Lena Waithe

Rishi Rajani’s Inclusive Leadership Shines at Tribeca Film Festival

Magrira, Contributing Writer July 5, 2023

At the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, I had the pleasure of meeting Rishi Rajani, the CEO and president of Film/TV Productions at Hillman Grad Productions. Contrary to my initial impression based on his social media presence, Rishi turned out to be warm and inclusive. His first words to me were a compliment on my new glasses, and it reminded me of the quote from the film “Goodfellas” – “You’ll like this guy. He’s all right. He’s a goodfella, one of us.” Rishi’s inclusive nature aligns with what I’ve heard about Lena Waithe and how the company operates. Both and the company

‘KYM’ — Kym Whitley — Brings Her Hilarious Life to the Podcast World

Margrira, Contributing WriterNovember 10, 2022

It’s the sound of her voice, gravely, sultry and deep that sets actress/comedian Kym Whitley apart from the crowd. You might not know how her face, but I am sure that you know her voice.

Local News

Hillman Grad Productions Celebrates BIPOC Creatives at The Gathering Spot

Betti Halsell, Staff WriterNovember 3, 2022

The Gathering Spot—a new contemporary space in Los Angeles—hosted a showcase curated by the Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab, on Thursday, Oct. 20. Ignited creatives presented their mastery of the arts while celebrating their capstone at Hillman Grad Productions.

Entertainment

Tribeca Film Festival — It’s A Wrap — 2022

Margrira, Contributing WriterJune 19, 2022

Perhaps the surprising lack of interesting films at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival is a direct result of the impact of COVID-19, and in an odd way, I sincerely hope that’s the only reason.

Entertainment TV

“TWENTIES” on BET Returns With The Secret Sauce!

Lapacazo Sandoval, Contributing WriterOctober 14, 2021

Jonica T. Gibbs, Christina Elmore, and Gabrielle Graham are the three actresses holding it down in “TWENTIES” which is now entering its second season. The show follows ‘Hattie,’(Jonica T. Gibbs) a masculine-presenting queer African-American woman in her twenties, and her two straight best friends, ‘Marie’ (Christina Elmore) and ‘Nia’ (Gabrielle Graham), as they try to find their footing in life, love, and the professional world in Los Angeles. Because the show is so popular, BET will premiere a new half-hour series touching on key themes explored in “Twenties” titled “Twenties After-Show With B. Scott” which will showcase the media personality

Entertainment TV

‘Master of None Presents: Moments of Love’ — Season Is All About Naomi Ackie

Lapacazo Sandoval, Contributing WriterMay 27, 2021

I’ll go further, Ackie owns every frame she is in. She is also an executive producer on this season

Entertainment TV

‘THEM’ — A NEW TERROR ANTHOLOGY SERIES. I DIDN’T SAY HORROR — DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?

Lapacazo Sandoval, Contributing WriterMarch 11, 2021

The series focuses on an African-American family who moves to an all-White Los Angeles neighborhood during The Great Migration.

Entertainment Movies News (Entertainment)

11th Annual AAFCA Awards Raises the Bar for Representation in Hollywood

Brittany K. Jackson, Contributing WriterJanuary 30, 2020

The swanky black tie event brought out the best of Black Hollywood, making clear the meaning of unity, inclusivity and the power of Black artistry.

Entertainment Movies

Best Films of 2019

Dwight Brown, NNPA Newswire Film CriticDecember 26, 2019

Look back on the most noteworthy films of 2019 and they all display a diverse array of superb talent—in front of and behind the camera.

Entertainment Exclusive (Entertainment)

Single fatherhood pushed ‘The Chi’ star Curtiss Cook to achieve acting goals

Sierra Porter, The Atlanta VoiceMay 30, 2019

Cook discusses his journey into acting, being a single father of three children, and the significant role “The Chi” plays for the Black community

Entertainment Movies News (Entertainment)

5th Annual AAFCA Special Achievement Awards Luncheon

Sentinel News ServiceFebruary 7, 2019

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) handed out awards to seven outstanding individuals representing the best of the entertainment industry at the organization’s fifth annual AAFCA Special Achievement Awards luncheon at the California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey.

Entertainment Movies

Actress-Writer Lena Waithe: Films Fall Short of Ethnic Equality

Lynn, Elber, AP Television WriterNovember 2, 2018

Waithe, an actress and Emmy-winning screenwriter with the streaming comedy “Master of None” who was in the film “Ready Player One,” joined in conversation with comedian Hannah Gadsby at an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences lunch.