June 27, 2019 

By City News Service

 

R&B/hip hop artist and actress Mary J. Blige has signed an exclusive first-look deal with Lionsgate to develop and produce television series under her newly launched production company, it was announced today.

 

The nine-time Grammy winner and Oscar nominee will also have the opportunity to create content across Lionsgate's other business platforms.

 

Blige, who received a lifetime achievement honor at the BET Awards last weekend, has released more than a dozen studio albums and appeared in the 2018 film “Mudbound,” which earned her dual Academy Award nominations in the supporting actress and best song categories.

 

She is currently starring in the Netflix series “The Umbrella Academy” and is going on tour with R&B artist Nas this summer.

 

“Mary is a very talented artist, fearless visionary and an incredible human being. We’re delighted to be working with someone with such a powerful and impactful creative voice,” said Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs. “Every art she touches blossoms and we’re humbled she’s chosen us as her home. We look forward to all the exciting new content Mary and her Blue Butterfly banner will bring to our television slate and Lionsgate 360 orbit.”

 

Blige said she “couldn’t be more excited to be working with Lionsgate. They are incredible collaborators and have been natural partners from when we first started talking. I can’t wait to bring all of our projects to life.”

Category: Arts & Culture