Writer and director Justin Simien make an impressive debut in 2014 with the release of his independent film, Dear White People. While a television adaptation of Dear White People wasn’t an obvious choice, Simien has signed a deal to turn his movie into an original series on Netflix.
Netflix sent out the announcement this morning, as it revealed that Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions are producing the Dear White People series with Simien writing the ten episode first season and directing the pilot episode. Like the film that preceded it, Dear White People will follow “a diverse group of students of color as they navigate a predominantly white Ivy League college where racial tensions are often swept under the rug.”
“During the film’s release, I had the pleasure to speak with hundreds of students and faculty across a variety of college campuses dealing with these very issues in real time,” said Simien in a statement. “I’m so grateful to have this platform – not only to give a voice to those too often unheard in our culture but to also tell great stories from new points of views. From day one, Lionsgate has been remarkably supportive of the vision for the show, and working with Netflix is every bit as harmonious as I’d imagined it would be. Bringing this show to such a vibrant platform is an honor I don’t take lightly.”
Dear White People is apparently on the fast track for Netflix, with the ten episode first season slated to film later this year for a 2017 premiere.
What do you think about Dear White People getting an original Netflix series? Let us know what you’re thinking in the comment section below!
