Jesse Collins served as executive producer for Sunday’s BET Awards, held virtually due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Collins told CNN the shock had a purpose, but it even exceeded his expectations.
“Everyone in their creative way made a statement,” Collins said. “They made a statement that change had to happen. We always want the show to reflect what culture feels and as best we can to sum it up in a three-hour broadcast. Everyone stepped forward.”
Collins, who is also the founder and CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, said there was collaboration between the artists and the show to produce resonant performances.
Rapper Da Baby’s statement was an open critique of police brutality, re-enacting the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody during his “Rockstar” performance with Roddy Ricch.
Collins said the goal was to “bow”.
“Lean in, make the statement, and let’s find creative ways to do it all night,” he said. “So that’s what we are trying to do.”
Collins said they started thinking of creative solutions to the production challenges caused by the pandemic months ago.
“I think that in the spring we realized that, contrary to [what] leadership [was saying] Covid was not going to go away, “he explained.” The virus was still spreading, and it was still spreading, and security was at the top of the list. It became the decision that we have to do this in a different way. “
Hostess Amanda Seales did her work from home. All performances and acceptance speeches were also filmed remotely.
“When in doubt, do what Beyoncé says,” joked Collins. “It is really a good way to live your life.”
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