Black Barbie: A Documentary, which details Mattel’s introduction of a Black doll to its Barbie collection and the women that brought it to life, has landed at Netflix and Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland.
Lagueria Davis directs the doc and produces alongside Aaliyah Williams.
The logline for the project reads: “Black Barbie celebrates the momentous impact three Black women at Mattel had on the evolution of the Barbie brand as we know it. Through these charismatic insiders’ stories, the documentary tells the story of how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980, examining the importance of representation and how dolls can be crucial to the formation of identity and imagination.”
The film premiered at SXSW 2023. The Hollywood Reporter‘s review out of that festival reads: “Topics of conversation include the Barbie vlogs on racism during the height of the 2020 protests and feeble attempts to give Black Barbie her own stories.
Lagueria Davis directs the doc and produces alongside Aaliyah Williams.
The logline for the project reads: “Black Barbie celebrates the momentous impact three Black women at Mattel had on the evolution of the Barbie brand as we know it. Through these charismatic insiders’ stories, the documentary tells the story of how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980, examining the importance of representation and how dolls can be crucial to the formation of identity and imagination.”
The film premiered at SXSW 2023. The Hollywood Reporter‘s review out of that festival reads: “Topics of conversation include the Barbie vlogs on racism during the height of the 2020 protests and feeble attempts to give Black Barbie her own stories.
- 10/10/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix and Shondaland have acquired worldwide rights to “Black Barbie,” a documentary that dives into the history of the first Black Barbie doll — which debuted in 1980, 31 years after the original Barbie — and three Black women at Mattel who advocated for the toy.
Directed by Lagueria Davis, “Black Barbie” debuted at this year’s SXSW and the “work-in-progress” cut of the film was met with widespread acclaim. Now, Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers have signed on to the team of executive producers as part of Shondaland’s overall deal with Netflix.
“Telling Black Barbie’s story has been such a personal journey and it warms my heart to celebrate the legacy of my aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins and Stacey McBride Irby in our film,” Davis said in a statement announcing the acquisition. “We couldn’t have asked for better collaborators than Shondaland and Netflix to bring this story to the world.
Directed by Lagueria Davis, “Black Barbie” debuted at this year’s SXSW and the “work-in-progress” cut of the film was met with widespread acclaim. Now, Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers have signed on to the team of executive producers as part of Shondaland’s overall deal with Netflix.
“Telling Black Barbie’s story has been such a personal journey and it warms my heart to celebrate the legacy of my aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins and Stacey McBride Irby in our film,” Davis said in a statement announcing the acquisition. “We couldn’t have asked for better collaborators than Shondaland and Netflix to bring this story to the world.
- 10/10/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
In yet another high-profile acquisition from Netflix, the streaming giant and Shondaland have nabbed global rights to “Black Barbie: A Documentary.” The film comes courtesy of director Lagueria Davis with Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers as executive producers.
The feature celebrates the momentous impact of three Black women at Mattel had on the evolution of the Barbie brand. The documentary tells the story of how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980. It further examines the importance of representation and how dolls can be crucial to the formation of identity and imagination.
As critic Glenn Dunks wrote in The Film Experience, the film “isn’t just about black Barbie dolls. It’s about representation, and about the biases at play in an industry that for so long never ever conceived of the idea of black children wanting a doll like Barbie.”
Critic Clint Worthington noted in The Spool that...
The feature celebrates the momentous impact of three Black women at Mattel had on the evolution of the Barbie brand. The documentary tells the story of how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980. It further examines the importance of representation and how dolls can be crucial to the formation of identity and imagination.
As critic Glenn Dunks wrote in The Film Experience, the film “isn’t just about black Barbie dolls. It’s about representation, and about the biases at play in an industry that for so long never ever conceived of the idea of black children wanting a doll like Barbie.”
Critic Clint Worthington noted in The Spool that...
- 10/10/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
‘Black Barbie: A Documentary’ Acquired By Netflix & Shondaland Following Work-In-Progress SXSW Debut
Netflix and Shondaland have snapped up worldwide rights to Black Barbie: A Documentary, a new film from Lagueria Davis that screened a previous cut, to critical acclaim, at this year’s SXSW Film Festival.
Pic is exec produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers as part of their overall deal with Netflix, which was extended in 2021, following the Bridgerton duo’s initial signing with the streamer in 2017. It arrives at a time when the doll made world famous by Mattel has taken on a new level of cultural cachet, thanks to Greta Gerwig’s fantasy comedy Barbie, which has grossed over $1.43B worldwide since its July 21st release by Warner Bros, coming in as the highest-grossing film of 2023, as well as the top grosser in the history of the studio, and for a solo female director.
While resonating with the themes of that film written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach,...
Pic is exec produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers as part of their overall deal with Netflix, which was extended in 2021, following the Bridgerton duo’s initial signing with the streamer in 2017. It arrives at a time when the doll made world famous by Mattel has taken on a new level of cultural cachet, thanks to Greta Gerwig’s fantasy comedy Barbie, which has grossed over $1.43B worldwide since its July 21st release by Warner Bros, coming in as the highest-grossing film of 2023, as well as the top grosser in the history of the studio, and for a solo female director.
While resonating with the themes of that film written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach,...
- 10/10/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Senior television literary agent Melissa Orton-Cortez, most recently from CAA, has joined Adventure Media as a manager and partner alongside founding partners Chris von Goetz, James Robins Early and Aaliyah Williams.
This marks a reunion for Orton-Cortez and fellow former lit agents-turned-managers von Goetz and Robins Early who worked together for a decade at ICM Partners prior to the agency’s acquisition by CAA last year when von Goetz and Robins Early left and teamed with Williams to launch Adventure.
Meanwhile, Orton-Cortez transitioned to CAA where she had been for the past year. She was the highest profile departure in the recent round of layoffs at the agency, and a number of companies pursued her over the last couple of weeks. She opted to go with Adventure.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Adventure with my dear friends and colleagues,” Orton-Cortez said. “For the last year, I’ve...
This marks a reunion for Orton-Cortez and fellow former lit agents-turned-managers von Goetz and Robins Early who worked together for a decade at ICM Partners prior to the agency’s acquisition by CAA last year when von Goetz and Robins Early left and teamed with Williams to launch Adventure.
Meanwhile, Orton-Cortez transitioned to CAA where she had been for the past year. She was the highest profile departure in the recent round of layoffs at the agency, and a number of companies pursued her over the last couple of weeks. She opted to go with Adventure.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Adventure with my dear friends and colleagues,” Orton-Cortez said. “For the last year, I’ve...
- 8/28/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Adventure Media, the artist-driven management and production company launched last summer by ICM Partners veterans Chris von Goetz and James Robins Early and producer Aaliyah Williams, has made its first manager hire. Matt Klasco is joining the company, reuniting with former ICM colleagues von Goetz and Robins Early.
Klasco began his career in 2016 in the ICM mailroom, working his way to the Agent Trainee program, before transitioning into management as a Literary Coordinator at Odenkirk Provissiero Entertainment. For the past three years, he ran his own boutique literary management and production company, Klasco Entertainment.
In joining Adventure Media, Klasco brings his roster of clients, including Dan Brier, Shawn Parikh, and Sam Blakesberg (The Long Shot). Additionally, he serves as a producer on multiple projects in development.
‘On behalf of Aaliyah, James, and myself, we are excited to welcome Matt to Adventure,” von Goetz said.
Klasco began his career in 2016 in the ICM mailroom, working his way to the Agent Trainee program, before transitioning into management as a Literary Coordinator at Odenkirk Provissiero Entertainment. For the past three years, he ran his own boutique literary management and production company, Klasco Entertainment.
In joining Adventure Media, Klasco brings his roster of clients, including Dan Brier, Shawn Parikh, and Sam Blakesberg (The Long Shot). Additionally, he serves as a producer on multiple projects in development.
‘On behalf of Aaliyah, James, and myself, we are excited to welcome Matt to Adventure,” von Goetz said.
- 3/22/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards, has selected 30 filmmakers for Project Involve 2023 and with a renewed partnership with Laika Studios expanded the stop-motion animation track into a two-year program, selecting five filmmakers.
Project Involve is a free nine-month program for writers, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, programmers and entertainment executives from diverse backgrounds. During the program, participants meet one-on-one with film industry mentors, create short films and attend master workshops taught by top film professionals and industry networking events.
Now in its 30th year, Project Involve fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry. Alumni include Andrew Ahn (Fire Island), Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Linda Yvette Chávez, Marvin Lemus and Aaliyah Williams (Gentefied), Effie T. Brown (The Inspection), Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) and Justin Simien (Dear White People).
“We’re elated to welcome the 2023 Project Involve Fellows...
Project Involve is a free nine-month program for writers, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, programmers and entertainment executives from diverse backgrounds. During the program, participants meet one-on-one with film industry mentors, create short films and attend master workshops taught by top film professionals and industry networking events.
Now in its 30th year, Project Involve fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry. Alumni include Andrew Ahn (Fire Island), Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Linda Yvette Chávez, Marvin Lemus and Aaliyah Williams (Gentefied), Effie T. Brown (The Inspection), Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) and Justin Simien (Dear White People).
“We’re elated to welcome the 2023 Project Involve Fellows...
- 1/30/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: CBS is developing Citizen Jane, a drama from Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol co-creator Jay Beattie and CBS Studios.
In Citizen Jane, written by Beattie, haunted by her sister’s unsolved murder, a law school dropout turned citizen sleuth partners with a jaded homicide detective seeking redemption to solve cold cases and deliver justice across the country.
Beattie executive produces with Adventure Media principals Chris von Goetz and James Robins Early, the ICM Partners veterans who recently launched the artist-driven management and production company with fellow founding partner Aaliyah Williams.
Beattie is consulting on ABC’s new drama series Alaska Daily starring Hilary Swank.
He was previously partnered with writer/producer Dan Dworkin for many years. They were creators, exec producers and showrunners of Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol at Peacock through an overall deal at CBS Studios, which produced the series. They also created/exec produced The Crossing,...
In Citizen Jane, written by Beattie, haunted by her sister’s unsolved murder, a law school dropout turned citizen sleuth partners with a jaded homicide detective seeking redemption to solve cold cases and deliver justice across the country.
Beattie executive produces with Adventure Media principals Chris von Goetz and James Robins Early, the ICM Partners veterans who recently launched the artist-driven management and production company with fellow founding partner Aaliyah Williams.
Beattie is consulting on ABC’s new drama series Alaska Daily starring Hilary Swank.
He was previously partnered with writer/producer Dan Dworkin for many years. They were creators, exec producers and showrunners of Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol at Peacock through an overall deal at CBS Studios, which produced the series. They also created/exec produced The Crossing,...
- 12/8/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: ICM Partners veterans Chris von Goetz and James Robins Early have teamed to launch Adventure Media, an artist-driven management and production company. Aaliyah Williams has joined the company as a founding partner, manager and producer.
Von Goetz, Robins Early and Williams bring different experience to the partnership. Von Goetz is transitioning to management after becoming one of the business’ top TV lit agents during 25-year career at ICM Partners and predecessor Bwcs. During his 12-year tenure at ICM, Robins Early worked in feature film in addition to scripted TV, while Williams is a Peabody-nominated TV and film producer who most recently has been under a first-look deat at CBS Studios for her company Just A Rebel. The trio knew each other from ICM where Von Goetz and Robins Early worked and Williams was a client.
Adventure is starting with an extensive roster of talent — including most of Von Goetz...
Von Goetz, Robins Early and Williams bring different experience to the partnership. Von Goetz is transitioning to management after becoming one of the business’ top TV lit agents during 25-year career at ICM Partners and predecessor Bwcs. During his 12-year tenure at ICM, Robins Early worked in feature film in addition to scripted TV, while Williams is a Peabody-nominated TV and film producer who most recently has been under a first-look deat at CBS Studios for her company Just A Rebel. The trio knew each other from ICM where Von Goetz and Robins Early worked and Williams was a client.
Adventure is starting with an extensive roster of talent — including most of Von Goetz...
- 8/17/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Film Independent has set animator Javier Barboza, cinematographers Gemma Doll-Grossman, Phillip Jackson, Garland McLaurin, Lidia Nikonova, Michael Tanji and Akina Van de Velde, directors Hannah Bang, Jaime Castañeda, Logan Jackson and San-San Onglatco, editors Calvin Chin, Marcus Heleker, Christopher Ma, Ziyang “Lucia” Wang and Skylar Zhang, executives T’Essence Minnitee, Eboni Robinson and Danni Xin, producers Sarah Al-Qatou, C.A. Barrow, Ebony Elaine Hardin, Trent Nakamura, Jera Wang and Rui Xu, writers Danielle Ellen, Henry Alexander Kelly, Justin Omori and Tumelo Tladi, and writer-director Jesus Celaya as the filmmakers for the 2022 edition of Project Involve, a free nine-month program for creatives from diverse backgrounds.
The nonprofit arts organization behind the Spirit Awards also today named Barboza as its fourth annual Laika Animation Fellow, who will receive a grant enabling production on a stop-motion animated short film.
Project Involve offers participants the opportunity to create short films, attend master workshops and industry networking events,...
The nonprofit arts organization behind the Spirit Awards also today named Barboza as its fourth annual Laika Animation Fellow, who will receive a grant enabling production on a stop-motion animated short film.
Project Involve offers participants the opportunity to create short films, attend master workshops and industry networking events,...
- 2/22/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix has opted not to renew half-hour Latinx dramedy Gentefied for a third season. The decision comes two months after the release of show’s second season on November 10.
The show never appeared in the Netflix Top 10 with the new season, which likely played a part in Netflix’s cancellation decision, which typically factors in cost, viewership and critical acclaim.
Gentefied, from creators Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, follows East Los Angeles Latinos on their respective and collective search for the American Dream. Season 2 tackles Erik Morales (JJ Soria) and his cousin Chris’s (Carlos Santos) struggle to keep Pops (Joaquin Cosio) in the country while dealing with new love, new babies, estranged fathers and tracking down Bad Bunny at a Halloween party. They fight to thrive, but along the way question where they truly belong in a world made up of borders, family separation, and the potential...
The show never appeared in the Netflix Top 10 with the new season, which likely played a part in Netflix’s cancellation decision, which typically factors in cost, viewership and critical acclaim.
Gentefied, from creators Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, follows East Los Angeles Latinos on their respective and collective search for the American Dream. Season 2 tackles Erik Morales (JJ Soria) and his cousin Chris’s (Carlos Santos) struggle to keep Pops (Joaquin Cosio) in the country while dealing with new love, new babies, estranged fathers and tracking down Bad Bunny at a Halloween party. They fight to thrive, but along the way question where they truly belong in a world made up of borders, family separation, and the potential...
- 1/13/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The second season of Peacock’s “Saved by the Bell” reimagining will stream Nov. 24.
In the second season, Bayside High is back in session, despite the Season 1 finale teasing the emergence of Covid-19 in the world of the show. Now, the students are getting ready to compete in the Southern California School Spirit Competition, with Mac (Mitchell Hoog) seeing it as a way to finally get out of his father Zack’s (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) shadow. Meanwhile, Daisy (Haskiri Velazquez) finds herself paying more attention to her love life than she wants to; Jamie (Belmont Cameli) leans on Lexi (Josie Totah) in the wake of his parents’ divorce — with Lexi struggling to be a more understanding girlfriend; Aisha (Alycia Pascual-Peña) looks for a new outlet after football gets canceled; DeVante (Dexter Darden) enters into a relationship with a rich Bayside girl; and Slater (Mario Lopez) and Jessie (Elizabeth Berkley Lauren) grow closer.
In the second season, Bayside High is back in session, despite the Season 1 finale teasing the emergence of Covid-19 in the world of the show. Now, the students are getting ready to compete in the Southern California School Spirit Competition, with Mac (Mitchell Hoog) seeing it as a way to finally get out of his father Zack’s (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) shadow. Meanwhile, Daisy (Haskiri Velazquez) finds herself paying more attention to her love life than she wants to; Jamie (Belmont Cameli) leans on Lexi (Josie Totah) in the wake of his parents’ divorce — with Lexi struggling to be a more understanding girlfriend; Aisha (Alycia Pascual-Peña) looks for a new outlet after football gets canceled; DeVante (Dexter Darden) enters into a relationship with a rich Bayside girl; and Slater (Mario Lopez) and Jessie (Elizabeth Berkley Lauren) grow closer.
- 10/13/2021
- by Jennifer Yuma, Danielle Turchiano and Katie Song
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s half-hour Latinx dramedy Gentefied is returning for Season 2 on Nov. 10.
The series from creators Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez follows East Los Angeles Latinos on their respective and collective search for the American Dream. Season 2 picks up after the emotional debut season’s finale that saw Erik Morales (JJ Soria) and his girlfriend Lidia (Annie Gonzalez) welcome a daughter, Delfina. As Erik realizes his grandfather Pops (Joaquin Cosio) is missing from the hospital celebration, it is revealed that he has been arrested for an outstanding warrant and his beloved pick-up truck is being impounded.
The streamer teases the return will tackle Erik and his cousin Chris’s (Carlos Santos) struggle to keep Pops in the country while dealing with new love, new babies, estranged fathers, and tracking down Bad Bunny at a Halloween party. They’ll fight to thrive, but along the way will question where they...
The series from creators Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez follows East Los Angeles Latinos on their respective and collective search for the American Dream. Season 2 picks up after the emotional debut season’s finale that saw Erik Morales (JJ Soria) and his girlfriend Lidia (Annie Gonzalez) welcome a daughter, Delfina. As Erik realizes his grandfather Pops (Joaquin Cosio) is missing from the hospital celebration, it is revealed that he has been arrested for an outstanding warrant and his beloved pick-up truck is being impounded.
The streamer teases the return will tackle Erik and his cousin Chris’s (Carlos Santos) struggle to keep Pops in the country while dealing with new love, new babies, estranged fathers, and tracking down Bad Bunny at a Halloween party. They’ll fight to thrive, but along the way will question where they...
- 9/10/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix announced that Season 2 of “Gentefied” will premiere on Nov. 10.
The American Ferrera-produced Latinx dramedy series follows three cousins who unite to keep their grandfather’s popular taco shop open amid rising gentrification in their Boyle Heights neighborhood.
Starring Joaquín Cosío, J.J. Soria, Karrie Martin Lachney and Carlos Santos, Season 2 will see the Morales cousins fight to help their Pop stay in the country, all while dealing with new love, new babies and estranged fathers.
In addition to Ferrera, “Gentefied” is executive produced by Marvin Lemus, Linda Yvette Chávez, Charles D. King, Marta Fernandez of MacRo, Ferrera of Take Fountain, Aaliyah Williams, Kim Roth and Teri Weinberg of Yellow Brick Road.
See some first-look images from Season 2 below.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
“Red Table Talk,” hosted by Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Banfield Norris, is returning with new episodes on Facebook Watch starting Sept.
The American Ferrera-produced Latinx dramedy series follows three cousins who unite to keep their grandfather’s popular taco shop open amid rising gentrification in their Boyle Heights neighborhood.
Starring Joaquín Cosío, J.J. Soria, Karrie Martin Lachney and Carlos Santos, Season 2 will see the Morales cousins fight to help their Pop stay in the country, all while dealing with new love, new babies and estranged fathers.
In addition to Ferrera, “Gentefied” is executive produced by Marvin Lemus, Linda Yvette Chávez, Charles D. King, Marta Fernandez of MacRo, Ferrera of Take Fountain, Aaliyah Williams, Kim Roth and Teri Weinberg of Yellow Brick Road.
See some first-look images from Season 2 below.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
“Red Table Talk,” hosted by Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Banfield Norris, is returning with new episodes on Facebook Watch starting Sept.
- 9/10/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: SeriesFest and Shondaland have reunited to highlight a new generation of directors with the return of the Women Directing Mentorship competition.
First launched in 2018, the Women Directing Mentorship is a competition designed to discover aspiring female directors with a unique voice and provide them a launchpad for their career. The mentorship supplies the selected director with an opportunity to shadow an episodic director on a Shondaland-produced series. The winner will also receive a $5,000 stipend to use during the duration of their membership.
Rachel Myers, the recipient of the inaugural mentorship shadowed director Tessa Blake on Episode 306, “Ice Ice Baby” of the Shondaland series, Station 19. Season two winner, Tamika Miller will be on-set once pandemic restrictions are lifted. Submissions to enter are open now until September 14, 2021 via http://www.seriesfest.com . The recipient will be announced in December 2021.
“We are thrilled to continue these initiatives with the support of our incredible partners and mentors.
First launched in 2018, the Women Directing Mentorship is a competition designed to discover aspiring female directors with a unique voice and provide them a launchpad for their career. The mentorship supplies the selected director with an opportunity to shadow an episodic director on a Shondaland-produced series. The winner will also receive a $5,000 stipend to use during the duration of their membership.
Rachel Myers, the recipient of the inaugural mentorship shadowed director Tessa Blake on Episode 306, “Ice Ice Baby” of the Shondaland series, Station 19. Season two winner, Tamika Miller will be on-set once pandemic restrictions are lifted. Submissions to enter are open now until September 14, 2021 via http://www.seriesfest.com . The recipient will be announced in December 2021.
“We are thrilled to continue these initiatives with the support of our incredible partners and mentors.
- 5/12/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Clarissa Thibeaux (Runaways), Manuel Uriza (Rambo: Last Blood), Ivana Rojas (Sneakerheads) and Melinna Bobadilla (Orange is the New Black) are set for recurring roles on Netflix dramedy Gentefied, from Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, the duo behind Sundance darling Gente-fied: The Digital Series, and Macro.
Created by Chicano first-gen writers Lemus and Chávez, Gentefied is a half-hour dramatic comedy adapted from the 2017 Sundance digital series of the same name. Described as a badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, Gentefied follows three Mexican-American cousins who struggle to chase the American Dream, even while that same dream threatens the things they hold most dear: their neighborhood, their immigrant grandfather, and the family taco shop. Set in a rapidly changing Los Angeles, the dramedy navigates important themes like identity, class, and balancing insta-fame with translating memes for their parents.
Karrie Martin, JJ Soria,...
Created by Chicano first-gen writers Lemus and Chávez, Gentefied is a half-hour dramatic comedy adapted from the 2017 Sundance digital series of the same name. Described as a badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, Gentefied follows three Mexican-American cousins who struggle to chase the American Dream, even while that same dream threatens the things they hold most dear: their neighborhood, their immigrant grandfather, and the family taco shop. Set in a rapidly changing Los Angeles, the dramedy navigates important themes like identity, class, and balancing insta-fame with translating memes for their parents.
Karrie Martin, JJ Soria,...
- 4/23/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Film Independent has selected 30 filmmakers for Project Involve 2021.
This year marks the 28th iteration of Project Involve. The free nine-month program is for writers, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, animators, programmers and entertainment executives from diverse backgrounds. During the program, participants meet one-on-one with film industry mentors, create short films, attend master workshops taught by top film professionals and industry networking events.
“Having triumphantly navigated this past year, the Project Involve team is prepared, very pleased and extremely excited to welcome the 2021 Project Involve Fellows into the Film Independent family” said Francisco Velasquez, Associate Director, Project Involve.
Project Involve alumni include Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Linda Yvette Chávez, Marvin Lemus and Aaliyah Williams (Gentefied), Effie T. Brown (Dear White People), Jon M. Chu (In the Heights) and Justin Simien (Dear White People).
Past Project Involve Mentors include Janicza Bravo, Ava DuVernay, Catherine Hardwicke, Alma Har’el, Barry Jenkins, Mako Kamitsuna, Spike Jonze,...
This year marks the 28th iteration of Project Involve. The free nine-month program is for writers, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, animators, programmers and entertainment executives from diverse backgrounds. During the program, participants meet one-on-one with film industry mentors, create short films, attend master workshops taught by top film professionals and industry networking events.
“Having triumphantly navigated this past year, the Project Involve team is prepared, very pleased and extremely excited to welcome the 2021 Project Involve Fellows into the Film Independent family” said Francisco Velasquez, Associate Director, Project Involve.
Project Involve alumni include Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Linda Yvette Chávez, Marvin Lemus and Aaliyah Williams (Gentefied), Effie T. Brown (Dear White People), Jon M. Chu (In the Heights) and Justin Simien (Dear White People).
Past Project Involve Mentors include Janicza Bravo, Ava DuVernay, Catherine Hardwicke, Alma Har’el, Barry Jenkins, Mako Kamitsuna, Spike Jonze,...
- 2/23/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
BET Plus has ordered the original series “Birth of Cool” in its first-ever partnership with “Gentefied” producers Macro Television Studios and Emmy Award-winning screenwriter and actor Lena Waithe’s production house Hillman Grad Productions.
The 10-episode half-hour dramedy marks Waithe’s third original production with the brand— her other two series with BET are “Twenties” and “Boomerang.”
“Birth of Cool” follows the adventures and misadventures of both students and teachers at Crispus Attucks High, a predominantly black high school in Compton, as they try to make it through the weird, hilarious, stressful, often sobering, and sometimes surreal academic year while hopefully growing a bit in the process on and off-campus.
The show was created by writer-director Juel Taylor and writer Tony Rettenmaier, who both previously worked on the upcoming sci-fi comedy “They Cloned Tyrone” starring John Boyega, Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris. Taylor and Rettenmaier are also attached to executive produce,...
The 10-episode half-hour dramedy marks Waithe’s third original production with the brand— her other two series with BET are “Twenties” and “Boomerang.”
“Birth of Cool” follows the adventures and misadventures of both students and teachers at Crispus Attucks High, a predominantly black high school in Compton, as they try to make it through the weird, hilarious, stressful, often sobering, and sometimes surreal academic year while hopefully growing a bit in the process on and off-campus.
The show was created by writer-director Juel Taylor and writer Tony Rettenmaier, who both previously worked on the upcoming sci-fi comedy “They Cloned Tyrone” starring John Boyega, Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris. Taylor and Rettenmaier are also attached to executive produce,...
- 2/22/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
BET+ has given a 10-episode series order to Birth of Cool, a high school dramedy series from creators Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier (They Cloned Tyrone), Macro Television Studios and Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Productions.
Written by Taylor, who also will direct the pilot, and Rettenmaier, Birth of Cool revolves around Crispus Attucks High, a predominantly Black high school in Compton. The half-hour dramedy follows the adventures and misadventures of both students and teachers, on campus and off, as they try to make it through the weird, hilarious, stressful, often sobering, sometimes surreal school year, while (hopefully) growing a bit in the process.
Birth of Cool is Macro’s first series with BET+.
“BET+ continues to be the home for best-in-class creatives to tell their original stories about the Black experience,” said Devin Griffin, Executive Vice President and General Manager,...
Written by Taylor, who also will direct the pilot, and Rettenmaier, Birth of Cool revolves around Crispus Attucks High, a predominantly Black high school in Compton. The half-hour dramedy follows the adventures and misadventures of both students and teachers, on campus and off, as they try to make it through the weird, hilarious, stressful, often sobering, sometimes surreal school year, while (hopefully) growing a bit in the process.
Birth of Cool is Macro’s first series with BET+.
“BET+ continues to be the home for best-in-class creatives to tell their original stories about the Black experience,” said Devin Griffin, Executive Vice President and General Manager,...
- 2/22/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Producer Aaliyah Williams has signed a first-look deal with CBS Studios under her Just A Rebel production company. With the new deal, Williams brings her commitment to storytelling centering Black women.
Williams has a slate of multiple projects in development. Most recently, Williams executive produced the Netflix dramedy Gentefied from Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez. The series first came to light at Sundance when it was introduced as a digital series. Williams developed and produced the series while working as an executive at MacRo. The series was renewed for a second season in May.
Last year, she optioned the critically acclaimed The Wide Circumference of Love by Marita Golden and will continue to adapt as a one hour drama.
“I am thrilled to join the CBS Studios creative family,” said Williams. “CBS’ commitment to telling untold stories and creating a television landscape that better reflects humanity aligns with...
Williams has a slate of multiple projects in development. Most recently, Williams executive produced the Netflix dramedy Gentefied from Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez. The series first came to light at Sundance when it was introduced as a digital series. Williams developed and produced the series while working as an executive at MacRo. The series was renewed for a second season in May.
Last year, she optioned the critically acclaimed The Wide Circumference of Love by Marita Golden and will continue to adapt as a one hour drama.
“I am thrilled to join the CBS Studios creative family,” said Williams. “CBS’ commitment to telling untold stories and creating a television landscape that better reflects humanity aligns with...
- 11/23/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
SeriesFest recently announced it will be going virtual for its sixth annual event.
With the move, more additions to the lineup have been announced.
SeriesFest today revealed new additions to its previously announced line-up as well as details regarding its annual international International Spotlight in partnership with Liberty Global.
A screening of Apple TV+’s multi-Daytime Emmy Award nominee, Ghostwriter, followed by a conversation with Academy Award-Winning and DGA-Nominated Director, Luke Matheny, the children’s series’ writer and director, and Svp, Creative Development, Sesame Workshop, Kay Wilson Stallings, also an executive producer has been announced.
Additionally, there will be a screening of Silent Rose, a hybrid drama that is a multi-character portrait of life in high school after the 2016 presidential election fallout, has also been added to the docket, followed by a conversation with Variety's Top Documaker to Watch, Mitch Dickman, moderated by executive producer, Evan Shapiro (Portlandia).
Cast members...
With the move, more additions to the lineup have been announced.
SeriesFest today revealed new additions to its previously announced line-up as well as details regarding its annual international International Spotlight in partnership with Liberty Global.
A screening of Apple TV+’s multi-Daytime Emmy Award nominee, Ghostwriter, followed by a conversation with Academy Award-Winning and DGA-Nominated Director, Luke Matheny, the children’s series’ writer and director, and Svp, Creative Development, Sesame Workshop, Kay Wilson Stallings, also an executive producer has been announced.
Additionally, there will be a screening of Silent Rose, a hybrid drama that is a multi-character portrait of life in high school after the 2016 presidential election fallout, has also been added to the docket, followed by a conversation with Variety's Top Documaker to Watch, Mitch Dickman, moderated by executive producer, Evan Shapiro (Portlandia).
Cast members...
- 6/18/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
“Gentefied” will be coming back for eight more episodes.
Netflix has renewed the half-hour dramedy for season 2, which will consist of two fewer episodes than its freshman outing. In addition, the cast and crew are set to reunite for a virtual table read on May 20.
The table read, hosted by comedian George Lopez, will aim to raise awareness for Proyecto Pastoral, a non-profit profit in Boyle Heights that is looking to address the impacts of Covid-19 on low income families and residents in the neighborhood.
Created by Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez (two Chicano first-generation writers), “Gentefied” is adapted from the 2017 Sundance webseries of the same name. The bilingual series is about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all. It centers around three Mexican-American cousins struggling to chase the American Dream, even while that same dream threatens the things they hold most dear: their neighborhood,...
Netflix has renewed the half-hour dramedy for season 2, which will consist of two fewer episodes than its freshman outing. In addition, the cast and crew are set to reunite for a virtual table read on May 20.
The table read, hosted by comedian George Lopez, will aim to raise awareness for Proyecto Pastoral, a non-profit profit in Boyle Heights that is looking to address the impacts of Covid-19 on low income families and residents in the neighborhood.
Created by Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez (two Chicano first-generation writers), “Gentefied” is adapted from the 2017 Sundance webseries of the same name. The bilingual series is about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all. It centers around three Mexican-American cousins struggling to chase the American Dream, even while that same dream threatens the things they hold most dear: their neighborhood,...
- 5/18/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has renewed “Gentefied” for a second season.
The series is produced by “Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera.
To celebrate the show’s new season, the cast and creators will do a table read on Wednesday, May 20 on the Netflix is a Joke Youtube channel. The cast will be raising awareness for Proyecto Pastoral, a non-for-profit in Boyle Heights that has pivoted their entire organization to address the impacts of Covid-19 on the low-income families and residents they serve. The table read will be hosted by George Lopez.
Also Read: 70% of Netflix's Top 10 Titles Over First Month of Daily Lists Were - Surprise - Netflix Originals
“Gentefied” stars Joaquín Cosío, Karrie Martin, JJ Soria and Carlos Santos. Monica Macer serves as showrunner and executive producer. Charles D. King of MacRo produces along with Ferrera of Take Fountain, Teri Weinberg of Yellow Brick Road, Kim Roth and Aaliyah Williams.
Here is...
The series is produced by “Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera.
To celebrate the show’s new season, the cast and creators will do a table read on Wednesday, May 20 on the Netflix is a Joke Youtube channel. The cast will be raising awareness for Proyecto Pastoral, a non-for-profit in Boyle Heights that has pivoted their entire organization to address the impacts of Covid-19 on the low-income families and residents they serve. The table read will be hosted by George Lopez.
Also Read: 70% of Netflix's Top 10 Titles Over First Month of Daily Lists Were - Surprise - Netflix Originals
“Gentefied” stars Joaquín Cosío, Karrie Martin, JJ Soria and Carlos Santos. Monica Macer serves as showrunner and executive producer. Charles D. King of MacRo produces along with Ferrera of Take Fountain, Teri Weinberg of Yellow Brick Road, Kim Roth and Aaliyah Williams.
Here is...
- 5/18/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Netflix has picked up an eight-episode second season of its half-hour Latinx dramedy Gentefied, from Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, the duo behind Sundance darling Gente-fied: The Digital Series, and Macro.
In celebration of the renewal, Gentefied‘s cast and creators will reunite for a live virtual table read, hosted by George Lopez, on Wednesday, May 20 on Netflix is a Joke YouTube channel. They’ll be raising awareness for Proyecto Pastoral, a nonprofit in Boyle Heights that is addressing the impacts of Covid-19 on the low income families and residents they serve in the Boyle Heights community.
Created by Chicano first-gen writers Lemus and Chávez, Gentefied is a half-hour dramatic comedy adapted from the 2017 Sundance digital series of the same name. Described as a badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, Gentefied follows three Mexican-American cousins who struggle to chase the American Dream,...
In celebration of the renewal, Gentefied‘s cast and creators will reunite for a live virtual table read, hosted by George Lopez, on Wednesday, May 20 on Netflix is a Joke YouTube channel. They’ll be raising awareness for Proyecto Pastoral, a nonprofit in Boyle Heights that is addressing the impacts of Covid-19 on the low income families and residents they serve in the Boyle Heights community.
Created by Chicano first-gen writers Lemus and Chávez, Gentefied is a half-hour dramatic comedy adapted from the 2017 Sundance digital series of the same name. Described as a badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, Gentefied follows three Mexican-American cousins who struggle to chase the American Dream,...
- 5/18/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Film Independent has selected the 30 filmmakers that will participate in 2020 Project Involve, a nine-month program for writers, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers and entertainment executives from diverse backgrounds.
Now in its 27th year, the program is an opportunity for filmmakers to meet and have one-on-ones with film industry mentors, create short films, attend master-workshops taught by top film professionals and participate in industry networking events.
More from DeadlineRespectAbility Opens Submissions For Annual Summer Lab ProgramNew Hollywood Podcast: 'Gentefied's Marvin Lemus And Linda Yvette Chávez Talk Latinx Representation And How Netflix Series Reflects Their Own LivesBilly Porter On Playing Genderless Fairy Godmother In New 'Cinderella': "The Kids Are Ready"
Project Involve program fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds and gives them the chance to give a voice to seldom-heard narratives. Previous Project Involve mentors include Janicza Bravo, Ava DuVernay, Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight), Alma Har’el (Honey Boy), Barry Jenkins, Mako Kamitsuna, Charles D. King, Christine Vachon, Forest Whitaker and others.
The roster of past fellows features some of today’s most talented and trailblazing creators including Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Linda Yvette Chávez, Marvin Lemus and Aaliyah Williams (Gentefied) as well as Effie T. Brown (Dear White People), Jon M. Chu and Justin Simien.
“Film Independent is thrilled to welcome the 2020 Project Involve Fellows, who join the ranks of such prestigious alumni,” said Francisco Velasquez, Senior Manager of Project Involve. “We look forward to shining a light on their unique stories that are so needed. As always, we are extremely grateful to all of our supporters who are an integral part of making change.”
You can read this year’s Project Involve Fellows by track below:
Cinematographers
Vittoria Campaner
Becky Baihui Chen
Allen E. Ho
Frances Kroon
Andrew Truong
Directors
Ruth Du
Cris Gris
Andrew Reid
Diante Singley
Andrew Vasquez
Editors
Amber Bansak
Nailah Robinson
Marco Rosas
Katelyn Wright
Bowei Yue
Executives
Olutoye Adegboro
Jennifer Gottesfeld
Greta Hagen-Richardson
Producers
Brian Grigsby
Takara Joseph
Tabatha Laanui
Lauren López de Victoria
Sabrina Stoll
Brandon Tarver
Writers
Mary Ann Anane
Agam Darshi
Jeanette Lim
Jesenia Ruiz
Karan Sunil
Writer/Directors
Gauri Adelkar
Past shorts produced in the program include Liberty which won the 2019 SXSW Narrative Short Film Jury Award, the 2019 Special Prize of the Generation 14plus International Jury for the Best Short Film at the Berlin International Film Festival as well as the 2019 AFI Special Jury Prize – Live Action. Also produced in the program, was Emergency, which went on to win the 2018 Sundance Special Jury Award and the 2018 SXSW Narrative Short Film Jury Award.
Film Independent also announced continued support of the program through donor-named fellowships. The Easterseals Disability Services Fellowship, which is presented to a Project Involve filmmaker who identifies as a person with a disability, will be given to Andrew Reid. The Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television Fellowship (Lmu Sftv) will be presented to alum Tabatha Laanui. The donor-named fellowships for the 2020 Project Involve program to be awarded at a later date are: Amazon Studios Film Fellowship, which will be presented to a visionary filmmaker; the Participant Fellowship; and the ninth annual Sony Pictures Entertainment Fellowship. Each Fellowship provides essential program support to Project Involve and includes a $10,000 unrestricted cash grant for a selected filmmaker participating in the program.
For the second year, the Panavision Fellowship will provide an outstanding cinematographer in the program with a camera rental package valued at $60,000 for use on a future project produced in the Us. This year’s Panavision Fellow is Allen E. Ho.
Now in its 27th year, the program is an opportunity for filmmakers to meet and have one-on-ones with film industry mentors, create short films, attend master-workshops taught by top film professionals and participate in industry networking events.
More from DeadlineRespectAbility Opens Submissions For Annual Summer Lab ProgramNew Hollywood Podcast: 'Gentefied's Marvin Lemus And Linda Yvette Chávez Talk Latinx Representation And How Netflix Series Reflects Their Own LivesBilly Porter On Playing Genderless Fairy Godmother In New 'Cinderella': "The Kids Are Ready"
Project Involve program fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds and gives them the chance to give a voice to seldom-heard narratives. Previous Project Involve mentors include Janicza Bravo, Ava DuVernay, Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight), Alma Har’el (Honey Boy), Barry Jenkins, Mako Kamitsuna, Charles D. King, Christine Vachon, Forest Whitaker and others.
The roster of past fellows features some of today’s most talented and trailblazing creators including Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Linda Yvette Chávez, Marvin Lemus and Aaliyah Williams (Gentefied) as well as Effie T. Brown (Dear White People), Jon M. Chu and Justin Simien.
“Film Independent is thrilled to welcome the 2020 Project Involve Fellows, who join the ranks of such prestigious alumni,” said Francisco Velasquez, Senior Manager of Project Involve. “We look forward to shining a light on their unique stories that are so needed. As always, we are extremely grateful to all of our supporters who are an integral part of making change.”
You can read this year’s Project Involve Fellows by track below:
Cinematographers
Vittoria Campaner
Becky Baihui Chen
Allen E. Ho
Frances Kroon
Andrew Truong
Directors
Ruth Du
Cris Gris
Andrew Reid
Diante Singley
Andrew Vasquez
Editors
Amber Bansak
Nailah Robinson
Marco Rosas
Katelyn Wright
Bowei Yue
Executives
Olutoye Adegboro
Jennifer Gottesfeld
Greta Hagen-Richardson
Producers
Brian Grigsby
Takara Joseph
Tabatha Laanui
Lauren López de Victoria
Sabrina Stoll
Brandon Tarver
Writers
Mary Ann Anane
Agam Darshi
Jeanette Lim
Jesenia Ruiz
Karan Sunil
Writer/Directors
Gauri Adelkar
Past shorts produced in the program include Liberty which won the 2019 SXSW Narrative Short Film Jury Award, the 2019 Special Prize of the Generation 14plus International Jury for the Best Short Film at the Berlin International Film Festival as well as the 2019 AFI Special Jury Prize – Live Action. Also produced in the program, was Emergency, which went on to win the 2018 Sundance Special Jury Award and the 2018 SXSW Narrative Short Film Jury Award.
Film Independent also announced continued support of the program through donor-named fellowships. The Easterseals Disability Services Fellowship, which is presented to a Project Involve filmmaker who identifies as a person with a disability, will be given to Andrew Reid. The Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television Fellowship (Lmu Sftv) will be presented to alum Tabatha Laanui. The donor-named fellowships for the 2020 Project Involve program to be awarded at a later date are: Amazon Studios Film Fellowship, which will be presented to a visionary filmmaker; the Participant Fellowship; and the ninth annual Sony Pictures Entertainment Fellowship. Each Fellowship provides essential program support to Project Involve and includes a $10,000 unrestricted cash grant for a selected filmmaker participating in the program.
For the second year, the Panavision Fellowship will provide an outstanding cinematographer in the program with a camera rental package valued at $60,000 for use on a future project produced in the Us. This year’s Panavision Fellow is Allen E. Ho.
- 3/17/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Gentefied writer, trans Latina activist and storyteller Camila María Concepción died on Friday. Concepción died of a suicide. She was 28.
Concepción was from the Inland Empire from area studied English Literature at Yale University. She was a writers’ assistant on Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez’s Gentefied, which recently made its debut. She also worked on Brad Peyton and Aron Eli Coleite’s post-apocalyptic dramedy Daybreak. She was a vocal advocate and activist when it came to trans and Latinx representation. She spoke about trans rights at the United States of Women Summit alongside artist Micah Bazant, poet Audrey Kuo, and political commentator Sally Kohn. She also worked with artist Favianna Rodriguez and Transparent‘s Jill Soloway for the 5050by2020, an initiative that used the power of intersectionality to help move the needle when it comes to diversity and inclusion in film, TV and art.
Upon hearing the news late on Friday night,...
Concepción was from the Inland Empire from area studied English Literature at Yale University. She was a writers’ assistant on Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez’s Gentefied, which recently made its debut. She also worked on Brad Peyton and Aron Eli Coleite’s post-apocalyptic dramedy Daybreak. She was a vocal advocate and activist when it came to trans and Latinx representation. She spoke about trans rights at the United States of Women Summit alongside artist Micah Bazant, poet Audrey Kuo, and political commentator Sally Kohn. She also worked with artist Favianna Rodriguez and Transparent‘s Jill Soloway for the 5050by2020, an initiative that used the power of intersectionality to help move the needle when it comes to diversity and inclusion in film, TV and art.
Upon hearing the news late on Friday night,...
- 2/26/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix revealed some premiere dates Tuesday, confirming the return date of a fan-favorite, and the series debuts of two new series.
Altered Carbon's long-gestating second season will hit the air Thursday, February 27 -- almost two years after Season 1 debuted.
Altered Carbon Season 2 stars Anthony Mackie as Takeshi Kovacs, Renée Elise Goldsberry as Quellcrist Falconer, Chris Conner as Poe, Dina Shihabi as Dig 301, Simone Missick as Trepp, Torben Liebrecht as Colonel Carrera, and James Saito as Tanaseda Hideki, and Lela Loren as Danica Harlan.
Altered Carbon is based on the groundbreaking cyberpunk novel by Richard K. Morgan. The world of Altered Carbon takes place over 300 years in the future.
Your re-sleeving is now complete. 2.27.20. #AlteredCarbon pic.twitter.com/h4VtaCp6Wh
— Altered Carbon (@AltCarb) January 21, 2020
Society has been transformed by new technology: consciousness can be digitized; human bodies are interchangeable; death is no longer permanent.
Meanwhile, I Am Not Okay...
Altered Carbon's long-gestating second season will hit the air Thursday, February 27 -- almost two years after Season 1 debuted.
Altered Carbon Season 2 stars Anthony Mackie as Takeshi Kovacs, Renée Elise Goldsberry as Quellcrist Falconer, Chris Conner as Poe, Dina Shihabi as Dig 301, Simone Missick as Trepp, Torben Liebrecht as Colonel Carrera, and James Saito as Tanaseda Hideki, and Lela Loren as Danica Harlan.
Altered Carbon is based on the groundbreaking cyberpunk novel by Richard K. Morgan. The world of Altered Carbon takes place over 300 years in the future.
Your re-sleeving is now complete. 2.27.20. #AlteredCarbon pic.twitter.com/h4VtaCp6Wh
— Altered Carbon (@AltCarb) January 21, 2020
Society has been transformed by new technology: consciousness can be digitized; human bodies are interchangeable; death is no longer permanent.
Meanwhile, I Am Not Okay...
- 1/21/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Netflix may have disappointed Latinx viewers when it canceled the beloved “One Day at a Time,” but the streamer is hoping the dynamic new series “Gentefied” will help mitigate the pain. The brand new series, which is set in the rapidly gentrifying East Los Angeles neighborhood of Boyle Heights, began as a web series before making its way to Netflix. Written by first generation Chicano writers Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chavez, “Gentefied” is the latest TV show to develop from a web series, which made waves when it premiered at Sundance in 2017.
Per the official synopsis: “Created by two Chicano first-gen writers, ‘Gentefied’ is a half-hour dramatic comedy adapted from the 2017 Sundance digital darling of the same name. In this badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, three Mexican-American cousins struggle to chase the American Dream, even while that same dream...
Per the official synopsis: “Created by two Chicano first-gen writers, ‘Gentefied’ is a half-hour dramatic comedy adapted from the 2017 Sundance digital darling of the same name. In this badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, three Mexican-American cousins struggle to chase the American Dream, even while that same dream...
- 1/21/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Netflix dropped the trailer for its upcoming 10-episode dramatic comedy series “Gentefied” on Tuesday, showing three Mexican American cousins trying to save their family’s taco shop in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.
The series, which premieres Feb. 21, is produced by “Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera and “That ’70s Show” star Wilmer Valderrama, both of whom will also guest star. Ferrera also directs two episodes along with co-creator Marvin Lemus, Marta Cunningham, Agora Guerra and Andrew Ahn.
“Gentefied” was created by two first-generation Chicano writers, Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, and was adapted from their 2017 Sundance film of the same name.
Also Read: Yes, 'The Circle' Star Shubham Goel Really Ran for Governor of California - And Didn't Finish Last
Here is Netflix’s description of the series:
In this badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, three...
The series, which premieres Feb. 21, is produced by “Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera and “That ’70s Show” star Wilmer Valderrama, both of whom will also guest star. Ferrera also directs two episodes along with co-creator Marvin Lemus, Marta Cunningham, Agora Guerra and Andrew Ahn.
“Gentefied” was created by two first-generation Chicano writers, Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, and was adapted from their 2017 Sundance film of the same name.
Also Read: Yes, 'The Circle' Star Shubham Goel Really Ran for Governor of California - And Didn't Finish Last
Here is Netflix’s description of the series:
In this badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, three...
- 1/21/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Aaliyah Williams’ production company Just A Rebel has set its inaugural project. They will adapt Marita Golden’s 2017 critically acclaimed novel The Wide Circumference of Love: A Novel into a television series.
The Wide Circumference of Love follows Diane Tate, a respected family court judge in Washington, D.C., who is forced to renegotiate life when her husband is diagnosed with early-onset dementia and, along with her adult children, must re-examine her connection to the man he is and ultimately her connection with herself.
Williams launched Just A Rebel in February and The Wide Circumference of Love is the first project of the company’s development slate that centers and celebrates Black women. Golden’s book was named an NPR Best Book and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work in 2018.
“At the heart of this novel is an incredible love story between two unforgettable characters...
The Wide Circumference of Love follows Diane Tate, a respected family court judge in Washington, D.C., who is forced to renegotiate life when her husband is diagnosed with early-onset dementia and, along with her adult children, must re-examine her connection to the man he is and ultimately her connection with herself.
Williams launched Just A Rebel in February and The Wide Circumference of Love is the first project of the company’s development slate that centers and celebrates Black women. Golden’s book was named an NPR Best Book and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work in 2018.
“At the heart of this novel is an incredible love story between two unforgettable characters...
- 8/22/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix has rounded out its cast for Gentefied, its 10-episode half-hour Latinx dramedy, from Gente-fied: The Digital Series creators Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, showrunner Monica Macer, America Ferrera, Teri Weinberg and Macro. Julissa Calderon, Annie Gonzalez, Laura Patalano, Felipe Esparza, Rafael Sigler, Jaime Alvarez (Grey’s Anatomy Shameless), Bianca Melgar, Michelle Ortiz, and Alejandro Patiño are set for recurring roles. They join previously announced cast members Karrie Martin, Jj Soria, Carlos Santos and Joaquín Cosio.
Sigler, Alvarez and Patalano all appeared in Gente-fied: The Digital Series.
Written by Lemus and Chávez, Gentefied is adapted from the web series which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. Described as a badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, Gentefied...
Sigler, Alvarez and Patalano all appeared in Gente-fied: The Digital Series.
Written by Lemus and Chávez, Gentefied is adapted from the web series which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. Described as a badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, Gentefied...
- 5/22/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ten-episode half-hour Latinx dramedy series Gentefied has set its main cast. Karrie Martin (Pretty Little Liars), Jj Soria (The Oath), Carlos Santos (2 Broke Girls) and Joaquín Cosio (The Strain) have been tapped as leads in the project, from Gente-fied: The Digital Series creators Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, showrunner Monica Macer, America Ferrera, Teri Weinberg and Macro.
Written by Lemus and Chávez, Gentefied is adapted from the web series which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. Described as a badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, Gentefied is about three Mexican-American cousins who struggle to chase the American Dream, even while that same dream threatens the things they hold most dear: their neighborhood, their immigrant grandfather (Cosio), and the family taco shop. Set in a rapidly changing Los Angeles, the Spanglish dramedy will navigate important themes like identity,...
Written by Lemus and Chávez, Gentefied is adapted from the web series which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. Described as a badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, Gentefied is about three Mexican-American cousins who struggle to chase the American Dream, even while that same dream threatens the things they hold most dear: their neighborhood, their immigrant grandfather (Cosio), and the family taco shop. Set in a rapidly changing Los Angeles, the Spanglish dramedy will navigate important themes like identity,...
- 4/5/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Spectrum announces the release date for “L.A.’s Finest” and Ginnifer Goodwin joins “The Twilight Zone”
Dates
Spectrum subscribers can watch “L.A.’s Finest,” the first series kicking off the new video-on-demand service’s orignal content, on May 13. Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba will executive produce and star in the 13-episode series, which is spinoff of the “Bad Boys” franchise by Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay. Union plays Lapd detective Syd Burnett, who must work together with working mom Nancy McKenna (Alba) to take down some of the city’s most dangerous criminals.
Season two of British-Canadian drama series “Tin Star” will debut in the U.S. and Canada exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, March 8. Starring Tim Roth and Christina Hendricks, the 10-episode sophomore season will pick up at the moment season one ended. Former police detective and alcoholic Jim Worth...
Dates
Spectrum subscribers can watch “L.A.’s Finest,” the first series kicking off the new video-on-demand service’s orignal content, on May 13. Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba will executive produce and star in the 13-episode series, which is spinoff of the “Bad Boys” franchise by Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay. Union plays Lapd detective Syd Burnett, who must work together with working mom Nancy McKenna (Alba) to take down some of the city’s most dangerous criminals.
Season two of British-Canadian drama series “Tin Star” will debut in the U.S. and Canada exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, March 8. Starring Tim Roth and Christina Hendricks, the 10-episode sophomore season will pick up at the moment season one ended. Former police detective and alcoholic Jim Worth...
- 2/7/2019
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Producer Aaliyah Williams has signed a one-year first look deal with MacRo and has also launched Just A Rebel production company. Under the deal, MacRo will have first look rights to projects that Williams and Just A Rebel seek to develop and produce.
Williams is no stranger to MacRo, she was the former head of digital of Charles D. King’s media company that champions inclusion and representation.
“I am thrilled to continue to elevate fresh voices and fearless storytellers in the expanded realm of television and film,” said Williams in a statement. “I look forward to contributing to the current cultural renaissance in entertainment by providing everyone with more opportunities to aspire, laugh, dream and see themselves reflected in complex and compelling content. It is an incredible honor to do this work with the support of MacRo, which has been an incredible platform for my growth as a producer.
Williams is no stranger to MacRo, she was the former head of digital of Charles D. King’s media company that champions inclusion and representation.
“I am thrilled to continue to elevate fresh voices and fearless storytellers in the expanded realm of television and film,” said Williams in a statement. “I look forward to contributing to the current cultural renaissance in entertainment by providing everyone with more opportunities to aspire, laugh, dream and see themselves reflected in complex and compelling content. It is an incredible honor to do this work with the support of MacRo, which has been an incredible platform for my growth as a producer.
- 2/7/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Macro's head of digital is striking out on her own.
Aaliyah Williams has launched her own shingle, Just a Rebel, and Macro has signed the new production company to a one-year, first-look deal on all projects she seeks to develop and produce.
Williams is executive producing Gente-fied, Netflix's new half-hour dramedy adapted from the Macro digital series of the same name, which she developed and produced while leading digital content at Charles D. King's firm.
"I am thrilled to continue to elevate fresh voices and fearless storytellers in the expanded realm of television and ...
Aaliyah Williams has launched her own shingle, Just a Rebel, and Macro has signed the new production company to a one-year, first-look deal on all projects she seeks to develop and produce.
Williams is executive producing Gente-fied, Netflix's new half-hour dramedy adapted from the Macro digital series of the same name, which she developed and produced while leading digital content at Charles D. King's firm.
"I am thrilled to continue to elevate fresh voices and fearless storytellers in the expanded realm of television and ...
Netflix has given a verde light to Gentefied, a half-hour bilingual dramedy from Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez — creators of Gente-fied: The Digital Series, which premiered at Sundance 2017 — and Macro. Its executive producers include Superstore star and Ugly Betty alumna America Ferrera and Teri Weinberg via their production company. Netflix is the studio.
Described as a badass Spanglish series about family, community, brown love and the displacement that disrupts it all, Gentefied follows three Mexican-American cousins and their struggle to chase the American Dream, even while that same dream threatens the things they hold most dear: their neighborhood, their immigrant grandfather and the family taco shop. Set in a rapidly changing Los Angeles, the series will navigate important themes such as identity, class and balancing insta-fame with translating memes for their parents. And it will settle once and for all how to pronounce Latinx, Netflix notes.
Co-creators Lemus and...
Described as a badass Spanglish series about family, community, brown love and the displacement that disrupts it all, Gentefied follows three Mexican-American cousins and their struggle to chase the American Dream, even while that same dream threatens the things they hold most dear: their neighborhood, their immigrant grandfather and the family taco shop. Set in a rapidly changing Los Angeles, the series will navigate important themes such as identity, class and balancing insta-fame with translating memes for their parents. And it will settle once and for all how to pronounce Latinx, Netflix notes.
Co-creators Lemus and...
- 2/6/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Michael Ealy has joined Kofi Siriboe, Uzo Aduba, Naturi Naughton, Tristan Mack Wilds, Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing, and Jade Eshete in MacRo’s romantic drama Really Love, which is being directed by Angel Kristi Williams from a screenplay she wrote with Felicia A. Pride.
Ealy’s more recent film credits include The Perfect Guy, Think Like a Man Too, About Last Night, Underworld Awakening, and Takers.
Currently in production, Really Love follows the life of a starving artist in gentrifying Washington D.C. who is struggling to find his place in the prestigious art world. When a young law student unexpectedly comes into his life, he must choose between a whirlwind romance and his budding career as a successful painter.
Producers are Mel Jones, MacRo’s Charles D. King, Aaliyah Williams and Kim Roth as well as Williams. MacRo’s Poppy Hanks, Kim Coleman, Stephanie Allain, Latisha Fortune, Sanford Grimes, and Pride are executive producers.
Ealy’s more recent film credits include The Perfect Guy, Think Like a Man Too, About Last Night, Underworld Awakening, and Takers.
Currently in production, Really Love follows the life of a starving artist in gentrifying Washington D.C. who is struggling to find his place in the prestigious art world. When a young law student unexpectedly comes into his life, he must choose between a whirlwind romance and his budding career as a successful painter.
Producers are Mel Jones, MacRo’s Charles D. King, Aaliyah Williams and Kim Roth as well as Williams. MacRo’s Poppy Hanks, Kim Coleman, Stephanie Allain, Latisha Fortune, Sanford Grimes, and Pride are executive producers.
- 7/31/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Emmy-winner Uzo Aduba, Naturi Naughton (Power), Tristan Mack Wilds, Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing (Own’s Love Is_), and Jade Eshete (Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency) have signed on to join previously announced Kofi Siriboe in MacRo’s romantic drama Really Love. Angel Kristi Williams is at the helm of the film, which is currently filming in Baltimore.
Written by Williams and Felicia A. Pride, the story follows the life of a starving artist (Siriboe) in gentrifying Washington D.C. who is struggling to find his place in the prestigious art world. When a young law student (Wong-Loi-Sing) unexpectedly comes into his life, he must choose between a whirlwind romance and his budding career as a successful painter.
Dear White People producer Mel Jones is producing the project alongside MacRo chief Charles D. King, Aaliyah Williams, Kim Roth, and Williams.
Exec Producers are MacRo’s Poppy Hanks, Kim Coleman,...
Written by Williams and Felicia A. Pride, the story follows the life of a starving artist (Siriboe) in gentrifying Washington D.C. who is struggling to find his place in the prestigious art world. When a young law student (Wong-Loi-Sing) unexpectedly comes into his life, he must choose between a whirlwind romance and his budding career as a successful painter.
Dear White People producer Mel Jones is producing the project alongside MacRo chief Charles D. King, Aaliyah Williams, Kim Roth, and Williams.
Exec Producers are MacRo’s Poppy Hanks, Kim Coleman,...
- 7/26/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kofi Siriboe, star of the Own series, Queen Sugar, has been tapped as the lead in the film Really Love, which is being helmed by first-time feature director Angel Kristi Williams, who also co-wrote the script with Felicia A. Pride. The story is by Pride and Sanford Grimes. Charles D. King’s MacRo, the production company behind the Oscar-nominated film, Fences, is financing and producing the film. Mel Jones is producing the project with King, Kim Roth, and Aaliyah Williams
The plot is set in a gentrifying Washington D.C. and follows a rising black painter (Siriboe) who tries to break into the competitive art world while balancing a whirlwind romance he never expected.
It’s slated to begin filming this summer in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. MacRo’s Poppy Hanks, Latisha Fortune, Sanford Grimes, Stephanie Allain, Kim Coleman, and Pride will serve as exec producers.
The plot is set in a gentrifying Washington D.C. and follows a rising black painter (Siriboe) who tries to break into the competitive art world while balancing a whirlwind romance he never expected.
It’s slated to begin filming this summer in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. MacRo’s Poppy Hanks, Latisha Fortune, Sanford Grimes, Stephanie Allain, Kim Coleman, and Pride will serve as exec producers.
- 7/18/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
MacRo founder and CEO Charles D. King, Emmy winner Lena Waithe, Eva Longoria, and The Black List’s Franklin Leonard are paying it forward. The Hollywood movers have teamed to launch The MacRo Episodic Lab Powered by The Black List, which will cater specifically to episodic storytellers of color. The mission stated is to discover, support, and empower these creatives with tools and resources to help launch their careers for who typically do not have access to the traditional Hollywood system.
“We are elated to partner with Franklin Leonard of the Black List, Lena, and Eva to further our mission of bolstering fresh voices of color. They are all leaders of the current shift towards equitable representation and we are thrilled to join forces as MacRo continues to produce and champion work that is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and excellence,” said King and Aaliyah Williams, Chief Content Officer of MacRo Digital Studio.
“We are elated to partner with Franklin Leonard of the Black List, Lena, and Eva to further our mission of bolstering fresh voices of color. They are all leaders of the current shift towards equitable representation and we are thrilled to join forces as MacRo continues to produce and champion work that is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and excellence,” said King and Aaliyah Williams, Chief Content Officer of MacRo Digital Studio.
- 6/6/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Macro, the black creator-focused production studio led by former Wme agent Charles King, announced on Wednesday it is launching a new initiative, The Macro Episodic Lab, designed to help discover and advance the work of writers of color in TV.
The studio is partnering with Franklin Leonard’s The Black List, Eva Longoria’s company UnbeliEVAable, and “Master of None” writer and actor Lena Waithe to help get the new project off the ground.
“We are elated to partner with Franklin Leonard of The Black List, Lena and Eva to further our mission of bolstering fresh voices of color,” said Macro CEO King and Chief Content Officer of its digital studio Aaliyah Williams in statement. “They are all leaders of the current shift towards equitable representation and we are thrilled to join forces as Macro continues to produce and champion work that is rooted in authenticity, creativity and excellence.”
Also...
The studio is partnering with Franklin Leonard’s The Black List, Eva Longoria’s company UnbeliEVAable, and “Master of None” writer and actor Lena Waithe to help get the new project off the ground.
“We are elated to partner with Franklin Leonard of The Black List, Lena and Eva to further our mission of bolstering fresh voices of color,” said Macro CEO King and Chief Content Officer of its digital studio Aaliyah Williams in statement. “They are all leaders of the current shift towards equitable representation and we are thrilled to join forces as Macro continues to produce and champion work that is rooted in authenticity, creativity and excellence.”
Also...
- 6/6/2018
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Lena Waithe and Eva Longoria are partnering with Charles D. King's media company MacRo and Franklin Leonard's The Black List to launch a training program for television writers of color.
"We are elated to partner with Franklin Leonard of The Black List, Lena and Eva to further our mission of bolstering fresh voices of color," King and MacRo Digital Studio chief content officer Aaliyah Williams said in a joint statement. "They are all leaders of the current shift towards equitable representation, and we are thrilled to join forces as MacRo continues to produce and champion ...
"We are elated to partner with Franklin Leonard of The Black List, Lena and Eva to further our mission of bolstering fresh voices of color," King and MacRo Digital Studio chief content officer Aaliyah Williams said in a joint statement. "They are all leaders of the current shift towards equitable representation, and we are thrilled to join forces as MacRo continues to produce and champion ...
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