TNT Taps Anika Noni Rose for ‘Beast Mode’ Pilot

TNT has placed actress Anika Noni Rose in the lead role of drama pilot Beast Mode, the network said Monday.

The pilot, inspired by the life of legendary boxing trainer Ann Wolfe, stars Rose (The Quad,Power) as the mother of two who pulled her family from poverty, abuse, homelessness and criminality to reach the pinnacle of boxing as a fighter and as a trainer known for unconventional methods and a combative style, said TNT.

Beast Mode, produced by Wolfe and Marco in association with Studio T, is written and executive produced by David Schneiderman, along with Stefanie Huie, Charles King, Kim Roth and Poppy Hanks. 

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.