Alexandra Shipp, Letoya Luckett, Jordan Calloway, Jeff Pierre, Jasmine Burke, Leonard Roberts and Scott Shilstone, all make up the cast of VH1′s original movie "Drumline: A New Beat."
Executive producer Nick Cannon also reprises his role as Devon Miles from the first film, but only in a cameo appearance.
VH1 is producing the original movie in partnership with Fox Television Studios and targeting a Fall 2014 premiere.
"Drumline: A New Beat" follows Danielle (Dani) Bolton, an upper class Brooklyn girl who defies her parents in order to attend Atlanta A & T so she can join – and revitalize – their once-prominent drumline. Dani’s quest to become the first female section leader of the drumline in the school’s history will be hampered by upperclassmen (including her cousin, Tyree), her feelings for fellow band mate and rival, Jayven, and the school’s crosstown competitors.
Billie Woodruff is directing.
Here are the character breakdowns, as well as the actors who will play them:
Alexandra Shipp will star as Danielle “Dani” Bolton, a brilliant drummer whose goal is to become the first female percussion section leader in the famous Atlanta A&T drumline. As Dani fights to get what she thinks is rightfully hers, she will learn a few life lessons about ego, teamwork and courage.
Letoya Luckett joins the cast as Dr. Nia Phillips, the beautiful, intelligent, and determined dean at Atlanta A&T with former romantic ties to Sean. Her support of Sean’s return to lead A&T’s band proves to be difficult as the Panthers take on a rival band led by Dr. Phillips’ ex-huband, and Sean’s brother, Kevin Taylor.
Leonard Roberts will return to his Drumline roots as Sean Taylor, a charismatic and determined new Band Director looking to make his mark at his alma mater while navigating the ghosts of his past.
Jordan Calloway will play Jayven Lapierre, an extremely gifted, yet cocky freshman at Atlanta A&T who is immediately attracted to Dani and vice versa. However, their relationship will bechallenged when there may not be room for both of them on the drumline.
Jeff Pierre is set to play Tyree, Dani’s cousin who is a big supporter of her drumming talent. As the head of the percussion section on Atlanta A&T’s legendary Panthers marching band, Tyree is bound to become involved in Dani’s escalating troubles.
Jasmine Burke will take on the role of Tasha Williams, a self-described schoolgirl and one of Dani’s roommates.Tasha is being wooed by Josh, but the tables may turn as she ends up helping him in a way she least expected.
And Scott Shilstone will play Josh, a Boston native with J.Crew looks who has his eye on Tasha. His feelings may not be reciprocated until Tasha is tasked to help him out.
"Drumline: A New Beat" represents VH1′s continued momentum into the scripted arena.
The network delivered the highest-rated original cable movie of 2013 among adults 18-49 with "CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story." 4.5 million total viewers tuned in for its October 21 premiere, which earned a 2.9 rating in theadult 18-49 demo and scored as the most-tweeted TV topic that day, generating over 2 million tweets.
"Drumline: A New Beat" is executive produced by Nick Cannon, Wendy Finerman, Jody Gerson, Lisa Zupan and Dallas Austin, and will be executive produced by Maggie Malina, Alexander A. Motlagh of POPFilms and Michael Goldman.
Susan Levison and Jill Holmes will executive produce for VH1.
By the way, the star of the film, Alexandra Shipp, was also recently cast to play Aaliyah in Lifetime’s biopic on the late singer/actress.
Watch the first teaser below:
