Kicking off with a four-episode order, the first installment of “Behind Her Faith” will feature familiar faces from the big and small screens – that is Essence Atkins (“Ambitions,” “Marlon”); Aisha Hinds (“9-1-1,” “Underground,” “The Hate U Give”); Niecy Nash (“Claws,” “When They See Us” and “Reno 911”); and media mogul Angelica Nwandu, founder of The Shade Room. Each episode will spotlight the #BlackGirlMagic of each woman as they open up to viewers about their greatest achievements and biggest successes as well as their toughest disappointments and most heartbreaking moments, sharing their life lessons and triumphs along the way.
To view the trailer of “Behind Her Faith,”
“As UMC’s viewership continues to grow, we are excited to expand our content offerings to provide a diverse slate of programming that speaks to the many layers of African-American and urban audiences” said Brett Dismuke, chief content officer of UMC. “Paula has brought forth a compelling project that showcases the ups and downs of life and how an unwavering commitment to one’s faith and beliefs can be a source of guidance to accomplishing dreams and reaching ultimate success.”
“I am beyond thrilled that Brett and the UMC team believe in my vision” said Bryant-Ellis. As a woman of color, I want to create content that empowers and uplifts women; it is truly an honor to be able to bring these stories to light.”
Bryant-Ellis, the writer and director, is excited to produce an inspirational look at faith and spirituality, and its impact on the lives of women in various professional backgrounds. “I think people will be interested in the personal stories of women and how their faith manifests itself in their lives,” she added.
Taking a leap of faith, Bryant-Ellis, a former banking exec, left her high-powered job as COO of a financial company in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2014 and re-located to Los Angeles with her husband for a fresh start and sunny skies. Coicidentally, she is the mother of actor Jay Ellis, whose credits include HBO’s “Insecure” and BET’s “The Game.” He’s also signed on as an executive producer of “Behind Her Faith.”
Ironically, following in the footsteps of her only child, Bryant-Ellis decided to pursue a more creative career than past jobs listed on her resume. In addition to her advance degrees, she recently completed various programs in film school as well as a stint at the highly-coveted production house, Shondaland. She’s quickly emerging as a very talented writer, producer, and director with various projects either sold or greenlit.
In addition to the mother-son duo of Bryant-Ellis and Ellis, serving as executive producers, the creative team of “Behind Her Faith” also includes Codie Oliver — the executive producer and director of OWN’s “Black Love” — who steps in as a consulting producer.
A former banking exec, Paula Bryant-Ellis served as the COO of the financial company, BOKF in Tulsa, Oklahoma from 2004 to 2014 before re-locating to Los Angeles. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management from Concordia Lutheran College in Austin, Texas, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She completed additional graduate studies in Executive Strategy and Innovation Management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) at the Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Mass.
Seeking a more creative profession as a filmmaker, she studied at the New York Film Academy in New York as well as a stint at the highly-coveted production house, Shondaland in Los Angeles. She is the creator, writer and director of the new docu-series “Behind Her Faith,” examining the power of faith among successful women of color. Coincidentally, Bryant-Ellis is the mother actor Jay Ellis, whose credits include HBO’s “Insecure” and BET’s “The Game.” An only child, he’s won an NAACP Image Award for his portrayal of Lawrence Walker on HBO’s hit show “Insecure.” He’s also an executive producer on “Behind Her Faith.”
ABOUT UMC (URBAN MOVIE CHANNEL)
UMC (Urban Movie Channel) is the first and largest subscription streaming service dedicated to Black film and television from AMC Networks’ privately-owned subsidiary, RLJ Entertainment. UMC displays fresh original series, feature films, documentaries, stage plays and other popular Black entertainment with new and exclusive content added every week. Watch UMC on iOS, Apple TV & Apple TV Channels, Android, Amazon Prime Video Channels, Comcast’s Xfinity On Demand, Roku & The Roku Channel, Amazon Fire TV & Fire TV Stick. At www.UMC.tv, UMC offers a free 7-day trial and thereafter is just $4.99/month or $49.99/year. Keep up with UMC on Facebook at Facebook.com/UrbanMovieChannel and on Twitter/Instagram @WatchUMC.
About AMC Networks
Known for its groundbreaking and celebrated original content, AMC Networks is the company behind the award-winning brands AMC, BBC AMERICA, IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv and IFC Films. Its diverse line-up of popular and critically-acclaimed series and independent films include “Killing Eve,” “Better Call Saul” and “The Walking Dead,” which has been the #1 show on basic cable television for nine consecutive years, as well as “Portlandia,” “Brockmire,” “Love After Lockup,” and the films “Boyhood,” “Death of Stalin,” and many more. Its original series “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad” are widely recognized as being among the most influential and acclaimed shows in the history of TV. The Company also operates AMC Studios, its production business; AMC Networks International, its international programming business; the subscription streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now; Acorn TV; and UMC (Urban Movie Channel); and Levity Entertainment Group, the Company’s production services and comedy venues business. For more information, visit http://www.amcnetworks.com.