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TBS, Mass Appeal agree content pact

Turner Broadcasting-owned US cablenet TBS has greenlit an animated factual series and is developing a drama inspired by late rapper The Notorious B.I.G.

Storyville will feature musicians, actors, comedians, writers and artists telling true-life stories animated in detail to highlight the absurdity of celebrity life.

TBS has ordered 10 episodes of the show, which is already in production and was created by New York-based media firm Mass Appeal in partnership with hip-hop website Okayplayer. The series will premiere this fall across TBS digital and social platforms.

The channel is also working with Mass Appeal, which began as a graffiti magazine in 1996 and has since diversified into music, film and TV, on a scripted series as part of a wider agreement between the two companies.

Think B.I.G. is loosely based on lyrics by the Notorious B.I.G, the rap superstar who was murdered in 1997, and chronicles the misadventures of an inner-city teen desperately trying to create a better future for his children.

The project is being produced by Mass Appeal in partnership with Wayne Barrow of Bystorm Films and Voletta Wallace for Notorious B.I.G. Inc.

“Storyville and Think B.I.G. speak to the types of projects we will cultivate with Mass Appeal moving forward,” said Brett Weitz, executive VP of original programming for TBS.

“Mass Appeal is a leader in developing unique stories with diverse voices. There’s no better partner for us to connect with this vibrant, impassioned audience,” added Weitz.

Under the agreement, Mass Appeal will develop original programming for TBS and TNT’s television and digital platforms, presenting concepts on an exclusive, first-look basis.

Mass Appeal will also develop music-themed specials and unscripted programmes.

Peter Bittenbender, CEO of Mass Appeal, added: “This deal is a major turning point for our business. With the help of Turner, we will now be able to accelerate our vision of growing Mass Appeal into the premier brand for exploring and expanding urban culture.”

 DA2016 

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