Los Angeles, CA – April 26, 2025 (Virag Vida) – Last night, Hollywood gathered at the iconic Hollywood Athletic Club to celebrate a special screening of Number One on the Call Sheet, the powerful two-part documentary film coming soon to Apple TV+ that spotlights Black excellence in front of and behind the camera.
Produced by an all-star team—including Datari Turner, Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, and the Boxhole team—the film traces its beginnings back to a pivotal meeting at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2019. After solidifying the concept, Turner called Brian Smiley, then a partner of Kevin Hart, to help bring Hart on board. Together, they packaged the project and pitched it to Apple, resulting in the production of two deeply impactful films for Apple TV+.
Number One on the Call Sheet
A Groundbreaking Two-Part Documentary Film
In an extraordinary collaboration that grew from that initial meeting, Number One on the Call Sheet officially set into motion a vision to honor and elevate Black voices in Hollywood. With a powerhouse team behind it, the Apple Original documentary series highlights the vital contributions of Black actors, filmmakers, and creatives who have historically been overlooked by the mainstream industry.
“This is a dream team to work with,” said one of the key producers during the evening’s Q&A session. “Working with Datari Turner, Jamie Foxx, and the Boxhole team, our mission was always clear: to elevate diverse voices. Kevin Hart has consistently used his platform to empower new creatives, from executives to on-screen talent.”
The project quickly evolved into something much larger than initially imagined, with early discussions transforming into a bold, comprehensive examination of Black achievement across the entertainment industry.
Number One on the Call Sheet represents far more than just another documentary—it stands as a cultural milestone. “This project is the kind you can only pray to be part of,” the team emphasized. “It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It takes immense vision, dedication, and heart to bring something like this together. From our visionary directors to our tireless producers, every frame is a product of passion, patience, and purpose.”
The evening was a true celebration, attended by the producers and the two directors who each brought their unique storytelling lens to the project. The atmosphere at the Hollywood Athletic Club was electric, filled with applause, laughter, and emotional moments as clips from the film were previewed to an eager audience.
An Intimate Portrait of Sisterhood
The film’s female-focused segment, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Shoua Lynch, brought a powerful, intimate layer to the storytelling. Reflecting on the process, Lynch shared her passion for authentically portraying the journeys of Black women in Hollywood:
“When I got the call, I was super honored because everything had been set up, and here we go—I had to deliver. I thought of it as an ensemble piece, which is really hard. I hadn’t realized there were 17 Black leading women in Hollywood, and we didn’t have time for everybody, which is incredible.”
Determined to avoid placing any one woman above another, Lynch approached the project with an egalitarian spirit:
“I didn’t want to present a hierarchy. I wanted it to feel like for colored girls—not with the same dark subject matter, but in spirit—where every woman had her moment. We literally set the stage to give them their flowers. Working with Bradford Young, the lighting is incredible; they all look amazing.” – Lynch described her directorial approach as one rooted in respect, authenticity, and trust:
“My job as the director was to be true to how they see their story, not to impose my own vision. I wanted to create a safe space for real conversation. They love what they do. They were so happy to be there, but they also saw how things can still change. It was about finding that balance, and thanks to this incredible team of producers, I was given the space to find it.”
As Number One on the Call Sheet prepares to debut exclusively on Apple TV+, excitement is building. The documentary stands as a vibrant testament to storytelling, sisterhood, and the celebration of Black excellence — not just within the walls of Hollywood, but as a reflection of the broader cultural shift toward representation, inclusion, and respect.
With early buzz already building, there is no doubt that Number One on the Call Sheet will spark important conversations — and inspire the next generation of filmmakers, storytellers, and dreamers.
– Virág Vida –
