The Humor Mill

La La Anthony’s ‘Love Playbook’ Movie In Development With Queen Latifah And Codeblack Films

La La Anthony Queen Latifah

REX SHUTTERSTOCK

Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit Entertainment and Codeblack Films are partnering to co-produce and co-finance a slate of films, starting with an adaptation of La La Anthony’s “The Love Playbook: Rules for Love, Sex, and Happiness.”

“The Love Playbook” was published in 2014 and became a New York Times bestseller. Anthony channeled her life and love lessons into a personal playbook, offering no-nonsense advice on dating, love and marriage — advising women on how to take control of their relationships, rise above adversity and live their lives by their rules.

Anthony will also executive produce for the project through her LaLa Land company. Amy Aniobi (“Silicon Valley”) is writing the screenplay.

The slate will be co-produced By Flavor Unit Entertainment’s Shakim Compere and Queen Latifah. Quincy Newell and Jeff Clanagan will also serve as producers on the projects.

Codeblack Films and Flavor Unit Entertainment will collaborate on the marketing of the films under the slate.

Codeblack Films, a division of Lionsgate, has a mission to serve the global black community through movies targeted to the underserved African-American consumer. Its 2014 comedy concert film, “Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain,” grossed over $32 million domestically.

Flavor Unit’s producing credits include “Bringing Down the House,”  “Beauty Shop,” ” The Perfect Holiday,” “The Cookout” and “Just Wright.” TV credits include “Bessie” and “Life Support.”

Newell, who’s exec VP and general manager, constructed the co-production and co-finance arrangement with Flavor Unit Entertainment Co-CEO Shakim Compere.

Stewart Levy is handling negotiations on behalf of Flavor Unit with Greg Snodgrass on behalf of Codeblack Films.

Source: Codeblack

Kevin Hart Posts First Look At New Movie ‘Jumanji’!

Kevin Hart’s latest Instagram post will have you saying, “What year is it?”

Hart posted a first look at the upcoming 2017 “Jumanji” sequel. The photo features Hart standing beside co-stars Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black.

“Day 1 of shooting ‘Jumanji’ is officially in the can,” reads the post. “We had a [sic] amazing first day. The chemistry & energy of our cast & crew was beyond amazing!!!! This movie is going to be dope as hell….Can’t wait to get back to work tomorrow … #Jumanji.”

The film, which has been described as more of a continuation than a remake, is directed by Jake Kasdan and is based on the screenplay by Zach Helm, Chris McKenna, Jeff Pinkner, Scott Rosenberg and Erik Sommers. Principal photography is currently taking place in Honolulu, Hawaii.

“We’re going to try and reimagine ‘Jumanji’ and update it for the present,” said President of Columbia Pictures Doug Belgrad in 2013.

“Jumanji” is scheduled to be released on July 28, 2017.

Source: Variety

FX Jumps On The Hot Topic Of The Network And Renews ‘Atlanta’!

AtlantaGlover

FX has renewed freshman series “Better Things” and “Atlanta” for second seasons, Variety has learned. Both will return with 10-episodes for Season 2.

The double dose of renewals comes in the midst of the first seasons for the series, which both premiered at the beginning of this month, showcasing FX’s strong backing of the shows.

“Atlanta,” created by Donald Glover, scored the best premiere numbers for any basic cable primetime scripted comedy in over three years in the 18-49 demo. The most recent episode, which aired on Sept. 13, brought in 1.3 million viewers, according to “Live “3” estimates, and a new episode airs tonight.

“Better Things,” hailing from creator and star Pamela Adlon, is the most-female driven show for FX in the network’s history, receiving strong reviews from critics across the board. According to “Live +7” estimates, the comedy is averaging 1.4 million total viewers.

Writing about both shows, Variety‘s Sonia Saraiya said, “In the tradition of ‘Louie,’ two strong debut series reinforce FX’s comedy brand and redefine the half-hour sitcom.”

“It’s really gratifying to launch two new comedies that have received overwhelming critical acclaim right out of the gate and that are emblematic of FX’s award-winning brand,” said Nick Grad and Eric Schrier, presidents of original programming, FX Networks and FX Productions. “It is clear to us that ‘Atlanta’ and ‘Better Things’ have struck a nerve with viewers, which is a credit to Donald Glover’s vision for ‘Atlanta’ and Pamela Adlon’s vision for ‘Better Things.’ They, along with their spectacular casts, writers and directors, have created exceptional shows that we are incredibly proud to produce.”

“Atlanta” follows two cousins who work through the Atlanta music scene in order to better their lives and their families’ lives. Glover — who created, executive producers and stars in the series — toplines the comedy, alongside Brian Tyree Henry and Lakeith Stanfield. Other exec producers are MGMT Entertainment’s Paul Simms and Dianne McGunigle. FX Prods. producers.

“Better Things” is about a single working actor — played by Adlon — raising her three daughters, portrayed by Mikey Madison, Hannah Alligood and Olivia Edward. Adlon serves as executive producer with Louis C.K., Blair Breard and Dave Becky. The show hails from FX Prods., 3 Arts Entertainment and C.K.’s banner Pig Newton.

Source; Variety

Whoopi Goldberg Discusses Her New Oxygen Modeling Show Titled ‘Strut’!

Strut Oxygen

COURTESY OF OXYGEN

“They’re the best people in the world,” Whoopi Goldberg says about the cast of “Strut,” her new Oxygen show that follows a group of models signed to Slay Model Management, an exclusively transgender modeling agency.

The first reality modeling show to focus solely on transgender artists, “Strut,” which Goldberg executive produces with her producing partner Tom Leonardis, is breaking ground in the unscripted space and marks the latest series in the recent wave of trans-centric programming.

“Our programming commitment is to showcase people on journeys to find their truth — and be their truth. This is a generation who most definitely aren’t going to be confined by yesterday’s social mores and rules,” Rod Aissa, executive vice president of original programming and development at Oxygen, tells Variety.

For Oxygen, “Strut” marks the first series to feature an all-trans cast, following in the footsteps of its NBCUniversal sister network E!, which was home to Caitlyn Jenner’s “I Am Cait.” Aissa says the cabler was especially interested in the project because of Goldberg and Leonardis’ attachment, which gave him confidence that the series would have “integrity and heart.”

Aissa adds that Goldberg’s “attention to the nuances” of the trans models has pushed the production to a new level. “If you have watched any interview Whoopi Goldberg has done, or even just a few minutes of her stand out work on ‘The View,’ you know Whoopi’s passion and drive carries over to everything she touches,” he says.

Goldberg — who, when “Strut” was announced, said “transgender is still a hot-button word that gets people hysterical” — explains she got to know and learn about the co-ed trans cast just by spending time with them. “I didn’t ask them very many questions. We just hung out,” she says.

One of the cast members is a familiar face for reality TV watchers. Isis King, who appeared on “America’s Next Top Model,” is featured on the Oxygen series. Though the reality modeling genre was carved out by “Top Model,” don’t expect “Strut” to look anything like “ANTM,” as the show has more of docuseries format, rather than a reality competition.

“Strut” is the latest series to feature transgender personalities, which has become an unscripted programming trend, following the launch of “I am Cait” and TLC’s “I am Jazz.”

Meanwhile, scripted shows like “Transparent” and “Orange is the New Black” are often praised for featuring trans characters without falling into stereotypes or using the transgender experience as a punchline. Still, controversy surrounding trans casting persists. When Matt Bomer was cast as a transgender sex worker in the film “Anything,” Mark Ruffalo, who executive produced the film, responded to blacklash over the fact that they did not cast a transgender actor. Ruffalo wrote: “To the trans community. I hear you. It’s wrenching to you see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation. It’s time.”

On Sunday, Jeffrey Tambor’s performance in “Transparent” won him the Emmy. He declared, “Please give transgender talent a chance. Give them auditions. Give them their story. I would not be unhappy were I the last cisgender male to play a female transgender [character] on television.”

Speaking on the topic of casting cis people as trans characters, Goldberg says she has no problem. “White people play black people all the time. That’s acting,” she says, bringing up Robert Downey Jr.’s performance in the 2008 comedy “Tropic Thunder.” With a laugh, Goldberg points out if there is a butcher character in a TV show or movie, she doesn’t expect a butcher to play that role. “So no, I don’t think you have to be transgender,” she says.

As for Goldberg’s other project, “The View,” which recently kicked off its 20th season with some new panelists, Goldberg hasn’t given much thought to how long she’ll stay on the ABC talker, saying she’s “taking things one day at a time.”

Source: Variety

Kevin Hart Debuts His First Rap Single Titled “Baller Alert”!

(CNN) Kevin Hart appears to be dead serious about having a career in hip hop.

The comedic actor’s rap alter ego Chocolate Droppa has dropped his first single titled “Baller Alert.”
The song boasts rhymes by rappers T.I. and Migos.

Hart can be heard talking on the track.
It was announced in August that Hart had been signed to Motown.
“Baller Alert” is the first tune off the planned album “What Now? (The Mixtape)” which is scheduled for release on October 14. The musical project is timed to the debut of Hart’s new stand up comedy tour film also titled “What Now?”
Source: CNN

Sheryl Underwood Makes Emotional Speech About Racial Profiling On ‘The Talk’!

Yesterday, amidst all of the news about the racial profiling and the latest killing by another unarmed black man by a police officer, comedian Sheryl Underwood took a stand on the syndicated CBS day timer talk show The Talk to voice her opinion on the matter.

See the clip below;

Whether you like her or not, Underwood makes a compelling argument.

Spike Lee’s ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ Gets Series Order At Netflix!

The series centers on Nola Darling, a Brooklyn-based artist in her late twenties struggling to define herself and divide her time amongst her Friends, her Job and her Three Lovers: The Cultured Model, Greer Childs; The Protective Investment Banker, Jamie Overstreet; and Da Original B-Boy Sneakerhead, Mars Blackmon.

Lee released the following statement on the series pickup:

“SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT Has A Very Special Place In My Heart. We Shot This Film In 12 Days (2 Six Day Weeks) Way Back In The Back Back Of The Hot Summer Of 1985 For A Mere Total of $175,000. Funds That We Begged, Borrowed and Whatnot To Get That Money. This Is The 1st Official Spike Lee Feature Film Joint And Everything That We Have Been Blessed With In This Tough Business Of Film All Have Been Due To SGHI.

Now With The Passing (August 8th) Of The 30th Anniversary, It’s A Gift That Keeps On Giving. We Are Getting An Opportunity To Revisit These Memorable Characters Who Will Still Be Relevant And Avant Garde 3 Decades Later. With All That Said It Was My Wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, Producer In Her Own Right, Who Had The Vision To Take My Film From The Big Screen And Turn It Into An Episodic Series. It Had Not Occurred To Me At All. Tonya Saw It Plain As Day. I Didn’t.

We Are Hyped That NETFLIX Is Onboard With This Vision As Nola Darling, Mars Blackmon, Jamie Overstreet And Greer Childs DO DA DAMN THANG Now, Today In Da Republic Of Brooklyn, New York.”

Spike Lee is represented by ICM Partners and attorneys Robert Strent and Larry Shire.

Netflix has given a 10-episode series order to “She’s Gotta Have It,” a remake of Spike Lee’s 1986 debut film, Variety has confirmed. Lee will direct each half-hour installment and serves as executive producer on the project with his wife and producing partner Tonya Lewis Lee.

Terrence Howard To Play Ex-Cop On The Run In New Film Titled ‘Rogue’!

Mark F. Kindred will direct the film inspired by one of the largest manhunts in American history.

Terrence Howard will star in the upcoming drama Rogue, which is inspired by the true events surrounding one of the largest manhunts in American history.

Written and to be directed by Mark F. Kindred,Rogue follows an ex-cop gone rogue (Howard) who wages war on the institutional forces that wronged him, resulting in a massive manhunt.

Mandalay Pictures and Jason Michael Berman (The Birth of a Nation) are producing with Green Brothers’ Reinaldo Marcus Green, and Matthew Mouat.

Oscar nominee Howard currently stars as Lucious Lyon on Fox’s hit series Empire. His film credits include St. Vincent with Bill Murray and Term Life with Vince Vaughn. He’s repped by CAA and Empire Agency.

Kindred, a Sundance Institute fellow, will make his feature directorial debut with Rogue. The project was developed at the 2015 Sundance Institute Screenwriting and Directing labs. He studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and his short America premiered at the SXSW film festival.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Tracee Ellis Ross Makes History as 1st Black Woman in 30 Years to Receive Emmy Nod for Best Comedy Actress

Tracee Ellis Ross is making history as the first black woman in three decades to receive an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.

On “Good Morning America” today, Ross watched a clip of co-star Anthony Anderson’s freak-out moment last month when he read his own Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series, as well as Ross’ nod and their “Black-ish” show’s nod for outstanding comedy series.

“So I’m sitting at home watching and it was hilarious,” Ross said. “I screamed when Anthony, when he said his name, I was literally like a seal. And then, when he got to my category, I was like, ‘Are they going to go with the Ellis, or the Ross?’ And I was like, ‘Oh God, the E’s are done!'”

She added: “My name came up and I jumped up, ran around my dining room table, opened my front door, went in my courtyard and was running around. I was like, ‘What am I doing? I have nowhere to go! Call somebody!’ I left my body. I was so excited.”

Ross’ mother, legendary singer Diana Ross, congratulated her daughter on the Emmy nod.

“I woke her up,” Ross, 43, said of sharing the news with her mom.

When asked what she’s going to do next, Ross replied, “The Johnsons are going to Disney World,” referring to the show’s fictional family.

The 68th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on ABC this Sunday.

Source: ABC News

 

Nick Gordon Found Legally Responsible For Bobbi Kristina Brown’s Death

UPDATED, 11:09 AM: A Georgia judge today ruled that Nick Gordon is legally responsible for the 2015 death of his girlfriend Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of singer Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. Gordon failed to appear today for a civil hearing on the wrongful-death case in Fulton County Superior Court — the second time he’s been a no-show. Judge T. Jackson Bedford considers that admission by omission, meaning allegations by Brown’s conservator are confirmed. Gordon has not been criminally charged in Brown’s death, but the civil suit seeks $50 million in damages. A jury will determine the actual figure. Gordon and Brown both appeared on reality show The Houstons: On Our Own, which ran for one season on Lifetime in 2012-13.

PREVIOIUSLY, June 26, 2015: Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of singer Whitney Houston,  has died, her family reported. Brown passed away today, nearly five months after she was found unresponsive in a bathtub of her home. She was 22.

Clive Davis And The Recording Academy's 2011 Pre-GRAMMY Gala - Arrivals“Bobbi Kristina Brown passed away July, 26 2015, surrounded by her family,” their statement said. “She is finally at peace in the arms of God. We want to again thank everyone for their tremendous amount of love and support during these last few months.”

“It is hard to say goodbye,” the family said in an additional message on Houston’s Facebook page. “On Sunday, July 26, Bobbi Kristina Brown made her transition peacefully. The family thanks everyone for their loving thoughts and prayers. As Bobbi Kristina would say: ‘The wind is behind me and the sun is in my face.’”

Brown, the only daughter of Houston and singer Bobby Brown, had remained unresponsive in hospitals and hospice care since she was found in a bathtub of her Roswell, Georgia, home on Jan. 31. Her family said she had suffered irreversible brain damage.

Bobbi Kristina Brown had stayed mostly out of the spotlight the past couple of years since her high-rated interview with Oprah Winfrey following her mother’s death in 2012, a role on Tyler Perry’s TBS show For Better Or Worse and her appearance on Lifetime reality show The Houstons: On Our Own.

The family has been in the news of late over the premiere of the Angela Bassett-directed Lifetime telepic Whitney. The Houston family strongly opposed and publicly denounced the biopic starring Yaya DaCosta. Brown’s bathtub accident came two weeks later. The View co-host Rosie Perez drew raised eyebrows connecting the two, saying on the ABC talk show that “this unauthorized biography of her mom must have killed her.”

Source: Deadline

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