Stars: Elissa Dowling, Airisa Durand, Chynna Rae Shurts, Rollyn Stafford, Nicolette Pullen, Jason Reynolds, Khail Duggan, James Luster, Steve Larkin, Jax Kellington, Calvin Morie McCarthy, Marcella Laasch | Written and Directed by Calvin Morie McCarthy, Josh Dietrich, Kai Pacifico Eng, Tim Coyle
I would have expected the new indie anthology film Beware the Boogeyman to have come out a while back, closer to the release of the widely hyped Stephen King adaptation, The Boogeyman. The inspiration is obvious, one scene even has a character holding a copy of Night Shift, the collection of King’s stories that brought it to most people’s attention. In any case, it’s out now and wants you to believe in it.
Beware the Boogeyman opens with Dr. Tristan Makenzie the newest potential addition to Silverdale Psychiatric Hospital’s staff going in for her orientation on, of all days, a Sunday. Dr. Gabey Moon meets...
I would have expected the new indie anthology film Beware the Boogeyman to have come out a while back, closer to the release of the widely hyped Stephen King adaptation, The Boogeyman. The inspiration is obvious, one scene even has a character holding a copy of Night Shift, the collection of King’s stories that brought it to most people’s attention. In any case, it’s out now and wants you to believe in it.
Beware the Boogeyman opens with Dr. Tristan Makenzie the newest potential addition to Silverdale Psychiatric Hospital’s staff going in for her orientation on, of all days, a Sunday. Dr. Gabey Moon meets...
- 3/8/2024
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
"He was on TV as himself. That's power." Xtr & Roco Films have revealed the trailer for the documentary film Butterfly in the Sky, a look back at the magic & brilliance of the "Reading Rainbow" TV program. This first premiered in 2022 at the Tribeca Film Festival, and at the Calgary, Hot Springs, Philadelphia, & Heartland Film Festivals. Finally set for a release in theaters first (at AMC locations) in March before hitting VOD in April. The inspirational doc chronicles the journeys of broadcasters, educators and filmmakers who believed television could inspire a lifelong love of reading. Featuring LeVar Burton (the Reading Rainbow host), along with many more: Whoopi Goldberg (Guest Star), Jason Reynolds (Former National Ambassador for Young People's Literature), Twila Liggett (Reading Rainbow co-creator), Larry Lancit & Cecily Truett Lancit (Reading Rainbow co-creators), Tony Buttino (Reading Rainbow co-creator), Steve Horelick (series composer), Ed & Orly Wiseman (Reading Rainbow director / producer) and also lots...
- 3/6/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
BayView Entertainment have released the horror film The Exorcism Tapes, which is now available to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and USA.
The Exorcism Tapes will also be available to view on AVOD worldwide from 27th February 2024.
“Raw, uncut, and unnerving, this film feels like the real deal and not some tired Hollywood rehash.” – Videoscream Film Festival. Voted “Most Original Concept” at the 2021 Videoscream Film Festival.
Synopsis:
On Feb 24th, 2021, a video known only as ‘The Exorcism Tapes’ was uploaded to social media by an anonymous user. In less than 72 hours, the video received more than 8 million views and drew instant criticism and complaints claiming that what it actually showed was the abuse and torture of a mentally ill man by members of his church. The truth remains elusive.
The Exorcism Tapes was Written and Directed by Jason Hawkins and stars Jason Hawkins, David Mitchum Brown and Jason Reynolds.
The Exorcism Tapes will also be available to view on AVOD worldwide from 27th February 2024.
“Raw, uncut, and unnerving, this film feels like the real deal and not some tired Hollywood rehash.” – Videoscream Film Festival. Voted “Most Original Concept” at the 2021 Videoscream Film Festival.
Synopsis:
On Feb 24th, 2021, a video known only as ‘The Exorcism Tapes’ was uploaded to social media by an anonymous user. In less than 72 hours, the video received more than 8 million views and drew instant criticism and complaints claiming that what it actually showed was the abuse and torture of a mentally ill man by members of his church. The truth remains elusive.
The Exorcism Tapes was Written and Directed by Jason Hawkins and stars Jason Hawkins, David Mitchum Brown and Jason Reynolds.
- 1/5/2024
- by Peter 'Witchfinder' Hopkins
- Horror Asylum
Exclusive: Broadway producer Dale A. Mott and real estate investor/philanthropist Charles D. Urstadt have formed Edgewood Entertainment, a new multimedia production company focused on supporting works by historically marginalized people, including the Bipoc and Lbgtqia+ communities and female artists.
Edgewood’s current projects as lead producers include a slate of ventures in various stages of development, most with an eye toward Broadway and all in keeping with the company’s mission statement of giving voice to the marginalized. The projects include:
Gun & Powder, produced in association with P3 Productions, a new musical inspired by the true story of Mary and Martha Clarke, African American twin sisters who, passing as white in 1893 Texas, take extraordinary measures to settle their mother’s sharecropper debt and save her home. Directed by Stevie Walker-Webb, Gun & Powder will first be presented at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn,...
Edgewood’s current projects as lead producers include a slate of ventures in various stages of development, most with an eye toward Broadway and all in keeping with the company’s mission statement of giving voice to the marginalized. The projects include:
Gun & Powder, produced in association with P3 Productions, a new musical inspired by the true story of Mary and Martha Clarke, African American twin sisters who, passing as white in 1893 Texas, take extraordinary measures to settle their mother’s sharecropper debt and save her home. Directed by Stevie Walker-Webb, Gun & Powder will first be presented at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn,...
- 9/20/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Literary icon Judy Blume has been in the public eye for more than 50 years, but lately she’s been posing for even more cameras than usual.
For the past few months, Blume has been everywhere — from the red carpet premiere of the feature adaptation of her 1970 classic “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” in Los Angeles last week, to Variety’s Power of Women ceremony in New York City, where she was honored earlier this month. But on Monday night in Studio City, Calif., it was Blume’s husband George Cooper on the other side of a cell phone camera lens. As Blume was introduced to an eager (and pink-masked) crowd by 16-year-old Annabelle Chang, who owns Annabelle’s Book Club LA, Cooper sprang from his seat behind the desk to capture the moment on his cell phone.
Amid the applause from the audience, Blume made her way to...
For the past few months, Blume has been everywhere — from the red carpet premiere of the feature adaptation of her 1970 classic “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” in Los Angeles last week, to Variety’s Power of Women ceremony in New York City, where she was honored earlier this month. But on Monday night in Studio City, Calif., it was Blume’s husband George Cooper on the other side of a cell phone camera lens. As Blume was introduced to an eager (and pink-masked) crowd by 16-year-old Annabelle Chang, who owns Annabelle’s Book Club LA, Cooper sprang from his seat behind the desk to capture the moment on his cell phone.
Amid the applause from the audience, Blume made her way to...
- 4/22/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok’s documentary film “Judy Blume Forever” captures the popular author’s understanding of children by including her archive of letters she exchanged with fans who were growing up at the time she began writing her books.
The film, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and arrives on Amazon Prime Video, unfolds Blume’s path to writing in a similar coming-of-age format to match the genre for which she is most well-known. Access to Yale’s collection of all the letters Blume wrote to and received from fans allowed the true connection Blume had with children to shine.
“With that collection, we understood that we had something really special and that would be very different from just your average, typical biography-type documentary,” producer Sara Bernstein told TheWrap. “The project was really about her impact on her readers over the years.”
Also Read:
‘Judy Blume Forever...
The film, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and arrives on Amazon Prime Video, unfolds Blume’s path to writing in a similar coming-of-age format to match the genre for which she is most well-known. Access to Yale’s collection of all the letters Blume wrote to and received from fans allowed the true connection Blume had with children to shine.
“With that collection, we understood that we had something really special and that would be very different from just your average, typical biography-type documentary,” producer Sara Bernstein told TheWrap. “The project was really about her impact on her readers over the years.”
Also Read:
‘Judy Blume Forever...
- 4/22/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Judy Blume has been fighting against book banning for a half a century — so what does that say about political progress in America?
The “Forever” and “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” author has combated censorship for decades, as her novels, often centered on adolescent sexuality, puberty, and body autonomy, have frequently come under fire from right-wing legislators. Blume’s activism and life story was captured in 2023 Sundance breakout documentary “Judy Blume Forever,” co-directed by Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok, which lovingly tracks her career and impact.
And Key West, Florida resident Blume is hardly settling down: she recently tweeted in response to Ron DeSantis’ bill to ban discussions of menstruations in schools. “Sorry, Margaret,” Blume wrote in reference to her 1970 novel, which is getting its own big screen adaptation later this month.
Celebrities like Julia Roberts, Julianna Margulies, Selma Blair, Sterling K. Brown, Chloë Grace Moretz, Connie Britton,...
The “Forever” and “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” author has combated censorship for decades, as her novels, often centered on adolescent sexuality, puberty, and body autonomy, have frequently come under fire from right-wing legislators. Blume’s activism and life story was captured in 2023 Sundance breakout documentary “Judy Blume Forever,” co-directed by Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok, which lovingly tracks her career and impact.
And Key West, Florida resident Blume is hardly settling down: she recently tweeted in response to Ron DeSantis’ bill to ban discussions of menstruations in schools. “Sorry, Margaret,” Blume wrote in reference to her 1970 novel, which is getting its own big screen adaptation later this month.
Celebrities like Julia Roberts, Julianna Margulies, Selma Blair, Sterling K. Brown, Chloë Grace Moretz, Connie Britton,...
- 4/18/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Judy Blume is a national treasure. She's the award-winning author of 25 novels, including "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" (1970), "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" (1972), "Deenie" (1973), "Blubber" (1974), "Forever... " (1975), and "Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself" (1977). Blume was the first widely-read author (certainly the first one I encountered as a kid) who spoke frankly about things like changing bodies, menstruation, masturbation, sex, and birth control.
Today Prime Video has released a new trailer for "Judy Blume Forever," which interviews Blume about her history and speaks to people like Molly Ringwald, Lena Dunham, Anna Konkle, Samantha Bee, Jason Reynolds, and Justin Chanda about the influence this trailblazing author gifted us with. As a girl who grew up with these books as a sort of personal schoolhouse, I admit to tearing up as I watched even this brief look at the documentary. In a time when books are under attack in America and facing banning and censorship,...
Today Prime Video has released a new trailer for "Judy Blume Forever," which interviews Blume about her history and speaks to people like Molly Ringwald, Lena Dunham, Anna Konkle, Samantha Bee, Jason Reynolds, and Justin Chanda about the influence this trailblazing author gifted us with. As a girl who grew up with these books as a sort of personal schoolhouse, I admit to tearing up as I watched even this brief look at the documentary. In a time when books are under attack in America and facing banning and censorship,...
- 3/9/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Judy Blume is leaping off your bookshelf and onto the small screen: Prime Video has unveiled the official trailer for Judy Blume Forever, their upcoming documentary on the trailblazing young adult author.
With bestsellers like Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Blume’s candidness changed the course of children’s and teen literature forever: “My daughter asked, ‘Mother, couldn’t you write a book about teenagers who fall in love, and do it, and nobody has to die?'” Blume recalls in the trailer. “And I thought, ‘yes!'”
Now 85 years old and with over 25 novels to her name, Blume — a self-described “good girl with a bad girl lurking inside” — has built an infallible legacy. To drive that point home, Judy Blume Forever boasts interviews with the likes of Molly Ringwald, Lena Dunham, and Anna Konkle, all of whom credit the...
With bestsellers like Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Blume’s candidness changed the course of children’s and teen literature forever: “My daughter asked, ‘Mother, couldn’t you write a book about teenagers who fall in love, and do it, and nobody has to die?'” Blume recalls in the trailer. “And I thought, ‘yes!'”
Now 85 years old and with over 25 novels to her name, Blume — a self-described “good girl with a bad girl lurking inside” — has built an infallible legacy. To drive that point home, Judy Blume Forever boasts interviews with the likes of Molly Ringwald, Lena Dunham, and Anna Konkle, all of whom credit the...
- 3/8/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Film News
Amazon Prime Video has released the trailer for “Judy Blume Forever,” a documentary celebrating the trailblazing career of the young adult author and her lifelong fight against censorship.
Directed by Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok, the film examines the impact of books like “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret,” “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” and “Blubber” – on current and former young people. That includes multiple generations of readers who became writers and artists, such as Lena Dunham, Molly Ringwald, Anna Konkle, and Samantha Bee, all of whom appear in the film.
The clip opens with Blume talking about her daughter’s request for her to write a book about “teenagers who fall in love and do it and nobody has to die, and I thought, ‘Yes!'”
Justin Chanda, SVP of Children’s Publishing at Simon & Schuster, shares what it felt like to discover her books: “There was this moment where,...
Directed by Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok, the film examines the impact of books like “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret,” “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” and “Blubber” – on current and former young people. That includes multiple generations of readers who became writers and artists, such as Lena Dunham, Molly Ringwald, Anna Konkle, and Samantha Bee, all of whom appear in the film.
The clip opens with Blume talking about her daughter’s request for her to write a book about “teenagers who fall in love and do it and nobody has to die, and I thought, ‘Yes!'”
Justin Chanda, SVP of Children’s Publishing at Simon & Schuster, shares what it felt like to discover her books: “There was this moment where,...
- 3/8/2023
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Amazon Prime Video has released the first full trailer for Judy Blume Forever, the upcoming streaming documentary that paints the story of one of publishing’s most timely and timeless authors.
Directed by Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok, the film chronicles the author’s decades-long journey to becoming one of the most beloved — and banned — writers in publishing. Beginning with her childhood roots as a “fearful, imaginative child,” the more than 90-minute documentary explores how familial inspirations and an increasing radical honesty defined the woman who has helped generations grapple with their own maturity, including experiences around puberty, sex and identity.
“My daughter said, ‘Mother, couldn’t you write a book about teenagers who fall in love and do it and nobody has to die?'” Blume recalls at the beginning of the two-minute trailer. “And I thought: Yes!”
Through a combination of archival footage and various sitdowns with Blume...
Directed by Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok, the film chronicles the author’s decades-long journey to becoming one of the most beloved — and banned — writers in publishing. Beginning with her childhood roots as a “fearful, imaginative child,” the more than 90-minute documentary explores how familial inspirations and an increasing radical honesty defined the woman who has helped generations grapple with their own maturity, including experiences around puberty, sex and identity.
“My daughter said, ‘Mother, couldn’t you write a book about teenagers who fall in love and do it and nobody has to die?'” Blume recalls at the beginning of the two-minute trailer. “And I thought: Yes!”
Through a combination of archival footage and various sitdowns with Blume...
- 3/8/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Just as film and TV have the Oscars and the Emmys, The Podcast Academy is positioning the Ambies to become the event of the year for the podcast industry as well as the newest fixture of Hollywood awards season, complete with shiny statuettes and a swanky ceremony that, for at least one evening, compels podcasters to dress for the camera.
Hosted by Larry Wilmore, the annual event’s third edition is taking place March 7 at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The company to beat will be Audible, which received a total of 19 nominations across the 26 Ambies categories, including several nods for podcast of the year (see below).
The Podcast Academy received a record 1,700 submissions this year, which were narrowed down by a blue-ribbon panel of judges — who apply every year to be part of the panel — to determine the nominees in each category. From there, voting opened up...
Hosted by Larry Wilmore, the annual event’s third edition is taking place March 7 at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The company to beat will be Audible, which received a total of 19 nominations across the 26 Ambies categories, including several nods for podcast of the year (see below).
The Podcast Academy received a record 1,700 submissions this year, which were narrowed down by a blue-ribbon panel of judges — who apply every year to be part of the panel — to determine the nominees in each category. From there, voting opened up...
- 2/24/2023
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Where would we be without Judy Blume? The writer penned dozens of works that encouraged generations of young people to stay curious about their bodies, to ask questions, to explore and to be brave. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret — a classic if there ever was one — portrayed the anxieties of puberty and canonized a very important rhyme: “We must, we must, we must increase our bust!” Margaret and her friends would chant, willing their breasts to grow larger. Blubber dealt gracefully with grade-school bullying and complicit bystanders. Tiger Eyes observed a young woman navigating the unpredictable throes of grief.
Growing up, I borrowed Judy Blume books from the library and hoarded them like contraband. The novels were a marvel to my sheltered middle-school self: How could an adult speak so candidly and accurately to my bodily experiences? I know I’m not the first Blume fan to...
Growing up, I borrowed Judy Blume books from the library and hoarded them like contraband. The novels were a marvel to my sheltered middle-school self: How could an adult speak so candidly and accurately to my bodily experiences? I know I’m not the first Blume fan to...
- 1/21/2023
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive Interview: Jason Reynolds (The Last Slay Ride)
Amazon: The Last Slay Ride
How did you get attached to The Last Slay Ride?
I was attached to The Last Slay Ride project by direct booking. I lucked out and was able to avoid the audition process.
What was your role in The Last Slay Ride?
I play Bob the school janitor who auditions for the student film…a film within a film so to speak.
What is your favorite scene?
My favorite scene in the Last Slay Ride is actually a tie between the opening scene and the Dinner scene at the Mansion Steve Larkin who plays our loan shark in the film is wildly funny.
How would you compare this to other Christmas horror flicks?
I feel like this one stands out when compared to other Christmas Horror films. Slay Ride has a perfect mixture of weirdness, comedy, and a sprinkle of horror,...
Amazon: The Last Slay Ride
How did you get attached to The Last Slay Ride?
I was attached to The Last Slay Ride project by direct booking. I lucked out and was able to avoid the audition process.
What was your role in The Last Slay Ride?
I play Bob the school janitor who auditions for the student film…a film within a film so to speak.
What is your favorite scene?
My favorite scene in the Last Slay Ride is actually a tie between the opening scene and the Dinner scene at the Mansion Steve Larkin who plays our loan shark in the film is wildly funny.
How would you compare this to other Christmas horror flicks?
I feel like this one stands out when compared to other Christmas Horror films. Slay Ride has a perfect mixture of weirdness, comedy, and a sprinkle of horror,...
- 12/21/2022
- by Michael Joy
- Horror Asylum
Click here to read the full article.
Paramount Global’s attempt to sell publisher Simon & Schuster to the owner of Penguin Random House has been blocked, a Washington D.C. judge ordered on Monday. The companies replied that they’re evaluating options and are looking to request an appeal.
“Upon review of the extensive record and careful consideration of the parties’ arguments, the Court finds that the United States has shown that ‘the effect of [the proposed merger] may be substantially to lessen competition’ in the market for the U.S. publishing rights to anticipated top-selling books,” U.S. Circuit Court Judge Florence Y. Pan wrote in a two-page order.
In response to the order, a Penguin Random House rep called the move a “setback” and pledged to appeal. “We strongly disagree with today’s decision, which is an unfortunate setback for readers and authors, and we will immediately request an expedited appeal,...
Paramount Global’s attempt to sell publisher Simon & Schuster to the owner of Penguin Random House has been blocked, a Washington D.C. judge ordered on Monday. The companies replied that they’re evaluating options and are looking to request an appeal.
“Upon review of the extensive record and careful consideration of the parties’ arguments, the Court finds that the United States has shown that ‘the effect of [the proposed merger] may be substantially to lessen competition’ in the market for the U.S. publishing rights to anticipated top-selling books,” U.S. Circuit Court Judge Florence Y. Pan wrote in a two-page order.
In response to the order, a Penguin Random House rep called the move a “setback” and pledged to appeal. “We strongly disagree with today’s decision, which is an unfortunate setback for readers and authors, and we will immediately request an expedited appeal,...
- 10/31/2022
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2022 Tribeca Festival announced its lineup of world premieres of new and returning television including ESPN’s The Captain, about iconic New York Yankee Derek Jeter and Amazon Prime Video’s A League of Their Own, inspired by the 1992 film, with Abbi Jacobson.
The fest, which unspools June 8-19, announced its film slate earlier this week.
The nine series premieres and two first looks at returning favorites feature Hulu’s Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons, an exposé of Victoria’s Secret; HBO Max’s Menudo: Forever Young, a behind-the-scenes look at the multi-generational pop sensation; FX’s The Bear, a ride through the culinary world; Time Studios for A&e Network’s Right to Offend, a docuseries about Black comedians; Epix’s Bridge and Tunnel, which follows a group of Long Islanders pursuing Manhattan dreams, written and directed by Edward Burns; and the mid-season premiere of the final season...
The fest, which unspools June 8-19, announced its film slate earlier this week.
The nine series premieres and two first looks at returning favorites feature Hulu’s Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons, an exposé of Victoria’s Secret; HBO Max’s Menudo: Forever Young, a behind-the-scenes look at the multi-generational pop sensation; FX’s The Bear, a ride through the culinary world; Time Studios for A&e Network’s Right to Offend, a docuseries about Black comedians; Epix’s Bridge and Tunnel, which follows a group of Long Islanders pursuing Manhattan dreams, written and directed by Edward Burns; and the mid-season premiere of the final season...
- 4/21/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Sapphic romances and a dual-timeline future adventure have December 2021’s top young adult books spanning tropes and timelines. Your fate is to check out this month’s picks.
The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling
Type: Novel
Publisher: Razorbill
Release date: Dec. 7
Den of Geek says: We are here for powerful young women whose relationship depends on protecting one another, but who also have to struggle with the dark flipside of their powers and their symbiotic bond.
Publisher’s summary: From the author of These Witches Don’t Burn comes another paranormal romance for fans of Richelle Mead and Stephenie Meyer.
Elise Beaumont is cursed. With every touch, she experiences exactly how her loved ones will die. And after her brother’s death—a death she predicted but was unable to prevent—Elise is desperate to get rid of her terrible gift, no matter the cost.
Claire Montgomery also has a unique relationship with death,...
The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling
Type: Novel
Publisher: Razorbill
Release date: Dec. 7
Den of Geek says: We are here for powerful young women whose relationship depends on protecting one another, but who also have to struggle with the dark flipside of their powers and their symbiotic bond.
Publisher’s summary: From the author of These Witches Don’t Burn comes another paranormal romance for fans of Richelle Mead and Stephenie Meyer.
Elise Beaumont is cursed. With every touch, she experiences exactly how her loved ones will die. And after her brother’s death—a death she predicted but was unable to prevent—Elise is desperate to get rid of her terrible gift, no matter the cost.
Claire Montgomery also has a unique relationship with death,...
- 11/30/2021
- by Natalie Zutter
- Den of Geek
Stacey Abrams, Ziwe Fumudoh and Nicole Byer are among the cultural figures and notable creators set to appear in YouTube Originals’ Black History Month Celebration, Black Renaissance. Also joining the YouTube special are H.E.R., Anderson .Paak, Kelly Rowland, Bob the Drag Queen, Maurice Harris, Yung BBQ, TwinsthenewTrend, Sherrie Silver, Oumi Janta, Donté Colley and Hollywood Movement.
Black Renaissance, which was created in partnership with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Howard University Graduate Film Program, and Nal Media, seeks to celebrate the contributions of Black History makers and artists who left their mark on the world and honor the creators who are reimagining the future. The special will feature powerful performances, history breaks and inspirational calls-to-action from living legends about the Black creatives and artists who have fueled change. Set to premiere on Friday Feb. 26 on the YouTube Originals Channel, Black Renaissance will also feature appearances and performances from President Obama,...
Black Renaissance, which was created in partnership with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Howard University Graduate Film Program, and Nal Media, seeks to celebrate the contributions of Black History makers and artists who left their mark on the world and honor the creators who are reimagining the future. The special will feature powerful performances, history breaks and inspirational calls-to-action from living legends about the Black creatives and artists who have fueled change. Set to premiere on Friday Feb. 26 on the YouTube Originals Channel, Black Renaissance will also feature appearances and performances from President Obama,...
- 2/16/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Black History Month runs all through February and television is taking part in celebrating Black voices and stories across film, television, politics, sports and more.
CBS Sports will keep up the momentum year-round by airing vignettes that stem from conversations from members of the network’s Black Steering Committee, in addition to specials on legendary quarterback Doug Williams and Hbcu all-star Earl “The Pearl” Monroe.
A more classical look at the past, The History Channel will honor the seminal Tuskegee Airman with a Robin Roberts-led documentary. Meanwhile, YouTube will come full circle with its “Black Renaissance” special by showcasing artists of the past and present.
Read a full list of Black History Month programming below. (More programming will be added to the list as networks announce titles.)
“We Need to Talk with Doug Williams” – To kick off the week of the Super Bowl, Lesley Visser sits down with Doug Williams,...
CBS Sports will keep up the momentum year-round by airing vignettes that stem from conversations from members of the network’s Black Steering Committee, in addition to specials on legendary quarterback Doug Williams and Hbcu all-star Earl “The Pearl” Monroe.
A more classical look at the past, The History Channel will honor the seminal Tuskegee Airman with a Robin Roberts-led documentary. Meanwhile, YouTube will come full circle with its “Black Renaissance” special by showcasing artists of the past and present.
Read a full list of Black History Month programming below. (More programming will be added to the list as networks announce titles.)
“We Need to Talk with Doug Williams” – To kick off the week of the Super Bowl, Lesley Visser sits down with Doug Williams,...
- 1/29/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
German media giant Bertelsmann has set a deal with ViacomCBS to acquire publishing unit Simon & Schuster for $2.17 billion in cash.
Bertelsmann, owner of publishing giant Penguin Random House, was seen as a logical contender for Simon & Schuster. ViacomCBS announced its intent to sell the publishing arm earlier this year as part of the company’s post-merger streamlining to focus on content investment.
Simon & Schuster will operate as a separate unit under the Penguin Random House umbrella. Jonathan Karp, president-ceo of Simon & Schuster, and Dennis Eulau, chief operating officer and chief financial officer, will continue to lead the division. The deal is expected to close next year.
ViacomCBS said it would use the proceeds from the sale to pay down debt, fund its dividend and to invest in “strategic growth priorities.” ViacomCBS chief Bob Bakish in March told investors that Simon & Schuster had attracted interest from 25 bidders. Bertelsmann was believed...
Bertelsmann, owner of publishing giant Penguin Random House, was seen as a logical contender for Simon & Schuster. ViacomCBS announced its intent to sell the publishing arm earlier this year as part of the company’s post-merger streamlining to focus on content investment.
Simon & Schuster will operate as a separate unit under the Penguin Random House umbrella. Jonathan Karp, president-ceo of Simon & Schuster, and Dennis Eulau, chief operating officer and chief financial officer, will continue to lead the division. The deal is expected to close next year.
ViacomCBS said it would use the proceeds from the sale to pay down debt, fund its dividend and to invest in “strategic growth priorities.” ViacomCBS chief Bob Bakish in March told investors that Simon & Schuster had attracted interest from 25 bidders. Bertelsmann was believed...
- 11/25/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with comment by News Corp CEO Robert Thomson:
News Corp. CEO Robert Thomson called the ViacomCBS’s announcement regarding the sale of Simon & Schuster to Bertelsmann as defying “market logic.”
“There is clearly no market logic to a bid of that size – only anti-market logic. Bertelsmann is not just buying a book publisher, but buying market dominance as a book behemoth,” the executive said Wednesday on the nearly 2.2 billion combination of Simon & Schuster with Bertelsmann’s Penguin Random House announced earlier in the day. News Corp.’s owns publisher HarperCollins and was also in the running for Simon & Schuster.
The deal needs regulatory approval.
“Distributors, retailers, authors and readers would be paying for this proposed deal for a very long time to come. This literary leviathan would have 70 percent of the US Literary and General Fiction market. There will certainly be legal books written about this deal, though...
News Corp. CEO Robert Thomson called the ViacomCBS’s announcement regarding the sale of Simon & Schuster to Bertelsmann as defying “market logic.”
“There is clearly no market logic to a bid of that size – only anti-market logic. Bertelsmann is not just buying a book publisher, but buying market dominance as a book behemoth,” the executive said Wednesday on the nearly 2.2 billion combination of Simon & Schuster with Bertelsmann’s Penguin Random House announced earlier in the day. News Corp.’s owns publisher HarperCollins and was also in the running for Simon & Schuster.
The deal needs regulatory approval.
“Distributors, retailers, authors and readers would be paying for this proposed deal for a very long time to come. This literary leviathan would have 70 percent of the US Literary and General Fiction market. There will certainly be legal books written about this deal, though...
- 11/25/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Rachael Perrell Fosket, Patrick D. Green, David Withers, Jason Reynolds, Robert Blanche, Mia Allen, Julia Bray, Gaelle Lola Beauvais, Alex Tiefenthaler | Written by Hank Huffman | Directed by Derek Carl
Remember back in 1998 when everyone threw their arms in the arms and complained incessantly about Gus Van Sant’s shot-for-shot remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho? Well if Gus van Sant had followed the formula of Derek Carl and Hank Huffman’s remake of The Brain That Wouldn’t Die then maybe there wouldn’t have been that many complaints!
If you haven’t seen the original, this version of The Brain That Wouldn’t Die tells the story of a mad scientist Dr. Bill Courtner (Patrick D. Green) who develops a means to keep human body parts alive. After a car accident he keeps his fiancée Jan Compton’s (Rachael Perrell Fosket) severed head alive for days in his laboratory.
Remember back in 1998 when everyone threw their arms in the arms and complained incessantly about Gus Van Sant’s shot-for-shot remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho? Well if Gus van Sant had followed the formula of Derek Carl and Hank Huffman’s remake of The Brain That Wouldn’t Die then maybe there wouldn’t have been that many complaints!
If you haven’t seen the original, this version of The Brain That Wouldn’t Die tells the story of a mad scientist Dr. Bill Courtner (Patrick D. Green) who develops a means to keep human body parts alive. After a car accident he keeps his fiancée Jan Compton’s (Rachael Perrell Fosket) severed head alive for days in his laboratory.
- 10/22/2020
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
The Screamfest Horror Film Festival has unveiled the lineup of films that will be featured at the 20th annual drive-in edition. Kicking off the fest, which runs from October 6-15, is Books of Blood, the Hulu original film based on Clive Barker’s horror anthology.
From director Brannon Braga and executive producer Seth MacFarlane, Books of Blood is slated to premiere on the streamer on October 7. Starring Britt Robertson, Anna Friel, Rafi Gavron, and Yul Vazquez, the pic takes a journey into uncharted and forbidden territory through three tales tangled in space and time.
Also among the list of screenings are Thirst, the first-ever Icelandic gay splatter vampire flick, psychological horror Sweet River (making its North American debut), and social media teen slasher Initiation from Screamfest alum John Berardo, which was recently acquired by Saban Films
“2020 has been challenging for everyone and certainly not how we planned on celebrating Screamfest’s 20th edition,...
From director Brannon Braga and executive producer Seth MacFarlane, Books of Blood is slated to premiere on the streamer on October 7. Starring Britt Robertson, Anna Friel, Rafi Gavron, and Yul Vazquez, the pic takes a journey into uncharted and forbidden territory through three tales tangled in space and time.
Also among the list of screenings are Thirst, the first-ever Icelandic gay splatter vampire flick, psychological horror Sweet River (making its North American debut), and social media teen slasher Initiation from Screamfest alum John Berardo, which was recently acquired by Saban Films
“2020 has been challenging for everyone and certainly not how we planned on celebrating Screamfest’s 20th edition,...
- 9/21/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Carolyn Reidy, the powerhouse publisher who ran Simon & Schuster as president and CEO and edited seven Pulitzer Prize winners, died today of a heart attack. She was 71.
Simon & Schuster CFO Dennis Eulau confirmed the news in this memo to staff.
As a publisher and a leader,” he wrote, “Carolyn pushed us to stretch to do just that little bit more; to do our best and then some for our authors, in whose service she came to work each day with an unbridled and infectious enthusiasm and great humor.”
Read the full memo below.
Reidy joined Simon & Schuster in 1992 from Avon Books as President of the Trade Division and was named president of its Adult Publishing Group in 2001. Reidy was upped to president and CEO in 2007 to replace the retiring Jack Romanos.
She was named Publishers Weekly‘s Person of the Year in 2017.
During her tenure, Simon & Schuster published books...
Simon & Schuster CFO Dennis Eulau confirmed the news in this memo to staff.
As a publisher and a leader,” he wrote, “Carolyn pushed us to stretch to do just that little bit more; to do our best and then some for our authors, in whose service she came to work each day with an unbridled and infectious enthusiasm and great humor.”
Read the full memo below.
Reidy joined Simon & Schuster in 1992 from Avon Books as President of the Trade Division and was named president of its Adult Publishing Group in 2001. Reidy was upped to president and CEO in 2007 to replace the retiring Jack Romanos.
She was named Publishers Weekly‘s Person of the Year in 2017.
During her tenure, Simon & Schuster published books...
- 5/12/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The Los Angeles Public Library has revealed Kobe Bryant’s reading inspirations.
“As one would expect from a passionate storyteller, Bryant also appreciated reading a good book,” librarian Keith Kesler wrote in a blog post on the library’s website. “I searched through old interviews and social media posts to find the books that inspired the Black Mamba.”
The Kobe reading list includes “The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho; “The Illustrated Art of War,” Sun Tzu; “Blink” and “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell; “Children of Blood and Bone,” Tomi Adeymi; “The Hero’s Journey,” Joseph Campbell; “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” Richard Bach; “Lone Survivor,” Marcus Luttrell; “Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable,” by trainer Tim Grover; “Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike,” Phil Knight; “The Silver Linings Playbook,” by Matthew Quick; “Sunny,” Jason Reynolds, “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln,” by Dolores Kearns Goodwin; “Thirty Rooms to Hide In,...
“As one would expect from a passionate storyteller, Bryant also appreciated reading a good book,” librarian Keith Kesler wrote in a blog post on the library’s website. “I searched through old interviews and social media posts to find the books that inspired the Black Mamba.”
The Kobe reading list includes “The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho; “The Illustrated Art of War,” Sun Tzu; “Blink” and “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell; “Children of Blood and Bone,” Tomi Adeymi; “The Hero’s Journey,” Joseph Campbell; “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” Richard Bach; “Lone Survivor,” Marcus Luttrell; “Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable,” by trainer Tim Grover; “Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike,” Phil Knight; “The Silver Linings Playbook,” by Matthew Quick; “Sunny,” Jason Reynolds, “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln,” by Dolores Kearns Goodwin; “Thirty Rooms to Hide In,...
- 2/2/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Welcome to this week’s Monday Night Raw review, right here one Nerdly. I’m Nathan Favel and James Taylor says “You’ve Got A Friend”, but I think he’s full of $#!@. Folk rock, punk skunk, d–k-wad. On this episode of The Charlie Rose Show, women stare at me for an hour with terror and disgust, but not as much as I’m staring at Raw to give it a good review!
Match #1: Drew McIntyre def. Ricochet The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Anyone who thought Drew McIntyre would need a little time to get back in the swing of things was soundly corrected on Monday night when the former Nxt Champion defeated Ricochet in an in-ring return that was just as monstrous as he promised it would be. The victory may have been even more impressive than it appeared on first glance. Smaller, faster Superstars...
Match #1: Drew McIntyre def. Ricochet The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Anyone who thought Drew McIntyre would need a little time to get back in the swing of things was soundly corrected on Monday night when the former Nxt Champion defeated Ricochet in an in-ring return that was just as monstrous as he promised it would be. The victory may have been even more impressive than it appeared on first glance. Smaller, faster Superstars...
- 10/22/2019
- by Nathan Favel
- Nerdly
In today’s roundup, CNN announced it will host a town hall with former FBI director James Comey, and NBC Entertainment promoted Sahara Bushue to senior vice president of alternative programming.
TV News
PBS named “Today” alumna Meredith Vieira as host of its new series, “The Great American Read.” The show will explore the country in search of America’s top 100 novels, as well as their authors and fan bases. Its first episode, a two-hour special, will air May 22 at 8 p.m. The series will include appearances by Margaret Atwood, Jenna Bush, Barbara Bush, Chelsea Clinton, Junot Diaz, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, John Green, Gayle King, George R.R. Martin, Shaquille O’Neal, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jason Reynolds, Gabrielle Union, and Ming-Na Wen.
Fox News Channel hired reporter Jeff Paul as a west coast correspondent, the network’s president of news, Jay Wallace, announced Wednesday. Paul currently works as a reporter...
TV News
PBS named “Today” alumna Meredith Vieira as host of its new series, “The Great American Read.” The show will explore the country in search of America’s top 100 novels, as well as their authors and fan bases. Its first episode, a two-hour special, will air May 22 at 8 p.m. The series will include appearances by Margaret Atwood, Jenna Bush, Barbara Bush, Chelsea Clinton, Junot Diaz, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, John Green, Gayle King, George R.R. Martin, Shaquille O’Neal, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jason Reynolds, Gabrielle Union, and Ming-Na Wen.
Fox News Channel hired reporter Jeff Paul as a west coast correspondent, the network’s president of news, Jay Wallace, announced Wednesday. Paul currently works as a reporter...
- 3/28/2018
- by Christi Carras
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: PBS announced today that journalist and The View alum Meredith Vieira will host the forthcoming series The Great American Read. The eight-part series will debut with a two-hour special event on Tuesday, May 22 at 8 Pm.
As host of The Great American Read, Vieira will take viewers on a journey across the country to uncover the nation’s 100 most-loved novels, the people who love them and their authors. Joining Vieira on the series will be a notable roster of authors, celebrities and figures in the entertainment, sports, news and literary worlds including Margaret Atwood, Jenna and Barbara Bush, Chelsea Clinton, Junot Díaz, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, John Green, Gayle King, George R. R. Martin, Shaquille O’Neal, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jason Reynolds, Gabrielle Union, Ming-Na Wen and others. They will share their personal stories and connections to their favorite titles throughout the series.
During the series, viewers will be able...
As host of The Great American Read, Vieira will take viewers on a journey across the country to uncover the nation’s 100 most-loved novels, the people who love them and their authors. Joining Vieira on the series will be a notable roster of authors, celebrities and figures in the entertainment, sports, news and literary worlds including Margaret Atwood, Jenna and Barbara Bush, Chelsea Clinton, Junot Díaz, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, John Green, Gayle King, George R. R. Martin, Shaquille O’Neal, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jason Reynolds, Gabrielle Union, Ming-Na Wen and others. They will share their personal stories and connections to their favorite titles throughout the series.
During the series, viewers will be able...
- 3/28/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
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