By Jaia A. Thomas
Gil Robertson, co-founder of the African-American Film Critics Association recently said, “2013 has been a banner year with regards to the number of films that feature African-American themes.” If 2013 was a banner year for African-American films, 2014 may arguably be the banner year for African-American television. Here is a look at some of the recent deals inked by African-American producers and content creators:
Atlanta – Donald Glover, star of the NBC comedy, Community has inked a deal to write and produce in a half hour comedy pilot for FX. The project, titled Atlanta, will be set against the backdrop of the Atlanta music scene. Glover, who was raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia and raps under the name Childish Gambino will also star in the comedy.
Bill Cosby Project – Bill Cosby and NBC have finalized a deal for a half hour family comedy series starring Cosby. The currently untitled project will feature Cosby as the patriarch of a multi-generational family and depict themes such as marriage, parenting, and love. Cosby has partnered with producer Tom Werner, whose company with Marcy Carsey produced the original Cosby Show.
The Couple – Black and Sexy TV’s The Couple has landed an HBO development deal. The popular web series, created by Jeanine Daniels and Dennis Dortch launched in November 2011. Spike Lee is speculated to have signed on as an Executive Producer. The Couple follows a young black couple as they balance dating and living together. Black and Sexy TV is one of one of the popular African-American networks on YouTube, with over 60,000 subscribers.
Empire – After a bidding war among the major broadcasters, FOX has picked up Empire, a pilot from Lee Daniels. The family drama is set in the world of a hip-hop empire, featuring original and current music. Empire will be produced by 20th Century Fox TV and Imagine TV with Strong, Daniels, Brian Grazer and Francie Calfo as executive producers.
The Kevin Hart Project – ABC has given a cast-contingent pilot order to a multi-camera comedy produced by Kevin Hart (cast-contingent means the pilot will be produced if the network approves of the casting selection). The semi-autobiographical untitled Hart vehicle from 20th Century Fox Television revolves around a divorced couple who try to stay friends for the sake of the children. If the project moves forward, Hart is expected to have a recurring role.
Mr. Robinson – Craig Robinson, otherwise known as Darryl Philbin from The Office, has received a six-episode order from NBC for his new show, Mr. Robinson. Mr. Robinson centers around rough-edge musician Craig, who is adjusting to his new life as a music teacher in a big city middle school. Larenz Tate is slated to co-star.
There is also speculation that a particular music mogul is in early stages of developing a new television network. Stay tuned for more updates….
Jaia A. Thomas is a bi-coastal sports and entertainment attorney. For more information: www.jathomaslaw.com or @jaiathomaslaw