Amazon Studios has signed a first-look TV deal with 23-time Grand Slam tennis champion Serena Williams. Williams will work with Amazon Studios to create scripted and unscripted television projects that will premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, beginning with an untitled docuseries that follows her in both her professional and personal life. The untitled docuseries production from Plum Pictures, Goalhanger Films and Amazon Studios is executive produced by Williams, Patrick Mouratoglou, Stuart Cabb, and Tony Pastor.
“I’m very excited to be partnering with Amazon Studios–they are developing some of the most inspiring and important content for a global audience. I have a lot of stories I’m eager to tell, including a continuation of my own, and I look forward to sharing those with the world,” said Williams.
“Serena has transformed her sport and become one of the most inspiring athletes, entrepreneurs and women of her generation, admired not only for her unmatched prowess on the court but for her dedication to advocacy as well,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios. “We’re incredibly excited to share her journey in this new series, and to work with her to create new original content for our Prime Video customers worldwide.”
The greatest athlete and tennis player of the Open Era and most prized WTA player of all time, Williams has overcome insurmountable odds to win a title in all four grand slam tournaments, 73 singles and 23 doubles championships, and Gold-Medals at the 2000 (doubles), 2008 (doubles), and 2012 (singles and doubles) Olympics.
Off the court, Williams has become well-recognized in the business, entertainment and fashion space, adding S by Serena clothing line and Serena Ventures to her brand. Williams is also deeply committed to philanthropic causes, supporting organizations such as the Yetunde Price Resource Center, launching in 2018 in Compton, Calif., honoring the life and memory of her oldest sister, by ensuring those affected by trauma have the necessary resources to persevere. Her greatness on and off the court solidifies her as one of the most iconic names and faces in the world.
The Kennedy Center looks to justify that the building needs a renovation
The Kennedy Center's new leadership wants to prove to critics the building is damaged beyond simple repair. It's starting with Congress.
Matt Floca, the performing arts institution's new executive director and chief operating officer, is leading a series of tours this month that show water damage and intrusion to expansion joints, marble slabs and exterior pavers. Participants are guided through the building's water and HVAC systems along with parking garages and loading docks that are said to be in need of repair.
The sessions began earlier this month while Congress was in recess and included staff for a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrats on Capitol Hill. A representative for Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser was also included on the tour.
Similar access has been provided for several corporate and individual donors and in the coming weeks, Floca is expected to provide tours for the lawmakers themselves and members of the media.
Assessing a suddenly controversial operation
Once one of Washington's relatively few apolitical spaces, the Kennedy Center has become a source of controversy during President Donald Trump's second term. Shortly after returning to office, Trump ousted the institution's previous leadership and replaced it with a handpicked board of directors.
The president's name was added to the building's facade and its programming took a Trump-friendly turn, serving as a venue for events such as the premiere of first lady Melania Trump's documentary, "Melania."
Trump's move to shutter the building for two years starting in July, which was approved by the board last month, has spurred... Read More