DreamWorks' 'Turbo' Opens Nationwide Today

WESLEY JONATHAN (TV Land's 'The Soul Man')

Some celebrities turned out for a special screening of the new animated film, 'Turbo.'

'Turbo,' the story about a snail who wants to go faster, opens today nationwide. The film is about following your dreams and doing what seems like the impossible. 

Tony Award winner COURTNEY B. VANCE

Theo (Ryan Reynolds) is a regular garden snail obsessed with race-car driving and watching his hero Guy Gagné (Bill Hader) race for the Indie 500. Chet (Paul Giamatti) is Theo’s older and very safe and protective brother. While Theo is the dreamer of the family, Chet is very grounded. He is more than content with his place in life and constantly tries to get Theo to be the same, but Theo wants more out of his life than to help harvest the tomatoes in the garden.

Olympic gold medalist MAURICE GREENE

Release Date: July 17, 2013
Director: David Soren
Screenwriters: Darren Lemke, Robert D. Siegel, David Soren
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Peña, Luis Guzman, Richard Jenkins, Ken Jeong, Michelle Rodrigues, Bill Hader, Samuel L. Jackson, Maya Rudolph, Ben Schwartz, and Snoop Dogg
MPAA Rating: PG (for some mild action and thematic elements)

TV One's 'Celebrity Crime Files' Returns Aug. 5

TV ONE’S POPULAR DOCU-SERIES CELEBRITY CRIME FILES

RETURNS WITH BIGGER CELEBRITIES AND BIGGER CRIMES

MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 9:00 PM/ET

--Twelve-Episode Series Explores Controversial Crimes Involving: Michael Jackson, The Notorious B.I.G., Bumpy Johnson, John Whitehead, Scott LaRock, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, Mac Dre, Lorenzen Wright, Magnolia Shorty, Lyman Bostock, Mike Winans, Kwame Kilpatrick--

July 16, 2013, Silver Spring, MD – After a critically acclaimed season one, the investigative docu-series Celebrity Crime Files returns Monday, August 5, at 9 PM/ET for a second season. Probing into some of the most notorious crimes of our generation, Celebrity Crime Files excavates infamous scandals surrounding prominent figures in entertainment, sports, and politics, including Michael Jackson, The Notorious B.I.G., Bumpy Johnson and Kwame Kilpatrick.
“With the return of our popular investigative docu-series, we dig even deeper into the world of celebrity crimes – examining the stories of both the accused and the victims,” Said Maureen Guthman, SVP of Program Strategy and Acquisitions for TV One. “Viewers who turn to TV One for compelling storytelling are sure to be captivated by the subjects of this season.”
Celebrity Crime Files season two explores the real story behind crimes involving:

• Bumpy Johnson – Harlem’s own Godfather and one of the most notorious crime figures of all time. Once deemed “the most dangerous man in New York,” Bumpy Johnson’s money, power and charisma made him a bona-fide celebrity and his story inspired many critically-acclaimed films such as “American Gangster” and “Hoodlum.”
• John Whitehead – The second half of the hit-making duo McFadden and Whitehead, best remember for their hit song, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” was ambushed in his backyard and killed by an unidentified gunman. Nearly a decade later, the unexplained crime remains a burden to John Whitehead’s friends and family.
• Scott LaRock – The late 80s hip-hop pioneer and co-founder of the famous Boogie Down Productions was murdered at the brink of international stardom. Whether Scott LaRock’s was targeted or simply an unfortunate casualty remains a mystery to this day.
• Rubin “Hurricane” Carter – The boxing superstar was falsely accused of murdering bartender and two patrons in 1966 and sentenced to life in prison. Following the release of his best-selling biography, there was an outcry for his release by celebrities that included Muhammad Ali and Bob Dylan. Nearly two decades after he was sent to prison, Rubin’s conviction was overturned and, to this day, he remains an advocate for prisoners who have been wrongly convicted.
• Mac Dre – Mac Dre was an up-and-coming rapper that gained recognition by recording his album over the phone and starting his own label all while serving a four-year prison sentence. After his release from prison, Mac Dre’s sudden rise to fame took a fatal turn when he was gunned down in a drive by shooting.
• Lorenzen Wright – On July 18, 2009, the veteran NBA player allegedly made a distressed call to Memphis 911, but a scream and rapid gunfire was all that was heard. His body was discovered in a field 10 days, later riddled with bullets. Years later, the crime remains a mystery and family, friends, and fans of the basketball player demand answers.
• Magnolia Shorty – The undisputed “Queen of New Orleans bounce music” and beloved member of the community was ruthlessly murdered in a rental car near her New Orleans home by several mysterious gunmen. Gun violence statistics show that the city of New Orleans post-Katrina was a violent place, but the motive behind Magnolia Shorty’s murder remains a mystery.
• Lyman Bostock – Lyman Bostock was a left-handed hitter for the California Angels with a sweet swing and an even sweeter personality. His promising career was taken from him by a careless shotgun blast that was meant for another. Bostock’s death would go on to change Indiana state law after the man who pulled the trigger was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity released after 21 months.
• The Notorious B.I.G. – Considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, the death of Christopher Wallace (known as The Notorious B.I.G.) would become the most infamous hip-hop celebrity murders to date. In 2012, a classified autopsy report was released that provided a much more detailed account of how exactly he was killed that night.
• Michael Winans – Music producer and Grammy nominee Michael Winans comes from a prestigious family of talented gospel performers. However, the disgraced artist, who has worked with Diddy and Chris Brown, among several other artists, is awaiting a 14-year prison sentence after being convicted of financial fraud for collecting millions of dollars primarily from members of Christian churches in Michigan. To this day he continues to insist that he is not guilty of such a heartless crime.
• Kwame Kilpatrick – The youngest candidate ever to be elected mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick made some very unpopular decisions in his two terms. Time Magazine even voted him one of the worst mayors in the United States in 2005. In 2013, he was convicted of a series of crimes including extortion, racketeering, and bribery, as well as several mail, wire and tax fraud charges.
• Michael Jackson – Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful entertainer of all time, the King of Pop’s career was marred by physical and emotional scars, allegations of sexual indiscretions and one of the most controversial deaths of this decade. While prepping for his comeback tour in 2009, Jackson was found barely conscious by his physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who tried to resuscitate him before calling 911. A dangerous amount of painkillers found in Jackson’s system at his time of dead would later lead to Dr. Murray being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to four years in prison. 

The series is produced for TV One by K2 Pictures.  Executive producers for the series are Robert Katz and Philip Hack, and co-executive producer is Chris Perera. Executive in charge of production for TV One is Robyn Greene Arrington.
Launched in January 2004, TV One (www.tvone.tv) serves 57 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies, and music designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult Black viewers.  In December 2008, the company launched TV One High Def, which now serves 14 million households. TV One is owned by Radio One [NASDAQ: ROIA and ROIAK; www.radio-one.com], the largest radio company that primarily targets Black and urban listeners; and Comcast Corporation [NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK; www.comcast.com], one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services.

Tickets On Sale For 'The Sunshine Boys'

TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS SUNDAY, JULY 21,

 FOR DANNY DEVITO AND JUDD HIRSCH IN

 “THE SUNSHINE BOYS”

NEIL SIMON’S CLASSIC COMEDY BEGINS PREVIEWS AT AHMANSON SEPT. 24

Tickets for Danny DeVito and Judd Hirsch in Neil Simon’s classic comedy “The Sunshine Boys” will go on sale Sunday, July 21, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre box office at the Los Angeles Music Center, through CTG’s Audience Services at (213) 972-4400 and online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.

Directed by Thea Sharrock, previews for “The Sunshine Boys” begin September 24, with the opening scheduled for October 2.  Performances will continue through November 3.   

DeVito and Hirsch are reuniting on the Ahmanson stage 30 years after they both starred in the landmark television series “Taxi.” In “The Sunshine Boys,” Willie Clark (DeVito) and Al Lewis (Hirsch) are former vaudevillian stars who, after a partnership of over 40 years, are no longer speaking to each other.  When a lucrative television offer for one last show lures them into a grudging reunion, sparks fly in this classic comedy of showbiz and friendship.

DeVito starred (with the late Richard Griffiths) in the critically acclaimed production of “The Sunshine Boys” which played to packed houses in London’s West End last summer. Ben Brantley of The New York Times said of that production that “The Sunshine Boys”  “… celebrates the clown’s classic gift for turning anger into art. Willie Clark ... has a carved-in-stone list of things that are funny. Words that have “k” sounds, for instance, like pickle and cake and cucumber. Might I add to that list the image of a tufted Danny DeVito in striped pajamas and a sports jacket? ... That’s comedy, folks. And it’s one of the reasons that Thea Sharrock’s production of ‘The Sunshine Boys’ works so incredibly well.”  “Thea Sharrock directs a pitch-perfect production,” said Charles Spencer of The Telegraph, “that beautifully captures fleeting moments of tenderness in the comedy without ever turning mushy… a golden evening. ...”             Danny DeVito won both a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Louie De Palma in the hit comedy “Taxi.”  He co-starred in two Academy Award-winning films, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” in a role he also played on stage, and “Terms of Endearment.” His other film credits include “The Ratings Game,” “Throw Momma From the Train,” “The War of the Roses,” “Hoffa,” “Death to Smoochy” and “Matilda.”  He also voiced the Lorax in the animated feature “The Lorax.” He is currently starring in the eighth season of FX’s acclaimed comedy “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” and recently wrapped production on his first horror feature, “St. Sebastian's,” which he directed and produced.

 Judd Hirsch made his Broadway debut in “Barefoot in the Park” and performed in Lanford Wilson’s “The Hot l Baltimore” and “Talley’s Folly” (off-Broadway, at the Mark Taper Forum, and then on Broadway, winning an Obie Award and a Tony Award nomination). He won Tony Awards for two of Herb Gardner’s plays, “I’m Not Rappoport” and “Conversations with My Father,” and most recently starred in “Freud’s Last Session” at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica.  Hirsch won two Emmys for the role of Alex Reiger in “Taxi.” Other TV credits include “Dear John” (Golden Globe), “Numb3rs,” “Damages” and “Maron.” Film credits include “Ordinary People” (Oscar nomination), “A Beautiful Mind” and “This Must Be the Place.”

Thea Sharrock won the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Revival for “After the Dance” at London’s National Theatre where she has also directed “13,” “Happy Now?” and “The Emperor Jones.” She directed “Heroes” at the Geffen Playhouse, starring George Segal, Richard Benjamin and Len Cariou, and “Equus” with Richard Griffiths and Daniel Radcliffe on Broadway. Her other theatre credits include “The Misanthrope” with Keira Knightly at the Comedy Theatre, the musical of “The Bodyguard,” and last year she directed “Henry V” for BBC TV.

“The Sunshine Boys” is produced by Richard Willis, Sonia Friedman Productions and Tulchin Bartner Productions. 

Tickets for “The Sunshine Boys” range from $20 - $115 (ticket prices are subject to change). Ahmanson Theatre season subscribers were able to purchase tickets to “The Sunshine Boys” starting in March as part of their season package. For more information about season tickets to the Ahmanson, call the Exclusive Season Ticket Hotline at (213) 972-4444 or visit CTG online. For information regarding audio description and Project D.A.T.E. (sign language interpreted, open caption and audio description performances) call TDD (213) 680-4017 or voice (213) 972-4444.

The Ahmanson Theatre is located at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012.

The Merge Summit Returns For Fifth Year

 

INTEGRATING FAITH AND ENTERTAINMENT

AUGUST 22-24, 2013

Weekend-long program features top entertainers and industry executives including Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Courtney B. Vance, Michelle Williams, Mikki Taylor, Kym Whitley, Tracey Edmonds, Omari Hardwick, Emil Wilbekin, David Oyelowo, Meagan Good, Christian Keyes, Suzanne de Passe, DeVon Franklin, Mali Music, Edwina Findley, Erica Campbell, among others...

(Los Angeles, CA - July 16, 2013) -- Relevé Entertainment announced today that The Merge Summit 2013 will be held August 22-24 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The event is presented in association with partners RCA Inspiration, Walgreens, BET Music Matters and UPSCALE Magazine. Integrating faith and entertainment, The Merge Summit provides a platform for men and women of faith to interface, learn and partner with leading executives and talent in the entertainment industry.

The Merge Summit is one of the largest events for people of faith and its multifaceted program includes a complete weekend of education, inspiration and entertainment. Nearly 100 of the industry's top entertainers and executives will lead more than 20 interactive panel discussions, workshops and Master Class sessions, covering music, television, film, creative development, and branding, marketing and new media.

This year, the Summit kicks off its weekend events with Opening Night at The Merge, hosted by actress Kym Whitley of "Raising Whitley" on OWN with special musical performance by recording artist  Michelle Williams.  The weekend also boasts the Wellness Lounge sponsored by Wellness Interactive Inc. and Walgreens, an Awards Luncheon, and the BET Music Matters Showcase.  The Merge Summit will conclude with Freedom: The Merge Concert sponsored by RCA Inspiration, featuring Mali Music and "Sunday Best" finalist Jessica Reedy, Gospel rapper Tedashii and Kierra Sheard, star of the hit reality series, "The Sheards" on BET Networks.

The Summit is excited to have two-time Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington back for another highly anticipated candid conversation. The exceptionally talented couple, Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance will participate in a new session, The Balancing Act: Prioritizing Marriage, Faith and Career. Suzanne de Passe will host Bold, Beautiful & On Purpose, a session featuring several dynamic women, including media mogul Tracey Edmonds.

The Merge will host its Third Annual Awards Luncheon on Saturday, August 24th, honoring those bridging the gap between faith and entertainment. The 2013 honorees include Steve Pemberton, Divisional Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer of Walgreens and Pastor Toure Roberts of One Church International in Los Angeles.

"We are so excited to announce our fifth year and we celebrate this milestone," said The Summit Founder & Chair Dr. Holly Carter.  "Each year, The Merge Summit has progressed to represent the evolution of the entertainment business while always remaining true to our original purpose. Our desire is to give creative men and women of faith, the opportunity to share their stories, to edify and to give a voice for the gifts and talents in our community."

"Each year, I grow more excited with anticipation of The Merge.  It has proven to be an invaluable source of information for all who attend. I have no doubt this time around will be even greater," said The Merge Summit Co-Founder & Co-Chair Robi Reed. 

"I'm excited to be co-chairing this year's Merge Summit," adds Traci Blackwell. "I have been a great supporter of this event from its inception and each year I look forward to its growth and how it continues to enhance the lives of others."    

"I am so happy and proud to be involved with the Merge Summit again," says Co-Chair Debra Langford.  "This is the one conference where attendees and panelists can be enriched with key business, creative, professional, personal, and spiritual insights on the entertainment business.  This is also an experience that people carry with them throughout the year."  

Other confirmed speakers include:

Harry Lennix, Actor (Man of Steel, A Beautiful Soul, The Matrix, The Five Heartbeats)

Issa Rae, Creator/Actress (The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl)

Kwesi Boakye, Teen Actor (Unconditional, Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself)

Ralph Farquhar, Writer/Producer (The Real Hollywood Husbands, Moesha)

Lecrae, Gospel Hip-Hop Recording Artist, Reach Records

Kim Coleman, Casting Director (Enemy of the State, Real Husbands of Hollywood, Peeples)

Ezekiel Lewis, Vice President of A&R, Motown Records

Charlie Jordan Brookins, Senior Vice President, Original Programming, BET Networks

Billy Johnson,Yahoo! Music Senior Editor

Ayo Davis, Vice President of Casting, ABC Entertainment Group

The Playmakers, Comedians, YouTube Superstars

Good Clean Fun, Production Company (Tia & Tamera, Run's House)

For a complete list of confirmed speakers, more information and to register, please visit www.themergesummit.com

'Fruitvale Station' Opens July 12 In NY, LA & SF

MICHAEL B. JORDAN

Winner of both the Grand Jury Prize for dramatic feature and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, director Ryan Coogler’s FRUITVALE STATION follows the true story of Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan), a 22-year-old Bay Area resident who wakes up on the morning of December 31, 2008 and feels something in the air. Not sure what it is, he takes it as a sign to get a head start on his resolutions: being a better son to his mother (Octavia Spencer), whose birthday falls on New Year’s Eve, being a better partner to his girlfriend Sophina (Melonie Diaz), who he hasn’t been completely honest with as of late, and being a better father to Tatiana (Ariana Neal), their beautiful four year-old daughter. Crossing paths with friends, family, and strangers, Oscar starts out well, but as the day goes on, he realizes that change is not going to come easily. His resolve takes a tragic turn, however, when BART officers shoot him in cold blood at the Fruitvale subway stop on New Year’s Day. Oscar’s life and tragic death would shake the Bay Area – and the entire nation – to its very core.

 (l-r) ARIANA NEAL

'Holding On---Letting Go' Heads To North Carolina

            Fremont Centre Theatre is proud to announce that its production of “Holding On—Letting Go,” which had its World Premiere at the South Pasadena theatre in 2012, has been selected as an official festival entry at the 2013 National Black Theatre Festival, which takes place in Winston-Salem, N.C. from July 29 through August 3. Prior to departing for North Carolina, the show will have three encore performances at Fremont Centre Theatre, on Friday, July 19, Saturday, July 20 at 8 p.m. and (just added!) Sunday, July 21 at 3 p.m.

            James Reynolds directs. He is co-artistic director (with wife Lissa Reynolds) of Fremont Centre Theatre. He is best known nationally for his portrayal of Abe Carver on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” for the past three decades.

            Bryan Harnetiaux is the playwright. Previously, his play “National Pastime,” which told the story of Jackie Robinson, was an award-winning hit at Fremont Centre Theatre, running for half a year. It too, was directed by James Reynolds.

            The cast of “Holding On ---Letting Go” includes (in alphabetical order) Amentha Dymally, Lamar Hughes, Christian Malmin, Iona Morris, Jill Remez and Barry Wiggins.

            Synopsis: Bobby and Lee are a long-married couple. Lee is a hard-driving women’s basketball coach. Bobby was a basketball coach and, later, an insurance salesman. But now, Bobby is in failing health, even though he is only 51.

            As his physical condition declines further, Bobby finds himself confronted by choices: whether to fight for every breath and explore every conceivable avenue in the hope that things will improve; or whether to make preparations for a graceful exit.

            There are still things left unsaid and undone between Lee and Bobby. These things are suddenly brought into sharp focus, as time may be running out.

            If we are fortunate enough to live long enough, we may all have to contemplate the decisions being faced by Bobby and Lee.

Tracy 'Twinkie' Byrd Hosts HBFF Monologue Slam

TRACY 'TWINKIE' BYRD

Hollywood, CA (July 10, 2013) - The 2013 Hollywood Black Film Festival and Twinkie’s Monologue Slam is looking to give actors the chance to get in front of the entertainment industry’s top casting directors, agents, producers, and celebrity judges to showcase their talents.   The Monologue Slam which is described as an uninterrupted speech by one actor in a play or movie, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program, will take place Saturday, October 5th, 6:00pm at the W Hotel, 6250 Hollywood Boulevard; Hollywood, CA during the 4-day film festival.  

“Twinkie”, as she is affectionately known by many felt that it was important to highlight the competition as a monologue as opposed to a scene.  A monologue forces the actor to dig deep into the characters and tell the story from a more compelling nature.  She enjoys the fact that the actor only has themselves to depend on.  “They cannot blame anyone else but themselves for any mishaps” she stated.  She also feels that it is very important that actors know their type.  What she means by knowing “your type” is being aware when using your characteristics, what it looks or seems like you would do for a living or can naturally portray (i.e. Doctor, Lawyer, Leading Lady, Leading Man, Detective, Police Officer, Nurse, Teacher etc).  “You have no idea how many people come into my castings auditioning for characters that they can in no way make believable.” Stated Twinkie.  “It is extremely important to know your type!!” She emphasizes. 

TRACY 'TWINKIE' BYRD

 

This is the second year of conception for Twinkie Byrd’s Monologue Slam which this year has adopted a new format due the huge response and participation of last year’s event.  Twinkie describes it as a spectacle of sorts.  She is known for her larger than life personality and she has crafted the monologue slam to reflect just that.  

Those interested in taking part in the competition, which has a submission deadline of July 31, 2013, should visit the Hollywood Black Film Festivals website submission page and learn more about the requirements and rules for participation.  10 finalists will be selected, from all of the entries received, to perform their monologues live at the 2013 Hollywood Black Film Festival.

A brief summary of what to expect is a $30 entry fee, a two minute or less video submission of a monologue from a film that is “your type” and the ability to upload the video to www.withoutabox.com.  More information can be found and submissions can be made at www.HBFF.org.   

###

About Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd

Celebrity Casting Director Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd is a Brooklyn-born and raised casting director with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Madonna, the Black Eyed Peas, 50 Cent, Prince, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Katy Perry are among the artists who have counted on Byrd to find talent who can bring their songs to life on the small screen. Byrd has the vision to spot actors who can bring complicated and nuanced storylines from page to motion picture. Her work on Stomp the Yard, The Blind Side, Notorious, Jumping the Broom and Sparkle prove as much. Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd has spent decades channeling her super power of finding the perfect person for every character.

Today, actors and producers alike are drawn to Byrd’s warm spirit. While she notes that people ultimately work with people they like, it is her hard work, attention to detail, and demand for quality that has sustained her in such a tumultuous industry for more than two decades.

About the Hollywood Black Film Festival

Founded in 1998, the Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) aims to enhance the careers of emerging and established Black filmmakers through a public exhibition, competition program and industry panels.  Known amongst the entertainment industry’s powerbrokers as, “The Black Sundance,” the festival brings independent works of accomplished and aspiring black filmmakers to an environment encompassing the mainstream Hollywood community and Southern California film-going audiences. The festival’s goal is to play an integral role in discovering and launching independent films and filmmakers by bringing them to the attention of the industry, press and public.  For more information on the Hollywood Black Film Festival, visit www.hbff.org, email: info@hbff.org.

                                                                 ###