Exclusive: Universal Pictures has rounded out the musician-heavy cast for its film Praise This, starring Grown-ish‘s Chloe Bailey, with Anjelika Washington, Quavo, Druski, Koryn Hawthorne, Tristan Mack Wilds and Jekalyn Carr among those signing on for roles. Other new cast members include newcomers Kiara Iman Heffner and Ilario Grant, Birgundi Baker, Loren Lott, Crystal Renee Hayslett, Cocoa Brown, Vanessa Fraction and Kountry Wayne.
Praise This is a music-competition feature comedy set in the world of youth choirs, announced earlier this year as one of three Universal films coming to Peacock in 2023. Tina Gordon (Little) is directing, having penned the latest draft of the script, which was based off an original idea by The Story Company. Earlier drafts were written by Camilla Blackett and Brandon Broussard, Hudson Obayuwana and Jana Savage—the trio otherwise known as Murder Ink.
The film falls under Will Packer Productions’ first-look deal with Universal,...
Praise This is a music-competition feature comedy set in the world of youth choirs, announced earlier this year as one of three Universal films coming to Peacock in 2023. Tina Gordon (Little) is directing, having penned the latest draft of the script, which was based off an original idea by The Story Company. Earlier drafts were written by Camilla Blackett and Brandon Broussard, Hudson Obayuwana and Jana Savage—the trio otherwise known as Murder Ink.
The film falls under Will Packer Productions’ first-look deal with Universal,...
- 7/7/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Chloe Bailey, the “Grown-ish” star and one half of the pop duo Chloe x Halle, is set to star in a youth choir comedy called “Praise This” at Universal.
Tina Gordon is directing the film and also wrote the most recent draft of the script, which is a music-competition feature comedy set in the world of youth choirs. “Praise This” is based on an original idea by The Story Company and Camilla Blackett, and the writing group Murder Ink wrote previous drafts of the screenplay.
Production on “Praise This” will begin in Atlanta in June.
Will Packer Productions founder and CEO Will Packer (“The Photograph,” “Little”) and The Story Company co-founder and CEO Tim Story are set to produce alongside executive producer and Will Packer Productions EVP Johanna Byer.
“Praise This” falls under Will Packer Productions’ first look deal with Universal which has also been behind Gordon’s “Little” as well as “Night School,...
Tina Gordon is directing the film and also wrote the most recent draft of the script, which is a music-competition feature comedy set in the world of youth choirs. “Praise This” is based on an original idea by The Story Company and Camilla Blackett, and the writing group Murder Ink wrote previous drafts of the screenplay.
Production on “Praise This” will begin in Atlanta in June.
Will Packer Productions founder and CEO Will Packer (“The Photograph,” “Little”) and The Story Company co-founder and CEO Tim Story are set to produce alongside executive producer and Will Packer Productions EVP Johanna Byer.
“Praise This” falls under Will Packer Productions’ first look deal with Universal which has also been behind Gordon’s “Little” as well as “Night School,...
- 4/26/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Chloe Bailey (Grown-ish) has signed on to star in the upcoming film Praise This, which Tina Gordon (Little) is directing for Universal Pictures.
Praise This is a music-competition feature comedy set in the world of youth choirs. We hear that Universal is eyeing it for a potential franchise in the vein of Pitch Perfect, with production on the first installment set to kick off in Atlanta in June. Gordon penned the latest draft of the script, which was based off an original idea by The Story Company. Earlier drafts were written by Camilla Blackett and Brandon Broussard, Hudson Obayuwana and Jana Savage—the trio otherwise known as Murder Ink.
The film falls under Will Packer Productions’ first-look deal with Universal, which has produced such hits as Night School, Girls Trip, the Ride Along films and Little. Wpp’s founder and CEO Will Packer will produce alongside The Story Company’s co-founder and CEO Tim Story, with Wpp EVP Johanna Byer exec producing. Executive Vice President of Production Erik Baiers and Director of Production Development Tony Ducret will oversee the project on behalf of Universal.
Bailey is an actress, singer-songwriter and record producer who rose to fame as a member of the Grammy-nominated sister duo Chloe x Halle, which was signed to Beyoncés Parkwood Entertainment Company after catching the attention of the musical icon. The multi-hyphenate most recently starred alongside Yara Shahidi on Freeform’s hit show Grown-ish, last year releasing her debut solo single, “Have Mercy.” She will next be seen in Miramax’s supernatural thriller The Georgetown Project, with Russell Crowe and Ryan Simpkins.
In addition to Little, starring Regina Hall, Issa Rae and Marsai Martin, Gordon previously wrote and directed the 2013 romantic comedy Peeples for Lionsgate. Her credits as a screenwriter also include Drumline and What Men Want.
Bailey is represented by CAA, Parkwood Entertainment and Schure Media Group; Gordon by UTA and Ziffren Brittenham; Blackett by UTA, Independent Talent Group and Yorn, Levine, Barnes; and Murder Ink by APA and Joel VanderKloot of VanderKloot Law.
Praise This is a music-competition feature comedy set in the world of youth choirs. We hear that Universal is eyeing it for a potential franchise in the vein of Pitch Perfect, with production on the first installment set to kick off in Atlanta in June. Gordon penned the latest draft of the script, which was based off an original idea by The Story Company. Earlier drafts were written by Camilla Blackett and Brandon Broussard, Hudson Obayuwana and Jana Savage—the trio otherwise known as Murder Ink.
The film falls under Will Packer Productions’ first-look deal with Universal, which has produced such hits as Night School, Girls Trip, the Ride Along films and Little. Wpp’s founder and CEO Will Packer will produce alongside The Story Company’s co-founder and CEO Tim Story, with Wpp EVP Johanna Byer exec producing. Executive Vice President of Production Erik Baiers and Director of Production Development Tony Ducret will oversee the project on behalf of Universal.
Bailey is an actress, singer-songwriter and record producer who rose to fame as a member of the Grammy-nominated sister duo Chloe x Halle, which was signed to Beyoncés Parkwood Entertainment Company after catching the attention of the musical icon. The multi-hyphenate most recently starred alongside Yara Shahidi on Freeform’s hit show Grown-ish, last year releasing her debut solo single, “Have Mercy.” She will next be seen in Miramax’s supernatural thriller The Georgetown Project, with Russell Crowe and Ryan Simpkins.
In addition to Little, starring Regina Hall, Issa Rae and Marsai Martin, Gordon previously wrote and directed the 2013 romantic comedy Peeples for Lionsgate. Her credits as a screenwriter also include Drumline and What Men Want.
Bailey is represented by CAA, Parkwood Entertainment and Schure Media Group; Gordon by UTA and Ziffren Brittenham; Blackett by UTA, Independent Talent Group and Yorn, Levine, Barnes; and Murder Ink by APA and Joel VanderKloot of VanderKloot Law.
- 4/26/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: A former Skins star, a Criminal Defense Solicitor and a TV writer have been selected for training body ScreenSkills third New Writers Programme delivered by The Responder producer Dancing Ledge Productions.
Larissa Hope, Abigail Rolling and Jess Jackson will be paired with New Girl writer Camilla Blackett, Unforgotten scribe Chris Lang and The Long Song’s Sarah Williams respectively, with a fourth unannounced awardee set to link up with Giri/Haji’s Joe Barton.
The scheme, which is carried out in association with ITV, has been running for three years and the 2022 edition will be fully funded by ScreenSkills’ High-end TV Skills Fund.
The budding writers are given a non-refundable bursary to write a pilot episode for their own original TV series. The mentor will give feedback through the writing process, provide the benefit of their expertise, offer encouragement and help place the project with a production company and/or broadcaster.
Larissa Hope, Abigail Rolling and Jess Jackson will be paired with New Girl writer Camilla Blackett, Unforgotten scribe Chris Lang and The Long Song’s Sarah Williams respectively, with a fourth unannounced awardee set to link up with Giri/Haji’s Joe Barton.
The scheme, which is carried out in association with ITV, has been running for three years and the 2022 edition will be fully funded by ScreenSkills’ High-end TV Skills Fund.
The budding writers are given a non-refundable bursary to write a pilot episode for their own original TV series. The mentor will give feedback through the writing process, provide the benefit of their expertise, offer encouragement and help place the project with a production company and/or broadcaster.
- 1/27/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Wesley Lowery’s book They Can’t Kill Us All chronicles the formation of the Black Lives Matter movement and is it now being turned into a television series.
AMC is developing a series adaptation of the book, which was first published in 2016, with Don Cheadle among the exec producers.
The series is based on the book, which looks at the movement, from its beginnings in Ferguson, Mo after the killing of Michael Brown, while also offering a historically informed look at the standoff between the police and those they are sworn to protect.
The adaptation comes from Cheadle’s This Radicle Act and Brad Weston’s Makeready. Cheadle and Weston will exec produce with author Lowery.
Lowery won the 2017 Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiographical Prose from the LA Times Book Prizes for the book, which the New York Times called “electric”.
It features hundreds of interviews during the...
AMC is developing a series adaptation of the book, which was first published in 2016, with Don Cheadle among the exec producers.
The series is based on the book, which looks at the movement, from its beginnings in Ferguson, Mo after the killing of Michael Brown, while also offering a historically informed look at the standoff between the police and those they are sworn to protect.
The adaptation comes from Cheadle’s This Radicle Act and Brad Weston’s Makeready. Cheadle and Weston will exec produce with author Lowery.
Lowery won the 2017 Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiographical Prose from the LA Times Book Prizes for the book, which the New York Times called “electric”.
It features hundreds of interviews during the...
- 1/13/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
For Variety‘s Writers on Writers, Camilla Blackett pens a tribute to “King Richard” (screenplay by Zach Baylin).
Determined is a word you will hear many times when speaking of the Williams family and their hard-won Mount Olympus status in the world of tennis, but determination of sportsmanship is far from the only thing at play in Zach Baylin’s stunning “King Richard” script.
More than anything, it is the determination of Black fatherhood that struck me most deeply as it is a parenthood that we are scarcely treated to this robustly and luxuriously on screen. The detail of its joyousness tempered with caution, so tender from the cuts of the knowledge of the unkind world that faces Black children and Black daughters especially. The brightness of our fathers’ righteous desires for our light shine as brightly as phosphorus but accompanied by the bitter fear cloying in the back of...
Determined is a word you will hear many times when speaking of the Williams family and their hard-won Mount Olympus status in the world of tennis, but determination of sportsmanship is far from the only thing at play in Zach Baylin’s stunning “King Richard” script.
More than anything, it is the determination of Black fatherhood that struck me most deeply as it is a parenthood that we are scarcely treated to this robustly and luxuriously on screen. The detail of its joyousness tempered with caution, so tender from the cuts of the knowledge of the unkind world that faces Black children and Black daughters especially. The brightness of our fathers’ righteous desires for our light shine as brightly as phosphorus but accompanied by the bitter fear cloying in the back of...
- 12/22/2021
- by Camilla Blackett
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has released this year’s list of 10 Screenwriters to Watch. A conversation with the honorees will take place on Oct. 17 at the Mill Valley Film Festival. The magazine will also honor Italian helmer-scribe Paolo Sorrentino (“Hand of God”) with the Creative Impact in Screenwriting Award.
The annual 10 to Watch program celebrates breakthrough screenwriters, actors, directors, comics, animators, producers and cinematographers. Some of the screenwriters are being honored for films that have already premiered and received critical acclaim, like “King Richard,” while others, like “Tick, Tick … Boom!,” remain highly anticipated. At least half of the selected films had their production schedules or release dates altered by the pandemic.
The class of 2021’s 10 Screenwriters to Watch includes eight solo honorees and two pairs. Interviews with those being honored in 2021 will be featured in the Oct. 6 issue of Variety.
After taking place virtually in 2020, this year 10 Screenwriters to Watch will return to...
The annual 10 to Watch program celebrates breakthrough screenwriters, actors, directors, comics, animators, producers and cinematographers. Some of the screenwriters are being honored for films that have already premiered and received critical acclaim, like “King Richard,” while others, like “Tick, Tick … Boom!,” remain highly anticipated. At least half of the selected films had their production schedules or release dates altered by the pandemic.
The class of 2021’s 10 Screenwriters to Watch includes eight solo honorees and two pairs. Interviews with those being honored in 2021 will be featured in the Oct. 6 issue of Variety.
After taking place virtually in 2020, this year 10 Screenwriters to Watch will return to...
- 9/28/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: UTA has signed writer and emerging actress Camilla Blackett in all areas.
Blackett has multiple projects in development including her most recent, the dark comedy Max for HBO Max which she created as a potential starring vehicle for herself. She will showrun the series with Don Cheadle and Radicle Act’s Mika Pryce serving as executive producers.
Additionally, Blackett is also developing Vineyard at Amazon with Lebron James’ Springhill Entertainment and Warner Bros. TV.
Her previous television credits include being on the writing staff for Newsroom, New Girl, Fresh Off The Boat, and Skins.
On the feature side, Blackett is writing and will executive produce her original project Queen for Universal starring Marsai Martin.
Blackett continues to be managed by Mike Dill and Lowell Shapiro at Black Box Management, attorney Todd Rubenstein at Morris Yorn, and Alec Drysdale of Independent Talent in the UK.
Blackett has multiple projects in development including her most recent, the dark comedy Max for HBO Max which she created as a potential starring vehicle for herself. She will showrun the series with Don Cheadle and Radicle Act’s Mika Pryce serving as executive producers.
Additionally, Blackett is also developing Vineyard at Amazon with Lebron James’ Springhill Entertainment and Warner Bros. TV.
Her previous television credits include being on the writing staff for Newsroom, New Girl, Fresh Off The Boat, and Skins.
On the feature side, Blackett is writing and will executive produce her original project Queen for Universal starring Marsai Martin.
Blackett continues to be managed by Mike Dill and Lowell Shapiro at Black Box Management, attorney Todd Rubenstein at Morris Yorn, and Alec Drysdale of Independent Talent in the UK.
- 8/27/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Karyn Smith-Forge, senior vice president of production for Berlanti Productions, is exiting the company to serve as president for Don Cheadle’s This Radicle Act production banner, Variety has learned exclusively.
Smith-Forge takes over her new role from Mika Pryce, who was recently hired as senior vice president of production for Paramount Pictures’ motion picture group. In her new role, Smith-Forge will work closely with Eli Holzman, CEO of Industrial Media, on the company’s television productions and development.
Cheadle formed This Radicle Act in 2019, at which time the company inked a first-look deal with Industrial Media to produce television and digital programming. This Radicle Act’s currently slate includes the dark comedy “Max” from writer Camilla Blackett at HBO Max, a TV adaptation of the A. Lee Martinez novel “Monster” with Akela Cooper attached as showrunner, and the TV series “War,” which will explore the origins of the Bloods...
Smith-Forge takes over her new role from Mika Pryce, who was recently hired as senior vice president of production for Paramount Pictures’ motion picture group. In her new role, Smith-Forge will work closely with Eli Holzman, CEO of Industrial Media, on the company’s television productions and development.
Cheadle formed This Radicle Act in 2019, at which time the company inked a first-look deal with Industrial Media to produce television and digital programming. This Radicle Act’s currently slate includes the dark comedy “Max” from writer Camilla Blackett at HBO Max, a TV adaptation of the A. Lee Martinez novel “Monster” with Akela Cooper attached as showrunner, and the TV series “War,” which will explore the origins of the Bloods...
- 5/27/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount Pictures has hired Mika Pryce as senior VP of production.
She begins her new position on April 26 and will report to the motion picture group’s co-presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
“Mika has fantastic talent relationships, excellent taste and knows how to build a movie from the ground up,” Cercek and Ireland said in a statement. “We’re excited to have her bring her entrepreneurial skill set to the studio to help us tell great stories for global audiences. She is the perfect addition to our team.”
Pryce joins Paramount from Don Cheadle’s production company This Radicle Acts. During her time as head of development, she oversaw the development of several TV shows including the HBO Max series “Max,” a dark comedy about mental heath from Camilla Blackett; an adaptation of A. Lee Martinez’s 2009 fantasy fiction novel “Monster”; and “War,” about the formation of the Bloods and Crips gangs.
She begins her new position on April 26 and will report to the motion picture group’s co-presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
“Mika has fantastic talent relationships, excellent taste and knows how to build a movie from the ground up,” Cercek and Ireland said in a statement. “We’re excited to have her bring her entrepreneurial skill set to the studio to help us tell great stories for global audiences. She is the perfect addition to our team.”
Pryce joins Paramount from Don Cheadle’s production company This Radicle Acts. During her time as head of development, she oversaw the development of several TV shows including the HBO Max series “Max,” a dark comedy about mental heath from Camilla Blackett; an adaptation of A. Lee Martinez’s 2009 fantasy fiction novel “Monster”; and “War,” about the formation of the Bloods and Crips gangs.
- 4/21/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount Pictures has hired Mika Pryce as SVP Production for its Motion Picture Group. She starts on April 26 and reports to Motion Picture Group co-presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
“Mika has fantastic talent relationships, excellent taste and knows how to build a movie from the ground up,” Cercek and Ireland said Wednesday. “We’re excited to have her bring her entrepreneurial skill set to the studio to help us tell great stories for global audiences. She is the perfect addition to our team.”
Pryce joins Paramount from Don Cheadle’s production company This Radicle Act Productions, where she served as head of development. There she oversaw the development of several television projects including Max, a dark comedy about mental health created by Camilla Blackett and set at HBO Max; an adaptation of A. Lee Martinez’s 2009 fantasy fiction novel Monster; They Can’t Kill Us All, about the formation of Black Lives Matter,...
“Mika has fantastic talent relationships, excellent taste and knows how to build a movie from the ground up,” Cercek and Ireland said Wednesday. “We’re excited to have her bring her entrepreneurial skill set to the studio to help us tell great stories for global audiences. She is the perfect addition to our team.”
Pryce joins Paramount from Don Cheadle’s production company This Radicle Act Productions, where she served as head of development. There she oversaw the development of several television projects including Max, a dark comedy about mental health created by Camilla Blackett and set at HBO Max; an adaptation of A. Lee Martinez’s 2009 fantasy fiction novel Monster; They Can’t Kill Us All, about the formation of Black Lives Matter,...
- 4/21/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Amazon Studios is developing Am I There Yet? a comedy series based on Mari Andrew’s bestselling semi-autobiographical book, from writer Camilla Blackett (Skins) and Rachel Brosnahan’s Scrap Paper Pictures.
Written by Blackett, Am I There Yet? is a soulful, honest and optimistic guide to growing up, capturing all the feelings and comical complexities of budding adulthood in your 20s.
Blackett executive produces with Alexandra Zimbler Smith and Brosnahan and Paige Simpson for Scrap Paper Pictures. Andrew will co-executive produce. The project stems from Brosnahan’s first-look deal with Amazon Studios for her Scrap Paper Pictures.
UK native Blackett began her career as a writer on the first two seasons of the hit British series Skins. After relocating to Los Angeles, Blackett joined the writing staff of Season 2 of Aaron Sorkin’s HBO series Newsroom. She went on to staff Fox comedy New Girl, followed by three seasons...
Written by Blackett, Am I There Yet? is a soulful, honest and optimistic guide to growing up, capturing all the feelings and comical complexities of budding adulthood in your 20s.
Blackett executive produces with Alexandra Zimbler Smith and Brosnahan and Paige Simpson for Scrap Paper Pictures. Andrew will co-executive produce. The project stems from Brosnahan’s first-look deal with Amazon Studios for her Scrap Paper Pictures.
UK native Blackett began her career as a writer on the first two seasons of the hit British series Skins. After relocating to Los Angeles, Blackett joined the writing staff of Season 2 of Aaron Sorkin’s HBO series Newsroom. She went on to staff Fox comedy New Girl, followed by three seasons...
- 2/26/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Don Cheadle’s Radicle Act banner and HBO Max are taking it to the Max, literally and figuratively.
The AT&T-owned streamer has inked a development deal with the Emmy nominee’s production company for the dark comedy created by Camilla Blackett, I’ve learned.
With the Fresh Off Boat, Skins and Newsroom scribe Blackett on-board as showrunner Max focuses on a black millennial woman who is trying to juggle her intense professional life and intricate sex life, with, as the official logline says, “some light sociopathic tendencies.”
Cheadle and Radicle Act’s Mika Pryce will serve as executive producers on Max. Industrial Media, whom Radicle Act has a first look deal with, will also be EPs on Max.
“The act of the radicle punching through the seed and rooting into the soil is a bold move too,” the Oscar nominated actor told Deadline of the new deal.
“That...
The AT&T-owned streamer has inked a development deal with the Emmy nominee’s production company for the dark comedy created by Camilla Blackett, I’ve learned.
With the Fresh Off Boat, Skins and Newsroom scribe Blackett on-board as showrunner Max focuses on a black millennial woman who is trying to juggle her intense professional life and intricate sex life, with, as the official logline says, “some light sociopathic tendencies.”
Cheadle and Radicle Act’s Mika Pryce will serve as executive producers on Max. Industrial Media, whom Radicle Act has a first look deal with, will also be EPs on Max.
“The act of the radicle punching through the seed and rooting into the soil is a bold move too,” the Oscar nominated actor told Deadline of the new deal.
“That...
- 11/9/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Podcasts from talent including Love creator Lesley Arfin, Margaret Cho, Glow’s Kimmy Gatewood and The Good Place’s Rebecca Delgado form the inaugural slate for female-focused podcast network Earios.
Earios was set up by former UTA and Wme comedy agent Priyanka Mattoo, who also ran Electric Dynamite with Jack Black, Maria Blasucci, star of HBO’s Family Tree and Amanda Lund, who has appeared on series including Fresh Off The Boat and New Girl.
Last year, the company successfully raised money through a Kickstarter campaign and secured enough to launch 12 shows this year. It has also partnered with podcast company Acast to launch the slate, which will launch three shows at the start of July and will run new shows every couple of weeks.
It is designed to produce female-fronted podcasts after Lund and Blasucci, who previously hosted their own independent shows, failed to find podcast companies run by...
Earios was set up by former UTA and Wme comedy agent Priyanka Mattoo, who also ran Electric Dynamite with Jack Black, Maria Blasucci, star of HBO’s Family Tree and Amanda Lund, who has appeared on series including Fresh Off The Boat and New Girl.
Last year, the company successfully raised money through a Kickstarter campaign and secured enough to launch 12 shows this year. It has also partnered with podcast company Acast to launch the slate, which will launch three shows at the start of July and will run new shows every couple of weeks.
It is designed to produce female-fronted podcasts after Lund and Blasucci, who previously hosted their own independent shows, failed to find podcast companies run by...
- 7/1/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Director Tina Gordon is warming up her vocal cords to helm Universal Pictures’ musical comedy Praise This, a music-competition feature set in the world of youth choirs. The film is slated for release on September 25, 2020.
Gordon will rewrite the script for Praise This, which is based on an original idea by Tim Story’s The Story Company. An earlier draft of the script was written by Camilla Blackett (ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat) as well as Jana Savage, Brandon Broussard and Hudson Obayuwana, the writing team collectively known as Murder Ink (Netflix’s #RealityHigh).
The musical comedy will be produced by Will Packer and James Lopez under Packer’s eponymous production company, Will Packer Productions, and Story and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett under The Story Company.
“It is a pleasure to be teaming up with Tina once again,” said Lopez. “She is a great leader and will bring tremendous energy to this project.
Gordon will rewrite the script for Praise This, which is based on an original idea by Tim Story’s The Story Company. An earlier draft of the script was written by Camilla Blackett (ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat) as well as Jana Savage, Brandon Broussard and Hudson Obayuwana, the writing team collectively known as Murder Ink (Netflix’s #RealityHigh).
The musical comedy will be produced by Will Packer and James Lopez under Packer’s eponymous production company, Will Packer Productions, and Story and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett under The Story Company.
“It is a pleasure to be teaming up with Tina once again,” said Lopez. “She is a great leader and will bring tremendous energy to this project.
- 6/11/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
“Little” director Tina Gordon is reuniting with Universal Pictures and Will Packer Productions for “Praise This,” a musical drama centered around the world of youth choirs.
Gordon will write and direct the movie, based on an original idea by Tim Story’s the Story Company. An earlier draft of the script was penned by Camilla Blackett, Jana Savage, Brandon Broussard and Hudson Obayuwana.
Plot details are scarce on the film, which will be produced by Packer and James Lopez under Packer’s eponymous production company, Will Packer Productions, along with Tim Story and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett for the Story Company. Senior VP of production Erik Baiers will oversee the project for Universal.
“It is a pleasure to be teaming up with Tina once again,” Lopez said. “She is a great leader and will bring tremendous energy to this project. Tim, Sharla, Will and I look forward to the collaboration.”
“Praise...
Gordon will write and direct the movie, based on an original idea by Tim Story’s the Story Company. An earlier draft of the script was penned by Camilla Blackett, Jana Savage, Brandon Broussard and Hudson Obayuwana.
Plot details are scarce on the film, which will be produced by Packer and James Lopez under Packer’s eponymous production company, Will Packer Productions, along with Tim Story and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett for the Story Company. Senior VP of production Erik Baiers will oversee the project for Universal.
“It is a pleasure to be teaming up with Tina once again,” Lopez said. “She is a great leader and will bring tremendous energy to this project. Tim, Sharla, Will and I look forward to the collaboration.”
“Praise...
- 6/11/2019
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Universal Pictures is getting in on the Valentine’s Day spirit, releasing Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield’s romantic drama “The Photograph” on Feb. 14, 2020.
Stella Meghie will direct from her own script and Will Packer will produce for his eponymous production company.
“The Photograph” centers on intertwining love stories in the past and present. Meghie is also on board to exec produce. Will Packer Productions’ James Lopez will produce, while Rae executive produces. Senior VP of production Sara Scott and creative executive Mika Pryce will oversee production for Universal.
Rae’s upcoming Universal comedy “Little” opens this Friday. She recently finished production on the Paramount comedy “The Lovebirds,” which she also executive produced. Stanfield recently starred in “Sorry to Bother You.”
Universal also announced it has dated Packer’s “Praise This” for Sept. 25, 2020. The film is centered on a musical competition centered around the world of youth choirs. Based on...
Stella Meghie will direct from her own script and Will Packer will produce for his eponymous production company.
“The Photograph” centers on intertwining love stories in the past and present. Meghie is also on board to exec produce. Will Packer Productions’ James Lopez will produce, while Rae executive produces. Senior VP of production Sara Scott and creative executive Mika Pryce will oversee production for Universal.
Rae’s upcoming Universal comedy “Little” opens this Friday. She recently finished production on the Paramount comedy “The Lovebirds,” which she also executive produced. Stanfield recently starred in “Sorry to Bother You.”
Universal also announced it has dated Packer’s “Praise This” for Sept. 25, 2020. The film is centered on a musical competition centered around the world of youth choirs. Based on...
- 4/9/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Universal has moved its Robert Downey Jr movie The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle from its original April 12, 2019 release date to January 17, 2020, which is the four-day Mlk weekend.
This is also in an effort to capitalize on early winter rolling vacations overseas; not to mention, Q1 has served as a great play period for family fare including Sony’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle holdover business, which generated close to 60% of its $404.5 million domestic box office after Christmas, not to mention other titles like Disney’s Moana and Fox’s Night at the Museum 1 and 3, which legged out overseas in the January play period.
Dolittle was originally following in the wake of the first weekend of New Line’s Shazam! and on its new date faces Warner Bros’ Just Mercy and possibly Sony’s Bad Boys 3.
The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle is directed and written by Oscar winner Stephen Gaghan,...
This is also in an effort to capitalize on early winter rolling vacations overseas; not to mention, Q1 has served as a great play period for family fare including Sony’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle holdover business, which generated close to 60% of its $404.5 million domestic box office after Christmas, not to mention other titles like Disney’s Moana and Fox’s Night at the Museum 1 and 3, which legged out overseas in the January play period.
Dolittle was originally following in the wake of the first weekend of New Line’s Shazam! and on its new date faces Warner Bros’ Just Mercy and possibly Sony’s Bad Boys 3.
The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle is directed and written by Oscar winner Stephen Gaghan,...
- 10/1/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Justin Hartley is hitting the big screen once again. After recently appearing in Stx’s A Bad Moms Christmas, the This Is Us star is set to co-star in the comedy Little, from Will Packer Productions and Universal Pictures. Saturday Night Live alum Rachel Dratch and current cast member Mikey Day have also been cast in the pic, while Luke James and Tone Bell are in talks to join.
Black-ish actress Marsai Martin is starring, with Issa Rae and Regina Hall also part of the call sheet.
Tina Gordon is directing from a script by Camilla Blackett with an earlier draft by Gordon and Girls Trip scribe Tracy Oliver. It’s about a woman who gets the chance to relive the carefree life as her younger self when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
Will Packer, James Lopez, and Kenya Barris are producing. Exec Producers are Josh Martin,...
Black-ish actress Marsai Martin is starring, with Issa Rae and Regina Hall also part of the call sheet.
Tina Gordon is directing from a script by Camilla Blackett with an earlier draft by Gordon and Girls Trip scribe Tracy Oliver. It’s about a woman who gets the chance to relive the carefree life as her younger self when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
Will Packer, James Lopez, and Kenya Barris are producing. Exec Producers are Josh Martin,...
- 6/29/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Jd McCrary, who will voice a young Simba in Jon Favreau's The Lion King, will join Black-ish star Marsai Martin in Universal comedy Little.
Issa Rae and Regina Hall are also set to star in Little, which centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive a carefree life as her younger self (Martin) when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
Drumline scripter Tina Gordon is attached to direct. Girls Trip screenwriter Tracy Oliver penned the first draft of the screenplay, based on Martin's idea, with Camilla Blackett (Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl) working on a rewrite ...
Issa Rae and Regina Hall are also set to star in Little, which centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive a carefree life as her younger self (Martin) when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
Drumline scripter Tina Gordon is attached to direct. Girls Trip screenwriter Tracy Oliver penned the first draft of the screenplay, based on Martin's idea, with Camilla Blackett (Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl) working on a rewrite ...
- 6/19/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jd McCrary, who will voice a young Simba in Jon Favreau's The Lion King, will join Black-ish star Marsai Martin in Universal comedy Little.
Issa Rae and Regina Hall are also set to star in Little, which centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive a carefree life as her younger self (Martin) when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
Drumline scripter Tina Gordon is attached to direct. Girls Trip screenwriter Tracy Oliver penned the first draft of the screenplay, based on Martin's idea, with Camilla Blackett (Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl) working on a rewrite ...
Issa Rae and Regina Hall are also set to star in Little, which centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive a carefree life as her younger self (Martin) when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
Drumline scripter Tina Gordon is attached to direct. Girls Trip screenwriter Tracy Oliver penned the first draft of the screenplay, based on Martin's idea, with Camilla Blackett (Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl) working on a rewrite ...
- 6/19/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Regina Hall will join Issa Rae and Black-ish star Marsai Martin in the Universal comedy Little.
Hall was previously attached as an executive producer, but now will also star in the movie that centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive the carefree life of her younger self (Martin), when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
Drumline scripter Tina Gordon is attached to direct. Tracy Oliver penned the first draft of the screenplay, based on Martin's idea, with Camilla Blackett (Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl) working on a rewrite of the latest draft from Gordon.
Will Packer and James ...
Hall was previously attached as an executive producer, but now will also star in the movie that centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive the carefree life of her younger self (Martin), when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
Drumline scripter Tina Gordon is attached to direct. Tracy Oliver penned the first draft of the screenplay, based on Martin's idea, with Camilla Blackett (Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl) working on a rewrite of the latest draft from Gordon.
Will Packer and James ...
- 5/29/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Regina Hall will join Issa Rae and Black-ish star Marsai Martin in the Universal comedy Little.
Hall was previously attached as an executive producer, but now will also star in the movie that centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive the carefree life of her younger self (Martin), when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
Drumline scripter Tina Gordon is attached to direct. Tracy Oliver penned the first draft of the screenplay, based on Martin's idea, with Camilla Blackett (Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl) working on a rewrite of the latest draft from Gordon.
Will Packer and James ...
Hall was previously attached as an executive producer, but now will also star in the movie that centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive the carefree life of her younger self (Martin), when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
Drumline scripter Tina Gordon is attached to direct. Tracy Oliver penned the first draft of the screenplay, based on Martin's idea, with Camilla Blackett (Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl) working on a rewrite of the latest draft from Gordon.
Will Packer and James ...
- 5/29/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Insecure creator and star Issa Rae has signed on for Universal Pictures’ comedy Little, starring Marsai Martin (Black-ish), who came up with the idea for the film. Tina Gordon is on board to direct the pic with Will Packer producing via his eponymous Universal-based production company.
Camilla Blackett (ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat) wrote the latest version of the script, which is about a woman who gets the chance to relive the carefree life as her younger self when the pressures of adulthood become too much. An earlier draft was written by Gordon and Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip).
James Lopez and Black-ish creator Kenya Barris are also producing the pic with Josh Martin, Martin and Regina Hall serving as executive producers. Erik Baiers and Mika Pryce will oversee the project for Universal.
Little is slated to open September 20, 2019.
Rae is on the third season of her hit HBO series,...
Camilla Blackett (ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat) wrote the latest version of the script, which is about a woman who gets the chance to relive the carefree life as her younger self when the pressures of adulthood become too much. An earlier draft was written by Gordon and Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip).
James Lopez and Black-ish creator Kenya Barris are also producing the pic with Josh Martin, Martin and Regina Hall serving as executive producers. Erik Baiers and Mika Pryce will oversee the project for Universal.
Little is slated to open September 20, 2019.
Rae is on the third season of her hit HBO series,...
- 5/3/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Issa Rae is joining Black-ish actress Marsai Martin in Universal comedy Little.
The feature that centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive the carefree life as her younger self (Martin), when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
Drumline scripter Tina Gordon is attached to direct. Girls Trip screenwriter Tracy Oliver penned the first draft of the screenplay, based on Martin's idea, with Camilla Blackett (Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl) working on rewriting the latest draft by Gordon.
Girls Trip producers Will Packer and James Lopez are set to produce via the Uni-based Will Packer Productions, along with Black-ish creator Kenya Barris. Martin...
The feature that centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive the carefree life as her younger self (Martin), when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
Drumline scripter Tina Gordon is attached to direct. Girls Trip screenwriter Tracy Oliver penned the first draft of the screenplay, based on Martin's idea, with Camilla Blackett (Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl) working on rewriting the latest draft by Gordon.
Girls Trip producers Will Packer and James Lopez are set to produce via the Uni-based Will Packer Productions, along with Black-ish creator Kenya Barris. Martin...
- 5/3/2018
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Issa Rae is joining <em>Black-ish </em>actress<em> </em>Marsai Martin in Universal comedy <em>Little</em>.
The feature centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive a carefree life as her younger self (Martin) when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
<em>Drumline </em>scripter Tina Gordon is attached to direct. <em>Girls Trip</em> screenwriter Tracy Oliver penned the first draft of the screenplay, based on Martin's idea, with Camilla Blackett (<em>Fresh Off the Boat</em>, <em>New Girl</em>) working on a rewrite of the latest draft by Gordon.
<em>Girls Trip</em> producers Will Packer and James Lopez are set to produce via the Uni-based Will Packer ...
The feature centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive a carefree life as her younger self (Martin) when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
<em>Drumline </em>scripter Tina Gordon is attached to direct. <em>Girls Trip</em> screenwriter Tracy Oliver penned the first draft of the screenplay, based on Martin's idea, with Camilla Blackett (<em>Fresh Off the Boat</em>, <em>New Girl</em>) working on a rewrite of the latest draft by Gordon.
<em>Girls Trip</em> producers Will Packer and James Lopez are set to produce via the Uni-based Will Packer ...
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: We've been hearing for a while that Quentin Tarantino wanted Margot Robbie (I, Tonya, above) to star in his next project. Now comes word that Robbie is in negotiations to portray actress Sharon Tate in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. If things work out, she will join Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio in Tarantino's film, which is set in the summer of 1969 and is scheduled for release on August 9, 2019. [Deadline] Taking Flight: Madonna will direct Taking Flight, based on the life of an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone who became a famed ballerina. Camilla Blackett wrote the screenplay, drawn from a memoir by Michaela and Elaine DePrince, published in 2015. Madonna's previous feature directing credits include Filth and Wisdom in...
- 3/14/2018
- by Peter Martin
- Movies.com
The Material Girl is getting back in the director’s chair.
Madonna is directing a new feature film titled Taking Flight, which is based on the life of famed ballerina Michaela DePrince, a rep for the performer confirmed to People.
“Michaela’s journey resonated with me deeply as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity,” the singer said in a statement. “We have a unique opportunity to shed light on Sierra Leone and let Michaela be the voice for all the orphaned children she grew up beside. I am honored to bring her story to life.”
The story...
Madonna is directing a new feature film titled Taking Flight, which is based on the life of famed ballerina Michaela DePrince, a rep for the performer confirmed to People.
“Michaela’s journey resonated with me deeply as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity,” the singer said in a statement. “We have a unique opportunity to shed light on Sierra Leone and let Michaela be the voice for all the orphaned children she grew up beside. I am honored to bring her story to life.”
The story...
- 3/13/2018
- by Mike Miller, Jeff Nelson
- PEOPLE.com
Madonna is set to direct the feature Taking Flight, based on the life of ballerina Michaela DePrince, for MGM.
The movie will adapted by Fresh off the Boat writer Camilla Blackett from DePrince and Elaine DePrince’s memoir Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina. The story follows Michaela's odyssey from her life as an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone to world-famous ballerina, currently a soloist at the Dutch National Ballet.
“Michaela’s journey resonated with me deeply as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity,” Madonna said Tuesday in a statement. “We have a unique opportunity to shed light on...
The movie will adapted by Fresh off the Boat writer Camilla Blackett from DePrince and Elaine DePrince’s memoir Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina. The story follows Michaela's odyssey from her life as an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone to world-famous ballerina, currently a soloist at the Dutch National Ballet.
“Michaela’s journey resonated with me deeply as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity,” Madonna said Tuesday in a statement. “We have a unique opportunity to shed light on...
- 3/13/2018
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MGM has set Madonna to direct Taking Flight, a feature film based on the true story of Michaela DePrince, who grew up an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone but rose to become a world-renowned ballerina. Camilla Blackett (Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl, The Newsroom) will adapt the script from DePrince and her mother Elaine DePrince's 2014 memoir Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina. Alloy Entertainment's Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton will produce…...
- 3/13/2018
- Deadline
Freeform has put in development In Case of Emergency, an hourlong drama based on Courtney Moreno's book of the same name, from Circle of Confusion and eOne, with Fresh Off the Boat writer Camilla Blackett attached to pen the adaptation. In Case of Emergency is a darkly comedic look at the life of Harper Gallagher, a beautiful, funny and strong millennial who is a work superhero and a mere young mortal in her personal life. She takes on the world of EMTs in a tough part of…...
- 10/30/2017
- Deadline TV
Joseph Baxter Oct 10, 2017
Keira Knightley will return to the spy world, set to star in an indie drama from the company behind Manchester By The Sea.
Keira Knightly has run the blockbuster cinematic gamut over the years, including spy movies, with her co-starring role, opposite Benedict Cumberbatch, in the 2014 biopic The Imitation Game and, in that same year, opposite Chris Pine in the attempted Tom Clancy movie franchise restart Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. Now, she’s set to bank another spy movie, this time from the indie company known for the acclaimed drama, Manchester By The Sea.
K Period Media, the independent production company primarily behind Manchester By The Sea, has locked down Knightley to star in an untitled spy drama. The mystery movie will be based on a script by Camilla Blackett, a screenwriter primarily known from the realm of television with U.S. sitcom work on ABC’s...
Keira Knightley will return to the spy world, set to star in an indie drama from the company behind Manchester By The Sea.
Keira Knightly has run the blockbuster cinematic gamut over the years, including spy movies, with her co-starring role, opposite Benedict Cumberbatch, in the 2014 biopic The Imitation Game and, in that same year, opposite Chris Pine in the attempted Tom Clancy movie franchise restart Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. Now, she’s set to bank another spy movie, this time from the indie company known for the acclaimed drama, Manchester By The Sea.
K Period Media, the independent production company primarily behind Manchester By The Sea, has locked down Knightley to star in an untitled spy drama. The mystery movie will be based on a script by Camilla Blackett, a screenwriter primarily known from the realm of television with U.S. sitcom work on ABC’s...
- 10/9/2017
- Den of Geek
Keira Knightley has signed on to star as a spy in a drama feature from K Period Media (Manchester by the Sea) and Bristol Automotive (The Imitation Game), The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Camilla Blackett — who has written for the TV shows Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl and The Newsroom — wrote the script on which the film is based. A director is not yet attached.
Knightley will also produce the currently untitled movie with K Period Media’s Kimberly Steward and Josh Godfrey and Bristol Automotive’s Nora Grossman and Ido Ostrowsky.
Knightley can next be seen in the post-World War II...
Camilla Blackett — who has written for the TV shows Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl and The Newsroom — wrote the script on which the film is based. A director is not yet attached.
Knightley will also produce the currently untitled movie with K Period Media’s Kimberly Steward and Josh Godfrey and Bristol Automotive’s Nora Grossman and Ido Ostrowsky.
Knightley can next be seen in the post-World War II...
- 10/9/2017
- by Ashley Lee
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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