Cardi B, Chance The Rapper, TI, Will Judge Hip-Hop Competition ‘Rhythm + Flow’ Produced By John Legend For Netflix
Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella- Cardi B and Chance the Rapper
Netflix isn’t shying away from marquee names for its first music competition. The streamer has landed Cardi B, Chance the Rapper and T.I. for Rhythm + Flow, a 10-part hip-hop talent search that is set to debut in 2019.
The project has an impressive musical pedigree, also hailing from John Legend and his Get Lifted Film Co.
Cardi B, hip-hop’s current reigning queen, is no stranger to reality television. The 26-year-old performer rose to fame on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York. Chance the Rapper has also been expanding his portfolio beyond just recording, starring in the 2018 horror-comedy Slice and hosting an episode of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. (For his part, T.I. is also something of a reality fixture, having appeared in a variety of vehicles across the Viacom portfolio on MTV, VH1 and BET since 2009.)
The reality push at Netflix has been a significant one, with hits such as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, but it has thus-far skirted shiny-floor shows like the ones that have dominated traditional TV for the better part of the last decade. That seems to be changing: In addition to Rhythm + Flow, the streamer also has a big culinary competition on deck with The Final Table.
Rhythm + Flow comes to Netflix from executive producers Legend, Jeff Gaspin, Jesse Collins, Nikki Boella, Jeff Pollack, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius. The series intends to find and foster undiscovered hip-hop talent in multiple cities. Cardi B, Chance the Rapper and T.I. will serve as the three main judges, though additional artists and industry personalities will be announced in the run-up to the premiere.
Rhythm + Flow is being produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment, Get Lifted Film Co. and Gaspin Media. The three main judges also will receive exec producer credits.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Robin Givens, Essence Atkins To Lead Ensemble Cast Of New OWN Drama Series From Will Packer
BENNY BOOM TO DIRECT PILOT FOR OWN’S NEW FAMILY SAGA “AMBITIONS”
Robin Givens (“Riverdale,” “The Fix,” “The Bold and the Beautiful”), Essence Atkins (“Marlon,” “Half and Half”), Brian White (“Ray Donovan,” “Scandal”), Kendrick Cross (“Acrimony,”) Brely Evans (“Being Mary Jane”) and Erica Page (“Ozark,” “Bad Dad Rehab”) Cast as Series Regulars
Award-Winning Writer/EP Kevin Arkadie Named Showrunner
Los Angeles – OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today the start of production in Atlanta of the new multigenerational family saga “Ambitions,” produced by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate and Lionsgate-owned distributor Debmar-Mercury, and starring Robin Givens (“Riverdale,” “The Fix,” “The Bold and the Beautiful”), Essence Atkins (“Marlon,” “Half and Half”), Brian White (“Ray Donovan,” “Scandal”), Kendrick Cross (“Acrimony,” “Tales from the Hood 2”), Brely Evans (“Turnt,” “Being Mary Jane”) and Erica Page (“Ozark,” “Bad Dad Rehab”). Multiple award-winning writer/EP Kevin Arkadie (“The Quad,” “New York Undercover”) has joined as showrunner. Created by executive producer/writer Jamey Giddens (“The Rich and The Ruthless”) from an original idea by Packer, “Ambitions” will debut on OWN in 2019, with the pilot episode directed by Benny Boom (“All Eyez on Me,” “Black Lightning”).
“Ambitions” is a multigenerational family saga centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city.
Robin Givens stars as ‘Stephanie Carlisle,’ the wife of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster (Brian White), whose true loyalty is to her own family’s prestigious law firm, where she is the latest in a long line of distinguished lawyers. Stephanie desperately wants to be in charge of the Carlisle family law firm and quietly fumes about her father Stephen’s condescending assertion that she’s simply not ready yet. Givens is represented by PANTHEON.
Essence Atkins plays the role of ‘Amara,’ a lawyer in U.S. Attorney’s Office who has newly arrived in Atlanta with her husband, Titus (Kendrick Cross). Originally from Texas, she is quickly gaining attention from the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a diligent prosecutor but disappoints her supervisor by turning down the offer to run point on a major local case. Atkins is represented by Buchwald and Kathy McComb Management.
Brian White has been cast as ‘Evan Lancaster,’ the Mayor of Atlanta, who is married to attorney Stephanie Carlisle (Robin Givens). Evan’s political ambitions seem to cloud his judgement as he is willing to do anything to get to the next level in his career. White is represented by Paradigm Talent Agency, Zero Gravity Management and attorney Eric Feig.
Kendrick Cross stars as ‘Titus,’ an attorney who recently moved with his wife Amara (Essence Atkins) to Atlanta. Titus has been hired as in-house counsel for a big pharma company run by Hunter Purifoy, who is fighting a class action suit brought by the powerful Carlisle family. Cross is represented by Houghton Talent.
Brely Evans plays the role of ‘Rondell,’ Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster’s (Brian White) sister, who runs a not-quite-profitable restaurant called Thelma’s Place. Evans is represented by J Pervis Talent.
Erica Page plays the role of ‘Bella,’ a fashion designer in Atlanta who designs all of Stephanie Carlisle’s (Robin Givens) dresses for her. Page is represented by Houghton Talent.
Kevin Arkadie is the co-creator of the series “New York Undercover.” Last season, he Co-Executive Produced season two of “The Quad.” Previously, he was a Producer on “Chicago Hope”; Supervising Producer on “NYPD Blue”; Co-Executive Producer on “The Shield”; and Executive Producer on “Soul Food: The Series” and “Rescue 77.” Arkadie scripted the Emmy®-winning miniseries “The Temptations” and is the recipient of the Golden Globe® Award, Writers Guild Award, Image Award and the Christopher Award as well as a nominee for multiple Emmy® and Humanitas Prizes. He is the Writer/Producer/Director of the documentary “FESPACO.” He began his writing career on the much-acclaimed series “I’ll Fly Away” as a story editor.
Jamey Giddens is an award-winning writer, producer, entertainment journalist, publicist, and podcast personality. He is the co-owner of the wildly popular soap opera-themed website DaytimeConfidential.com. Giddens co-wrote the first season of Urban Movie Channel’s breakout summer hit dramedy “The Rich and The Ruthless.” Giddens worked for 10 years as a communications specialist for the Centers For Disease Control and Protection (CDC), helping to create social media messages alerting the public to such major health events as the H1N1, Zika Virus and Ebola outbreaks.
Situated in Atlanta, the award-winning writing staff includes Jamey Giddens (“The Rich and The Ruthless”), Susan Dansby (“As The World Turns,” “The Young and The Restless”), Michele Val Jean (“General Hospital,” “The Bold and the Beautiful”), Trey Anthony (“da Kink in my Hair,” “How Black Mothers Say I Love You”) and Jazmen Darnell Brown (“The Citizen,” “Saints & Sinners”).
“Ambitions” is produced for OWN by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate and its producer-distributor Debmar-Mercury. Will Packer is executive producer. Kevin Arkadie is executive producer/showrunner. Writer Jamey Giddens and Will Packer Media’s Sheila Ducksworth also serve as executive producers. Benny Boom directs the pilot episode.
James Cameron’s New Film ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL Debuts New Trailer!
From visionary filmmakers James Cameron (AVATAR) and Robert Rodriguez (SIN CITY), comes ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, an epic adventure of hope and empowerment. When Alita (Rosa Salazar) awakens with no memory of who she is in a future world she does not recognize, she is taken in by Ido (Christoph Waltz), a compassionate doctor who realizes that somewhere in this abandoned cyborg shell is the heart and soul of a young woman with an extraordinary past. As Alita learns to navigate her new life and the treacherous streets of Iron City, Ido tries to shield her from her mysterious history while her street-smart new friend Hugo (Keean Johnson) offers instead to help trigger her memories. But it is only when the deadly and corrupt forces that run the city come after Alita that she discovers a clue to her past – she has unique fighting abilities that those in power will stop at nothing to control. If she can stay out of their grasp, she could be the key to saving her friends, her family and the world she’s grown to love.
ALITA: BATTLE ANGELwill openin theaters everywhere on February 14, 2019in 3D & IMAX!
‘Toy Story 4’ Debuts New Teaser Trailer!
Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”) and produced by Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”), Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.
Check out the new teaser trailer here:
‘Grown-Ish’ Sets January 2019 Premiere Date For Season 2 On Freeform
Grown-ish is coming back!
The Yara Shahidi-fronted Black-ish spinoff will premiere its second season during a one-hour season debut consisting of two episodes on January 2.
The official description for the sophomore year: After the wide-eyed firsts of their freshman year, season two of Grown-ishfollows Zoey and her friends as they enter their second year at CalU with confidence and swagger. Learning from the ups and downs of their first year, they all think they’ve got their second year on lock, but quickly realize that they’re not as grown as they think.
Shahidi leads the cast as popular but entitled Zoey Johnson, joined by Trevor Jackson as socially conscious Aaron Jackson, Francia Raisa as outspoken conservative Latina Ana Torres, Emily Arlook as openly and actively bisexual Nomi Segal, Jordan Buhat as troublemaker Vivek Shah, Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey as twins and sporty-savants Jazz Forster and Sky Forster, Luka Sabbat as mellow and fashion-forward Luca Hall, and Deon Cole as eccentric and unpredictable Professor Charles Telphy.
Grown-ish is produced by ABC Signature Studios and executive produced by Kenya Barris, Julie Bean, Jenifer Rice-Genzuk Henry, Craig Doyle, Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland and E. Brian Dobbins.
Source: Shadow & Act
Amazon Orders Bilingual Comedy From Catalina Aguilar Mastretta
Amazon has picked up a pilot for a bilingual comedy series set in Los Angeles.
The project hails from Catalina Aguilar Mastretta, who will serve as writer, director, and executive producer. The series, which will feature Spanish and English, follows Sara, who has been the matriarch of her chosen family since her parents moved back to Mexico City in her late teens. She and her diverse group of friends and family attempt to master their careers and romantic entanglements while living together in Sara’s Hollywood Hills compound. Now, Sara’s mother, Ines, is moving back in and shedding a new light on the life Sara built for herself, pushing everyone towards a late-in-life coming of age.
Lorenza Izzo will star as Sara, with Patricia Bernal set to play Ines. In addition, Georgie Flores has been cast as Alicia, Giancarlo Vidrio has been cast as Nacho, Ben O’Toole has been cast as Matt, and Sarah Ramos will play Anna.
In addition to Aguilar Mastretta, Tony Hernandez and Brooke Posch of JAX Media will also executive produce, with Liz Cohen of JAX producing. Amazon Studios will produce along with Jax.
Aguilar Mastretta is known for writing and directing the 2017 feature “Everybody Loves Somebody.” She also wrote and directed the 2015 film “The Hours With You” and has recently directed several episodes of the Starz series “Vida.” She is repped by CAA and Epicenter.
Source: Variety
Snoop Doggy Dogg To Receive Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame
CREDIT: COURTESY OF HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
Snoop Dogg will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Nov. 19, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced on Tuesday.
The rapper is recognized in the recording category and will receive the 2651st star on Hollywood Boulevard, in front of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
“Snoop Dogg is one of those people who can do anything. He raps, he acts, he hosts a television show, he cooks, and helps community kids with his philanthropic work,” said Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “He is a man of the ages and we welcome him to our Hollywood Walk of Fame.”
Jimmy Kimmel will be on hand to honor Snoop. He will be joined by Leron Gubler, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which administers the stars.
Snoop is known as a pioneer of the G-funk hip-hop subgenre, which he helped popularize along with Dr. Dre. Throughout his career, Snoop has produced chart-topping hits like “Gin and Juice,” “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Sensual Seduction,” and more.
Since 1993, Snoop has released 17 studio albums, sold over 35 million albums worldwide, reached No. 1 on Billboard charts, and received nearly 20 Grammy nominations. His debut studio album, “Doggystyle,” launched at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 800,000 copies in the first week.
He has collaborated with artists across genres and his most recent album, “Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love” — his first foray into gospel music — debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
Snoop’s performance highlights include headlining the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where he brought out a Tupac Shakur hologram. In 2014, Snoop performed at the Kennedy Center Honors at the White House to celebrate jazz legend Herbie Hancock.
The rap star was also nominated for an Emmy Award last year for his role as executive producer and co-host of VH1’s “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party,” which also features lifestyle guru Martha Stewart. The show recently wrapped its second season.
In 2005, he established the Snoop Youth Football League to provide children the opportunity to participate in youth football and cheerleading. Snoop and his family are also involved in the Lupus Foundation to raise awareness about the disease and educate through their own personal story of their daughter, who is affected by the disease.
Source: Variety
WATCH: Lil Wayne In Skit With Future, Pete Davidson On ‘Saturday Night Live’
While it wasn’t quite a Donald Glover turn, Lil Wayne made the most of his appearance on this weekend’s “Saturday Night Live,” performing two songs and contributing a long guest verse to “Permission,” one of the show’s trademark hip-hop comedy clips.
In “Permission,” the show’s Kenan Thompson and Chris Redd play the Booty Kings, a fictional rap duo performing a standard hip-hop booty anthem — but with a twist. After the pair approach some women in a club, they accept the denial cheerfully and without pressing.
“Wait a minute, you’re just gonna respect our wishes?” one of the women says.
“Hell yeah, times have changed!” they reply. “We’re on some new respectful stuff.”
The song continues with lyrics like, “Shake that booty … If you wanna” as the pair wonder whether they can use the word “hoes.” Guest verses from a low-tuned Uncle Butt (Pete Davidson, wearing a hilarious grill), Future and Lil Wayne follow.
“Respect the ladies so I treat ya like an equal,” Wayne raps. “Got me starin’ at that booty like an eagle, yeah I see you!”
Also during the show, Wayne performed a rousing take on “Can’t Be Broken” with a singing and strutting Halsey, and a much less effective version of “Uproar” with Swizz Beatz.
Both songs are from Wayne’s latest album, “Tha Carter V,” which was finally released late in September after years of delays. Early Saturday, Wayne unexpectedly dropped three new “bonus tracks” for the album: an updated mix of “What About Me” (with Post Malone), “In This House” (featuring Gucci Mane) and “Hasta La Vista.”
Source: Variety
Jamie Foxx Talks About The LA Fires And New Film ‘Robin Hood’!
Here is an interview with Jamie Foxx as he talks about the tragic mass shootings and fires in his Thousand Oaks neighborhood (in the Los Angeles area) with Taron Egerton during his press junket, and how he hopes his new movie ‘Robin Hood’ will uplift people’s spirits during the tragic incident.
Damon Wayans Jr. Launches His Own Production Company
Damon Wayans Jr. has launches a production company, Two Shakes Entertainment, which has a two-year first-look deal at CBS TV Studios. The Happy Together star has brought in former Hazy Mills Director of Development, Kameron Tarlow, as VP of Development and Production for Two Shakes, which has sold its first broadcast project, Glamorous, to the CW with writer Jordon Nardino (Star Trek: Discovery).
Two Shakes Entertainment –named after the expression “two shakes of a lamb’s tail” — is committed to working with diverse voices, both in front and behind the camera. Its focus is on pursuing protagonists who don’t traditionally get to be at the center of a show and bringing their stories to the screen as quickly as possible.
Photo: Julian Buchan
Written by Nardino, Glamorous is described as a light hour with heart and plenty of sass. It centers on a recent gender non-conforming high school graduate who lands the gig of a lifetime interning at the Manhattan cosmetics company whose products he panned on YouTube. But not everyone is happy to have him there, and they are doing everything they can to take him down.
Nardino executive produces with Wayans Jr.; Tarlow co-executive produces.
Wayans Jr., one of the most sought TV comedy actors of the past several years, was tapped as the lead of CBS/CBS TV Studios pilot Happy Together this past season.
As part of the casting, Wayans Jr. signed a two-year first-look deal with CBS TV Studios, which went into affect when Happy Together was picked up to series in May. The sitcom, which airs as part of CBS’ Monday comedy block, is awaiting word on a back order.
At Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner’s Hazy Mills, Tarlow worked on comedy series Crowded and pilots Like Family and So Close, all at NBC.
Nardino most recently served as co-executive producer on CBS All Access/CBS Studios’ Star Trek: Discovery. His series credits also include Quantico, Smash and GCB. He is repped by WME.
Two Shakes Entertainment is repped by WME & Ziffren Brittenham.
