Dozens of top Hollywood creatives and activists have signed an open letter in response to the shuttering of production company Participant — imploring the industry to continue to effect change through film and television as the defunct company once did.
George Clooney, Aflonso Cuarón, Ava DuVernay, Jane Fonda, Regina King, Viola Davis, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Color of Change president Rashad Robinson and more are signators, in addition to groups like GLAAD and Human Rights Watch. The letter was coordinated by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (Ndwa), which collaborated with Participant and director Cuarón on a visibility campaign for his 2018 Oscar winner “Roma.”
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever,” the letter states. “There is a whole ecosystem of people, connected by the work of the last 20 years of Participant, ready to work with you.
George Clooney, Aflonso Cuarón, Ava DuVernay, Jane Fonda, Regina King, Viola Davis, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Color of Change president Rashad Robinson and more are signators, in addition to groups like GLAAD and Human Rights Watch. The letter was coordinated by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (Ndwa), which collaborated with Participant and director Cuarón on a visibility campaign for his 2018 Oscar winner “Roma.”
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever,” the letter states. “There is a whole ecosystem of people, connected by the work of the last 20 years of Participant, ready to work with you.
- 5/7/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Like many independent filmmakers, Anthony Gomez has some quibbles with his own work. He wishes he’d had more time to shoot. His lead looks natural on camera but the voiceover delivery is stiff. A friend came through with some original music, but the post process was crazy. The usual stuff. What’s unusual is that Gomez, 26, made his most recent film, a short documentary about working out, while living inside San Quentin State Prison.
“It’s the first time I’ve had my parents say they’re proud of me since I graduated from high school,” Gomez says of the videos he has directed, starred in and contributed to while inside San Quentin. Among the highlights is a series of mockumentary shorts inspired by The Office. Staring deadpan into the camera after the guy next to you says something stupid, it turns out, is a cinematic language that translates to workplaces everywhere.
“It’s the first time I’ve had my parents say they’re proud of me since I graduated from high school,” Gomez says of the videos he has directed, starred in and contributed to while inside San Quentin. Among the highlights is a series of mockumentary shorts inspired by The Office. Staring deadpan into the camera after the guy next to you says something stupid, it turns out, is a cinematic language that translates to workplaces everywhere.
- 7/31/2023
- by Rebecca Keegan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Vince Vaughn will headline Stephen Chbosky’s original comedy “Nonnas,” based on the true story of a man who, after his mother’s death, opens an Italian restaurant staffed by grandmothers, TheWrap confirmed.
Vaughn will be joined by Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and Drea De Mattea, Brenda Vaccaro, Linda Cardellini, Joe Manganiello and Michael Rispoli. Campbell Scott, who co-directed the ’90s indie “Big Night” with the film’s costar Stanley Tucci, also costars.
It’s based on the true story of Brooklyn native Joe Scaravella who launched Staten Island’s Enoteca Maria. “Siren” scribe Liz Maccie wrote the script and co-developed with Madison Wells and Boat Rocker’s Matador Content.
Also Read:
London Subway Bans Ad for ‘Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding’ Over ‘Unhealthy’ Wedding Cake Photo
Fifth Season, the film and TV studio behind “Severance,” “80 for Brady” and “Normal People,” is the lead co-financer.
Gigi Pritzker...
Vaughn will be joined by Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and Drea De Mattea, Brenda Vaccaro, Linda Cardellini, Joe Manganiello and Michael Rispoli. Campbell Scott, who co-directed the ’90s indie “Big Night” with the film’s costar Stanley Tucci, also costars.
It’s based on the true story of Brooklyn native Joe Scaravella who launched Staten Island’s Enoteca Maria. “Siren” scribe Liz Maccie wrote the script and co-developed with Madison Wells and Boat Rocker’s Matador Content.
Also Read:
London Subway Bans Ad for ‘Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding’ Over ‘Unhealthy’ Wedding Cake Photo
Fifth Season, the film and TV studio behind “Severance,” “80 for Brady” and “Normal People,” is the lead co-financer.
Gigi Pritzker...
- 7/11/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Vince Vaughn (Bad Monkey) will topline Nonnas, an original comedy that Stephen Chbosky (Wonder) has been tapped to direct for Fifth Season (80 for Brady), 1Community (Just Mercy) and Madison Wells (The Eyes of Tammy Faye).
Among those joining Vaughn in the film, which wrapped production last month in New Jersey, are Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon (Blue Beetle) and Academy Award nominees Lorraine Bracco (Goodfellas), Talia Shire (Megalopolis) and Brenda Vaccaro (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). Others in the cast include Emmy nominee Linda Cardellini (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Emmy winner Drea De Matteo (The Sopranos), Joe Manganiello (The Kill Room), Michael Rispoli (Power Book III: Raising Kanan) and Campbell Scott (Jurassic World Dominion).
Written by Liz Maccie, Nonnas is based on the true story of Brooklyn native Joe Scaravella (Vaughn), who, after losing his beloved mother, realizes he’s wasted...
Among those joining Vaughn in the film, which wrapped production last month in New Jersey, are Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon (Blue Beetle) and Academy Award nominees Lorraine Bracco (Goodfellas), Talia Shire (Megalopolis) and Brenda Vaccaro (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). Others in the cast include Emmy nominee Linda Cardellini (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Emmy winner Drea De Matteo (The Sopranos), Joe Manganiello (The Kill Room), Michael Rispoli (Power Book III: Raising Kanan) and Campbell Scott (Jurassic World Dominion).
Written by Liz Maccie, Nonnas is based on the true story of Brooklyn native Joe Scaravella (Vaughn), who, after losing his beloved mother, realizes he’s wasted...
- 7/10/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Wilds star Shannon Berry has joined the cast of Susanna Fogel’s Canadian feature Winner.
Berry is appearing opposite Emilia Jones, Zach Galifianakis, Kathryn Newton, Danny Ramirez and Connie Britton in the darkly comedic biopic. The casting reunites the emerging Australian actress with The Spy Who Dumped Me director Fogel, who directed her in the pilot of Prime Video drama series The Wilds.
Winner is a biopic of Reality Winner (Jones), a brilliant misfit U.S. Air Force member and Nsa consultant who in 2018 was given the longest prison sentence in American history for the unauthorized release of government information to the media — five years, three months — after leaking an intelligence report about Russian interference in the 2016 election.
We first told you about the film last October, as the film went into principal photography. The feature is set to take on the traditional whistleblower thriller — a coming-of-age story about...
Berry is appearing opposite Emilia Jones, Zach Galifianakis, Kathryn Newton, Danny Ramirez and Connie Britton in the darkly comedic biopic. The casting reunites the emerging Australian actress with The Spy Who Dumped Me director Fogel, who directed her in the pilot of Prime Video drama series The Wilds.
Winner is a biopic of Reality Winner (Jones), a brilliant misfit U.S. Air Force member and Nsa consultant who in 2018 was given the longest prison sentence in American history for the unauthorized release of government information to the media — five years, three months — after leaking an intelligence report about Russian interference in the 2016 election.
We first told you about the film last October, as the film went into principal photography. The feature is set to take on the traditional whistleblower thriller — a coming-of-age story about...
- 5/16/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Kim Kardashian is ramping up her activities related to U.S. prison reform.
The “Kardashians” star, who is in the midst of attaining a law degree, recently paid a visit to inmates who’ve been placed in solitary confinement within Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent, California.
As TMZ reports, she spent a day within the supermax prison in order to meet with prisoners in solitary, to discuss how their sentences have been affecting their “mental stabiliity.”
Read More: Kim Kardashian Takes Selfie With Prison Inmates While Filming Documentary
Kardashian was accompanied by actor Tobey Maguire, producer Scott Budnick (whose credits include “The Hangover”) and a camera crew.
According to TMZ, the visit is part of a new documentary that would serve as something of a followup to previous documentaries that Budnick has produced focusing on teenagers in the American prison system, 2016’s “They Call Us Monsters” and 2013’s “Lost...
The “Kardashians” star, who is in the midst of attaining a law degree, recently paid a visit to inmates who’ve been placed in solitary confinement within Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent, California.
As TMZ reports, she spent a day within the supermax prison in order to meet with prisoners in solitary, to discuss how their sentences have been affecting their “mental stabiliity.”
Read More: Kim Kardashian Takes Selfie With Prison Inmates While Filming Documentary
Kardashian was accompanied by actor Tobey Maguire, producer Scott Budnick (whose credits include “The Hangover”) and a camera crew.
According to TMZ, the visit is part of a new documentary that would serve as something of a followup to previous documentaries that Budnick has produced focusing on teenagers in the American prison system, 2016’s “They Call Us Monsters” and 2013’s “Lost...
- 1/16/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Exclusive: Emilia Jones (Coda) is set to lead director Susanna Fogel’s darkly comedic biopic Winner, which has started principal photography.
After exposing Russia’s interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Reality Winner was sentenced to five and a half years in prison — the longest sentence ever given to someone charged under the Espionage Act — for leaking a government document.
Connie Britton has been cast to play Reality’s mother and Galifianakis Reality’s father. Danny Ramirez and Kathryn Newton also will star.
The story follows Winner (Jones), a brilliant young misfit from Texas who finds her morals challenged while serving in the U.S. Air Force and working as an Nsa contractor. The film will offer a fresh take on the traditional whistleblower thriller; the coming-of-age story follows an idealistic young woman persecuted for standing by her principles.
The film is written by Kerry Howley and based on Howley...
After exposing Russia’s interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Reality Winner was sentenced to five and a half years in prison — the longest sentence ever given to someone charged under the Espionage Act — for leaking a government document.
Connie Britton has been cast to play Reality’s mother and Galifianakis Reality’s father. Danny Ramirez and Kathryn Newton also will star.
The story follows Winner (Jones), a brilliant young misfit from Texas who finds her morals challenged while serving in the U.S. Air Force and working as an Nsa contractor. The film will offer a fresh take on the traditional whistleblower thriller; the coming-of-age story follows an idealistic young woman persecuted for standing by her principles.
The film is written by Kerry Howley and based on Howley...
- 10/24/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Emilia Jones to Star in ‘Winner’ as Whistleblower Who Exposed Russia’s Interference in 2016 Election
“Coda” star Emilia Jones will portray whistleblower Reality Winner in “Winner,” a dark-comedy biopic from director Susanna Fogel.
Winner, a former U.S. Air Force member and Nsa contractor, served in prison after she leaked an intelligence report about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Her five and a half years behind bars is the longest sentence ever given to someone charged under the Espionage Act for leaking a government document.
Described as a “fresh take on the traditional whistleblower thriller,” the coming-of-age story “Winner” is based on Kerry Howley’s 2017 New York Magazine feature that portrays a brilliant and young misfit from Texas who finds her morals challenged while serving in the U.S. Air Force and working as a Nsa contractor.
“As a filmmaker, I strive to tell stories that interrogate the world we live in and the systems that are broken in it. But in a fun way,...
Winner, a former U.S. Air Force member and Nsa contractor, served in prison after she leaked an intelligence report about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Her five and a half years behind bars is the longest sentence ever given to someone charged under the Espionage Act for leaking a government document.
Described as a “fresh take on the traditional whistleblower thriller,” the coming-of-age story “Winner” is based on Kerry Howley’s 2017 New York Magazine feature that portrays a brilliant and young misfit from Texas who finds her morals challenged while serving in the U.S. Air Force and working as a Nsa contractor.
“As a filmmaker, I strive to tell stories that interrogate the world we live in and the systems that are broken in it. But in a fun way,...
- 10/24/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian has opened up about the responsibilities of being a multi-tasking mother during the second annual ‘A Day of Unreasonable Conversation’ in Los Angeles. The 41-year old was part of a panel called ‘How To Get S**t Done In A Divided America” alongside film producer Scott Budnick discussing their efforts towards criminal justice reform, reports mirror.co.uk.
Kim, who shares North, nine, Saint, six, Chicago, four, and Psalm, three, with ex-husband Kanye West, was praised by Budnick for her ability to join virtual work meetings at any given moment – even when carrying out parenting duties.
He said: “This woman right here, it’s like we find out the governor loves the Oklahoma Sooners football team.”
“She’s on every Zoom. ‘Hey, Kim, the evangelical pastor in Oklahoma is interested in learning about the case.’ Okay, we’re on a Zoom that night, with all...
Kim, who shares North, nine, Saint, six, Chicago, four, and Psalm, three, with ex-husband Kanye West, was praised by Budnick for her ability to join virtual work meetings at any given moment – even when carrying out parenting duties.
He said: “This woman right here, it’s like we find out the governor loves the Oklahoma Sooners football team.”
“She’s on every Zoom. ‘Hey, Kim, the evangelical pastor in Oklahoma is interested in learning about the case.’ Okay, we’re on a Zoom that night, with all...
- 9/17/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Click here to read the full article.
Social impact agency Propper Daley hosted its second “A Day of Unreasonable Conversation” summit on Thursday, featuring a starry lineup including Kim Kardashian, Uzo Aduba, Chrissy Teigen, B.J. Novak and director and producer Scott Budnick.
The invite-only event — produced in collaboration with culture change agency Invisible Hand, with The Hollywood Reporter as a media partner — took place at Beverly Hills’ The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and featured a full day of programming designed to unite television writers, producers and executives with cultural changemakers. The day’s multiple conversations spanned intellectual humility, mental health, social and economic division, criminal justice, reproductive rights, climate change, responsible tech and more, with the discussions intended to influence future onscreen storylines and help maintain narrative authenticity.
Kardashian and Budnick sat down with host Baratunde Thurston for a “How to Get Sh!t Done in a Divided America” panel,...
Social impact agency Propper Daley hosted its second “A Day of Unreasonable Conversation” summit on Thursday, featuring a starry lineup including Kim Kardashian, Uzo Aduba, Chrissy Teigen, B.J. Novak and director and producer Scott Budnick.
The invite-only event — produced in collaboration with culture change agency Invisible Hand, with The Hollywood Reporter as a media partner — took place at Beverly Hills’ The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and featured a full day of programming designed to unite television writers, producers and executives with cultural changemakers. The day’s multiple conversations spanned intellectual humility, mental health, social and economic division, criminal justice, reproductive rights, climate change, responsible tech and more, with the discussions intended to influence future onscreen storylines and help maintain narrative authenticity.
Kardashian and Budnick sat down with host Baratunde Thurston for a “How to Get Sh!t Done in a Divided America” panel,...
- 9/16/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Director Tony Vainuku has signed with M88.
Vainuku became an Emmy award-winning director in 2017 for his feature-length documentary In Football We Trust. The cautionary sports doc, which bowed at Sundance, focused on the impact that football has on the emerging Polynesian community in the United States.
The Polynesian-American filmmaker also directed the two-part finale for Netflix’s Untold documentary series executive produced by the Way Brothers and set for a release next month. The finale chronicles the catfishing hoax that led to Heisman trophy finalist Manti Te’o’s fall from stardom.
Vainuku is also directing the docuseries American Gladiators with Campfire Films, and will helm and showrun a docuseries for Scott Budnick’s One Community.
In addition, he is developing a narrative series based on the life of Junior Seau. The life of the Samoan NFL star from Oceanside, California came to a...
Director Tony Vainuku has signed with M88.
Vainuku became an Emmy award-winning director in 2017 for his feature-length documentary In Football We Trust. The cautionary sports doc, which bowed at Sundance, focused on the impact that football has on the emerging Polynesian community in the United States.
The Polynesian-American filmmaker also directed the two-part finale for Netflix’s Untold documentary series executive produced by the Way Brothers and set for a release next month. The finale chronicles the catfishing hoax that led to Heisman trophy finalist Manti Te’o’s fall from stardom.
Vainuku is also directing the docuseries American Gladiators with Campfire Films, and will helm and showrun a docuseries for Scott Budnick’s One Community.
In addition, he is developing a narrative series based on the life of Junior Seau. The life of the Samoan NFL star from Oceanside, California came to a...
- 7/15/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Starting June 10th, When We All Vote hosted the first Culture of Democracy Summit featuring When We All Vote Co-Chairs Chris Paul, Selena Gomez, Liza Koshy, Bretman Rock and Kerry Washington, Former Attorney General Eric Holder, Magic Johnson, Doc Rivers, David Hogg and more.
Michelle Obama, When We All Vote Founder and Co-Chair
The four-day nonpartisan convening brought together artists, athletes, academics, grassroots organizers and business leaders to discuss the role different industries play in protecting and strengthening democracy through voter registration, education, mobilization and culture change.
More than 1,000 people convened at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles for the final day of the Summit.
Special Summit Announcements
During the final day of the Summit, Lyft announced that the company will provide transportation grants to Historically Black College and University (Hbcu) students participating in When We All Vote’s Vote Loud Hbcu Squad Challenge in the fall.
When...
Michelle Obama, When We All Vote Founder and Co-Chair
The four-day nonpartisan convening brought together artists, athletes, academics, grassroots organizers and business leaders to discuss the role different industries play in protecting and strengthening democracy through voter registration, education, mobilization and culture change.
More than 1,000 people convened at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles for the final day of the Summit.
Special Summit Announcements
During the final day of the Summit, Lyft announced that the company will provide transportation grants to Historically Black College and University (Hbcu) students participating in When We All Vote’s Vote Loud Hbcu Squad Challenge in the fall.
When...
- 6/21/2022
- Look to the Stars
Apple TV+ has landed the rights to a new feature documentary about the groundbreaking life and career of seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton, who has broken both records and barriers to become one of the greatest Formula One drivers in history. The documentary will feature full access to Hamilton and his team, on and off the track, and an all-star cast of guest interviews.
Hamilton has blazed an uncharted trail professionally, socially, and culturally, and transformed the sport on a global scale. Coming from a working-class family, Lewis succeeded in a sport where the odds were stacked against him but where his talent shone through, allowing him to dominate the sport for over a decade. Hamilton is currently the only Black driver to race in the Formula One series. He embraced what made him different and his rise to the top of his career has made him fiercely...
Hamilton has blazed an uncharted trail professionally, socially, and culturally, and transformed the sport on a global scale. Coming from a working-class family, Lewis succeeded in a sport where the odds were stacked against him but where his talent shone through, allowing him to dominate the sport for over a decade. Hamilton is currently the only Black driver to race in the Formula One series. He embraced what made him different and his rise to the top of his career has made him fiercely...
- 3/9/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple TV+ has landed the rights to a feature documentary film about seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, the streamer announced Wednesday.
The untitled documentary on Hamilton will be directed by Matt Kay and focus on the racer’s life and career. It will feature access to Hamilton and his team on and off the track, as well as a series of guest interviews.
The film will also discuss how Hamilton, the only Black driver in the Formula One series, embraced what made him different from his peers to rise to the top of the sport and influence positive change for future drivers.
The British racer shares the record for World Drivers’ Championship titles with Michael Schumacher for the most wins, pole positions and podium finishes (182). Hamilton drove for McLaren between 2007-2012. He also was knighted in 2021.
Hamilton is also producing the documentary along with Penni Thow, Box to Box Films,...
The untitled documentary on Hamilton will be directed by Matt Kay and focus on the racer’s life and career. It will feature access to Hamilton and his team on and off the track, as well as a series of guest interviews.
The film will also discuss how Hamilton, the only Black driver in the Formula One series, embraced what made him different from his peers to rise to the top of the sport and influence positive change for future drivers.
The British racer shares the record for World Drivers’ Championship titles with Michael Schumacher for the most wins, pole positions and podium finishes (182). Hamilton drove for McLaren between 2007-2012. He also was knighted in 2021.
Hamilton is also producing the documentary along with Penni Thow, Box to Box Films,...
- 3/9/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: WME has signed Victor Fontanez aka VicBlends in all areas. The agency will build his business across non-scripted TV, podcasting, speaking, brand partnerships, licensing and beyond.
Fontanez is a 22-year-old barber and entrepreneur who has grown his side hustle from cutting hair in his mom’s garage to becoming a renowned celebrity barbers and business mogul.
In under a year, he has amassed more than 9M followers and over 100M likes on TikTok. He also has a significant following on Instagram with 1.2M followers and YouTube with 555K subscribers.
Fontanez recently got off tour with Lil Baby, and his client list includes Nle Choppa, Nelly, Trae Young and Polo G. He is a barber by trade, but changing lives is his mission. On social media he shares inspiring videos of him giving out free haircuts to unassuming strangers. During these cuts, he engages in deep conversations from home life...
Fontanez is a 22-year-old barber and entrepreneur who has grown his side hustle from cutting hair in his mom’s garage to becoming a renowned celebrity barbers and business mogul.
In under a year, he has amassed more than 9M followers and over 100M likes on TikTok. He also has a significant following on Instagram with 1.2M followers and YouTube with 555K subscribers.
Fontanez recently got off tour with Lil Baby, and his client list includes Nle Choppa, Nelly, Trae Young and Polo G. He is a barber by trade, but changing lives is his mission. On social media he shares inspiring videos of him giving out free haircuts to unassuming strangers. During these cuts, he engages in deep conversations from home life...
- 11/22/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Scott Budnick’s One Community has optioned Chase Millsap and Charley Dane’s script No Way in Hell, and will produce it for film with Gunpowder & Sky and Mazo Partners.
The action thriller is inspired by the real-life experiences of Millsap, who is a veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army Special Forces. It centers on a Marine Corps vet’s quest to help the Iraqi interpreter who saved his life in combat flee Isis and find safety for his family, after official channels fail him.
No Way in Hell is being produced in association with veteran-led digital publisher and media agency, We Are The Mighty, with David Gale and Mazo Partners’ David Clark serving as individual producers on the project, and Millsap exec producing alongside Dane.
“The Marines live by the motto of ‘Semper Fidelis’ (always faithful) so when I got a...
The action thriller is inspired by the real-life experiences of Millsap, who is a veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army Special Forces. It centers on a Marine Corps vet’s quest to help the Iraqi interpreter who saved his life in combat flee Isis and find safety for his family, after official channels fail him.
No Way in Hell is being produced in association with veteran-led digital publisher and media agency, We Are The Mighty, with David Gale and Mazo Partners’ David Clark serving as individual producers on the project, and Millsap exec producing alongside Dane.
“The Marines live by the motto of ‘Semper Fidelis’ (always faithful) so when I got a...
- 10/29/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: One Community, the film and TV co-financing company founded and led by Scott Budnick, today unveiled “In Session Talks,” an initiative inspired by the legacy of iconic performer and activist Aretha Franklin, which will launch alongside the streaming release of MGM’s Franklin biopic, Respect.
The initiative, geared toward high schoolers, consists of a series of master classes with celebrated performers, composers, music industry professionals, and high-achieving women of color. Speakers will include Respect‘s star, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, its director Liesl Tommy and composer Kris Bowers; The Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason, Jr.; Chorale Le Chateau founder and artistic director, Damien Sneed; OWN President Tina Perry; Unilever North America EVP & COO Esi Eggleston Bracey and others.
The goal with these videos is to bolster music education and to emphasize women’s empowerment, helping to close the equity gap for young people of color from underserved communities, and...
The initiative, geared toward high schoolers, consists of a series of master classes with celebrated performers, composers, music industry professionals, and high-achieving women of color. Speakers will include Respect‘s star, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, its director Liesl Tommy and composer Kris Bowers; The Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason, Jr.; Chorale Le Chateau founder and artistic director, Damien Sneed; OWN President Tina Perry; Unilever North America EVP & COO Esi Eggleston Bracey and others.
The goal with these videos is to bolster music education and to emphasize women’s empowerment, helping to close the equity gap for young people of color from underserved communities, and...
- 9/23/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lara Love Hardin’s memoir The Neighbor From Hell & Other People I Have Been is set for a small screen adaptation after Scott Budnick’s One Community acquired the rights.
The book is set to be turned into a comedy series.
The Neighbor From Hell & Other People I Have Been, which sold in a major deal at an auction to Eamon Dolan at Simon & Schuster, follows Hardin’s journey from opiate addict with 32 felonies to shot caller in jail to New York Times best-selling author and editor rubbing elbows with the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Oprah. The series will focus on her experiences navigating life, work, and motherhood post-incarceration.
One Community has invested in Michael B. Jordan’s Just Mercy, Aretha Franklin biopic Respect and Ben Affleck-directed King Leopold’s Ghost and was founded by prison advocate Budnick, who produced films such as Old School, Due Date...
The book is set to be turned into a comedy series.
The Neighbor From Hell & Other People I Have Been, which sold in a major deal at an auction to Eamon Dolan at Simon & Schuster, follows Hardin’s journey from opiate addict with 32 felonies to shot caller in jail to New York Times best-selling author and editor rubbing elbows with the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Oprah. The series will focus on her experiences navigating life, work, and motherhood post-incarceration.
One Community has invested in Michael B. Jordan’s Just Mercy, Aretha Franklin biopic Respect and Ben Affleck-directed King Leopold’s Ghost and was founded by prison advocate Budnick, who produced films such as Old School, Due Date...
- 9/8/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Scott Budnick’s One Community has tapped Ameet Shukla to serve as head of content.
In his new role, Shukla will oversee the company’s slate of film and television projects and will report directly to Budnick.
“Ameet’s vision and passion for making content that can change the world bowled us over,” One Community CEO Scott Budnick said, announcing Shukla’s hiring. “We couldn’t be more pleased to have him on board to lead our content team and we are excited to continue growing our slate so that we can continue growing our impact.”
Shukla previously served as president of production for Michael Shamberg’s Mas Production, as well as VP of production at Double Feature Films (under Shamberg and Stacey Sher). Shukla’s producing credits include “Cold Pursuit,” starring Liam Neeson; “Freeheld,” starring Julianne Moore and Elliot Page; and Zach Braff’s “Wish I Was Here.”
“From my first meeting,...
In his new role, Shukla will oversee the company’s slate of film and television projects and will report directly to Budnick.
“Ameet’s vision and passion for making content that can change the world bowled us over,” One Community CEO Scott Budnick said, announcing Shukla’s hiring. “We couldn’t be more pleased to have him on board to lead our content team and we are excited to continue growing our slate so that we can continue growing our impact.”
Shukla previously served as president of production for Michael Shamberg’s Mas Production, as well as VP of production at Double Feature Films (under Shamberg and Stacey Sher). Shukla’s producing credits include “Cold Pursuit,” starring Liam Neeson; “Freeheld,” starring Julianne Moore and Elliot Page; and Zach Braff’s “Wish I Was Here.”
“From my first meeting,...
- 8/24/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Gina Rodriguez is stepping into the ring in what marks her directorial debut as Rodriguez, Ryan Garcia, One Community and Endeavor Content are teaming up to develop a feature film about a fictional character inspired by some of Garcia’s experiences in and around the sport as a Mexican-American boxer. Rodriguez will direct, star, produce and will co-write the screenplay with actor and playwright Bernardo Cubria. Garcia will also star star.
“I grew up in a boxing family and loved watching sports dramas with my dad. The philosophies of fighting – working hard, staying focused, being honest, fighting fair but to win – has stayed with me,” said Rodriguez. “On behalf of myself and my production company I Can and I Will, I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Ryan Garcia on this film. He is not only an outstanding athlete and champion, but a true advocate of normalizing and furthering conversations on mental health.
“I grew up in a boxing family and loved watching sports dramas with my dad. The philosophies of fighting – working hard, staying focused, being honest, fighting fair but to win – has stayed with me,” said Rodriguez. “On behalf of myself and my production company I Can and I Will, I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Ryan Garcia on this film. He is not only an outstanding athlete and champion, but a true advocate of normalizing and furthering conversations on mental health.
- 6/15/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Gina Rodriguez is teaming up with professional boxer Ryan Garcia to develop a sports drama about the athlete’s experiences as a Mexican American lightweight champion.
Rodriguez, best known for The CW’s take on a telenovela “Jane the Virgin,” is directing, co-starring and producing the film. She’s previously helmed episodes of “Jane the Virgin,” but the upcoming, still-untitled movie marks her feature filmmaking debut.
Rodriguez will also co-write the screenplay with actor and playwright Bernardo Cubria (“The Giant Void in My Soul”).
Alongside Rodriguez, the 22-year-old Garcia is starring in the film as a fictional version of himself. Due to Garcia’s fighting schedule, the movie won’t begin shooting until summer of 2022.
Inspired by movies like “Rocky” and “Creed,” the sports drama mirrors Garcia’s own journey and follows a Mexican American boxer named Alex Guerrero (Garcia) whose struggles with mental health rival his toughest bouts in the ring.
Rodriguez, best known for The CW’s take on a telenovela “Jane the Virgin,” is directing, co-starring and producing the film. She’s previously helmed episodes of “Jane the Virgin,” but the upcoming, still-untitled movie marks her feature filmmaking debut.
Rodriguez will also co-write the screenplay with actor and playwright Bernardo Cubria (“The Giant Void in My Soul”).
Alongside Rodriguez, the 22-year-old Garcia is starring in the film as a fictional version of himself. Due to Garcia’s fighting schedule, the movie won’t begin shooting until summer of 2022.
Inspired by movies like “Rocky” and “Creed,” the sports drama mirrors Garcia’s own journey and follows a Mexican American boxer named Alex Guerrero (Garcia) whose struggles with mental health rival his toughest bouts in the ring.
- 6/15/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: One Community has closed a deal for The Kite Runner author Khaled Hosseini to adapt his 2007 novel A Thousand Splendid Suns into a limited series. The book has sold 17 million copies in 130 countries in 56 languages. Run by Scott Budnick, One Community is a social impact producer/financier whose first movie was the Michael B. Jordan-starrer Just Mercy, with Respect: The Aretha Franklin Story coming behind it this fall.
A Thousand Splendid Suns chronicles 30 years of Afghan history through a female lens, exploring the impact of war through a story of friendship and the triumph of love. This is the first TV property for One Community, who called the novel “one of the most beautifully written books I’ve read. It’s a powerful look at Afghanistan’s recent history, but also a deeply moving, hopeful and inspiring love story, and we are thrilled to be working with...
A Thousand Splendid Suns chronicles 30 years of Afghan history through a female lens, exploring the impact of war through a story of friendship and the triumph of love. This is the first TV property for One Community, who called the novel “one of the most beautifully written books I’ve read. It’s a powerful look at Afghanistan’s recent history, but also a deeply moving, hopeful and inspiring love story, and we are thrilled to be working with...
- 6/3/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Endeavor hosted its final “Impact Session” of 2020 on Friday, a conversation titled “Race, Art and Justice: Life in Lockdown.”
The panel, introduced by Endeavor’s senior vp of Social Impact Romola Ratnam, featured Anti Recidivism Coalition executive director Sam Lewis, Arc founder and One Community CEO Scott Budnick, and Endeavor Content co-president Graham Taylor. It featured a wide-ranging conversation on the criminal justice system and its impact on society as well as the Arc’s efforts on behalf of those reentering the workforce upon release.
The panel furthered Endeavor’s relationship with Arc that includes Endeavor Content’s commitment to hiring program graduates ...
The panel, introduced by Endeavor’s senior vp of Social Impact Romola Ratnam, featured Anti Recidivism Coalition executive director Sam Lewis, Arc founder and One Community CEO Scott Budnick, and Endeavor Content co-president Graham Taylor. It featured a wide-ranging conversation on the criminal justice system and its impact on society as well as the Arc’s efforts on behalf of those reentering the workforce upon release.
The panel furthered Endeavor’s relationship with Arc that includes Endeavor Content’s commitment to hiring program graduates ...
- 11/23/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Endeavor hosted its final “Impact Session” of 2020 on Friday, a conversation titled “Race, Art and Justice: Life in Lockdown.”
The panel, introduced by Endeavor’s senior vp of Social Impact Romola Ratnam, featured Anti Recidivism Coalition executive director Sam Lewis, Arc founder and One Community CEO Scott Budnick, and Endeavor Content co-president Graham Taylor. It featured a wide-ranging conversation on the criminal justice system and its impact on society as well as the Arc’s efforts on behalf of those reentering the workforce upon release.
The panel furthered Endeavor’s relationship with Arc that includes Endeavor Content’s commitment to hiring program graduates ...
The panel, introduced by Endeavor’s senior vp of Social Impact Romola Ratnam, featured Anti Recidivism Coalition executive director Sam Lewis, Arc founder and One Community CEO Scott Budnick, and Endeavor Content co-president Graham Taylor. It featured a wide-ranging conversation on the criminal justice system and its impact on society as well as the Arc’s efforts on behalf of those reentering the workforce upon release.
The panel furthered Endeavor’s relationship with Arc that includes Endeavor Content’s commitment to hiring program graduates ...
- 11/23/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Scott Budnick’s impact and advocacy-focused company One Community has inked a deal to co-finance the forthcoming Aretha Franklin biopic Respect directed by Liesl Tommy and starring Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. MGM will team with Bron Creative and One Community to release Respect domestically via UA Releasing on August 13, 2021. The film will be distributed internationally by Universal Pictures International.
One Community is the company behind socially-poignant films like Just Mercy. Founded by producer-turned-social advocate Budnick, One Community invests in projects that align with the company’s core belief in the power of storytelling as a tool for social change. The company designs impact campaigns that bring together non-profit and advocacy partners in an effort to convert audience empathy into action. Franklin was not only a groundbreaking artist during a time of civil unrest, but she was very much an advocate and activist for social change. That said, One Community...
One Community is the company behind socially-poignant films like Just Mercy. Founded by producer-turned-social advocate Budnick, One Community invests in projects that align with the company’s core belief in the power of storytelling as a tool for social change. The company designs impact campaigns that bring together non-profit and advocacy partners in an effort to convert audience empathy into action. Franklin was not only a groundbreaking artist during a time of civil unrest, but she was very much an advocate and activist for social change. That said, One Community...
- 11/18/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Selena Gomez will portray pioneering Peruvian mountaineer and social entrepreneur Silvia Vásquez-Lavado in a new film, based on Vásquez-Lavado’s upcoming memoir “In the Shadow of the Mountain.”
Vásquez-Lavado is the first gay woman to complete the Seven Summits, the highest mountains (including Mount Everest) on each of the seven continents. She is also the founder of Courageous Girls, a nonprofit that helps survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking, and has organized excursions for abuse survivors to the Mount Everest base camp. “In the Shadow of the Mountain” is expected to be published in 2022.
Gomez will produce “In the Shadow of the Mountain” through her July Moon Productions. Other producers are Scott Budnick through his One Community banner and Academy Award winner Donna Gigliotti through her Tempesta Films company. Vásquez-Lavado and Lara Love Hardin of Idea Architects are executive producing.
Elgin James, the writer-director of “Little Birds,” will pen and...
Vásquez-Lavado is the first gay woman to complete the Seven Summits, the highest mountains (including Mount Everest) on each of the seven continents. She is also the founder of Courageous Girls, a nonprofit that helps survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking, and has organized excursions for abuse survivors to the Mount Everest base camp. “In the Shadow of the Mountain” is expected to be published in 2022.
Gomez will produce “In the Shadow of the Mountain” through her July Moon Productions. Other producers are Scott Budnick through his One Community banner and Academy Award winner Donna Gigliotti through her Tempesta Films company. Vásquez-Lavado and Lara Love Hardin of Idea Architects are executive producing.
Elgin James, the writer-director of “Little Birds,” will pen and...
- 11/11/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Selena Gomez is ready to scale a big-screen biopic about Peruvian mountaineer and social entrepreneur Silvia Vásquez-Lavado.
Titled In the Shadow of the Mountain, the film is based on upcoming memoir of the same name by Vásquez-Lavado, who became the first Peruvian woman to summit Mt. Everest and the first openly gay woman to complete the Seven Summits, a challenge to climb the highest mountain on each continent.
Scott Budnick’s impact-focused co-finance company One Community, a backer of last year’s Michael B. Jordan starrer Just Mercy, is producing alongside Oscar winner Donna Gigliotti and her Tempesta Films banner.
The filmmakers have enlisted ...
Titled In the Shadow of the Mountain, the film is based on upcoming memoir of the same name by Vásquez-Lavado, who became the first Peruvian woman to summit Mt. Everest and the first openly gay woman to complete the Seven Summits, a challenge to climb the highest mountain on each continent.
Scott Budnick’s impact-focused co-finance company One Community, a backer of last year’s Michael B. Jordan starrer Just Mercy, is producing alongside Oscar winner Donna Gigliotti and her Tempesta Films banner.
The filmmakers have enlisted ...
- 11/11/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Selena Gomez is ready to scale a big-screen biopic about Peruvian mountaineer and social entrepreneur Silvia Vásquez-Lavado.
Titled In the Shadow of the Mountain, the film is based on upcoming memoir of the same name by Vásquez-Lavado, who became the first Peruvian woman to summit Mount Everest and the first openly gay woman to complete the Seven Summits, a challenge to climb the highest mountain on each continent.
Scott Budnick’s impact-focused co-finance company One Community, a backer of last year’s Michael B. Jordan starrer Just Mercy, is producing alongside Oscar winner Donna Gigliotti and her Tempesta Films banner.
Titled In the Shadow of the Mountain, the film is based on upcoming memoir of the same name by Vásquez-Lavado, who became the first Peruvian woman to summit Mount Everest and the first openly gay woman to complete the Seven Summits, a challenge to climb the highest mountain on each continent.
Scott Budnick’s impact-focused co-finance company One Community, a backer of last year’s Michael B. Jordan starrer Just Mercy, is producing alongside Oscar winner Donna Gigliotti and her Tempesta Films banner.
- 11/11/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The Social Justice Now Film Festival has announced its lineup, including drive-in screenings of Just Mercy and Fruitvale Station. The films will act as the festival’s opening night, which will take place at the Paramount Drive-In and is sponsored by Amazon Studios.
Spotlight screenings will be docs 40 Years a Prisoner, Us Kids and Sncc, along with narrative feature Reefa.
The nonprofit Film Life Foundation is behind the festival, which is put on in partnership with Endeavor Content, Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society and Scott Budnick’s One Community. Jordan, who stars in both drive-in presentations, and Black Lives Matter co-founder Opal Tometi serve ...
Spotlight screenings will be docs 40 Years a Prisoner, Us Kids and Sncc, along with narrative feature Reefa.
The nonprofit Film Life Foundation is behind the festival, which is put on in partnership with Endeavor Content, Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society and Scott Budnick’s One Community. Jordan, who stars in both drive-in presentations, and Black Lives Matter co-founder Opal Tometi serve ...
- 10/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
When the film Just Mercy came out late last year — it stars Michael B. Jordan as civil-rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson working to free a wrongly convicted death row prisoner — the team behind it launched what many movies that tackle pressing issues do these days. They mounted an accompanying campaign that both promoted the movie and amplified its message.
Titled Represent Justice and launched last October, two months before the film’s release, Just Mercy’s campaign worked to highlight the need for criminal justice reform in the United States. (The film was co-financed by producer Scott Budnick’s One Community banner ...
Titled Represent Justice and launched last October, two months before the film’s release, Just Mercy’s campaign worked to highlight the need for criminal justice reform in the United States. (The film was co-financed by producer Scott Budnick’s One Community banner ...
- 10/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
When the film Just Mercy came out late last year — it stars Michael B. Jordan as civil-rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson working to free a wrongly convicted death row prisoner — the team behind it launched what many movies that tackle pressing issues do these days. They mounted an accompanying campaign that both promoted the movie and amplified its message.
Titled Represent Justice and launched last October, two months before the film’s release, Just Mercy’s campaign worked to highlight the need for criminal justice reform in the United States. (The film was co-financed by producer Scott Budnick’s One Community banner ...
Titled Represent Justice and launched last October, two months before the film’s release, Just Mercy’s campaign worked to highlight the need for criminal justice reform in the United States. (The film was co-financed by producer Scott Budnick’s One Community banner ...
- 10/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The nonprofit organization founded by American Black Film Festival creators Jeff and Nicole Friday, Film Life Foundation, is launching a new fest with that the founders say will “will merge art and activism to drive today’s necessary conversations forward toward lasting social and political change.”
The Social Justice Now festival, which will run Oct. 21-25, is being built with the help of Endeavor Content, Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society and Scott Budnick’s One Community. It will take place annually and will include virtual screenings, community conversations, and events that are meant to confront the social and economic issues facing Black ...
The Social Justice Now festival, which will run Oct. 21-25, is being built with the help of Endeavor Content, Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society and Scott Budnick’s One Community. It will take place annually and will include virtual screenings, community conversations, and events that are meant to confront the social and economic issues facing Black ...
- 8/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The nonprofit organization founded by American Black Film Festival creators Jeff and Nicole Friday, Film Life Foundation, is launching a new fest with that the founders say will “will merge art and activism to drive today’s necessary conversations forward toward lasting social and political change.”
The Social Justice Now festival, which will run Oct. 21-25, is being built with the help of Endeavor Content, Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society and Scott Budnick’s One Community. It will take place annually and will include virtual screenings, community conversations, and events that are meant to confront the social and economic issues facing Black ...
The Social Justice Now festival, which will run Oct. 21-25, is being built with the help of Endeavor Content, Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society and Scott Budnick’s One Community. It will take place annually and will include virtual screenings, community conversations, and events that are meant to confront the social and economic issues facing Black ...
- 8/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Facebook Watch has teamed with Will Packer Media and Jesse Collins on a one-hour special to commemorate the historic 1963 March on Washington and its impact on the civil rights movement.
Hosted by Queen Latifah, Change Together: From the March on Washington to Today will premiere Thursday, August 27 on Facebook Watch.
Latifah will be joined by civil rights activists, educators, entertainers and speakers who will address the history and harmful effects of systemic racism, outline ways we can address social injustices in the U.S., and inspire viewers to make their voices heard in the upcoming election by making sure they’re registered to vote and then getting out to the polls. There also will be a roundtable conversation, one-on-one interviews between public figures and activists, special archived footage, as well as a musical performance by artist Chika.
“I can’t think of a more important time than now to recognize...
Hosted by Queen Latifah, Change Together: From the March on Washington to Today will premiere Thursday, August 27 on Facebook Watch.
Latifah will be joined by civil rights activists, educators, entertainers and speakers who will address the history and harmful effects of systemic racism, outline ways we can address social injustices in the U.S., and inspire viewers to make their voices heard in the upcoming election by making sure they’re registered to vote and then getting out to the polls. There also will be a roundtable conversation, one-on-one interviews between public figures and activists, special archived footage, as well as a musical performance by artist Chika.
“I can’t think of a more important time than now to recognize...
- 8/25/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
To commemorate the anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, in which about 250,000 people demonstrated in front of the Lincoln Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, Facebook Watch will stream a one-hour special hosted by Queen Latifah at on Thursday, Aug. 27.
Executive produced by Will Packer Media, Jesse Collins Entertainment, and dream hampton, “Change Together: From the March on Washington to Today” will feature civil rights activists, educators, entertainers and speakers who will address the history and impact of systemic racism, and encourage viewers to vote.
“I can’t think of a more important time than now to recognize the powerful changemakers from the ’60s and how we can bring the same needed energy to the present,” said Latifah. “I hope you love watching this program as much as I loved hosting it.”
Among the guests slated to appear on the Facebook Watch special are Amanda Seales,...
Executive produced by Will Packer Media, Jesse Collins Entertainment, and dream hampton, “Change Together: From the March on Washington to Today” will feature civil rights activists, educators, entertainers and speakers who will address the history and impact of systemic racism, and encourage viewers to vote.
“I can’t think of a more important time than now to recognize the powerful changemakers from the ’60s and how we can bring the same needed energy to the present,” said Latifah. “I hope you love watching this program as much as I loved hosting it.”
Among the guests slated to appear on the Facebook Watch special are Amanda Seales,...
- 8/25/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Editors’ Note: With full acknowledgment of the big-picture implications of a pandemic that has already claimed thousands of lives, cratered global economies and closed international borders, Deadline’s Coping With Covid-19 Crisis series is a forum for those in the entertainment space grappling with myriad consequences of seeing a great industry screech to a halt. The hope is for an exchange of ideas and experiences, and suggestions on how businesses and individuals can best ride out a crisis that doesn’t look like it will abate any time soon. If you have a story, email mike@deadline.com.
After steering Joker director Todd Phillips’ company for years and producing Old School, Due Date and The Hangover, Scott Budnick temporarily left the business, shedding comedies for more a far more serious pursuit. He become an advocate for social justice and a fairer judicial system and founded the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (Arc), to...
After steering Joker director Todd Phillips’ company for years and producing Old School, Due Date and The Hangover, Scott Budnick temporarily left the business, shedding comedies for more a far more serious pursuit. He become an advocate for social justice and a fairer judicial system and founded the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (Arc), to...
- 3/24/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Just Mercy producer Scott Budnick surprised 11 incarcerated young men and women (ages 17 to 22), taking them from the Ventura Youth Correctional Institution for a day with the Lakers. The kids — some of whom are computer coders or college students — got to play ball at the practice facility, in a game dubbed 5-on-5 Play for Justice, with retired Lakers Robert Horry and Metta World Peace as coaches. They also got to meet a number of current lakers including LeBron James as well as Just Mercy lead Michael B. Jordan (who portrays public-interest lawyer Bryan Stevenson) and ...
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Just Mercy producer Scott Budnick surprised 11 incarcerated young men and women (ages 17 to 22), taking them from the Ventura Youth Correctional Institution for a day with the Lakers. The kids — some of whom are computer coders or college students — got to play ball at the practice facility, in a game dubbed 5-on-5 Play for Justice, with retired Lakers Robert Horry and Metta World Peace as coaches. They also got to meet a number of current lakers including LeBron James as well as Just Mercy lead Michael B. Jordan (who portrays public-interest lawyer Bryan Stevenson) and ...
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Ben Affleck will direct and produce the historical drama “King Leopold’s Ghost,” set in the early 20th Century in the Congo.
The project will be developed by One Community. Affleck will produce via his Pearl Street Films banner, alongside Martin Scorsese who will produce via his Sikelia Productions banner. Harry and Gina Belafonte will also produce. Emma Koskoff-Tillinger is also producing for Sikelia. Madison Ainley will executive produce for Pearl Street.
Farhad Safinia is attached to write the script, inspired by Adam Hochschild’s best-selling book about Leopold II of Belgium’s plunder in the Congo and the Congolese who defied him and fought back. The struggle sparked an unlikely alliance between a black American missionary, an English investigative journalist and an Irish spy, resulting in one of the first human rights movements in history.
One Community is a co-financer on Warner Bros.’ drama “Just Mercy,” starring Michael B. Jordan and Brie Larson.
The project will be developed by One Community. Affleck will produce via his Pearl Street Films banner, alongside Martin Scorsese who will produce via his Sikelia Productions banner. Harry and Gina Belafonte will also produce. Emma Koskoff-Tillinger is also producing for Sikelia. Madison Ainley will executive produce for Pearl Street.
Farhad Safinia is attached to write the script, inspired by Adam Hochschild’s best-selling book about Leopold II of Belgium’s plunder in the Congo and the Congolese who defied him and fought back. The struggle sparked an unlikely alliance between a black American missionary, an English investigative journalist and an Irish spy, resulting in one of the first human rights movements in history.
One Community is a co-financer on Warner Bros.’ drama “Just Mercy,” starring Michael B. Jordan and Brie Larson.
- 11/21/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Ben Affleck has found his next directorial project, as he’s set to direct “King Leopold’s Ghost,” a drama that details the true story of the oppression of the Congo in Africa by European rulers in the early 20th century.
Scott Budnick’s One Community, which is behind “Just Mercy” upcoming later this year, is financing the film. Affleck will also produce for his Pearl Street Films banner alongside Martin Scorsese for Sikelia Productions. Farhad Safinia (“Apocalypto”) is attached to write the script based on the non-fiction book by Adam Hochschild, “King Leopold’s Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror and Heroism in Colonial Africa.”
Harry and Gina Belafonte are also producing the film along with Emma Koskoff-Tillinger for Sikelia. Madison Ainley will executive produce for Pearl Street.
Also Read: Ridley Scott Revenge Tale 'The Last Duel' to Open Christmas 2020
“King Leopold’s Ghost” is based on...
Scott Budnick’s One Community, which is behind “Just Mercy” upcoming later this year, is financing the film. Affleck will also produce for his Pearl Street Films banner alongside Martin Scorsese for Sikelia Productions. Farhad Safinia (“Apocalypto”) is attached to write the script based on the non-fiction book by Adam Hochschild, “King Leopold’s Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror and Heroism in Colonial Africa.”
Harry and Gina Belafonte are also producing the film along with Emma Koskoff-Tillinger for Sikelia. Madison Ainley will executive produce for Pearl Street.
Also Read: Ridley Scott Revenge Tale 'The Last Duel' to Open Christmas 2020
“King Leopold’s Ghost” is based on...
- 11/21/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Michael B. Jordan gets a shock to the system visiting death row for the first time in the new trailer for “Just Mercy,” setting him on a journey to fight for the rights of inmates who are just like him but have been wrongly convicted.
“The first time I visited death row, I wasn’t expecting to meet somebody the same age as me, from a neighborhood just like ours. Could’ve been me, mama,” Jordan says in the trailer’s opening moments.
“Just Mercy” is based on the true-life story of civil rights defense lawyer and activist Bryan Stevenson and follows a young Stevenson (Jordan) as he fights to defend and free those wrongly convicted of crimes with the support of local advocate Eva Ansley (Brie Larson).
Also Read: Michael B. Jordan on Importance of Civil Rights Drama 'Just Mercy': 'I Don't Want to Mess This Up'...
“The first time I visited death row, I wasn’t expecting to meet somebody the same age as me, from a neighborhood just like ours. Could’ve been me, mama,” Jordan says in the trailer’s opening moments.
“Just Mercy” is based on the true-life story of civil rights defense lawyer and activist Bryan Stevenson and follows a young Stevenson (Jordan) as he fights to defend and free those wrongly convicted of crimes with the support of local advocate Eva Ansley (Brie Larson).
Also Read: Michael B. Jordan on Importance of Civil Rights Drama 'Just Mercy': 'I Don't Want to Mess This Up'...
- 9/4/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
In one of his most challenging projects to date, Michael B. Jordan stars in, co-produces and helped cast the biographical drama Just Mercy through his new Outlier Society banner.
The upcoming Warner Bros film follows the true story of Walter McMillian, an African-American man sentenced to death in Alabama for a murder he didn’t commit. He eventually was exonerated. The film is based on the bestselling memoir of the same name by Bryan Stevenson, a civil rights attorney and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit that provides legal representation to prisoners who may have been denied a fair trial.
Earlier this month, Stevenson, Jordan, producer Scott Budnick and Warner Bros Evp Film Production Niija Kuykendall introduced clips of the film at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Miami.
After a Q&a with CNN’s Van Jones at the confab, Jordan told Deadline he wanted...
The upcoming Warner Bros film follows the true story of Walter McMillian, an African-American man sentenced to death in Alabama for a murder he didn’t commit. He eventually was exonerated. The film is based on the bestselling memoir of the same name by Bryan Stevenson, a civil rights attorney and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit that provides legal representation to prisoners who may have been denied a fair trial.
Earlier this month, Stevenson, Jordan, producer Scott Budnick and Warner Bros Evp Film Production Niija Kuykendall introduced clips of the film at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Miami.
After a Q&a with CNN’s Van Jones at the confab, Jordan told Deadline he wanted...
- 8/19/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
Alice Marie Johnson, the inmate whose life sentence was commuted in part through the efforts of Kim Kardashian West, has set a movie and TV pact with Endeavor Content and One Community.
The deal will stem from Johnson’s memoir, “After Life: My Journey From Incarceration to Freedom.” Harper Collins will publish the book on May 21, which will include a foreword by Kardashian West.
“My life has forever changed because of Alice Marie Johnson,” Kardashian West said. “Her story is a gift that will now reach so many millions more through her book and film. I hope Alice’s case is just the beginning of a movement to help those left behind. I am invested in continuing to support Alice and this cause.”
Johnson was serving a life sentence for non-violent drug trafficking until President Donald Trump commuted her sentence last year. Kardashian West personally lobbied him in the Oval Office.
The deal will stem from Johnson’s memoir, “After Life: My Journey From Incarceration to Freedom.” Harper Collins will publish the book on May 21, which will include a foreword by Kardashian West.
“My life has forever changed because of Alice Marie Johnson,” Kardashian West said. “Her story is a gift that will now reach so many millions more through her book and film. I hope Alice’s case is just the beginning of a movement to help those left behind. I am invested in continuing to support Alice and this cause.”
Johnson was serving a life sentence for non-violent drug trafficking until President Donald Trump commuted her sentence last year. Kardashian West personally lobbied him in the Oval Office.
- 2/6/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Doing good for humankind while making bank at the box office can be tricky business, but producer Scott Budnick’s activist content company One Community has received millions of dollars in fresh financing and kicked off development on an action thriller with Margot Robbie.
Budnick, an executive producer on hit comedy franchise “The Hangover,” set up shop this January with Endeavor Content leading an initial $25 million investment. Originally named Good Films, the operation now has $50 million in slate financing thanks to a few new key players.
Live Nation Entertainment and its CEO, Michael Rapino (through his eponymous family foundation), join Kimberly Steward’s K Period Media as investors, alongside Pmc stakeholder Dan Loeb, former hedge fund manager and bitcoin billionaire Mike Novogratz, Starwood Capital CEO Barry Sternlicht and Philadelphia 76ers owner Michael Rubin among others.
Budnick has also made key hires in content and strategy, which fulfill what the executive...
Budnick, an executive producer on hit comedy franchise “The Hangover,” set up shop this January with Endeavor Content leading an initial $25 million investment. Originally named Good Films, the operation now has $50 million in slate financing thanks to a few new key players.
Live Nation Entertainment and its CEO, Michael Rapino (through his eponymous family foundation), join Kimberly Steward’s K Period Media as investors, alongside Pmc stakeholder Dan Loeb, former hedge fund manager and bitcoin billionaire Mike Novogratz, Starwood Capital CEO Barry Sternlicht and Philadelphia 76ers owner Michael Rubin among others.
Budnick has also made key hires in content and strategy, which fulfill what the executive...
- 11/14/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Actor David Oyelowo said that many men want to be a part of the #MeToo movement, but they have a fear of saying the wrong thing and worry that their careers can be ended if they don’t.
Speaking on a panel during a lunch conversation about “Bringing Men Into the Conversation,” Oyelowo said men often use this fear as an excuse to not speak out at all. As a means of making the MeToo movement more inclusive, the “Selma” actor stressed the need for nuance and to step away from the black-and-white conversations that crop up on social media.
“There are a lot of men who are for this movement, but literally on the basis of knowing we are in an environment, things can be said, again, wrongly or rightly, that could end me,” Oyelowo said. “There is no latitude, there is no space, for the idea that… there is an element of,...
Speaking on a panel during a lunch conversation about “Bringing Men Into the Conversation,” Oyelowo said men often use this fear as an excuse to not speak out at all. As a means of making the MeToo movement more inclusive, the “Selma” actor stressed the need for nuance and to step away from the black-and-white conversations that crop up on social media.
“There are a lot of men who are for this movement, but literally on the basis of knowing we are in an environment, things can be said, again, wrongly or rightly, that could end me,” Oyelowo said. “There is no latitude, there is no space, for the idea that… there is an element of,...
- 11/3/2018
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Variety and Rolling Stone will co-host their first-ever Criminal Justice Reform Summit next month in Los Angeles.
Featuring CNN host and activist Van Jones, as well as Kim Kardashian West and hip-hop artist Meek Mill, the Nov. 14 event will bring together the entertainment, philanthropic, advocacy and policymaking communities to drive criminal justice reform.
Jones will keynote the conference by talking about the failings of the American criminal justice system with Kardashian West, who recently began leveraging her celebrity platform to advocate for prison reform with D.C.’s top policymakers. Notably, she aided in the early release of Alice Marie Johnson, a first-time nonviolent drug offender who spent 21 years in prison, after meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House.
“Not only do we face a mass incarceration problem in the United States, but almost 60 percent of inmates currently in prison or jail are racial and ethnic minorities,” said Jones,...
Featuring CNN host and activist Van Jones, as well as Kim Kardashian West and hip-hop artist Meek Mill, the Nov. 14 event will bring together the entertainment, philanthropic, advocacy and policymaking communities to drive criminal justice reform.
Jones will keynote the conference by talking about the failings of the American criminal justice system with Kardashian West, who recently began leveraging her celebrity platform to advocate for prison reform with D.C.’s top policymakers. Notably, she aided in the early release of Alice Marie Johnson, a first-time nonviolent drug offender who spent 21 years in prison, after meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House.
“Not only do we face a mass incarceration problem in the United States, but almost 60 percent of inmates currently in prison or jail are racial and ethnic minorities,” said Jones,...
- 10/26/2018
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Kim Kardashian, Meek Mill and Alicia Keys will be among the speakers at the upcoming Criminal Justice Reform Summit co-hosted by Rolling Stone and Variety. The event, featuring a keynote address and conversation with activist Van Jones, will take place November 14th at Los Angeles’ Jeremy Hotel.
The summit aims to join together the entertainment, philanthropic, advocacy and policymaking communities and harness the power of entertainment to drive criminal justice reform. It will feature panel discussions about the importance of sharing the stories of former inmates, the ways in which...
The summit aims to join together the entertainment, philanthropic, advocacy and policymaking communities and harness the power of entertainment to drive criminal justice reform. It will feature panel discussions about the importance of sharing the stories of former inmates, the ways in which...
- 10/25/2018
- by Rolling Stone
- Rollingstone.com
Channel 4 international drama chief Simon Maxwell is leaving the U.K. broadcaster to set up a new scripted TV shingle backed by Endeavor Content. The new firm does not yet have a name, but there’s no immediate rush as Maxwell will not leave Channel 4 until the end of the year.
Endeavor Content has previously backed Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories, Scott Budnick’s Good Films and Ben Howard’s Third Coast Content, but the Maxwell deal is the first of its kind for the U.K.
“It’s hard to imagine a more exciting time to be in the scripted television business, with the climate favoring the kind of brave, authored global storytelling that I’ve been privileged enough to work on at Channel 4,” said Maxwell.
“With this new company, we aim to apply a similarly adventurous ethos to our work, prioritizing talent relationships and providing a...
Endeavor Content has previously backed Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories, Scott Budnick’s Good Films and Ben Howard’s Third Coast Content, but the Maxwell deal is the first of its kind for the U.K.
“It’s hard to imagine a more exciting time to be in the scripted television business, with the climate favoring the kind of brave, authored global storytelling that I’ve been privileged enough to work on at Channel 4,” said Maxwell.
“With this new company, we aim to apply a similarly adventurous ethos to our work, prioritizing talent relationships and providing a...
- 10/11/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
“Hangover” film franchise producer Scott Budnick, also a producer of hard-hitting documentaries about juvenile incarceration and the founder of the film and TV production enterprise Good Films, has his 1920s Spanish home in Los Angeles up for grabs at a sliver under $2.7 million.
Purchased by Budnick in 2012 for $1.66 million and tucked privately into a steep hillside at the tail end of a sleepy cul-de-sac in the foothills above Hollywood, the three bedroom and 2.5 bathroom residence measures in at almost 2,900 square feet of interior space that marketing materials describe as “character filled” with “incredible original details and preserved integrity.” A detached guesthouse includes a rustically wood-paneled living area, a tiny kitchenette, a closet-sized bathroom and a tightly spiraled, cherry-red staircase to a lower-level bedroom.
A sinuous stairway links the driveway to a courtyard entry with koi pond. The step-down living room, with coved ceilings and reclaimed-wood floors, is anchored at one end by an imposing,...
Purchased by Budnick in 2012 for $1.66 million and tucked privately into a steep hillside at the tail end of a sleepy cul-de-sac in the foothills above Hollywood, the three bedroom and 2.5 bathroom residence measures in at almost 2,900 square feet of interior space that marketing materials describe as “character filled” with “incredible original details and preserved integrity.” A detached guesthouse includes a rustically wood-paneled living area, a tiny kitchenette, a closet-sized bathroom and a tightly spiraled, cherry-red staircase to a lower-level bedroom.
A sinuous stairway links the driveway to a courtyard entry with koi pond. The step-down living room, with coved ceilings and reclaimed-wood floors, is anchored at one end by an imposing,...
- 8/7/2018
- by Mark David
- Variety Film + TV
Sounds like there might be too much of a Good thing in the film industry these days.
The producers of “City of Lies,” Johnny Depp’s upcoming film about the murder investigations surrounding Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., have filed suit against another film company, saying that the similar names between the companies are causing confusion in the industry.
The suit was filed Monday in federal court in California by Good Film Productions U.S. Inc and its UK-based sister company Good Film Productions Ltd., who according to the suit have used the trademark Good Films in connection to its film productions since at least 2008.
Also Read: Johnny Depp Settles Lawsuit Against His Former Business Managers
However, the suit says, an identity crisis arose when “The Hangover” producer Scott Budnick began using Good Films for his own film production company.
“Beginning on a date that is currently unknown to Plaintiff,...
The producers of “City of Lies,” Johnny Depp’s upcoming film about the murder investigations surrounding Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., have filed suit against another film company, saying that the similar names between the companies are causing confusion in the industry.
The suit was filed Monday in federal court in California by Good Film Productions U.S. Inc and its UK-based sister company Good Film Productions Ltd., who according to the suit have used the trademark Good Films in connection to its film productions since at least 2008.
Also Read: Johnny Depp Settles Lawsuit Against His Former Business Managers
However, the suit says, an identity crisis arose when “The Hangover” producer Scott Budnick began using Good Films for his own film production company.
“Beginning on a date that is currently unknown to Plaintiff,...
- 7/17/2018
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
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