Logo

Oscar Winner for ’12 Years a Slave’ Inks Pact With ABC Studios

Jul 15, 2014  •  Post A Comment

The Academy Award-winning writer behind "12 Years a Slave" has signed an overall deal with ABC Studios. The Hollywood Reporter's Live Feed reports that the pact extends the network's relationship with John Ridley.

Ridley already has the drama series "American Crime" set up for a midseason run at ABC.

The new deal was announced today at the Television Critics Association summer press tour by ABC Entertainment Group President Paul.

Putting it succinctly, Lee said of Ridley: "He's an extraordinary showrunner."

"'American Crime,' starring Timothy Hutton and Felicity Huffman, will examine the personal lives of the players involved in a racially charged trial as their worlds are turned upside down," THR reports. "Ridley will pen the script, executive produce and direct the project alongside former ABC Studios head of drama-turned-producer Michael McDonald."

The report also notes: "The ABC Studios project marks Ridley's return to TV and comes three years after HBO passed on his boxing drama, 'Da Brick,' and five years after 'The Wanda Sykes Show' ended its run. Ridley, whose small-screen credits also include the 'Barbershop' TV series and 'Third Watch,' is said to have landed the directing gig after executives watched his Jimi Hendrix biopic 'Jimi: All Is by My Side,' which he wrote and directed."

john ridley.jpgJohn Ridley

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)