BET To Produce More Films Based on Arabesque Books

Posted on October 23, 2000

BET Pictures II (BET Pictures), the feature film division of BET Holdings II, Inc., has slated three new made-for-television movies for Spring 2001 release, continuing momentum started with 10 films produced during the 1999-2000 TV season based on romance novels from BET's Arabesque Books division. Nina Henderson-Moore, president and COO of BET Pictures, announced the plans along with Jeff Clanagan, partner in Mandalay Urban Entertainment, who will manage development and production of the new Arabesque Films for BET Pictures.

``The original 10 Arabesque Films were historic in that they represented the largest single slate of African American-themed films ever produced. It's natural that BET Pictures II would keep that momentum going for 2001,'' said Henderson-Moore. ``We are thrilled to have an executive producer as experienced and respected as Jeff Clanagan. The combination of Jeff's leadership, and the ability of Robi Reed-Humes to cast some of Hollywood's finest talent, will indeed take our Arabesque-themed productions to an outstanding level.''

Arabesque novels chosen by BET Pictures for television adaptation are Fire and Ice, written by Carla Fredd; Carmen Green's Commitments; and One Special Moment by Brenda Jackson. BET Arabesque Books, which publishes African American-themed romance novels, has published more than 250 titles since its creation six years ago. The Arabesque books on which the movies are based will be re-issued and available in bookstores to coincide with each film's telecast dates on BET next year.

``BET's commitment to showcasing African-American talent in front of and behind the cameras is stronger than ever before,'' Henderson-Moore said. ``We've constructed a successful formula at BET Pictures that leverages a diverse and influential pool of African-American and other resources to create product that is compelling, entertaining and of the highest quality possible. We're applying this formula to our made-for-television productions, as well as our theatrical releases which will also hit theaters next year.''