Black Public Media awarded a total of $610,000 to film and immersive projects and creatives at its seventh PitchBLACK Forum — the largest pitch competition for independent filmmakers and creative technologists developing new projects about the global Black experience — at the PitchBLACK Awards.
The figure was the highest ever amount awarded at PitchBLACK. Sponsored by Netflix and PBS, the event — held Thursday at the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center — was hosted by Baltimore-based comedian Sir Alex and included the presentation of the Bpm Trailblazer Award to Emmy-winning filmmaker Sam Pollard.
The winner of the $150,000 film award was Zenón, a documentary about the life of Puerto Rican fisherman and revolutionary Carlos “Taso” Zenón, who spearheaded protests against the U.S. Navy’s occupation, exploitation and environmental degradation of his home, the island of Vieques. Puerto Rican director Juan C. Dávila and producer Camila Rodríguez Estrada accepted the grant for their film about...
The figure was the highest ever amount awarded at PitchBLACK. Sponsored by Netflix and PBS, the event — held Thursday at the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center — was hosted by Baltimore-based comedian Sir Alex and included the presentation of the Bpm Trailblazer Award to Emmy-winning filmmaker Sam Pollard.
The winner of the $150,000 film award was Zenón, a documentary about the life of Puerto Rican fisherman and revolutionary Carlos “Taso” Zenón, who spearheaded protests against the U.S. Navy’s occupation, exploitation and environmental degradation of his home, the island of Vieques. Puerto Rican director Juan C. Dávila and producer Camila Rodríguez Estrada accepted the grant for their film about...
- 4/26/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Executive producers Abby Ginzberg (Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power) and Angela Tucker (Belly of the Beast) are in production on a documentary series about influential female politicians titled She Dared to Dream.
The first film in the series focuses on Rep. Ayanna Pressley, a Democrat representing Massachusetts’ 7th Congressional District, who has given the film team access to her life and work both in Boston and Washington D.C.
From a woman-led business owner in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood to the Boston Latin Academy to a historic gathering of female lawmakers that included Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Pressley and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, She Dared to Dream reveals Pressley’s vision, challenges and aspirations as a trailblazer in American politics. Barbara Lee, who was recently featured in the Netflix film Shirley, a narrative feature about her mentor Shirley Chisholm starring Regina King, serves as creative consultant on the docuseries.
The first film in the series focuses on Rep. Ayanna Pressley, a Democrat representing Massachusetts’ 7th Congressional District, who has given the film team access to her life and work both in Boston and Washington D.C.
From a woman-led business owner in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood to the Boston Latin Academy to a historic gathering of female lawmakers that included Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Pressley and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, She Dared to Dream reveals Pressley’s vision, challenges and aspirations as a trailblazer in American politics. Barbara Lee, who was recently featured in the Netflix film Shirley, a narrative feature about her mentor Shirley Chisholm starring Regina King, serves as creative consultant on the docuseries.
- 4/4/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
As awards season finally comes to a close and spring arrives in full swing, today we’re excited to celebrate and welcome our newest cohort of six incredible Fellows into the 2024 Film Independent Amplifier Fellowship, supported by founding sponsor Netflix and its Fund for Creative Equity. Now in its third year, the program provides direct support to emerging and mid-career Black or African American filmmakers.
Over the course of the twelve-month program, Amplifier Fellows will receive bespoke support to propel their careers and a selected project forward both creatively and strategically, as well as customized mentorship pairings including a Netflix executive as an industry advisor and also a board member from Film Independent.
Each Fellow will also receive professional coaching in partnership with Renee Freedman & Co, and financial and coaching in partnership with The Jill James. Each Fellow will also receive a $30,000 unrestricted grant (!) to provide sustainability and/or support their creative endeavors.
Over the course of the twelve-month program, Amplifier Fellows will receive bespoke support to propel their careers and a selected project forward both creatively and strategically, as well as customized mentorship pairings including a Netflix executive as an industry advisor and also a board member from Film Independent.
Each Fellow will also receive professional coaching in partnership with Renee Freedman & Co, and financial and coaching in partnership with The Jill James. Each Fellow will also receive a $30,000 unrestricted grant (!) to provide sustainability and/or support their creative endeavors.
- 3/13/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
Exclusive: Film Independent has named the Fellows and projects selected for the 2024 edition of its Amplifier Fellowship, a program that provides direct support to emerging and mid-career Black or African American filmmakers. They are Zandashé Brown (The Matriarch), Moira Griffin (The Prince of 7th Ave: The Legend of WilliWear/Willi Smith), Crystal Kayiza (The Gardeners), Mobolaji Olambiwonnu (Chosen Fathers), Avril Speaks (Pure), and Monique Walton (Anita).
Over the course of the year-long program, supported by Netflix and its Fund for Creative Equity, Fellows will receive bespoke support to further both their career and current projects as well as customized mentorship pairings with a Netflix executive and board member from Film Independent. Each will also receive professional coaching in partnership with Renee Freedman & Co, financial and business advisement in partnership with The Jill James, and a $30,000 unrestricted grant, intended to support the sustainability of their creative endeavors.
“The Amplifier Fellowship provides...
Over the course of the year-long program, supported by Netflix and its Fund for Creative Equity, Fellows will receive bespoke support to further both their career and current projects as well as customized mentorship pairings with a Netflix executive and board member from Film Independent. Each will also receive professional coaching in partnership with Renee Freedman & Co, financial and business advisement in partnership with The Jill James, and a $30,000 unrestricted grant, intended to support the sustainability of their creative endeavors.
“The Amplifier Fellowship provides...
- 3/13/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Once upon a time, there was a lack of new shows in December.
With the rise of streaming, there is plenty to watch this coming week.
Check out our recommendations below.
Saturday, December 3
8/7c A New Orleans Noel (Lifetime)
Lifetime veteran Keshia Knight Pulliam stars in this heartwarming, star-studded film alongside her husband, Brad James, and the legendary Patti Labelle in this sweet movie that explores love, found family, and grief in the beautiful city of New Orleans.
Grace connects with an old classmate and friendly rival while working on the iconic Praline Queen’s home and founds family and love along the way.
Don’t forget to check out our exclusive interview with the co-writer and director, Angela Tucker
.
Sunday, December 4
8/7c Family Law (The CW)
This Sunday’s episode is all about motherhood. Abby and Daniel defend two sisters whose estranged mother wants parental support.
The case triggers...
With the rise of streaming, there is plenty to watch this coming week.
Check out our recommendations below.
Saturday, December 3
8/7c A New Orleans Noel (Lifetime)
Lifetime veteran Keshia Knight Pulliam stars in this heartwarming, star-studded film alongside her husband, Brad James, and the legendary Patti Labelle in this sweet movie that explores love, found family, and grief in the beautiful city of New Orleans.
Grace connects with an old classmate and friendly rival while working on the iconic Praline Queen’s home and founds family and love along the way.
Don’t forget to check out our exclusive interview with the co-writer and director, Angela Tucker
.
Sunday, December 4
8/7c Family Law (The CW)
This Sunday’s episode is all about motherhood. Abby and Daniel defend two sisters whose estranged mother wants parental support.
The case triggers...
- 12/3/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
It's A Wonderful Lifetime continues to deliver heartwarming stories about family, love, and the beauty of the holiday season.
And A New Orleans Noel is the unmissable award-winning film on Lifetime's slate stacked with talented, beloved stars from Keshia Knight Pulliam to Patti Labelle. It is both a beautiful tribute to the Queen of Pralines, Loretta Harrison, and the city of New Orleans itself.
It's genuinely one of the most heartwarming films of the season. And TV Fanatic had the pleasure of speaking with director and co-writer Angela Tucker about it all. Check it out!
First off, congratulations on it winning the Audience Award at the New Orleans Film Festival. Are you still riding high from that honor? That was huge!
Yeah, it's so great. When you make these movies, you don't always get an opportunity to have them be in a film festival or get to see them in a theater.
And A New Orleans Noel is the unmissable award-winning film on Lifetime's slate stacked with talented, beloved stars from Keshia Knight Pulliam to Patti Labelle. It is both a beautiful tribute to the Queen of Pralines, Loretta Harrison, and the city of New Orleans itself.
It's genuinely one of the most heartwarming films of the season. And TV Fanatic had the pleasure of speaking with director and co-writer Angela Tucker about it all. Check it out!
First off, congratulations on it winning the Audience Award at the New Orleans Film Festival. Are you still riding high from that honor? That was huge!
Yeah, it's so great. When you make these movies, you don't always get an opportunity to have them be in a film festival or get to see them in a theater.
- 12/2/2022
- by Jasmine Blu
- TVfanatic
The Producers Guild of America has invited 11 documentary producing teams to take part in the inaugural cohort of the PGA Create lab for emerging and mid-career documentary producers from diverse backgrounds. The program, which will take place from April 25-28, is designed for producers in active development, financing and packaging of nonfiction features or series, and the producing teams are making films about topics including climate change activists, women’s roles in the Catholic Church and queer activist Sarah Hegazi.
The first cycle of PGA Create, which took place in October, spotlighted scripted feature films or series. The nonfiction cycle includes nine feature docu projects and two docuseries. In all, 20 producers will be part of the four-day session.
Sponsored by Google, PGA Create works to support producers from underrepresented backgrounds. Participants will have opportunities to hone their project pitches, attend master classes with experienced producers and build their network of...
The first cycle of PGA Create, which took place in October, spotlighted scripted feature films or series. The nonfiction cycle includes nine feature docu projects and two docuseries. In all, 20 producers will be part of the four-day session.
Sponsored by Google, PGA Create works to support producers from underrepresented backgrounds. Participants will have opportunities to hone their project pitches, attend master classes with experienced producers and build their network of...
- 4/21/2022
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Lifetime Stages ‘Sweet Magnolias’ Reunion, Leans Into Married Co-Stars for First Holiday 2022 Movies
Lifetime is getting an early grip on 2022 holiday movies. The network announced three new movies on Monday to kick off their festive programming.
“A New Orleans Noel” comes from executive producer Whoopi Goldberg and follows Grace Hill (Keshia Knight Pulliam) who finds herself working alongside her polar opposite, Anthony to fix up the home of icon Loretta Brown, portrayed by the one and only Patti Labelle. Tim Reid also stars as a man who has returned to town and catches Loretta’s eye.
“A New Orleans Noel” is produced by Evergreen Films and directed by Angela Tucker. Executive producers include Daniel Lewis, Rick Carter, Tom Leonardis and Pulliam. This will be the second Lifetime film Goldberg has produced this year, as she previously worked on “Caught in His Web.” She previously produced and starred in the network’s 2014 movie “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” and served as an...
“A New Orleans Noel” comes from executive producer Whoopi Goldberg and follows Grace Hill (Keshia Knight Pulliam) who finds herself working alongside her polar opposite, Anthony to fix up the home of icon Loretta Brown, portrayed by the one and only Patti Labelle. Tim Reid also stars as a man who has returned to town and catches Loretta’s eye.
“A New Orleans Noel” is produced by Evergreen Films and directed by Angela Tucker. Executive producers include Daniel Lewis, Rick Carter, Tom Leonardis and Pulliam. This will be the second Lifetime film Goldberg has produced this year, as she previously worked on “Caught in His Web.” She previously produced and starred in the network’s 2014 movie “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” and served as an...
- 2/28/2022
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Lifetime is already in the Christmas spirit, announcing three new movies for its annual It’s a Wonderful Lifetime holiday slate.
Patti Labelle and Keshia Knight Pulliam (Married at First Sight: Afterparty) will star in New Orleans Noel, which also features Tim Reid and Brad James, Pulliam’s real-life husband. Pulliam also executive produces alongside Whoopi Goldberg (Caught In His Web). Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer will star in and executive produce the dance-centric pic, Untitled Mario Lopez/Jana Kramer Holiday Movie (wt), which also stars comedian Cheri Oteri and Lopez’s wife, Courtney Lopez; and Drop Dead Diva alumna Brooke Elliott returns to Lifetime to headline and executive produce A Country Christmas Harmony with her Sweet Magnolias co-stars, Brandon Quinn and Danny Pintauro.
Here are complete details for the three films, provided by Lifetime.
A New Orleans Noel
Grace Hill (Pulliam) and Anthony Brown (James) could not be more different.
Patti Labelle and Keshia Knight Pulliam (Married at First Sight: Afterparty) will star in New Orleans Noel, which also features Tim Reid and Brad James, Pulliam’s real-life husband. Pulliam also executive produces alongside Whoopi Goldberg (Caught In His Web). Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer will star in and executive produce the dance-centric pic, Untitled Mario Lopez/Jana Kramer Holiday Movie (wt), which also stars comedian Cheri Oteri and Lopez’s wife, Courtney Lopez; and Drop Dead Diva alumna Brooke Elliott returns to Lifetime to headline and executive produce A Country Christmas Harmony with her Sweet Magnolias co-stars, Brandon Quinn and Danny Pintauro.
Here are complete details for the three films, provided by Lifetime.
A New Orleans Noel
Grace Hill (Pulliam) and Anthony Brown (James) could not be more different.
- 2/28/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Black List, along with IllumiNative and the Sundance Institute have selected the nine scripts for the inaugural Indigneous List, which spotlights some of the best (if not the best) Indigenous film and television writers living and working within the U.S.
Submissions for The Indigenous List kicked off in June and closed in September. The Native-led nonprofit Illuminative launched to increase the visibility of Native peoples in American society. They challenge negative narratives, stories, and stereotypes about Native peoples and provide tools to develop an accurate representation of voices of Native peoples.
Here are the scripts selected for The first Indigenous List in alphabetical order:
Bunker Boss by Joey Clift
After a nuclear war forces most of humanity into underground bunkers, a total loser must become the inspirational leader of a bunker known to execute any leader that drops below a 60% approval rating. (Animated)
Fancy Dance by Erica Tremblay...
Submissions for The Indigenous List kicked off in June and closed in September. The Native-led nonprofit Illuminative launched to increase the visibility of Native peoples in American society. They challenge negative narratives, stories, and stereotypes about Native peoples and provide tools to develop an accurate representation of voices of Native peoples.
Here are the scripts selected for The first Indigenous List in alphabetical order:
Bunker Boss by Joey Clift
After a nuclear war forces most of humanity into underground bunkers, a total loser must become the inspirational leader of a bunker known to execute any leader that drops below a 60% approval rating. (Animated)
Fancy Dance by Erica Tremblay...
- 12/8/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
At the 2018 Oscars, Mary J. Blige made history with “Mudbound” — by becoming the first Black woman to earn multiple Oscar nominations in the same year (for best supporting actress and original song). Now, she’ll be back in the Oscar race for her new song.
Variety has learned the Grammy-winning singer’s latest “See What You’ve Done” from the documentary “Belly of the Beast” will be submitted for the best original song for the 93rd Academy Awards set for next April.
You can hear parts of the song in the new trailer for the movie, directed by Erika Cohn, which offers an unflinching look at women who have been abused in the criminal justice system.
“I was moved by Erika Cohn’s important documentary ‘Belly of the Beast,'” Blige says in an email to Variety. “I immediately knew I wanted to be involved and was inspired to write...
Variety has learned the Grammy-winning singer’s latest “See What You’ve Done” from the documentary “Belly of the Beast” will be submitted for the best original song for the 93rd Academy Awards set for next April.
You can hear parts of the song in the new trailer for the movie, directed by Erika Cohn, which offers an unflinching look at women who have been abused in the criminal justice system.
“I was moved by Erika Cohn’s important documentary ‘Belly of the Beast,'” Blige says in an email to Variety. “I immediately knew I wanted to be involved and was inspired to write...
- 9/11/2020
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Firelight Media, headed by veteran documentarian Stanley Nelson, has set the inaugural list of grant recipients for two programs designed to help develop documentary film projects.
Earlier this year Nelson launched the William Greaves Fund to help mid-career filmmakers get a lift toward producing their second film project. As Nelson told Variety‘s “Strictly Business” podcast in March, he knows how hard it can be to get going on a new project after pouring everything into a first labor of love.
“In our work within the Documentary Lab over the last decade, we have seen too many talented filmmakers of color leave the field because they cannot get proper support to make their next project. The William Greaves Fund is Firelight’s response to this persistent problem,” said Loira Limbal, Firelight’s senior VP of programs. “We’ve also consistently seen filmmakers of color struggle to get the resources they...
Earlier this year Nelson launched the William Greaves Fund to help mid-career filmmakers get a lift toward producing their second film project. As Nelson told Variety‘s “Strictly Business” podcast in March, he knows how hard it can be to get going on a new project after pouring everything into a first labor of love.
“In our work within the Documentary Lab over the last decade, we have seen too many talented filmmakers of color leave the field because they cannot get proper support to make their next project. The William Greaves Fund is Firelight’s response to this persistent problem,” said Loira Limbal, Firelight’s senior VP of programs. “We’ve also consistently seen filmmakers of color struggle to get the resources they...
- 8/21/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Jada Pinkett Smith is giving a powerful inside look into transracial adoption.
On Monday’s Red Table Talk, the actress, 47, her mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris and daughter Willow Smith sat down with Angela Tucker, a black adoptee who was raised by a white family.
Tucker was diagnosed with a form of cerebral palsy at birth and was placed for adoption by her birth mother, Deborah Johnson, who was not able to raise her due to homelessness.
Her adoptive parents, David and Teresa Burt, raised her and provided her with all her medical needs. The outcome, however, has caused conflict within Tucker.
On Monday’s Red Table Talk, the actress, 47, her mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris and daughter Willow Smith sat down with Angela Tucker, a black adoptee who was raised by a white family.
Tucker was diagnosed with a form of cerebral palsy at birth and was placed for adoption by her birth mother, Deborah Johnson, who was not able to raise her due to homelessness.
Her adoptive parents, David and Teresa Burt, raised her and provided her with all her medical needs. The outcome, however, has caused conflict within Tucker.
- 10/22/2019
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
Tribeca Film Institute (Tfi) and Pond5 have once again teamed up to offer microgrants to indie filmmakers and artists.
The grants, which go as high as $7,500, are intended to help storytellers during “in-between” phases of their projects, such as research, festival travel or community screenings. They’re the kind of unexpected costs that can lead to financial heartache for artists who are already tight on cash.
“These filmmakers shouldn’t be putting stuff on their personal credit cards and in many cases they simply can’t,” said Amy Hobby, executive director of Tribeca Film Institute. “We want to help with the things that don’t often make it into an independent film budget.”
Seven projects were selected for the awards from a pool of more than 200 applicants. Artists being honored are Erika Cohn and Angela Tucker (“Belly of the Beast”); Zoe Miranda (“Blue Hour”); Matt Fifer, Kieran Mulcare, Ramfis Myrthil...
The grants, which go as high as $7,500, are intended to help storytellers during “in-between” phases of their projects, such as research, festival travel or community screenings. They’re the kind of unexpected costs that can lead to financial heartache for artists who are already tight on cash.
“These filmmakers shouldn’t be putting stuff on their personal credit cards and in many cases they simply can’t,” said Amy Hobby, executive director of Tribeca Film Institute. “We want to help with the things that don’t often make it into an independent film budget.”
Seven projects were selected for the awards from a pool of more than 200 applicants. Artists being honored are Erika Cohn and Angela Tucker (“Belly of the Beast”); Zoe Miranda (“Blue Hour”); Matt Fifer, Kieran Mulcare, Ramfis Myrthil...
- 7/18/2019
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Indie studio Gunpowder & Sky is teaming up with Flavor Unit -- Queen Latifah’s 24-year-old production company -- on a new teen comedy called Paper Chase.
In addition to executive producing the project, Latifah will also appear in the film, which is about a well-meaning New Orleans teenager who throws a giant party in order to pay for her college education.
Gunpowder & Sky is the content studio founded by former MTV and Viacom execs Van Toffler and Floris Bauer. Toffler will serve as an Ep on the project as well, as will Latifah’s business partner, Shakim Compere, with whom she founded Flavor Unit in 1995. Loretha Jones (The Fighting Temptations) will executive produce. Paper Chase was created by writers Angela Tucker (who will direct) and Lauren Domino (who will produce). On Gunpwoder’s end, the film will be managed by Svp of development David Harris and VP of development and production Tara Bilik.
In addition to executive producing the project, Latifah will also appear in the film, which is about a well-meaning New Orleans teenager who throws a giant party in order to pay for her college education.
Gunpowder & Sky is the content studio founded by former MTV and Viacom execs Van Toffler and Floris Bauer. Toffler will serve as an Ep on the project as well, as will Latifah’s business partner, Shakim Compere, with whom she founded Flavor Unit in 1995. Loretha Jones (The Fighting Temptations) will executive produce. Paper Chase was created by writers Angela Tucker (who will direct) and Lauren Domino (who will produce). On Gunpwoder’s end, the film will be managed by Svp of development David Harris and VP of development and production Tara Bilik.
- 4/1/2019
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere’s Flavor Unit production company is teaming with Gunpowder & Sky for the teen comedy Paper Chase, in which the Oscar-nominated actress also will star.
The comedy follows Alicia, an ideal-driven, well-meaning New Orleans teenager ready to reinvent herself at the fictional Kensington University in Atlanta. When Alicia can’t pay her tuition fees, she and her cash-strapped mom, Valerie, must find a way to get the funds. With help from her best friend Jamilla, Alicia plans to throw a rager to raise the money to keep her college dream alive.
Latifah and Compere will serve as executive producer of the film alongside Van Toffler of Gunpowder & Sky. Angela Tucker is set to direct Paper Chase, which she co-wrote with Lauren Domino, who will also produce. Loretha Jones is also set to executive produce.
“Shakim and I have known Van forever, and we’re thrilled to...
The comedy follows Alicia, an ideal-driven, well-meaning New Orleans teenager ready to reinvent herself at the fictional Kensington University in Atlanta. When Alicia can’t pay her tuition fees, she and her cash-strapped mom, Valerie, must find a way to get the funds. With help from her best friend Jamilla, Alicia plans to throw a rager to raise the money to keep her college dream alive.
Latifah and Compere will serve as executive producer of the film alongside Van Toffler of Gunpowder & Sky. Angela Tucker is set to direct Paper Chase, which she co-wrote with Lauren Domino, who will also produce. Loretha Jones is also set to executive produce.
“Shakim and I have known Van forever, and we’re thrilled to...
- 4/1/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Queen Latifah will appear in and produce the teen comedy “Paper Chase” movie through her Flavor Unit production company along with Gunpowder & Sky.
Latifah and Shakim Compere, who founded Flavor Unit in 1995, will executive produce with Gunpowder & Sky’s Van Toffler.
“Paper Chase” was created by writers Angela Tucker and Lauren Domino. Tucker (“All Styles”) will direct while Domino will produce. Loretha Jones is also set to executive produce.
“Shakim and I have known Van forever and we’re thrilled to collaborate with him and his team,” said Latifah. “This film is exactly what we love to do, make fun and energetic projects that audiences have a blast going to see. Lauren Domino and Angela Tucker are such great talents and we can’t wait to get started.”
The story will follow an ideal driven, well-meaning New Orleans teenager named Alicia, who is ready to reinvent herself at Kensington University in Atlanta.
Latifah and Shakim Compere, who founded Flavor Unit in 1995, will executive produce with Gunpowder & Sky’s Van Toffler.
“Paper Chase” was created by writers Angela Tucker and Lauren Domino. Tucker (“All Styles”) will direct while Domino will produce. Loretha Jones is also set to executive produce.
“Shakim and I have known Van forever and we’re thrilled to collaborate with him and his team,” said Latifah. “This film is exactly what we love to do, make fun and energetic projects that audiences have a blast going to see. Lauren Domino and Angela Tucker are such great talents and we can’t wait to get started.”
The story will follow an ideal driven, well-meaning New Orleans teenager named Alicia, who is ready to reinvent herself at Kensington University in Atlanta.
- 4/1/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Queen Latifah is set to executive produce a new teen comedy called “Paper Chase” along with Gunpowder & Sky’s Van Toffler, Gunpowder & Sky announced Monday.
Latifah will produce on behalf of her production company Flavor Unit, and she will also make an appearance in the film to be directed by Angela Tucker. Tucker co-wrote the film with Lauren Domino, who will also produce. Loretha Jones is also set as an executive producer.
“Paper Chase” is a teen comedy that follows Alicia, an ideal driven, well-meaning New Orleans teenager ready to reinvent herself at the fictional college, Kensington University in Atlanta. When Alicia can’t pay her tuition fees, she and her cash-strapped mom must find a way to get the funds. With help from her best friend, Alicia plans to throw a rager to raise the money to keep her college dream alive.
Also Read: Queen Latifah, Lee Daniels on...
Latifah will produce on behalf of her production company Flavor Unit, and she will also make an appearance in the film to be directed by Angela Tucker. Tucker co-wrote the film with Lauren Domino, who will also produce. Loretha Jones is also set as an executive producer.
“Paper Chase” is a teen comedy that follows Alicia, an ideal driven, well-meaning New Orleans teenager ready to reinvent herself at the fictional college, Kensington University in Atlanta. When Alicia can’t pay her tuition fees, she and her cash-strapped mom must find a way to get the funds. With help from her best friend, Alicia plans to throw a rager to raise the money to keep her college dream alive.
Also Read: Queen Latifah, Lee Daniels on...
- 4/1/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Durban — With a global debate calling for greater diversity and representation onscreen, and growing demand for documentaries across borders and platforms, the organizers of the 9th Durban FilmMart (Dfm) made a concerted effort this year to add African voices to the conversation.
“For Africa, documentary filmmaking is such an important space, in terms of developing content and really understanding how to tell stories to audiences through cinema,” said Toni Monty, head of the Durban Film Office and the Dfm.
She added: “We really want to increase that focus and create a bigger space for documentaries in Durban. We inched forward on that this year, with the intention of really building that in the future.”
Eight documentaries were among the 16 African projects in development taking part in this year’s finance forum at the Dfm. Before pitching to an audience of leading broadcasters, financiers, funding bodies, and other potential investors, the...
“For Africa, documentary filmmaking is such an important space, in terms of developing content and really understanding how to tell stories to audiences through cinema,” said Toni Monty, head of the Durban Film Office and the Dfm.
She added: “We really want to increase that focus and create a bigger space for documentaries in Durban. We inched forward on that this year, with the intention of really building that in the future.”
Eight documentaries were among the 16 African projects in development taking part in this year’s finance forum at the Dfm. Before pitching to an audience of leading broadcasters, financiers, funding bodies, and other potential investors, the...
- 7/28/2018
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, the City of Los Angeles sets Buster Keaton Day and deals are made for “The Life, Blood and Rhythm of Randy Castillo” and dance drama “All Styles.”
Honor
The City of Los Angeles has declared that June 16 will be Buster Keaton Day in honor of the pioneering comedian and filmmaker.
A bronze plaque commemorating the location of a movie studio where both Keaton and Charlie Chaplin created their timeless comedies in the early part of the 20th Century will be dedicated at 4 p.m. on June 16 at 1021 Lillian Ave., near the intersection of Eleanor Avenue and Lillian Way in Los Angeles. The dedication and and several other events have been organized by the International Buster Keaton Society to remedy the incorrect placement of a similar plaque in 1988.
Scheduled guests include Los Angeles councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, film historian Leonard Maltin, and members of Keaton’s family,...
Honor
The City of Los Angeles has declared that June 16 will be Buster Keaton Day in honor of the pioneering comedian and filmmaker.
A bronze plaque commemorating the location of a movie studio where both Keaton and Charlie Chaplin created their timeless comedies in the early part of the 20th Century will be dedicated at 4 p.m. on June 16 at 1021 Lillian Ave., near the intersection of Eleanor Avenue and Lillian Way in Los Angeles. The dedication and and several other events have been organized by the International Buster Keaton Society to remedy the incorrect placement of a similar plaque in 1988.
Scheduled guests include Los Angeles councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, film historian Leonard Maltin, and members of Keaton’s family,...
- 5/22/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Camden/Tfi Filmmaker Retreat presented by CNN Films to take place in Maine.
Tribeca Film Institute (Tfi) top brass on Monday unveiled the third annual Filmmaker retreat in partnership with Points North Institute and CNN Films.
The event kicked off on Monday (19) in Camden and Rockport, Maine, and will run for six days, offering five Us-based documentary filmmaking teams with professional guidance and mentorship.
This year’s selected projects explore various issues facing Americans today, from Islamic radicalisation to immigration, birth tourism, reproductive rights, and national parks.
The retreat participants are:
Belly Of The Beast – Erika Cohn (director-producer); Angela Tucker (producer)
Border South – Raul O. Paz Pastrana (director-producer-cinematographer); Ellen Knechel (editor-co-producer)
How To Have An American Baby – Leslie Tai (director-producer); Jillian Schultz (co-producer)
The Mountain And The Magic City – Bridget Besaw (director-producer); Ben Severance (director-producer)
The Youth – Eunice Lau (director-producer); Arthur Nazaryan (director-producer).
Industry mentors include filmmaker Amir Bar Lev (The Tillman Story, Long Strange Trip); [link...
Tribeca Film Institute (Tfi) top brass on Monday unveiled the third annual Filmmaker retreat in partnership with Points North Institute and CNN Films.
The event kicked off on Monday (19) in Camden and Rockport, Maine, and will run for six days, offering five Us-based documentary filmmaking teams with professional guidance and mentorship.
This year’s selected projects explore various issues facing Americans today, from Islamic radicalisation to immigration, birth tourism, reproductive rights, and national parks.
The retreat participants are:
Belly Of The Beast – Erika Cohn (director-producer); Angela Tucker (producer)
Border South – Raul O. Paz Pastrana (director-producer-cinematographer); Ellen Knechel (editor-co-producer)
How To Have An American Baby – Leslie Tai (director-producer); Jillian Schultz (co-producer)
The Mountain And The Magic City – Bridget Besaw (director-producer); Ben Severance (director-producer)
The Youth – Eunice Lau (director-producer); Arthur Nazaryan (director-producer).
Industry mentors include filmmaker Amir Bar Lev (The Tillman Story, Long Strange Trip); [link...
- 6/19/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
One thing that’s easy for podcast fans to forget: There are people who don’t listen to podcasts. For the newly initiated, it’s hard to figure out where to look first. No fear: we’ve gathered a few of our favorite film-related shows. Some are hundreds of episodes deep into their runs, so we’ve also provided some good places to start. Enjoy.
Read More: 13 Must-Listen Podcast Episodes for March 2017
Black List Table Reads
Scripted podcasts come in all kinds; sci-fi, alternate history, period piece, and superhero shows only beginning to crack the list. Franklin Leonard and the team behind the Black List Table Reads have found a way to combine the appeal of those shows with the script-based hook of the site that gives the show its name. Producing feature-length scripts with an impressive roster of actors, the show has evolved to become something more than...
Read More: 13 Must-Listen Podcast Episodes for March 2017
Black List Table Reads
Scripted podcasts come in all kinds; sci-fi, alternate history, period piece, and superhero shows only beginning to crack the list. Franklin Leonard and the team behind the Black List Table Reads have found a way to combine the appeal of those shows with the script-based hook of the site that gives the show its name. Producing feature-length scripts with an impressive roster of actors, the show has evolved to become something more than...
- 4/13/2017
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
The EuropaCorp chief has dropped new images from his upcoming $180m sci-fi adventure Valerian And The City of A Thousand Planets ahead of the release of the new teaser trailer on Thursday.
Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne star as the lovebird adventurers in Besson’s adaptation of the French comic book.
EuropaCorp showed the trailer to buyers at Afm and has scheduled a July 21 release next summer in the Us with the UK, France, Germany, Brazil and Argentina opening on the same weekend.
Principal photography on Broad Green’s horror-thriller Wish Upon, which was a popular title for international sales agent Mister Smith at the Afm, is underway in Toronto. Joey King, Ryan Phillippe and Ki Hong Lee star and John Leonetti directs the story about a bullied teenager who finds a cursed music box. Barbara Marshall wrote the screenplay. Busted Shark’s Sherryl Clark produces and Broad Green Pictures’ Gabriel Hammond and Daniel Hammond serve as executive...
Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne star as the lovebird adventurers in Besson’s adaptation of the French comic book.
EuropaCorp showed the trailer to buyers at Afm and has scheduled a July 21 release next summer in the Us with the UK, France, Germany, Brazil and Argentina opening on the same weekend.
Principal photography on Broad Green’s horror-thriller Wish Upon, which was a popular title for international sales agent Mister Smith at the Afm, is underway in Toronto. Joey King, Ryan Phillippe and Ki Hong Lee star and John Leonetti directs the story about a bullied teenager who finds a cursed music box. Barbara Marshall wrote the screenplay. Busted Shark’s Sherryl Clark produces and Broad Green Pictures’ Gabriel Hammond and Daniel Hammond serve as executive...
- 11/9/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The fourth and final season of “Black Folk Don’t,” the satirical documentary web series which we’ve followed on this blog over the years, is back just in time for the 2016 presidential election. Directed by Angela Tucker, the series premiered on Monday… Continue Reading →...
- 9/28/2016
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
The fourth and final season of “Black Folk Don’t,” the satirical documentary web series which we’ve followed on this blog over the years, is back just in time for the 2016 presidential election. Directed by Angela Tucker, the series premieres on… Continue Reading →...
- 9/21/2016
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
Details below on a new crowdfunding campaign from filmmakers Angela Tucker and Lauren Domino for a film titled "Paper Chase," which is inspired by teen comedies from their youth (like "Sixteen Candles" and "Say Anything"), most which were devoid of black characters, or relaying some specific "black experience." The filmmakers have set up a Kickstarter campaign to raise $50,000, and with just over a day to go (as of the time of this post), they've raised most of it, or around $40,300. So they need to raise another $9,700 or so in the next 26 hours (as of the time of this posting) for the campaign to be successful. So, in the interest of...
- 12/3/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Time, Inc. is about to drop one of its first major online video projects. As part of its larger digital video strategy, the publishing giant is releasing its anthology-style documentary series New Orleans, Here & Now across multiple digital platforms on August 27, 2015, nearly ten years after the Hurricane Katrina disaster.
Produced alongside Killer Films, Field Office Films, and production and distribution company Rampante, New Orleans, Here & Now contains six different short films centered on the lives of individuals living in the post-Katrina Louisiana city. For example, one of the documentary’s episodes will cover the story of an oyster farmer and his decades-long quest to build a boat, while another segment will show four high school seniors, who were only eight when Katrina hit, preparing for graduation.
Time will release New Orleans, Here & Now on its own website; visitors to Time.com will be able to view one of the six segments of the documentary,...
Produced alongside Killer Films, Field Office Films, and production and distribution company Rampante, New Orleans, Here & Now contains six different short films centered on the lives of individuals living in the post-Katrina Louisiana city. For example, one of the documentary’s episodes will cover the story of an oyster farmer and his decades-long quest to build a boat, while another segment will show four high school seniors, who were only eight when Katrina hit, preparing for graduation.
Time will release New Orleans, Here & Now on its own website; visitors to Time.com will be able to view one of the six segments of the documentary,...
- 8/18/2015
- by Bree Brouwer
- Tubefilter.com
Read More: Rampante's Doc Series 'New Orleans, Here and Now' to Honor 10th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina New Orleans has always served as one of America's most culturally rich cities. After the tragedies of Hurricane Katrina, there was no real concerted effort to track and document the progress of rebuilding the infrastructure and political makeup of the Louisiana city, but "New Orleans, Here and Now" is about to change that. The docu-series, directed by John Maringouin, Darius Clark Monroe, Angela Tucker, Lily Keber, Zach Godshall and Katie Dellamaggiore, is a collection of short films that inspire reflection of the city's resurgence through gripping personal stories spanning multiple generations. From Tiffany Junot's path to becoming the World Boxing Council Welterweight Champion of the World to the musical talents of the Tbc Brass Band to the family history of a beloved Vietnamese restaurant, "New Orleans, Here & Now" offers a unique...
- 8/18/2015
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Read More: New Orleans Film Festival Locks Down Narrative and Documentary Competitions; Female Filmmakers Dominate Lineup New Orleans has always served as one of America's most culturally and historically rich cities. After the tragedies of Hurricane Katrina, there was no real concerted effort to track and document the progress, rebuilding and politics of the Louisiana city. As we approach the 10th anniversary of the natural disaster, however, Rampante's documentary series "New Orleans, Here and Now" will serve as a major contributor to this narrative. The docu-series is directed by John Maringouin. Darius Clark Monroe, Angela Tucker, Lily Keber, Zach Godshall and Katie Dellamaggiore. Christine Vachon, Patricia Clarkson, Scott Bakula and Pamela Koffler all serve as executive producers. The series will launch in August, marking the first release from the partnership between Time Inc. and Rampante. "Rampante's first series is a reflection of our commitment to...
- 7/15/2015
- by Sarah Choi
- Indiewire
Yaya DaCosta hosts the 7th season of the engaging documentary series (previously highlighted on this blog) "AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange," a series of independent films showcasing contemporary life and culture from across the African diaspora, produced by Angela Tucker and directed by Duana Butler. This season, audiences will be taken around the globe, from Jamaica to the Sinai, in 5 projects. From the tale of a mother trying to save her unborn child from the HIV virus in "The Carrier" (Zambia); young soccer playing women changing their country in Senegal, in "Ladies Turn;" a heartbreaking story of kidnap for ransom in the Sinai in...
- 1/15/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Winners of the 7th Annual Cinema Eye Honors, recognizing the best documentaries of the year, were revealed and Joshua Oppenheimer's "The Act of Killing" (one of my faves of 2013) won the Outstanding Achievement in Nonfiction Feature Filmmaking while Sarah Polley took home the Outstanding Achievement in Direction for "Stories We Tell."
Another big winner was Zachary Heinzerling's "Cutie and the Boxer" which won Outstanding Debut for Heinzerling, Outstanding Graphics and Animation for production company Art Jail and Outstanding Original Score for Yasuaki Shimizu.
Incidentally, all three movies are part of the Oscar shortlist for Best Documentary, so we'll see if they all make the cut when the Academy Award nominations are revealed on January 16.
Here are the complete winners of the 7th Annual Cinema Eye Honors:
Outstanding Achievement in Nonfiction Feature Filmmaking
The Act of Killing
Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer
Produced by Signe Byrge Sørensen
Presented by...
Another big winner was Zachary Heinzerling's "Cutie and the Boxer" which won Outstanding Debut for Heinzerling, Outstanding Graphics and Animation for production company Art Jail and Outstanding Original Score for Yasuaki Shimizu.
Incidentally, all three movies are part of the Oscar shortlist for Best Documentary, so we'll see if they all make the cut when the Academy Award nominations are revealed on January 16.
Here are the complete winners of the 7th Annual Cinema Eye Honors:
Outstanding Achievement in Nonfiction Feature Filmmaking
The Act of Killing
Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer
Produced by Signe Byrge Sørensen
Presented by...
- 1/10/2014
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
This week premiered Season 3 of Black Folk Don't, director-producer Angela Tucker's satirical documentary web series exploring common stereotypes about African Americans. This season, the series heads to California for interviews with celebrities including Fishbone's John Norwood Fisher, filmmaker Ava DuVernay, actress LisaGay Hamilton, and feminist Sikivu Hutchinson, as well as everyday black people tackling topics like whether black folk go green, do feminism, or join the NRA. I recently had a chance to screen Season 3 and talk with Tucker about making the series. Jai Tiggett: Tell me about what inspired you to make Black Folk Don't.Angela Tucker: A few years ago Black Public...
- 12/5/2013
- by Jai Tiggett
- ShadowAndAct
Here's your daily dose of an indie film in progress; at the end of the week, you'll have the chance to vote for your favorite. In the meantime: Is this a movie you’d want to see? Tell us in the comments. "Just the Three of Us" Tweetable Logline: Just The Three Of Us is a short fiction film about a couple in their 70s looking to spice up their marriage. Elevator Pitch: Just The Three Of Us is a short fiction film about Regina, an African-American woman and Hank, a Caucasian man who have been married for 50 years. As with many long marriages, the passion quietly fizzled out a while ago so they made a radical decision, “What about a threesome?” The short takes place one afternoon in a Brooklyn coffee house where they meet people who respond to their ad in Craigslist's Casual Encounters. Through these meetings, they...
- 9/5/2013
- by Indiewire
- Indiewire
Angela Tucker (creator of the awesome Black Folk Don’t web series previously featured on this blog, as well as producer of Yoruba Richen's award-winning new documentary The New Black) is putting on her director hat this time around to helm a short film titled Just The Three Of Us, which center on a couple in their 70s who decide to spice up their marriage by putting an ad in Casual Encounters for a threesome. But it's not all jokes, as you might immediately think based on that description, because, as Angela says, the film is both funny and sad. She's already shored-up her starring trio, which should impress: Tony and Emmy Award...
- 9/3/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The 3rd Annual Doc NYC festival has announced a full list of their Doc-a-Thon panelists and competition jury members. Its twenty Doc-a-Thon panels and masterclasses will spread over five days, with different themes each day ("Get the Money"; "Shoot Your Doc"; "Finish Your Doc"; "Protect Your Rights"; and "Reach Your Audience"). Filmmakers Liz Garbus ("Love, Marilyn"), Bart Layton ("The Imposter"), Alex Gibney ("Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God") and New York Magazine's David Edelstein will be among participants present at the events. The full lineup is below. Get The Money: Tap Into TV (Fri., Nov. 9) - David McKillop (A&E indieFilms), Sara Bernstein (HBO Documentary Films), Chris White (Pov), Vinnie Malhotra (CNN Films), Angela Tucker (moderator) Get The Money: Tap Into Crowds (Fri., Nov. 9) - Slava Rubin (Indiegogo), Gary Hustwit (Urbanized), Cheryl...
- 11/5/2012
- by Justin Krajeski
- Indiewire
Created by director/producer Angela Tucker, watch episode 6 (embedded below) in the Black Folk Don't docu-series - this one titled Black Folk Don't Get Married. But first... It seems like now a days it's hard to find black folk who are ready and willing to say I do, at least that's what all the media coverage about single black women says. Is this a generational issue or are black folk allergic too long term commitment? Or are they just committing in different ways outside the mainstream? As a black man in America in his 30s, who isn't entirely sold on the idea of marriage as the ultimate (or only) form of commitment, and who doesn't buy into the...
- 7/31/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Created by director/producer Angela Tucker, we featured season 1 of this series last year; fans will be pleased to know that season 2 is in full swing, with episode 5 embedded below; this one titled Black Folk Don't: Commit Suicide. But first... Suicide usually isn't an option for black folks, especially since there is a whole host of reasons why our mortality rate is so high, but is this always true? Given some recent high profile suicides and apparent suicides in the black community, is there more room to have this discussion now? Watch season 2, episode 5, on black folks and suicide below:...
- 7/24/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Created by director/producer Angela Tucker, we featured season 1 of this series last year; fans will be pleased to know that season 2 is in full swing, with episode 4 embedded below; this one titled Black Folk Don't: Do Atheism. But first... When is the last time you met a black atheist? Having faith has been a long tradition for black folk in the Us and across the world? So is it true that black folk don't do atheism? No, it's not true. You're reading the words of an atheist, who also happens to be black; and there are countless others. Blasphemy, right? Watch season 2, episode 4, on black folks and atheism below:...
- 7/17/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The project continues to attract attention where it really counts, and that's great. Good for Yoruba Richen and her work-in-progress feature documentary titled The New Black. which has been selected as one of 11 projects for the Sundance Institute's annual Creative Producing Labs and Creative Producing Summit As we announced in April, she was honored with the Creative Promise Award at Tribeca All Access for her explosive new documentary, and a 2012 Guggenheim Fellowship for the same project. Yvonne Whelbon and Angela Tucker are listed as producers on the upcoming project. The full list of 11 projects...
- 7/16/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
2012 has been a good year thus far for director Yoruba Richen and her work-in-progress feature documentary titled The New Black. As we announced in April, she was honored with the Creative Promise Award at Tribeca All Access for her explosive new documentary, The New Black - an upcoming project we've profiled here on S&A. Yvonne Whelbon and Angela Tucker are listed as producers. The New Black is a documentary that "uncovers the complicated histories of the African-American and Lgbt civil-rights movements," as the short, simple description reads (its Facebook page describes it "an explosive new...
- 7/12/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Created by director/producer Angela Tucker, we featured season 1 of this series last year; fans will be pleased to know that season 2 is in full swing, with episode 2 embedded below; this one titled Black Folk Don't: Have Eating Disorders. But first... What is the danger in assuming that black folk don't have issues with their body? What happens when there is no room for discussion for black folk to discuss eating disorders? Or maybe black folk don't actually have any eating disorders? Where does stereotype end and truth begin? Watch season 2, episode 3, on black folks and camping below:...
- 7/10/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Created by director/producer Angela Tucker, we featured season 1 of this series last year; fans will be pleased to know that season 2 is in full swing, with episode 2 embedded below; this one titled Black Folk Don't: Camp. But first... Black Public Media is thrilled to announce the launch of the second season of Black Folk Don’t, a satirical, documentary web series that challenges common stereotypes. Provocative, irreverent, and engaging, Black Folk Don’t asks uncomfortable questions and stirs dialogue about common assumptions of the behavior of black people. The entire series is available online at blackfolkdont.com and BlackPublicMedia.org. In some cases,...
- 7/3/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Created by director/producer Angela Tucker, we featured season 1 of this series last year; fans will be pleased to know that season 2 premiered this morning, and episode 1 is embedded below. But first... Black Public Media is thrilled to announce the launch of the second season of Black Folk Don’t, a satirical, documentary web series that challenges common stereotypes. Provocative, irreverent, and engaging, Black Folk Don’t asks uncomfortable questions and stirs dialogue about common assumptions of the behavior of black people. The entire series is available online at blackfolkdont.com and BlackPublicMedia.org. In some cases, “Black folks don’t” is...
- 6/26/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
In the Works: Doc-a-Month Sparrow Songs, Asexuality Movement, Volcano Life, & Sierra Leone Civil War
This week's in production column takes a look at Sparrow Songs, a project where two filmmakers, Alex Jablonski and Michael Totten, make a short documentary each month. Also profiled are two projects from Kickstarter: Angela Tucker's documentary on the American asexuality movement and a profile of a town living at the base of a dangerous volcano. Finally, we profile a documentary project that was a part of the Independent Filmmakers Project ...
- 8/5/2010
- Indiewire
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