The EP behind Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra docu-drama has defended the casting of an actor of mixed heritage descent in the title role, stating that Adele James reflects the “multicultural nature of ancient Egypt.”
With Queen Cleopatra premiering today as the second instalment of the African Queens series, Jane Root, who runs the Jada Pinkett Smith-narrated show’s production outfit Nutopia, said Netflix “asked us to promote a conversation and that’s just what has happened.”
The series has been generating headlines aplenty over the past weeks following the Egyptian government’s staunch criticism of James’ casting, with the government insisting that the ancient Queen was likely of Greek descent and would have been fair skinned. The discussion has been debated on the likes of The Daily Show and Piers Morgan’s Talk TV show and, according to the Egypt Independent, the government-backed al-Wathaeqya documentary channel has begun producing...
With Queen Cleopatra premiering today as the second instalment of the African Queens series, Jane Root, who runs the Jada Pinkett Smith-narrated show’s production outfit Nutopia, said Netflix “asked us to promote a conversation and that’s just what has happened.”
The series has been generating headlines aplenty over the past weeks following the Egyptian government’s staunch criticism of James’ casting, with the government insisting that the ancient Queen was likely of Greek descent and would have been fair skinned. The discussion has been debated on the likes of The Daily Show and Piers Morgan’s Talk TV show and, according to the Egypt Independent, the government-backed al-Wathaeqya documentary channel has begun producing...
- 5/10/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Award winning Exec Maxine Watson joins to bolster creative development Industry veteran Pat Younge invests to support IP push Company’s first formats initiative - Pilot Season - launches on 13 March
Award-winning audio powerhouse Unedited has announced the appointment of two UK industry heavyweights to help fuel its growth into audio formats and the creation of its own IP. The announcement comes as the Unedited prepares to launch Pilot Season, the inaugural showcase of its new formats.
Maxine Watson, MD of Black Ruby Pictures will be Unedited’s **Creative Executive, supporting their push into original documentaries and formats. Multi-award-winning Watson, who led BBC Documentaries Commissioning, has been responsible for a host of high-profile programmes across documentary, drama and factual entertainment. A former Head of Production for Warner Brothers’ indie, Twenty Twenty, and currently Executive Producer for Nutopia’s upcomingNetflix series African Queens, her credits include: formats such as BAFTA-winning Who Do You Think You Are?,...
Award-winning audio powerhouse Unedited has announced the appointment of two UK industry heavyweights to help fuel its growth into audio formats and the creation of its own IP. The announcement comes as the Unedited prepares to launch Pilot Season, the inaugural showcase of its new formats.
Maxine Watson, MD of Black Ruby Pictures will be Unedited’s **Creative Executive, supporting their push into original documentaries and formats. Multi-award-winning Watson, who led BBC Documentaries Commissioning, has been responsible for a host of high-profile programmes across documentary, drama and factual entertainment. A former Head of Production for Warner Brothers’ indie, Twenty Twenty, and currently Executive Producer for Nutopia’s upcomingNetflix series African Queens, her credits include: formats such as BAFTA-winning Who Do You Think You Are?,...
- 2/22/2023
- Podnews.net
Exclusive: Blockbuster hits Black Panther and The Woman King have cleared the path for Netflix to succeed with Jada Pinkett Smith-narrated docu-drama African Queens, according to the show’s exec.
Premiering this week, African Queens will first tell the story of Queen Njinga of Angola and subsequently Cleopatra in its second season. It is produced by Welcome to Earth with Will Smith indie Nutopia and Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios.
Speaking exclusively to Deadline ahead of a London screening tonight, EP Maxine Watson, who has worked on some of Britain’s biggest factual hits, said recent blockbusters have created a landscape in which shows like African Queens can flourish. A separate Njinga drama from Starz, which is being exec produced by 50 Cent, is also in the works.
“Now is a wise time to launch as The Woman King and Wakanda Forever have made it easier...
Premiering this week, African Queens will first tell the story of Queen Njinga of Angola and subsequently Cleopatra in its second season. It is produced by Welcome to Earth with Will Smith indie Nutopia and Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios.
Speaking exclusively to Deadline ahead of a London screening tonight, EP Maxine Watson, who has worked on some of Britain’s biggest factual hits, said recent blockbusters have created a landscape in which shows like African Queens can flourish. A separate Njinga drama from Starz, which is being exec produced by 50 Cent, is also in the works.
“Now is a wise time to launch as The Woman King and Wakanda Forever have made it easier...
- 2/13/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Jada Pinkett Smith will delve into the rich stories of prominent African women rulers in the upcoming Netflix docuseries African Queens: Njinga.
On Tuesday, the streamer dropped the first trailer for Season 1, which will focus on Njinga, the “complex, captivating, and fearless 17th-century warrior queen of Ndongo and Matamba, in modern day Angola,” per the official description. As the nation’s first female ruler, she “earned a reputation for her blend of political and diplomatic skill with military prowess and became an icon of resistance.”
More from TVLineGLOW Season 4 Photos: Cast Member Shares Peek at Cancelled Farewell RunMatthew McConaughey to...
On Tuesday, the streamer dropped the first trailer for Season 1, which will focus on Njinga, the “complex, captivating, and fearless 17th-century warrior queen of Ndongo and Matamba, in modern day Angola,” per the official description. As the nation’s first female ruler, she “earned a reputation for her blend of political and diplomatic skill with military prowess and became an icon of resistance.”
More from TVLineGLOW Season 4 Photos: Cast Member Shares Peek at Cancelled Farewell RunMatthew McConaughey to...
- 2/7/2023
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 has made the first renewal from its groundbreaking Black to Front initiative in September, when all programs and commercials on the channel were led by Black talent.
Late-night chat show “Unapologetic,” presented by DJ Yinka Bokinni and social media star Zeze Millz (left), which was piloted as part of Black to Front has now scored a six-part series order. The show will continue to be produced by Sbtv and Cardiff Productions.
“Unapologetic” is billed by Channel 4 as a show “where guests will be encouraged to say what they want to say without apologizing for it.”
“This isn’t a show about Black people, this is the show where Black people talk freely about everything. It will offer new views on existing subjects as well as bringing new subjects and voices to the table,” reads an official description.
The show’s pilot in September tackled everything...
Late-night chat show “Unapologetic,” presented by DJ Yinka Bokinni and social media star Zeze Millz (left), which was piloted as part of Black to Front has now scored a six-part series order. The show will continue to be produced by Sbtv and Cardiff Productions.
“Unapologetic” is billed by Channel 4 as a show “where guests will be encouraged to say what they want to say without apologizing for it.”
“This isn’t a show about Black people, this is the show where Black people talk freely about everything. It will offer new views on existing subjects as well as bringing new subjects and voices to the table,” reads an official description.
The show’s pilot in September tackled everything...
- 10/28/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Nominations have been unveiled for the 48th edition of the Grierson Awards, the UK’s top documentary awards.
A total of 52 films are nominated across 14 categories. Of those, 21 were broadcast on BBC channel, while Netflix has nine nominations and Channel 4 has five. ITV and Al Jazeera have two apiece whilst nominations newcomer YouTube Originals joins Channel 5, National Geographic and Discovery with one each.
Tiger King is up for Best Entertaining Documentary alongside fellow Netflix title Love is Blind. Netflix’s Don’t F**k With Cats and The Devil Next Door are also both up for Best Documentary series.
The Best Cinema Documentary nominees are American Factory, which won the Oscar this year, alongside the Oscar nominated Honeyland and For Sama, with Midnight Family completing the field.
Full list of nominations:
Best Single Documentary – Domestic
The Family Secret
Anna Hall, Sally Ogden, Luke Rothery & Brian Woods for Candour Productions...
A total of 52 films are nominated across 14 categories. Of those, 21 were broadcast on BBC channel, while Netflix has nine nominations and Channel 4 has five. ITV and Al Jazeera have two apiece whilst nominations newcomer YouTube Originals joins Channel 5, National Geographic and Discovery with one each.
Tiger King is up for Best Entertaining Documentary alongside fellow Netflix title Love is Blind. Netflix’s Don’t F**k With Cats and The Devil Next Door are also both up for Best Documentary series.
The Best Cinema Documentary nominees are American Factory, which won the Oscar this year, alongside the Oscar nominated Honeyland and For Sama, with Midnight Family completing the field.
Full list of nominations:
Best Single Documentary – Domestic
The Family Secret
Anna Hall, Sally Ogden, Luke Rothery & Brian Woods for Candour Productions...
- 9/21/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Nominations for the 48th annual British Documentary Awards, known as the Griersons, include episode two of Netflix docuseries “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness,” Waad Al-Kateab and Edward Watts’ Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning “For Sama,” and a best presenter nod for David Olusoga for “The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files.”
The awards are given by The Grierson Trust. Of the 52 nominated films, 21 were broadcast on BBC channels. Netflix has nine nominations and Channel 4 has five. ITV and Al Jazeera have two apiece while YouTube Originals, Channel 5, National Geographic and Discovery have one each.
Lorraine Heggessey, chair of The Grierson Trust, said: “This has been a difficult year for the production community and particularly for freelancers, so it’s more important than ever to recognize and celebrate the excellence of so many talented filmmakers, whether they are newcomers or established global names. These nominations demonstrate the relevance and versatility of documentaries,...
The awards are given by The Grierson Trust. Of the 52 nominated films, 21 were broadcast on BBC channels. Netflix has nine nominations and Channel 4 has five. ITV and Al Jazeera have two apiece while YouTube Originals, Channel 5, National Geographic and Discovery have one each.
Lorraine Heggessey, chair of The Grierson Trust, said: “This has been a difficult year for the production community and particularly for freelancers, so it’s more important than ever to recognize and celebrate the excellence of so many talented filmmakers, whether they are newcomers or established global names. These nominations demonstrate the relevance and versatility of documentaries,...
- 9/21/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Reed Midem head of television Laurine Garaude joined presenter Justin Crosby on TV industry news review podcast TellyCast where the two discussed the current state of Mipcom, set to be one of the first major global marketplaces to return to an in-person format when it kicks off in Cannes this October.
Predictably, much of the conversation focused on health and safety concerns, and Garaude outlined some ways Mipcom is adapting, while acknowledging that other changes are likely to come in the intervening months.
Traffic flow in the exhibition hall will be regulated and additional entrances and exits added. Conference halls will be limited to 50% capacity and cleaned and sterilized for 45 minutes between presentations. Facemasks will be mandatory and hand sanitizer will be widely available. Face-to-face meetings are being redesigned to allow for one-meter social distancing, as are all areas where queuing may be necessary.
Garaude also said there won’t be any major social events,...
Predictably, much of the conversation focused on health and safety concerns, and Garaude outlined some ways Mipcom is adapting, while acknowledging that other changes are likely to come in the intervening months.
Traffic flow in the exhibition hall will be regulated and additional entrances and exits added. Conference halls will be limited to 50% capacity and cleaned and sterilized for 45 minutes between presentations. Facemasks will be mandatory and hand sanitizer will be widely available. Face-to-face meetings are being redesigned to allow for one-meter social distancing, as are all areas where queuing may be necessary.
Garaude also said there won’t be any major social events,...
- 7/2/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Two has gained "unprecedented access" to British Vogue for a new documentary series.
The two-part series will take a look at the world famous magazine as it prepares to celebrate its centenary.
The Richard Macer-directed programme will explore Vogue's role and influence in the industry, and how it goes about discovering new talent.
The documentary will go behind the scenes at some of the world's biggest fashion shows, as well as looking at the day-to-day running of the magazine, which continues to be the UK's most commercially successful title.
The BBC's acting head of documentary commissioning, Maxine Watson, said: "We are delighted to have this opportunity to throw open the doors of the unique world of high fashion."
The currently untitled documentary will air on BBC Two in 2016.
The two-part series will take a look at the world famous magazine as it prepares to celebrate its centenary.
The Richard Macer-directed programme will explore Vogue's role and influence in the industry, and how it goes about discovering new talent.
The documentary will go behind the scenes at some of the world's biggest fashion shows, as well as looking at the day-to-day running of the magazine, which continues to be the UK's most commercially successful title.
The BBC's acting head of documentary commissioning, Maxine Watson, said: "We are delighted to have this opportunity to throw open the doors of the unique world of high fashion."
The currently untitled documentary will air on BBC Two in 2016.
- 8/20/2015
- Digital Spy
BBC One's documentary series Class of 92: Out of their League will air next month on BBC One.
The programme will see Manchester United legends look for success in the next stage of their careers as owners of lower league football team Salford City Fc.
Old Trafford heroes Ryan Giggs, Phil and Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt will be the focus of the series, previously titled Salford Dreams United.
The former Red Devils teammates seized control of their local club in 2014, with Scholes and Phil Neville taking over managerial duties on a temporary basis earlier this year.
Consisting of three hour-long episodes, Class of 92: Out of their League is produced by Electric Ray for BBC One and will be narrated by Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax star Sarah Lancashire.
Butt said: "Football is massive for all of us, it's our life and Salford is...
The programme will see Manchester United legends look for success in the next stage of their careers as owners of lower league football team Salford City Fc.
Old Trafford heroes Ryan Giggs, Phil and Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt will be the focus of the series, previously titled Salford Dreams United.
The former Red Devils teammates seized control of their local club in 2014, with Scholes and Phil Neville taking over managerial duties on a temporary basis earlier this year.
Consisting of three hour-long episodes, Class of 92: Out of their League is produced by Electric Ray for BBC One and will be narrated by Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax star Sarah Lancashire.
Butt said: "Football is massive for all of us, it's our life and Salford is...
- 8/12/2015
- Digital Spy
Warwick Davis will star in a new documentary about his theatre company for reduced height actors on BBC Two.
A Big Night for Warwick Davis will see the actor launching a new company which sees its actors taking on classics in mainstream theatres - but how will the audience respond?
The documentary focuses on the challenges faced by the actors as well as Davis's family, as his wife Sam goes through a serious operation.
The show is part of BBC Two's Modern Times documentary strand, with other programmes due to come early next year including a show about naturalists across Britain who have started filming the wildlife in their gardens and a programme about the 24 Hour Parcel People who deliver packages across the country.
Meanwhile, The Vikings Are Coming will examine why Denmark has become the centre of sperm donations, following four women who have chosen to use deposits from the country.
A Big Night for Warwick Davis will see the actor launching a new company which sees its actors taking on classics in mainstream theatres - but how will the audience respond?
The documentary focuses on the challenges faced by the actors as well as Davis's family, as his wife Sam goes through a serious operation.
The show is part of BBC Two's Modern Times documentary strand, with other programmes due to come early next year including a show about naturalists across Britain who have started filming the wildlife in their gardens and a programme about the 24 Hour Parcel People who deliver packages across the country.
Meanwhile, The Vikings Are Coming will examine why Denmark has become the centre of sperm donations, following four women who have chosen to use deposits from the country.
- 12/12/2014
- Digital Spy
Wall to Wall to make Woman in Red for BBC2.
The scandal surrounding 18th century aristocrat Lady Seymour Worsley is to be turned into a one-off docu-drama produced by Wall to Wall for BBC2.
Woman in Red follows Sienna Miller-fronted The Girl, which explored the relationship between Alfred Hitchcock and Tippi Hedren, and was the last large scale factual drama produced by the Warner Bros-owned indie.
The screenplay, penned by David Eldridge, tells the story of Lady Seymour Worsley, who left her husband and eloped with his best friend.
Lady Worseley, played by Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones, The Hunger Games), subsequently becomes the subject of a high-profile court case brought against her by her shamed husband, played by Cilla star Aneurin Barnard.
The 90-minute drama is based on Hallie Rubenhold’s book Lady Worsley’s Whim, originally inspired by a painting of Lady Worsley which hangs in a stately home in Yorkshire.
Woman in Red...
The scandal surrounding 18th century aristocrat Lady Seymour Worsley is to be turned into a one-off docu-drama produced by Wall to Wall for BBC2.
Woman in Red follows Sienna Miller-fronted The Girl, which explored the relationship between Alfred Hitchcock and Tippi Hedren, and was the last large scale factual drama produced by the Warner Bros-owned indie.
The screenplay, penned by David Eldridge, tells the story of Lady Seymour Worsley, who left her husband and eloped with his best friend.
Lady Worseley, played by Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones, The Hunger Games), subsequently becomes the subject of a high-profile court case brought against her by her shamed husband, played by Cilla star Aneurin Barnard.
The 90-minute drama is based on Hallie Rubenhold’s book Lady Worsley’s Whim, originally inspired by a painting of Lady Worsley which hangs in a stately home in Yorkshire.
Woman in Red...
- 11/21/2014
- ScreenDaily
Billy Connolly, Mary Berry and Sheridan Smith will take part in the 10th series of Who Do You Think You Are?
The family history series will celebrate its 10th anniversary and its 100th episode in the upcoming series on BBC One this summer.
Brian Blessed, Julie Walters, Mrs Brown's Boys star Brendan O'Carroll and Reggie Yates will also appear.
Tamzin Outhwaite, Martin Shaw and Twiggy complete the lineup of stars for its 10th series.
A one-hour special will also accompany the series, looking back at some of its most surprising discoveries, including Jeremy Paxman and Jk Rowling.
Maxine Watson, BBC Commissioning Editor of Documentaries, said: "Since its launch in 2004, audiences have savoured the often unexpected and emotional journeys into family history.
"As we celebrate 10 fantastic years in 2014, another 10 famous faces discover more about themselves through their past. The new series promises to continue to deliver BBC One audiences the laughter,...
The family history series will celebrate its 10th anniversary and its 100th episode in the upcoming series on BBC One this summer.
Brian Blessed, Julie Walters, Mrs Brown's Boys star Brendan O'Carroll and Reggie Yates will also appear.
Tamzin Outhwaite, Martin Shaw and Twiggy complete the lineup of stars for its 10th series.
A one-hour special will also accompany the series, looking back at some of its most surprising discoveries, including Jeremy Paxman and Jk Rowling.
Maxine Watson, BBC Commissioning Editor of Documentaries, said: "Since its launch in 2004, audiences have savoured the often unexpected and emotional journeys into family history.
"As we celebrate 10 fantastic years in 2014, another 10 famous faces discover more about themselves through their past. The new series promises to continue to deliver BBC One audiences the laughter,...
- 6/27/2014
- Digital Spy
On TV this Thursday: Watson’s mom finds her line of work far from Elementary, Up All Night prepares for the big change, The League brings back a Freak and Glee takes a cue from David Sedaris and celebrates its holidays on ice. As a supplement to TVLine’s original features (linked within), here are 10 programs to keep on your radar.
Preview | The Vampire Diaries‘ Joseph Morgan on the ‘Bloody’ Midseason Finale and Klaus’ ‘Game’ With Caroline
8 pm Last Resort (ABC) | As Sam and James leave Sainte Marina in a daring rescue attempt, a Chinese diplomat arrives to make a deal with Marcus.
Preview | The Vampire Diaries‘ Joseph Morgan on the ‘Bloody’ Midseason Finale and Klaus’ ‘Game’ With Caroline
8 pm Last Resort (ABC) | As Sam and James leave Sainte Marina in a daring rescue attempt, a Chinese diplomat arrives to make a deal with Marcus.
- 12/13/2012
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
28 year old Ruth Negga has been cast to play Shirley Bassey in BBC Two's upcoming drama – Shirley Bassey: A Very British Diva. Irish-born Ruth (represented by Lou Coulson in the UK) played Nikki in Series 2 of Misfits, and her other TV credits include Criminal Justice and Five Daughters.
The Inbetweeners Henry Lloyd-Hughes (represented by Curtis Brown) will play Kenneth Hume, her soon-to-be personal manager and future husband.
Skins star Larissa Wilson (also Curtis Brown) plays Iris Bassey, and Scott & Bailey star Lesley Sharp plays Bassey's mother Eliza.
An open casting was held back in June to try and find a young Welsh actress to play the 10 year old Shirley.
Set against the backdrop of mixed-race Britain from the Thirties to the Sixties, the 60-minute film is an intimate look at the life of Dame Shirley Bassey – one of Britain's national treasures and one of the world's most enduring and successful divas.
The Inbetweeners Henry Lloyd-Hughes (represented by Curtis Brown) will play Kenneth Hume, her soon-to-be personal manager and future husband.
Skins star Larissa Wilson (also Curtis Brown) plays Iris Bassey, and Scott & Bailey star Lesley Sharp plays Bassey's mother Eliza.
An open casting was held back in June to try and find a young Welsh actress to play the 10 year old Shirley.
Set against the backdrop of mixed-race Britain from the Thirties to the Sixties, the 60-minute film is an intimate look at the life of Dame Shirley Bassey – one of Britain's national treasures and one of the world's most enduring and successful divas.
- 8/4/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Sir Terry Wogan has signed up to present a documentary about Ireland. Terry Wogan's Ireland will follow the broadcaster as he travels from the south of the country to the north. During the show, Wogan will speak to old friends and examine the history and future of Ireland. The BBC's commissioning executive Maxine Watson said: "Terry is the perfect (more)...
- 6/24/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
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