Mary J Blige’s hit song Real Love is inspiring Lifetime’s next movie.
Blige is re-teaming with Lifetime to executive produce Real Love, a new original film inspired by her hit ’90s song of the same name.
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Sonja Warfield and Rachel Ingram penned the coming-of-age romantic drama which centers around Kendra, who sets off on her own for the first time to a college in upstate New York, determined to focus on her studies. But when she meets her film class partner Ben, she tries her hardest to keep things professional. Despite disapproving parents, financial hardship, and competition for the top spot in class, Kendra and Ben find themselves falling hard for each other and ultimately learn the meaning of real love.
Blige will executive produce via her Blue Butterfly production banner, alongside Ashaunna Ayars and Nicole Jackson.
“Real Love” was the singer/actress’ first song recorded for her 1992 debut studio album, What’s the 411?. It became Blige’s first top-ten hit, peaking at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was eventually certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on November 4, 1992.
“I wrote “Real Love” based on my real life experiences and my fans connected to it in a deeply personal way.” said Blige. “It’s exciting to now use this song and my music to create a new story by way of film, continuing to build on a pillar of the foundation of my production company, Blue Butterfly. My passions for acting and music now include developing diverse stories with music as the backdrop. I am grateful to Lifetime for their partnership in the story of Real Love.“
Additional music from Blige will be incorporated throughout the movie.
Blige previously worked with Lifetime for its top-rated original movie of 2020, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel. She also starred as Dr. Betty Shabazz in her first movie role in the Lifetime civil rights biopic Betty & Coretta, with Angela Bassett.
Jordan and John Davis also will executive produce Real Love for Davis Entertainment. Sony Pictures Television is handling distribution.