Film News Roundup: Hollywood Publicists Select Betty White for Lifetime Achievement Award
In today’s film news roundup, Betty White is honored by Hollywood’s union publicists, Dean Cole and RonReaco Lee get cast in “#2MinutesofFame” and fan-owned Legion M makes a promotion.
LIFE ACHIEVEMENT
Betty White will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 55th Annual International Cinematographers Guild Publicists Awards Luncheon to be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 2.
ICG national president Steven Poster said, “Betty White is a joy and a national treasure. She brings a smile to the nations face and the ICG is honored to celebrate her inspiring accomplishments.”
White said, “It is such an honor to be recognized for a lifetime of doing what you love. I do not ever take it for granted.”
White, 95, has won seven Emmys and was added recently to the Guinness World Records under the title “Longest TV Career for an Entertainer (Female).” She starred in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” “The Golden Girls” and “Hot in Cleveland.”
CASTINGS
Deon Cole and RonReaco Lee have join the cast of “#2MinutesofFame,” Variety has learned exclusively.
The movie is centered on an up-and-coming social media sensation attempting to become a stand-up comedy star. Jay Pharoah is playing the lead, along with Katt Williams, Keke Palmer and Andy Allo. Leslie Small is directing the from a script by Devon Shepard and Yamara Taylor. Jeff Clanagan and Paul Hall are producing.
The movie’s plot ties in with Laugh Out Loud, the streaming network which helps to break comic talent. Lionsgate’s Codeblack Films will handle the release.
Cole’s credits include “Black-ish,” “Angie Tribeca,” and “Face Value.” He will star in the “Black-ish” spinoff series “College-ish.” Lee’s credits include “Survivor’s Remorse,” “Complications,” “Let’s Stay Together” and “The Shield.”
Cole is represented by APA and Kirsten Ames Management, and Lee is represented by APA and AGS Media
EXECUTIVE PROMOTION
Legion M, which touts itself as the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company, has promoted Terri Lubaroff to chief operating officer, Variety has learned exclusively.
She will oversee legal, finance and human resources functions, as well as management of the company’s day-to- day operations. Lubaroff has also been appointed to the company’s board of directors.
Lubaroff previously served as chief operating officer of Meltdown Entertainment. She joined Legion M when it was formed in 2016, initially heading content-acquisition efforts. Legion M uses new equity crowdfunding laws to give fans the opportunity to invest directly in an early stage entertainment company.
“From day one as a founding employee, blazing new trails in entertainment financing, production and marketing with Legion M’s amazing team has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to take on a larger executive role within the company as we continue to innovate and grow our fan-focused mission,” Lubaroff said.
Legion M was an investor in “Colossal,” starring Anne Hathaway and Jason Sudeikis.
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