Viola Davis’ JuVee expands first-look deal with Amazon
David Farnor | On 15, Jul 2020
Viola Davis and actor/producer Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions have expanded its exclusive first-look deal with Amazon Studios.
Amazon studios inked the agreement with JuVee back in 2018 and saw the artist-driven, Los Angeles-based production company produce feature films for Amazon Prime Video. Now, as well as extending that film deal, JuVee is expanding its deal to include TV projects too.
JuVee currently has two television projects and three films in development with Amazon Studios, including an adaptation of Octavia Butler’s beloved Wild Seed book (part of the Patternist series) and a TV adaptation of the film Fast Color.
JuVee has previously sold projects to ABC, HBO, Apple TV+, DISNEY+, USA, TV ONE, FOOD Network and BRAVO. JuVee’s Sundance award-winning documentary Giving Voice will premiere on Netflix, and Davis is set to go into production on Showtime’s First Ladies, portraying Michelle Obama. JuVee’s additional television and film credits include ABC’s The Last Defense, Bravo’s In a Man’s World and the documentary Emanuel, which honored the Charleston Massacre victims. JuVee also executive produced The March, a first of its kind immersive exhibit that recreates the iconic 1963 March on Washington in virtual reality.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Amazon Studios, bringing our TV division along with Film. Our mission and the importance of being given an opportunity to be seen and occupy space is our legacy. JuVee’s collaboration with Amazon is one of shared vision and shared courage,” said Davis and Tennon.
“Amazon has established itself as a home for artists who are passionate about changing the way that creative content looks and the stories that it tells,” added Andrew T. Wang, JuVee’s Head of TV Development and Production, “We are thrilled to bring JuVee into Amazon’s family of storytellers and to continue in our mission to provide a platform for compelling, original stories told by people from historically marginalized populations.
“With Amazon’s unparalleled global reach, these stories have the potential to impact, and enrich the lives of, audiences around the world.”
“Viola, Julius and Andrew are incredible talents, both on screen and off, with an eye for sourcing and developing authentic voices and stories,” commented Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. “We share a vision and passion to serve our diverse global customers original content that inspires, entertains and brings people together. We are so happy to expand on our current relationship with JuVee productions,”
In addition to Wang, JuVee’s team includes Rob Williams who will continue to serve as SVP of Features. Josh Nelson is Head of Interactive and Immersive. Karen Frost and Liliana Granados have been promoted to Creative Executives, TV and Film, respectively.
Amazon Studios signs first look deal with Viola Davis’ JuVee Productions
30th November 2018
Amazon Studios has closed an exclusive first look feature production deal with Viola Davis and actor/producer Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions.
JuVee Productions is an artist driven, Los Angeles-based production company that develops and produces independent film, television, theater, and digital content across all spaces of narrative entertainment. JuVee Productions seeks to produce economical yet premium, sophisticated, and character-driven stories. With an emphasis on producing narratives from a diverse range of emerging and established voices alike, JuVee Productions aims to become the go-to creative hub where the next generation of filmmakers and artists have the space to craft dynamic stories spanning the broad spectrum of humanity.
Davis is no stranger to Amazon: she recently wrapped on Amazon Studios’ Troupe Zero, also starring Allison Janney and Jim Gaffigan. The heartwarming comedy about a band of misfit outcasts is directed by Bert & Bertie, written by Lucy Alibar, and will be released in 2019.
“Amazon Studios is passionate about building a home for both new and established filmmakers of all backgrounds, who share the same vision in telling incredible and engaging human stories,” says Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. “Viola and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions brings distinctive, fresh voices and high-quality content to our customers in both theaters and on Prime Video.”
“JuVee Productions is beyond excited about our new relationship with Amazon Studios. We share the same vision of creating a vast and rich array of narratives that are inclusive and reflective of our world,” add co-Presidents Viola Davis and Julius Tennon. “We started this company with a fierce commitment to integrity and the encouragement of emerging and/or established artists who have the courage and talent to be disruptors. We are thrilled that we can continue to share our vision on a global scale alongside Amazon Studios. It is our legacy.”
The news marks a growing arsenal of partnerships agreed by Amazon Studios, which has recently locked in production deals with Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Television for eight direct-to-service movies, Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman’s Blossom Films, The Handmaid’s Tale director Reed Morano, and Academy Award winning director Jordan Peele.