Netflix is developing a comedy series based on Justin Simien’s indie film, Dear White People. Dear White People was written, directed, and produced by Simien and won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Talent at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Season one of Netflix’s series will consist of 10 30-minute episodes written by Simien who’s also committed to directing the first episode. Devon Shepard (House of Lies), Stephanie Allain Bray (Hustle & Flow), and Julia Lebedev (The Dinner) are on board as executive producers.
Filming’s expected to begin later this year and Netflix is targeting a 2017 premiere.
“Justin is a gifted storyteller whose bold, unique vision is perfectly suited to Netflix,” stated Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content at Netflix. “His original film Dear White People announced the arrival of a fresh, creative voice that had everyone talking, and we’re excited to have Justin create this new series for our members worldwide.”
“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. “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.”
The Plot: Set among 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, Dear White People is a send up of “post-racial” America that also weaves a universal story about forging one’s own unique path.
