The expansion of their current partnership finds DuVernay in a first-look deal at Winfrey’s production shingle for TV and digital media. Harpo Films, which co-produces Queen Sugar with Warner Horizon Scripted Television, is also on board DuVernay’s recently announced Netflix limited series — Central Park Five.
“I’m so proud of Ava and her ability as a filmmaker to challenge the status quo and push for inclusiveness onscreen and behind the camera,” said Winfrey, CEO of both OWN and Harpo Films. “I love, love, love the work we have been able to create so far. I am looking forward to developing many more meaningful projects together.”
Queen Sugar‘s renewal was something of a given. It regularly ranks among the top five most-watched series on cable and continues to bring critical praise. But the timing of Harpo Film’s deal with DuVernay represents a bit of future-proofing over at OWN. Tyler Perry, the creator of the network’s top-rated dramas and comedies, recently announced a new overall deal at Viacom that will take him away from OWN in 2019. (His shows will stay on through 2020.) Just 24 hours before news of DuVernay’s OWN deal, prolific producer Will Packer inked his own first-look TV deal at OWN.
As for the current season of Queen Sugar, one that sees DuVernay again enlisting an all-female directing staff with several TV newcomers, OWN also announced that actors Michael Michele, Roger Guenveur Smith and Beverly Todd will formally join the series in recurring roles this summer. (Directors Garrett Bradley, Liesl Tommy and Christina Voros are also confirmed to direct season two episodes.)
DuVernay is repped by CAA and attorney Nina Shaw of Del Shaw.
