Bentley Kyle Evans' Harvest Studios has announced a new partnership with Duane Martin for an exclusive four-episode multi-camera comedy series titled 'Boo'd Up.' This collaboration marks a significant effort to inject fresh energy into the traditional sitcom format, bringing together seasoned talents in front of and behind the camera. The series promises a unique blend of humor and heart, aiming to capture the attention of audiences yearning for innovative comedic content.
The creative force behind hit shows like 'Martin' and 'The Jamie Foxx Show,' Bentley Kyle Evans will serve as the executive producer for 'Boo'd Up' through his Harvest Studios, also taking the directorial reins for all four episodes. Duane Martin, known for his roles in 'Bel-Air' and 'Real Husbands of Hollywood,' will not only executive produce but also lead the cast. Trenten Gumbs, co-founder of Harvest Studios, joins them as an executive producer. The ensemble cast features Carl Anthony Payne from 'Martin,' Apryl Jones from 'The Comeback,' Vanessa Bell Calloway, Varonica Mitchell, and Kaden J. Quinn, promising a dynamic and engaging on-screen chemistry.
Currently, the series is in production at Harvest Studios' facilities in Northridge, CA, without an attached network or streaming platform. Evans emphasized the strategic vision behind 'Boo'd Up,' stating that Harvest Studios is committed to creating a hub for bold, culturally relevant sitcoms. He believes that the series offers precisely what studios and streamers are seeking and what audiences have been missing in the contemporary television landscape. This initiative is not merely about producing individual shows but about establishing a robust pipeline for future multi-camera comedies and securing distribution partners to expand their reach.
The narrative of 'Boo'd Up' centers on Reggie, portrayed by Carl Anthony Payne, a man who, post-divorce, believes his chance at love has passed. His perspective changes upon meeting Zoe, played by Apryl Jones, a widowed mother of two vibrant children. However, their developing relationship takes an unexpected turn when Zoe reveals a peculiar complication: her late husband, Jake, a former NBA star portrayed by Duane Martin, is still very much present, albeit as a ghost. This spectral ex-husband is determined to maintain his influence over the family, using supernatural antics and comedic hijinks to assert his patriarch status.
Duane Martin expressed his enthusiasm for returning to comedy, describing 'Boo'd Up' as a 'full-circle moment.' He highlighted the fresh and unexpected approach to the genre, made possible through his collaboration with Bentley and Trenten's Harvest Studios, calling it the 'right project at the right time.' This project underscores a deliberate move by Harvest Studios to innovate within the beloved multi-camera comedy format, offering audiences a refreshing and entertaining viewing experience that combines humor with a unique supernatural twist. Evans' recent executive producing credits include the 'Martin' spinoff 'Varnell Hill' for BET and 'Savannah State of Mind' for AspireTV, further cementing his reputation for developing engaging comedic content.