SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) company, has selected Effie Brown to produce the feature film adaptation of the acclaimed Flyy Girl book trilogy written by New York Times bestselling author Omar Tyree. Brown and her company Duly Noted Inc. will oversee development and the recruitment of the creative team on the project alongside Codeblack Films' Jeff Clanagan and Quincy Newell.
Brown is known for 2002's "Real Women Have Curves", 2007's "Rocket Science", and 2014's Sundance Film festival darling, "Dear White People." Brown also recently joined the cast of HBO's "Project Greenlight" reboot assuming the role of producer and mentor to the winner of the filmmaking competition. Industry veteran Christina Sibul is also part of the development team.
"I'm so excited to be working with Codeblack Films and Lionsgate on releasing the film adaptation of Omar Tyree's culturally iconic Flyy Girl trilogy," said Brown. "These books were a rite of passage for readers worldwide and will prove to be the foundation for an exciting cinematic release."
With Nicole Jefferson-Asher on board to write the script, the story explores the journey of Tracey Ellison, a successful businesswoman and workaholic who believes that money is always the key to happiness. In the midst of her life journey, Ellison is forced to reinvent herself and rethink her relationships, her career and her definition of success. The second book in the series, "For the Love of Money," won an NAACP Image Award (2001, Outstanding Book, Fiction).
Tyree's books have been read by over 8 million people worldwide and have grossed more than $30 million for publishing giant Simon & Schuster. His brand is one of the most talked about in the urban community, and his products can be found in 12 countries.
"Effie Brown comes to us with a wealth of experience, and we are elated to have her on our team to produce this much anticipated film," said Codeblack Films President Jeff Clanagan. "She has a track record of excellence, and we're confident that she will bring her magic touch to this project as well."
Codeblack Films' EVP & General Manager Quincy Newell and Robert Melnik, Lionsgate's EVP Business & Legal Affairs, handled the deals. Attorney Vince L. Ravine handled legal duties for Brown. Gersh's Frank Wuliger represents Jefferson-Asher.
About Codeblack Films
Codeblack Films, a division of premier next generation global content leader LIONSGATE®, is a vertically integrated film production and distribution company focused on providing independent studios, filmmakers, globally-recognized celebrities, intellectual property rights holders and brands cross platform monetization solutions. Entertainment industry veteran Jeff Clanagan founded Codeblack Films in 2012. Codeblack Films' core objective is to super serve the global Black community with quality programming and help its content and brand partners access the enormous spending power of the rapidly growing African-American consumer market. Codeblack Films' understanding of the social context of this fast evolving market -- values, attitudes, behavior and current and emerging trends -- provides the Company with a unique ability to position its content and brand partners in the center of influence.
In July 2013, Codeblack Films released the sleeper hit KEVIN HART: LET ME EXPLAIN from superstar comedian and actor Kevin Hart, which generated over $32 million at the domestic box-office. Codeblack has also released Shola Lynch's 2013 NAACP Image Award winner FREE ANGELA AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS, George Tillman Jr. and Alicia Keyes' critically acclaimed and NAACP Image Award nominated THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER & PETE starring Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, the independent thriller REPENTANCE, starring Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, Anthony Mackie and Sanaa Lathan and the Golden Globe nominated FRANKIE & ALICE, starring Academy Award winner Halle Berry. In October 2014 Codeblack released ADDICTED the sexy and provocative thriller based on the New York Times best selling book by Zane.
Through parent company Lionsgate, Codeblack Films' operational capabilities include motion picture production and distribution, strategic acquisitions, television programming and syndication, home entertainment distribution, digital distribution, new channel platform monetization and international distribution and sales.
For More Information & Contact:
Codeblack Films/LionsgateLiz Berger/ Lionsgate Publicity - LA/ lberger@lionsgate.com
Allied Integrated Marketing
Ginger Chan/ Vice President, National Publicity/ gchan@alliedim.com
Yasmine Parrish/ Publicist – LA/ YParrish@alliedim.com
Nyrie McKenzie/ Publicist – NY/ NMckenzie@alliedim.com
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SOURCE Codeblack Films