Exclusive: Starz, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles and the National Association of Latino Independent Producers on Thursday revealed participants for the second season of the Starz #TakeTheLead Writers’ Intensive, kicking off February 5.
This year’s selection is comprised of writers from varied and often overlooked communities, aiming to embody the representation Starz champions in front of and behind the camera, and across its company. The Season 2 finalists are Christopher Au, Xavier Burgin, Caroline Guo, Lyn Alicia Henderson, Diego Lanao, Eunice Levis, Tyler Miguel Mercer, Wesley Rodriguez, Vee Saieh and Ora Yashar.
The initiative provides participants with opportunities to learn from and connect with industry professionals across the ecosystem of television, including Starz President of Original Programming Kathryn Busby, Paramount Television Studios VP of Development Gary King, Echo Lake Entertainment Manager Kim Yau, writer Charla Lauriston, WME agent Daniela Federman, HBO showrunner Amy Aniobi UTA TV lit agent Gina Reyes, Invention Studios president Nicholas (Nicky) Weinstock,...
This year’s selection is comprised of writers from varied and often overlooked communities, aiming to embody the representation Starz champions in front of and behind the camera, and across its company. The Season 2 finalists are Christopher Au, Xavier Burgin, Caroline Guo, Lyn Alicia Henderson, Diego Lanao, Eunice Levis, Tyler Miguel Mercer, Wesley Rodriguez, Vee Saieh and Ora Yashar.
The initiative provides participants with opportunities to learn from and connect with industry professionals across the ecosystem of television, including Starz President of Original Programming Kathryn Busby, Paramount Television Studios VP of Development Gary King, Echo Lake Entertainment Manager Kim Yau, writer Charla Lauriston, WME agent Daniela Federman, HBO showrunner Amy Aniobi UTA TV lit agent Gina Reyes, Invention Studios president Nicholas (Nicky) Weinstock,...
- 2/1/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Last Sundance was marked by a number of new official cultural affinity “houses” at the festival, and they will all be back.
Sunrise Collective, comprised of Daniel Dae Kim’s production banner 3Ad, Gold House and The Asian American Foundation, will again host its Sunrise House for the greater Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community, taking over the restaurant Riverhorse on Main Street during Sundance’s opening weekend, Jan. 19 to 21.
“By creating spaces that cultivate Aanhpi artists, we are building strong conduits for our stories to not only be told, but celebrated,” Taaf CEO Norman Chen said in a statement. “This year we are grateful to work with our special advisors, award-winning filmmakers and Sundance alumni Tanya Selvaratnam and Shruti Ganguly, to develop programming that elevates our collective and diverse voices.”
Sunrise House will kick off the morning of Jan. 19 with a tribute to Michael Latt, the social...
Sunrise Collective, comprised of Daniel Dae Kim’s production banner 3Ad, Gold House and The Asian American Foundation, will again host its Sunrise House for the greater Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community, taking over the restaurant Riverhorse on Main Street during Sundance’s opening weekend, Jan. 19 to 21.
“By creating spaces that cultivate Aanhpi artists, we are building strong conduits for our stories to not only be told, but celebrated,” Taaf CEO Norman Chen said in a statement. “This year we are grateful to work with our special advisors, award-winning filmmakers and Sundance alumni Tanya Selvaratnam and Shruti Ganguly, to develop programming that elevates our collective and diverse voices.”
Sunrise House will kick off the morning of Jan. 19 with a tribute to Michael Latt, the social...
- 1/16/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Earlier this month, members of the Screen Actors Guild voted to authorize a strike if their negotiating committee doesn’t reach an agreement on a new contract with major Hollywood studios by June 30. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher released a video message this week with an update on the negotiations, telling members, “We are having an [sic] extremely productive negotiations that are laser focused on all of the crucial issues you told us are most important to you. We’re standing strong and we are going to achieve a seminal deal.”
But...
But...
- 6/27/2023
- by Krystie Lee Yandoli
- Rollingstone.com
ABC’s ratings-challenged Happy Endings created a cult following thanks to its relatable stories about a group of friends in their late 20s and early 30s. While the comedy helped to launch the careers of stars Eliza Coupe (Jane), Elisha Cuthbert (Alex), Zachary Knighton (Dave), Adam Pally (Max), Damon Wayans Jr. (Brad) and Casey Wilson (Penny), behind the scenes, the Sony-produced series created by David Caspe was effectively its own showrunner training program. As Rutherford Falls creator Sierra Teller Ornelas revealed in a recent Twitter thread, Happy Endings had 23 writers over its three seasons, with an incredible 21 — including assistants — becoming showrunners.
During this week’s TV’s Top 5 podcast, hosts Lesley Goldberg and Daniel Fienberg reunite 14 of the Happy Endings writers to build off Ornelas’ thread and discuss, in light of the ongoing Writers Guild strike, the benefits of having a traditional writers rooms, why having writers on set...
During this week’s TV’s Top 5 podcast, hosts Lesley Goldberg and Daniel Fienberg reunite 14 of the Happy Endings writers to build off Ornelas’ thread and discuss, in light of the ongoing Writers Guild strike, the benefits of having a traditional writers rooms, why having writers on set...
- 6/16/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cluemaster and his wife are coming to Gotham Knights: Real-life marrieds Ethan Embry (Grace and Frankie) and Sunny Mabrey (Once Upon a Time) are set to recur on The CW’s midseason team-up show as Arthur and Crystal Brown, TVLine has learned.
Arthur — who is known as the Batman villain Cluemaster in the DC comics — is described as the meticulous and eccentric host of a Jeopardy-like game show, who has high expectations for his daughter (the only person who comes close to matching his intellect), while Crystal “runs warm as sunshine one minute, brutally ice cold the next,” battling as...
Arthur — who is known as the Batman villain Cluemaster in the DC comics — is described as the meticulous and eccentric host of a Jeopardy-like game show, who has high expectations for his daughter (the only person who comes close to matching his intellect), while Crystal “runs warm as sunshine one minute, brutally ice cold the next,” battling as...
- 1/25/2023
- by Erianne Lewis
- TVLine.com
HBO Max is developing the comedy series “Unfriendly Black Hotties” from Keke Palmer, Jermaine Crawford, and Amy Aniobi, Variety has learned exclusively.
Per the official logline, the series is a “comedic satire exploring Gen-z’s weaponization of political correctness told through the eyes of four high school girls.”
Palmer, Crawford, and Aniobi will serve as co-writers and executive producers on the series. Aniobi executive produces under her SuperSpecial Inc. banner. Lenoria Addison will also executive produce along with Big Boss Entertainment and SuperSpecial’s Aanch Khaneja. “Unfriendly Black Hotties” is a co-production between HBO Max and Entertainment One, with Palmer currently under an overall deal at eOne and Aniobio under an overall deal at HBO and HBO Max.
Palmer is an actress, singer-songwriter, producer, and television host. She is known for her recent roles in films like Jordan Peele’s “Nope” and for voicing the character Izzy in Disney’s “Lightyear.
Per the official logline, the series is a “comedic satire exploring Gen-z’s weaponization of political correctness told through the eyes of four high school girls.”
Palmer, Crawford, and Aniobi will serve as co-writers and executive producers on the series. Aniobi executive produces under her SuperSpecial Inc. banner. Lenoria Addison will also executive produce along with Big Boss Entertainment and SuperSpecial’s Aanch Khaneja. “Unfriendly Black Hotties” is a co-production between HBO Max and Entertainment One, with Palmer currently under an overall deal at eOne and Aniobio under an overall deal at HBO and HBO Max.
Palmer is an actress, singer-songwriter, producer, and television host. She is known for her recent roles in films like Jordan Peele’s “Nope” and for voicing the character Izzy in Disney’s “Lightyear.
- 1/25/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Next month, “South Park” returns to its broadcasting home and long-running time slot, airing on Comedy Central on Wednesday nights. The animated series’ 26th season is set to premiere Feb. 8 at 10 p.m.
“South Park” fans won’t have to worry about the fate of Stan, Eric, Kyle and Kenny until 2028 as co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone signed an expansive deal with MTV Entertainment Studios, taking the series through an unprecedented 30th Season. This deal also includes 14 “South Park” original made-for-streaming events exclusively on Paramount+, including “South Park: The Streaming Wars” Parts 1 and 2, “South Park: Post Covid” and “South Park: Post Covid: The Return of Covid”.
After the Season 26 premiere, all new episodes will be available to stream in HD on SouthPark.cc.com, Cc.com and the Comedy Central App.
Watch the teaser for “South Park’s” 26th Season below.
Programming
Just over a year since its final episode,...
“South Park” fans won’t have to worry about the fate of Stan, Eric, Kyle and Kenny until 2028 as co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone signed an expansive deal with MTV Entertainment Studios, taking the series through an unprecedented 30th Season. This deal also includes 14 “South Park” original made-for-streaming events exclusively on Paramount+, including “South Park: The Streaming Wars” Parts 1 and 2, “South Park: Post Covid” and “South Park: Post Covid: The Return of Covid”.
After the Season 26 premiere, all new episodes will be available to stream in HD on SouthPark.cc.com, Cc.com and the Comedy Central App.
Watch the teaser for “South Park’s” 26th Season below.
Programming
Just over a year since its final episode,...
- 1/21/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: HBO’s Emmy Award-winning comedy Insecure, starring series’ co-creator Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji, will begin airing two back-to-back episodes on Tuesday night on OWN. It premieres on Tuesday, February 7 at 9:00 p.m. Et/ Pt with the show’s pilot episode titled “Insecure As F**k.”
This is a rare HBO series to get an off-network run on basic cable where premium content normally has to be sanitized to comply with ad-supported networks’ broadcast standards for language, nudity, violence, etc. In this case, the agreement with HBO and Rae does not allow for any edits or alterations to the content besides the insertion of commercial breaks. Aside from those and a Standards & Practices advisory cards at the top of each break, the show will air as it was created for HBO, sources tell Deadline.
HBO made a big push in the arena more than a decade ago when...
This is a rare HBO series to get an off-network run on basic cable where premium content normally has to be sanitized to comply with ad-supported networks’ broadcast standards for language, nudity, violence, etc. In this case, the agreement with HBO and Rae does not allow for any edits or alterations to the content besides the insertion of commercial breaks. Aside from those and a Standards & Practices advisory cards at the top of each break, the show will air as it was created for HBO, sources tell Deadline.
HBO made a big push in the arena more than a decade ago when...
- 1/20/2023
- by Rosy Cordero and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Veteran UTA Motion Picture Literary Agent Bill Zotti has joined Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment as a manager. Zotti spent the last five years at UTA and before that at CAA, repping high profile writers, directors, and producer that included Scott Neustadter & Michael Weber (Daisy Jones & the Six), Katie Silberman (Don’t Worry Darling), Dan Gregor & Doug Mand (Naked Gun), Gemma Burgess (My Lady Jane), Leah McKendrick (Scrambled), Flora Greeson (The High Note), Carrie Solomon (Ocean’s Prequel), Amy Aniobi (Insecure), Tess Morris (Sooner Or Later), Darren Lemke (Kung Fu Panda), Dave Green (Coyote Vs. Acme), Mike Mitchell (Kung Fu Panda), Yassir Lester (War Machine), Rodney Barnes (Winning Time), and Ryan Kalil & Blake Griffin. Zotti was at CAA for 12 years prior to joining UTA.
They are figuring out which clients he’ll rep as manager, but by all accounts the move is an amicable one.
“Bill is a wonderful person...
They are figuring out which clients he’ll rep as manager, but by all accounts the move is an amicable one.
“Bill is a wonderful person...
- 1/9/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The Alice Initiative, backed by a group of anonymous female film executives, has released its annual survey of up-and-coming female directing talent, ready for their first studio feature.
The Alice Initiative’s 2022 List of Emerging Female Directors is voted on every two years by executives and producers and is made up of 10 directors who have directed at least one, non-studio feature and another 10 directors that have yet to direct a feature but have garnered attention for their work on TV or in short films.
Past list honorees have included The Farewell’s Lulu Wang and Portrait of a Lady on Fire‘s Céline Sciamma. Feature film directors from The Alice Initiative’s 2020 list included Laure de Clermont-Tonnere, who helmed Netflix’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover, and Where the Crawdads Sing directors Olivia Newman.
The Alice Initiative is continuing its partnership with Women Wednesdays. Started by Carly Kleinbart,...
The Alice Initiative, backed by a group of anonymous female film executives, has released its annual survey of up-and-coming female directing talent, ready for their first studio feature.
The Alice Initiative’s 2022 List of Emerging Female Directors is voted on every two years by executives and producers and is made up of 10 directors who have directed at least one, non-studio feature and another 10 directors that have yet to direct a feature but have garnered attention for their work on TV or in short films.
Past list honorees have included The Farewell’s Lulu Wang and Portrait of a Lady on Fire‘s Céline Sciamma. Feature film directors from The Alice Initiative’s 2020 list included Laure de Clermont-Tonnere, who helmed Netflix’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover, and Where the Crawdads Sing directors Olivia Newman.
The Alice Initiative is continuing its partnership with Women Wednesdays. Started by Carly Kleinbart,...
- 11/18/2022
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Amy Aniobi and her production company SuperSpecial, have acquired the rights to the upcoming novel The Nigerwife by author Vanessa Walters to develop into a drama series under her overall deal at HBO. Both Aniobi and Walters will executive produce; Aanch Khaneja will co-executive produce on behalf of SuperSpecial.
The novel is scheduled for release in June 2023 from Atria/Simon & Schuster.
The Nigerwife tells the story of Nicole Oruwari, who has the perfect life: a handsome husband, a palatial house in the heart of glittering Lagos, Nigeria, and a glamorous, highly-exclusive group of friends. A UK ex-pat with two young children, Nicole left everything behind to become a “Nigerwife” – the foreign bride of a Nigerian man – trading gloomy London, along with her overreaching family, for sunny, moneyed Lagos.
But when Nicole disappears without a trace from a boat in the affluent Ikoyi harbor, the cracks in...
The novel is scheduled for release in June 2023 from Atria/Simon & Schuster.
The Nigerwife tells the story of Nicole Oruwari, who has the perfect life: a handsome husband, a palatial house in the heart of glittering Lagos, Nigeria, and a glamorous, highly-exclusive group of friends. A UK ex-pat with two young children, Nicole left everything behind to become a “Nigerwife” – the foreign bride of a Nigerian man – trading gloomy London, along with her overreaching family, for sunny, moneyed Lagos.
But when Nicole disappears without a trace from a boat in the affluent Ikoyi harbor, the cracks in...
- 8/23/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
“Rap Sh!t” Episode 6 does not mess around — narratively speaking.
The latest installment of Issa Rae’s HBO Max comedy about emerging female rappers in Miami covers Mia (KaMillion) being targeted on social media while Shawna (Aida Osman) distracts herself from a devastating breakup by hanging out with Maurice (Daniel Augustin). When the women reconvene at episode’s end, they decide to take on Chastity a.k.a. the Duke of Miami (Jonica Booth) as their manager, focusing their emotional energy into creativity.
“An undercurrent in the entire episode is ‘Can I trust you to be there for me?’ and that’s coming off of the episode before where we saw that that trust had been broken,” director Amy Aniobi told IndieWire via Zoom ahead of the episode. “Even though we end on on the moment that’s tied to a guy, the episode is not about the men. It is...
The latest installment of Issa Rae’s HBO Max comedy about emerging female rappers in Miami covers Mia (KaMillion) being targeted on social media while Shawna (Aida Osman) distracts herself from a devastating breakup by hanging out with Maurice (Daniel Augustin). When the women reconvene at episode’s end, they decide to take on Chastity a.k.a. the Duke of Miami (Jonica Booth) as their manager, focusing their emotional energy into creativity.
“An undercurrent in the entire episode is ‘Can I trust you to be there for me?’ and that’s coming off of the episode before where we saw that that trust had been broken,” director Amy Aniobi told IndieWire via Zoom ahead of the episode. “Even though we end on on the moment that’s tied to a guy, the episode is not about the men. It is...
- 8/19/2022
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
More than 400 prominent female writers and showrunners sent a letter today to the heads of the major studios expressing their “grave concerns” about the companies’ “lack of specific production protocols” to protect their workers in anti-abortion states.
The letters, which state that “it is unacceptable to ask any person to choose between their human rights and their employment,” also demanded that the companies “pledge to discontinue all political donations to anti-abortion candidates and political action committees immediately.”
Deadline has obtained a copy of the letter to Netflix, which organizers say was sent to top executives at Amazon Studios, AMC Networks, Apple, Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, , and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The letters, whose signers include Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes, Amy Schumer, Marta Kauffman, Callie Khouri, WGA West vice president Michele Mulroney and WGA West secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas, said that “this situation raises basic matters of equality, health, and safety in the workplace.
The letters, which state that “it is unacceptable to ask any person to choose between their human rights and their employment,” also demanded that the companies “pledge to discontinue all political donations to anti-abortion candidates and political action committees immediately.”
Deadline has obtained a copy of the letter to Netflix, which organizers say was sent to top executives at Amazon Studios, AMC Networks, Apple, Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, , and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The letters, whose signers include Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes, Amy Schumer, Marta Kauffman, Callie Khouri, WGA West vice president Michele Mulroney and WGA West secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas, said that “this situation raises basic matters of equality, health, and safety in the workplace.
- 7/28/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Eleven of the TV industry’s top comedy creators and showrunners came together to talk about the so-called return of the broadcast sitcom, the daunting task of reshaping and adhering to beloved IP and why the workplace comedy is still a tried-and-true format during Variety‘s “A Night in the Writers’ Room” event Thursday.
During the comedy roundtable, TV editor Michael Schneider chatted about these topics and more with Jenny Bicks (“Welcome to Flatch”), Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”), Dave Burd (“Dave”), Greg Daniels (“Upload”), Chris Miller (“The Afterparty”), Tracy Oliver (“Harlem”), Saladin K. Patterson (“The Wonder Years”), Joe Port (“Ghosts”), Issa Rae (“Insecure”), Meredith Scardino (“Girls5eva”) and Hayden Schlossberg (“Cobra Kai”).
Brunson, who said in a recent Variety cover story that she does not want credit for the “return” for broadcast comedy to go to her and ABC’s “Abbott Elementary”, elaborated on that opinion by saying, “I only think...
During the comedy roundtable, TV editor Michael Schneider chatted about these topics and more with Jenny Bicks (“Welcome to Flatch”), Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”), Dave Burd (“Dave”), Greg Daniels (“Upload”), Chris Miller (“The Afterparty”), Tracy Oliver (“Harlem”), Saladin K. Patterson (“The Wonder Years”), Joe Port (“Ghosts”), Issa Rae (“Insecure”), Meredith Scardino (“Girls5eva”) and Hayden Schlossberg (“Cobra Kai”).
Brunson, who said in a recent Variety cover story that she does not want credit for the “return” for broadcast comedy to go to her and ABC’s “Abbott Elementary”, elaborated on that opinion by saying, “I only think...
- 6/10/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Academy Awards-winning actor Troy Kotsur will deliver the commencement keynote address at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television’s upcoming commencement ceremony.
Writer-producer Amy Aniobi (Insecure) will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award at the event.
Brian Kite, interim dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, gave the details today for the school’s 75th annual commencement ceremony. Kite will preside over the event on Friday, June 10, 2022 from 2 Pm to 4:00 Pm. at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
“It is an honor to welcome Mr. Kotsur to deliver the commencement keynote address following his sublime and hilarious performance in Coda,” said a statement from Kite. “Mr. Kotsur’s groundbreaking achievements as member of, and advocate for, the Deaf community serve to remind us that the perspectives and stories of individuals from all backgrounds and abilities are not only important but vital to the future of the arts.
Writer-producer Amy Aniobi (Insecure) will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award at the event.
Brian Kite, interim dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, gave the details today for the school’s 75th annual commencement ceremony. Kite will preside over the event on Friday, June 10, 2022 from 2 Pm to 4:00 Pm. at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
“It is an honor to welcome Mr. Kotsur to deliver the commencement keynote address following his sublime and hilarious performance in Coda,” said a statement from Kite. “Mr. Kotsur’s groundbreaking achievements as member of, and advocate for, the Deaf community serve to remind us that the perspectives and stories of individuals from all backgrounds and abilities are not only important but vital to the future of the arts.
- 5/27/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Best friends and comedy writers Amy Aniobi and Grace Edwards — who worked together on Issa Rae’s “Insecure” series for HBO — are launching a new weekly talk show podcast as counterprogramming to doomscrolling.
The show, produced by Apm Studios and distributed by American Public Media, is set to premiere March 30 on major podcast platforms and at antidoteshow.org. The duo’s first guest on “The Antidote” is actor and entrepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross, who starred in ABC’s “Black-ish”; additional upcoming guests include comedians and actors Nicole Byer and Ilana Glazer.
“The world is a Dumpster fire,” reads the description of “The Antidote.” Co-hosts Aniobi and Edwards, “in response to the madness in the news,” will share the culture that lights them up and activities that bring them joy, as well as strategies they use to cope.
In each episode, “we’re going to recap some bummer news, then tell...
The show, produced by Apm Studios and distributed by American Public Media, is set to premiere March 30 on major podcast platforms and at antidoteshow.org. The duo’s first guest on “The Antidote” is actor and entrepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross, who starred in ABC’s “Black-ish”; additional upcoming guests include comedians and actors Nicole Byer and Ilana Glazer.
“The world is a Dumpster fire,” reads the description of “The Antidote.” Co-hosts Aniobi and Edwards, “in response to the madness in the news,” will share the culture that lights them up and activities that bring them joy, as well as strategies they use to cope.
In each episode, “we’re going to recap some bummer news, then tell...
- 3/16/2022
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
A+E Networks has taken a minority stake in management and production firm Range Media Partners. No financial details are being disclosed but the stake is believed to be in the high teens percent and the deal in the $50 million ballpark, with Range’s valuation at around $300 million. That is a hefty valuation, especially for a company that is just a year and a half old. It is close to what one of Hollywood biggest, most established management-production companies, 3 Arts, sold for in 2018 after 27 years in the business.
The investment, spearheaded by Paul Buccieri, President & Chairman, A+E Networks, and Range CEO Peter Micelli, will see A+E Studios, A+E Networks’ production arm led by Barry Jossen, become a co-production partner for scripted TV projects emerging from Range. It also gives A+E Networks, which operates the likes of A&e, History and Lifetime, a first-look deal on factual television content...
The investment, spearheaded by Paul Buccieri, President & Chairman, A+E Networks, and Range CEO Peter Micelli, will see A+E Studios, A+E Networks’ production arm led by Barry Jossen, become a co-production partner for scripted TV projects emerging from Range. It also gives A+E Networks, which operates the likes of A&e, History and Lifetime, a first-look deal on factual television content...
- 3/4/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jessica Chastain is enrolling in The School for Good Mothers.
Deadline understands that the Ava and Scenes From A Marriage star, through her production company Freckle Films, has optioned the TV rights to Jessamine Chan’s debut novel. She is understood to have beaten a number of rivals to the rights.
Freckle Films will team up with Finding Ohana director Jude Weng and Endeavor Content to adapt the project for the small screen.
The School for Good Mothers, which is published this week in the U.S. via Simon & Schuster, sees one lapse in judgment land a young mother in a government reform program where custody of her child hangs in the balance.
The dystopian drama, which has been compared to The Handmaid’s Tale, follows Frida Liu, who leaves her daughter alone for a few hours, forcing government officials to determine whether she is a candidate for a...
Deadline understands that the Ava and Scenes From A Marriage star, through her production company Freckle Films, has optioned the TV rights to Jessamine Chan’s debut novel. She is understood to have beaten a number of rivals to the rights.
Freckle Films will team up with Finding Ohana director Jude Weng and Endeavor Content to adapt the project for the small screen.
The School for Good Mothers, which is published this week in the U.S. via Simon & Schuster, sees one lapse in judgment land a young mother in a government reform program where custody of her child hangs in the balance.
The dystopian drama, which has been compared to The Handmaid’s Tale, follows Frida Liu, who leaves her daughter alone for a few hours, forcing government officials to determine whether she is a candidate for a...
- 1/3/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Stanford In Entertainment has identified the two winners for its 2021 TV script competition “All Write Now!” Stanford alumni Catherine Loerke and Sienna Streiber are the latest installment’s winners.
The annual competition, which is now in its 16th year, highlights Stanford alumni writers and connects them with showrunners, producers, agents and other industry figures. As winners, Loerke and Streiber will have their scripts read by industry leaders such as writer and executive producer Amy Aniobi, Echo Lake Entertainment’s Raj Raghavan, writer/director Lisa Joy of Kilter Films, and executives at Issa Rae’s Hoorae. Aniobi, Raghavan, Joy, and Rae are all Stanford alums.
Loerke and Streiber will also receive a free month of hosting and an evaluation at the Black List, and a live table read organized by Stanford in Entertainment. They join previous winners Oscar-nominated Hidden Figures scribe Allison Schroeder, Julia Meltzer and Danny Jacobs.
The annual competition, which is now in its 16th year, highlights Stanford alumni writers and connects them with showrunners, producers, agents and other industry figures. As winners, Loerke and Streiber will have their scripts read by industry leaders such as writer and executive producer Amy Aniobi, Echo Lake Entertainment’s Raj Raghavan, writer/director Lisa Joy of Kilter Films, and executives at Issa Rae’s Hoorae. Aniobi, Raghavan, Joy, and Rae are all Stanford alums.
Loerke and Streiber will also receive a free month of hosting and an evaluation at the Black List, and a live table read organized by Stanford in Entertainment. They join previous winners Oscar-nominated Hidden Figures scribe Allison Schroeder, Julia Meltzer and Danny Jacobs.
- 12/20/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Warning: This post includes spoilers from Insecure Season 5 Episode 9. Proceed at your own risk.
Lawrence and Nathan didn’t sport cowboy hats or carry six-shooters, but Insecure‘s executive producer Prentice Penny says he shot Sunday’s installment like a Western to emphasize the tension between Issa’s two loves.
More from TVLineInsecure Team Explains Issa's Multiverse, Molly and Kelli's ProspectsInsecure EP Amy Aniobi Dissects Episode 7's Waiting to Exhale HomageEuphoria Trailer: Who's Rue's 'New Favorite Person' in Season 2?
The first showdown on the HBO rom-com came when the men casually but bitterly debated which town has better barbecue — Los...
Lawrence and Nathan didn’t sport cowboy hats or carry six-shooters, but Insecure‘s executive producer Prentice Penny says he shot Sunday’s installment like a Western to emphasize the tension between Issa’s two loves.
More from TVLineInsecure Team Explains Issa's Multiverse, Molly and Kelli's ProspectsInsecure EP Amy Aniobi Dissects Episode 7's Waiting to Exhale HomageEuphoria Trailer: Who's Rue's 'New Favorite Person' in Season 2?
The first showdown on the HBO rom-com came when the men casually but bitterly debated which town has better barbecue — Los...
- 12/20/2021
- by Mekeisha Madden Toby
- TVLine.com
Living with the consequences of your decisions has been the overarching theme of Insecure during the hit HBO rom-com’s fifth and final season.
In Sunday night’s installment, titled “Choices, Okay?,” Issa had to choose between two jobs and two men; Molly opted to be open and honest with her coworker-turned-romantic prospect Taurean; and Kelli realized she has a gift when it comes to estate planning for older Black people.
More from TVLineInsecure EP Amy Aniobi Dissects Episode 7's Waiting to Exhale HomageInsecure Recap: Girls Night, Ok?!TVLine Items: iCarly's Drake & Josh Reunion, Wendy's Host Swap and More
“Season...
In Sunday night’s installment, titled “Choices, Okay?,” Issa had to choose between two jobs and two men; Molly opted to be open and honest with her coworker-turned-romantic prospect Taurean; and Kelli realized she has a gift when it comes to estate planning for older Black people.
More from TVLineInsecure EP Amy Aniobi Dissects Episode 7's Waiting to Exhale HomageInsecure Recap: Girls Night, Ok?!TVLine Items: iCarly's Drake & Josh Reunion, Wendy's Host Swap and More
“Season...
- 12/13/2021
- by Mekeisha Madden Toby
- TVLine.com
Succession wraps up its third season this Sunday… but it was last night’s penultimate episode that left us dangling on a huge cliffhanger.
The episode — read our full recap here — ended with a severely depressed Kendall lying face down on a pool float and clutching a beer bottle, saying goodbye to his kids as they wandered away. Kendall dropped the beer bottle, and we watched it bob up and down in the water from below as Kendall’s face slowly sank into the water, sending air bubbles to the surface. Uh-oh, is the Roy family’s former golden boy doomed?...
The episode — read our full recap here — ended with a severely depressed Kendall lying face down on a pool float and clutching a beer bottle, saying goodbye to his kids as they wandered away. Kendall dropped the beer bottle, and we watched it bob up and down in the water from below as Kendall’s face slowly sank into the water, sending air bubbles to the surface. Uh-oh, is the Roy family’s former golden boy doomed?...
- 12/6/2021
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
If Issa’s sleepover with her girls felt oddly familiar on Sunday’s Insecure, it is no coincidence, says executive producer Amy Aniobi.
She directed Episode 7 — check out our full recap here — and intentionally carved out a moment or two for Issa, Molly, Kelli and Tiffany to give a reverential nod to Waiting to Exhale, the Black-girl buddy movie that celebrated the friendships of four close-knit but very different career women.
More from TVLineA Succession Mystery, Examined: Did They Really Just Kill Off [Spoiler]?Insecure Recap: Owning Your ChoicesInsecure Recap: Girls Night, Ok?!
“When they dance on the balcony, it’s an homage,...
She directed Episode 7 — check out our full recap here — and intentionally carved out a moment or two for Issa, Molly, Kelli and Tiffany to give a reverential nod to Waiting to Exhale, the Black-girl buddy movie that celebrated the friendships of four close-knit but very different career women.
More from TVLineA Succession Mystery, Examined: Did They Really Just Kill Off [Spoiler]?Insecure Recap: Owning Your ChoicesInsecure Recap: Girls Night, Ok?!
“When they dance on the balcony, it’s an homage,...
- 12/6/2021
- by Mekeisha Madden Toby
- TVLine.com
This week’s Insecure took a much-needed break from all the boyfriend drama and focused on the show’s strongest element: Black female friendship.
The squad gathered for a long-overdue girls night, which was supposed to include a bougie hot stone massage. However, their spa date was a no-go after a pipe burst, and the girls decided to kick it at Issa’s instead.
More from TVLineInsecure EP Amy Aniobi Dissects Episode 7's Waiting to Exhale HomageInsecure Recap: Owning Your ChoicesA Succession Mystery, Examined: Did They Really Just Kill Off [Spoiler]?
There was smoking, drinking and some singing and dancing to...
The squad gathered for a long-overdue girls night, which was supposed to include a bougie hot stone massage. However, their spa date was a no-go after a pipe burst, and the girls decided to kick it at Issa’s instead.
More from TVLineInsecure EP Amy Aniobi Dissects Episode 7's Waiting to Exhale HomageInsecure Recap: Owning Your ChoicesA Succession Mystery, Examined: Did They Really Just Kill Off [Spoiler]?
There was smoking, drinking and some singing and dancing to...
- 12/6/2021
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
If you go back and watch the Season 10 finale of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm — and Diallo Riddle would prefer that you didn’t — you will see the South Side star and co-creator play his guest-starring role as a firefighter very straight.
Riddle, who has been showered with praise for his recent comical cameo as the Stanford moderator on Insecure, says that guest spots sometimes take off like fireworks, and sometimes … they bomb.
More from TVLineSouth Side Season 2: Watch Trailer for Mia Comedy's Return via HBO MaxCurb Your Enthusiasm Premiere Recap: Did a Dead Body Doom Larry's New Netflix Show?...
Riddle, who has been showered with praise for his recent comical cameo as the Stanford moderator on Insecure, says that guest spots sometimes take off like fireworks, and sometimes … they bomb.
More from TVLineSouth Side Season 2: Watch Trailer for Mia Comedy's Return via HBO MaxCurb Your Enthusiasm Premiere Recap: Did a Dead Body Doom Larry's New Netflix Show?...
- 11/19/2021
- by Mekeisha Madden Toby
- TVLine.com
Scorsese Joins Mundruczó’s ‘Evolution’; Crytpt TV’s First Indian Horror; Buff Lineup — Global Briefs
Martin Scorsese Joins ‘Evolution’ As Exec Producer
Martin Scorsese is joining Kornél Mundruczó’s Cannes title Evolution as an executive producer. This marks his second collaboration with the filmmaker and screenwriter Kata Wéber after Oscar nominee Pieces Of A Woman. “Every new movie by Mundruczó and Wéber comes as a welcome shock to the senses for the viewer and for the filmmaker – they never stop advancing into uncharted territory. With Evolution, they find a way to dramatize the movement of time itself, the ways that we remember and the ways that we forget,” said Scorsese. The pic, which explores a family’s experiences from World War II to present-day Berlin, had its world premiere at on the Croisette earlier this year. It stars Lili Monori (Delta), Annamária Láng (Nothing Really Happened), Goya Rego, Padmé Hamdemir and Jule Böwe (The Silence). The movie is produced by Viola Fügen, Michael Weber and Viktória Petrányi,...
Martin Scorsese is joining Kornél Mundruczó’s Cannes title Evolution as an executive producer. This marks his second collaboration with the filmmaker and screenwriter Kata Wéber after Oscar nominee Pieces Of A Woman. “Every new movie by Mundruczó and Wéber comes as a welcome shock to the senses for the viewer and for the filmmaker – they never stop advancing into uncharted territory. With Evolution, they find a way to dramatize the movement of time itself, the ways that we remember and the ways that we forget,” said Scorsese. The pic, which explores a family’s experiences from World War II to present-day Berlin, had its world premiere at on the Croisette earlier this year. It stars Lili Monori (Delta), Annamária Láng (Nothing Really Happened), Goya Rego, Padmé Hamdemir and Jule Böwe (The Silence). The movie is produced by Viola Fügen, Michael Weber and Viktória Petrányi,...
- 11/9/2021
- by Anuj Radia
- Deadline Film + TV
Writer Mike Gauyo and training platform Stage 32 are set to open submissions to the Black Boy Writes & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative, under the Black Boy Writes Media banner. The initiative, which launched at the beginning of 2021, focuses on supplying industry access and resources to pre-wga Black screenwriters.
In partnership with Stage 32, admissions for the 2022 class will open November 15, and close December 15. The first round of the application will require a bio, a one-hour or half-hour original script (of any genre) and a short essay. Those chosen to move to the second round will interview with Gauyo and the initiative’s chief of programming Ashley Aronson before 10 to 12 participants are selected.
Features of the mentorship initiative include monthly writer roundtables with established writers/industry leaders; past participants include Amy Aniobi (Insecure) Kay Oyegun (This Is Us), Kemp Powers, and The Black List founder Franklin Leonard.
In partnership with Stage 32, admissions for the 2022 class will open November 15, and close December 15. The first round of the application will require a bio, a one-hour or half-hour original script (of any genre) and a short essay. Those chosen to move to the second round will interview with Gauyo and the initiative’s chief of programming Ashley Aronson before 10 to 12 participants are selected.
Features of the mentorship initiative include monthly writer roundtables with established writers/industry leaders; past participants include Amy Aniobi (Insecure) Kay Oyegun (This Is Us), Kemp Powers, and The Black List founder Franklin Leonard.
- 11/9/2021
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Amy Aniobi is preparing for life after Insecure.
Aniobi, who exec produces Issa Rae’s comedy that is coming to an end with its fifth and final season, has launched her own production SuperSpecial and renewed her overall deal with HBO and HBO Max.
She has brought in former UTA agent Aanch Khaneja, who has previously worked at Noah Hawley’s 26 Keys and Lady and the Lake producer Alma Har’el, as head of film and television.
Under the deal, Aniobi will develop, produce and direct programming for HBO and HBO Max. She is currently writing HBO Max’s food media industry comedy Enjoy Your Meal and is co-writing limited series The Dolls, which is in development at HBO and set to star Rae and Laura Dern, with Laura Kittrell.
In addition to Insecure, Aniobi was previously showrunner, head writer and exec producer of HBO’s 2 Dope Queens. She...
Aniobi, who exec produces Issa Rae’s comedy that is coming to an end with its fifth and final season, has launched her own production SuperSpecial and renewed her overall deal with HBO and HBO Max.
She has brought in former UTA agent Aanch Khaneja, who has previously worked at Noah Hawley’s 26 Keys and Lady and the Lake producer Alma Har’el, as head of film and television.
Under the deal, Aniobi will develop, produce and direct programming for HBO and HBO Max. She is currently writing HBO Max’s food media industry comedy Enjoy Your Meal and is co-writing limited series The Dolls, which is in development at HBO and set to star Rae and Laura Dern, with Laura Kittrell.
In addition to Insecure, Aniobi was previously showrunner, head writer and exec producer of HBO’s 2 Dope Queens. She...
- 11/3/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Two of the most important relationships in Issa’s life hung in the balance when Season 4 of Insecure came to a close last year.
It was unclear if Molly and Issa could be besties again after fighting so much, and her couple status with Lawrence became less of a certainty after Condola became pregnant with his child. Thankfully for fans, the answers to both of those conundrums got cleared up when Season 5 of the beloved HBO comedy premiered Sunday.
More from TVLineInsecure Sets Premiere Date for Fifth and Final Season — Watch TeaserInsecure: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji Commemorate Final Day of...
It was unclear if Molly and Issa could be besties again after fighting so much, and her couple status with Lawrence became less of a certainty after Condola became pregnant with his child. Thankfully for fans, the answers to both of those conundrums got cleared up when Season 5 of the beloved HBO comedy premiered Sunday.
More from TVLineInsecure Sets Premiere Date for Fifth and Final Season — Watch TeaserInsecure: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji Commemorate Final Day of...
- 10/25/2021
- by Mekeisha Madden Toby
- TVLine.com
As “Insecure” creator and star Issa Rae stepped onto the teal carpet for the hit HBO comedy’s final season premiere on Thursday night, a fog cloud rolled in — with the mist only adding to the feeling of nostalgia already in the air.
The outdoor celebration could best be described as a scrapbook come to life, with set photos and memorable quotes from the previous four seasons lining the walkways of the pop-up venue at Kenneth Hahn Park in South L.A., Rae’s hometown and the backdrop for “Insecure.”
“We are in my neighborhood tonight. We are surrounded by people I love. It’s almost raining, it’s perfect,” Rae told Variety about walking down memory lane for the celebration.
While the weather threatened rain (that fortunately never came), Rae and her “Insecure” crew waxed poetic about saying goodbye to the show. With showrunner Prentice Penny and co-stars Yvonne Orji,...
The outdoor celebration could best be described as a scrapbook come to life, with set photos and memorable quotes from the previous four seasons lining the walkways of the pop-up venue at Kenneth Hahn Park in South L.A., Rae’s hometown and the backdrop for “Insecure.”
“We are in my neighborhood tonight. We are surrounded by people I love. It’s almost raining, it’s perfect,” Rae told Variety about walking down memory lane for the celebration.
While the weather threatened rain (that fortunately never came), Rae and her “Insecure” crew waxed poetic about saying goodbye to the show. With showrunner Prentice Penny and co-stars Yvonne Orji,...
- 10/22/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Wrapping up production on “Insecure” in June was an emotional experience for writer and executive producer Amy Aniobi. Not only was the beloved HBO comedy ending, but world events made production even more complex.
“Creating that final season in a pandemic felt like the hardest thing any of us had ever done,” Aniobi tells Variety. “It was just like pulling teeth to be funny when you’re sad, but I think we pulled it off.”
Fortunately, the cast and crew of “Insecure” feels like family — Aniobi and creator-star Issa Rae have known each other since Stanford, first teaming up for “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” web series, and now working on the new HBO Max comedy “Rap Sh*t” in Miami, which is where Aniobi Zooms in from. But, she notes, not every young writer has that support system, which became increasingly apparent after the murder of George Floyd.
“It was such a dark time,...
“Creating that final season in a pandemic felt like the hardest thing any of us had ever done,” Aniobi tells Variety. “It was just like pulling teeth to be funny when you’re sad, but I think we pulled it off.”
Fortunately, the cast and crew of “Insecure” feels like family — Aniobi and creator-star Issa Rae have known each other since Stanford, first teaming up for “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” web series, and now working on the new HBO Max comedy “Rap Sh*t” in Miami, which is where Aniobi Zooms in from. But, she notes, not every young writer has that support system, which became increasingly apparent after the murder of George Floyd.
“It was such a dark time,...
- 10/21/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Thursday, September 2.
Disney+ today announced a Season 2 renewal for the basketball dramedy, Big Shot, led by John Stamos.
Created by David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies), Dean Lorey (My Wife and Kids) and Brad Garrett (Single Parents) and executive-produced by Kelley, Lorey, Garrett and Bill D'Elia (Chicago Hope), the second season will resume production in 2022.
"We are thrilled to be returning with Big Shot. The show has touched so many hearts -John Stamos' brilliance especially as Coach Marvyn Korn- we look forward to season two and beyond," said co-creator and executive producer David E. Kelley.
"This show represents everything Disney is to me - family, inclusion, and unity. But at its core, @BigShotSeries is about guts and heart, and that is what Disney + demonstrated by giving us a second season," said Stamos.
"I am sending lots of...
Disney+ today announced a Season 2 renewal for the basketball dramedy, Big Shot, led by John Stamos.
Created by David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies), Dean Lorey (My Wife and Kids) and Brad Garrett (Single Parents) and executive-produced by Kelley, Lorey, Garrett and Bill D'Elia (Chicago Hope), the second season will resume production in 2022.
"We are thrilled to be returning with Big Shot. The show has touched so many hearts -John Stamos' brilliance especially as Coach Marvyn Korn- we look forward to season two and beyond," said co-creator and executive producer David E. Kelley.
"This show represents everything Disney is to me - family, inclusion, and unity. But at its core, @BigShotSeries is about guts and heart, and that is what Disney + demonstrated by giving us a second season," said Stamos.
"I am sending lots of...
- 9/2/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
HBO announced that the final season of “Insecure” will premiere on Oct. 24 and released a first look at the season.
“I keep frontin’ everybody like I’m not scared about what’s next for me, but I am terrified,” Issa Rae’s character Issa says in a teaser, which you can watch below.
The comedy follows the trials, heartaches and twists of L.A.-based Issa and those closest to her as they navigate love, life, friendship and adapting to newfound responsibilities in their 30s.
Viewers last saw Issa and Lawrence (Jay Ellis) attempting to reconcile, but things got messy when his other ex, Condola (Christina Elmore), told him she was pregnant and planning on keeping the baby. Issa and Molly’s (Yvonne Orji) friendship was strained, while Molly’s relationship with Andrew (Alexander Hodge) came to an end. And Tiffany (Amanda Seales) ran away from home — causing the whole gang to search for her.
“I keep frontin’ everybody like I’m not scared about what’s next for me, but I am terrified,” Issa Rae’s character Issa says in a teaser, which you can watch below.
The comedy follows the trials, heartaches and twists of L.A.-based Issa and those closest to her as they navigate love, life, friendship and adapting to newfound responsibilities in their 30s.
Viewers last saw Issa and Lawrence (Jay Ellis) attempting to reconcile, but things got messy when his other ex, Condola (Christina Elmore), told him she was pregnant and planning on keeping the baby. Issa and Molly’s (Yvonne Orji) friendship was strained, while Molly’s relationship with Andrew (Alexander Hodge) came to an end. And Tiffany (Amanda Seales) ran away from home — causing the whole gang to search for her.
- 9/2/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: NBC has put in development Leftover Daughters, a comedy from Jude Weng (Finding Ohana); Paul Feig and his Feigco Entertainment; Janet Yang (The Joy Luck Club); and Lionsgate Television, where Feigco is based.
Written by Weng, who also is set to direct the potential pilot, and Jeremy Hsu (Jimmy Kimmel Live!), Leftover Daughters chronicles the lives of a single Chinese-American woman and her circle of unmarried family and friends as they struggle to find love and happiness amidst the pressure of strict cultural traditions.
Weng and Hsu executive produce with Feig and Dan Magnante of Feigco Entertainment and Yang. Zach Bianco is co-producer.
Weng’s debut feature, Finding Ohana, dropped on Netflix earlier this year and remained on the streamer’s Top 10 Most Viewed Movies for weeks. Her next feature, Shelly, is set up at Amazon with Awkwafina attached to star and Ian Bryce attached to produce.
In TV,...
Written by Weng, who also is set to direct the potential pilot, and Jeremy Hsu (Jimmy Kimmel Live!), Leftover Daughters chronicles the lives of a single Chinese-American woman and her circle of unmarried family and friends as they struggle to find love and happiness amidst the pressure of strict cultural traditions.
Weng and Hsu executive produce with Feig and Dan Magnante of Feigco Entertainment and Yang. Zach Bianco is co-producer.
Weng’s debut feature, Finding Ohana, dropped on Netflix earlier this year and remained on the streamer’s Top 10 Most Viewed Movies for weeks. Her next feature, Shelly, is set up at Amazon with Awkwafina attached to star and Ian Bryce attached to produce.
In TV,...
- 6/1/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Writer Mike Gauyo is moving the needle when it comes to inclusivity in the writers room. Under his Black Boy Writes banner, Gauyo has launched a new mentorship initiative that focuses on providing support and resources to preWGA Black writers.
The initiative was launched in partnership with Culture Creative Entertainment and Writ Large and includes a comprehensive program for 11 newly inducted mentees. This includes writer Round tables with established writers in the industry including Amy Aniobi (Insecure), Kay Oyegun (This Is Us), and Golden Globe-winning writer Kemp Powers. In addition, writing workshops will help prepare mentees for fellowship and staffing season and they will have the opportunity to participate in general meetings with networks and production companies.
And at the end of the program, each mentee will have the opportunity to be read by Culture Creative and Writ Large to be considered for representation.
The initiative was launched in partnership with Culture Creative Entertainment and Writ Large and includes a comprehensive program for 11 newly inducted mentees. This includes writer Round tables with established writers in the industry including Amy Aniobi (Insecure), Kay Oyegun (This Is Us), and Golden Globe-winning writer Kemp Powers. In addition, writing workshops will help prepare mentees for fellowship and staffing season and they will have the opportunity to participate in general meetings with networks and production companies.
And at the end of the program, each mentee will have the opportunity to be read by Culture Creative and Writ Large to be considered for representation.
- 4/6/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Issa Rae’s HBO comedy “Insecure” will end after its upcoming fifth season, which will premiere later this year.
The series, based in part on Rae’s web series “Awkward Black Girl,” first premiered in 2016 and received critical acclaim during its run. Rae created the comedy with Larry Wilmore and stars as Issa Dee. She has earned two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy, and the show was nominated last year for Best Comedy. It received an Emmy win for Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series.
The cast also includes Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales and Alexander Hodge. Prentice Penny co-executive produces and serves as showrunner. Season 5 is set to go into production this month.
“Very excited to film our fifth and final season! We couldn’t have told a complete story without the tremendous support of our audience and the faith of @HBO.
The series, based in part on Rae’s web series “Awkward Black Girl,” first premiered in 2016 and received critical acclaim during its run. Rae created the comedy with Larry Wilmore and stars as Issa Dee. She has earned two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy, and the show was nominated last year for Best Comedy. It received an Emmy win for Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series.
The cast also includes Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales and Alexander Hodge. Prentice Penny co-executive produces and serves as showrunner. Season 5 is set to go into production this month.
“Very excited to film our fifth and final season! We couldn’t have told a complete story without the tremendous support of our audience and the faith of @HBO.
- 1/13/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
“Insecure” is set to end after its upcoming Season 5 on HBO, Variety has learned.
The critically-acclaimed comedy was renewed for a fifth season in May 2020 as Season 4 was just beginning.The fifth and final season is scheduled to begin production later this month and is set to debut later this year.
“Issa has turned insecurity into an iconic form of comedy,” said Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO Programming. “The show is as incisive as it is heartfelt, and it has resonated strongly with its audience because of the deeply personal work that Issa, Prentice, Melina, the cast and the writers have put into it. This talented team has conceived a brilliant final season for ‘Insecure’ and we look forward to having many more stories to tell with this singular group of collaborators.”
Series co-creator Issa Rae heads the ensemble cast, which also includes Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell,...
The critically-acclaimed comedy was renewed for a fifth season in May 2020 as Season 4 was just beginning.The fifth and final season is scheduled to begin production later this month and is set to debut later this year.
“Issa has turned insecurity into an iconic form of comedy,” said Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO Programming. “The show is as incisive as it is heartfelt, and it has resonated strongly with its audience because of the deeply personal work that Issa, Prentice, Melina, the cast and the writers have put into it. This talented team has conceived a brilliant final season for ‘Insecure’ and we look forward to having many more stories to tell with this singular group of collaborators.”
Series co-creator Issa Rae heads the ensemble cast, which also includes Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell,...
- 1/13/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
After four sometimes awkward and often acclaimed seasons on HBO, Insecure will come to its conclusion with the upcoming fifth season.
“Prentice and I are so grateful that HBO believed in our show from the beginning and kept faith in us to see our vision through the end,” co-creator and star Issa Rae told Deadline today of the Emmy nominated comedy she executive produces with Prentice Penny.
“We always planned to tell this story through five seasons, but we couldn’t have made it this far without the tremendous support of our audience,” the best selling The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl author and recently minted Television Academy Executive Committee member added.
“I feel blessed beyond measure to bring our characters’ stories to an end, on-screen at least.”
With all its scripts completed, the fifth and final season of Insecure is expected to go into production later this month. Starring its lead cast of Rae,...
“Prentice and I are so grateful that HBO believed in our show from the beginning and kept faith in us to see our vision through the end,” co-creator and star Issa Rae told Deadline today of the Emmy nominated comedy she executive produces with Prentice Penny.
“We always planned to tell this story through five seasons, but we couldn’t have made it this far without the tremendous support of our audience,” the best selling The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl author and recently minted Television Academy Executive Committee member added.
“I feel blessed beyond measure to bring our characters’ stories to an end, on-screen at least.”
With all its scripts completed, the fifth and final season of Insecure is expected to go into production later this month. Starring its lead cast of Rae,...
- 1/13/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Issa Rae’s label Raedio and HBO have partnered with podcast producer Tenderfoot TV for Looking for Latoya, a one-episode scripted podcast special based on the in-universe true crime series of the same name from Rae’s HBO show Insecure.
Looking for Latoya follows the story of Latoya Thompson, portrayed Sza, a young woman whose mysterious disappearance is investigated throughout the show. Riffing on other true crime podcasts like Serial, the satirical special offers commentary on the lack of true crime shows that investigate missing black women versus their white counterparts.
Looking for Latoya follows the story of Latoya Thompson, portrayed Sza, a young woman whose mysterious disappearance is investigated throughout the show. Riffing on other true crime podcasts like Serial, the satirical special offers commentary on the lack of true crime shows that investigate missing black women versus their white counterparts.
- 6/12/2020
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
HBO has renewed Issa Rae’s comedy series Insecure for a fifth season, less than three weeks after its Season 4 premiere.
On the show Rae plays Issa Dee, who together with her best friend Molly (Yvonne Orji), navigates the single experience in Los Angeles; their peers sometimes feel intimidated by their success. For Season 4, Rae said that all the characters are leveling up and entering the next phase in life. Issa has quit her job and is on a new venture with her passion project of a block party while Molly is in her first relationship in a long time with “Asian Bae” Andrew (Alexander Hodge) and balancing her personal and work life. Lawrence (Jay Ellis) is thriving to level up on his own.
More from DeadlineNew Hollywood Podcast: Issa Rae Talks 'Insecure' Season 4, Messy Friendship Dynamics And Racial Bias Against Dating Black Women & Asian MenCarrie Coon To...
On the show Rae plays Issa Dee, who together with her best friend Molly (Yvonne Orji), navigates the single experience in Los Angeles; their peers sometimes feel intimidated by their success. For Season 4, Rae said that all the characters are leveling up and entering the next phase in life. Issa has quit her job and is on a new venture with her passion project of a block party while Molly is in her first relationship in a long time with “Asian Bae” Andrew (Alexander Hodge) and balancing her personal and work life. Lawrence (Jay Ellis) is thriving to level up on his own.
More from DeadlineNew Hollywood Podcast: Issa Rae Talks 'Insecure' Season 4, Messy Friendship Dynamics And Racial Bias Against Dating Black Women & Asian MenCarrie Coon To...
- 5/1/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO has renewed “Insecure” for a fifth season.
The premium cabler made the announcement Friday. Season 4 of the comedy series, which consists of 10 episodes, debuted on April 12 with three episodes having aired to date. The season finale is set to air in mid-June. Series co-creator Issa Rae heads the ensemble cast, which also includes Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales and Alexander Hodge.
The show was created by Rae and Larry Wilmore. Rae also executive produces the series along with Prentice Penny, Melina Matsoukas, Michael Rotenberg, Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry, Amy Aniobi and Jim Kleverweis. The show is partially based on Rae’s web series “Awkward Black Girl.”
“We’re thrilled that Issa, Prentice, and the whole Insecure team will be getting back together for a fifth season,” said Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO Programming. “As we laugh and cringe with recognition, their stories make us...
The premium cabler made the announcement Friday. Season 4 of the comedy series, which consists of 10 episodes, debuted on April 12 with three episodes having aired to date. The season finale is set to air in mid-June. Series co-creator Issa Rae heads the ensemble cast, which also includes Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales and Alexander Hodge.
The show was created by Rae and Larry Wilmore. Rae also executive produces the series along with Prentice Penny, Melina Matsoukas, Michael Rotenberg, Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry, Amy Aniobi and Jim Kleverweis. The show is partially based on Rae’s web series “Awkward Black Girl.”
“We’re thrilled that Issa, Prentice, and the whole Insecure team will be getting back together for a fifth season,” said Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO Programming. “As we laugh and cringe with recognition, their stories make us...
- 5/1/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
HBO has set an April 12 release date for season four of Issa Rae’s critically acclaimed comedy Insecure and served a new trailer at TCA Wednesday morning. Creator and star Rae was joined by executive producer/writer/director Prentice Penny and fellow cast members Yvonne Orji and Jay Ellis to tease details about the forthcoming season. But before getting into that, Rae was asked about the subtle shade thrown at the Academy when she and John Cho unveiled the nominees on Monday.
Rae was tasked with announcing the Best Director nominees, which echoed the Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards in shutting out women. After unveiling all the nominees, she said “Congratulations to those men” which was immediately noticed and applauded by the internet.
“John Cho and I were told to banter for five seconds so that was my banter — I didn’t lie,” Rae said bluntly. “I said congratulations and there were men there.
Rae was tasked with announcing the Best Director nominees, which echoed the Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards in shutting out women. After unveiling all the nominees, she said “Congratulations to those men” which was immediately noticed and applauded by the internet.
“John Cho and I were told to banter for five seconds so that was my banter — I didn’t lie,” Rae said bluntly. “I said congratulations and there were men there.
- 1/15/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Stella Meghie’s debut feature film Jean of the Joneses made its world premiere at SXSW in 2016. She was nominated for a Spirit Award and immediately became a director to watch. She went on to direct the adaptation of Nicola Yoon’s Ya novel Everything, Everything starring Amandla Stenberg (friend of the podcast) as well as The Weekend starring Saturday Night Live alum Sasheer Zamata.
Meghie’s next film, a romantic drama titled The Photograph starring Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield, is slated to open on Valentine’s Day. With a trailer that echoes black-led romantic dramas like Love and Basketball and Brown Sugar, it is already garnering anticipation. If there is one common thread woven through Meghie’s films, it is that they put a black woman at the center of a thoughtful and nuanced story that always gives a different perspective of the black experience.
Meghie got her...
Meghie’s next film, a romantic drama titled The Photograph starring Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield, is slated to open on Valentine’s Day. With a trailer that echoes black-led romantic dramas like Love and Basketball and Brown Sugar, it is already garnering anticipation. If there is one common thread woven through Meghie’s films, it is that they put a black woman at the center of a thoughtful and nuanced story that always gives a different perspective of the black experience.
Meghie got her...
- 12/24/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos and Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Image Source: Getty / Lars Niki
On June 23, Insecure writer and producer Amy Aniobi stopped by Popsugar Play/Ground to moderate a discussion with her friend and colleague Issa Rae. Before Aniobi hit the stage, I had the chance to sit down with her. She walked in rocking a colorful green jumpsuit and a warm smile.
"Sorry, I just want to make sure of something right quick: does my eye makeup look Ok?" she asked, leaning forward and flashing her eyes toward the ground. (It did; she looked amazing.) I knew then and there that the interview was going to feel more like an openhearted chitchat with a college friend - albeit a college friend who has earned screenwriting and producing credits for projects such as Insecure, the podcast-turned-show 2 Dope Queens, and the upcoming Rae-led romantic comedy American Princess.
As a creative, Aniobi has certainly built an impressive résumé in an...
On June 23, Insecure writer and producer Amy Aniobi stopped by Popsugar Play/Ground to moderate a discussion with her friend and colleague Issa Rae. Before Aniobi hit the stage, I had the chance to sit down with her. She walked in rocking a colorful green jumpsuit and a warm smile.
"Sorry, I just want to make sure of something right quick: does my eye makeup look Ok?" she asked, leaning forward and flashing her eyes toward the ground. (It did; she looked amazing.) I knew then and there that the interview was going to feel more like an openhearted chitchat with a college friend - albeit a college friend who has earned screenwriting and producing credits for projects such as Insecure, the podcast-turned-show 2 Dope Queens, and the upcoming Rae-led romantic comedy American Princess.
As a creative, Aniobi has certainly built an impressive résumé in an...
- 7/15/2019
- by Brea Cubit
- Popsugar.com
Image Source: Getty / Monica Schipper
Issa Rae is at the top of her game, though the 34-year-old actress, writer, and producer might beg to differ. On June 23, the Insecure star opened up about her hustle-and-grind mentality and her eagerness to keep breaking barriers in a panel discussion moderated by her friend Amy Aniobi - who is also a writer and executive producer for Insecure - at Popsugar Play/Ground. During the chat, Issa dished on her determination to keep setting new goals for herself with each step in her career. "I always think about what I want to do next," she said. "I want to be able to create other people's projects, finance other people's projects, have a studio, [and] do things outside of entertainment."
Issa's big break dates back to her popular 2011 web series, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, followed by a steady ascent to stardom that has yielded admirable accomplishments.
Issa Rae is at the top of her game, though the 34-year-old actress, writer, and producer might beg to differ. On June 23, the Insecure star opened up about her hustle-and-grind mentality and her eagerness to keep breaking barriers in a panel discussion moderated by her friend Amy Aniobi - who is also a writer and executive producer for Insecure - at Popsugar Play/Ground. During the chat, Issa dished on her determination to keep setting new goals for herself with each step in her career. "I always think about what I want to do next," she said. "I want to be able to create other people's projects, finance other people's projects, have a studio, [and] do things outside of entertainment."
Issa's big break dates back to her popular 2011 web series, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, followed by a steady ascent to stardom that has yielded admirable accomplishments.
- 6/30/2019
- by Brea Cubit
- Popsugar.com
Comedy smash grossed $127m in South Korea this year.
Universal Pictures has secured worldwide rights to an English-language remake of Cj Entertainment’s South Korean comedy hit and all-time box office record-holder Extreme Job, with Kevin Hart eyeing the star role.
Cj Entertainment and HartBeat Productions will Produce with Tracy Oliver, who will adapt the screenplay based on the hit feature about a team of narcotics detectives who go undercover in a fried chicken restaurant just as it becomes the hottest eatery in town.
Lee Byoung-heon’s Extreme Job opened in January in South Korea and has since become the...
Universal Pictures has secured worldwide rights to an English-language remake of Cj Entertainment’s South Korean comedy hit and all-time box office record-holder Extreme Job, with Kevin Hart eyeing the star role.
Cj Entertainment and HartBeat Productions will Produce with Tracy Oliver, who will adapt the screenplay based on the hit feature about a team of narcotics detectives who go undercover in a fried chicken restaurant just as it becomes the hottest eatery in town.
Lee Byoung-heon’s Extreme Job opened in January in South Korea and has since become the...
- 4/29/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Kevin Hart, Girls Trip scribe Tracy Oliver and Korean powerhouse Cj Entertainment are teaming up on an English-language remake of Cj’s Korean box office smash Extreme Job for Universal Pictures.
Hart is eyeing a starring role in the comedy, which has been picked up by Universal for world rights. Oliver will script.
Extreme Job, which earlier this year became the highest grossing film in Korean box office history, follows a team of narcotics detectives who go undercover in a fried chicken joint to stake out an organized crime gang. Things take an unexpected turn when the detectives’ chicken recipe suddenly transforms the rundown restaurant into the hottest eatery in town. The Korean hit has taken $127M in its home market, more than 14 times the film’s budget.
The growing Cj Entertainment is developing and producing with Hart’s HeartBeat banner. Producers are Francis Chung, Cj’s Head of U.S. Productions,...
Hart is eyeing a starring role in the comedy, which has been picked up by Universal for world rights. Oliver will script.
Extreme Job, which earlier this year became the highest grossing film in Korean box office history, follows a team of narcotics detectives who go undercover in a fried chicken joint to stake out an organized crime gang. Things take an unexpected turn when the detectives’ chicken recipe suddenly transforms the rundown restaurant into the hottest eatery in town. The Korean hit has taken $127M in its home market, more than 14 times the film’s budget.
The growing Cj Entertainment is developing and producing with Hart’s HeartBeat banner. Producers are Francis Chung, Cj’s Head of U.S. Productions,...
- 4/29/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Hart is producing with an eye to star in the comedy “Extreme Job,” an English-language remake of a Korean box office smash, and Universal Pictures has acquired the worldwide rights to the film.
Last March, “Extreme Job” became the highest grossing film of all time in South Korea, taking in $127 million in what was 14 times greater than the film’s budget. Cj Entertainment, the Korean entertainment conglomerate that made the original comedy, is developing and producing the English-language remake along with Hart’s HartBeat production banner.
Tracy Oliver is on board to adapt the screenplay about a team of narcotics detectives who go undercover in a fried chicken joint to stake out an organized crime gang. But things take an unexpected turn when the detectives’ chicken recipe suddenly transforms the rundown restaurant into the hottest eatery in town.
Also Read: Kevin Hart's First Netflix Stand-Up Special to Debut in...
Last March, “Extreme Job” became the highest grossing film of all time in South Korea, taking in $127 million in what was 14 times greater than the film’s budget. Cj Entertainment, the Korean entertainment conglomerate that made the original comedy, is developing and producing the English-language remake along with Hart’s HartBeat production banner.
Tracy Oliver is on board to adapt the screenplay about a team of narcotics detectives who go undercover in a fried chicken joint to stake out an organized crime gang. But things take an unexpected turn when the detectives’ chicken recipe suddenly transforms the rundown restaurant into the hottest eatery in town.
Also Read: Kevin Hart's First Netflix Stand-Up Special to Debut in...
- 4/29/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“Sorry to Bother You” star Lakeith Stanfield and “Insecure” creator Issa Rae will star side-by-side in “The Photograph,” a new film for Universal Pictures.
The film is based on an original spec by “Everything, Everything” director Stella Meghie. Her directorial debut, “Jean of the Joneses,” premiered at the 2016 South-by-Southwest Film Festival.
“The Photograph” is described as a romantic drama centered on intertwining love stories in the past and present. Will Packer will produce the film along with James Lopez under his company Will Packer Productions.
Also Read: Issa Rae Will Produce Musical Romance 'Love in America' at Universal
Packer’s latest film, the Taraji P. Henson-led “What Men Want,” has grossed $59.7 million worldwide. Universal will release his next film, “Little,” on April 12.
Meghie, who will also direct and executive produce “The Photograph,” has worked with Rae in the past, directing the season three “Insecure” episode “Fresh Like.” She is...
The film is based on an original spec by “Everything, Everything” director Stella Meghie. Her directorial debut, “Jean of the Joneses,” premiered at the 2016 South-by-Southwest Film Festival.
“The Photograph” is described as a romantic drama centered on intertwining love stories in the past and present. Will Packer will produce the film along with James Lopez under his company Will Packer Productions.
Also Read: Issa Rae Will Produce Musical Romance 'Love in America' at Universal
Packer’s latest film, the Taraji P. Henson-led “What Men Want,” has grossed $59.7 million worldwide. Universal will release his next film, “Little,” on April 12.
Meghie, who will also direct and executive produce “The Photograph,” has worked with Rae in the past, directing the season three “Insecure” episode “Fresh Like.” She is...
- 3/18/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Insecure writer and producer Amy Aniobi has signed an overall deal at HBO, strengthening her relationship with the premium cable outlet.
The two-year pact will have Aniobi continue as a co-executive producer of Insecure — which is going into its fourth season — and writing limited series The Dolls with her Insecure colleagues Issa Rae (who will also star) and Laura Kittrell. HBO has also put into development Attachment, a comedy series Aniobi co-created and will executive produce; she'll also develop new projects for the network.
Attachment, produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine, centers on a first-generation Indian-American tech CEO who's forced to share ...
The two-year pact will have Aniobi continue as a co-executive producer of Insecure — which is going into its fourth season — and writing limited series The Dolls with her Insecure colleagues Issa Rae (who will also star) and Laura Kittrell. HBO has also put into development Attachment, a comedy series Aniobi co-created and will executive produce; she'll also develop new projects for the network.
Attachment, produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine, centers on a first-generation Indian-American tech CEO who's forced to share ...
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