Exclusive: Stacey Dash, star of the Clueless film and spinoff TV series, is searching for redemption in a new reality series.
Dash is to star in A New Thing – with Stacey Dash, which will follow her as she ditches L.A. for New Hampshire in pursuit of her reinvention as an interior designer at Debbe Daley Designs.
The series, which is in pre-production and is being shopped to broadcasters and streamers, comes from Michael Holstein and The Content Farm.
It will follow Dash’s struggles and successes, documenting her return to the public eye after being dismissed as a polarizing, outspoken conservative.
Dash, who also starred in Moving, Mo’ Money, Renaissance Man and View from the Top as well as on CSI and The Game, is a rare right winger in the entertainment business. She was hired as a contributor to Fox News in 2014 and publicly supported Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential candidacy.
Dash is to star in A New Thing – with Stacey Dash, which will follow her as she ditches L.A. for New Hampshire in pursuit of her reinvention as an interior designer at Debbe Daley Designs.
The series, which is in pre-production and is being shopped to broadcasters and streamers, comes from Michael Holstein and The Content Farm.
It will follow Dash’s struggles and successes, documenting her return to the public eye after being dismissed as a polarizing, outspoken conservative.
Dash, who also starred in Moving, Mo’ Money, Renaissance Man and View from the Top as well as on CSI and The Game, is a rare right winger in the entertainment business. She was hired as a contributor to Fox News in 2014 and publicly supported Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential candidacy.
- 3/21/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The most somber part of the best day of the year — the Oscars — is when the ceremony takes a pause to remember the artists that have left us. This upcoming Academy ceremony will likely be as devastating as ever with the Covid-19 pandemic ravaging our country and industry. One observation as we look ahead to the awards landscape is a larger than usual depth of posthumous artists in the running for an Oscar nomination in several categories. While not all of them may end up coming to fruition, the narrative of the season could surround saying “farewell.”
At this time of writing, it looks as though seven individual artists will be in the running for Academy recognition over several categories. The current record of most posthumous nominations in a single year came in 1991 when Howard Ashman landed three separate song credits for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” while the other came from Carol Sobieski,...
At this time of writing, it looks as though seven individual artists will be in the running for Academy recognition over several categories. The current record of most posthumous nominations in a single year came in 1991 when Howard Ashman landed three separate song credits for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” while the other came from Carol Sobieski,...
- 10/1/2020
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Ravenscourt and Voxler today announce the tracklist for Let’s Sing presents Queen. The dedicated iteration of the critically acclaimed Karaoke-Game-Franchise celebrates the biggest rock band ever with 30 of their greatest hits. The highlight-packed tracklist for this special entry in the Let’s Sing series takes you on a trip through several decades with all-time classics such as “We Will Rock You”, “Under Pressure”, “A Kind Of Magic”, “The Show Must Go On” and many more that will leave nothing to be desired.
Let’s Sing presents Queen will be available from 2 October 2020 on PlayStation 4, the Xbox One [X], and Nintendo Switch.
Full Tracklist: A Kind of Magic Another One Bites The Dust Bicycle Race Bohemian Rhapsody Breakthru Crazy Little Thing Called Love Don’t Stop Me Now Fat Bottomed Girls Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy Headlong I Want It All I Want To Break Free Innuendo It’s A Hard...
Let’s Sing presents Queen will be available from 2 October 2020 on PlayStation 4, the Xbox One [X], and Nintendo Switch.
Full Tracklist: A Kind of Magic Another One Bites The Dust Bicycle Race Bohemian Rhapsody Breakthru Crazy Little Thing Called Love Don’t Stop Me Now Fat Bottomed Girls Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy Headlong I Want It All I Want To Break Free Innuendo It’s A Hard...
- 9/25/2020
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
David Fincher’s first go-around as a feature film director was a failure. As the filmmaker behind “Alien 3,” Fincher battled with 20th Century Fox over creative control and had the impossible task of directing without a finished script. Fincher has since disowned the film, which means that in his eyes his real movie career begins with “Seven.” The New Line-backed serial killer drama, starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, and Gwyneth Paltrow, opened in theaters 25 years ago on September 22, 1995 on its way to $327 million worldwide (the seventh top grosser of the year) and an Oscar nomination for Best Film Editing.
With “Seven,” Fincher finally got his directorial breakthrough after making a name for himself as the music video director behind such classics as Madonna’s “Express Yourself” and “Vogue,” George Michael’s “Freedom ’90,” and Michael Jackson’s “Who Is It?” And with “Seven” Fincher had the kind of artistic freedom...
With “Seven,” Fincher finally got his directorial breakthrough after making a name for himself as the music video director behind such classics as Madonna’s “Express Yourself” and “Vogue,” George Michael’s “Freedom ’90,” and Michael Jackson’s “Who Is It?” And with “Seven” Fincher had the kind of artistic freedom...
- 9/22/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Goodbye CBS All Access, hello Paramount+. ViacomCBS is preparing to rebrand its six-year old streaming service in early 2021, and the conglomerate is making an offer that it hopes prospective subscribers can’t refuse.
ViacomCBS announced five new original series to coincide with the Paramount+ rebranding news, including “The Offer,” a scripted limited series based on Al Ruddy’s experiences producing “The Godfather.” The 10-episode series is written and executive produced by Michael Tolkin (“Escape at Dannemora” and “The Player”). Ruddy will also serve as executive producer, and Emmy-winning producer Leslie Greif (“Hatfields & McCoys”) will executive produce and be a writer on the series.
Other upcoming Paramount+ originals include “Lioness,” a spy drama created by Taylor Sheridan (“Yellowstone”) with Sheridan, Jill Wagner, David Glasser, David Hutkin, and Bob Yari set to executive produce. Based on a real CIA program, “Lioness” follows a young marine recruited to befriend the daughter of...
ViacomCBS announced five new original series to coincide with the Paramount+ rebranding news, including “The Offer,” a scripted limited series based on Al Ruddy’s experiences producing “The Godfather.” The 10-episode series is written and executive produced by Michael Tolkin (“Escape at Dannemora” and “The Player”). Ruddy will also serve as executive producer, and Emmy-winning producer Leslie Greif (“Hatfields & McCoys”) will executive produce and be a writer on the series.
Other upcoming Paramount+ originals include “Lioness,” a spy drama created by Taylor Sheridan (“Yellowstone”) with Sheridan, Jill Wagner, David Glasser, David Hutkin, and Bob Yari set to executive produce. Based on a real CIA program, “Lioness” follows a young marine recruited to befriend the daughter of...
- 9/15/2020
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
In the streaming wars, you’re either a “+”, a “Max”, or weirdly, a “Peacock.” ViacomCBS has decided to go with the first option.
The entertainment conglomerate today announced that it has settled on a brand for its new all-encompassing streaming service. ViacomCBS’s answer to Disney+ and HBO Max will officially be dubbed Paramount+. With brands like Viacom, CBS, Showtime, MTV, and more in the fold, ViacomCBS had no shortage of naming options. But it elected to go with its movie arm Paramount, perhaps believing that will add a level of prestige.
As previously confirmed, ViacomCBS’s most prominent current streaming service, CBS All Access will be rebranded into Paramount+ and all its current content will migrate over in early 2021. Paramount+ is expected to launch in earnest in 2021 and will be available in Australia, Latin America, and Nordic countries in addition to the U.S.
“Paramount is an iconic and...
The entertainment conglomerate today announced that it has settled on a brand for its new all-encompassing streaming service. ViacomCBS’s answer to Disney+ and HBO Max will officially be dubbed Paramount+. With brands like Viacom, CBS, Showtime, MTV, and more in the fold, ViacomCBS had no shortage of naming options. But it elected to go with its movie arm Paramount, perhaps believing that will add a level of prestige.
As previously confirmed, ViacomCBS’s most prominent current streaming service, CBS All Access will be rebranded into Paramount+ and all its current content will migrate over in early 2021. Paramount+ is expected to launch in earnest in 2021 and will be available in Australia, Latin America, and Nordic countries in addition to the U.S.
“Paramount is an iconic and...
- 9/15/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
ViacomCBS today unveiled Paramount+ as the brand name for the company’s CBS All Access as the streamer gears up for a global rollout.
Building on a legacy of innovation and superior storytelling that distinguishes one of the most iconic brands in Hollywood.
The rebrand will happen in Paramount+ in early 2021 as part of the service’s expansion to feature content from ViacomCBS’ leading portfolio of broadcast, news, sports and entertainment brands.
ViacomCBS will also bring Paramount+ to international markets with an initial debut in Australia, Latin America and the Nordics in 2021.
“Paramount is an iconic and storied brand beloved by consumers all over the world, and it is synonymous with quality, integrity and world-class storytelling,” said Bob Bakish, President and CEO, ViacomCBS.
“With Paramount+, we’re excited to establish one global streaming brand in the broad-pay segment that will draw on the sheer breadth and depth of the ViacomCBS...
Building on a legacy of innovation and superior storytelling that distinguishes one of the most iconic brands in Hollywood.
The rebrand will happen in Paramount+ in early 2021 as part of the service’s expansion to feature content from ViacomCBS’ leading portfolio of broadcast, news, sports and entertainment brands.
ViacomCBS will also bring Paramount+ to international markets with an initial debut in Australia, Latin America and the Nordics in 2021.
“Paramount is an iconic and storied brand beloved by consumers all over the world, and it is synonymous with quality, integrity and world-class storytelling,” said Bob Bakish, President and CEO, ViacomCBS.
“With Paramount+, we’re excited to establish one global streaming brand in the broad-pay segment that will draw on the sheer breadth and depth of the ViacomCBS...
- 9/15/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
CBS All Access is trading in CBS for Paramount. ViacomCBS revealed Tuesday that the rebranded streaming service will be called Paramount+ beginning early next year.
The rebranding is the second, and much bigger, phase of the two-phase expansion of CBS All Access, which first launched in 2014 and was among the earliest entrants in the streaming space. In July, All Access added more than 3,500 episodes from Viacom networks BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and Smithsonian Channel, along with a smaller redesign that incorporates hubs for the Viacom networks.
ViacomCBS did not reveal any new pricing for the newly-named Paramount+, though executives had previously told TheWrap they were not planning on changing the price. Currently, All Access charges $5.99 a month for limited commercials and $9.99 for an ad-free version.
Paramount+ will also heavily increase upon CBS All Access’ original series output, which included five new orders on Tuesday, highlighted by a revival of...
The rebranding is the second, and much bigger, phase of the two-phase expansion of CBS All Access, which first launched in 2014 and was among the earliest entrants in the streaming space. In July, All Access added more than 3,500 episodes from Viacom networks BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and Smithsonian Channel, along with a smaller redesign that incorporates hubs for the Viacom networks.
ViacomCBS did not reveal any new pricing for the newly-named Paramount+, though executives had previously told TheWrap they were not planning on changing the price. Currently, All Access charges $5.99 a month for limited commercials and $9.99 for an ad-free version.
Paramount+ will also heavily increase upon CBS All Access’ original series output, which included five new orders on Tuesday, highlighted by a revival of...
- 9/15/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
ViacomCBS’s new streaming service Paramount+ will feature a limited drama about the making of The Godfather and a spy thriller from Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan.
Elsewhere, a new reboot of BET’s The Game is in development, it is reviving VH1’s classic rock-doc strand Behind The Music and ordered a true crime documentary spin-off of Criminal Minds.
The Offer is based on Oscar-winning producer Al Ruddy’s never-revealed experiences of making The Godfather. Ruddy was one of the key figures along with Francis Ford Coppola, Bob Evans and Mario Puzo behind the production. The ten-part series, produced by Paramount Television Studios, is written and exec produced by Michael Tolkin, who wrote the screenplay for Robert Altman’s The Player and co-created Showtime’s Escape at Dannemora. Ruddy will also serve as executive producer, with Hatfields & McCoys producer Leslie Greif exec producing and writing.
Lioness is the latest series created by Taylor Sheridan.
Elsewhere, a new reboot of BET’s The Game is in development, it is reviving VH1’s classic rock-doc strand Behind The Music and ordered a true crime documentary spin-off of Criminal Minds.
The Offer is based on Oscar-winning producer Al Ruddy’s never-revealed experiences of making The Godfather. Ruddy was one of the key figures along with Francis Ford Coppola, Bob Evans and Mario Puzo behind the production. The ten-part series, produced by Paramount Television Studios, is written and exec produced by Michael Tolkin, who wrote the screenplay for Robert Altman’s The Player and co-created Showtime’s Escape at Dannemora. Ruddy will also serve as executive producer, with Hatfields & McCoys producer Leslie Greif exec producing and writing.
Lioness is the latest series created by Taylor Sheridan.
- 9/15/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS All Access to Rebrand as Paramount+, Announces The Godfather Making-Of Series and More Originals
CBS All Access is getting a new name — and a fresh slate of original series to go along with it.
The streamer will be rebranded as Paramount+ in early 2021, ViacomCBS announced on Tuesday. (See the new logo pictured above.) The new name is part of a previously announced relaunch of the streaming service, which will combine original content with shows from CBS and cable outlets MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Network and Nickelodeon.
More from TVLineThe Stand Miniseries Lands December Premiere Date on CBS All AccessSpongeBob SquarePants Spinoff to Skip Nickelodeon, Debut on CBS All Access as Part of 2021 RelaunchNew...
The streamer will be rebranded as Paramount+ in early 2021, ViacomCBS announced on Tuesday. (See the new logo pictured above.) The new name is part of a previously announced relaunch of the streaming service, which will combine original content with shows from CBS and cable outlets MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Network and Nickelodeon.
More from TVLineThe Stand Miniseries Lands December Premiere Date on CBS All AccessSpongeBob SquarePants Spinoff to Skip Nickelodeon, Debut on CBS All Access as Part of 2021 RelaunchNew...
- 9/15/2020
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
ViacomCBS hopes to become a bigger player in the global streaming business with the rebrand of CBS All Access as Paramount Plus early next year.
The new name will coincide with another expansion of its original programming efforts and its archive of programming drawn from the newly combined Viacom and CBS Corp. archives. ViacomCBS vowed to rev up efforts to expand the service overseas, where Paramount Pictures the company’s most established studio brand.
“Paramount is an iconic and storied brand beloved by consumers all over the world, and it is synonymous with quality, integrity and world-class storytelling,” said Bob Bakish, president-ceo of ViacomCBS. “With Paramount Plus, we’re excited to establish one global streaming brand in the broad-pay segment that will draw on the sheer breadth and depth of the ViacomCBS portfolio to offer an extraordinary collection of content for everyone to enjoy.”
New shows in the works include another reboot of “The Game,...
The new name will coincide with another expansion of its original programming efforts and its archive of programming drawn from the newly combined Viacom and CBS Corp. archives. ViacomCBS vowed to rev up efforts to expand the service overseas, where Paramount Pictures the company’s most established studio brand.
“Paramount is an iconic and storied brand beloved by consumers all over the world, and it is synonymous with quality, integrity and world-class storytelling,” said Bob Bakish, president-ceo of ViacomCBS. “With Paramount Plus, we’re excited to establish one global streaming brand in the broad-pay segment that will draw on the sheer breadth and depth of the ViacomCBS portfolio to offer an extraordinary collection of content for everyone to enjoy.”
New shows in the works include another reboot of “The Game,...
- 9/15/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
ViacomCBS is turning to a 100-year-old brand to bolster its streaming business.
The company plans to rebrand CBS All Access as Paramount+ in early 2021, stocking the expanded service with originals that have close ties to well-known franchises, from The Godfather to Criminal Minds to The Game.
“Paramount is an iconic and storied brand beloved by consumers all over the world, and it is synonymous with quality, integrity and world-class storytelling,” CEO Bob Bakish said in a statement. “With Paramount+, we’re excited to establish one global streaming brand in the broad-pay segment that will draw on the sheer breadth and depth of ...
The company plans to rebrand CBS All Access as Paramount+ in early 2021, stocking the expanded service with originals that have close ties to well-known franchises, from The Godfather to Criminal Minds to The Game.
“Paramount is an iconic and storied brand beloved by consumers all over the world, and it is synonymous with quality, integrity and world-class storytelling,” CEO Bob Bakish said in a statement. “With Paramount+, we’re excited to establish one global streaming brand in the broad-pay segment that will draw on the sheer breadth and depth of ...
- 9/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
ViacomCBS is turning to a 100-year-old brand to bolster its streaming business.
The company plans to rebrand CBS All Access as Paramount+ in early 2021, stocking the expanded service with originals that have close ties to well-known franchises, from The Godfather to Criminal Minds to The Game.
“Paramount is an iconic and storied brand beloved by consumers all over the world, and it is synonymous with quality, integrity and world-class storytelling,” CEO Bob Bakish said in a statement. “With Paramount+, we’re excited to establish one global streaming brand in the broad-pay segment that will draw on the sheer breadth and depth of ...
The company plans to rebrand CBS All Access as Paramount+ in early 2021, stocking the expanded service with originals that have close ties to well-known franchises, from The Godfather to Criminal Minds to The Game.
“Paramount is an iconic and storied brand beloved by consumers all over the world, and it is synonymous with quality, integrity and world-class storytelling,” CEO Bob Bakish said in a statement. “With Paramount+, we’re excited to establish one global streaming brand in the broad-pay segment that will draw on the sheer breadth and depth of ...
- 9/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Taylor Swift is hitting the Academy of Country Music Awards stage for the first time in seven years: The singer will perform the folklore album single “Betty” at the Grand Ole Opry House.
The telecast, airing Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 8/7c on CBS, will kick off with a performance from Entertainer of the Year nominees Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood, featuring a medley of each of their greatest hits.
More from TVLineMoonbase 8: Showtime's Fred Armisen Comedy Gets November Premiere DateTVLine Items: T.I.'s Hip-Hop Cop Drama, Nick Nabs Sheldon and MoreFred Armisen-Led NASA...
The telecast, airing Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 8/7c on CBS, will kick off with a performance from Entertainer of the Year nominees Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood, featuring a medley of each of their greatest hits.
More from TVLineMoonbase 8: Showtime's Fred Armisen Comedy Gets November Premiere DateTVLine Items: T.I.'s Hip-Hop Cop Drama, Nick Nabs Sheldon and MoreFred Armisen-Led NASA...
- 9/14/2020
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Starz is doubling down on shows with 50 Cent – developing two more scripted series with the rapper. The network has put into development a female sports agent drama inspired by the life of Nicole Lynn, as well as a hip hop anthology series.
The untitled female sports agent drama comes from Raising Kanan and Snowfall writer Tash Gray, who will exec produce alongside Lynn. It follows the rise of a determined young African-American woman as she breaks through and climbs to the top of the competitive and male-dominated world of sports agents. It is inspired by Lynn, who became the first Black woman to represent a top 3 NFL draft pick.
Lynn represents NFL players, softball players and music artists and has now represented back-to-back top-10 picks in the NFL. This year she received her certification for the NBA.
Separately, Moment in Time: The Massacre (w/t) comes from writer and...
The untitled female sports agent drama comes from Raising Kanan and Snowfall writer Tash Gray, who will exec produce alongside Lynn. It follows the rise of a determined young African-American woman as she breaks through and climbs to the top of the competitive and male-dominated world of sports agents. It is inspired by Lynn, who became the first Black woman to represent a top 3 NFL draft pick.
Lynn represents NFL players, softball players and music artists and has now represented back-to-back top-10 picks in the NFL. This year she received her certification for the NBA.
Separately, Moment in Time: The Massacre (w/t) comes from writer and...
- 9/14/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is adding to his already deep roster of shows at Starz, with the premium cabler developing two new shows on which Jackson will serve as executive producer under his rich Starz overall deal. Both shows will be produced by Jackson’s G-Unit Film & Television.
The first series is an untitled drama inspired by the life of sports agent and attorney Nicole Lynn. The series follows the rise of a determined young, African-American woman as she breaks through and climbs to the top of the highly competitive and male dominated world of sports agents. It is inspired by events that shaped Lynn on her path to becoming the first Black woman to represent a top 3 NFL draft pick, a fierce advocate for her legal clients, and a breath of fresh air in a male-dominated industry.
Tash Grey, who has also worked as a writer and co-executive producer...
The first series is an untitled drama inspired by the life of sports agent and attorney Nicole Lynn. The series follows the rise of a determined young, African-American woman as she breaks through and climbs to the top of the highly competitive and male dominated world of sports agents. It is inspired by events that shaped Lynn on her path to becoming the first Black woman to represent a top 3 NFL draft pick, a fierce advocate for her legal clients, and a breath of fresh air in a male-dominated industry.
Tash Grey, who has also worked as a writer and co-executive producer...
- 9/14/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Starz and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson are reteaming on two drama projects, expanding the producer and rapper’s portfolio at the premium cable outlet.
Jackson’s G-Unit Film and Television are developing a show about a woman sports agent — based on the life of agent and lawyer Nicole Lynn — and a potential anthology about hip hop, with the first season devoted to a feud between 50 Cent and The Game. Both are produced by Starz parent Lionsgate Television, where Jackson has an overall deal.
Jackson continues to be a key supplier for Starz, serving as an executive ...
Jackson’s G-Unit Film and Television are developing a show about a woman sports agent — based on the life of agent and lawyer Nicole Lynn — and a potential anthology about hip hop, with the first season devoted to a feud between 50 Cent and The Game. Both are produced by Starz parent Lionsgate Television, where Jackson has an overall deal.
Jackson continues to be a key supplier for Starz, serving as an executive ...
- 9/14/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Starz and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson are reteaming on two drama projects, expanding the producer and rapper’s portfolio at the premium cable outlet.
Jackson’s G-Unit Film and Television are developing a show about a woman sports agent — based on the life of agent and lawyer Nicole Lynn — and a potential anthology about hip hop, with the first season devoted to a feud between 50 Cent and The Game. Both are produced by Starz parent Lionsgate Television, where Jackson has an overall deal.
Jackson continues to be a key supplier for Starz, serving as an executive ...
Jackson’s G-Unit Film and Television are developing a show about a woman sports agent — based on the life of agent and lawyer Nicole Lynn — and a potential anthology about hip hop, with the first season devoted to a feud between 50 Cent and The Game. Both are produced by Starz parent Lionsgate Television, where Jackson has an overall deal.
Jackson continues to be a key supplier for Starz, serving as an executive ...
- 9/14/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mara Brock Akil, the prolific creator/showrunner behind such series as Girlfriends, The Game and Being Mary Jane, has signed a multi-year overall deal with Netflix to create new original content.
The deal comes just ahead of the September 11 release date of her popular series Girlfriends on Netflix, marking the series’ 20th anniversary.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mara Brock Akil to Netflix,” said Channing Dungey, VP Original Series, Netflix. “Her signature storytelling, authentic perspective and captivating characters have long entertained audiences and proven to be relevant, timely and endlessly engaging. We look forward to bringing her distinct voice, vision and passion to our global members.”
Over the course of her career, Brock Akil has written and produced over 400 episodes of television. Her first hit, comedy Girlfriends, debuted in 2000 and ran for eight seasons on Upn and the CW. While Girlfriends was still on the air, she created spinoff The Game,...
The deal comes just ahead of the September 11 release date of her popular series Girlfriends on Netflix, marking the series’ 20th anniversary.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mara Brock Akil to Netflix,” said Channing Dungey, VP Original Series, Netflix. “Her signature storytelling, authentic perspective and captivating characters have long entertained audiences and proven to be relevant, timely and endlessly engaging. We look forward to bringing her distinct voice, vision and passion to our global members.”
Over the course of her career, Brock Akil has written and produced over 400 episodes of television. Her first hit, comedy Girlfriends, debuted in 2000 and ran for eight seasons on Upn and the CW. While Girlfriends was still on the air, she created spinoff The Game,...
- 9/9/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Mara Brock Akil has signed an overall deal with Netflix. The news comes just days ahead of the Netflix premiere of Brock Akil’s classic sitcom “Girlfriends,” which will begin streaming on Netflix on Sept. 11.
Under the multi-year deal, Brock Akil will write and produce scripted content and other creative projects for Netflix.
“It is a dream to partner with the force of Netflix, for we have the same goals—telling human stories for a global audience,” Brock Akil said. “I’m excited to have a home that allows me the creative freedom and support to do what I do best– paint portraits and murals of women, Black people and anyone else whose story is missing from this golden age of television. Representation matters and so does who you build with– I can’t wait to work closely with Channing Dungey and her team to launch some great stories.”
The...
Under the multi-year deal, Brock Akil will write and produce scripted content and other creative projects for Netflix.
“It is a dream to partner with the force of Netflix, for we have the same goals—telling human stories for a global audience,” Brock Akil said. “I’m excited to have a home that allows me the creative freedom and support to do what I do best– paint portraits and murals of women, Black people and anyone else whose story is missing from this golden age of television. Representation matters and so does who you build with– I can’t wait to work closely with Channing Dungey and her team to launch some great stories.”
The...
- 9/9/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Mara Brock Akil is moving her overall deal to Netflix.
The Girlfriends, The Game, Being Mary Jane and Black Lightning exec producer has inked a multiple-year pact with the streaming giant and will develop new scripted and other creative projects for the company. She previously was housed at Warner Bros. TV, the studio behind The CW’s DC Comics drama Black Lightning.
“It is a dream to partner with the force of Netflix, for we have the same goals — telling human stories for a global audience,” Akil said. “I’m excited to have a home that allows ...
The Girlfriends, The Game, Being Mary Jane and Black Lightning exec producer has inked a multiple-year pact with the streaming giant and will develop new scripted and other creative projects for the company. She previously was housed at Warner Bros. TV, the studio behind The CW’s DC Comics drama Black Lightning.
“It is a dream to partner with the force of Netflix, for we have the same goals — telling human stories for a global audience,” Akil said. “I’m excited to have a home that allows ...
Mara Brock Akil is moving her overall deal to Netflix.
The Girlfriends, The Game, Being Mary Jane and Black Lightning exec producer has inked a multiple-year pact with the streaming giant and will develop new scripted and other creative projects for the company. She previously was housed at Warner Bros. TV, the studio behind The CW’s DC Comics drama Black Lightning.
“It is a dream to partner with the force of Netflix, for we have the same goals — telling human stories for a global audience,” Akil said. “I’m excited to have a home that allows ...
The Girlfriends, The Game, Being Mary Jane and Black Lightning exec producer has inked a multiple-year pact with the streaming giant and will develop new scripted and other creative projects for the company. She previously was housed at Warner Bros. TV, the studio behind The CW’s DC Comics drama Black Lightning.
“It is a dream to partner with the force of Netflix, for we have the same goals — telling human stories for a global audience,” Akil said. “I’m excited to have a home that allows ...
As our esteemed Film Editor David Crow has said elsewhere, movies are back — but in a sense they’ve never really gone away. New original films have been popping up via streaming and video-on-demand all throughout the reign of the coronavirus, and they continue to do so even as theaters begin to reopen and the studios slowly start to fill them with new releases as well.
The operative word here is “slow”: we’re not seeing a deluge of new films anywhere — the big or small screen — but there is a steady flow of them nonetheless, and as is often the case, horror leads the way. Below is a round-up of fresh horror releases coming your way (or there already) in the US and UK, available either at your local multiplex (and we urge you to keep the risks of going to the theater in mind) or right in your living room.
The operative word here is “slow”: we’re not seeing a deluge of new films anywhere — the big or small screen — but there is a steady flow of them nonetheless, and as is often the case, horror leads the way. Below is a round-up of fresh horror releases coming your way (or there already) in the US and UK, available either at your local multiplex (and we urge you to keep the risks of going to the theater in mind) or right in your living room.
- 9/7/2020
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
Marcus Smythe, an actor who played the romantic lead on three popular soaps in the 1970s and ’80s, died following a three-year battle with brain cancer on Aug. 20 at this home in La Crescenta, Calif. He was 70.
His death was announced by his family.
Smythe began his soap run in 1979, playing the role of Gordon Middleton on The Guiding Light. He moved to Search for Tomorrow in 1982 as Dane Taylor, and in 1985 began a two-year stint as Peter Love on Another World. Smythe played General Hospital‘s Martin Ross in 1990, and 10 years later joined Port Charles as Dean Eldridge.
Other TV credits include appearances on Seinfeld, Who’s the Boss?, Newhart, Murphy Brown, Mad About You and, most recently, in 2006 and 2008, Girlfriends and its spin-off The Game. He appeared in the 1981 TV-movie Summer Solstice starring Henry Fonda and Myrna Loy, and in 1991, the TV-movie The Story Lady starring Jessica Tandy. He...
His death was announced by his family.
Smythe began his soap run in 1979, playing the role of Gordon Middleton on The Guiding Light. He moved to Search for Tomorrow in 1982 as Dane Taylor, and in 1985 began a two-year stint as Peter Love on Another World. Smythe played General Hospital‘s Martin Ross in 1990, and 10 years later joined Port Charles as Dean Eldridge.
Other TV credits include appearances on Seinfeld, Who’s the Boss?, Newhart, Murphy Brown, Mad About You and, most recently, in 2006 and 2008, Girlfriends and its spin-off The Game. He appeared in the 1981 TV-movie Summer Solstice starring Henry Fonda and Myrna Loy, and in 1991, the TV-movie The Story Lady starring Jessica Tandy. He...
- 8/31/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The CW is developing a drama series that hails from Damon Wayans Jr.’s Two Shakes Entertainment, Variety has learned exclusively.
The project is titled “The Pretenders.” In the show, a seemingly normal suburban family is hiding a big secret: they’re actually individual assets in the Witness Protection Program, placed together to provide safe cover for three of the assets who are unrelated minors. Each of them has a closet full of skeletons and a bounty on their head, which means that for these outcasts, fitting in is about more than just social status, it’s about survival.
Brandon Zuck will write and executive produce, with Wayans and Kameron Tarlow executive producing for Two Shakes. Devon Greggory will also executive produce. CBS Television Studios, where Two Shakes is under a first-look deal, will produce.
This marks the latest project Two Shakes has set up at CW. Last year, the...
The project is titled “The Pretenders.” In the show, a seemingly normal suburban family is hiding a big secret: they’re actually individual assets in the Witness Protection Program, placed together to provide safe cover for three of the assets who are unrelated minors. Each of them has a closet full of skeletons and a bounty on their head, which means that for these outcasts, fitting in is about more than just social status, it’s about survival.
Brandon Zuck will write and executive produce, with Wayans and Kameron Tarlow executive producing for Two Shakes. Devon Greggory will also executive produce. CBS Television Studios, where Two Shakes is under a first-look deal, will produce.
This marks the latest project Two Shakes has set up at CW. Last year, the...
- 8/28/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Tia Mowry's son has a baby Sister, Sister! The 39-year-old actress, who starred on the sitcom with her twin Tamera Mowry, and is also known for her past role on The Game, has given birth to her and husband Cory Hardrict's second child (and first daughter). She joins the couple's son, Cree, 6. Tia announced the big news on Sunday morning with a sweet Instagram photo of mama and baby girl in their hospital bed. The TV wrote, "Feeling grateful and blessed as we welcome our little baby girl into the world!" The star also wrote that her little bundle of love was, "Born May 5th at 10:29 am at 6 pounds and 4 Oz 19.8 inches." "We are in...
- 5/6/2018
- E! Online
Grammy winners Patti Labelle and Brandy Norwood are set to guest-star on Fox’s Star this spring in multi-episode arcs.
Labelle will play Carlotta Brown’s (Queen Latifah) tough but loving mother, Christine, while Norwood has been cast as Carlotta’s younger sister, Cassie.
Labelle’s previous TV credits include Daytime Divas (as well as Fox’s own Empire, playing herself), while Norwood had long runs on The Game and Moesha, plus arcs on 90210 and Drop Dead Diva.
Ready for more of today’s newsy nuggets? Well..
* Monica Barbaro (Chicago Justice, UnREAL) has landed the female lead in Netflix’s...
Labelle will play Carlotta Brown’s (Queen Latifah) tough but loving mother, Christine, while Norwood has been cast as Carlotta’s younger sister, Cassie.
Labelle’s previous TV credits include Daytime Divas (as well as Fox’s own Empire, playing herself), while Norwood had long runs on The Game and Moesha, plus arcs on 90210 and Drop Dead Diva.
Ready for more of today’s newsy nuggets? Well..
* Monica Barbaro (Chicago Justice, UnREAL) has landed the female lead in Netflix’s...
- 11/9/2017
- TVLine.com
There are likely two SAG cards in Kerry Washington's household; One for her and one for her husband. For a decade, Nnamdi Asomugha, who has been married to the actress for four years and shares two children her, has focused primarily on his NFL career. The 36-year-old was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. The cornerback later played for the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers before he signed a one-day contract with the Raiders in 2013 and retired as a member of his first team. He did dabble in acting during his time as a football player, making appearances on shows such as The Game, Friday Night Lights and...
- 8/18/2017
- E! Online
Brittany Daniel knows a little something about dancing — and so does her new husband, Adam Touni.
Opting out of the traditional first dance at their wedding on Saturday, the newlyweds, along with their closest friends, performed a classic and rowdy girls vs. boys dance-off.
“It was kind of inspired by the scene in White Chicks I was in,” the Sweet Valley High alum tells People in this week’s issue.
Ahead of their wedding, Daniel shared the couple’s vision for the dance: “Adam thinks he is Magic Mike. It’s going to be like the boys against the girls.
Opting out of the traditional first dance at their wedding on Saturday, the newlyweds, along with their closest friends, performed a classic and rowdy girls vs. boys dance-off.
“It was kind of inspired by the scene in White Chicks I was in,” the Sweet Valley High alum tells People in this week’s issue.
Ahead of their wedding, Daniel shared the couple’s vision for the dance: “Adam thinks he is Magic Mike. It’s going to be like the boys against the girls.
- 8/4/2017
- by Christina Dugan
- PEOPLE.com
Brittany Daniel knew her new husband Adam Touni was “The One” from their first date, but there was one specific (and chilling!) moment that solidified everything.
“The first time I visited Adam in Palo Alto, he was out at work and I let myself into his home and I walked into his bedroom and he had this painting over his bed of this little girl reaching to this balloon floating away and it said, ‘There will always be hope.’ And it hit me so deeply,” Daniel, 41, tells People in this week’s issue. “I was like, ‘Who is this man...
“The first time I visited Adam in Palo Alto, he was out at work and I let myself into his home and I walked into his bedroom and he had this painting over his bed of this little girl reaching to this balloon floating away and it said, ‘There will always be hope.’ And it hit me so deeply,” Daniel, 41, tells People in this week’s issue. “I was like, ‘Who is this man...
- 8/3/2017
- by Christina Dugan
- PEOPLE.com
To get into character for season two of Insecure, Jay Ellis went all out.
The actor, who plays Issa Dee (Issa Rae)’s ex-boyfriend Lawrence on the HBO series, took up running since his character is training for a marathon on the show.
“There’s no way Lawrence could have started the season at 200 lbs. and ended the season at 200 lbs. which is what my weight was,” Ellis, 35, explains to People. “I didn’t feel like I was being honest to the character if I didn’t do it. And I wanted that challenge as an actor.”
So Ellis gradually...
The actor, who plays Issa Dee (Issa Rae)’s ex-boyfriend Lawrence on the HBO series, took up running since his character is training for a marathon on the show.
“There’s no way Lawrence could have started the season at 200 lbs. and ended the season at 200 lbs. which is what my weight was,” Ellis, 35, explains to People. “I didn’t feel like I was being honest to the character if I didn’t do it. And I wanted that challenge as an actor.”
So Ellis gradually...
- 8/1/2017
- by Michelle Ward Trainor
- PEOPLE.com
Brittany Daniel is married! The Sweet Valley High alum and her boyfriend, Adam Touni, tied the knot during an urban-chic celebration in La on Saturday. "We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and affection shared by our friends and family on this special day," the couple said in a statement to People. "We are so grateful to have this kind of support as we start this journey together." The duo said "I do" in front of 150 of their closest family and friends, including her cast mates from Bet's The Game. While the groom wore a classic black tux for the occasion, Brittany wowed in a custom-made Trish Peng gown. Aside from looking absolutely blissful as the couple posed for photos, the bride also shared a special moment with her twin sister, Cynthia Daniel Hauser, who served as maid of honor. Congrats to the happy pair! RelatedWedding Bells: 26 Celebrity Couples...
- 7/31/2017
- by Kelsie Gibson
- Popsugar.com
Sorry Bruce Patman, Jessica Wakefield is off the market. Sweet Valley High alum Brittany Daniel, also known for her role on Bet's The Game, has wed beau Adam Touni. "We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and affection shared by our friends and family on this special day," the couple said in a statement to People. "We are so grateful to have this kind of support as we start this journey together." The two exchanged vows at the Carondelet House in downtown Los Angeles Saturday in front of 150 friends and family members, including Brittany's twin sister and Sweet Valley High co-star Cynthia Daniel Hauser, who served as her maid of honor, the outlet...
- 7/30/2017
- E! Online
That Black Lightning revolves around an African-American family is “the least interesting” about The CW’s midseason superhero series.
As showrunners Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil (Being Mary Jane, The Game) proceeded to note during their and the cast’s visit to TVLine’s Comic-Con interview suite, the title character’s daughters will face their own battles as Dad (played by Cress Williams) gets drawn back into the costumed crimefighting game after a 10-year hiatus.
VideosBlack Lightning Trailer Revisits Arrow, Flash, Supergirl and Other Heroes’ Leaps From Page to TV Screen
“Anissa (Nafessa Williams) is going to come...
As showrunners Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil (Being Mary Jane, The Game) proceeded to note during their and the cast’s visit to TVLine’s Comic-Con interview suite, the title character’s daughters will face their own battles as Dad (played by Cress Williams) gets drawn back into the costumed crimefighting game after a 10-year hiatus.
VideosBlack Lightning Trailer Revisits Arrow, Flash, Supergirl and Other Heroes’ Leaps From Page to TV Screen
“Anissa (Nafessa Williams) is going to come...
- 7/26/2017
- TVLine.com
To watch Tiffany Haddish is to get the vicarious sense that you, too, can do anything, be anything, including yourself. It comes down to just two words: “She ready.”
Read More‘Girls Trip’ Review: Tiffany Haddish Is the Summer’s Biggest Breakout In This Raunchy Comedy
You hear Haddish say “she ready” a lot, in interviews, in her upcoming Showtime stand-up special — Haddish’s production company is even called She Ready Productions. When she says it, don’t think of it as a catchphrase. Really, it’s a mantra.
“Me and my cousins, we came up with it when we were young and trying to sneak into clubs,” she told IndieWire in a phone interview. “When we would come out of the house and you looked cute we’d be like, ‘Yeah, she ready.’ And if you looked bad, we’d be like, ‘Uh uh, she not ready, go back in the house.
Read More‘Girls Trip’ Review: Tiffany Haddish Is the Summer’s Biggest Breakout In This Raunchy Comedy
You hear Haddish say “she ready” a lot, in interviews, in her upcoming Showtime stand-up special — Haddish’s production company is even called She Ready Productions. When she says it, don’t think of it as a catchphrase. Really, it’s a mantra.
“Me and my cousins, we came up with it when we were young and trying to sneak into clubs,” she told IndieWire in a phone interview. “When we would come out of the house and you looked cute we’d be like, ‘Yeah, she ready.’ And if you looked bad, we’d be like, ‘Uh uh, she not ready, go back in the house.
- 7/19/2017
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
The Oprah Winfrey Network has ordered a new series from “Black Lightning”creators Mara Bock Akil and Salim Akil, the network announced on Tuesday. The series, titled “Love Is ___,” draws inspiration from the couple’s real-life relationship to tell the story of a modern-day power couple. The Akils, who will create and executive produce the series through their Akil Productions banner, are the award-winning producers behind such shows as “Being Mary Jane,” “The Game” and “Girlfriends.” According to the network, the blank space in the title is meant to be “interactive, active, a verb and open for definition.” Brock Akil will serve as showrunner.
- 7/18/2017
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Oprah Winfrey has recruited The Game and Being Mary Jane creator Mara Brock Akil and her husband, writer-director Salim Akil, for a new series on Own: The Oprah Winfrey Network. Created and executive produced by the Akils, the hourlong dramedy, titled Love Is ___, is set to debut in 2018. Drawing inspiration from their real-life relationship, the project tells the love story between a modern-day power couple. In the world of Black Hollywood, they navigate a complex set of…...
- 7/18/2017
- Deadline TV
Burbank, CA (May 31, 2017) – Just in time for the fourth season premiere of the #1 show on The CW, catch the fastest man alive as he zigzags through the action-packed release of The Flash: The Complete Third Season from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-rayTM and DVD on September 5, 2017. Delivering 5 million Total Viewers per episode, The Flash is a Top 10 series on all broadcast with Men 18-34 (#7) and Men 18-49 (#10)⃰. Fans will be able to revisit all 23 electrifying episodes from the third season, including the DC-crossover episode, plus over two hours of extra content, including behind-the-scenes featurettes on the “Invasion!” cross over episode and the “Duets” musical episode, a conversation with Andrew Kreisberg and Kevin Smith, deleted scenes, and more. The Flash: The Complete Third Season is priced to own at $49.99 Srp for the DVD and $54.97 Srp for the Blu-rayTM which includes a Digital Copy. The Flash: The Complete...
- 5/31/2017
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
2017-05-11T07:04:17-07:00'Black Lightning' Series Coming to The CW
It’s official: Greg Berlanti will have another superhero show on The CW next season.
The CW has given a series order to Black Lightning, which hails from the prolific superhero producer as well as The Game and Being Mary Jane creator Mara Brock Akil and her husband Salim Akil, EW has learned.
Here’s the logline for the project, which will also be executive produced by Sarah Schechter: “Jefferson Pierce made his choice: he hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago, but with one daughter hell-bent on justice and the other a star student being recruited by a local gang, he’ll be pulled back into the fight as the wanted vigilante and DC legend Black Lightning.”
Read the rest of this article at EW.
Greg Berlanti's other superhero series include Arrow,...
It’s official: Greg Berlanti will have another superhero show on The CW next season.
The CW has given a series order to Black Lightning, which hails from the prolific superhero producer as well as The Game and Being Mary Jane creator Mara Brock Akil and her husband Salim Akil, EW has learned.
Here’s the logline for the project, which will also be executive produced by Sarah Schechter: “Jefferson Pierce made his choice: he hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago, but with one daughter hell-bent on justice and the other a star student being recruited by a local gang, he’ll be pulled back into the fight as the wanted vigilante and DC legend Black Lightning.”
Read the rest of this article at EW.
Greg Berlanti's other superhero series include Arrow,...
- 5/11/2017
- by EG
- Yidio
Candice Patton is an American actress whose best-known role is Iris West on The Flash, which has earned her a number of nominations for her performance. However, it is important to note that she has made appearances in numerous movies and TV shows, which range from The Game to The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Days of Our Lives. As a result, Patton should be considered an experienced actress with more than a decade’s worth of roles to call her own. Here are five things that you may or may not have known about Candice
Five Things You Didn’t Know About Candice Patton...
Five Things You Didn’t Know About Candice Patton...
- 5/10/2017
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
“The Originals” fans, rest easy: Klaus and krewe will be back for another year, marking the show’s fifth season.
Also renewed by The CW: “iZombie,” for a fourth season.
Read More: ‘iZombie’ Co-Creators Weigh the Possible End Games for Zombie TV Shows
New to the network: “Black Lightning,” which was originally developed at Fox but eventually moved to The CW. Cress Williams stars as Jefferson Pierce, “who made his choice: he hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago, but with a daughter hell-bent on justice and a star student being recruited by a local gang, he’ll be pulled back into the fight as the wanted vigilante and DC legend — Black Lightning.”
Then there’s “Life Sentence,” an hour-long dramedy starring Lucy Hale as a a young woman diagnosed with terminal cancer. When she finds out that she’s not dying after all, she has to...
Also renewed by The CW: “iZombie,” for a fourth season.
Read More: ‘iZombie’ Co-Creators Weigh the Possible End Games for Zombie TV Shows
New to the network: “Black Lightning,” which was originally developed at Fox but eventually moved to The CW. Cress Williams stars as Jefferson Pierce, “who made his choice: he hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago, but with a daughter hell-bent on justice and a star student being recruited by a local gang, he’ll be pulled back into the fight as the wanted vigilante and DC legend — Black Lightning.”
Then there’s “Life Sentence,” an hour-long dramedy starring Lucy Hale as a a young woman diagnosed with terminal cancer. When she finds out that she’s not dying after all, she has to...
- 5/10/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Raney Branch (Bones, The Originals) is set to guest star opposite Gabrielle Union on Bet’s popular drama series Being Mary Jane. Created by The Game's Mara Brock Akil, Being Mary Jane follows the sometimes disastrous personal and professional life of news anchor Mary Jane Paul (Union). Branch will play Aaliyah Luckett, an up-and-coming force of nature, in a multi-episode arc. Aaliyah is a junior PR associate with the network’s brand strategy firm, and she’s been tasked…...
- 3/23/2017
- Deadline TV
Top TV series creator and showrunner Mara Brock Akil has signed with CAA. Brock Akil has created three series, all of which have gone the distance — comedy Girlfriends, which ran for eight seasons on Upn and the CW; its spinoff The Game, which aired for nine seasons on the CW and Bet; as well as drama Being Mary Jane, now in its fourth season on Bet. Brock Akil, a long-time client of ICM Partners, and her husband and frequent collaborator Salim Akil are under a big…...
- 3/22/2017
- Deadline TV
[[tmz:video id="0_812qo6g0"]] Floyd Mayweather was true to larger-than-life form Saturday night, celebrating his big 4-0 with about a million celebs. [[tmz:video id="0_pup2mzrp"]] The bash went down at the J.W. Marriott at L.A. Live. Mariah sang Happy Birthday, Justin Bieber followed with "Where are U Now" as Too Short, Nicole Murphy, The Game, Bobby Brown, Adrien Broner, Terrell Owens, Fat Joe and others looked on. Read more...
- 2/26/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
It’s official: the CW has picked up Black Lightning — from Greg Berlanti, king of the CW's DC universe; The Game and Being Mary Jane creator Mara Brock Akil; and her husband Salim Akil — with a pilot order. The high-profile drama based on the DC character, which had a big production commitment at Fox, was recently put in turnaround after Fox opted not to proceed with a pilot. Producing studio Warner Bros. TV shopped it to other networks, with the CW quickly emerging as the…...
- 2/3/2017
- Deadline TV
Rob Leane Jun 20, 2017
Black Lightning will buck The CW's villainous formula, avoiding 'freak of the week' foes and shoehorned fights...
Black Lightning villains
Greg Berlanti's latest superhero project at The CW is Black Lightning. It's the mega-producer's fifth DC series at the network, following Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl and Legends Of Tomorrow.
See related Jessica Jones season 2: new set pictures emerge Iron Fist: Rosario Dawson pops up in new clip The Punisher: release date seems to be November
The show will follow Jefferson Pierce, aka Black Lightning, a former superhero - with electical abilities - who is drawn out of retirement when a younger generation is put in danger. Cress Williams is in that role.
The showrunners are Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil, the former of whom has now been chatting about the villainous presence in the series. He's against the idea of 'freak of the week' villains and shoehorned battles, by the sounds of it.
"It’s a character-driven show. I don’t know if there’s going to be a fight every week," Akil said told International Business Times, teasing at a significant departure from The CW's superhero series formula.
Instead, more time will be spent nurturing the main villain: a chap named Tobias. Cbr reckons this could be a live action version of Tobias Whale from the comics (pictured), a member of the criminal cartel The 100 (who have already been confirmed for the show).
"There’s certainly not going to be a villain of the week", Akil added. "I don’t want to do that. We really want to explore the characters, even the villains. I think one of the most interesting characters right now from a storytelling standpoint is Tobias. Because we’re not having him sort of twist his mustache. His hatred for himself and for others comes from a real place, so we want to know why he’s like that."
We'll keep you updated as we hear more.
Black Lightning release date
The first season of Black Lightning is set to debut in the midseason break of the other DC shows' next runs. We'd expect a January 2018 release date, then, or something along those lines. We'll let you know when an exact date is confirmed.
More as we hear it. We've also got a trailer, poster and synopsis on page 2 of this article...
Black Lightning trailer
Here's the first trailer...
Black Lightning story
The series, which will apparently be set in a different universe to all the other DC shows, also has this brand new synopsis...
Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) is a man wrestling with a secret. As the father of two daughters and principal of a charter high school that also serves as a safe haven for young people in a New Orleans neighborhood overrun by gang violence, he is a hero to his community.
Nine years ago, Pierce was a hero of a different sort. Gifted with the superhuman power to harness and control electricity, he used those powers to keep his hometown streets safe as the masked vigilante Black Lightning.
However, after too many nights with his life on the line, and seeing the effects of the damage and loss that his alter ego was inflicting on his family, he left his Super Hero days behind and settled into being a principal and a dad. Choosing to help his city without using his superpowers, he watched his daughters Anissa (Nafessa Williams) and Jennifer (China Anne McClain) grow into strong young women, even though his marriage to their mother, Lynn (Christine Adams), suffered.
Almost a decade later, Pierce’s crime-fighting days are long behind him…or so he thought. But with crime and corruption spreading like wildfire, and those he cares about in the crosshairs of the menacing local gang The One Hundred, Black Lightning returns — to save not only his family, but also the soul of his community.
Based on the characters from DC, Black Lightning is from Berlanti Productions and Akil Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “The Flash”), Salim Akil & Mara Brock Akil (“Being Mary Jane,” “The Game,” “Girlfriends”), and Sarah Schechter (“Arrow,” “The Flash”). The Black Lightning character was created by Tony Isabella with Trevor Von Eeden.
Black Lightning poster
And here's another look at that awesome costume, designed by Laura Jean Shannon...
Black Lightning: Static joining the show?
Co-showrunner Salim Akil keen on bringing in Static, who is established in the comics as a teen fan of Black Lightning who gains similar powers.
"I love the idea of Static Shock, and in success, hopefully, we’ll be able to pull other characters in that way," Akil told Cbr recently. "So I’m holding out hope because I love that character."
Static previously appeared in 50+ episodes of the Static Shock animated series, which ended its run in 2004. Jaden Smith is regularly linked to a live-action take on the role.
To this writer, adding Static to Black Lightning's show sounds like a surefire way to garner hype for a second season, should one be ordered, after the mythos and the main players are introduced in season 1.
More news as we hear it. We're still waiting on an exact release date...
Black Lightning will buck The CW's villainous formula, avoiding 'freak of the week' foes and shoehorned fights...
Black Lightning villains
Greg Berlanti's latest superhero project at The CW is Black Lightning. It's the mega-producer's fifth DC series at the network, following Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl and Legends Of Tomorrow.
See related Jessica Jones season 2: new set pictures emerge Iron Fist: Rosario Dawson pops up in new clip The Punisher: release date seems to be November
The show will follow Jefferson Pierce, aka Black Lightning, a former superhero - with electical abilities - who is drawn out of retirement when a younger generation is put in danger. Cress Williams is in that role.
The showrunners are Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil, the former of whom has now been chatting about the villainous presence in the series. He's against the idea of 'freak of the week' villains and shoehorned battles, by the sounds of it.
"It’s a character-driven show. I don’t know if there’s going to be a fight every week," Akil said told International Business Times, teasing at a significant departure from The CW's superhero series formula.
Instead, more time will be spent nurturing the main villain: a chap named Tobias. Cbr reckons this could be a live action version of Tobias Whale from the comics (pictured), a member of the criminal cartel The 100 (who have already been confirmed for the show).
"There’s certainly not going to be a villain of the week", Akil added. "I don’t want to do that. We really want to explore the characters, even the villains. I think one of the most interesting characters right now from a storytelling standpoint is Tobias. Because we’re not having him sort of twist his mustache. His hatred for himself and for others comes from a real place, so we want to know why he’s like that."
We'll keep you updated as we hear more.
Black Lightning release date
The first season of Black Lightning is set to debut in the midseason break of the other DC shows' next runs. We'd expect a January 2018 release date, then, or something along those lines. We'll let you know when an exact date is confirmed.
More as we hear it. We've also got a trailer, poster and synopsis on page 2 of this article...
Black Lightning trailer
Here's the first trailer...
Black Lightning story
The series, which will apparently be set in a different universe to all the other DC shows, also has this brand new synopsis...
Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) is a man wrestling with a secret. As the father of two daughters and principal of a charter high school that also serves as a safe haven for young people in a New Orleans neighborhood overrun by gang violence, he is a hero to his community.
Nine years ago, Pierce was a hero of a different sort. Gifted with the superhuman power to harness and control electricity, he used those powers to keep his hometown streets safe as the masked vigilante Black Lightning.
However, after too many nights with his life on the line, and seeing the effects of the damage and loss that his alter ego was inflicting on his family, he left his Super Hero days behind and settled into being a principal and a dad. Choosing to help his city without using his superpowers, he watched his daughters Anissa (Nafessa Williams) and Jennifer (China Anne McClain) grow into strong young women, even though his marriage to their mother, Lynn (Christine Adams), suffered.
Almost a decade later, Pierce’s crime-fighting days are long behind him…or so he thought. But with crime and corruption spreading like wildfire, and those he cares about in the crosshairs of the menacing local gang The One Hundred, Black Lightning returns — to save not only his family, but also the soul of his community.
Based on the characters from DC, Black Lightning is from Berlanti Productions and Akil Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “The Flash”), Salim Akil & Mara Brock Akil (“Being Mary Jane,” “The Game,” “Girlfriends”), and Sarah Schechter (“Arrow,” “The Flash”). The Black Lightning character was created by Tony Isabella with Trevor Von Eeden.
Black Lightning poster
And here's another look at that awesome costume, designed by Laura Jean Shannon...
Black Lightning: Static joining the show?
Co-showrunner Salim Akil keen on bringing in Static, who is established in the comics as a teen fan of Black Lightning who gains similar powers.
"I love the idea of Static Shock, and in success, hopefully, we’ll be able to pull other characters in that way," Akil told Cbr recently. "So I’m holding out hope because I love that character."
Static previously appeared in 50+ episodes of the Static Shock animated series, which ended its run in 2004. Jaden Smith is regularly linked to a live-action take on the role.
To this writer, adding Static to Black Lightning's show sounds like a surefire way to garner hype for a second season, should one be ordered, after the mythos and the main players are introduced in season 1.
More news as we hear it. We're still waiting on an exact release date...
- 2/3/2017
- Den of Geek
Despite receiving a big production commitment at Fox, Deadline reports that Black Lightning is on its way to The CW. The network already hosts Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, iZombie, and Riverdale, but a new comic book property being added to its lineup is surprising considering the fact that the network's president has said he doesn't want it to become known just for those. Greg Berlanti is developing the series alongside The Game and Being Mary Jane creator Mara Brock Akil and her husband Salim Akil. Fox decided against shooting the pilot after deciding "that the superhero show was not a good fit into its already crowded genre drama space that includes the DC/Wbtv series Gotham and Lucifer, Seth MacFarlane’s upcoming space dramedy, and two pilots, the X-Men-themed drama written by Matt Nix and The Passage, all from 20th TV." That makes sense! One of the...
- 2/3/2017
- ComicBookMovie.com
Exclusive: Lightning might strike three times, with a third Greg Berlanti-produced comic book series developed/launched at another network heading to the CW. I’ve learned that Black Lightning, the high-profile drama based on the DC character, which had a big production commitment at Fox, is on the move and likely to land at the CW. The project comes from Greg Berlanti, king of the CW's DC universe; The Game and Being Mary Jane creator Mara Brock Akil; and her husband Salim…...
- 2/3/2017
- Deadline TV
After the awards show is when the night gets really turnt up!
Et's insiders hit up all the after-parties following the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards, and got a firsthand look at how the stars cut loose.
Exclusive: Emma Stone Reacts to Andrew Garfield Kissing Ryan Reynolds During Ryan Gosling's Golden Globes Win
Here's what went down when the awards show wrapped and the real partying began!
HBO's Golden Globe Awards After Party: Friendship Goals and Tom Hiddleston Talk
Getty Images
Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon didn't stop to change but instead arrived to the party together, and posed fun photos outside the venue. Kidman and husband Keith Urban were also spotted chatting with Witherspoon and Parker before leaving Circa 55 restaurant hand-in-hand.
There was some talk at the party of Tom Hiddleston's Golden Globe win for his role in The Night Manager. One guest was overheard saying, “This is his...
Et's insiders hit up all the after-parties following the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards, and got a firsthand look at how the stars cut loose.
Exclusive: Emma Stone Reacts to Andrew Garfield Kissing Ryan Reynolds During Ryan Gosling's Golden Globes Win
Here's what went down when the awards show wrapped and the real partying began!
HBO's Golden Globe Awards After Party: Friendship Goals and Tom Hiddleston Talk
Getty Images
Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon didn't stop to change but instead arrived to the party together, and posed fun photos outside the venue. Kidman and husband Keith Urban were also spotted chatting with Witherspoon and Parker before leaving Circa 55 restaurant hand-in-hand.
There was some talk at the party of Tom Hiddleston's Golden Globe win for his role in The Night Manager. One guest was overheard saying, “This is his...
- 1/9/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Brittany Daniel is off the market!
The Sweet Valley High alum and her boyfriend Adam Touni are set to tie the knot, the actress shared on Instagram Sunday.
“I said yes! My world just became brighter today,” Daniel, 40, captioned her San Francisco, California, selfie of the pair, in which she’s flashing a gorgeous diamond ring for the camera while the Golden Gate Bridge can be seen in the background.
“#engagement #christmas #love #proposal #marinheadlands #family @adam.touni.”
Touni, a broker and attorney based out of Northern California, shared his own photo of the couple’s special moment, in which...
The Sweet Valley High alum and her boyfriend Adam Touni are set to tie the knot, the actress shared on Instagram Sunday.
“I said yes! My world just became brighter today,” Daniel, 40, captioned her San Francisco, California, selfie of the pair, in which she’s flashing a gorgeous diamond ring for the camera while the Golden Gate Bridge can be seen in the background.
“#engagement #christmas #love #proposal #marinheadlands #family @adam.touni.”
Touni, a broker and attorney based out of Northern California, shared his own photo of the couple’s special moment, in which...
- 12/26/2016
- by Jen Juneau
- PEOPLE.com
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