Ice Cube chats with Jimmy about his surprise performance with The Roots at Dave Chappelle’s stand-up show, celebrating 25 years of his seminal solo album Death Certificate and the success of his Big3 basketball league.
Kevin Hart is taking his talents to the (really) small screen — smartphones.
Hart, in partnership with Lionsgate, debuted Laugh Out Loud, a mobile streaming platform with a slate of original scripted and unscripted comedies, stand-up specials, live broadcasts, licensed programming, and special events. Hart was joined by Snoop Dogg, along with the comedic talent associated with Laugh Out Loud for the app’s launch party on Thursday night in Beverly Hills.
Through Laugh Out Loud, which Hart said had been in the works for more than two years, he wants to both represent and unify the comedy experience on a global scale. “The vision was having a place where any and everybody can feel comfortable with coming to laugh,” he said.
Hart isn’t promising he will debut any stand-up specials of his own to stream on the app — but he isn’t ruling it out, either. What he will deliver, however, is original pieces of content led by Hart, himself. “They will fit the mold of what we’re doing,” he said. “I don’t want to step out of the direction we’re going in.”
Instead, Lionsgate is focusing more on Hart’s ability to attract audiences. “We’re not pushing Kevin to be on all the time,” Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimersaid.
In developing his own entertainment platform, Hart said he looked to his friend Jay–Z, who created the subscription-based music streaming service Tidal in 2014.
“The biggest thing that Jay–Z has done in being a businessman is be different. Be bold and go against what people would call the grain,” Hart said. “A lot of people are simply scared to stand out. We’re not, and we won’t be.”
Although other entrepreneurs have failed at attempts in creating similar streaming services in the past, Hart says his has “a different cadence.”
“We’re giving opportunities. We’re searching for the new, the hungry,” he said. “I don’t think they’ve ever had that energy or that insight or have been that artist friendly, and that’s what separates us.”
The Laugh Out Loud app is now available for free on iOS and Android. Users have the option to pay $2.99 per month for ad-free viewing.
By Rebecca Rubin
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 2017 /PRNewswire/ – Following the recent announcement of UMC – Urban Movie Channel’s new original comedy series, The Rich and the Ruthless, UMC is keeping the laughs coming this summer with more original comedy series as part of its annual “Fall Out Fridays” summer lineup. The first variety series coming to UMC, Lawd Have Mercy, is a Sunday church service version of America’s Funniest Home Videos hosted by Flex Alexander (Single Ladies, Girlfriends) and comedian/writer Buddy Lewis (Real Husbands of Hollywood). Greenlit for a second season, The Comedy Underground Series initially premiered on UMC in 2015. The returning series, which kicks off with new host Red Grant, spotlights some of the world’s funniest comedic talent and rising stars. Lawd Have Mercy will premiere on Friday, August 4, 2017, followed by the return of The Comedy Underground Series on Friday, August 11, 2017. New episodes for both series will be added weekly through Labor Day weekend.
Returning fan-favorite The Comedy Underground Series breaks the hottest new faces in comedy while re-introducing seasoned veterans in the comedy business. In Season 2, comic Red Grant takes the stage as the show’s host with MC Lyte reprising her role as DJ and ringmaster. Created and produced by Angela White, via her Silver Lining Entertainment banner, along with producer Carol Ann Shine, the second season boasts a powerhouse roster of hilarious talent, including Guy Torry, Brooklyn Jones, Rip Micheals, Tony Roberts, Pretty Ricki, Cocoa Brown, Zooman Miller, and Ocean Glapion. Available at www.umc.tv, UMC is the first premium subscription streaming service that showcases quality African American and urban entertainment across all genres from RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE).
Created by Robert L. Johnson, Chairman of RLJ Entertainment and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), Urban Movie Channel (UMC) is the first subscription streaming service created for African American and urban audiences in North America that features quality urban content and showcases feature films, documentaries, original series, stand-up comedy, and other exclusive content. UMC is available on Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Amazon Prime, and Amazon Fire TV. At www.UMC.tv, UMC offers a free 7-day trial and thereafter is just $4.99/month or $49.99/year. Keep up with UMC on Facebook at Facebook.com/UrbanMovieChannel and on Twitter/Instagram @WatchUMC.
LOS ANGELES – August 3, 2017 – Get ready to clutch your pearls and laugh ‘til it hurts as BET Networks unveils its new Fall 2017 lineup! BET is pushing the comedy limits as it debuts series from some of the biggest names in the game including new showcase “50 CENTRAL” starring the legendary Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson; new boundary-pushing game show “FACE VALUE” from executive producer Wanda Sykes and starring Deon Cole and Tiffany Haddish; and new weekly satire series “THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE” from executive producer Chris Rock.
On the scripted side, “THE COMEDY GET DOWN” goes behind the scenes of a mega standup comedy tour with George Lopez, DL Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin and the late, much-beloved Charlie Murphy. Viewers will also get an all-access pass to the hip-hop wedding of the year as rapper Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka’oir become one in “GUCCI MANE & KEYSHIA KA’OIR: THE MANE EVENT”.
Irv Gotti’s “TALES” also returns with new episodes, including “song stories” from Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” and Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen”. And fan favorite tentpole specials return including the biggest night in hip-hop with the “HIP HOP AWARDS”, and smoothest sounds in R&B with the “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS”. New programming kicks off Wednesday, September 27th, with brand new episodes premiering every week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays!
BET FALL SERIES LINEUP
Wednesday, September 27
10:00 PM ET/PT
FACE VALUE **NEW**
From Push It Productions and Executive Producer Wanda Sykes, “FACE VALUE” is an edgy new 30-minute game show that will finally answer the age-old question, “Can you judge a book by its cover?” Hosted by Deon Cole (“black-ish,” Barbershop) with outrageous woman-on-the-street segments from Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip, “Carmichael Show”), this series is flipping the script to award cash and prizes for correctly guessing facts about strangers from all walks of life – based solely on their appearance and a few personal details. “FACE VALUE” will humorously break down stereotypes, expose prejudices, and celebrate the human spirit by highlighting the commonalities and differences among people of various backgrounds, races, religions, beliefs and life experiences. Push It Productions’ Wanda Sykes and Page Hurwitz serve as Executive Producers along with Lance Crouther.
10:30 PM ET/PT
50 CENTRAL **NEW**
Award-winning rapper, entrepreneur, actor and producer, the iconic Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, storms BET’s airwaves to take variety and sketch comedy to the next level with “50 CENTRAL.” BET’s first variety comedy showcase will be unlike anything seen from the genre before. Along with unprecedented sketches, the 30-minute show will feature hidden camera pranks, musical performances, and A-list celebrity guests to create the ultimate late night party – all handpicked and hosted by 50 Cent. Few artists have had as much crossover success as Jackson and he showcases his talents as an MC, actor and producer for a fresh take on the variety series. “50 CENTRAL” is produced by G-Unit Film & Television in partnership with Back Roads Entertainment with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Stephen J. Savva, Colby Gaines and Riley Robbins serving as Executive Producers and Michael A. Blum serving as Co-Executive Producer.
Thursday, September 28
11:00 PM ET/PT
THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE **NEW**
BET joins forces with Executive Producer Chris Rock to bring the African American female voice to late night news satire: “THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE.” Comedian and former head writer and contributor for “The Nightly Show,” Robin Thede, gives her hilariously unique take on the week’s headlines in politics and pop culture in a fast-paced, no-holds-barred 30-minute late night show featuring biting social commentary, sharp sketch comedy and in-your-face pop culture parody. From the team behind “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” “THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE” is produced by JAX MEDIA with Chris Rock and Robin Thede serving as Executive Producers. Tony Hernandez, Lilly Burns, John Skidmore and Genevieve Anniello also executive produce.
Tuesday, October 10
10:00 PM ET/PT
TALES **RETURNING**
Executive Producer Irv “Gotti” Lorenzo returns with brand new episodes of “TALES” – a one-hour scripted anthology series of “song stories” weaving classic hip-hop songs into visually stunning 3-act narratives. Far beyond the music video or the live event, each song’s lyrics are imagined as cinematic adventures with a different director, screenwriter and celebrity cast per song story. Upcoming songs include Jay-Z’s “99 Problems”, Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen”, “Children’s Story” by Slick Rick, and “You’re All I Need” by Method Man and Mary J. Blige. Featured talent will include Lance Gross, Bre-Z, and Jharrel Jerome (Moonlight) to name a few. “TALES” is produced and created by Irv Gotti and his Visionary Ideas production company.
Special premiere night Tuesday, 10/10, at 10 PM ET/PT.
Thursday, October 12
11:30 PM ET/PT
THE COMEDY GET DOWN **NEW**
“THE COMEDY GET DOWN” is the first scripted comedy series about what really happens behind the scenes of a massive stand-up comedy tour featuring five legendary comics – George Lopez, DL Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin and Charlie Murphy. They’re hilarious, insane and unapologetic on stage, but the second they step off is when the real show begins. The storylines are based on actual events that have taken place not only on their wildly successful Comedy Get Down arena tour, but throughout the 25 plus years each has been a nationally headlining comedian. A workplace comedy at its core, the 30-minute, single-camera series explores the personal and professional relationships of these five comic titans as they navigate the challenges of life on the road: seedy venues, racist road managers, pushy wives, angry baby mamas, obsessive fans, demanding celebrities, shady politicians and more. Free 90 Media’s Tom Brunelle and Brad Wollack serve as Executive Producers along with 3 Arts’ Michael Rotenberg, Greg Walter and Kimberly Carver. Eric C. Rhone from A Bird and A Bear Entertainment also serves as an Executive Producer.
Tuesday, October 17
10:00 PM ET/PT
GUCCI MANE & KEYSHIA KA’OIR: THE MANE EVENT **NEW**
Premiering on 10/17/17 – the actual wedding day – the ten episode docuseries “GUCCI MANE & KEYSHIA KA’OIR: THE MANE EVENT” follows the twists and turns of hip-hop power couple, Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka’oir, as they work to blend their families and defy the odds as they set to prepare for the most extravagant celebrity wedding of the year. Executive produced by Carlos King for Kingdom Reign Entertainment, David George and Jordanna Hochman for ITV Creative. Oji Singletary serves as showrunner.
Nashville, TN – Central City Productions will pay tribute to The Jacksons, Donnie McClurkin, Slick Rick, Guy, Oleta Adams and Jody Watley during the Black Music Honors, a live taping television special that will take place on Friday, August 18, 2017, at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) in Nashville, TN.
The two-hour event will acknowledge the legendary African American artists who have influenced and made significant musical contributions to African American culture and American music worldwide. Rickey Smiley, television and radio personality and Grammy Award-winner and actress LeToya Luckett, will co-host the show set to air on broadcast syndication, Sept. 2-30, 2017 and on Bounce TV, Tuesday, October 10, at 7 p.m. (ET).
The legendary group, The Jacksons, are set to receive the Lifetime Achievement in Music Award during the star-studded television taping. Still considered one of the hottest and most popular groups worldwide, the celebrated Jacksons will make their performance debut at the Black Music Honors when they take the stage to sing some of their greatest hits.
Stellar Awards and Grammy® Award-winner Donnie McClurkin, will receive the Gospel Music Icon Award; the R&B group Guy, creators of the New Jack Swing sound, will be given the R&B Soul Music Icon Award; Grammy® nominated rapper Slick Rick will be presented with the Hip Hop/Rap Music Icon Award, Grammy® nominated-singer Oleta Adams is receiving the Legends Award and Grammy® Award-winner Jody Watley will be recognized with the Crossover Music Icon Award.
“I am pleased and thrilled to honor some of today’s most influential and iconic music artists”, said Don Jackson, founder of Central City Productions and executive producer of Black Music Honors. “The caliber of this year’s honorees speaks to the incredible impact, breadth and depth of the music these artists have given to the world. I am truly excited about this year’s show. From a legendary group like The Jacksons, to Jody Watley, Donnie McClurkin, Slick Rick, Oleta Adams and Guy, we are paying tribute to extraordinary artists from various genres of the music industry”.
The Black Music Honors will also include special performances by Avery Sunshine, Dave Hollister, Jonathan Butler, Karen Clark Sheard, Kid N Play, Latrice Crawford, Leela James, Marvin Winans, SWV, Da Brat, Sevyn Streeter and more.
Black Music Honors is produced by Central City Productions. Proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the National Museum of African American Music, scheduled to open in Nashville, TN, in 2019.
The Tennessee Performing Arts Center(TPAC) is located at 505 Deaderick St., in Nashville. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show taping at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at https://patron.tpac.org/events/detail/black-music-honors-2017-tpac
Leon Black has so much on his mind.
Gallery Books told the Associated Press on Wednesday that it is devoting a book to the trash-talker from Curb Your Enthusiasm. The release is called The Book of Leon, and the writing credit goes to JB Smoove, the man who plays Black on the comedy series. According to the publisher, the book was inspired by a certain balding man with glasses, perhaps Larry David, who allegedly told Black that since he always has so much to say, maybe he should just put it all down in words.
The Book of Leon is scheduled for Oct. 24, around the time the ninth season of Curb Your Enthusiasm begins on HBO.
Make no mistake. Bruce Willis doesn’t play a cop in the upcoming action film “Death Wish,” but rather a trauma surgeon who takes matters into his own hands after his wife (Elisabeth Shue) and college-age daughter (Camila Morrone) are viciously attacked in their suburban home.
“Somebody has to do it,” he quips in the teaser.
Director Eli Roth’s remake of the 1974 revenge thriller from the novel by Brian Garfield is set in Chicago, where police are overloaded with crimes. Set to AC/DC’s “Back in Black,” the trailer shows Dr. Paul Kersey (Willis) use his surgeon skills to identify criminals and take revenge on a crusade for justice to avenge his wife’s death.
The anonymous slayings of criminals are grabbing the media’s attention, leaving the city wondering if the hooded vigilante killer is a guardian angel or grim reaper.
“Is he right for taking the law into his own hands?,” asks radio host Sway in the trailer. “He’s become a folk hero,” remarks another commentator in the footage.
Also starring Vincent D’Onofrio, Dean Norris, and Kimberly Elise, “Death Wish” opens in theaters on Nov. 22.
Source: Variety
Amandla Stenberg is starring in the film based on Angela Thomas’ debut novel, which was inspired by Black Lives Matter.Girls Trip star Regina Hall has joined The Hate U Give,Fox 2000’s adaptation of the Black Live Matter YA novel of the same name.
Hunger Games actress Amandla Stenberg is starring along with Russell Hornsby in the adaptation of Angela Thomas’ debut novel that George Tillman Jr. will direct.
The story follows a16-year-old girl named Starr who grew up in a poverty-stricken slum, but now attends a suburban prep school. After she witnesses a police officer shoot her unarmed best friend, she’s torn between her two very different worlds as she tries to speak her truth.
Hall will play Lisa, Starr’s mother while Hornsby is playing Starr’s father, while Lamar Johnson has previously been cast to play Seven, Starr’s older brother.
The films rights to The Hate U Give were picked up by Fox 2000, Temple Hill and State Street in a competitive situation in 2016. Audrey Wells wrote the script adaptation. Thomas’ book, bought by HarperCollins imprint Balzer + Bray after 13 publishing houses bid on it at auction, was published Feb. 28. The hit novel has spent 22 weeks on the New York Times young adult best-seller list after debuting at No. 1.
Hall was most recently seen in Girls Trip, Universal’s hit comedy that has earned $72.1 million to date. Her other credits include Barbershop: The Next Cut, Think Like a Man Too and Vacation. She has the Netflix comedy Naked with Marlon Wayans coming up. She’s repped by ICM Partners and Principato-Young Entertainment.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Fast and the Furious star Vin Diesel is developing a Miami Vice reboot at the Peacock network, which he will executive produce, according to several reports. Should it move forward, the new series could be on the air as early as the 2018-19 season.
The original Miami Vice, starring Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as undercover detectives in the titular city, ran for five seasons on NBC before its cancellation in 1989. The series was already remade once, as a 2006 feature-length film starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx.
The new Miami Vice is being written by Peter Macmanus (The Mist), and also counts Fast and the Furious scribe Chris Morgan among its EPs.
The Weinstein Co’s English-language remake of French film The Intouchables has gotten a new title.
The Upside stars Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart as a millionaire quadriplegic and his caretaker. The Neil Burger-directed movie keeps its March 9 release date, where it will open opposite Disney/Ava DuVernay’s A Wrinkle in Time.
Nicole Kidman, Julianna Margulies and Aja Naomi King also star in the dramedy, which was produced by Jason Blumenthal, Todd Black and Harvey Weinstein.
The Intouchables was an international success in 2012, when it grossed more than $400 million at the worldwide box office.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter