WILL PACKER AND OWN TAP BENNY BOOM TO DIRECT PILOT FOR NEW FAMILY SAGA “AMBITIONS

WILL PACKER AND OWN TAP BENNY BOOM TO DIRECT PILOT FOR NEW FAMILY SAGA “AMBITIONS

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today the start of production in Atlanta of the new multigenerational family saga “Ambitions,” produced by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate and Lionsgate-owned distributor Debmar-Mercury, and starring Robin Givens (“Riverdale,” “The Fix,” “The Bold and the Beautiful”), Essence Atkins (“Marlon,” “Half and Half”), Brian White (“Ray Donovan,” “Scandal”), Kendrick Cross (“Acrimony,” “Tales from the Hood 2”), Brely Evans (“Turnt,” “Being Mary Jane”) and Erica Page (“Ozark,” “Bad Dad Rehab”). Multiple award-winning writer/EP Kevin Arkadie (“The Quad,” “New York Undercover”) has joined as showrunner. Created by executive producer/writer Jamey Giddens (“The Rich and The Ruthless”) from an original idea by Packer, “Ambitions” will debut on OWN in 2019, with the pilot episode directed by Benny Boom (“All Eyez on Me,” “Black Lightning”).

“Ambitions” is a multigenerational family saga centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city.

Robin Givens stars as ‘Stephanie Carlisle,’ the wife of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster (Brian White), whose true loyalty is to her own family’s prestigious law firm, where she is the latest in a long line of distinguished lawyers. Stephanie desperately wants to be in charge of the Carlisle family law firm and quietly fumes about her father Stephen’s condescending assertion that she’s simply not ready yet. Givens is represented by PANTHEON.

Essence Atkins plays the role of ‘Amara,’ a lawyer in U.S. Attorney’s Office who has newly arrived in Atlanta with her husband, Titus (Kendrick Cross). Originally from Texas, she is quickly gaining attention from the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a diligent prosecutor but disappoints her supervisor by turning down the offer to run point on a major local case. Atkins is represented by Buchwald and Kathy McComb Management.

Brian White has been cast as ‘Evan Lancaster,’ the Mayor of Atlanta, who is married to attorney Stephanie Carlisle (Robin Givens). Evan’s political ambitions seem to cloud his judgement as he is willing to do anything to get to the next level in his career. White is represented by Paradigm Talent Agency, Zero Gravity Management and attorney Eric Feig.

Kendrick Cross stars as ‘Titus,’ an attorney who recently moved with his wife Amara (Essence Atkins) to Atlanta. Titus has been hired as in-house counsel for a big pharma company run by Hunter Purifoy, who is fighting a class action suit brought by the powerful Carlisle family. Cross is represented by Houghton Talent.

Brely Evans plays the role of ‘Rondell,’ Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster’s (Brian White) sister, who runs a not-quite-profitable restaurant called Thelma’s Place. Evans is represented by J Pervis Talent.

Erica Page plays the role of ‘Bella,’ a fashion designer in Atlanta who designs all of Stephanie Carlisle’s (Robin Givens) dresses for her. Page is represented by Houghton Talent.

Kevin Arkadie is the co-creator of the series “New York Undercover.” Last season, he Co-Executive Produced season two of “The Quad.” Previously, he was a Producer on “Chicago Hope”; Supervising Producer on “NYPD Blue”; Co-Executive Producer on “The Shield”; and Executive Producer on “Soul Food: The Series” and “Rescue 77.” Arkadie scripted the Emmy®-winning miniseries “The Temptations” and is the recipient of the Golden Globe® Award, Writers Guild Award, Image Award and the Christopher Award as well as a nominee for multiple Emmy® and Humanitas Prizes. He is the Writer/Producer/Director of the documentary “FESPACO.” He began his writing career on the much-acclaimed series “I’ll Fly Away” as a story editor.

Jamey Giddens is an award-winning writer, producer, entertainment journalist, publicist, and podcast personality. He is the co-owner of the wildly popular soap opera-themed website DaytimeConfidential.com. Giddens co-wrote the first season of Urban Movie Channel’s breakout summer hit dramedy “The Rich and The Ruthless.” Giddens worked for 10 years as a communications specialist for the Centers For Disease Control and Protection (CDC), helping to create social media messages alerting the public to such major health events as the H1N1, Zika Virus and Ebola outbreaks.

Situated in Atlanta, the award-winning writing staff includes Jamey Giddens (“The Rich and The Ruthless”), Susan Dansby (“As The World Turns,” “The Young and The Restless”), Michele Val Jean (“General Hospital,” “The Bold and the Beautiful”), Trey Anthony (“da Kink in my Hair,” “How Black Mothers Say I Love You”) and Jazmen Darnell Brown (“The Citizen,” “Saints & Sinners”).

“Ambitions” is produced for OWN by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate and its producer-distributor Debmar-Mercury. Will Packer is executive producer. Kevin Arkadie is executive producer/showrunner. Writer Jamey Giddens and Will Packer Media’s Sheila Ducksworth also serve as executive producers. Benny Boom directs the pilot episode.

About Benny Boom
For nearly two decades, award winning director Benny “Boom” Douglas heavily influenced the visual landscape of popular music. Global superstars like Nicki Minaj, LL Cool J, David Guetta and many more trust his creative eye and consistent work ethic to bring their artistry to life. Known as “Boom” to his contemporaries, the Philadelphia native made his feature film directorial debut in 2009 with the now cult classic, “Next Day Air” starring Donald Faison (Scrubs), Omari Hardwick (Power), Yasiin Bey (Dexter) and Mike Epps (Uncle Drew). In 2017, Boom helmed the much anticipated Tupac Shakurbiopic “All Eyez On Me”, which has grossed over $70M world-wide for Lionsgate Films. A graduate of Temple University, Boom holds a B.A. in Film. He is a founder and principal of Groundwurk Studios, a content production and distribution company based in Culver City, CA.

About Will Packer Media
Led by Hollywood producer Will Packer, Will Packer Media is a first-of-its-kind production and branded content company focused on the New American Mainstream audience, with an urban millennial core. In partnership with Discovery, Inc. and Universal Pictures, the company produces episodic scripted and unscripted series across television and digital platforms, compelling content for brand clients, and short-form digital content for millennial audiences. Will Packer’s films have earned more than $1 billion, with nine opening at number one at the box office.

About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey’s heart and creative instincts inform the brand and the magnetism of the channel. OWN is a leading destination for premium scripted and unscripted programming from today’s most innovative storytellers. OWN’s original scripted series include popular dramas “Queen Sugar,” “Greenleaf,” “Love Is __,” “The Have and Have Nots, “If Loving You is Wrong,” popular sitcom “The Paynes,” and upcoming drama series “David Makes Man” from Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney and family saga “Ambitions” from box office hit-maker Will Packer. OWN’s Saturday night unscripted programming lineup includes “Iyanla: Fix My Life,” “Book of John Gray,” “Black Love,” “Chad Loves Michelle” and the new dating series “Ready to Love.” OWN connects with its audience wherever they are, inspiring conversation among a global community of like-minded viewers on social media and beyond. Launched on January 1, 2011, OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery, Inc. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com. Access OWN anytime, anywhere on WatchOWN.tv or across mobile devices and connected TVs. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own and https://press.discovery.com/us/own/.

About Lionsgate
The first major new studio in decades, Lionsgate is a global content leader whose films, television series, digital products and linear and over-the-top platforms reach next generation audiences around the world. In addition to its filmed entertainment leadership, Lionsgate content drives a growing presence in interactive and location-based entertainment, video games, esports and other new entertainment technologies. Lionsgate’s content initiatives are backed by a nearly 17,000-title film and television library and delivered through a global sales and distribution infrastructure. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring and ground-breaking content created with special emphasis on the evolving patterns and diverse composition of the Company’s worldwide consumer base.

About Debmar-Mercury
Debmar-Mercury, a leading media company specializing in syndication, network, cable and ancillary markets, produces and distributes The Wendy Williams Show and, with co-producer Citylife Productions, Caught in Providence, debuting nationally in September 2018. It has U.S. distribution rights to FremantleMedia North America’s Steve Harvey-hosted Family Feud; off-Netflix episodes of BoJack Horseman from Michael Eisner’s privately held media and entertainment company, The Tornante Company; as well as U.S. distribution rights to Schitt’s Creek, the critically acclaimed half-hour, single-camera scripted comedy created by Eugene Levy and Daniel Levy that ranks as the No. 1 original series on Pop TV; the 10/90 sitcoms Debmar-Mercury pioneered including Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and spinoff Meet the Browns; Revolution/CubeVision’s Are We There Yet? (starring Ice Cube); and the Debmar-Mercury / Lionsgate Television comedy Anger Management (starring Charlie Sheen). Debmar-Mercury is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), a global content platform whose films, television series, digital products and linear and over-the-top platforms reach next-generation audiences around the world.

SOURCE:
DSDDigital / Groundwurk Studios

Hollywood Actress Brély Evans-Eddings hosts Heart Health event for Dallas-Fort Worth based non-profit organization

Hollywood Actress Brély Evans-Eddings hosts Heart Health event for Dallas-Fort Worth based non-profit organization

Acclaimed Actress from BET’s Being Mary Jane and films such as Just Wright and Sparkle, Producer, Singer, Host, Motivational Speaker and Brand Ambassador Brély Evans-Eddings will bring versatility and liveliness as she hosts a stellar brunch and show to raise awareness about heart disease The annual Hearts & Heels Brunch and Show, presented by Total You Unlimited, will take place on March 4, 2017 at the Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville, 800 North Main Street Duncanville, TX. A portion of the proceeds will help support the American Heart Association. Total You Unlimited CEO and Founder, Emily Michelle Blue, whose mother is also a heart disease survivor, firmly believes it is extremely important to help eradicate heart disease and states, “Heart disease is still the number one cause of death in both men and women. It is important for us to continue to fund lifesaving treatments and educate individuals on how they can prevent heart disease. That is why we support the American Heart Association.”

Biggest Loser host Bob Harper suffers a massive heart attack

Derrick A. Golden Lead Pastor of Amazing Church in McKinney, TX and Motivational Speaker will deliver a powerful keynote to transform, ignite and empower. All patrons also will enjoy a delightful heart healthy brunch, hear an stirring story by Heart Health Speaker Crystal Garrett, Founder of Beauty Is…, learn from experts and coaches such as Dr. Estrelita Bruce, Creator/Visionary of A NEW ME, Life Coach, Christian Counselor, Motivational Speaker and Author, Stacia Alexander, Licensed Professional Counselor, Life Coach, Professional Trainer and Executive Director of Positive Influences and Candace Cooper, Speaker, Professor, and Author of Ignite: A 10 Journey to Purpose Driven Power.

The annual event sizzles with its remarkably popular show featuring some of the most noted designers, models, and stylists within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex such as Oonarissa Bernard of OonaNicole, Misty Wells of Misty Chanel, Stephanie Burleson of So Like You, Chelita McDuffie of Chelita Lenice, Daphne Askew of Zoe Victoria Boutique, Shandon Guignard with Shandonism Shirts, and Venus Basaran of Tipsy Toe Shoe Boutique.

Hearts & Heels will also include the inaugural C. O. R. E. Heart Awards presentation honoring individuals whose service impacts the essence of the lives they reach. The 2017 Honorees include actress Brély Evans-Eddings (Beauty of the Heart Award), first African-American woman Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson (Heart of the Community Award), former National Director of Marketing & Events for Heart & Soul Magazine, Heart Disease Survivor and American Heart Association National Volunteer Ambassador Erica Annise (Heart of a Champion Award), State Senator Royce West (Heart of the Community Award), Founder, CEO and Managing Partner of Lauren Fabulous Firm, Author, Chairman of the Board for Dress for Success Dallas and Philanthropist Dr. Lauren Freeman (Servant’s Heart Award), and Celebrity Chef and Ambassador for Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign Ken Patrick (Healthy Hearts Award).

The event starts with a Meet & Greet along with health screenings, a silent auction and shopping with specialty vendors at 10:00 am and a brunch and show at 11 am. Attendees are encouraged to wear red in support of heart health awareness. For more information about tickets, becoming a sponsor, or advertiser, interview opportunities or other news, please contact Dominique Clayton at 888-628-3270 or visit www.squareup.com/store/totalyouunlimited.

About Brely Evans-Eddings
Brély Evans-Eddings is a sought after entertainer who brings professionalism and adaptability to every project and event she puts her hands on. She is an Oakland, CA native who has become the epitome of what the industry dubs a triple threat but times three. As an Actress, Vocalist, Comedienne, Voiceover talent, Model and Motivational Speaker her versatility puts her in a class of her own as she transcends your entertainment experience; whether she’s making you cry in a drama, buckle over with laughter in a comedy or challenging your intellectual wit through thought provoking discussion as a talk show host and radio personality. In television, Brély is mostly recognized for her recurring role as Nichelle Nicholas on BET’s hit series Being Mary Jane where she plays the role of Gabrielle Union’s best friend which finds much love from more than five million viewers. Her reach continues to expand with her involvement in successful projects like TV One’s For the Love Of Ruth, where she plays Opal. Before obtaining a host of film, theater and commercial work under her belt, Brély’s break out role was opposite Oscar Award Nominee Queen Latifah, as “Sabrina,” in the romantic comedy Just Wright. Ms. Evans role of “Sabrina,” was expanded as a result of her comedic timing and ability to bring unexpected life to her characters. This same power packed persona afforded her an opportunity to work with the late Whitney Houston in her final film Sparkle, playing the role of Tune Ann, best friend to lead actress Jordin Sparks. Brély’s talent has been commanding attention but it’s her faith, drive, and commitment to excellence that continues to reward her with career opportunities, both of her own making and because her multi-dimensional persona is constantly in high demand. If that’s not enough, she now coaches people in her series Get Your Act Together and Start Living Your Dreams with her company, Water Walkers Worldwide, Inc. personal one on ones and group sessions that travel national and internationally.

About Total You Unlimited
Total You Unlimited is a non-profit holistic empowerment organization dedicated to equipping and enriching individuals from all walks of life with the tools necessary to be well from the inside out.

About the American Heart Association
American Heart Association’s mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Our mission drives everything we do.

 

The SMG Report