Audible today announced a multi-project first look development deal with Flavor Unit, the production company founded by Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere. Audible and Flavor Unit will create a slate of audio-only original projects.
The first project will be a series called Streets, Rhymes & Sugar. The short-form Audible Original will chronicle Michael Elliot’s path from homeless teenager on the streets of Philadelphia to successful screenwriter. It is based on his memoir and audiobook. The podcast is set for an Aug. 5 release. Elliot is also working on a scripted romantic comedy podcast called Technically Speaking about a single mom who falls for the founder of the big tech company she works for in Silicon Valley.
Future projects will include Queen Latifah herself. A seven-episode series called Unity in the Community is in the works. In the show, Latifah goes in search of good news, focusing on community activists who are the glue that keep their neighborhoods together. Each 30-minute episode will profile an activist implementing a concrete plan that can be modeled in other communities. Many will come from Queen Latifah’s hometown of Newark, NJ.
“We are so excited to collaborate with Audible on a collection of shows that will highlight different communities, community leaders and friends of mine,” said Queen Latifah in the announcement. “A common thread within all of these shows will be to share stories that bring hope and entertainment to those at home who’ve had a tough year,” she said.
Additional audio-only projects from Flavor Unit are currently in development exclusively for Audible the company said.
“Having worked with Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere and Flavor Unit for years across various film and TV projects, I’ve had a front row seat to watching their creative magic at work,” said Zola Mashariki, Head of Audible Studios. “We absolutely can’t wait to create and innovate with them on a slew of new audio projects.” Mashariki is a former senior executive at Fox Searchlight and BET who joined Audible earlier this year.
The deal follows Audible’s recently announced production and development deals with top industry creatives such as Conan O’Brien’s Team Coco, Steph Curry’s Unanimous Media, Kevin Hart’s HartBeat Productions, Charlamagne tha God’s CTHA World Productions, Kenya Barris’ Khalabo Ink Society, and The SpringHill Company –the company founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter.
Commentaires