VH1 Announces Lead Actors for Original Movie DRUMLINE: A NEW BEAT

VH1's original movie "Drumline: A New Beat" welcomes actors Letoya Luckett, Alexandra Shipp, Jordan Calloway, Jeff Pierre, Jasmine Burke and Scott Shilstone to its cast, along with the previously announced star of the original movie, "Drumline," Leonard Roberts. Executive producer Nick Cannon also reprises the role of Devon Miles in a cameo appearance. Following the ratings success of last year's "CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story," VH1 is producing the original movie in partnership with FOX Television Studios and targeting a Fall 2014 premiere.

"Drumline: A New Beat" will Capture the sound and spirit of the first film while welcoming a whole new class to the Atlanta A & T drumline. The story follows Danielle (Dani) Bolton, an upper class Brooklyn girl who defies her parents in order to attend Atlanta A & T so she can join - and revitalize - their once-prominent drumline. Dani's quest to become the first female section leader of the drumline in the school's history will be hampered by upperclassmen (including her cousin, Tyree), her feelings for fellow band mate and rival, Jayven, and the school's crosstown competitors.

Leonard Roberts will return to his Drumline roots as Sean Taylor, a charismatic and determined new Band Director looking to make his mark at his alma mater while navigating the ghosts of his past. Leonard is repped by Greene & Associates and Evolution Entertainment.

Alexandra Shipp will star as Danielle "Dani" Bolton, a brilliant drummer whose goal is to become the first female percussion section leader in the famous Atlanta A&T drumline. As Dani fights to get what she thinks is rightfully hers, she will learn a few life lessons about ego, teamwork and courage. Alexandra is repped by Yasmine Pearl at The Osbrink Agency and Elevate Entertainment.

Letoya Luckett joins the cast as Dr. Nia Phillips, the beautiful, intelligent, and determined dean at Atlanta A&T with former romantic ties to Sean. Her support of Sean's return to lead A&T's band proves to be difficult as the Panthers take on a rival band led by Dr. Phillips' ex-huband, and Sean's brother, Kevin Taylor. Letoya is repped by Resolution and Barnes, Morris, Yorn, Esq.

Jordan Calloway will play Jayven Lapierre, an extremely gifted, yet cocky freshman at Atlanta A&T who is immediately attracted to Dani and Vice versa. However, their relationship will be challenged when there may not be room for both of them on the drumline. Jordan is repped by Tracy Christian of TCA Jed Root and Eunice Lee and Tim Jordan of Jordan Lee Talent.

Jeff Pierre is set to play Tyree, Dani's cousin who is a big supporter of her drumming talent. As the head of the percussion section on Atlanta A&T's legendary Panthers marching band, Tyree is bound to become involved in Dani's escalating troubles. Jeff is repped by BRS/Gage and Main Title.

Jasmine Burke will take on the role of Tasha Williams, a self-described schoolgirl and one of Dani's roommates. Tasha is being wooed by Josh, but the tables may turn as she ends up helping him in a way she least expected. Jasmine is repped by Joy Pervis of J. Pervis Talent.

Scott Shilstone will play Josh, a Boston native with J.Crew looks who has his eye on Tasha. His feelings may not be reciprocated until Tasha is tasked to help him out. Scott is repped by the Gersh Agency and Working Entertainment.

"Drumline: A New Beat" is the next movie fueling VH1's successful momentum into the scripted arena. VH1 delivered the highest-rated original cable movie of 2013 among adults 18-49 with "CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story." 4.5 million total viewers tuned in for its October 21 premiere, which earned a 2.9 rating in the adult 18-49 demo and scored as the most-tweeted TV topic that day, generating over 2 million tweets.

"Drumline: A New Beat" is executive produced by Nick Cannon, Wendy Finerman, Jody Gerson, Lisa Zupan and Dallas Austin and will be executive produced by Maggie Malina, Alexander A. Motlagh of POPFilms and Michael Goldman. Susan Levison and Jill Holmes will executive produce for VH1. Billie Woodruff is directing.

VH1 delivers the ultimate mash-up of music, pop culture and nostalgia for adults who still want to have fun. VH1 is available in 99 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, the VH1 App, VH1.com and @VH1, the HUB for all things music and pop culture. Fans may also access current and retro VH1 programming via the VH1 App, the network's three-in-one video, new form content and co-viewing app, available for free on iOS and Android platforms. VH1 is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

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