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Lena Waithe Inks Mega Deal With Amazon Studios Valued In ‘8-Figure Range’

Lena Waithe Inks Mega Deal With Amazon Studios Valued In ‘8-Figure Range’

Lena Waithe Amazon
Lena Waithe arrives at the BET Awards on Sunday, June 23, 2019, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Lena Waithe just keeps making Black people proud. The gifted creator, writer and producer has inked an overall deal with Amazon Studios believed to be for two years and valued in the 8-figure range, Deadline reported.

Under the deal, Waithe will serve as executive producer for “Them,” a horror event series from writer and executive producer Little Marvin, as well as create exclusive, original content for Amazon Prime Video. Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said they couldn’t be more pleased to work with Waithe.

“Lena is a powerhouse writer and producer who also has a gift for identifying exciting and authentic voices,” Salke told Deadline. “Our upcoming series ‘Them’ is the result of her rare ability to cultivate brilliant voices like Little Marvin and bring his wholly original and compelling vision to Amazon. We look forward to collaborating with Lena and her team for years to come.”

The shows will be developed through Hillman Grad Network, the company founded by Waithe and her creative partner Rishi Rajani.

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Known for successful shows like “The Chi” on Showtime and “Boomerang” on BET, Waithe made history in 2017 by becoming the first Black woman to win an Emmy for writing on a comedy series. In November, the first feature film she’s written “Queen & Slim” will debut. Waithe is also working on the BET comedy “Twenties,” and Showtime’s “How to Make Love to a Black Woman.”

Committed to using her talent and platform to make an impact and elevate others, Waithe made waves recently for calling out Denzel Washington and Will Smith for not funding more Black talent. She said she and Amazon are on one accord.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this new partnership with Amazon Studios and am looking forward to this next chapter,” Waithe said. “Both of our goals are aligned in that we want to continue elevating storytellers who are underrepresented and have a unique vision of the world.”