Dope writer-director Rick Famuyiwa has joined Showtime’s Chicago-set drama project from Lena Waithe, Common, Aaron Kaplan and Fox 21 TV Studios. With Famuyiwa on board to direct, I hear the project, which has been redeveloped and will be recast, is on track for a series order.
The untitled drama — a distinctive coming-of-age story of a young African-American male in which just growing up can be a matter of life and death — originated as a spec script by writer-producer-actress Waithe (Dear White People) who developed it with Kaplan at his Kapital Entertainment. The script landed a pilot order at Showtime in summer 2015 with Common on board as executive producer and Clark Johnson set to direct. Elwood Reid subsequently joined as showrunner.
While the pilot did not go to series, Showtime brass liked the general premise and Waithe’s voice. A small writers room was set up to produce several scripts and outlines, including a new pilot script. Based on the new material, Showtime and Fox 21 proceeded to hire Famuyiwa as a new director. He will serve as an executive producer on the potential series alongside Waithe, Kaplan and Reid, who will continue as showrunner.
Recasting on many of the roles starts immediately. While final deal, budget and other points are still being worked out and Showtime has not officially committed to a series order, I hear the intention is to go to series, with a 10-episode pickup considered likely.
The untitled drama — a distinctive coming-of-age story of a young African-American male in which just growing up can be a matter of life and death — originated as a spec script by writer-producer-actress Waithe (Dear White People) who developed it with Kaplan at his Kapital Entertainment. The script landed a pilot order at Showtime in summer 2015 with Common on board as executive producer and Clark Johnson set to direct. Elwood Reid subsequently joined as showrunner.
While the pilot did not go to series, Showtime brass liked the general premise and Waithe’s voice. A small writers room was set up to produce several scripts and outlines, including a new pilot script. Based on the new material, Showtime and Fox 21 proceeded to hire Famuyiwa as a new director. He will serve as an executive producer on the potential series alongside Waithe, Kaplan and Reid, who will continue as showrunner.
Recasting on many of the roles starts immediately. While final deal, budget and other points are still being worked out and Showtime has not officially committed to a series order, I hear the intention is to go to series, with a 10-episode pickup considered likely.
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