Hollywood Insider #5: Updates from the Film and TV Industry

Who Is The New Denzel?

A recent article in The Hollywood Reporter sparked a lot of attention with its survey of who among the next generation of actors is up to task of carrying the Sidney Poitier/Denzel Washington mantle in cinema. With Washington, Will Smith, Don Cheadle, Jeffrey Wright, and Eddie Murphy not really fading, but certainly, gradually aging out of leading man roles, there have only been tentative indications as to who will move in to take their places. Hollywood Insider decided to score the current field of black male actors to sum things up.

1. Idris Elba: Although soon 42, Elba still has very strong potential to expand his imprint on cinema. The actor has been smart to cultivate a strong core base of female fans (particularly among black women), both stateside and overseas. He has also peppered his acting résumé with a variety of projects that have earned him a solid international fan base. Score: 90

2. Michael B. Jordan: Jordan has the looks for leading man status and he also earned the right kind of critical buzz for his performance in “Fruitvale Station.” The jury, however, is still out about his full-scale star power. Being cast as the Human Torch in the “Fantastic Four” film franchise should allow the 27-year-old actor to cultivate an international following. He has also signed on to play the lead role in “Creed,” a spinoff of the successful “Rocky” film franchise that could possibly shore up his fan base among critics. Score: 85

3.  Anthony Mackie: The 35-year-old actor has selected his film roles wisely, with a tight mix of commercial and critically acclaimed projects that have earned him a respected place in cinema. He consistently delivers solid performances and his box office numbers are high. Score: 80

4. Chadwick Boseman: The 37-year-old actor is currently turning heads for his performance as James Brown in “Get On Up,” which follows his successful turn as Jackie Robinson in last year’s “42.”  Boseman will almost surely do well during the coming award season, so it will be interesting to see what he comes up with next. Score: 70

5. Damon Wayans Jr:

The eldest son and namesake of the comedy legend is making quick moves toward stardom. So far, the actor has built a respectable résumé of roles on both TV and film, which is a proven formula for big time acting success. Score: 70

Look for our black actress tally next week.

More Hollywood updates on the next page ….

Next Gen Spotlight: Ser’Darius Blain

With back-to-back lead roles in the summer sports drama “When The Game Stands Tall,” (opening this week) and the critically-acclaimed war drama, “Camp X-Ray,” actor Ser’Darius Blain is a definite star on the rise. The Melbourne, Fla., native is currently in New Orleans wrapping filming of the comedy-drama “Maybe Someday.”  Expect to see more of this next gen talent in the future.

Backstage Passport

With her creative talents on display in a growing list of successful films like “Pursuit Of  Happyness,” “Dreamgirls,” “The Help,” “Django Unchained,” and “Captain America: Winter Soldier,” hairstylist Camile Friend is very much in demand on Hollywood sound stages. Having recently completed work on “Miles Ahead,” the highly anticipated bio-pic on jazz legend Miles Davis, Friend’s work will be seen next in “Hunger Games — Mockingjays Pts 1 & 2,” the highly-anticipated sequels to the international film franchise series.

Executive Talk

Ellene V. Miles has launched Miles Media, a Los Angeles-based agency that specializes in multicultural film and TV PR & Marketing.  A 17-year industry veteran, Miles brings extensive experience to her craft as a pivotal player on the teams responsible for launching TV shows like “Girlfriends,” “Lincoln Heights,” “The Real Preachers of LA” and “Ironside” as well as feature films such as “Collateral,” “Dreamgirls,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Captain America: The Winter Solider,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” and “The Expendables 3,” plus lifestyle brands Giant Magazine and America Magazine, among others. Congratulations, Ellene!

Miscellany

-    Filming has begun in Cabo San Lucas on Season 3 of “Tamar & Vince” for WE TV.
-    American Ballet female soloist Misty Copeland’s stock continues to rise. The film rights to her recent bestselling book Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina,

have been optioned by New Line Cinema with former choreographer turned producer Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot alongside Phil Sandhaus as producers. Script chores are being handles by Stephanie Allain and Lenore Kletter, and the production will also cast a multi-talented young performer training to play the prima ballerina.
-    Congratulations to TV Academy governor Sharon Liggins on the success of the Dynamic & Diverse event that celebrates the importance of diversity on television. Held recently at the Los Angeles headquarters of the TV Academy, the now annual, “must-do” affair attracted a strong group of television executives, professionals and talent.

Black Film Trivia

Wesley Snipes, Alfre Woodard, and Al Freeman starred in the only narrative film directed by the late Maya Angelou. Its centerpiece was a family artifact called Harold and the film is called __________________?

Answer: “Down In Delta” released in 1998.