BET Networks News

The Blackhouse Foundation and presenting sponsor Facebook reveal their slate of engaging and elevated programming at The Sundance Film Festival 2020.

Celebrating thirteen years of engaging and elevated programming since 2007, The Blackhouse Foundation once again returns to the 2020 Sundance Film Festival (January 24-January 27 in Park City, UT), as announced this morning by The Hollywood Reporter.

Today, BET Networks announced new original scripted miniseries 'Uptown.' The three-part television event will tell the comprehensive story of Andre Harrell's iconic New York City record label, Uptown Records. Launched in 1986, following a joint venture deal with MCA, Andre Harrell's Uptown Records played a vital role in the careers of some of the most influential voices in hip hop, soul and R&B, including Heavy D & The Boyz, Russell Simmons, Lyor Cohen, Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Father MC, Al B. Sure, Christopher Williams, Teddy Riley, Notorious B.I.G., Sean 'Diddy' Combs and many more. Each gripping episode will take viewers from the label's inception to current day, featuring the music and powerhouse hit-makers that helped mold what would come to be known as the Uptown 'sound' and define a musical era that would impact generations to come. 'Uptown' is scheduled to premiere on BET in 2020.

The Paley Center for Media today announced a star-studded lineup of presenters and guests who will participate in this year's The Paley Honors: A Special Tribute to Television's Comedy Legends. The event will take place on Thursday, November 21 at 6:30pm at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Today BET Networks announced the second season pick-up for its smart, sexy drama series “GAMES PEOPLE PLAY.” Starring Lauren London, Sarunas J. Jackson, Parker McKenna Posey, Karen Obilom and Jackie Long, season one of “GAMES PEOPLE PLAY” followed a desperate basketball wife trying to protect her family, a tenacious journalist struggling to rebuild a tarnished career, and a scandalous groupie looking to become a star, who all find it is murder trying to stay on top. In April 2019, fans were introduced to their newest guilty pleasure which left them at the edge of their seats every episode, culminating with the “killer” season one ending. Season two cast members will be announced at a later date.

AMERICAN BUFFALO today announced a special pre-sale for fans of Darren Criss. Tickets will be available beginning Friday, November 15, 2019 at 10am EST and run through Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 5pm EST. To sign up for access to the pre-sale, please visit http://darrencriss.me/BuffaloBway or text a?oeBUFFALOa?? to 415.675.8068.

On the heels ofBET's new original series, “Tyler Perry's The Oval” claiming the #1 spot as the new scripted series for general market P18-49, P2+ for ALL of cable TV,* Tyler Perry expands his content offerings with two new original series for the network's premium streaming service BET+, “Tyler Perry's Bruh” and “Tyler Perry's Ruthless.” The first series to complete production, “Tyler Perry'sBruh,” produced by Perry exclusively for BET+, examines the world of dating, career, and friendship in a present-day society for a group of 30-something-year-old college friends. The second series currently in production, “Tyler Perry's Ruthless,” will serve as a spin-off to the popular linear series “Tyler Perry's The Oval.” The new one-hour drama follows a young woman named Ruth into the dark underworld of a fanatical religious cult. “Tyler Perry's Bruh” and “Tyler Perry's Ruthless” are written, directed and executive produced by Tyler Perry. Michelle Sneed will also serve as Executive Producer of the series for Tyler Perry Studios.

Sundance Institute announced today two support tracks for artists from underrepresented communities, continuing the Institute's commitment to fostering inclusive artistic visions. Announced today are the eight members of the second class of the Momentum Fellowship, a full-year program of deep, customized creative and professional support for writers, directors, and producers from underrepresented communities who are poised to take the next step in their careers, working across documentary and feature filmmaking, and episodic content. Sundance Institute also announced the four awardees of the inaugural Launch Grant Fund, a new opportunity for emerging filmmakers from underrepresented communities launching their first feature film.

RCA Inspiration has appointed Justin Tomlinson as Associate Director of Digital Marketing. Tomlinson will lead strategic implementation of digital marketing campaigns for all RCAI artists, and ensure marketing campaigns support all promotion and consumption efforts. Through the role, Tomlinson contributes to the development and communication of RCAI's broader label strategy, while evaluating the effectiveness of campaigns.

HBO Max strengthens its drama team with a talented group of seasoned players. The senior executives tapped to lead original scripted drama for HBO Max were announced today by Joey Chavez, Executive Vice President, Original Drama, HBO Max. Joining the drama team are Roberto Alcantara, Vice President, Drama; Chika Chukudebelu, Vice President, Drama; and Mark Tuohy, Vice President, Drama. All executives report to Chavez who oversees creative development. With an accomplished collective of skills in scripted, the group will create a rich slate of original dramas for WarnerMedia's direct-to-consumer offering scheduled to launch in spring of 2020.

Strategic Heights Media has been named the public relations agency of record for Rikki Hughes's entertainment production company, Magic Lemonade. Hughes is a veteran EMMY® and GRAMMY® Award-winning film producer of comedy specials, award and television shows, and independent features. She has secured clients such as BET Networks, Comedy Central, Roc Nation, Def Jam, Netflix, HBO, and more. Strategic Heights Media will handle the overall public relations efforts and media strategy for Rikki Hughes and Magic Lemonade. This involves the development and implementation of media campaigns, media relations, and creating awareness around upcoming new projects.

Nine original independent pilots and their 14 creators, will benefit from holistic support and development at Sundance Institute's sixth annual Episodic Lab, taking place at Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah October 10-15, 2019. With topics that span genres --  from provocative reimaginings of the American dream to  visionary and epic supernatural dramas-- the scope of this year's projects, along with the diverse backgrounds of their creators, speaks to the Institute's broad and visionary support of the episodic format as the industry develops and grows; the Episodic Lab is the centerpiece of the Institute's year-round support program for emerging television writers.

Nine original independent pilots and their 14 creators, will benefit from holistic support and development at Sundance Institute's sixth annual Episodic Lab, taking place at Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah October 10-15, 2019. With topics that span genres --  from provocative reimaginings of the American dream to  visionary and epic supernatural dramas-- the scope of this year's projects, along with the diverse backgrounds of their creators, speaks to the Institute's broad and visionary support of the episodic format as the industry develops and grows; the Episodic Lab is the centerpiece of the Institute's year-round support program for emerging television writers.

Nickelodeon, the number-one kids' network, and Tyler Perry Studios have entered into a content partnership to jointly develop and produce a new kids and family live-action series with 10-year-old rapper Young Dylan (Dylan Gilmer, @officialyoungdylan). The news was revealed today on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), and Tyler Perry Studios today announced that, BET+, their joint venture and premier subscription video-on demand service, will launch in the U.S. on Thursday, September 19. For $9.99 per month, BET+ will feature more than 1,000 hours of premium content, including exclusive new original programming and fan-favorite series, movies, and specials from BET Networks, as well as a host of leading African American content creators, including Tyler Perry, Tracy Oliver, Will Packer and more.

BET Networks, a unit of  Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), and Tyler Perry Studios today announced that, BET+, their joint venture and premier subscription video-on demand service, will launch in the U.S. on Thursday, September 19.  For $9.99 per month, BET+ will feature more than 1,000 hours of premium content, including exclusive new original programming and fan-favorite series, movies, and specials from BET Networks, as well as a host of leading African American content creators, including Tyler Perry, Tracy Oliver, Will Packer and more.

BET Networks and Beverly Bond, CEO, Executive Producer and Creator of BLACK GIRLS ROCK!® are excited to announce Emmy-nominated actress, Niecy Nash as host of The 2019 BLACK GIRLS ROCK!® Awards on BET. This year's celebration will tape on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, NJ. The broadcast will premiere on Sunday, September 8, 2019 at 8:00 P.M. ET/PT on BET.

Tony Award-nominated Producer Matthew Weaver (Rock of Ages) and Jeffrey Tick (former owner of Broadway's Helen Hayes Theater), alongside new general producing partner Richard Gay (5Pack Entertainment founder, and former EVP of Viacom's Music Networks & BET Networks) announce the creative team and producing team for the Broadway-bound musical SOUL TRAIN, inspired by the iconic television series created and hosted by Don Cornelius. SOUL TRAIN will feature a trailblazing creative team with 2019 Tony Award Nominated and MacArthur Genius Grant-winning playwright Dominique Morisseau (Ain't Too Proud, The Detroit Project), the Apollo Theater's Kamilah Forbes (By the Way, Meet Vera Stark; The Mountaintop, Assoc.) as director, and 2019 Tony Award Nominee Camille A. Brown (Choir Boy, Emmy-winning Jesus Christ Superstar on NBC; Tony-winning revival of Once on This Island) as choreographer. The production is planning a Broadway premiere in 2021 in celebration of the landmark series' 50th Anniversary.

Today, BET Networks announced the production of a new original movie 'SACRIFICE' starring Paula Patton ('Hitch,' 'Precious'). 'SACRIFICE' takes place in Los Angeles following Daniella Hernandez, played by Patton, a highly sought after entertainment lawyer. The legal thriller tracks Daniella as she navigates the nefarious lives of her rich and famous clients. Daniella has a reputation that proves problematic to LA Law enforcement, forcing her to be at odds with her sorority sister turned nemesis District Attorney Beverly Rucker. In an attempt to protect her often unscrupulous clients, Daniella enlists the services of her resourceful assistant and a young ex-hacker and tech genius. 'SACRIFICE' is executive produced, written, and directed by Chris Stokes. Marques Houston also serves as the film's co-executive producer for Footage Films. Principal photography for 'SACRIFICE' took place in New Orleans. 'SACRIFICE' will premiere on BET's new streaming service BET+ in 2020.

BET Networks and Tyler Perry Studios announced today additional series regulars for Perry's second original series for the network, 'SISTAS.' Chido Nwokocha, DeVale Ellis, Brian Jordan Jr., Kevin Walton, and Anthony Dalton join previously announced cast KJ Smith, Ebony Obsidian, Mignon Von, and Novi Brown. 'SISTAS,' follows a group of single black females as they navigate their complicated love life, careers and friendship through the ups-and-downs of living in a modern world of social media and unrealistic relationship goals. Premiering this fall on BET, the one-hour drama takes viewers on a roller coaster ride of emotions and hilarious moments that are the epitome of #squadgoals. Principal photography for 'SISTAS' is underway at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.