Jamaican Producer Princess Banton-Lofters, Who Created Real Housewives of Atlanta
The name Princess Banton-Lofters is been a buzz lately as the woman who created The Real Housewives of Atlanta Reality Television Show.
It is also come to light that Ms. Banton-Lofters is Jamaican. So why haven’t the public heard of her before?
Many have been taken back by this information because Andy Cohen is the name that is synonymous with the franchise
Jamaican Producer Princess Banton-Lofters
According to reports, Cohen became the Vice President of Original Programming at Bravo in 2004. Two years later, he served as an executive producer for Real Housewives of Orange County, which premiered in 2006. The Real Housewives of Orange County released in March 21, 2006 until today and is the longest running housewives reality series.
Princess Banton-Lofters told The Jasmine Brand that she heard of The Real Housewives of Orange County but never actually watched it. She said she was in a meeting and during this meeting she pitched the Show. She then brought the Show to the executives.
It is clear that the The Real Housewives of Atlanta fitted right within the Bravo Brand of Housewives Franchise. The question is, would Bravo on it’s own started a series with an all black cast if Princess Banton-Lofters did not bring it to them when she did?
Jamaican Producer Princess Banton-Lofters
On February 16, 2021 Princess Banton-Lofters posted on her Instagram page to her “new supporters!”
She wrote, “Hello! welcome to my new supporters! I’m overwhelmed by all the positive support ?? ?? and those not sure why they follow me ??♀️ let me tell you a little bit about myself. hopefully my story will motivate somebody!”
Well I am the first black woman to sell a predominantly African-American ensemble reality show. ?? a title I proudly honor.
I’m a mother, a wife, sister a business owner, and entrepreneur. Born in Jamaica ?? raised in Canada ?? Blossomed in the USA ?? I was raised by a very hard working strong Jamaican mother so when I became a mother going 10th grade. I was determined not to become a statistic.! At 19 I got my aesthetics license, and quickly realized that I wanted to be the boss. So I did just that.! – working in the back of a salon running my own business!
It wasn’t always easy, but my dreams where always bigger than my obstacles. I always had a way of manifest my visions into reality!
Speaking of reality…. Soon after moving to Atlanta. With no formal training in the TV industry) I met one of my mentors, Former BET executive Curtis Gadson. He taught me how to develop, produce & pitch reel. That reel (that was not about RHOA) lead me to LA. Where I pitched Atlanta to be part of the RHO franchise … I came back to Atlanta started casting and interviewing .. just me & my cameraman. No fancy crew. The show was picked up and away we went.! I got a crash course in the entertainment by working on the show the first few seasons, ? I quickly learned that the industry was tough and being the new kid on the block ( me and the ladies ) wasn’t gonna be easy. But I worked VERY hard to make sure that black Women where represented on reality tv. So Whether you Watch the show or not, there we where!! And I’m proud to say it paved the way for others the same! 13 seasons later & it’s still going strong ?? Despite being fairly anonymous over the past 13 years this show is now part of my legacy. Thank you True Ent THE CAST for sharing their lives ! & CREW & network
Jamaican Producer Princess Banton-Lofters
On Jamaican Independence Day August 6, 2020, draped in the Jamaican flag she wrote on her Instagram page:
Forever covered by the love of my homeland!!. my beautiful Jamaica … Happy Independence Day Jamaica ‼️( one of my favorite pics ) so I guess this counts as a TBT? Big up all my fellow ???????
Kandi Burruss (left) Princess Banton-Lofters (Center) and Shereé Whitfield ( right) On NOVEMBER 2, 2018 Kandi Burruss wrote, “For #flashbackFriday Im reposting this pic & message from @producerprincess. She cast me for #RHOA season 2 & I’m forever grateful. At the time I didn’t think it was a big deal. Just something to do. I definitely didn’t think it would lead to 10 seasons of #RHOA & 4 of my own spin-off/specials. Thank you @producerprincess! & thanks @derekjhair & @mrdblanks for telling Princess to reach out to me. Read below what Princess said about how I became a part of RHOA. “#Repost@producerprincess
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TBT as season 11 closely approaches ?? .. I thought I would post a look back at season 2 .. In this picture (with Sheree) we where filming the show opener. ❤️ @kandi had just joined the cast Yes Lord ?? Quick inside note} over the past 10 yrs I have heard sooooooo many stories about Kandi’s addition. I’ve never addressed stories, but the facts are. I was looking for a new cast member. I put the word out and both @mrdblanks @derekjhair shared Kandi’s name. I was thrilled that she agreed to sit down with me. I’m sure that being on reality tv was the last thing on her mind… She was busy making money moves ? I still remember when I came to her house (with my day one ) @correahtv She had on a cute off the shoulder top. As soon as I stepped inside she said, you want to interview me ?? She was so unphased lol I said yes! Even with all her success she was still was so humble and gracious. We sat by her piano ( with her Grammy on top ) and talked for hours and the rest is history. Kandi built her career long before RhoA and has continued to do so by working hard. The message is you can get an opportunity what you do with it is the key ? ❤️ ? #sheboss #kandiburruss #rhoa #thatraretimeonset #developmentproducer #season11 @todd167 she inspires us all”