Latest news with #KevinHart
Malaysian Reserve
17 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
HARTBEAT AND SUNDIAL MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY GROUP ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO LAUNCH ESSENCE-BRANDED FAST CHANNEL
First-of-Its-Kind Platform Will Serve Black Women Through Premium Content and Original Programming LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hartbeat, the global entertainment company founded by Kevin Hart, and Sundial Media & Technology Group (SMTG), a human connections company and home to iconic brands like ESSENCE, AFROPUNK, and Refinery29, today announced a partnership to launch an ESSENCE-branded FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel. This collaboration addresses a significant gap in the streaming landscape by creating the first major streaming platform specifically designed for Black women, combining SMTG's robust content library with Hartbeat's award-winning, premium production and creative capabilities. The partnership emerges at a pivotal moment when Black viewership on Connected TV (CTV) and FAST platforms is experiencing explosive growth, yet programming specifically tailored to Black women remains underserved across major streaming platforms. According to recent industry data, Black households over-index significantly in CTV consumption, with streaming viewership among Black audiences growing 40% year-over-year, while targeted content remains severely underrepresented. 'Hartbeat has consistently identified and served underrepresented markets,' said Jeff Clanagan, President and Chief Distribution Officer of Hartbeat. 'This ESSENCE-branded FAST channel represents another strategic opportunity to create authentic content for an audience that has been overlooked by traditional streaming platforms. We're not just launching a channel – we're creating a cultural destination.' 'For decades, we've built iconic brands like ESSENCE and AFROPUNK that celebrate and serve diverse communities through powerful content and unforgettable experiences,' said Kirk McDonald, CEO of Sundial Media & Technology Group. 'This partnership with Hartbeat allows us to extend those brands into the streaming ecosystem for the first time, creating a dedicated platform where Black women can see themselves authentically represented in premium entertainment.' The FAST channel will feature a dynamic mix of acquired programming from SMTG's extensive library and original content produced through the partnership. Hartbeat's production team will develop exclusive content that celebrates Black women's experiences, achievements, and cultural contributions. 'This groundbreaking partnership highlights ESSENCE's commitment to innovation and premium storytelling, ensuring Black women are not only seen, but centered, in the next frontier of media,' said Michele Ghee, ESSENCE Chief Content Officer. 'We're proud to introduce an ESSENCE-branded FAST channel that elevates the voices, experiences, and culture of our audience, offering access to curated, empowering content whenever and wherever she wants it. We're not just launching a channel; we're creating a new space for our community to see themselves reflected and celebrated in bold, authentic ways. ' An integral part of this partnership includes leveraging the relationships of Hartbeat and ESSENCE to engage with established Black women actresses, writers, and directors, providing them with a platform for creative freedom and empowering them to produce authentic content. It will provide sustainable funding for premium programming and create new revenue streams for Black women creatives, while delivering authentic brand messaging that resonates with the target demographic. The collaboration harnesses the combined power of two iconic brands in Black culture. For 55 years, ESSENCE has served as the definitive voice of Black women, celebrating their beauty, brilliance, and influence across generations. SMTG's powerhouse portfolio of platforms reaches millions of culturally engaged consumers and commands deep audience loyalty, anchored by tentpole experiences like the ESSENCE Festival of Culture® and Beautycon™. Hartbeat provides world-class production capabilities, digital distribution expertise, and proven success in creating culturally relevant content that resonates with diverse audiences. Hartbeat's track record includes building the Laugh Out Loud Network into the #1 cultural comedy network; producing acclaimed series including 'Number One on the Call Sheet' for Apple TV+' and 'Fight Night' on Peacock; and championing diverse voices, launching programs like Women Write Now, which champions Black female writers in Hollywood. The channel will launch across all major Connected TV, YouTube, and FAST platforms, leveraging Hartbeat's extensive distribution network to ensure maximum reach and accessibility for Black women across all viewing preferences and devices. ABOUT HARTBEATFounded by Kevin Hart, Hartbeat is the global, multi-platform entertainment company creating content and experiences at the intersection of comedy and culture – with a mission to keep the world laughing together. Hartbeat finances, develops, and produces content for all platforms; connects with consumers around the world through events and the company's expansive distribution network; and co-creates entertainment and builds award-winning IP alongside brands. Hartbeat's flagship consumer brand, the LOL! Network, reaches audiences across its O&O social media, audio, and OTT partners. Led by an award-winning team, Hartbeat is a valuable partner to the biggest entertainment companies, platforms and brands in the world, driving cultural currency and generating sales, subscriptions, buzz, and conversation with some of the most coveted audiences. ABOUT SUNDIAL MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY GROUPSundial Media & Technology Group (SMTG) is a human connections company — the signal powered by culture, scaled by technology, and built for community. SMTG connects, elevates, and empowers the most influential consumer segment in the market: HER, the Chief Influence Officer. With over 100 years of community knowledge and insights, SMTG is redefining the media model into a next-generation platform. Powered by proprietary intelligence and AI technology, it activates an ecosystem that scales HER influence and economic power. Its portfolio includes some of the most iconic, purpose-driven brands and experiences shaping culture today—ESSENCE (Girls United, ESSENCE Studios, ESSENCE Festival of Culture™), Refinery29, AFROPUNK, Beautycon™ (including NaturallyCurly), the Global Black Economic Forum, the Academy for Advancing Excellence, and the New Voices Fund. Through storytelling, products, and platforms, SMTG delivers the tools and technology to shape the future of media, commerce, and community—on HER terms. ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA GROUP Communications is the number one—and only 100% Black-owned—media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities. With a community of more than 31 million Black women, ESSENCE inspires a global audience through diverse storytelling and immersive original content rooted in Culture, Equity and Celebration. The brand's multi-platform presence in/ publishing, experiential and online encompasses its namesake magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; and signature live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, Fashion House, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture®. Media Contacts:Skai Blue Media for Sundial Media & Technology Group:TeamSMG@ Metro Public Relations for Hartbeathartbeat@
What's On
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Some big names still to perform at the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season
Sponsored: There are some big names still set to take the stage Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is in full swing and some incredible acts have already performed. We're talking big names who are known worldwide such as Kevin Hart, Michael McIntyre, Gabriel Iglesias, and Trevor Noah. Don't worry though, you still have time to get lots of giggles in with the acts that are scheduled for June and July. Last year it was a week of comedy, this year the capital has leveled up and is giving you a full two months of laughs. American Comedian, Pete Davidson is set to get the giggles rolling on June 25 as he arrives to the Etihad Arena. Tickets start at Dhs295 and if you decide to go, you'll be treated to raw and purely hilarious personal stories from this charming character. Dave Chappelle also returns to Abu Dhabi on June 27, after a hugely successful show in April 2024. Tickets for this funnyman start at Dhs250 and you're guaranteed a brilliant night. The fun doesn't stop in June, as the temperature heats up, so do the laughs. Bill Burr is coming on July 12 with his refreshingly honest and witty comedy show. Nothing is off limits for discussion during the show and be prepared for some candid commentary on life. Tickets for Burr start at Dhs250 so send this into the groupchat and start planning. If you don't fancy going to one of the bigger gigs, there are more intimate ones dotted around the city such as Mina Liccione & Friends who are coming to Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental on Tuesday, June 24, and Mohamed Helmy, Nataly Aukar, Nurlan Saburov are other hilarious figures to watch too. Is there anything a good laugh can't fix? > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The 7 Best Watches of the Week, From Kevin Hart's Patek Philippe to Colman Domingo's Omega
Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff weren't the only people showing off enviable wrist candy this week. Comedian Kevin Hart delivered a punchy monologue at the BET Awards on Monday evening, wearing an equally punchy Patek Philippe Split Seconds Chronograph that typically commands around $400,000 on the secondary market. Actor Jonathan Daviss and singer Giveon also attended the ceremony, sporting timepieces by TAG Heuer and Cartier, respectively. More from Robb Report An Abraham Lincoln-Signed Copy of the 13th Amendment Could Fetch $12 Million at Auction This Swinging Laurel Canyon Abode Has Hosted Everyone From Mick Jagger to a 1980s Bond Girl Maestro Dobel Just Dropped a New Collection of High-End Extra Añejo Tequilas English footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold took a leaf out of Hart's book, rocking a dazzling Patek as he signed with Real Madrid on Thursday. At the slightly more subtle end of the watch-flexing spectrum, actors Colman Domingo and Kieran Culkin both showed off Omegas on the streets of New York City on Wednesday. We also spotted movie star Christian Slater wearing a Rolex Datejust as he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday. Below are the best watch flexes of the week. Best of Robb Report The 25 Greatest Independent Watchmakers in the World The 10 Most Expensive Watches Sold at Auction in the 21st Century (So Far) 11 Stunning Jewelry Moments From the 2020 Oscars Click here to read the full article. Trent Alexander-Arnold kicked off his career with Real Madrid in wonderful fashion. The British soccer star wore what appeared to be a Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711 with an olive green dial and diamond-set bezel during his unveiling as a new player on Thursday. Released in April 2021, this limited edition was in production for about one year before Patek discontinued the model. The timepiece was reportedly only distributed to VIP clients, too. (Mark Wahlberg, Sylvester Stallone, Drake, and Ed Sheeran are a few of the A-listers in possession of the wrist candy.) As such, the reference is exceedingly difficult and extremely expensive to buy on the secondary market. Pre-owned examples on Chrono24 start at about $600,000, to give you an idea. Kevin Hart likely won the hearts of horophiles wearing his Patek Philippe Split Seconds chronograph to the BET Awards on Monday. Produced for a scant period of 16 years (from 1996 to 2012), this holy grail timepiece houses a sophisticated split seconds chronograph and a perpetual calendar in a remarkably small 36.5 mm case. Even holier than the average Ref. 5004 is Hart's Ref. 5004G: It is estimated that only roughly 140 of these white-gold references were made, making them rarer than both yellow-gold and platinum examples. The white-gold grails go for around $400,000 on the secondary market. Giveon channeled Keith Richards at the 2025 BET Awards, wearing a Panthère de Cartier watch like his fellow singer-songwriter famously did throughout his rock 'n' roll career. This particular Panthère watch (currently unavailable on the Cartier website) features a 23.6 mm yellow gold case set with 134 brilliant-cut diamonds and a panther head fitted with pear-shaped tsavorite eyes. The 'Chicago Freestyle' singer paired the small but striking timepiece with a Clash de Cartier necklace, Cartier Juste un Clou pin, and not one but two Trinity de Cartier rings. Now that's how you accessorize for a red carpet, gents. Kieran Culkin might believe in good horological juju. The A Real Pain star is still rocking the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra he wore when he won the SAG award for Best Supporting Actor. The two-tone timepiece features a 38 mm case and bracelet in steel and the Swiss watchmaker's proprietary Moonshine gold, as well as a sun-brushed burgundy dial with a black gradient effect and gold accents. Culkin appears to be a fan of red dials: He wore a Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades with a terra-cotta dial to the Golden Globes earlier this year. He won then, too; maybe Omegas with red dials are good luck. The Seamaster with a burgundy dial will cost you $13,600. Jonathan Daviss, famous for playing Pope Heyward in Netflix's Outer Banks, rocked a red carpet–worthy TAG Heuer Carrera Date at this year's BET Awards. A sleek, contemporary riff on the 1960s Carrera, the timepiece features a steel 39 mm case and a matching silver sunray dial. The iconic TAG Heuer shield occupies pride of place at 12 o'clock while a date window sits at 6. Flip it over, and the high-performance Calibre 5 automatic movement can be fully appreciated through the sapphire caseback. The entry-level model is priced at $3,300. Could Colman Domingo be the new James Bond? He's certainly dressing his wrist like he is. The multihypenate wore the sleek 007 edition of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M on the streets of New York City on Wednesday. The dive watch is identical to the one worn by the world-famous spy (played by Daniel Craig) in No Time to Die, with a 42 mm titanium case, a brown tropical dial and bezel, and the in-house Co-Axial Master Chronometer 880. It also features the 'Broad Arrow' logo at six o'clock in homage to the military watches of the past. Released in 2019 in tandem with the film, the timepiece was originally priced at $9,200 but now costs $10,600. Christian Slater wore a rather understated Rolex Datejust 36 as he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday. This modern iteration of the 1945 original was produced from 2004 to 2019. In that 15-year run, Ref. 116200 was issued with many different dial variations, from a two-tone 'tuxedo' design to a pink floral face. The Ref. 116200 was also given a new smooth bezel in place of the fluted original and finished in the newly introduced Oystersteel. Slater's example features a black dial with large indices and a President's bracelet. You can pick up a similar piece for under $10,000.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix adds Will Ferrell's most controversial movie
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Cast your mind back ten years. It's 2015, and franchises rule. Mad Max: Fury Road, Avengers: Age Of Ultron, and Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation are battling it out for box office supremacy. Sicario, Carol, and The Martian are on numerous "best films of the year" lists, but comedies are out in the cold. Yet, although it wasn't a vintage year, some of their biggest names were out in force — Melissa McCarthy, Seth MacFarlane and, perhaps busiest of all, Will Ferrell. One of his releases from that year — and his most controversial film ever – has just arrived on Netflix today [Monday, June 9]. It's Get Hard. He plays an obscenely rich hedge-fund manager who finds himself convicted of fraud and sentenced to a stretch in San Quentin. With just one month to get his affairs in order and, knowing that his chances of surviving longer than a few minutes behind bars are slim to nothing, he turns to a stranger he believes is an ex-con and can teach him the art of survival. Played by Kevin Hart, he's actually a car wash manager who has never even received a parking ticket and has his work cut out in devising a training regime to keep predatory prisoners at bay. As the tests become increasingly gruelling (to say the least), the two learn they've been wrong about many things and that their assumptions about each other are at the top of the list. With its racial, sexist and homophobic jokes, the film was labelled politically incorrect to the extent that its director, Etan Cohen, and its stars had to speak out in its defence. Audiences gave it a mixed response, both laughing and cringing at what was, at times, surprisingly strong stuff, and the film is probably Ferrell's raunchiest work to date — even closer to the mark than the much-loved Step Brothers (2008). Best movies on Netflix But there's another side to it. While it might look crude on the surface, there's an element of satire just beneath which is aimed directly at the assumptions that feed so many social attitudes. There's no doubt that it's offensive, but in a way that echoes a boundary pushing comedy from the mid-70s — Blazing Saddles (1974). The older film is a classic, Get Hard less so, but it still has plenty of laughs and much of that is down to the Ferrell/Hart pairing, which is where it really scored on its release and still does now. Both actors are naturals when it comes to working as part of a double act. Here, they play on their best-known characteristics — Hart's fast-talking street smarts and Ferrell's naïvete and fumbling attempts to appear more confident — to create the humor and ultimately show their characters' individual strengths. In more recent years, Hart's partnerships with Dwayne Johnson in Central Intelligence and the Jumanji franchise have proved particularly successful. For Ferrell, however, a co-star is essential to his collaborative way of working, both in front and behind the camera. As an actor, he thrives on sharing the limelight either as part of a double act or in a small ensemble, most notably in the Anchorman movies. While he doesn't have a regular on-screen comedy partner, there are a handful he returns to, John C Reilly especially, and there's a good reason. In Step Brothers, their second film together, their juvenile 40-somethings forced into being siblings were uniquely special, and it was all down to their personal chemistry. Sadly, even their combined magic couldn't make Holmes And Watson (2018) live up to everybody's expectations. His roster of female co-stars is equally impressive — Tina Fey, Reese Witherspoon, Amy Poehler, Christina Applegate — and last year saw him carry this collaborative style to a documentary, the much-praised Will And Harper. Ferrell also produced this moving portrait of his friendship with writer Harper Steele, his first documentary behind the camera and easily his most personal project to date. Before then, he'd worked with director/writer Adam McKay on upwards of 30 titles, often acting in them as well, and since they ended their working partnership in 2019, Ferrell has continued producing, with Apple TV Plus's Dickens-inspired Spirited (2022) proving to be a festive favourite and Netflix's Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) now about to return, but as a stage musical. He and Steele wrote the original movie and are set to repeat their double act for this latest incarnation. The film was a feel-good piece of entertainment, yet its most familiar song probably wouldn't have been out of place in Get Hard. Yes, we mean "Jaja Ding Dong"! Get Hard is on Netflix in the US and UK now. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga is on Netflix in the US and the UK.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
See All the Stunning Photos From the BET Awards Portrait Studio
Culture's biggest night went off without a hitch. Hosted by Kevin Hart, the 2025 BET Awards gave viewers everything they wanted and more — from nostalgic performances by B2K and Bow Wow to legends such as Mariah Carey, Kirk Franklin, Snoop Dogg and Jamie Foxx receiving their flowers with the Ultimate Icon Award, to celebrating the 25th anniversary of 106 & Park, the show still has people buzzing. In between all the fun, stars such as Kerry Washington, Ashanti, Boris Kodjoe and more also stopped by BET's portrait studio and gave their fiercest poses. See all the beautiful photos below. Read the original article on People
