Hulu has unveiled the first official trailer and release date for “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,” its original documentary on Atlanta’s legendary annual Hbcu Spring Break phenomenon of the ‘80’s and ‘90’s. Set to make its world premiere at SXSW’s film festival before arriving on Hulu March 21, the doc features interviews with politicians, event founders, former partygoers and prominent hip-hop artists, including Lil Jon, Killer Mike, 21 Savage, Jermaine Dupri and Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell — the latter three who are among the film’s producers.
“At its heart, Freaknik is a music documentary,” the film’s director and executive producer, P. Frank Williams, tells Variety. “Luke is the soundtrack of Freaknik, [Dupri’s] So So Def label is directly correlated to Freaknik, and 21 Savage is the new school —they’re fascinated with the wild stuff we did, the clothes and the music of that era.”
Showrunner and executive producer Geraldine L. Porras says,...
“At its heart, Freaknik is a music documentary,” the film’s director and executive producer, P. Frank Williams, tells Variety. “Luke is the soundtrack of Freaknik, [Dupri’s] So So Def label is directly correlated to Freaknik, and 21 Savage is the new school —they’re fascinated with the wild stuff we did, the clothes and the music of that era.”
Showrunner and executive producer Geraldine L. Porras says,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Janee Bolden
- Variety Film + TV
Hulu has announced the premiere dates for limited series Under the Bridge and the two docs The Contestant and the film Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told.
Under the Bridge is a limited series with eight episodes that’s based on Rebecca Godfrey’s book about the 1997 true story of fourteen-year old Reena Virk who went to join friends at a party and never returned home. The Hulu limited series that stars Lily Gladstone, Archie Panjabi and Riley Keough premieres April 17.
The series was adapted for screen by Quinn Shephard and is executive produced by Samir Mehta, Liz Tigelaar and Stacey Silverman (Best Day Ever), Shephard, Godfrey and Tara Duncan. Keough will executive produce with Gina Gammell (Felix Culpa). Geeta Patel will direct the pilot and EP the episode. The series is produced by ABC Signature.
Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told bows March 21 on Hulu in the U.S.
Under the Bridge is a limited series with eight episodes that’s based on Rebecca Godfrey’s book about the 1997 true story of fourteen-year old Reena Virk who went to join friends at a party and never returned home. The Hulu limited series that stars Lily Gladstone, Archie Panjabi and Riley Keough premieres April 17.
The series was adapted for screen by Quinn Shephard and is executive produced by Samir Mehta, Liz Tigelaar and Stacey Silverman (Best Day Ever), Shephard, Godfrey and Tara Duncan. Keough will executive produce with Gina Gammell (Felix Culpa). Geeta Patel will direct the pilot and EP the episode. The series is produced by ABC Signature.
Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told bows March 21 on Hulu in the U.S.
- 2/9/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Mass Appeal, the record label/media company co-founded by Nas, is facing a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by a former employee who claims she was “targeted for termination simply because she was White.”
The suit was filed by Melissa Cooper, who spent about two years working in development at Mass Appeal, first as a consultant from April 2021 to October 2022, then as Head of Development from October 2022 to June 2023, when she was fired. The lawsuit claims that she “was the target of a racist conspiracy… to damage Cooper’s reputation and...
The suit was filed by Melissa Cooper, who spent about two years working in development at Mass Appeal, first as a consultant from April 2021 to October 2022, then as Head of Development from October 2022 to June 2023, when she was fired. The lawsuit claims that she “was the target of a racist conspiracy… to damage Cooper’s reputation and...
- 10/18/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Mass Appeal, the multimedia company co-founded by hip-hop icon Nas, was hit on Tuesday with a discrimination lawsuit in which a white executive claims she was the victim of “venomous and racist comments about ‘White folk’ and ‘crackers,’” and was subsequently fired.
Filed in a federal court in Manhattan, the lawsuit specifies the races of the parties due to the nature of the allegations. Melissa Cooper, a veteran documentary producer who was head of development at Mass Appeal and is white, alleges that company executives — including Peter Bittenbender, the company’s chief executive who is also white, and Jenya Meggs, its senior vp for partnerships & content acquisition, who is Black — “discriminated against her by removing her from several high value projects, creating a hostile work environment, and terminating her employment.”
Nas is not specifically named as a defendant in the lawsuit, but he is a partner in Mass Appeal, which is named.
Filed in a federal court in Manhattan, the lawsuit specifies the races of the parties due to the nature of the allegations. Melissa Cooper, a veteran documentary producer who was head of development at Mass Appeal and is white, alleges that company executives — including Peter Bittenbender, the company’s chief executive who is also white, and Jenya Meggs, its senior vp for partnerships & content acquisition, who is Black — “discriminated against her by removing her from several high value projects, creating a hostile work environment, and terminating her employment.”
Nas is not specifically named as a defendant in the lawsuit, but he is a partner in Mass Appeal, which is named.
- 10/17/2023
- by Allen Salkin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hulu is adding three new titles to its growing lineup of original docs: “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,” “Queenmaker: The Making of An It Girl,” and “The Jewel Thief.”
“Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told” “recounts the rise and fall of a small Atlanta Hbcu picnic that exploded into an influential street party and spotlighted Atl as a major cultural stage,” per Hulu’s description. “Can the magic of Freaknik be brought back 40 years later?
Executive producers include showrunner Geraldine L. Porras and director P Frank Williams, as well as Jermaine Dupri, Luther Campbell, Peter Bittenbender and Melissa Cooper for Mass Appeal, Eric Tomosunas for Swirl Films, Terry Ross and Alex Avant. Nikki Byles and Jay Allen are producers.
From MRC, “Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl” reveals the story behind the now-defunct “Park Avenue Peerage” blog. “In the height of heiress-era NYC, an anonymous blogger infiltrated Manhattan’s elite,...
“Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told” “recounts the rise and fall of a small Atlanta Hbcu picnic that exploded into an influential street party and spotlighted Atl as a major cultural stage,” per Hulu’s description. “Can the magic of Freaknik be brought back 40 years later?
Executive producers include showrunner Geraldine L. Porras and director P Frank Williams, as well as Jermaine Dupri, Luther Campbell, Peter Bittenbender and Melissa Cooper for Mass Appeal, Eric Tomosunas for Swirl Films, Terry Ross and Alex Avant. Nikki Byles and Jay Allen are producers.
From MRC, “Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl” reveals the story behind the now-defunct “Park Avenue Peerage” blog. “In the height of heiress-era NYC, an anonymous blogger infiltrated Manhattan’s elite,...
- 4/6/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
The International Documentary Association (IDA) presented awards to the winners in 18 categories for the 38th IDA Documentary Awards on December 10, 2022 at the Paramount Theater in Los Angeles. Shaunak Sen‘s “All That Breathes” went into the evening with four nominations and emerged as a winner of three, including the top prize. See the full list of winners below.
In addition to taking home Best Feature Documentary, Shen was named Best Director and the film’s editor Charlotte Munch Bengtsen won for Best Editing. Of its four nominations, “All That Breathes” lost only the award for Best Cinematography which went to the team on “Fire of Love” instead.
“Fire of Love” was the leader in nominations with five and won twice — it was also victorious in Best Writing. “Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues” won for Best Music Documentary and “The Melt Goes On Forever: The Art & Times of David Hammons” won for Best Music Score.
In addition to taking home Best Feature Documentary, Shen was named Best Director and the film’s editor Charlotte Munch Bengtsen won for Best Editing. Of its four nominations, “All That Breathes” lost only the award for Best Cinematography which went to the team on “Fire of Love” instead.
“Fire of Love” was the leader in nominations with five and won twice — it was also victorious in Best Writing. “Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues” won for Best Music Documentary and “The Melt Goes On Forever: The Art & Times of David Hammons” won for Best Music Score.
- 12/13/2022
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
The International Documentary Association (IDA) announced the winners in 18 categories at the 38th annual IDA Documentary Awards Ceremony on December 10, 2022 at the Paramount Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by Jenny Yang, the show was live-streamed on IDA’s YouTube channel.
Shaunak Sen’s Indian eco-documentary “All That Breathes” won Best Director, Editing, Feature Film, and the Pare Lorentz Award, beating out in that category Laura Poitras’ “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,” Sara Dosa’s Best Cinematography and Writing winner “Fire of Love,” Simon Lereng Wilmont’s “A House Made of Splinters,” Edward Buckles’ “Katrina Babies,” Isabel Castro’s “Mija,” Daniel Roher’s “Navalny,” Akuo de Mabior’s “No Simple Way Home,” Lukasz Kowalski’s “The Pawnshop,” and Neasa Ní Chianáin and Declan McGrath’s “Young Plato.”
The winner of the Sundance Film Festival 2022 Grand Jury Prize for World Documentary, “All the Breathes” is building momentum on the awards circuit,...
Shaunak Sen’s Indian eco-documentary “All That Breathes” won Best Director, Editing, Feature Film, and the Pare Lorentz Award, beating out in that category Laura Poitras’ “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,” Sara Dosa’s Best Cinematography and Writing winner “Fire of Love,” Simon Lereng Wilmont’s “A House Made of Splinters,” Edward Buckles’ “Katrina Babies,” Isabel Castro’s “Mija,” Daniel Roher’s “Navalny,” Akuo de Mabior’s “No Simple Way Home,” Lukasz Kowalski’s “The Pawnshop,” and Neasa Ní Chianáin and Declan McGrath’s “Young Plato.”
The winner of the Sundance Film Festival 2022 Grand Jury Prize for World Documentary, “All the Breathes” is building momentum on the awards circuit,...
- 12/11/2022
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
“All That Breathes” took top prize for best feature at the International Documentary Assn. Awards Dec. 10, also grabbing prizes for director Shaunak Sen, editing and the special Pare Lorentz award.
“We Need to Talk About Cosby” won the award for multi-part documentary, while “Fire of Love” took the cinematography and writing prizes.
The 38th annual event, held at L.A.’s Paramount Theater, was hosted by comic-actor Jenny Yang. Prizes were announced in 18 categories. The show was also LiveStreamed on IDA’s YouTube channel and the recording is now available.
There were 16 competitive categories and two special categories, the ABC News VideoSource Award and the Pare Lorentz Award.
This year’s shortlists and nominees were selected by independent committees of 310 documentary makers, curators, critics, and industry experts from 52 countries. IDA received 806 submissions in all categories, 40 of which are internationally produced or coproduced projects from 86 countries.
The winners are:
Feature: “All That Breathes...
“We Need to Talk About Cosby” won the award for multi-part documentary, while “Fire of Love” took the cinematography and writing prizes.
The 38th annual event, held at L.A.’s Paramount Theater, was hosted by comic-actor Jenny Yang. Prizes were announced in 18 categories. The show was also LiveStreamed on IDA’s YouTube channel and the recording is now available.
There were 16 competitive categories and two special categories, the ABC News VideoSource Award and the Pare Lorentz Award.
This year’s shortlists and nominees were selected by independent committees of 310 documentary makers, curators, critics, and industry experts from 52 countries. IDA received 806 submissions in all categories, 40 of which are internationally produced or coproduced projects from 86 countries.
The winners are:
Feature: “All That Breathes...
- 12/11/2022
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
"They stood up for what was right." 1091 Pictures has debuted an official trailer for a documentary titled The Invaders, finally out on VOD this fall. The film originally premiered way back at the 2015 Doc NYC Film Festival, but has never been released since then or shown up anywhere else. The long wait is over. The Invaders follows the rise and fall of a militant black power group based in Memphis, Tn in the late 1960s. The film uncovers the history and significance of the often-overlooked group, detailing their involvement with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the hours leading up to his assassination. The Invaders also touches on themes of race, government surveillance and economic injustice. Featuring interviews with key members, including Coby Smith, Charles Cabbage, John B. Smith, and John Gary Williams. Narrated by Nas, who also executive produces, with Yo Gotti, Craig Brewer, Peter Bittenbender, and filmmaker Sacha Jenkins.
- 10/21/2022
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Cinema Eye Honors, the organization that recognizes outstanding artistic achievement in nonfiction and documentary films & series, announced the first round of their 2023 awards and nominations at its annual Cinema Eye Fall Lunch held in Los Angeles.
In the five Broadcast categories, HBO film “Four Hours at the Capitol,” an inside look at the January 6th riot, led with three nominations: Broadcast Film, Broadcast Editing and Broadcast Cinematography. Other projects like the Disney+ docuseries “The Beatles: Get Back” and Showtime’s “We Need to Talk About Cosby” also received more than one nomination.
Other announcements at the event include the annual Shorts List, which spotlights 10 of the year’s top documentary short films, and the recipient of the Legacy Award this year, Terry Zwigoff’s 1995 film “Crumb.”
“I’m glad to find out you don’t have to be dead to receive this award,” Zwigoff said in a written statement. “I...
In the five Broadcast categories, HBO film “Four Hours at the Capitol,” an inside look at the January 6th riot, led with three nominations: Broadcast Film, Broadcast Editing and Broadcast Cinematography. Other projects like the Disney+ docuseries “The Beatles: Get Back” and Showtime’s “We Need to Talk About Cosby” also received more than one nomination.
Other announcements at the event include the annual Shorts List, which spotlights 10 of the year’s top documentary short films, and the recipient of the Legacy Award this year, Terry Zwigoff’s 1995 film “Crumb.”
“I’m glad to find out you don’t have to be dead to receive this award,” Zwigoff said in a written statement. “I...
- 10/20/2022
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Exclusive: The Cinema Eye Honors announced its first round of nominations today for artistic achievement in documentary film and series, with HBO’s Four Hours at the Capitol earning the most of any contender [full list below].
The documentary by Jamie Roberts about the January 6 insurrection scored nominations for Broadcast Film, Broadcast Editing and Broadcast Cinematography. Peter Jackson’s Disney+ series The Beatles: Get Back, landed two nominations — for Broadcast Series and Broadcast Editing. Get Back swept five Primetime Emmy categories last month.
‘Downfall: The Case Against Boeing’
Rory Kennedy’s Downfall: The Case Against Boeing, snubbed by the Emmys, earned a Cinema Eye Honors nomination for Broadcast Film. It will go up against Four Hours at the Capitol, and Emmy winner George Carlin’s American Dream, the two-part HBO film directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, among other contenders.
Nanfu Wang’s HBO docuseries Mind Over Murder, which premiered after the...
The documentary by Jamie Roberts about the January 6 insurrection scored nominations for Broadcast Film, Broadcast Editing and Broadcast Cinematography. Peter Jackson’s Disney+ series The Beatles: Get Back, landed two nominations — for Broadcast Series and Broadcast Editing. Get Back swept five Primetime Emmy categories last month.
‘Downfall: The Case Against Boeing’
Rory Kennedy’s Downfall: The Case Against Boeing, snubbed by the Emmys, earned a Cinema Eye Honors nomination for Broadcast Film. It will go up against Four Hours at the Capitol, and Emmy winner George Carlin’s American Dream, the two-part HBO film directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, among other contenders.
Nanfu Wang’s HBO docuseries Mind Over Murder, which premiered after the...
- 10/20/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
“Four Hours at the Capitol,” “The Beatles: Get Back,” “Playing With Sharks,” “We Need to Talk About Cosby,” “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” and “How To With John Wilson” are among the nonfiction television programs that have been nominated in the Cinema Eye Honors broadcast categories, Cinema Eye Honors announced at the organization’s annual fall lunch in Los Angeles on Thursday.
“Four Hours at the Capitol,” Jamie Roberts’ HBO film about the Jan. 6 insurrection, received three nominations to lead all programs. “Get Back,” “Cosby,” “Stanley Tucci,” “John Wilson” and “Playing With Sharks” each received two nominations.
Along with “Four Hours at the Capitol” and “Playing With Sharks,” broadcast film nominees were “Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes,” “Downfall: The Case Against Boeing” and “George Carlin’s American Dream.” Nonfiction series nominees were “Get Back,” “Cosby,” “Black and Missing,” “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey,” “LuLaRich” and “Mind Over Murder.” Nominated anthology series...
“Four Hours at the Capitol,” Jamie Roberts’ HBO film about the Jan. 6 insurrection, received three nominations to lead all programs. “Get Back,” “Cosby,” “Stanley Tucci,” “John Wilson” and “Playing With Sharks” each received two nominations.
Along with “Four Hours at the Capitol” and “Playing With Sharks,” broadcast film nominees were “Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes,” “Downfall: The Case Against Boeing” and “George Carlin’s American Dream.” Nonfiction series nominees were “Get Back,” “Cosby,” “Black and Missing,” “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey,” “LuLaRich” and “Mind Over Murder.” Nominated anthology series...
- 10/20/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Peacock has dropped the official trailer for “Angelyne,” the new drama miniseries starring Emmy Rossum. “Angelyne” tells the story of the titular D-list celebrity, who garnered attention in the 1980s through a series of provocative billboards throughout Los Angeles. Rossum portrays Angelyne, with the series set to cover her rise to local prominence.
“Since I was a girl, I’ve known that fame is my destiny,” Rossum-as-Angelyne narrates in the trailer. “Huge, gigantic fame. So I said, ‘I’m going to get the love of the world!'”
In addition to Rossum, the series also stars Alex Karpovsky, Lukas Gage, Martin Freeman, Hamish Linklater, David Krumholtz and Michael Angarano. The series is created by Nancy Oliver, and executive produced by Rossum, Sam Esmail, Lucy Tcherniak, Chad Hamilton and Angelyne herself.
All eight episodes of “Angelyne” will premiere May 19. Watch the full trailer below.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:...
“Since I was a girl, I’ve known that fame is my destiny,” Rossum-as-Angelyne narrates in the trailer. “Huge, gigantic fame. So I said, ‘I’m going to get the love of the world!'”
In addition to Rossum, the series also stars Alex Karpovsky, Lukas Gage, Martin Freeman, Hamish Linklater, David Krumholtz and Michael Angarano. The series is created by Nancy Oliver, and executive produced by Rossum, Sam Esmail, Lucy Tcherniak, Chad Hamilton and Angelyne herself.
All eight episodes of “Angelyne” will premiere May 19. Watch the full trailer below.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:...
- 4/19/2022
- by Wilson Chapman and Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
Nearly 30 years later, Cypress Hill is still proud to have been shut out of “Saturday Night Live.”
The California hip-hop group was infamously said to have been banned from the late night show after its 1993 performance when DJ Muggs smoked a marijuana joint on stage. An “SNL” insider told TheWrap they don’t believe there is actually a ban on any act, including Cypress Hill.
During a TCA panel for the upcoming documentary “Cypress Hill: Insane in the Brain” on Tuesday, rapper Sen Dog called the idea of being unable to get back on the “SNL” stage “punk rock.”
“I kind of like the fact that we’re banned,” Sen Dog said. “The whole thing about being banned, it’s punk rock in itself. I would like to leave it like that. If the guys wanted to do it, then that’d be something we could talk about or whatever,...
The California hip-hop group was infamously said to have been banned from the late night show after its 1993 performance when DJ Muggs smoked a marijuana joint on stage. An “SNL” insider told TheWrap they don’t believe there is actually a ban on any act, including Cypress Hill.
During a TCA panel for the upcoming documentary “Cypress Hill: Insane in the Brain” on Tuesday, rapper Sen Dog called the idea of being unable to get back on the “SNL” stage “punk rock.”
“I kind of like the fact that we’re banned,” Sen Dog said. “The whole thing about being banned, it’s punk rock in itself. I would like to leave it like that. If the guys wanted to do it, then that’d be something we could talk about or whatever,...
- 2/23/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
Showtime has released a trailer for “Bitchin’: the Sound and Fury of Rick James,” a new documentary directed by Emmy-nominee and hip-hop journalist Sacha Jenkins (“Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men”). Judging by the trailer the doc aims to present an accurate look at one of the most controversial and confrontational figures in the history of R&b and popular music.
James, who died in 2004, is known for his 1980s hits like “Super Freak” and “Give It to Me”; his prison term for a sexual misconduct; and of course Dave Chappelle’s famous parody. Yet as documented in the trailer, his confrontational nature — he was very upfront about his sexual and drug habits, among many other things — have clouded the perspective on his music and his importance, particularly in advancing Black music into the video age. His videos for “Super Freak” and other hits were, along with Michael Jackson’s,...
James, who died in 2004, is known for his 1980s hits like “Super Freak” and “Give It to Me”; his prison term for a sexual misconduct; and of course Dave Chappelle’s famous parody. Yet as documented in the trailer, his confrontational nature — he was very upfront about his sexual and drug habits, among many other things — have clouded the perspective on his music and his importance, particularly in advancing Black music into the video age. His videos for “Super Freak” and other hits were, along with Michael Jackson’s,...
- 8/3/2021
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
A+E Networks announced a trio of new documentary projects on Wednesday, led by its second collaboration with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The NBA legend and racial justice advocate will executive produce a documentary film for History Channel about protests.
“Fight the Power: The Protests That Changed America” will look at the impact key protests have had on the evolution of the U.S. and will explore the question: Does the arc of the moral universe bend toward justice when pressure is applied? Abdul-Jabbar will executive produce with Deborah Morales of Iconomy Multi-Media & Entertainment and the Six West Media Group.
“The history of protest in America is also the history of social progress,” Abdul-Jabbar said. Last year, he received an Emmy nomination for narrating the documentary “Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution.”
Steve Ascher, Kristy Sabat, Jessica Conway, Kai Bowe and Stephen Mintz are executive producers for the Six West Media group. Eli Lehrer...
“Fight the Power: The Protests That Changed America” will look at the impact key protests have had on the evolution of the U.S. and will explore the question: Does the arc of the moral universe bend toward justice when pressure is applied? Abdul-Jabbar will executive produce with Deborah Morales of Iconomy Multi-Media & Entertainment and the Six West Media Group.
“The history of protest in America is also the history of social progress,” Abdul-Jabbar said. Last year, he received an Emmy nomination for narrating the documentary “Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution.”
Steve Ascher, Kristy Sabat, Jessica Conway, Kai Bowe and Stephen Mintz are executive producers for the Six West Media group. Eli Lehrer...
- 3/3/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Lifetime and A&e are heading into the Rhythm Nation with a four-hour documentary about the life and music of Janet Jackson.
The A+E Networks brands will simulcast Janet across two nights in 2022.
It comes as Lifetime has struck a two-picture deal with Reba McEntire and A&e is launching documentary series Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution and Secret Origins of Hip Hop.
Janet (w/t), coming on the back of the 40th anniversary of Janet Jackson’s debut album, will follow take a look at her musical success as well as her tumultuous private life. Workerbee, the British production company owned by Banijay, has been filming with Jackson over three years and has been granted exclusive access to archival footage and Janet’s never before seen home videos.
It comes as her dad, Joe Jackson, a pivotal figure in the Jackson dynasty, died in 2018, and will detail her...
The A+E Networks brands will simulcast Janet across two nights in 2022.
It comes as Lifetime has struck a two-picture deal with Reba McEntire and A&e is launching documentary series Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution and Secret Origins of Hip Hop.
Janet (w/t), coming on the back of the 40th anniversary of Janet Jackson’s debut album, will follow take a look at her musical success as well as her tumultuous private life. Workerbee, the British production company owned by Banijay, has been filming with Jackson over three years and has been granted exclusive access to archival footage and Janet’s never before seen home videos.
It comes as her dad, Joe Jackson, a pivotal figure in the Jackson dynasty, died in 2018, and will detail her...
- 3/3/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Hart declared that he plans to become a media mogul. Richard Plepler promised that the premium subscription TV business is not a zero-sum game. Dana Walden explained why she took the big TV gig at Disney. Dawn Ostroff spoke about the humbling process of learning how to produce for digital platforms after a long career in TV.
Conversations with those industry A-listers and dozens more have been featured on “Strictly Business,” Variety‘s weekly podcast that is marking its 100th installment with a retrospective episode featuring highlights from the past two years. The interview-driven podcast that debuted on April 3, 2018, is hosted by Variety business editor Cynthia Littleton and Variety co-editor-in-chief Andrew Wallenstein.
“Strictly Business” casts a wide net across media and entertainment, sitting down with power players and specialists who can provide insights about seismic shifts in the marketplace amid the haze of disruption and consolidation.
Interview subjects have...
Conversations with those industry A-listers and dozens more have been featured on “Strictly Business,” Variety‘s weekly podcast that is marking its 100th installment with a retrospective episode featuring highlights from the past two years. The interview-driven podcast that debuted on April 3, 2018, is hosted by Variety business editor Cynthia Littleton and Variety co-editor-in-chief Andrew Wallenstein.
“Strictly Business” casts a wide net across media and entertainment, sitting down with power players and specialists who can provide insights about seismic shifts in the marketplace amid the haze of disruption and consolidation.
Interview subjects have...
- 3/4/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Howard Bryant’s book The Heritage: Black Athletes, a Divided America, and the Politics of Patriotism, is in the works for television. Maverick TV, an All3Media America Company, will adapt the book into a multi-part docuseries, with Sacha Jenkins, and his production company Mass Appeal, attached to executive produce. Jenkins also will direct an episode. Each subsequent episode will be helmed by a different African-American filmmaker to provide a unique and personal perspective on the story.
The book, published by Beacon Press in 2018, is a powerful chronology of black athletes’ activism within a tense American political climate. The Heritage docuseries will articulate the narratives of today’s divided America from the iconic African American athletes of the 1950s and 1960s, like Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali whose actions created a “heritage” of black athletic political engagement, to those...
The book, published by Beacon Press in 2018, is a powerful chronology of black athletes’ activism within a tense American political climate. The Heritage docuseries will articulate the narratives of today’s divided America from the iconic African American athletes of the 1950s and 1960s, like Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali whose actions created a “heritage” of black athletic political engagement, to those...
- 7/8/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Mass Appeal is a hip-hop, culture-focused brand that was born in the 1990s as a New York-based fanzine-style magazine, but CEO Peter Bittenbender is adapting for the future.
As choppy waters continue to batter the similarly situated Vice Media and other digital content endeavors in recent months, Bittenbender is looking toward diversification as a solution for today’s unstable digital environment.
Mass Appeal is riding the momentum at present from the success of its Showtime documentary series “Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men,” which exemplifies the company’s ability to produce high-end content all while handling marketing and branded content initiatives. Bittenbender details the company’s operations and strategy on the latest episode of “Strictly Business,” Variety‘s weekly podcasting featuring conversations with industry leaders about the business of entertainment.
“We look at Mass Appeal as like an engine that creatives can plug into,” Bittenbender says. “Whether you’re a music artist,...
As choppy waters continue to batter the similarly situated Vice Media and other digital content endeavors in recent months, Bittenbender is looking toward diversification as a solution for today’s unstable digital environment.
Mass Appeal is riding the momentum at present from the success of its Showtime documentary series “Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men,” which exemplifies the company’s ability to produce high-end content all while handling marketing and branded content initiatives. Bittenbender details the company’s operations and strategy on the latest episode of “Strictly Business,” Variety‘s weekly podcasting featuring conversations with industry leaders about the business of entertainment.
“We look at Mass Appeal as like an engine that creatives can plug into,” Bittenbender says. “Whether you’re a music artist,...
- 6/5/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Polygram Entertainment has unveiled a quartet of music documentaries in development on the Bee Gees, the Go-Go’s, hip-hop jewelry and the origins of mixtapes, Variety has learned exclusively.
Polygram, which was revived in 2017 by Universal Music Group, rolled out details of the projects Saturday afternoon during a pre-Grammys showcase in downtown Los Angeles. Members of the Go-Go’s were in attendance along with Umg executives Michele Anthony and David Blackman and veteran film producer Frank Marshall, who’s handling the Bee Gees documentary.
Since 2017, Polygram has co-distributed Ron Howard’s “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years” and developed several notable upcoming projects: a Luciano Pavarotti documentary directed by Howard, a Velvet Underground documentary directed by Todd Haynes and “Hitsville: The Making of Motown.”
The Bee Gees documentary feature is authorized by Barry Gibb and the families of his late brothers Maurice Gibb and Robin Gibb. The...
Polygram, which was revived in 2017 by Universal Music Group, rolled out details of the projects Saturday afternoon during a pre-Grammys showcase in downtown Los Angeles. Members of the Go-Go’s were in attendance along with Umg executives Michele Anthony and David Blackman and veteran film producer Frank Marshall, who’s handling the Bee Gees documentary.
Since 2017, Polygram has co-distributed Ron Howard’s “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years” and developed several notable upcoming projects: a Luciano Pavarotti documentary directed by Howard, a Velvet Underground documentary directed by Todd Haynes and “Hitsville: The Making of Motown.”
The Bee Gees documentary feature is authorized by Barry Gibb and the families of his late brothers Maurice Gibb and Robin Gibb. The...
- 2/9/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Showtime announced spring premiere dates for season 2 of The Chi, new drama series City On A Hill starring Kevin Bacon and Aldis Hodge, four-part docuseries Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mice & Men, as well as feature documentary Xy Chelsea during its presentation Thursday at the TCA Winter Press Tour. The premium cabler also released trailers for The Chi, City On a Hill and Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men, which you can watch below.
Season 2 of The Chi will premiere Sunday, April 7 at 10 Pm. Created and executive produced by Lena Waithe (Master of None) and executive produced by Common (Selma), The Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. Ensemble cast includes Jason Mitchell, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Tiffany Boone, Armando Riesco, Barton Fitzpatrick, Shamon Brown Jr., and Michael V.
Season 2 of The Chi will premiere Sunday, April 7 at 10 Pm. Created and executive produced by Lena Waithe (Master of None) and executive produced by Common (Selma), The Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. Ensemble cast includes Jason Mitchell, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Tiffany Boone, Armando Riesco, Barton Fitzpatrick, Shamon Brown Jr., and Michael V.
- 1/31/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Showtime set the premiere dates for a pair of documentaries on the Wu-Tang Clan and Chelsea Manning.
The pay cable will debut Sacha Jenkins’ four-part “Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men” on Friday, May 10 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt, while “Xy Chelsea” will premiere a month later on Friday, June 7 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
Showtime acquired “Of Mics and Men” earlier this month and the docuseries premiered its first two episodes at the Sundance Film Festival. Watch a trailer for the doc above.
Also Read: Showtime Acquires Sacha Jenkins' Wu-Tang Clan Documentary Series
“Of Mics and Men” is tied to the 25th anniversary of Wu-Tang’s seminal debut album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” The series looks back on their career, combining intimate and reflective interviews from each of the nine living members with never-before-seen archival footage and performances.
The series follows the founding members – RZA, Gza, Ol’ Dirty Bastard (who died in 2004), Inspectah Deck,...
The pay cable will debut Sacha Jenkins’ four-part “Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men” on Friday, May 10 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt, while “Xy Chelsea” will premiere a month later on Friday, June 7 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
Showtime acquired “Of Mics and Men” earlier this month and the docuseries premiered its first two episodes at the Sundance Film Festival. Watch a trailer for the doc above.
Also Read: Showtime Acquires Sacha Jenkins' Wu-Tang Clan Documentary Series
“Of Mics and Men” is tied to the 25th anniversary of Wu-Tang’s seminal debut album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” The series looks back on their career, combining intimate and reflective interviews from each of the nine living members with never-before-seen archival footage and performances.
The series follows the founding members – RZA, Gza, Ol’ Dirty Bastard (who died in 2004), Inspectah Deck,...
- 1/31/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Showtime has acquired the North American rights to “Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men,” Sacha Jenkins’s documentary series on rap group Wu-Tang Clan.
The four-part series, which will debut the first two episodes during the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 28, will air on Showtime this spring.
“The Wu-Tang Clan is a seminal group that deserves a seminal documentary,” said Vinnie Malhotra, executive vice president, nonfiction programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Sacha Jenkins delivers just that, not only reminding us of their powerful history through vintage footage, but also placing their impact in modern-day perspective that will be meaningful both to their diehard fans and music fans in general. I’m excited to be returning to Sundance with Sacha years after his directorial debut with what I believe to be his best work yet.”
Also Read: Gary Levine, Jana Winograde Named Showtime Co-Presidents
“Of Mics and Men” is tied to the...
The four-part series, which will debut the first two episodes during the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 28, will air on Showtime this spring.
“The Wu-Tang Clan is a seminal group that deserves a seminal documentary,” said Vinnie Malhotra, executive vice president, nonfiction programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Sacha Jenkins delivers just that, not only reminding us of their powerful history through vintage footage, but also placing their impact in modern-day perspective that will be meaningful both to their diehard fans and music fans in general. I’m excited to be returning to Sundance with Sacha years after his directorial debut with what I believe to be his best work yet.”
Also Read: Gary Levine, Jana Winograde Named Showtime Co-Presidents
“Of Mics and Men” is tied to the...
- 1/18/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Songs for Screens is a Variety column sponsored by music experiential agency Mac Presents, based in NYC. It is written by Andrew Hampp, founder of music marketing consultancy 1803 LLC and former correspondent for Billboard. Each week, the column will highlight noteworthy use of music in advertising and marketing campaigns, as well as new and catalog songs that we deem ripe for synch use.
As documentaries continue to be surprise hits of the summer box office, a dual trend of hip-hop docs and limited series continues to sweep streaming services and premium cable. The Sundance hit “Fresh Dressed,” Sprite-sponsored lyricist tribute “Word Is Bond” and Netflix’s anthology series “Rapture” are just a few of the stealth hits in recent years to marry hip-hop storytelling with original music and classic synchs.
All three of those projects happen to be helmed by Mass Appeal, the cult ‘90s fanzine turned multimedia company that’s added film,...
As documentaries continue to be surprise hits of the summer box office, a dual trend of hip-hop docs and limited series continues to sweep streaming services and premium cable. The Sundance hit “Fresh Dressed,” Sprite-sponsored lyricist tribute “Word Is Bond” and Netflix’s anthology series “Rapture” are just a few of the stealth hits in recent years to marry hip-hop storytelling with original music and classic synchs.
All three of those projects happen to be helmed by Mass Appeal, the cult ‘90s fanzine turned multimedia company that’s added film,...
- 8/7/2018
- by Andrew Hampp
- Variety Film + TV
Mass Appeal, the urban culture-focused media and entertainment company, and Universal Music Group today announced the companies have entered into a multi-year global agreement.
According to the announcement, the deal encompasses the exclusive distribution of physical and digital formats for recorded music and short-form video content — including Nas’ forthcoming Kanye West-produced album, which is out Friday — and provides Mass Appeal with the ability to strategically leverage Umg’s marketing and promotion teams across more than 60 territories for select artists and projects.
Umg will also distribute Mass Appeal’s extensive catalog of releases from artists who include DJ Shadow, J Dilla and Run the Jewels, as well as forthcoming projects including the 11th solo record from Nas (pictured above), which will be a collaboration between Mass Appeal and Nas’ longtime label, Umg’s Def Jam.
In announcing the partnership, Nas said, “I’ve been blessed to work with two of the best brands in music.
According to the announcement, the deal encompasses the exclusive distribution of physical and digital formats for recorded music and short-form video content — including Nas’ forthcoming Kanye West-produced album, which is out Friday — and provides Mass Appeal with the ability to strategically leverage Umg’s marketing and promotion teams across more than 60 territories for select artists and projects.
Umg will also distribute Mass Appeal’s extensive catalog of releases from artists who include DJ Shadow, J Dilla and Run the Jewels, as well as forthcoming projects including the 11th solo record from Nas (pictured above), which will be a collaboration between Mass Appeal and Nas’ longtime label, Umg’s Def Jam.
In announcing the partnership, Nas said, “I’ve been blessed to work with two of the best brands in music.
- 6/13/2018
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Set to premiere on Netflix on March 30th, the docuseries Rapture is an ambitious look at hip-hop in 2018, courtesy of eight hour-long stories that each explore the persona of a different modern-day rap star. We see A Boogie Wit da Hoodie riding through his Bronx neighborhood, handing out stacks of dollar bills to children that crowd around his car window. We see Logic bursting into tears, overjoyed at his industry success after a life that began in a broken home and bouts of homelessness. We see Nas talking about his...
- 3/28/2018
- Rollingstone.com
In celebration of tonight’s highly-anticipated season 4 premiere of the hit HBO series Silicon Valley, HBO has partnered with Mass Appeal Records to release Silicon Valley: The Soundtrack. Curated by Silicon Valley executive producers Mike Judge & Alec Berg, music supervisors Jason Alexander & Rudy Chung, and Mass Appeal Records, Silicon Valley: The Soundtrack features a collection of new, exclusive songs plus highlights from previous seasons and new songs to be featured in Season 4, all performed by an array of legendary and rising artists.
From the press release:
On Monday, April 24th, the season premiere will introduce the soundtrack’s lead song, “Systematic,” featuring Mass Appeal’s label head and partner Nas and iconic producer DJ Shadow. Throughout the season additional tracks will be unveiled and added to the track listing, with all featured songs compiled into a full length soundtrack, available digitally on June 23rd. An exclusive limited edition...
From the press release:
On Monday, April 24th, the season premiere will introduce the soundtrack’s lead song, “Systematic,” featuring Mass Appeal’s label head and partner Nas and iconic producer DJ Shadow. Throughout the season additional tracks will be unveiled and added to the track listing, with all featured songs compiled into a full length soundtrack, available digitally on June 23rd. An exclusive limited edition...
- 4/24/2017
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
When Scarlett Johansson isn't busy starring in box-office hits, she's lending her famously sultry voice to the music industry - and for a good cause. Johansson's all-girl band Sugar for Sugar covers New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle" in the latest track off of the charity compilation album The Time Is Now, and People has an exclusive first listen. Johansson performs the classic '80s track - set for release this Friday - alongside bandmates Julia Haltigan, Holly Miranda and Kendra Morris. The Time Is Now is a 14-track album of reimagined 1980s hits created specifically for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.
- 9/22/2016
- by Brianne Tracy, @BrianneTracy
- PEOPLE.com
Director Sacha Jenkins’ feature documentary "Fresh Dressed," an exuberant chronicle of hip hop and urban fashion, and their global influence on pop culture, will premiere as a CNN Films broadcast with limited commercial interruptions on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 9pm Eastern on CNN/U.S., the network announced today. Produced by Peter Bittenbender, Nasir Jones, and Marcus Clarke for Mass Appeal, "Fresh Dressed" traces how fat-laced sneakers, Kangol hats, Cazal sunglasses, and graffiti jackets inspired the style and vibe of rap artists and high fashion designers, through its expression of aspirational swagger that gave voice – and visage – to a culture whose passionate...
- 8/17/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
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