Netflix inks first-look deal with Jennifer Lopez
David Farnor | On 08, Jun 2021
Netflix has inked a first-look with Jennifer Lopez and her production company, Nuyorican Productions.
The multi-year agreement will see Nuyorican Productions produce a slate of films, television series, scripted and unscripted content, with an emphasis on projects that support diverse female actors, writers and filmmakers.
The company is co-run by Lopez and her producing partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, with partner Benny Medina working with them on the Netflix projects.
The first two announced so far both star Lopez. The Mother, which is directed by Niki Caro (Mulan), follows a deadly female assassin who comes out of hiding to teach her daughter how to survive. Lopez is currently training for the role with production set to begin this fall with a scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2022. The second film, The Cipher, is based on the novel by Isabel Ojeda Maldonado.
Scott Stuber, Netflix Head of Global Films, said: “Throughout every aspect of her career, Jennifer Lopez has been a force in entertainment. In partnering with her and Nuyorican we know she will continue to bring impactful stories, joy and inspiration to audiences around the world.”
Lopez added: “I am excited to announce my new partnership with Netflix. Elaine, Benny and I believe there is no better home for us than a forward leaning content creation company that seeks to defy conventional wisdom and directly market to the millions across the globe who no longer view art and entertainment with the kind of boundaries and limitations of the past. We at Nuyorican Productions are thrilled to find like-minded partners in Ted Sarandos, Scott Stuber, Bela Bajaria and the whole team and look forward to getting to work right away.”
Bela Bajaria, Netflix Head of Global TV, commented: “Jennifer is a singular talent whose creativity and vision have captivated audiences and inspired the next generation around the world. For years she and the team at Nuyorican have brought a distinctive voice to entertainment, and I’m looking forward to working with her and the team to create new series for our members to love.”