Showing posts with label Kevin Hart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kevin Hart. Show all posts

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from October 16th to 22th, 2016 - Update #24

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MEDIA - From TheWrap:  AT&T has bought Time Warner for 85 billion dollars.

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OBIT - From BleedingCool:  The comic book artist, Steve Dillon, has died at the age of 54, Saturday, October 22, 2016.  A Brit, his best known work to American fans includes Preacher (co-created with Garth Ennis) and The Punisher.

From BleedingCool:  The comic book community remembers Steve Dillon, acclaimed comic book artist and creator.

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STAR WARS - From YahooMovies:  Donald Glover will be Lando Calrissian in "Young Han Solo" movie.

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COMICS-FILM - From Variety:  "Deadpool" director Tim Miller has left the "Deadpool 2" sequel over creative differences with star Ryan Reynolds.

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OBIT - From YahooTV:  The actor and comedian, Kevin Meaney, has died at the age of 60, Friday, October 21, 2016.

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ANIMATION - From THR:  Tom Hiddleston joins Aardman's animated film, "Early Man," which is to be directed by multiple Oscar winner, Nick Park.

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SPORTS - From YahooSports:  The Los Angeles Sparks win the 2016 WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) championship title.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Gugu Mbatha-Raw joins Avu DuVernay's "A Wrinkle in Time."

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COMICS-FILM - From CinemaBlend:  Early reviews for Marvel Studio's "Doctor Strange" are in.

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MOVIES - From Variety:   Colin Firth in talks to star in Disney's "Mary Poppins Returns."

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MOVIES - From TheGuardian:  Leonardo DiCaprio looking to star in real-life tale of Jim Crow and Black children used as circus freak.

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MUSIC - From YahooMusic:  Eminem releases an 8-minute diss track of Donald Trump.

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MOVIES - From YahooMovies:  Warner Bros. is working on a new Willy Wonka movie.  Even with all the praising of Gene Wilder following his recent passing, I knew someone was plotting to revive Wilder's signature role (according to some) in a new movie.

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MOVIES - From THR:  Michael Moore has apparently revealed a surprise Donald Trump film.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Disney is producing a live-action version of its 1998 animated film, Mulan.  Sony is producing a competing live-action version of the tale of Mulan, and they have hired, Alex Graves, who has directed episodes of "Games of Thrones."

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BOX OFFICE - From Variety:  Thanks to billion dollar hits like "Captain America: Civil War" and "Finding Dory," Disney sets a record for international box office, which they already held from 2015.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The #1 movie at the 10/14 to 10/16/2016 weekend box office is "The Accountant" (starring Ben Affleck) with an estimated take of $24.7 million.

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OBIT - From ESPN:  The former NFL player, Dennis Byrd, has died at the age of 50, Saturday, October 15, 2016.  Byrd broke his neck in a 1992 game and despite odds learned to walk again.

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MOVIES - From BleedingCool:  "Jurassic World 2" will be "scarier and darker." Better would be good, too.

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COMICS-FILM - From Variety:  The new Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Tom Holland, dishes on "Spider-Man: Homecoming."

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MOVIES - From EW:  There will be a "Ride Along 3" with Kevin Hart and Ice Cube, says director.

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ECO - From RSN:  Actor Mark Ruffalo and rocker Neil Young were arrested  during protests to free a journalist.

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MOVIES - From TheGuardian:  Oliver Stone says the U.S. government lies all the time.

TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  The first official trailer for the third Wolverine movies, "Logan," which is due March 3rd.

From YouTube:  First trailer for "The Boss Baby," from DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox.


Saturday, August 27, 2016

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from August 21st to 27th, 2016 - Update #40

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SPORTS - From YahooSports:  San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick causes discomfort by not standing for the National Anthem in protest.

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CULTURE - From AmericanHeraldTribune:  American exceptionalism means we can sell cluster bombs to Saudi Arabia to kill civilians in Yemen.

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CRIME - From NBCNews:  Rodney Earl Sanders charged with the the death of two 68-year-old nuns in Mississippi.

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OBIT - From TheWrap:  The actor Marvin Kaplan has died at the age of 89, Thursday, August 25, 2016.  Kaplan was best known for his role on the sitcom, "Alice," as the phone lineman Harry Beesmeyer.  He was also noted for his voice work on the animated series, "Top Cat."

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Sam Mendes is in early talks to direct a live-action film based on Roald Dahl's book, James and the Giant Peach.  20 years ago, Disney released a version of "James and the Giant Peach" that mixed live-action and stop-motion animation.

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COMICS-FILM:  From THR:  The screenwriters of the hit film, "The Fault in Our Stars," are working on the script for "New Mutants," Fox's adaptation of one of the X-Men spinoff comic books.  The lineup of characters has also been announced.

From CBR:  Josh Boone, the director of "The Fault in Our Stars," is slated to direct "New Mutants."  He co-wrote the early drafts of the script with Knate Lee, and credited the original creative team of the "New Mutants," Chris Claremont and Bob McLeod.

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COMICS-FILM - From YahooNews:  Joe and Anthony Russo are telling tales of "Captain America: Civil War" for its DVD release.

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COMICS - From BleedingCool:  See pages from an unpublished comic book adaptation of "Peter Pan."

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TELEVISION - From BleedingCool:  Seth McFarlane and Jon Favreau unite for a sci-fi comedy that just sounds like crap.

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MOVIES - From BleedingCool:  Jeremy Renner is joining the voice cast "Arctic Justice: Thunder Squad."

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TELEVISION - From BleedingCool:  Chris O'Dowd and Ray Romano will be the lead in Epix's "Get Shorty" series, based on the book and movie.

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POLITICS - From RollingStone:  Curt Schilling is the next Donald Trump says Matt Taibbi.  I think losing his fortune is what is driving him crazy.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Helen Mirren in talks to join Disney's "The Nutcracker" film.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Sarah Paulson in talks to join the all-female "Ocean's Eight."

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Denzel Washington is interested in starring in "Inner City," a legal drama from Dan Gilroy, the mastermind behind 2014's "Nightcrawler."

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:  Victor Miller, the writer of the original "Friday the 13th," is seeking to reclaim rights to the movie, which has lead to a lawsuit.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Beloved French film, "The Intouchables" (2011), is being remade with Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart.  Neil Burger is set to direct.

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MOVIES - From YahooNews:  Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is the highest-paid actor.

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MOVIES - From YahooMovies:  The fallout from a summer full of movie flops.

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COMICS-FILM - From Variety:  Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment announced a new comic book movie, "Dark Universe," also known as "Justice League Dark."  Doug Liman has been announced as the director.

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COMICS-FILM - From THR:  Marvel Studios has a short-list of three female directors to helm its "Captain Marvel" movie, which is not due until March 2019.

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MUSIC - From YahooMusic:  Prince's "Paisley Park" to open to public tours in October 2016.

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TELEVISION - From Variety:  Amazon and Warner Bros. is developing a TV version of Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning film, "The Departed," which was based on a Hong Kong film, "Infernal Affairs."

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TELEVISION - From Variety:  The actor Steven Hill has died at the age of 94 on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.  Hill was best known as New York City District Attorney Adam Schiff on "Law & Order" during the series first decade.  Schiff was also played "Dan Briggs," the first leader of the Impossible Missions Force during the first season of "Mission: Impossible."  [Actor Peter Graves' Jim Phelps replaced Hill's Briggs as the leader for the series second season.]

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MOVIES - From YahooMovies:  Jennifer Lawrence is the world's  highest paid actress.

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BOX OFFICE - From YahooMovies:  Box office flop, "Ben-Hur," a remake of an Oscar-winning 1959 film, may lose up to $100 million dollars.

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MOVIES - From TheTrackingBoard:  If you want more original films and fewer remakes and sequels, buy tickets to original films.

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COMICS - From Mashable:  The new African-American female Iron Man will be called "Iron Heart."

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MOVIES - From FlickeringMyth:  John Boyega gives a small update on "Pacific Rim 2."

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FILM - From Variety:  10 actors to watch.

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CULTURE - From HitFix:  Napster founder, Sean Parker, offered Ian McKellen $1.5 million to marry him and his bride, but McKellen had to dress as "Gandalf" from the Lord of the Rings.  McKellen declined.

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COMICS-FILM - From ScreenRant:  Doctor Strange may appear in "Thor: Ragnarok."

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SPORTS - From YahooFinance:  Kobe Bryant has set up a $100 million dollar venture capital fund with tech entrepreneur and investor, Jeff Stibel.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 8/19 to 8/21/2016 weekend box office is "Suicide Squad" with an estimated take of $20.7 million.

From Deadline:  "The Secret Life of Pets" #1 at international box office.

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PRINCE - From YahooNews:  An official in the investigation of the death of Prince says that synthetic drugs were found at his estate and those pills fentanyl, which is 50 times more powerful than heroin.

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MOVIES - From TheDailyBeast:  Comedy god/legend Mel Brooks talks about his films, including the controversial and fantastic "Blazing Saddles."

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CRIME - From ChicagoSunTimes:  Chicago cops throw the bodycam microphones on a roof.

TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  A special clip wishing "Happy Birthday" to Katherine Johnson, one of the women whose story is told in the movie, "Hidden Years," due January 13, 2017.

From YouTube:  The first trailer for the film, "Rings," which may be a reboot of or sequel to "The Ring" horror movie franchise.



Saturday, July 30, 2016

"Central Intelligence" Doing Smart Box Office Worldwide

“Central Intelligence” Scores $200 Million at Global Box Office

Dwayne Johnson/Kevin Hart Starrer is Year’s Highest-Grossing Action Comedy Worldwide

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“Central Intelligence,” the new film from director Rawson Marshall Thurber that pairs fan favorites Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, crosses the $200 million mark at the global box office today, making it the highest-earning action comedy of 2016, to date, worldwide.

    “With their impeccable comedic timing, Dwayne and Kevin have proven to be the driving force behind ‘Central Intelligence’s’ global success. We are thrilled to continue our relationship with such incredible talent and filmmakers, and that our partnership with New Line and Warner Bros. on this film has been so successful.”

“Central Intelligence,” from New Line Cinema, Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, made its June 17th, 2016 North American debut with an impressive opening weekend total of $35.5 million. Propelled by enthusiastic word-of-mouth, an A- Cinema Score and the star power of Johnson and Hart, it has gone on to a record-setting domestic run, with a current estimate of $125.6 million.

The film is also enjoying robust international returns at an estimated $75.9 million, bringing it to a cumulative worldwide box office total of more than $200 million, with additional territories yet to open.

Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of Worldwide Distribution for Warner Bros. Pictures, stated: “We knew audiences would respond to the unbeatable chemistry of Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart in this fun, action-packed comedy. ‘Central Intelligence’ plays big and delivers across a wide demographic. Congratulations to our partners at New Line and Universal, to director Rawson Marshall Thurber, and to all the talented people behind this worldwide hit.”

Said Duncan Clark, President of Universal Pictures International, “With their impeccable comedic timing, Dwayne and Kevin have proven to be the driving force behind ‘Central Intelligence’s’ global success. We are thrilled to continue our relationship with such incredible talent and filmmakers, and that our partnership with New Line and Warner Bros. on this film has been so successful.”

“Central Intelligence” follows a one-time bullied geek, Bob (Johnson), who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent, coming home for his high school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, Bob enlists the help of former “big man on campus” Calvin (Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before the staid numbers-cruncher realizes what he’s getting into, it’s too late to get out, as his increasingly unpredictable new friend drags him through a world of shoot-outs, double-crosses and espionage that could get them both killed in more ways than Calvin can count.

The film also stars Amy Ryan, Aaron Paul and Danielle Nicolet.

“Central Intelligence” is directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, from a screenplay by Ike Barinholtz & David Stassen and Rawson Marshall Thurber; story by Ike Barinholtz & David Stassen. It is produced by Scott Stuber, Peter Principato, Paul Young and Michael Fottrell, with executive producers Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener, Samuel J. Brown, Michael Disco and Ed Helms. The creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Barry Peterson, production designer Stephen Lineweaver, editors Mike Sale and Brian Olds, and costume designer Carol Ramsey. The music is by Theodore Shapiro and Ludwig Göransson.

New Line Cinema and Universal Pictures present, a Bluegrass Films/Principato Young Entertainment Production, a Rawson Marshall Thurber Film, “Central Intelligence.” It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

This film is rated PG-13 for crude and suggestive humor, some nudity, action violence and brief strong language.

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Thursday, July 28, 2016

BET Announces a Star-Studded Fall 2016 Lineup

BET Networks Promises to Tickle Your Funny Bone with a Star-Studded Fall 2016 Lineup of Original Series and Specials

“REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD” Returns for a Fifth Season of Hilarious Antics on Tuesday, October 11 at 9 PM ET/PT

New Series “THE GARY OWEN SHOW” and “HUSTLE & BLOW (Working Title)” Premiere Back to Back Beginning at 9:30 PM ET/PT

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starting this fall, BET Networks will unleash a star studded lineup of can’t miss original programming. From scripted to reality, the new and returning shows promise a season of comedy, family and hustle!

Fan favorite “REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD,” starring superstar comedian and actor Kevin Hart, is back to deliver huge laughs along with an all-star roster of returning characters including Nelly, Nick Cannon and Cynthia Kaye McWilliams. Hart makes his directorial debut this season, which promises hilarious special appearances from previous cast members JB Smoove, Boris Kodjoe and Duane Martin combined with high wattage celebrity guests Nia Long, Keke Palmer, Tyga and many more.

Following “REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD” is the world premiere of the new docuseries “THE GARY OWEN SHOW” starring popular actor and stand-up comedian Gary Owen. “THE GARY OWEN SHOW” will showcase the hilarious and dynamic everyday life of the Owen family like you’ve never seen or heard them before. Not to be outdone, new series “HUSTLE & BLOW (WORKING TITLE)” follows the inner workings of a premier Atlanta salon. Tune in as cameras capture the drama behind what it takes to be one of the hottest celebrity grooming spots in the city!

Also returning are two high-rated specials that continue to captivate audiences year after year: “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” and “THE SOUL TRAIN AWARDS.”

SERIES

REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD - Season 5 Premieres Tuesday, October 11 at 9 PM ET/PT.

The reality show-spoofing “Real Husbands of Hollywood” chronicles newly divorced comedian Kevin Hart and his Hollywood pals as they navigate their way through stardom alongside – or in spite of – their famous wives. Season 5 of the hit mockumentary stars Kevin Hart, Nelly, Nick Cannon, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams as Trina Shaw; with special appearances from JB Smoove, Boris Kodjoe, Duane Martin and Jackie Long. High wattage guest stars include Nia Long, Keke Palmer, Tyga, LeToya Luckett, and Faizon Love. Kevin Hart also makes his directorial debut this season. Kevin Hart serves as Executive Producer along with Jesse Collins, Ralph Farquhar, Stan Lathan, Chris Spencer, and Dave Becky.

THE GARY OWEN SHOW - Series Premieres Tuesday, October 11 at 9:30 PM ET/PT.

The Gary Owen Show chronicles the life of America’s favorite honorary Black comedian Gary Owen and his hilariously offbeat multiracial family. He broke through as the first Caucasian host of BET’s Comic View, and also had star turns in the Think Like A Man films, Ride Along, and Meet the Blacks. Now he’s bringing his own interracial and blended family to BET in a 30-minute unscripted series that is colorful, truthful and hysterical. Gary is constantly pushing the limits of what is politically correct when it comes to kids in small-town Ohio. Gary Owen executive produces alongside Bunim/Murray Productions' Gil Goldschein, Jeff Jenkins and Andrea Metz. Stella Bulochnikov, Brian Sher, and Clifford Harris (T.I.), serve as Executive Producers as well.

HUSTLE & BLOW (WORKING TITLE) - Series Premieres Tuesday, October 11 at 10 PM ET/PT.

Hustle & Blow (Working Title) is what goes down every day at Salon Ramsey, Atlanta's biggest, baddest, one-stop beauty shop. Started by Nas' go-to barber, Ramsey, this urban empire spans 5 locations and houses over 100 employees including hair stylists, nail technicians, barbers and tattoo artists. At the flagship location, Salon Ramsey is the hotspot for Atlanta’s most demanding customers including celebrities, actresses, rappers, and athletes who come through the doors for every kind of service. But the competition for clients can cause best friends to turn into fierce enemies in a matter of seconds. The outrageous and talented staff sees each other more than they see their own families at this 24-hour shop, so anything can happen and it always does. “Hustle & Blow” is produced by T Group for BET Networks, with Jenny Daly and Rob Lobl executive producing. Glenn Carrano also serves as Executive Producer.

SPECIALS

BET HIP HOP AWARDS - Premieres October 2016

For the last decade, the BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” has remained the most prominent hip hop culture showcase on television. The #1 hip hop-themed telecast on television will help celebrate the biggest names in the game, newcomers on the scene, and shine a light on the community. The live performances are the most talked about in the business, and this year will not be any different!

SOUL TRAIN AWARDS - Premieres November 2016

The 2016 “Soul Train Awards,” the first since the acquisition of the Soul Train franchise by BET Networks, returns to showcase its influence on the history of music and dance from the 70s to today. Paying homage to R&B legends and serving as a platform for the next wave of talented artists, the “Soul Train Awards” will celebrate the best in soul music from yesterday and today.


About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.

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Thursday, April 14, 2016

Warner Bros. Piictures Brought Out the Stars for CinemaCon

Warner Bros. Pictures’ CinemaCon Presentation Hits the Jackpot in Las Vegas

Big Movies, Big Stars and Big News Take Center Stage at the Studio’s Big Picture Presentation

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures showcased an impressive lineup of talents and highly anticipated films at this year’s CinemaCon, which generated tremendous excitement for the Studio’s wide-ranging slate. Chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara opened the program and announced that Ben Affleck—who will again play the role of Batman in the upcoming Justice League movie—will direct, as well as star in, a new stand-alone Batman feature.

The Studio’s presentation was highlighted by trailers and film clips—including some never-before-seen footage—and appearances by some of the major stars and filmmakers involved in each of the movies. It also served to illustrate Tsujihara’s statement about the diversity of the slate: built on the foundation of the key franchises of DC Super Heroes, animated LEGO® features, and “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” but also encompassing a broad scope of dramas, action adventures, horror thrillers and comedies.

There were also speeches from Sue Kroll, in her new post as Warner Bros. Pictures President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, who was recently named President of Worldwide Distribution.

Remarking on the Warner Bros. event, Kroll said, “CinemaCon is always one of the high points of our year: when we get to introduce our upcoming slate to our partners in the exhibition community who are responsible for bringing our films to audiences worldwide. It was wonderful to have this opportunity to showcase the broad range of films Warner Bros. has on the horizon, as well as some of the extraordinary artists behind them.”

Kwan Vandenberg added, “We appreciated the enthusiastic participation of actors and filmmakers from every title, who added tremendous star power to the presentation. CinemaCon gives us a chance to reinforce our commitment to the big-screen experience on a global level.”

Kicking off the film presentation with a bang, Ben Affleck and Amy Adams introduced a thrilling reel spotlighting the Studio’s ambitious slate of DC films. The roster includes the new Justice League film, as well as stand-alone features for Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg. Director Zack Snyder closed the reel with a greeting from the Justice League film set, surrounded by his stars.

The DC preview also included a glimpse of the summer’s hotly anticipated action adventure “Suicide Squad” and, immediately following, writer/director David Ayer took the stage and introduced the main ensemble cast, led by Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie and Joel Kinnaman. The extended version of the “Suicide Squad” trailer was met with loud applause and the buzz surrounding the film was palpable.

Host Mario Lopez then took the attendees through the rest of the summer line-up, including advance footage from the wide range of titles. The stars and filmmakers who excited the crowd about their upcoming films included: Russell Crowe for the action comedy “The Nice Guys”; Emilia Clarke for the drama “Me Before You” (from New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn Mayer); James Wan, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson for the supernatural thriller “The Conjuring 2” (from New Line Cinema); Teresa Palmer and David F. Sandberg for the horror thriller “Lights Out” (from New Line Cinema); Kevin Hart and Rawson Marshall Thurber for the action comedy “Central Intelligence” (from New Line Cinema and Universal Pictures), which included a taped greeting from Dwayne Johnson; Alexander Skarsgård, Margot Robbie, Samuel L. Jackson and Christoph Waltz for the adventure “The Legend of Tarzan” (from Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures); and Todd Phillips and Bradley Cooper for the comedic drama “War Dogs,” which is based on real events.

Looking past the summer, Warner Bros. unveiled some of the films on the drawing board from the Warner Animation Group, or WAG for short. Three of the brilliant minds in the WAG think tank—Christopher Miller, Phil Lord and Nicholas Stoller—came to the stage to introduce a special reel featuring a few of the titles in the pipeline, anchored by three new films in the LEGO® movie franchise: “The LEGO® Batman Movie,” “The LEGO® Movie 2” and “Ninjago.” Stoller, who co-directed the next WAG film on the slate, “Storks,” was joined by fellow director Doug Sweetland and voice talents Andy Samberg and Katie Crown to present new footage from the heartwarming and hilarious family adventure.

The animation portion wrapped with never-before-seen footage from “The LEGO® Batman Movie,” which gives the breakout star of the hit “The LEGO® Movie” a film of his own. Drawing laughter and enthusiastic applause, the clip was presented by producers Lord and Miller, joined by the voice of LEGO® Batman himself, Will Arnett, who made a surprise appearance to the delight of everyone there.

Warner Bros. closed the presentation with a look at the most magical film of the year, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” written by Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling, which will bring moviegoers to a new place and time in the wizarding world. Four of the film’s stars, Eddie Redmayne, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler and Colin Farrell, came to the stage to introduce the new teaser trailer and a look behind the scenes of the film, which has already captivated fans.

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Saturday, February 6, 2016

First Slate of Presenters Announced for 2016 Oscars Ceremony

THE ACADEMY ANNOUNCES FIRST SLATE OF PRESENTERS AND PERFORMERS FOR 88TH OSCARS

Oscars producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin announced today the first slate of presenters for the 88th Oscars telecast. The Oscars, hosted by Chris Rock, will air live Oscar® Sunday, February 28, on ABC. 

The presenters and performers, including past Oscar winners and nominees, are:

     Benicio Del Toro
     Tina Fey
     Whoopi Goldberg
     Ryan Gosling
     Kevin Hart
     Lady Gaga
     Sam Smith
     Charlize Theron
     Jacob Tremblay
     The Weeknd
     Pharrell Williams

“Each of these artists brings a wonderfully distinctive element to the Oscars stage,” said Hill and Hudlin. “Together they represent the many thrilling ways stories can be shared about the human experience, and we’re honored they will be part of the celebration.”

The 88th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide

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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

322 People Invited to Join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

ACADEMY INVITES 322 TO MEMBERSHIP

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 322 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.  Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2015.

“It’s gratifying to acknowledge the extraordinary range of talent in our industry,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs.  “This year, our branches have recognized a more diverse and inclusive list of filmmakers and artists than ever before, and we look forward to adding their creativity, ideas and experience to our organization.”

The 2015 invitees are:

Actors
Elizabeth Banks – “Love & Mercy,” “The Hunger Games”
Choi Min-sik– “Lucy,” “Oldboy”
Benedict Cumberbatch – “The Imitation Game,” “Star Trek Into Darkness”
Martin Freeman – “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” “Hot Fuzz”
Heather Graham – “The Hangover,” “Boogie Nights”
Tom Hardy – “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Inception”
Kevin Hart – “The Wedding Ringer,” “Ride Along”
Felicity Jones – “The Theory of Everything,” “Like Crazy”
Stephen Lang – “Avatar,” “The Men Who Stare at Goats”
Jodi Long – “A Picture of You,” “Beginners”
John Carroll Lynch – “Shutter Island,” “Zodiac”
Gugu Mbatha-Raw – “Beyond the Lights,” “Belle”
Denis O’Hare – “Milk,” “Michael Clayton”
Michael O’Neill – “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Transformers”
David Oyelowo – “Selma,” “A Most Violent Year”
Dev Patel – “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” “Slumdog Millionaire”
Rosamund Pike – “Gone Girl,” “Pride & Prejudice”
Chris Pine – “Into the Woods,” “Star Trek”
Daniel Radcliffe – “Kill Your Darlings,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2”
Eddie Redmayne – “The Theory of Everything,” “Les Misérables”
Jason Segel – “The Five-Year Engagement,” “The Muppets”
J.K. Simmons – “Whiplash,” “Juno”
Sonny Skyhawk – “Geronimo: An American Legend,” “Young Guns II”
Song Kang-ho – “Snowpiercer,” “The Host”
Emma Stone – “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance),” “The Help”

Casting Directors
Lucy Bevan – “Cinderella,” “The Hundred-Foot Journey”
Victoria Burrows – “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” “King Kong”
Aisha Coley – “Selma,” “Beyond the Lights”
Patricia DiCerto – “Blue Jasmine,” “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
Mary Hidalgo – “The Lego Movie,” “The Incredibles”
Roger Mussenden – “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Get Smart”
Lucie Robitaille – “Incendies,” “The Barbarian Invasions”
Luis San Narciso – “The Skin I Live In,” “The Sea Inside”
April Webster – “Tomorrowland,” “Star Trek”
Tricia Wood – “Woman in Gold,” “The Lincoln Lawyer”

Cinematographers
Christopher Blauvelt – “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby,” “The Bling Ring”
Adriano Goldman – “August: Osage County,” “Jane Eyre”
Ben Kasulke – “Laggies,” “Safety Not Guaranteed”
Ryszard Lenczewski – “Ida,” “Margaret”
Jody Lee Lipes – “Ballet 422,” “Martha Marcy May Marlene”
Sharone Meir – “Whiplash,” “Mean Creek”
Rachel Morrison – “Cake,” “Fruitvale Station”
Tristan Oliver – “ParaNorman,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox”
Hoyte Van Hoytema – “Interstellar,” “Her”
Roman Vasyanov – “Fury,” “End of Watch”
Łukasz Żal – “Ida,” “Joanna”

Costume Designers
Kasia Walicka Maimone – “Foxcatcher,” “Moonrise Kingdom”
Francesca Livia Sartori – “Piazza Fontana: The Italian Conspiracy,” “When the Night”
Jany Temime – “Gravity,” “Skyfall”

Designers
Ramsey Avery – “Tomorrowland,” “Star Trek Into Darkness”
Gae Buckley – “The Book of Eli,” “He’s Just Not That into You”
Keith Brian Burns – “The Best Man Holiday,” “2 Fast 2 Furious”
Lester W. Cohen – “Fading Gigolo,” “Cop Land”
Suzie Davies – “Mr. Turner,” “The Children”
John F. Fenner – “The Phantom of the Opera,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley”
Darren Gilford – “Oblivion,” “Tron: Legacy”
Derek R. Hill – “Southpaw,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”
Bryn Imagire – “Cars 2,” “Up”
Dina Lipton – “Baggage Claim,” “Love Hurts”
Tatiana Macdonald – “The Imitation Game,” “The Invisible Woman”
Dominic Masters – “Woman in Gold,” “Casino Royale”
Doug Meerdink – “Jurassic World,” “Ocean’s Thirteen”
Chris Spellman – “Paper Towns,” “This Is the End”
Patrick Tatopoulos – “300: Rise of an Empire,” “Total Recall”
Charlotte Watts – “Mr. Holmes,” “Mr. Turner”

Directors
Michael Binder – “Black or White,” “Reign over Me”
Bong Joon-ho – “Snowpiercer,” “Mother”
Niki Caro – “North Country,” “Whale Rider”
Damien Chazelle* – “Whiplash,” “Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench”
Simon Curtis – “Woman in Gold,” “My Week with Marilyn”
François Girard – “Silk,” “The Red Violin”
F. Gary Gray – “The Italian Job,” “Friday”
James Gunn – “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Super”
Im Kwon-taek – “Chi-Hwa-Seon (Painted Fire),” “Chunhyang”
Stan Lathan – “Beat Street,” “Amazing Grace”
Malcolm D. Lee* – “The Best Man Holiday,” “The Best Man”
Justin Lin – “Fast & Furious 6,” “Better Luck Tomorrow”
François Ozon – “Young & Beautiful,” “Swimming Pool”
Paweł Pawlikowski* – “Ida,” “My Summer of Love”
Kelly Reichardt – “Meek’s Cutoff,” “Wendy and Lucy”
Ira Sachs – “Love Is Strange,” “Keep the Lights On”
Lynn Shelton – “Laggies,” “Your Sister’s Sister”
Abderrahmane Sissako* – “Timbuktu,” “Bamako”
Damián Szifron* – “Wild Tales,” “On Probation”
Fernando Trueba – “Chico & Rita,” “Belle Epoque”
Morten Tyldum – “The Imitation Game,” “Headhunters”
Zaza Urushadze – “Tangerines,” “The Guardian”
Wayne Wang – “Anywhere but Here,” “The Joy Luck Club”
Edgar Wright – “The World’s End,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”
Joe Wright – “Anna Karenina,” “Atonement”
Andrey Zvyagintsev* – “Leviathan,” “Elena”

Documentary
Richard Berge – “The Island President,” “The Rape of Europa”
Mathilde Bonnefoy* – “CitizenFour,” “The Invisibles”
Emad Burnat – “5 Broken Cameras”
Guy Davidi – “5 Broken Cameras,” “Interrupted Streams”
Geralyn Dreyfous – “The Square,” “The Invisible War”
Lewis Erskine – “Free Angela: And All Political Prisoners,” “Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple”
Shana Hagan – “Misconception,” “This Film Is Not Yet Rated”
Tony Hardmon – “Detropia,” “Semper Fi: Always Faithful”
Leonard Retel Helmrich – “Position among the Stars,” “Shape of the Moon”
Pirjo Honkasalo – “The 3 Rooms of Melancholia,” “Atman”
Judy Irving – “Pelican Dreams,” “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill”
Robert Kenner – “Merchants of Doubt,” “Food, Inc.”
Marc Levin – “Mr. Untouchable,” “The Last Party”
Jesse Moss – “The Overnighters,” “Full Battle Rattle”
Pratibha Parmar – “Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth,” “A Place of Rage”
Paula DuPre’ Pesmen – “Keep On Keepin’ On,” “The Cove”
Gordon Quinn – “Life Itself,” “Hoop Dreams”
Kim Roberts – “Waiting for ‘Superman’,” “Lost Boys of Sudan”
Richard Rowley – “Dirty Wars,” “The Fourth World War”
João Moreira Salles – “Santiago,” “Entreatos (Intermissions)”
Ondi Timoner – “We Live in Public,” “Dig!”

Executives
Carolyn Blackwood
Robbie Brenner
Lia Buman
Steve Burke
David Fenkel
Mellody Hobson
Brian Keane
Steven Paul O’Dell
Jim Orr
Mark Rachesky
Ted Sarandos
Jeff Shell

Film Editors
Craig Alpert – “Pitch Perfect 2,” “Pineapple Express”
Mick Audsley – “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus,” “Dirty Pretty Things”
Pablo Barbieri – “Wild Tales,” “La Antena (The Aerial)”
Nadia Ben Rachid – “Timbuktu,” “Bamako”
Kristina Boden – “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby,” “Cake”
Mathilde Bonnefoy* – “CitizenFour,” “Run Lola Run”
Julian Clarke – “Chappie,” “District 9”
Douglas Crise – “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance),” “Babel”
Tom Cross – “Whiplash,” “Any Day Now”
Jinx Godfrey – “The Theory of Everything,” “Man on Wire”
Robert Grahamjones – “Brave,” “Ratatouille”
Masahiro Hirakubo – “Virunga,” “The Duchess”
Jarosław Kamiński – “Ida,” “Aftermath (Pokłosie)”
William Kerr – “Bridesmaids,” “I Love You, Man”
Nico Leunen – “Lost River,” “The Broken Circle Breakdown”
Mike McCusker – “Get On Up,” “3:10 to Yuma”
Tim Mertens – “Big Hero 6,” “Wreck-It Ralph”
Barney Pilling – “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “An Education”
David Rennie – “22 Jump Street,” “Office Space”
Gary D. Roach – “American Sniper,” “Prisoners”
Michael L. Sale – “We’re the Millers,” “Bridesmaids”
Stephen Schaffer – “Cars 2,” “WALL-E”
Job ter Burg – “Borgman,” “Winter in Wartime”
Peter Teschner – “St. Vincent,” “Horrible Bosses”
Tara Timpone – “Friends with Kids,” “Bad Teacher”

Makeup Artists and Hairstylists
Frida S. Aradottir – “August: Osage County,” “A Serious Man”
Victoria Down – “Big Eyes,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”
Frances Hannon – “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “The King’s Speech”
Todd Kleitsch – “Run All Night,” “Black Swan”
Dennis Liddiard – “Foxcatcher,” “Jobs”
Jerry Popolis – “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance),” “Noah”
Janine Rath-Thompson – “Star Trek Into Darkness,” “Bridesmaids”
Johnny Villanueva – “The Gambler,” “The Fighter”
David White – “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “La Vie en Rose”
Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou – “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “An Education”

Members-at-Large
Andy Armstrong
Wayne Billheimer
Kevin Brownlow
Simon Crane
Debbie Denise
Jeff Habberstad
Andy Hendrickson
Elissa M. Rashkin Loparco
Guido Quaroni
Nicole Scalise
Steven J. Scott
Leon D. Silverman
Gregg Smrz
Lynda Ellenshaw Thompson
Steve Venezia

Music
Tyler Bates – “John Wick,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”
Alex Gibson – “Interstellar,” “The Dark Knight”
Jonny Greenwood – “Inherent Vice,” “The Master”
Dave Grusin – “Skating to New York,” “The Firm”
Alex Heffes – “Love and Honor,” “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
Lisa Jaime – “Annie,” “Rock of Ages”
Jóhann Jóhannsson – “The Theory of Everything,” “Prisoners”
Laura Karpman – “States of Grace,” “Black Nativity”
Christopher Lennertz – “The Wedding Ringer,” “Horrible Bosses”
Lonnie Lynn – “Selma,” “Freedom Writers”
Chris McGeary – “Jersey Boys,” “RoboCop”
Sergio Mendes – “Rio 2,” “Rio”
Daniel Pinder – “Big Hero 6,” “Captain Phillips”
Trent Reznor – “Gone Girl,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
Atticus Ross – “Love & Mercy,” “The Social Network”
John Stephens – “Selma,” “Django Unchained”
Marc Streitenfeld – “Poltergeist,” “Prometheus”
Erica Weis – “Spy,” “The Heat”
Gary Yershon – “Mr. Turner,” “Another Year”

Producers
Caroline Baron – “Capote,” “Monsoon Wedding”
Effie T. Brown – “Dear White People,” “Real Women Have Curves”
Terence Chang – “Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale,” “Face/Off”
Wyck Godfrey – “The Fault in Our Stars,” “Twilight”
Jeremy Kleiner – “Selma,” “12 Years a Slave”
Pamela Koffler – “Still Alice,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Gina Kwon – “Camp X-Ray,” “Me and You and Everyone We Know”
Dan Lin – “The Lego Movie,” “Sherlock Holmes”
Eric Newman – “RoboCop,” “Children of Men”
Bruna Papandrea – “Wild,” “All Good Things”
Lydia Dean Pilcher – “Cutie and the Boxer,” “The Darjeeling Limited”
Rebecca Yeldham – “On the Road,” “The Kite Runner”

Public Relations
Jennifer Allen
Asad Ayaz
Dawn Baillie
Andrew Bernstein
Liz Biber
Mara Buxbaum
Lee Ginsberg
R. Jeff Hill
Michelle Hooper
Chris Libby
Susan Norget
Lewis Oberlander
Gordon Paddison
Elias Plishner
David Pollick
Weiman Seid
LeeAnne Stables
Ryan Stankevich
Bonnie Voland

Short Films and Feature Animation
Alan Barillaro – “Brave,” “WALL-E”
Kristine Belson – “The Croods,” “How to Train Your Dragon”
Darlie Brewster – “Curious George,” “The Prince of Egypt”
Roy Conli – “Big Hero 6,” “Tangled”
Ronnie Del Carmen – “Up,” “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron”
Paul A. Felix – “Big Hero 6,” “Lilo & Stitch”
Michael Fukushima – “Me and My Moulton,” “Dimanche/Sunday”
Don Hall – “Big Hero 6,” “Winnie the Pooh”
Talkhon Hamzavi – “Parvaneh,” “Taub”
Hu Wei – “Butter Lamp (La Lampe Au Beurre De Yak),” “Le Propriétaire”
Jin Kim – “Big Hero 6,” “Bolt”
Mat Kirkby – “The Phone Call,” “Hard to Swallow”
David Kneupper – “Alex and Sylvia,” “The Civil War in 4 Minutes”
Michael Lennox – “Boogaloo and Graham,” “The Back of Beyond”
Fabio Lignini – “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” “Puss in Boots”
James Lucas – “The Phone Call”
Patrick Osborne – “Feast,” “Paperman”
Jerome Ranft – “Toy Story 3,” “Ratatouille”
Jim Reardon – “Wreck-It Ralph,” “WALL-E”
Kristina Reed – “Feast,” “Paperman”
Jason Reisig – “Home,” “Shrek Forever After”
Nicolas Schmerkin – “Habana,” “Logorama”
Anthony Stacchi – “The Boxtrolls,” “Open Season”
Isao Takahata – “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya,” “Grave of the Fireflies”
Michael Thurmeier – “Ice Age: Continental Drift,” “No Time for Nuts”
Marlon West – “Frozen,” “The Princess and the Frog”

Sound
Ray Beckett – “Zero Dark Thirty,” “The Hurt Locker”
Odin Benitez – “Frozen,” “Silver Linings Playbook”
Ron Bochar – “Mortdecai,” “Moneyball”
Jason Canovas – “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” “World War Z”
Thomas Curley – “Whiplash,” “The Spectacular Now”
Michael Dressel – “American Sniper,” “Interstellar”
Mary H. Ellis – “Vacation,” “Prisoners”
Stephanie Flack – “Jupiter Ascending,” “Ender’s Game”
Martín Hernández – “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance),” “Biutiful”
Dean Humphreys – “Taken 3,” “The Pianist”
William Johnston – Vice President of Engineering, Formosa Group
Shawn Jones – “Iron Man 3,” “Drive”
Daniel Laurie – “Inside Out,” “Big Hero 6”
David Lee – “Unbroken,” “The Matrix”
Craig Mann – “Dope,” “Whiplash”
Kyrsten Mate – “Tomorrowland,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”
Shannon J. Mills – “Inside Out,” “Big Hero 6”
Bryan K. Pennington – “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” “Promised Land”
Juan P. Peralta – “Tomorrowland,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”
John Ross – “Danny Collins,” “American Hustle”
Peter Staubli – “San Andreas,” “Skyfall”
Mark Taylor – “Edge of Tomorrow,” “Captain Phillips”
Addison Teague – “Big Hero 6,” “The Amazing Spider-Man”
Jon Title – “San Andreas,” “The Divergent Series: Insurgent”
Thomas Varga – “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance),” “The Immigrant”
Ben Wilkins – “Whiplash,” “Star Trek”

Visual Effects
Nicolas Aithadi – “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “X-Men: First Class”
Daniel Barrett – “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”
Stephane Ceretti – “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Cloud Atlas”
Paul Corbould – “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”
Tim Crosbie – “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “The Wolverine”
Dan DeLeeuw – “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Iron Man 3”
Sean Faden – “Fast & Furious 6,” “Let Me In”
Joe Farrell – “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Hereafter”
Scott R. Fisher – “Interstellar,” “The Dark Knight Rises”
Chris Harvey – “Chappie,” “Fast & Furious 6”
Alex Jaeger – “Tomorrowland,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”
Matt Kutcher – “Focus,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”
Andrew Lockley – “Interstellar,” “Inception”
Gray Marshall – “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Captain America: The First Avenger”
Carl Miller – “Jurassic World,” “Elysium”
David Nakabayashi – “Tomorrowland,” “Avatar”
Rocco Passionino – “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Spider-Man 2”
Lou Pecora – “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”
Cary Phillips – “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”
Ellen Poon – “Frozen,” “Inception”
Edwin Rivera – “22 Jump Street,” “Moneyball”
Cameron Waldbauer – “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Elysium”
Erik Winquist – “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “Avatar”

Writers
Armando Bo – “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance),” “Biutiful”
Damien Chazelle* – “Whiplash,” “Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench”
Álex de la Iglesia – “El Crimen Perfecto,” “The Day of the Beast”
Rick Famuyiwa – “Dope,” “The Wood”
Maya Forbes – “Infinitely Polar Bear,” “Monsters vs Aliens”
E. Max Frye – “Foxcatcher,” “Something Wild”
Nicolás Giacobone – “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance),” “Biutiful”
Dan Gilroy – “Nightcrawler,” “The Bourne Legacy”
Jorge Guerricaechevarría – “Cell 211,” “The Day of the Beast”
Rita Hsiao – “Toy Story 2,” “Mulan”
Simon Kinberg – “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Sherlock Holmes”
Malcolm D. Lee* – “The Best Man Holiday,” “The Best Man”
Christopher Markus – “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The First Avenger”
Stephen McFeely – “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The First Avenger”
Graham Moore – “The Imitation Game”
Paweł Pawlikowski* – “Ida,” “My Summer of Love”
Abderrahmane Sissako* – “Timbuktu,” “Bamako”
Damián Szifron* – “Wild Tales,” “On Probation”
Kessen Tall – “Timbuktu”
Tyger Williams – “The Perfect Guy,” “Menace II Society”
Andrey Zvyagintsev* – “Leviathan,” “Elena”

Associates
Victoria Belfrage
Josh Braun
Wayne Fitterman
Sharon Jackson
Patricia Keighley
Cliff Roberts
Elyse Scherz
James Toth
Bart Walker

Seven individuals (noted above by an asterisk) have been invited to join the Academy by multiple branches.  These individuals must select one branch upon accepting membership.

Each year, each Academy member may sponsor one candidate for membership within their branch.  New member application reviews take place in the spring.  Applications for the coming year must be received by March 24, 2016.

New members will be welcomed into the Academy at an invitation-only reception in September.

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Friday, May 15, 2015

Dwayne Johnson Joins Kevin Hart for New Film.

Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart Team Up for Action Comedy “Central Intelligence”

Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber and Executive Produced by Ed Helms

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Production has begun in Boston on the action comedy “Central Intelligence,” for New Line Cinema and Universal Pictures. The film, starring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, will be directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, director of the hit comedies “We’re the Millers” and “Dodgeball.”

The story follows a one-time bullied geek who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent (Johnson), coming home for his high school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, he enlists the help of the former “big man on campus” (Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before the staid numbers-cruncher realizes what he’s getting into it’s too late to get out, as his increasingly unpredictable new friend drags him through a world of shoot-outs, double-crosses and espionage that could get them both killed in more ways than he can count.

“Central Intelligence” will also star Oscar nominee Amy Ryan (“Gone Baby Gone”) as CIA Agent Harris; and Danielle Nicolet (TV’s “The Game”) as Maggie, the wife and high school sweetheart of Hart’s BMOC.

Thurber will direct from a screenplay by Ike Barinholtz & David Stassen and Sean Anders & John Morris, story by Ike Barinholtz & David Stassen. The film will be produced by Scott Stuber (“Ted”), Peter Principato (TV’s “Black-ish”), Paul Young (“Black-ish”) and Michael Fottrell (“Furious Seven”). Ed Helms, who previously worked with Thurber on “We’re the Millers,” will serve as executive producer.

The creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Barry Peterson (“We’re the Millers,” “21 Jump Street”), production designer Stephen Lineweaver (“Ted,” “Blades of Glory”), editors Mike Sale and Brian Olds (“We’re the Millers,” “Tammy”) and costume designer Carol Ramsey (“Horrible Bosses,” “Dodgeball”).

A New Line Cinema and Universal Pictures presentation of a Bluegrass Films/Principato Young Entertainment Production, “Central Intelligence” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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Monday, April 27, 2015

BET Announces Ratings Success and New 2015 Programming

BET Networks Delivers More African Americans Each Week Than Any Other Cable Network

BET.com is a Multi-Platform Mega Star, Setting Trends Worldwide with over 6 Billion Multi-Screen Fan Impressions

BET Networks Announces More Hours of Original Programming Than Ever Before

Centric, the First Network Designed for Black Women, is One of the Fastest Growing Ad – Supported Cable Networks among Women


NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BET Networks announced its upcoming programming schedule for BET and Centric at its annual Upfront presentation. BET Networks’ 2015 slate features more original programming hours than ever before in the history of the network, anchored by high quality scripted and reality shows, star studded tentpoles and original movies that reflect and celebrate the lives of African American adults.

    “Our research and insights on the African American consumer are unparalleled and gives BET Networks a competitive advantage. Our most recent BRAND LOVE study demonstrates the intimate connection our viewers have with us. This study showcases our lean-in engagement, heightened cool factor and supreme brand affinity.”

BET Networks is not just the #1 network for African Americans, it’s an experience across every screen, delivering more African Americans each week than any other cable network. African American viewers continue to seek BET first and it consistently ranks as a top 20 network among total audiences.

“Black consumers experience BET Networks differently than any other network because of our 35 years of history, tremendous experience and insights. We continue to give our viewers what they want – high quality content that respects, reflects and elevates them.” said Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO, BET Networks. “With more hours of original programming than ever before, our new shows coupled with our returning hits like “Being Mary Jane” and “Nellyville” make our original slate stronger than ever.”

“Our brand has always been a trailblazer with our content trending, influencing and leading the culture. With BET Networks, you get celebrity, genuine community, deep audience connection and a rich environment for brand immersion and brand consumption.” said Louis Carr, President of Broadcast and Advertising Media Sales, BET Networks. “Our research and insights on the African American consumer are unparalleled and gives BET Networks a competitive advantage. Our most recent BRAND LOVE study demonstrates the intimate connection our viewers have with us. This study showcases our lean-in engagement, heightened cool factor and supreme brand affinity.”

NEW 2015 BRAND LOVE STUDY

BET Networks’ recently completed a BRAND LOVE 2015 study to examine African American viewership, passions, engagement and ‘lean-in’ emotional attachment. This study is the first of its kind to capture ‘real time’ reactions and get a critical read on the affinity and “it factor” networks have with viewers who frequently watch them. Among the core target of Black adults 18-49, BET is the #1 brand among 33 competitors, delivering the highest brand love score. Centric ranked #4. The critical measurement involves emotional attachment and engagement in five key areas that audiences have with networks they embrace for all of their entertainment. BET received most #1 ranking as Best-In-Class in the following categories:

    #1 Network for one of my favorites
    #1 Network with a fresh outlook on entertainment, music and fashion
    1 Network for an ad /sponsor is considered a recommendation to viewers
    #1 Network featuring liked-personalities, celebrities and talent
    #1 Network that respects my culture

DIGITAL INSIGHTS

BET is a multi-platform megastar; Black viewers embrace digital and mobile first. BET.com is the premiere screen for lifestyle, content and information for African Americans and those who love black culture. The brand ranked as one of the top 25 most social brands of 2014. BET is 1 of only 4 networks to make the list and is the only multi-cultural targeted brand on this list. The interactive network continues to set trends worldwide with a digital footprint of 60 million users. BET continues to develop exclusive original digital series like #BLX that takes artists back to their old neighborhood through their own voice, in their own eyes.

“As consumer behavior shifts to a multi-screen approach, BET Digital is reinventing the way it creates content at the speed of culture. Our properties, BET Digital and BET Social, are daily destinations for lovers of Black culture generating the most connected, engaged and loyal users of any consumer segment. This experience provides an avenue of organic communication between user and publisher, while also serving as a conduit for BET’S clients and partners.” said Kay Madati, EVP and Chief Digital Officer, BET Networks.

CENTRIC, THE FIRST NETWORK DESIGNED FOR BLACK WOMEN

Centric, the first network designed for Black women, reaches 1 out of 3 black women ages 25-54 in the U.S. and is one of the fastest growing ad-supported cable networks among women, posting double year over year gains in Primetime and Total Day. Black women control $260 billion dollars of buying power and consume more television than women from any other ethnic group. In addition, Centric ranked #4 in the BRAND LOVE study among 33 competitors.

“At Centric we believe black women deserve a dedicated space that celebrates their bold and diverse taste and aspirations. The African American woman is an increasingly powerful yet often overlooked consumer. Centric is the first network to deliver the programming that celebrates, inspires and addresses her unique perspective.” said Michele Thornton, SVP of Ad Sales, Centric.

BET Networks announced the following programming at its annual Upfront presentation:

NEW PROGRAMMING ON BET:

    CHASING DESTINY– “CHASING DESTINY” takes us behind the scenes as Grammy-award singer Kelly Rowland, and member of one of the biggest female groups of all time Destiny’s Child, goes on a quest to find the next big female superstar group to make their mark in a dog-eat-dog music industry. In the series, these singing hopefuls will vie their way to stardom with recording mogul Rowland helping them to find their voice as entertainers. From Den of Thieves and Executive Producers Jesse Ignjatovic; Evan Prager; Kelly Rowland; Tim Weatherspoon; Danny Rose and Co-Executive Producers Jared Morell and Jordan Barrow.
    ABOUT THE BUSINESS – “ABOUT THE BUSINESS” is a docu-series following a tight-knit group of friends in the elite world of urban Hollywood. During the day, they are all about the business and on their grind in the high stakes worlds of entertainment. And at night, this clique balances career and family while navigating being power players in LA’s African American celebrity circles. These true friends have big dreams and big drama, but their problems are always raw and relatable. Stars Eva Marcille, Sparkle Holmes, Danielle Crawley, Crystal Renay and EJ King. Produced by Entertainment One (eOne) and from Executive Producers Tara Long, David Shaye and Eric Hoberman for eOne, and Shanta Conic.
    CRIMINALS AT WORK – “CRIMINALS AT WORK” is a docu-crime series that explores crimes committed around the workplace. From inside jobs to corporate espionage, “CRIMINALS AT WORK” dramatically illustrates that you may not really know the person in the cubicle next door.

ZOE MOON– A romantic sitcom featuring Zoe Moon (Brandy Norwood), a live-out-loud newly single mom embarking on a new life and career as a fledgling cosmetics mogul - but it won’t be easy. Gemini, a famous boxer and Zoe’s soon to be ex-husband, is not ready to take a back seat in her life, nor is her precocious 8 year-old son, Xavier, ready for Zoe’s new dating life. Surrounded by a cast of colorful characters, Zoe puts a new spin on the old song “You’re Gonna Make It After All!” From Executive Producers Debra Martin Chase; Scooter Braun; Danny Rose; Executive Producer/Writer Erica Montolfo-Bura and Co-Executive Producer Brandy Norwood.

    THE LABEL – The docu-series will tell the story of the rise…and sometimes fall of the classic record labels over the past 25 years. We’ll talk to the entrepreneurs, the artists, the insiders and key people involved in the creation of the music that defined us over the last quarter century. From Executive Producers Chaka Zulu; Jeff Dixon and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges.
    DESEAN JACKSON: HOME TEAM - Washington Redskins’ wide receiver DeSean Jackson is literally at the top of his game as one of the most talked about and watched players in the NFL today. While being watched is a great thing, it means eyes are always on him– waiting for him to score touchdowns and waiting for him to drop the ball off the field. Even though he has the money and the fame, DeSean's life is actually run by a core group of women including his “momager” Gayle, his sister and assistant A’Dreea, his publicist Denise and his new girlfriend, Kayla. Produced by Rogue Atlas Productions in association with Lionsgate Television. Eli Frankel, Ryan Holcomb, Elise Duran, Desean Jackson and Byron Jackson serve as Executive Producers. Jay Fragus and Lawrence Bell serve as Co-Executive Producers.
    PUNK’D – A reboot of the popular hidden camera series tailored for the BET audience. For the first time, audiences will be taken behind the scenes as the pranks are conceptualized and carried through. Stakes are high as our viewers follow the ticking clock on the journey of pranking their favorite celebrities. Produced by Katalyst Media and from Executive Producer Jason Goldberg.

NEW MOVIES/ MEGA-SPECIALS ON BET:

    ROCNATION SPORTS LIVE BOXING - BET Networks steps into the ring with RocNation Sports as their exclusive broadcast partner to air live boxing events. The partnership is the first of its kind for the network and includes airing up to nine live; two-hour telecasts of Roc Nation Sports throne boxing events over the next 18 months. The first main event fight to air on BET Networks will feature WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO’s) facing former World Title Challenger Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO’s) of England on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.
    BROTHERLY LOVE - Set on the backdrop of Philadelphia's famed Overbrook High School, we track the lives of the nation’s number one high school basketball player Sergio Taylor as he deals with the early pressures of hoop fame. Starring Keke Palmer, Cory Hardrict , Romeo Miller, Macy Gray, Malik Yoba, Quincy Brown and Eric Hill. Written and Directed by Jamal Hill. From Flavor Unit Entertainment.
    NOVEMBER RULE - Up-and-coming sports shoe entrepreneur Steve, who is still reeling from the death of his dad, has made a "November rule" in order to keep his distance from the women who seem to be getting too serious about their relationship. Every November 1st, Steve makes up a whopping lie in order to break up with his current girlfriend. However, this year, when he gives the beautiful Leah her walking papers, he realizes his immature and arbitrary rule has just lost him the woman of his dreams. But whether he can win Leah back seems increasingly doubtful, especially after she starts dating pro sports star, James Avedon. Starring Tatyana Ali, Mo McRae, DJ Qualls, La La Anthony, Faizon Love, Jay Ellis. Directed by Mike Elliot and Executive Produced by Flavor Unit Entertainment.
    DEUCES - An ambitious undercover agent Jason Foster infiltrates an airtight crime ring ran by a charismatic young boss, Stephen “Deuces” Brooks. In time Jason finds himself identifying more with the criminals than with his own reality. But when Jason finds out Deuces is dating his younger sister Janet Foster, things become even more complicated as they both become drawn into Deuce’s intrigue. Starring Larenz Tate, Lance Gross and Meagan Good. Written and Directed by Jamal Hill. From Flavor Unit Entertainment.
    S.N.I.T.C.H. - Inspired by the song S.N.I.T.C.H. from Pusha T’s critically acclaimed album – Pusha T plays JR in a story steeped in distrust and apparent betrayal amongst childhood friends. From Flavor Unit Entertainment.

NEW BET NEWS SPECIALS

    KATRINA - 10 YEARS LATER – On the 10th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we will take a look back at the devastating effects of the storm as well as the current conditions of residents of the 9th Ward and neighborhoods most affected by the flooding. The water has receded but what’s left in its wake.
    O.J. SIMPSON- 20 YEARS LATER – On the 20th anniversary of the acquittal of O.J. Simpson, we will revisit what was billed then as “the trial of the century.” Simpson is currently serving 33 years for robbery, kidnapping, coercion and conspiracy. The documentary will also explore fame vs infamy.
    JUSTICE & RACE – The documentary explores the convergence of hot button issues of Justice and Race in America. It will explore whether the system is different for African Americans through the lens of average citizens as well as high profile cases including O.J. Simpson, Rodney King, Michael Brown and Eric Garner.
    MUHAMMAD ALI – A biographical tribute to the former heavyweight champion, this news special will connect his boxing prowess as well as his social media activism to the millennial audience to reveal Ali’s meaning in the world today. Known as “The Greatest” and “The People’s Champion,” Ali remains a global icon. From Creative Control and Executive Producers Clarence “Coodie” Simmons and Chike Ozah.

NEW BET DIGITAL PROGRAMMING

    #BLX SPORTS EDITION – An intimate look at top players from the National Basketball Association and National Football League. The digital series highlights our partnerships with both premiere sport leagues’ player associations.

“BET is where cool is created and craved. We create content that let’s our audience know we understand their culture and their lifestyle better than anybody else,” said Stephen Hill, President of Programming, BET Network. “Our programming lens is simple; we are showing the variety in black life in an authentic way. We are the only network that takes the complete, complex and comprehensive view of African American life.”

NEW PROGRAMMING ON CENTRIC:

    ACCORDING TO ALEX– Alex Martin Dean is NOT your typical mom, and she doesn’t have a typical family. Sure, they get loud and have their own drama, but in the end, there’s nothing but love! Now that the kids are getting old enough to step out of the house and make their own plans, Alex and her best friend, Leisa, are talking about what they want to do with the rest of their lives, both professionally and personally-- that is, until a new grandchild, Alex’s daughter Amara and her fiancé, Chris, move home, turning to Alex and the rest of the family to help raise their new baby girl. Can they balance family, fun and future plans without losing their cool, or their minds? Find out... on ACCORDING TO ALEX! Produced by 44 Blue Productions and One Ho Productions and from Executive Producers Whoopi Goldberg; Tom Leonardis; Stephanie Noonan Drachkovitch and Alex Martin Dean. Co-Executive Producer Esther Frank.
    #MYCURRENTSITUATION– A documentary series that explores both common and unusual parts of society offering an unadulterated look into the interesting lives of everyday people dealing with everyday issues. Driven first-hand by the subjects, each episode focuses on one particular topic while weaving in between unique storylines of 2 different participants with 2 different perspectives. From I’m Running for Office to I’m a Stripper, this show will highlight the many roles that black women play and the various situations in which they find themselves.
    CURVE APPEAL – Award-winning Fashion Director and Celebrity Stylist Timothy Snell (Queen Latifah, Angela Bassett, Tisha Campbell-Martin) is the winning combination: Image-maker/ therapist. “CURVE APPEAL” is a half hour docu-drama series that follows Hollywood’s hottest plus size stylist and his team as they work to dress both his celebrity clients and everyday women. From Executive Producers Queen Latifah; Shakim Compere and Ianthe Jones. Co-Executive Producers Tim Snell; Cameron Kadison and Diane Perez.
    FROM THE BOTTOM UP - “FROM THE BOTTOM UP” is a six-part docu-series that follows the journey of five women, after falling from grace, as they try to make the necessary changes to turn their lives around and find redemption for themselves and their families. The series provides an unfettered view into their world and the organic chaos within their individual lives. The series tackles real, raw, gritty, emotional and honest issues from women who are smiling on the outside, but two minutes from dying on the inside. It’s not what you have, but what you do with what you have that matters! Starring Christine Beatty; Sara Stokes; Chrystale Wilson; Kim Smedley and Stacii Jae Johnson. From Flavor Unit Entertainment and Executive Producers Queen Latifah; Shakim Compere; Nicci Gilbert; Luchia Ashe; James Dubose and Yaneley Arty.

RETURNING HITS ON BET AND CENTRIC:

RETURNING HITS ON BET

    THE GAME – Final Season – Season 9 of “THE GAME” continues to explore the world of the San Diego Sabers through the eyes of its beloved characters, while bringing back some fan favorites to stir up the drama. Stars Coby Bell, Brandy Norwood, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Hosea Chanchez, Lauren London, Jay Ellis, Barry Floyd and Brittany Daniel. Executive Producers Mara Brock Akil; Salim Akil; Kenny Smith; Hale Rothstein and Jennifer Genzuk-Rice. Co-Executive Producer Claire Brown.
    BEING MARY JANE– BET’s first one-hour original drama, “BEING MARY JANE”, is back with a steamy new third season full of nuanced characters, stellar performances, and engaging writing. Stars Gabrielle Union; Lisa Vidal; Richard Roundtree; Stephen Bishop; Margaret Avery; Richard Brooks; B.J. Britt; Raven Goodwin; Aaron D. Spears and LaTarsha Rose. From Executive Producers Mara Brock Akil; Salim Akil and Gabrielle Union. Co-Executive Producers Devon Shepard; Claire Brown and Jeff Morrone.
    BOBBY JONES GOSPEL – Final Season - The network’s flagship gospel program and the longest continuously running original series on cable television is entering its final season. GRAMMY® winner Dr. Bobby Jones, Jr., the “Ambassador of Gospel,” delivers his ministry and praise. This weekly standout features joyous performances and riveting interviews from gospel music’s most talented entertainers, choirs, evangelists, and others. http://bet.com/bobbyjonesgospel Follow us on Twitter: @BETGospel; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/BETGospel.
    REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD – The fakest reality show ever is a real-life runaway smash. Led by comic genius Kevin Hart with an all-star cast (Nelly, Nick Cannon, Duane Martin, Dondre Whitfield and Cynthia McWilliams), Season 4 will provide more appointment television full of new rivalries, special guests and laugh-out-loud cliffhangers. http://bet.com/RHOH Follow us on Twitter: @BETRealHusbands; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/BETRealHusbands. From Executive Producers Kevin Hart; Stan Lathan; Ralph Farquhar; Jesse Collins; Chris Spencer and Dave Becky.
    NELLYVILLE - "NELLYVILLE" is a one-hour docu-series following Nelly as he navigates his busy career as a hip-hop icon, successful entrepreneur, and loving father to his two biological children (daughter “Nana” and son “Tre”) and his deceased sister’s two children (nephew “Lil Shawn” and niece “Stink”) – all while nurturing a friendship with Shantel “Miss” Jackson. Produced by Entertainment One and from Executive Producers John Morayniss, Tara Long and David Shaye for eOne; Howie Miller; Shanta Conic; Kim McKoy and Nelly and Co-Executive Producer J Erving.
    IT’S A MANN’S WORLD - Known for their starring roles on stage and screen, Tamela and David Mann have become household names for their #1 comedy, “Meet the Browns.” Season 2 of “IT’S A MANN’S WORLD” will take a peek behind their celebrity on-screen personas, exclusive events, famous friends and the at-home lives of David and Tamela Mann. Produced by Entertainment One and from Executive Producers John Morayniss, Tara Long and Eric Hoberman for eOne; Howie Miller; Kim McCoy; Phil Thornton; David Mann Sr.; Tamela Mann and Roger M. Bobb.

RETURNING MEGA-SPECIALS ON BET:

    BET AWARDS’ 15 – Celebrating its 15th anniversary, The BET AWARDS franchise is the #1 program in cable television history among the Black audience, and is still a top 10 awards show on television (Broadcast & Cable) among total viewers. It continues to hold the leadership position because it gathers the biggest stars in music, sports, Hollywood, and philanthropy all on one stage for one incredible night. http://bet.com/betawards Follow us on Twitter: @BETAwards; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheBETAwards.
    BET HIP HOP AWARDS– The “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” returns for its ninth smash year to highlight who did it better in hip hop music, with bold performances and breakthrough freestyle cyphers that set social media on fire. This is the one show where the hottest rap stars of today share the stage with the hip-hop icons of tomorrow. This show serves millions of people who love hip hop culture, a culture which continues to define a generation and defy convention. http://bet.com/hiphopawards Follow us on Twitter: @HipHopAwards; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/HipHopAwards. `
    BLACK GIRLS ROCK! – “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!,” created by Beverly Bond, is the tribute show that became a movement. This NAACP Image Award-nominated special is both timely and timeless, saluting dynamic leaders in entertainment, business, philanthropy and beyond. Past award winners include Ruby Dee, Susan L. Taylor, Missy Elliott, Janelle Monáe, and Taraji P. Henson. Featuring emerging and legendary talent, touching tributes to present-day role models and soulful, surprising musical performances, “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” celebrates the brilliance and beauty of women of color who shape our world and uplift our girls. http://bet.com/BGR Follow the conversation: #BlackGirlsRock.
    CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL– The biggest night that celebrates gospel music, America’s truly original and internationally loved art form, only happens on BET. “CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL” is a star-studded gathering of some of the best voices in Gospel and R&B. Impossible to duplicate, this is the only awards show that literally moves your spirit. http://bet.com/COG Follow us on Twitter: @BETGospel; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/BETGospel.
    THE BET HONORS–The Washington Post says, “the annual BET HONORS have just about perfected the ideal mix of glamour, inspiration, humor and sex appeal.” We could not have said it better! The BET HONORS shows the world “what extraordinary looks like” by saluting luminaries whose lives and revolutionary work contribute to and elevate our culture. Airing during Black History Month, The BET HONORS is a shimmering night of dynamic performances and tributes that cross genres and generations. http://bet.com/honors Follow us on Twitter: @BET; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/BET.

RETURNING MEGA-SPECIALS ON CENTRIC:

    SOUL TRAIN AWARDS – The Hippest Trip In America keeps grooving forward. The iconic brand that defined a generation returns for 2015 with its signature awards show. Featuring never before-seen musical collaborations and powerful tributes from world-class performers, the Soul Train Awards brings you the most revered and promising voices in soul and R&B. And since airing on both our networks is always better, The Soul Train Awards is simulcast on Centric and BET.
    CENTRIC SOUL WEEKEND – “Centric Soul Weekend” will be an amazing on the ground experience shared by viewers, artists and clients alike, as Las Vegas comes alive with a celebration and showcase of the best of African-American culture.


About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

About CENTRIC
Centric is a 24-hour music and entertainment channel that reflects the lifestyle and sophistication of today’s African-American and multicultural adult viewer. With a finger on the pulse of an ever-changing beat, its compelling music content fuses Soul, R&B, Neo-Soul, Hip Hop, Reggae, Gospel, Jazz, Old School, New School and everything in between with today’s hottest artists. It is a unique mix of music, culture and lifestyle programming that embodies the lives, tastes and aspirations of the CENTRIC viewer: All you. All day. All night.

On Twitter: @BET_PR

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Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Viola Davis, Kevin Hart, Ben Affleck Among Presenters at 87th Oscars

Ben Affleck, Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Kevin Hart, Shirley MacLaine, Chris Pine, Miles Teller and Naomi Watts To Present At 87th Oscars®

Ben Affleck, Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Kevin Hart, Shirley MacLaine, Chris Pine, Miles Teller and Naomi Watts will be presenters at this year’s Oscars, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. The Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air on Sunday, February 22, 2015 live on ABC.

Affleck, a two-time Academy Award® winner, received an Original Screenplay Oscar® for “Good Will Hunting” (1997) and a Best Picture Oscar for “Argo” (2012), on which he served as a producer, director and star. His most recent role was opposite Rosamund Pike in “Gone Girl” (2014). He will play Batman in the upcoming feature “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “The Accountant.”

Chastain has received two Oscar nominations, one for Actress in a Leading Role for “Zero Dark Thirty” (2012) and one for Actress in a Supporting Role for “The Help” (2011). Her most recent films include 2014’s “Interstellar,” “A Most Violent Year” and “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby.” She will next be seen in “Crimson Peak” and “The Martian.”

Davis has been nominated for two Oscars, one for her supporting role in the 2008 film “Doubt” and one for her leading role in 2011’s “The Help.”  She currently stars in the ABC primetime hit “How to Get Away with Murder.” Davis’s film credits include “Get on Up,” “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them,”  “Ender’s Game” and “Prisoners.”  She will next been seen in “Lila and Eve,” due out this year.

Hart, who currently stars in the feature comedy “The Wedding Ringer,” appeared in last year’s “Ride Along,” “About Last Night,” “Think Like a Man Too” and “Top Five.” His previous credits include “Think Like a Man” (2012) and “The Five-Year Engagement” (2012). He will star opposite Will Ferrell in “Get Hard” later this year.

MacLaine won an Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role for 1983’s “Terms of Endearment.” She also received nominations for her leading roles in “The Turning Point” (1983), “Irma La Douce” (1963) “The Apartment” (1960) and “Some Came Running” (1958), as well for the documentary feature “The Other Half of the Sky: A China Memoir” (1975), which she produced. Her next role is in “Wild Oats.”

Pine most recently appeared as Cinderella’s Prince in “Into the Woods” (2014). He also has starred in such features as “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” (2014), “Star Trek Into Darkness” (2013), “People
Like Us” (2012), “Unstoppable” (2010), “Star Trek” (2009) and “Bottle Shock” (2008). His upcoming films include “Z for Zachariah” and “The Finest Hours.”

Teller stars in the current Best Picture nominee “Whiplash.”  Later this year, he will appear in the feature “Bleed for This,” as well as “The Fantastic Four.”  Teller also appeared in the 2013 film “The Spectacular Now.”

Watts has twice been nominated for Actress in a Leading Role, for “The Impossible” (2012) and “21 Grams” (2003). Her feature credits also include “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” (2014), “St. Vincent” (2014), “Eastern Promises” (2007), “King Kong” (2005) and “Mulholland Drive” (2001). She will next be seen in the “Divergent” sequel “Insurgent,” While We’re Young,” The Sea of Trees,” and “Demolition.”

The 87th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscars, produced by Zadan and Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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Saturday, January 3, 2015

"Real Husbands of Hollywood" Returns Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 on BET

Kevin Hart and Duane Martin star in the Winter 2015 return episode of "Real Husbands of Hollywood" Tuesday, January 6th at 10:00 P.M. ET/PT. Photo credit: BET Networks/Tyler Golden

Single Black Male: Duane Martin Moves in with Kevin Hart on the Winter Return of "Real Husbands of Hollywood"

Nelly Hits the Studio with R&B Divas Tamar Braxton and Elle Varner

New Episodes of “Real Husbands of Hollywood” Return Tuesday, January 6th at 10:00 P.M. ET/PT


NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It may be cold outside, but things are heating up on the Winter 2015 return of "REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD". After her weekend in jail, Tisha Campbell Martin kicks Duane Martin out, so Duane promptly moves himself in to Kevin's penthouse. Kevin Hart's protests don't survive the hotty masseuses, posh butler and high-profile negotiations Duane is making. But when Tisha proves incapable of managing domestic life, Kevin refuses to give Duane back. Who will get custody of Duane?

Meanwhile, Nelly writes a hit song for girlfriend Bridgette (Erica Ash), but she reverts to her homicidal tendencies when Nelly doesn’t keep his word. Will Nelly survive Bridgette’s wrath?

R&B singers Tamar Braxton and Elle Varner guest star.

New episodes of "REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD" air Tuesdays at 10 P.M. ET/PT in January, beginning January 6th, 2015.

For video sneak peeks and first looks of "REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD" visit the official page at BET.com/RHOH.

Viewers can also find series updates on Facebook by liking the fan page at Facebook.com/BETRealHusbands. Also, join the conversation about the show on Twitter by using hashtag: #BETRealHusbands; follow the show for all updates & special surprises @BETRealHusbands.

Clip Link: http://www.bet.com/video/the-real-husbands-of-hollywood/season-3/sneak-peek/episode-309-kevin-has-a-comical-exchange-with-nelly-about-bridgette.html

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Thursday, September 11, 2014

Paramount Pictures Picks Up Chris Rock's Third Directorial Effort, "Top Five"

PARAMOUNT PICTURES TO DISTRIBUTE CHRIS ROCK'S "TOP FIVE" WORLDWIDE

DEAL WAS ANNOUNCED JOINTLY BY THE STUDIO AND IAC FILMS FOLLOWING ITS PREMIERE AT THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIABN, VIA), announced it will distribute writer / director Chris Rock's "TOP FIVE" worldwide. The news comes as the film from producer Scott Rudin, and his IACF partner Barry Diller, earned rave reviews at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival.

"Chris and I go back decades, both personally and professionally, and so I am particularly proud to have watched his career grow to its highest heights over many decades. This film showcases brilliantly how talented Chris is as a filmmaker and storyteller and we are thrilled to be partnering with him, Scott Rudin and my longtime friend, the legendary Barry Diller and IACF for its worldwide launch," said Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures.

Written, directed by, and starring Chris Rock, “TOP FIVE” tells the story of New York City comedian-turned-film star Andre Allen, whose unexpected encounter with a journalist (Rosario Dawson) forces him to confront the comedy career—and the past—that he's left behind.  Starring Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Cedric The Entertainer, J.B. Smoove, Sherri Shepherd, Anders Holm, Romany Malco, Leslie Jones, Michael Che, and Jay Pharoah.  The film is produced by Scott Rudin and Eli Bush.  The Co-Producers are Shawn “Jay Z” Carter and Kanye West; the Executive Music Producer is Questlove.  Barry Diller and Scott Rudin’s IACF financed the film.

UTA negotiated the deal on behalf of the IACF and the filmmakers. The studio's negotiating team was lead by Paramount's SVP of Acquisition and Production Eben Davidson and Rona Cosgrove, EVP of Business Affairs.

Top critics have said about “TOP FIVE”:

“Chris Rock's third turn in the directing chair proves the proverbial charm in this smart, ferociously funny Hollywood-insider romp… it’s also a candid, fresh, ferociously funny snapshot of life in the celebrity bubble.  Rock has finally found a big-screen vehicle for himself that comes close to capturing the electric wit, shrewd social observations and deeply autobiographical vein of his standup comedy,” said VARIETY’s Scott Foundas

“Chris Rock brings it big time in this uproarious celebrity self-portrait....piling on one hilarious sequence after another in a barrage of hard-hitting humor that has rarely been so successfully dished out in a single film. It’s like watching a first-rate standup routine transformed into fiction, or in this case auto-fiction, as Rock has more on his mind than just making us laugh, offering up a witty celebrity satire that doubles as a love story set during one long and eventful New York City day,” said THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER’s Jordan Mintzer

“Rock has hit a career high with his new film TOP FIVE....Hilarious situations continue to top themselves as the film progresses. Just when you think the surprises are over, another famous face and comedy icon appears…. Rock may know the ins and outs of American stand-up better than any of his peers because he uses that knowledge masterfully in casting this picture. But TOP FIVE transcends its genre…. It’s a movie about the current state of race relations. It’s a movie about honesty and forgiveness. It's another searing indictment of the world of celebrity. It’s even a movie about the lasting legacy of hip-hop. And it all combines to smash you silly and leave you breathlessly wanting more,“ said HITFIX’s Greg Ellwood

“Chris Rock is at his rude, ribald and raucous best in the laugh-out-loud TOP FIVE, a deliriously funny film that looks destined to be a box office hit. Written, directed and starting Rock, the film mines similar territory to Woody Allen at his younger best – sex, comedy, paranoia, insecurity and more sex – but with a much rawer and uncensored edge,” said SCREEN INTERNATIONAL’s Mark Adams

About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

About IAC
IAC (NASDAQ: IACI) is a leading media and Internet company comprised of more than 150 brands and products, including Ask.com, About.com, Match.com, HomeAdvisor and Vimeo.  Focused on the areas of search, applications, online dating, media, and eCommerce, IAC’s family of websites is one of the largest in the world, with over a billion monthly visits across more than 100 countries. The Company is headquartered in New York City and has offices worldwide.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart "Get Hard"

Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart Headline New Comedy “Get Hard”

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart join forces on the feature comedy “Get Hard,” which began filming on location in New Orleans Monday, March 17, for director Etan Cohen.

When millionaire hedge fund manager James King (Ferrell) is nailed for fraud and bound for a stretch in San Quentin, the judge gives him 30 days to get his affairs in order. Desperate, he turns to Darnell Lewis (Hart) to prep him for a life behind bars. But despite James’ one-percenter assumptions, Darnell is a hard-working small business owner who has never received a parking ticket, let alone been to prison. Together, the two men do whatever it takes for James to ‘get hard’ and, in the process, discover how wrong they were about a lot of things – including each other.

The film also stars Craig T. Nelson, Alison Brie, and rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris.

Cohen marks his feature directorial debut with “Get Hard,” following a successful writing career, with credits including “Tropic Thunder.”

“Get Hard” is written by Jay Martel & Ian Roberts and Etan Cohen, with a story by Adam McKay and Jay Martel & Ian Roberts. It will be produced by Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, and Chris Henchy, with Kevin Messick and Ravi Mehta serving as executive producers.

The creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Tim Suhrstedt (“Little Miss Sunshine”); production designer Maher Ahmad (“The Hangover Part III”); editor Michael Sale (“We’re the Millers”); and costume designer Shay Cunliffe (“The Bourne Legacy”).

“Get Hard” is scheduled to open nationwide on Friday, March 27, 2015.

A Warner Bros. Pictures presentation of a Gary Sanchez Production, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.