Sophia Bush Snags Deal With 20th Century Fox, Giving Women a Platform
Actress and philanthropist Sophia Bush is taking steps to increase the number of women producing in Hollywood. And the former “One Tree Hill” star just signed a deal with 20th Century Fox to develop content for the studio and make that happen.
Bush told Cheddar that she would like to see more women in the driver’s seat for television and that she’s looking change the narrative around gender roles on the big screen.
“I think we need more women in [producer] roles and executive leadership,” she said.
Bush noted that her experience has helped cultivate a desire for complex characters and storylines. She says that she wants to tell stories that resonate, adding "strong women resonate with me."
Telling layered stories is also important for Bush. She points out that male characters do not always have to be "steely superheroes," but they can be allies and advocates for women, too.
“Shows exist in entire worlds,” she says. “I think that you have to assess the complexity of all characters.”
The producer is a known advocate for women. She recently joined other female cast and crew members of “One Tree Hill” to accuse showrunner Mark Schwahn of sexual harassment. The conversation started when, in a series of tweets, writer Audrey Wauchope recounted her experience with Schwahn. In support, the group wrote an open letter where they all shared the psychological impact that being groped and and sexually harassed over those years had on them. Many say they are still in treatment for post-traumatic stress.
The American television series aired from 2003 to 2012. According to the letter, Schwan’s behavior was an “open secret” the entire time.
The Chinese government brought the sitcom "Friends" back to its streaming services. However, it had instances of LGBTQ+ references left out, after the series had been banned on Chinese streaming platforms for years.
Season 13 "Shark Tank" contestant Tania Speaks secured a $400,000 deal for her Speaks Organic Skincare brand with "Shark" Mark Cuban while also being named one of the best pitches in the history of the show — all at 19 years old. Now 20, Speaks joined Cheddar News to talk about the skincare line, the clean beauty industry, and the moment that host Cuban was moved by her pitch. "I couldn't believe that he got emotional. I'm surprised I held back my tears that long," the young entrepreneur revealed. "It's just amazing for someone else to be inspired by your story, especially Mark Cuban himself."
The media giant formerly known as ViacomCBS has officially rebranded itself as Paramount Global with a focus on its streaming service, Paramount Plus. Naveen Chopra, chief financial officer at Paramount, joined Cheddar to discuss the company’s name change and streaming wars. "There are components of content licensing that we continue to do, either historical arrangements or opportunities to license content that don't really impinge on what we're trying to do with our owned and operated services and that continues to be an important ingredient in our broader financial model," he said. "But our number one priority is putting our best assets on Paramount Plus." Chopra also discussed theatrical release windows before feature films hit its service and the platform's subscription goals.
In efforts to help support black-owned brands. Ulta Beauty says it will make a commitment to not only give these brand shelf space but also help them navigate the ins and outs of growing a business. Last week, the beauty retailer announced in order to reach those goals, the company will spend $50 million on diversity and inclusion programs, including an accelerated program to mentor entrepreneurs of color. CEO of Ulta Beauty, Dave Kimbell, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
For black history month, Cheddar is highlighting black business leaders who are driving the need for representation forward. On February 10, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted an event called 'Developing the Black-Owned Business Ecosystem.' The virtual event was organized under the lobbying group's two initiatives -- the Equality of Opportunity Initiative, and the Coalition to Back Black Businesses. The event highlighted the developments needed to develop more black-owned businesses in the U.S. Dr. Anthony Wilbon, Dean of the School of Business at Howard University, joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss his experience as a speaker at the event.
