| National Geographic Taps Grammy Award-Winning and Oscar- Nominated Musicians Raphael Saadiq to Serve as Executive Music Producer and Terence Blanchard as Composer on "Genius: Aretha" Saadiq is responsible for producing, arranging and recording all of the original song elements within the series featuring live performances. | |
| [via press release from National Geographic Channel] | |
| NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TAPS GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING AND OSCAR- NOMINATED MUSICIANS RAPHAEL SAADIQ ("MUDBOUND," "INSECURE") TO SERVE AS EXECUTIVE MUSIC PRODUCER AND TERENCE BLANCHARD ("HARRIET," "BLACKKKLANSMAN") AS COMPOSER ON GENIUS: ARETHA Emmy-Winning Global Anthology Series GENIUS: ARETHA, Starring 2020 Academy Award Nominee Cynthia Erivo ("Harriet," "The Color Purple") as Aretha Franklin, to Premiere Over Four Nights Beginning Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020, at 9/8c (WASHINGTON, DC - JAN. 29, 2020) National Geographic, with Fox 21 Studios and Imagine Television Studios, announced today that Grammy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated musician Raphael Saadiq has been tapped to serve as executive music producer on GENIUS: ARETHA. Saadiq is responsible for producing, arranging and recording all of the original song elements within the series featuring live performances. The score will be written and produced by multi-Grammy Award-winner and Academy Award nominee Terence Blanchard ("Harriet," "BlacKkKlansman"). The third season of the critically acclaimed global anthology series will premiere over four consecutive nights, beginning Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 9/8c. GENIUS: ARETHA will be the first ever, definitive and only authorized scripted series on the life of Aretha Franklin and will chart how gospel prodigy Little Re became the iconic Aretha Franklin, the indisputable Queen of Soul. The eight-part series will explore Franklin's musical genius and incomparable career, and the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world. GENIUS: ARETHA will alternate between present-day storylines and scenes from her youth, focusing on her childhood and the pivotal events that influenced her career as an adult. "We're serving the Queen of Soul and we're thrilled and blessed to have deep soul brothers like Raphael Saadiq and Terence Blanchard on our team," said Suzan-Lori Parks, showrunner and executive producer. "They're both accomplished musicians with diverse backgrounds - both who have broken down barriers with the power of music." Hailed by Vanity Fair as an "R&B Titan," Saadiq has created five hit solo albums, from "Instant Vintage" to, most recently, "Jimmy Lee," and has been a trusted collaborator for trailblazing artists such as John Legend, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Elton John and more. He received commercial success as the lead singer of Tony! Toni! Toné! with hits such as "Feels Good," "Anniversary" and "It Never Rains (in Southern California)" and later on becoming the founding member of R&B supergroup Lucy Pearl. The critically acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, record producer and performing artist has taken his craft to another level by creating musical scores in TV and film, which includes HBO's "Insecure," the documentary "STEP," and a 2018 Academy award nomination for his songwriting collaboration with Mary J. Blige in "Mudbound." Additionally, Saadiq co-wrote career-defining hits for D'Angelo ("Untitled (How Does It Feel)") and Solange ("Cranes in the Sky"). "It's an honor to share Aretha's genius with the world alongside the incredibly talented Cynthia Erivo and Terence Blanchard," said Saadiq. "We'll hit the keys, play the parts and sing the lyrics that helped pave the way for musicians like myself to trust our artistry and challenge ourselves to be bold." Blanchard, a six-time Grammy Award winner, BAFTA nominee and 2018 USA Fellow, has composed the score for TV, Broadway, opera and film on more than 40 projects, including the scores for Spike Lee films. Most recently he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score in the film "BlacKkKlansman," and worked alongside GENIUS: ARETHA star Cynthia Erivo in "Harriet." Additionally, he's recorded several award-winning hit albums that topped Billboard's jazz chart. "Fire Shut Up in My Bones" is the second opera Blanchard has composed and will have an upcoming production staged by the Metropolitan Opera, making it the first opera by an African American composer in the institution's 136-year history. "I'm so humbled to be a part of a project that honors someone I've idolized and had the great privilege of working with. Aretha was that one of a kind talent that transcended all musical genres. She is the gold standard," stated Blanchard. Imagine has partnered with Warner Music Entertainment for this third season, which will again be executive produced by Imagine's Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. Pulitzer Prize recipient, MacArthur "Genius" grant receiver and Tony Award winner Parks ("Topdog/Underdog") is showrunner and executive producer. Emmy, Golden Globe and BAFTA TV Award winner Anthony Hemingway ("The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story") will also executive produce and serve as producing director for the season. Legendary hit record producer Clive Davis and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman have also joined as executive producers. Franklin worked with Davis for 23 years, during the longest period of her recording career. Returning executive producers include Francie Calfo (GENIUS, "Empire"), Ken Biller (GENIUS: EINSTEIN, GENIUS: PICASSO), Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane (MWM Studios), and Sam Sokolow (EUE/Sokolow). In addition, Imagine's Anna Culp serves as co-executive producer alongside producer Peter Afterman. The previously announced cast includes Erivo ("Harriet," "The Color Purple"), Courtney B. Vance ("The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"), Malcolm Barrett ("Timeless," "Preacher"), David Cross ("Goliath," "Arrested Development"), Pauletta Washington ("She's Gotta Have It"), Patrice Covington (Broadway's "The Color Purple"), Rebecca Naomi Jones ("The Big Sick"), Steven Norfleet ("Watchmen"), Omar J. Dorsey ("Queen Sugar"), Marque Richardson ("Dear White People"), Kimberly Hébert Gregory ("Vice Principals") and introducing Shaian Jordan. The series features a number of well-known personalities who crossed paths with Franklin, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Quincy Jones, Dinah Washington, Luther Vandross, George Michael, Lena Horne and more. GENIUS: ARETHA will broadcast in 172 countries and in 43 languages on National Geographic Channels. For more information visit www.natgeotv.com or our press site natgeotvpressroom.com, or follow us on Twitter using @NatGeoPR. ### About National Geographic Partners LLC National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic's media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children's media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 132 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers ... and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27% of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest. About Imagine Television Group Imagine Television Group comprises Imagine Television and Imagine Television Studios. Imagine Television was founded in 1986 by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard and is run by Imagine Television President Samie Kim Falvey. The company's productions have been honored with 195 Emmy nominations and 30 Golden Globe nominations. Last year, the company formed Imagine Television Studios to produce and finance a slate of projects that currently includes the series "Why Women Kill" for CBS All Access from Marc Cherry, "Swagger" for Apple with Kevin Durant and Reggie Rock Bythewood, "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" for Hulu from The RZA and Alex Tse, and "68 Whiskey." Imagine Television is also producing "Filthy Rich" with Tate Taylor for Fox. Current programming includes Fox's award-winning series "Empire," Netflix's "Arrested Development" and Nat Geo's Emmy-winning GENIUS anthology series. Earlier productions include Fox's Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning Best Drama Series "24"; NBC's Peabody Award-winning series "Friday Night Lights"; Fox's Emmy-winning Best Comedy "Arrested Development"; Fox's "Shots Fired" and "Lie To Me"; WB's "Felicity"; ABC's "SportsNight"; and HBO's "From the Earth to the Moon," which won the Emmy for Outstanding Mini-Series. Howard and Grazer began their collaboration in 1985 with the hit film comedies "Night Shift" and "Splash," and continue to run Imagine as executive chairmen. About Fox 21 Television Studios Fox 21 Television Studios, a division of Disney Television Studios, is devoted to making creatively ambitious scripted and unscripted series for all distribution platforms. Fox 21 Television Studios is responsible for the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning sensation from Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" (with FX Productions), as well as its follow-up, "The Assassination of Gianni Versace," which also won the Emmy and the Golden Globe for Outstanding Limited Series; the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning "Homeland," starring Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin, which enters its eighth and final season this year; the Emmy-winning "Fosse/Verdon" (with FX Productions) from award-winning producers Thomas Kail, Steven Levenson, Joel Fields and Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams; the blockbuster "Sons of Anarchy" as well as its follow-up, "Mayans M.C." (with FX Productions), from co-creators Kurt Sutter and Elgin James; "Queen of the South," executive produced by David T. Friendly, Dailyn Rodriguez and Benjamin Daniel Lobato; the Emmy-winning "Pose" (with FX Productions) from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Steven Canals, Janet Mock, Alexis Martin Woodall and Sherry Marsh; the Emmy-nominated GENIUS: EINSTEIN and its follow-up, GENIUS: PICASSO; and "The Politician" from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan and starring Tony winner Ben Platt and Oscar winners Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange. Upcoming series include Ryan Murphy's "Ratched," starring Golden Globe and Emmy winner Sarah Paulson in the title role; "The Old Man" (with FX Productions), starring Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges and six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow; the newest installment of "American Crime Story," titled "American Crime Story: Impeachment" (with FX Productions), starring Sarah Paulson, Beanie Feldstein and Annaleigh Ashford; and the newest installment of GENIUS, titled GENIUS: ARETHA, starring Cynthia Erivo, Courtney B. Vance, Malcolm Barrett and Rebecca Naomi Jones, with Anthony Hemingway tapped as executive producer and producing director for the season. Fox 21 Television Studios shows have amassed a collective 120 Emmy nominations and 34 Emmy wins, as well as multiple Golden Globes, Humanitas Prizes and Peabody Awards. Fox 21 Television Studios, ABC Studios and 20th Century Fox Television compose Disney Television Studios, a collection of labels that produces the most award-winning, culture-defining programming across 16 broadcast, cable, digital and international platforms. Its programming now reaches more than a billion people every day across the world - in as many as 180 countries, across six continents, in 30 different languages. |
Showing posts with label Genius: Aretha Franklin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Genius: Aretha Franklin. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
National Geographic Taps Grammy Award-Winning and Oscar- Nominated Musicians Raphael Saadiq to Serve as Executive Music Producer and Terence Blanchard as Composer on "Genius: Aretha"
Sunday, January 19, 2020
National Geographic Premieres Third Season of Emmy-Winning Global Anthology Series "Genius: Aretha" as Four-Night Event Beginning Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020, at 9/8c
| National Geographic Premieres Third Season of Emmy-Winning Global Anthology Series "Genius: Aretha" as Four-Night Event Beginning Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020, at 9/8c This upcoming season will be the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of Aretha Franklin. | |
| [via press release from National Geographic Channel] | |
| National Geographic Premieres Third Season of Emmy-Winning Global Anthology Series Genius: Aretha as Four-Night Event Beginning Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020, At 9/8c "Don't say Aretha is making a comeback, because I've never been away!" - Aretha Franklin Starring 2020 Academy Award Nominee and Triple Threat Tony(R)-, Emmy(R)- and Grammy(R) Award-Winning Cynthia Erivo ("Harriet," "The Color Purple") as Aretha Franklin Tony(R)- and Emmy(R) Award-Winning Courtney B. Vance ("The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story") Starring as Aretha's Father, C.L. Franklin Emmy(R)-, Golden Globe(R)- and BAFTA TV Award-Winning Anthony Hemingway Serves as Executive Producer and Producing Director; in Partnership With Fox 21 Television Studios and Imagine Television Studios, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks Serve as Executive Producers With Music Mogul Clive Davis, Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman, and Ken Biller PASADENA, Calif. & WASHINGTON -- She was a gospel sensation, outspoken civil rights champion and one of the most gifted singers of her generation. She's had more than 75 million records sold globally, attained over 112 Billboard hit singles, earned 18 Grammy Awards, performed at three presidential inaugurations and was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. GENIUS: ARETHA will chart how gospel prodigy Little Re became the iconic Aretha Franklin, the indisputable Queen of Soul. You've heard Aretha Franklin sing. Now it's time to hear her story. GENIUS dramatizes the fascinating stories of the world's most brilliant innovators, exploring their extraordinary achievements along with their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships. The third season of National Geographic's critically acclaimed global anthology series will premiere over four consecutive nights, beginning Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 9/8c. This upcoming season will be the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of Aretha Franklin. The eight-part series will explore Franklin's musical genius and incomparable career, and the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world. GENIUS: ARETHA will alternate between present-day storylines and scenes from her youth, focusing on her childhood and the pivotal events that influenced her career as an adult. Imagine has partnered with Warner Music Entertainment for this third season, which will again be executive produced by Imagine's Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. Pulitzer Prize recipient, MacArthur "Genius" grant receiver and Tony Award winner Suzan-Lori Parks ("Topdog/Underdog") is showrunner and executive producer. Emmy, Golden Globe and BAFTA TV Award winner Anthony Hemingway ("The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story") will also executive produce and serve as producing director for the season. Legendary hit record producer Clive Davis and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman have also joined as executive producers. Franklin worked with Davis for 23 years, during the longest period of her recording career. Returning executive producers include Francie Calfo (GENIUS, "Empire"), Ken Biller (GENIUS: EINSTEIN, GENIUS: PICASSO), Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane (MWM Studios), and Sam Sokolow (EUE/Sokolow). In addition, Imagine's Anna Culp serves as co-executive producer alongside producer Peter Afterman. Franklin's legacy is brought to life by 2020 Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo ("Harriet," "The Color Purple"), whose incomparable depth as an actor and musician shines light on the woman behind the music, and the genius of Aretha. Joining her is Shaian Jordan as Young Aretha (Little Re), the shy, immensely talented daughter of celebrated Detroit preacher Clarence LaVaughn (C.L.) Franklin, played by Courtney B. Vance ("The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"), who thrusts Aretha into the spotlight at a very young age. C.L., a star in his own right, was known as the "Million Dollar Voice" and had his legendary sermons published and aired on a weekly radio show, and also booked national ministry tours and public appearances. Pauletta Washington ("She's Gotta Have It") plays Grandmother Rachel, the matriarch of the Franklin family after C.L.'s wife's death. She dotes on her son C.L. and raises his children as her own. Patrice Covington (Broadway's "The Color Purple") and Rebecca Naomi Jones ("The Big Sick") portray Erma and Carolyn Franklin, respectively, Aretha's sisters - both talented performers who sing backup for Aretha later in life. Steven Norfleet ("Watchmen") plays Cecil, Aretha's brother, who is protective over her and her romantic relationships. Omar J. Dorsey ("Queen Sugar") joins as James Cleveland, a choir director who joins C.L. Franklin's church and eventually befriends and coaches Little Re. Malcolm Barrett ("Timeless," "Preacher") joins as Ted White, Franklin's first husband and business manager, who develops relationships with songwriters and producers and picks some of her biggest hits. David Cross ("Goliath," "Arrested Development") is Jerry Wexler, the legendary record producer who first spots Franklin's incredible talent and potential. As her success grows it causes a conflict of interest as their creative relationship changes and their professional stakes increase. King Curtis, played by Marque Richardson ("Dear White People"), is a horn player who joins the Muscle Shoals musicians during Franklin's first recording session with Cross as producer. Kimberly Hébert Gregory ("Vice Principals") plays Ruth Bowen, a pioneer in her field and the head of a successful black-owned agency, who represents Franklin, booking her at world-class venues and getting her onto the covers of Time and Ebony magazines. The series features a number of well-known personalities who crossed paths with Franklin, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Quincy Jones, Dinah Washington, Luther Vandross, George Michael, Lena Horne and more. GENIUS: ARETHA will broadcast in 172 countries and in 43 languages on National Geographic Channels. National Geographic, the company behind the recent Oscar-winning and seven Emmy-winning FREE SOLO, premiered the first season of GENIUS in 2017; it starred Geoffrey Rush as the brilliant scientist Albert Einstein. Biller was showrunner and creator for the multi-Emmy-winning GENIUS: PICASSO and GENIUS: EINSTEIN. GENIUS: EINSTEIN earned 10 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Limited Series, as well as Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Rush. The follow-up season, GENIUS: PICASSO, starred Antonio Banderas as the titular Spanish painter and matched much of the success of its predecessor, earning seven Emmy nominations - and two wins - as well as Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Banderas. Imagine has a history of creating timeless and culturally impactful films, shows and documentaries in the world of music, including the Academy Award-winning film "8 Mile," the Grammy Award-winning documentary "The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years," the critically acclaimed documentary "Pavarotti" and the Emmy-winning television drama "Empire." The company also produced the film "Get on Up" about James Brown as well as many documentaries, including "Jay Z's Made in America," "Katy Perry: Part of Me" and "Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band." Imagine is currently in production on the Hulu series "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" and on the sixth season of "Empire"; it is also developing a film version of the musical "tick, tick ... BOOM!" with Lin-Manuel Miranda directing and a documentary about legendary musician Louis Armstrong. For more information visit www.natgeotv.com or our press site natgeotvpressroom.com, or follow us on Twitter using @NatGeoPR. About National Geographic Partners LLC National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic's media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children's media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 132 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers ... and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27% of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest. About Imagine Television Group Imagine Television Group comprises Imagine Television and Imagine Television Studios. Imagine Television was founded in 1986 by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard and is run by Imagine Television President Samie Kim Falvey. The company's productions have been honored with 195 Emmy nominations and 30 Golden Globe nominations. Last year, the company formed Imagine Television Studios to produce and finance a slate of projects that currently includes the series "Why Women Kill" for CBS All Access from Marc Cherry; "Swagger" for Apple with Kevin Durant and Reggie Rock Bythewood; "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" for Hulu from The RZA and Alex Tse; and "68 Whiskey." Imagine Television is also producing "Filthy Rich" with Tate Taylor for Fox. Current programming includes Fox's award-winning series "Empire," Netflix's "Arrested Development" and Nat Geo's Emmy-winning GENIUS anthology series. Earlier productions include Fox's Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning Best Drama Series "24"; NBC's Peabody Award-winning series "Friday Night Lights"; Fox's Emmy-winning Best Comedy "Arrested Development"; Fox's "Shots Fired" and "Lie To Me"; WB's "Felicity"; ABC's "SportsNight"; and HBO's "From the Earth to the Moon," which won the Emmy for Outstanding Mini-Series. Howard and Grazer began their collaboration in 1985 with the hit film comedies "Night Shift" and "Splash," and continue to run Imagine as executive chairmen. About Fox 21 Television Studios Fox 21 Television Studios, a division of Disney Television Studios, is devoted to making creatively ambitious scripted and unscripted series for all distribution platforms. Fox 21 Television Studios is responsible for the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning sensation from Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" (with FX Productions), as well as its follow-up, "The Assassination of Gianni Versace," which also won the Emmy and the Golden Globe for Outstanding Limited Series; the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning "Homeland," starring Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin, which enters its eighth and final season this year; the Emmy-winning "Fosse/Verdon" (with FX Productions) from award-winning producers Thomas Kail, Steven Levenson, Joel Fields and Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams; the blockbuster "Sons of Anarchy" as well as its follow-up, "Mayans M.C." (with FX Productions) from co-creators Kurt Sutter and Elgin James; "Queen of the South," executive produced by David T. Friendly, Dailyn Rodriguez and Benjamin Daniel Lobato; the Emmy-winning "Pose" (with FX Productions) from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Steven Canals, Janet Mock, Alexis Martin Woodall and Sherry Marsh; the Emmy-nominated GENIUS: EINSTEIN and its follow-up, GENIUS: PICASSO; and "The Politician" from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan and starring Tony winner Ben Platt and Oscar winners Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange. Upcoming series include Ryan Murphy's "Ratched," starring Golden Globe and Emmy winner Sarah Paulson in the title role; "The Old Man" (with FX Productions), starring Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges and six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow; the newest installment of "American Crime Story," titled "American Crime Story: Impeachment" (with FX Productions), starring Sarah Paulson, Beanie Feldstein and Annaleigh Ashford; and the newest installment of GENIUS, titled GENIUS: ARETHA, starring Cynthia Erivo, Courtney B. Vance, Malcolm Barrett and Rebecca Naomi Jones, with Anthony Hemingway tapped as executive producer and producing director the season. Fox 21 Television Studios shows have amassed a collective 120 Emmy nominations and 34 Emmy wins, as well as multiple Golden Globes, Humanitas Prizes and Peabody Awards. Fox 21 Television Studios, ABC Studios and 20th Century Fox Television compose Disney Television Studios, a collection of labels that produces the most award-winning, culture-defining programming across 16 broadcast, cable, digital and international platforms. Its programming now reaches more than a billion people every day across the world - in as many as 180 countries, across six continents, in 30 different languages. |
Friday, December 6, 2019
National Geographic and Fox 21 Television Studios Release First Look Photo of Cynthia Erivo as the Queen of Soul in "Genius: Aretha"
National Geographic and Fox 21 Television Studios Release First Look Photo of Cynthia Erivo as the Queen of Soul in "Genius: Aretha"
The eight-part limited series will premiere on National Geographic in May 2020 in 172 countries and in 43 languages.
[via press release from National Geographic Channel] FIRST LOOK PHOTO OF CYNTHIA ERIVO AS THE QUEEN OF SOUL IN "GENIUS: ARETHA"
image: http://thefutoncritic.com/images/shows/ngc20191206.jpg
Photo credit: National Geographic/Richard DuCree
From Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Eight-Part Limited Series to Premiere May 2020 on National Geographic
(WASHINGTON, DC - DEC. 6, 2019) Today, National Geographic and Fox 21 Television Studios released a first look photo of triple threat Tony-, Emmy- and Grammy Award-winning Cynthia Erivo ("Harriet," "The Color Purple") as Aretha Franklin during the GENIUS: ARETHA start of production.
"Over the last few months, I've been preparing myself to embody the Queen of Soul, from relistening to her music to discovering her rare interviews and reading some amazing books on her - all to really capture Aretha's attitude and spirit," said Erivo. "I'm truly humbled to be working alongside a very talented and musical team. Together, we'll serve the Queen and create something special."
The ensemble cast includes Courtney B. Vance ("The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story") as C.L. Franklin, David Cross ("Goliath," "Arrested Development") as Jerry Wexler, Malcolm Barrett ("Timeless," "Preacher") as Ted White, Patrice Covington (Broadway's "The Color Purple") as Erma Franklin, Kimberly Hébert Gregory ("Vice Principals") as Ruth Bowen, Rebecca Naomi Jones ("The Big Sick") as Carolyn Franklin and Sanai Victoria ("Black-ish") as Little Re. The eight-part limited series will premiere on National Geographic in May 2020 in 172 countries and in 43 languages.
RELEVANT HANDLES AND HASHTAG: National Geographic - @natgeochannel Fox 21 Television Studios - @20thcenfoxtv Imagine Entertainment - @imagineentertainment Brian Grazer - @briangrazer Ron Howard - @realronhoward Cynthia Erivo - @cynthiaerivo Genius - Facebook: @NatGeoGenius; Twitter: @NatGeoGenius; Instagram: @natgeogenius Hashtag - #genius
# # #
ABOUT GENIUS: ARETHA
GENIUS dramatizes the fascinating stories of the world's most brilliant innovators, exploring their extraordinary achievements along with their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships. The third season of the anthology series will explore Franklin's musical genius and incomparable career as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world, in the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul. Grammy Award winner Franklin was a gospel prodigy and outspoken civil rights champion; she is widely considered to be the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honors throughout her career.
Imagine is partnering with Warner Music Entertainment for this third season, which will again be executive produced by Imagine's Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. Suzan-Lori Parks is showrunner and executive producer and Anthony Hemingway is executive producer and producing director for the season. Legendary hit record producer Clive Davis and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman have also joined as executive producers. Returning executive producers include Francie Calfo (GENIUS, "Empire"), Ken Biller (GENIUS: EINSTEIN, GENIUS: PICASSO), Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane (MWM Studios), and Sam Sokolow (EUE/Sokolow). Diana Son joins as executive producer. In addition, Imagine's Anna Culp serves as producer alongside Peter Afterman.
The eight-part limited series will premiere on National Geographic in May 2020 in 172 countries and in 43 languages.
[via press release from National Geographic Channel] FIRST LOOK PHOTO OF CYNTHIA ERIVO AS THE QUEEN OF SOUL IN "GENIUS: ARETHA"
image: http://thefutoncritic.com/images/shows/ngc20191206.jpg
Photo credit: National Geographic/Richard DuCree From Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Eight-Part Limited Series to Premiere May 2020 on National Geographic
(WASHINGTON, DC - DEC. 6, 2019) Today, National Geographic and Fox 21 Television Studios released a first look photo of triple threat Tony-, Emmy- and Grammy Award-winning Cynthia Erivo ("Harriet," "The Color Purple") as Aretha Franklin during the GENIUS: ARETHA start of production.
"Over the last few months, I've been preparing myself to embody the Queen of Soul, from relistening to her music to discovering her rare interviews and reading some amazing books on her - all to really capture Aretha's attitude and spirit," said Erivo. "I'm truly humbled to be working alongside a very talented and musical team. Together, we'll serve the Queen and create something special."
The ensemble cast includes Courtney B. Vance ("The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story") as C.L. Franklin, David Cross ("Goliath," "Arrested Development") as Jerry Wexler, Malcolm Barrett ("Timeless," "Preacher") as Ted White, Patrice Covington (Broadway's "The Color Purple") as Erma Franklin, Kimberly Hébert Gregory ("Vice Principals") as Ruth Bowen, Rebecca Naomi Jones ("The Big Sick") as Carolyn Franklin and Sanai Victoria ("Black-ish") as Little Re. The eight-part limited series will premiere on National Geographic in May 2020 in 172 countries and in 43 languages.
RELEVANT HANDLES AND HASHTAG: National Geographic - @natgeochannel Fox 21 Television Studios - @20thcenfoxtv Imagine Entertainment - @imagineentertainment Brian Grazer - @briangrazer Ron Howard - @realronhoward Cynthia Erivo - @cynthiaerivo Genius - Facebook: @NatGeoGenius; Twitter: @NatGeoGenius; Instagram: @natgeogenius Hashtag - #genius
# # #
ABOUT GENIUS: ARETHA
GENIUS dramatizes the fascinating stories of the world's most brilliant innovators, exploring their extraordinary achievements along with their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships. The third season of the anthology series will explore Franklin's musical genius and incomparable career as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world, in the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul. Grammy Award winner Franklin was a gospel prodigy and outspoken civil rights champion; she is widely considered to be the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honors throughout her career.
Imagine is partnering with Warner Music Entertainment for this third season, which will again be executive produced by Imagine's Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. Suzan-Lori Parks is showrunner and executive producer and Anthony Hemingway is executive producer and producing director for the season. Legendary hit record producer Clive Davis and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman have also joined as executive producers. Returning executive producers include Francie Calfo (GENIUS, "Empire"), Ken Biller (GENIUS: EINSTEIN, GENIUS: PICASSO), Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane (MWM Studios), and Sam Sokolow (EUE/Sokolow). Diana Son joins as executive producer. In addition, Imagine's Anna Culp serves as producer alongside Peter Afterman.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
National Geographic Taps Emmy(R)- and Tony(R) Award-Winning Actor Courtney B. Vance to Star Opposite Cynthia Erivo for "Genius: Aretha"
National Geographic Taps Emmy(R)- and Tony(R) Award-Winning Actor Courtney B. Vance to Star Opposite Cynthia Erivo for "Genius: Aretha"
Vance joins as Aretha's father, C.L. Franklin, an influential reverend and civil rights activist known as the "Million Dollar Voice."
[via press release from National Geographic Channel] NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TAPS EMMY(R)- AND TONY(R) AWARD-WINNING ACTOR COURTNEY B. VANCE ("THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY") TO STAR OPPOSITE CYNTHIA ERIVO FOR "GENIUS: ARETHA"
Emmy(R)-, Golden Globe(R)-, and BAFTA TV Award-Winning Anthony Hemingway ("Power," "The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story") to Serve as Executive Producer and Producing Director for the Season
Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks Serve as Executive Producers Along With Music Mogul Clive Davis, Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman and Ken Biller of Fox 21 Television Studios and Imagine Television Studios
(WASHINGTON, DC - NOV. 7, 2019) National Geographic, with Imagine Television Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios, announced today that the Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance ("The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story") will star opposite previously announced Cynthia Erivo ("Harriet," Broadway's "The Color Purple") as Aretha Franklin in the next installment of the Emmy-winning global anthology series GENIUS: ARETHA. Additionally, Suzan-Lori Parks ("Topdog/Underdog") will serve as showrunner and executive producer and Anthony Hemingway ("Power," "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story") will executive produce and serve as the producing director for the upcoming season. Filming will start this December for a spring 2020 premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and in 43 languages.
Vance joins as Aretha's father, C.L. Franklin, an influential reverend and civil rights activist known as the "Million Dollar Voice." A star in his own right, C.L.'s legendary sermons were published and sold in record stores and broadcast on a weekly radio show, and he booked national ministry tours and public appearances. C.L. had a close but fraught relationship with his daughter and supported her throughout her career, most notably when he encouraged her transition from singing gospel to more popular genres. The role marks a return to a Fox 21 Television Studios production for Vance, who starred as Johnnie Cochran in the critically acclaimed series "The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story", for which he won the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Limited Series and Critics' Choice Award for Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries, and was nominated for a Golden Globe and a SAG Award.
Vance's acclaimed and powerful performances have been featured on Broadway, television and in film, with additional achievements including two Tony awards for Best Actor in "Lucky Guy" and "Six Degrees of Separation." His work has extended to many notable TV series and movies including "Ben is Back," "Isle of Dogs," "Civil," "Libby and Malcolm," "The Mummy," "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," "Office Christmas Party," "The Lawn Chair," "Scandal," "Masters of Sex," "State of Affairs," "Revenge" and many more.
"It's an honor to join the Genius: Aretha team, and to bring to life the magnificent story of the Queen of Soul, an amazing woman who my wife, Angela, and I loved dearly," said Vance, who also received a Grammy nomination earlier this year for Best Spoken Word Album for his narration of Neil deGrasse Tyson's Accessory To War. "Aretha's father, C.L. Franklin, had a profound impact on her trajectory from a girl in a gospel choir to a global phenomenon - both in a good way and a bad way. I'm eager to dive into his story, and to have the tremendous opportunity to work with the undeniable talents of Suzan-Lori Parks and Cynthia Erivo. And I'm always excited to work with Anthony Hemingway."
"Courtney B. Vance is an actor whose work I've admired for so long," said Parks. "To have him bring his award-winning talents to the role of C.L. Franklin, a man of great conviction who also had many flaws, is a beautiful dream come true."
The previously announced ensemble cast will include Malcolm Barrett ("Timeless," "Preacher"), Patrice Covington (Broadway's "The Color Purple"), Kimberly Hébert Gregory ("Vice Principals"), Rebecca Naomi Jones ("The Big Sick") and Sanai Victoria ("Black-ish") in the eight-episode global limited series.
GENIUS dramatizes the fascinating stories of the world's most brilliant innovators, exploring their extraordinary achievements along with their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships. The third season of the anthology series will explore Franklin's musical genius and incomparable career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world in the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul. Grammy Award winner Franklin was a gospel prodigy and outspoken civil rights champion and is widely considered to be the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honors throughout her career.
Without knowing how to read music, Franklin taught herself to play the piano; at the young age of 12, she began to record songs and sing on gospel tours with her father. She signed her first record deal at age 18 with Columbia Records. In 1966 she moved to Atlantic Records, where she recorded many of her most iconic songs. In 1979 she began a 40-year friendship and partnership with Clive Davis, which produced a number of hit songs, including the highest charting and bestselling song of her career, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," a duet with George Michael. The legendary singer is one of the world's bestselling musical artists of all time, with more than 75 million records sold globally during her career. Her voice was identified as a "natural resource" by her home state of Michigan.
Imagine is partnering with Warner Music Entertainment for this third season, which will again be executive produced by Imagine's Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. Suzan-Lori Parks is showrunner and executive producer and Anthony Hemingway is executive producer and producing director for the season. Legendary hit record producer Clive Davis and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman have also joined as executive producers. Returning executive producers include Francie Calfo (GENIUS, "Empire"), Ken Biller (GENIUS: EINSTEIN, GENIUS: PICASSO), Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane (MWM Studios), and Sam Sokolow (EUE/Sokolow). Diana Son joins as executive producer. In addition, Imagine's Anna Culp serves as producer alongside Peter Afterman.
National Geographic, the company behind the recent Oscar-winning and seven Emmy-winning FREE SOLO, in 2017 premiered the first season of GENIUS, which starred Geoffrey Rush as the brilliant scientist Albert Einstein. Biller was showrunner and creator for the multi-Emmy-winning GENIUS: PICASSO and GENIUS: EINSTEIN. GENIUS: EINSTEIN earned 10 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Limited Series, as well as Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Rush. The follow-up season, GENIUS: PICASSO, starred Antonio Banderas as the titular Spanish painter and matched much of the success of its predecessor, earning seven Emmy nominations - and two wins - as well as Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Banderas.
Imagine has a history of creating timeless and culturally impactful films, shows and documentaries in the world of music, including the Academy Award-winning film "8 Mile," the Grammy Award-winning documentary "The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years," the critically acclaimed documentary "Pavarotti" and the Emmy-winning television drama "Empire." The company also produced the film "Get on Up" about James Brown, and many documentaries, including "Jay Z's Made in America," "Katy Perry: Part of Me" and "Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band." Imagine is currently in production on the Hulu series "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" and the sixth season of "Empire"; it is also developing a film version of the musical "tick, tick ... BOOM!" with Lin-Manuel Miranda directing, and a documentary about legendary musician Louis Armstrong.
Vance is represented by WME and Fox Rothschild.
For more information visit www.natgeotv.com or our press site natgeotvpressroom.com, or follow us on Twitter using @NatGeoPR.
###
About National Geographic Partners LLC
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic's media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children's media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers ... and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
About Imagine Television Group
Imagine Television Group is comprised of Imagine Television and Imagine Television Studios. Imagine Television was founded in 1986 by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard and is run by Imagine Television President Samie Kim Falvey. The company's productions have been honored with 195 Emmy nominations and 30 Golden Globe nominations. Last year, the company formed Imagine Television Studios to produce and finance a slate of projects that currently includes the series "Why Women Kill" for CBS All Access from Marc Cherry; "Swagger" for Apple with Kevin Durant and Reggie Rock Bythewood; "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" for Hulu from The RZA and Alex Tse; and "68 Whiskey." Imagine Television is also producing "Filthy Rich" with Tate Taylor for Fox. Current programming includes Fox's award-winning series "Empire," Netflix's "Arrested Development" and Nat Geo's Emmy(R)-winning GENIUS anthology series. Earlier productions include Fox's Golden Globe- and Emmy(R)-winning Best Drama Series "24"; NBC's Peabody Award-winning series "Friday Night Lights"; Fox's Emmy(R)-winning Best Comedy "Arrested Development"; Fox's "Shots Fired" and "Lie To Me"; WB's "Felicity"; ABC's "SportsNight"; and HBO's "From the Earth to the Moon," which won the Emmy(R) for Outstanding Mini-Series. Howard and Grazer began their collaboration in 1985 with the hit film comedies "Night Shift" and "Splash," and continue to run Imagine as executive chairmen.
About Fox 21 Television Studios:
Fox 21 Television Studios, a division of Disney Television Studios, is devoted to making creatively ambitious scripted and unscripted series for all distribution platforms. Fox 21 Television Studios is responsible for the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning sensation from Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" (with FX Productions), as well as its follow-up "The Assassination of Gianni Versace" which also won the Emmy and Golden Globe for Outstanding Limited Series; the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning "Homeland," starring Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin which enters its eighth and final season this year; the Emmy-winning "Fosse/Verdon" (with FX Productions) from award-winning producers Thomas Kail, Steven Levenson, Joel Fields and Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams; the blockbuster "Sons of Anarchy" as well as its follow-up "Mayans M.C." (with FX Productions) from co-creators Kurt Sutter and Elgin James; "Queen of the South," executive produced by David T. Friendly, Dailyn Rodriguez and Benjamin Daniel Lobato; the Emmy winning "Pose" (with FX Productions) from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Steven Canals, Janet Mock, Alexis Martin Woodall and Sherry Marsh; the Emmy-nominated "Genius: Einstein" and its follow-up "Genius: Picasso."; and "The Politician" from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan and starring Tony-winner Ben Platt and Oscar winners Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange. Upcoming series include Ryan Murphy's "Ratched" starring Golden Globe and Emmy winner Sarah Paulson in the title role; "The Old Man" (with FX Productions) starring Academy Award winning Jeff Bridges and six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow; the newest installment of "American Crime Story" entitled "American Crime Story: Impeachment" (with FX Productions) starring Sarah Paulson, Beanie Feldstein and Annaleigh Ashford; and the newest installment of "Genius" entitled "Genius: Aretha Franklin" starring Cynthia Erivo, Malcolm Barrett, Rebecca Naomi Jones, with Anthony Hemingway tapped to executive produce and direct the pilot. Fox 21 Television Studios shows have amassed a collective 120 Emmy nominations and 34 Emmy wins, as well as multiple Golden Globes, Humanitas Prizes and Peabody Awards. Fox 21 Television Studios, ABC Studios and 20th Century Fox Television comprise Disney Television Studios, a collection of labels that produces the most award-winning, culture-defining programming across 16 broadcast, cable, digital and international platforms. Its programming now reaches more than a billion people every day across the world; in as many as 180 countries, across six continents, in 30 different languages.
Vance joins as Aretha's father, C.L. Franklin, an influential reverend and civil rights activist known as the "Million Dollar Voice."
[via press release from National Geographic Channel] NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TAPS EMMY(R)- AND TONY(R) AWARD-WINNING ACTOR COURTNEY B. VANCE ("THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY") TO STAR OPPOSITE CYNTHIA ERIVO FOR "GENIUS: ARETHA"
Emmy(R)-, Golden Globe(R)-, and BAFTA TV Award-Winning Anthony Hemingway ("Power," "The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story") to Serve as Executive Producer and Producing Director for the Season
Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks Serve as Executive Producers Along With Music Mogul Clive Davis, Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman and Ken Biller of Fox 21 Television Studios and Imagine Television Studios
(WASHINGTON, DC - NOV. 7, 2019) National Geographic, with Imagine Television Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios, announced today that the Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance ("The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story") will star opposite previously announced Cynthia Erivo ("Harriet," Broadway's "The Color Purple") as Aretha Franklin in the next installment of the Emmy-winning global anthology series GENIUS: ARETHA. Additionally, Suzan-Lori Parks ("Topdog/Underdog") will serve as showrunner and executive producer and Anthony Hemingway ("Power," "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story") will executive produce and serve as the producing director for the upcoming season. Filming will start this December for a spring 2020 premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and in 43 languages.
Vance joins as Aretha's father, C.L. Franklin, an influential reverend and civil rights activist known as the "Million Dollar Voice." A star in his own right, C.L.'s legendary sermons were published and sold in record stores and broadcast on a weekly radio show, and he booked national ministry tours and public appearances. C.L. had a close but fraught relationship with his daughter and supported her throughout her career, most notably when he encouraged her transition from singing gospel to more popular genres. The role marks a return to a Fox 21 Television Studios production for Vance, who starred as Johnnie Cochran in the critically acclaimed series "The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story", for which he won the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Limited Series and Critics' Choice Award for Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries, and was nominated for a Golden Globe and a SAG Award.
Vance's acclaimed and powerful performances have been featured on Broadway, television and in film, with additional achievements including two Tony awards for Best Actor in "Lucky Guy" and "Six Degrees of Separation." His work has extended to many notable TV series and movies including "Ben is Back," "Isle of Dogs," "Civil," "Libby and Malcolm," "The Mummy," "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," "Office Christmas Party," "The Lawn Chair," "Scandal," "Masters of Sex," "State of Affairs," "Revenge" and many more.
"It's an honor to join the Genius: Aretha team, and to bring to life the magnificent story of the Queen of Soul, an amazing woman who my wife, Angela, and I loved dearly," said Vance, who also received a Grammy nomination earlier this year for Best Spoken Word Album for his narration of Neil deGrasse Tyson's Accessory To War. "Aretha's father, C.L. Franklin, had a profound impact on her trajectory from a girl in a gospel choir to a global phenomenon - both in a good way and a bad way. I'm eager to dive into his story, and to have the tremendous opportunity to work with the undeniable talents of Suzan-Lori Parks and Cynthia Erivo. And I'm always excited to work with Anthony Hemingway."
"Courtney B. Vance is an actor whose work I've admired for so long," said Parks. "To have him bring his award-winning talents to the role of C.L. Franklin, a man of great conviction who also had many flaws, is a beautiful dream come true."
The previously announced ensemble cast will include Malcolm Barrett ("Timeless," "Preacher"), Patrice Covington (Broadway's "The Color Purple"), Kimberly Hébert Gregory ("Vice Principals"), Rebecca Naomi Jones ("The Big Sick") and Sanai Victoria ("Black-ish") in the eight-episode global limited series.
GENIUS dramatizes the fascinating stories of the world's most brilliant innovators, exploring their extraordinary achievements along with their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships. The third season of the anthology series will explore Franklin's musical genius and incomparable career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world in the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul. Grammy Award winner Franklin was a gospel prodigy and outspoken civil rights champion and is widely considered to be the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honors throughout her career.
Without knowing how to read music, Franklin taught herself to play the piano; at the young age of 12, she began to record songs and sing on gospel tours with her father. She signed her first record deal at age 18 with Columbia Records. In 1966 she moved to Atlantic Records, where she recorded many of her most iconic songs. In 1979 she began a 40-year friendship and partnership with Clive Davis, which produced a number of hit songs, including the highest charting and bestselling song of her career, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," a duet with George Michael. The legendary singer is one of the world's bestselling musical artists of all time, with more than 75 million records sold globally during her career. Her voice was identified as a "natural resource" by her home state of Michigan.
Imagine is partnering with Warner Music Entertainment for this third season, which will again be executive produced by Imagine's Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. Suzan-Lori Parks is showrunner and executive producer and Anthony Hemingway is executive producer and producing director for the season. Legendary hit record producer Clive Davis and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman have also joined as executive producers. Returning executive producers include Francie Calfo (GENIUS, "Empire"), Ken Biller (GENIUS: EINSTEIN, GENIUS: PICASSO), Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane (MWM Studios), and Sam Sokolow (EUE/Sokolow). Diana Son joins as executive producer. In addition, Imagine's Anna Culp serves as producer alongside Peter Afterman.
National Geographic, the company behind the recent Oscar-winning and seven Emmy-winning FREE SOLO, in 2017 premiered the first season of GENIUS, which starred Geoffrey Rush as the brilliant scientist Albert Einstein. Biller was showrunner and creator for the multi-Emmy-winning GENIUS: PICASSO and GENIUS: EINSTEIN. GENIUS: EINSTEIN earned 10 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Limited Series, as well as Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Rush. The follow-up season, GENIUS: PICASSO, starred Antonio Banderas as the titular Spanish painter and matched much of the success of its predecessor, earning seven Emmy nominations - and two wins - as well as Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Banderas.
Imagine has a history of creating timeless and culturally impactful films, shows and documentaries in the world of music, including the Academy Award-winning film "8 Mile," the Grammy Award-winning documentary "The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years," the critically acclaimed documentary "Pavarotti" and the Emmy-winning television drama "Empire." The company also produced the film "Get on Up" about James Brown, and many documentaries, including "Jay Z's Made in America," "Katy Perry: Part of Me" and "Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band." Imagine is currently in production on the Hulu series "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" and the sixth season of "Empire"; it is also developing a film version of the musical "tick, tick ... BOOM!" with Lin-Manuel Miranda directing, and a documentary about legendary musician Louis Armstrong.
Vance is represented by WME and Fox Rothschild.
For more information visit www.natgeotv.com or our press site natgeotvpressroom.com, or follow us on Twitter using @NatGeoPR.
###
About National Geographic Partners LLC
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic's media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children's media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers ... and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
About Imagine Television Group
Imagine Television Group is comprised of Imagine Television and Imagine Television Studios. Imagine Television was founded in 1986 by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard and is run by Imagine Television President Samie Kim Falvey. The company's productions have been honored with 195 Emmy nominations and 30 Golden Globe nominations. Last year, the company formed Imagine Television Studios to produce and finance a slate of projects that currently includes the series "Why Women Kill" for CBS All Access from Marc Cherry; "Swagger" for Apple with Kevin Durant and Reggie Rock Bythewood; "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" for Hulu from The RZA and Alex Tse; and "68 Whiskey." Imagine Television is also producing "Filthy Rich" with Tate Taylor for Fox. Current programming includes Fox's award-winning series "Empire," Netflix's "Arrested Development" and Nat Geo's Emmy(R)-winning GENIUS anthology series. Earlier productions include Fox's Golden Globe- and Emmy(R)-winning Best Drama Series "24"; NBC's Peabody Award-winning series "Friday Night Lights"; Fox's Emmy(R)-winning Best Comedy "Arrested Development"; Fox's "Shots Fired" and "Lie To Me"; WB's "Felicity"; ABC's "SportsNight"; and HBO's "From the Earth to the Moon," which won the Emmy(R) for Outstanding Mini-Series. Howard and Grazer began their collaboration in 1985 with the hit film comedies "Night Shift" and "Splash," and continue to run Imagine as executive chairmen.
About Fox 21 Television Studios:
Fox 21 Television Studios, a division of Disney Television Studios, is devoted to making creatively ambitious scripted and unscripted series for all distribution platforms. Fox 21 Television Studios is responsible for the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning sensation from Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" (with FX Productions), as well as its follow-up "The Assassination of Gianni Versace" which also won the Emmy and Golden Globe for Outstanding Limited Series; the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning "Homeland," starring Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin which enters its eighth and final season this year; the Emmy-winning "Fosse/Verdon" (with FX Productions) from award-winning producers Thomas Kail, Steven Levenson, Joel Fields and Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams; the blockbuster "Sons of Anarchy" as well as its follow-up "Mayans M.C." (with FX Productions) from co-creators Kurt Sutter and Elgin James; "Queen of the South," executive produced by David T. Friendly, Dailyn Rodriguez and Benjamin Daniel Lobato; the Emmy winning "Pose" (with FX Productions) from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Steven Canals, Janet Mock, Alexis Martin Woodall and Sherry Marsh; the Emmy-nominated "Genius: Einstein" and its follow-up "Genius: Picasso."; and "The Politician" from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan and starring Tony-winner Ben Platt and Oscar winners Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange. Upcoming series include Ryan Murphy's "Ratched" starring Golden Globe and Emmy winner Sarah Paulson in the title role; "The Old Man" (with FX Productions) starring Academy Award winning Jeff Bridges and six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow; the newest installment of "American Crime Story" entitled "American Crime Story: Impeachment" (with FX Productions) starring Sarah Paulson, Beanie Feldstein and Annaleigh Ashford; and the newest installment of "Genius" entitled "Genius: Aretha Franklin" starring Cynthia Erivo, Malcolm Barrett, Rebecca Naomi Jones, with Anthony Hemingway tapped to executive produce and direct the pilot. Fox 21 Television Studios shows have amassed a collective 120 Emmy nominations and 34 Emmy wins, as well as multiple Golden Globes, Humanitas Prizes and Peabody Awards. Fox 21 Television Studios, ABC Studios and 20th Century Fox Television comprise Disney Television Studios, a collection of labels that produces the most award-winning, culture-defining programming across 16 broadcast, cable, digital and international platforms. Its programming now reaches more than a billion people every day across the world; in as many as 180 countries, across six continents, in 30 different languages.
Monday, October 28, 2019
National Geographic Taps Emmy(R)-, Golden Globe(R)- and BAFTA TV Award-Winning Anthony Hemingway to Serve as Executive Producer and Direct Pilot Episode for "Genius: Aretha"
National Geographic Taps Emmy(R)-, Golden Globe(R)- and BAFTA TV Award-Winning Anthony Hemingway to Serve as Executive Producer and Direct Pilot Episode for "Genius: Aretha"
Plus: Malcolm Barrett, Patrice Covington, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Rebecca Naomi Jones and Sanai Victoria will join the cast of the Cynthia Erivo-led installment.
[via press release from National Geographic Channel] NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TAPS EMMY(R)-, GOLDEN GLOBE(R)- AND BAFTA TV AWARD-WINNING ANTHONY HEMINGWAY ("POWER," "THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY") TO SERVE AS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND DIRECT PILOT EPISODE FOR "GENIUS: ARETHA"
ENSEMBLE CAST ALSO ANNOUNCED TO JOIN CYNTHIA ERIVO ("HARRIET," "THE COLOR PURPLE")
Malcolm Barrett ("Timeless, "Preacher") as Ted White Patrice Covington ("The Color Purple") as Erma Franklin Kimberly Hébert Gregory ("Vice Principals") as Ruth Bowen Rebecca Naomi Jones ("The Big Sick") as Carolyn Franklin Sanai Victoria ("Black-ish") as Little Re
Previously Announced, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks ("Topdog/Underdog") Is Executive Producer and Showrunner
Brian Grazer and Ron Howard Serve as Executive Producers Along With Music Mogul Clive Davis, Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman and Ken Biller of Fox 21 Television Studios and Imagine Television Studios
Production to Begin December 2019 for Spring 2020 World Premiere
(WASHINGTON, DC - OCT. 28, 2019) National Geographic, with Imagine Television Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios, announced today the cast joining previously announced Cynthia Erivo ("Harriet," Broadway's "The Color Purple") as Aretha Franklin in the next installment of the Emmy-winning global anthology series GENIUS: ARETHA. Malcolm Barrett ("Timeless, Preacher"), Patrice Covington (Broadway's "The Color Purple"), Kimberly Hébert Gregory ("Vice Principals"), Rebecca Naomi Jones ("The Big Sick") and Sanai Victoria ("Black-ish") will star in the eight-episode global limited series. Additionally, Anthony Hemingway ("Power," "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story") is tapped to serve as executive producer and direct the pilot episode of the upcoming season, the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul.
Barrett joins as Ted White, Aretha's first husband and business manager, who develops relationships with songwriters and producers and picks some of her biggest hits. But as Aretha gains fame, White's heavy drinking and volatile behavior ends their marriage. Covington and Jones will portray Erma and Carolyn Franklin, respectively, Aretha's sisters, who are both talented performers in their own right and sing backup for Aretha. Hébert Gregory will play Ruth Bowen, a pioneer in her field, the head of a successful black-owned agency, who represents Aretha, booking her into world-class venues and getting her onto the covers of Time and Ebony magazines. Victoria will be Little Re (young Aretha), the shy, immensely talented daughter of celebrated Detroit preacher Clarence LaVaughn (C.L.) Franklin, who thrusts her into the spotlight at a very young age.
Prolific producer and director Hemingway will serve as an executive producer and direct the pilot episode of GENIUS: ARETHA. Hemingway directed and executive produced "Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G.," "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" and "Underground." His long list of credits include "The Wire," "Treme," "Battlestar Galactica," "Power," "Empire," "ER," "The Newsroom," "Orange Is the New Black," "American Horror Story" and "Shameless," as well as his feature film debut, "Red Tails." Hemingway received the 2017 AAFCA Horizon Award and has garnered Emmy, Golden Globe, PGA, NAACP and BAFTA TV Awards for his work on "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story."
Filming will start this December for a spring 2020 premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and 43 languages.
GENIUS dramatizes the fascinating stories of the world's most brilliant innovators, exploring their extraordinary achievements along with their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships. The third season of the anthology series will explore Franklin's musical genius and incomparable career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world. Grammy Award winner Franklin was a gospel prodigy and outspoken civil rights champion and is widely considered to be the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honors throughout her career.
Without knowing how to read music, Franklin taught herself to play the piano; at the young age of 12, she began to record songs and sing on gospel tours with her father. She signed her first record deal at age 18 with Columbia Records. In 1966 she moved to Atlantic Records, where she recorded many of her most iconic songs. In 1979 she began a 40-year friendship and partnership with Clive Davis, which produced a number of hit songs, including the highest charting and bestselling song of her career, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," a duet with George Michael. The legendary singer is one of the world's bestselling musical artists of all time, with more than 75 million records sold globally during her career. Her voice was identified as a "natural resource" by her home state of Michigan.
Suzan-Lori Parks, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of "Topdog/Underdog," is executive producer and showrunner for GENIUS: ARETHA. Imagine is partnering with Warner Music Group for this third season, which will again be executive produced by Imagine's Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. Legendary hit record producer Clive Davis and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman have also joined as executive producers. Returning executive producers include Francie Calfo (Genius, "Empire"), Ken Biller (Genius: Einstein, Genius: Picasso), Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane (MWM Studios), and Sam Sokolow (Nice Media Studios). Diana Son joins as executive producer. In addition, Imagine's Anna Culp serves as producer alongside Peter Afterman.
National Geographic, the company behind the recent Oscar-winning and seven Emmy-winning FREE SOLO, in 2017 premiered the first season of GENIUS, which starred Geoffrey Rush as the brilliant scientist Albert Einstein. Biller was showrunner and creator for the multi-Emmy-winning GENIUS: PICASSO and GENIUS: EINSTEIN. GENIUS: EINSTEIN earned 10 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Limited Series, as well as Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Rush. The follow-up season, GENIUS: PICASSO, starred Antonio Banderas as the titular Spanish painter and matched much of the success of its predecessor, earning seven Emmy nominations - and two wins - as well as Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Banderas.
Imagine has a history of creating timeless and culturally impactful films, shows and documentaries in the world of music, including the Academy Award-winning film "8 Mile," the Grammy Award-winning documentary "The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years," the critically acclaimed documentary "Pavarotti" and the Emmy-winning television drama "Empire." The company also produced the film "Get on Up" about James Brown, and many documentaries, including "Jay Z's Made in America," "Katy Perry: Part of Me" and "Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band." Imagine is currently in production on the Hulu series "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" and the sixth season of "Empire"; it is also developing a film version of the musical "tick, tick ... BOOM!" with Lin-Manuel Miranda directing, and a documentary about legendary musician Louis Armstrong.
Hemingway is represented by WME, Gotham Group, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush & Kaller. Barrett is repped by Management 360 and Gersh. Covington is repped by Luber Roklin Entertainment, Allegory Creative Talent and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz. Hébert Gregory is repped by 11:11 Entertainment and Buchwald and John Meigs at HGTH. Jones is repped by Nina Shreiber and Gersh. Victoria is repped by Abrams Artists Agency and Platform Public Relations.
For more information visit www.natgeotv.com or our press site natgeotvpressroom.com, or follow us on Twitter using @NatGeoPR.
###
About National Geographic Partners LLC
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic's media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children's media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers ... and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest
About Imagine Television Group
Imagine Television Group is comprised of Imagine Television and Imagine Television Studios. Imagine Television was founded in 1986 by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard and is run by Imagine Television President Samie Kim Falvey. The company's productions have been honored with 195 Emmy Nominations and 30 Golden Globe nominations. Last year, the company formed Imagine Television Studios, to produce and finance a slate projects which currently includes the series "Why Women Kill" for CBS All Access from Marc Cherry; "Swagger" for Apple with Kevin Durant and Reggie Rock Bythewood; "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" for Hulu from The RZA and Alex Tse; and "68 Whiskey." Imagine Television is also producing "Filthy Rich" with Tate Taylor for Fox. Current programming includes Fox's award-winning series "Empire," Netflix's "Arrested Development," and NatGeo's Emmy(R) award-winning "Genius" anthology series. Earlier productions include Fox's Golden Globe and Emmy(R) award-winning Best Drama Series "24"; NBC's Peabody Award winning series "Friday Night Lights"; Fox's Emmy(R) award winning Best Comedy "Arrested Development"; Fox's "Shots Fired"; Fox's "Lie To Me"; WB's "Felicity"; ABC's "SportsNight"; and HBO's "From the Earth to the Moon", which won the Emmy(R) for Outstanding Mini-Series. Howard and Brian Grazer began their collaboration in 1985 with the hit film comedies "Night Shift" and "Splash", and continue to run Imagine is Executive Chairmen.
About Fox 21 Television Studios
Fox 21 Television Studios, a division of Disney Television Studios, is devoted to making creatively ambitious scripted and unscripted series for all distribution platforms. Fox 21 Television Studios is responsible for the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning sensation from Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" (with FX Productions), as well as its follow-up "The Assassination of Gianni Versace" which also won the Emmy and Golden Globe for Outstanding Limited Series; the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning "Homeland," starring Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin which enters its eighth and final season this year; the Emmy-nominated "Fosse/Verdon" from award-winning producers Thomas Kail, Steven Levenson, Joel Fields and Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Oscar winner Sam Rockwell and Golden Globe winner Michelle Williams; the blockbuster "Sons of Anarchy" as well as its follow-up "Mayans M.C." from co-creators Kurt Sutter and Elgin James; "Queen of the South," executive produced by David T. Friendly, Dailyn Rodriguez and Benjamin Daniel Lobato; the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated "Pose" from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Steven Canals, Janet Mock, Alexis Martin Woodall and Sherry Marsh; "The Hot Zone" based on Richard Preston's international best-seller for Nat Geo starring Emmy winner Juliana Margulies; and the Emmy-nominated "Genius: Einstein" and its follow-up "Genius: Picasso." Upcoming series include "The Politician" from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan and starring Tony-winner Ben Platt and Oscar winners Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange, Ryan Murphy's "Ratched" starring Golden Globe and Emmy winner Sarah Paulson in the title role, "The Old Man" starring Academy Award winning Jeff Bridges and six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow, as well as the newest installment of "American Crime Story" entitled "American Crime Story: Impeachment" starring Sarah Paulson, Beanie Feldstein and Annaleigh Ashford. Fox 21 Television Studios shows have amassed a collective 120 Emmy nominations and 32 Emmy wins, as well as multiple Golden Globes, Humanitas Prizes and Peabody Awards. Fox 21 Television Studios, ABC Studios and 20thCentury Fox Television comprise Disney Television Studios, a collection of labels that produces the most award-winning, culture-defining programming across 16 broadcast, cable, digital and international platforms. Its programming now reaches more than a billion people every day across the world; in as many as 180 countries, across six continents, in 30 different languages.
Plus: Malcolm Barrett, Patrice Covington, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Rebecca Naomi Jones and Sanai Victoria will join the cast of the Cynthia Erivo-led installment.
[via press release from National Geographic Channel] NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TAPS EMMY(R)-, GOLDEN GLOBE(R)- AND BAFTA TV AWARD-WINNING ANTHONY HEMINGWAY ("POWER," "THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY") TO SERVE AS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND DIRECT PILOT EPISODE FOR "GENIUS: ARETHA"
ENSEMBLE CAST ALSO ANNOUNCED TO JOIN CYNTHIA ERIVO ("HARRIET," "THE COLOR PURPLE")
Malcolm Barrett ("Timeless, "Preacher") as Ted White Patrice Covington ("The Color Purple") as Erma Franklin Kimberly Hébert Gregory ("Vice Principals") as Ruth Bowen Rebecca Naomi Jones ("The Big Sick") as Carolyn Franklin Sanai Victoria ("Black-ish") as Little Re
Previously Announced, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks ("Topdog/Underdog") Is Executive Producer and Showrunner
Brian Grazer and Ron Howard Serve as Executive Producers Along With Music Mogul Clive Davis, Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman and Ken Biller of Fox 21 Television Studios and Imagine Television Studios
Production to Begin December 2019 for Spring 2020 World Premiere
(WASHINGTON, DC - OCT. 28, 2019) National Geographic, with Imagine Television Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios, announced today the cast joining previously announced Cynthia Erivo ("Harriet," Broadway's "The Color Purple") as Aretha Franklin in the next installment of the Emmy-winning global anthology series GENIUS: ARETHA. Malcolm Barrett ("Timeless, Preacher"), Patrice Covington (Broadway's "The Color Purple"), Kimberly Hébert Gregory ("Vice Principals"), Rebecca Naomi Jones ("The Big Sick") and Sanai Victoria ("Black-ish") will star in the eight-episode global limited series. Additionally, Anthony Hemingway ("Power," "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story") is tapped to serve as executive producer and direct the pilot episode of the upcoming season, the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul.
Barrett joins as Ted White, Aretha's first husband and business manager, who develops relationships with songwriters and producers and picks some of her biggest hits. But as Aretha gains fame, White's heavy drinking and volatile behavior ends their marriage. Covington and Jones will portray Erma and Carolyn Franklin, respectively, Aretha's sisters, who are both talented performers in their own right and sing backup for Aretha. Hébert Gregory will play Ruth Bowen, a pioneer in her field, the head of a successful black-owned agency, who represents Aretha, booking her into world-class venues and getting her onto the covers of Time and Ebony magazines. Victoria will be Little Re (young Aretha), the shy, immensely talented daughter of celebrated Detroit preacher Clarence LaVaughn (C.L.) Franklin, who thrusts her into the spotlight at a very young age.
Prolific producer and director Hemingway will serve as an executive producer and direct the pilot episode of GENIUS: ARETHA. Hemingway directed and executive produced "Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G.," "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" and "Underground." His long list of credits include "The Wire," "Treme," "Battlestar Galactica," "Power," "Empire," "ER," "The Newsroom," "Orange Is the New Black," "American Horror Story" and "Shameless," as well as his feature film debut, "Red Tails." Hemingway received the 2017 AAFCA Horizon Award and has garnered Emmy, Golden Globe, PGA, NAACP and BAFTA TV Awards for his work on "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story."
Filming will start this December for a spring 2020 premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and 43 languages.
GENIUS dramatizes the fascinating stories of the world's most brilliant innovators, exploring their extraordinary achievements along with their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships. The third season of the anthology series will explore Franklin's musical genius and incomparable career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world. Grammy Award winner Franklin was a gospel prodigy and outspoken civil rights champion and is widely considered to be the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honors throughout her career.
Without knowing how to read music, Franklin taught herself to play the piano; at the young age of 12, she began to record songs and sing on gospel tours with her father. She signed her first record deal at age 18 with Columbia Records. In 1966 she moved to Atlantic Records, where she recorded many of her most iconic songs. In 1979 she began a 40-year friendship and partnership with Clive Davis, which produced a number of hit songs, including the highest charting and bestselling song of her career, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," a duet with George Michael. The legendary singer is one of the world's bestselling musical artists of all time, with more than 75 million records sold globally during her career. Her voice was identified as a "natural resource" by her home state of Michigan.
Suzan-Lori Parks, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of "Topdog/Underdog," is executive producer and showrunner for GENIUS: ARETHA. Imagine is partnering with Warner Music Group for this third season, which will again be executive produced by Imagine's Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. Legendary hit record producer Clive Davis and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman have also joined as executive producers. Returning executive producers include Francie Calfo (Genius, "Empire"), Ken Biller (Genius: Einstein, Genius: Picasso), Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane (MWM Studios), and Sam Sokolow (Nice Media Studios). Diana Son joins as executive producer. In addition, Imagine's Anna Culp serves as producer alongside Peter Afterman.
National Geographic, the company behind the recent Oscar-winning and seven Emmy-winning FREE SOLO, in 2017 premiered the first season of GENIUS, which starred Geoffrey Rush as the brilliant scientist Albert Einstein. Biller was showrunner and creator for the multi-Emmy-winning GENIUS: PICASSO and GENIUS: EINSTEIN. GENIUS: EINSTEIN earned 10 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Limited Series, as well as Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Rush. The follow-up season, GENIUS: PICASSO, starred Antonio Banderas as the titular Spanish painter and matched much of the success of its predecessor, earning seven Emmy nominations - and two wins - as well as Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Banderas.
Imagine has a history of creating timeless and culturally impactful films, shows and documentaries in the world of music, including the Academy Award-winning film "8 Mile," the Grammy Award-winning documentary "The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years," the critically acclaimed documentary "Pavarotti" and the Emmy-winning television drama "Empire." The company also produced the film "Get on Up" about James Brown, and many documentaries, including "Jay Z's Made in America," "Katy Perry: Part of Me" and "Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band." Imagine is currently in production on the Hulu series "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" and the sixth season of "Empire"; it is also developing a film version of the musical "tick, tick ... BOOM!" with Lin-Manuel Miranda directing, and a documentary about legendary musician Louis Armstrong.
Hemingway is represented by WME, Gotham Group, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush & Kaller. Barrett is repped by Management 360 and Gersh. Covington is repped by Luber Roklin Entertainment, Allegory Creative Talent and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz. Hébert Gregory is repped by 11:11 Entertainment and Buchwald and John Meigs at HGTH. Jones is repped by Nina Shreiber and Gersh. Victoria is repped by Abrams Artists Agency and Platform Public Relations.
For more information visit www.natgeotv.com or our press site natgeotvpressroom.com, or follow us on Twitter using @NatGeoPR.
###
About National Geographic Partners LLC
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic's media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children's media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers ... and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest
About Imagine Television Group
Imagine Television Group is comprised of Imagine Television and Imagine Television Studios. Imagine Television was founded in 1986 by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard and is run by Imagine Television President Samie Kim Falvey. The company's productions have been honored with 195 Emmy Nominations and 30 Golden Globe nominations. Last year, the company formed Imagine Television Studios, to produce and finance a slate projects which currently includes the series "Why Women Kill" for CBS All Access from Marc Cherry; "Swagger" for Apple with Kevin Durant and Reggie Rock Bythewood; "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" for Hulu from The RZA and Alex Tse; and "68 Whiskey." Imagine Television is also producing "Filthy Rich" with Tate Taylor for Fox. Current programming includes Fox's award-winning series "Empire," Netflix's "Arrested Development," and NatGeo's Emmy(R) award-winning "Genius" anthology series. Earlier productions include Fox's Golden Globe and Emmy(R) award-winning Best Drama Series "24"; NBC's Peabody Award winning series "Friday Night Lights"; Fox's Emmy(R) award winning Best Comedy "Arrested Development"; Fox's "Shots Fired"; Fox's "Lie To Me"; WB's "Felicity"; ABC's "SportsNight"; and HBO's "From the Earth to the Moon", which won the Emmy(R) for Outstanding Mini-Series. Howard and Brian Grazer began their collaboration in 1985 with the hit film comedies "Night Shift" and "Splash", and continue to run Imagine is Executive Chairmen.
About Fox 21 Television Studios
Fox 21 Television Studios, a division of Disney Television Studios, is devoted to making creatively ambitious scripted and unscripted series for all distribution platforms. Fox 21 Television Studios is responsible for the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning sensation from Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" (with FX Productions), as well as its follow-up "The Assassination of Gianni Versace" which also won the Emmy and Golden Globe for Outstanding Limited Series; the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning "Homeland," starring Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin which enters its eighth and final season this year; the Emmy-nominated "Fosse/Verdon" from award-winning producers Thomas Kail, Steven Levenson, Joel Fields and Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Oscar winner Sam Rockwell and Golden Globe winner Michelle Williams; the blockbuster "Sons of Anarchy" as well as its follow-up "Mayans M.C." from co-creators Kurt Sutter and Elgin James; "Queen of the South," executive produced by David T. Friendly, Dailyn Rodriguez and Benjamin Daniel Lobato; the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated "Pose" from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Steven Canals, Janet Mock, Alexis Martin Woodall and Sherry Marsh; "The Hot Zone" based on Richard Preston's international best-seller for Nat Geo starring Emmy winner Juliana Margulies; and the Emmy-nominated "Genius: Einstein" and its follow-up "Genius: Picasso." Upcoming series include "The Politician" from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan and starring Tony-winner Ben Platt and Oscar winners Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange, Ryan Murphy's "Ratched" starring Golden Globe and Emmy winner Sarah Paulson in the title role, "The Old Man" starring Academy Award winning Jeff Bridges and six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow, as well as the newest installment of "American Crime Story" entitled "American Crime Story: Impeachment" starring Sarah Paulson, Beanie Feldstein and Annaleigh Ashford. Fox 21 Television Studios shows have amassed a collective 120 Emmy nominations and 32 Emmy wins, as well as multiple Golden Globes, Humanitas Prizes and Peabody Awards. Fox 21 Television Studios, ABC Studios and 20thCentury Fox Television comprise Disney Television Studios, a collection of labels that produces the most award-winning, culture-defining programming across 16 broadcast, cable, digital and international platforms. Its programming now reaches more than a billion people every day across the world; in as many as 180 countries, across six continents, in 30 different languages.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
National Geographic Taps Triple Threat Cynthia Erivo ("Harriet," "The Color Purple") as Aretha Franklin in "Genius: Aretha"
National Geographic Taps Triple Threat Cynthia Erivo ("Harriet," "The Color Purple") As Aretha Franklin in Genius: Aretha
Tony®-, Emmy®- and Grammy® Award-Winning Erivo Will Portray Grammy Award Winner and Musical Icon Franklin in the Next Installment of the Emmy-Winning Anthology Series GENIUS
Previously Announced, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks (“Topdog/Underdog”) Is Executive Producer and Showrunner
Brian Grazer and Ron Howard Serve as Executive Producers Along With Music Mogul Clive Davis, Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman, Ken Biller, Fox 21 Television Studios and Imagine Television Studios
The Aretha Franklin Estate Joins GENIUS: ARETHA, the First-Ever, Definitive Scripted Limited Series on the Life of the Universally Acclaimed Queen of Soul
WashingtonNational Geographic, with Imagine Television Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios, announced today that Tony®-, Emmy®- and Grammy® Award-winningCynthia Erivo (“Harriet,” Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) will star as Aretha Franklin in the next installment of the Emmy-winning global anthology series Genius: Aretha. This upcoming season will be the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul. Filming will start this November for a spring 2020 premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and 43 languages.
The production will feature many of Franklin’s biggest recordings and hit songs from the comprehensive Warner Music catalogue, including “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” “Chain of Fools,” “Don’t Play That Song,” “Since You’ve Been Gone” and “Baby I Love You.” In addition, the series will feature Franklin’s performances of “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Freeway of Love” and “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves.” Erivo will also be performing many of the songs from Franklin’s rich catalogue.
“Aretha Franklin has been a source of inspiration for me since I was a little girl,” said Erivo. “Her strength, passion and soul are evident in her everlasting legacy, not only as a transcendent artist, but as a humanitarian and civil rights icon. To have the opportunity to bring her legacy to life and show the fullness of her being, her humanity and brilliance, is an honor. What I know and have learned about what my voice, as an artist, can do and the power in it has been highly influenced by Franklin. I feel privileged and excited to be a part of the sharing of her genius.”
“Cynthia Erivo blew me away. Not only is she an incredible and bona fide star, but she is soulful and has tremendous depth as a musical artist,” said Brian Grazer. “Cynthia is the perfect person to portray the profoundly human story behind the genius that is Aretha.”
Ms. Franklin’s niece Sabrina Owens said, “For GENIUS to honor Aretha is a great affirmation of her legacy, and Cynthia Erivo is an extraordinary talent with an amazing voice!”
“The fabulously talented Cynthia Erivo is dream casting to play iconic musical genius Aretha Franklin,” said Carolyn Bernstein, EVP, global scripted content and documentary films, National Geographic. “On the heels of her Tony Award-winning turn in ‘The Color Purple’and breakout performance in upcoming feature film ‘Harriet,’ we can’t wait to see Cynthia bring her fierceness to the role as the Queen of Soul.”
Erivo is a Tony-, Emmy- and Grammy Award-winning actress who burst onto West End and Broadway stages in “The Color Purple” and has taken the big screen by storm. Erivo will next star in Kasi Lemmons’ “Harriet,”in which she will bring the legacy of Harriet Tubman to the big screen. On the television side, she will star in the HBO series “The Outsider,” based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. Erivo will also star alongside Daisy Ridley and David Oyelowo in the anticipated sci-fi thriller “Chaos Walking,” from director Doug Liman, and in John Ridley’s “Needle in a Timestack” alongside Orlando Bloom, Freida Pinto and Leslie Odom Jr. In addition, Erivo is set to executive produce and star in Warner Bros.’ musical take on the American folk tale of “Rip Van Winkle.”
GENIUS dramatizes the fascinating stories of the world’s most brilliant innovators, exploring their extraordinary achievements along with their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships. The third season of the anthology series will explore Franklin’s musical genius and incomparable career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world. Grammy Award winner Franklin was a gospel prodigy and outspoken civil rights champion and is widely considered to be the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honors throughout her career.
Without knowing how to read music, Franklin taught herself to play the piano; at the young age of 12, she began to record songs and sing on gospel tours with her father. She signed her first record deal at age 18 with Columbia Records. In 1966 she moved to Atlantic Records, where she recorded many of her most iconic songs. In 1979 she began a 40-year friendship and partnership with Clive Davis, which produced a number of hit songs, including the highest charting and bestselling song of her career, “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” a duet with George Michael. The legendary singer is one of the world’s bestselling musical artists of all time, with more than 75 million records sold globally during her career. Her voice was identified as a “natural resource” by her home state of Michigan.
Previously announced, Suzan-Lori Parks, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of “Topdog/Underdog,” is executive producer and showrunner for GENIUS: ARETHA.Imagine is partnering with Warner Music Group for this third season, which will again be executive produced by Imagine’s Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Francie Calfo. Legendary hit record producer Clive Davis and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman have also joined as executive producers. Returning executive producers include Ken Biller (Genius: Einstein, Genius: Picasso), Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane (MWM Studios), and Sam Sokolow (Nice Media Studios). Diana Son joins as executive producer. In addition, Imagine’s Anna Culp serves as producer alongside Peter Afterman.
Erivo is repped by United Talent Agency, ID, Authentic Talent & Literary Management, and Pekioff Mahan.
National Geographic, the company behind the recent Oscar-winning and seven Emmy-winning FREE SOLO, in 2017 premiered the first season of GENIUS, which starred Geoffrey Rush as the brilliant scientist Albert Einstein. Biller was showrunner and creator for the multi-Emmy-winning GENIUS: PICASSOand GENIUS: EINSTEIN. GENIUS: EINSTEINearned 10 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Limited Series, as well as Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Rush. The follow-up season, GENIUS: PICASSO,starred Antonio Banderas as the titular Spanish painter and matched much of the success of its predecessor, earning seven Emmy nominations — and two wins — as well as Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Banderas.
Imagine has a history of creating timeless and culturally impactful films, shows and documentaries in the world of music, including the Academy Award-winning film “8 Mile,” the Grammy Award-winning documentary “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week — The Touring Years,” the critically acclaimed documentary “Pavarotti” and Emmy-winning television drama “Empire.” The company also produced the film “Get on Up” about James Brown, and many documentaries, including “Jay Z’s Made in America,” “Katy Perry: Part of Me” and “Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band.” Imagine is currently in production on the Hulu series “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” and the sixth season of “Empire”; it is also developing a film version of the musical “tick, tick … BOOM!” with Lin-Manuel Miranda directing, and a documentary about legendary musician Louis Armstrong.
For more informationvisit www.natgeotv.comor our press site natgeotvpressroom.com, or follow us on Twitter using @NatGeoPR.
About National Geographic Partners LLC
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.comor nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedInand Pinterest.
About Imagine Television Group
Imagine Television Group is comprised of Imagine Television and Imagine Television Studios. Imagine Television was founded in 1986 by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard and is run by Imagine Television Group Chairman, Francie Calfo and Imagine Television President, Samie Kim Falvey. The company’s productions have been honored with 195 Emmy Nominations and 30 Golden Globe nominations. Last year, the company formed Imagine Television Studios, also co-run by Calfo and Falvey, to produce and finance a slate projects which currently includes the series “Why Women Kill” for CBS All Access from Marc Cherry; “Swagger” for Apple from Kevin Durant and Reggie Rock Bythewood; “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” for Hulu from The RZA and Alex Tse; and “68 Whiskey.” Imagine Television is also producing “Filthy Rich” with Tate Taylor for Fox. Current programming includes Fox’s award-winning series “Empire,” Netflix’s “Arrested Development,” and NatGeo’s Emmy® award-winning “Genius” anthology series. Earlier productions include Fox's Golden Globe and Emmy® award-winning Best Drama Series “24”; NBC’s Peabody Award winning series “Friday Night Lights”; Fox’s Emmy® award winning Best Comedy “Arrested Development”; Fox’s “Shots Fired”; Fox’s “Lie To Me”; WB's “Felicity”; ABC's “SportsNight”; and HBO's “From the Earth to the Moon”, which won the Emmy® for Outstanding Mini-Series. Howard and Brian Grazer began their collaboration in 1985 with the hit film comedies “Night Shift” and “Splash”, and continue to run Imagine is Executive Chairmen.
About Fox 21 Television Studios
Fox 21 Television Studios, a division of Disney Television Studios, is devoted to making creatively ambitious scripted and unscripted series for all distribution platforms. Fox 21 Television Studios is responsible for the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning sensation from Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (with FX Productions), as well as its follow-up “The Assassination of Gianni Versace” which also won the Emmy and Golden Globe for Outstanding Limited Series; the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning “Homeland,” starring Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin which enters its eighth and final season this year; the Emmy-nominated “Fosse/Verdon” from award-winning producers Thomas Kail, Steven Levenson, Joel Fields and Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Oscar winner Sam Rockwell and Golden Globe winner Michelle Williams; the blockbuster “Sons of Anarchy” as well as its follow-up “Mayans M.C.” from co-creators Kurt Sutter and Elgin James; “Queen of the South,” executive produced by David T. Friendly, Dailyn Rodriguez and Benjamin Daniel Lobato; the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated “Pose” from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Steven Canals, Janet Mock, Alexis Martin Woodall and Sherry Marsh; “The Hot Zone” based on Richard Preston’s international best-seller for Nat Geo starring Emmy winner Juliana Margulies; and the Emmy-nominated “Genius: Einstein” and its follow-up “Genius: Picasso.” Upcoming series include “The Politician” from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan and starring Tony-winner Ben Platt and Oscar winners Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange, Ryan Murphy’s “Ratched” starring Golden Globe and Emmy winner Sarah Paulson in the title role, “The Old Man” starring Academy Award winning Jeff Bridges and six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow, as well as the newest installment of “American Crime Story” entitled “American Crime Story: Impeachment” starring Sarah Paulson, Beanie Feldstein and Annaleigh Ashford. Fox 21 Television Studios shows have amassed a collective 120 Emmy nominations and 32 Emmy wins, as well as multiple Golden Globes, Humanitas Prizes and Peabody Awards. Fox 21 Television Studios, ABC Studios and 20thCentury Fox Television comprise Disney Television Studios, a collection of labels that produces the most award-winning, culture-defining programming across 16 broadcast, cable, digital and international platforms. Its programming now reaches more than a billion people every day across the world; in as many as 180 countries, across six continents, in 30 different languages.
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