Common Signs Overall Deal with Lionsgate to Develop New TV Series

Increasing his focus on television, Common has signed an overall deal with Lionsgate Television, the studio announced Friday. Under the agreement, the Emmy-winning songwriter, actor and producer will create and develop new TV series through his outfit Freedom Road Productions.

Common has a longstanding relationship with Lionsgate, having starred in installments of the studio’s John Wick and Now You See Me feature franchises.

“We’re thrilled to have the talented multihyphenate Common join our television team along with his longtime manager and producing partner Derek Dudley, president of production Shelby Stone and creative executive Melisa Resch,” said Lionsgate Executive VP and Head of Worldwide Scripted TV Chris Selak in a statement. “Common’s expertise from working across all different artistic platforms offers a rich and exciting creative vision to our group. We look forward to the bold, premium content Freedom Road Productions will bring to our deep and diverse television slate.”

“I’m proud to expand my relationship with the innovative content creator Lionsgate,” said Common. “The studio offers a collaborative, creative freedom that is unique in the entertainment industry, which makes them a perfect partner for Freedom Road Productions. I’m looking forward to teaming up with Kevin [Beggs, Lionsgate TV Group chairman], Chris and the Lionsgate collective on exciting and fresh television programming.”

Common’s other film credits include parts in Wanted (2008) and Selma (2014), for which he earned an Oscar to recognize his original song “Glory.” He has also received an Emmy for his music in Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th (2016). Common currently produces and stars in the hit TV series The Chi on Showtime, which was renewed for a second season back in January. Other forthcoming projects include Warner Brothers’ Smallfoot, Fox’s The Hate U Give and Summit Entertainment’s (Lionsgate’s indie label) Hunter Killer.

Common joins Lionsgate TV’s extensive roster of creative talent, including Justin Simien and Yvette Bowser (Dear White People), Eric and Kim Tannenbaum (Two and a Half Men), Courtney Kemp (Power), Eugenio Derbez and Ben O’Dell (Overboard, Instructions Not Included), Jenny Bicks (Sex and the City) and John Goldwyn (Dexter).