Michael D. Ratner is being singled out as Storyteller of the Year.
The veteran director, producer and content guru, who serves as founder and CEO of Obb Media, has been tapped to receive the special honors from Project Healthy Minds at the nonprofit’s fundraising gala, set for New York’s Spring Studios on Oct. 10. The timing coincides with World Mental Health Day and the organization’s World Mental Health Day Festival.
The honor comes after Ratner has made a name for himself as a music video director turned documentary storyteller and entrepreneur working with some of the world’s most famous pop stars like Justin Bieber and Demi Lovato. His credits, some of which destigmatize the mental health conversation, include the Kid Laroi’s Kids Are Growing Up: A Story About a Kid Named Laroi, Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil and Justin Bieber: Seasons. His other credits include...
The veteran director, producer and content guru, who serves as founder and CEO of Obb Media, has been tapped to receive the special honors from Project Healthy Minds at the nonprofit’s fundraising gala, set for New York’s Spring Studios on Oct. 10. The timing coincides with World Mental Health Day and the organization’s World Mental Health Day Festival.
The honor comes after Ratner has made a name for himself as a music video director turned documentary storyteller and entrepreneur working with some of the world’s most famous pop stars like Justin Bieber and Demi Lovato. His credits, some of which destigmatize the mental health conversation, include the Kid Laroi’s Kids Are Growing Up: A Story About a Kid Named Laroi, Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil and Justin Bieber: Seasons. His other credits include...
- 5/29/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kevin Hart has become a popular face in the world of comic actors and is one of the most prolific comedians currently. The actor has entertained audiences over the years with his impeccable comic timing and unique humor. The success of his films in the 2010s like About Last Night, Get Hard, Central Intelligence, the Ride Along films, and the Jumanji franchise have made him a big star.
Kevin Hart in 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
The actor has amassed a great fortune over the years with many box office hits. The actor was recently interviewed by 60 Minutes about his life and career. When asked whether he was a billionaire, Hart put on his sarcastic wit and provided a hilarious yet sensible answer to the question.
Kevin Hart Sets The Record Straight When Asked Whether He’s a Billionaire
In addition to films, Kevin Hart also hosts the...
Kevin Hart in 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
The actor has amassed a great fortune over the years with many box office hits. The actor was recently interviewed by 60 Minutes about his life and career. When asked whether he was a billionaire, Hart put on his sarcastic wit and provided a hilarious yet sensible answer to the question.
Kevin Hart Sets The Record Straight When Asked Whether He’s a Billionaire
In addition to films, Kevin Hart also hosts the...
- 4/22/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Amazon MGM Studios on Tuesday announced Kids Are Growing Up, a feature doc on Grammy-nominated Australian singer-songwriter The Kid Laroi and his meteoric rise to fame. Directed and produced by Grammy nominee Michael D. Ratner, the founder and CEO of Obb Media, the film will be available to stream beginning February 29.
Born Charlton Howard, The Kid Laroi went from an unknown musician living in Australia to a teenage global superstar selling out his hometown arena on back-to-back nights in just three years. The film captures a unique moment in time, as Laroi enters adulthood, navigating the pressures of rapid fame, struggles with his mental health, first love, and the tragic death of his mentor — the late rapper Juice Wrld. Cameras began rolling before the success of his 2021 hit single “Stay” and continue as Laroi gears up for his first world tour and studio album. As Laroi is forced to deal...
Born Charlton Howard, The Kid Laroi went from an unknown musician living in Australia to a teenage global superstar selling out his hometown arena on back-to-back nights in just three years. The film captures a unique moment in time, as Laroi enters adulthood, navigating the pressures of rapid fame, struggles with his mental health, first love, and the tragic death of his mentor — the late rapper Juice Wrld. Cameras began rolling before the success of his 2021 hit single “Stay” and continue as Laroi gears up for his first world tour and studio album. As Laroi is forced to deal...
- 2/20/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Warner Bros. exec Jay Levine has joined Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat as its new chief executive officer. Levine replaces ex-ceo Thai Randolph, who exited the company in November after nearly seven years at the helm.
In his new role, Levine will oversee all aspects of the company’s activities including development, production, marketing, distribution and other exploitation of its IP and experiences.
His hire comes amid a strong period of growth for Hartbeat. Last year, the company released 23 projects across TV, film, digital and audio, nearly doubled its staff, and opened its new Los Angeles headquarters.
Levine spent over a decade at Warner Bros. and Warner Media before he departed after the Discovery merger. Most recently, he led strategy and operations for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, which included WB Pictures Group, HBO, and HBO Max Programming, WB Television Group, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, WB Animation, TBS, TNT,...
In his new role, Levine will oversee all aspects of the company’s activities including development, production, marketing, distribution and other exploitation of its IP and experiences.
His hire comes amid a strong period of growth for Hartbeat. Last year, the company released 23 projects across TV, film, digital and audio, nearly doubled its staff, and opened its new Los Angeles headquarters.
Levine spent over a decade at Warner Bros. and Warner Media before he departed after the Discovery merger. Most recently, he led strategy and operations for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, which included WB Pictures Group, HBO, and HBO Max Programming, WB Television Group, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, WB Animation, TBS, TNT,...
- 2/20/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat has appointed Jay Levine, who previously spent more than a decade at Warner Bros. and WarnerMedia, as CEO.
Levine takes over the chief executive role from Thai Randolph, who exited Hartbeat last fall after seven years with the company. As Hartbeat’s CEO, Levine will oversee all aspects of the multiplatform entertainment company’s activities including development, production, marketing, distribution and other exploitation of its intellectual property and experiences.
Most recently, Levine led strategy and operations for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, which included WB Pictures Group, HBO and HBO Max Programming, WB Television Group, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, WB Animation, TBS, TNT, DC, Consumer Products, Global Brands & Experiences, and other traditional and digital content businesses. He exited the company in October 2022 after Discovery’s acquisition of WarnerMedia to form Warner Bros. Discovery.
During his tenure at WB, Levine worked with all main creative divisions across development,...
Levine takes over the chief executive role from Thai Randolph, who exited Hartbeat last fall after seven years with the company. As Hartbeat’s CEO, Levine will oversee all aspects of the multiplatform entertainment company’s activities including development, production, marketing, distribution and other exploitation of its intellectual property and experiences.
Most recently, Levine led strategy and operations for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, which included WB Pictures Group, HBO and HBO Max Programming, WB Television Group, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, WB Animation, TBS, TNT, DC, Consumer Products, Global Brands & Experiences, and other traditional and digital content businesses. He exited the company in October 2022 after Discovery’s acquisition of WarnerMedia to form Warner Bros. Discovery.
During his tenure at WB, Levine worked with all main creative divisions across development,...
- 2/20/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Kevin Hart is taking a leaf out of Peyton and Eli Manning’s playbook.
The comedian is to host a Manningcast-style alternate broadcast for the NBA’s new in-season tournament. NBA Unplugged with Kevin Hart, which comes from Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions and Hart’s own Hartbeat, will air on ESPN2 on December 9
Hart will host alongside the Plastic Cup Boyz: Joey Wells, Will Horton and Na’im Lynn with special guest appearances from athletes and celebrities, much like the Manningcast has for the NFL.
After the In-Season Tournament Championship Game broadcast, seven episodes will air throughout the season tied to marquee NBA games on ESPN platforms including the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers in January and Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat in April.
Hart has previously appeared on the Manningcast where the brothers mocked Hart for his height and Hart retorted that the Mannings actually hate each other.
The comedian is to host a Manningcast-style alternate broadcast for the NBA’s new in-season tournament. NBA Unplugged with Kevin Hart, which comes from Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions and Hart’s own Hartbeat, will air on ESPN2 on December 9
Hart will host alongside the Plastic Cup Boyz: Joey Wells, Will Horton and Na’im Lynn with special guest appearances from athletes and celebrities, much like the Manningcast has for the NFL.
After the In-Season Tournament Championship Game broadcast, seven episodes will air throughout the season tied to marquee NBA games on ESPN platforms including the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers in January and Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat in April.
Hart has previously appeared on the Manningcast where the brothers mocked Hart for his height and Hart retorted that the Mannings actually hate each other.
- 12/5/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Roku and Demi Lovato are teaming up on “A Very Demi Holiday Special,” a new holiday celebration starring the singer that will stream Dec. 8 exclusively on The Roku Channel.
The special will feature Lovato performing classic holiday songs like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and “Jingle Bell Rock” — plus a surprise duet as well as a few of Lovato’s own original hits. She will also be joined throughout by a group of celebrity guests, who will be revealed at a later date.
“The holidays are such a special time of year, and I can’t wait to put my special twist on the celebrations,” Lovato said in a statement.
“A Very Demi Holiday Special” is produced by Michael Ratner’s Obb Pictures. Lovato, Michael and Scott Ratner, Kfir Goldberg, Simone Spira and Todd Yasui serve as executive producers.
“Together with Demi and the Obb Pictures team,...
The special will feature Lovato performing classic holiday songs like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and “Jingle Bell Rock” — plus a surprise duet as well as a few of Lovato’s own original hits. She will also be joined throughout by a group of celebrity guests, who will be revealed at a later date.
“The holidays are such a special time of year, and I can’t wait to put my special twist on the celebrations,” Lovato said in a statement.
“A Very Demi Holiday Special” is produced by Michael Ratner’s Obb Pictures. Lovato, Michael and Scott Ratner, Kfir Goldberg, Simone Spira and Todd Yasui serve as executive producers.
“Together with Demi and the Obb Pictures team,...
- 10/3/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Spring is in the air, and for many that means it’s time to head outside, enjoy the fine weather and wave goodbye to winter. Vizio, however, is doing its best to make sure that users of its free streaming service Vizio WatchFree+ stay inside for the season.
Watch Now $0 / month vizio.com
WatchFree+ has launched what it dubs its “Spring Showcase,” a curated collection of content that is sure to be a big hit with audiences. The collection includes a fantastic amount of exclusive content, so WatchFree+ users can feel like true VIPs as they enjoy the series and movies in the Spring Showcase.
Exclusive titles available as part of the Spring Showcase on Vizio WatchFree+ include:
“RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under” - Bow down as the empress of drag, RuPaul, crowns Down Under’s First Drag Superstar. Strut along with 10 glam Queens from Australia and New Zealand as they showcase their fashion,...
Watch Now $0 / month vizio.com
WatchFree+ has launched what it dubs its “Spring Showcase,” a curated collection of content that is sure to be a big hit with audiences. The collection includes a fantastic amount of exclusive content, so WatchFree+ users can feel like true VIPs as they enjoy the series and movies in the Spring Showcase.
Exclusive titles available as part of the Spring Showcase on Vizio WatchFree+ include:
“RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under” - Bow down as the empress of drag, RuPaul, crowns Down Under’s First Drag Superstar. Strut along with 10 glam Queens from Australia and New Zealand as they showcase their fashion,...
- 4/21/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
If you’re a user of Samsung’s free ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD)/free ad-supported TV (Fast) service Samsung TV Plus, get ready for more laughs headed your way!
Learn More $0 / month samsung.com
The service has announced that it is adding the Lol! Network to its channel lineup. Lol! Network is operated by Hartbeat, the global media company owned by renowned stand-up comedian and actor Kevin Hart. The channel is available now to all Samsung TV Plus viewers as channel 1325.
Focused on creating diverse, relevant, and innovative content, Lol! Network is billed as a place where comedy and culture meet. The channel will offer a highly curated collection of some of the most fearless voices working in the comedy genre, including Keke Palmer, Nick Cannon, and Tyler James Williams.
“The launch of Lol! Network on Samsung TV Plus exemplifies the continued diversification of Hartbeat as we grow and scale across platforms,...
Learn More $0 / month samsung.com
The service has announced that it is adding the Lol! Network to its channel lineup. Lol! Network is operated by Hartbeat, the global media company owned by renowned stand-up comedian and actor Kevin Hart. The channel is available now to all Samsung TV Plus viewers as channel 1325.
Focused on creating diverse, relevant, and innovative content, Lol! Network is billed as a place where comedy and culture meet. The channel will offer a highly curated collection of some of the most fearless voices working in the comedy genre, including Keke Palmer, Nick Cannon, and Tyler James Williams.
“The launch of Lol! Network on Samsung TV Plus exemplifies the continued diversification of Hartbeat as we grow and scale across platforms,...
- 3/22/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Professional wrestler, actress, and model Mercedes Varnado has signed with UTA for representation in all areas. The agency will help her secure new opportunities across film, television, theater and more.
Varnado is most recognized for her work in WWE under the name Sasha Banks. She exited that company in 2022 and now wrestles under the name Mercedes Moné.
In January 2023, she appeared in New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 17, which helped the company generate over 900,000 new users — the most in Njpw world history — and sell over 25k tickets, which marks the highest ticket sales for a non-wwe live event in the last three years.
In 2019, she made her acting debut in season two of the hit Disney+ series “The Mandalorian,” where she played Koska Reeves. She’s made several appearances on a number of unscripted shows including “Nick Cannon Presents: Wild N Out,” “Hot Ones,” “Barmageddon,” and “Cold As Balls.” She...
Varnado is most recognized for her work in WWE under the name Sasha Banks. She exited that company in 2022 and now wrestles under the name Mercedes Moné.
In January 2023, she appeared in New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 17, which helped the company generate over 900,000 new users — the most in Njpw world history — and sell over 25k tickets, which marks the highest ticket sales for a non-wwe live event in the last three years.
In 2019, she made her acting debut in season two of the hit Disney+ series “The Mandalorian,” where she played Koska Reeves. She’s made several appearances on a number of unscripted shows including “Nick Cannon Presents: Wild N Out,” “Hot Ones,” “Barmageddon,” and “Cold As Balls.” She...
- 2/22/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Things are about to get even icier for Kevin Hart.
The comedian's Laugh Out Loud network has renewed breakout series Cold As Balls for another two seasons.
Produced by Obb Pictures, Cold As Balls is a talk show with an unusual twist: Hart interviews all of his subjects, primarily professional athletes and people connected to the sports world, while they take ice baths. The first season debuted Feb. 8 and has featured interviews with Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas, Detroit pistons power forward Blake Griffin and basketball dad Lavar Ball.
Since its launch, Cold As Balls has become the most-watched show...
The comedian's Laugh Out Loud network has renewed breakout series Cold As Balls for another two seasons.
Produced by Obb Pictures, Cold As Balls is a talk show with an unusual twist: Hart interviews all of his subjects, primarily professional athletes and people connected to the sports world, while they take ice baths. The first season debuted Feb. 8 and has featured interviews with Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas, Detroit pistons power forward Blake Griffin and basketball dad Lavar Ball.
Since its launch, Cold As Balls has become the most-watched show...
- 3/21/2018
- by Natalie Jarvey
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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