Hulu has revealed the official trailer and poster for Prom Dates, the coming-of-age comedy film that will debut on the streaming service on Friday, May 3.
Prom Dates follows best friends Jess and Hannah, who made a pact at 13 to have the perfect senior prom. Despite the impending changes that college will bring over the next four years, the two are committed to honoring their prom pact.
But with only 24 hours left before the big event, everything falls apart when they break up with each of their dates. Jess and Hannah are left with one night to find new dates and live out their middle-school fantasies.
The film was directed by Kim O. Nguyen and written by D.J. Mausner (Baroness Von Sketch Show). It was produced by American High and Hartbeat.
The movie stars Julia Lester (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Antonia Gentry (Ginny & Georgia), Kenny Ridwan (The Goldbergs...
Prom Dates follows best friends Jess and Hannah, who made a pact at 13 to have the perfect senior prom. Despite the impending changes that college will bring over the next four years, the two are committed to honoring their prom pact.
But with only 24 hours left before the big event, everything falls apart when they break up with each of their dates. Jess and Hannah are left with one night to find new dates and live out their middle-school fantasies.
The film was directed by Kim O. Nguyen and written by D.J. Mausner (Baroness Von Sketch Show). It was produced by American High and Hartbeat.
The movie stars Julia Lester (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Antonia Gentry (Ginny & Georgia), Kenny Ridwan (The Goldbergs...
- 4/25/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Former Warner Bros. exec Jay Levine has joined Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat as its new chief executive officer. Levine replaces ex-ceo Thai Randolph, who exited the company in November after nearly seven years at the helm.
In his new role, Levine will oversee all aspects of the company’s activities including development, production, marketing, distribution and other exploitation of its IP and experiences.
His hire comes amid a strong period of growth for Hartbeat. Last year, the company released 23 projects across TV, film, digital and audio, nearly doubled its staff, and opened its new Los Angeles headquarters.
Levine spent over a decade at Warner Bros. and Warner Media before he departed after the Discovery merger. Most recently, he led strategy and operations for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, which included WB Pictures Group, HBO, and HBO Max Programming, WB Television Group, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, WB Animation, TBS, TNT,...
In his new role, Levine will oversee all aspects of the company’s activities including development, production, marketing, distribution and other exploitation of its IP and experiences.
His hire comes amid a strong period of growth for Hartbeat. Last year, the company released 23 projects across TV, film, digital and audio, nearly doubled its staff, and opened its new Los Angeles headquarters.
Levine spent over a decade at Warner Bros. and Warner Media before he departed after the Discovery merger. Most recently, he led strategy and operations for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, which included WB Pictures Group, HBO, and HBO Max Programming, WB Television Group, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, WB Animation, TBS, TNT,...
- 2/20/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The cast for the American High and Hartbeat Hulu movie Prom Dates has been set with Chelsea Handler and Best in Show‘s John Michael Higgins, but also Julia Lester, Antonia Gentry, Kenny Ridwan, Jt Neal, Jordan Buhat, Zión Moreno, and Terry Hu. The movie will hit the service this spring.
The Kim O. Nguyen directed, D.J. Mausner scripted movie follows best friends Jess and Hannah (Gentry and Lester), who make a pact at 13 to have the perfect senior prom. Despite the impending changes that college will bring over the next four years, the two are committed to honoring their prom pact. But with only 24 hours left before the big event, everything falls apart when they break up with each of their dates. Jess and Hannah are left with one night to find new dates and live out their middle-school fantasies.
Producers are Jeremy Garelick, Will Phelps and Molle DeBartolo...
The Kim O. Nguyen directed, D.J. Mausner scripted movie follows best friends Jess and Hannah (Gentry and Lester), who make a pact at 13 to have the perfect senior prom. Despite the impending changes that college will bring over the next four years, the two are committed to honoring their prom pact. But with only 24 hours left before the big event, everything falls apart when they break up with each of their dates. Jess and Hannah are left with one night to find new dates and live out their middle-school fantasies.
Producers are Jeremy Garelick, Will Phelps and Molle DeBartolo...
- 2/13/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Following the renewal of American High’s first-look deal with Hulu Originals, the streamer has pre-bought rights to Prom Dates, a new coming-of-age comedy from American High and Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat.
News of the project comes following the August debut of Hulu and American High’s most recent feature collaboration, the Oz Rodriguez coming-of-age comedy Miguel Wants to Fight.
Helmed by veteran TV director Kim O. Nguyen, Prom Dates follows best friends Jess and Hannah, who made a pact at 13 to have the perfect senior prom. Despite the impending changes that college will bring over the next four years, the two are committed to honoring their prom pact. But with only 24 hours left before the big event, everything falls apart when they break up with each of their dates. Jess and Hannah are left with one night to find new dates and live out their middle-school fantasies.
News of the project comes following the August debut of Hulu and American High’s most recent feature collaboration, the Oz Rodriguez coming-of-age comedy Miguel Wants to Fight.
Helmed by veteran TV director Kim O. Nguyen, Prom Dates follows best friends Jess and Hannah, who made a pact at 13 to have the perfect senior prom. Despite the impending changes that college will bring over the next four years, the two are committed to honoring their prom pact. But with only 24 hours left before the big event, everything falls apart when they break up with each of their dates. Jess and Hannah are left with one night to find new dates and live out their middle-school fantasies.
- 11/9/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Hulu has picked up “Prom Dates,” a coming-of-age comedy film produced by Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat as well as American High.
“Prom Dates” follows best friends Jess and Hannah, who made a pact at 13 to have the perfect senior prom. Despite the impending changes that college will bring over the next four years, the two are committed to honoring their prom pact. But with only 24 hours left before the big event, everything falls apart when they break up with each of their dates. Jess and Hannah are left with one night to find new dates and live out their middle-school fantasies.
The movie, which has already been shot, was directed by Kim O. Nguyen, repped by 3 Arts, from a script written by D.J. Mausner (“Baroness Von Sketch Show”). Producers include Jeremy Garelick, Will Phelps and Molle DeBartolo for American High; Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley and Luke Kelly-Clyne for Hartbeat; and...
“Prom Dates” follows best friends Jess and Hannah, who made a pact at 13 to have the perfect senior prom. Despite the impending changes that college will bring over the next four years, the two are committed to honoring their prom pact. But with only 24 hours left before the big event, everything falls apart when they break up with each of their dates. Jess and Hannah are left with one night to find new dates and live out their middle-school fantasies.
The movie, which has already been shot, was directed by Kim O. Nguyen, repped by 3 Arts, from a script written by D.J. Mausner (“Baroness Von Sketch Show”). Producers include Jeremy Garelick, Will Phelps and Molle DeBartolo for American High; Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley and Luke Kelly-Clyne for Hartbeat; and...
- 11/9/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Hartbeat CEO Thai Randolph is stepping down from her post after close to seven years at Kevin Hart’s entertainment company.
Randolph is leaving to “pursue new endeavors,” according to a statement, but will remain a strategic advisor to Hart. Until a new CEO can be appointed, Hart, who is currently chairman of the company, will act in the role in an interim position.
“It’s been a great honor to help shape Hartbeat into the powerhouse entertainment platform it has become. I couldn’t be prouder of the meteoric growth and incredible impact we’ve driven over the years. My passions are telling stories and building businesses, and for the past seven years, I’ve been able to do just that alongside some of the best partners, colleagues, and creators in the industry. As I move on to further explore those passions, I will continue to cheer on the...
Randolph is leaving to “pursue new endeavors,” according to a statement, but will remain a strategic advisor to Hart. Until a new CEO can be appointed, Hart, who is currently chairman of the company, will act in the role in an interim position.
“It’s been a great honor to help shape Hartbeat into the powerhouse entertainment platform it has become. I couldn’t be prouder of the meteoric growth and incredible impact we’ve driven over the years. My passions are telling stories and building businesses, and for the past seven years, I’ve been able to do just that alongside some of the best partners, colleagues, and creators in the industry. As I move on to further explore those passions, I will continue to cheer on the...
- 11/1/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hartbeat CEO Thai Randolph will step down from the role at Kevin Hart’s production company.
Founder and chairman Hart will serve as interim CEO until a permanent successor takes over. Randolph will remain a strategic advisor to Hart.
“It’s been a great honor to help shape Hartbeat into the powerhouse
entertainment platform it has become. I couldn’t be prouder of the
meteoric growth and incredible impact we’ve driven over the years,” Randolph said in a statement. “My passions are telling stories and building businesses, and for the past seven years, I’ve been able to do just that alongside some of the best
partners, colleagues, and creators in the industry. As I move on to
further explore those passions, I will continue to cheer on the
Hartbeat team as they advance the ever-important mission of keeping
the world laughing together.”
Randolph headed the 2022 merger deal between Hart’s then-two companies,...
Founder and chairman Hart will serve as interim CEO until a permanent successor takes over. Randolph will remain a strategic advisor to Hart.
“It’s been a great honor to help shape Hartbeat into the powerhouse
entertainment platform it has become. I couldn’t be prouder of the
meteoric growth and incredible impact we’ve driven over the years,” Randolph said in a statement. “My passions are telling stories and building businesses, and for the past seven years, I’ve been able to do just that alongside some of the best
partners, colleagues, and creators in the industry. As I move on to
further explore those passions, I will continue to cheer on the
Hartbeat team as they advance the ever-important mission of keeping
the world laughing together.”
Randolph headed the 2022 merger deal between Hart’s then-two companies,...
- 11/1/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Kevin Hart describes teaming up with Chris Rock for the documentary on their short stand-up tour as the “story about two separate journeys, but somehow align and end up at the same intersection at the top.” The duo co-headlined five shows in 2022, and Netflix’s Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only provides a peek behind the curtain into the lives of Rock and Hart.
“In a first-of-its-kind documentary, Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only will give audiences a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of two comedy titans,” reads Netflix’s synopsis. “This exclusive film follows Hart and Rock as they give first-hand accounts of their early lives, struggles, triumphs, and their unbreakable brotherhood.
The 2022 five-night arena tour produced by Live Nation kicked off on July 21st at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY, followed by stops at Prudential Center in Newark, Madison Square Garden in New York,...
“In a first-of-its-kind documentary, Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only will give audiences a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of two comedy titans,” reads Netflix’s synopsis. “This exclusive film follows Hart and Rock as they give first-hand accounts of their early lives, struggles, triumphs, and their unbreakable brotherhood.
The 2022 five-night arena tour produced by Live Nation kicked off on July 21st at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY, followed by stops at Prudential Center in Newark, Madison Square Garden in New York,...
- 10/18/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Netflix will follow along Chris Rock and Kevin Hart for a week as they perform in four sold-out New York shows in a new documentary, the streamer announced Wednesday.
“Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only,” which will premiere Dec. 12 on Netflix, will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the comedians’ combined tour. Fans will go back to the beginning as Hart and Rock “give firsthand accounts of their early lives, struggles, triumphs and their unbreakable brotherhood,” according to the official logline.
“This is a story about two separate journeys, but somehow align and end up at the same intersection at the top,” Hart said in the documentary’s teaser. “I said, ‘why don’t we do something together — what do you think about doing New York?'”
“I’m excited for this week, not just because of the arena factor,” Hart continued, while Rock added, “I’m just excited to hang out with you!
“Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only,” which will premiere Dec. 12 on Netflix, will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the comedians’ combined tour. Fans will go back to the beginning as Hart and Rock “give firsthand accounts of their early lives, struggles, triumphs and their unbreakable brotherhood,” according to the official logline.
“This is a story about two separate journeys, but somehow align and end up at the same intersection at the top,” Hart said in the documentary’s teaser. “I said, ‘why don’t we do something together — what do you think about doing New York?'”
“I’m excited for this week, not just because of the arena factor,” Hart continued, while Rock added, “I’m just excited to hang out with you!
- 10/18/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Kevin Hart and Chris Rock embarked on a stand-up tour together last year.
The duo did five shows – Rock Hart: Only Headliners Allowed – across New York and New Jersey last July.
Netflix will now air a documentary following the pair on this tour. The doc – Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only will air on December 12.
The doc will go behind the scenes of the tour and follow the pair as they give first-hand accounts of their early lives, struggles, triumphs and their brotherhood. It is directed by Hip Hop Uncovered director Rashidi Harper.
Hart, Bryan Smiley, and Luke Kelly-Clyne will produce for Hartbeat, Rock for Cr Enterprises and Malcolm Spellman, Oby M. Okoye, and Rashidi Harper for The 51B.
Thai Randolph, Jeff Clanagan, Mike Stein, Dave Becky, and Kevin Healey will exec produce with Jc Del Barco and Ty Walker serving as co-executive producers.
CAA Media Finance and UTA brokered...
The duo did five shows – Rock Hart: Only Headliners Allowed – across New York and New Jersey last July.
Netflix will now air a documentary following the pair on this tour. The doc – Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only will air on December 12.
The doc will go behind the scenes of the tour and follow the pair as they give first-hand accounts of their early lives, struggles, triumphs and their brotherhood. It is directed by Hip Hop Uncovered director Rashidi Harper.
Hart, Bryan Smiley, and Luke Kelly-Clyne will produce for Hartbeat, Rock for Cr Enterprises and Malcolm Spellman, Oby M. Okoye, and Rashidi Harper for The 51B.
Thai Randolph, Jeff Clanagan, Mike Stein, Dave Becky, and Kevin Healey will exec produce with Jc Del Barco and Ty Walker serving as co-executive producers.
CAA Media Finance and UTA brokered...
- 10/18/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Hartbeat, Kevin Hart’s entertainment company, has hired two new senior executives.
Janina Lundy, former head of emerging audience development and marketing for Prime Video and Amazon Studios, will serve as Hartbeat’s executive vp, head of marketing and brand strategy. Adam Puchalsky, former global head of content and brand experiences at Wavemaker, will serve as executive vp, global head of Pulse, the company’s branded entertainment studio and marketing consultancy.
Before working for Amazon, Lundy worked at BET Networks, where she ran marketing campaigns, supervised partnerships and oversaw operations, marketing and business strategy for BET+. She will now be responsible for marketing Hartbeat’s brands, including Hartbeat, Laugh Out Loud and Women Write Now, as well as growing brand strategy. Puchalsky will oversee Pulse’s partnerships and brand offerings, which include creative campaign collaboration, development and execution with clients such as Sam’s Club and AT&T.
The two hires come as Hartbeat,...
Janina Lundy, former head of emerging audience development and marketing for Prime Video and Amazon Studios, will serve as Hartbeat’s executive vp, head of marketing and brand strategy. Adam Puchalsky, former global head of content and brand experiences at Wavemaker, will serve as executive vp, global head of Pulse, the company’s branded entertainment studio and marketing consultancy.
Before working for Amazon, Lundy worked at BET Networks, where she ran marketing campaigns, supervised partnerships and oversaw operations, marketing and business strategy for BET+. She will now be responsible for marketing Hartbeat’s brands, including Hartbeat, Laugh Out Loud and Women Write Now, as well as growing brand strategy. Puchalsky will oversee Pulse’s partnerships and brand offerings, which include creative campaign collaboration, development and execution with clients such as Sam’s Club and AT&T.
The two hires come as Hartbeat,...
- 10/16/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: A new take on the classic Hollywood Squares game show is headed to VH1. The network has teamed with Jesse Collins Entertainment and Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat on Celebrity Squares, a modern twist on the classic format featuring Black pop culture trivia.
Hosted by actor and comedian DC Young Fly, “the series will bring cultural icons together for 20 fun and spontaneous half-hour episodes,” per VH1. Celebrity guests include Babyface, Bobby Brown, Tiffany Haddish, Kirk Franklin, Bresha Webb, Luenell, Taye Diggs and more. Celebrity Squares premieres at 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 17, on VH1.
Celebrity Squares will bring two contestants together to play Tic-Tac-Toe, banking cash and prizes along the way. The player with the most money in their bank at the end of the game will move on to the bonus round for a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize.
“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Hartbeat and...
Hosted by actor and comedian DC Young Fly, “the series will bring cultural icons together for 20 fun and spontaneous half-hour episodes,” per VH1. Celebrity guests include Babyface, Bobby Brown, Tiffany Haddish, Kirk Franklin, Bresha Webb, Luenell, Taye Diggs and more. Celebrity Squares premieres at 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 17, on VH1.
Celebrity Squares will bring two contestants together to play Tic-Tac-Toe, banking cash and prizes along the way. The player with the most money in their bank at the end of the game will move on to the bonus round for a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize.
“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Hartbeat and...
- 9/25/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Three studios and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences laid off or lost top diversity execs in the past 10 days, which gives the impression that the industry is placing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Dei) on the back-burner.
The drive for diversity that picked up prominence with 2020’s Black Lives Matter movement seems to have run its course after just three years.
Were these roles merely lip service all along? As “A Black Lady Sketch Show” actress Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted, “I guess all those black boxes after George Floyd was murdered were for nothing,” referencing 2020’s social media blackout that was supposed to be in support of the BLM movement.
Also Read:
Disney Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton to Exit
Disney’s chief diversity officer and senior vice president Latondra Newton, a six-year veteran, was the first of the four to go. On June 20, the company said that...
The drive for diversity that picked up prominence with 2020’s Black Lives Matter movement seems to have run its course after just three years.
Were these roles merely lip service all along? As “A Black Lady Sketch Show” actress Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted, “I guess all those black boxes after George Floyd was murdered were for nothing,” referencing 2020’s social media blackout that was supposed to be in support of the BLM movement.
Also Read:
Disney Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton to Exit
Disney’s chief diversity officer and senior vice president Latondra Newton, a six-year veteran, was the first of the four to go. On June 20, the company said that...
- 7/1/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Peacock’s going all-in on Kevin Hart on July 6, 2023. The streaming service is celebrating the actor’s birthday with the launch of two of his projects: the standup special Kevin Hart: Reality Check and season three of Hart’s talk show, Hart to Heart.
Hart’s standup special was shot in front of a sold-out crowd in Las Vegas and includes his take on relationships and fame. Peacock describes the one-hour special as providing audiences with genuine humor, candid conversations, and hilarious tall-tales.
Peacock offers this synopsis: “Things are about to get real in this unforgettable night of comedy. Comedian Kevin Hart is as funny as ever as he processes his growing family, fame, mentions on Black Twitter, and more. Hart returns for his first stand-up special in three years with a bang, performing from Resort World in Las Vegas while cracking up a live sold-out crowd through candid conversation.
Hart’s standup special was shot in front of a sold-out crowd in Las Vegas and includes his take on relationships and fame. Peacock describes the one-hour special as providing audiences with genuine humor, candid conversations, and hilarious tall-tales.
Peacock offers this synopsis: “Things are about to get real in this unforgettable night of comedy. Comedian Kevin Hart is as funny as ever as he processes his growing family, fame, mentions on Black Twitter, and more. Hart returns for his first stand-up special in three years with a bang, performing from Resort World in Las Vegas while cracking up a live sold-out crowd through candid conversation.
- 6/22/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
While we wait for Lulu Wilson’s return as a teenage Nazi-slayer in The Wrath of Becky, Deadline reports today that Wilson will also be starring in the upcoming film Xeno.
Omari Hardwick (Power) and Trae Romano (Stargirl) are also on board. Matthew Loren Oates (Farewell Bender) wrote the script and is directing Xeno.
In the film, “a teenage girl befriends a terrifying alien that crash-lands in the desert near her home. As government agents close in, the girl protects her dangerous new companion while also dealing with her depressed mother and the mother’s abusive boyfriend.”
Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley and Luke Kelly-Clyne will produce for Hartbeat, alongside Oates and Shana Marie, with Thai Randolph, Kevin Healey and Ty Walker exec producing for Hartbeat.
Deadline also notes that The Henson Company will build the film’s alien creature!
Lulu Wilson got her own John Wick with the Becky franchise...
Omari Hardwick (Power) and Trae Romano (Stargirl) are also on board. Matthew Loren Oates (Farewell Bender) wrote the script and is directing Xeno.
In the film, “a teenage girl befriends a terrifying alien that crash-lands in the desert near her home. As government agents close in, the girl protects her dangerous new companion while also dealing with her depressed mother and the mother’s abusive boyfriend.”
Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley and Luke Kelly-Clyne will produce for Hartbeat, alongside Oates and Shana Marie, with Thai Randolph, Kevin Healey and Ty Walker exec producing for Hartbeat.
Deadline also notes that The Henson Company will build the film’s alien creature!
Lulu Wilson got her own John Wick with the Becky franchise...
- 4/28/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Annabelle: Creation and Becky star Lulu Wilson, who is soon to be seen in The Wrath of Becky, has signed on to star in the alien invasion film Xeno for writer, director, and VFX Artist Matthew Loren Oates. Deadline reports that Wilson is joined in the cast by Omari Hardwick (Power) and Trae Romano (Stargirl).
Set to start filming in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 8th, Xeno will see Wilson taking on the role of a teenage girl befriends a terrifying alien that crash-lands in the desert near her home. As government agents close in, the girl protects her dangerous new companion while also dealing with her depressed mother and the mother’s abusive boyfriend.
Kevin Hart is producing the film through his company Hartbeat. Hartbeat’s Bryan Smiley and Luke Kelly-Clyne are also producing, alongside Oates and Shana Marie. Thai Randolph, Kevin Healey, and Ty Walker serve as executive producers for Hartbeat,...
Set to start filming in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 8th, Xeno will see Wilson taking on the role of a teenage girl befriends a terrifying alien that crash-lands in the desert near her home. As government agents close in, the girl protects her dangerous new companion while also dealing with her depressed mother and the mother’s abusive boyfriend.
Kevin Hart is producing the film through his company Hartbeat. Hartbeat’s Bryan Smiley and Luke Kelly-Clyne are also producing, alongside Oates and Shana Marie. Thai Randolph, Kevin Healey, and Ty Walker serve as executive producers for Hartbeat,...
- 4/28/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Lulu Wilson (The Wrath of Becky), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Trae Romano (Stargirl) are set to star in Xeno, a new film that writer, director and VFX Artist Matthew Loren Oates (Farewell Bender) will direct for Kevin Hart‘s Hartbeat, from his own script.
In the film poised to enter production in Albuquerque on May 8th, a teenage girl befriends a terrifying alien that crash-lands in the desert near her home. As government agents close in, the girl protects her dangerous new companion while also dealing with her depressed mother and the mother’s abusive boyfriend.
The Xeno announcement follows news that Hartbeat is developing the comedy The Backup, produced by and starring Keke Palmer, for Universal Pictures, as well as a feature adaptation of Danielle Nicolet’s short Black Karen, which emerged from Nicolet’s time as part of Hartbeat’s Women Write Now screenwriting fellowship.
Kevin Hart,...
In the film poised to enter production in Albuquerque on May 8th, a teenage girl befriends a terrifying alien that crash-lands in the desert near her home. As government agents close in, the girl protects her dangerous new companion while also dealing with her depressed mother and the mother’s abusive boyfriend.
The Xeno announcement follows news that Hartbeat is developing the comedy The Backup, produced by and starring Keke Palmer, for Universal Pictures, as well as a feature adaptation of Danielle Nicolet’s short Black Karen, which emerged from Nicolet’s time as part of Hartbeat’s Women Write Now screenwriting fellowship.
Kevin Hart,...
- 4/28/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Die Hart saw Kevin Hart living his dream of being an action hero in the hit comedy series that started as a launch title for the failed Quibi streaming service. The show found a new home at The Roku Channel, and much like Cobra Kai, it found new life as a success on a wider streaming platform. The show was renewed with a sequel season titled Die Hart 2: Die Harter. That season became a hit when it premiered on Roku, so prepare for season 3 which could very well follow with the title Die Hart with a Vengeance.
Deadline reports that Die Hart 2: Die Harter premiered to record numbers on The Roku Channel, which has led to a season 3 renewal. Season 2 became the No. 1 Roku Original TV series weekend premiere of all time by both unique views and streaming hour engagement. Hart released a statement that said, “Die Hart...
Deadline reports that Die Hart 2: Die Harter premiered to record numbers on The Roku Channel, which has led to a season 3 renewal. Season 2 became the No. 1 Roku Original TV series weekend premiere of all time by both unique views and streaming hour engagement. Hart released a statement that said, “Die Hart...
- 4/13/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Kevin Hart‘s comedy series Die Hart has been renewed for a third season at Roku on the heels of a record-breaking premiere weekend for Season 2.
Die Hart 2: Die Harter debuted on March 31, nearly doubling the first season’s opening weekend audience. It became the No. 1 Roku Original TV series weekend premiere of all time by both unique views and streaming hour engagement, according to the streamer.
“Die Hart is one of my favorite projects to act in and produce. I am so excited to get back to set to shoot season three,” Hart said in a statement Thursday. “My fans are the best and their reaction to season two fuels Hartbeat to keep raising the bar on this show. Watch out for what comes next, we are going bigger and better!!”
In Die Hart 2: Die Harter, Kevin now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time,...
Die Hart 2: Die Harter debuted on March 31, nearly doubling the first season’s opening weekend audience. It became the No. 1 Roku Original TV series weekend premiere of all time by both unique views and streaming hour engagement, according to the streamer.
“Die Hart is one of my favorite projects to act in and produce. I am so excited to get back to set to shoot season three,” Hart said in a statement Thursday. “My fans are the best and their reaction to season two fuels Hartbeat to keep raising the bar on this show. Watch out for what comes next, we are going bigger and better!!”
In Die Hart 2: Die Harter, Kevin now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time,...
- 4/13/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Hart announced his latest project, Celebrity Prank Wars, on Wednesday following a viral bit joking about Nick Cannon and the various women who are mothers to his children.
The show, which premieres April 6, will see the duo take their “friendly feud” up a notch, with Hart and Cannon branching out to also include some of their famous friends.
Episodes will see stars “planning and perpetrating some of the wildest and most viral pranks on each other,” according to the network, with co-hosts Cannon and Hart selecting the winner of each prank war. Each prank is expected to be more elaborate than the next. The show’s celebrity participants will include Anthony Anderson, Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Lil Duval, Big E, Fantasia, Tiffany Haddish, Taraji P. Henson, Lil Jon, Kofi Kingston, Ludacris, Joel McHale, Killer Mike, Chance the Rapper, T-Pain, Robin Thicke, T.I. and Xavier Woods.
View this post on...
The show, which premieres April 6, will see the duo take their “friendly feud” up a notch, with Hart and Cannon branching out to also include some of their famous friends.
Episodes will see stars “planning and perpetrating some of the wildest and most viral pranks on each other,” according to the network, with co-hosts Cannon and Hart selecting the winner of each prank war. Each prank is expected to be more elaborate than the next. The show’s celebrity participants will include Anthony Anderson, Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Lil Duval, Big E, Fantasia, Tiffany Haddish, Taraji P. Henson, Lil Jon, Kofi Kingston, Ludacris, Joel McHale, Killer Mike, Chance the Rapper, T-Pain, Robin Thicke, T.I. and Xavier Woods.
View this post on...
- 3/8/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: The Flash star Danielle Nicolet is set to write and exec produce a feature adaptation of her short Black Karen for Kevin Hart‘s multi-platform media company, Hartbeat.
The short film, written by Nicolet and directed by Meagan Good (Prime Video’s Harlem), was created through Hartbeat’s comedic screenwriting fellowship Women Write Now, launched in 2021, which aims to champion the next generation of Black women in comedy.
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Pic tells the story of Karen Johnson, a Black woman on the verge. Her work, home and personal life are falling to pieces while she’s plagued by anxiety. After...
The short film, written by Nicolet and directed by Meagan Good (Prime Video’s Harlem), was created through Hartbeat’s comedic screenwriting fellowship Women Write Now, launched in 2021, which aims to champion the next generation of Black women in comedy.
Related Story FilmNation & Zq Entertainment Strike Feature Film Development Fund Deal, Unveil First Project Related Story Kevin Hart To EP Workplace Comedy 'The Regal' From Brad Copeland & Hartbeat In Works At NBC Related Story Kevin Hart's 'Die Hart' Series Refashioned As 'Die Hart The Movie' For Prime Video
Pic tells the story of Karen Johnson, a Black woman on the verge. Her work, home and personal life are falling to pieces while she’s plagued by anxiety. After...
- 3/2/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Variety is returning to the Sundance Film Festival this year with its annual Interview Studio, presented by Audible. Throughout the festival, videos from the interview studio will be distributed across Variety.com as well as Variety and Audible’s social media channels, beginning on Friday, Jan. 20.
Running through Monday, Jan. 23, the Variety Studio presented by Audible will feature interviews with industry-leading directors and top talent from the films premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. Said notables will include Nicole Holofcener, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Tobias Menzies (“You Hurt My Feelings”); Susanna Fogel, Emilia Jones and Nicholas Braun (“Cat Person”); Tracy Oliver, Meagan Good, Shoniqua Shandai, Grace Byers and Jerrie Johnson (“Harlem”); William Oldroyd, Anne Hathaway, Thomasin McKenzie, Luke Goebel and Ottessa Moshfegh (“Eileen”); Davis Guggenheim and Michael J. Fox (“Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie”); Elijah Bynum, Jonathan Majors and Taylour Paige (“Magazine Dreams”); Brooke Shields and Lana Wilson (“Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields”); Alice Englert,...
Running through Monday, Jan. 23, the Variety Studio presented by Audible will feature interviews with industry-leading directors and top talent from the films premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. Said notables will include Nicole Holofcener, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Tobias Menzies (“You Hurt My Feelings”); Susanna Fogel, Emilia Jones and Nicholas Braun (“Cat Person”); Tracy Oliver, Meagan Good, Shoniqua Shandai, Grace Byers and Jerrie Johnson (“Harlem”); William Oldroyd, Anne Hathaway, Thomasin McKenzie, Luke Goebel and Ottessa Moshfegh (“Eileen”); Davis Guggenheim and Michael J. Fox (“Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie”); Elijah Bynum, Jonathan Majors and Taylour Paige (“Magazine Dreams”); Brooke Shields and Lana Wilson (“Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields”); Alice Englert,...
- 1/17/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Behind Kevin Hart’s growing media empire is a veteran marketing exec on a mission to empower, educate, enlighten and entertain through storytelling. Hartbeat CEO Thai Randolph, who previously worked at companies including Sony and Facebook, last year oversaw the merger of Laugh Out Loud and Hartbeat Productions and led the combined company’s 100 million capital raise. Now, she’s working to continue the momentum following a year of growth and change.
With dozens of projects in the works — including a popular YouTube sports interview series (Cold as Balls), a bit of drama (Netflix’s True Story), and a weekly SiriusXM show (Straight From The Hart with Kevin Hart) — their goal under the new banner is to meet consumers wherever they are.
“We’re not pigeonholing ourselves into one brand or one segment of comedy,” Randolph says. “We strive to do really high-impact entertainment. Someone who worked with us in...
With dozens of projects in the works — including a popular YouTube sports interview series (Cold as Balls), a bit of drama (Netflix’s True Story), and a weekly SiriusXM show (Straight From The Hart with Kevin Hart) — their goal under the new banner is to meet consumers wherever they are.
“We’re not pigeonholing ourselves into one brand or one segment of comedy,” Randolph says. “We strive to do really high-impact entertainment. Someone who worked with us in...
- 1/13/2023
- by Ashley Cullins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hartbeat, Kevin Hart’s multiplatform media and entertainment company, has hired four senior execs to build out its leadership team across divisions.
Joining the company are former Attn: executive Sara Abdulahi as senior VP of people and culture; NBCUniversal alum Annie Balagot as senior VP of global media; Neil Wright, who hails from BuzzFeed’s Complex Networks, as VP of live and experiential; and industry veteran Namon Jones as VP of brand partnerships.
The company also promoted Tina Maher to SVP of brand and franchise management; she previously served as VP, brand partnerships and monetization.
Hartbeat is currently in development or production on more than 70 projects and in 2023 is gearing up to launch a series of new live comedy experiences. The company said the new hires will accelerate growth across the company’s three divisions: Hartbeat Studios, which finances, develops and produces content; Hartbeat Media, which manages events and distribution deals; and Pulse,...
Joining the company are former Attn: executive Sara Abdulahi as senior VP of people and culture; NBCUniversal alum Annie Balagot as senior VP of global media; Neil Wright, who hails from BuzzFeed’s Complex Networks, as VP of live and experiential; and industry veteran Namon Jones as VP of brand partnerships.
The company also promoted Tina Maher to SVP of brand and franchise management; she previously served as VP, brand partnerships and monetization.
Hartbeat is currently in development or production on more than 70 projects and in 2023 is gearing up to launch a series of new live comedy experiences. The company said the new hires will accelerate growth across the company’s three divisions: Hartbeat Studios, which finances, develops and produces content; Hartbeat Media, which manages events and distribution deals; and Pulse,...
- 1/4/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Thai Randolph, CEO of Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat entertainment company, is unusual in age-obsessed Hollywood. She’s proud to announce that she is 40 — and for a few more months still fits the demographic that landed her on AdAge’s 40 Under 40 List in 2018. In 2021, she led the launch of Women Write Now, a partnership between the Sundance Institute and Hartbeat to develop the next generation of Black women in comedy.
Other recent accolades include being named to Entrepreneur’s Women of Impact list, Cynopsis’ It List and Multichannel News Wonder Women in Streaming “Women to Watch.” Hartbeat is the product of the April 2022 merger of Hart’s two companies Hartbeat Productions and Laugh Out Loud into a single comedy-minded entity.
Earlier in a career that began in marketing, the American University graduate landed a lucrative job as a project manager (for a company she declined to name) that was focused on telecom and aerospace projects.
Other recent accolades include being named to Entrepreneur’s Women of Impact list, Cynopsis’ It List and Multichannel News Wonder Women in Streaming “Women to Watch.” Hartbeat is the product of the April 2022 merger of Hart’s two companies Hartbeat Productions and Laugh Out Loud into a single comedy-minded entity.
Earlier in a career that began in marketing, the American University graduate landed a lucrative job as a project manager (for a company she declined to name) that was focused on telecom and aerospace projects.
- 12/30/2022
- by Diane Haithman
- The Wrap
Kevin Hart’s online sports talk series “Cold as Balls” will be back for Season 7 on Tuesday, featuring athletic guests including Dwight Howard, John Wall, Allen Iverson, Austin Ekeler, Kelsey Plum and Patrick Beverley, TheWrap can exclusively announce.
The show, from Hart’s banner Hartbeat and Obb Pictures and presented by Old Spice, will premiere on the actor-comedian’s own YouTube channel Lol! Network.
Per the show’s logline for its seventh season, “Cold as Balls” will bring viewers back to the signature locker room (and ice bath) where Hart explores deeper conversations with his guests, leading to jaw-dropping revelations from the biggest names and personalities in sports. The host will deliver the chilling, hard-hitting questions that have since catapulted the series to over 1.3 billion views across the platform, and help fans get to know their favorite sports stars better.
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The show, from Hart’s banner Hartbeat and Obb Pictures and presented by Old Spice, will premiere on the actor-comedian’s own YouTube channel Lol! Network.
Per the show’s logline for its seventh season, “Cold as Balls” will bring viewers back to the signature locker room (and ice bath) where Hart explores deeper conversations with his guests, leading to jaw-dropping revelations from the biggest names and personalities in sports. The host will deliver the chilling, hard-hitting questions that have since catapulted the series to over 1.3 billion views across the platform, and help fans get to know their favorite sports stars better.
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Will Smith Says He Will ‘Completely Understand’ if...
- 11/28/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Kevin Hart’s “Die Hart 2: Die Harter” has added John Cena, Ben Schwartz and Paula Pell to its cast. Additionally, Nathalie Emmanuel is set to return to the series.
“Die Hart” and the upcoming second season follow Hart as he plays a fictional version of himself. Tired of being the comedic sidekick, he decides to train at an action school to become a leading man.
The second season of the Roku comedy began production on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Here’s a logline for Season 2, which includes more about the new roles: “After achieving his dream of becoming a bona fide action hero in ‘Die Hart,’ Kevin Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie where the action is so unscripted and unexpected that even Kevin won’t know what’s coming next. But...
“Die Hart” and the upcoming second season follow Hart as he plays a fictional version of himself. Tired of being the comedic sidekick, he decides to train at an action school to become a leading man.
The second season of the Roku comedy began production on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Here’s a logline for Season 2, which includes more about the new roles: “After achieving his dream of becoming a bona fide action hero in ‘Die Hart,’ Kevin Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie where the action is so unscripted and unexpected that even Kevin won’t know what’s coming next. But...
- 9/21/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
Kevin Hart’s “Die Hart” action-hero spoof is bringing in some fresh faces for Season 2 of the Roku original comedy: John Cena, Ben Schwartz and Paula Pell have joined the cast of “Die Hart 2: Die Harter,” the streaming company announced.
In addition to the new cast, Nathalie Emmanuel will reprise her role in Season 2. Eric Appel returns to direct with Tripper Clancy returning as writer. Production of “Die Hart 2: Die Harter” has begun in Atlanta. The series will stream free (with ads) on the Roku Channel but a premiere date has not been set.
In “Die Hart” Season 1, which co-starred John Travolta, Hart played a fictionalized version of himself who ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a bona-fide action hero. In the second season, Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie...
In addition to the new cast, Nathalie Emmanuel will reprise her role in Season 2. Eric Appel returns to direct with Tripper Clancy returning as writer. Production of “Die Hart 2: Die Harter” has begun in Atlanta. The series will stream free (with ads) on the Roku Channel but a premiere date has not been set.
In “Die Hart” Season 1, which co-starred John Travolta, Hart played a fictionalized version of himself who ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a bona-fide action hero. In the second season, Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie...
- 9/21/2022
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Sundance Institute and Hartbeat have selected Mayanna Berrin, Kiana Butler Jabangwe and Danielle Solomon as the recipients of the “Women Write Now” fellowship for Black female comedic screenwriters.
Logan Browning, Tika Sumpter and Nicole Byer have signed on to direct three short films written by the fellows, which will debut at a special exhibition during the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
Additionally, the fellows have been awarded a one-year first-look deal with Hartbeat, the multi-platform media company founded by Kevin Hart. Script mentors will include Leigh Davenport (“Run the World”), Kay Oyegun (“This Is Us”), and Yamara Taylor (“Black-ish”). The company’s Head of Film, Candace Cherry Wilson and its VP of TV Development Tiffany Brown will serve as creative advisors at the program’s career development lab.
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‘Last Night in Soho’s’ Thomasin McKenzie to Star in Sundance Now Series ‘Totally Completely Fine’
They are joined by Producer Stephanie Allain,...
Logan Browning, Tika Sumpter and Nicole Byer have signed on to direct three short films written by the fellows, which will debut at a special exhibition during the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
Additionally, the fellows have been awarded a one-year first-look deal with Hartbeat, the multi-platform media company founded by Kevin Hart. Script mentors will include Leigh Davenport (“Run the World”), Kay Oyegun (“This Is Us”), and Yamara Taylor (“Black-ish”). The company’s Head of Film, Candace Cherry Wilson and its VP of TV Development Tiffany Brown will serve as creative advisors at the program’s career development lab.
Also Read:
‘Last Night in Soho’s’ Thomasin McKenzie to Star in Sundance Now Series ‘Totally Completely Fine’
They are joined by Producer Stephanie Allain,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat and the Sundance Institute today named Mayanna Berrin (Power Dynamics), Kiana Butler Jabangwe (Night Off) and Danielle Solomon (Hey Boo) as the recipients of this year’s Women Write Now comedic screenwriting fellowship, designed to elevate the next generation of Black women in comedy.
The Fellows, whose short film scripts were selected from a pool of hundreds submissions, will now further develop their material under the guidance of Hartbeat’s panel of script mentors and creative advisors including Leigh Davenport (Starz’s Run the World), Kay Oyegun (NBC’s This Is Us) and Yamara Taylor (ABC’s Black-ish). As part of the development process, each will also participate in an immersive career development lab, where they’ll receive mentorship from creative advisors including Hartbeat’s Head of Film Candice Wilson Cherry and VP, TV Development Tiffany Brown, as well as such industry veterans as Dear White People EP Stephanie Allain,...
The Fellows, whose short film scripts were selected from a pool of hundreds submissions, will now further develop their material under the guidance of Hartbeat’s panel of script mentors and creative advisors including Leigh Davenport (Starz’s Run the World), Kay Oyegun (NBC’s This Is Us) and Yamara Taylor (ABC’s Black-ish). As part of the development process, each will also participate in an immersive career development lab, where they’ll receive mentorship from creative advisors including Hartbeat’s Head of Film Candice Wilson Cherry and VP, TV Development Tiffany Brown, as well as such industry veterans as Dear White People EP Stephanie Allain,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Kevin Hart’s new venture Hartbeat has added former Disney executive Brian C. Price to its team.
Price will lead Pulse, Hartbeat’s branded content and entertainment studio, as senior vice president, head of branded content and creative partnerships. Candisse Williamson, former general counsel at Skybound Entertainment and a vice president at the Madison Square Garden Company, has also joined the company as executive vice president, general counsel.
As head of Pulse, Price will work as a creative consultant for brands such as Sam’s Club, Lyft, P&g and Chase Sapphire and create new strategies for other brand partners. Price spent five years at The Walt Disney Company, leading teams on content and marketing solutions, and previously worked as vice president, creative partnerships and innovation at NBCUniversal.
Hartbeat is a merger of Kevin Hart’s two production companies, Laugh Out Loud and HartBeat Productions.
Kevin Hart’s new venture Hartbeat has added former Disney executive Brian C. Price to its team.
Price will lead Pulse, Hartbeat’s branded content and entertainment studio, as senior vice president, head of branded content and creative partnerships. Candisse Williamson, former general counsel at Skybound Entertainment and a vice president at the Madison Square Garden Company, has also joined the company as executive vice president, general counsel.
As head of Pulse, Price will work as a creative consultant for brands such as Sam’s Club, Lyft, P&g and Chase Sapphire and create new strategies for other brand partners. Price spent five years at The Walt Disney Company, leading teams on content and marketing solutions, and previously worked as vice president, creative partnerships and innovation at NBCUniversal.
Hartbeat is a merger of Kevin Hart’s two production companies, Laugh Out Loud and HartBeat Productions.
- 8/11/2022
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Hartbeat is expanding its senior leadership team, adding former Disney and NBCUniversal executive Brian Price to head Pulse, its new branded content studio, and Candisse Williamson from Skybound Entertainment and The Madison Square Garden Company to run business and legal affairs.
The company also upped Mike Stein to EVP, Head of TV & Audio, reporting to President & Chief Content Officer, Bryan Smiley, and Monti Sehmi to EVP, Head of Finance and Operations.
Hartbeat was formed by the merger Hart’s Laugh Out Loud and HartBeat Productions, bolstered by a 100 million capital raise. It said today it plans to grow its executive team across its three main divisions – Hartbeat Studios, which finances, develops and produces content; Hartbeat Media, events and distribution; and Pulse, a branded content and entertainment studio and consultancy.
Price joins Hartbeat as SVP, Head of Branded Content & Creative Partnerships overseeing Pulse to develop creative strategies for new and existing brand partners.
The company also upped Mike Stein to EVP, Head of TV & Audio, reporting to President & Chief Content Officer, Bryan Smiley, and Monti Sehmi to EVP, Head of Finance and Operations.
Hartbeat was formed by the merger Hart’s Laugh Out Loud and HartBeat Productions, bolstered by a 100 million capital raise. It said today it plans to grow its executive team across its three main divisions – Hartbeat Studios, which finances, develops and produces content; Hartbeat Media, events and distribution; and Pulse, a branded content and entertainment studio and consultancy.
Price joins Hartbeat as SVP, Head of Branded Content & Creative Partnerships overseeing Pulse to develop creative strategies for new and existing brand partners.
- 8/11/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Hart’s multi-platform media company Hartbeat today announced the return of its screenwriting fellowship and talent development initiative Women Write Now, created to champion the next generation of Black women in comedy through mentorship, advocacy, production and exhibition. The fellowship developed in partnership with the Sundance Institute will support three writers in developing short comedic scripts under the guidance of some of the most influential Black women in comedy.
With the support of Hartbeat executives and veteran industry mentors, this year’s fellowship recipients will earn the opportunity to bring their projects to life at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where they will premiere at a private screening. Following their premiere, the films will be distributed across HartBeat’s Lol Network. Following the fellowship, the selected writers will also receive a year-long first-look deal with Hartbeat to submit original projects for production consideration with Hartbeat, and distribution across its Lol Network.
With the support of Hartbeat executives and veteran industry mentors, this year’s fellowship recipients will earn the opportunity to bring their projects to life at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where they will premiere at a private screening. Following their premiere, the films will be distributed across HartBeat’s Lol Network. Following the fellowship, the selected writers will also receive a year-long first-look deal with Hartbeat to submit original projects for production consideration with Hartbeat, and distribution across its Lol Network.
- 5/19/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Hart is expanding his busy comedy production empire with the merger of two existing production banners and an influx of 100 million though the sale of a minority stake to private equity firm Abry Partners.
With the deal, Hart combines Hartbeat Productions and Laugh Out Loud into a single Hartbeat banner led by CEO Thai Randolph, who helped raise the capital and had been chief operating officer of both companies. NBCUniversal remains a shareholder after taking an equity stake in Laugh Old Loud in 2020.
Hart’s banners have active delivering theatrical movies (“Night School”), documentaries (Showtime’s “The One and Only Dick Gregory”), comedy series (FX’s “Dave”), Netflix titles and host of digital content for SiriusXM, Peacock, Roku, Peacock, PlutoTV and Vizio, among others. Hartbeat’s brand division has done work for Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out tour and Shaq Comedy All Star Jam, among thers.
Given the...
With the deal, Hart combines Hartbeat Productions and Laugh Out Loud into a single Hartbeat banner led by CEO Thai Randolph, who helped raise the capital and had been chief operating officer of both companies. NBCUniversal remains a shareholder after taking an equity stake in Laugh Old Loud in 2020.
Hart’s banners have active delivering theatrical movies (“Night School”), documentaries (Showtime’s “The One and Only Dick Gregory”), comedy series (FX’s “Dave”), Netflix titles and host of digital content for SiriusXM, Peacock, Roku, Peacock, PlutoTV and Vizio, among others. Hartbeat’s brand division has done work for Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out tour and Shaq Comedy All Star Jam, among thers.
Given the...
- 4/26/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Kevin Hart’s two entertainment businesses, Hartbeat Productions and Laugh Out Loud, are merging into a single comedy-centered entity called Hartbeat.
Along with the combination, the company is also announcing a 100 million investment by private equity firm Abry Partners. Nicolas Massard, a partner at Abry, will join the Hartbeat board. NBCUniversal’s Peacock, which signed a multi-year, first look deal with Laugh Out Loud and acquired an equity stake in 2020, will remain a shareholder.
Thai Randolph, who led the capital raise and held the posts of president and COO of Laugh Out Loud and COO of Hartbeat Productions, has been upped to CEO of the new entity. Hartbeat Productions’ Bryan Smiley will head content and Lol’s Jeff Clanagan will spearhead distribution, with each also getting the title of president. Hartbeat Productions co-founder Leland Wigington will lead a new production banner under Hartbeat.
With Hart presiding as chairman, Hartbeat plans...
Along with the combination, the company is also announcing a 100 million investment by private equity firm Abry Partners. Nicolas Massard, a partner at Abry, will join the Hartbeat board. NBCUniversal’s Peacock, which signed a multi-year, first look deal with Laugh Out Loud and acquired an equity stake in 2020, will remain a shareholder.
Thai Randolph, who led the capital raise and held the posts of president and COO of Laugh Out Loud and COO of Hartbeat Productions, has been upped to CEO of the new entity. Hartbeat Productions’ Bryan Smiley will head content and Lol’s Jeff Clanagan will spearhead distribution, with each also getting the title of president. Hartbeat Productions co-founder Leland Wigington will lead a new production banner under Hartbeat.
With Hart presiding as chairman, Hartbeat plans...
- 4/26/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: UTA has signed actor, producer, and podcast host Tika Sumpter in all areas.
In film, Sumpter will next be seen in Paramount Pictures’ Sonic the Hedgehog 2 reprising the role of Maddie Wachowski alongside James Marsden and Jim Carrey later this year.
Previously, she starred opposite Robert Redford, Casey Affleck, Danny Glover, and Sissy Spacek in David Lowery’s The Old Man and The Gun, which premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival; in Southside With You, which Sumpter co-produced with John Legend and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival; and in Universal’s award-winning James Brown biopic Get On Up alongside Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Chadwick Boseman, among others.
On the small screen, she recently starred in the ABC comedy series Mixed-ish, where she played Alicia Johnson opposite Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Gary Cole. Previously, she co-starred with Queen Latifah in HBO’s Bessie,...
In film, Sumpter will next be seen in Paramount Pictures’ Sonic the Hedgehog 2 reprising the role of Maddie Wachowski alongside James Marsden and Jim Carrey later this year.
Previously, she starred opposite Robert Redford, Casey Affleck, Danny Glover, and Sissy Spacek in David Lowery’s The Old Man and The Gun, which premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival; in Southside With You, which Sumpter co-produced with John Legend and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival; and in Universal’s award-winning James Brown biopic Get On Up alongside Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Chadwick Boseman, among others.
On the small screen, she recently starred in the ABC comedy series Mixed-ish, where she played Alicia Johnson opposite Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Gary Cole. Previously, she co-starred with Queen Latifah in HBO’s Bessie,...
- 4/8/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Women Write Now fellow Wilandrea Blair has been awarded a development deal with NBCUniversal Television & Streaming to develop projects for Peacock, which will be produced by Lol Studios.
The announcement was made during a Women Write Now Celebration event which took place at NeueHouse Hollywood on Saturday, to honor fellowship recipients including Blair, Danielle Nicolet and Moni Oyedepo, and guest directors including Gabrielle Dennis (A Black Lady Sketch Show), Meagan Good (Harlem) and Bresha Webb (Run the World).
Launched in July 2021, Women Write Now is a comedic writing fellowship designed to champion and elevate the next generation of Black women in comedy through mentorship, advocacy, production and exhibition. The program put on on by Kevin Hart’s comedy brand and multi-platform entertainment company Laugh Out Loud was developed in partnership with the Sundance Institute, and is presented by Chase Sapphire. Blair, Nicolet and Oyedepo were selected from a pool...
The announcement was made during a Women Write Now Celebration event which took place at NeueHouse Hollywood on Saturday, to honor fellowship recipients including Blair, Danielle Nicolet and Moni Oyedepo, and guest directors including Gabrielle Dennis (A Black Lady Sketch Show), Meagan Good (Harlem) and Bresha Webb (Run the World).
Launched in July 2021, Women Write Now is a comedic writing fellowship designed to champion and elevate the next generation of Black women in comedy through mentorship, advocacy, production and exhibition. The program put on on by Kevin Hart’s comedy brand and multi-platform entertainment company Laugh Out Loud was developed in partnership with the Sundance Institute, and is presented by Chase Sapphire. Blair, Nicolet and Oyedepo were selected from a pool...
- 3/30/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock announced that the new docuseries “Paris in Love” will begin streaming Nov. 11, with new episodes dropping every following Thursday.
The 13-part wedding series will follow Hilton as she discovers the road to the altar has a few unexpected turns along the way as she prepares to marry successful venture capitalist Carter Reum. In the midst of planning for the wedding, fans will watch as Hilton navigates adulthood, a demanding work schedule and plans for her future. Hilton’s mother Kathy Hilton and sister Rothschild Hilton will support her through it all, from her engagement part to bridal dress shopping to the bachelor and bachelorette party in Las Vegas.
From Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Shed Media, Telepictures and Slivington Manor Entertainment, “Paris in Love” is executive produced by Mike Darnell, Lisa Shannon, Dan Peirson, Bridgette Theriault, Andrea Metz, Perry Dance, Paris Hilton and Bruce Gersh. Watch a trailer for the series below.
The 13-part wedding series will follow Hilton as she discovers the road to the altar has a few unexpected turns along the way as she prepares to marry successful venture capitalist Carter Reum. In the midst of planning for the wedding, fans will watch as Hilton navigates adulthood, a demanding work schedule and plans for her future. Hilton’s mother Kathy Hilton and sister Rothschild Hilton will support her through it all, from her engagement part to bridal dress shopping to the bachelor and bachelorette party in Las Vegas.
From Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Shed Media, Telepictures and Slivington Manor Entertainment, “Paris in Love” is executive produced by Mike Darnell, Lisa Shannon, Dan Peirson, Bridgette Theriault, Andrea Metz, Perry Dance, Paris Hilton and Bruce Gersh. Watch a trailer for the series below.
- 10/26/2021
- by Katie Song
- Variety Film + TV
Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud and the Sundance Institute have set three scribes for their inaugural Women Write Now screenwriting fellowship, designed to bolster the next generation of Black women in comedy.
This year’s Fellows, whose short film scripts were selected from a pool of 672 submissions, are Wilandrea Blair, Danielle Nicolet and Moni Oyedepo. Each will have their project developed and produced for Peacock by Lol Studios, as part of a new partnership between Laugh Out Loud and NBCUniversal. In the end, all three will be given the opportunity to pitch additional projects to execs at NBCUni, with just one securing a development deal.
Blair’s project, Buddy and Bernice, examines the rivalry between a nursing home’s famous funny man and his old comic nemesis; Nicolet’s Black Karen centers on a Black woman with anxiety who is advised by her therapist to think and behave “like happy people do,...
This year’s Fellows, whose short film scripts were selected from a pool of 672 submissions, are Wilandrea Blair, Danielle Nicolet and Moni Oyedepo. Each will have their project developed and produced for Peacock by Lol Studios, as part of a new partnership between Laugh Out Loud and NBCUniversal. In the end, all three will be given the opportunity to pitch additional projects to execs at NBCUni, with just one securing a development deal.
Blair’s project, Buddy and Bernice, examines the rivalry between a nursing home’s famous funny man and his old comic nemesis; Nicolet’s Black Karen centers on a Black woman with anxiety who is advised by her therapist to think and behave “like happy people do,...
- 10/5/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock has slotted Thursday, August 5, for the premiere of Kevin Hart’s talk show Hart to Heart. New one-hour episodes will drop weekly on Thursdays, starting with the first three episodes on August 5. You can watch a teaser below.
In Hart to Heart, Hart sits down with guests ranging from musicians to A-list actors who represent his interests and influences, in the comfort of his virtual wine cellar for an uninterrupted hour of insight, truth, enlightenment and humor. Hart to Heart “will dig deep to find out what makes these world-class influencers tick, their goals and aspirations, their journey to stardom and the obstacles they overcame to reach their lofty status,” per Peacock. Guests will be announced each week ahead of the drop.
The show falls under Hart’s multi-year deal with Peacock via his Laugh Out Loud network.
Hart to Heart is produced by Lol Studios. Kevin Hart, Jeff Clanagan,...
In Hart to Heart, Hart sits down with guests ranging from musicians to A-list actors who represent his interests and influences, in the comfort of his virtual wine cellar for an uninterrupted hour of insight, truth, enlightenment and humor. Hart to Heart “will dig deep to find out what makes these world-class influencers tick, their goals and aspirations, their journey to stardom and the obstacles they overcame to reach their lofty status,” per Peacock. Guests will be announced each week ahead of the drop.
The show falls under Hart’s multi-year deal with Peacock via his Laugh Out Loud network.
Hart to Heart is produced by Lol Studios. Kevin Hart, Jeff Clanagan,...
- 7/14/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
MTV announced that the new season of “The Challenge,” subtitled “Spies, Lies and Allies,” will premiere on Aug. 11.
For the first time, the franchise — now in its 37th season — will feature 17 international players competing alongside U.S. contestants. The season will take place on the Mediterranean coast of Croatia.
This season’s cast includes veterans Tori Deal, Nany Gonzalez, Aneesa Ferreira, Ashley Mitchell, Kaycee Clark, Amanda Garcia, Big T, Nelson Thomas, Cory Wharton, Josh Martinez, Kyle Christie, Fessy Shafaat, Ct Tamburello, Devin Walker and Nam Vo, alongside rookies Michela Bradshaw, Michele Fitzgerald, Tacha Akide, Emy Alupei, Berna Canbeldek, Priscilla Anyabu, Tracy Candela, Bettina Buchanan, Esther Agunbiade, Lauren Coogan, Corey Lay, Jeremiah White, Tommy Sheenan, Gabo Szabo, Hughie Maughan, Emmanuel Neagu, Logan Sampedro, Kelz Dyke and Renan Hellemans.
Executive produced by Dan Caster, Julie Pizzi, Emer Harkin, Ryan Smith and Danny Wascou, “The Challenge” was created for MTV by Bunim/Murray Productions.
For the first time, the franchise — now in its 37th season — will feature 17 international players competing alongside U.S. contestants. The season will take place on the Mediterranean coast of Croatia.
This season’s cast includes veterans Tori Deal, Nany Gonzalez, Aneesa Ferreira, Ashley Mitchell, Kaycee Clark, Amanda Garcia, Big T, Nelson Thomas, Cory Wharton, Josh Martinez, Kyle Christie, Fessy Shafaat, Ct Tamburello, Devin Walker and Nam Vo, alongside rookies Michela Bradshaw, Michele Fitzgerald, Tacha Akide, Emy Alupei, Berna Canbeldek, Priscilla Anyabu, Tracy Candela, Bettina Buchanan, Esther Agunbiade, Lauren Coogan, Corey Lay, Jeremiah White, Tommy Sheenan, Gabo Szabo, Hughie Maughan, Emmanuel Neagu, Logan Sampedro, Kelz Dyke and Renan Hellemans.
Executive produced by Dan Caster, Julie Pizzi, Emer Harkin, Ryan Smith and Danny Wascou, “The Challenge” was created for MTV by Bunim/Murray Productions.
- 7/14/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud and the Sundance Institute are pairing up to put Black women at the forefront of comedy, with a new screenwriting fellowship program called “Women Write Now.”
Designed to champion the next generation of Black women in comedy, the new initiative focuses on providing one-on-one mentorship opportunities to Black women screenwriters, as well as the funding to develop and produce those projects and a platform to exhibit them.
Meagan Good, Bresha Webb and Gabrielle Dennis have signed on to direct the winning screenplays, whose above- and below-the-line crew will be primarily staffed by traditionally underrepresented talent. The short films will ultimately premiere at a private screening during the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
“Black women have contributed to some of the industry’s most successful and innovative film and television content. Yet, opportunities for this group are still few and far between; especially in comedy. With ‘Women Write Now,...
Designed to champion the next generation of Black women in comedy, the new initiative focuses on providing one-on-one mentorship opportunities to Black women screenwriters, as well as the funding to develop and produce those projects and a platform to exhibit them.
Meagan Good, Bresha Webb and Gabrielle Dennis have signed on to direct the winning screenplays, whose above- and below-the-line crew will be primarily staffed by traditionally underrepresented talent. The short films will ultimately premiere at a private screening during the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
“Black women have contributed to some of the industry’s most successful and innovative film and television content. Yet, opportunities for this group are still few and far between; especially in comedy. With ‘Women Write Now,...
- 7/8/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud digital comedy brand has hired two key execs amid healthy growth throughout the pandemic, it says, during which time the company inked distribution deals with Sirius, Peacock, Pluto, and Roku.
Folayo Lasaki has been named Lol's head of marketing and communications, while Stephen Loguidice has been appointed head of brand partnerships. Both Loguidice and Lasaki will report to Lol president and COO Thai Randolph.
Lasaki arrives at Lol from Rainn Wilson’s inspirational digital brand SoulPancake. In her new role, she will oversee Lol's brand, content, social media marketing, communications, and strategic marketing partnerships. Loguidice, a BuzzFeed alum, will harness his expertise to scale new revenue streams while bringing in new brand partners, adding to existing sponsors like Lyft, P&g, Old Spice, Amazon, and Hydrow.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
Folayo Lasaki has been named Lol's head of marketing and communications, while Stephen Loguidice has been appointed head of brand partnerships. Both Loguidice and Lasaki will report to Lol president and COO Thai Randolph.
Lasaki arrives at Lol from Rainn Wilson’s inspirational digital brand SoulPancake. In her new role, she will oversee Lol's brand, content, social media marketing, communications, and strategic marketing partnerships. Loguidice, a BuzzFeed alum, will harness his expertise to scale new revenue streams while bringing in new brand partners, adding to existing sponsors like Lyft, P&g, Old Spice, Amazon, and Hydrow.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
- 6/28/2021
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
Kevin Hart’s comedy action series Die Hart, which debuted last year on short-lived streaming service Quibi before being resurrected this year as a Roku Original, has been renewed for a second season.
The show is the first Roku Original to get a renewal. The streaming purveyor used the dozens of Quibi shows it acquired in January to launch its original programming banner, with shows all streaming on the free, ad-supported Roku Channel. The first 30 Quibi alumni debuted May 20.
The second outing of the show will be titled Die Harter. Hart will return as star and exec producer but the rest of the cast will be announced down the line. John Travolta, Nathalie Emmanuel, Josh Hartnett and Jean Reno appeared alongside Hart in the first season.
Hart’s Laugh Out Loud returns as the show’s producer in partnership with Roku.
In the show, Hart plays a version of himself,...
The show is the first Roku Original to get a renewal. The streaming purveyor used the dozens of Quibi shows it acquired in January to launch its original programming banner, with shows all streaming on the free, ad-supported Roku Channel. The first 30 Quibi alumni debuted May 20.
The second outing of the show will be titled Die Harter. Hart will return as star and exec producer but the rest of the cast will be announced down the line. John Travolta, Nathalie Emmanuel, Josh Hartnett and Jean Reno appeared alongside Hart in the first season.
Hart’s Laugh Out Loud returns as the show’s producer in partnership with Roku.
In the show, Hart plays a version of himself,...
- 6/8/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Hart action-comedy series “Die Hart” has officially been renewed for a second season — again.
Roku announced that it has ordered Season 2 of “Die Hart,” which naturally will be titled “Die Harter,” as an exclusive for the free, ad-supported Roku Channel. “It’s been great to see the incredible response to ‘Die Hart’ on the Roku Channel,” Hart said in a statement. “We’re excited to be partnering with Roku to bring another season to its audience.”
The show is the first former Quibi original that Roku is renewing. Actually, “Die Hart” had already been picked up for a second season by Quibi last September, but that came about a month before the richly funded Jeffrey Katzenberg-led mobile subscription-video startup announced that it was shutting down. In January 2021, Roku paid substantially less than $100 million to snap up the assets of Quibi, a deal that included more than 75 shows.
On...
Roku announced that it has ordered Season 2 of “Die Hart,” which naturally will be titled “Die Harter,” as an exclusive for the free, ad-supported Roku Channel. “It’s been great to see the incredible response to ‘Die Hart’ on the Roku Channel,” Hart said in a statement. “We’re excited to be partnering with Roku to bring another season to its audience.”
The show is the first former Quibi original that Roku is renewing. Actually, “Die Hart” had already been picked up for a second season by Quibi last September, but that came about a month before the richly funded Jeffrey Katzenberg-led mobile subscription-video startup announced that it was shutting down. In January 2021, Roku paid substantially less than $100 million to snap up the assets of Quibi, a deal that included more than 75 shows.
On...
- 6/8/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Roku on Tuesday said it’s renewed Kevin Hart’s action-comedy series “Die Hart” — one of several shows the company acquired from Quibi, Jeffrey Katzenberg’s now-defunct mobile streaming service — for a second season. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“It’s been great to see the incredible response to ‘Die Hart’ on The Roku Channel,” Hart said in a statement. “We’re excited to be partnering with Roku to bring another season to its audience.”
The series is the first Roku Original to be renewed, and comes after the show pulled in a “record number of households streaming the series” the weekend following its May 20 debut. (Company executives declined to share specific streaming figures.) The new season, continuing its homage to the “Die Hard” franchise, will be dubbed “Die Harter.”
“This was not a difficult decision to make,” Colin Davis, Roku’s head of original scripted programming, told TheWrap.
“It’s been great to see the incredible response to ‘Die Hart’ on The Roku Channel,” Hart said in a statement. “We’re excited to be partnering with Roku to bring another season to its audience.”
The series is the first Roku Original to be renewed, and comes after the show pulled in a “record number of households streaming the series” the weekend following its May 20 debut. (Company executives declined to share specific streaming figures.) The new season, continuing its homage to the “Die Hard” franchise, will be dubbed “Die Harter.”
“This was not a difficult decision to make,” Colin Davis, Roku’s head of original scripted programming, told TheWrap.
- 6/8/2021
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
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