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https://www.essence.com/entertainment/netflix-releases-december-2020/

By Kimberly Wilson ·December 2, 2020December 2, 2020

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not the holiday season — the time when Netflix releases their drop of everything new coming for the month. 

In December, we’ll finally see the debut of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Chadwick Boseman’s final screen appearance starring opposite Viola Davis as the legendary blues singer. The story takes place in 1927 on one hot summer afternoon in Chicago, where Ma Rainey and her band are recording several songs, including the one that gives the film its title.

In addition to new releases, classics such as You Got Served, Why Did I Get Married, and Lee Daniels’ The Butler will appear on the streaming platform just in time for holiday gatherings and family movie time. There will be plenty to tune into this month, but here’s just a taste of the new releases that we’re excited to see.

01The Prom – 12/11Theaters may be dark because of the pandemic, but the neon lights of Broadway shine bright in this adaptation of The Prom. The musical tells the story of a small-town Indiana high school that’s has cancelled its prom because the head of the PTA (Kerry Washington) doesn’t approve of a female student attending with her girlfriend, Alyssa (Ariana DeBose). Netflix 02Giving Voice – 12/11Giving Voice closely follows the lives of six vibrant students as they meticulously develop their individual performances with the hopes of embodying August Wilson’s legacy, in a riveting, high-stakes competition on Broadway. It’s executive produced by Julius Tennon and Viola Davis’ JuVee Productions along with John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co. 03Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom – 12/18In quite possibly one of the most anticipated films of the year, Oscar, Emmy and Tony winner Viola Davis plays the legendary 1920s blues singer in Netflix’s adaptation of the August Wilson play, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. The story takes place in 1927 on one hot summer afternoon in Chicago, where Ma and her band are recording several songs, including the one that gives the film its title. Directed by George C. Wolfe and produced by Denzel Washington, the film features the final performance of Chadwick Boseman on screen. 04London Hughes: To Catch a D*ck – 12/22Haven’t heard of comedian London Hughes? While the British comedian may not be all that well known to American audiences currently, that could soon change once you watch her upcoming comedy special, To Catch a D*ck. The special will be executive produced by Kevin Hart, and directed by Kristian Mercado, who previously directed Sam Jay’s debut Netflix special. 05Cops and Robbers – 12/28This animated short film is based on a spoken word poetry video created in response to the May 5, 2020, murder of Ahmaud Arbery. TOPICS:  Netflix

The post Here’s What New, Black and On Netflix This Month appeared first on Essence.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/soul-makes-history-as-pixar-presents-its-first-black-male-lead-character/

Soul is the latest project from Pixar Animation Studio. The BGN family is all very excited about the film, not only for the story but also for the fact that it features the first Black character to lead a Pixar film. 

The film follows Joe, played by Jamie Foxx, a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn’t gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz, and he’s really good. In a freak accident, Joe finds himself no longer among the living, but in a realm of souls who will one day make it to Earth. Desperate to get back to his body, Joe finds an infant soul. The only way to help himself is to help her understand what it means to be alive. The cornerstone of the story is a soul who doesn’t want to live and looks down on Earth with skepticism meeting a soul who doesn’t want to die.

The filmmakers behind Soul spent four and a half years working on this film. The film is co-directed and co-written by Pete Docter and Kemp Powers. In an early presentation of the film, the filmmakers expressed how they loved the idea and were ready to go, but the first problem they encountered was what does a soul look like? The team did a lot of research looking into teachings, the many philosophies, and traditions around the world. 

“What we found most was that people described the soul as vapor, nonphysical, formless, breath, air. All very interesting, but not very helpful because, how do you draw air?” said Docter at a recent press conference with the members of the team.

After more research, the team found a material called Aerogel, which is the lightest solid material on Earth. While it’s used by the aerospace industry, the Pixar team made it work to their benefit. 

“It seemed to suggest the nonphysical stuff our research would talk about, but in a way, we could put on screen,” said producer Dana Murray. 

A lot of artists tried their best to create something cool and fresh, but it wasn’t until Docter made something with a little more “humanity,” that they found what they were looking for. 

“The eyes and faces and the expressions made them more appealing, and we were able to see what they were thinking, which is, of course, crucial for animation,” said Docter. It was then they added color to the soul. “We developed a whole new technique we had never done before. We created these lines around the edges that could define all the articulation that might otherwise be too fuzzy to see,” said Murray. After months and months, they finally found their characters.

The other half of the Soul story was the main character Joe. The team needed Joe’s life on Earth to be the center of the film if he was going to have any luck convincing a young soul how great Earth is. 

“Almost by fate, we found this video from an online master class by jazz legend Herbie Hancock. We thought jazz is the perfect representation. So, we thought Joe has to be a jazz musician,” stated Docter. 

Jazz was the perfect metaphor. The team partnered with talents like Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross. It was a perfect match for the film. One of the Pixar consultants on the film referred to jazz as “Black improvisational music,” and that’s when they knew the main character needed to be Black. Cue Kemp Powers, the acclaimed screenwriter, and playwright. 

Powers came onto the project when the film was still in the rough stages. “Joe was a character who needed a lot of fleshing out,” said Powers. “Thankfully, Joe, as we envisioned him, the character, and I had a lot in common. I realized that in many ways Joe was me.” Powers was able to use a lot of his own experience to create the character. 

There were lots of discussions and meetings about Joe. Conversations centered on where he grew up, important people in his life, his ticks, his dreams, etc. The research took the team into barbershops, New York City, public schools, and jazz clubs. 

“The research and my personal experience definitely helped develop Joe in the story,” said Powers. To make sure that people understood that he wasn’t meant to represent every single Black person’s experience, the Pixar team reached out and partnered with several consultants throughout the entire process. “This wasn’t a rubber-stamping situation,” said Powers. “They were part of the development the entire time.” 

To make sure their representation was as genuine as possible, the team turned to tons of experts outside of Pixar as well. Other consultants included music teachers, working jazz musicians from New York City and Emeryville, and well-known cultural consultants, such as Dr. Johnetta Cole, Bradford Young, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, and Daveed Diggs. With their help, Joe was born. 

This reviewer is always amazed by the amount of research that takes part in an animated film — even more so for Pixar’s first Black male lead character. The soul and the life of a Black man in New York are the centerpieces of Soul and were seemingly the hardest to figure out. Pixar is known for its great storytelling and dedication to their films, so what was shared in this press briefing was probably only the tip of the iceberg. The detail, care, and patience that goes into every part of the story are what makes Pixar films so special. 

Soul will stream exclusively on Disney+ starting December 25th.

https://www.essence.com/love/rihanna-and-aap-rocky-are-reportedly-dating/

By Jasmine Grant ·December 1, 2020December 1, 2020

Looks like our girl Rihanna has found herself a quarantine bae to close out the year with. The lucky guy is reportedly rapper A$AP Rocky, with whom she’s had a longstanding friendship.

According to a source that reached out to People, the two musicians are enjoying each other’s company, having gone from friends to romantic partners. The confirmation of their relationship comes just after onlookers spotted the new couple show up for dinner at a New York City restaurant.

A$AP Rocky (whose real name is Rakim Mayers) recently modeled in the campaign for Rihanna’s newly released Fenty Skin line. In videos filmed for both Vogue and GQ, the alleged couple interviewed each other (and blushed the whole way through) about beauty, skincare, and what physical attributes they first notice about a person. You could definitely feel their chemistry through the screen!

Rihanna has been single since the top of the year when it was reported that she and Saudi businessman Hassan Jameel broke up. In the past, A$AP Rocky had previously dated model Chanel Iman and Kendall Jenner.

While Rihanna has historically been sparing with the details about her dating life, she has been open her desire to become a mother in the near future. When asked by Sarah Paulson for Interview Magazine if she wants to be a mother, the beauty boss responded with “more than anything in life.” 

One thing’s for sure – if the rumors are true, this is one beautiful couple!

TOPICS:  asap rocky black couples Rihanna

The post Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Are Reportedly Dating appeared first on Essence.

https://nerdist.com/article/bridgerton-character-guide/

What is Bridgerton? That was likely the first question on your lips when you watched the gorgeous trailer for Shonda Rhimes‘ new Netflix regency romance series. But trust us, the streamer’s big holiday release will be the talk of the town so there’s no better time to get acquainted with the series and the delightfully hot inhabitants of the period romance.

Based on the series of books by Julia Quinn, beginning with the Duke and I, Bridgerton centers on an ensemble of characters in regency London. This community’s romantic entanglements are readily documented and reported on by a mysterious gossip columnist, causing chaos for all. There are a lot of folks embroiled in the higher echelons of London society, so here’s your guide to everyone who matters as well as a handy list of all your future Christmas Day crushes.

Netflix

The voice of Lady Whistledown, played by Julie Andrews

She’s arguably the most important person in the ‘Ton and wields a scary amount of power over its inhabitants. Lady Whistledown’s gossip rag influences the queen, the Bridgertons, and everyone in between. Whistledown’s identity is a closely guarded secret and the series’ biggest mystery.

Simon Basset, played by Regé-Jean Page

Netflix

Simon doesn’t want to be a Duke and he certainly has no plans to get married. But making a deal with the Bridgerton girl seems like an easy solution to both of their problems. After all, he has no interest in making an honest woman out of his best friend’s little sister… does he?

Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor

Netflix

Daphne is at the center of Bridgerton’s core romantic entanglement, and it’s a doozy. A young debutante trying to find a husband during the social season, Daphne strikes a bargain with the handsome and sultry Duke of Hastings to fake-date their way through the season. What on Earth could go wrong?

Queen Charlotte, played by Golda Rosheuvel

Netflix

She’s the Queen of England and likes nothing more than to play matchmaker. She is the most important woman in the country, so shouldn’t everyone be listening to her rather than that dreadful gossip Lady Whistledown?

Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey

Netflix

Daphne’s older brother, Anthony, has to take charge of the family now his father is gone. But as much as he might think he knows what’s best for Daphne and her siblings, he’s got entanglements of his own that could play havoc with the plans that he has for the Bridgertons.

Eloise Bridgerton, played by Claudia Jessie

Netflix

Daphne’s sister isn’t interested in the rules of society and would far rather be studying than dancing. But when Lady Whistledown appears on the scene, she realizes that women can write, wield power, and live their own lives. So she decides she must know who writes the column.

Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan

Netflix

Eloise’s best friend and one of the Featheringtons’ three daughters, Penelope is smart, witty, and thoughtful but also wants to find love in a society that doesn’t always think she deserves it. Her life’s turned upside down by the arrival of her cousin, Marina.

Marina Thompson, played by Ruby Barker

Netflix

The Featheringtons’ chances of finding husbands seems low until their gorgeous cousin Marina arrives from the country. But why did she come to London? And can she trust the social-climbing Featheringtons with the fate of her future?

Lady Danbury, played by Adjoa Andoh

Netflix

Lady Danbury is acerbic, witty, and utterly unconcerned with what others think of her. She and Simon make quite the rakish pair. This dowager is a powerhouse in the ‘Ton and is equally feared and respected by those who know her.

Lady Violet Bridgerton, played by Ruth Gemmell

The matriarch of the Bridgerton family is the kind of mother any of us would be lucky to have. She’s loving, kind, and for the times pretty openminded. But she’s still constrained by the society the family lives in and has big dreams of true love for her daughters and their marriages.

Will Mondrich, played by Martins Imhangbe

The only person in the ‘Ton who is truly real with Simon, Will is a successful up and coming boxer making a name for himself in the ‘Ton with his fight franchise. He also trains the Duke in fisticuffs, life, and love… although whether Simon really listens is up for debate.

Siena Rosso, played by Sabrina Bartlett

Beautiful, enchanting, and talented, Siena is an opera singer with a taste for the good life. She’s a venerated member of society, but her affair with a prominent Lord means that position might be in question. After all, you can’t have the gentry mixing with the ruling class.

Lady Portia Featherington, played by Polly Walker

Netflix

The Featheringtons love bright clothes, shiny jewels, and opulence, which makes others in the ‘Ton feel a little uncomfortable. Portia is the matriarch of the family and will do anything to make sure that her daughters make a match… even if it means compromising her ethics.

Genevieve Delacroix, played by Kathryn Drysdale

Mayfair’s most in demand dressmaker, Genevieve has her ears to the ground and eyes open at all times. Making dresses for the most wealthy and prominent in the ‘Ton gives her an inside line to all of the powerful families making their way through the season.

Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton

He’s young and wants nothing more than to travel the world, but Colin is also an eligible bachelor who could catch the eye of any of the ‘Ton’s debutantes. He’s the sweetest of the Bridgerton brothers and is close to his sisters and their tight-knit group of friends.

Francesca Bridgerton, played by Ruby Stokes

The most reserved and enigmatic of the Bridgerton sisters, Francesca only plays a small part in this series but has a love story all of her own in the books. Keep an eye on her and her exploits as you might just be watching the star of a future season of the show.

Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson

Netflix

Like his sister Eloise, Benedict is less than happy with the restrictive rules of the world they live in. But even though he’s aware of the responsibilities of being a Bridgerto, he dreams of a different way of life.

Lord Featherington, played by Ben Miller

The shady father of the Featheringtons seems like a nice enough fellow, but his lustful nature and disrespect for his wife make him one of the ‘Ton’s least favored and least savory men.

Cressida Cowper, played by Jessica Madsen

One of Daphne’s competitors in the debutante season, Cressida might seem like a nice girl on the surface. But she’s eager to find a suitable match, which can make any good girl go bad.

Prudence Featherington, played by Bessie Carter

Netflix

Just like her mother, Prudence isn’t exactly bothered about being kind. It’s her third year trying to find a husband, which means she’s technically on the shelf. And her attitude doesn’t make it too hard to understand why she hasn’t found the man of her dreams… or any man.

Phillipa Featherington, played by Harriet Cains

She’s on the hunt for a man and that’s about it. Unbothered by making friends or enjoying the season, Phillipa is consumed solely by her search for a husband.

Hyacinth Bridgerton, played by Florence Hunt

Though she might just be a young sweet girl in this series, like all of the Bridgertons, Hyacinth has her own love story in the series. If the show is a success, we might see that explored in future shows (so don’t count out the sweet and young Bridgerton sibling).

Gregory Bridgerton, played by Will Tilston

He’s the Bridgertons’ annoying little brother and wants nothing more than to stress out his older sisters. But in the series, when he grows up, he’s a romantic who believes in true love and manages to find it… but we’ll likely be waiting a while to follow up on that thread.

The post A Guide to the Inhabitants of the World of BRIDGERTON appeared first on Nerdist.