Viola Davis and JuVee Productions co-owner Julius Tennon signed a first look deal with Amazon Studios this week, allowing the celebrated actors to produce feature films for the streaming service.
Both Davis and her husband Tennon are actors and producers. The How to get away with Murder star has already been working with Amazon for an upcoming comedy called “Troupe Zero,” starring Jimm Gaffin and Allison Janney.
“Amazon is passionate about building a home for both new and established filmmakers of all backgrounds, who share the same vision in telling incredible and engaging human stories,” Amazon Studios’ Jennifer Salke said. “Viola and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions brings distinctive, fresh voices and high-quality content to our customers in both theaters and on Prime Video.”
JuVee Productions responded to the announcement with a message highlighting its vision in the filmmaking industry.
“JuVee Productions is beyond excited about our new relationship with Amazon Studios. We share the same vision of creating a vast and rich array of narratives that are inclusive and reflective of our world,” Tennon and Davis said in a joint statement.
“We started this company with a fierce commitment to integrity and the encouragement of emerging and/or established artists who have the courage and talent to be disruptors. We are thrilled that we can continue to share our vision on a global scale alongside Amazon Studios. It is our legacy.”
JuVee Production’s latest agreement is one in a string of many productions deals Amazon Studios has sealed in the last few months. Just recently, the streaming service struck agreements with “Get Out” director Jordan Peele and Reed Morano, director of “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
As competition for streaming networks increases, top producers are expected to strike major deals. Netflix already bagged deals for Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy and is expected to make more moves.
