Biography
Quincy Newell's career in the entertainment and media business spans over 30 years. Newell has held senior-level posts at a variety of independent and mainstream film and music companies and has been involved in the production and marketing of some of urban entertainment's most notable properties.
In 2001, Newell helped to launch UrbanWorks Entertainment as an independent video distributor and lead its growth into becoming the #1 independent producer and distributor of urban home video, generating more than $200 million in revenues under his leadership.
From January 2006 to March 2012, Newell served as General Manager of Codeblack Entertainment. While at Codeblack Entertainment Newell directly managed the release of over 50 titles including such notables as Lee Daniel's "SHADOWBOXER", KEVIN HART'S independent box-office hit "LAUGH AT MY PAIN" where Newell was also responsible for overseeing the production and creative direction for all facets of the film and its release, and T.D. Jakes' WOMAN THOU ART LOOSED: ON THE 7TH DAY" where Newell was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for his role as Producer.
In 2008 Newell joined forces with Rhino Entertainment founder Richard Foos and Hollywood trailblazer Robert Townsend to produce the documentary film "WHY WE LAUGH: BLACK COMEDIANS ON BLACK COMEDY". "Why We Laugh" went on to become an official selection of the 2009 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL and premiered on the SHOWTIME network in 2010. Newell served as writer and producer.
Over the next four years, Newell went on to serve as producer on a variety of stand-up comedy concert specials featuring comedy veterans such as; ARIES SPEARS, DERAY DAVIS, COREY HOLCOMB, BILL BELLAMY, MIKE EPPS and GARY OWEN. Newell also served as producer on the popular SHAQUILLE O'NEAL PRESENTS: ALL STAR COMEDY JAM with the most recent installation airing on Showtime on March 23rd 2018. Newell's specials can be seen on the SHOWTIME network and COMEDY CENTRAL.
In 2012, Newell was tapped by Lionsgate to oversee operations for its new venture (through its acquisition of the company) Codeblack Films as its EVP & General Manager. Within the first 12-months, Codeblack Films released the follow-up hit from superstar comedian and actor Kevin Hart "LET ME EXPLAIN" which went on to generate over $32-million at the box-office. Newell served as the film's Executive Producer. Following closely was the theatrical release of Shola Lynch's 2013 NAACP Image Award winner "FREE ANGELA and ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS", George Tillman Jr. and Alicia Keyes' critically acclaimed and NAACP Image Award nominated "THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER & PETE" starring Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, the independent thriller "REPENTANCE", starring Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, Anthony Mackie and Sanaa Lathan, the Golden Globe nominated film "FRANKIE & ALICE" starring Academy Award winner Halle Berry. Newell directly managed all theatrical campaigns for Codeblack Films.
Based on the critical acclaim and ratings success of Newell's 2009 documentary "WHY WE LAUGH: BLACK COMEDIANS ON BLACK COMEDY", Showtime networks contracted with Newell to produce a follow-up documentary for the network. In partnership with producer Sheila Ducksworth and the late comedian Joan Rivers, Newell produced the documentary "WHY WE LAUGH: FUNNY WOMEN", an uncensored look into the lives of the female stand-up comedian. The documentary was hosted by JOAN RIVERS and premiered on the SHOWTIME network in March 2013.
In 2014, Newell oversaw the theatrical release of "ADDICTED" based on the erotic novel by best-selling author Zane. Addicted generated over $17-million at the box-office in 850 theater locations. Newell then partnered with Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit Entertainment to acquire and release the romantic comedy "THE PERFECT MATCH". Newell most recently lead the marketing campaign for the much talked about biopic of late rapper Tupac Shakur, "ALL EYEZ ON ME". Released in June of 2017, All Eyez on Me went on to generate over $45-million dollars at the box office.
In June of 2017, Newell added author to his resume and released his first book, "INSIGHTS: If Boys Never Learn, Men Won't Know" with the goal of offering words of mentorship to young men of color seeking guidance in their lives.
Most recently, Newell served as Executive Producer of the action drama BLOOD BROTHER starring Trey Songz, China McClain and Jack Kesy. The film was a co-production with WWE Entertainment. Blood Brother is set for release by Lionsgate in 2018.
Newell currently serves as Chief Content Officer for the on-demand streaming service REIGN. REIGN (www.reign.com), is a premium ad-supported and subscription streaming video on-demand service that delivers the best selection of curated African American and urban culture themed content available, allowing consumers to access its service wherever they feel like watching - via a mobile device, desktop computer or wifi-connected TV.
Newell loves to surf, is a recreational triathlete, a producer, a husband and a dad to four great kids. Newell has a passion for mentorship and can often be found with his nose in some sort of how to book on the weekends.
Mr. Newell holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business and Management, where he is also a board member. Mr. Newell was awarded the school's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2018. Mr. Newell also holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of West Los Angeles School of Law in Los Angeles, CA.
