David Oyelowo and Nate Parker are continuing to expand Mansa’s footprint in mobile-first entertainment. The Black culture-focused platform is building out its slate of original microdramas, using short, vertically formatted episodes to bring romance, drama and other scripted stories directly to smartphone audiences. TheWrap
via Variety:
Mansa Studios, the media company co-founded by David Oyelowo and Nate Parker, has partnered with Macro Television Studios to develop, finance and produce various vertical series, the two companies announced Monday. Macro and Mansa will develop, market and promote the projects coming out of the partnership, while also share ownership of the intellectual property.
Mansa already distributes film, TV and short-form content across platforms including its own free ad-supported streaming service and FAST channels.
“Mansa was created to ensure that culturally rich stories can reach audiences wherever they are,” said Mansa Studios co-founder Oyelowo in a statement. “As viewing habits evolve, we are embracing new storytellers, formats and platforms that allow us to remain connected to our global audience while creating meaningful opportunities for a diverse array of talent.”
Mansa’s growing investment in vertical storytelling positions the company within one of entertainment’s rapidly developing formats while maintaining its focus on Black creators and audiences. The expansion also gives Oyelowo and Parker another avenue to distribute original stories outside traditional film and television models.
