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← Older posts Newer posts →‘Straight Outta Compton’ Heading Straight Outta America
August 25, 2015by Tatiana Siegel 8/19/2015 9:30am PDT Can the surprise hit conquer the world the way it has dominated the U.S. box office? “I don’t think anyone should assume it’s a North America-only kind of movie,” says one analyst. Straight Outta Compton will attempt to conquer the world. On Aug. 20, Universal kicks off an ambitious international rollout throughout Europe. It’s a significant effort as studios once considered black-themed films as having little overseas prospects. But Universal is so bullish on the N.W.A story’s appeal overseas that it will open Compton in 23 territories, including Britain (Aug. 28), Korea (Sept. 10) and Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates (Oct. 1). Discussions are underway in additional territories, where there is growing excitement based on the F. Gary Gray-helmed film’s U.S. performance. “In order to greenlight it [at a budget of $29 million], we had a conversation about its prospects internationally,” says Universal chief Donna Langley. “To us, it’s a very aspirational, very inspirational film — a great rags-to-riches story with a political component.” Just three years ago, Fox’s George Lucas-produced Red Tails — about a crew of African-American pilots during World War II — was released overseas in only Croatia and the U.K., earning $489,000. Even Universal’s 2014 comedy hit Ride Along, co-starring Compton producer Ice Cube, took in only $19 million — or 12 percent of its $154 million worldwide total — in international territories. But Compton could pave the way for other films with predominantly black casts. N.W.A enjoys a rabid following in Europe, where Universal is hoping to launch a reunion tour. What’s more counterintuitive is that the film — starring O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell — will play in Asia and the Middle East. “There is a potential audience to reach [outside Europe],” says BoxOffice.com …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentBounce TV’s New Original Series In The Cut Premieres Tues. Aug. 25
August 25, 2015Bounce TV ( http://bouncetv.com ), the nation’s first-ever over-the-air broadcast television network for African Americans, will launch a new original series In The Cut – a half-hour situation comedy created by Bentley Kyle Evans (Family Time, The Jamie Foxx Show, Martin) – in a special six-week summer series run Tuesday nights at 9:00 p.m. starting tomorrow. In The Cut stars Dorien Wilson (The Parkers, Dream On), Ken Lawson (The Parkers) and also features Jackee Harry (Sister, Sister) and John Marshall Jones (The Smart Guy) along with special guest stars Vanessa Bell Calloway (Shameless), Golden Brooks (Girlfriends) and Chastity Dotson (Single Ladies). The show centers on Jay Weaver (Wilson) who owns several businesses in a strip mall in San Diego and spends most of his time working in his barbershop, Jay’s Chop Shop. Jay also co-owns a beauty salon a few doors away – Nadine’s Shop – named for his ex-wife (Harry) who still runs it. One day, a young man named Kenny Clark (Lawson) shows up out of nowhere claiming to be Jay’s 31-year-old illegitimate son from a short-lived fling. Kenny sticks around and begins to take on a role in the family business as he and Jay start to bond. Jay’s long-time sidekick Clevon “Smitty” Smith ( Jones ) also works at the barber shop and adds to the comedy — as well as the occasional drama — that comes into their lives. The series was created by Bentley Kyle Evans and is produced by Evans and partner Trenton Gumbs, both of whom produce the current Bounce TV hit original series Family Time . Evans also produced the hit series Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show, and both he and Gumbs produced Love That Girl. The third season of Family Time, starring Omar Gooding and Angell Conwell, will premiere on Bounce Tues. Oct. …
Posted in TV | Leave a commentFLAIR – Former Ebony Fashion Fair Models Reunion Fundraiser Gala held in Atlanta, August 22
August 23, 2015The Fashion Legacy Association for Industry Recognition (FLAIR) hosted its biennial event in Atlanta, Georgia, August 22, 2015. FLAIR is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization comprised of over 500 former models, commentators and staff of the world renowned Ebony Fashion Fair® show that toured the country from 1958 to 2009. Many have transcended the runway, created successful brands and become leaders in the community including B. Smith, Richard Roundtree and Judy Pace. On Saturday, August 22, 10 A.M. – 2:00 P.M., at C.A.U.S.E. for Elegance in Phipps Plaza, the organization hosted its FLAIR Cares Mentoring Event of seminars for an audience of selected FLAIR mentees from local fashion and design schools. FLAIR members provided sessions on self-esteem, make-up/self-image, entrepreneurship/leadership and social media/networking. While the private workshops were in session, the public was invited to meet and greet FLAIR members and enjoyed the shopping experience at C.A.U.S.E for Elegance. A Saturday evening red-carpet FLAIR Charitable Event took place at Mason Fine Art from 6 pm – 12 midnight, where the organization honored members of FLAIR, provided live entertainment and a fashion show featuring local designers. Honorees included iconic restaurateur, author and pioneering transcultural lifestyle expert B. Smith, Atlanta’s own Sonjia Waller Young and commentator Virginia Tibbs. A tribute was made to African-American designer, Patrick Kelly, made posthumously; and Atlanta-based fashion designer and makeup artist Edouard Johnson, whose fashions were featured in the FLAIR fashion show. Spelman College Student Lizette Terry was on hand to cover the event for Sonya’s Spotlight Web Mag. Check out a few photos below: Fashion Show Photos by Lizette Terry FLAIR’S mission is to empower, promote and provide educational and professional development programs for those demonstrating achievement in the fashion industry. “This weekend will afford us an opportunity to give back to the community as we mentor fashion and …
Posted in Photos, Music & Film | Leave a commentNFL legend and ESPN Analyst Ray Lewis “Inspires” MegaFest 2015 Attendees in Partnership with the Let’s Move campaign
August 21, 2015Participation Includes MegaFit Session with Angela Davis and Empowerment Panel on Saturday, August 22 NFL legend and ESPN analyst Ray Lewis and Denise Brown, Director of Let’s Move Nation!, have partnered to deliver a slate of motivational opportunities for MegaFest attendees addressing the body and spirit: “MegaFit in the Park with Angela Davis and Ray Lewis” powered by “Let’s Move!” on Saturday morning, August 22 at Klyde Warren Park and empowerment panel “I’ve Fallen and Can’t Get Up – What Labels Are Keeping You Down?” on Saturday afternoon. Beginning at 7 a.m., Lewis will join Davis for a spirited fitness session encouraging attendees to achieve their health and wellness goals on the road to a healthier lifestyle. Following the MegaFit event, Denise Brown will moderate a panel titled “I’ve Fallen and Can’t Get Up – What Labels are Keeping You Down?” where panelists will discuss how to remove the labels and re-brand your life in ways that will lead to fulfilling a God-given purpose and living the life God has planned specifically for you. Fe atured panelists include Lewis, ESPN analyst and retired NFL player (Baltimore Ravens), Akin Ayodele, Co-Founder of The Dreambuilders Foundation, Retired 10-year NFL Veteran (Cowboys) and Kwame Jackson, entrepreneur/businessman. ***RAY LEWIS JOINS EMPOWERMENT PANEL @MEGAFEST *** I’VE FALLEN AND CAN’T GET UP: What Labels Are Keeping You Down? D ate: Saturday, August 22, 2015 Time : 2:30pm – 3:30pm CT Where : Expo Hall/Empowerment Stage Description : Falling down is certain in life. We will face obstacles, barriers and disappointments that bring us to our knees. When we fall there are a variety of labels that are assigned to us and often that we assign to ourselves. How we deal with these labels has everything to do with our ability to achieve and succeed. In this empowerment session, learn how to remove the labels and re-brand your …
Posted in 98TH ACADEMY AWARDS | Leave a commentEntertainers and Athletes Come Out for 3RD ANNUAL CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER GOLF CLASSIC
August 19, 2015JIM BROWN, ROB RIGGLE, GEORGE LOPEZ, FRANK ROBINSON, ERIC DICKERSON, SALLI RICHARDSON, MARCUS ALLEN, SUGAR RAY LEONARD, RODNEY PEETE, AND MORE ATTEND 3RD ANNUAL CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER GOLF CLASSIC Boris Kojoe, DL Hughley, Richard Roundtree and more attend Pre-VIP Reception Held At Toscanova in Calabassas The Hall Of Fame Photo: (L to R) Marcus Allen, Frank Robinson, Eric Dickerson, Cedric The Enterrtainer, Jim Brown, Willie Gault, Ty Law, Rodney Peete, and Jim Plunkett at Spanish Hills Country Club for the third annual Cedric The Entertainer Celebrity Golf Classic held Monday. (Photo: A Turner Archives/CTE_CGC) (Los Angeles, CA – Wednesday, August 19) — For the third consecutive year, charismatic actor/comedian Cedric The Entertainer (“The Soul Man”) hosted his star-studded celebrity golf classic at the luxurious Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo Monday. Sponsored by Zacapa Rum, YP (Yellow Pages), and Xerox proceeds from the event benefit The Kyles Family Foundation , The Brotherhood Crusade of Los Angeles and The Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo . The celebrity guests donating their time for a great cause included host Cedric The Entertainer, Jim Brown, George Lopez, Rob Riggle, Frank Robinson, Marcus Allen, Richard Roundtree, Jim Plunkett, Ty Law, Boris Kojoe, Sugar Ray Leonard, Eric Dickerson, Royce Clayton, Kathleen Bradley, Flex Alexander, and Seema Sadekar to list only a few. It is hard to keep a straight face when Cedric “The Entertainer” and George Lopez hit the links at the 3rd Annual Cedric “The Entertainer” Golf Classic. (Photo: A Turner Archives/CTE_CGC) “Let’s Be Cops” star Rob Riggle joined Cedric for a round of golf on the links at Spanish Hills Country Club for the 3rd Annual Cedric The Entertainer Golf Classic. (Photo: A Turner Archives/CTE_CGC) Cedric poses with his golf ambassadors before they escort him to the greens to tee-off the 3rd Annual Cedric …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentStraight Outta Compton In Theaters August 14
August 12, 2015Synopsis: In 1987, five young men, using brutally honest rhymes and hardcore beats, put their frustration and anger about life in the most dangerous place in America into the most powerful weapon they had: their music. Taking us back to where it all began, Straight Outta Compton tells the true story of how these cultural rebels-armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent-stood up to the authorities that meant to keep them down and formed the world’s most dangerous group, N.W.A. And as they spoke the truth that no one had before and exposed life in the hood, their voice ignited a social revolution that is still reverberating today. Straight Outta Compton stars O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, and is directed by F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set It Off, The Italian Job). The drama is produced by original N.W.A members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, who are joined by fellow producers Tomica Woods-Wright, Matt Alvarez, Gray and Scott Bernstein. Will Packer serves as executive producer of the film alongside Adam Merims, David Engel, Bill Straus, Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni. – Universal Pictures The Donald Group, Archive Entertainment and Ratchet People Meet presented an advanced screening of Universal Pictures SRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON hosted by Emmanuel Hudson & DC YoungFly at Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Thursday, August 13. Several celebs came out, including artist Andre 3000 and actress Terri Vaughn. Sonya Jenkins, publisher of Sonya’s Spotlight web mag and author of Shayla’s Catch, had this to say about STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON: “Straight Outta Compton was the best movie I’ve seen all year. It was an emotional journey that made me laugh, cry and cringe – especially when it pertained to the police brutality and issues we still …
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentBOUNCE TV STARS CONDUCT ATLANTA PRESS TOUR AND PARTICIPATE IN
August 12, 2015Stars of Bounce TV’s original series Family Time , Mann & Wife, and In The Cut t ook part in multiple ancillary events during The Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards. The events included a media press tour; attendance to VIP parties; walking the blue carpet, presenting at, and attending the Neighborhood Awards; fan meet and greets; and a preview screening of new episodes of the upcoming seasons of Mann & Wife and Family Time. Bounce TV also showed a sneak peak of their new original series In The Cut , premiering Tuesday, August 25. Angell Conwell and Omar Gooding of Family Time took part in a Q & A panel with the show’s Executive Producer and Director, Bentley Kyle Evans following the screening. David and Tamela Mann of Mann & Wife also took part in the Q & A panel with Executive Producer and Director Roger Bobb. The panel was moderated by comedian and Bounce TV star Rodney Perry. Bounce TV on the Neighborhood Awards Blue Carpet Angell Conwell of Bounce TV’s Family Time on the blue carpet at the Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards Omar Gooding of Bounce TV’s Family Time on the blue carpet at the Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards Tamela and David Mann of Bounce TV’s Mann & Wife on the blue carpet at the Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards Executive Producer of Bounce TV’s Family Time, Bentley Kyle Evans, on the blue carpet at the Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards Family Time Stars Speak to Atlanta Press Omar Gooding and Angell Conwell visit Radio One Atlanta with Willie Moore Jr. during their Atlanta press tour Angell Conwell and Omar Gooding with Big Tigger of V103 during their Atlanta press tour Bounce TV Stars at the Preview Screening of the Newest Seasons of Family Time and Mann & Wife at the Bronze Lens Festival Photo credit: Chris McKay/Courtesy of Bounce TV/The FrontPage Firm …
Posted in Highlight | Leave a commentTV One Celebrates Born Again Virgin With Private Premier Event
August 6, 2015TV One hosted a private premiere event for the new series Born Again Virgin at American Spirit Works in Atlanta, GA. August 4. Cast members Danielle Nicolet, Eva Marcille, Meagan Holder, Tank and series creator Ranada Shepard introduced guests to the new scripted comedy – a sophisticated humorous look at dating, romance and celibacy. The exclusive event featured an intimate performance by co-star and R&B artist Tank. Check out a few images from the event.
Posted in Photos, Highlight | Leave a commentMission: Impossible Rogue Nation in Theaters July 31
August 2, 2015“MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION” reunites Tom Cruise with “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL” stars Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames. The film also stars Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris and Alec Baldwin. Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate – an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF. “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION” is produced by Tom Cruise, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk. The executive producers are David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger of Skydance Productions and Jake Myers. Drew Pearce, Christopher McQuarrie, Will Staples, Laeta Kalogridis & Patrick Lussier and Dylan Kussman wrote the screenplay, based on the television series created by Bruce Geller. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.MissionImpossible.com
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentSOUTHPAW in theaters July 24th
July 12, 2015Pu SYNOPSIS: Billy “The Great” Hope (Jake Gyllenhaal), the reigning light heavyweight boxing champion, has an impressive career, a loving wife and daughter, and a lavish lifestyle. However, when tragedy strikes, Billy hits rock bottom, losing his family, his house and his manager. He soon finds an unlikely savior in Tick Willis (Forest Whitaker), a former fighter who trains the city’s toughest amateur boxers. With his future on the line, Hope fights to reclaim the trust of those he loves the most. To celebrate the upcoming release of the drama SOUTHPAW, VIBE brought the film’s stars, Jake Gyllenhaal and Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson for a knockout cover! Gyllenhaal plays Billy “The Great” Hope a reigning light heavyweight champ who is managed by 50’s character. The two discuss The Sweet Science of Life and talk the A-List cast in SOUTHPAW. While Gyllenhaal had to get in tip top shape for his role as a professional boxer, 50’s definitely giving him a run for his money. ____________________________________________________________________________ Publisher of SONYA’S SPOTLIGHT WEB MAG will give away #SOUTHPAW mini posters and koozies to everyone who purchases a copy of her novel, SHAYLA’S CATCH, on Aug. 8th, 2015 at Medu Bookstore in Greenbriar Mall Atlanta. Come out Saturday, Aug. 8th to Medu Bookstore – 2841 Greenbriar Pkwy. SW Atlanta, GA 30331 – from 1pm-4pm and get your copy of SHAYLA’S CATCH and your free #SOUTHPAW poster and koozie, along with other prizes.
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