Fox is developing a drama series inspired by the life of choreographer and creative director Laurieann Gibson that boasts Mary J. Blige among its executive producers.
The project has received a script order with a significant penalty attached. Currently titled “8 Count,” the potential series is described as a music-fueled drama that follows a young choreographer who, in order to redeem her damaged reputation in the cutthroat music/dance world, must invest in an up-and-coming singer, who also has one last shot at stardom.
Erika L. Johnson will write the script and executive produce with The Jackal Group’s Gail Berman and Joe Earley, Gibson, and Blige, who will also serve as a music advisor to the project. Johnson’s previous writing credits include “Ugly Betty,” “Without a Trace,” and “Being Mary Jane.”
Gibson is a globally respected choreographer and creative director, having choreographed music videos and live performances for Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and many other musicians and performers. Her on-screen credits include “Making the Band,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Dance Moms,” and “Starmaker.”
Blige is a multi-platinum selling musician who has also won nine Grammy Awards in her distinguised career. Her worldwide sales currently exceed 50 million albums. She is also co-starring in the upcoming Netflix feature film “Mudbound.”
This is also the latest development project this season for The Jackal Group. The company previously announced they were developing the series “Surrender,” “Spacebound,” and “The Great Unknown” at Fox, the anthology series “Shock Theatre” at AMC, and the multi-camera hybrid comedy “Man of the House” at ABC.
Gibson is repped by APA. Johnson is repped by APA, Echo Lake Entertainment, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman. Blige is repped by APA and Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks.
