A.V. Rockwell, director of A Thousand and One, was honored with the Breakthrough Director Award at the 33rd Annual Gotham Awards, live from Cipriani Wall Street on Monday night.
AIR was honored with the Visionary Icon & Creator Tribute by The Gotham Film & Media Institute, at the 33rd Annual Gotham Awards, live from Cipriani Wall Street on Monday night.
STARZ has officially announced the commencement of production for the fourth season of its esteemed family crime drama, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan.”
This milestone comes ahead of the highly anticipated premiere of its third season on December 1. Production is scheduled to commence this week in New York.
Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming for STARZ, expressed enthusiasm about continuing Kanan Stark’s narrative. She anticipates that viewers, following the intense events unfolding in the third season, will demand more insights into Kanan’s character, exploring how his formative years shape the cold-hearted villain introduced in the original ‘Power’ series. Notably, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is the first Power spinoff to reach its fourth season, highlighting its enduring success. The fourth season is slated for debut in 2024.
They set season three to debut on December 1, with subsequent episodes released weekly on Fridays at midnight ET on the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. The linear premiere is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on STARZ in the U.S. and 9:00 pm ET in Canada.
Set against the backdrop of the early 1990s, the series explores the origin story of the beloved character, Kanan Stark, as he enters the criminal world under the ruthless leadership of his mother, Raquel “Raq” Thomas. The cast includes MeKai Curtis as Kanan, Tony® Award winner Patina Miller as Raq, Omar Epps as Detective Malcolm Howard, and a stellar ensemble portraying other key characters.
Sascha Penn will resume his role as the showrunner and executive producer for the upcoming fourth season. The “Power” Universe series continues to be executive produced by Courtney A. Kemp, creator and showrunner of the original “Power,” Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Mark Canton. Additional executive producers include Chris Selak and Kevin Fox. The series is produced by Lionsgate Television for STARZ.
Take an electrifying journey through the vibrant world of one couple’s relationship in Executive Producer Nicholas Maye and Van Lathan’s latest film, “Once Again (for the very first time)”.
The ‘SNL’ trifecta of Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy try their hand at cinematography with their first movie, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain, now streaming on Peacock.
Upon attending the movie premiere at New York’s SVA Theatre on November 13, 2023, I certainly expected to spend the next hour and a half laughing with an embarrassing chortle that only SNL gives to its most ardent fans. However, Please Don’t Destroy has gone above and beyond, inching towards a hilarity reminiscent of the Three Stooges.
From producing the all-too short comedic features, Please Don’t Destroy has given us a blissful movie doing justice to the kind of humor that only their New York University college student schtick could give. It is safe to say this trio has come a long way from their days in 2017, as they’ve become a sensation amongst the SNL community. In the trusted hands of Judd Apatow and Jimmy Miller, the group journeys alongside Conan O’Brien and Bowen Yang for the most farce treasure hunt to date.
Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain revives the silliness from childish humor—lightens up the daunting insecurities that come from adulting. As the roommates search for the priceless golden bust of Marie Antoinette, nothing short of bear attacks, cult joining, and accidental nudity heads their way. Step by step, the group proves to be the least qualified people to find the treasure. When our beleaguered trio struggles to jump off a cliff, Ben turns into a human kite in a flying squirrel suit. After that, it’s expected all faith to be lost.
John’s refusal of accepting their fate—that their friendship is falling apart—paired against the humor from Ben and Martin’s imposter syndrome, equates to a movie premiere with the theater unable to catch their breath. Taking a satirical perspective on classic adventure movies turns the film into a melting pot of extraordinary movie making!
The criticism of film today being made without the overall intention of winning golden statues or becoming the next beautiful tragedy tends to dilute the initial joy of new films coming out. However, amid the cinematography Hunger Games, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain serves as a delightful jewel of refreshing comedy.
It is simply a funny movie, poking fun at a tumultuous time. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll ask yourself, “Is that the kid from Stranger Things?”
Thirty-Five years ago, Cold Chillin Records hosted a series of concerts at New York’s famed Apollo Theater. While the concert was filmed, some of that footage was lost until recently. In celebration of both the 35th anniversary of the Cold Chillin Records Showcase concert at the Apollo Theater (November 20th), and the found footage, the founder of Cold Chillin Records Tyrone ‘Fly Ty” Williams, and some of the label’s artist gathered to reflect on the 1988 concert.
Cold Chillin Records, which included hip hop artist Roxanne Shante, MC Shan, Kool G Rap, the late Grand Daddy I.U., Marley Marl, Big Daddy Kane and the late Biz Markie, was created in 1986, and went defunct in 1998. Shante, MC Shan, Marley Marl, Big Daddy Kane were all in attendance at the Apollo for In Conversation with Cold Chillin Records. Lyricist Lounge’s Ant Marshall facilitated the conversation.
The label’s founder was joined by Video Music Box host Ralph McDaniels and the two discussed bringing the concert tonight. Williams who had a background in radio prior to launching Cold Chillin Records stated he put up about $125,000 for the concert to take place, and discussed how record label executives were initially hesitant about the concert taking place because of fears that there would be violence at the show. McDaniels, who was crucial in the filming, discussed how he had the onstage footage, but the Apollo called him months ago to say they had backstage footage which he didn’t have.
As Williams discussed what a dream it was for his artist to perform on the legendary Apollo Theater stage, one by one Shante, Big Daddy Kane, Marley Marl and others proceeded to the stage to talk about the 1988 show. Williams shared while seated with Shante about how much adversity she faced from peers and the industry as she was making a name for herself in the industry in the 1980s.
Throughout the conversation, clips from the 1988 concert were shown, and after clips of the late Biz Markie were shown, recollections of his humor were shared by guest such as Big Daddy Kane.
The night wrapped up featuring a performance by Shante, Kool G Rap, MC Shan and Big Daddy Kane. Afterward Williams’ was presented with a proclamation from Mayor Eric Adams honoring Cold Chillin Records.
Google recently organized a mingle and jingle event in New York City to showcase some of their latest trends, tips, and tools that can come in handy during the holiday season.
Tierra Whack
On Thursday, we attended the LA premiere of “Cypher” at The Theatre at Ace Hotel. Also in attendance were GRAMMY-nominated rapper, Tierra Whack, Director Chris Moukarbel, Producers Sanjay Sharma, Natalia-Leigh Brown, and cast member Bionca Bradley.
The film follows GRAMMY-nominated rapper, Whack, around during various shows and music videos giving fans a behind-the-scenes look into the process of an artist on the rise to stardom. After a clip went viral of her rapping on the streets of Philadelphia when she was only 15 years old, Whack, gained recognition from the world and some of the most influential voices and artists in the industry. The film gives viewers a look into the inner thoughts of Whack and a deeper dive into how she sees the world. While it’s an insightful look into the workings of an artist on the rise, it also examines the cost of what it really means to be famous and the lengths onlookers will go to for artists. The film was unpredictable and definitely a conversation starter around the mysteries that surround the music industry and the many conspiracies that can follow artists in her position.
Atmosphere inside The Theatre at Ace Hotel
After the screening, guests were shuttled to an afterparty at The Reserve. There was an open bar and a live DJ that had the sounds and vibes going all night. The screening and afterparty was a great way to celebrate where Tierra Whack has made it and all the exciting things that are to come next like her debut album is set to release in 2024.
CYPHER will be released in limited theaters by Andscape, a Black-led media platform dedicated to creating, highlighting, and uplifting the diverse stories of Black identity, and will be streaming on HULU on November 24th. Make sure you set your calendars because you don’t want to miss this! Watch the trailer HERE.
The Knockturnal attended the Los Angeles premiere of Adam Sandler’s animated comedy “Leo,” held at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood Village on Sunday, November 19th.
The star-studded carpet included producer, writer, and titular character Adam Sandler, comedian and actor Bill Burr, along with directors Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel, David Wachtenheim, and many more.
“Leo” is a heartwarming story about an elementary school’s 74-year-old pet lizard, weary from the exhausting repetition of substitute teachers, overbearing students, and general childhood tomfoolery. With only one year left in his life, he decides to escape the classroom and embark on a chaotic journey in the outside world, launching a hilarious and absurd musical adventure riddled with Adam Sandler’s beloved humor.
Watch “Leo” now on Netflix!