When Lynnette Ramirez, president of Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance’s eponymous production company, logs onto Zoom to discuss the release of “Heist 88,” the company’s first feature, with Variety, her virtual background catches the eye. It’s a black-and-white photo of two children — a little boy and a little girl — alongside the Bassett Vance Productions logo.
It doesn’t take long to recognize that the striking shot is a family photo — and the two kids are the Hollywood power couple’s now-teenage twins Bronwyn and Slater Vance.
“This company is about legacy,” Ramirez says. “And not just their family’s legacy — but it certainly feels like that’s where the heart is.”
Indeed, Bassett Vance Productions is a family business, but it’s more than that. Formally founded in 2020 as one of the partnering companies with MTV Entertainment Group’s development program for Bipoc and women filmmakers,...
It doesn’t take long to recognize that the striking shot is a family photo — and the two kids are the Hollywood power couple’s now-teenage twins Bronwyn and Slater Vance.
“This company is about legacy,” Ramirez says. “And not just their family’s legacy — but it certainly feels like that’s where the heart is.”
Indeed, Bassett Vance Productions is a family business, but it’s more than that. Formally founded in 2020 as one of the partnering companies with MTV Entertainment Group’s development program for Bipoc and women filmmakers,...
- 10/10/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The Courtney B. Vance-fronted Showtime original film “Heist 88” will debut next month on Paramount+, followed by a premiere on the linear pay cable channel. The story chronicles a master criminal who arranges an $80 million bank job prior to beginning a prison sentence. The film, produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, Bassett Vance Productions and Gunpowder & Sky, will debut on Paramount+ with Showtime beginning Sept. 29. It’ll make its linear debut on Showtime on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 9:00 p.m.
Written by Dwayne Johnson-Cochran and directed by Menhaj Huda, “Heist 88” is inspired by true events. The film features Vance as Jeremy Horne who can convince anyone to do anything. He recruits four bank employees to partake in a mega-bucks heist. Taking place before the advent of modern computerization and cybersecurity, it reunites Vance with Keesha Sharp. She portrayed Dale Cochran in “The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
Written by Dwayne Johnson-Cochran and directed by Menhaj Huda, “Heist 88” is inspired by true events. The film features Vance as Jeremy Horne who can convince anyone to do anything. He recruits four bank employees to partake in a mega-bucks heist. Taking place before the advent of modern computerization and cybersecurity, it reunites Vance with Keesha Sharp. She portrayed Dale Cochran in “The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
- 8/28/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Showtime has an exciting new original movie, and the cast is impressive.
Heist 88 is headlined by two-time Emmy Award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance and produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, Bassett Vance Productions, and Gunpowder & Sky.
Inspired by one of the largest bank robberies in U.S. history, the film will stream exclusively on Paramount+ with Showtime starting on Friday, September 29, and on Showtime on Sunday, October 1 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
"Inspired by true events, Heist 88 is the unbelievable story centered on Jeremy Horne (Vance), a criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything, who decides to pull one last job before going to prison," the cabler's official description teases.
"He recruits four young bank employees to steal close to $80 million dollars in a daring and brazen assault on the U.S. banking system."
"The film takes place in a time before widespread...
Heist 88 is headlined by two-time Emmy Award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance and produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, Bassett Vance Productions, and Gunpowder & Sky.
Inspired by one of the largest bank robberies in U.S. history, the film will stream exclusively on Paramount+ with Showtime starting on Friday, September 29, and on Showtime on Sunday, October 1 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
"Inspired by true events, Heist 88 is the unbelievable story centered on Jeremy Horne (Vance), a criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything, who decides to pull one last job before going to prison," the cabler's official description teases.
"He recruits four young bank employees to steal close to $80 million dollars in a daring and brazen assault on the U.S. banking system."
"The film takes place in a time before widespread...
- 8/28/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
A series of changes have taken place at Showtime. Variety has confirmed the network has canceled “Ziwe” after just two seasons and has picked up Mandy Patinkin’s “Seasoned” to series, delivering a six-episode order.
Hosted and executive produced by comedian Ziwe Fumudoh, the talk show focused on presenting trending hot topics concerning race, politics and other cultural issues as well as musical numbers, interviews, guest stars and comedic sketches. Guests on Season 2 included Drew Barrymore, Rowan Blanchard, Blake Griffin, Emily Ratajkowski and Mia Khalifa, among others. The series first debuted in 2021.
With the loss, that leaves Showtime without a current late night talk show following the cancellation of “Desus & Mero” (which Ziwe also served as a writer on before moving to her own show). The changes come as part of Showtime’s reevaluation of the programming slate after MTV Entertainment Group president and CEO Chris McCarthy stepped in...
Hosted and executive produced by comedian Ziwe Fumudoh, the talk show focused on presenting trending hot topics concerning race, politics and other cultural issues as well as musical numbers, interviews, guest stars and comedic sketches. Guests on Season 2 included Drew Barrymore, Rowan Blanchard, Blake Griffin, Emily Ratajkowski and Mia Khalifa, among others. The series first debuted in 2021.
With the loss, that leaves Showtime without a current late night talk show following the cancellation of “Desus & Mero” (which Ziwe also served as a writer on before moving to her own show). The changes come as part of Showtime’s reevaluation of the programming slate after MTV Entertainment Group president and CEO Chris McCarthy stepped in...
- 4/5/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance’s film Heist 88, which had been earmarked for Paramount+, will be moving to Showtime, Deadline has learned. Additionally, I hear the network has made decisions on two of its three comedy pilots, handing a six-episode series order to Seasoned, starring Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody, and passing on The Wood, based on the 1999 feature film. Showtime also has opted not to renew Ziwe, hosted and executive produced by comedian Ziwe Fumudoh, for a third season.
Paramount Television Studios, which produces The Wood, will be shopping it elsewhere.
Original movies were a staple on Showtime in the 1980s, 90s and 2000s until the network shifted to original series. The network recently returned to the genre after a14-year break with Ray Donovan: The Movie. Heist 88, which stars Vance, falls into one of the three new programming lanes for Showtime recently outlined by Chris McCarthy,...
Paramount Television Studios, which produces The Wood, will be shopping it elsewhere.
Original movies were a staple on Showtime in the 1980s, 90s and 2000s until the network shifted to original series. The network recently returned to the genre after a14-year break with Ray Donovan: The Movie. Heist 88, which stars Vance, falls into one of the three new programming lanes for Showtime recently outlined by Chris McCarthy,...
- 4/5/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett have renewed their overall deal with MTV Entertainment Studios through their production banner Bassett Vance Productions.
Along with the renewal news, Paramount also announced that the pair’s first feature film from their overall deal, “Heist 88,” is currently in production. The film tells the story of one of the largest bank heists ever to occur in the United States.
Here’s a description: Jeremy Horne (Vance), a criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything, decides to pull one last job before going to prison. He recruits four young bank employees to steal close to 80 million dollars in a daring and brazen assault on the US banking system. “Heist 88” takes place in a time before widespread computerization and the vast cybersecurity of today.
Also Read:
‘Batgirl’ Actress Ivory Aquino Begs David Zaslav to Reconsider Releasing the...
Along with the renewal news, Paramount also announced that the pair’s first feature film from their overall deal, “Heist 88,” is currently in production. The film tells the story of one of the largest bank heists ever to occur in the United States.
Here’s a description: Jeremy Horne (Vance), a criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything, decides to pull one last job before going to prison. He recruits four young bank employees to steal close to 80 million dollars in a daring and brazen assault on the US banking system. “Heist 88” takes place in a time before widespread computerization and the vast cybersecurity of today.
Also Read:
‘Batgirl’ Actress Ivory Aquino Begs David Zaslav to Reconsider Releasing the...
- 8/25/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance have renewed the overall deal with MTV Entertainment Studios for their Bassett Vance Productions, and have set Heist 88, starring Vance, as the first feature under the new pact.
Directed by Menhaj Huda (Kidulthood),the film, which is currently shooting in Chicago, reunites two-time Emmy winner Vance with his The People vs Oj Simpson: American Crime Story co-star Keesha Sharp and Bentley Green, who recently starred alongside him in AMC’s 61st Street.
In addition to Vance, Sharp and Green, Keith David, Xavier Clyde, Nican Robinson and Precious Way also star in Heist 88, which is inspired by true events and tells the unbelievable story of one of the largest bank heists ever to occur in the United States.
In the film, written by Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, Vance portrays Jeremy Horne, a criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything,...
Directed by Menhaj Huda (Kidulthood),the film, which is currently shooting in Chicago, reunites two-time Emmy winner Vance with his The People vs Oj Simpson: American Crime Story co-star Keesha Sharp and Bentley Green, who recently starred alongside him in AMC’s 61st Street.
In addition to Vance, Sharp and Green, Keith David, Xavier Clyde, Nican Robinson and Precious Way also star in Heist 88, which is inspired by true events and tells the unbelievable story of one of the largest bank heists ever to occur in the United States.
In the film, written by Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, Vance portrays Jeremy Horne, a criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: UTA has signed acclaimed director-producer Anthony Hemingway (Genius: Aretha) and his production company Anthony Hemingway Productions for worldwide representation in all areas.
Hemingway is an Emmy, Golden Globe, BAFTA and NAACP Image Award who has also been recognized with the PGA’s David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Long-Form Television. He most recently directed and executive produced ABC’s reboot of LA Law, as well as the True Lies pilot for CBS. He also recently directed and exec produced Genius: Aretha—the third season of National Geographic’s acclaimed anthology series Genius, starring Cynthia Erivo and Courtney B. Vance.
Hemingway broke out as.a director in the mid-to-late 2000s, while helming a pair of episodes for HBO’s iconic series, The Wire. In the years since, he has gone on to direct episodes of such acclaimed series as Battlestar Galactica, Community, The Closer, Fringe, Once Upon a Time,...
Hemingway is an Emmy, Golden Globe, BAFTA and NAACP Image Award who has also been recognized with the PGA’s David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Long-Form Television. He most recently directed and executive produced ABC’s reboot of LA Law, as well as the True Lies pilot for CBS. He also recently directed and exec produced Genius: Aretha—the third season of National Geographic’s acclaimed anthology series Genius, starring Cynthia Erivo and Courtney B. Vance.
Hemingway broke out as.a director in the mid-to-late 2000s, while helming a pair of episodes for HBO’s iconic series, The Wire. In the years since, he has gone on to direct episodes of such acclaimed series as Battlestar Galactica, Community, The Closer, Fringe, Once Upon a Time,...
- 4/27/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Emmy winner Anthony Hemingway has signed on to direct a present-day “reimagining” of The Preacher’s Wife, featuring original cast member Courtney B. Vance, for Bassett Vance Productions.
Penny Marshall’s 1996 film, starring Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston and Vance, was itself a remake of The Bishop’s Wife, the 1947 film based on Robert Nathan’s book of the same name that starred Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven. It centers on Dudley (Washington), an angel who comes to earth to help preacher Henry Biggs (Vance) and his wife Julia (Houston) save the church and their family. The film endures as a perennial favorite around the holidays; its soundtrack remains the bestselling gospel album of all time.
Hemingway’s version of The Preacher’s Wife will “creatively evolve the story in a new direction,” per Bvp’s producing partner Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, while boosting “the musicality” of the storytelling.
Penny Marshall’s 1996 film, starring Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston and Vance, was itself a remake of The Bishop’s Wife, the 1947 film based on Robert Nathan’s book of the same name that starred Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven. It centers on Dudley (Washington), an angel who comes to earth to help preacher Henry Biggs (Vance) and his wife Julia (Houston) save the church and their family. The film endures as a perennial favorite around the holidays; its soundtrack remains the bestselling gospel album of all time.
Hemingway’s version of The Preacher’s Wife will “creatively evolve the story in a new direction,” per Bvp’s producing partner Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, while boosting “the musicality” of the storytelling.
- 11/3/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance’s Bassett Vance Productions is teaming with MTV Entertainment Studios and writer Nathan Alan Davis on a limited series about the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, Variety has learned exclusively.
News of the series comes just before the 100 year anniversary of the massacre, which left hundreds of Black people dead and entire homes and businesses destroyed. The series tells the story of Greenwood district in Tulsa, which at that time was the wealthiest Black community in the United States and known as “Black Wall Street.” The series is the first project from Bassett Vance Productions as part of the deal made with MTV Entertainment Studios in 2020.
“As storytellers – together with Courtney, Angela and Nathan – we have the privilege of shining a light on a devastating event in our history that is important, necessary and still resonates 100 years later,” said Nina L. Diaz, president of content...
News of the series comes just before the 100 year anniversary of the massacre, which left hundreds of Black people dead and entire homes and businesses destroyed. The series tells the story of Greenwood district in Tulsa, which at that time was the wealthiest Black community in the United States and known as “Black Wall Street.” The series is the first project from Bassett Vance Productions as part of the deal made with MTV Entertainment Studios in 2020.
“As storytellers – together with Courtney, Angela and Nathan – we have the privilege of shining a light on a devastating event in our history that is important, necessary and still resonates 100 years later,” said Nina L. Diaz, president of content...
- 5/24/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Bassett Vance Productions, the production company formed by Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance, has hired Lynnette Ramirez as head of development, Variety has learned exclusively.
Ramirez is tasked with finding and developing diverse stories with a strong emphasis on Bipoc voices in front of and behind the camera for multiple platforms. The first of these projects will be announced in the coming weeks. She will work alongside Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, Bassett Vance Productions’ producing partner. Last fall, Bassett Vance Productions was announced as one of the partnering companies with the ViacomCBS MTV Entertainment Group’s development program for Bipoc and women filmmakers.
“We are thrilled that Lynnette has joined our team,” Bassett and Vance said. “Our goal has always been to tell great stories for all screens. Lynnette brings over 20 years of extensive experience and success in this industry, as well as a passion for inventive, powerful storytelling. With Lynnette leading our development team,...
Ramirez is tasked with finding and developing diverse stories with a strong emphasis on Bipoc voices in front of and behind the camera for multiple platforms. The first of these projects will be announced in the coming weeks. She will work alongside Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, Bassett Vance Productions’ producing partner. Last fall, Bassett Vance Productions was announced as one of the partnering companies with the ViacomCBS MTV Entertainment Group’s development program for Bipoc and women filmmakers.
“We are thrilled that Lynnette has joined our team,” Bassett and Vance said. “Our goal has always been to tell great stories for all screens. Lynnette brings over 20 years of extensive experience and success in this industry, as well as a passion for inventive, powerful storytelling. With Lynnette leading our development team,...
- 4/29/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
NUVOtv, the premier English-language destination for Latino entertainment, will debut the official film selections for Nuvo Point of View: The Emerging Latino Filmmakers its showcase on Saturday, November 15 at a screening held in conjunction with the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (Nfmla) film festival at the At&T Center in Los Angeles.
In addition, the televised special by the same name will include exclusive interviews with the filmmakers and host Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin, "Filly Brown"), and will air on Thursday, December 4 at 8pm Et/Pt. Actor and SAG-aftra Board Member Jon Huertas (Castle, "The Objective") will also lend his support to the premiere event as one of the evening’s program presenters.
“We are extremely proud to present this exciting collection of films that showcase the work of some of the nation’s most talented aspiring Latino writers, directors and producers,” said Lynnette Ramirez, Svp of Programming, NUVOtv. “This programming will give audiences an intimate look at what drives each filmmaker’s creative process.”
Nuvo Point of View: The Emerging Latino Filmmakers was inspired by the creative vision of Jennifer Lopez and Nuyorican Productions to feature the top talented Latino screenwriters, producers and directors and is now presenting its third showcase since debuting in March of this year. Over 900 films have been submitted for the showcase to date and returning film jury members Gregory Nava, Frida Torresblanco and Michael Olmos were heavily involved in the selection process of the final four films.
Features Category:
"Avenues" (88 minutes) tells the story of Saul Sanchez who returns home to the rough Northeast Los Angeles neighborhood of Highland Park, also known as The Avenues, after serving a decade-long prison sentence. His hopes are in connecting with his daughter, whom he has never met. The film is both written and directed by Aaref Rodriguez and was shot in Los Angeles.
Shorts Category:
"Luna" (12 minutes), another Los Angeles production, presents a dramatic storyline with a young girl witnessing the murder of her family by a mysterious killer. Now she must try to survive before the killer finds her. Antonio Perez served as writer, producer and director.
"Meditation" (14 minutes) is the third film shot in Los Angeles and tells the story of a divorce mediation that spirals out of control for a husband, his soon-to-be ex-wife and their court-appointed mediator. The film was written and directed by Francisco Lorite, and produced by Bill Winett and Freddy Rodríguez.
"How You Doin’ Boy?" (4 minutes) is a character-driven hybrid short about the pint-sized elderly Latino “Gran'pa” who leaves a series of humorous unanswered voicemails for his grandson “Davy.” William D. Caballero served as writer, producer and director. The film was shot in New Jersey.
The deadline for submissions for the network’s fourth film showcase, which will air in Q4 of 2015, is July 1, 2015. Go to mynuvotv.com for more info.
About NUVOtv
NUVOtv (www.myNUVOtv.com) is the premier English-language destination for Latino entertainment, embodying the spirit, energy and richness of modern Latino culture. Providing original entertainment and lifestyle programming, NUVOtv is available in more than 32 million homes nationwide with major distribution partners: At&T U-verse, Comcast, Cox, Dish Network, Time Warner Cable and Verizon Fios. The network is widely available in all top Hispanic DMAs and most major U.S. markets including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago and New York. Iconic superstar and powerhouse entrepreneur, Jennifer Lopez serves as NUVOtv’s Chief Creative Officer collaborating closely with the network on programming strategy, production and marketing.
In addition, the televised special by the same name will include exclusive interviews with the filmmakers and host Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin, "Filly Brown"), and will air on Thursday, December 4 at 8pm Et/Pt. Actor and SAG-aftra Board Member Jon Huertas (Castle, "The Objective") will also lend his support to the premiere event as one of the evening’s program presenters.
“We are extremely proud to present this exciting collection of films that showcase the work of some of the nation’s most talented aspiring Latino writers, directors and producers,” said Lynnette Ramirez, Svp of Programming, NUVOtv. “This programming will give audiences an intimate look at what drives each filmmaker’s creative process.”
Nuvo Point of View: The Emerging Latino Filmmakers was inspired by the creative vision of Jennifer Lopez and Nuyorican Productions to feature the top talented Latino screenwriters, producers and directors and is now presenting its third showcase since debuting in March of this year. Over 900 films have been submitted for the showcase to date and returning film jury members Gregory Nava, Frida Torresblanco and Michael Olmos were heavily involved in the selection process of the final four films.
Features Category:
"Avenues" (88 minutes) tells the story of Saul Sanchez who returns home to the rough Northeast Los Angeles neighborhood of Highland Park, also known as The Avenues, after serving a decade-long prison sentence. His hopes are in connecting with his daughter, whom he has never met. The film is both written and directed by Aaref Rodriguez and was shot in Los Angeles.
Shorts Category:
"Luna" (12 minutes), another Los Angeles production, presents a dramatic storyline with a young girl witnessing the murder of her family by a mysterious killer. Now she must try to survive before the killer finds her. Antonio Perez served as writer, producer and director.
"Meditation" (14 minutes) is the third film shot in Los Angeles and tells the story of a divorce mediation that spirals out of control for a husband, his soon-to-be ex-wife and their court-appointed mediator. The film was written and directed by Francisco Lorite, and produced by Bill Winett and Freddy Rodríguez.
"How You Doin’ Boy?" (4 minutes) is a character-driven hybrid short about the pint-sized elderly Latino “Gran'pa” who leaves a series of humorous unanswered voicemails for his grandson “Davy.” William D. Caballero served as writer, producer and director. The film was shot in New Jersey.
The deadline for submissions for the network’s fourth film showcase, which will air in Q4 of 2015, is July 1, 2015. Go to mynuvotv.com for more info.
About NUVOtv
NUVOtv (www.myNUVOtv.com) is the premier English-language destination for Latino entertainment, embodying the spirit, energy and richness of modern Latino culture. Providing original entertainment and lifestyle programming, NUVOtv is available in more than 32 million homes nationwide with major distribution partners: At&T U-verse, Comcast, Cox, Dish Network, Time Warner Cable and Verizon Fios. The network is widely available in all top Hispanic DMAs and most major U.S. markets including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago and New York. Iconic superstar and powerhouse entrepreneur, Jennifer Lopez serves as NUVOtv’s Chief Creative Officer collaborating closely with the network on programming strategy, production and marketing.
- 10/29/2014
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
Bill Hilary has been promoted to president of NuvoTV parent SiTV Media, under which NuvoTV’s current Evp Programming will add oversight of operations at Fuse, the network SiTV acquired from Msg in April for $275 million. That deal is expected to close shortly after a bidding battle with Sean Combs’ Revolt. Hilary joined NuvoTV last year ahead of the relaunch of the young Latino-skewing network, and since has helped spearhead a boost in original programming including the recently announced six music and entertainment series and specials, three unscripted dramas, two comedy series, and live sports specials. Among the new series is two from Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions, stemming from her role as the network’s chief creative officer. He also helped the network’s rights acquisition of Showtime’s Dexter. Hilary will report to SiTV CEO Michael Schwimmer and will continue to have oversight of programming, development, acquisition and scheduling for NuvoTV,...
- 6/2/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Eva Longoria is going back home to the Lone Star State. The Texas native is attached to star in Touchstone Pictures' Deep in the Heart of Texas. Touchstone has acquired Pam Buchignati and Lynnette Ramirez's pitch, which centers on a spoiled Beverly Hills diva (Longoria) who becomes a fish out of water when she is relocated to San Antonio to run the new Latin division of an ad agency. Being completely out of touch with her Mexican roots and speaking not a word of Spanish, she has to win over the gringo urban cowboy who is her new boss, speaks fluent Spanish and is more in touch with her heritage than she is.
- 4/21/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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