EbonyLife and Sony seal scripted series pact

EbonyLife Ltd, owners of Africa’s Global Black TV Network and Sony Pictures Television (SPT), are co-developing three new scripted TV projects with SPT set to distribute internationally.

The three-project deal, the first of its kind between SPT and a Nigerian production company, will include a TV series inspired by the Dahomey Warriors, an all-female army that fought on behalf of the West African Kingdom of Dahomey until the late 1800s. Development on the Dahomey Warriors project starts immediately, with details of the other two projects to follow.

Mo Abudu, chief executive officer, EbonyLife Ltd said: “Since our launch in June 2013, our vision has been to change the narrative about Africa and tell our stories from our perspective. We have invested in the creation of quality programming and the development of our people and their ideas. It is this ethos that has given us the opportunity to partner with SPT.’’

Wayne Garvie, president, international production, Sony Pictures Television added: “Mo Abudu is one of the most formidable and creative figures in Nigerian television, and with Ebony Life her and the team are creating something truly ground-breaking and extraordinary.

“Our aim is to help Ebony Life create a portfolio of African content that will fulfil their aim of being one of Africa’s prime creator of premium content.”

The news follows Ebony Life’s recently announced unscripted deal with SPT, under which they will be exclusively adapting the hit game show The Dating Game for Nigerian audiences.