HBO has announced plans for a new documentary about the history of Black television, led by Insecure creator Issa Rae.
The two-part special, titled Seen & Heard, is currently in production by Ark Media. The doc will feature interviews with Black media's brightest actors, showrunners, writers and celebrities, and showcase archival footage and materials surrounding the history of Black stories.
"Black people have such a rich, but often unacknowledged history in Hollywood," Rae told Deadline. "We have defined American culture and influenced generations time and time again across the globe. I'm honored to pair with Ark Media to center and celebrate the achievements of those who paved a way for so many of us to tell our stories on television."
Phil Bertelsen — behind Netflix's Who Killed Malcolm X? — is set to direct, with Rae serving as executive producer. Montrel McKay of Issa Rae Productions will also join the executive team, alongside Ark's Rachel Dretzin and Esther Dere.
So far, the documentary special has no release date.
Rae is currently working on a feature production with Jordan Peele, a live-action adaptation of a short story titled Sinkhole. Her beloved HBO comedy series Insecure is set to return for Season 5, after having just wrapped up Season 4.
The two-part special, titled Seen & Heard, is currently in production by Ark Media. The doc will feature interviews with Black media's brightest actors, showrunners, writers and celebrities, and showcase archival footage and materials surrounding the history of Black stories.
"Black people have such a rich, but often unacknowledged history in Hollywood," Rae told Deadline. "We have defined American culture and influenced generations time and time again across the globe. I'm honored to pair with Ark Media to center and celebrate the achievements of those who paved a way for so many of us to tell our stories on television."
Phil Bertelsen — behind Netflix's Who Killed Malcolm X? — is set to direct, with Rae serving as executive producer. Montrel McKay of Issa Rae Productions will also join the executive team, alongside Ark's Rachel Dretzin and Esther Dere.
So far, the documentary special has no release date.
Rae is currently working on a feature production with Jordan Peele, a live-action adaptation of a short story titled Sinkhole. Her beloved HBO comedy series Insecure is set to return for Season 5, after having just wrapped up Season 4.
