Browsing Tag: mara brock akil

Mara Brock Akil has set her newly launched production company story27 under her previously announced overall deal at Netflix. “At story27, thoughtful and entertaining projects centering the humanity of the marginalized is the priority and that starts with identifying the best and most unique storytellers,” Akil said. READ: Rosario Dawson Joins Tiffany Haddish, LaKeith Stanfield in Disney’s Haunted Mansion Remake Since moving her company to Netflix, Akil has wasted no time to build up her slate of projects including hourlong drama entitled Agency and Blume’s Forever. She also has a scripted comedy titled Astronaut Chicks and a documentary feature in partnership with One Story Up, titled Stamped From the Beginning. Official descriptions of her four projects: Agency Inspired by the real lives of iconic sports agents, Aaron and Eric Goodwin, Agency follows two Black brothers from Oakland whose relationships to each other and their family are tested when they form a sports agency to disrupt the industry and the culture. Forever In this inspired-by adaptation of Judy Blume’s YA romance novel, Forever, two Black high schoolers in Los Angeles navigate first love and intimacy amidst social and parental pressures. Astronaut Chicks In a speculative near future, four young, female Black friends challenge each other to live a fly life, launch some dreams, and land on some purpose. Stamped From the Beginning In partnership with One Story Up, Stamped from the Beginning is the hybrid documentary feature adaptation of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s incisive and urgent work of the same name, which chronicles in detail the origins and evolution of racist ideas. READ: Jigsaw: Giancarlo Esposito, Tati Gabrielle to Star in Heist Drama For Netflix Akil has also tapped Susie Fitzgerald as president of development for story27. “Susie’s artist- friendly approach coupled with her taste and extremely impressive track record allows for story27 to be a destination and home for the next wave of creatives and writers with impactful stories to tell. I’m excited to have her at both the creative and business table with me as we grow the company through our partnership with Netflix and beyond.” Fitzgerald will oversee all film, television and digital media projects. Prior to joining the company, she was executive vice president of scripted programming for AMC and SundanceTV. At AMC, she oversaw a slate that included breakout hits like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, Fear The Walking Dead and Better Call Saul. READ: Brittany Daniel, Pooch Hall Reprising Roles in The Game Reboot + 3 More Cast Since joining Akil’s Story27 Fitzgerald has helped draw writers including Jerron Horton (who worked with Akil on Love Is) and Jeanine Daniels (Snowfall) to the banner. I’m incredibly honored to join Mara and help build the innovative team at story27. Mara’s incisive storytelling through memorable characters, as well as her innate ability to identify and develop fresh talent, make her a visionary in the field. I look forward to working closely with her as she creates new work while collaborating with her to seek out new voices with relevant and unexplored narratives for the screen.” Akil has built her offices in the Sugar Hill Arts District in West Adams and has expanded her space to include a Writers’ Colony next door. “We have to lift as we climb,” said Akil. “And if we want the world to spin on its axis in a new inclusive direction, we have to mentor and create opportunities for the next generation by sharing knowledge that will help them cultivate their voices, so they can say what’s burning inside of them to say in an entertaining way. It matters what we put out into the world, and I’m so thrilled to have a passionate partner in Susie to help me manifest all of these dreams.”

Browsing Tag: mara brock akil

Mara Brock Akil Announces 4 New Projects for Netflix Under New Production Company Story27

Mara Brock Akil Inks Overall Deal With Netflix

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