Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter, and actress Mary J. Blige is also winning as an entrepreneur after having recently signed a first look deal with Lionsgate reportedly worth several million dollars.
As part of the deal, Blige will develop and produce several new series as well as create content for different platforms for the studio through her newly-launched company Blue Butterfly Productions.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Lionsgate,” Blige said in a statement about the deal. “They are incredible collaborators and have been natural partners from when we first started talking. I can’t wait to bring all of our projects to life.”
Lionsgate TV Group chairman Kevin Beggs also expressed his excitement for the partnership.
“Mary is a very talented artist, fearless visionary and an incredible human being,” Beggs said. “We’re delighted to be working with someone with such a powerful and impactful creative voice. Every art she touches blossoms, and we’re humbled she’s chosen us as her home. We look forward to all the exciting new content Mary and her Blue Butterfly banner will bring to our television slate and Lionsgate 360 orbit.”
The deal came after her outstanding performances in Netflix’s Umbrella Academy and the movie Mudbound, which earned her acting and music Oscar nominations. She has also been recently awarded the BET Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 BET Awards.
