Macro Television Studios is producing “Swordplay,” a fantasy drama series based on original idea by Jonathan and Josh Baker. The Baker brothers developed the series alongside Macro, Hebru Brantley and Eric Phillips. Lucien Christian Adderly and Richard “Byrd” Wilson serve as series creators, and Glen Mazzara will showrun.
“Swordplay” follows a sheltered teen and his newly befriended Hypebeast crew as they lace up their retro kicks and go for glory with an ancient sword used to defeat otherworldly creatures on the streets of LA.
A veteran showrunner, Mazzara’s credits include “The Shield,” “The Walking Dead” and “Damien.” It is therefore notable that he’s boarded “Swordplay” this early in the process, supporting early-career filmmakers such as the Baker Brothers. The Bakershad their feature film debut with “Kin,” based on their short film “Bag Man.” Jack Reynor, Zoe Kravitz, Dennis Quaid, James Franco and Myles Truitt starred in the feature.
“Swordplay” follows a sheltered teen and his newly befriended Hypebeast crew as they lace up their retro kicks and go for glory with an ancient sword used to defeat otherworldly creatures on the streets of LA.
A veteran showrunner, Mazzara’s credits include “The Shield,” “The Walking Dead” and “Damien.” It is therefore notable that he’s boarded “Swordplay” this early in the process, supporting early-career filmmakers such as the Baker Brothers. The Bakershad their feature film debut with “Kin,” based on their short film “Bag Man.” Jack Reynor, Zoe Kravitz, Dennis Quaid, James Franco and Myles Truitt starred in the feature.
- 9/12/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
‘Swordplay’ Fantasy Series From The Baker Brothers, Lucien & Byrd And Glen Mazzara In Works At Macro
Macro Television Studios is set to produce Swordplay, an action fantasy drama series based on an original idea by Jonathan and Josh Baker aka The Baker Brothers (Kin).
The series was developed by The Baker Brothers, Hebru Brantley and Eric Phillips along with Macro Television Studios. Lucien Christian Adderly & Richard “Byrd” Wilson aka Lucien & Byrd (David Makes Man) were brought in to create the series and Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead) to showrun.
In Swordplay, a sheltered teen and his newly befriended Hypebeast crew lace up their retro kicks and go for glory with an ancient sword used to defeat otherworldly creatures on the streets of LA.
Lucien & Byrd are creators, writers and executive producers. The Baker Brothers are directors/executive producers. Mazzara is executive producer and showrunner.
Also executive producing are Macro Television Studios’ Charles D. King, Marta Fernandez and Ahmadou Seck; Angry Hero’s Hebru Brantley and Eric Phillips.
The series was developed by The Baker Brothers, Hebru Brantley and Eric Phillips along with Macro Television Studios. Lucien Christian Adderly & Richard “Byrd” Wilson aka Lucien & Byrd (David Makes Man) were brought in to create the series and Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead) to showrun.
In Swordplay, a sheltered teen and his newly befriended Hypebeast crew lace up their retro kicks and go for glory with an ancient sword used to defeat otherworldly creatures on the streets of LA.
Lucien & Byrd are creators, writers and executive producers. The Baker Brothers are directors/executive producers. Mazzara is executive producer and showrunner.
Also executive producing are Macro Television Studios’ Charles D. King, Marta Fernandez and Ahmadou Seck; Angry Hero’s Hebru Brantley and Eric Phillips.
- 9/12/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
"We all have a part to play, sweet boy." Netflix has launched three new short films streaming this week, along with this trailer to bring attention to them. The Netflix Emerging Filmmaker Initiative ("Efi") is an annual program created to cultivate and accelerate the careers of the next wave of marquee filmmakers working in high-demand genres like sci-fi, action, horror and thriller. This year, three breakout filmmakers were chosen to direct ambitious genre short films that the Efi would develop, fund, produce and distribute: Hebru Brantley's Erax, Ashley Eakin's Forgive Us Our Trespasses, and Marielle Woods' Heart Shot. You can get a look at all three below. "Through the initiative, these filmmakers will gain priceless access to the film studio ecosystem early in their careers and receive hands-on experience in development, casting, production, scoring, editing and more. We’ll also pair each filmmaker with an experienced director mentor.
- 2/18/2022
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Netflix has launched a new pipeline program aimed at launching the “next wave of marquee filmmakers” working in high-concept genres.
The Emerging Filmmaker Initiative (Efi) gives three filmmakers the opportunity to develop, fund, produce and distribute their short films on Netflix, with a focus on stories in the sci-fi, action, horror and thriller genres.
The initiative is inspired by the trajectory of rising star Stefon Bristol, who first teamed with the streamer on “See You Yesterday.” The high-impact time-travel tale went on to earn an Independent Spirit Award for best first screenplay and Bristol has set his second project with Netflix, “Gordon Hemingway & The Realm of Cthulhu.” Like “See You Yesterday,” Bristol will direct the upcoming film, produced by Spike Lee.
“Stefon’s short opened a lot of doors, but for many up-and-coming filmmakers, it takes years just to get that first shot. We want to change that,” Ian Bricke,...
The Emerging Filmmaker Initiative (Efi) gives three filmmakers the opportunity to develop, fund, produce and distribute their short films on Netflix, with a focus on stories in the sci-fi, action, horror and thriller genres.
The initiative is inspired by the trajectory of rising star Stefon Bristol, who first teamed with the streamer on “See You Yesterday.” The high-impact time-travel tale went on to earn an Independent Spirit Award for best first screenplay and Bristol has set his second project with Netflix, “Gordon Hemingway & The Realm of Cthulhu.” Like “See You Yesterday,” Bristol will direct the upcoming film, produced by Spike Lee.
“Stefon’s short opened a lot of doors, but for many up-and-coming filmmakers, it takes years just to get that first shot. We want to change that,” Ian Bricke,...
- 1/18/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The nonprofit Ghetto Film School has announced that Abby Pucker, director of strategic initiatives and partnerships at Madison Wells, has joined their board.
Ghetto Film School (Gfs) was founded in 2000 to educate, develop and celebrate the next generation of great American storytellers. It has locations in New York City, Los Angeles and London.
Pucker’s addition to the board marks the culmination of her sustained efforts to promote Ghetto Film School and its students. In November, Pucker helped organize The Melissa Rucker Fellows Fund, which raised over $80,000 to cover the cost of the 3-year Ghetto Film School Fellows Program for two students.
Pucker’s career experiences span across the intersection of tech, media, and culture. In her current role at independent entertainment company Madison Wells, Pucker leads all efforts to craft the company’s overall strategy. She is in charge of creating and implementing the framework for the company to promote and empower diverse voices.
Ghetto Film School (Gfs) was founded in 2000 to educate, develop and celebrate the next generation of great American storytellers. It has locations in New York City, Los Angeles and London.
Pucker’s addition to the board marks the culmination of her sustained efforts to promote Ghetto Film School and its students. In November, Pucker helped organize The Melissa Rucker Fellows Fund, which raised over $80,000 to cover the cost of the 3-year Ghetto Film School Fellows Program for two students.
Pucker’s career experiences span across the intersection of tech, media, and culture. In her current role at independent entertainment company Madison Wells, Pucker leads all efforts to craft the company’s overall strategy. She is in charge of creating and implementing the framework for the company to promote and empower diverse voices.
- 2/12/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Chicago artist Hebru Brantley has signed with WME and will work with the agency to build his Angry Hero production company. He was previously under UTA.
Brantley, a visual artist whose works highlights African American life in America, has showcased his projects in a number of major cities across the nation, ranging from San Francisco to Miami. The artist has also taken his work internationally, exhibiting his art in Tokyo, Hong Kong and at global art exhibits including Art Basel Switzerland, Art Basel Miami and Frieze London.
Fans of Brantley, who has previously collaborated with Nike and Adidas, include Jay-Z, Chance the Rapper, George Lucas, LeBron James and Lenny Kravitz.
The artist already has different deals in progress, including one with Sony Pictures TV. He is also developing his own original content including films Kankakee with Lionsgate and Point Grey, and Hype with Peter Chernin. Brantley’s Flyboy with...
Brantley, a visual artist whose works highlights African American life in America, has showcased his projects in a number of major cities across the nation, ranging from San Francisco to Miami. The artist has also taken his work internationally, exhibiting his art in Tokyo, Hong Kong and at global art exhibits including Art Basel Switzerland, Art Basel Miami and Frieze London.
Fans of Brantley, who has previously collaborated with Nike and Adidas, include Jay-Z, Chance the Rapper, George Lucas, LeBron James and Lenny Kravitz.
The artist already has different deals in progress, including one with Sony Pictures TV. He is also developing his own original content including films Kankakee with Lionsgate and Point Grey, and Hype with Peter Chernin. Brantley’s Flyboy with...
- 8/12/2020
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, UTA promotes agents Chelsea McKinnies and Emerson Davis, “A Deadly Legend’ finds a home and the Black Life Film Fest is unveiled.
Promotions
United Talent Agency has promoted veteran agents Chelsea McKinnies and Emerson Davis to partner status.
“As champions of powerful and unique voices, Chelsea and Emerson have been integral to the growth and evolution of UTA,” said UTA co-president David Kramer. “It is essential our partnership is comprised of dynamic and deserving leaders, particularly as we strive for our company to better reflect the world in which we live. Chelsea and Emerson make us better as a whole and will provide leadership and inspiration to colleagues who have been underrepresented in our partnership. UTA is fortunate to have such esteemed colleagues to help lead us in these times.”
Davis is a 14-year UTA veteran and part of UTA’s Motion Picture Literary Group.
Promotions
United Talent Agency has promoted veteran agents Chelsea McKinnies and Emerson Davis to partner status.
“As champions of powerful and unique voices, Chelsea and Emerson have been integral to the growth and evolution of UTA,” said UTA co-president David Kramer. “It is essential our partnership is comprised of dynamic and deserving leaders, particularly as we strive for our company to better reflect the world in which we live. Chelsea and Emerson make us better as a whole and will provide leadership and inspiration to colleagues who have been underrepresented in our partnership. UTA is fortunate to have such esteemed colleagues to help lead us in these times.”
Davis is a 14-year UTA veteran and part of UTA’s Motion Picture Literary Group.
- 6/16/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
UTA has promoted Chelsea McKinnies and Emerson Davis to partner status. The two rose through the agency ranks and collectively share 25 years of experience.
McKinnies jointed UTA in 2015 and is an agent in UTA’s talent department. She began at CAA in 2008 on the reception desk in New York and was promoted to agent in 2012. Her clients include Constance Wu, Tracee Ellis Ross, Amandla Stenberg, Cynthia Erivo, Anna Faris, Aidy Bryant, Martin Lawrence, Kiersey Clemons, Michael Che, Jemaine Clement, Jodie Turner-Smith, Phillipa Soo, Adriana Ugarte, Greta Lee and Yvonne Orji. McKinnies is originally from Bloomington, Minnesota, and graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Davis is part of UTA’s Motion Picture Literary Group and a 14-year vet of the agency. He rose through the UTA mailroom, and was promoted to agent in 2010. His client roster includes Hiro Murai, Kogonada, Terence Nance, Shaka King, Gillian Robespierre...
McKinnies jointed UTA in 2015 and is an agent in UTA’s talent department. She began at CAA in 2008 on the reception desk in New York and was promoted to agent in 2012. Her clients include Constance Wu, Tracee Ellis Ross, Amandla Stenberg, Cynthia Erivo, Anna Faris, Aidy Bryant, Martin Lawrence, Kiersey Clemons, Michael Che, Jemaine Clement, Jodie Turner-Smith, Phillipa Soo, Adriana Ugarte, Greta Lee and Yvonne Orji. McKinnies is originally from Bloomington, Minnesota, and graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Davis is part of UTA’s Motion Picture Literary Group and a 14-year vet of the agency. He rose through the UTA mailroom, and was promoted to agent in 2010. His client roster includes Hiro Murai, Kogonada, Terence Nance, Shaka King, Gillian Robespierre...
- 6/15/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: HBO is furthering their diversity and inclusion initiatives with a new immersive pop-up experience to support their new “Our Stories To Tell” campaign. The weekend event will kick off November 15 and continue through November 17 at Casita Hollywood in Los Angeles. The experiential event will bring together creatives, creators and Angelenos to celebrate the talent in the city as well as unite creativity, collaboration and culture.
HBO’s “Our Stories To Tell” is part of a bigger picture that engages diverse and multicultural audiences through cultural programming and — as the campaign suggests — relatable storytelling. The event will include panel conversations, special events, live musical performances and more diverse programming. The event will also include a marketplace, co-working space and an opportunity to give back to the community.
“In launching ‘Our Stories To Tell’, we are excited to create yet another platform where our multicultural audiences can come together to have candid...
HBO’s “Our Stories To Tell” is part of a bigger picture that engages diverse and multicultural audiences through cultural programming and — as the campaign suggests — relatable storytelling. The event will include panel conversations, special events, live musical performances and more diverse programming. The event will also include a marketplace, co-working space and an opportunity to give back to the community.
“In launching ‘Our Stories To Tell’, we are excited to create yet another platform where our multicultural audiences can come together to have candid...
- 11/11/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Visual artist Hebru Brantley has signed a blind script deal with Sony Pictures Television, through his production company, Angry Hero Entertainment.
Brantley’s paintings, photography, video, and sculpture have exhibited worldwide such as London, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, as well as Art Basel Switzerland and Art Basel Miami. Collectors of his work include LeBron James, Jay-z, George Lucas, and more. He has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Hublot, and Adidas.
Brantley uses characters in his narrative-driven work to delve in to ideas surrounding nostalgia, the mental psyche, power, and hope. A major inspiration for his work includes the Afro Cobra movement in 1960s-1970s Chicago South Side, which celebrated the Black community and its achievements in literature, theater, dance, and the visual arts. Brantley uses murals and graffitis as a framework, and applies both traditional and unconventional materials, from oil, acrylic, and spray paint, to coffee and tea.
Brantley’s paintings, photography, video, and sculpture have exhibited worldwide such as London, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, as well as Art Basel Switzerland and Art Basel Miami. Collectors of his work include LeBron James, Jay-z, George Lucas, and more. He has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Hublot, and Adidas.
Brantley uses characters in his narrative-driven work to delve in to ideas surrounding nostalgia, the mental psyche, power, and hope. A major inspiration for his work includes the Afro Cobra movement in 1960s-1970s Chicago South Side, which celebrated the Black community and its achievements in literature, theater, dance, and the visual arts. Brantley uses murals and graffitis as a framework, and applies both traditional and unconventional materials, from oil, acrylic, and spray paint, to coffee and tea.
- 10/4/2018
- by Rachel Yang
- Variety Film + TV
Visual artist Hebru Brantley has signed a blind script deal with Sony Pictures TV through his Angry Hero Entertainment production company and set his first project. Details are being kept under wraps. Eric Phillips will serve as producer on the project and oversee for Angry Hero Entertainment.
Collectors of Brantley’s work include LeBron James, Jay-z, Chance the Rapper, Lenny Kravitz, George Lucas, and Rahm Emanuel, among others. His painting, photography, video, and sculpture have exhibited worldwide, including London, San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, as well as Art Basel Switzerland, Art Basel Miami, Scope NYC and Frieze London. He has collaborated with brands including Nike, Hublot and Adidas.
Brantley is currently developing his iconic Flyboy character with Gigi Pritzker and Mwm Universe, as well as features Kankakee with Point Grey, and Hype with Peter Chernin, among others.
Brantley is repped by UTA and Ziffren Brittenham.
Collectors of Brantley’s work include LeBron James, Jay-z, Chance the Rapper, Lenny Kravitz, George Lucas, and Rahm Emanuel, among others. His painting, photography, video, and sculpture have exhibited worldwide, including London, San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, as well as Art Basel Switzerland, Art Basel Miami, Scope NYC and Frieze London. He has collaborated with brands including Nike, Hublot and Adidas.
Brantley is currently developing his iconic Flyboy character with Gigi Pritzker and Mwm Universe, as well as features Kankakee with Point Grey, and Hype with Peter Chernin, among others.
Brantley is repped by UTA and Ziffren Brittenham.
- 10/4/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Diana Williams has joined Gigi Pritzker and Clint Kisker's Mwm in the company's recently formed Universe division.
Williams has been named executive vp creative and will oversee all creative aspects of the division, which handles IP acquisition and development for production across all media, from film and TV to immersive gaming and comics, among others. She will work alongside the division's previously announced executive vp operations, Morgan Kruger.
Most recently, the division partnered with Chicago-based artist Hebru Brantley and his Angry Hero Productions to build a universe around his popular “Flyboy” character.
“By launching our Universe division, we knew we needed top creative talent...
Williams has been named executive vp creative and will oversee all creative aspects of the division, which handles IP acquisition and development for production across all media, from film and TV to immersive gaming and comics, among others. She will work alongside the division's previously announced executive vp operations, Morgan Kruger.
Most recently, the division partnered with Chicago-based artist Hebru Brantley and his Angry Hero Productions to build a universe around his popular “Flyboy” character.
“By launching our Universe division, we knew we needed top creative talent...
- 3/7/2018
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Executive previously worked at Lucasfilm.
Diana Williams has joined Gigi Pritzker and Clint Kisker’s Madison Wells Media (Mwm) as executive vice-president of creative at New Universe Division (Mwmu).
Williams will oversee all creative aspects of the newly formed unit, from IP development and acquisition to content strategy and creative execution.
She will be responsible for building Mwmu’s core competencies in creative content strategy, world-building, content production and data analytics, working alongside previously announced executive vice-president of operations Morgan Kruger.
Mwmu was launched as an IP engine focused on cross-platform content creation while also acquiring and enhancing IP across media including film,...
Diana Williams has joined Gigi Pritzker and Clint Kisker’s Madison Wells Media (Mwm) as executive vice-president of creative at New Universe Division (Mwmu).
Williams will oversee all creative aspects of the newly formed unit, from IP development and acquisition to content strategy and creative execution.
She will be responsible for building Mwmu’s core competencies in creative content strategy, world-building, content production and data analytics, working alongside previously announced executive vice-president of operations Morgan Kruger.
Mwmu was launched as an IP engine focused on cross-platform content creation while also acquiring and enhancing IP across media including film,...
- 3/7/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Mwm (Madison Wells Media) has partnered with well-known Chicago-based artist Hebru Brantley and his Angry Hero Productions to create custom IPs for a brand new division, the Mwm Universe. The division will now be overseen by Morgan Kruger who comes to Mwm from Hulu. Mwmu and Angry Hero will start developing Brantley’s FlyBoy character and the Nevermore world to build stories, characters and content and to capitalize on what was has been a popular IP since 2007…...
- 2/1/2018
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: Mwm (Madison Wells Media) has partnered with well-known Chicago-based artist Hebru Brantley and his Angry Hero Productions to create custom IPs for a brand new division, the Mwm Universe. The division will now be overseen by Morgan Kruger who comes to Mwm from Hulu. Mwmu and Angry Hero will start developing Brantley’s FlyBoy character and the Nevermore world to build stories, characters and content and to capitalize on what was has been a popular IP since 2007…...
- 2/1/2018
- Deadline
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