Sneaker Culture Show From Lena Waithe Is Next for Jeffrey Katzenberg’s Quibi
Jeffrey Katzenberg’s Quibi is not wasting any time in adding to its roster of content.
The shortform video venture — which takes its name from “quick” and “bite” — has added unscripted offering You Ain’t Got These, from Emmy-winner Lena Waithe (Master of None).
The unscripted series is described as Waithe’s exploration of today’s fashion-forward sneaker culture. The series will highlight the subtext of race, politics, class, gender, creativity, commerce, addiction and self-expression that goes into every pair — all told through the lens of characters who define the unique subculture that is on the verge of going mainstream.
The series hails from unscripted production company Boardwalk Pictures (Netflix’s Chef’s Table, Last Chance U, Fearlessness and YouTube Premium’s Best Shot) with Waithe attached as an exec producer. Boardwalk Pictures’ Andrew Fried, Jordan Wynn and Dane Lillegard exec produce alongside Jonathan Hausfater and Andrew Coles.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Lena. She is a singular creative voice of her generation, and her passion for this subject is infectious,” Fried said. “Jeffrey Katzenberg has always has been at the forefront of whatever is next in the entertainment industry. Quibi presents the opportunity to tell stories and reach audiences in a unique way and we are excited to be among the first unscripted series on this new platform.”
For her part, Waithe is a self-professed sneaker-head. The Emmy-winning writer-actress, whose credits include Showtime’s The Chi and feature Ready Player One, has more than 100 pairs of sneakers and has made fun of her shoe obsession in a recent Nike commercial as part of the company’s “Shoe Therapy” campaign. (Watch that, below.) Waithe also famously got a pair of sneakers as a gift from her fiancée instead of a ring after proposing last year.
You Ain’t Got These becomes the latest pickup for Katzenberg and Meg Whitman’s Quibi (formerly NewTV). The venture, for which Katzenberg has raised $1 billion in investment funding from major film studios and Alibaba, already counts scripted offerings from Guillermo del Toro (a “modern zombie story”), Antoine Fuqua (a “modern version of Dog Day Afternoon), Jason Blum (Fatal Attraction-like Wolves and Villagers) and an anthology from Sam Raimi and Van Toffler (50 States of Fear).
Katzenberg, for whom Quibi marks his follow-up role after selling DreamWorks Animation, tapped former HP chief Whitman to help run the business earlier this year. The company is expected to add hundreds of other employees and recently enlisted former The Hollywood Reporter co-president and chief creative officer Janice Min to oversee news content.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Dave Chappelle Weighs In On The Kanye West & Donald Trump White House Meeting
The Kanye West meeting at the White House was and continues to be a hot-button topic. Many of his friends, former associates, and fans have all come forward expressing their displeasure in Ye’s behavior in the Oval Office. One of his closest industry-friends, comedic legend Dave Chappelle, was on CNN recently to give his take on the matter. He explained why he believes Kanye is making the decision to support Trump and gives his opinion on the broader political landscape.
Check out the clip above.
Richard Pryor Documentary Coming to Paramount Network Tilted ‘I Am Richard Pryor’
“I Am Richard Pryor,” a look at a comedy legend who reinvented stand-up with his confessional style of humor, is being produced for Paramount Network. The film follows Richard Pryor as he rises from his impoverished childhood, growing up in a brothel run by his grandmother, to become the highest-paid performer in the entertainment industry. In addition to being a stand-up legend and a keen social critic of race in America, Pryor starred in “Stir Crazy,” “Silver Streak,” and other Hollywood blockbusters.
The film will be executive produced by Jennifer Lee Pryor, the late comic’s wife. It is being backed by filmmaker Derik Murray’s Network Entertainment and is part of the company’s “I Am” series. The documentaries look at celebrities such as Paul Walker, Heath Ledger, and Steve McQueen.
The Pryor film features interviews with comedians, filmmakers, writers, and collaborators including Lily Tomlin, Tiffany Haddish, Michael Epps, Howie Mandel, Sandra Bernhard, and Jimmie Walker. The documentary also includes footage from Pryor’s stand-up specials and appearances and sketches from the likes of “The Richard Pryor Show” and from Tomlin’s television specials.
“From very humble beginnings, my husband lifted himself up and propelled himself through an iconic comedy career during America’s rockiest years, tackling racism, transcending boundaries, finding himself and inspiring many,” said Jennifer Lee Pryor in a statement. “I am confident that Network Entertainment will produce an outstanding film about my husband that does him justice both as a cultural icon and as a man.”
“We are excited that Jennifer Pryor has entrusted us to tell Richard’s incredible yet complicated story,” says Murray in a statement. “We are honored to showcase Richard’s genius while delving deeper into the man whose work established him as one of comedy’s most beloved and courageous icons.”
Jesse James Miller is directing “I Am Richard Pryor” and, along with Murray and Lee Pryor, the documentary is executive produced by Paul Gertz and Kent Wingerak. Paramount Network’s Jon Slusser and Jaimee Kosanke also serve as executive producers. Network Entertainment is repped by UTA.
Source: Variety
Dave Chappelle And Colin Kaepernick Receive The W.E.B. Du Bois Medal Award At Harvard University
With powerful, poignant speeches from presenters and honorees alike, this year’s W.E.B. Du Bois Medal awards felt more like a gospel church service-cum-rock concert than an academic award ceremony.
Athlete and social activist Colin Kaepernick set the tone before an exhilarated crowd that included some 150 local high school students, declaring that people in positions of privilege and power have a “responsibility” to speak up for the powerless.
“People live with this every single day and we expect them to thrive in situations where they’re just trying to survive,” said the NFL free agent who famously took a knee during pregame national anthems to protest racial injustice in America. “If we don’t, we become complicit. It is our duty to fight for them.”
Kaepernick was one of the eight laureates who received medals at Sanders Theatre on Thursday night. Others were comedian Dave Chappelle; writer and social critic Florence C. Ladd; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson; artist Kehinde Wiley; General Catalyst chairman and CEO Kenneth I. Chenault; philanthropist and Avid Partners founder Pamela J. Joyner; and human rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson.
The awards are bestowed by the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research for contributions to African and African-American history and culture.
Ladd, the former director of the Bunting Institute at Radcliffe, donned her medal, then pumped her fist in the air and told the cheering crowd: “A takeaway must be protest, protest, protest.”
Stevenson, M.P.P. ’85, J.D. ’85, L.L.D. ’15, who founded the Equal Justice Initiative, dedicated his award to “people who did so much more with so much less” and asked the audience to think of hope as “your superpower.” To the students, he made a more pointed request: “You’ve got to be willing to do uncomfortable things. You’ve got to be willing to do inconvenient things. Don’t ever think that your grades are a measure of your capacity.” Stevenson himself won a historic Supreme Court ruling that declared that mandatory sentences of life without parole for children 17 or younger are unconstitutional.
Moments of humor punctuated the call to resistance, particularly when presenter and incoming Dean of Social Science Lawrence D. Bobo recited parts of Chappelle’s famous skit “The Racial Draft.“ He called the comedian a “teller of uncomfortable truths.”
Chappelle, for his part, praised his parents, especially his mother, a professor of African-American studies. “She raised me well. I am not an uninformed person,” he said.
Chappelle said he was humbled to be on stage with his fellow honorees: “You all make me want to be better,” he said. He promised another comedy special and ended his speech with a quote from favorite writer James Baldwin’s book “The Fire Next Time.”
“God gave Noah the rainbow sign. No more water. The fire next time.”
Hutchins Center director Henry Louis Gates Jr., the Alphonse Fletcher Jr. University Professor, reflected on the critical nature of the honorees’ work in the fight for racial and social justice.
Colin Kaepernick applauds at end of ceremony. Jon Chase/Harvard Staff Photographer
“When we recall the dramatic progress we’ve made in this country’s struggle for civil rights, it’s tempting to remember only our long arc of progress. But we find ourselves in a new nadir in our country’s race relations,” he said, quoting Du Bois, the first African-American to earn a Ph.D. at Harvard.
“Agitation is a necessary evil to tell of the ills of the suffering. Without it, many a nation has been lulled to false security and preened itself with virtues it did not possess.”
Source: The Harvard Gazette
Wu-Tang Clan Scripted Origin Series Ordered At Hulu
Hulu has given a straight-to-series order to a scripted drama that will explore the rise of the Wu-Tang Clan, Variety has learned.
“Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” which has received a 10-episode order, is inspired by “The Wu-Tang Manual” and “Tao of Wu”, and based on the true story of the Wu-Tang Clan. Set in early ’90s New York at the height of the crack cocaine epidemic, the show tracks the Clan’s formation. The group was a vision of Bobby Diggs, aka The RZA, who strives to unite a dozen young, black men that are torn between music and crime but eventually rise to become the unlikeliest of American success stories.
The series is created, written, and executive produced by Alex Tse–the writer of the “Superfly” remake–and The RZA. Brian Grazer and Francie Calfo will also executive produce via Imagine Television, with Wu-Tang member Method Man also executive producing. Fellow Wu-Tang members Ghostface Killa, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, GZA, as well as the Estate of Ol’ Dirty Bastard, will serve as consulting producers on the project. Creative executive James Seidman will oversee the project for Imagine.
“I’m delighted to be partnering with Hulu and Imagine to explore the vast story of the Wuniverse,” said The RZA. “Wu-Tang through our music has always strove to inspire as we entertain. This opportunity to continue the Wu – Saga in a 10-episode series will exponentially increase our inspirational style of entertainment. In the immortal words of ODB ‘Wu-Tang is for the Children.’”
The Wu-Tang Clan has released five gold and platinum albums, selling 40 million albums worldwide. The group is often hailed as one of the most influential groups in the history of hip-hop with a unique sound and distinct image.
“I’ve been a fan of Wu-Tang since the mid-90’s and recognized quickly how significant Wu-Tang and The RZA were to the world of hip-hop music and culture,” Grazer said. “Over the years I’ve gotten to know RZA and it’s clear that he is the soul and storyteller of Wu-Tang. Working with RZA and Alex Tse on this series has been a highlight of my career and Hulu is the perfect partner to bring this story to a global audience.”
Source: Variety
Kevin Hart Inks First-Look Deal With Nickelodeon
Kevin Hart has signed a first-look deal with Nickelodeon.
Under the deal, Hart and his HartBeat Productions banner will develop and produce live-action, scripted kids content for the network. News of the deal comes less than two weeks after Awesomeness TV co-founder Brian Robbins was tapped to lead Nickelodeon after most recently serving as head of Paramount Pictures’ genre division, Paramount Players.
“For me, Nick has always represented everything fun about being a kid, and it’s still at the forefront today of kids’ and family entertainment,” Hart said. “I’ve been slimed at Kids’ Choice, won a lot of Orange Blimps and my kids are my very own built-in focus group, so I’m ready to dive in and make some next-level shows with Brian and everyone at Nickelodeon.”
No stranger to the Nickelodeon audience, in 2014 Hart won the Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Funny Star. In 2017, he took home awards in the categories of Favorite Villain and Most Wanted Pet for his role in the animated film “The Secret Life of Pets,” and another for BFFs for his role in “Central Intelligence” opposite Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
“I’m excited to inherit this terrific content deal with Kevin Hart just as I step into my new role at Nickelodeon,” Robbins said. “Kevin is an incredible talent whose appeal cuts across practically every age group and every member of the family. He knows how to create unforgettable characters, and I can’t wait for him and HartBeat Productions to focus their creativity on making great new content with us.”
This marks the latest building block of Hart’s growing media empire. The multi-hyphenate most recently starred in the film “Night School” alongside Tiffany Haddish, which opened at number one at the box office when it debuted and marked the biggest comedy opening weekend of 2018. In addition to numerous television and film projects he and HartBeat currently have in development, Hart also currently has a first-look film deal with Universal Studios. Other projects include “The Next Level” and “Hart of the City” on Comedy Central, and shows like “Cold as Balls” and “What the Fit” on the LOL Network, Hart’s streaming comedy platform that features his own content and that of other comedians.
Source: Variety
Brian Tyree Henry To Co-Star With Millie Bobby Brown In ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’
Brian Tyree Henry, who is coming off his Emmy-nominated performance in “Atlanta” Season 2, will star opposite Millie Bobby Brown in Legendary’s “Godzilla vs. Kong.”
Adam Wingard is directing with Henry also joining “Deadpool 2” star Julian Dennison.
Plot details are vague, but the film will feature the two titular classic monsters squaring off in some form. Details behind who Henry is playing are currently unknown, other than the fact that it will be a significant role.
The film is the fourth feature in the cinematic universe featuring the two famous creatures. The first installment of Legendary’s Monsterverse was 2014’s “Godzilla,” followed by 2017’s “Kong: Skull Island,” which grossed more than $565 million worldwide. A sequel to “Godzilla,” titled “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” with Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, and Brown, is now in production.
“Godzilla vs. Kong” is set to hit theaters May 22, 2020.
Henry’s star has continued to rise since his breakout role in the critically acclaimed FX series “Atlanta,” which earned him his second Emmy nomination. He garnered his first for his guest role on NBC’s hit “This Is Us.” His popularity in both TV roles led to a number of strong parts in movies, including “White Boy Rick,” the upcoming “Widows,” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.” He also lends his voice to Sony’s animated pic “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”
He is set to star in the reboot of “Child’s Play” and the Fox film “Woman in the Window” opposite Amy Adams. He also has the third season of “Atlanta” shooting next year.
He is repped by CAA, JWS Entertainment, Jill Fritzo PR, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein.
Source: Variety
Chris Spencer Partners With Lebron James’ Production Company For New Show On FOX
Fox has given a script commitment with penalty to I Just Do, a multi-camera comedy starring and co-written by comedian Chris Spencer. It hails from LeBron James’ SpringHill Entertainment and Warner Bros. TV where the company is based.
Written by John Beck, Ron Hart and Spencer, I Just Do is inspired by Spencer’s standup. It’s about an African-American family therapist (Spencer) and his loving and expressive Latina wife living beyond their means in an upper-middleclass neighborhood, where they are raising twin teenagers with the “help” of their intrusive parents. The co-mingling of Black and Latino cultures gives a unique perspective on the universal challenges of marriage and family.
Beck and Hart executive produce alongside James and Maverick Carter via SpringHill Entertainment. Spencer and his manager, J.P. Williams, co-executive produce.
It’s been a very busy broadcast selling season for SpringHill with four projects set up so far. I Just Do joins Hoops and Brotherly Love at NBC and Lean On Me at the CW. The company is repped by WME.
Beck & Ron Hart are repped by Paradigm, manager Rob Golenberg and attorneys Jared Levine & Priya Verma.
Actor-comedian Spencer was the first host of the syndicated late-night talk show Vibe. He is repped by WME and Williams.
Source: Deadline
Issa Rae To Star In Paul Feig Comedy ‘American Princess’
Stella Meghie, the helmer behind the YA adaptation ‘Everything, Everything,’ is on board to direct the project.
Issa Rae, the star and co-creator of HBO comedy Insecure, is attached to star in American Princess, a comedy set up at Fox.
Stella Meghie, the helmer behind the YA adaptation Everything, Everything, is on board to direct the project.
Paul Feig, who has shepherded female-centric comedy with movies such as Bridesmaids and the recent Ghostbusters reboot, will produce with Jessie Henderson via their Feigco Entertainment banner. Brendan O’Brien will also produce.
The story centers on an American woman (Rae) who moves to London where she’s drawn into a world of wealth and high society, and she falls in love in a very unexpected way. The script was written by Amy Aniobi, a scribe who has worked with Rae on Insecure as a writer/co-exec producer.
Jonathan Wu is overseeing for Fox.
Meghie made her feature directorial debut with Jean of the Joneses, which earned her a first screenplay nomination at the 2017 Independent Spirit Awards. Her most recent film, The Weekend, premiered at TIFF in 2018 and she is developing The Photograph, a family drama, with producer Will Packer at Universal.
Rae was recently nominated for an best actress in a comedy series for her work on Insecure, and has received Golden Globe nominations as well. The comedian, who is also behind the web series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, is currently on screens in the acclaimed drama, The Hate U Give, with Amandla Stenberg. She is currently filming Little, a Universal comedy with Black-ish star Marsai Martin.
Meghie is repped by CAA and Del Shaw. Rae is repped by UTA, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Hansen Jacobson.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Finesse Mitchell To Debut First Comedy Special ‘Finesse Mitchell: The Spirit Told Me To Tell You’ On Showtime!
Finesse Mitchell takes the stage in his first stand-up special FINESSE MITCHELL: THE SPIRIT TOLD ME TO TELL YOU, premiering on Friday, October 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME on-air, streaming and on demand. In the hour-long special directed by Devon Shepard and shot at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California, the Saturday Night Live alum discusses everything from L.A. life and staying out of the club to juggling the non-stop demands of marriage, fatherhood and “adult-ing.”
Mitchell is a multi-faceted actor, comedian and author. He burst onto the scene with his three-year run on Saturday Night Live, creating hilarious characters like “Starrkeisha” and impersonating actor Morgan Freeman and rapper 50 Cent. His other television credits include Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns, Mad Families (opposite Charlie Sheen and Tiffany Haddish), Roadies on SHOWTIME, Media and A.N.T. Farm. On the big screen, his appearances include Who’s Your Caddy, The Comebacks, Mad Money and Barely Lethal, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Jessica Alba. Mitchell performed on the Shaq All-Star Comedy Jam tour and shined as a featured act on the SHOWTIME special, Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam – Live From Atlanta, filmed in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, Mitchell is a published author with Your Girlfriends Only Know So Much: A Brother’s Take on Dating and Mating for Sistas which is an advice book for women born out of his widely popular monthly advice column for ESSENCE.
FINESSE MITCHELL: THE SPIRIT TOLD ME TO TELL YOU is directed by Devon Shepard and executive produced by Brian Volk-Weiss and Cisco Henson for Comedy Dynamics along with Finesse Mitchell, Adris Debarge and Adam Ginivisian.
