DEALS
Banijay U.K. have invested in Immovable Studios, the production outfit co-founded by hip-hop artist, author and entrepreneur Akala and his business partner and manager Chanelle Newman.
As part of the agreement, Immovable Studios will also have a first look distribution deal with Banijay Rights.
Newman leads the studio’s television production arm and has overseen projects including “Poetry: Between the Lines” and “Akala’s Odyssey.”
Akala’s book “Natives” is also set to be turned into a BBC docu-series while the artist also has a scripted series in funded development.
“Akala is an extraordinary talent, a creative force whose books ‘Natives’ and ‘The Dark Lady’ have reimagined stories from our shared histories,” said Banijay U.K. CEO Patrick Holland. “We are delighted to announce this investment in Akala and Chanelle’s production company and look forward to partnering on the unique slate of projects they have been developing.”
Akala added: “I think television is a place where some of the best art in the world is being made today, where some of our favourite modern epics have been created, and I am extremely excited to delve further into this medium to do what I love: storytelling.”
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Elsewhere, the Producers Guild of India (PGI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the state of New Jersey to facilitate the shooting of Indian films there. The understanding was signed between PGI, Choose New Jersey and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. It opens
communication channels for idea sharing and information on best practices for film production and promotion and will also assist PGI with location scouting in New Jersey, the signatories said.