blackfilm.com correspondent Koku Tona sat down with Kevin Hart and Bryan Smiley to talk about new Netflix film LIFT! LIFT is a HARTBEAT production, and will premier on Netflix Friday, January 12th, 2023.
Check out the interview and let us know what you think!
LIFT | Official Trailer | Netflix
Watch LIFT here.
About Hartbeat:
Founded by Kevin Hart, Hartbeat is a global, multi-platform media company creating high-impact entertainment where comedy meets culture – with a mission to keep the world laughing together. Hartbeat has become the go-to company for comedic entertainment and one of the most sought-after creative engines for platforms, streamers, and brands. The release of LIFT marks an exciting next step for their long-standing relationship with Netflix.
About Bryan Smiley:
Bryan Smiley, President & Chief Content Officer of HARTBEAT oversees the production division of the company: HARTBEAT Studios. Smiley oversees all financing, development and productions for the company’s thriving TV and Film business. A powerhouse producer, Smiley has made a name for himself negotiating deals with best-in-class studios and talent and is known for his exceptional taste in content and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. Smiley was featured in THR’s 2018 “Next Gen” Portfolio where he stated his mission was to “to find opportunities for creators that they may not have without a person like me in the room.”
Smiley joined HARTBEAT in 2019 (formally HartBeat Productions) as the President of Film and Television. In 2021 Smiley negotiated a first look deal with Netflix to produce feature films for the streamer, a strategic move that would allow HARTBEAT to continue creating content during a global Pandemic. Smiley was also instrumental in getting Fatherhood released on Netflix. The film was originally produced and meant to be distributed by Sony but got held up when movie theaters shut down. The movie has been watched by more than 91 million accounts globally, making it one of the most successful original dramatic movies on Netflix.
Prior to starting at Hartbeat, he was previously Vice President of Creative Development & Production at Columbia Pictures, a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. At Columbia, Bryan spearheaded a major production deal with Unanimous Media, the production company of NBA star Stephen Curry. In addition, Bryan completed a multi-picture deal with Issa Rae, the star and producer of the critically acclaimed INSECURE on HBO. Before joining Columbia, Bryan co-founded No Label Productions, a multicultural film & television company with NBA star Baron Davis. Prior to No Label, Bryan consulted for several top media companies including Fox Digital Entertainment and Fox Digital Studios. At Fox, Bryan worked across multiple divisions helping to create a new business model to produce, market and distribute feature films starring top social influencers.
Previously, Bryan worked as Executive Director of Home Entertainment & New Business Development for New Regency Productions, an award-winning film and television company based in Los Angeles, California. In that position, Bryan helped shape and implement New Regency’s global home entertainment strategy, managing New Regency’s extensive film library. In his business development role, Bryan focused on digital strategies and initiatives, with an emphasis on creating new revenue streams through emerging technologies and platforms.
Related links: https://www.blackfilm.com/read/millicent-shelton-talks-end-of-the-road-netflix/
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