MyNet sketches 'Rock Project' plan
Network close to ordering sketch show
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Looking to expand its TV presence beyond gritty reality TV, Langley Prods. is behind "The Tony Rock Project." MyNet is expected to announce a pickup shortly as part of the netlet's plans to expand its Wednesday night comedy block.
Claude Brooks, who's also behind MyNet's Flavor Flav half-hour "Under One Roof," is set to exec produce alongside John and Morgan Langley. The Langleys have already shot some preliminary footage on location with Rock.
According to John Langley, "The Tony Rock Project" will mix sketch comedy with reality to take on issues of race, class and power.
"It's comedy about something," he said. "We're interested in the bubbles of prejudice and preconceptions and think it will be interesting to pop them in a reality comedy kind of way. It's experimental and will include a lot of improv, among other things. It's a tough genre to pull off, but if you can, it's great."
Insiders said MyNet is in discussions to pick up eight episodes of the show, which would likely run between "Under One Roof" and the hourlong "Funniest Moments" at 9 p.m. Network is currently airing repackaged episodes of early '90s sketch laffer "In Living Color" in the 8:30 slot.
Langley already programs more fare for MyNet than any other producer. "Jail" is the netlet's highest-rated series, improving its timeslot by 50% vs. last year. Both "Jail" and Langley's other MyNet entry, "Street Patrol," just secured second-season orders.
"Cops," meanwhile, is heading into its 21st season on Fox.
Langley is also branching into features, producing the pic "Brooklyn's Finest" with Millennium Films and Thunder Road Prods. Antoine Fuqua is helming.
"We're trying to expand our horizons here," Langley said. "We're moving in all kinds of directions. It's because of my son Morgan coming in. He's brought young blood here."
