, after her lauded turn in Nicole Holofcener’s 2023 movie, You Hurt My Feelings.
Rounding out Tuesday’s cast are Lola Petticrew, Leah Harvey, and Arinzé Kene, who voices Death. Tuesday is a co-production between A24, the BFI, and BBC Film. A release date is unconfirmed, but...
Tuesday stars Louis-Dreyfus as Zora, a mother who takes care of her terminally ill daughter, Tuesday. When a talking, size-altering parrot — known simply as “Death” — arrives in their lives, he prepares Tuesday for her eventual demise and helps Zora understand, process, and accept her daughter’s fate.
Written and directed by Daina O. Pusić in her directorial debut, Tuesday premiered at Colorado’s Telluride Film Festival last fall. The dramatic appearance marks Louis-Dreyfus’ second starring role in an A24-distributed film, after her lauded turn in Nicole Holofcener’s 2023 movie, You Hurt My Feelings.
Rounding out Tuesday’s cast are Lola Petticrew, Leah Harvey, and Arinzé Kene, who voices Death. Tuesday is a co-production between A24, the BFI, and BBC Film. A release date is unconfirmed, but...
- 1/25/2024
- by Paolo Ragusa
- Consequence - Film News
Exclusive: Stand-up comic Deon Cole is set to return to Netflix with a third hour-long comedy special, to premiere later this year. While a title and logline haven’t been shared, he’ll tape his new hour at the LA Theater on May 2nd, as part of Netflix Is A Joke Fest 2024.
Known for his sharp wit, observational humor, and ability to blend social commentary with playful anecdotes, Cole’s most recent Netflix hour, Charleen’s Boy (2022), came on the heels of Cole Hearted (2019) and a half-hour special as part of The Standups (2017). Also behind the stand-up doc Workin’ It Out, which debuted exclusively on Netflix is a Joke’s Youtube channel, he brought his first special, Cole Blooded Seminar, to Comedy Central in 2016.
Also an actor, writer, and producer, recently seen in Warner Bros & Amblin’s The Color Purple musical from director Blitz Bazawule, Cole leads the cast of the BET+ series Average Joe,...
Known for his sharp wit, observational humor, and ability to blend social commentary with playful anecdotes, Cole’s most recent Netflix hour, Charleen’s Boy (2022), came on the heels of Cole Hearted (2019) and a half-hour special as part of The Standups (2017). Also behind the stand-up doc Workin’ It Out, which debuted exclusively on Netflix is a Joke’s Youtube channel, he brought his first special, Cole Blooded Seminar, to Comedy Central in 2016.
Also an actor, writer, and producer, recently seen in Warner Bros & Amblin’s The Color Purple musical from director Blitz Bazawule, Cole leads the cast of the BET+ series Average Joe,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
David Duchovny, Jack Whitehall and Carice Van Houten have joined the cast of Prime Video’s psychological thriller series ‘Malice.’
A detailed plot description are being kept top secret for the time being. Still, sources say the series will follow a young man (Whitehall) who seeks to infiltrate the world of a wealthy family, with Duchovny and van Houten playing the heads of that family.
The latest thriller series for Prime Video comes from writer and executive producer James Wood. The series will be a co-production between Expectation Entertainment and Tailspin Films for Prime Video.
Also in news – John Boyega joins cast of ‘The Book of Eli’ prequel series
Duchovny’s recent film credits include ‘Pet Sematary: Bloodlines,’ ‘You People,’ and ‘What Happens Later.’
Whitehall is known for his work in shows like ‘Fresh Meat’ and ‘Bad Education’ as well as ‘The Afterparty’ at Apple TV+ and ‘Good Omens’ at Prime Video.
A detailed plot description are being kept top secret for the time being. Still, sources say the series will follow a young man (Whitehall) who seeks to infiltrate the world of a wealthy family, with Duchovny and van Houten playing the heads of that family.
The latest thriller series for Prime Video comes from writer and executive producer James Wood. The series will be a co-production between Expectation Entertainment and Tailspin Films for Prime Video.
Also in news – John Boyega joins cast of ‘The Book of Eli’ prequel series
Duchovny’s recent film credits include ‘Pet Sematary: Bloodlines,’ ‘You People,’ and ‘What Happens Later.’
Whitehall is known for his work in shows like ‘Fresh Meat’ and ‘Bad Education’ as well as ‘The Afterparty’ at Apple TV+ and ‘Good Omens’ at Prime Video.
- 1/25/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
David Duchovny, Jack Whitehall, and Carice van Houten are set to star in a new psychological thriller series that has been ordered at Amazon’s Prime Video, Variety has learned exclusively.
Titled “Malice,” the UK original hails from writer and executive producer James Wood. The series will be a co-production between Expectation Entertainment and Tailspin Films for Prime Video.
Exact plot details are being kept under wraps, but sources say the series will follow a young man (Whitehall) who seeks to infiltrate the world of a wealthy family, with Duchovny and van Houten playing the heads of that family.
Duchovny is best known for his starring role in the hit Fox supernatural procedural “The X-Files,” on which he starred as FBI agent Fox Mulder. He played the character not only through much of the series and its recent revival on Fox, but also in two “X-Files” feature films. Duchovny is...
Titled “Malice,” the UK original hails from writer and executive producer James Wood. The series will be a co-production between Expectation Entertainment and Tailspin Films for Prime Video.
Exact plot details are being kept under wraps, but sources say the series will follow a young man (Whitehall) who seeks to infiltrate the world of a wealthy family, with Duchovny and van Houten playing the heads of that family.
Duchovny is best known for his starring role in the hit Fox supernatural procedural “The X-Files,” on which he starred as FBI agent Fox Mulder. He played the character not only through much of the series and its recent revival on Fox, but also in two “X-Files” feature films. Duchovny is...
- 1/24/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Kenya Barris joined the Variety Studio presented by Audible at the Sundance Film Festival and provided some new updates on three of his most high-profile new projects. It was announced back in 2020 that Barris was set to direct a biopic on Richard Pryor, one of the most influential comedians of all time. The project remains in development, only Barris now confirmed that it’s actually a television series.
“It’s a 10-part limited biographical series that takes a look from cradle to grave,” Barris said. “From his earliest upbringing — he grew up in a ho house, or a house of ill repute — and became, at one point, the biggest star in the world.”
Barris said he is “in the room with it right now” as far as the development on the Richard Pryor series, adding, “It is my baby. I love it. He is my comedy god. A super flawed guy,...
“It’s a 10-part limited biographical series that takes a look from cradle to grave,” Barris said. “From his earliest upbringing — he grew up in a ho house, or a house of ill repute — and became, at one point, the biggest star in the world.”
Barris said he is “in the room with it right now” as far as the development on the Richard Pryor series, adding, “It is my baby. I love it. He is my comedy god. A super flawed guy,...
- 1/20/2024
- by Zack Sharf and Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix announced on Friday that Ready to Sell Out, its newest comedy special from Mike Epps, will premiere globally on the platform on February 20, 2024.
The special is Epps’ fourth for the platform, following Indiana Mike (2022), Only One Mike (2019) and Don’t Take It Personal (2015). In it, he ponders where all of his money has gone, in spite of a thriving career, also getting into the trials and tribulations of his relationships, and a plethora of street observations. Royale Watkins directed his new hour and exec produced alongside Epps, Mark Ritchie, Thomas Cobb, Niles Kirchner, and Kyra Epps. Southpaw Productions Inc. is the production company.
Launching his stand-up career back in 1995, Epps is also responsible for the specials Under Rated… Never Faded & X -Rated and Inappropriate Behavior. Currently starring in Netflix’s sitcom The Upshaws, he’s also been seen on the shows I’m a Virgo, Survivor’s Remorse and Uncle Buck,...
The special is Epps’ fourth for the platform, following Indiana Mike (2022), Only One Mike (2019) and Don’t Take It Personal (2015). In it, he ponders where all of his money has gone, in spite of a thriving career, also getting into the trials and tribulations of his relationships, and a plethora of street observations. Royale Watkins directed his new hour and exec produced alongside Epps, Mark Ritchie, Thomas Cobb, Niles Kirchner, and Kyra Epps. Southpaw Productions Inc. is the production company.
Launching his stand-up career back in 1995, Epps is also responsible for the specials Under Rated… Never Faded & X -Rated and Inappropriate Behavior. Currently starring in Netflix’s sitcom The Upshaws, he’s also been seen on the shows I’m a Virgo, Survivor’s Remorse and Uncle Buck,...
- 1/19/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Variety is returning to the Sundance Film Festival this year with its annual Interview Studio, presented by Audible, the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling. Throughout the festival, videos from the interview studio will be distributed across Variety.com as well as Variety and Audible’s social media channels.
Beginning Friday, January 19, running through Sunday, January 21, the Variety Studio, presented by Audible, will feature interviews with industry-leading directors and top talent from the films premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. Confirmed talent includes Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”); Jodie Foster, Alex Hedison, Alok Vaid-Menon (“Alok”); Lionel Richie, Bao Nguyen, Julia Nottingham (“The Greatest Night in Pop”); Kerry Washington, Angela Patton, Natalie Rae (“Daughters”); June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Clark Gregg, Josh Margolin (“Thelma”); Anna Fleck, Ryan Boden, Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorn, Ji-Young Yoo, Jack Champion (“Freaky Tales”); Richard Linklater, Glen Powell (“Hit Man”); Susanna Fogel,...
Beginning Friday, January 19, running through Sunday, January 21, the Variety Studio, presented by Audible, will feature interviews with industry-leading directors and top talent from the films premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. Confirmed talent includes Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”); Jodie Foster, Alex Hedison, Alok Vaid-Menon (“Alok”); Lionel Richie, Bao Nguyen, Julia Nottingham (“The Greatest Night in Pop”); Kerry Washington, Angela Patton, Natalie Rae (“Daughters”); June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Clark Gregg, Josh Margolin (“Thelma”); Anna Fleck, Ryan Boden, Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorn, Ji-Young Yoo, Jack Champion (“Freaky Tales”); Richard Linklater, Glen Powell (“Hit Man”); Susanna Fogel,...
- 1/17/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Pictures via Netflix
2023 has come to a close, and it is time to take a look at the winners and losers of the year among Netflix’s Original titles.
For this review, we used our very own Cve metric after 14 days to have more titles to compare on a more equal foot, and we also used IMDb to get a sense of the most liked titles of the year.
Editor’s note: This first appeared on Netflix n Chiffres, a Substack newsletter that covers streaming SVOD viewership in detail. Any views marked with an asterisk indicate that they’re an estimated figure.
Let’s embark!
Table of Contents 1. English Language Films 2. International films. 3. Debut English-speaking series 4. Returning English-speaking series 5. International Debut Series 6. Returning International Netflix Series 7. Animated series 8. Documentaries 9. Documentary series 10. Reality TV 11. The flops of 2023. 1. English Language Films
Let’s begin with one category with some heavy hitters – Netflix’s lineup of English-language movies.
2023 has come to a close, and it is time to take a look at the winners and losers of the year among Netflix’s Original titles.
For this review, we used our very own Cve metric after 14 days to have more titles to compare on a more equal foot, and we also used IMDb to get a sense of the most liked titles of the year.
Editor’s note: This first appeared on Netflix n Chiffres, a Substack newsletter that covers streaming SVOD viewership in detail. Any views marked with an asterisk indicate that they’re an estimated figure.
Let’s embark!
Table of Contents 1. English Language Films 2. International films. 3. Debut English-speaking series 4. Returning English-speaking series 5. International Debut Series 6. Returning International Netflix Series 7. Animated series 8. Documentaries 9. Documentary series 10. Reality TV 11. The flops of 2023. 1. English Language Films
Let’s begin with one category with some heavy hitters – Netflix’s lineup of English-language movies.
- 1/11/2024
- by Frédéric Durand
- Whats-on-Netflix
The Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild on Tuesday revealed nominations for the 11th annual Muahs Awards, featuring 23 categories honoring outstanding achievements in make-up and hair styling artistry in motion pictures, television, commercials, music videos and live theater.
Disney/Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 scored a leading four nominations on the movie side, landing noms in four of the five competitive categories. Netflix’s Maestro also showed well with three noms. On the TV side, ABC’s Dancing With the Stars leads all titles with five nominations, while Prime Video’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has three.
See the full list of nominees below.
Winners will be announced February 18 at the 2024 Muahs Awards ceremony, where Rocky, Star Trek, Mask and Raging Bull make-up artist Michael Westmore will receive the Vanguard Award. In addition, Driving Miss Daisy and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 make-up artist Kevin Haney and...
Disney/Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 scored a leading four nominations on the movie side, landing noms in four of the five competitive categories. Netflix’s Maestro also showed well with three noms. On the TV side, ABC’s Dancing With the Stars leads all titles with five nominations, while Prime Video’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has three.
See the full list of nominees below.
Winners will be announced February 18 at the 2024 Muahs Awards ceremony, where Rocky, Star Trek, Mask and Raging Bull make-up artist Michael Westmore will receive the Vanguard Award. In addition, Driving Miss Daisy and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 make-up artist Kevin Haney and...
- 1/2/2024
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” led the 11th annual Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Award nominations.
The final installment of the “Guardians” franchise used over 22,500 prosthetics, 500 wigs and 130 facial hairpieces, breaking the world record for most prosthetics used in a film. It was nominated in special makeup effects, period and character makeup and period hair styling. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” also landed nods for character hair styling and contemporary makeup.
“Barbie” scored two nominations. Notably, neither that film nor “Guardians” landed on the Oscars makeup and hairstyling shortlist. “Golda,” “Maestro” and “Poor Things” were also in the running for guild nominations.
In the television category, “Dancing With the Stars” dominated with five nominations. Six makeup artists were nominated in best special makeup effects due to a tie.
As previously announced, Michael Westmore, the award-winning makeup artist behind “Rocky” and “Raging Bull,” will be honored with the Vanguard Award.
The final installment of the “Guardians” franchise used over 22,500 prosthetics, 500 wigs and 130 facial hairpieces, breaking the world record for most prosthetics used in a film. It was nominated in special makeup effects, period and character makeup and period hair styling. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” also landed nods for character hair styling and contemporary makeup.
“Barbie” scored two nominations. Notably, neither that film nor “Guardians” landed on the Oscars makeup and hairstyling shortlist. “Golda,” “Maestro” and “Poor Things” were also in the running for guild nominations.
In the television category, “Dancing With the Stars” dominated with five nominations. Six makeup artists were nominated in best special makeup effects due to a tie.
As previously announced, Michael Westmore, the award-winning makeup artist behind “Rocky” and “Raging Bull,” will be honored with the Vanguard Award.
- 1/2/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Pictures: Netflix
What a year it has been for the biggest streamer in the world.
While the first half of the year was largely known for its widely seen star-studded critical failures, the second half of the year brought many successes. From a hit franchise blockbuster to multiple awards season contenders, Netflix’s year in films was turned around completely and may help them garner some hardware as we march towards the Oscars in March.
While this list may not represent the most-watched films of the year, I believe these to be the best Netflix had to offer over the past 12 months.
So, without further ado, here are my Top 5 Netflix Original Movies of 2023.
Please note that this author has not seen Best International Feature contender, Society of the Snow, as it will not be on Netflix until 1/4/24. This list will also not consider the Wes Anderson/Roald Dahl short...
What a year it has been for the biggest streamer in the world.
While the first half of the year was largely known for its widely seen star-studded critical failures, the second half of the year brought many successes. From a hit franchise blockbuster to multiple awards season contenders, Netflix’s year in films was turned around completely and may help them garner some hardware as we march towards the Oscars in March.
While this list may not represent the most-watched films of the year, I believe these to be the best Netflix had to offer over the past 12 months.
So, without further ado, here are my Top 5 Netflix Original Movies of 2023.
Please note that this author has not seen Best International Feature contender, Society of the Snow, as it will not be on Netflix until 1/4/24. This list will also not consider the Wes Anderson/Roald Dahl short...
- 12/29/2023
- by Andrew Morgan
- Whats-on-Netflix
Pictures: Samba TV / Netflix
Welcome to another rundown of every stat released by the TV insights company Samba TV. Below, we’ll run through all their released viewing stats (whether through their socials or through somewhere else) for Netflix’s newly released movies for the past three years.
How does Samba TV get its data? As described on its own website, the company tracks what appears on the users’ TV by reading pixels and utilizing this data for personalized recommendations on the TV or mobile apps connected to the television.
It’s also important to note that Samba TV stats typically only cover US households.
Of course, Netflix itself releases excellent viewing stats every Tuesday via its top 10 site. However, more data is always good, and it’s good to see shows and movies benchmarked against each other from a company like Samba TV.
In case you missed our roundup...
Welcome to another rundown of every stat released by the TV insights company Samba TV. Below, we’ll run through all their released viewing stats (whether through their socials or through somewhere else) for Netflix’s newly released movies for the past three years.
How does Samba TV get its data? As described on its own website, the company tracks what appears on the users’ TV by reading pixels and utilizing this data for personalized recommendations on the TV or mobile apps connected to the television.
It’s also important to note that Samba TV stats typically only cover US households.
Of course, Netflix itself releases excellent viewing stats every Tuesday via its top 10 site. However, more data is always good, and it’s good to see shows and movies benchmarked against each other from a company like Samba TV.
In case you missed our roundup...
- 12/28/2023
- by Kasey Moore
- Whats-on-Netflix
Exclusive: Black-Ish and Grown-Ish creator Kenya Barris has signed with WME.
Previously with CAA, the Emmy-nominated multihyphenate has become one of the more prolific writers and producers over the past decade. His hit show Black-ish ended its run in 2022 not only as one of the bigger hit network comedies in recent years but acclaimed receiving multiple Emmy nominations for Best Comedy. The show, which also produced the spin-off Grown-Ish, is currently airing on Freeform with the final season bowing in 2024.
On the film side, Barris most recently produced and penned the reboot of 20th Century’s White Men Can’t Jump and also wrote directed and produced the Netflix comedy You People starring Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill.
He is also repped by Artists First.
Previously with CAA, the Emmy-nominated multihyphenate has become one of the more prolific writers and producers over the past decade. His hit show Black-ish ended its run in 2022 not only as one of the bigger hit network comedies in recent years but acclaimed receiving multiple Emmy nominations for Best Comedy. The show, which also produced the spin-off Grown-Ish, is currently airing on Freeform with the final season bowing in 2024.
On the film side, Barris most recently produced and penned the reboot of 20th Century’s White Men Can’t Jump and also wrote directed and produced the Netflix comedy You People starring Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill.
He is also repped by Artists First.
- 12/20/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Cue the synths: After almost 30 years, Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley will return to the beat with Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F set to hit Netflix next summer.
The long-awaited fourth installment of the hit cop-comedy franchise got its first teaser today. It doesn’t give anything away in terms of plot, but there are shootouts, car chases, wanton destruction, and bits like a Beverly Hills mother making her child take influencer pics and Murphy joking about getting arrested not once, but twice.
As for the actual story, it...
The long-awaited fourth installment of the hit cop-comedy franchise got its first teaser today. It doesn’t give anything away in terms of plot, but there are shootouts, car chases, wanton destruction, and bits like a Beverly Hills mother making her child take influencer pics and Murphy joking about getting arrested not once, but twice.
As for the actual story, it...
- 12/14/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Eddie Murphy is ready to have the last laugh as police lieutenant Axel Foley in the teaser trailer for Netflix’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.
Hitting the streamer in the summer of 2024, the new movie from director Mark Molloy revives the action-comedy franchise three decades after the previous installment. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F stars Murphy as Detroit native Foley, who returns to Beverly Hills after the life of his daughter (Taylour Paige) is threatened.
The film sees Foley teaming with a new partner — played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt — while investigating a possible conspiracy and spending time with familiar faces including Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), John Taggart (John Ashton), Jeffrey Friedman (Paul Reiser) and Serge (Bronson Pinchot). Kevin Bacon is also part of the action as Captain Grant.
“Watch your ass out there, Ok?” Reiser warns Murphy, who responds, “I’m gonna be fine. They love me in Beverly Hills.
Hitting the streamer in the summer of 2024, the new movie from director Mark Molloy revives the action-comedy franchise three decades after the previous installment. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F stars Murphy as Detroit native Foley, who returns to Beverly Hills after the life of his daughter (Taylour Paige) is threatened.
The film sees Foley teaming with a new partner — played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt — while investigating a possible conspiracy and spending time with familiar faces including Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), John Taggart (John Ashton), Jeffrey Friedman (Paul Reiser) and Serge (Bronson Pinchot). Kevin Bacon is also part of the action as Captain Grant.
“Watch your ass out there, Ok?” Reiser warns Murphy, who responds, “I’m gonna be fine. They love me in Beverly Hills.
- 12/14/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The past 24 hours have been awash in headlines about Netflix’s What We Watched report: an information dump that many analysts considered the most transparent accounting of user data that the streamer has ever released.
The report tracked user engagement using an “hours watched” metric – meaning how many hours a piece of content was viewed, as opposed to how many individual users watched it. The report is heavy with TV series because, as the company noted, the amount of hours in a TV program are much greater than that of a standalone feature. But some movies clawed to the top of the ranking, which helps indicate how films travel on the platform.
Here are the top ten films – eight of which Netflix developed or financed — that appear in the report, which tracked hours watched from January to June of 2023:
“The Mother”
Jennifer Lopez can ride into 2024 knowing she was the queen of Netflix film,...
The report tracked user engagement using an “hours watched” metric – meaning how many hours a piece of content was viewed, as opposed to how many individual users watched it. The report is heavy with TV series because, as the company noted, the amount of hours in a TV program are much greater than that of a standalone feature. But some movies clawed to the top of the ranking, which helps indicate how films travel on the platform.
Here are the top ten films – eight of which Netflix developed or financed — that appear in the report, which tracked hours watched from January to June of 2023:
“The Mother”
Jennifer Lopez can ride into 2024 knowing she was the queen of Netflix film,...
- 12/13/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Snoop Dogg is going from frolicking through fields of green to laying down the law on a football field in Prime Video’s The Underdoggs trailer! Charles Stone III directs this R-rated comedy featuring world-famous rapper Snoop Dogg as Jaycen “Two Js” Jennings, a washed-up ex-professional football star who has hit rock bottom. When Jaycen is sentenced to community service coaching the Underdoggs, an unruly pee-wee football team in his hometown of Long Beach, California, he sees it as an opportunity to rebuild his public image and turn his life around. As Jaycen works to transform the foul-mouthed Underdoggs into top-notch champions, he reconnects with his past, including an old flame and a few of his ex-teammates, and rediscovers his love of the game.
Danny Segal and Isaac Schamis wrote the script, with Tika Sumpter, Mike Epps, Andrew Schulz, and George Lopez starring alongside Snoop Dogg as primary cast members.
Danny Segal and Isaac Schamis wrote the script, with Tika Sumpter, Mike Epps, Andrew Schulz, and George Lopez starring alongside Snoop Dogg as primary cast members.
- 12/6/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Candy Cane Lane, Prime Video’s latest Christmas movie with a zany twist, comes just the day after Netflix’s Family Switch, which also happens to be a Christmas comedy with a zany twist. That’s quite alright, though, given that it’s that time of year when we are bound to get a lot of these kinds of movies, all aiming to bring us holiday cheer. With Eddie Murphy heading Candy Cane Lane, the movie is destined to receive more attention than its peers. Although Murphy’s last two releases, the romantic comedy titled You People that came earlier this year and Coming 2 America (2021), a sequel to Murphy’s own hit Coming to America (1988), were pretty much duds, we all know what Murphy can do. The 2019 biographical comedy Dolomite is My Name is a shining example of that. Naturally, Candy Cane Lane, despite being another Christmas movie, comes with a lot of expectations.
- 12/1/2023
- by Rohitavra Majumdar
- Film Fugitives
Kenya Barris, the creator of the ABC sitcom Black-ish, directs the 2023 romantic comedy You People. With a screenplay written by Barris and Jonah Hill, You People explores themes of generational differences, culture clashes, and societal expectations. Fans and admirers of Kenya Barris‘ work as a creator would be excited to know You People is the Emmy-nominated director’s feature film directorial debut. You People was received with mixed reviews from critics, with suggestions of portrayals of antisemitism. However, the film is a classic Jonah Hill-co-written script, with more focus on humor than realism. Besides its star-studded top cast, You People...
- 11/21/2023
- by Onyinye Izundu
- TVovermind.com
Fighting for streaming residuals has been a hard-fought sticking point for the writers and actors negotiations, but bottom-line results of the new bonus threshold may be limited.
Less than 5 percent of Netflix originals in 2022 “would have triggered performance bonuses under the new contract between the Writers Guild of America and major studios,” Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw wrote on Sunday. The new deal between the WGA and the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) pays out performance bonuses if at least 20 percent of a streaming platform’s U.S. users consume a new original film or TV series within its first 90 days.
Shaw’s rate of 5 percent or less accounts for all Netflix original titles, he wrote — including foreign-language, animated, and unscripted programs that aren’t governed by the WGA deal. So while, say, docuseries “Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal” crosses the threshold with a 30 percent share of U.
Less than 5 percent of Netflix originals in 2022 “would have triggered performance bonuses under the new contract between the Writers Guild of America and major studios,” Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw wrote on Sunday. The new deal between the WGA and the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) pays out performance bonuses if at least 20 percent of a streaming platform’s U.S. users consume a new original film or TV series within its first 90 days.
Shaw’s rate of 5 percent or less accounts for all Netflix original titles, he wrote — including foreign-language, animated, and unscripted programs that aren’t governed by the WGA deal. So while, say, docuseries “Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal” crosses the threshold with a 30 percent share of U.
- 11/6/2023
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
The heat is most definitely on in this episode of revisited, as we’re looking back on a quintessential piece of 1980s action / comedy movie-making, that helped to launch the career of American funnyman Eddie Murphy into the stratosphere. That’s right folk, with the much anticipated fourth entry in the series on the horizon, we’re taking a retrospective look at the Axel F infused goodness that is Beverly Hills Cop. Ok, well, I guess part four isn’t necessarily ‘much anticipated’ across the entire movie-world, but Eddie Murphy has had somewhat of a career resurgence in recent times and apart from a slightly tame and disappointing Coming 2 America, and the relative appeal of You People, he’s made a positive return the spotlight. Part four is currently slated, as per time of writing this video, for 2024 but there have been whispers about it possibly surfacing on Netflix,...
- 10/12/2023
- by Adam Walton
- JoBlo.com
Eddie Murphy is going from “You People” to yuletide, following up his Netflix comedy with his first Christmas feature. Prime Video released the trailer for “Candy Cane Lane” Thursday morning, providing a first look at Murphy’s magical holiday adventure.
The footage reveals Murphy playing a father in the holiday spirit who accepts a magical wish offered by a pushy elf (Jillian Bell) to help his family win the neighborhood decoration contest. His competitive edge may have some unintended consequences. Tracee Ellis Ross also stars as Murphy’s wife, with Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, Genneya Walton, Madison Thomas, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Lombardo Boyar, D.C. Young Fly, Danielle Pinnock, Timothy Simons, Riki Lindhome and Stephen Tobolowsky also among the cast.
The film also reunites Murphy with his “Boomerang” director Reginald Hudlin. Kelly Younger wrote the film, while Murphy, Brian Grazer, Karen Lunder and Charisse Hewitt-Webster serve as producers.
The footage reveals Murphy playing a father in the holiday spirit who accepts a magical wish offered by a pushy elf (Jillian Bell) to help his family win the neighborhood decoration contest. His competitive edge may have some unintended consequences. Tracee Ellis Ross also stars as Murphy’s wife, with Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, Genneya Walton, Madison Thomas, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Lombardo Boyar, D.C. Young Fly, Danielle Pinnock, Timothy Simons, Riki Lindhome and Stephen Tobolowsky also among the cast.
The film also reunites Murphy with his “Boomerang” director Reginald Hudlin. Kelly Younger wrote the film, while Murphy, Brian Grazer, Karen Lunder and Charisse Hewitt-Webster serve as producers.
- 10/12/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Eddie Murphy made a big comeback with his acclaimed performance in Dolemite Is My Name from Netflix. He followed it up with Coming 2 America, which reunited him with his Dolemite director, Craig Brewer. Murphy would appear in Netflix’s You People, and he’s got a new sequel to one of his most beloved films on the way with the upcoming Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley. While it may seem like he’s attempting to recapture his edge, it looks as if Eddie hasn’t exactly put the family films behind him. He will reunite with his director of the 1992 film Boomerang, Reginald Hudlin, for a Christmas comedy for Prime Video titled Candy Cane Lane.
Amazon has recently released some first-look stills from the movie as well as the new poster. Stay tuned this Thursday for the release of the trailer.
The official synopsis from Amazon reads,
“Eddie Murphy...
Amazon has recently released some first-look stills from the movie as well as the new poster. Stay tuned this Thursday for the release of the trailer.
The official synopsis from Amazon reads,
“Eddie Murphy...
- 10/10/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Patrick Harrison, a longtime and well-known executive for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in New York, is moving on to a newly created position with Frank PR. He is joining principals Clare Anne Darragh and Lina Catalfamo Plath to develop a “strategic awards division,” with plans to further engage the company in the ever-growing and lucrative business of campaigns and events targeted to the industry’s award seasons.
For the past two decades Harrison had been a much loved figure among the 1000-plus East Coast-based members of AMPAS, having been their key connection to Academy programs there. In his new job, he will remain involved heavily in Oscar season, just from the other side of the fence as it were.
“I am excited to join the Frank PR family in partnership with Clare Anne and Lina, two industry professionals I have respected, admired, and worked alongside throughout my career,...
For the past two decades Harrison had been a much loved figure among the 1000-plus East Coast-based members of AMPAS, having been their key connection to Academy programs there. In his new job, he will remain involved heavily in Oscar season, just from the other side of the fence as it were.
“I am excited to join the Frank PR family in partnership with Clare Anne and Lina, two industry professionals I have respected, admired, and worked alongside throughout my career,...
- 9/29/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Eddie Murphy has always been open about the respect he has for late comic Richard Pryor. But Murphy’s admiration for Pryor might’ve grown even more after Pryor defended him against two other comic legends.
Richard Pryor told these comic veterans to apologize to Eddie Murphy for their behavior Eddie Murphy | Matt Winkelmeyer/FilmMagic
Murphy and Pryor even met a couple of times. One of the fondest memories the Nutty Professor star had of Pryor was when the comic came to his defense. Back in his much younger days, Murphy was on the cusp of his career breakthrough. He recalled doing standup at The Comedy Store in the 80s, sharing the same building with comedians Paul Mooney and John Witherspoon.
“I was like first-year SNL and I was killing, and I was like, ‘They’re giving me the light?’ I was only up for 10 minutes,’” Murphy said on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Richard Pryor told these comic veterans to apologize to Eddie Murphy for their behavior Eddie Murphy | Matt Winkelmeyer/FilmMagic
Murphy and Pryor even met a couple of times. One of the fondest memories the Nutty Professor star had of Pryor was when the comic came to his defense. Back in his much younger days, Murphy was on the cusp of his career breakthrough. He recalled doing standup at The Comedy Store in the 80s, sharing the same building with comedians Paul Mooney and John Witherspoon.
“I was like first-year SNL and I was killing, and I was like, ‘They’re giving me the light?’ I was only up for 10 minutes,’” Murphy said on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
- 9/27/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Eddie Murphy is spreading magical mayhem with his new film Candy Cane Lane.
Directed by Reginald Hudlin and written by Kelly Younger, the holiday comedy is set to debut globally Dec. 1 on Prime Video. Alongside Murphy, who is starring in his first holiday movie role, is an all-star cast, including Tracee Ellis Ross, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede and Chris Redd.
The comedy icon stars as Chris, a man set on winning his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. After he inadvertently strikes a deal with Pepper, an elf (Jillian Bell), to increase his probability of winning, she casts a spell to bring the 12 Days of Christmas to life. It’s a move by the mischievous spirit that wreaks havoc on Chris’ entire town.
In the face of a ruined holiday for his family, Chris — with help from his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross) and their three children — races against...
Directed by Reginald Hudlin and written by Kelly Younger, the holiday comedy is set to debut globally Dec. 1 on Prime Video. Alongside Murphy, who is starring in his first holiday movie role, is an all-star cast, including Tracee Ellis Ross, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede and Chris Redd.
The comedy icon stars as Chris, a man set on winning his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. After he inadvertently strikes a deal with Pepper, an elf (Jillian Bell), to increase his probability of winning, she casts a spell to bring the 12 Days of Christmas to life. It’s a move by the mischievous spirit that wreaks havoc on Chris’ entire town.
In the face of a ruined holiday for his family, Chris — with help from his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross) and their three children — races against...
- 9/5/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Prime Video has announced that Christmas movie “Candy Cane Lane,” starring Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, will be released exclusively on the streaming platform on Dec. 1.
Directed by Reginald Hudlin, “Candy Cane Lane” follows Murphy as Chris, a man who is determined to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. After unintentionally striking a deal with an elf (Jillian Bell) to improve his odds of winning, she casts a spell bringing to life the 12 Days of Christmas, and chaos ensues for the whole town. Chris must then work to save Christmas for his family and community, an endeavor that entails battling magical creatures. The screenplay is written by Kelly Younger and inspired by his childhood experiences on Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo.
Ross stars as Chris’s wife, Carol. The movie also stars Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, Genneya Walton,...
Directed by Reginald Hudlin, “Candy Cane Lane” follows Murphy as Chris, a man who is determined to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. After unintentionally striking a deal with an elf (Jillian Bell) to improve his odds of winning, she casts a spell bringing to life the 12 Days of Christmas, and chaos ensues for the whole town. Chris must then work to save Christmas for his family and community, an endeavor that entails battling magical creatures. The screenplay is written by Kelly Younger and inspired by his childhood experiences on Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo.
Ross stars as Chris’s wife, Carol. The movie also stars Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, Genneya Walton,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Tuesday is a fairy tale with some very real-world consequences.
The latest A24 collaboration with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, after her superb comedy You Hurt My Feelings premiered at Sundance early in 2023, has just had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival this weekend, and for Louis-Dreyfus admirers it just may be a revelation. The star, who has won a boatload of Emmys for comedy including a historic achievement for Lead Actress in three separate comedy series and who was also excellent in the Kenya Barris comedy You People this spring, shows she is just as talented tackling a highly emotional and unusual dramatic role.
Tuesday also marks a stunning writing and directorial feature debut for Croatian filmmaker Daina O. Pusic, who in wanting to make a movie dealing with loss and death has turned it all into a bit of a fairy tale involving a macaw who it turns out is the face of death.
The latest A24 collaboration with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, after her superb comedy You Hurt My Feelings premiered at Sundance early in 2023, has just had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival this weekend, and for Louis-Dreyfus admirers it just may be a revelation. The star, who has won a boatload of Emmys for comedy including a historic achievement for Lead Actress in three separate comedy series and who was also excellent in the Kenya Barris comedy You People this spring, shows she is just as talented tackling a highly emotional and unusual dramatic role.
Tuesday also marks a stunning writing and directorial feature debut for Croatian filmmaker Daina O. Pusic, who in wanting to make a movie dealing with loss and death has turned it all into a bit of a fairy tale involving a macaw who it turns out is the face of death.
- 9/4/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Old-school practical effects date back to the silent era and are created with artistry and care. Is the novelty of CGI green-screen action wearing off in favour of craft models?
For the past 12 months, Hollywood has been facing a serious case of CGI fatigue, with critics tearing into would-be blockbusters for their over-reliance on it. In the New Yorker, Richard Brody wrote that heavy effects work in Ant-Man 3 “instead of endowing the inanimate with life, subtract it”, while Ellen E Jones wrote in the Guardian that Little Mermaid was “rendered lifeless” by CGI. The Netflix rom-com You People, starring Jonah Hill, made headlines when it was revealed that the final kiss in the film was done with CGI and the actor Christian Bale didn’t mince words when he said working exclusively in front of green screens on Thor: Love & Thunder was “the definition of monotony”.
As if in response,...
For the past 12 months, Hollywood has been facing a serious case of CGI fatigue, with critics tearing into would-be blockbusters for their over-reliance on it. In the New Yorker, Richard Brody wrote that heavy effects work in Ant-Man 3 “instead of endowing the inanimate with life, subtract it”, while Ellen E Jones wrote in the Guardian that Little Mermaid was “rendered lifeless” by CGI. The Netflix rom-com You People, starring Jonah Hill, made headlines when it was revealed that the final kiss in the film was done with CGI and the actor Christian Bale didn’t mince words when he said working exclusively in front of green screens on Thor: Love & Thunder was “the definition of monotony”.
As if in response,...
- 7/27/2023
- by Shaad D'Souza
- The Guardian - Film News
Marketing a movie brings inherent challenges, but doing so without the charismatic lead to promote it on the press circuit adds an additional hurdle — as the teams behind a growing number of recent titles have learned, or soon will as SAG-AFTRA’s actors strike begins in Hollywood.
Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone premiere event took place in Los Angeles ahead of the film’s July 21 release but was without star Jamie Foxx, who has been largely out of the public eye since his daughter announced in April that he was recovering after a hospitalization for an undisclosed health issue. Other stars have recently been absent on the red carpet for different reasons: Jonah Hill cited mental health concerns in declining to promote Netflix’s You People, while Ezra Miller didn’t talk to media for Warner Bros.’ The Flash after a spate of headlines about the star’s personal life.
Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone premiere event took place in Los Angeles ahead of the film’s July 21 release but was without star Jamie Foxx, who has been largely out of the public eye since his daughter announced in April that he was recovering after a hospitalization for an undisclosed health issue. Other stars have recently been absent on the red carpet for different reasons: Jonah Hill cited mental health concerns in declining to promote Netflix’s You People, while Ezra Miller didn’t talk to media for Warner Bros.’ The Flash after a spate of headlines about the star’s personal life.
- 7/14/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In the new season of "The Bear," which debuted on Hulu on June 22, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) reconnects with someone from his past: Claire. Claire is Carmy's childhood friend, who's now a doctor, and she's still tied to the Chicago world he grew up in. But viewers may be wondering how they recognize the actor who plays Claire - Molly Gordon.
Gordon appeared in 2019's "Booksmart" alongside Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever. Her other acting credits include 2020's "Shiva Baby" and Netflix's "You People," released earlier this year. On the TV side, she also appears as Linda Zafrani in HBO's "Winning Time" (which returns for season two in August).
But "The Bear" is just the first part of Gordon's major summer. The actor also stars in the new movie "Theater Camp," which she codirected with Nick Lieberman and cowrote with Ben Platt, Noah Galvin (who also appear in the film), and Lieberman.
Gordon appeared in 2019's "Booksmart" alongside Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever. Her other acting credits include 2020's "Shiva Baby" and Netflix's "You People," released earlier this year. On the TV side, she also appears as Linda Zafrani in HBO's "Winning Time" (which returns for season two in August).
But "The Bear" is just the first part of Gordon's major summer. The actor also stars in the new movie "Theater Camp," which she codirected with Nick Lieberman and cowrote with Ben Platt, Noah Galvin (who also appear in the film), and Lieberman.
- 7/14/2023
- by Margaret Cullum
- Popsugar.com
The first trailer for Sony’s sex comedy No Hard Feelings, hitting theaters June 23, includes star Jennifer Lawrence consoling an ex by declaring she hasn’t forgotten him: “Last night, I thought, ‘I miss that fucker.’ ” Moviegoers might share similar nostalgia, recalling a not-long-ago era when studio offerings centering on ribald jokes would regularly play theatrically — before going missing.
This summer suggests a possible changing of the tide. As audiences return to cinemas post-pandemic, studios appear to be using the next few months as a testing ground for the theatrical return of the R-rated comedy. No Hard Feelings, about an awkward teen whose parents hire Lawrence’s character to date him, will later have company from Lionsgate’s Joy Ride (July 7), Universal’s Strays (Aug. 18) and MGM’s Bottoms (Aug. 25). Such projects are akin to horror films in offering viewers the experience of watching shocking moments with a group of like-minded strangers.
This summer suggests a possible changing of the tide. As audiences return to cinemas post-pandemic, studios appear to be using the next few months as a testing ground for the theatrical return of the R-rated comedy. No Hard Feelings, about an awkward teen whose parents hire Lawrence’s character to date him, will later have company from Lionsgate’s Joy Ride (July 7), Universal’s Strays (Aug. 18) and MGM’s Bottoms (Aug. 25). Such projects are akin to horror films in offering viewers the experience of watching shocking moments with a group of like-minded strangers.
- 6/22/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jonah Hill just took on his most exciting role yet: becoming a dad! On June 2, People confirmed that Hill and his girlfriend Olivia Millar have welcomed their first child together. The couple have yet to share their baby's birthday but the "Superbad" actor was recently absent from his sister Beanie Feldstein's May 19 wedding. Popsugar reached out to Hill's rep for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
News that the couple were expecting first broke in April when the Daily Mail published photos of the two in Santa Monica, which showed Millar with a baby bump. Hill and Millar have rarely shared details about their relationship with the public.
Earlier this year, the co-owner of the vintage store Chasseresse sparked engagement rumors when she was spotted wearing a diamond ring. However, the couple haven't yet commented on speculation. It's equally unclear when the pair began dating. They were...
News that the couple were expecting first broke in April when the Daily Mail published photos of the two in Santa Monica, which showed Millar with a baby bump. Hill and Millar have rarely shared details about their relationship with the public.
Earlier this year, the co-owner of the vintage store Chasseresse sparked engagement rumors when she was spotted wearing a diamond ring. However, the couple haven't yet commented on speculation. It's equally unclear when the pair began dating. They were...
- 6/2/2023
- by Sabienna Bowman
- Popsugar.com
For all of the success that Kenya Barris has had on TV, his film output as a director and especially a screenwriter is bizarrely spotty. For a project like “Girls Trip” (co-written with Tracy Oliver), we then have his directorial debut, Netflix’s “You People” from last January, co-written and starring Jonah Hill, which felt less like a comedy and more like a trap for anybody in front of the camera.
Continue reading ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ Review: A Disposable Remake That Will Make You Yearn For The Chemistry In The Original at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ Review: A Disposable Remake That Will Make You Yearn For The Chemistry In The Original at The Playlist.
- 5/18/2023
- by Nick Allen
- The Playlist
Sinqua Walls, Jack Harlow in White Men Can’t JumpPhoto: Peter Iovino
On the heels of his interracial romantic comedy You People, which arrived earlier this year on Netflix, comes Kenya Barris’ remake of the 1992 interracial buddy comedy White Men Can’t Jump, which arrives May 19 on Hulu. Race is often on Barris’ mind,...
On the heels of his interracial romantic comedy You People, which arrived earlier this year on Netflix, comes Kenya Barris’ remake of the 1992 interracial buddy comedy White Men Can’t Jump, which arrives May 19 on Hulu. Race is often on Barris’ mind,...
- 5/18/2023
- by Timothy Cogshell
- avclub.com
Los Angeles, May 18 (Ians) Hollywood actor Eddie Murphy is readying his magnifying glass, as the actor is in talks to star as Inspector Clouseau in upcoming ‘Pink Panther’ film.
The reboot of the classic property will be directed by ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ filmmaker Jeff Fowler. Chris Bremner is writing the script, while Rideback’s Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich serve as producers alongside Larry Mirisch and Julie Andrews, reports Variety.
‘The Pink Panther’ franchise began with the 1963 comedy film starring Peter Sellers as Inspector Jacques Clouseau. Sellers would go on to reprise the role in 1964’s ‘A Shot in the Dark,’ 1975’s ‘The Return of the Pink Panther,’ 1976’s ‘The Pink Panther Strikes Again’ and 1978’s ‘Revenge of the Pink Panther.’ The role has also been inhabited by Alan Arkin, Roger Moore and Steve Martin.
The IP extends to books, video games and animated series based on the bumbling French...
The reboot of the classic property will be directed by ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ filmmaker Jeff Fowler. Chris Bremner is writing the script, while Rideback’s Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich serve as producers alongside Larry Mirisch and Julie Andrews, reports Variety.
‘The Pink Panther’ franchise began with the 1963 comedy film starring Peter Sellers as Inspector Jacques Clouseau. Sellers would go on to reprise the role in 1964’s ‘A Shot in the Dark,’ 1975’s ‘The Return of the Pink Panther,’ 1976’s ‘The Pink Panther Strikes Again’ and 1978’s ‘Revenge of the Pink Panther.’ The role has also been inhabited by Alan Arkin, Roger Moore and Steve Martin.
The IP extends to books, video games and animated series based on the bumbling French...
- 5/18/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
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