Kevin Hart has defended his decision to downsize HartBeat Productions, calling recent reports clickbait.
Kevin Hart is vehemently pushing back against reports that cast a negative light on his media company.
While on “The Breakfast Club,” the comedian addressed a recent Los Angeles Times article that claimed HartBeat Productions was in disarray following layoffs and an executive shakeup.
Hart called the story headline bait, meant to capitalize on his recent baking special. “This is stupid,” he said bluntly. “People are looking for hits, man.”
Hart believes the real story is quite different. He downsized HartBeat like every other entertainment company these days. Cutting overhead is a fundamental business strategy.
“Reducing overhead means you’re cutting expenses. Why? Because you want to maintain margins, be conservative,” Hart explained. “All I do is make sure my business is run efficiently.”
Hart recently signed a major deal with Authentic Brands Group, a luxury goods conglomerate that owns brands such as Reebok, Champion and Guess Jeans. Some media reports said this marked the end of HartBeat.
Hart made it clear that was not the case.
“Kevin Hart would never let anyone else make a movie or project for me,” he said. “It had to come from ideas that I thought were great under the HartBeat umbrella.”
His executive team and creative staff remain in place. Hart just lost the fat.
“My company is too big. I don’t need 80 people to run the way we operate now,” he said. “Downsize. Save money.”
HartBeat continues to produce high caliber content. Netflix just released his latest special, Funny as Hell . “The Roast” is produced by HartBeat. His upcoming film 72 Hours is also produced by HartBeat.
The Authentic Brands Group partnership actually expands Hart’s reach. Through ABG, he is now part of an ecosystem that includes luxury brands and operates at scale.
