HBO and Russell Simmons are teaming up to create a number of new programming, Time Warner announced.
Simmons, who is a veteran in the entertainment industry, will curate the best acts from All Def Digital, Simmons new media company, weekly live comedy night. Every week, ADD will produce a live event in Hollywood featuring the best new comedians in the country.
The media mogul will also executive producing the highly-anticipated HBO limited series Codes of Conduct, directed and developed by Academy Award-winner Steve McQueen, who directed 12 Years a Slave. The six-episode limited series is written by McQueen and screenwriter Matthew Michael Carnahan. Additional executive producers include by Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, and Alan Poul, who worked on HBO’s The Newsroom. Codes of Conduct stars newcomer Devon Terrell as a young man with a mysterious past who enters New York’s high society. Paul Dano, Helena Bonham Carter and Rebecca Hall are also featured.
In addition, as Def Comedy Jam approach its 25 anniversary, Simmons and legendary producer Stan Lathan will celebrate the milestone with a Def Comedy Jam 25th Anniversary Special that will feature an all-star lineup of comedians celebrating the longest-running and comedy showcase on cable television.
“We always speak of having distinct voices at HBO, and few in the industry are as unique and intelligent as Russell,” says Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. “He’s been a part of our family for a long time, and we are so pleased to be continuing our relationship.”
“HBO has been like a home to me for a generation,” says Simmons. “I am enormously proud of the broad range of programming they have nurtured. Together, we have discovered new voices and helped launch emerging artists that deserved a mainstream platform. I am even more excited by the next generation of talent and shows that we are developing through All Def Digital TV.”
Additional shows HBO and Simmons are collaborating on are These Are My Friends and The Broken Lizard Show.
(Photo via Shutterstock)
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