TV One’s upcoming original movie “Media,” which may also be acting as a backdoor pilot to a potential series (especially if it plays well), will explore the drama and secrets behind a powerful family dynasty. It could very well become the network’s bid at a signature primetime high-drama series, which it currently lacks.
The executive producing team of Cathy Hughes and her production partner Susan Banks conceived and produced the project.
Directed by Craig Ross, Jr., “Media” is described as a riveting story of a wealthy family battling the competitive challenges of keeping their status and position in the communications industry. Passion, intrigue and murder become a lethal recipe for powerful matriarch Jackie Jones and her children. Portrayed by Penny Johnson Jerald, Jackie is the founder of Jones Universal Media Properties, known as JUMP, the world’s premier urban media conglomerate. A family tragedy forces her son, prominent lead city attorney and prosecutor Michael Jones, played by Brian White, to abandon his political aspirations and take over the company, just as a ruthless rival challenges JUMP’s longtime domination of a lucrative industry. Michael is confronted by sins of the past, and the dangers of the present when Jabbar Randolph (played by Gary Dourdan), CEO of JUMP’s biggest competitor, is released from prison. Grabbing back the reigns from his brother, Will, played by Stephen Bishop, Jabbar embarks on a mission of revenge, betrayal and corporate intrigue.
The Jones family is rounded out by the eldest son, Clay Jones portrayed by Pooch Hall as the mercurial head of the family business; Chrystee Pharris as the only daughter, Crystal Jones, JUMP’s CFO; and hard-partying youngest brother Anthony Jones portrayed by Blue Kimble.
The film’s cast also includes Finesse Mitchell, Denise Boutte, Jimmy Gonzales, Stelio Savante, Jillian Reeves de Ortiz, Jasmine Kaur, and Diane Kirby.
“This storyline has been in the works for over six years and I am thrilled to finally bring it to our audience,” said executive producer Cathy Hughes. “My entire life has been dedicated to creating media outlets to entertain and inspire our community. We know our audience loves drama and that’s what ‘Media’ is all about.”
“’Media’ captures the power struggles, secrets and stakes surrounding a family-owned business,” added TV One President Brad Siegel. “The outstanding cast and production team delivered on a truly excellent script. We are ecstatic with how it turned out and confident viewers will be riveted from the first minute of the movie to the end titles.”
“Media” is executive produced by Radio One Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes and her production partner Susan Banks, Kevin Arkadie (who also served as writer), Sheila Ducksworth and was produced for TV One by Ducksworth Productions.
Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd, CSA, served as casting director.
For TV One, Lamar Chase is Executive in Charge-of- Production and Director of Original Programming; Donyell McCullough is Senior Director of Talent & Casting; Robyn Greene-Arrington is VP of Original Programming; and D’Angela Proctor is Head of Original Programming.
“Media” was filmed on location in Atlanta, Georgia.
The drama is the latest addition to the network’s growing slate of original films and is set to premiere on Saturday February 25, 8/7c.
Some new marketing material for the telepic premiered today; in the videos below, get a first look at “Media,” starting with a sit down with Cathy Hughes, Pooch Hall, Brian White, Penny Johnson Jerald, and more, as they give you a sneak peek at what’s coming! And underneath, you’ll find a new teaser trailer followed by a full trailer for”Media”:
