Rob Friedman’s Ascendant Entertainment is developing a drama series about female high school basketball with former player Melanie Page and Kellie R. Griffin, Variety has earned exclusively.
The series is titled “On the Line.” The official description states it will follow “the on- and off-court stories of female high school basketball players.” Page is developing the series with Griffin, who will serve as showrunner. Alison Lani Genest, Ascendant’s vice president of development, is overseeing on behalf of the company. News of the series comes as women’s basketball has seen a rapid rise in popularity of late.
“As the proud father of four young women and a basketball dad myself, I know this is an arena full of captivating stories and co-viewing opportunities,” Friedman said. “Our focus is not on the coaches, but on the players — the young women and all the pressure and drama they face in their day-to-day lives,...
The series is titled “On the Line.” The official description states it will follow “the on- and off-court stories of female high school basketball players.” Page is developing the series with Griffin, who will serve as showrunner. Alison Lani Genest, Ascendant’s vice president of development, is overseeing on behalf of the company. News of the series comes as women’s basketball has seen a rapid rise in popularity of late.
“As the proud father of four young women and a basketball dad myself, I know this is an arena full of captivating stories and co-viewing opportunities,” Friedman said. “Our focus is not on the coaches, but on the players — the young women and all the pressure and drama they face in their day-to-day lives,...
- 8/15/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Scholastic is boosting its entertainment biz: The kids media and publishing company announced a $186 million deal to acquire full economic interest in 9 Story Media Group, a leading children’s content producer and distributor.
Through the investment, Scholastic will acquire 100% of the economic interest in and a minority of voting rights in 9 Story Media, the animation studio behind TV shows including “Doc McStuffins” (pictured above), “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Octonauts,” “Wild Kratts” and “The Magic School Bus Rides Again.”
The companies said the deal “solidifies” the more than two decades of collaboration between Scholastic Entertainment and 9 Story. The investment has been approved by both companies’ boards of directors and the shareholders of 9 Story. The deal is expected to close in Scholastic’s fiscal 2025 first quarter, which begins on June 1, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.
“This highly strategic combination, adding 9 Story’s industry-leading capabilities with Scholastic’s trusted brand and proven ability...
Through the investment, Scholastic will acquire 100% of the economic interest in and a minority of voting rights in 9 Story Media, the animation studio behind TV shows including “Doc McStuffins” (pictured above), “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Octonauts,” “Wild Kratts” and “The Magic School Bus Rides Again.”
The companies said the deal “solidifies” the more than two decades of collaboration between Scholastic Entertainment and 9 Story. The investment has been approved by both companies’ boards of directors and the shareholders of 9 Story. The deal is expected to close in Scholastic’s fiscal 2025 first quarter, which begins on June 1, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.
“This highly strategic combination, adding 9 Story’s industry-leading capabilities with Scholastic’s trusted brand and proven ability...
- 3/12/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Picture: Netflix
Netflix has revealed a first-look trailer and release date for its upcoming Wizard of Oz series coming from the animation team of Karma’s World and Ada Twist, Scientist.
Inspired by the 1900 children’s fantasy novel, later adapted into the iconic 1939 movie, Dee & Friends in Oz follows a young girl who discovers a mysterious key, allowing her to travel to the world of Oz, where she must become the hero to save magic.
The series was amongst a slew of announcements that came out of Netflix’s Kids division last September and first reported on by The Hollywood Reporter.
Speaking about the project to the outlet, Halcyon Person, head writer, and co-executive producer, told THR, “We believe that, at its heart, Oz shares messages perfect for young viewers: the importance of friendship, the courage to believe in yourself and that every kid has the power inside them to be a hero.
Netflix has revealed a first-look trailer and release date for its upcoming Wizard of Oz series coming from the animation team of Karma’s World and Ada Twist, Scientist.
Inspired by the 1900 children’s fantasy novel, later adapted into the iconic 1939 movie, Dee & Friends in Oz follows a young girl who discovers a mysterious key, allowing her to travel to the world of Oz, where she must become the hero to save magic.
The series was amongst a slew of announcements that came out of Netflix’s Kids division last September and first reported on by The Hollywood Reporter.
Speaking about the project to the outlet, Halcyon Person, head writer, and co-executive producer, told THR, “We believe that, at its heart, Oz shares messages perfect for young viewers: the importance of friendship, the courage to believe in yourself and that every kid has the power inside them to be a hero.
- 1/9/2024
- by Kasey Moore
- Whats-on-Netflix
The 2nd annual Children’s & Family Emmys got underway on Saturday night, starting with the Children’s & Family Creative Arts Emmys at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. According to early results — pending final tallies — Disney+ and Netflix tied the lead with nine wins overall.
The most honored program of the evening was actually Netflix’s “Lost Ollie,” which scored five trophies. Disney+’s wins included multiple awards for “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” and animated series “Baymax!” Nickelodeon picked up five wins.
And it was also a good night for Disney via its linear Disney Channel, which picked up four wins.
Presenters included Tamara Almeida (“Jane”), Ceci Balagot (“Monster High: The Movie”), Eric Bauza (voice of Bugs Bunny and others), Tantoo Cardinal (“Spirit Rangers”), Nayah Damasen (“Monster High: The Movie”), Miia Harris (“Monster High: The Movie”), Sonia Manzano (“Alma’s Way”), Ava Louise Murchison (“Jane”), and...
The most honored program of the evening was actually Netflix’s “Lost Ollie,” which scored five trophies. Disney+’s wins included multiple awards for “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” and animated series “Baymax!” Nickelodeon picked up five wins.
And it was also a good night for Disney via its linear Disney Channel, which picked up four wins.
Presenters included Tamara Almeida (“Jane”), Ceci Balagot (“Monster High: The Movie”), Eric Bauza (voice of Bugs Bunny and others), Tantoo Cardinal (“Spirit Rangers”), Nayah Damasen (“Monster High: The Movie”), Miia Harris (“Monster High: The Movie”), Sonia Manzano (“Alma’s Way”), Ava Louise Murchison (“Jane”), and...
- 12/17/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges never planned on being an actor when he started his rap career during the late ’90s. He attributes his successful transition from music to acting to late writer-director John Singleton, who gave him his breakout role as Tej Parker in the “The Fast and the Furious” (2001) sequel “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003).
During a discussion about his new role as Eddie Garrick in Disney+’s new Christmas movie “Dashing Through the Snow,” Bridges discussed his more than 20-year career as an actor, and how acting initially was never “part of the plan.”
While his debut role was playing an unsatisfied customer in record producer and filmmaker DJ Pooh’s comedy “The Wash” (2001), it wasn’t until Singleton cast him as a former street racer and mechanic that his acting career went full speed ahead.
“No, it was not part of the plan. I always give credit to John Singleton,...
During a discussion about his new role as Eddie Garrick in Disney+’s new Christmas movie “Dashing Through the Snow,” Bridges discussed his more than 20-year career as an actor, and how acting initially was never “part of the plan.”
While his debut role was playing an unsatisfied customer in record producer and filmmaker DJ Pooh’s comedy “The Wash” (2001), it wasn’t until Singleton cast him as a former street racer and mechanic that his acting career went full speed ahead.
“No, it was not part of the plan. I always give credit to John Singleton,...
- 11/20/2023
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
In November 2001, Ludacris was set to release his third album, “Word of Mouf.” At the same time, however, his debut on film, “The Wash,” was also about to hit theaters. Luda’s role in the DJ Pooh-directed comedy starring Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg was small. But “The Wash,” along with his goofball antics in several of his music videos, put Luda in front of major league filmmakers such as the late John Singleton and Paul Haggis. In back-to-back films, the rapper became a movie star as Tej Parker in 2003’s “2 Fast 2 Furious,” followed in 2004 by the Oscar-winning “Crash.” Some 30 more movies would follow.
“The theatricality of my videos, my image — it was a bit of transition, going into acting, playing myself playing the Ludacris persona,” says Luda, credited in film as Chris Bridges. “But ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ was a great way to start, because the year after was when ‘Crash’ came along.
“The theatricality of my videos, my image — it was a bit of transition, going into acting, playing myself playing the Ludacris persona,” says Luda, credited in film as Chris Bridges. “But ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ was a great way to start, because the year after was when ‘Crash’ came along.
- 5/17/2023
- by A.D. Amorosi
- Variety Film + TV
Image Source: Rice Krispies Treats
Chris Bridges, known by most as Ludacris, holds many titles - Grammy-winning rapper, actor, producer, and author - but nothing fills his cup quite like being a girl dad. The father of four has been leaning all the way in on his family-man status the past few years, launching the KidNation entertainment platform, releasing an animated Netflix series called "Karma's World," and, most recently, teaming up with Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats for a fun partnership.
Ludacris worked with the snack brand to create a limited-edition kit for family game night, which is his favorite way to spend time with daughters Karma, Cai, Cadence, and Chance. "We play so many games," Ludacris tells Popsugar of the Bridges brood. "There are a lot of games that are parents vs. kids, and you just get to learn so much about each other. . . . It's games all day."
His new Treat.
Chris Bridges, known by most as Ludacris, holds many titles - Grammy-winning rapper, actor, producer, and author - but nothing fills his cup quite like being a girl dad. The father of four has been leaning all the way in on his family-man status the past few years, launching the KidNation entertainment platform, releasing an animated Netflix series called "Karma's World," and, most recently, teaming up with Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats for a fun partnership.
Ludacris worked with the snack brand to create a limited-edition kit for family game night, which is his favorite way to spend time with daughters Karma, Cai, Cadence, and Chance. "We play so many games," Ludacris tells Popsugar of the Bridges brood. "There are a lot of games that are parents vs. kids, and you just get to learn so much about each other. . . . It's games all day."
His new Treat.
- 5/10/2023
- by Victoria Messina
- Popsugar.com
When Karma’s World launched two years ago, series creator Chris “Ludacris” Bridges told The Hollywood Reporter he hoped the Netflix animated series would help build the confidence of the current generation of children. The show, which also features Bridges voicing the title character’s father, premiered its fourth season in September and centers on a talented Black girl in middle school who uses her prowess with music and rapping to help her overcome obstacles and challenges.
Now, Bridges’ mission-oriented media company Karma’s World Entertainment — which aims to foster kids’ self-esteem, creativity and leadership through educational programs — and the show’s production company 9 Story Media Group (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts) have struck licensing deals with two Black-owned businesses that specialize in haircare products for Black girls.
“Creating a program that supports Black-owned businesses speaks to the themes of representation and community that live throughout Karma’s World,...
Now, Bridges’ mission-oriented media company Karma’s World Entertainment — which aims to foster kids’ self-esteem, creativity and leadership through educational programs — and the show’s production company 9 Story Media Group (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts) have struck licensing deals with two Black-owned businesses that specialize in haircare products for Black girls.
“Creating a program that supports Black-owned businesses speaks to the themes of representation and community that live throughout Karma’s World,...
- 3/20/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder debuted last year on Disney+, it called back to the bygone era of Black TV sitcoms in which its 2001 Disney Channel predecessor shined. One where Black families, culture and people were not only celebrated on the small screens in living rooms across the country, but the central focal point of multiple simultaneously airing (though mostly live-action) series.
Its return on Feb. 3, however, pointed to a stunning reality. While the original series aired in the 2000s alongside a handful of animated kids shows also featuring Black leads, including Filmore!, Static Shock, Tutenstein and Little Bill, there has since been only a handful of animated shows aimed at non-adult audiences that explicitly center Black leads and, more specifically, their families.
“Ralph [Farquhar] and I always thought there were gonna be people coming up beside us, making shows that will continue to display this potpourri of Blackness in animation,...
Its return on Feb. 3, however, pointed to a stunning reality. While the original series aired in the 2000s alongside a handful of animated kids shows also featuring Black leads, including Filmore!, Static Shock, Tutenstein and Little Bill, there has since been only a handful of animated shows aimed at non-adult audiences that explicitly center Black leads and, more specifically, their families.
“Ralph [Farquhar] and I always thought there were gonna be people coming up beside us, making shows that will continue to display this potpourri of Blackness in animation,...
- 2/18/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As the back-to-school rush arrives, Netflix has dropped a perfect mix of new titles and classic flicks right in time to procrastinate homework, work and whatever else life has in store.
This month, the streaming service will serve up a dark comedy featuring Camila Mendes, Ana de Armas’ rendition of Marilyn Monroe and a highly anticipated reunion episode of “Love is Blind.”
As far as library titles, “A Little Princess,” “Clueless,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “The Notebook” and “This Is 40” will find a home on Netflix. The streaming service will also add parts of beloved film series, including “Despicable Me,” “Austin Powers” and “Resident Evil.”
Also Read:
‘Resident Evil’ Canceled at Netflix After 1 Season
Check out the complete list of what’s coming to Netflix this month:
Sept. 1
Fenced In
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Stone Ocean Episodes 13-24
Liss Pereira: Adulting
Love in the Villa
Off the Hook...
This month, the streaming service will serve up a dark comedy featuring Camila Mendes, Ana de Armas’ rendition of Marilyn Monroe and a highly anticipated reunion episode of “Love is Blind.”
As far as library titles, “A Little Princess,” “Clueless,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “The Notebook” and “This Is 40” will find a home on Netflix. The streaming service will also add parts of beloved film series, including “Despicable Me,” “Austin Powers” and “Resident Evil.”
Also Read:
‘Resident Evil’ Canceled at Netflix After 1 Season
Check out the complete list of what’s coming to Netflix this month:
Sept. 1
Fenced In
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Stone Ocean Episodes 13-24
Liss Pereira: Adulting
Love in the Villa
Off the Hook...
- 9/16/2022
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Don’t Look Up, Black-ish and Pachinko were among the winners of the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes announced Friday from a luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
The awards, honoring the craft of screenwriting, featured winners in nine juried categories spanning film and television. These included Don’t Look Up from writer Adam McKay for comedy feature film, The Starling from Matt Harris for drama feature film and Encanto from Charise Castro Smith and Jared Bush for family feature film.
On the TV side, Black-ish writer Robb Chavis prevailed for comedy teleplay, Pachinko creator Soo Hugh won for drama teleplay and Women of the Movement creator Marissa Jo Cerar was tops for limited series, TV movie or special.
Larry Wilmore hosted the event, and presenters included Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks. Also honored were...
Don’t Look Up, Black-ish and Pachinko were among the winners of the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes announced Friday from a luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
The awards, honoring the craft of screenwriting, featured winners in nine juried categories spanning film and television. These included Don’t Look Up from writer Adam McKay for comedy feature film, The Starling from Matt Harris for drama feature film and Encanto from Charise Castro Smith and Jared Bush for family feature film.
On the TV side, Black-ish writer Robb Chavis prevailed for comedy teleplay, Pachinko creator Soo Hugh won for drama teleplay and Women of the Movement creator Marissa Jo Cerar was tops for limited series, TV movie or special.
Larry Wilmore hosted the event, and presenters included Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks. Also honored were...
- 9/10/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Just one month after debuting a fan favorite genre hit in the form of Stranger Things season 4, Netflix is once again coming out with the big guns for its list of new releases for June 2022.
The Umbrella Academy season 3 is set to be released June 22 and it will be a busy one for the Hargreeves family of crime fighters. After averting a 1963 nuclear apocalypse in season 2, the gang returns to the present only to find there’s a new team called the Sparrows living in their house. Based on the trailer for season 3, hilarity and many superpowers punches thrown will ensue.
Read more TV The Umbrella Academy Officially Introduces The Sparrow Academy By Alec Bojalad TV The Umbrella Academy Season 3: What To Expect By Michael Ahr
Other Netflix TV original series of note this month include the vampire love story First Kill (June 10) the Melissa McCarthy comedy God’s Favorite Idiot...
The Umbrella Academy season 3 is set to be released June 22 and it will be a busy one for the Hargreeves family of crime fighters. After averting a 1963 nuclear apocalypse in season 2, the gang returns to the present only to find there’s a new team called the Sparrows living in their house. Based on the trailer for season 3, hilarity and many superpowers punches thrown will ensue.
Read more TV The Umbrella Academy Officially Introduces The Sparrow Academy By Alec Bojalad TV The Umbrella Academy Season 3: What To Expect By Michael Ahr
Other Netflix TV original series of note this month include the vampire love story First Kill (June 10) the Melissa McCarthy comedy God’s Favorite Idiot...
- 6/1/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The wait for “Bridgerton” Season 2 is over at last. As usual, Netflix has a robust lineup of new movies and shows streaming in March, including the return of the lusty Shondaland Regency romance series that left audiences swooning after Season 1 debuted in December 2021.
Other new shows on Netflix this month include the thriller series “Pieces of Her” starring Bella Heathcote and Toni Collette as a mother-daughter duo contending with the mother’s past after a shocking act of violence uncover long-hidden secrets. Also debuting this month is the “Big Mouth” spinoff “Human Resources,” which “pulls back the curtain on the daily lives of the creatures – Hormone Monsters, Depression Kitties, Shame Wizards, and many more – that help humans journey through every aspect of life from puberty to childbirth to the twilight years.”
In the realm of new Netflix Original movies, “The Adam Project” is the sci-fi film from “Stranger Things” and...
Other new shows on Netflix this month include the thriller series “Pieces of Her” starring Bella Heathcote and Toni Collette as a mother-daughter duo contending with the mother’s past after a shocking act of violence uncover long-hidden secrets. Also debuting this month is the “Big Mouth” spinoff “Human Resources,” which “pulls back the curtain on the daily lives of the creatures – Hormone Monsters, Depression Kitties, Shame Wizards, and many more – that help humans journey through every aspect of life from puberty to childbirth to the twilight years.”
In the realm of new Netflix Original movies, “The Adam Project” is the sci-fi film from “Stranger Things” and...
- 3/25/2022
- by Haleigh Foutch
- The Wrap
Netflix’s list of new releases for March 2022 is packed with just about everything a streaming enthusiast might need.
This month sees the usual arrival of Netflix original offerings. The big draw is undoubtedly the premiere of Bridgerton season 2 on March 25. Say what you will about the beloved period drama, but more corgis in the world is never a bad thing. Also arriving in March are He-Man and the Masters of the Universe season 2 (March 3), Big Mouth spinoff Human Resources (March 18), and Toni Collette mystery series Pieces of Her (March 9). Additionally, Netflix appears to have something big brewing with its latest buzzworthy docuseries Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives. on March 16. This one comes from some of the folks behind Tiger King and Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened so maybe keep an eye on it.
Read more Books From Bridgerton to Sanditon—Putting Island Queen in a Period Drama...
This month sees the usual arrival of Netflix original offerings. The big draw is undoubtedly the premiere of Bridgerton season 2 on March 25. Say what you will about the beloved period drama, but more corgis in the world is never a bad thing. Also arriving in March are He-Man and the Masters of the Universe season 2 (March 3), Big Mouth spinoff Human Resources (March 18), and Toni Collette mystery series Pieces of Her (March 9). Additionally, Netflix appears to have something big brewing with its latest buzzworthy docuseries Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives. on March 16. This one comes from some of the folks behind Tiger King and Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened so maybe keep an eye on it.
Read more Books From Bridgerton to Sanditon—Putting Island Queen in a Period Drama...
- 3/1/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Netflix brings one of its biggest shows back to the streaming service in March with the return of “Bridgerton.” The second season of the 2021 Emmy Award nominee for Best Drama series debuts on March 25. But there are loads of other original shows and movies coming to Netflix in March 2022 – including the Ryan Reynolds blockbuster “The Adam Project” – plus legacy titles such as “Shrek,” “Top Gun,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” and “Dunkirk.” Here’s everything coming to Netflix in March 2022 and what’s leaving the service in March as well.
What’s new on Netflix in March 2022
Coming soon
800 Meters
Tomorrow
March 1
The Guardians of Justice
Worst Roommate Ever
21
21 Bridges
A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Battleship
Christine
Coach Carter
Due Date
Freddy vs. Jason
Gattaca
The Gift
Redemption
The Replacements
Richie RichThe Shawshank Redemption
Shooter
Shrek
Shrek 2
Sorry to Bother You
Starship Troopers
Texas Chainsaw 3D...
What’s new on Netflix in March 2022
Coming soon
800 Meters
Tomorrow
March 1
The Guardians of Justice
Worst Roommate Ever
21
21 Bridges
A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Battleship
Christine
Coach Carter
Due Date
Freddy vs. Jason
Gattaca
The Gift
Redemption
The Replacements
Richie RichThe Shawshank Redemption
Shooter
Shrek
Shrek 2
Sorry to Bother You
Starship Troopers
Texas Chainsaw 3D...
- 2/24/2022
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Ludcaris doesn’t just have “hoes in different area codes” — he’s also now got an animated kids show on Netflix.
“Karma’s World” follows Karma Grant, an aspiring musical artist and rapper with big talent and an even bigger heart. Smart, resilient and deeply empathetic, Karma pours her soul into songwriting, channeling her feelings into whip-smart rhymes with passion, courage and her signature brand of humor, the streaming service’s logline reads. In this series, Karma is only beginning to grasp the incredible emotional power that words and music can have. She doesn’t just want to share her music with the world… she wants to change the world with it.
Watch the trailer via the video above.
In addition to Luda, the voice cast for “Karma’s World” includes Asiahn Bryant, Camden Coley, Danielle Brooks, Tiffany Haddish, Jordan Fisher, Dascha Polanco, Dawnn Lewis, Isaia Kohn, Aria Capria, Kaila Mullady and Ramone Hamilton.
“Karma’s World” follows Karma Grant, an aspiring musical artist and rapper with big talent and an even bigger heart. Smart, resilient and deeply empathetic, Karma pours her soul into songwriting, channeling her feelings into whip-smart rhymes with passion, courage and her signature brand of humor, the streaming service’s logline reads. In this series, Karma is only beginning to grasp the incredible emotional power that words and music can have. She doesn’t just want to share her music with the world… she wants to change the world with it.
Watch the trailer via the video above.
In addition to Luda, the voice cast for “Karma’s World” includes Asiahn Bryant, Camden Coley, Danielle Brooks, Tiffany Haddish, Jordan Fisher, Dascha Polanco, Dawnn Lewis, Isaia Kohn, Aria Capria, Kaila Mullady and Ramone Hamilton.
- 9/23/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
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