Black In The 80's is a three-hour series exploring and celebrating the achievements and advancements African-Americans made in pop culture during the 1980's. From historical breakthroughs in film and television, to the birth of a new genre of music, these milestones forever changed the landscape of American popular culture.

"I''m excited about this installment," said producer, Tia Smith of talented SOL Productions. "The specific hour I produced is Pt. 1 - Color In Film. It was great to collaborate with a company that is dedicated to focus on the topic in such detail, and with great sensitivity. It is truly a celebration where we cover stories about the lack of Black representation in front of and behind the camera at the beginning of the decade to the revolutionary spirit Black filmmakers ignited by taking stories, dreams, and production representation into their own hands towards the end of the decade."

The series is told through intelligent and passionate voices that represent a broad spectrum from academics and the arts including Dr. Cornel West, Michael Eric Dyson, Robert Townsend, Vanessa Williams, Debbie Allen, Warrington Hudlin, Glynn Turman, Leonard Maltin, Mario Van Peebles, Kim Coles, Talib Kweli, Alex Thomas, Godfrey, Toure'', Connie Rice, Tim Reid, Hill Harper, Common ,Nelson George ,Chuck D, Raphael Saadiq, JaRule, Billy Dee Williams, Selwyn Hinds, Dave Meyers, Chris Robinson, Bokeem Woodbine, DMC, Quest Love, MC Lyte, and many more.    

Color in Film highlights significant moments in film like Louis Gossett, Jr. becoming the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor ; the Black communities'' response to Steven Spielberg directing the Color Purple ; the nostalgic moments of classic hip hop movies like Breakin, Krush Groove, Beat Street; the rise of Denzel Washington to cinematic royalty; Hollywood's color code system ; and , Spike Lee's , Robert Townsend's and Keenen Ivory Wayans'' revolutionary takeover that inspired future generations and changed cinema forever.

Be sure to tune in! "VH1's: Black In The 80's" Color In Film – February 1, 2005 9/8 pm on VH1  (Tia Smith-talentedSOL Productions)

Def Jams  --February 2, 2005  9/8 pm on VH1

Color TV – February 3, 2005  9/8 pm  on VH1

For more information about Tia Smith and Talented Sol Productions, visit www.talentedsol.com