Last night in Los Angeles, BET+ held a premiere for their Original Movie “Sacrifice”. The movie stars Paula Patton and Erica Ash. It also stars Jordyn Woods, Erica Mena and Marques Houston. All of the stars and BET executives lined up for their first look at the movie, which is written and directed by Chris Stokes.
All the stars from the movie showed up for the event in West Los Angeles. Also in attendance were Model/Actor Jeremy Meeks, Dorien Wilson and Obba Babatunde.
The comic actor was known for starring in the cult Friday franchise as well as his long stint on The Wayans Bros. and The Tracy Morgan Show.
Witherspoon’s son John David shared an emotional post on Twitter on his father’s passing, along with photos of the two from his childhood to recent years. “So…my Dad died today & honestly I’m not sure how to feel. I’m sad, but I’m also happy 4 all the great times we had together. We’d roast each other like homies more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & my idol. Love U Dad…I’ll miss u.”
Judd Apatow remembered Witherspoon as “Pure funny. Hilarious and always kind. John Witherspoon will be missed” on Twitter.
Arsenio Hall shared on Twitter, “This day began with such joy. And it’s ending with this heart wrenching news of John Witherspoon’s passing. One of our comic brothers.”
Questlove also paid tribute to Witherspoon with a post on Instagram. “John Witherspoon resonated with every last one of us because he represented someone in our family: embarrassing us at gatherings (Boomerang), misrepresenting our generations heroes (“Public Enema”?!), making a jingle about pretty much everything (Grandpa on Boondocks), the neighborhood wino (black Jesus—-or better yet Hollywood Shuffle)—-the list is endless. Bar none my favorite working/blue collar actor,” he captioned a photo of the late actor. “History should tell it well, all the greats utilized him on their project for the last 45 years (Richard Pryor Show/Whats Happening!/Good Times/WKRP/227/Martin/Amen/Fresh Prince/Wayans Bros/Living Single/Boondocks/First Family/blackish/Black Jesus)—-he will forever be our pop pops. RIP.”
1. Chris Stokes Has Been In The Entertainment Industry For Over 30 Years
Chris started working in the music business when he was 18 years old. Since then he has discovered, worked with and shaped the careers of some of the most famous people in the Entertainment Industry.
2. Chris Stokes Has 4 Siblings
Chris has always been a family man by nature. He has 4 brothers and sisters. Chris is the second to the youngest child. They all grew up together in Los Angeles.
3. Chris Stokes Has Acted In Two Of His Own Movies
Although Chris loves to spend his time behind the camera, he’s also graced the screen by being in front of the camera. In his movie House Party 4: Down To The Last Minute Chris played a mechanic named Ray Ray and in Somebody Help Me 2 he played a security guard named Otis.
Chris Stokes Sitting On Top Of The World
4. Chris Stokes And Raz B Are Cousins
Chris’ family is originally from Cleveland, Ohio which is also Raz B’s hometown. Chris was born in Los Angeles, CA but his family moved there from Cleveland.
5. Chris Stokes Put Raz B In His First Movie
Chris Stokes is the writer and director of the cult classic dance film You Got Served. As the director of the film he was able to have the group B2K (which included Raz B) as stars of the movie. The movie was a box office success.
Chris Stokes on the move
1. Raz B Is From Cleveland, Ohio
Raz B was born in the City Of Cleveland on June 13, 1985. He spent the early part of his childhood in Cleveland before moving out to Los Angeles.
Raz B Smiling
2. Raz B Is One Of The Original Group Members In B2K
The R&B Boy Band B2K which was founded by Chris Stokes included Raz B as one of it’s original members. While in the group Raz B did two albums, B2K and Pandemonium which were both very successful. He also starred in the movie You Got Served while in the group.
B2K Vibe Cover
3. Raz B Toured As A Solo Artist In China
Raz B went on to pursue a solo career after B2K broke up. As a solo artist he toured and performed all over China for a few years.
4. Raz B Has A Son
Raz was able to add the honoring title of “father” under his belt after the birth of his son.
5. Raz B Is A Multi Talented Artist
Raz B is a very talented dancer, singer and actor. He was able to showcase these talents during his tenure in B2K and went on to continue showcasing them after the group’s disbandment.
Fact One: Chris Stokes Discovered Brandy Norwood, Jhene Aiko, Sevyn Streeter and many more
Chris Stokes discovered many talented artists like Brandy Norwood, Jhene Aiko, Sevyn Streeter, Brittany Murphy and several others. Chris has always been know for his ability and skill to discover and develop new talent. Especially female talent.
Fact Two: Chris Stokes Discovered Two Of The Biggest Urban Groups In History Immature & B2K
Chris Stokes is responsible for finding one of the biggest groups of the ’90s, Immature and one of the biggest groups of the ’00s B2K. He was the creative brainchild behind both groups and a large part of their success in the respective generations.
Chris Stokes Pondering The Next Step
Fact Three: Chris Stokes Was The Vice President Of Interscope & Virgin Records
During his time of working with both groups, Chris became the Vice President of Interscope Records. In this position he worked very closely with Jimmy Iovine. Chris was also the Vice President of Virgin Records. These positions helped further solidify Chris’ position in the music industry.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 08: Jimmy Iovine and director Allen Hughes attend Reel To Reel: The Defiant Ones Featuring a conversation with Jimmy Iovine and Allen Hughes at The GRAMMY Museum on January 8, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/WireImage for The Recording Academy ) *** Local Caption *** Jimmy Iovine;Allen Hughes
Fact Four: Chris Stokes Helped Further The Solo Careers Of Marques Houston & Omarion
After the success of both Immature & B2K the lead singers went on to pursue successful solo careers. Marques Houston and Omarion went on from their respective groups to release solo albums. Chris Stokes was instrumental in the success of both of their solo careers that included a few chart topping hits.
Fact Five: Chris Stokes Is Planning On Starting A New Restaurant Chain In 2020
Although it hasn’t been publicly announced, Chris Stokes is planning on starting a restaurant chain in 2020. Chris has been known to have several celebrities over the years come by his house for his cooking. He has several signature dishes and has decided to specifically showcase one of them to the public. So without saying too much stay tuned for what Chris has coming your way in 2020.
04. Chris Stokes Is The Proud Father Of Four Children
A lot of people don’t know that Chris is a family man first. He has four beautiful children the youngest of which is 15 now.
Chris Stokes In Gray Suit
05. Chris Stokes’ Favorite Hobby Is Interior Designing
Chris Stokes has interior designed several homes and offices for different celebrities and executives. Stokes also does the design for his home and offices. He even did the design on some of his earlier films.
My good friend and talented actress Suzanne Whang has passed away today. Suzanne starred in A Weekend With The Family, a movie I had the absolute pleasure of directing her in. She had an off again on again battle with cancer that eventually took her life. She will be greatly missed. Condolences and prayers go out to her family.
BET is lining up its programming for its brand new streaming service BET+. Deadline reports that the network is squaring away exclusive, original content, and there’s a new thriller on the horizon starring Paula Patton and Marques Houston titled Sacrifice. It’s written, directed, and executive produced by Chris Stokes, the music industry mogul who was the one-time manager of B2K and Immature.
According to reports, Patton will portray the character of Daniella Hernandez, a successful entertainment lawyer who must learn how to work the ins and outs of her rich, famous, and wicked clients’ lives. Actress Erica Ash stars as Beverly Rucker, Daniella’s sorority sister who just happens to be the District Attorney. Because Daniella’s clientele is often wheeling and dealing in illegal activities, a wedge is placed in-between the two sorors. Marques Houston, who also acts as co-executive producer, is Jason Pratt, an Assistant District Attorney who gets himself caught up in the drama.
From shadowandact.com by Trey Mangum on August 15th 2019
Paula Patton has been tapped to star in Sacrifice, a BET legal thriller which they have primed for their upcoming streaming service, BET+. A two-hour original movie, the film will also serve as a backdoor pilot for a possible series on the streamer. Produced, written and directed by Chris Stokes, it also stars Erica Ash and Marques Houston (also a co-producer). The film will premiere on BET+ in 2020.
The project, set in Los Angeles, follows Daniella Hernandez (Patton) a highly sought after entertainment lawyer. “The legal thriller tracks Daniella as she navigates the nefarious lives of her rich and famous clients. Daniella has a reputation that proves problematic to LA Law enforcement, forcing her to be at odds with her sorority sister turned nemesis District Attorney Beverly Rucker (Ash). In an attempt to protect her often unscrupulous clients, Daniella enlists the services of her resourceful assistant and a young ex-hacker and tech genius.”
“I’m excited to be a part of the BET family and their newest endeavor BET+,” said Paula Patton in a statement received by Shadow And Act.
“We are thrilled to have Paula and the talented ensemble cast join our first original film on BET+, as we continue to strengthen our commitment to quality storytelling while meeting our audience on all platforms,” said Connie Orlando, Head of Programming, BET Networks
Chris Stokes added, “Sacrifice will give viewers a hot, steamy look into the life of a high powered entertainment attorney and how she handles the perils that come with working in the entertainment industry. Many people probably assume that entertainment attorneys only make deals and review paperwork, but there is so much more to what they have to do and what they must do in certain situations to get their job done. I believe the edginess and relevancy of the storyline will bring a fresh new breed of viewers to the network.”
Check out the characters’ official descriptions below:
PAULA PATTON will play DANIELLA HERNANDEZ
Daniella is an all-around boss and power player. As an entertainment attorney, she uses her quick-wit and attention to detail to secure clients and manage their unruly lives.
ERICA ASH will play BEVERLY NICOLE RUCKER
A powerful district attorney, and sorority sister of Daniella, Beverly is relentless in her pursuit to rid the city of celebrities who live above the law.
JUAN ANTONIO will play DOMINIQ MAYFIELD AKA BIG DOM
Big Dom is a powerful, confident and extraordinarily successful hip hop artist and mogul. He and Daniella have a long history.
V. BOZEMAN will play TAMIKA BLAND
Daniella’s loyal and resourceful assistant, Tamika is a professional partner and personal confidante.
ALTONIO JACKSON will play STEVEN SOMWON
An ex-hacker, Steven is pulled into Daniella’s camp after working at her firm in the mailroom.
NELSON BONILLA will play MIGUEL
Daniella’s trusted driver and fatherly figure. Miguel has a unique and specific skill set. It’s those sets of skills, combined with his fidelity to Daniella, that make him a valuable asset to the team.
MICHAEL TOLAND will play ARNOLD LANG
Arnold is the founding partner of Daniella’s firm, Lang & Associates.
JAMES TREVENA-BROWN will play JOSHUA LANG
Joshua is Arnold Lang’s son and next in line to make partner at the company.
LILIANA MONTENEGRO will play GABRIELLA HERNANDEZ
Daniella’s Spanish-speaking aunt who comforts her at home.
MARQUES HOUSTON will play JASON PRATT
Jason is a young Assistant District Attorney who knows the law better than anyone and does everything by the book.
JOSUÉ RAMON GUTIERREZ will play OSCAR BAPTISTE
A client of Daniella’s and Dom’s biggest hip hop rival.
Chris Stokes was recently in NYC to attend Rihanna’s Fifth Annual Diamond Ball. Stokes was seen at the Diamond Ball and JFK Airport with his good friend and star of his latest BET show “Sacrifice”, Paula Patton. Patton is the star of the new series that is scheduled to be a big part of the launch of BET’s new streaming service BET +. Stokes is the Creator and Executive Producer of the show. He’s also set to direct some of the series’ episodes. Stokes is seen below with Patton in a sleek black outfit at the Diamond Ball. Can’t wait to see the first episode of this Series sounds like it’s going to be a good one!!
Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images Tyler Perry is a co-owner of BET+.
The Viacom-owned platform, a joint venture with Tyler Perry, will launch Sept.19.
SEPTEMBER 09, 2019 10:07am PT by Lesley Goldberg
BET+, the forthcoming streaming service from Viacom and Tyler Perry, is not wasting any time in getting down to business.
BET announced Monday that its streaming platform — a joint venture with multihyphenate Perry — will officially launch Thursday, Sept. 19 and cost $9.99 per month. The service will debut with more than 1,000 hours of content, including new originals and film and TV library content that includes Perry’s stage plays and acquired content, all of which will be ad-free.
Here’s an overview of who’s running the show at BET+ and a guide to its content.
EXECUTIVES
Devin Griffin, a Netflix alum, will oversee the service as general manager. He is charged with overseeing business strategy and operations — including content development, programming, marketing, distribution, planning and analysis for BET+. He is based in Los Angeles and reports directly to BET president Scott Mills. “In our first year, we will release a BET+ original project almost every month, adding to our lineup of deep and diverse content,” he said. “We’re focused on super-serving lovers of black stories by working with top talent, and supporting fresh new voices, on both sides of the camera.”
ORIGINAL CONTENT
First Wives Club| From Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip) the reboot of the 1996 feature was originally developed for TV Land and moved to Paramount Network before finding a home at BET and, now, BET+. All nine episodes of the series, starring Jill Scott, Michelle Buteau and Ryan Michelle Bathe, will be available at launch. Watch a trailer, below.
Bigger| From prolific producer Will Packer, the series formerly known as Peachtree Place revolves around five thirty-somethings living in Atlanta as they try to build professional and personal lives they can be proud of, but the one thing they don’t have keeps impeding their progress: love. The first three of the 10-episode comedy, starring Tanisha Long and Angell Conwell, will be available at launch.
Sacrifice| From writer Chris Stokes (You Got Served), Paula Patton stars as an entertainment lawyer navigating the nefarious lives of her rich and famous clients. The drama is being produced as a two-hour movie that doubles as a back-door pilot. It will launch sometime in 2020.
