Relativity Collaborates with BET Networks for Blackbird

BET Networks to Broadcast Relativity’s Blackbird

(Beverly Hills, Calif.) September 25, 2013 – Relativity announced today that it is collaborating with BET Networks on the currently in production film Blackbird.  Relativity, which is financing, producing and distributing the film, has licensed the television rights to BET Networks, marking the first association between the two companies.  BET Networks will broadcast Blackbird in the United States and South Africa after its U.S. theatrical release.

Tucker Tooley, President of Relativity, said: “Relativity is always looking to work with creative and original companies like BET Networks.  We are excited to have them on board for Blackbird.”

Loretha Jones, President of Original Programming and News for BET, added: “BET Networks is excited to partner for the first time ever with film and television studio, Relativity Media to create a film that matches the high-quality caliber production expected by our viewers. BET Networks looks forward to the first of many collaborations and sharing the final production on the big screen with our U.S and African audiences via its theatrical release.”

The film is written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Secret Life of Bees, Love & Basketball) and stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle, Larry Crowne, Undercovers), Nate Parker (Red Hook Summer, The Great Debaters) and Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon). Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh is producing alongside Stephanie Allain (Hustle & Flow, Peeples) and Reggie Rock Bythewood (Gun Hill, Dancing in September).  Relativity President Tucker Tooley is executive producing alongside Matt Alvarez (Barbershop, The Longshots).  Josh Reinhold is overseeing the project for the studio.

Blackbird is the story of Noni Jean, a hot new award-winning artist who is primed for superstardom.  But all that glitters isn’t gold, and the pressures nearly cause Noni to take her own life – until she is saved by Kaz Nicol, a promising young cop whose been assigned to her detail. Drawn to each other, Noni and Kaz fall fast and hard, despite the protests of their parents who urge them to put their career ambitions ahead of their romance.  But it is ultimately Kaz’s love that gives Noni the courage to find her own voice and break free to become the artist she was meant to be.