VH1’s upcoming original movie “Drumline: A New Beat,” produced in partnership with Fox Television Studios, and executive produced by the original film producers Wendy Finerman, Dallas Austin and Jody Gerson, along with Nick Cannon, will premiere Monday, October 27th at 9PM ET/PT. The original film was produced by Fox 2000. The telefilm is the next project in the network’s successful original movie initiative, kick started by 2013’s “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story,” which generated record-breaking ratings and tremendous viewer response.
“Drumline: A New Beat” will capture the sound and spirit of the first film while welcoming a whole new class to the Atlanta A&T drumline. The new story follows female lead Danielle “Dani” Raymond (Alexandra Shipp), an upper class Brooklyn girl who defies her parents in order to attend Atlanta A&T so she can join – and revitalize – their once-prominent drumline. Dani’s quest to become the first female section leader will be hampered by upperclassmen, including her cousin Tyree (Jeff Pierre), her feelings for fellow bandmate and rival Jayven (Jordan Calloway), and the school’s crosstown competitors. Tasha (Jasmine Burke) and Josh (Scott Shilstone) round out the freshmen drumline and bring their own ambitions onto the field. Sean Taylor (Leonard Roberts) from the original film will return to the franchise as Atlanta A&T’s new band director. Sean is looking to make his mark on his alma mater while dealing with “ghosts” from his past: the dean, Dr. Nia Phillips (LeToya Luckett), his brother, Kevin Taylor (Deray Davis) and original “Drumline” favorite, Devon Miles (Nick Cannon).
“Drumline: A New Beat” is the next movie fueling VH1’s successful momentum into the scripted arena. VH1 delivered the highest-rated original cable movie of 2013 among adults 18-49 with “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story.” 4.5 million total viewers tuned in for its October 21 premiere, which earned a 2.9 rating in the adult 18-49 demo and rated as the most-tweeted TV topic that day, generating over 2 million tweets.
“Drumline: A New Beat” is executive produced by Wendy Finerman (Wendy Finerman Productions), Jody Gerson, Lisa Zupan, Dallas Austin and Nick Cannon through his NCredible Entertainment banner, as well as Maggie Malina, Alexander A. Motlagh of POPFilms and Michael Goldman. Susan Levison and Jill Holmes are executive producers for VH1. Bille Woodruff is directing. Script by Regina Hicks & Karin Gist.
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