So all those who talk about programming, I think you know if you know Hudlin the guy takes chance in programming. So BET is far from done if they just hired Hudlin.




BET names Hudlin chief of programs

http://www.hollywoodrepor...1000977705


By Andrew Wallenstein
BET has hired veteran filmmaker Reginald Hudlin as its chief programmer, a move that industry observers hailed as a positive sign for a channel that has long faced criticism over the quality of its programming.

As president of entertainment at BET, Hudlin will oversee all of the network's programming divisions, including development and acquisition of series, music, sports and news. He will split his time between BET's production hubs in New York and Los Angeles, and its headquarters in Washington.

"For me, the opportunity to work on such a giant canvas, in the form a 24/7 network, is just incredible," said Hudlin, whose film credits include "The Great White Hype" and "Serving Sara." "It's a great entrepreneurial opportunity."

Upon being named successor to the network's founder and CEO, Robert Johnson, last month, BET president and chief operating officer Debra Lee identified naming a programming chief as one of her priorities (HR 6/2).

"As I look at the next five years, there's really a major objective to improve current programming," Lee said. "BET is a great brand with a great lineup, but I want to take it to the next level."

Hudlin has kept busy in television recently as executive producer of the upcoming series adaptation of the comic strip "The Boondocks" for Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block and as a director of episodes of "Everybody Hates Chris," UPN's buzzed-about sitcom being executive produced by Chris Rock scheduled to premiere in the fall.

He also has directed Fox's "The Bernie Mac Show" and created a short-lived late-night series for HBO in 1994, "Cosmic Slop."

One of a generation of black directors including Spike Lee and John Singleton who rose to prominence in the early 1990s, Hudlin first gained notice alongside his brother Warrington Hudlin as creators of "House Party," a 1990 comedy about black teenagers that became a crossover hit and spawned a pair of sequels. He went on to helm other theatricals including "Boomerang" that were praised for deflating black stereotypes.

In contrast, BET has been a consistent lightning rod for critics who have alleged that the network has perpetuated racist stereotypes with an abundance of titillating music videos and a dwindling supply of regular news programming.

"Throughout most of its history, BET did not live up to its potential," said Darnell Hunt, a UCLA professor who has conducted numerous studies of representation of race in the media. "It never really became the multipurpose entertainment resource that a lot of African-Americans hoped it would become."

BET, which is worth an estimated $6 billion and available in 80 million homes, has made noise in recent months about expanding its original programming efforts, particularly with series like "The Ultimate Hustler," a hip-hop-flavored reimagining of "The Apprentice" (HR 4/4). Hudlin won't divulge his plans but said diverse offerings will be the key.

"You are going to see a wide range of programming on BET, whether news or different kinds of entertainment," he said.

Michael Jenkinson, a former 20th Century Fox film executive who now runs Urban Entertainment, said he believes Hudlin can bring a newly refined sensibility to the network.

"If you look at his body of work, he's someone who can help broaden their audience significantly," Jenkinson said. "He has very sophisticated taste, and I think that he can bring to the table some meaningful highbrow programming."

Tim Reid, a veteran producer and actor whose credits include his own CBS sitcom, "Frank's Place," envisions Hudlin helping BET supplement its scripted programming, which is entirely syndicated acquisitions like the UPN sitcom "Girlfriends."

"I think it offers a wonderful opportunity for BET, instead of just showing repeats of other people's material," he said.

Although industry peers acknowledge that he lacks executive experience at a network or studio, they say he is a natural manager equally strong in the creative and financial sides of the business who has worked in a wide range of formats -- even animation, like his 1992 theatrical "Bebe's Kids."

After years of restricting production to within the company, Hudlin could help build bridges to mainstream Hollywood resources unfamiliar to BET. A Rolodex filled with A-list talent he has worked with in the past, including Rock, Mac and Eddie Murphy, doesn't hurt either, noted Damon Lee, producer of "Undercover Brother." "Reggie has the kind of relationships that will enable him to do a great job," Lee said.

One of those relationships, however, makes Hudlin an unusual choice for BET. He is a close collaborator with Aaron McGruder, the controversial cartoonist who has been one of BET's most stridently persistent critics through his nationally syndicated comic strip, "The Boondocks."

Hudlin not only produced the TV version of "Boondocks" for Adult Swim -- a rival to BET in drawing viewers in the 18-34 demographic -- but also co-wrote with McGruder "Birth of a Nation: A Comic Novel," a satirical 2003 graphic novel that features a character who happens to be a shady black billionaire by the name of John Roberts.

Asked whether Hudlin's fictional skewering of BET founder Johnson or association with McGruder gave her pause, Lee responded, "When I met Reginald, I forgave him very quickly for it. It's not an issue."

Hudlin asserts he was just as much a fan as he was critic of BET. "It's like being in a black family," he said. "With my brothers, I'll fight to the death. But I'll also kill for them."

Hunt remains cautiously optimistic for BET with Hudlin at the helm. "I think to have someone with a track record like him producing commercially viable products in the past can't be a bad thing."

"the ultimate hustler"


wow...great programming!

Rhondab said:

From the looks of it, he's off to a hell of a start damn sistergirl. I wonder what's next. So how, I think the brotha is just a puppet.
[Edited 7/31/05 20:10pm]

Yay. I live in UK but I knew the name as soon as I saw the title of this post.

Dont forget eddie murphies "boomerang". I think he directed that one too. Love that film.

If I can say something about Hudlin. One of my friends is a friend of Hudlin and let me just say this. If he digs your style and you have the potential no matter who the heck you are he will give you that opportunity of a lifetime if he has the spark to make that happen. BELEEE DAT So whoever was talking about "just doin it for the money" That's dead wrong,imo. So many people got their start with Hudlin.

Cats need to know he is a genius of the industry and theres a reason why so many people roll with him.

Oh and as far as the green comment, I could say the same about Prince when he launched a tour through clear channel where he had a strict setlist/routine to follow for his stage show. Which was like a branson/vegas spectacle.



Read this interview and see the guy knows his knowledge.
http://www.smartalecmusic...reggie.htm

HE IS about to flip it I think. Let's not forget this guy is also bringing Boondocks to Adult Swim on Cartoon Network. So I dont know how anyone cant see this is great news. If you are an artist in tv/music industry its good news.
If you want reruns of Creflo Dollar and Comic view then I guess it isnt good news.

[Edited 7/31/05 19:59pm]

Trickology said:

Ok Trick, I take your word.

He also has directed Fox's "The Bernie Mac Show" and created a short-lived late-night series for HBO in 1994, "Cosmic Slop."

Yeah sounds like he's got that Pfunk in him!

What's wrong with BET?

It has over 80 million people watching it.

BET can only get better. I am a fan of BET and TV One.

TV One is better from a marketing standpoint. I still think their programming needs to diversify beyond reruns and religious programming.

But who better to get BET's programming in place than a guy who has satirized, directly or indirectly, the trends and qualities that BET's programming exemplifies. I cringe just watching it now.

namepeace said:

TV One is not better from a marketing standpoint all the shows are for old bu g black people, and from a marketing standpoint
give me a break BEt has over 80 million viewers
LOL

DaX said:

I can tell you're a BET fan.

I have my faith in Reggie,,,He's a diehard P-Funk fan..maybe he can get some P (and some REAL music) back on BET.

Tv One is wayyy better than BEt because TV One pretty much shows all the old reruns that BET used to show

TV1 is trying to market themselves as the more mature BET, hence that's why there are no video shows.

BlaqueKnight said:

Well Said BK Baby.

"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised."

MsLegs said:

It sure won't. It'll be online!

BlaqueKnight said:

Damn Right BK Baby!

BlaqueKnight said:

Damn, I better get DSL then -- AND FAST!

he's also been writing the re-launched "Black Panther" comic book for the past few months.


thought his new job was old news, as that's the reason for his announced departure from the world of writing the series in the coming months.

My fingers are crossed. I will give him a chance...somethings gotta give over there at Black Entertainment Television.

Yes it does but I won't believe it (that change will happen) till I see it.