TCA16: TV One Sets Two Original Films

Read more TCA ’16 summer tour coverage

Beverly Hills, Calif -- TV One continued to build its original film portfolio with the addition of two new projects, Media and Ringside, the network said during its Television Critics Association summer press tour.

Media, produced by Cathy Hughes – the founder of TV One parent company Radio One -- follows a wealthy family battling the competitive challenges of keeping their status and position in the communications industry, according to network officials.  The film stars Penny Johnson Jerald (Castle, 24), Brian White (Stomp the Yard, The Family Stone) and Pooch Hall (The Game, Ray Donovan).

"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."

Ringside, written, produced and directed by syndicated radio host Russ Parr (Hear No Evil), debuts Sept. 4 and stars Tyler Lepley (The Haves and the Have Nots, Baggage Claim) as an undefeated boxer and explores the personal battles he faces outside of the ring while preparing for the biggest fight of his career.

"With Ringside, TV One continues to focus on bringing original film content to our core audience, while also introducing new viewers to all that we have to offer here as a network," says D'Angela Proctor, senior vice president of original programming and production for TV One. "We've produced 19 original films over the past two years, and are thrilled to add Ringside to that catalogue.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.