Warner Bros. Television Group Sets Overall Deal With Author and Activist Kimberly Latrice Jones
(Burbank, CA)
Warner Bros. Television Group has signed an overall deal with author, human rights activist, and independent filmmaker Kimberly Latrice Jones (co-author of "I'm Not Dying With You Tonight," "How Can We Win" video). Per Studio practice, terms were not disclosed, but WBTVG can confirm that it is an exclusive multi-year agreement.
Under terms of the pact, Jones will collaborate with WBTVG to develop and produce original programming for all platforms, including streaming services, cable and the five broadcast networks. This includes scripted dramas and comedies, unscripted series, original digital content, and more.
Amid the summer 2020 national protests following the killing of George Floyd, Jones released a nearly seven-minute "How Can We Win" video commentary that spoke to the anguish, fear, and outrage felt by Black people in America, and used a Monopoly analogy to address the history of systemic racism and economic inequity that persists in this country to this day. The "How Can We Win" video, which has now been seen nearly 2.2 million times on YouTube, was featured on HBO's "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," and Jones also appeared on Comedy Central's "The Daily Social Distancing Show with Trevor Noah" to discuss its impact and the Black experience in America.
Jones subsequently signed a publishing deal with Henry Holt and Co. to write two new books, the first of which will continue the discussion she started in "How Can We Win." To be published in 2021, "How We Can Win: Race, History and Changing the Money Game That's Rigged" will expand upon statements Jones made in the viral video. Through her personal experience, observations, and Monopoly analogy, she illuminates the economic disparities Black Americans have faced for generations and offers ways to fight against a system that is still rigged.
Quote from Kimberly Latrice Jones: "Storytelling is an essential component in my journey. It's a rich educational tool and I'm thrilled to have such an exciting new platform."
Jones previously co-wrote (with Gilly Segal) the best-selling young adult novel "I'm Not Dying with You Tonight." Released in fall 2019, the book follows two teen girls - one black, one white - who have to confront their own assumptions about racial inequality as they rely on each other to get through the violent race riot that has set their city on fire with civil unrest. The book was nominated for an NAACP Image Award, and the film rights have been acquired by producer Autumn Bailey-Ford and Prominent Productions.
A former bookseller, Jones now hosts the Atlanta chapter of the popular Well-Read Black Girl book club. She has worked in film and television with trailblazing figures such as Tyler Perry, Whitney Houston, and 8Ball & MJG. She is also a director of feature films and cutting-edge diverse web series. She also regularly lectures on working and succeeding in the Atlanta film market.
She is represented by Dewayne Duprano Martin of Push Management/Films.
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