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Monday, October 19, 2015

WILL SMITH CONTINUES- TO NOT DO HIS OWN MUSIC,IN HIS OWN FILMS.

R&B artist and singer songwriter Leon Bridges, who burst onto the nationwide music scene earlier this year with his hit song "Coming Home," will provide a new song, "So Long," for the highly anticipated motion picture Concussion starring Will Smith, it was announced today by Lia Vollack, president of Worldwide Music for Sony Pictures. Concussion will be released in theaters December 25, 2015.
"So Long" will be available on all digital sales platforms including Spotify, iTunes and Amazon on November 20.  The song's music is by Leon Bridges and Joshua BlockAustin Jenkins, and Chris Vivion of Niles City Sound, with lyrics by Leon Bridges.  The track was produced by Niles City Sound.
Bridges has posted a fifteen second preview of the song to his Instagram page, @leonbridgesofficial.
Bridges' debut album, "Coming Home," launched this summer to rave reviews and public acclaim, reaching the top ten in the US, UK and Australia.  A rare talent who performs smoldering ballads and elemental rock 'n' roll with equal aplomb, the minor-key, blue hues of Bridges' songs embrace a refreshing subtlety that feels straight out of classic soul and R&B.  A little more than a year ago, a chance meeting in Fort Worth led to an independent recording session, and soon, signing with Columbia Records.  
Commenting on the announcement, Peter Landesman, the film's writer/director, said, "I'm so glad to have Leon's music in the movie.  His songs are a shot straight from the heart, full of feeling and emotion, power and heartbreak.  And it's a perfect match for the movie, because I could describe Dr. Bennet Omalu the same way – in the movie, he's a spiritual person, standing up on his own against a world of powerful forces, using only his smarts, his courage, and the knowledge that he's right.  Leon's soulful sound and expressive words are a tremendous addition to the film."
Will Smith stars in Concussion, a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known.  Omalu's emotional quest puts him at dangerous odds with one of the most powerful institutions in the world.  The film, a Columbia Pictures presentation in association with LStar Capital and Village Roadshow Pictures, is written and directed byPeter Landesman, based on the GQ article "Game Brain" by Jeanne Marie Laskas, produced by Ridley Scott,Giannina ScottDavid WolthoffLarry Shuman, and Elizabeth Cantillon, and executive produced by Michael SchaeferDavid CrockettBen WaisbrenBruce Berman, and Greg Basser.

Monday, October 05, 2015

CELEBRITY Q AND A:THE BASTARD, JAMES SPADER.

In 2004, we were treated to a sneak preview viewing- of ABC's The Practice. A hit legal show, created by David E. Kelly. This is NOT to be confused, with a medical spin-off of Grey's Anatomy, called Private Practice, which totally sucked.

Anyway, I sat at a table near the front, closest to the big TV set. It's the first shot (with running time codes still on it) where The Blacklist star- James Spader is chewing scenery with abandon. So much so, he start to come off as hammy to me.

Spader demolished a fat Italian lawyer, with a nasty line. I accidentally said verbally, "Wow, Spader's a prick." At that point, a mean,full blond headed guy, immediately takes his eyes off the screen and menacingly stared at me, with the intent of bodily harm.

After quite a few seconds, I realize that is Alan Shore of that show's finale season and future Emmy winning turns on its Spin-off, Boston Legal. Embarrassed, I just turn my head back to monitor. I just try to ignore, the occasionally angry-as-hell glances.

After the viewing, we all get up to leave. We both (somehow) stand and face each other. Spader looks right at me and said (after his alter ego did something nice,in the final shot) ...."Am I still a prick to you?," in a cheerful, but mocking tone.

I just look at him, jokingly shrug my shoulders and sympathetically said, "Maybe." A torrent of cuss words fly at me,as a turn around and quickly leave. I smiled as I realized, a major star was upset- by me.

Notes: I ended seeing Spader, at a couple of SAG-AFTRA meetings years later. He just wanted to say the same mean,semi-bigoted lies and remarks,when he didn't get his chance at the viewing.I just ignored him.I don't know, I think Modern Family's Eric Stonestreet was there. This just confirmed that he IS a mean, lying little prick. Go back to hell, Red James!





MUSICIAN WIZ KHALIFA AND ROBERT DE NIRO, HONORED AT FILM AWARDS.

dick clark productions (dcp) announced today that Universal Pictures' box-office smash Furious 7 will receive the "Hollywood Blockbuster Award," while Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth will receive the "Hollywood Song Award" for their massive hit "See You Again" from the film's soundtrack. In addition, the "Hollywood Documentary Award" will be bestowed on director Asif Kapadia for his work on Amy. The "19th Annual Hollywood Film Awards" will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on November 1, 2015. The Hollywood Film Awards, the official launch of the awards season®, has recognized excellence in the art of cinema and filmmaking for 18 years, honoring some of the world's biggest stars. 
Embraced by global audiences, the latest entry in Universal's homegrown franchise, Furious 7 is the fifth highest-grossing film of all time.  The Fast & Furious movies have grossed more than $3.9 billion through their 14-year history, and the series has become the studio's largest film of all time.
The hit single off the Furious 7 soundtrack, "See You Again," scored one of the 20 greatest sales weeks of any song in the decade-plus that Nielsen Music has tracked digital sales. The song went on to take the No. 1 spot on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot 100, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Songs, Digital Sons, Streaming Sons and Billboard + Twitter Top Tracks. Including "See You Again," Wiz Khalifa has placed more than 40 tracks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song represents YouTube sensation Puth's debut single.
dick clark productions also announced today the recipients of this year's honorees in the categories of Cinematography, Composer, Editing, Visual Effects, Sound, Costume Design, Make-Up & Hairstyling and Production Design. Past honorees have gone on to garner many Oscar nominations and wins. The complete list can be found below:
Hollywood Cinematography AwardJanusz KaminskiBridge of Spies
Hollywood Film Composer AwardAlexandre DesplatThe Danish Girl, Suffragette
Hollywood Editing AwardDavid RosenbloomBlack Mass
Hollywood Visual Effects AwardTim AlexanderJurassic World
Hollywood Sound AwardGary RydstromBridge of Spies
Hollywood Costume Design AwardSandy PowellCinderella
Hollywood Make-Up & Hairstyling AwardLesley VanderwaltMad Max: Fury Road
Hollywood Production Design AwardColin GibsonMad Max: Fury Road
It was announced last week that two-time Oscar winner, Robert De Niro, will be honored with this year's "Hollywood Career Achievement Award." De Niro is currently starring in Warner Bros. Pictures' "The Intern" and will appear next in 20th Century Fox's "Joy," coming out December 25, 2015. More of this year's honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.
CHEAT TWEET: .@FastFurious, @wizkhalifa and @charlieputh to be honored at the 2015 @HollywoodAwards for Furious 7 and See You Again. #HFAs

DRINK FROM THE FUTURE: PESPI PERFECT IS NOW, A REALITY.

Surprising Back to the Future fans everywhere, Pepsi officially confirms the long-awaited creation of Pepsi Perfect - the famous soda Marty McFly orders in the second installment of one of the most beloved trilogies in motion-picture history. The fantastical cola, made famous by the film, will officially be available on October 21, 2015, paying homage to the date Marty McFly travels to in the future. Since 1989, Back To The Future enthusiasts have waited patiently to see how the future unfolds.
"Pepsi fans asked and we heard them loud and clear," said Lou Arbetter, Senior Director of Marketing, PepsiCo. "The Back to the Future trilogy was as big a moment in pop culture history then as it is now, 30 years later. We are excited to be part of this moment and to bring fans something only Pepsi could deliver – and there's no need to wait – the future is now!"
SYNCHRONIZE YOUR WATCHES TO OCTOBER 21 FOR A CHANCE TO SCORE A PEPSI PERFECT
If our calculations are correct, Pepsi will make the future a reality on October 21, 2015 and unlock limited quantities of Pepsi Perfect, available for purchase online while supplies last. Fans located in the U.S. can get their hands on 1 of 6,500 Pepsi Perfect bottles, each outfitted in a special collectible case. The 16.9 oz. bottles will contain Pepsi Made with Real Sugar and will sell for $20.15.
A FIRST TASTE OF THE FUTURE REVEALED AT NEW YORK COMIC CON
While the clock counts down to October 21, New York Comic Con ticketholders will step into a Pepsi Perfect world as they enter the Javits Center on Thursday, October 8. From sponsoring a Back to the Future focused panel to creating a Café 80's inspired booth featuring a DeLorean and Wild Gunman arcade game, Pepsi Perfect will bring to life the magical w/ Back to the Future Part II

Thursday, September 10, 2015

ZOE SALDANA IS READY FOR AN OSCAR NOD -AS NINA SIMONE!

RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE), founded by Robert L. Johnson, RLJE Chairman and Founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) has acquired all North American rights to the highly anticipated film NINA, based on the life of legendary American singer-songwriter Nina Simone. With first time writer-director Cynthia Mort, the film stars Zoe Saldana (Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy) and David Oyelowo (Selma, The Butler). NINA will be released in theaters in December 2015 under the RLJ Entertainment brand. RLJ Entertainment previously released its theatrical titles under the Image Entertainment brand, which RLJ Entertainment purchased in 2012.

"I am very excited that RLJ Entertainment will be distributing Nina Simone's biopic with the tremendous talent involved including Zoe Saldana and David Oyelowo," said Johnson. "I had the special privilege early in my career of working with Ms. Simone while coordinating a performance for former D.C. Delegate Walter E. Fauntroy and knowing first-hand of her major contribution to the soul and emotion of the Civil Rights Movement. I look forward as I am sure many others will, to her story and legacy being made available by RLJ Entertainment to consumers on various media platforms in the coming months."

"Robert Johnson is passionate about this film and he is passionate about Nina Simone, so we are excited to be in business with him," said producer Ben Latham-Jones. "We believe he can bring the powerful performances of Zoe and David to as wide an audience as possible."

NINA traces the career of legendary American singer-songwriter and civil rights activist, Nina Simone (Saldana). The story follows her struggle to balance music, family and what she believes in, which leaves her living alone in France feeling exiled from her own country. That is, until she meets Clifton Henderson (Oyelowo) who helps the high priestess of soul rediscover meaning in her life and music, and to once again embrace America. NINA reflects both her and the people she gave voice to in both their searches for redemption and hope in America during the 1960's.

Nina Simone is unarguably one of the great vocalists of the 20thCentury; a 15-time Grammy nominee, she received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2000. Nina's versions of 'My Baby Just Cares For Me' and 'Feeling Good' have become standards, featuring in advertising and jazz compilations, and frequently covered by other artists. Her versions of such classics as 'I Put a Spell on You,' 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood,' 'Lilac Wine,' 'Ain't Got No, I Got Life' and 'Wild is the Wind' have become the definitive versions.
Nina's strong involvement in the Civil Rights Movement brought out the talented songwriter in her. While 'To Be Young Gifted and Black' is probably her best-known composition, and was subsequently covered by Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Bob and Marcia (whose cover was a U.K. top five hit) amongst others, she also wrote many other songs including 'Mississippi Goddam' and 'Four Women.'

NINA was produced by Barnaby Thompson (The Importance of Being Earnest), Ben Latham-Jones (Kids in Love), Stuart Parr (Get Rich or Die Tryin') and Cynthia Mort (The Brave One) and executive produced by Pierre Lagrange (Kick-Ass), Allison Sarofim (Lake City), Aigerim Jakisheva (Kids in Love), Zoe Saldana, David Oyelowo, James Spring (Burke and Hare), Gene Kirkwood (Rocky), Lauren Lloyd (Cellular) and Paul Rosenberg (Southpaw).

RLJ Entertainment executives Mark Ward, Chief Acquisitions Officer and Angela Northington, SVP, Content Acquisitions negotiated the deal with ICM Partners behalf of the filmmakers.
Recent RLJ Entertainment releases include The Rewrite with Hugh Grant and Marisa Tomei, and written and directed by Marc Lawrence; The Cobbler with Adam Sandler, Cliff "Method Man" Smith, Ellen Barkin, Melonie Diaz, Dan Stevens, Steve Buscemi, and Dascha Polanco, and written and directed by Tom McCarthy; and Blackbird Based on the same title novel by Larry Duplechan stars Academy Award® winning actress and comedian Mo'Nique (Precious), Isaiah Washington (Grey's Anatomy),and introduces breakthrough actor Julian Walker and directed by Patrik-Ian Polk (Noah's Arc, The Skinny).

Wednesday, September 02, 2015

CELEBRITY QUOTE OF THE MOMENT-SETH ROGEN.

"I HATE SCREECH TOO! BUT,(THAT'S) UNCOOL TO SAY HE SPRANG FROM MY ASS! SUBTLE!"-In response, to a story last week about scumbag Dustin Diamond's hate crime lies. Ran into him at the The Grove.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

CELEBRITY HOMOPHOBIA: DUSTIN DIAMOND.

Like most people, I have NO desire- to meet a ugly, white trash, bigoted uber washed-up loser, like Dustin Diamond. Beyond the two times, I was FORCED to interact with...this piece of shit, that sprang from Seth Rogen's ass (when he was a kid.)

The first time, when I finished coming home from work and I had to cut across the back alley of the Santa Monica Promenade. A frequent option for many to reach the buses, on Wilshire Bl. about three blocks away. I suddenly hear a highly, dorky, voice scream "Faggot!" several times. I look up I DON'T recognize- the homely, pale face with a Jewish Afro (?). He goes on-OBSESSED about my sexuality, as I try to ignore this liar and walk through. He talks about me, like we were lovers and I NEVER met him.

Then, eight years later (August 22, 2015 after 9pm) I'm waiting outside an office building,  quietly waiting to leave the Century City Plaza, back to L.A. As I'm writing down some notes- at a news stand, I hear nasty, loud, obnoxious, laughter from Diamond and his chubby, frumpy, little person bitch. I assume that is Amanda Schutz- the skank that was apart, of his jailed, four month stabbing incident. 

Both are dressed like, they finished working a Pop Warner football game. For a while, I continue not to recognize the 90s super nerd.

At first, I tried to ignore them. Then, they got even louder- forcing me to look over. That's when Diamond starts pointing at me. THIS goes for over a minute. Finally I say: "You laugh like a nerd." The laughter stops in shock, for about 30 seconds. Then, the laughter starts again, then the fake Diamond stated "Considering your Race, I take that as a compliment." Next, his girl-fiend started to talk to him, as if the last few minutes hadn't happened.

About five minutes later, I had to walk near them- to get the wi-fi to work. Then, the Dustin's sow of a girlfriend, then turns back toward me and said "Faggot" and he laughs in agreement. I said, "Your evil and white...You're dressed as failed referees." Again, they stopped talking.

A few minutes later, they keep talking...very lowly. After another few minutes, The whore clown (her actual last job) repeated her "Faggot" remark.

At that point, I cocked my weapon that I had very LOUDLY. I stand there another 10 minutes, they are silent. Then I walk away, after decided they are NOT worth going to jail over. I COULD (more like should) have shot them (in the back of their heads) for their lies and bullying attitude toward me. The reason I didn't attack them, was because I realized they may have trying to goad and stab me, like the recent incident the got Diamond hard... time.

Finally, the Culver City Crosstown bus arrived and The bigoted losers got on and left.


SELENA GOMEZ HAD A PURITY RING FETISH?


Wednesday, August 05, 2015

IS KELLY OSBOURNE SUPPORTING DONALD TRUMP?


USC CONCLUDES DIVERSITY REMAINS-THE WHITE'S MAN BURDEN.

A new, landmark report released today reveals that if you want to work in Hollywood, being a straight, white male is practically part of the job description.
The study from the Media, Diversity, & Social Change Initiative at USC Annenberg is the most comprehensive analysis of diversity in recent popular films ever conducted, bringing together data assessing gender, race/ethnicity and LGBT status in movies. The study reveals, for the first time, a complete picture of Hollywood's indisputable bias against featuring females, people of color, and LGBT characters on screen.
In the 100 top-grossing films from 2014, less than one-third of all speaking characters were female, 26.9% were from an underrepresented racial/ethnic group, and less than .5 percent were LGB-identified. No transgender characters appeared in the 100 top grossing films of 2014.
The USC study assessed every speaking or named character on screen—over 30,000 characters in all—from the top-grossing films released in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Females represented just 30.2% of all speaking characters across these 700 movies.  Only 11% of the 700 films were gender balanced or featured girls/women in roughly half of all speaking parts. Twenty-one films in 2014 had a female lead or co-lead character, similar to what was observed in 2007 films (20%).
"The picture that film presents is one that bears little resemblance to our nation's demography," said USC Annenberg Professor Stacy L. Smith, author of the study and founding director of the Initiative.  "By examining the trends over time, it is clear that no progress has been made either on screen or behind the camera when it comes to representing reality. This report reflects a dismal record of diversity for not just one group, but for females, people of color and the LGBT community."
Of female characters, women age 40-64 are the least visible on screen. Across more than 9,000 characters age 40-64 in the 700 films examined, only 21.8% were women.
"For activists and advocates who want to see more women on screen, this age bracket is an important place to begin," said Professor Smith. "Women of all ages can be the focus of creative and compelling storytelling. Programs like The Writers Lab, supported by Meryl Streep, are necessary to increase the presence of powerful women over 40 behind the camera and also in front of it."
Female characters are nearly three times more likely to be objectified than male characters on screen. In the 100 top films of 2014, a mere 8% of males are shown in sexually revealing clothing, compared to 27.9% of females. Similarly, 9.1% of male characters are depicted with some nudity, while 26.4% of female characters are shown with some exposed skin.
For those concerned with the sexualization of younger characters, the report reveals that females age 13-20 and 21-39 are equally likely to be depicted in sexually revealing attire or with some exposed skin.
"Clearly," said Professor Smith, "the male gaze is still alive and well in popular film."
In addition, the study found bad news for women behind the scenes. Just two of the 107 directors in 2014 were female, or 1.9%.  The percentages of female writers (11.2%) and producers (18.9%) are also low.  Across all three positions, men outnumber women behind the camera at a rate of 5.3 to 1.
The report also examines characters from underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups.  Although they make up 37% of the U.S. population, underrepresented racial/ethnic groups comprise only 26.9% of speaking characters across the 100 top films of 2014. As in previous studies, Hispanic/Latino characters are the most underrepresented compared to their presence in the U.S. population. The study's findings also examine the proportion of films that feature any African-American or Asian characters.
"Across all 100 films in 2014 there are still movies that feature no Black/African American or Asian characters," said Professor Smith.  "There were 17 films with no Black or African-American characters and over 40 movies featured no Asian characters. Hollywood continues to marginalize or exclude certain members of society."
One positive finding did emerge. In comparison to top animated films of 2007, a 25.4% increase in the percentage of characters from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups was observed in the top animated films of 2014. However, over half of these 2014 characters appeared in one animated film (The Book of Life). Aside from this movie, there is still a significant increase in the percentage.
Underrepresented directors also fare poorly. Across 700 films, 5.8% of directors were Black or African-American and 2.4% of directors were Asian. There were no Asian directors in 2014. In the seven-year span, only 3 directors were African-American females and just one was an Asian female.
"Our findings demonstrate that women appear very infrequently behind the camera, but women of color are nearly invisible," said researcher Katherine Pieper, one of the study's authors.
The researchers examined diversity on multiple fronts, including an analysis of LGBT characters for the first time this year. Out of 4,610 speaking or named characters across the 100 top grossing films of 2014, only 19 were coded as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Of the 19 characters, the majority were gay, white men.
"Instead of acting as a leader, film lags behind when it comes to representing this community," said Marc Choueiti, the second author of the report.
"At a time when Jill Soloway is lauded for her storytelling prowess on Transparent and Caitlyn Jenner for her courage, film has a long road to traverse before it represents the diversity we see in TV and digital platforms, and in our communities," said Professor Smith. "While 'love wins' in our nation, it loses in film."
A full description of the results and methodology of the study, including findings related to film genre, can be found in the report: annenberg.usc.edu/MDSCI
This study is the most recent from the MDSC Initiative, which releases yearly in-depth analyses of the prevalence and portrayal of gender and race/ethnicity in film.  More than 65 students at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism worked on the study, which was conducted with the assistance of The Harnisch Foundation and other supporters of the MDSC Initiative.  For more information on the Initiative, or to read previous studies, visit annenberg.usc.edu/MDSCI.
KEY FINDINGS
Gender
  • Only 30.2% of the 30,835 speaking characters evaluated were female across the 700 top-grossing films from 2007 to 2014. This calculates to a gender ratio of 2.3 to 1.
  • Only 11% of 700 films had gender-balanced casts or featured girls/women in roughly half (45-54.9%) of the speaking roles.
  • A total of 21 of the 100 top films of 2014 featured a female lead or roughly equal co lead. This is similar to the percentage in 2007 (20%), but a 7% decrease from the 2013 sample (28%).
  • In 2014, no female actors over 45 years of age performed a lead or co lead role. Only three of the female actors in lead or co lead roles were from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds.  No female leads or co leads were Lesbian or Bisexual characters.
  • Less than a quarter of all speaking characters were female in the top animated films of 2014, which is a 7.4% decrease from 2010 but no change from 2007. Only 21.8% of speaking characters in action/adventure films were female, which did not differ from 2010 or 2007. 34% of characters in 2014 comedies were female
  • Across 700 films, a total of 9,522 characters were coded 40- to 64-years of age. Less than a quarter (21.8%) of these characters were women.  Only 19.9% of the middle-aged characters were female across the 100 top films of 2014. This is not different from the percentage in 2007.
  • In 2014, females of all ages were more likely than males to be shown in sexy attire (27.9% of females vs. 8% of males), with some nudity (26.4% of females vs. 9.1% of males) and referenced as physically attractive (12.6% of females vs. 3.1% of males). 
  • Examining patterns of sexualization by age in 2014 revealed that female teens (13-20 year olds) were just as likely to be sexualized as young adult females (21-39 year olds). Middle-aged females (40-64 year olds) were less likely than these two groups to be objectified.
  • Across the 100 top films of 2014, only 15.8% of content creators working as directors, writers, and producers were women. Women only accounted for 1.9% of directors, 11.2% of writers, and 18.9% of producers. Put differently, only 2 women directed across the 100 top films of 2014. This is not different from 2013 (2 female directors across 100 top films) or 2007 (3 female directors across 100 top films).
  • Twenty-eight women have worked as directors across the 700 top films from 2007 to 2014. Only three were African American. 
  • In the aggregate, films with at least one female screenwriter attached have more female characters and more women 40- to 64- years of age on screen than films without a female screenwriter attached.  Also, films with a female lead or co lead were associated with more girls/women on screen than those without a female lead or co lead attached.
Race/Ethnicity
  • Of those characters coded for race/ethnicity across 100 top films of 2014, 73.1% were White, 4.9% were Hispanic/Latino, 12.5% were Black, 5.3% were Asian, 2.9% were Middle Eastern, <1 1.2="" 2007-2014.="" acific="" american="" and="" apparent="" change="" ethnic="" ethnicity="" from="" groupings.="" hawaiian="" in="" indian="" islander="" laskan="" li="" native="" no="" of="" or="" other="" portrayal="" race="" racial="" represents="" the="" this="" were="">
  • Only 17 of the 100 top films of 2014 featured a lead or co lead actor from an underrepresented racial and/or ethnic group. An additional 3 films depicted an ensemble cast with 50% or more of the group comprised of actors from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds.
  • Just over a quarter of characters in action and/or adventure (26.1%) and comedy films (26.5%) are from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups across the 100 top films of 2014. This represents no change from 2007 or 2010.
  • In comparison to top animated films of 2007, a 25.4% increase in the percentage of underrepresented characters was observed in the top animated films of 2014. However, over half of these 2014 characters appeared in one animated film. Even without this movie, there is still a significant increase in the percentage of underrepresented speaking characters in animated films from 2007 to 2014.
  • In 2014, 17 films did not feature one Black or African American speaking character. This is the same number of movies without Black characters across the 100 top films of 2013. Over 40 movies across the 2014 sample did not depict an Asian speaking character.
  • Across the 100 top films of 2014, only 5 of the 107 directors (4.7%) were Black.  One Black director helmed two pictures and only one was female. Only 45 Black directors have been attached to the 700 top-grossing films. This represents 5.8% of all helmers in the years analyzed.
  • Only 19 Asian directors worked across the 700 top-grossing films. This is an overall percentage of 2.4%. Only 1 Asian director was female across the films analyzed and was listed as a co-director.
LGBT
  • Across 4,610 speaking characters in the 100 top films of 2014, only 19 were Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual. Not one Transgender character was portrayed.
  • Ten characters were coded as Gay, 4 were Lesbian, and 5 were Bisexual. Only 14 movies sample wide featured an LGB depiction and none of those films were animated. 
  • Of the LGB characters coded, nearly two-thirds were male (63.2%) and only 36.8% were female. LGB characters were also predominantly White (84.2%). Only 15.8% were from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Monday, July 27, 2015

CELEBRITY Q AND A: SINGER BRANDY.

About 20 years  ago, My dad and I were driving- to the grocery store, in a '73 Brohams (or as Oscar Winner Jamie Foxx put it- "Bro Ham." It was jet black NOT "Merlot."

Anyway, We were silently lost in our own thoughts, when a equally black, SUV pulled up to us, in right hand lane. Our car was in the center lane.The left passenger window went down and a girl who looked like Moesha, smiled at us. She sang,"I WANNA BE DOWN!"

I was lost in thought about college tests and thought the radio is on. I look over and she smiles. Her SUV pulls away and makes a right turn. My dad and I look at each other, with a "Was that Brandy look?!" The light changed and we had to continue on our way

Friday, July 17, 2015

LIKE PEPSI FOR MOVIE RENTAL.

Redbox, America's destination for new-release entertainment, and 7-Eleven® today announced a nationwide promotion that's giving consumers a free Redbox movie night with every 32-ounce Big Gulp® purchase, now through August 31.

"Not only is this the first national promotion that we've ever run with 7-Eleven, it's also the biggest promotion in Redbox's history," said Mark Horak, president of Redbox. "From now until the end of August, we expect to hand out millions of free movie nights to 7-Eleven customers which is a whole lot of new-release entertainment for movie and soda lovers nationwide."
To get their free movie nights, all consumers need to do is purchase a 32-ounce Big Gulp drink at any participating 7-Eleven store.  Attached to the side of the cup will be a tear-off label with a unique Redbox promo code (while supplies last).

This offer is exclusively available at participating 7-Eleven stores, and Redbox promo codes for a free 1-day DVD rental can be redeemed online or at any of Redbox's nearly 35,000 locations nationwide. To find a Redbox location near them, consumers can enter their ZIP codes at redbox.com/locations or download the Redbox app for an easy location finder, and to browse and reserve their movie in advance.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

IS JANET JACKSON BACK?

Janet's Jackson's tour is not only UNBREAKABLE, it is now unstoppable thanks to her fans across North America. The recent BET Awards' Ultimate Icon honoree, multiple GRAMMY® Award-winner and multi-platinum selling artist announced a 2nd North American leg to her UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR with an additional 27 new cities added to what has become one of the most highly-anticipated international tours. Janet has been listening to her fans and their overwhelming response to both her new music and her tour. They've asked her to bring the UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR to their city and now she's giving even more fans a chance to be part of this year's most exciting tour.


The 2nd leg of the North American tour will kick off on January 12, 2016 in Portland, OR and will visit 27 cities including dates in New York City, Washington DC, Boston, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia and more! A full list of dates on the 2nd leg of the UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR is below.  All dates on the tour are being co-produced by Miss Jackson's Rhythm Nation. Additional worldwide concerts will be announced at a later date.


Fans who pre-order the album on JanetJackson.com will receive presale access for premium seating beginning July 14 at 10:00 a.m. until July 19 at 10:00 p.m. before tickets are available to the public. Janet is very appreciative of everyone who purchases tickets, but also wants to thank the fans that purchase her music with a special enhanced experience at the show. Janet believes that music is the livelihood of not only the artist but also songwriters, studio musicians, back-up singers, producers, editors, engineers, stage hands, road crew, tour managers and more. By purchasing music, fans are showing their support for the industry as a whole, and for everyone involved in bringing music to life both in the studio and live on tour.


American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. local through Sunday, July 19 at 10:00 p.m. local.
The UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR will return one of this world's most influential entertainers back to the live stage in support of her upcoming album due out this Fall on Rhythm Nation/BMG. The first single from the new album, No Sleeep, has already entered the Top Ten on the Urban AC and Billboard Hot R & B Songs charts, only two weeks after being released. 


The Unbreakable World Tour's first leg, a 39-date tour, starts Aug. 31 in Vancouver, BC, and includes stops in cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Nashville, Cincinnati and San Diego. 
In addition to Live Nation and Rhythm Nation, other concert promoters will include Nederlander Concerts, Jam Productions, Another Planet Entertainment, and such promoters as Bamp and Tommy Meharey.
Janet Jackson, iconic music artist, multi-award-winning songwriter, producer, singer, Oscar and Golden Globe nominee and winner of the NAACP Best Sporting Actor award, publisher, choreographer, dancer, Number One New York Times Best Selling Author, businessperson, and philanthropist, is one of the biggest-selling, most influential artists in popular music history. Having won 6 GRAMMY® Awards, along with dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, BET honors, and Billboard Music Awards, Janet Jackson stands as one of the most prolific artists of all time with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. With sales of over 160 million records worldwide, her music and artistry have opened doors through which other top artists have followed, while acknowledging her impact on their musical perceptions.
For Janet Jackson news, please follow www.twitter.com/JanetJackson.


JANET JACKSON - UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR – SECOND LEGAll dates, cities and venues below subject to change.
All dates below on sale July 20.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Portland, OR
Moda Center
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Seattle, WA
KeyArena
Friday, January 15, 2016
Sacramento, CA
Sleep Train Arena
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Anaheim, CA
Honda Center
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Tucson, AZ
Tucson Arena
Thursday, January 21, 2016
San Antonio, TX
AT&T Center
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Houston, TX
Toyota Center
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Dallas, TX
American Airlines Center
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Tulsa, OK
BOK Center
Friday, January 29, 2016
Indianapolis, IN
Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Lexington, KY
Rupp Arena
Monday, February 01, 2016
Columbus, OH
Schottenstein Center
Tuesday, February 02, 2016
Cleveland, OH
Quicken Loans Arena
Friday, February 05, 2016
Detroit, MI
The Palace of Auburn Hills
Saturday, February 06, 2016
Pittsburgh, PA
CONSOL Energy Center
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Newark, NJ
Prudential Center
Friday, February 19, 2016
Bethlehem, PA
Sands Bethlehem Events Center
Monday, February 22, 2016
Brooklyn, NY
Barclays Center
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Philadelphia, PA
Wells Fargo Center
Friday, February 26, 2016
Boston, MA
TD Garden
Monday, February 29, 2016
Baltimore, MD
Royal Farms Arena
Tuesday, March 01, 2016
Washington, DC
Verizon Center
Thursday, March 03, 2016
Atlanta, GA
Philips Arena
Friday, March 04, 2016
Winston-Salem, NC
Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Sunday, March 06, 2016
Columbia, SC
Colonial Life Arena
Tuesday, March 08, 2016
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
Wednesday, March 09, 2016
Fort Lauderdale, FL 
BB&T Center

Thursday, June 25, 2015

FAMED MOVIE CRITIC, TO RERUN PAST INTERVIEWS FOR CHARITY.

After 44 years doing movie reviews and movie star interviews on the TV news at CBS and NBC in Los Angeles, David Sheehan has a new calling: an online web series called "The Other Side of Stardom."
Each week, Sheehan will revisit one of his classic interviews in an effort to bring the most provocative thoughts of Hollywood's most celebrated stars to a whole new audience. Al Pacino, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robin Williams, and Tom Cruise are among the first stars to be featured.
All net proceeds from the series (FOR A YEAR) will benefit Sheehan's three favorite charities: Children of the Night, Habitat for Humanity, and St. Jude Children's Hospital.
"The Other Side of Stardom" represents a second chance for fans everywhere to experience Sheehan's very thoughtful and unusually personal conversations with a star-studded list of Hollywood greats, including:  Robert Redford, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Michelle Feiffer, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Jane Fonda, Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson, Warren Beatty, Denzel Washington, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Paul Newman, Marlon Brando, Robin Williams, and more.
Actor Al Pacino is the first subject of "The Other Side of Stardom" series, prompted by critic Sheehan's rave review of Pacino's new movie "Manglehorn."
Sheehan's very personal interview with Pacino explores the acclaimed actor's attitudes about his own long life of acting, and what it has done for him (and to him) as a person.
"The Other Side of Stardom" is a co-production of Hollywood Close-Ups, Inc. and RetroVideo, Inc., directed by noted video editor Derek Bloom, editorial supervisors John Diamond & Mark Braverman, media managers AJ Barton, Toy Newkirk & Rob Neason, with Kellyann Chippendale and Jeff Jacobs, executive producers.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

TOO SERIOUS SUPERHEROES, DESERVE SERIOUS FOOD.

 Denny's, America's iconic family diner, is pleased to announce its partnership with 20th Century Fox to bring the adventure of the summer movie event 'Fantastic Four', in theaters Aug. 7, to diners across the nation. To celebrate the highly anticipated movie, Denny's is offering one lucky Fantastic Four fan a trip for two to the movie premiere on Aug. 4. Now, through July 19, fans may visit www.dennysfantastic4.com to enter for a chance to win the trip of a lifetime.

As the official restaurant partner of the new movie, Denny's will also offer guests action-packed fare with the new limited time 'Slamtastic 4' menu, featuring a selection of iconic Denny's dishes inspired by Marvel's first family of superheroes. Available June 23, the new menu explodes with dishes such as the sizzling Human Torch Skillet, The Thing Burger and the Invisible Woman Slam®.
"As America's diner, we are known for our 'come as you are' atmosphere that welcomes and embraces guests from all walks of life, even superheroes! We are thrilled to partner with 20th Century Fox to combine the high-powered spirit of the Fantastic Four movie with our classic diner atmosphere for an epic experience that offers something for everyone," said John Dillon, @DillonJohnW, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Denny's Corporation. "From our 'Slamtastic 4' superhero-themed menu to in-store merchandising and a national sweepstakes for fans, we were inspired by the movie's classic comic book characters and look forward to celebrating the upcoming movie debut with fans."
"Denny's is an iconic American brand serving millions of Americans every week, so we are excited to work with them on this comprehensive and inspired campaign," said Zachary Eller, Senior Vice President, Marketing Partnerships, 20th Century Fox. "We know that Denny's customers are frequent moviegoers who love this property, so this partnership is a natural fit with Fantastic Four."

In addition to the exclusive sweepstakes and fantastic diner creations, guests will have plenty of other ways to enjoy a taste of the movie at Denny's. Dedicated TV spots, which will begin to air nationally the week of July 6, brings the Fantastic Four characters straight to America's Diner, while the brand's Instagram channel will be posting a series of exclusive clips for followers throughout the partnership. Denny's diner gang from 'The Grand Slams' web series will also be getting a superhero-inspired makeover in two exclusive Fantastic Four episodes featured on www.thegrandslams.com beginning July 1.

In theaters everywhere Aug. 7, Fantastic Four is a contemporary re-imagining of Marvel's original and longest-running superhero team. The film centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.
The film stars Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell, Toby Kebbell, Reg E. Cathey, and Tim Blake Nelson. Josh Trank directed from a screenplay by Jeremy Slater and Simon Kinberg and Josh Trank, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

Wednesday, June 03, 2015

ROCK ON FOR SAFETY!

Created pro bono by Warner Bros. for the Ad Council, the new creative includes English language TV and radio advertising and uses scenes from the feature film San Andreas to amplify earthquake safety awareness and the protective actions that can be taken in the event of an earthquake. Featuring Dwayne Johnson, one of the stars of the film, the PSAs educate audiences on the three steps to take if an earthquake strikes; “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” The PSAs direct audiences to Ready.gov/Earthquake, where visitors can access more information on how to protect themselves, their families, and property before, during, and after an earthquake. It is critically important to highlight the steps people can take to protect themselves from an earthquake. According to joint research by the U.S. Geological Service (USGS) and FEMA, nearly half the U.S. population, 150 million Americans, are exposed to potentially damaging earthquake shaking. “Earthquakes can occur anywhere in the U.S. without warning,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “The PSA provides earthquake safety tips that are vital to preparing yourself and your family to react quickly, which will save lives.” The new PSAs are an extension of FEMA and the Ad Council’s Ready campaign, which has helped to generate more than 87 million unique visitors to the campaign’s website Ready.gov since its launch in 2003. Through the Ad Council, to date, the Ready campaign has received more than $1.1 billion in donated media. “We are glad that Dwayne Johnson and Warner Bros. are helping to support the important earthquake preparedness messaging behind our Ready campaign,” said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “It is through strategic partnerships such as this that we can reach the largest audience possible, and families can learn how to be prepared in the event of a disaster.” The Ad Council is distributing the new PSAs to media outlets nationwide this week and the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space donated by the media. For more information on the campaign visit Ready.gov/Earthquake

Thursday, May 28, 2015

GO TO HELL JAIL, SCREECH!


"AMERICA," THE BERNIE MAC SHOW IS ON BOUNCE TV NOW.

 Bounce TV -- the nation's first and only broadcast television network designed for African American audiences -- has licensed the broadcast television rights to all five seasons and 104 episodes of the Peabody and EMMY award-winning sitcom The Bernie Mac Show in a multi-year agreement with Twentieth Television announced today.
Bounce TV will air the The Bernie Mac Show Monday-Friday with back-to-back episodes from 8:00-9:00 pm (ET) beginning June first.  The sitcom joins The Hughleys (7:00-8:00pm) and The Parent 'Hood  (6:00-7:00 pm) in Bounce TV's early evening line-up.

In the series, Bernie Mac stars as a famous stand-up comedian living large in Los Angeles with his beautiful wife Wanda (Kellita Smith). However, their world changes when they suddenly must take custody of his sister's three children when she is ordered into rehab. The critically-acclaimed show, loosely based on Mac's stand-up comedy act, was a mainstay on FOX from 2001-2006. Mac's character being a celebrity allowed for a who's who of stars to make guest appearances on the show including Chris Rock, Halle Berry, Don Cheadle, Charles Barkley, Snoop Dog and Ice Cube. The series was created by Larry Wilmore, now the host of The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore on Comedy Central.

Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and has become the #2 most-watched among all AA networks.  The network airs on the digital broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more.  Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 85 million homes across 90 markets, 90% of African American television homes -- including all of the top AA television markets -- and three quarters of the total television homes in the United States. Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

Later.