The Handy Foundation, a pro-social organization working to foster programs that focus on training and career advancement for underrepresented groups in Hollywood, hosted an exclusive screening and premiere party to celebrate the debut of new series “Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward.” Executive produced by veteran producer Ri-Karlo Handy (founder of The Handy Foundation), this 30-minute series debuting on NBC’s “The More You Know” programming block marks a return of the Harlem Globetrotters in a weekly television show after more than 40 years. The educational/informational series is hosted by actor/comedian Craig Robinson and is also available on NBC.com and Peacock, with repeat airings on Telemundo.
Serving as a dual party-with-a-purpose that also celebrates his birthday, Handy was joined at the screening and cocktail event by colleagues, industry insiders and fellows from The Handy Foundation who worked on the series through the non-profit organization’s job training program. Guests included industry VIPs Dejon Ellis II, Business Manager at IASTE Local 80 Union; Charlotte Pai, VP of Post at Hello Sunshine & Handy Foundation Board Member; Adam Fowler, Founder CVL Economics; Nancy Rae Stone, Deputy Director, Tax Credit Program California Film Commission; Kevin McDonald, CFC Pilot Career Pathways Program, IATSE Training Trust Fund; Jessica Handy, Head of Partnerships, Handy Foundation; founder Ri-Karlo Handy; Allison Frenzel, Programs Specialist, Secondary Arts – Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) Sector – California Department of Education; Robyn Lattaker-Johnson, Agent A3; Shannon Doyle Bell, Supervising Story Producer and Aaron Bauer, Executive Producer for ‘Play it Forward,’ among others.
Attendees watched the premiere episode of “Play It Forward,” which centers on the players’ achievements both on and off the court as ambassadors of goodwill, focusing on topics like space exploration with NASA, financial responsibility and literacy, female empowerment and more. In the series, the Globetrotters team also explores ways to help the communities in each city they visit through volunteerism, fundraising and one-on-one connections.
Following the screening, the standing-room-only crowd learned more about the innovative work of the Handy Foundation in creating pathways to entertainment careers for individuals who were previously lacking access. Through the program, several Handy Foundation fellows gained valuable job experience, as well as membership into the IATSE Local 80 Union, by working on the Globetrotters show. Cohorts in attendance included Mohab Abou-Elallah, Toni Williams and Joel Lin.
Handy noted in his remarks, “The most exciting thing about today was that some of trainees have leveled up to editors on this show and they got to celebrate that accomplishment with their peers! Also, I want to thank everyone who is supporting our mission to increase access to Hollywood careers for all — so many industry organizations came out to support.”
For more information about the work of Handy Foundation or to get involved, visit www.handyfoundation.com.
Photos by: Maury Phillips
