independent and unofficial
Prince fan community
Welcome! Sign up or enter username and password to remember me
Forum jump
Forums > Music: Non-Prince > BET has a new programmer now:Reggie Hudlin
« Previous topic  Next topic »
  New topic   Printable     (Log in to 'subscribe' to this topic)
Author

Tweet     Share

Message
Thread started 07/31/05 10:19am

Trickology

BET has a new programmer now:Reggie Hudlin

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."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #1 posted 07/31/05 10:22am

Rhondab

"the ultimate hustler"


wow...great programming! confused
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #2 posted 07/31/05 12:32pm

Hotlegs

Rhondab said:

"the ultimate hustler"


wow...great programming! confused

evillol 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]
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #3 posted 07/31/05 4:16pm

thesexofit

avatar

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.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #4 posted 07/31/05 7:55pm

Trickology

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.
lol
[Edited 7/31/05 19:59pm]
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #5 posted 07/31/05 8:12pm

Hotlegs

Trickology said:

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

nod Ok Trick, I take your word.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #6 posted 07/31/05 10:31pm

eldog98

avatar

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!
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #7 posted 07/31/05 11:11pm

DaX

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.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #8 posted 08/01/05 2:12pm

namepeace

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.
Good night, sweet Prince | 7 June 1958 - 21 April 2016

Props will be withheld until the showing and proving has commenced. -- Aaron McGruder
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #9 posted 08/01/05 2:51pm

DaX

namepeace said:

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.


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
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #10 posted 08/01/05 2:58pm

namepeace

DaX said:

namepeace said:

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.


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


I can tell you're a BET fan.
Good night, sweet Prince | 7 June 1958 - 21 April 2016

Props will be withheld until the showing and proving has commenced. -- Aaron McGruder
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #11 posted 08/01/05 3:03pm

BlaqueKnight

avatar

I hope he can actually help. On the surface it sounds good, but if Viacom wants some stupid brainwash job of a program pushed through, IT WILL AIR. No matter how many positive people you put in powerful positions, it still ALWAYS comes down to the ones signing the paychecks of the people signing the paychecks and what they have to say.
[Edited 8/1/05 15:03pm]
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #12 posted 08/01/05 3:06pm

SPYZFAN1

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.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #13 posted 08/01/05 3:27pm

ABeautifulOne

avatar

Tv One is wayyy better than BEt because TV One pretty much shows all the old reruns that BET used to show
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #14 posted 08/01/05 6:33pm

TheCrucialExpe
rience

avatar

TV1 is trying to market themselves as the more mature BET, hence that's why there are no video shows.
"But what of black women? . . . I most sincerely doubt if any other race of women could have brought its fineness up through so devilish a fire." -- W.E.B. Du Bois --
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #15 posted 08/01/05 7:29pm

MsLegs

BlaqueKnight said:

I hope he can actually help. On the surface it sounds good, but if Viacom wants some stupid brainwash job of a program pushed through, IT WILL AIR. No matter how many positive people you put in powerful positions, it still ALWAYS comes down to the ones signing the paychecks of the people signing the paychecks and what they have to say.
[Edited 8/1/05 15:03pm]

clapping Well Said BK Baby.

whistle "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #16 posted 08/01/05 8:53pm

BlaqueKnight

avatar

MsLegs said:



whistle "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised."



It sure won't. It'll be online!
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #17 posted 08/01/05 8:54pm

MsLegs

BlaqueKnight said:

MsLegs said:



whistle "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised."



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

highfive Damn Right BK Baby! wave
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #18 posted 08/01/05 9:36pm

TheCrucialExpe
rience

avatar

BlaqueKnight said:

MsLegs said:



whistle "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised."



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


Damn, I better get DSL then -- AND FAST!
"But what of black women? . . . I most sincerely doubt if any other race of women could have brought its fineness up through so devilish a fire." -- W.E.B. Du Bois --
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #19 posted 08/01/05 9:57pm

Tessa

avatar

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.
"I don't need your forgiveness, cos I've been saved by Jesus, so fuck you."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #20 posted 08/03/05 6:47pm

ajamiestarr

My fingers are crossed. I will give him a chance...somethings gotta give over there at Black Entertainment Television.
"No matter where u go, there u r "
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #21 posted 08/03/05 10:04pm

purplecam

avatar

Yes it does but I won't believe it (that change will happen) till I see it.
I'm not a fan of "old Prince". I'm not a fan of "new Prince". I'm just a fan of Prince. Simple as that
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
  New topic   Printable     (Log in to 'subscribe' to this topic)
« Previous topic  Next topic »
Forums > Music: Non-Prince > BET has a new programmer now:Reggie Hudlin