Westbrook Studios and The Malar Group have partnered to finance and develop a slate of film and television projects, starting with 215, a scripted series based on the rise of DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jeffrey Allen Townes) & The Fresh Prince (Will Smith). Westbrook is bringing its development and production capabilities, and Malar is bringing its investment platform.
Per the official description, “215 is set in West Philadelphia in the late 1980s. It follows a quick-witted teenage rapper, the DJ who is his musical other half, and the friends who helped fuel the dream. Together they chase a record deal, money and a way out as the city’s hip-hop scene takes off. Along the way they deal with label meetings, hometown loyalty, sudden fame and the friendships that hold them together, or almost don’t.”
The announcement adds, “It’s a story about ambition and brotherhood, and about the moment hip-hop went from the block party to the mainstream, with a group of kids from the 215 leading the way.”
The series is based on Will Smith’s early life and his rise alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff as one of hip-hop’s first crossover acts. The announcement did not include casting, writers or a release date.
What did Westbrook and Malar say about the partnership?
Terence Carter, president of television at Westbrook Studios, said, “Westbrook has always been focused on developing stories with strong characters, distinctive worlds and a clear point of view. 215 is especially meaningful to us because it draws from the rise of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince and celebrates Philadelphia during such a defining era in the city’s late-’80s/early-’90s hip-hop scene. The Malar Group shares our approach to storytelling, and this partnership gives us the opportunity to build a slate together with intention, beginning with a project rooted in friendship, ambition and the integrity of this specific time and place.”
Sayan Navaratnam, CEO of Malar Group, said, “We’re excited to partner with Westbrook Studios on a slate of film and television projects driven by distinctive creative vision and exceptional storytelling. 215 caught our attention immediately. It’s the untold origin story of a show that audiences around the world have connected with for decades, but at its heart, it’s about two people who believed in each other, overcame extraordinary odds and built something that endured. 215 marks the start of a broader collaboration with Westbrook Studios, and we look forward to this project and the stories still to come.”
Additional film and television projects under the partnership will be announced as the two companies build out the slate. Westbrook’s upcoming projects include Amazon MGM’s Night of the Living Dead, Netflix’s Fast & Loose and Warner Bros.’ I Am Legend 2.
Featured image photo credit, provided by Westbrook: David Corio/Michael Ochs Archives, via Getty Images
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