“Number One On The Call Sheet” Director Shola Lynch On The Doc

Source: Courtesy of Apple TV+ / Courtesy of Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is launching a two-part documentary film event, Number One on the Call Sheet, on March 28. The documentary provides an intimate look into the lives of Black women and men in Hollywood. Through candid interviews, the show explores the joys and challenges of their careers, highlights breakthrough moments, and offers insight into their success. The series also pays homage to legends in the industry while recognizing the potential of the next generation. 

HelloBeautiful had the opportunity to attend a screening and conversation on “Black Leading Women in Hollywood” and it was a great way to celebrate Women’s History Month.

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The Stories

Shola Lynch, who produced and introduced the film, expressed her delight in uncovering the stories of these 17 remarkable women. “I hope all the women in the film felt seen and heard, as we all have to be number one on our call sheet,” Lynch said. The producer told HelloBeautiful, “The film is really about how my voice was shaped, and you can see that through each person’s story. I’d have moments like, ‘Oh snap, this came from her experience—I didn’t even realize that.’ What I’m doing is sharing my experience of being in the room, on set, in those intimate moments—pulling out the gems and bringing them to the audience.”

She went on to say, “And let me tell you—the lighting had to be phenomenal. The set, of course, was designed with intention. I don’t know if people have ever seen these women in this way, in this light—literally.”

Source: Courtesy of Apple TV+ / Courtesy of Apple TV+

Emmy Award-winning host, journalist, and author Tamron Hall moderated a panel discussion with Lynch, Emmy Award-winner and Academy Award-nominee Alfre Woodard, executive producer Mishka Brown, and producers Datari Turner and Dan Cogan. During the discussion, Hall commended the moving film, stating that it will inspire viewers to believe they can overcome any obstacle.

Honoring the Icons, Embracing the Essence

When we chatted with Brown, she gushed over working with beloved actress Alfre Woodard. “Alfre Woodard was the first actor we interviewed, and she really set the tone for the entire project. Shola was very intentional about how the stage was designed—making sure it felt welcoming and beautiful from the moment people walked in. But I can’t just say, ‘Alfre Woodard’ without emphasizing how she completely owned her space,” the executive producer shared. Brown continued, “She came in with her music, her energy, and her own mood, which wasn’t something I had considered before. Watching her, I realized how important it is to bring something of yourself into every space you enter. She even rearranged things to make herself comfortable, and that shifted my perspective. Now, when I walk into a space, I think—what can I bring?”

Bevy Smith echoed this sentiment emphasizing the importance of Black women recognizing and embracing their inherent power and grace. She told HB, “I’ve always felt like I have leading woman energy—always and forever. It would be hard to find a time when I didn’t feel like the leading woman. But I think it’s important for Black women to truly step into their power. We already know we’re strong, but we are also powerful, and we carry a lot of grace. It’s crucial for us to embrace that—the powerful grace. Strength is one thing, but having the grace, the ability to make others feel welcome and warm, is one of our superpowers. And that doesn’t get talked about enough.”

Source: Courtesy of Apple TV+ / Courtesy of Apple TV+

The Cast

“Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women In Hollywood” features Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, and Whoopi Goldberg as executive producers and contributors. The documentary also includes commentary from Cynthia Erivo, Vivica A. Fox, Meagan Good, Tiffany Haddish, Taraji P. Henson, Nia Long, Ruth Negga, Gabourey Sidibe, Jurnee Smollett, Octavia Spencer, Tessa Thompson, Gabrielle Union, and Alfre Woodard, among others. These cinematic legends share their experiences of breaking into the industry. From navigating the Hollywood star system to creating opportunities for themselves and others.

Source: Courtesy of Apple TV+ / Courtesy of Apple TV+

When it comes to the men folk, Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men In Hollywood, directed by Reginald Hudlin, features interviews with prominent Black actors. The list includes John Boyega, Don Cheadle, Morris Chestnut, Ice Cube, Taye Diggs, Idris Elba, Laurence Fishburne, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, Michael B. Jordan, Daniel Kaluuya, Martin Lawrence, Eddie Murphy, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, and Marlon Wayans. These actors share their experiences and insights on topics such as achieving success, breaking barriers, and navigating the film industry as Black leading men. 

The Legacy

It’s amazing to think what this film will do for future generations. We even saw the impact of these icons when we spoke to rising stars Serayah and Joey Bada$$. The Raising Kanan star and rapper told us, “I think every time we choose to follow our gut, that’s a fearless and bold move. That gut instinct isn’t always a clear voice—it’s a feeling, almost like spirit, like a calling. It takes courage to trust that, especially when it means saying no to opportunities that everyone else thinks are good for you. And sometimes, it means saying yes to something others don’t see as the right move.”

Source: Courtesy of Apple TV+ / Courtesy of Apple TV+

The Empire alum concurs. “I completely agree. I feel the boldest when I stand firm and say, ‘Thank you, but no thank you.’ Whether it’s turning down an offer or refusing to sign something, I’ve had so many of those moments. And every time, it’s a powerful act of trusting myself.”

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