Tag: Freeform

Interview with Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood and Griffin Gluck

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TV Interview!

 

Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood and Griffin Gluck of "Cruel Summer" season 2 on Freeform

Interview with Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood and Griffin Gluck of “Cruel Summer” season 2 on Freeform by Suzanne 5/5/23

It was great to speak with these young actors… I hope you can check out the show. It’s an anthology series, so the cast and story for this season two is completely different than season one. It’s a very interesting show with a good mystery. It premieres Monday, June 5 on Freeform!

 

MORE INFO: Trailer

Key art for "Cruel Summer" on Freeform

Freeform’s ‘Cruel Summer’ Renewed for Second Season

Jessica Biel Produced Series Is Freeform’s Most-Watched Series Ever, and

Hulu’s Most-Watched Next-Day Season One Title From a Linear Channel to Date

The Series Is The No. 1 Most Engaged New Scripted Cable Series On Social In 2021

Freeform*

  • Freeform has renewed its most-watched series ever, “Cruel Summer,” for season two, ahead of the season one finale airing today, Tuesday, June 15, at 10 p.m. EDT/PDT on Freeform, streaming next day on Hulu.
  • “Cruel Summer” is the first scripted series to debut under Freeform President Tara Duncan.
  • “Cruel Summer” is the network’s most-watched series ever, ranking as the No. 1 new cable drama of the year among Women 18-34, with the most recent episode delivering the drama’s biggest linear TV audience yet—surging by 31% over its premiere. In MP35, the series averages 6.8 million viewers per episode.
  • On Hulu, “Cruel Summer” was the most-watched next-day season one title from a linear channel in its first seven weeks to date.
  • “Cruel Summer” is the No. 1 most engaged new scripted cable series on social in 2021.
  • “Renewing ‘Cruel Summer’ for a season two was an easy decision,” stated Duncan. “It’s the biggest series debut in Freeform’s history, and the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. Jessica, Michelle and Tia did a phenomenal job telling an addictive story that’s tapped into the cultural zeitgeist. I’m excited to see where they take the series next.”
  • “Collaborating with Iron Ocean, our dedicated crew, charismatic cast, and our partners at Freeform and eOne have been the best first showrunning experience I could ask for. I am beyond grateful and excited by the amazing fan response to our show! Continuing to bottle ‘Cruel Summer’ magic for a season two is an absolute dream come true,” says Tia Napolitano.
  • “We are so proud of this show and the incredible cast and crew who brought so much hard work and grit to every single scene. This wouldn’t have been possible without them and our mastermind showrunner, Tia Napolitano. To be picked up for a second season is a dream, and we have so many ideas for where we can take this next. We are excited to get to work with our brilliant team of creatives on this project, in addition to our partners at Freeform and eOne, including Jackie Sacerio, who brought the project to us. To the audiences who have been tuning into this show week in and week out, THANK YOU!!! This is all for you!” added executive producers Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple of Iron Ocean Productions.
  • From executive producer Jessica Biel (“The Sinner”), “Cruel Summer” is a psychological thriller that follows two young women..“Cruel Summer” comes from studio eOne and was created by Bert V. Royal. Tia Napolitano serves as showrunner. Executive producers include Napolitano, Royal and Iron Ocean Productions’ Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple.
  • On tonight’s all-new episode titled “Hostile Witness,” Kate and Jeanette’s worlds collide as the court date arrives, finally forcing the two young women to answer the question on everyone’s mind, but the answer comes with a price that not everyone can pay.

*COPYRIGHT ©2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Freeform Announces New Cast for the Highly Anticipated ‘Cruel Summer’ Season Two

— Sadie Stanley, Griffin Gluck and Newcomer Eloise Payet Set To Lead Ensemble Cast —

Freeform’s “Cruel Summer” returns as an anthology with a fresh mystery and cast when its highly anticipated second season premieres later this year. Executive produced by Emmy¼ Award nominee Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple (“The Sinner,” “Candy”) through Iron Ocean Productions and from studio eOne, the first season of “Cruel Summer” was a critical and ratings smash, making it Freeform’s most-watched series in network history.

Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the next chapter of “Cruel Summer” follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward.

Sadie Stanley (“The Goldbergs”) will star as Megan Landry, a computer coder and honor student from a blue-collar family. Once Megan meets Isabella, she begins to live in the moment and embrace her true self. When events take a tragic turn, her long-held dreams are dashed, and she is left wondering who she can trust.

Eloise Payet portrays the alluring and enigmatic Isabella, the daughter of foreign diplomats, who is spending a year as an exchange student with the Landry family. She quickly shakes up life in this small town, but her charm can’t hide the truth about her past or the real reason she came to live with the Landrys forever.

Griffin Gluck (“Locke & Key”) plays Luke Chambers, Megan’s lifelong best friend from a prominent family. Over time, Luke finds himself at a crossroads as he tries to establish his own place in the world, separate from the expectations of his powerful father.

KaDee Strickland (“Private Practice”) stars as Debbie, Megan’s hardworking single mom who thinks hosting Isabella will open Megan’s eyes to a bigger world than their small town. Lisa Yamada (“Little Fires Everywhere”) is Parker, a popular musician who becomes more cynical as the world takes a dark turn around her. Sean Blakemore (“Greenleaf”) will play Sheriff Myer, an old-fashioned law-and-order type, under pressure to solve the first major crime in Chatham. Paul Adelstein (“True Story”) will recur as Steve Chambers, Luke’s high-profile dad, whose influence in town is far-reaching.

“Cruel Summer” comes from studio eOne and was created by Bert V. Royal. Elle Triedman serves as showrunner. Executive producers include Triedman, Bill Purple, Tia Napolitano, and Iron Ocean Productions’ Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple. The series is distributed internationally by eOne.

Freeform Releases Its TV Offerings for June 2023 With the Premiere of the Highly Anticipated Second Season of ‘Cruel Summer’

“CRUEL SUMMER” SEASON TWO

June 5 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT) – Episode #2001 – “Welcome to Chatham” – SEASON TWO PREMIERE
In Summer 1999, small-town computer genius Megan resents the arrival of outgoing and mysterious foreign exchange student Isabella. Little does she know how her life will change by Summer 2000.

June 5 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) – Episode #2002– “Ride or Die”
In Summer 1999, Isabella grows closer to Luke while struggling to connect with Megan. In Winter 1999, Isabella searches for justice following the disastrous Christmas party.

June 12 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) – Episode #2003 – “Bloody Knuckles”
In Summer 1999, Megan and Isabella bond during an overnight at the Chambers’ cabin. Luke tries to stand up to Brent but ends up causing more problems for his dad. Suspicions are raised after fingerprints are found on the gun that shot Luke

June 19 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) – Episode #2004 – “Springing a Leak”
In Summer 1999, Megan wants to be adventurous and makes fake IDs for the gang. In Winter 1999, a burst pipe leads the Landrys and Isabella to a messy night at the Chambers’ house. Isabella wants to help but is met with resistance from Megan.

June 26 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) – Episode #2005– “All I Want for Christmas”
In Summer 1999, Isabella is rocked by a surprise visit from her past. In Winter 1999, Isabella’s concerns for Megan lead her to some surprising news. In Summer 2000, family loyalties are tested.

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CRUEL SUMMER – Freeform’s “Cruel Summer” stars Sean Blakemore as Sheriff Jack Myer, Braeden De La Garza as Brent Chambers, Sadie Stanley as Megan Landry, Griffin Gluck as Luke Chambers, Kadee Strickland as Debbie Landry, Paul Adelstein as Steve Chambers, Lisa Yamada as Parker and Lexi Underwood as Isabella. (Freeform/Frank Ockenfels)

 

Interview with Warren Christie, Amy Acker and Emily Fox

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TV Interview!

Warren Christie, Amy Acker and Emily Fox of "The Watchful Eye" on Freeform

Interview with Warren Christie, Amy Acker and Emily Fox of “The Watchful Eye” on Freeform by Suzanne 1/19/23

I really enjoyed speaking to these three stars. I’ve been a huge fan of Warren’s since he starred in “Alphas” on Syfy, and Amy Acker since she played Fred on “Angel” years ago. They have been in many great shows, as I told them in this interview. Showrunner Emily Fox is also quite successful and has done some wonderful shows. Not only that, but I watched 8 episodes of this show and really enjoyed it. I hope you will, too!

 

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"The Watchful Eye" on Freeform

Freeform Picks Up New Drama ‘The Watchful Eye’ (FKA ‘The Nanny’) to Series From Ryan Seacrest Productions

Mariel Molino Leads Ensemble Cast

Freeform has ordered new scripted series, “The Watchful Eye,” from Ryan Seacrest Productions. It is created by Julie Durk (“Grace and Frankie”), who also serves as consultant. Emily Fox (“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”) is showrunner and executive producer. Ryan Seacrest Productions’ Ryan Seacrest, Nina Wass, Andrea Shay and Jeffrey Reiner serve as executive producers with Reiner (“Dirty John”) directing the pilot. The series is produced by ABC Signature.

“The Watchful Eye” follows Elena Santos, a young woman with a complicated past, maneuvering her way into working as a live-in nanny for an affluent family in Manhattan. She quickly learns that everyone in the mysterious building has deadly secrets and ulterior motives. What they don’t know, however, is that Elena has some shocking secrets of her own.

“I’m incredibly excited about this series because it presents a contemporary twist on the classic mystery and thriller genre,” stated Jamila Hunter, EVP of Programming and Development for Freeform. “Julie, Emily and everyone on the team have created a surprising world of haves and have-nots that’s perfect for Freeform’s audience.”

“We are so excited to be working with our partners at Freeform and ABC Signature on ‘The Watchful Eye,’ an updated twist on a classic Hitchcockian thriller featuring an empowered female lead who’s got an ax to grind,” say Fox, Wass and Shay. “An elegant New York City apartment building called The Greybourne provides a backdrop where nothing is as it seems and where the palace intrigue has an undercurrent of terror. Elena Santos is very much a force to be reckoned with, and the Manhattan power players who underestimate her may soon realize they’ve met their match. In this day and age, who doesn’t secretly long to eat the rich?”

“The Watchful Eye” cast is led by Mariel Molino (“Promised Land”) who plays Elena Santos, a bright, savvy young woman hired as the live-in nanny to a wealthy widower and his young son. When Elena moves into The Greybourne, a landmark Manhattan apartment building, she quickly learns about the complex politics among its wealthy inhabitants and a history riddled with mystery and tragedy. Luckily, Elena is more than equipped to handle anything that comes her way on her own terms. Warren Christie (“The Village”) plays Matthew, a self-made architect dealing with grief and confusion over his wife’s death and its impact on his young son. Kelly Bishop (“Gilmore Girls”) portrays Mrs. Ivey, a lifelong resident of The Greybourne who rules the roost and is accustomed to getting her way through a potent combination of wealth, power and sheer force of will.

Additional cast includes Amy Acker (“The Gifted”) as Tory, a woman who instantly dislikes the fresh-faced, eager young nanny hired by her handsome brother-in-law, Matthew. Jon Ecker (“Firefly Lane”) stars as Scott, Elena’s sharp and cunning boyfriend who has helped arrange for Elena to get a live-in job at The Greybourne. Lex Lumpkin (“All That”) portrays Elliott, a precocious teenager who lives in The Greybourne and strikes up an instant friendship with Elena. Henry Joseph Samiri (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) as Jasper, Matthew’s son, an intelligent but withdrawn child still reeling from the recent death of his mother. Aliyah Royale (“The Walking Dead: The World Beyond”) rounds out the cast as Ginny, who works alongside Elena as a nanny and is one of the few people who can get past her new friend’s tough outer shell.

About Freeform
Freeform’s distinct brand of coming-of-age programming helps to position it as the No. 1 primetime cable network in entertainment among Adults, Women and Men 18-34 in the 2021/2022 TV season to date. Connecting to audiences with its bold original programming and immersive social engagement, Freeform channels the force and momentum of its young adult audience in its quest for progress with authentic, groundbreaking original series such as Emmy¼-nominated “grown-ish,” “Good Trouble,” “Motherland: Fort Salem,” “Single Drunk Female” and “Cruel Summer,” which was the No. 1 new cable drama of 2021 among Women 18-34. Last year, Freeform aired four of the Top 15 scripted cable original series among Women 18-34 — more than any other network, with “grown-ish” ranking as cable’s No. 1 live-action comedy series of the year in the demo.

About ABC Signature
One of the Disney Television Studios, ABC Signature produces many of ABC Entertainment’s most significant hits, including “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Station 19”; co-productions “The Good Doctor,” “A Million Little Things,” “The Rookie,” “The Rookie: Feds” and “Home Economics,” and late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” ABC Signature’s returning and upcoming series include “grown-ish” “The Watchful Eye” and “Everything’s Trash” for Freeform; “The Wilds” for Amazon and “Godfather of Harlem” for EPIX; “Bad Sisters” and “Five Days at Memorial” for Apple; “Reasonable Doubt” and “This Fool” for Hulu.  For streaming service Disney +, series include “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers,” “Big Shot” and the upcoming “National Treasure: Edge of History” and “Muppets Mayhem.”

About RSP
Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP) is an Emmy-winning entertainment production company, founded by Seacrest in 2008. RSP produced the E! hit cable series “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and its spin-offs, as well as the new Hulu series “The Kardashians.”  The production company has a lengthy resume of other projects including Netflix’s “Insatiable,” NBC’s drama series “Shades of Blue,” “E! Live from the Red Carpet,” and Bravo’s “Shahs of Sunset.” The company also produced the Emmy Award-winning reality series “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution.”

The cast of "The Watchful Eye" on Freeform

The Watchful Eye: Season 1 Lead Sheet

“The Watchful Eye” — Season 1
Premieres January 30, 2023

“The Watchful Eye” follows Elena Santos, a young woman with a complicated past, maneuvering her way into working as a live-in nanny for an affluent family in Manhattan. She quickly learns that everyone in the mysterious building has deadly secrets and ulterior motives. What they don’t know, however, is that Elena has some shocking secrets of her own.

“The Watchful Eye” cast is led by Mariel Molino (“Promised Land”), who plays Elena Santos, a bright, savvy young woman hired as the live-in nanny to a wealthy widower and his young son. When Elena moves into The Greybourne, a landmark Manhattan apartment building, she quickly learns about the complex politics among its wealthy inhabitants and a history riddled with mystery and tragedy. Luckily, Elena is more than equipped to handle anything that comes her way on her own terms. Warren Christie (“The Village”) plays Matthew, a self-made architect dealing with grief and confusion over his wife’s death and its impact on his young son. Kelly Bishop (“Gilmore Girls”) portrays Mrs. Ivey, a lifelong resident of The Greybourne who rules the roost and is accustomed to getting her way through a potent combination of wealth, power and sheer force of will.

Additional cast includes Amy Acker (“The Gifted”) as Tory, a woman who instantly dislikes the fresh-faced, eager young nanny hired by her handsome brother-in-law, Matthew. Jon Ecker (“Firefly Lane”) stars as Scott, Elena’s sharp and cunning boyfriend who has helped arrange for Elena to get a live-in job at The Greybourne. Lex Lumpkin (“All That”) portrays Elliott, a precocious teenager who lives in The Greybourne and strikes up an instant friendship with Elena. Henry Joseph Samiri (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) as Jasper, Matthew’s son, an intelligent but withdrawn child still reeling from the recent death of his mother. Aliyah Royale (“The Walking Dead: The World Beyond”) rounds out the cast as Ginny, who works alongside Elena as a nanny and is one of the few people who can get past her new friend’s tough outer shell.

“The Watchful Eye” is from Ryan Seacrest Productions and is created by Julie Durk (“Grace and Frankie”), who also serves as consultant. Emily Fox (“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”) is showrunner and executive producer. Ryan Seacrest, Nina Wass, Andrea Shay and Jeffrey Reiner serve as executive producers, with Reiner (“Dirty John”) directing the pilot. The series is produced by ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios.

The Watchful Eye

SERIES PREMIERE: Monday, Jan, 30th

A young woman is thrust into the world of old money and deadly secrets after accepting a nanny job from a handsome widower.

Warren Christie

Matthew, Freeform, The Watchful Eye

Warren Christie plays Matthew, a self-made architect dealing with grief and confusion over his wife’s death and its impact on his young son on Freeform’s “The Watchful Eye.”
Recently, Christie starred opposite Robin Wright in her award-winning directorial debut, “Land.” Christie’s additional film credits include a starring role in the Weinstein Company’s feature “Apollo 18” and as Reese Witherspoon’s ex-husband in “This Means War,” alongside Chris Pine.
His television credits include the NBC Drama series “The Village,” as a series lead role on USA’s “Eyewitness” opposite Julianne Nicholson, and in a recurring guest star role on ABC’s “The Catch.” He was previously seen as a heavily recurring on NBC’s hit series “Chicago Fire,” playing the role of fireman Scott Rice. Christie has also had recurring roles on ABC’s “Motive,” Bravo’s “Girlfriend’s Guide To Divorce,” and CBS’s “Zoo.” He is also known for his leading role on “Alphas,” his series regular role on “October Road,” and the series “Happy Town,” all airing on ABC.

Amy Acker

Amy Acker stars as Tory, a woman who instantly dislikes the fresh-faced, eager young nanny hired by her handsome brother-in-law Matthew on Freeform’s “The Watchful Eye.”
Acker is known to millions of fans throughout the world for her long-running starring role as Winifred “Fred” Burkle/Illyria in Joss Whedon’s hit sci-fi/fantasy series “Angel.” For her portrayal, Acker received four Saturn Award nominations, winning in 2004 for Best Supporting Actress. Other notable television credits include a reoccurring role in the Fox hit series “9-1-1: Lone Star” and starring roles in Fox’s “The Gifted” and the hit CBS series “Person of Interest.”
On the big screen, Acker starred in the role of Beatrice in Joss Whedon’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” From the Atlantic, “Maybe the most spectacular recent example of a young American movie and television actor tackling a classical part is Acker’s radiant Beatrice in ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ Joss Whedon’s nimble, and very faithful, 2012 movie of one of Shakespeare’s sprightliest comedies.” She has also starred in “The Cabin in the Woods” and appeared in the Leonardo DiCaprio-Tom Hanks hit film “Catch Me If You Can.” She has also appeared in several independent features, including “The Energy Specialist,” “Let’s Kill Ward’s Wife,” “21 and a Wake-Up” and “The Novice.”

Emily Fox

Showrunner and Executive Producer, Freeform, The Watchful Eye

Emily Fox is the showrunner and executive producer of Freeform’s “The Watchful Eye.”

Prior to the series on Freeform, Fox developed “Skin Tight,” about the war between Guess and Jordache, as a limited series for Amazon. She also served as showrunner on “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce” for Bravo and worked on the Netflix series “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” Fox created the beloved VH1 series “Hindsight,” the critically acclaimed series is certified as 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

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Warren Christie, Amy Acker and Emily Fox of "The Watchful Eye" on Freeform

Interview with Taofeek Abijako, Fernando Casablancas and Ebon Gore

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TV Interview!

Taofeek Abijako, Fernando Casablancas and Ebon Gore of "The Come Up" on Freeform

Interview with Taofeek Abijako, Fernando Casablancas and Ebon Gore of “The Come Up” on Freeform by Suzanne 8/29/22

This is a very interesting reality show (or unscripted show if you wish) focusing on some young people in a particular area of New York they called “downtown New York,” AKA “the lower East Side” AKA “Dime Square.” These three were very nice, as were the other three I interviewed as well. It’s definitely worth watching. I got caught up in the few episodes I saw.

MORE INFO: Trailer

The Come Up

SERIES PREMIERE: Sept. 13 (9:00-9:30 p.m. EDT)

Freeform Introduces Eclectic Cast of Icons on the Rise for New Unscripted Series ‘The Come Up’ (FKA ‘Day to Night’)

Cast Includes Taofeek Abijako, Fernando Casablancas, Ben Hard, Claude Shwartz, Ebon Gore and Sophia Wilson

‘The Come Up’ Set To Premiere on Freeform on Tuesday, Sept. 13, Next Day on Hulu

PRI_TheComeUpTCA_8_1_22

*Freeform/Sophie Hur

Freeform announced the new unscripted series “The Come Up” (fka “Day to Night”) as one of three original nonfiction series the brand is releasing this year, all targeted at the network’s young adult audience.

“The Come Up” is a glimpse into the wildest feelings and vibrant moments that define coming-of-age in a post-pandemic New York. The series follows six young disruptors as they emerge from downtown New York to follow their dreams and pursue love and art on their own terms. The show follows the creative NYC underground, giving viewers an exclusive look into how the next generation of icons define themselves and how culture is created.

The cast comprises a group of ambitious, action-oriented and diverse Gen Z New Yorkers whose careers are on the rise, including Taofeek Abijako, Fernando Casablancas, Ben Hard, Claude Shwartz, Ebon Gore and Sophia Wilson. Each person is thriving in their respective fields: modeling, fashion design, photography, acting and nightlife organizing. Their bios are below:

  • Taofeek (He/Him) – At 24, he is the youngest designer to have ever shown at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) with his fashion line, Head of State. Earlier this year, he was invited to dress two celebrities, Danai Gurira and Evan Mock, at the renowned Met Gala, and his career is taking exciting turns as he is now branching out into costume design for feature films. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Taofeek immigrated to Albany, New York, at age 11 after his father, also a fashion designer, won the American visa lottery. Taking nothing for granted, Taofeek launched his first pieces out of his bedroom as a high schooler, deferred all acceptances to fashion schools, and earned a spot on the stage of NYFW and into the pages of Vogue. For Taofeek, fashion is a vehicle for supporting his community. In addition to his fashion collections, he has spearheaded several initiatives to build schools in Nigeria or support local vendors in Albany. Taofeek is on the precipice of becoming the next household name in fashion and beyond.
  • Fernando (He/They) – Brazilian-born Fernando Casablancas is on the cusp of becoming the modeling world’s next international star. In less than one year of his emergence on the modeling scene, he appeared in campaigns for top brands Balmain, Charlotte Tilbury, Wales Bonner and Chrome Hearts. During the fashion week season of fall 2021, Fernando took to the catwalk for Balmain and Bottega Veneta, and most recently, he walked for cutting-edge designer Ludovic de Saint Sernin. Fernando is breaking the mold as a non-binary talent by modeling both menswear and womenswear. The world quickly took notice, and he was invited to attend the 2022 amFAR Gala in Cannes, an internationally acclaimed event to raise money for AIDS awareness and research. Beyond modeling, Fernando recently wrapped production on his first feature-length film and has been working on DJing and multimedia art projects.
  • Ben (He/Him) – Coming from San Antonio, Texas, Ben is quickly making New York his home. A rising performer, he is honing his skills as an actor, comedian and dancer. The stage is where he wants to be, and New York is the place to take chances. In spring 2022, he starred in Eastine Theater’s adaptation of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” did his first stand-up comedy performance at The Broadway Comedy Club, and has acted in short films by friends. Ben can also be found behind the camera, taking street photography in New York and doing live videography and music videos for local musical artists.
  • Claude (She/Her) – A Tribeca native, Claude is a true New Yorker. She is a rising actress who studied the practical aesthetics technique at David Mamet’s Atlantic Theater Company, the Meisner technique, and graduated from Tufts in 2020. Recently, Claude appeared in an off-broadway production at the Tank in February 2022, directed by Alton Alburo. A lover of fashion and a downtown fixture, Claude walked for Batsheva in NYFW Spring/Summer 2022.
  • Ebon (She/Her) – A budding entertainer on her way to becoming a multihyphenate in the public eye, she is a staple in Brooklyn nightlife as a sought-after party host and fixture of the rave circuit. She most recently threw a party for Pride 2022 and is a member of Nosferatu collective, known for their show-stopping Baroque Ball in Summer 2021. For Ebon, the well-being of the Trans community is paramount. As an active and crucial organizer of queer nightlife, she has recently participated in town hall panels to discuss club safety and accountability. Beyond nightlife, Ebon’s modeling career is quickly gaining momentum as she models for the likes of Milk Makeup, Parade and Ganni.
  • Sophia (She/Her) – A photography prodigy who has been behind the camera since age 13. She’s shot campaigns for major brands like Google, Nike, Peloton, Converse, Fenty, Instagram and Pepsi and established publications like Vogue, Elle, New York Magazine, i-D, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Hypebeast, Highsnobiety, Nylon and more. Sophia shoots analog only and develops and prints all photos by hand in the color darkroom, a highly technical process that imbues her images with a signature look. Continuing to chart her own path, Sophia deferred her senior year at NYU to focus full time on her artistic pursuits and career in true trailblazing Gen Z fashion. Sophia is committed to changing the face of working photographers by being front and center in rooms that young Black women traditionally have been kept from. She is also pioneering work in the NFT space, including creating the first NFT for Instagram.

“These six creatives emerge from downtown with a vitality and magnetism that’s infectious,” said Tara Duncan, president of Freeform and Onyx Collective. “They are pursuing love and art on their own terms, redefining what success means, and I am so excited for our audience to have a front row seat to it all.”

“The Come Up” is produced by Cousins. Megan Sanchez-Warner (“The Real Housewives of Orange County,” “Love and Hip Hop Hollywood”) serves as the showrunner, and Jessica Chermayeff, Ana Veselic and Anne Alexander executive produce. Chermayeff and Veselic also serve as series directors.

“The Come Up” premieres on Freeform on Tuesday, Sept. 13, with the first four episodes airing back to back. From there, two episodes will air each week. All episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the day after they air.

About Freeform
Freeform’s distinct brand of coming-of-age programming helps to position it as the No. 1 primetime cable network in entertainment among Adults, Women and Men 18-34 in the 2021/2022 TV season to date. Connecting to audiences with its bold original programming and immersive social engagement, Freeform channels the force and momentum of its young adult audience in its quest for progress with authentic, groundbreaking original series such as Emmy¼-nominated “grown-ish,” “Good Trouble,” “Motherland: Fort Salem,” “Single Drunk Female,” “Everything’s Trash” and “Cruel Summer,” which was the No. 1 new cable drama of 2021 among Women 18-34. Last year, Freeform aired four of the Top 15 scripted cable original series among Women 18-34 — more than any other network, with “grown-ish” ranking as cable’s No. 1 live-action comedy series of the year in the demo.

*COPYRIGHT ©2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

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"The Come Up" on Freeform

Interview with Sophia Wilson, Claude Shwartz and Ben Hard

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

 

Sophia Wilson, Claude Shwartz and Ben Hard of "The Come Up" on Freeform

Interview with Sophia Wilson, Claude Shwartz and Ben Hard of “The Come Up” on Freeform by Suzanne 8/29/22

I don’t normally watch any “reality shows,” or as they’re often called now, unscripted programs. But this one sounded more and more interesting than the previous ones I’ve watched. These young people are mostly not actors, and they’re living their best lives in New York City. I watched the episodes they sent me, and I found myself drawn in. I would advise you to watch it!

I interviewed these three from the show as well as another three. They were all fun and pleasant to talk to.

 

MORE INFO: Trailer

The Come Up

SERIES PREMIERE: Sept. 13 (9:00-9:30 p.m. EDT)

Freeform Introduces Eclectic Cast of Icons on the Rise for New Unscripted Series ‘The Come Up’ (FKA ‘Day to Night’)

Cast Includes Taofeek Abijako, Fernando Casablancas, Ben Hard, Claude Shwartz, Ebon Gore and Sophia Wilson

‘The Come Up’ Set To Premiere on Freeform on Tuesday, Sept. 13, Next Day on Hulu

PRI_TheComeUpTCA_8_1_22

*Freeform/Sophie Hur

Freeform announced the new unscripted series “The Come Up” (fka “Day to Night”) as one of three original nonfiction series the brand is releasing this year, all targeted at the network’s young adult audience.

“The Come Up” is a glimpse into the wildest feelings and vibrant moments that define coming-of-age in a post-pandemic New York. The series follows six young disruptors as they emerge from downtown New York to follow their dreams and pursue love and art on their own terms. The show follows the creative NYC underground, giving viewers an exclusive look into how the next generation of icons define themselves and how culture is created.

The cast comprises a group of ambitious, action-oriented and diverse Gen Z New Yorkers whose careers are on the rise, including Taofeek Abijako, Fernando Casablancas, Ben Hard, Claude Shwartz, Ebon Gore and Sophia Wilson. Each person is thriving in their respective fields: modeling, fashion design, photography, acting and nightlife organizing. Their bios are below:

  • Taofeek (He/Him) – At 24, he is the youngest designer to have ever shown at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) with his fashion line, Head of State. Earlier this year, he was invited to dress two celebrities, Danai Gurira and Evan Mock, at the renowned Met Gala, and his career is taking exciting turns as he is now branching out into costume design for feature films. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Taofeek immigrated to Albany, New York, at age 11 after his father, also a fashion designer, won the American visa lottery. Taking nothing for granted, Taofeek launched his first pieces out of his bedroom as a high schooler, deferred all acceptances to fashion schools, and earned a spot on the stage of NYFW and into the pages of Vogue. For Taofeek, fashion is a vehicle for supporting his community. In addition to his fashion collections, he has spearheaded several initiatives to build schools in Nigeria or support local vendors in Albany. Taofeek is on the precipice of becoming the next household name in fashion and beyond.
  • Fernando (He/They) – Brazilian-born Fernando Casablancas is on the cusp of becoming the modeling world’s next international star. In less than one year of his emergence on the modeling scene, he appeared in campaigns for top brands Balmain, Charlotte Tilbury, Wales Bonner and Chrome Hearts. During the fashion week season of fall 2021, Fernando took to the catwalk for Balmain and Bottega Veneta, and most recently, he walked for cutting-edge designer Ludovic de Saint Sernin. Fernando is breaking the mold as a non-binary talent by modeling both menswear and womenswear. The world quickly took notice, and he was invited to attend the 2022 amFAR Gala in Cannes, an internationally acclaimed event to raise money for AIDS awareness and research. Beyond modeling, Fernando recently wrapped production on his first feature-length film and has been working on DJing and multimedia art projects.
  • Ben (He/Him) – Coming from San Antonio, Texas, Ben is quickly making New York his home. A rising performer, he is honing his skills as an actor, comedian and dancer. The stage is where he wants to be, and New York is the place to take chances. In spring 2022, he starred in Eastine Theater’s adaptation of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” did his first stand-up comedy performance at The Broadway Comedy Club, and has acted in short films by friends. Ben can also be found behind the camera, taking street photography in New York and doing live videography and music videos for local musical artists.
  • Claude (She/Her) – A Tribeca native, Claude is a true New Yorker. She is a rising actress who studied the practical aesthetics technique at David Mamet’s Atlantic Theater Company, the Meisner technique, and graduated from Tufts in 2020. Recently, Claude appeared in an off-broadway production at the Tank in February 2022, directed by Alton Alburo. A lover of fashion and a downtown fixture, Claude walked for Batsheva in NYFW Spring/Summer 2022.
  • Ebon (She/Her) – A budding entertainer on her way to becoming a multihyphenate in the public eye, she is a staple in Brooklyn nightlife as a sought-after party host and fixture of the rave circuit. She most recently threw a party for Pride 2022 and is a member of Nosferatu collective, known for their show-stopping Baroque Ball in Summer 2021. For Ebon, the well-being of the Trans community is paramount. As an active and crucial organizer of queer nightlife, she has recently participated in town hall panels to discuss club safety and accountability. Beyond nightlife, Ebon’s modeling career is quickly gaining momentum as she models for the likes of Milk Makeup, Parade and Ganni.
  • Sophia (She/Her) – A photography prodigy who has been behind the camera since age 13. She’s shot campaigns for major brands like Google, Nike, Peloton, Converse, Fenty, Instagram and Pepsi and established publications like Vogue, Elle, New York Magazine, i-D, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Hypebeast, Highsnobiety, Nylon and more. Sophia shoots analog only and develops and prints all photos by hand in the color darkroom, a highly technical process that imbues her images with a signature look. Continuing to chart her own path, Sophia deferred her senior year at NYU to focus full time on her artistic pursuits and career in true trailblazing Gen Z fashion. Sophia is committed to changing the face of working photographers by being front and center in rooms that young Black women traditionally have been kept from. She is also pioneering work in the NFT space, including creating the first NFT for Instagram.

“These six creatives emerge from downtown with a vitality and magnetism that’s infectious,” said Tara Duncan, president of Freeform and Onyx Collective. “They are pursuing love and art on their own terms, redefining what success means, and I am so excited for our audience to have a front row seat to it all.”

“The Come Up” is produced by Cousins. Megan Sanchez-Warner (“The Real Housewives of Orange County,” “Love and Hip Hop Hollywood”) serves as the showrunner, and Jessica Chermayeff, Ana Veselic and Anne Alexander executive produce. Chermayeff and Veselic also serve as series directors.

“The Come Up” premieres on Freeform on Tuesday, Sept. 13, with the first four episodes airing back to back. From there, two episodes will air each week. All episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the day after they air.

About Freeform
Freeform’s distinct brand of coming-of-age programming helps to position it as the No. 1 primetime cable network in entertainment among Adults, Women and Men 18-34 in the 2021/2022 TV season to date. Connecting to audiences with its bold original programming and immersive social engagement, Freeform channels the force and momentum of its young adult audience in its quest for progress with authentic, groundbreaking original series such as Emmy¼-nominated “grown-ish,” “Good Trouble,” “Motherland: Fort Salem,” “Single Drunk Female,” “Everything’s Trash” and “Cruel Summer,” which was the No. 1 new cable drama of 2021 among Women 18-34. Last year, Freeform aired four of the Top 15 scripted cable original series among Women 18-34 — more than any other network, with “grown-ish” ranking as cable’s No. 1 live-action comedy series of the year in the demo.

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