Our Kind of People

Release Date:  9/21/21 – Series Premiere; Fox
Genre:  Drama
Rating:  NR
Directors:  Tasha Smith, Keesha Sharp

Studio(s):  20th Century Fox Television, Fox Entertainment, Lee Daniels Entertainment, Propagate, TheGistofIt Productions, Fox Network.

Cast:  Yaya DaCosta, Morris Chestnut, Alana Bright, Joe Morton, Nadine Ellis, Lance Gross, Rhyon Nicole Brown, Kyle Bary, Debbi Morgan, L. Scott Caldwell.

Story Inspired by Lawrence Otis Graham’s provocative, critically acclaimed book, “Our Kind of People: Inside America’s Black Upper Class,” the series takes place in the aspirational world of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, a historical stronghold where the rich and powerful black elite have come to play for over 50 years. Our Kind Of People follows a strong-willed, single mom as she sets out to reclaim her family’s name and make an impact with her revolutionary haircare line that highlights the innate, natural beauty of black women. But she soon discovers a dark secret about her own mother’s past that will turn her world upside-down and shake up this community forever. The show is a soapy, thrilling exploration of race and class in America and an unapologetic celebration of black resilience and achievement.  Sources:  hypeabout.com; fox.com (official site).

Trailer:

Dutch

Release Date:  11/27/20; Limited (Original Release:  August 2020; American Black Film Festival)
Genre:  Action
Rating:  NR
Director:  Preston A. Whitmore II
Studio(s):  Dutch Film Productions, Imani Entertainment Group, Imani Films, Faith Media Distribution
Running Time:  101 mins.

Cast:  Lance Gross, Melissa L. Williams, Macy Gray, Tyrin Turner, Michael Blackson, Jeremy Meeks, James Hyde.

Story:  The film is based on Teri Woods’ hit novel of the same name.  Bernard “Dutch” James Jr., is an ambitious drug dealer who has his sights set on becoming the East Coast’s top drug lord while battling a high-profile court case.  From his early skill as a car thief, Dutch recognized the opportunity to rule the streets and he seized it. With both the protection and respect of the Mafia, Dutch becomes the most terrifying force on the streets. District Attorney Anthony Jacobs is determined to take down Dutch and his crew, and he’s confident that his witnesses will testify against them.  The book “Dutch” was part of a trilogy series that first began in 2003. It was followed by “Dutch II: Angel’s Revenge,” and “Dutch III: International Gangster.”Source(s):  vibe.com; abff.com/2020; IMDB; defpen.com.

Trailer:

The Bobby Brown Story

Release Date:  9/4/18; BET
Genre:  Biography
Rating:  NR
Director:  Kiel Adrian Scott
Studio(s):   Jesse Collins Entertainment, Black Entertainment Television (BET)
Running time:  Unknown
Cast:  Woody McClain (Bobby Brown), Gabrielle Dennis (Whitney Houston), Mekhi Phifer (Tommy Brown), Laz Alonso (Louil Silas, Jr.), T.K. Carter (Herbert Brown), Lance Gross (Steven Sealy), LilRel Howery (Brian Irvine), Sandi McCree (Carole Brown), Alyssa Goss (Alicia Etheridge), Tyler Marcel Williams (Young Bobby), Donshea Hopkins (Bobbi Kristina Brown).

Story:   Whitney and Bobby’s roller-coaster marriage played out on the covers of tabloids and even reality TV, and the film will showcase their successes and struggles during their turbulent relationship.  The New Edition Story broke BET ratings records when it aired in January 2017, and The Bobby Brown Story picks up where that pic left off, following Brown’s successful solo run.  McClain is reprising his role as Brown, one of the genre’s original “bad boys” whose life epitomizes the meaning of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll.  His hits may have kept him at the top of the charts, but his antics kept him on the front page. 

Gabrielle Dennis will play iconic diva, Whitney Houston in the two-part miniseries while Bobbi Kristina will be portrayed by Donshea Hopkins.  Phifer plays Tommy Brown, Bobby’s brother. Howery is Brian Irvine, Bobby’s business manager. Carter plays Herbert “Pops” Brown, Bobby’s father. Alonso is Louil Silas, Jr., an MCA producer-executive who helps make Bobby a solo star. Gross is set as Steven Sealy, a childhood friend of Bobby’s who is killed in a gunfight after hanging with him at a hometown bar. Goss plays Bobby’s current wife, Alicia Etheridge, and McCree will reprise her New Edition Story role as Bobby’s mother Carole Brown.  Source:  Deadline; Photo Source:  Deadline (Rex/Shutterstock; Associated Press).

Trailer:

When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story

a/k/a Hit A Lick

Release Date:   8/28/17 – TV One
Genre:  Drama
Rating:  NR
Running Time:  84 mins.
Director:  Tasha Smith
Story Inspired by an episode of TV One’s original docu-series For My Man. Lil Mama and Lance Gross star in this tragic story of Falicia Blakely (Lil Mama), a teen mother growing up in the fast-lane. When she becomes an exotic dancer, she attracts the attention of local pimp and predator, Dino (Lance Gross). His empty promises of a life together turn Falicia into a pawn in his dangerous games; and she’s forced to prove her love for him at the expense of innocent lives.

Tami Roman, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Big Freedia, and Lil Zane round out the cast of the original movie, which also marks the directing debut of actress Tasha Smith, who directed the film from a screenplay written by Cas Sigers-Beedles, who previously wrote and executive produced the TV One movies Welcome to the Family and Girlfriends Getaway 1 and 2.  Source:  Shadow & Act.

Trailer:

Teaser:

Deuces

Release Date:  April 2017; Netflix
Genre:  Drama
Rating:  TV-MA
Running Time:  87 mins.
Director:  Jamal Hill
Studio:   Flavor Unit Entertainment, Netflix.

Cast: Larenz Tate (Deuces), Meagan Good (Janet Foster), Rotimi (Face), Rick Gonzalez (Papers), La La Anthony (Detective Diaz), Lance Gross (Jason), Antonique Smith (Tanya).

Story:  Detective Jason Foster goes undercover to take down a crime ring that has been impenetrable by the police department for years. However, Foster finds himself drawn in by the unique persona of ringleader Stephen “Deuces” Brooks and the dual life that he leads. The mission is further complicated when Janet Foster also falls under Deuce’s spell.  Source:  Shadow & Act.

Trailer:

The Rich List

Bet on Lovea/k/a Bet On Love
a/k/a Humantics: The Rich List

Status:  Pre-Production (as of 2/17/17)
Release Date:  TBA
Genre: Comedy/Drama/Romance
Rating: Not Available
Running Time: 110 mins.
Studio: 34th Street Films
Director: Jill Thrussell

Cast: Lance Gross (James) – rumored
Brandy Norwood (Lynette) – rumored
Starletta DuPois (Aunt May) – rumored

Story: Four female friends set a bet; each has a different method and approach on how to reach their goal. As they journey through the pathways of love, they share moments of pleasure and pain. As their friendship grows through the weathering of the many storms life throws their way. They meet for regular progress reports & hilarity ensues when a couple of male friends also participate in their quest.  (Synopsis taken from IMDB).