Paramount Media Networks and MTV Entertainment Studios Announce Renewal of Global Agreement with Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance’s Production Company

Bassett Vance Productions, owned by Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance, and MTV Entertainment Studios have announced the renewal of their overall agreement. This collaboration is the result of Paramount’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative, a global initiative to improve content development for a new generation of BIPOC and women leaders in front of and behind the camera.

“Angela and Courtney have masterfully brought the events of our story to the fore to tell uplifting and dramatic stories that resonate with global audiences,” said Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and Chief Creative Officer, Paramount Media Networks. and MTV Entertainment Studios. . “It’s a privilege to continue our fruitful creative relationship and our shared commitment to amplifying diverse creators and new voices.”

Bassett Vance Productions is currently filming Heist 88the first characteristic of the overall agreement. thousand years of slavery on the Smithsonian Channel and a limited series about the Tulsa Race Massacre, both slated for release in 2023, are previously announced projects from the collaboration between MTV Entertainment Studios and Bassett Vance Productions.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with MTV Entertainment Studios,” said Lynnette Ramirez, Head of Development at Bassett Vance Productions. “We look forward to developing more films together beyond our current active slate, which includes the drama Heist 88 and the shared vision for our upcoming four-part event series based on The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921.”

Heist 88, which is currently filming in Chicago, reunites two-time Emmy® Award-winning actor Vance with Bentley Green and Keesha Sharp, who recently starred with Vance on AMC’s 61st Street. Keesha Sharp played ‘Dale Cochran’ in the acclaimed limited series The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story. Heist 88 is a stunning account of one of the greatest bank robberies in US history, based on real events.

In the film, criminal mastermind Jeremy Horne (Vance), who has a natural ability to persuade people to do almost anything, sets out to complete one last operation before being sent to prison. In a daring and audacious attack on the American banking system, he enlists four young bank employees to steal an estimated $80 million. The events of Heist 88 happened before the widespread computerization and sophisticated cybersecurity of today.

“I’ve always been drawn to characters on multiple levels, whether they’re a savior or a villain. This character is inspired by a man who was able to convince a small group of young people who were at the lowest rungs of their bank to join him in committing one of the greatest crimes against the American banking system in the history of this country,” says Vance. through the lens of a powerful cast, that when the American Dream isn’t available to everyone, decisions are often made based on those inequalities. I anticipate Heist 88 will be a staple, especially in light of the fascination and popularity of true crime stories in today’s streaming and network television landscape.

Heist 88 will also star Keith David, Xavier Clyde, Nican Robinson and Precious Way.