Marker 03

Marker 06

Guest + Talent Chemistry Moment

Guest + Talent Chemistry audiogram

Cortney sits down with filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper to discuss her new documentary, James Brown: SAY IT LOUD. The pair speak about James Brown’s role in the Black Power Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, Brown’s iconic song “Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud,” slavery’s influence on Black entertainment, the history of hip-hop, r&b, soul, and rock musicians sampling James Brown, and funk music's impact on contemporary genres.  Cortney and Deborah also have a nuanced conversation about how to discuss artists with complicated pasts.

Acting Up is all about Black Hollywood, who's making noise, who's making a difference, and how they're moving the needle regarding representation. 

Cortney Wills has forged deep connections with creatives, actors, directors, producers, writers, executives, and the real decision-makers who shape how our community is represented onscreen, giving Acting Up access to the inner workings of Hollywood.

Connect with theGrio Black Podcast Network

Music Courtesy of: Transitions Music Corporation, Black Ice Publishing, Reach Global Songs

Media Clips Courtesy of: A + E Networks

Cortney sits down with filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper to discuss her new documentary, James Brown: SAY IT LOUD. The pair speak about James Brown’s role in the Black Power Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, Brown’s iconic song “Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud,” slavery’s influence on Black entertainment, the history of hip-hop, r&amp;b, soul, and rock musicians sampling James Brown, and funk music's impact on contemporary genres.  Cortney and Deborah also have a nuanced conversation about how to discuss artists with complicated pasts.
Acting Up is all about Black Hollywood, who's making noise, who's making a difference, and how they're moving the needle regarding representation. 
Cortney Wills has forged deep connections with creatives, actors, directors, producers, writers, executives, and the real decision-makers who shape how our community is represented onscreen, giving Acting Up access to the inner workings of Hollywood.
<a href="https://linktr.ee/thegrioblackpodcastnetwork">Connect with theGrio Black Podcast Network</a>
Music Courtesy of: Transitions Music Corporation, Black Ice Publishing, Reach Global Songs
Media Clips Courtesy of: A + E Networks

Acting up is smart, relevant and dedicated to supporting Black Excellence in Hollywood. Hosted by Cortney Wills, TheGrio’s Entertainment Director and pop culture junkie, covering music, TV and film since 2005, she guides us through one-on-one conversations with icons, celebrities, actors, producers, directors, and all the Black people who keep this industry thriving. 

Acting up is smart, relevant and dedicated to supporting Black Excellence in Hollywood. Hosted by Cortney Wills, TheGrio&rsquo;s Entertainment Director and pop culture junkie, covering music, TV and film since 2005, she guides us through one-on-one conversations with icons, celebrities, actors, producers, directors, and all the Black people who keep this industry thriving.

Acting Up

"Acting Up” features intimate conversations with the creatives, executives, and decision-makers who are truly moving the needle when it comes to representation in Hollywood and beyond. In each episode, theGrio’s Entertainment Director Cortney Wills gets real with actors, writers, producers, directors, executives, and insiders who shape how our communities are represented on screens big and small. Through poignant commentary and in-depth interviews, she explores how Hollywood continues to influence so many aspects of our lives, from beauty standards to political participation, from how the rest of the world sees Black America to how they see themselves.

"Acting Up” features intimate conversations with the creatives, executives, and decision-makers who are truly moving the needle when it comes to representation in Hollywood and beyond. In each episode, theGrio’s Entertainment Director Cortney Wills gets real with actors, writers, producers, directors, executives, and insiders who shape how our communities are represented on screens big and small. Through poignant commentary and in-depth interviews, she explores how Hollywood continues to influence so many aspects of our lives, from beauty standards to political participation, from how the rest of the world sees Black America to how they see themselves.

Advertisement