News

On Friday December 13 2024, ESPN broadcasts 30 for 30!

The New York Sack Exchange Season 4 Episode 22 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “30 for 30,” titled “The New York Sack Exchange,” promises to dive deep into a fascinating chapter of sports history. This episode will explore the legendary defensive line of the New York Jets during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Known for their fierce play and unique personalities, this group changed the way football was played and viewed.

Viewers can expect to see interviews with former players, coaches, and sports analysts who will share their insights and memories of this iconic team. The episode will highlight the tactics and strategies that made the Sack Exchange famous, showcasing their dominant performances on the field. It will also touch on the rivalries and challenges they faced, both within the league and as a unit.

In addition to the on-field action, “The New York Sack Exchange...

Ambyr Michelle is an actress and filmmaker. When she’s not appearing on shows like FX’s Snowfall and HBO’s Insecure, she prides herself on being a storyteller. As a result, the daytime newbie does not wait for the work to come to her; instead, she will create it from beginning to end. And now, she’s about to experience life on a bigger stage, that of CBS Daytime playing Eva Thomas on Beyond the Gates.

Creative Mindset

Ambyr is from Omaha, Nebraska, but now lives in Los Angeles. She is a trained dancer and a graduate of the Performing Arts program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

In an interview with Shoutout LA, she gave insight into how proactive she is with her career. “I got to where I am today by actually doing the work, writing myself roles that the film industry wasn’t displaying.” Once the script is ready,...

Jeffrey Wright began his distinguished career as a member of John Houseman‘s renowned Acting Company, touring the country performing Shakespeare and honing his craft. His stage breakthrough came with his co-starring role in the original production of “Angels in America” as the nurse Belize, a performance that won him a Tony Award and later an Emmy when Wright reprised it for the 2003 HBO miniseries adaptation.

That Tony win led to Wright starring in the title role of his first major film, “Basquiat,” directed by Julian Schnabel. His powerful performance led to a long and distinguished career as a character actor in film, where he worked with such acclaimed filmmakers as Wes Anderson, Jim Jarmusch and John Singleton. During that time, Wright balanced his career with TV and stage appearances as well, earning a second Tony nomination for 2002’s “Topdog/Underdog,” and three Emmy nominations for his co-starring role in...

It's been quite a ride for Cuba Gooding Jr. When we first saw him, he was just a goofy-looking 20-year-old kid trying to keep a straight face as Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall yukked it up as heavily made-up (by the great Rick Baker) old-timers at a Queens barbershop in "Coming to America." Three years later, he was the lead of John Singleton's groundbreaking drama "Boyz n the Hood," which launched him to big-screen stardom. Or should have, anyway. Instead, Hollywood relegated him to thankless supporting roles in crap like "Lightning Jack" and "Outbreak" until he finally got another role worthy of his talent in Cameron Crowe's "Jerry Maguire." As Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rod Tidwell, Gooding did the sports world a service by demonstrating that uniquely talented individuals fighting to maximize their earnings before said talent fades are not the enemy; it's the business that fights hard...

As the 2024 year starts to close out, Hulu is bringing even more cinematic goodies to its slate for November.

And TheWrap is here to give a list of the best of the best of what’s to come on the streamer and what’s already added that you can enjoy. From thought-provoking dramas to fresh, animated flicks that will warm your heart and more, we’ve got it all here for you.

Check out the seven best new movies on Hulu this month.

“Higher Learning” (Columbia Pictures) “Higher Learning” (1995)

In “Higher Learning,” late writer-director John Singleton takes viewers to class at Columbia University in 1990s Los Angeles, where incoming freshmen — Malik Williams (Omar Epps), Remy (Michael Rapaport) and (Kristy Swanson) strive to find their identities on the campus. But when Remy starts hanging with a group of neo-Nazis, the already broken unity at the institution reaches an all-time high.

Available on Hulu Nov.

Overseeing the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch is no small feat, but Rip Wheeler (played by Cole Hauser) does it well, and with style. In Taylor Sheridan's hit series "Yellowstone," Rip's responsibilities as a foreman are just one aspect of his personality, as his complex motivations and no-nonsense outlook have helped evolve the character into a fan favorite. Rip's relationship with Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) has also come a long way, with the two overcoming the obstacles surrounding a traditional star-crossed lovers scenario and becoming an unstoppable duo, here to stay despite the constant attacks on the Duttons throughout the series.

Hauser plays Rip with equal parts restrained ruthlessness and vulnerability, creating a balanced outlook that is intensely flawed but still easy to root for. Part of Rip's moral dilemma stems from his difficult past, which he constantly ran away from to avoid the trauma associated with his family before the...

The world premiere of Paramount Global’s “Watson” raised the curtain on this year’s Mipcom in Cannes. The series, set to premiere on Jan 26 on the CBS Television Network, sees “Reasonable Doubt” star Morris Chestnut as the iconic Dr. John Watson in a Sherlock Holmes spin focusing on Watson’s medical career.

“Watson” follows the titular character after the death of Holmes as he resumes his medical career as the head of a clinic specialized in rare disorders. The series is described as “a medical show with a strong investigative spine, featuring a modern version of one of history’s greatest detectives as he turns his attention from solving crimes to solving medical mysteries.”

“Watson” is produced by CBS Studios and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution. Craig Sweeny (returning to the world of Sherlock after serving as a writer and executive producer on CBS’s “Elementary”) wrote the...

Earlier this week, the somewhat surprising news that Kyle Chandler is in talks to play veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan in the upcoming HBO Lanterns series broke, and we may now know one of the actors in contention to join him as the younger, inexperienced hero he takes under his wing.

According to Mttsh, Damson Idris (33) is one of five actors being looked at for the role of John Stewart.

Idris is an up-and-coming British actor, best-known for playing the lead in John Singleton's crime drama, Snowfall, which debuted on FX in 2017 and ended in 2023 after six seasons. He also played the co-lead in Netflix's 2021 sci-fi action film, Outside the Wire.

This isn't the first time we've heard Idris' name brought up in connection with the character, as comic book writer Tom King - who is working on the show - recently started following him and Aaron Pierre (Rebel Ridge) on social media,...

The internet is filled with facts, both true and otherwise. In Film Trivia Fact Check, we’ll browse the depths of the web’s most user-generated trivia boards and wikis and put them under the microscope. How true are the IMDb Trivia pages? You want the truth? Can you handle the truth?...

On Tuesday September 17 2024, ESPN broadcasts 30 for 30!

Stolen Gold Season 4 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “30 for 30,” titled “Stolen Gold,” promises to delve into a captivating moment in sports history. This episode is part of the documentary series that highlights significant events and stories in the world of sports. With a reputation for storytelling, “30 for 30” aims to bring to life the drama and intrigue surrounding this particular event.

“Stolen Gold” will explore a fascinating incident involving stolen Olympic medals. It will examine how the theft occurred and the impact it had on the athletes involved. The episode will include interviews with key figures, as well as archival footage that helps paint a vivid picture of the situation. Viewers can expect to learn about the challenges faced by the athletes and the wider implications of the theft on the sporting community.

As with other episodes in the series,...

Actors Tyrese and Taraji P. Henson go way back from their Baby Boy days. And since then, the singer believed that everyone was waiting to see their friendship blossom into something more. Although they never dated, Tyrese quipped that he didn’t feel too comfortable watching Henson with other men on screen.

Tyrese didn’t like Terrence Howard kissing Taraji P. Henson on ‘Empire’ Taraji P. Henson and Tyrese | Chris Weeks/WireImage

Tyrese made his life-changing film debut in the 2001 film Baby Boy. The movie not only introduced the artist to the world of acting, but he forged deep connections with the cast and crew. He especially bonded with his Baby Boy co-star Henson, who became more than a lifelong friend.

“That’s my baby. We always get together for lunches and dinners and connect,” he once told The New York Daily News. “I’m always at her house, she’s at my house.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Bruce Wayne had chosen a path a bit more dastardly—perhaps one where his charm skewed toward derision rather than justice? Well, look no further than Christian Bale’s turn as Walter Wade Jr. in John Singleton’s Shaft (2000)—a character who is the poster child of privilege and racism.

Christian Bale in Shaft (2000) | Credit: New Line Cinema

Bale’s portrayal is as hard-edged as they come. Walter Wade Jr. serves up his infamous malt liquor line with such icy disdain that it’s like he’s auditioning for a sequel to American Psycho—but with a side of prejudice. His performance is so dripping with elitism that it might make you wonder if Bruce Wayne could’ve turned out this way if his parents had not bitten the dust.

Christian Bale’s Shaft Scene: A Bold Performance Worth Remembering

In Shaft,...

Chicago – Tyrese Gibson is taking this one personally. Originally from the Watts neighborhood in Los Angeles, Gibson is the lead role in the film “1992” (in theaters on August 30th). His character Mercer went through the Watts Uprising in 1965, plus he and his son must navigate the Rodney King Uprising in 1992.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

In that year, Mercer Bey (Gibson) is desperately trying to rebuild his life and relationship with his son (Christopher A’mmanuel) amidst the turbulent Los Angeles uprising following the Rodney King verdict. Across town, another father and son (Scott Eastwood) put their own strained relationship to the test as they plot a precious metals heist from the factory where Mercer works. As tensions rise in Los Angeles and chaos erupts, both families reach their boiling points when they collide.

Tyrese Gibson in ‘1992’

Photo credit: Lionsgate

The film – co-written and directed by Ariel Vromen – delivers on several levels, and has...

In Episode 3 of Justin Simien’s film history docuseries “Hollywood Black,” the director looked back at the 1990s. It’s a decade in which Hollywood’s eyes were opened to the financial possibilities of Black creatives telling Black stories by the incredible box office and critical success of John Singleton’s “Boyz n the Hood” (1991). The film created such a cultural moment it would serve as a turning point, giving birth to a whole slate of movies, like “Juice” and “Menace II Society,” that told dramatic coming-of-age stories of young Black men wrestling with violence in American inner cities.

While the Black creators and historians Simien interviewed for the docuseries pay tribute to the artistic achievement of these individual films, “Hollywood Black” also explores how, collectively, this explosion of Black mainstream films was a double-edged sword for filmmakers. It’s a topic Simien discussed in further detail when he was...

Winsome Sinclair, the casting director who helped bring in actors for Waiting to Exhale, Amistad, Precious, The Best Man and a dozen films directed by Spike Lee, has died. She was 58.

Sinclair died Monday in hospice care on Long Island after a long battle with colon cancer, publicist Clorissa Wright-Thomas told The Hollywood Reporter. Her family was at her bedside.

The New York native launched the global casting agency Winsome Sinclair and Associates in New York in 1996, then relocated the business to Atlanta in 2014 amid that city’s production boom.

Sinclair also cast extras for the John Singleton-directed features Higher Learning (1995), 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) and Abduction (2011), for the Malcolm D. Lee-helmed The Best Man (1999) and Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016) and for the Dee Rees-directed Pariah (2011) and Bessie (2015).

She handled similar duties on the Hughes brothers’ Dead Presidents (1995), Forest Whitaker’s Waiting to Exhale (1995), Steven Spielberg’s...

On Saturday August 3 2024, ESPN broadcasts 30 for 30!

Dude Perfect: A Very Long Shot Season 4 Episode 19 Episode Summary

In this episode of “30 for 30,” titled “Dude Perfect: A Very Long Shot,” the story unfolds around a group of friends from College Station, Texas. Their journey from simple backyard games to becoming a global sports-comedy sensation is both entertaining and inspiring. The episode dives deep into how these friends turned their fun and creative antics into a phenomenon that captured the attention of millions.

Viewers will get a glimpse into the early days of Dude Perfect, exploring how their friendship and shared love for sports led to unique challenges and stunts. The episode highlights the challenges they faced along the way, including the hard work and dedication needed to turn a hobby into a successful career. With interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, the narrative showcases their growth and the impact they have made in the world of sports and entertainment.

On Monday July 29 2024, ESPN broadcasts 30 for 30!

American Son Season 4 Episode 20 Episode Summary

In this episode of “30 for 30,” titled “American Son,” the documentary series takes a closer look at a significant moment in sports history. The episode dives into the life and career of a notable athlete who has made a lasting impact on the world of sports. It highlights the challenges and triumphs faced along the way, offering viewers a deeper understanding of what it means to be a sports icon.

“American Son” explores themes of identity, perseverance, and the influence of sports on society. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal stories, the episode paints a vivid picture of the athlete’s journey. It sheds light on the struggles they encountered and the victories they achieved, showcasing how their experiences resonate beyond the playing field.

As the episode unfolds, it not only celebrates the athlete’s accomplishments but...

Newsa.I. Artificial Intelligence.Voting is underway to ratify IATSE’s tentative agreement with AMPTP, as union leaders try to assuage the fears of members about new allowances for AI. Results will be announced tomorrow, July 18.Agnieszka Holland, James Gray, Andrew Haigh, and Kleber Mendonça Filho, are among the members of the main competition jury of next month’s Venice Film Festival, led by Isabelle Huppert. An AI company called Flawless is developing technology to dub films and television programs into different languages with “perfectly lip-synced visuals,” playing to the aspirations of non-English-language productions, especially, to reach a subtitle-averse market in the US.In PRODUCTIONTimothée Chalamet will star in and produce Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, apparently inspired by the professional ping pong player Marty Reisman. This is Safdie’s first solo outing as a director since The Pleasure of Being Robbed (2008), having shared the credit for his last five films with his brother,...

More than 1,400 people have already predicted the Oscar nominations as of this writing, and as I recently wrote, the prison drama “Sing Sing” is the very early front-runner for Best Picture in our racetrack odds. But that film’s mastermind, Greg Kwedar, ranks fifth for Best Director. Instead, our early favorite for that coveted prize is Steve McQueen for “Blitz.”

“Blitz” has yet to be seen by critics or audiences, but its distributor and scheduling look mighty promising. It’s from Apple Original Films, the studio behind Best Picture winner “Coda” and Best Picture nominee “Killers of the Flower Moon.” It’s set to premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 9 ahead of a theatrical premiere on November 1 and a streaming premiere on November 22, smack dab in the middle of fall when most major film awards contenders are released.

The film’s subject matter is also typically awards-friendly.

I love The A-Team (which we also covered on an episode of Gone But Not Forgotten). I grew up watching the series and had the toys, the Mr. T Cereal, the whole bit. I wasn’t unlike many of my Gen X brothers and sisters in that regard. It was fun, insane, action-packed, and Murdock was my guy.

Over the last few decades, we’ve seen many of these 70s and 80s TV series be redone as feature films or new series for television. The Dukes of Hazzard, Starsky and Hutch, and the list goes on and on. Typically these films are done as just pure comedy. There are the two I just mentioned plus Land of the Lost…and in the case of these three they didn’t stick the landing.

But sometimes, you get a filmmaker and a group who know the assignment and decide to try and...

There are no sure things in this world, but a Joseph Kosinski-directed, Jerry Bruckheimer-produced sports flick set in the breakneck 200-mph world of Formula 1 racing sounds about as can't-miss as mega-budget studio movies get. Throw in Brad Pitt starring as a veteran driver seeking redemption and a supporting cast of Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem and the should-be-a-star-by-now Damson Idris (the breakout lead of John Singleton's FX series "Snowfall"), and Warner Bros. has to be expecting a global box-office windfall out of "F1" in 2025.

But aren't auto racing films a commercial crap shoot if the cars aren't animated or capable of gravity-defying maneuvers while their drivers prattle about the importance of family? Though "Ford v. Ferrari" was a hit for 20th Century Fox in 2019, moviegoers, particularly in the U.S., failed to turn out in droves for the likes of "Gran Turismo," "Logan Lucky," and "Rush." No...

Lionsgate is going back to the early 1990s this summer, with help from Tyrese Gibson and Snoop Dogg.

The company announced Monday that it will release director Ariel Vromen’s crime thriller 1992 in theaters Aug. 30. Snoop Dogg has boarded the feature as executive producer through his Death Row Pictures production company, with Gibson (known for the Fast & Furious franchise) starring alongside Scott Eastwood and the late Ray Liotta in one of his final movie roles.

As seen in the trailer below, 1992 stars Gibson as Mercer, who is attempting to restart his life and patch things up with his son (Christopher Ammanuel) at the time of the Los Angeles uprising over the Rodney King verdict. Meanwhile, Mercer is about to encounter a father and son (Liotta and Eastwood) who are aiming to steal catalytic converters from the factory where Mercer works.

Vromen (The Iceman) directed the film from a screenplay he co-wrote with Sascha Penn.

On Monday July 1 2024, ESPN broadcasts 30 for 30!

No Scope: The Story of FaZe Clan Season 4 Episode 21 Episode Summary

In this episode of “30 for 30” titled “No Scope: The Story of FaZe Clan,” viewers will delve into the world of competitive gaming and the rise of one of the most influential esports organizations, FaZe Clan. The documentary series, known for highlighting significant sports events, takes a closer look at the journey of FaZe Clan from its humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in the gaming industry.

The episode will explore the origins of FaZe Clan, the challenges they faced, and the impact they have had on the world of esports. Viewers will get an inside look at the players, the culture, and the community that have made FaZe Clan a household name in the gaming world. From intense competitions to behind-the-scenes moments, “No Scope: The Story of FaZe Clan” promises to be a...

On Tuesday June 11 2024, ESPN broadcasts 30 for 30!

False Positive Season 4 Episode 18 Episode Summary

In this episode of “30 for 30” titled “False Positive,” airing on ESPN, the acclaimed documentary series turns its lens to a notable sports happening that captivated audiences and sparked controversy. As with all “30 for 30” episodes, viewers can expect a deep dive into the intricacies of the story, accompanied by insightful interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis.

“False Positive” explores a specific event or phenomenon within the world of sports, shedding light on its impact and significance. Whether it’s a scandal, a triumph, or a moment of historical importance, each episode of “30 for 30” offers a compelling narrative that goes beyond the surface level of sports coverage. Through meticulous research and storytelling, the series uncovers the human drama behind the games we love.

Tune in to ESPN for “False Positive,” an episode of “30 for 30...

Despite a muted reception back in May 1994 — certainly compared to Spike Lee’s previous film “Malcolm X” — “Crooklyn” has endured for three decades as one of the director’s most treasured films.

At the time, Spike Lee was still in the first decade of his career as a director, and “Crookyln” marked his seventh film in nine years with his “brand” in the popular consciousness as a polemical artist at the vanguard of the ’90s Black New Wave that also featured filmmakers such as John Singleton, Mario Van Peebles, and the Hughes Brothers.

Crooklyn, while fitting within Spike’s collected body of work about the Black experience in America, took a detour in tone from his earlier, more overtly political films such as “Do the Right Thing” and “Jungle Fever.” Contemporary reactions to the film were mixed, and “Crooklyn,” like all of Spike’s post-”Malcolm X” films up to “Inside Man,...

Oscar Micheaux is a trailblazing American filmmaker whose name and fandom — including Spike Lee and the late John Singleton — are better known than his groundbreaking films. A festival opening in New York on Friday, May 3, at Film Forum aims to fix that.

Though competition is steep in the New York film space, with 17 films and several curated special events, “Oscar Micheaux and the Birth of Black Independent Cinema” is designed to make history. Seven films on the schedule are new restorations of the original prints. Some screenings will be accompanied by live musical performances, much like when silent films were originally exhibited in the 1910s and 1920s. On May 5, there’s also a tribute for the recently deceased author and filmmaker Pearl Bowser, a pivotal architect of the renaissance Micheaux’s work now enjoys. The lineup also boasts conversations with DJ Spooky (aka Paul Miller), who composed new scores for...

We all know Trey Parker and Matt Stone from South Park, but what about all that came before it? Sure, some of us may have checked out Orgazmo to get an idea of what the boys were up to and maybe you even tracked down Cannibal! The Musical. But only the true die hard Parker and Stone fans have seen Your Studio and You. Styled after industrial movies of the 1950s – which would guide viewers through the process of any given corporation – Your Studio and You gives us a glimpse inside of Universal Studios…with exactly the sort of humor that fans would expect from Parker and Stone.

Released in 1995, Your Studio and You was a commissioned piece from David Zucker, who would go on to direct Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s BASEketball. Meant for internal studio use only, the 14-minute short begins by poking fun at “classic talking...

The USC School of Cinematic Arts has announced that Miky Lee will deliver the 20024 Commencement address.

James Gray, director, writer, and Sca alumnus, will receive the Mary Pickford Alumni Award at the graduation ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium on Friday, May 10, 2024.

“Miky Lee is a true pioneer and ambassador of collaborative global filmmaking, and we are so happy to have her share her insight and expertise with our graduating students,” Elizabeth M. Daley, Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said in a statement. “Miky works across borders, cultures, and genres, and champions the kinds of projects our students aspire to creating. We are so pleased she agreed to be this year’s graduation speaker.”

Sca alumnus Jon M. Chu, who graduated in 2003 with a Bfa in film & television production, will speak at this year’s main, university-wide commencement ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at Alumni Park.

As Commencement Speaker,...

Director Wade Allain-Marcus reflected on his experience directing his new film, Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead, in his new uInterview.

Inspired by the 1991 film of the same name, the movie follows a teenager whose summer plans are canceled when his and his siblings’ babysitter unexpectedly dies.

Allain-Marcus thought back on the process of remaking a film, “For me when I read the script, being aware of the original but not necessarily holding it precious, was just sort of like, ‘Oh this could be a really interesting remix of the original by using some of the tent-poles from the first one and then being able to kind of take off from there.'”

When asked about the experience on set, Allain-Marcus revealed, “We shot this film in 22 days, in the midst of the writer’s strike, so a lot of that, emotionally and physically, was quite challenging. A lot of...

Many actors would love to portray James Bond, yet there is a specific casting process that must be adhered to and not everybody is willing to play the role. For example, Christian Bale turned down the role of James Bond early in the new millennium.

Ian Fleming created the prominent British secret agent in 1953, and he has since been featured in 12 novels and two collections of short stories. Despite having a readership of their own, James Bond’s cinematic adaptations helped popularize the character on a large scale.

Christian Bale in The Dark Knight Rises

Following the expiration of Pierce Brosnan’s contract, Bale, the British actor, was deemed one of the best candidates to portray James Bond due to his acclaimed appearance. Unexpectedly, The Dark Knight star rejected the role—which has historically only been given to British actors—because he felt it promoted negative stereotypes about the country.

Regina King is an American actress and director. She is best known for her roles in films such as “Jerry Maguire,” “Ray,” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.” She has also appeared in numerous television shows, including “227,” “The Boondocks,” and “American Crime.” In 2019, King won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “If Beale Street Could Talk.” She has also won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on television. King is known for her powerful performances and is considered one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood.

Early Life and Background

Regina King was born on January 15, 1971 in Los Angeles, California. Her mother, Gloria, was a special education teacher and her father, Thomas King, was an electrician. King has credited her parents for instilling in her the value of hard work. King also has an older sister, Reina. Although King did not grow up in a show business family,...

Over the course of a film career that has grown over three decades, writer/director Regina King has built one of the most impressive sets of credits of any actor working today. From her early performances in films by John Singleton, King has worked with such other distinguished directors as Cameron Crowe, Taylor Hackford and Barry Jenkins, delivering performances that have showcased her skills in comedy, romance and even action films. All of this work culminated in an Academy Award win for her stunning performance in 2018’s “If Beale Street Could Talk.”

King’s honors are not limited to her performances on the big screen, however. For her work in television, King has won an impressive four Emmy Awards — for the Netflix series “Seven Seconds,” the HBO limited series “Watchmen” and two consecutive Emmys for her performance in ABC’s “American Crime.” In addition, she starred in several successful series — “The Boondocks,...

Exclusive: Actor Omar Epps has signed with Independent Artist Group for representation.

Recently starring in three seasons of Starz’s hit crime drama Power Book III: Raising Kanan, which is coming back for a fourth, Epps is otherwise perhaps best known for starring alongside Hugh Laurie across all eight seasons of Fox’s acclaimed medical drama House. A three-time NAACP Image Award winner, he’s also been seen on shows like USA drama Shooter, NBC’s Emmy winner This Is Us, and ABC’s Resurrection, to name a few.

On the film side, Epps’ recent credits include Lionsgate’s thriller The Devil You Know, as well as Netflix’s Fatal Affair with Nia Long, which was the streamer’s most-streamed film in the U.S. in the two weeks following its debut. Other notable big-screen credits include Gina Prince-Bythewood’s acclaimed debut feature Love & Basketball and the hit urban drama Juice,...

On Thursday, Disney Entertainment Television (Det) announced that it has selected the latest cohorts for the company’s Scripted Directing and Writing Programs, two of the entertainment industry’s most successful talent development initiatives.

After expanding into daytime television just last year, three program participants will direct episodes for ABC’s “General Hospital,” with other individuals positioned across Disney-owned 20th Television, ABC Entertainment and ABC Signature-produced programs as directors or writers.

“General Hospital”

ABC

Joining the “General Hospital” team are Erica Eng, Nina Kramer and Aubrey Smyth, each of whom will be shadowing and directing episodes of the daytime drama series, which recently won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series at “The 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” in December. The team was represented by directors Tina Keller, Robert Markham, Allison Reames Smith, Gary Tomlin, Frank Valentini (the show’s executive producer), Denise Van Cleave and Phideaux Xavier,...

Disney Entertainment Television has selected its latest cohorts for its Directing and Writing Programs, talent development initiatives which nurture creatives on the cusp of television episode directing and staff writing.

“It’s an honor to welcome these exceptional directors and writers into the Det Directing and Writing Programs,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development and Inclusion, Det. “It’s clear that this group of talented creatives will have a lasting impact not only on Disney but on the industry at large. We’re proud to be part of their journey to shape the future of storytelling.”

2023-2024 Det Directing Program – Scripted Cohort

The Det Directing Program guarantees participants the opportunity to direct an episode of a Disney scripted series or a segment of a Disney unscripted series, and offers professional and career development through mentorship, on-set shadowing experience, and networking opportunities with the company’s creative executives and program alumni.

Netflix says its ad-supported plan includes “the vast majority” of TV shows and movies available on the standard no-ads tiers — but more than a year after the streamer introduced the cheaper option, several popular titles remain unavailable to customers with the ad plan.

Most recently, Netflix customers noticed that Eli Roth’s horror film “Thanksgiving” (pictured above), added Feb. 17 for subscribers on ad-free tiers, is unavailable on the ad plan. The service notes that the slasher pic — currently at the No. 3 spot on Netflix’s top 10 movies in the U.S. — is not available to members on the ad plan because of licensing restrictions.

“While the vast majority of TV shows and movies are available on an ad-supported plan, a small number are not due to licensing restrictions,” the streamer says in an article on its help site. “These titles will appear with a lock icon when you search or browse Netflix.

If you are a comic book reader who has a long flight coming up, writer Jimmy Palmiotti has one humble suggestion. He is offering hundreds of pages’ worth of his comics at a steep discount as part of a sale that see proceeds go to the World Wildlife Fund.

“It can get you from Japan and back from the east coast,” Palmiotti says with a laugh of the hefty reading material, available via the service Humble Bundle, which allows buyers to adjust how much of the proceeds to go charity and how much go to creators like Palmiotti.

Among them is Random Acts of Violence, which Jay Baruchel adapted as a feature in 2019. Another book in the batch was also in development as a movie: the crime drama Back to Brooklyn.

Palmiotti reveals that that late Boyz n the Hood filmmaker John Singleton, who died unexpectedly in 2019, was developing a feature version of the book,...

Jeffrey Wright began his distinguished career as a member of John Houseman‘s renowned Acting Company, touring the country performing Shakespeare and honing his craft. His stage breakthrough came with his co-starring role in the original production of “Angels in America” as the nurse Belize, a performance that won him a Tony Award and later an Emmy when Wright reprised it for the 2003 HBO miniseries adaptation.

That Tony win led to Wright starring in the title role of his first major film, “Basquiat,” directed by Julian Schnabel. His powerful performance led to a long and distinguished career as a character actor in film, where he worked with such acclaimed filmmakers as Wes Anderson, Jim Jarmusch and John Singleton. During that time, Wright balanced his career with TV and stage appearances as well, earning a second Tony nomination for 2002’s “Topdog/Underdog,” and three Emmy nominations for his co-starring role in...

Clockwise from left: The Godfather Part II, Bonnie And Clyde, Goodfellas, The Departed (all images courtesy Warner Bros.)Graphic: The A.V. Club

Gangster movies are loaded with inherently alluring qualities: the vicarious thrill of watching an antihero buck the establishment and take what they want with impunity; the glamorous trappings...

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges never planned on being an actor when he started his rap career during the late ’90s. He attributes his successful transition from music to acting to late writer-director John Singleton, who gave him his breakout role as Tej Parker in the “The Fast and the Furious” (2001) sequel “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003).

During a discussion about his new role as Eddie Garrick in Disney+’s new Christmas movie “Dashing Through the Snow,” Bridges discussed his more than 20-year career as an actor, and how acting initially was never “part of the plan.”

While his debut role was playing an unsatisfied customer in record producer and filmmaker DJ Pooh’s comedy “The Wash” (2001), it wasn’t until Singleton cast him as a former street racer and mechanic that his acting career went full speed ahead.

“No, it was not part of the plan. I always give credit to John Singleton,...

Snoop Dogg announced Thursday on social media that he is “giving up smoke.”

Fans quickly responded with doubtful comments such as, “But not weed, right?”

The “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper has his own cannabis line called “Leafs by Snoop,” which he launched in 2005. And one of his signature team-ups with Dr. Dre, 1999’s “The Next Episode,” ends with the immortal line, “Smoke weed every day.”

“After much consideration and conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke,” he shared to X, adding, “Please respect my privacy at this time.”

Today isn’t April Fools day Snoop pic.twitter.com/ZwqwaRTwTh

— greg (@greg16676935420) November 16, 2023

Followers were convinced he was joking, with several pointing that it’s not April Fool’s Day. Others speculated that he didn’t say anything about giving up marijuana edibles or vaping.

In a 2013 Twitter Q&a, he said he smokes up to 81 blunts per day,...

It’s not homework, it’s “American Fiction.”

At first glance, writer-director Cord Jefferson’s satire about the exploitation of Black people in media might seem like another “message” movie offering difficult conversations around politics and race. Well, it is that — but it’s also funny. So funny, it just might be this year’s Oscar best picture winner.

Jefferson’s MGM-distributed debut is taking the festival circuit by storm. Since its world premiere at Toronto, where it won the People’s Choice Award — an Oscar bellwether — the film has also tacked on audience awards from regional festivals Mill Valley and Middleburg. The last two movies to win those three prizes were “Belfast” (2021) and “Green Book” (2018); both were Oscar nominated, and the latter took home best picture.

Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.

Considering that “American Fiction” didn’t have a title...

Richard Roundtree, who will forever be linked with the role of trailblazing Black detective John Shaft, has died. The actor, who on screen is best remembered for the iconic role, was also a breast cancer survivor known for raising funds to treat the condition. He was more recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died yesterday afternoon, with his family at his bedside.

Richard Roundtree was born in New Rochelle, New York, played football for Southern Illinois University and did some modeling before the acting bug bit.

He was drawn to theater and joined New York’s acclaimed Negro Ensemble Company, then starred as Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope off-Broadway before the role of John Shaft presented itself — a lucky break secured after Sidney Poitier refused to screen test for the role, leading director Gordon Parks to cast Roundtree instead.

The role of Shaft, the “hotter than Bond, cooler than Bullitt” private detective,...

Blaxploitation star broke the mould.

Richard Roundtree, the star of Shaft who was an icon of the Blaxploitation movement, has died in his Los Angeles home of pancreatic cancer. He was 81.

Roundtree was born in 1942 in Rochelle, New York, to parents John, a caterer and rubbish collector, and Kathryn, a maid and nurse.

He left Southern Illinois University when he chose to become a model and before long moved to New York City where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company.

Roundtree was acting in a play when he auditioned for Shaft, eventually landing the iconic role as the private detective...

Richard Roundtree, an icon of Blaxploitation film who starred as detective John Shaft in Gordon Parks’ 1971 action thriller, died Tuesday afternoon after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81 years old.

His death was confirmed by Patrick McMinn, his manager since 1987.

“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” McMinn said in his statement. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”

Roundtree was a leading man from the very start of his lifetime in screen acting. After beginning his career in modeling, he secured “Shaft” at the age of 28, marking his feature debut. The MGM release earned $12 million in ticket sales off of a $500,000 production budget, helping to save the studio from bankruptcy. A breakthrough hit, “Shaft” set the tone for a prolific decade of Blaxploitation filmmaking and demonstrated Hollywood’s historical failure to consider Black talent...

Richard Roundtree, who broke ground with his signature role in the Shaft movie franchise, died October 24 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer with his family at his bedside. He was 81.

Roundtree’s career spanned five decades and included everything from his most popular blaxploitation role to a very early appearance on As the World Turns in 1956 to being a Season 2 main cast member on Ava DuVernay’s OWN series Cherish the Day last year.

He is best known for playing detective John Shaft in the 1971 action thriller and its sequels, Shaft’s Big Score! (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973) as well as the short-lived 1973 Shaft TV series.

For his performance in the original film, Roundtree was nominated for a New Star of the Year Golden Globe and hailed as the first Black action hero. More importantly, the films made Shaft a cultural hero, a symbol of Black power onscreen, at the box office and beyond.

Exclusive: Applications are now being accepted for Disney Entertainment Television’s 2024 Writing Program. Now in its 34th year, the one-year writing program helps emerging, diverse writers secure their first staff writer assignment on a Disney series, in addition to offering mentorship and advanced professional development.

Managed by Det’s Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (Ctdi) team, the Det Writing Program has had a 100% annual staffing rate for over a decade, according to organizers. Program writers are contract employees of Disney, with weekly salary and benefits, for one year, or until they staff on a show and are compensated at WGA scale. During the program, writers participate in advanced creative workshops, refine their portfolios, and meet and learn from Det creative executives, producers, showrunners and program alumni, through networking, mixers and professional development sessions.

This year, Ctdi and FX are also launching the FX Singleton Scholars initiative, in honor of the life...

Exclusive: Zola Mashariki, the former Fox Searchlight and BET exec who has headed up Audible Studios for the last two years, is leaving the Amazon-owned company.

Mashariki has been in the position since early 2021. She is expected to remain in a transition role through the middle of October.

As head of Audible Studios, she was tasked with spearheading original content for the company, reporting to Chief Content Officer Rachel Ghiazza.

She oversaw series such as singing competition podcast Breakthrough, which starred Sara Bareilles and Kelly Rowland, and was behind signing a slew of talent deals with A-list stars.

Mashariki spent 15 years at Searchlight, where she rose to SVP of production, overseeing projects like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Secret Life of Bees and The Last King of Scotland. As part of the acquisitions team, she also worked on Best Picture Oscar winners Slumdog Millionaire and 12 Years A Slave.

Justified: City Primeval may not be the show some expected to find Aunjanue Ellis in this summer. But the draw in playing attorney Carolyn Wilder was not the Justified brand’s cult status. Instead, the original source material is what intrigued her most.

“I’m always interested in stories in film and television that have been adapted from books. So this was from Elmore Leonard originally [and] I’m always fascinated by characters who have novel beginnings,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Unlike Justified, where Harlan, Kentucky is the center, with Timothy Olyphant’s Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens dishing out his own unique blend of tough justice, Detroit is the setting for this FX offshoot. Traveling with his daughter Willa, played by Olyphant’s actual child Vivian, Raylan gets detoured in Detroit and tasked with catching sociopath Clement Mansell (an...

Few American filmmakers of the last 40 years await a major rediscovery like Hal Hartley, whose traces in modern movies are either too-minor or entirely unknown. Thus it’s cause for celebration that the Criterion Channel are soon launching a major retrospective: 13 features (which constitutes all but My America) and 17 shorts, a sui generis style and persistent vision running across 30 years. Expect your Halloween party to be aswim in Henry Fool costumes.

Speaking of: there’s a one-month headstart on seasonal programming with the 13-film “High School Horror”––most notable perhaps being a streaming premiere for the uncut version of Suspiria, plus the rare opportunity to see a Robert Rodriguez movie on the Criterion Channel––and a retrospective of Hong Kong vampire movies. A retrospective of ’70s car movies offer chills and thrills of a different sort

Six films by Allan Dwan and 12 “gaslight noirs” round out the main September series; The Eight Mountains,...