Congratulations are in order for Mara Brock Akil who just inked an overall deal with Netflix.
As part of the multi-year agreement, Akil has inked a multiple-year pact with the streaming giant and will develop new scripted and other creative projects for the company.
“It is a dream to partner with the force of Netflix, for we have the same goals–telling human stories for a global audience. I’m excited to have a home that allows me the creative freedom and support to do what I do best– paint portraits and murals of women, Black people and anyone else whose story is missing from this golden age of television. Representation matters and so does who you build with– I can’t wait to work closely with Channing Dungey and her team to launch some great stories,” said Akil.
Akil and Netflix will celebrate the anniversary with an Instagram Live via Netflix’s @StrongBlackLead handle starting at 5 p.m. PT on Friday, followed by a Twitter watch party at 6 p.m. PT.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mara Brock Akil to Netflix. Her signature storytelling, authentic perspective and captivating characters have long entertained audiences and proven to be relevant, timely and endlessly engaging. We look forward to bringing her distinct voice, vision and passion to our global members,” said Channing Dungey, VP Original Series, Netflix.
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Brock Akil joins Netflix as the streamer recently licensed her iconic comedy Girlfriends.
The show starred Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Persia White and Jill Marie Jones. It aired for 8 seasons on UPN/CW from 2000 to 2008. The show will be available on Netflix beginning on Friday, Sept. 11th marking the 20th anniversary since its premiere (Sept. 11, 2000).
Most recently Akil was based at Warners under a pact with her husband, Salim Akil. The studio behind their DC Comics drama Black Lightning.
Mara Brock Akil becomes the latest showrunner to sign with Netflix. She joins a roster that also includes Shonda Rhimes and Kenya Barris. Also, Ryan Murphy, and the creators behind Stranger Things and Game of Thrones, among several others.