Trevor Noah To Star In And Produce New Series For Quibi
Daily Show host Trevor Noah is going on the road — and taking Quibi along for the ride.
Noah is set to star in and executive produce an untitled series for the shortform streaming platform that will chronicle a tour he takes to the far corners of the country and beyond. The project comes from Noah’s Day Zero Productions — which is backed by Comedy Central parent ViacomCBS — and Comedy Central Productions.
The show, part comedy and part travelogue, will give viewers a look at the candid interactions Noah has with the people he meets and the places he visits along the way. It also will show how those moments influence both his point of view and his stand-up comedy.
Noah is the latest A-lister to bring a project to Quibi. The mobile-only streaming platform founded by Jeffrey Katzenberg has also greenlit series from Guillermo del Toro, Jennifer Lopez, Lena Waithe, Lorne Michaels, Darren Criss, Tyra Banks and Idris Elba, among others.
The service is slated to launch in the spring and deliver its series — there are more than 40 scripted and unscripted projects in the works — to users in “chapters” of eight to 10 minutes each. Quibi will cost $5 per month for a version with ads and $8 monthly for one without.
Bob Bain Productions and Mainstay Entertainment join Day Zero and Comedy Central Productions in producing the Noah series. Executive producers are Noah, Day Zero’s Haroon Saleem, Bob Bain and Mainstay Entertainment’s Norman Aladjem, Derek Van Pelt and Sanaz Yamin.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Jordan Peele Inks Exclusive 5-Year Deal With Universal For Upcoming Comedy & Horror Films
Universal Pictures has entered into a five-year exclusive production partnership with Oscar winner Jordan Peele and his Monkeypaw Productions, who were behind the studio’s combined half-billion-grossing successes Get Out and Us.
The commitment continues to speak to the studio’s emphasis on a diverse film slate, not just branded IP like the Fast & Furious and Jurassic World franchises but also original, auteur-driven genre movies such as the titles for Peele has quickly established a track record. Under the new exclusive deal, Universal is developing Peele’s next two films which he will direct, write and produce. Peele and Monkeypaw, headed by president Win Rosenfeld, will also produce original films under their banner, championing filmmakers with a focus on high-level content that transcends genre.
Monkeypaw produced Spike Lee’s feature BlacKkKlansman last year which received six Oscar noms, with Lee winning his first-ever Oscar (for Adapted Screenplay) and earning Peele his fourth nomination in two years. Monkeypaw is currently in production on Candyman, written by Peele and Rosenfeld and directed by rising filmmaker Nia DaCosta (Little Woods). Universal is releasing Candyman globally, with the North American release date scheduled for June 12, 2020.
“Jordan has established himself as a premier voice and original storyteller with global appeal. He is leading a new generation of filmmakers that have found a way to tap into the cultural zeitgeist with groundbreaking content that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds,” Universal Filmed Entertainment Group chairman Donna Langley said Tuesday. “We also share an important goal with Monkeypaw when it comes to increasing representation on-screen in the characters that are portrayed, the stories that are told, and the people who tell them.”
Peele’s feature directorial debut Get Out was made for under $5 million and reaped more than $255M worldwide with an estimated profit after all ancillaries near $125M. The pic went on to receive four Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Director, with Peele winning for his original screenplay.
Peele’s sophomore film Us opened to $71.1M back in March, repping the highest-grossing opening ever for an original horror film and the highest-grossing opening for a live-action original since 2009’s Avatar.
Peele was the co-star and co-creator of the Emmy-winning Key & Peele. The hit series garnered more than 1 billion online hits and won a Peabody Award, an American Comedy Award and earned 12 Emmy nominations during its five-season run.
Peele and Monkeypaw Productions are represented by CAA, Artists First and Jared Levine.
Source: Deadline
Bounce’s Original Series ‘Family Time’ Returns For Season 7 On Wed. Oct. 9th
Family Time, Bounce’s popular original comedy series, returns for an all-new season of laughs on an all-new night – Wednesday – this fall starting with two new episodes back-to-back on Weds. Oct. 9 at 9:00 p.m. (ET).
New episodes will also be available on Thursdays on Brown Sugar, Bounce’s subscription video-on-demand service, along with complete seasons one through six.
Family Time follows the lives of the Stallworth family who relocated to the suburbs after hitting the lottery. High school sweethearts Anthony and Lisa and their children are a tight-knit family living the middle-class American dream who make up their own rules for love, marriage and family along the way. Season seven finds Anthony (Omar Gooding) and Lisa Stallworth (Angell Conwell) grappling with becoming empty nesters while their children, Devin (Bentley Kyle Evans, Jr) and Ebony (Jayla Calhoun), spread their wings as young adults. Their lives may be going in different directions, but it’s the family time that keeps them bonded.
Cast members include Paula Jai Parker (Lori), Tanjareen Thomas (Rachel), Erica Shaffer (Vivian), Clayton Thomas (Donnie), and Shanti Lowry (Cheryl). Among the special guests this season are Stokley Williams (Mint Condition), Denise Boutte (Meet the Browns), KiKi Haynes (For Better or Worse) and Rodney Perry (Madea’s Big Happy Family). Family Time was created by producer, director and writer Bentley Kyle Evans (Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show).
https://youtu.be/-yTJxDDW-AU
Billy Porter Set To Make TV Directorial Debut With ‘Pose’ Season 3
Newly-minted Emmy winner Billy Porter can soon add another accomplishment to his resume: television director.
Porter is set to direct an episode of FX’s “Pose” during its third season, Variety has learned. No word yet on which episode Porter will be helming or when the episode will head into production.
Porter broke the news this week to Variety over a brief phone interview, which marked his first time speaking to the press after his historical Emmy win on Sunday night.
“I’ve been directing for 20 years in the theater, and I’m directing an episode of Season 3 myself,” Billy revealed to Variety. “I’m trying to be the head b-tch in charge, hunny!”
This past weekend at the 71st annual Emmy Awards, Porter won the Emmy for lead actor in a drama for his work on “Pose,” becoming the first-ever openly gay black man to win in the category. The trophy joins his already-impressive collection of accolades earned throughout a nearly three-decade career across Broadway, television and film, which has awarded him the Tony for best actor in a musical for “Kinky Boots” in 2013, and a Grammy for best musical theater album for “Kinky Boots” in 2014.
Porter had teased his plans to direct an episode of Pose,” during a 92Y discussion with “Pose” creator Ryan Murphy this past August, but the news had not officially been confirmed. “Billy is going to be directing, right?” Porter playfully asked Murphy during their conversation. “Yes, you are,” Murphy said, to which Porter quipped, “This is me reminding,” with Murphy responding, “You don’t have to remind me, Billy. I feel you.” Production sources have since confirmed that Porter is locked to direct an episode this coming season.
The critically-acclaimed show, which was honored with a Peabody award, is centered in New York City’s underground ballroom scene in the late ’80s and early ’90s, shining a light on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The series features the largest cast ever in television history of transgender actors in series regular roles ever, as well as the largest recurring cast of LGBTQ actors ever for a scripted series.
Porter joins a diverse roster of directors on “Pose,” including Janet Mock — who serves as a writer, director and producer on the series, and recently signed a groundbreaking overall deal at Netflix, which made her the first out transgender woman to have a sweeping creative deal at a major content company.
“Pose” was renewed for a third season earlier this summer, in the midst of its second season. No premiere date has been set for Season 3.
‘In Contempt’ Canceled At BET
The evolution of BET continues.
The Viacom-owned cable network has canceled In Contempt after one season. The series, which starred Erica Ash and was created by Terri Kopp (Law & Order), wrapped its 10-episode first season more than a year ago. Sources say BET had been waiting to see how the rest of its 2019 programming fared as it evaluated the future of the legal drama.
“At this time, BET Networks will not be moving forward with a second season of In Contempt. We are grateful to the incredible cast and producers. We would especially like to thank and recognize the acclaimed executive producers Terri Kopp, who created the series, Lance Samuels and Daniel Iron. We look forward to finding ways to continue in partnership,” a BET spokesperson said in a statement. “We are also excited to continue our relationship with the star of In Contempt, Erica Ash as she is set to star along Paula Patton in the film Sacrifice premiering this fall on BET+.”
Legal thriller Sacrifice is being produced as a two-hour film that also doubles as a backdoor pilot. Patton stars as an entertainment lawyer navigating the lives of her famous clients. Ash co-stars as a powerful D.A. and sorority sister of Patton’s character.
In Contempt was picked up straight to series in October 2017 as BET was ramping up its scripted footprint as part of corporate parent Viacom’s efforts to reinvigorate its linear cable brands. Six months later, new BET president Scott Mills told The Hollywood Reporter that he was looking to greenlight five new originals, with either Hit the Floor or In Contempt doing well enough to bring back for six scripted shows in 2019. Hit the Floor was canceled in December.
BET’s current scripted roster includes American Soul and Boomerang — both of which debuted this year and were renewed for additional seasons — as well asLena Waithe’s Twenties and a pair (so far) of shows from Tyler Perry (The Oval and Sistas).
The linear cable network is also expected to be a home for BET+ originals including TV Land/Paramount Network import First Wives Club, Will Packer’s Bigger and Sacrifice as the recently launched $9.99/month streaming service has now become a key priority for parent company Viacom.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Will Smith Set To Play Ex-Crime Boss Nicky Barnes In New Netflix Film
According to Deadline, Will Smith is set to star in the upcoming Netflix film The Council as the New York crime boss Nicky Barnes. This project will reunite Smith with Peter Landesman whom he worked with on the film Concussion. Landesman wrote the screenplay for The Council and will executive produce the project.
The film will tell the story of the all-Black, Harlem-based crime syndicate headed by seven men, most prominently Nicky Barnes. The Council’s dream of a self-sufficient, self-policed Black city-state that would use funds through revolutionizing the drug game is at the center of Landesman narrative. In addition, Landesman’s script tracks the rise of Barnes’ public persona, which is most famously captured by the 1977 New York Times cover where he was dubbed “Mr. Untouchable.”
Justice Smith, Of ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ Fame Joins New Dramedy ‘Generation’ For HBO Max
The Lena Dunham-produced HBO Max teen dramedy Generation has rounded out its robust cast with series regulars Justice Smith, Chloe East, Michael Johnston, Uly Schlesinger, Haley Sanchez, Nava Mau, Nathanya Alexander, Lukita Maxwell and Chase Sui Wonders. Sam Trammell joins the cast as a recurring character.
Created by Daniel Barnz, Generation also stars Martha Plimpton and is a dark yet playful half-hour dramedy that follows a group of high school students whose exploration of modern sexuality (devices and all) tests deeply entrenched beliefs about life, love and the nature of family in their conservative community. Barnz wrote the series with Zelda Branz who also serves as co-executive producer.
Dunham executive produces for Good Thing Going Productions, with Daniel and Ben Barnz for We’re Not Brothers Productions. Zelda Barnz is co-executive producer. Marissa Diaz produces for Good Thing Going Productions.
Read the character descriptions below.
Justice Smith as “Chester” HS Senior. Queer. A deep thinker, Chester is also a star water polo player and a straight A student. Fabulous, funny, fearless, Chester pushes boundaries and resists labels in every way. Despite his seemingly friendly and open nature, there’s a deeper mystery behind his loneliness.
Smith recently starred in Legendary’s live-action Pokemon movie Detective Pikachu. He also starred in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Paper Towns and Baz Luhrmann’s hip hop Netflix series The Get Down.He is repped by WME and The Kohl Group
Michael Johnston as “Ollie” Introverted yet instantly likeable. Forthright and honest, he’s the school’s young new guidance counselor, still very green, and not always sure how to handle himself (though he sets himself apart from other teachers with his forthright honesty). Ollie’s accessible exterior hides an intensely complex inner emotional life; he connects on a deep level to Chester’s loneliness.
Johnston’s credits include the inde Slash as well as MTV’s Teen Wolf. He has also appeared in NBC’s Inbetween and CW’s Supergirl. He is repped by Tash Moseley Management and Innovative Artists.
Chloe East as “Naomi” Outspoken, crass, hard-edged twin sister to Nathan, she comes from a wealthy conservative Christian family which is part of Orange County’s socio-political elite. Naomi’s disposition has the tendency to drive others away, but she is also a vulnerable and insecure girl who’s always struggled to define herself separately from her brother and family.
East recently wrapped Jim Cummings’s indie comedy The Werewolf which also stars Jimmy Tatro and Riki Lindhome. She also appears in ABC’s Kevin (Probably) Saves The World opposite Jason Ritter and Kimberly Gregory. She is repped by Abrams Artists Agency, LINK Entertainment and Felker, Toczek.
Uly Schlesinger as “Nathan” A curious mixture of jaded and innocent. Nathan comes from a wealthy conservative Christian family which is part of Orange County’s socio-political elite, which fuels pressure on Nathan to be the family’s successful golden boy. Nathan hides his sexuality from his family, including his twin sister Naomi, until Episode 2 when he comes out publicly as bisexual at his older sister’s wedding reception. Sexually inexperienced but porn-savvy, earnest and wry, emotional and funny, Nathan is defined by an intense push-pull between extremes of his interior/ exterior life.
Schlesinger’s film credits include Two Eyes and The Shed. On the TV side, he has appeared on Divorce, Chicago Med, The Sinner and Two Sentence Horror Stories. He is represented by Take 3 Talent Agency.
Haley Sanchez as “Greta” A first generation Latinx who has been raised by a single activist mother who has just been detained by ICE. By turns tentative and bold, reserved and emotional, Greta is trying to figure out how to define herself amid powerful feelings of in-between-ness.
Nava Mau as “Ana” Greta’s aunt. Since coming out as trans, Ana’s relationship with her sister (Greta’s mother) deteriorated, but she wants to be a positive queer figure in Greta’s life. Ana is a kind and gentle person, but she doesn’t know much about raising kids and has zero tolerance for transphobia or toxic masculinity.
Nathanya Alexander as “Arianna” Caustically funny, lacking in social skills, Arianna loves gossip but can’t keep a secret. Arianna has gay dads but offhandedly makes homophobic comments and judges others harshly. More than anything, Arianna wants to be “seen”—and her more outrageous behavior stems from a fear of being invisible.
Alexander appeared in Ocean’s 8 as 9-ball’s (Rihanna) hacker sister Veronica. She is repped by Richard Rosenwald Associates.
Lukita Maxwell as “Delilah” A social justice warrior, fighting even the most unnecessary of causes. Most people take a dislike to her, but underneath the intensity of her political front is a deeply misunderstood soul. After being sexually assaulted, Delilah will have a profoundly emotional arc over series.
Maxwell recurred on ABC’s Speechless. She is represented by Trademark Talent.
Chase Sui Wonders as “Riley” So in control you often forget it: her independence and self-possessed maturity are well beyond her years. Her father sits on Anaheim’s city council; he’s a charismatic but self-sabotaging politician; Riley’s mother is also in politics but spends most of her time in DC.
Chase can be seen in HBO’s forthcoming experimental comedy series Betty co-created by Crystal Moselle and Lesley Arfin. She recently completed Sofia Coppola’s On the Rocks and Judd Apatow’s Staten Island. She is repped by Untitled Entertainment and UTA.
Sam Trammell as “Mark” He’s a successful Orange County investor and fixture in his Church. He has a wholesome Christian exterior, but is funny and vivacious. Initially more detached as a father, Nathan’s coming out will prompt Mark to examine himself in unexpected ways.
Trammell is a Tony nominated actor who is best known for his role on HBO’s True Blood. He will appear next as the Vice President on the final season of Showtime’s Homeland. He appeared in This Is Us and has completed production on the feature films Nancy Drew, Breakthrough and I See You. He also appears in the Netflix series The Order as the lead in Sony International television series Reckoning. He is repped by Luber Roklin Entertainment.
Source: Deadline
‘God Friended Me’ Casts ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Alum Peppermint In Groundbreaking Role As Transgender Pastor
RuPaul’s Drag Race alum and Broadway star Peppermint is joining CBS’s God Friended Me!
Peppermint will be a guest star for two episodes starting on the Oct. 6. episode, “The Lady.” She will play Pastor Olivia, a transgender pastor who heads a congregation that embraces the LGBTQ community. Peppermint’s character comes into the show as Ali (Javicia Leslie) leaves her father’s (Joe Morton) Episcopal Church in Harlem.
Photo: David Giesbrecht / 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Photo credit: David Giesbrecht/Warner Bros.
“This role is proof that we’ve come so far,” Peppermint said to Entertainment Weekly. “A transgender pastor is not something you’d see being written or cast even five years ago. This season, they are raising the bar both in front and behind the camera. You ain’t ready, y’all!”
The second season of God Friended Me airs Sept. 29 at 8:30 p.m. ET after Sunday Night Football. Peppermint’s Oct. 6 arc airs at 8 p.m. ET.
New Rom-Com By Yvette Nicole Brown Titled ‘Always A Bridesmaid’ To Debut This Weekend On BET
The indie film Always A Bridesmaid, penned by actress Yvette Nicole Brown, will debut as a BET original movie this weekend on Saturday, September 28. The pic is from Brown’s Little Brown Girl, Inc. and Tri Destined Studios.
Directed by Trey Haley, Brown also appears in the film, which stars God Friended Me‘s Javicia Leslie and Black Lightning‘s Jordan Calloway.
Brandon Micheal Hall (God Friended Me), Michelle Mitchenor (Lethal Weapon), Richard Lawson (Saints & Sinners), Telma Hopkins (Family Matters), Marcel Spears (The Neighborhood), Meagan Tandy (The CW’s upcoming Batwoman), Bernard David Jones (The Mayor), Tosin Morohunfola (The Chi), Jasmin Brown (50 Central), Amber Chardae Robinson (Hell On Wheels), Joy Brunson (This is Us) and Lalah Hathaway co-star.
Here’s the description: Corina James has been a bridesmaid so many times that she is starting to wonder if she will ever be a bride. Always A Bridesmaid ponders the question, ‘Is love and marriage for everyone?’ And if so, how do you get over your own stuff in order to find and keep your one?
Source: Shadow & Acr
Saturday Night Live’ Promotes Chris Redd From Featured Player To Full Cast Member
While one featured player on Saturday Night Live got fired before he even started, another has been promoted.
Chris Redd, along with Heidi Gardner, has been promoted from featured player to repertory player (aka full cast member). This means their names will be now featured in the opening credits when the show returns this Saturday.
Redd and Gardner both joined in 2017. It is customary for a featured player (which is where new cast members start) to be promoted to full cast member after three years or so.
Saturday Night Live lured Redd to the show while he was starring in Netflix’s Disjointed. Redd has also notably been featured in the films Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping and Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie.
Photo: David Giesbrecht / 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Photo credit: David Giesbrecht/Warner Bros.