Entertainment
Ashley McArthur on her new films and exploring the African market
Ashley McArthur is a highly sought after millennial film producer, screenwriter and director based in Atlanta, Georgia USA. For the last several years she has focused on independent projects working with up and coming actors starring in Judah and the Black Messiah, Step Up, All American, The Godfather of Harlem and many more. But, Ashley first garnered attention for her work on the hit youtube Side Chick Web Series. A show focusing on millennial relationships which gained over 4 million views and 35K subscribers. In our continuing series of interviews with key industry professionals, we welcome Ashley who sat down with our own Alaba Ayinuola for some quick insight of her new films, goals and perspective of the filming industry. Excerpt.
Alaba: What film project are you currently working on?
Ashley: I’m actually in post production of a short film, Goodbye, which I’m excited to share shortly. I think I’ll release it on my instagram page first to give my followers a chance to check it out. However, I’m currently in development of a new summer romance dramedy feature film. It’s pretty much about a medical student who joins her boyfriend’s family on vacation, where she’ll be meeting them for the first time.
Goodbye Short Film Image (Credit: Ashley McArthur)
Overall it’s a fun film with a unique plot that’s relatable to the Black community.
Alaba: Did you write this film?
Ashley: I did. I wrote this film earlier this year. As a writer, I always think my stories are amazing. But, I knew this story resonated well with people after receiving feedback from a service I use called, We Screenplay. They’re industry professionals who pretty much grade your script and give feedback. Well, I received incredible feedback with encouragement to move forward as they truly believe it will be successful. If you enjoyed films like Just Go With It, Guess Who, Roscoe’s Family Reunion, The Peeples, then you’ll enjoy this film.
Alaba: When you write, do you have actors in mind or do you just write?
Ashley: It truly depends. There are stories where I may write a story for a particular actor. I have this thing of wanting to contribute to the advancement of an actor’s career. To create that breaking role for an actor and/or just a role that I know an actor has been wanting to play. So there are times I do and times I don’t.
With this particular film, I had one actress in mind the entire time. Nicole Ari Parker. I have been watching her work since Dancing In September. Also, her performance on Soul Food definitely had me hooked to where she was an actress I knew I wanted to work with in the future. Her performances are so believable. On top of that, I believe she’s genuinely a kind and loving human being and character is important to me.
So prayerfully she connects with the script and enjoys the character I created with her in mind.
Ashley and crew on set (Credit: Ashley McArthur)
Alaba: The film industry is highly capital intensive. How are you funding the project and who are the investors you’re talking to?
Ashley: I have a great network of seasoned industry professionals who have been guiding me and connecting me. I currently have the interest of two investors which is a blessing being that this budget is over $2 Million. That may not sound much for some but as a Black indie filmmaker in the United States, that’s a great start.
Alaba: What are your goals with this film?
Ashley: Wow, I have a few… I definitely want this film to be a great summer film that people enjoy and reference in the future. I’m a very conscious writer/filmmaker but this film is actually light and fun. We had two years of trauma with this pandemic, we deserve to have joy and laugh again. I want to create a high quality, cinematic, Black film with great acting. A film that talent is proud to be a part of and the Black community is proud to support. We can be a tough bunch. LOL.
I want to give up and coming talent an opportunity to get more exposure. Collaborate with the African film industry.
Lastly, continue to prove that films with Black talent sell internationally.
Alaba: One of your major goals is the African film industry entry. Why and what’s the attraction?
Ashley: I have this goal of intersecting cultures. I already planned for this feature film to have a part two which I want to film in Africa to incorporate the culture within this story. It’s important for me to break the stereotypes that our film industry and government have created about Africa. A lot of the propaganda has caused many people to remain distant and it’s unfortunate.
Black Panther didn’t do well because it was a “Marvel” film. It did well because we saw our reflection. It was African inspired, it was a depiction of what we have known Africa to be from the beginning.
Alaba: Who are your favorite writers, producers and directors in the industry?
Ashley: Okay, so I’ve always admired Mara Brock Akil as a writer. Her stories are authentic and relevant. She uses her pen to change the narrative of Blacks in America and she’s a conscious storyteller. Most of all, I love how I hear her voice in every story she tells. She’s been in this industry for like ever and she’s never lost her voice.
I respect Spike Lee as a director because he was always using his art to address real issues. He was always trying to keep the Black community awake and alert. Most importantly, I respect him for remaining true to himself. Despite all the negative coverage, the lack of Hollywood support, little to no funding, Spike wasn’t going to change. He walked in integrity and in my opinion he didn’t sell out for money and fame.
As for a favorite producer, Ava Duvernay. She too uses her platform to uplift, change narratives, be inclusive and overall create a better atmosphere for her team and talent to create. She’s very purposeful in the stories that she tells and goes against the norm. She’s a change agent who gives voice to the voiceless.
I just laughed out loud, literally because I realized everyone that I named are all conscious creators who are truly what I would consider positive disruptors in the industry. They have a heart for people, truth and they have respectable human beings. I told you, a person’s character is big to me.
Surrounded By Water Wish List
Universal Music France (UMF), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a new strategic relationship with Binetou Sylla, acclaimed producer and founder of leading independent label Wèrè Wèrè Music to lead Def Jam Africa within French-speaking markets on the continent, in collaboration with Universal Music France and its Capitol France division.
Dedicated to developing French-speaking African artists, the partnership will help foster the discovery and nurturing of new and existing talent, enabling Def Jam Africa artists to excel globally and continuing to follow the blueprint of the iconic Def Jam Recordings label, which has led and influenced the cutting-edge in hip-hop and urban culture worldwide for more than 35 years.
With more than 10 years’ experience running independent record labels between Paris and the African continent, including the historic Syllart Records label, Binetou Sylla, brings a wealth of expertise to the newly formed partnership, which will focus on unearthing and producing authentic artists through innovative, pan-African musical projects capable of reaching a global audience. Combined with Universal Music France’s expertise and network, Def Jam artists signed in French-speaking Africa will be uniquely positioned to reach largest possible global audience. Def Jam Africa was first launched across French-speaking markets in 2020, and the appointment of Sylla marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the label, with further announcements on signings and projects to follow in the coming months.
African music is fast emerging as the new dominant force in the global music space; the Sub-Saharan African market was the fastest growing region in 2023 according to the IFPI’s Global Music Report (+24.7%). The partnership also complements UMG’s strategy to increase its presence and accelerate its growth in high potential music markets around the world, highlighted by the recently announced acquisition of a majority stake in Nigerian label Mavin Global (subject to regulatory approval).
Binetou Sylla, Director of Syllart Records and founder of Wèrè Wèrè Music, said: “I’m proud to join forces with Universal Music France with a shared vision and passion to develop regional artists in French-speaking Africa internationally. In partnering with Def Jam and Capitol, Wèrè Wèrè Music is uniquely positioned to deliver commercial and global success to unique African talent from across the continent. Def Jam, our driving force, is a powerful, unifying brand in the French-speaking and international ecosystem. Def Jam Africa is more than just a music label; it is the embodiment of a set of authentic values that make no compromise on artistic excellence.”
Olivier Nusse, President, Universal Music France, said: “We are incredibly honored to be able to draw on the unique expertise of Binetou Sylla and her team to bring new talent from French-speaking Africa to Africa, France and the rest of the world. In the wake of recent worldwide successes by English-speaking artists, I’m absolutely convinced that the French-speaking scene will also without doubt shine on the world stage, with Def Jam Africa as the spearhead!”
Franck Kacou, Managing Director, Universal Music Africa, said: “Having launched and developed the Def Jam Africa brand in this region of the continent, I’m delighted to see it take on a new dimension through this partnership. I know Binetou’s passion and expertise and combined with the skills of our Capitol and Universal Music France teams, this will only create more opportunities and success for the many talents from French-speaking Africa.”
Alexandre Kirchhoff, Managing Director, Capitol Label Services, said: “French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa is the biggest growth engine in Africa and remains a world-class centre of musical talent that has greatly influenced and impacted French music past and present, thanks in particular, to the diasporas. The Capitol team in France is delighted to partner with Binetou Sylla. Our shared vision knows no boundaries, and we look forward to this exciting and what will be an extremely productive musical adventure.”
NBA Africa and Africell, one of the fastest-growing mobile network operators in Africa, today unveiled an indoor basketball court at 1˚ de Maio at Av. Deolinda Rodrigues in Luanda, Angola as part of their multi-year collaboration to use basketball to benefit Angolan youth. The new court, donated to and operated by the city of Luanda, will provide a safe space where members of the local community can play basketball year-round and host Jr. NBA events and programming in the future.
The court was unveiled by Africell Angola CEO Jorge Vazquez and NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. They were joined by Angolan NBA Academy Africa prospect Aginaldo Neto, who is signed to Petro de Luanda for the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season as part of the BAL Elevate program, and who previously participated in the Jr. NBA program in Angola. Following the ceremony, the court hosted two exhibition games featuring men’s and women’s teams from the local community.
“By making basketball more accessible to young Angolans, the partnership between Africell and NBA Africa is having a big impact,” said Africell Angola CEO Jorge Vazquez. “Basketball is an important part of Angolan popular culture, and this new facility brings it into the reach of more potential players.”
“This beautiful new court speaks to Angola’s rich basketball tradition and further builds on our youth development efforts across the continent,” said NBA CEO Clare Akamanzi. “Thanks to the support of Africell, more boys and girls in Luanda will be able to learn and play the game in a safe environment year-round.”
In addition to the court unveiling and exhibition games, last week, NBA Africa and Africell held a Jr. NBA clinic in Lubango for 250 boys and girls ages 18 and under. Last year, NBA and Africell held Jr. NBA clinics, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, as well as a Her Time to Play basketball clinic and leadership workshop for 200 girls ages 16 and under and 20 female basketball coaches.
The new court also builds on NBA Africa’s previous initiatives in Angola, including hosting Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa in Luanda in 2016 and a Jr. NBA league in Luanda in 2017 and 2018. BWB, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program, has reached nearly 100 Angolan boys and girls since its launch in Africa in 2003.
Angola’s Petro de Luanda is representing the country in the 2024 BAL season for the fourth consecutive time.
Canon Central and North Africa is thrilled to announce its partnership with KidZania Cairo, to introduce a Canon Photography Studio at KidZania in Cairo, Egypt. The new innovative space is designed to provide children from 8-14 years of age with a unique opportunity to explore the world of photography, learn about Canon’s cutting-edge technology, and unleash their creativity in a fun and interactive environment.
The Canon Photography Studio at KidZania Cairo is set to become a captivating and creative play space where children can engage in a variety of activities related to photography. The aim is to create an immersive experience that not only entertains but also educates and empowers young minds while igniting their creativity.
“We are delighted to embark on this exciting collaboration with KidZania Cairo. Canon has always been committed to inspiring creativity and nurturing a passion for technology and innovation. The Canon Photography Studio at KidZania Cairo is more than a play space; it’s a gateway for children to explore the captivating world of photography, learn about leading-edge technology, and, most importantly, have fun while doing so. The indoor city built to scale for kids, is an innovative and educational concept where children can engage in various role-playing activities and simulate real-world jobs and professions. We believe in the power of education through experience, and this collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to empower the next generation of photographers,” says Amine Djouahra, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central and North Africa.
Building upon the success of the Canon Academy Juniors programme, the studio at KidZania Cairo adopts a similar educational empowerment approach tailored to children’s unique scale, level, and language comprehension. Much like the aforementioned initiatives, the studio at KidZania Cairo aspires to instill valuable knowledge and empower young minds in a way that resonates with the dynamic and creative world of children.
For many years, Canon has been committed to empowering young people and providing them with tools and opportunities for personal and educational growth. Initiatives like this with KidZania Cairo play a vital role in enabling young people, providing them with opportunities for skills development and access to education, and fostering personal growth.
“The collaboration between KidZania Cairo and Canon marks a significant stride towards enriching educational experiences for children. By integrating Canon’s expertise in photography with KidZania’s immersive learning environment, we are poised to provide a unique platform for young minds to explore the realms of creativity and technology. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of photographers and creators, equipping them with valuable skills and insights that will shape their future endeavours,” says Ahmed Ibrahim Habib, CEO for KidZania Cairo.
The Canon Photography Studio at KidZania Cairo will feature a diverse range of activities. Children will also learn the art of composing a visually appealing photograph. Through interactive games and activities, they will understand the importance of angles, lighting, and framing.
Additionally, they will get hands-on experience with Canon’s latest technology. After capturing memorable moments, they will have the chance to bring their creations to life by using a Canon printer to print their photographs. Canon and KidZania Cairo are committed to providing children with a unique and enriching experience.
Equipped with newfound experience in camera operation, lens variation, and the intricacies of capturing and printing images, children will emerge with a well-rounded skill set that transcends the fundamentals of basic photography. By combining play and learning, the Canon Photography Studio at KidZania Cairo aims to leave a lasting impression on young minds, inspiring the future generation of photographers.
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