Andrew Bachelor has signed with CAA as the social media star-turned-actor and producer partners with the talent agency for representation.
The Canadian-born comic and actor, also known as “King Bach,” has in all around 75 million fans online, especially on Vine, the shortform video-sharing platform. Vine’s limit of six seconds per-movie makes for creative challenges, but Bachelor leveraged his NYU Film School training to pack full dramas into each short Vine post to amass a giant following.
Bachelor then crossed over to film where his credits include Netflix’s comedy Coffee and Kareem, where he starred with Taraji P. Henson, Ed Helms and Betty Gilpin, and the streaming giant’s horror film The Babysitter: Killer Queen, which also starred Jenna Ortega, Samara Weaving and Bella Thorne.
Bachelor also appeared in the Netflix romantic comedy Holidate and the Gerard Butler-led thriller Greenland. He will also appear in STX’s sport...
The Canadian-born comic and actor, also known as “King Bach,” has in all around 75 million fans online, especially on Vine, the shortform video-sharing platform. Vine’s limit of six seconds per-movie makes for creative challenges, but Bachelor leveraged his NYU Film School training to pack full dramas into each short Vine post to amass a giant following.
Bachelor then crossed over to film where his credits include Netflix’s comedy Coffee and Kareem, where he starred with Taraji P. Henson, Ed Helms and Betty Gilpin, and the streaming giant’s horror film The Babysitter: Killer Queen, which also starred Jenna Ortega, Samara Weaving and Bella Thorne.
Bachelor also appeared in the Netflix romantic comedy Holidate and the Gerard Butler-led thriller Greenland. He will also appear in STX’s sport...
- 4/16/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
2024 is going to be light on superhero movies (relatively speaking) but comic book cinema will be present on the big screen on Valentine's Day. Sony's latest "Spider-Man" spin-off movie "Madame Web" is hitting theaters, introducing several brand new spider-heroes into the ever-growing Marvel multiverse.
Following in the footsteps of movies like "Venom" and "Morbius," as well as this year's "Kraven the Hunter," Sony is once again making the most of the Marvel Comics characters it has the rights to in the larger "Spider-Man" franchise. Specifically, it sees Dakota Johnson bring Cassandra Web, aka Madame Webb, to life alongside an impressive supporting cast.
But is this a one-and-done? Or is the studio setting up more for the future? We're going to discuss the movie's post-credits scene situation in spoiler-free fashion. Seriously, we're not going to spoil anything. We're just here to arm you with information so you can be ready on opening weekend.
Following in the footsteps of movies like "Venom" and "Morbius," as well as this year's "Kraven the Hunter," Sony is once again making the most of the Marvel Comics characters it has the rights to in the larger "Spider-Man" franchise. Specifically, it sees Dakota Johnson bring Cassandra Web, aka Madame Webb, to life alongside an impressive supporting cast.
But is this a one-and-done? Or is the studio setting up more for the future? We're going to discuss the movie's post-credits scene situation in spoiler-free fashion. Seriously, we're not going to spoil anything. We're just here to arm you with information so you can be ready on opening weekend.
- 2/13/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
The Cinema Eye Honors announced the winners for its documentary films and series competition Friday in Manhattan, with “32 Sounds” taking the honor for outstanding nonfiction feature. Maite Alberdi won outstanding direction for “The Eternal Memory” together with Kaouther Ben Hania for “Four Daughters,” while “Paul T. Goldman” won outstanding nonfiction series.
See all the winners below:
—Outstanding Nonfiction Feature
32 Sounds
Directed by Sam Green
Produced by Josh Penn and Thomas O. Kriegsmann
—Outstanding Direction
Maite Alberdi
The Eternal Memory
Kaouther Ben Hania
Four Daughters
—Outstanding Editing
Michael Harte
Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie
—Outstanding Production
Mstyslav Chernov, Michelle Mizner, Raney Aronson Rath, Derl McCrudden and Vasilisa Stepanenko
20 Days in Mariupol
—Outstanding Cinematography
Ants Tammik
Smoke Sauna Sisterhood
—Outstanding Original Score
Jd Samson
32 Sounds
—Outstanding Sound Design
Mark Mangini
32 Sounds
—Outstanding Visual Design
Thomas Curtis and Sean Pierce
Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project
—Outstanding Debut
Kokomo...
See all the winners below:
—Outstanding Nonfiction Feature
32 Sounds
Directed by Sam Green
Produced by Josh Penn and Thomas O. Kriegsmann
—Outstanding Direction
Maite Alberdi
The Eternal Memory
Kaouther Ben Hania
Four Daughters
—Outstanding Editing
Michael Harte
Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie
—Outstanding Production
Mstyslav Chernov, Michelle Mizner, Raney Aronson Rath, Derl McCrudden and Vasilisa Stepanenko
20 Days in Mariupol
—Outstanding Cinematography
Ants Tammik
Smoke Sauna Sisterhood
—Outstanding Original Score
Jd Samson
32 Sounds
—Outstanding Sound Design
Mark Mangini
32 Sounds
—Outstanding Visual Design
Thomas Curtis and Sean Pierce
Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project
—Outstanding Debut
Kokomo...
- 1/13/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay, Caroline Brew, Jaden Thompson and Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety Film + TV
More than two years have passed since it was announced that MGM, Bron, and Hidden Empire Film Group were teaming with director Deon Taylor to conjure up a reboot of the 1972 blaxploitation classic Blacula (watch it Here). Last night (and one year late), a 50th anniversary screening of Blacula was held at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills – and while promoting that event, Variety happened to include a long-awaited update on the Blacula reboot, saying the new film is slated for a Halloween 2024 release.
The new Blacula has been described as a “modern reimagining” of the original film, but Variety has also made it sound like it’s going to be a follow-up to Blacula and its sequel Scream Blacula Scream (watch that one Here). According to Variety, “the reboot picks up where the original saga left off, after the 1973 sequel Scream Blacula Scream, and will be set in...
The new Blacula has been described as a “modern reimagining” of the original film, but Variety has also made it sound like it’s going to be a follow-up to Blacula and its sequel Scream Blacula Scream (watch that one Here). According to Variety, “the reboot picks up where the original saga left off, after the 1973 sequel Scream Blacula Scream, and will be set in...
- 10/25/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Even on a specialty level, horror just works post-pandemic with the latest pop from a strong showing by a trio of films, Fear and Infinity Pool, released this weekend, and Skinamarink in week three.
Fear hails from Deon and Roxanne Avent Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group, the all-Black production company behind cult hit Meet The Blacks (2016) and The House Next Door: Meet The Blacks 2, released into a shaky theatrical marketplace in June of 2021 that made nearly 3 million U.S. Fear, directed by Deon Taylor, was self-distributed by Hidden Empire Releasing on 974 screens, opening to an estimated 1.28 million for a per-screen average of 1,315. The breakdown: Fri: 466.9k (includes 132k in Thursday sneaks); Sat: 504k; Sun: estimated 310k.
Shows were sold out in key markets across the country including LA, New York, Sacramento, Atlanta, Miami, DC, and Chicago. The 50 increase from Friday to Saturday, not including Thursday previews, shows strong...
Fear hails from Deon and Roxanne Avent Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group, the all-Black production company behind cult hit Meet The Blacks (2016) and The House Next Door: Meet The Blacks 2, released into a shaky theatrical marketplace in June of 2021 that made nearly 3 million U.S. Fear, directed by Deon Taylor, was self-distributed by Hidden Empire Releasing on 974 screens, opening to an estimated 1.28 million for a per-screen average of 1,315. The breakdown: Fri: 466.9k (includes 132k in Thursday sneaks); Sat: 504k; Sun: estimated 310k.
Shows were sold out in key markets across the country including LA, New York, Sacramento, Atlanta, Miami, DC, and Chicago. The 50 increase from Friday to Saturday, not including Thursday previews, shows strong...
- 1/29/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Deon Taylor and Roxanne Avent Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group is partnering with actor, comedian and digital content creator Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor to develop a scripted series chronicling his rise to fame on social media amid mainstream entertainment aspirations.
The new series is just the latest to center on the multi-hyphenate, who first garnered international recognition as the biggest star on the now-defunct video sharing service, Vine. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele had looked to develop a Fox comedy loosely based on a King Bach Vine all the way back in 2015, as a follow-up to their beloved sketch show Key & Peele, with Bachelor set to star, though that series never made it to air.
Deon Taylor will direct the untitled project and exec produce with Roxanne Avent Taylor, alongside Andrew Bachelor, Christina Bachelor and Gary Glushon of Bach Enterprises, and Caleeb Pinkett via his Twentyfive8 Entertainment. It...
The new series is just the latest to center on the multi-hyphenate, who first garnered international recognition as the biggest star on the now-defunct video sharing service, Vine. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele had looked to develop a Fox comedy loosely based on a King Bach Vine all the way back in 2015, as a follow-up to their beloved sketch show Key & Peele, with Bachelor set to star, though that series never made it to air.
Deon Taylor will direct the untitled project and exec produce with Roxanne Avent Taylor, alongside Andrew Bachelor, Christina Bachelor and Gary Glushon of Bach Enterprises, and Caleeb Pinkett via his Twentyfive8 Entertainment. It...
- 2/23/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Veteran film and television exec Gary Glushon has joined Bach Enterprises, the production company of actor, comedian and digital creator Andrew Bachelor—otherwise known as King Bach—as Executive Vice President of Development.
In his new role, Glushon will be responsible for cultivating the company’s overall relationships in the entertainment space and building its film, television, and new media slate.
“Gary’s experience and track record is wildly impressive and shows his immense passion for creating incredible content and his dedication to the entertainment industry overall,” said Bachelor. “We trust him fully and are thrilled for him to be joining the company.”
“Bach is one the most dynamic, driven and talented actors and creators in the world,” added Glushon, “and I’m excited to join forces with he and his manager Christina Bachelor to help grow the company and create bold, exciting and original global projects.”
Glushon previously...
In his new role, Glushon will be responsible for cultivating the company’s overall relationships in the entertainment space and building its film, television, and new media slate.
“Gary’s experience and track record is wildly impressive and shows his immense passion for creating incredible content and his dedication to the entertainment industry overall,” said Bachelor. “We trust him fully and are thrilled for him to be joining the company.”
“Bach is one the most dynamic, driven and talented actors and creators in the world,” added Glushon, “and I’m excited to join forces with he and his manager Christina Bachelor to help grow the company and create bold, exciting and original global projects.”
Glushon previously...
- 12/3/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Elie Samaha, Missy Valdez, Geno Taylor and Daniel Diamond’s newly launched Luminosity Entertainment have set their first movie, the comedy Back on the Strip, starring Wesley Snipes and Tiffany Haddish.
Luminosity will finance, produce and distribute feature films theatrically in the U.S. and handle foreign sales.
Back on the Strip reps the theatrical directorial debut of Chris Spencer, the creator and EP of Real Husbands of Hollywood and EP and scribe of Grown-ish. It follows a young man, Merlin (Spence Moore II), who moves to Las Vegas to pursue his dream of becoming a magician after losing the woman of his dreams. But when a costume malfunction reveals his physical “gifts,” he is recruited to become the frontman of an infamous male revue group. The comedy chronicles a series of escapades as Merlin tries to achieve magician success, pursuing his dream girl and finding family in the process.
Luminosity will finance, produce and distribute feature films theatrically in the U.S. and handle foreign sales.
Back on the Strip reps the theatrical directorial debut of Chris Spencer, the creator and EP of Real Husbands of Hollywood and EP and scribe of Grown-ish. It follows a young man, Merlin (Spence Moore II), who moves to Las Vegas to pursue his dream of becoming a magician after losing the woman of his dreams. But when a costume malfunction reveals his physical “gifts,” he is recruited to become the frontman of an infamous male revue group. The comedy chronicles a series of escapades as Merlin tries to achieve magician success, pursuing his dream girl and finding family in the process.
- 10/19/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Filmmakers Deon and Roxanne Avent Taylor are expanding their Hidden Empire Film Group (Hefg) production banner to include a new distribution company — Hidden Empire Releasing.
The new film distribution and content sales company specializes in monetizing films across all content platforms and joins the Hefg portfolio which already includes Hidden Empire Productions; the film and television production company, Hyper Engine; and a marketing & branding agency that specializes in reaching diverse audiences.
News of the endeavor comes after the Taylors self-distributed the comedy movie “The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2,” which debuted at the top of the speciality box office in June with a $2,408 per-theater average on 420 screens. Written and directed by Deon Taylor, the movie is a sequel to 2016’s cult hit “Meet the Blacks, staring Mike Epps, Katt Williams and Bresha Webb, and has earned $2.89 million worldwide.
Between that success and the industry’s need to adapt to the “new Hollywood,...
The new film distribution and content sales company specializes in monetizing films across all content platforms and joins the Hefg portfolio which already includes Hidden Empire Productions; the film and television production company, Hyper Engine; and a marketing & branding agency that specializes in reaching diverse audiences.
News of the endeavor comes after the Taylors self-distributed the comedy movie “The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2,” which debuted at the top of the speciality box office in June with a $2,408 per-theater average on 420 screens. Written and directed by Deon Taylor, the movie is a sequel to 2016’s cult hit “Meet the Blacks, staring Mike Epps, Katt Williams and Bresha Webb, and has earned $2.89 million worldwide.
Between that success and the industry’s need to adapt to the “new Hollywood,...
- 8/5/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The House Next Door: Meet The Blacks 2 director Deon Taylor and star Lil Duval revealed their favorite parts of filming the new movie in their uInterview. The comedy-horror sequel picks up after the events of 2016’s Meet The Blacks after Carl Black (played by Mike Epps) moves his family back to Atlanta and realizes their […]
The post Video Exclusive: Lil Duval Reveals Why His Sex Scene Was Cut From ‘Meet The Blacks 2’ appeared first on uInterview.
The post Video Exclusive: Lil Duval Reveals Why His Sex Scene Was Cut From ‘Meet The Blacks 2’ appeared first on uInterview.
- 6/29/2021
- by Marie Fiero
- Uinterview
Specialty box office is ready for liftoff.
With Los Angeles and New York completely peeling back restrictions on theater capacity for the first weekend, we are starting to see rays of hope illuminate the limited release space. Meet The Blacks 2 blasted expectations last week by posting a $1M+ debut. Just two days later, Bố Già crossed the million-dollar mark on 47 screens, the widest theater count for any Vietnam film in the domestic market.
This week, The Sparks Brothers, the documentary debut of director Edgar Wright, took its turn electrifying the arthouse space.
The Sparks Brothers details the five-decade journey of the influential but often overlooked group that you might say is your favorite band’s favorite band, still drawing influential crowds to their shows. The pic, born out of Wright’s first encounter with Sparks...
With Los Angeles and New York completely peeling back restrictions on theater capacity for the first weekend, we are starting to see rays of hope illuminate the limited release space. Meet The Blacks 2 blasted expectations last week by posting a $1M+ debut. Just two days later, Bố Già crossed the million-dollar mark on 47 screens, the widest theater count for any Vietnam film in the domestic market.
This week, The Sparks Brothers, the documentary debut of director Edgar Wright, took its turn electrifying the arthouse space.
The Sparks Brothers details the five-decade journey of the influential but often overlooked group that you might say is your favorite band’s favorite band, still drawing influential crowds to their shows. The pic, born out of Wright’s first encounter with Sparks...
- 6/20/2021
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
Hidden Empire Film Group’s comedy/horror romp The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2 scared up a $1.064M opening weekend with writer-director Deon Taylor and his team huddling right now over where and how much to expand the run — but expand it they will. Taylor’s thrilled with the $$ although he and others in the indie space acknowledged Sunday that ongoing distancing restrictions in key New York and LA is a major bummer.
“We felt that the most this weekend, because we sold out theaters. People couldn’t see it. They had to come back later, or the next day,” Taylor told Deadline. The film needed more capacity. “That’s the very next thing that we have to figure out – how to fill up the theaters.”
Sold-out shows were testament the movie’s “core audience that never gets films served to them,” he said.
“We felt that the most this weekend, because we sold out theaters. People couldn’t see it. They had to come back later, or the next day,” Taylor told Deadline. The film needed more capacity. “That’s the very next thing that we have to figure out – how to fill up the theaters.”
Sold-out shows were testament the movie’s “core audience that never gets films served to them,” he said.
- 6/13/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
If you didn’t Meet The Blacks in 2016, they’re back this weekend in Deon Taylor’s second horror-comedy installment.
The first film was a send-up of The Purge. This one – The House Next Door: Meet The Blacks 2 — goes gothic. Star Mike Epps returns as Carl Black, about to face off with a neighbor from hell, Dr. Mamuwalde (Katt Williams). He’s a pimp who may or may not be a vampire and Carl’s got to figure out what he’s up to in the middle of the night before it’s too late for him and his family.
“In 2016, I made this little movie that cost $900,000. We put it out there ourselves, independently, cut our own trailers, did our own marketing,” Taylor told Deadline. It made $9.1 million. His credits since include Fatale and Black and Blue, “but everywhere I would go, people would say, “Are you going...
The first film was a send-up of The Purge. This one – The House Next Door: Meet The Blacks 2 — goes gothic. Star Mike Epps returns as Carl Black, about to face off with a neighbor from hell, Dr. Mamuwalde (Katt Williams). He’s a pimp who may or may not be a vampire and Carl’s got to figure out what he’s up to in the middle of the night before it’s too late for him and his family.
“In 2016, I made this little movie that cost $900,000. We put it out there ourselves, independently, cut our own trailers, did our own marketing,” Taylor told Deadline. It made $9.1 million. His credits since include Fatale and Black and Blue, “but everywhere I would go, people would say, “Are you going...
- 6/11/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
After four weekends of horror films topping the box office -- a highly unusual occurrence in general and even more so in the summer -- we are moving into some lighter territory with this weekend’s two new wide releases. In The Heights and Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway are both opening and hoping to pull in viewers looking for sunny, feel-good experiences as we continue to recover from the pandemic. We still have two weeks to go until we get a proper blockbuster release when F9 makes its stateside debut, but this weekend’s cheery offerings will hopefully continue to draw more moviegoers back to the theaters.
In The Heights looks to take the top spot this weekend as it finally hits theaters nearly a year after its originally scheduled date. Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes’ groundbreaking Broadway hit is given the big screen treatment by director Jon M. Chu,...
In The Heights looks to take the top spot this weekend as it finally hits theaters nearly a year after its originally scheduled date. Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes’ groundbreaking Broadway hit is given the big screen treatment by director Jon M. Chu,...
- 6/10/2021
- by Sam Mendelsohn <mail@boxofficemojo.com>
- Box Office Mojo
Paul Mooney, the comedian, actor and writer for Richard Pryor, died on Wednesday morning, his representative Cassandra Williams confirmed to Variety. He was 79.
He died at his home in Oakland, Calif., after suffering a heart attack.
Mooney’s Twitter account also shared the news on Wednesday morning, posting “Thank you all from the bottom of all of our hearts…To all in love with this great man.”
Thank you all from the bottom of all of our hearts …you’re all are the best!…… Mooney World .. The Godfather of Comedy – One Moon Many Stars! .. To all in love with this great man.. many thanks...
He died at his home in Oakland, Calif., after suffering a heart attack.
Mooney’s Twitter account also shared the news on Wednesday morning, posting “Thank you all from the bottom of all of our hearts…To all in love with this great man.”
Thank you all from the bottom of all of our hearts …you’re all are the best!…… Mooney World .. The Godfather of Comedy – One Moon Many Stars! .. To all in love with this great man.. many thanks...
- 5/19/2021
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Watch the Trailer for Censor: "Film censor Enid takes pride in her meticulous work, guarding unsuspecting audiences from the deleterious effects of watching the gore-filled decapitations and eye gougings she pores over. Her sense of duty to protect is amplified by guilt over her inability to recall details of the long-ago disappearance of her sister, recently declared dead in absentia. When Enid is assigned to review a disturbing film from the archive that echoes her hazy childhood memories, she begins to unravel how this eerie work might be tied to her past."
Directed by Prano Bailey-Bond
Written by Prano Bailey-Bond, Anthony Fletcher
Starring Niamh Algar
----------
Liquid Death - No Brainer Infomercial for Army Of The Dead: "Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead is coming to @Netflix on May 21st, so we partnered with the greatest minds in science and fashion to create this revolutionary cold temperature...
Directed by Prano Bailey-Bond
Written by Prano Bailey-Bond, Anthony Fletcher
Starring Niamh Algar
----------
Liquid Death - No Brainer Infomercial for Army Of The Dead: "Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead is coming to @Netflix on May 21st, so we partnered with the greatest minds in science and fashion to create this revolutionary cold temperature...
- 5/18/2021
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Exclusive: Allblk, AMC Networks’ popular streaming service for Black TV and film, has teamed with sister brand, Rlje Films, for the VOD release of Lil Duval’s Living My Best Life comedy special.
In his first stand-up special, based on his successful 2018 single “Smile (Living My Best Life)”, Duval takes an intimate and hilarious look at life, sex, relationships and more. Filmed before a star-studded, live audience in Atlanta, Ga, the hourlong special also features appearances from actress Bresha Webb (NBC’s Marlon), comedians Gary “G Thang” Johnson and Navaris “Navv” Greene, and social media star Pretty Vee. Lil Duval’s Living My Best Life premieres on VOD outlets Tuesday, May 4. It will stream exclusively on Allblk later this summer.
Born Roland Powell in the Florida county that inspired his stage name, Lil Duval has appeared in several films and TV shows including Meet the Blacks, Grow House, The Trap,...
In his first stand-up special, based on his successful 2018 single “Smile (Living My Best Life)”, Duval takes an intimate and hilarious look at life, sex, relationships and more. Filmed before a star-studded, live audience in Atlanta, Ga, the hourlong special also features appearances from actress Bresha Webb (NBC’s Marlon), comedians Gary “G Thang” Johnson and Navaris “Navv” Greene, and social media star Pretty Vee. Lil Duval’s Living My Best Life premieres on VOD outlets Tuesday, May 4. It will stream exclusively on Allblk later this summer.
Born Roland Powell in the Florida county that inspired his stage name, Lil Duval has appeared in several films and TV shows including Meet the Blacks, Grow House, The Trap,...
- 4/14/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
George Lopez has joined the cast of Dito Montiel’s “Afterward.”
It’s unclear what role Lopez will play in the dramatic thriller, but he joins an ensemble that includes Aaron Eckhart and Terrence Howard. Lionsgate Grindhouse is distributing the film in North America. “Afterward” will shoot this winter in California. Angel Oak Films is backing the movie and pre-sold foreign rights. Production was supposed to begin in the spring, but was delayed due to Covid-19.
The film centers on a father’s struggle to deal with the passing of his daughter, which leads him on a quest for truth and justice against corruption and small-town politics.
Montiel made his feature directorial debut with 2006’s “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints.” His other credits include “Fighting,” “The Son of No One,” “Empire State,” “Boulevard,” “Man Down” and “The Clapper.”
Lopez starred in ABC’s “George Lopez,” a situation comedy that...
It’s unclear what role Lopez will play in the dramatic thriller, but he joins an ensemble that includes Aaron Eckhart and Terrence Howard. Lionsgate Grindhouse is distributing the film in North America. “Afterward” will shoot this winter in California. Angel Oak Films is backing the movie and pre-sold foreign rights. Production was supposed to begin in the spring, but was delayed due to Covid-19.
The film centers on a father’s struggle to deal with the passing of his daughter, which leads him on a quest for truth and justice against corruption and small-town politics.
Montiel made his feature directorial debut with 2006’s “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints.” His other credits include “Fighting,” “The Son of No One,” “Empire State,” “Boulevard,” “Man Down” and “The Clapper.”
Lopez starred in ABC’s “George Lopez,” a situation comedy that...
- 12/28/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Hulu is kicking off the new year with a mix of new and old movies and TV shows that will be added to the streaming service in January.
Reality series including “The Bachelor,” “Project Runway” will release this month, along with “Cooks vs. Cons” and “Cutthroat: Kitchen.”
On the film front, “13 Going on 30,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” “Forrest Gump” and “Little Miss Sunshine” are arriving early in January.
Several children’s classics will be added on the platform as well. “Dennis the Menace,” which stars a young Mason Gamble as a neighborhood hooligan, and the animated saga “An American Tail,” starring an adventurous mouse named Fievel, will be available to stream.
See a complete list of movies and TV shows coming to Hulu in January 2020:
Jan. 1
Bring It!: Season 4
Brockmire: Season 3
Damages
Deputy: Series Premiere
Divided States
Fox’s New Year’s Eve Special with Steve Harvey
Glam...
Reality series including “The Bachelor,” “Project Runway” will release this month, along with “Cooks vs. Cons” and “Cutthroat: Kitchen.”
On the film front, “13 Going on 30,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” “Forrest Gump” and “Little Miss Sunshine” are arriving early in January.
Several children’s classics will be added on the platform as well. “Dennis the Menace,” which stars a young Mason Gamble as a neighborhood hooligan, and the animated saga “An American Tail,” starring an adventurous mouse named Fievel, will be available to stream.
See a complete list of movies and TV shows coming to Hulu in January 2020:
Jan. 1
Bring It!: Season 4
Brockmire: Season 3
Damages
Deputy: Series Premiere
Divided States
Fox’s New Year’s Eve Special with Steve Harvey
Glam...
- 12/24/2019
- by Lorraine Wheat
- Variety Film + TV
Black and Blue is a brand new cop thriller that — as its title suggests — centers on a rookie female police officer in New Orleans who is caught between her identity as a black woman and her position as a law enforcement official who witnesses fellow cops commit murder. Director Deon Taylor (Meet the Blacks, Traffik) discussed […]
The post Video Exclusive: Director Deon Taylor Explains Why Naomie Harris Should Win An Oscar For ‘Black And Blue’ appeared first on uInterview.
The post Video Exclusive: Director Deon Taylor Explains Why Naomie Harris Should Win An Oscar For ‘Black And Blue’ appeared first on uInterview.
- 10/22/2019
- by Pablo Mena
- Uinterview
Andrew Bachelor, a.k.a “King Bach”, has been added to the cast of Love, Weddings & Other Disasters, the indie rom-com with Jeremy Irons, Diane Keaton, and Maggie Grace. Dennis Dugan is directing the Boston-set feature which revolves around people who work on weddings to create the perfect day for the loving couple – while their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy and far, far from perfect. Bachelor will play Captain Richie, a man who gives historical duck boat tours in Boston. He’s obsessed with trying to find a woman who once took one of his tours and had a tattoo of a glass slipper on her neck. Nadine de Barros of Fortitude is producing with Mike Rachmill, Dan Reardon, Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz. Bachelor’s forthcoming film slate includes TXfilms’ thriller, Greenland starring Gerard Butler, Netflix comedy films, Coffee and Kareem, with Taraji P. Henson, and Holidate, opposite...
- 10/3/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Brad William Henke (Orange is the New Black) has landed a key role on season 2 of the Spectrum Original anthology series Manhunt: Lone Wolf from Lionsgate Television. Season 2, Manhunt: Lone Wolf, will chronicle one of the largest and most complex manhunts on U.S. soil — the search for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics Bomber, Eric Rudolph (Jack Huston) — and the media firestorm that consumed the life of Richard Jewell (Cameron Britton) in its wake. Henek will play Big John Gray, a man of few words with immense silent power who is the head of an anti-government militia. Henke’s television credits include October Road, Justified, The Bridge, and Orange Is The New Black. His feature credits include the recent Netflix feature film Bright, as well as notable roles in Split, Draft Day, Pacific Rim, and Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday. Henke is repped by Apa, and Jr Talent Group.
Tim Johnson Jr. has landed a recurring role on the fifth and final season of HBO’s Ballers. Created by Stephen Levinson, (HBO’s Boardwalk Empire), Ballers explores the glamorous and often cutthroat world of pro football through a group of past and present players striving to stay in the game. It stars Dwayne Johnson and the cast includes John David Washington, Russell Brand, Rob Corddy, and London Brown. Johnson will play Lazar, the soft spoken sibling in a trio of brothers who are all competitive gamers. The brothers are approached by Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) who shifts his focus from football to his love of professional gaming. In addition to acting Tim recently released his second musical album Summer Sessions. He will next be seen in the Deon Taylor movie Meet The Blacks 2 – The House Next Door out this Halloween. He’s repped by Mmv Talent Agency and Luber Roklin Entertainment.
Tim Johnson Jr. has landed a recurring role on the fifth and final season of HBO’s Ballers. Created by Stephen Levinson, (HBO’s Boardwalk Empire), Ballers explores the glamorous and often cutthroat world of pro football through a group of past and present players striving to stay in the game. It stars Dwayne Johnson and the cast includes John David Washington, Russell Brand, Rob Corddy, and London Brown. Johnson will play Lazar, the soft spoken sibling in a trio of brothers who are all competitive gamers. The brothers are approached by Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) who shifts his focus from football to his love of professional gaming. In addition to acting Tim recently released his second musical album Summer Sessions. He will next be seen in the Deon Taylor movie Meet The Blacks 2 – The House Next Door out this Halloween. He’s repped by Mmv Talent Agency and Luber Roklin Entertainment.
- 9/6/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate has picked up the North American and key international rights to the psychological thriller “Fatale” starring Hilary Swank and Michael Ealy, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Joe Drake announced Thursday.
Mike Colter and Tyrin Turner also star in the film directed by Deon Taylor, who most recently directed the summer sleeper hit “The Intruder.”
“Fatale” follows a married man who finds himself living in a nightmare as he is manipulated by a mysterious woman after having a one-night stand with her. David Loughery wrote and produced the film. Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group partner Roxanne Taylor also produced, while Robert F. Smith executive produced.
Also Read: Hilary Swank's 'I Am Mother' Lands at Netflix
“We previously acquired Deon’s thriller ‘Traffik,’ and when Damon Wolf came to Lionsgate on the heels of working with Deon, he mentioned we should keep our eye on ‘Fatale.’ He could not have been more right.
Mike Colter and Tyrin Turner also star in the film directed by Deon Taylor, who most recently directed the summer sleeper hit “The Intruder.”
“Fatale” follows a married man who finds himself living in a nightmare as he is manipulated by a mysterious woman after having a one-night stand with her. David Loughery wrote and produced the film. Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group partner Roxanne Taylor also produced, while Robert F. Smith executive produced.
Also Read: Hilary Swank's 'I Am Mother' Lands at Netflix
“We previously acquired Deon’s thriller ‘Traffik,’ and when Damon Wolf came to Lionsgate on the heels of working with Deon, he mentioned we should keep our eye on ‘Fatale.’ He could not have been more right.
- 8/22/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Philanthropist Robert F. Smith delivered a life-changing commencement speech Sunday at Morehouse College in Atlanta.
The billionaire businessman, who received an honorary degree from the historically black school, surprised the nearly 400 graduating seniors by announcing his family would provide a grant to pay off student debt for the entire Class of 2019.
“On behalf of the eight generations of my family who have been in this country, we’re gonna put a little fuel in your bus,” Smith said in a video posted on social media.
“This is my class,” he added, “and I know my class will pay this forward.”
[Video Above]
The gift to the private, all-male school is said to be worth about $40 million. It comes in addition to a $1.5 million donation Smith gave Morehouse earlier this year for scholarships and a new park.
Some students told the Atlanta Journal Constitution they were graduating with around $90,000 in debt.
Smith is a Cornell grad,...
The billionaire businessman, who received an honorary degree from the historically black school, surprised the nearly 400 graduating seniors by announcing his family would provide a grant to pay off student debt for the entire Class of 2019.
“On behalf of the eight generations of my family who have been in this country, we’re gonna put a little fuel in your bus,” Smith said in a video posted on social media.
“This is my class,” he added, “and I know my class will pay this forward.”
[Video Above]
The gift to the private, all-male school is said to be worth about $40 million. It comes in addition to a $1.5 million donation Smith gave Morehouse earlier this year for scholarships and a new park.
Some students told the Atlanta Journal Constitution they were graduating with around $90,000 in debt.
Smith is a Cornell grad,...
- 5/20/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Holidate, the Netflix romantic comedy, has added a bevy of actors including Luke Bracey, Jake Manley, Jessica Capshaw (Grey’s Anatomy), Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor, Frances Fisher, Manish Dayal, and Kristin Chenoweth. Emmy winner John Whitesell is directing the film based on a screenplay by Tiffany Paulsen. Emma Roberts was previously announced to star.
The pic, which is being produced by Wonderland’s McG and Mary Viola, follows Sloane (Roberts) and Jackson (Bracey), both of whom hate the holidays! Their enduring singledom leaves them subject to the judgment of their meddling family members or stuck with clingy, awkward dates on each festive occasion. When these two meet, they pledge to be each other’s plus-ones for each holiday celebration over the course of the year.
The pic, which is being produced by Wonderland’s McG and Mary Viola, follows Sloane (Roberts) and Jackson (Bracey), both of whom hate the holidays! Their enduring singledom leaves them subject to the judgment of their meddling family members or stuck with clingy, awkward dates on each festive occasion. When these two meet, they pledge to be each other’s plus-ones for each holiday celebration over the course of the year.
- 5/14/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
How High 2, MTV’s sequel to stoner classic How High, has rounded out its cast. DC Young Fly (Almost Christmas) is set to star opposite previously announced Lil Yachty in the non-theatrical movie followup to the 2001 Universal comedy feature, which starred Method Man and Redman.
Alyssa Goss (The Bobby Brown Story), DeRay Davis (21 Jump Street) and Mary Lynn Rajskub (Night School) are also set to co-star. Additional appearances include NeNe Leakes, Tameka “Tiny” Harris (Meet The Blacks), Cynthia Bailey (The Real Housewives of
Atlanta), Shekinah Jo (T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle) and hip-hop artist Lil Baby.
How High 2 is co-produced by MTV and Universal 1440 Entertainment, the production entity of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Production is currently underway in Atlanta for a spring 2019 premiere on MTV.
Written by Family Guy’s Shawn Ries and Artie Johann, Alex Blagg (Workaholics) & Neel Shah (Powerless), How...
Alyssa Goss (The Bobby Brown Story), DeRay Davis (21 Jump Street) and Mary Lynn Rajskub (Night School) are also set to co-star. Additional appearances include NeNe Leakes, Tameka “Tiny” Harris (Meet The Blacks), Cynthia Bailey (The Real Housewives of
Atlanta), Shekinah Jo (T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle) and hip-hop artist Lil Baby.
How High 2 is co-produced by MTV and Universal 1440 Entertainment, the production entity of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Production is currently underway in Atlanta for a spring 2019 premiere on MTV.
Written by Family Guy’s Shawn Ries and Artie Johann, Alex Blagg (Workaholics) & Neel Shah (Powerless), How...
- 10/5/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Cosby Show actor Geoffrey Owens has booked yet another role.
Owens will join Hilary Swank and Michael Ealy in Deon Taylor's noir thriller Fatale. Damaris Lewis, who recently starred in Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman, has also joined the cast that includes Mike Colter and Tyrin Turner.
Fatale centers on a married man (Ealy) who is tricked into a murder scheme by a seductive female police detective (Swank). Lewis plays Ealy's character's wife, Traci, while Owens plays his attorney.
Taylor, who recently wrapped Meet the Blacks sequel The House Next Door, is directing from a script by David Loughery. Roxanne Avent and ...
Owens will join Hilary Swank and Michael Ealy in Deon Taylor's noir thriller Fatale. Damaris Lewis, who recently starred in Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman, has also joined the cast that includes Mike Colter and Tyrin Turner.
Fatale centers on a married man (Ealy) who is tricked into a murder scheme by a seductive female police detective (Swank). Lewis plays Ealy's character's wife, Traci, while Owens plays his attorney.
Taylor, who recently wrapped Meet the Blacks sequel The House Next Door, is directing from a script by David Loughery. Roxanne Avent and ...
- 9/20/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Former Cosby Show actor Geoffrey Owens has booked yet another role.
Owens will join Hilary Swank and Michael Ealy in Deon Taylor's noir thriller Fatale. Damaris Lewis, who recently starred in Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman, has also joined the cast that includes Mike Colter and Tyrin Turner.
Fatale centers on a married man (Ealy) who is tricked into a murder scheme by a seductive female police detective (Swank). Lewis plays Ealy's character's wife, Traci, while Owens plays his attorney.
Taylor, who recently wrapped Meet the Blacks sequel The House Next Door, is directing from a script by David Loughery. Roxanne Avent and ...
Owens will join Hilary Swank and Michael Ealy in Deon Taylor's noir thriller Fatale. Damaris Lewis, who recently starred in Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman, has also joined the cast that includes Mike Colter and Tyrin Turner.
Fatale centers on a married man (Ealy) who is tricked into a murder scheme by a seductive female police detective (Swank). Lewis plays Ealy's character's wife, Traci, while Owens plays his attorney.
Taylor, who recently wrapped Meet the Blacks sequel The House Next Door, is directing from a script by David Loughery. Roxanne Avent and ...
- 9/20/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Ealy (“The Perfect Guy”) and Mike Colter (“Luke Cage”) will star opposite Hilary Swank in Deon Taylor’s noir thriller “Fatale,” Variety has learned exclusively.
Ealy will portray a married man who is tricked into a murder scheme by a seductive female police detective, played by Swank. Colter plays Ealy’s best friend and business partner. Tyrin Turner (“Menace II Society”) has also been cast in a supporting role.
Taylor is directing “Fatale” from a script by David Loughery (“Lakeview Terrace”). He is also producing the film with his Hidden Empire Film Group partners Roxanne Avent and Robert F. Smith. Two-time Oscar nominee Dante Spinotti will be the director of photography.
The film begins shooting Monday in Los Angeles. Endeavor Content will handle worldwide sales of the film, and Avent is overseeing the production for Hidden Empire Film Group, which is fully financing the movie.
“Fatale” marks the second collaboration between Ealy and Taylor.
Ealy will portray a married man who is tricked into a murder scheme by a seductive female police detective, played by Swank. Colter plays Ealy’s best friend and business partner. Tyrin Turner (“Menace II Society”) has also been cast in a supporting role.
Taylor is directing “Fatale” from a script by David Loughery (“Lakeview Terrace”). He is also producing the film with his Hidden Empire Film Group partners Roxanne Avent and Robert F. Smith. Two-time Oscar nominee Dante Spinotti will be the director of photography.
The film begins shooting Monday in Los Angeles. Endeavor Content will handle worldwide sales of the film, and Avent is overseeing the production for Hidden Empire Film Group, which is fully financing the movie.
“Fatale” marks the second collaboration between Ealy and Taylor.
- 9/17/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Filmmaker Deon Taylor is set to direct Sony Screen Gems’ Exposure, off Peter A. Dowling’s spec which the label acquired a year ago, as Deadline reported exclusively.
Exposure follows a rookie Detroit African-American female cop who stumbles upon corrupt officers who are murdering a drug dealer, an incident captured by her body cam. They pursue her through the night in an attempt to destroy the footage, but to make matters worse, they’ve tipped off a criminal gang that she’s responsible for the dealer’s death.
Eric Paquette is overseeing the project for Screen Gems. In a major worldwide rights deal, Paquette also brought Taylor’s latest movie The Intruder into the studio. That psychological thriller stars Dennis Quaid, Meaghan Good, and Michael Ealy and follows a young married couple who after buying a huge Napa Valley estate are threatened by its previous owner.
Sean Sorensen is...
Exposure follows a rookie Detroit African-American female cop who stumbles upon corrupt officers who are murdering a drug dealer, an incident captured by her body cam. They pursue her through the night in an attempt to destroy the footage, but to make matters worse, they’ve tipped off a criminal gang that she’s responsible for the dealer’s death.
Eric Paquette is overseeing the project for Screen Gems. In a major worldwide rights deal, Paquette also brought Taylor’s latest movie The Intruder into the studio. That psychological thriller stars Dennis Quaid, Meaghan Good, and Michael Ealy and follows a young married couple who after buying a huge Napa Valley estate are threatened by its previous owner.
Sean Sorensen is...
- 8/28/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Hit the Road alum Tim Johnson Jr. and Jade Catta-Preta (Manhattan Love Story) have booked recurring roles on the second season of Hulu comedy series Future Man.
Written by Kyle Hunter and Ariel Shaffir and executive produced by Matt Tolmach, the high-concept comedy centers on Josh Futterman (Josh Hutcherson) a janitor by day/world-ranked gamer by night who is tasked with preventing the extinction of humans after mysterious visitors from the future proclaim him the key to defeating the imminent super-race invasion.
Johnson will play Jimmy, a former child star who will be the first boy on Mars. Catta-Preta will portray Level, an integral member of a unique family group that Wolf (Derek Wilson) becomes a part of thanks to a case of mistaken identity.
Johnson played Jermaine Swallow on Jason’s Alexander’s Audience Network comedy series Hit the Road. Staying focused on music, he went to on to...
Written by Kyle Hunter and Ariel Shaffir and executive produced by Matt Tolmach, the high-concept comedy centers on Josh Futterman (Josh Hutcherson) a janitor by day/world-ranked gamer by night who is tasked with preventing the extinction of humans after mysterious visitors from the future proclaim him the key to defeating the imminent super-race invasion.
Johnson will play Jimmy, a former child star who will be the first boy on Mars. Catta-Preta will portray Level, an integral member of a unique family group that Wolf (Derek Wilson) becomes a part of thanks to a case of mistaken identity.
Johnson played Jermaine Swallow on Jason’s Alexander’s Audience Network comedy series Hit the Road. Staying focused on music, he went to on to...
- 8/20/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank has been set to star in Deon Taylor’s noir thriller Fatale.
Fatale centers on a married man who is tricked into a murder scheme by a seductive female police detective. Swank plays the detective. Taylor, whose next film is the Screen Gems’ thriller The Intruder, is directing Fatale and producing with his Hidden Empire Film Group partners Roxanne Avent and Robert F. Smith. David Loughery (Lakeview Terrace and Obsessed) wrote the screenplay. Dante Spinotti will be the Dp, marking his third collaboration with Taylor.
Production begins in Los Angeles next month. Endeavor Content will handle worldwide sales. Roxanne Avent will oversee the production for Hidden Empire Film Group, which is fully financing the movie.
Said Taylor: “Getting tough, smart, beautiful, and perplexing all in one performance is daunting – until you get Hilary Swank, then you breathe easier and things get really exciting. We...
Fatale centers on a married man who is tricked into a murder scheme by a seductive female police detective. Swank plays the detective. Taylor, whose next film is the Screen Gems’ thriller The Intruder, is directing Fatale and producing with his Hidden Empire Film Group partners Roxanne Avent and Robert F. Smith. David Loughery (Lakeview Terrace and Obsessed) wrote the screenplay. Dante Spinotti will be the Dp, marking his third collaboration with Taylor.
Production begins in Los Angeles next month. Endeavor Content will handle worldwide sales. Roxanne Avent will oversee the production for Hidden Empire Film Group, which is fully financing the movie.
Said Taylor: “Getting tough, smart, beautiful, and perplexing all in one performance is daunting – until you get Hilary Swank, then you breathe easier and things get really exciting. We...
- 8/10/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
A romantic weekend getaway spirals out of control when Traffik arrives on Digital July 10 and Blu-ray (plus Digital), DVD, and On Demand July 17 from Lionsgate. Starring and produced by Paula Patton, and written and directed by Deon Taylor, the jarring thriller explores the gritty world of human trafficking and follows a couple’s fight for survival.
A romantic weekend getaway spirals out of control when Traffik arrives on Digital July 10 and Blu-ray (plus Digital), DVD, and On Demand July 17 from Lionsgate. Starring and produced by Paula Patton, and written and directed by Deon Taylor, the jarring thriller explores the gritty world of human trafficking and follows a couple’s fight for survival. Traffik also stars Omar Epps, Laz Alonzo, Roselyn Sanchez, with Missi Pyle, and William Fichtner.
In this action-packed thriller, a weekend getaway at a secluded mountain estate turns deadly for Brea (Patton) and her boyfriend, John (Epps), after...
A romantic weekend getaway spirals out of control when Traffik arrives on Digital July 10 and Blu-ray (plus Digital), DVD, and On Demand July 17 from Lionsgate. Starring and produced by Paula Patton, and written and directed by Deon Taylor, the jarring thriller explores the gritty world of human trafficking and follows a couple’s fight for survival. Traffik also stars Omar Epps, Laz Alonzo, Roselyn Sanchez, with Missi Pyle, and William Fichtner.
In this action-packed thriller, a weekend getaway at a secluded mountain estate turns deadly for Brea (Patton) and her boyfriend, John (Epps), after...
- 7/6/2018
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Exclusive: Inside The NBA analyst and former NBA star Kenny Smith has inked a multi-series pact with director-producer Deon Taylor (Meet The Blacks), which includes a zinger out the gate in the shape of new reality TV show Ready For The League, showcasing 2018’s hottest college basketball talent.
The pact is formally between Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group and Smith’s Seg Productions and the duo are already underway on their first show, in which Smith, one of the most respected NBA analysts around, will profile a different draft prospect in each 30-minute episode. Taylor, himself a former college player at San Diego State and later a pro in Germany, will direct.
In a similar vein to Jon Gruden’s Qb Camp series for ESPN, two-time NBA champ Smith will sit down with college stars and discuss what it takes to make it in the pro league both on and off the court.
The pact is formally between Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group and Smith’s Seg Productions and the duo are already underway on their first show, in which Smith, one of the most respected NBA analysts around, will profile a different draft prospect in each 30-minute episode. Taylor, himself a former college player at San Diego State and later a pro in Germany, will direct.
In a similar vein to Jon Gruden’s Qb Camp series for ESPN, two-time NBA champ Smith will sit down with college stars and discuss what it takes to make it in the pro league both on and off the court.
- 6/6/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Mike Epps has been added to the cast of Amazon Studios’ Troupe Zero, joining Viola Davis, Allison Janney, Jim Gaffigan and Mckenna Grace. Bert & Bertie are directing the film from a script by Beasts of the Southern Wild scribe Lucy Alibar.
Epps will play Dwayne Boudraux in the film, which is begin produced by Todd Black. Filming will take place in New Orleans.
Epps, who recently appeared in Acts of Violence opposite Bruce Willis and Eli Roth’s Death Wish also starring Willis, will next be seen in Lionsgate’s Uncle Drew comedy, out next month. His upcoming film slate includes The House Next Door, the sequel to the 2016 comedy, Meet The Blacks, The Cat and the Moon, and The Trap with T.I.
Epps is repped by CAA and attorney Todd Rubenstein.
Epps will play Dwayne Boudraux in the film, which is begin produced by Todd Black. Filming will take place in New Orleans.
Epps, who recently appeared in Acts of Violence opposite Bruce Willis and Eli Roth’s Death Wish also starring Willis, will next be seen in Lionsgate’s Uncle Drew comedy, out next month. His upcoming film slate includes The House Next Door, the sequel to the 2016 comedy, Meet The Blacks, The Cat and the Moon, and The Trap with T.I.
Epps is repped by CAA and attorney Todd Rubenstein.
- 5/23/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sony’s Screen Gems has closed a mid-seven-figure worldwide rights deal at Cannes for The Intruder, a Deon Taylor-directed thriller that stars Dennis Quaid, Meaghan Good, Michael Ealy and Joseph Sikora (Power). It marks the first acquisition for Steven Bersch since he took over the genre label, and the minimum guarantee comes with a wide release commitment and P&A.
David Loughery wrote the script, and the picture completed production under the title Motivated Seller. Screen Gems senior exec Eric Paquette brought it in and is overseeing it.
The Intruder is produced by Hidden Empire Film Group, the production company backed by Robert F. Smith, the former chemical engineer and investment banker who is the founder, chairman and CEO of the private-equity firm Vista Equity Partners. Smith has been with Taylor since the start of the filmmaker’s career, as exec producer of his early films Dead Tone,...
David Loughery wrote the script, and the picture completed production under the title Motivated Seller. Screen Gems senior exec Eric Paquette brought it in and is overseeing it.
The Intruder is produced by Hidden Empire Film Group, the production company backed by Robert F. Smith, the former chemical engineer and investment banker who is the founder, chairman and CEO of the private-equity firm Vista Equity Partners. Smith has been with Taylor since the start of the filmmaker’s career, as exec producer of his early films Dead Tone,...
- 5/14/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Not to be confused with Steven Soderbergh’s award-winning film or the acclaimed miniseries upon which it was based, “Traffik” is a thriller about human trafficking that mistakes an overwrought story for an important one.
Writer-director Deon Taylor (“Meet the Blacks”) touches upon some interesting and even occasionally relevant ideas in his film about an investigative reporter and the biker gang that will stop at nothing to protect its secrets, but even the fierce dedication of Paula Patton and Omar Epps doesn’t make those ideas coalesce into more than window dressing for the tawdry thriller they’re hung upon.
Patton plays Brea, an investigative reporter who learns on her birthday that the story she’s been working on for months was scooped by a fellow reporter at the behest of her editor, and subsequently she may soon lose her job. “Nothing takes months,” argues Mr. Waynewright (William Fichtner).
Also Read: Amy Schumer's 'I Feel Pretty' Braces for Ugly Box Office Debut
John (Epps), her mechanic boyfriend, attempts to divert her attention by planning a weekend getaway at a palatial chateau in the mountains for the two of them, where he plans to propose. En route they stop at a gas station where Brea encounters a mysterious young woman named Cara (Dawn Olivieri, “Bright”) in the bathroom, while John has a violent encounter with some bikers that’s thankfully interrupted by the arrival of the local sheriff (Missi Pyle).
Shaken by their experiences but thrilled at the prospect of some alone time, Brea and John arrive at the house, and John plots the right moment to pop the question. But not long after christening the infinity pool, they’re joined by The Worst Friends In The World, Malia (Roselyn Sanchez, “Devious Maids”) and Darren (Laz Alonso), who crash their romantic getaway, and thanks to their own relationship problems, instigate a rift between the two lovers.
Before peace can be restored, however, Brea discovers a satellite phone in her bag containing dozens of photos of young women. Recognizing the images as evidence of human trafficking, Brea insists they call the authorities; but when Cara turns up at the front door of their house, backed by some of the bikers and asking for the phone, the vacationers are forced to work together to escape the clutches of their invaders before becoming the next victims in what they soon discover is a multifaceted network of criminal activities.
Also Read: Paula Patton Dumps Primary Wave After Ex-ceo David Guillod Accused of Rape (Exclusive)
It’s kind of hard to know where to begin with what’s wrong in “Traffik,” a movie where every scene takes about twice as long as it feels like it should, and the characters far too often make an escalating series of implausible and/or stupid decisions. Brea certainly wins audience (or at least reporters’) sympathies early by clashing with her editor over journalistic integrity at the possible cost of her job, but how then can she be so naïve, not to mention inert, when a very clearly drug-addled woman looks plaintively at her during a fleeting moment of privacy between them that gets interrupted by a menacing biker? “I didn’t want to butt in” is her later rationale, but the scene goes on far too long for it not to be abundantly clear what this poor woman needs, much less for her not to even ask, “Are you Ok?”
Meanwhile, even if John feels like a perfectly understated partner for her, why in the hell are they friends — like, “go out together for Brea’s birthday dinner” friends — with Malia and especially Darren? In less than two minutes, he denigrates John’s job, almost spoils his surprise proposal, and defends openly ogling the waitress to John in front of his own wife.
And that’s before he shows up at their vacation house a day early, accuses Brea of wanting to report the phone to the authorities “to get a scoop,” and then inexplicably dredges up some old romantic business that occurred before she ever met John. Alonso is a charismatic actor, but there’s rakish and there’s just being an asshole, and as the unfortunate catalyst for a lot of superfluous drama, Darren is unmoored from anything remotely believable, or likable.
Also Read: Robin Thicke 'Kicked, Pushed and Hit' Paula Patton, Court Papers Claim
Patton serves double duty as a producer on the film and it’s clear she believed in this story, or at least what telling it could do for her credibility as an actor. But evidenced both by her successes (“Déjà Vu,” “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”) and failures (“Baggage Claim”), she needs a strong director who will shape her deep feelings into something compelling and coherent, and Taylor seems either preoccupied by the importance of his story, or so wowed by the volume of what she is doing on screen that he never bothers to do more than sort of watch, astonished.
It isn’t that Patton doesn’t deliver something interesting, it’s that it’s assembled so clumsily that all of her shivering and hesitation dominates the moments of decisiveness and strength that should have made an impression.
Any good reporter knows not to come up with a thesis and then look for evidence to support it, but rather to follow a story and see where it leads you. Like Brea’s, Taylor’s heart is in the right place, but they both need to learn how to focus, and both could probably also use a better editor. But then again, who can blame Taylor for luxuriating in the dynamic, nightmarish images he captures with the help of the great cinematographer Dante Spinotti? The two of them work effectively together to create a sense of ominousness and vulnerability that lifts the film more than it deserves.
That said, those imaginative flourishes don’t always match with the performances, or the musical choices — including a gobsmacking use of Nina Simone’s “Strange Fruit” during a scene of human trafficking — but Taylor definitely has an eye for intriguing juxtapositions. It’s just a shame that too many of them in “Traffik” are bad ones.
Read original story ‘Traffik’ Film Review: Paula Patton Overdoes It in Overwrought Thriller At TheWrap...
Writer-director Deon Taylor (“Meet the Blacks”) touches upon some interesting and even occasionally relevant ideas in his film about an investigative reporter and the biker gang that will stop at nothing to protect its secrets, but even the fierce dedication of Paula Patton and Omar Epps doesn’t make those ideas coalesce into more than window dressing for the tawdry thriller they’re hung upon.
Patton plays Brea, an investigative reporter who learns on her birthday that the story she’s been working on for months was scooped by a fellow reporter at the behest of her editor, and subsequently she may soon lose her job. “Nothing takes months,” argues Mr. Waynewright (William Fichtner).
Also Read: Amy Schumer's 'I Feel Pretty' Braces for Ugly Box Office Debut
John (Epps), her mechanic boyfriend, attempts to divert her attention by planning a weekend getaway at a palatial chateau in the mountains for the two of them, where he plans to propose. En route they stop at a gas station where Brea encounters a mysterious young woman named Cara (Dawn Olivieri, “Bright”) in the bathroom, while John has a violent encounter with some bikers that’s thankfully interrupted by the arrival of the local sheriff (Missi Pyle).
Shaken by their experiences but thrilled at the prospect of some alone time, Brea and John arrive at the house, and John plots the right moment to pop the question. But not long after christening the infinity pool, they’re joined by The Worst Friends In The World, Malia (Roselyn Sanchez, “Devious Maids”) and Darren (Laz Alonso), who crash their romantic getaway, and thanks to their own relationship problems, instigate a rift between the two lovers.
Before peace can be restored, however, Brea discovers a satellite phone in her bag containing dozens of photos of young women. Recognizing the images as evidence of human trafficking, Brea insists they call the authorities; but when Cara turns up at the front door of their house, backed by some of the bikers and asking for the phone, the vacationers are forced to work together to escape the clutches of their invaders before becoming the next victims in what they soon discover is a multifaceted network of criminal activities.
Also Read: Paula Patton Dumps Primary Wave After Ex-ceo David Guillod Accused of Rape (Exclusive)
It’s kind of hard to know where to begin with what’s wrong in “Traffik,” a movie where every scene takes about twice as long as it feels like it should, and the characters far too often make an escalating series of implausible and/or stupid decisions. Brea certainly wins audience (or at least reporters’) sympathies early by clashing with her editor over journalistic integrity at the possible cost of her job, but how then can she be so naïve, not to mention inert, when a very clearly drug-addled woman looks plaintively at her during a fleeting moment of privacy between them that gets interrupted by a menacing biker? “I didn’t want to butt in” is her later rationale, but the scene goes on far too long for it not to be abundantly clear what this poor woman needs, much less for her not to even ask, “Are you Ok?”
Meanwhile, even if John feels like a perfectly understated partner for her, why in the hell are they friends — like, “go out together for Brea’s birthday dinner” friends — with Malia and especially Darren? In less than two minutes, he denigrates John’s job, almost spoils his surprise proposal, and defends openly ogling the waitress to John in front of his own wife.
And that’s before he shows up at their vacation house a day early, accuses Brea of wanting to report the phone to the authorities “to get a scoop,” and then inexplicably dredges up some old romantic business that occurred before she ever met John. Alonso is a charismatic actor, but there’s rakish and there’s just being an asshole, and as the unfortunate catalyst for a lot of superfluous drama, Darren is unmoored from anything remotely believable, or likable.
Also Read: Robin Thicke 'Kicked, Pushed and Hit' Paula Patton, Court Papers Claim
Patton serves double duty as a producer on the film and it’s clear she believed in this story, or at least what telling it could do for her credibility as an actor. But evidenced both by her successes (“Déjà Vu,” “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”) and failures (“Baggage Claim”), she needs a strong director who will shape her deep feelings into something compelling and coherent, and Taylor seems either preoccupied by the importance of his story, or so wowed by the volume of what she is doing on screen that he never bothers to do more than sort of watch, astonished.
It isn’t that Patton doesn’t deliver something interesting, it’s that it’s assembled so clumsily that all of her shivering and hesitation dominates the moments of decisiveness and strength that should have made an impression.
Any good reporter knows not to come up with a thesis and then look for evidence to support it, but rather to follow a story and see where it leads you. Like Brea’s, Taylor’s heart is in the right place, but they both need to learn how to focus, and both could probably also use a better editor. But then again, who can blame Taylor for luxuriating in the dynamic, nightmarish images he captures with the help of the great cinematographer Dante Spinotti? The two of them work effectively together to create a sense of ominousness and vulnerability that lifts the film more than it deserves.
That said, those imaginative flourishes don’t always match with the performances, or the musical choices — including a gobsmacking use of Nina Simone’s “Strange Fruit” during a scene of human trafficking — but Taylor definitely has an eye for intriguing juxtapositions. It’s just a shame that too many of them in “Traffik” are bad ones.
Read original story ‘Traffik’ Film Review: Paula Patton Overdoes It in Overwrought Thriller At TheWrap...
- 4/20/2018
- by Todd Gilchrist
- The Wrap
If you saw the trailer to Traffik, you don’t know the whole story. It looks like a fairly straightforward thriller about a couple menaced by criminals at their vacation home. There’s more to it than that. Traffik touches on human trafficking, but as a thriller that invades the lives of these sheltered couples. Paula Patton, Omar Epps, Roslyn Sanchez and Laz Alonso star in Traffik. Writer/director Deon Taylor spoke with Monsters and Critics in Los Angeles. Traffik opens Friday Monsters and Critics: Is it your goal to make movies that can be entertaining while addressing social […]
The post Traffik writer/director Deon Taylor exposes the truth about human trafficking appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
The post Traffik writer/director Deon Taylor exposes the truth about human trafficking appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
- 4/19/2018
- by Fred Topel
- Monsters and Critics
It was revealed today that Danny Trejo (“From Dusk Till Dawn,” “Machete”) and mogul / entrepreneur Rick Ross (“Days of Wrath,” “Ride Along 2”) have joined the cast of Deon Taylor’s urban comedy “The House Next Door” – a sequel to Taylor’s 2016 urban indie hit “Meet the Blacks.” Trejo and Ross join an eclectic …
The post Danny Trejo & Rick Ross Cast In “Meet the Blacks” Sequel “The House Next Door” first appeared on Hnn | Horrornews.net 2017 - Official Horror News Site...
The post Danny Trejo & Rick Ross Cast In “Meet the Blacks” Sequel “The House Next Door” first appeared on Hnn | Horrornews.net 2017 - Official Horror News Site...
- 11/11/2017
- by Horrornews.net
- Horror News
Exclusive: Machete star Danny Trejo and rapper Rick Ross have signed on to join the comedy film The House Next Door, the sequel to Meet The Blacks, which has Mike Epps reprising his starring role as well as Deon Taylor returning to direct. Katt Williams (Friday After Next) also stars in the pic along with returnees Bresha Webb (Marlon), Zulay Henao (Fighting), social media star Andrew Bachelor (a.k.a King Batch), and comedians Lil Duval, Michael Blackson and Tyrin Turner…...
- 11/8/2017
- Deadline
Hey Big Brother fans. We've got a new report that recently came out for the upcoming Celebrity Big Brother USA edition. This one is actually from one of the wannabe celebrity contestants himself. Perez Hilton of Perezhilton.com recently created a new post titled, "Celebrity Big Brother America!" In the post, he revealed that he wants to definitely compete in the Celebrity Big Brother USA season that's scheduled to start in a few months. In a very cocky or confident manner. Whichever way you want to interpret it. Perez explained why he should definitely be chosen to appear on the show as well as why some other celebrities who have shown interest shouldn't be considered. He called former Nsync boy band member Lance Bass a very nice guy, but too vanilla to be on Big Brother. On the other hand, he said of himself that he's going to "deliver," and...
- 10/23/2017
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
Full disclosure, I have not seen the recent Mike Epps horror-comedy Meet the Blacks, and for the most part, I don’t plan to add the film to my must-see list. That said, I am a big fan of Epps, especially his… Continue Reading →
The post Mike Epps and Katt Williams Spoof Fright Night With The House Next Door appeared first on Dread Central.
The post Mike Epps and Katt Williams Spoof Fright Night With The House Next Door appeared first on Dread Central.
- 10/16/2017
- by Mike Sprague
- DreadCentral.com
A sequel to the the 2016 indie horror comedy Meet The Blacks entitled The House Next Door is coming courtesy of Blacks writer/director Deon Taylor. Now set to star in the upcoming project are comedians Mike Epps and Kat Williams who will bring their particular brand of funny to the urban comedy follow-up. ,/p> Taylor, who is also set to produce the film with partners Roxanne Avent and Robert F.... Read More...
- 10/13/2017
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Comedy superstars Mike Epps and Katt Williams are teaming up to topline the urban comedy The House Next Door, a sequel to the 2016 indie horror comedy Meet the Blacks.
Deon Taylor, who directed Blacks, is directing and producing with partners Roxanne Avent and Robert F. Smith. Epps is also producing via his Naptown Productions shingle.
Epps starred in Blacks and is reprising his role as Carl Black, who, in the original film, moved his family from Chicago to Beverly Hills only to find out it was the city’s annual 12-hour purge, a timeframe where all crime is legal.
In...
Deon Taylor, who directed Blacks, is directing and producing with partners Roxanne Avent and Robert F. Smith. Epps is also producing via his Naptown Productions shingle.
Epps starred in Blacks and is reprising his role as Carl Black, who, in the original film, moved his family from Chicago to Beverly Hills only to find out it was the city’s annual 12-hour purge, a timeframe where all crime is legal.
In...
- 10/13/2017
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Lionsgate just acquired the Boies/Schiller Film Group fully financed comedy Where’s the Money for distribution. The film, directed by Scott Y. Zabielski stars Andrew "King Bach" Bachelor (Meet the Blacks) as a guy from South Central L.A. who plots to become the first black member of an all-white college fraternity in order to recover a stash of stolen money hidden in the flophouse-turned-frat house. While this seems like a small comedy — and it was shot in Los…...
- 9/13/2017
- Deadline
Lionsgate's Codeblack Films has acquired the rights to the Paula Patton thriller Traffik.
Deon Taylor (Meet the Blacks) wrote and directed the feature, which also stars Omar Epps and follows a couple who travel on a romantic getaway to the mountains only to be terrorized by a vicious group of sex traffickers with whom they become locked in a desperate struggle for survival.
Taylor produced through his Hidden Empire Film Group, along with Roxanne Avent and Robert F. Smith, as well as Patton’s Third Eye Productions. Mark Burg of Primary Wave Entertainment acted as the executive producer.
ICM Partners negotiated the deal...
Deon Taylor (Meet the Blacks) wrote and directed the feature, which also stars Omar Epps and follows a couple who travel on a romantic getaway to the mountains only to be terrorized by a vicious group of sex traffickers with whom they become locked in a desperate struggle for survival.
Taylor produced through his Hidden Empire Film Group, along with Roxanne Avent and Robert F. Smith, as well as Patton’s Third Eye Productions. Mark Burg of Primary Wave Entertainment acted as the executive producer.
ICM Partners negotiated the deal...
- 9/8/2017
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Production has kicked off in Toronto on Angry Angel, Freeform’s new original Christmas movie from Will Gluck (Easy A, Friends With Benefits). Starring Jason Biggs (Orange is the New Black), Brenda Song (Pure Genius), Ricky Mabe (Preacher), Andrew Bachelor (Meet the Blacks) and Andy Favreau (The Mick), the New York City-set Angry Angel follows a young woman turned angel, Allison Pyke (Song), who is stuck on Earth and can't seem to ring the right bells in order to pass…...
- 8/17/2017
- Deadline TV
Deon Taylor, director of Chain Letter and Meet the Blacks, has become a Motivated Seller, reports ScreenDaily. Motivated Seller centers on a young couple who move into their dream house in the country, unaware the previous owner who has his eyes on the house and the young woman. The psychological thriller will feature Dennis Quaid […]...
- 6/21/2017
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: Michael Ealy, Dennis Quaid, Meagan Good and Power‘s Joseph Sikora have signed on to star in the psychological thriller Motivated Seller, to be directed by Meet The Blacks helmer Deon Taylor. Said to be in the vein of Fatal Attraction, Split and Get Out, the film is about a young couple (Ealy and Good) who move into their dream house in the country. But beneath the seemingly peaceful isolation lies danger in the form of Charlie Peck (Quaid), the house's former…...
- 6/20/2017
- Deadline
Deon Taylor to direct and produce through Hidden Empire Film Group
Dennis Quaid, Michael Ealy, Meagan Good, and Joseph Sikora will star in the psychological thriller Motivated Seller for director Deon Taylor.
Taylor will direct and serve as producer through his Hidden Empire Film Group alongside producing partners Roxanne Avent and Robert F. Smith.
Mark Burg will also produce through Primary Wave Entertainment, with David Guillod, Brad Kaplan, and Jonathan Schwartz.
David Loughery (Lakeview Terrace, Obsessed) wrote the screenplay styled as a thriller in the vein of Fatal Attraction, Split and Get Out.
Motivated Seller centres on a young couple who move into their dream house in the county, unaware the previous owner who has his eyes on the house and the young woman.
“David’s script blew me away and I knew it would challenge me as a filmmaker, but the inner competitor in me likes to be tested, so I knew...
Dennis Quaid, Michael Ealy, Meagan Good, and Joseph Sikora will star in the psychological thriller Motivated Seller for director Deon Taylor.
Taylor will direct and serve as producer through his Hidden Empire Film Group alongside producing partners Roxanne Avent and Robert F. Smith.
Mark Burg will also produce through Primary Wave Entertainment, with David Guillod, Brad Kaplan, and Jonathan Schwartz.
David Loughery (Lakeview Terrace, Obsessed) wrote the screenplay styled as a thriller in the vein of Fatal Attraction, Split and Get Out.
Motivated Seller centres on a young couple who move into their dream house in the county, unaware the previous owner who has his eyes on the house and the young woman.
“David’s script blew me away and I knew it would challenge me as a filmmaker, but the inner competitor in me likes to be tested, so I knew...
- 6/20/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
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