Ad-supported streamer Mansa launches Baselines as first original scripted series

Baselines was inspired by NBA champion Derek Fisher

Mansa, the AVoD platform backed by actors David Oyelowo, Nate Parker and Chiké Okonkwo, has launched an original drama series after partnering with basketballer Derek Fisher.

The first two episodes of four-part series Baselines launched on Mansa this week, marking the fledgling streamer’s entry into original programming after it arrived in the spring.

Inspired by the life of five-time NBA champion Fisher, the series follows a tight-knit family struggling to protect its aspiring pro basketball player from the dangers of a growing family feud. Executive produced by Fisher, it stars Malik Yoba, Jarrett Ellis, Derrick A King and Felicia Pearson.

New episodes of Baselines will launch on July 12 and 19 and will be available on the Mansa Mix free ad-supported streaming TV channel. Mansa is also available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, iOS, Android and the web.

Mansa is currently licensing and acquiring finished projects as well as developing shows internally that align with the streaming platform’s mission of bringing the best of black culture to global audiences.

Filmmakers and actors Oyelowo, Parker and Okonkwo linked up with tech entrepreneur and film financier Zak Tanjeloff to launch Mansa, which to date has raised US$8m in seed-round financing.

Funding has been led by MaC Venture Capital with participation from WndrCo, Galaxy Investment Partners, Base Ventures, Rainmaker Films, Black Capital VC and Robert F Smith.

“Baselines is our first Mansa Original, delivering on our promise to showcase diverse and authentic stories for the culture,” said Brielle Urserry, head of programming at Mansa.

“The response we’ve had from both our audience and the filmmaker community has been amazing and we look forward to offering more and more outstanding stories for the Mansa community to enjoy.”