Grammy Award-winning singer H.E.R. is set to make waves in Hollywood once again, teaming up with media mogul Oprah Winfrey to produce a majorette-inspired dance movie for 20th Century Studios.
The multifaceted artist will not only develop and produce the film but also star in it.
H.E.R. made her acting debut in the musical adaptation of The Color Purple last year, where she had the opportunity to work alongside Winfrey and producer Scott Sanders.
Fascinated by the cultural significance of majorette dancing, H.E.R. pitched the film idea to Winfrey and Sanders during their collaboration.
Enthusiastic about the concept, the trio decided to bring the project to life. Winfrey will produce the film through her Harpo Films, and Sanders via Scott Sanders Productions.
The script, penned by Emmy-nominated writer Lauren Ashley Smith, is set at a fictional HBCU in Atlanta. The narrative follows an introverted ballet dancer from Los Angeles who defies her parents’ wishes by pausing her promising dance career to attend college.
At her new school, she joins a struggling majorette team, navigating culture shock, her classical dance background, and fierce competition to help the team reclaim its former glory.
The film aims to deliver a joyous and authentic celebration of HBCU life, seen through the eyes of a dancer who discovers her true self through her experiences.
Majorette dancing holds a significant place in HBCU and Black culture, making it a rich subject for this new project.
In addition to H.E.R., Winfrey, and Sanders, the production team includes Carla Gardini and Mara Jacobs. Rashonda Joplin will oversee the project for 20th Century Studios.
Lauren Ashley Smith brings a wealth of experience to the film.
She is currently under an overall deal with CBS Studios and has previously served as head writer and co-executive producer for the first two seasons of A Black Lady Sketch Show on HBO, earning a TCA Award and three Emmy nominations.
A production start date has not yet been set, but anticipation is already building for this exciting new film that promises to spotlight the vibrancy of HBCU culture through the lens of dance and self-discovery.
