EbonyLife Studios Partners with Sony Pictures Television to Create a New Writers Initiative “Àlo´”

EbonyLife Studios Partners with Sony Pictures Television to Create a New Writers Initiative “Àlo´”

EbonyLife Studios has collaborated with Sony Pictures Television to create a writer’s initiative, “Àlo´.” “Àlo´”, a word from the Yoruba Language translates to “once upon a time.” The Àlo´ website indicates that Àlo´ is an international writers’ initiative that aims to discover up-and-coming writers and their unique story ideas that celebrate the African culture, diversity, heritage and people.

This partnership is part of EbonyLife Studio’s vision to create world-class and authentic African stories for a broader audience.

This year, EbonyLife Studios signed many partnership deals with world-leading brands including Netflix, Universal Pictures, and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios. The company also launched the EbonyLife Creative Academy and recently inked a two-year exclusive first-look deal with the international production division of Sony Pictures Television that began in January 2021.

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Mo Abudu, Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife announced the new initiative on Instagram:

“I am excited about our growing partnership with Sony Pictures Television; from our deal for three scripted series to our first-look agreement, and now the Àlo´Writers’ Initiative. I am particularly thrilled about the Writers’ Initiative because it is in line with our continent-wide vision to harness and grow our creative economy.” 

Prospective applicants for the Àlo´ Writers’ Initiative must be African, born in any of the continent’s fifty-four nations or possess proven citizenship as a native of the country or be first-generation children. Writers are expected to submit their story materials and apply for specific times from Friday, 24^th of September 2021.

The submitted TV scripts and stories will be assessed and shortlisted by the Àlo´ team, which includes several creative professionals from both EbonyLife and Sony Pictures Television.  Benefits to be accorded to successful candidates includes the possibility of a $7,500 fee and a series of a production contract with Sony Pictures Television and EbonyLife through the initiative. 

Completed projects will also be presented to major international broadcasters for consideration as possible TV series.

For more information, please visit Àlo´ website on www.alowritersinitiative.com