The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has set its lineup of narrative and documentary features for its 28th edition, including Jussie Smollett’s return to acting in “The Lost Holliday,” filmmaker Christine Swanson’s latest drama “Albany Road” and the acclaimed Luther Vandross doc “Never Too Much.”
This year’s festival takes place June 12-16 in Miami Beach, Fla., followed by a virtual segment June 17-24 on ABFF Play. Winners of film festival competition will be announced on June 15, during the “Best of ABFF Awards” hosted by Emmy-nominee Dondré Whitfield.
The 2024 narrative lineup includes “Albany Road,” directed and written by Swanson, starring Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lynn Whitfield and J. Alphonse Nicholson; “The Lost Holliday” directed by, co-written and starring Smollett alongside Vivica A. Fox, produced by Mona Scott-Young; “The Waterboyz,” directed by Coke Daniels and produced by Ben Crump, starring Akil McDowell, Alani “La La” Anthony and Quavo; and “Black Heat,...
This year’s festival takes place June 12-16 in Miami Beach, Fla., followed by a virtual segment June 17-24 on ABFF Play. Winners of film festival competition will be announced on June 15, during the “Best of ABFF Awards” hosted by Emmy-nominee Dondré Whitfield.
The 2024 narrative lineup includes “Albany Road,” directed and written by Swanson, starring Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lynn Whitfield and J. Alphonse Nicholson; “The Lost Holliday” directed by, co-written and starring Smollett alongside Vivica A. Fox, produced by Mona Scott-Young; “The Waterboyz,” directed by Coke Daniels and produced by Ben Crump, starring Akil McDowell, Alani “La La” Anthony and Quavo; and “Black Heat,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sophia Bush (Good Sam) and Jeremie Harris (Fargo) will star alongside Simona Brown in MPI Original Films’ drama Freedom Hair from Oscar nominee Dianne Houston, which is currently in production in Atlanta.
The film written and directed by Houston and produced by MPI is based on the true story of Melony Armstrong (Brown), a determined mother who sets out to start a natural hair braiding business to achieve financial independence, but must overcome unexpected obstacles imposed by a powerful cosmetology cartel and the state of Mississippi. Melony’s efforts led to thousands of African American women in Mississippi following in her footsteps and realizing their own entrepreneurial dreams.
Bush will play the lawyer Dana, who helps Melony in her fight, with Harris as Melony’s loving husband, Kevin. Stacey Parks, Lana Link, and Rob Pfaltzgraff are producing, with Armstrong, Kim Coleman and Nick Reid exec producing. Bush is represented by CAA,...
The film written and directed by Houston and produced by MPI is based on the true story of Melony Armstrong (Brown), a determined mother who sets out to start a natural hair braiding business to achieve financial independence, but must overcome unexpected obstacles imposed by a powerful cosmetology cartel and the state of Mississippi. Melony’s efforts led to thousands of African American women in Mississippi following in her footsteps and realizing their own entrepreneurial dreams.
Bush will play the lawyer Dana, who helps Melony in her fight, with Harris as Melony’s loving husband, Kevin. Stacey Parks, Lana Link, and Rob Pfaltzgraff are producing, with Armstrong, Kim Coleman and Nick Reid exec producing. Bush is represented by CAA,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal’s Peacock service has yet to score a breakthrough hit comparable to its streaming rivals. But the first-time showrunners of the Will Smith-produced “Bel-Air” are bullish about their ability to do so, given its iconic roots and the marketing push surrounding its Super Bowl Sunday debut.
“I love our position,” says Rasheed Newson, co-showrunner with T.J. Brady, his longtime writing partner, who suggests that the show could provide a transformative role on the service akin to “Breaking Bad” on AMC during its early forays into original programming.
NBC will air a custom spot during the big game on Feb. 13 to encourage pigskin viewers to sample the show, a dark reimagining of 1990s hit sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” that was inspired by Morgan Cooper’s 2019 viral video revisiting the NBC series that starred Smith. Peacock also hosted a Philadelphia-flavored premiere party Feb. 9, promotional tie-ins and social media takeover ad campaigns.
“I love our position,” says Rasheed Newson, co-showrunner with T.J. Brady, his longtime writing partner, who suggests that the show could provide a transformative role on the service akin to “Breaking Bad” on AMC during its early forays into original programming.
NBC will air a custom spot during the big game on Feb. 13 to encourage pigskin viewers to sample the show, a dark reimagining of 1990s hit sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” that was inspired by Morgan Cooper’s 2019 viral video revisiting the NBC series that starred Smith. Peacock also hosted a Philadelphia-flavored premiere party Feb. 9, promotional tie-ins and social media takeover ad campaigns.
- 2/11/2022
- by Diane Garrett
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Dennis Quaid has formed Bonniedale, a new production company in which he’s partnered with wife Laura Quaid and Ben Howard, latter of whom produced the Quaid-starrer Blue Miracle. They are cooking up a batch of film and TV projects that reflect the life affirming everyman themes of Quaid’s best remembered films, which include The Rookie, The Parent Trap and The Right Stuff.
First up is American Pride, a biopic of Charley Pride, the C&w superstar. Script is being written by Empire’s Dianne Houston, and Dolemite and Coming 2 America’s Craig Brewer will direct. Bonniedale is producing with Brewer and Third Coast Content. Quaid will play “Cowboy” Jack Clement, who wrote and recorded with Pride many of his breakthrough songs. Clement was also a longtime mentor to Quaid in his own music career. The name of the production company comes from Quaid’s mom’s middle name.
First up is American Pride, a biopic of Charley Pride, the C&w superstar. Script is being written by Empire’s Dianne Houston, and Dolemite and Coming 2 America’s Craig Brewer will direct. Bonniedale is producing with Brewer and Third Coast Content. Quaid will play “Cowboy” Jack Clement, who wrote and recorded with Pride many of his breakthrough songs. Clement was also a longtime mentor to Quaid in his own music career. The name of the production company comes from Quaid’s mom’s middle name.
- 12/9/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
With some television work and one feature under his belt In Secret (TIFF ’13), Charlie Stratton began lensing Seacole back in March of 2019 with players Sam Worthington, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Numan Acar, Sylvia Hoeks and Sean Delaney. This sophomore project was shot in Serbia and Los Angeles.
Gist: Co-written by Dianne Houston, Marnie Dickens and Stratton, this follows Mary Seacole (Mbatha-Raw), a pioneering Jamaican nurse who became known during the Crimean War for her care of wounded British soldiers. Seacole’s self-sacrifice on the front lines and fierce, adversarial relationship with Florence Nightingale during the war made her famous in her time.…...
Gist: Co-written by Dianne Houston, Marnie Dickens and Stratton, this follows Mary Seacole (Mbatha-Raw), a pioneering Jamaican nurse who became known during the Crimean War for her care of wounded British soldiers. Seacole’s self-sacrifice on the front lines and fierce, adversarial relationship with Florence Nightingale during the war made her famous in her time.…...
- 11/23/2020
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Dianne Houston, an Oscar nominee for her 1995 short Tuesday Morning Ride and the first and, so far, only Black woman to be Oscar nominated for a work she directed, has been tapped to write and direct the Moving Picture Institute original film The Melony Armstrong Story.
The film is based on the inspiring, true story of Melony Armstrong, a mother who works at a shelter for battered women and decides to start a natural hair braiding business to achieve financial independence for herself and others. But to do so she must overcome unexpected obstacles imposed by a powerful cartel and the state of Mississippi.
Lana Link, Rob Pfaltzgraff and Stacey Parks are producing the project, with Armstrong and Nick Reid serving as executive producers. Production is anticipated to commence spring 2021. Mpi previously produced the 2019 film Miss Virginia starring Uzo Aduba.
Houston recently co-wrote the upcoming Charlie Stratton-directed drama Seacole...
The film is based on the inspiring, true story of Melony Armstrong, a mother who works at a shelter for battered women and decides to start a natural hair braiding business to achieve financial independence for herself and others. But to do so she must overcome unexpected obstacles imposed by a powerful cartel and the state of Mississippi.
Lana Link, Rob Pfaltzgraff and Stacey Parks are producing the project, with Armstrong and Nick Reid serving as executive producers. Production is anticipated to commence spring 2021. Mpi previously produced the 2019 film Miss Virginia starring Uzo Aduba.
Houston recently co-wrote the upcoming Charlie Stratton-directed drama Seacole...
- 6/9/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: A remarkable, little known slice of Black American history is coming to light with Boley, an premium event series in development at Universal Television from writer Dianne Houston and producer Rudy Langlais.
Hailed as “television’s first premium Black western,” Boley is inspired by the e true story of an early 20th century black utopia, Boley, Oklahoma, which was established in 1904 as one of the largest and most thriving black towns in the country.
In 1930s Oklahoma, a group of proud Black citizens and businessmen took up arms against notorious gangster Pretty Boy Floyd and his band of outlaws to defend their community. Boley was a bourgeoning, prosperous town in the middle of the American Depression and its citizens were determined to protect what they had built. They were successful.
The rich legacy of this revolutionary all-Black town...
Hailed as “television’s first premium Black western,” Boley is inspired by the e true story of an early 20th century black utopia, Boley, Oklahoma, which was established in 1904 as one of the largest and most thriving black towns in the country.
In 1930s Oklahoma, a group of proud Black citizens and businessmen took up arms against notorious gangster Pretty Boy Floyd and his band of outlaws to defend their community. Boley was a bourgeoning, prosperous town in the middle of the American Depression and its citizens were determined to protect what they had built. They were successful.
The rich legacy of this revolutionary all-Black town...
- 10/4/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Numan Acar, who appears in the upcoming Spider-Man: Far from Home, is set to play opposite Sam Worthington and Gugu Mbatha-Raw in Seacole, the Charlie Stratton-directed indie based on the true-life story of Mary Seacole.
Acar was most recently seen in Disney’s live-action Aladdin remake and is currently shooting the last season of Homeland after spending four seasons on the Showtime series.
Seacole follows Mbatha-Raw as Mary Seacole, a pioneering Jamaican nurse who became known during the Crimean War for her care of wounded British soldiers. Seacole’s self-sacrifice on the front lines and fierce, adversarial relationship with Florence Nightingale during the war made her famous in her time.
Acar will play The Pasha, a high-ranking officer in the Turkish army, a lover not a fighter who helps Mary build her hotel.
Sylvia Hoeks and Sean Delaney also co-star.
Dianne Houston and Marnie Dickens co-wrote the script with Stratton.
Acar was most recently seen in Disney’s live-action Aladdin remake and is currently shooting the last season of Homeland after spending four seasons on the Showtime series.
Seacole follows Mbatha-Raw as Mary Seacole, a pioneering Jamaican nurse who became known during the Crimean War for her care of wounded British soldiers. Seacole’s self-sacrifice on the front lines and fierce, adversarial relationship with Florence Nightingale during the war made her famous in her time.
Acar will play The Pasha, a high-ranking officer in the Turkish army, a lover not a fighter who helps Mary build her hotel.
Sylvia Hoeks and Sean Delaney also co-star.
Dianne Houston and Marnie Dickens co-wrote the script with Stratton.
- 7/1/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Producer Billy Peterson has formed a new production company, Racing Green Pictures, and announced production on “Seacole,” his first feature with the banner.
The film will star Gugu Mbatha-Raw (“Belle”) and Sam Worthington (“Avatar”). It centers on a Mary Seacole, a pioneering Jamaican nurse who cared for wounded British soldiers during the Crimean War and found herself at odds with Florence Nightingale.
Racing Green Pictures says it is looking to back prestige films, many of which will have strong social messages. Peterson, the producer of the documentary “Shenandoah” and the dramedy “Ping Pong Summer,” also founded and led several film related entities such as Epic Match Media.
Along with Mbatha-Raw and Worthington, the cast includes Sylvia Hoeks (“Blade Runner: 2049”) and Sean Delaney (“Killing Eve”). Charlie Stratton (“In Secret”) directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with Dianne Houston (“Take the Lead”) and Marnie Dickens (“Ripper Street”). Academy Award nominee Brunson Green...
The film will star Gugu Mbatha-Raw (“Belle”) and Sam Worthington (“Avatar”). It centers on a Mary Seacole, a pioneering Jamaican nurse who cared for wounded British soldiers during the Crimean War and found herself at odds with Florence Nightingale.
Racing Green Pictures says it is looking to back prestige films, many of which will have strong social messages. Peterson, the producer of the documentary “Shenandoah” and the dramedy “Ping Pong Summer,” also founded and led several film related entities such as Epic Match Media.
Along with Mbatha-Raw and Worthington, the cast includes Sylvia Hoeks (“Blade Runner: 2049”) and Sean Delaney (“Killing Eve”). Charlie Stratton (“In Secret”) directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with Dianne Houston (“Take the Lead”) and Marnie Dickens (“Ripper Street”). Academy Award nominee Brunson Green...
- 6/24/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
In the Academy Awards’ 90-year history, just nine black women have won Oscars. But here’s where it gets worse: Only one of those nine won in a non-acting category, Irene Cara, who co-wrote Best Original Song winner “Flashdance… What a Feeling” from “Flashdance” (1983). Cara could get some long overdue company this year from three people — all from the same film, “Black Panther.”
Three of “Black Panther”‘s seven nominations include black women as part of its nominees: Hannah Beachler is up for Best Production Design; Ruth E. Carter earned her third career Best Costume Design bid; and Sza co-wrote Best Original Song contender “All the Stars” with Kendrick Lamar, Sounwave and Anthony Tiffith.
Not only is Beachler the first African-American woman to be nominated for Best Production Design, but she’s the first African-American ever to be shortlisted in the category. Carter broke down that barrier in her category...
Three of “Black Panther”‘s seven nominations include black women as part of its nominees: Hannah Beachler is up for Best Production Design; Ruth E. Carter earned her third career Best Costume Design bid; and Sza co-wrote Best Original Song contender “All the Stars” with Kendrick Lamar, Sounwave and Anthony Tiffith.
Not only is Beachler the first African-American woman to be nominated for Best Production Design, but she’s the first African-American ever to be shortlisted in the category. Carter broke down that barrier in her category...
- 2/17/2019
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Avatar star Sam Worthington has signed up to the cast of Seacole, a period drama from In Secret director Charlie Stratton. Worthington joins Belle actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who stars as 19th century Jamaican physician Mary Seacole in the true-life story.
Empire writer Dianne Houston co-wrote the screenplay for Seacole with Marnie Dickens (Ripper Street) and Stratton.
The story follows the inspirational, but mostly unknown story of Seacole, who was instrumental in setting up the so-called British Hotel to care for the sick and wounded during the Crimean War. Seacole's story has often been overshadowed by that of her (white) contemporary Florence Nightingale. After the war,...
Empire writer Dianne Houston co-wrote the screenplay for Seacole with Marnie Dickens (Ripper Street) and Stratton.
The story follows the inspirational, but mostly unknown story of Seacole, who was instrumental in setting up the so-called British Hotel to care for the sick and wounded during the Crimean War. Seacole's story has often been overshadowed by that of her (white) contemporary Florence Nightingale. After the war,...
- 1/28/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Avatar star Sam Worthington has signed up to the cast of Seacole, a period drama from In Secret director Charlie Stratton. Worthington joins Belle actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who stars as 19th century Jamaican physician Mary Seacole in the true-life story.
Empire writer Dianne Houston co-wrote the screenplay for Seacole with Marnie Dickens (Ripper Street) and Stratton.
The story follows the inspirational, but mostly unknown story of Seacole, who was instrumental in setting up the so-called British Hotel to care for the sick and wounded during the Crimean War. Seacole's story has often been overshadowed by that of her (white) contemporary Florence Nightingale. After the war,...
Empire writer Dianne Houston co-wrote the screenplay for Seacole with Marnie Dickens (Ripper Street) and Stratton.
The story follows the inspirational, but mostly unknown story of Seacole, who was instrumental in setting up the so-called British Hotel to care for the sick and wounded during the Crimean War. Seacole's story has often been overshadowed by that of her (white) contemporary Florence Nightingale. After the war,...
- 1/28/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gugu Mbatha-Raw will star in the humanitarian drama “Seacole,” based on the life of pioneering Jamaican nurse Mary Seacole, Variety has learned exclusively.
Charlie Stratton will direct from a screenplay he’s written with Oscar-nominated Dianne Houston (“Tuesday Morning Ride”) and Marnie Dickens. The project is to be co-produced and financed by Epic Match Media and UMedia. Producers are Brunson Green (“The Help”), Hilary Shor, Peter Bevan (“Mandy”), Karl Richards, and Billy Peterson of Epic Match.
The Exchange will introduce “Seacole” to buyers at next month’s European Film Market at the Berlin Film Festival.
Seacole became known during the Crimean War for her care of wounded British soldiers, described in her 1857 autobiography “Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands.” The film will focus on the action on the Crimean battlefield, Seacole’s desire to work with Florence Nightingale, and her dedication to care for the British soldiers during and after the war.
Charlie Stratton will direct from a screenplay he’s written with Oscar-nominated Dianne Houston (“Tuesday Morning Ride”) and Marnie Dickens. The project is to be co-produced and financed by Epic Match Media and UMedia. Producers are Brunson Green (“The Help”), Hilary Shor, Peter Bevan (“Mandy”), Karl Richards, and Billy Peterson of Epic Match.
The Exchange will introduce “Seacole” to buyers at next month’s European Film Market at the Berlin Film Festival.
Seacole became known during the Crimean War for her care of wounded British soldiers, described in her 1857 autobiography “Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands.” The film will focus on the action on the Crimean battlefield, Seacole’s desire to work with Florence Nightingale, and her dedication to care for the British soldiers during and after the war.
- 1/26/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Everyone knows Halle Berry is still the only black Best Actress winner, but there’s a more alarming stat in Oscar history: Only one black woman has won a non-acting Oscar. That was Irene Cara, who co-wrote Best Original Song winner “Flashdance… What a Feeling” from “Flashdance” (1983). She could finally be joined by three more this year — two at once — and all for the same film: “Mudbound.”
Of “Mudbound”’s four nominations, three of the nominees are black women: director/co-writer Dee Rees in Best Adapted Screenplay, and “Mighty River” songwriters Taura Stinson and Mary J. Blige, who’s also up for Best Supporting Actress. (Virgil Williams co-wrote the script and Raphael Saddiq also co-wrote the Best Original Song nominee.)
Rees and Blige have already made Oscar history, with the former being the first black woman nominated in Best Adapted Screenplay and the latter being the first black woman to...
Of “Mudbound”’s four nominations, three of the nominees are black women: director/co-writer Dee Rees in Best Adapted Screenplay, and “Mighty River” songwriters Taura Stinson and Mary J. Blige, who’s also up for Best Supporting Actress. (Virgil Williams co-wrote the script and Raphael Saddiq also co-wrote the Best Original Song nominee.)
Rees and Blige have already made Oscar history, with the former being the first black woman nominated in Best Adapted Screenplay and the latter being the first black woman to...
- 2/7/2018
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Lifetime’s new Michael Jackson biopic, “Searching for Neverland” has released its first trailer, and it’s everything you might expect from a Lifetime Original movie about Michael Jackson.
Read More: The Best One-Season Wonder TV Shows That Never Got Renewed — IndieWire Critics Survey
The source material for the project is a book by Motown Records titan Berry Gordy, called “Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days.” The script is by “Beauty Shop” writer Elizabeth Hunter, and Dianne Houston (“Runaway Island”) is directing. Lifetime announced the project had been given the green light during a TCA presentation in January, Shadow and Act reports. The story will be told from the perspective of Jackson’s bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard, and will also explore his relationship with his children, Prince, Blanket, and Paris.
Read More: ‘Catastrophe’ Repeats Land a Premiere Date on Lifetime, and Perhaps a Whole...
Read More: The Best One-Season Wonder TV Shows That Never Got Renewed — IndieWire Critics Survey
The source material for the project is a book by Motown Records titan Berry Gordy, called “Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days.” The script is by “Beauty Shop” writer Elizabeth Hunter, and Dianne Houston (“Runaway Island”) is directing. Lifetime announced the project had been given the green light during a TCA presentation in January, Shadow and Act reports. The story will be told from the perspective of Jackson’s bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard, and will also explore his relationship with his children, Prince, Blanket, and Paris.
Read More: ‘Catastrophe’ Repeats Land a Premiere Date on Lifetime, and Perhaps a Whole...
- 5/16/2017
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
On the same day that a Michael Jackson-centric episode of Urban Myths was pulled from broadcast over its controversial casting, Lifetime revealed that the network is prepping their own biopic revolving around the King of Pop.
Tentatively titled Searching for Neverland, the Lifetime movie captures Jackson's final years through the perspective of two of his personal bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard.
Navi, the self-proclaimed "world's greatest Michael Jackson impersonator," will make his acting debut portraying the late singer in the Lifetime biopic, and The Walking Dead vet Chad L. Coleman will portray Whitfield,...
Tentatively titled Searching for Neverland, the Lifetime movie captures Jackson's final years through the perspective of two of his personal bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard.
Navi, the self-proclaimed "world's greatest Michael Jackson impersonator," will make his acting debut portraying the late singer in the Lifetime biopic, and The Walking Dead vet Chad L. Coleman will portray Whitfield,...
- 1/14/2017
- Rollingstone.com
Hours after Sky Arts announced it would not air the controversial Michael Jackson episode of the British series Urban Myths, Lifetime has announced Jackson-related project of its own.
The network announced via press release on Friday that a Michael Jackson TV movie is currently in pre-production. The movie, working title Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland, is based on the best-selling book, Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days, and will begin filming in Los Angeles in February.
Watch: 'Urban Myths' Episode Featuring Joseph Fiennes as Michael Jackson Is Cut Following Backlash
Searching for Neverland will tell the story of Jackson's final days through the eyes of his trusted bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard. The Walking Dead's Chad L. Coleman has been cast as Whitfield, while Michael Jackson tribute artist Navi will play the King of Pop, in his acting debut.
Suzanne de Passe, Madison Jones and [link...
The network announced via press release on Friday that a Michael Jackson TV movie is currently in pre-production. The movie, working title Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland, is based on the best-selling book, Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days, and will begin filming in Los Angeles in February.
Watch: 'Urban Myths' Episode Featuring Joseph Fiennes as Michael Jackson Is Cut Following Backlash
Searching for Neverland will tell the story of Jackson's final days through the eyes of his trusted bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard. The Walking Dead's Chad L. Coleman has been cast as Whitfield, while Michael Jackson tribute artist Navi will play the King of Pop, in his acting debut.
Suzanne de Passe, Madison Jones and [link...
- 1/13/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Writers of Hell or High Water, La La Land, Arrival and Deadpool are among the nominees for this year’s Writers Guild Awards.
Writers of Hell or High Water (pictured), La La Land, Arrival and Deadpool are among the nominees for this year’s Writers Guild Awards, set to be presented at ceremonies hosted by the West and East branches of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on Feb 19.
Also nominated in the WGA’s original screenplay category are the writers of Loving, Manchester By The Sea and Moonlight. Fences, Hidden Figures and Nocturnal Animals produced the other nominations in the adapted screenplay category.
Documentary nominations went to Author: The Jt Leroy Story, Command And Control and Zero Days, while dramatic TV series getting nods were The Americans, Better Call Saul, Game Of Thrones, Stranger Things and Westworld.
Full list of feature nominees and selected TV nominees:
Original Screenplay
Hell or High Water Taylor Sheridan
La La Land [link...
Writers of Hell or High Water (pictured), La La Land, Arrival and Deadpool are among the nominees for this year’s Writers Guild Awards, set to be presented at ceremonies hosted by the West and East branches of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on Feb 19.
Also nominated in the WGA’s original screenplay category are the writers of Loving, Manchester By The Sea and Moonlight. Fences, Hidden Figures and Nocturnal Animals produced the other nominations in the adapted screenplay category.
Documentary nominations went to Author: The Jt Leroy Story, Command And Control and Zero Days, while dramatic TV series getting nods were The Americans, Better Call Saul, Game Of Thrones, Stranger Things and Westworld.
Full list of feature nominees and selected TV nominees:
Original Screenplay
Hell or High Water Taylor Sheridan
La La Land [link...
- 1/4/2017
- ScreenDaily
Writers of Hell or High Water, La La Land, Arrival and Deadpool are among the nominees for this year’s Writers Guild Awards.
Writers of Hell or High Water (pictured), La La Land, Arrival and Deadpool are among the nominees for this year’s Writers Guild Awards, set to be presented at ceremonies hosted by the West and East brances of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on Feb 19.
Also nominated in the WGA’s original screenplay category are the writers of Loving, Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight. Fences, Hidden Figures and Nocturnal Animalsproduced the other nominations in the adapted screenplay category.
Documentary nominations went to Author: The Jt Leroy Story, Command and Control and Zero Days, while dramatic TV series getting nods were The Americans, Better Call Saul, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things and Westworld.
Full list of feature nominees and selected TV nominees:
Original Screenplay
Hell or High Water Taylor Sheridan
La La Land [link...
Writers of Hell or High Water (pictured), La La Land, Arrival and Deadpool are among the nominees for this year’s Writers Guild Awards, set to be presented at ceremonies hosted by the West and East brances of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on Feb 19.
Also nominated in the WGA’s original screenplay category are the writers of Loving, Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight. Fences, Hidden Figures and Nocturnal Animalsproduced the other nominations in the adapted screenplay category.
Documentary nominations went to Author: The Jt Leroy Story, Command and Control and Zero Days, while dramatic TV series getting nods were The Americans, Better Call Saul, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things and Westworld.
Full list of feature nominees and selected TV nominees:
Original Screenplay
Hell or High Water Taylor Sheridan
La La Land [link...
- 1/4/2017
- ScreenDaily
Michel’le survived Compton – but it took the Lifetime movie “Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel’le” for her to realize it.
The one-time R&B star (1989’s “No More Lies”) dated Dr. Dre in the early 1990s, as he and N.W.A. turned into superstars (they had a son in 1991) and later married Death Row Records mogul Suge Knight, with whom she had a daughter in 2002 (they divorced in 2005).
But despite her presence in their inner circle at the time (she was signed to N.W.A. member Eazy-e’s Ruthless Records, and Dre produced her album), Michel’le was conspicuously absent from last year’s hit film “Straight Outta Compton.”
Read More: ‘Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel’le’ Trailer: Lifetime Tells Michel’le’s Side of the N.W.A. Story
“I was told they did cast me and did shoot scenes with [my character], but Dr. Dre chose to not have it in the movie,...
The one-time R&B star (1989’s “No More Lies”) dated Dr. Dre in the early 1990s, as he and N.W.A. turned into superstars (they had a son in 1991) and later married Death Row Records mogul Suge Knight, with whom she had a daughter in 2002 (they divorced in 2005).
But despite her presence in their inner circle at the time (she was signed to N.W.A. member Eazy-e’s Ruthless Records, and Dre produced her album), Michel’le was conspicuously absent from last year’s hit film “Straight Outta Compton.”
Read More: ‘Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel’le’ Trailer: Lifetime Tells Michel’le’s Side of the N.W.A. Story
“I was told they did cast me and did shoot scenes with [my character], but Dr. Dre chose to not have it in the movie,...
- 10/15/2016
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Another TV One original movie to add to your calendar - all part of the network's plans revealed earlier this year, for a fresh original programming lineup that includes 8 new series and specials, 16 original movies, as well as new production relationships with new partners. The film, titled "Runaway Island," directed by Dianne Houston, is slated to premiere this Saturday, July 25 at 8 Pm. Lorraine Toussaint, Thomas Q. Jones and Aisha Hinds headline the original movie, which is written by Christopher Brandt - the 2014 American Black Film Festival screenplay competition winner. "Runaway Island" tells...
- 7/23/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Academy Award winning actress Octavia Spencer is attached to star in Seacole – a historical biopic about the legendary woman who defied discrimination to nurse soldiers in the Crimean War. With Charlie Stratton (In Secret) set to direct a script written by Dianne Houston (Take The Lead) and Marnie Dickens (Ripper Street), the project is being packaged for sale at the Berlin Film Festival.
Producer Brunson Green (The Help) reflected on the film, and the casting of Spencer, in conversation with The Hollywood Reporter.
“Mary Seacole was a dynamic, complex and charming woman, and knowing Octavia and her immense talent, there is no one better to embody this impressive and courageous historical figure.”
Having been born to a Jamaican woman and a Scottish officer from the British Army, Seacole grew up studying the healing techniques used by her mother in the boarding house she ran. Later in life, after the death...
Producer Brunson Green (The Help) reflected on the film, and the casting of Spencer, in conversation with The Hollywood Reporter.
“Mary Seacole was a dynamic, complex and charming woman, and knowing Octavia and her immense talent, there is no one better to embody this impressive and courageous historical figure.”
Having been born to a Jamaican woman and a Scottish officer from the British Army, Seacole grew up studying the healing techniques used by her mother in the boarding house she ran. Later in life, after the death...
- 1/29/2015
- by Sarah Myles
- We Got This Covered
Octavia Spencer will lead the cast of Seacole.
The actress will reunite with The Help producer Brunson Green on the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
She will star as Mary Seacole, a pioneering nurse who helped soldiers during the Crimean War despite facing prejudice. The film will also focus on Seacole's desire to work alongside Florence Nightingale.
Seacole will be directed by Charie Stratton (In Secret) from a script penned by Dianne Houston and Marnie Dickens.
Green said: "Mary Seacole was a dynamic, complex and charming woman, and, knowing Octavia and her immense talent, there is no-one better to embody this impressive and courageous historical figure."
It was recently announced that Fox will air the final three episodes of Spencer's comedy-drama Red Band Society beginning on Saturday (January 31).
The actress will reunite with The Help producer Brunson Green on the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
She will star as Mary Seacole, a pioneering nurse who helped soldiers during the Crimean War despite facing prejudice. The film will also focus on Seacole's desire to work alongside Florence Nightingale.
Seacole will be directed by Charie Stratton (In Secret) from a script penned by Dianne Houston and Marnie Dickens.
Green said: "Mary Seacole was a dynamic, complex and charming woman, and, knowing Octavia and her immense talent, there is no-one better to embody this impressive and courageous historical figure."
It was recently announced that Fox will air the final three episodes of Spencer's comedy-drama Red Band Society beginning on Saturday (January 31).
- 1/28/2015
- Digital Spy
Details on a new project Octavia Spencer is now attached to, which will be shopped at the upcoming European Film Market, which runs in conjunction with the Berlin Film Festival... Brian O'Shea, CEO of The Exchange, announced today that Octavia Spencer is attached to Brunson Green's "Seacole." The pair last worked together on "The Help," which Spencer co-starred in, and Green produced. Via the press release, the project is described as an epic drama that will be directed by acclaimed theater and filmmaker Charlie Stratton, from a screenplay written by Academy Award nominee Dianne Houston and Marnie Dickens. It'll tell the widely unknown, inspirational true story...
- 1/28/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Nerve
Dave Franco and Emma Roberts have closed deals to star in Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman's young adult thriller "Nerve" at Lionsgate. Allison Shearmur and Anthony Katagas are producing.
Based on the Jeanne Ryan novel, the story follows a high school senior who finds herself immersed in an online game of truth of dare, where her every move starts to become manipulated by an anonymous community of voyeurs. Jessica Sharzer adapted the script. [Source: Variety]
Untitled Hurricane Katrina Film
"Selma" director Ava DuVernay and actor David Oyelowo are teaming for an untitled romance/murder mystery film set around Hurricane Katrina which is set up at Participant Media.
DuVernay will write, produce, and direct, whilst Oyelowo is in negotiations to produce and star. No schedule has yet been set. [Source: Variety]
Let It Snow
Alan Arkin, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, Olivia Wilde, Anthony Mackie, John Goodman, Ed Helms, June Squibb and Marisa Tomei...
Dave Franco and Emma Roberts have closed deals to star in Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman's young adult thriller "Nerve" at Lionsgate. Allison Shearmur and Anthony Katagas are producing.
Based on the Jeanne Ryan novel, the story follows a high school senior who finds herself immersed in an online game of truth of dare, where her every move starts to become manipulated by an anonymous community of voyeurs. Jessica Sharzer adapted the script. [Source: Variety]
Untitled Hurricane Katrina Film
"Selma" director Ava DuVernay and actor David Oyelowo are teaming for an untitled romance/murder mystery film set around Hurricane Katrina which is set up at Participant Media.
DuVernay will write, produce, and direct, whilst Oyelowo is in negotiations to produce and star. No schedule has yet been set. [Source: Variety]
Let It Snow
Alan Arkin, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, Olivia Wilde, Anthony Mackie, John Goodman, Ed Helms, June Squibb and Marisa Tomei...
- 1/27/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Octavia Spencer is attached to star and will reunite with The Help producer Brunson Green on the biopic, which The Exchange will introduce to buyers next week.
Charlie Stratton will direct Seacole from a screenplay by Dianne Houston and Marnie Dickens about Mary Seacole, a Jamaican nurse and contemporary of Florence Nightingale who tended to the sick during the 19th century Crimean War.
The film will focus on battlefield action as Seacole fights to take care of British soldiers during and after the war. Umedia finances the project and is on board as co-producer.
“It is time to bring Mary Seacole’s story to the big screen,” said The Exchange CEO Brian O’Shea. “Octavia Spencer will bring her wit and determination to this strong character.”
“It’s exciting to be working with Octavia again to bring this important and moving story to life,” said Green. “Mary Seacole was a dynamic, complex and charming...
Charlie Stratton will direct Seacole from a screenplay by Dianne Houston and Marnie Dickens about Mary Seacole, a Jamaican nurse and contemporary of Florence Nightingale who tended to the sick during the 19th century Crimean War.
The film will focus on battlefield action as Seacole fights to take care of British soldiers during and after the war. Umedia finances the project and is on board as co-producer.
“It is time to bring Mary Seacole’s story to the big screen,” said The Exchange CEO Brian O’Shea. “Octavia Spencer will bring her wit and determination to this strong character.”
“It’s exciting to be working with Octavia again to bring this important and moving story to life,” said Green. “Mary Seacole was a dynamic, complex and charming...
- 1/27/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Madonna movie Adé: A Love Story has found its writer. Dianne Houston (Take the Lead) has signed on to adapt Rebecca Walker’s memoir for the big screen, marking Madonna’s next directing project. The film centers on a 19-year-old American student raised in a Christian and Jewish home who travels to Africa and falls in love with a young Muslim man on an island off the coast of Kenya. Their hastily made plans to marry, however, get blown away by cultural and political forces. Walker, who also hails from a Christian-Jewish home, is the daughter of The
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- 11/18/2014
- by Tatiana Siegel
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Robert De Niro is producing a film based on the life of rapper Missy Elliott. The Oscar-winning actor's New York City-based Tribeca Films has snapped up the rights to the film, along with Elliott's manager, Mona Scott. The 34-year-old rapper will be working with her manager and writer Dianne Houston to help create the script. Elliott began her musical career with the girl group Sista before branching out into solo projects and producing.
- 6/15/2006
- WENN
50 Cent and Eminem aren't the only rappers getting their stories told on the big screen. Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott is teaming up with Robert De Niro to develop her own biopic. Universal Pictures acquired a pitch from Take the Lead scribe Dianne Houston for an untitled project based on Elliott's life growing up in a coastal town in Virginia and eventually becoming one of the rap industry's most successful acts. De Niro will produce the project with his Tribeca Films partner Jane Rosenthal and Elliott's manager Mona Scott.
- 6/14/2006
- IMDbPro News
Essentially "Mad Hot Ballroom" for mallrats, "Take the Lead" takes its lead from the life of Pierre Dulaine, the debonair founder of the popular program that brought ballroom dancing to New York inner-city public schools.
Upping the ages of the participants to high school level in order to bring more mature issues into the mix, veteran music video director Liz Friedlander and screenwriter Dianne Houston have come up with a hip-hop-flavored hybrid that attempts to rescore the classic American Songbook with street beats, but the resulting mash-up fails to dazzle on the dance floor.
Still, it's considerably more energetic than the anemic Richard Gere-Jennifer Lopez version of "Shall We Dance?" and given a well-timed release that rides smartly on the coattails of the ridiculously successful "Dancing With the Stars", this New Line presentation definitely has a leg up with female-skewing audiences.
Taking her cue from a segment on CBS' "The Early Show" featuring Dulaine that predated the release of "Mad Hot Ballroom", scripter Houston has tailored a workable scenario for star Antonio Banderas, who plays the dance teacher/life mentor with an appealing combination of easy charisma and convincing passion.
When he first pitches the concept of ballroom dance instruction to no-nonsense principal Augustine James (Alfre Woodard), who runs her high school with the eagle-eyed authority of a prison warden, Dulaine is met with more than a little wide-eyed incredulity.
But the short-staffed James decides to test Dulaine's mettle by assigning him to detention hall duty, where an assortment of badass Sweathogs greet his Dinah Washington and Lena Horne records with unsurprising disdain.
Gradually, though -- especially after witnessing Dulaine and one of the adult students from his academy engage in a particularly heated tango -- the kids agree to meet him halfway, merging their hip-hop style with his traditional dance moves to come up with something fresh.
Unfortunately, as kinetically directed by Friedlander, that fusion only creates a lot of confusion as the film struggles to sustain a rhythm while bouncing back and forth between the uplifting dance sequences (choreographed by JoAnn Jansen) and the dramatic element going down in the mean streets of New York (played, yet again, by Toronto, aka the Big Maple).
The production is not without its spirited numbers, but when it looks like it's going to finally take flight, it ends up taking too many false steps, especially during an especially choppy finale.
Things hold together longer than they would have without Banderas' commanding, committed performance, and while it's easy to pick out the dancing actors from the acting dancers, his young co-stars -- led by Rob Brown ("Finding Forrester") and engaging newcomer Yaya DaCosta -- do their best to keep it real, at least on the emotive front.
Take the Lead
New Line Cinema
New Line Cinema presents a Tiara Blu Films production
Credits:
Director: Liz Friedlander
Screenwriter: Dianne Houston
Producers: Diane Nabatoff, Michelle Grace, Christopher Godsick
Executive producers: Toby Emmerich
Matt Moore, Mark Kaufman, Ray Liotta, Matthew Hart
Director of photography: Alex Nepomniaschy
Production designer: Paul Denham Austerberry
Editor: Robert Ivison
Costume designer: Melissa Toth
Music: Aaron Zigman and Swizz Beatz
Choreographer: JoAnn Jansen
Cast:
Pierre Dulaine: Antonio Banderas
Rock: Rob Brown
LaRhette: Yaya DaCosta
Ramos: Dante Basco
Mr. Temple: John Ortiz
Augustine James
Alfre Woodard.
MPAA rating PG-13
Running time -- 117 minutes...
Upping the ages of the participants to high school level in order to bring more mature issues into the mix, veteran music video director Liz Friedlander and screenwriter Dianne Houston have come up with a hip-hop-flavored hybrid that attempts to rescore the classic American Songbook with street beats, but the resulting mash-up fails to dazzle on the dance floor.
Still, it's considerably more energetic than the anemic Richard Gere-Jennifer Lopez version of "Shall We Dance?" and given a well-timed release that rides smartly on the coattails of the ridiculously successful "Dancing With the Stars", this New Line presentation definitely has a leg up with female-skewing audiences.
Taking her cue from a segment on CBS' "The Early Show" featuring Dulaine that predated the release of "Mad Hot Ballroom", scripter Houston has tailored a workable scenario for star Antonio Banderas, who plays the dance teacher/life mentor with an appealing combination of easy charisma and convincing passion.
When he first pitches the concept of ballroom dance instruction to no-nonsense principal Augustine James (Alfre Woodard), who runs her high school with the eagle-eyed authority of a prison warden, Dulaine is met with more than a little wide-eyed incredulity.
But the short-staffed James decides to test Dulaine's mettle by assigning him to detention hall duty, where an assortment of badass Sweathogs greet his Dinah Washington and Lena Horne records with unsurprising disdain.
Gradually, though -- especially after witnessing Dulaine and one of the adult students from his academy engage in a particularly heated tango -- the kids agree to meet him halfway, merging their hip-hop style with his traditional dance moves to come up with something fresh.
Unfortunately, as kinetically directed by Friedlander, that fusion only creates a lot of confusion as the film struggles to sustain a rhythm while bouncing back and forth between the uplifting dance sequences (choreographed by JoAnn Jansen) and the dramatic element going down in the mean streets of New York (played, yet again, by Toronto, aka the Big Maple).
The production is not without its spirited numbers, but when it looks like it's going to finally take flight, it ends up taking too many false steps, especially during an especially choppy finale.
Things hold together longer than they would have without Banderas' commanding, committed performance, and while it's easy to pick out the dancing actors from the acting dancers, his young co-stars -- led by Rob Brown ("Finding Forrester") and engaging newcomer Yaya DaCosta -- do their best to keep it real, at least on the emotive front.
Take the Lead
New Line Cinema
New Line Cinema presents a Tiara Blu Films production
Credits:
Director: Liz Friedlander
Screenwriter: Dianne Houston
Producers: Diane Nabatoff, Michelle Grace, Christopher Godsick
Executive producers: Toby Emmerich
Matt Moore, Mark Kaufman, Ray Liotta, Matthew Hart
Director of photography: Alex Nepomniaschy
Production designer: Paul Denham Austerberry
Editor: Robert Ivison
Costume designer: Melissa Toth
Music: Aaron Zigman and Swizz Beatz
Choreographer: JoAnn Jansen
Cast:
Pierre Dulaine: Antonio Banderas
Rock: Rob Brown
LaRhette: Yaya DaCosta
Ramos: Dante Basco
Mr. Temple: John Ortiz
Augustine James
Alfre Woodard.
MPAA rating PG-13
Running time -- 117 minutes...
Antonio Banderas is putting on his dance shoes for New Line Cinema's Take the Lead. Liz Friedlander is directing, while Diane Nabatoff, Chris Godsick and Michelle Grace produce. Inspired by the true story of international ballroom dancer Pierre Dulane, Banderas will star as a former professional dancer who volunteers to teach dance in the New York public school system. When his ballroom methods clash with his students' hip-hop instincts, he teams up with them to create a new style of dance and becomes their mentor in the process. Dianne Houston wrote the script.
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