Nate Jackson Crowned As The New Winner Of The Bay Area Black Comedy Competition!

The city famous for its award-winning coffee, Grunge music and fabled wet weather is over 800 miles north of Oakland, yet Seattle funnyman Nate Jackson, walked away with top honors at the 24th edition of The Bay Area Black Comedy Competition on April 17th at Oakland's Paramount Theatre like he was in his own backyard. Jackson now joins the groundbreaking event's famous alumni that include: Jamie Foxx, DL Hughley, Don "DC" Curry, Mike Epps, Katt Williams, Chris Tucker, Nick Cannon and Oakland's own Mark Curry, whose careers got that all important first push at the landmark contest.

"The crowd gave it up to Nate," recounts Competition founder Tony Spires. "It was a quality field of nine seasoned professionals this year. Nate's focus and his energy were the difference. He was on fire instantly," Spires adds. Convinced that there is strength in numbers, Jackson, a seven-year comedy veteran, didn't come alone. The 26 year-old Jackson, a student of comedy, who also holds a bachelors of science degree in Organizational Communications, became the professor that night, as he taught a class on onstage shtick, as well as strategy.

An impressive 37 of Jackson's biggest fans flew, drove and trained from Washington's "Emerald City" to California's Golden Gate to pay their young prospect the highest honor and help cheer him on to victory. His enthusiastic clan included his parents, along with a varied assortment of friends and family. "Maybe that's why he felt so at home," Spires added. "He had his people in the house."

"My goal was to win. I just wanted to do what I knew I was capable of doing. I was determined to have the best set of my life. I left the rest in God's hands," comments Jackson. If Saturday, April 17th, 2010 was any indication, Nate Jackson just expanded his territory and his fan-base. "I couldn't believe it! I immediately got 80 congratulatory text messages from friends. My Facebook and Twitter were off the charts! I'm in great company, now. I feel like big things are going to happen for me!" exclaimed Jackson. There were a total of 9 Finalists from all over the country, many who had much more experience than the winner but Jackson didn't bow to seniority. Rounding out the top three spots were Memphis' Henry Coleman and Chicago's Marcus Combs.

"We celebrate our 25th Silver Anniversary in 2011 and I'm looking forward to discovering and presenting the next generation of stand-up comedians to the world-who often double as 'industry game-changers' like Jamie Foxx and Katt Williams," Spires touted.

The BABCCF, the pioneering event that is a precursor to TV shows like HBO's Def Comedy Jam and BET's Comic View, was emceed by 1995 champion comedian/actor Don "DC" Curry. Opening the festivities was the youth performing arts ensemble Vision's Kids, who performed their latest offering, "The Art Of Education," an inspiring musical message to save our youth.

The evening was kicked-off by Full Vision Arts Foundation and LA Jones & Associates' 6th Annual Inspired Artist Awards Ceremony and Reception. The ceremony honored outstanding members in the community who have achieved recognition-worthy status through service. On Friday, April 16th Full Vision Arts Foundation presented their 3rd Annual Youth Arts & Entertainment Forum, an open entertainment industry forum and youth showcase hosted by celebrity mentors: Don "DC" Curry, musician D'Wayne Wiggins, spoken word artist Ise Lyfe, Hip Hop producer Krushadelic, broadcaster Larry Chew, fashion guru Charleston Pierce and organizer Tony Spires. (Above photo-By Auintard Henderson) Check out the interview below with Nate after his win.

The Red Carpet Of Death At A Funeral!

Here is the red carpet premiere of Death At A Funeral that took place last week in Hollywood. This film stars Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Tracy Morgan, Danny Glover, Luke Wilson, Zoe Saldana, Regina Hall and more and they all hit the carpet. Here is a a quick clip of what happened.

Tracy Morgan & Chris Rock Interview Each Other!

Thanks to our friends at Punchline Magazine for catching this because we completely missed it! Anyway, we discovered an interview that was recorded by Moviefone with Tracy Morgan and Chris Rock where they ask each other some interesting questions. It's an interview that you will not want to miss! Ignore the crazy pixelated, huge Chris Rock-face thumbnail Moviefone used. The actual video will follow it when you click the image.

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.

Toldja So! Martin Lawrence Confirms Bad Boys 3!

As we originally reported way back in August, it looks like Martin Lawrence confirmed to MTV News yesterday- Bad Boys 3 is officially on with Lawrence and Will Smith!

If you remember a couple of months ago, we placed a story stating that we heard Hollywood execs were trying their best to bring back Will Smith and Martin Lawrence for a third installment of the Bad Boys films action franchise.

Well, as of today's news it seems that we were right- officially. Lawrence confirmed that Columbia Pictures is under way with the new film, and we discovered they have commissioned writer Peter Craig to begin work on a new screenplay.

Also as Lawrence and Smith had hoped for it seems the studio is close to signing on Michael Bay (of Transformers fame) and producer Jerry Bruckheimer back on board, both who were involved in the previous two films.

The original Bad Boys release hit cinemas in 1995, grossing a conservative $141 million worldwide, while Bad Boys 2, the sequel released eight years later, was a global box office smash, taking profits of $273 million.

Will Smith Officially Agrees To Do Men In Black 3!

This morning we were contacted by several sources who all confirmed one thing; it looks like Will Smith is back for Men In Black 3.

We also discovered that even his old partner in the film Tommy Lee Jones- who many thought would never do anther MIB film again- is back too.

As rumors would have it, and as we discovered several months ago, Smith had agreed to do the film, but the only real uncertainty was with Jones. After many conversations with the studio execs many speculated that Josh Brolin was going to be a replacement.

At the moment, little is known about the plot of Men In Black 3, which Sony will be aiming to get into cinemas by May 30, 2011, but we imagine it’ll involve Agent Jay (Smith) and Kay (Jones) getting in way over their heads with some angry alien beasties.

We also hear that this film, like every other film hitting theaters now, will be in glorious 3D.

More as this story develops.

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Jamie Foxx & Affion Crockett New Sketch Show Adds New Cast Members!

It looks like the new sketch comedy show from Jamie Foxx and Affion Crockett is shaping up to look more and more like FOX's former hit show In Living Color.

As with the new untitled project about to premiere from FOX, the new show- like In Living Color- is casting some sketch comedy vets for their new show. We hear that the new series regulars added Erica Ash (of MadTV fame), Eric Andre, Kyle Dunnigan (of Reno 911! fame) and Dana DeLorenzo.

As we previously reported, the show is the brainchild of Foxx, Crockett and MadTV creators Fax Bahr and Adam Small. As of this writing we also discovered that the cast should be rounded out in the next couple of days.

More on this story as it develops.

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Shaq All-Star Comedy Stand-Up Special Goes On-Demand!

Today we discovered a new technology trend that is about to hit the comedy world; we hear that Warner Bros. Digital Distribution will offer exclusively via on demand the Shaquille O'Neal Presents: All-Star Comedy Jam stand up comedy special beginning May 6.

The special, held Feb. 12th during the National Basketball Association All-Star Game weekend and hosted by Academy Award-winning actress and comedian Mo'Nique, features stand-up performances from several popular urban comics including Mike Epps, George Willborn, Paul Mooney, Michael Blackson and Corey Holcomb, according to Warner Bros. officials.

Comcast/Xfinity, Time Warner Cable, Cox Cable, Charter Communications, Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-Verse and Dish Network have signed to carry the event, according to Warner Bros. executives.

Viewers will also be able to access Warner Bros.-distributed vintage stand-up comedy shows featuring Tracy Morgan, Steve Harvey, Jamie Foxx, Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin and Sommore.

This is the first of several high-profile event programming Warner Bros. hopes to distribute exclusively to VOD providers, although the company would not reveal specific titles.

"We're offering consumers a front-row seat to high profile events exclusively through the On Demand and PPV platform," Michele Edelman, vice president of marketing and programming in Warner Bros. Digital Distribution, said in a statement. "Going forward we envision this 'virtual ticket' to go beyond comedy to include great offerings and events traditionally limited to closed venues."

More news on this as it develops.

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

***Ah SKIT- It's Friday*** New Episode Featuring Jay Anthony Brown!

Comedy parody of Eryka Badu video
SInce it's time for another skit, we had to drop one on you, and this one is from comedian Jay Anthony Brown. Tell us what you think!

Queen Latifah Jumps Into Comedy With New Projects!

We just discovered that Black Entertainment Television is about to enter a multi-year deal with Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit Entertainment, and we also hear that there is an official greenlight of the original episodes of The Game- the former hit show that was formerly on the CW network.

The shocking news about this is that both of these shows are new for BET in the scripted arena.

Under the deal with Flavor Unit, the company has come on board to produce its first scripted comedy project, titled Let’s Stay Together. The new show is written and exec produced by Jacque Edmonds Cofer, and is a romantic comedy starring Malinda Williams (of Showtime's Soul Food fame) and Bert Belasco. We hear that the show is set for a launch in January 2011.

But that's not it for the Flavor Unit, as we hear they will also produce the new film titled The Cookout 2, which is a sequel to The Cookout.

We hear that the new show The Game, which was created by Mara Brock Akil, is slated to re-launch in September 2011.

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Chris Rock Agrees To New Remake Film Titled High And Low

At yesterday's press conference for the new film titled Death At A Funeral which stars Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence and Tracy Morgan (just to name a few) we discovered a news item from Chris Rock himself.

Rock stated that he has agreed to write and possibly star in a new screenplay, which we later discovered was intended for playwright David Mamet titled High and Low and would have Mike Nichols attached, who was brought on to direct.

We discovered that the film is another remake which is a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s acclaimed 1963 detective thriller High and Low, and follows a wealthy executive whose son has been kidnapped. He’s prepared to pay the ransom using funds he needs for a critical corporate buyout. But, before he can send the payment, he realizes the kidnappers have mistakenly abducted the child of his chauffeur and thus the decision becomes much more complicated.

Mamet was commissioned to pen the first draft of the screenplay more than ten years ago by then producer Martin Scorsese.

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Jamie Foxx To Add Animation To Upcoming Projects!

We just discovered from our sources that comedian, actor, singer and now producer Jamie Foxx is getting into the animation business, as we hear he is planning to produce and star in new animation titled Welcome To The Jungle for 20th Century Fox.
The new animation is based on an idea by Foxx and writer Malcolm Spellman, and we hear that the project is being kept under lock and key for now.

No word yet on when the project will begin, but we will find out and get back to you.

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Martin Lawrence To Shoot A Concert Film?

Rumors are flying around in the comedy world that comedian and actor Martin Lawrence is about to make a big splash; and that’s by going back on tour and preparing to do a concert film.

Now, even though this story has yet to be confirmed we do know that Lawrence just wrapped his Doin' Time Comedy Tour and we know that after wrapping up the tour in the smaller markets he is planning on launching the tour in the major markets, and POSSIBLY go overseas even though the trek to go overseas hasn’t panned out yet.

If the rumors are true, expect his Production Company Runteldat to produce the film which will probably be shot in a major market, maybe Washington DC.

Up next for Lawrence is Death At A Funeral which opens nationwide April 16th with Chris Rock and Tracy Morgan, then off to Atlanta to film Big Momma’s; Like Father Like Son, and the Sheneneh and Wanda film also starring Jamie Foxx.

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Charlie Murphy On Humor Mill TV!

Here is an interview we conducted with comedian and actor Charlie Murphy (of The Dave Chappelle Show), who discusses everything from how he does what he does, to staying a writer to ultimately doing stand up. We also discuss his new book titled The Making Of A Stand Up Guy and his upcoming plans as an author, comedian and actor, and more! Check out the complete interview from the comedian who is probably best known by people screaming out his name "CHARLIE MURPHY"on The Chappelle Show right here!

Big Momma's House 3 Casting Almost Complete & About To Film!

As expected, the cast for the new Martin Lawrence film, Big Momma's House 3 is just about complete.

We hear that joining Lawrence and Brandon T Jackson are actors Faizon Love, Emily Rios, Portia Doubleday and Michelle Ang.

As we reported a couple of weeks ago, Jackson (of Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief and the upcoming Lottery Ticket) joined the cast as Lawrence’s son and will also don the infamous fat suit. Jessica Lucas (of Cloverfield fame) also joined the cast in the third installment which is now titled Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son. So far, the actress who is noticeably absent from the casting is actress Nia Long who played Lawrence’s love interest in the previous films.

If you recall, the Big Momma’s House franchise is about an FBI agent who wears drag and goes undercover to crack certain cases.

As we stated weeks ago, Big Momma’s House 3 is about Big Momma (Lawrence) and Charmaine (Jackson) go undercover at an all-girls performing-arts school to unmask a murderer. Love will play Kurtis Kool, a school security guard and former Run-D.M.C. roadie who becomes smitten with Big Momma. Rios, Doubleday and Ang will play students at the school who befriend Jackson's character.

The film begins shooting this month in Atlanta at the private, all-girls Agnes Scott College.

We hear up next for Lawrence is the rest of his Doin' Time Comedy Tour which is about to hit the major markets, and the Sheneneh and Wanda film also starring Jamie Foxx in the female characters they developed for their respective television shows. We even hear that there is some even bigger news about to drop from Lawrence’s camp and as soon as we confirm we will release it, so stay tuned!

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com