Last week, HBO Max’s Scene in Black celebrated storytelling, music, and culture with the following events at The Chicory and the Ace Hotel in New Orleans.
HBO Max’s Welcome Mixer
On Friday, July 1 HBO Max curated a mixer to celebrate and uplift the creative community of New Orleans with ‘Katrina Babies’ directed by Edward Buckles Jr. With hors d’oeuvres and great music, guests were guaranteed to have a memorable time. A beautiful array of flowers covered the backdrop of a photo booth where everyone had an opportunity to print and send pictures to themselves to capture the moment! As the afternoon progressed, Director, Edward Buckles Jr. shared a few words to express his sentiments behind creating ‘Katrina Babies’ and let us in on the vulnerability that is captured in this film. Be sure to check it out this August on HBO Max!
HBO Max’s Rap Sh!t Screening and Panel Conversation
On Saturday, July 2 HBO Max held an exclusive screening of the pilot for the new comedy series RapSh!t, created and written by Issa Rae. The first episode had the audience engaged and filled with laughter as the stars, Aida Osman as ‘Shawna’ and KaMilion as ‘Mia’, played high school friends from Miami working to make their rap dreams come true. The cast and creatives involved in the production were present for a panel conversation led by entertainment host and journalist, Gia Peppers.
Closing out the panel with a few bars from each member of the cast, viewers are sure to look forward to what’s next on this season of RapSh!t. To round out the evening, Scene in Black took over the Ace Hotel with a DJ set and surprise musical guests Kali and Light Skin Keisha to bring the essence of Rap Sh!t to life.
HBO Max’s POV Brunch & Panel Conversation
On Saturday, July 2nd HBO Max POV hosted a brunch & panel discussion.
HBO Max POV is an initiative created to amplify the voices of BIPOC talent that work behind-the-scenes within HBO and HBO Max programming. This panel delved into behind-the-scenes talents’ respective journey’s in their careers, their life experiences and work relative to HBO programming. Panelists included, Syreeta Singleton (Showrunner and Executive Producer, HBO Max Rap Sh!t), Rikki Hughes (Showrunner and Executive Producer, HBO Max The Hype), Edward Buckles Jr. (Director, HBO Documentary Katrina Babies), and Joe Guidry (Director, HBO Max Sweet Life).
Overall, the panel discussion created an impactful and meaningful brunch space. Each panelist offered transparency on what it looked like navigating the industry and upholding their own artistry. They gave advice to other creators in the room on how to trust their own creative process, gems were dropped and delicious food was served!
