The audio streaming service Audible announced a multi-project development deal with Emmy Award-winning writer Lena Waithe and Rishi Rajani’s production company Hillman Grad Productions.
The first original project under the deal will be Kym, is an original, scripted comedy series inspired by the life of Emmy nominated actress/comedian Kym Whitley. The series, executive produced by Whitley under her Kwick Whit Productions follows the titular character as she navigates single motherhood and Hollywood. Currently in development, Kym is also produced by Andrew Coles of The Mission, Debra Martin Chase of Martin Chase, Skydance and of course, Hillman Grad Productions.
“We’re so excited to be expanding into the podcast space in collaboration with Audible and continuing our mission to tell human stories,” said Waithe and Rajani on behalf of Hillman Grad Productions. “We are really grateful to Kym, for sharing not only her story but her signature voice with us. Kym Whitley has always been one of the funniest women in the business, and we’re so glad she’s finally going to take center stage!”
“Lena is a supremely gifted storyteller with a proven ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity through her work. Along with her company, Hillman Grad Productions, she elevates diverse voices and creates art that challenges convention,” said Zola Mashariki, Head of Audible Studios. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Lena in both TV and film and am absolutely ecstatic to collaborate with her again as she makes her mark on the audio industry. Lena’s creative voice is authentic, accessible, and powerfully potent, and we at Audible are thrilled to help bring her audio stories to life.”
Audible also has development deals with Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit, Laura Dern’s Jaywalker Pictures, Kenya Barris’ Khalabo Ink Society, Topic Studios, Treefort Media, Team Coco, Steph Curry’s Unanimous Media, Kevin Hart’s HartBeat Productions, Charlamagne tha God’s CTHAGOD World Productions and The SpringHill Company, founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter.