The cast of TV One’s upcoming original film RINGSIDE and the movie’s writer/director/producer, Russ Parr, gathered with fans and the media for a special preview screening on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at the Landmark E Street Cinema. Sponsored by Majic 102.3 and Parr himself, the film’s stars Tyler Lepley, Allen Maldonado, Julissa Bermudez, and Jackie Long were all in attendance.Before the screening, the stars walked the red carpet, stopping for interviews with reporters. After moviegoers enjoyed the film, Parr and the cast discussed RINGSIDE with the audience in a Q&A session.
Other notable attendees were Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson, hip-hop artist Kidd Flash, multi-platinum singer and songwriter Lundon Knighten, Radio One General Manager and Senior Regional Vice President Jeffrey Wilson, and TV One President Brad Siegel.
TV One is sure to knock out Labor Day weekend with its Sunday, Sept. 4 debut of RINGSIDE (7 p.m. ET; encore 9 p.m. ET), the network’s latest original movie written, produced and directed by nationally syndicated radio host Russ Parr (Hear No Evil, The Undershepherd, 35 and Ticking), and an all-day marathon of the second season of EMPIRE, television’s award-winning and most nominated series, on Monday, Sept. 5, beginning at 7 a.m. ET.
RINGSIDE stars Tyler Lepley (The Haves and the Have Nots, Baggage Claim) as undefeated boxer Jaxon Hollie and explores the personal battles he faces outside of the ring while preparing for the biggest fight of his career. Jaxon is a fast-rising star in the tough world of professional boxing whose “street cred” and perceived worthiness to challenge his upcoming opponent – the current champion – are under fire due to his middle class upbringing and advanced education.
As Jaxon trains for the title fight, the trash-talking, steroid-taking champ Spencer “Timber” Collier played by Allen Maldonado (Straight Outta Compton, Black-ish) does everything he can to take Jaxon off his game. The stakes are high and family drama, thirsty groupies, and a manager with a serious gambling problem are all vying for Jaxon’s attention, making it difficult for him to stay focused on the task at hand – winning the belt. In the midst of being pushed to the limit both physically and mentally, Jaxon meets a beautiful photographer Endira (Raney Branch; The Originals, Grey’s Anatomy) who captures his heart while hiding a devastating secret.
