TCA 2019: Amazon Signs First-Look Production Deal with Forest Whitaker, Connie Britton

Beverly Hills, Calif. — Amazon Saturday announced a first look production deal with actress Connie Britton and Forest Whitaker’s Significant Productions studio.

The agreements, announced during the streaming service’s Television Critics Association press tour event, calls for Britton (Nashville) and Significant -- co-founded by Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi -- to develop exclusive television series on Amazon Prime Video, according to the service.

“Connie Britton is a multi-talented actress who has captivated audiences with her portrayal of smart, complicated women,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios in a statement. “Britton’s ability to create memorable characters and identify compelling stories makes her a perfect fit for Amazon Studios. We look forward to seeing what she creates for the global Amazon Prime Video audience.”

Whitaker's Significant Productions has produced such films as Fruitvale Station, Songs My Brothers Taught Me, Roxanne Roxanne, and Sorry to Bother You.

Related: Forest Whitaker Is a Godfather of Storytelling

“Significant Productions, fueled by the vision of Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi, has given a platform to emerging talent and created brilliant, critically acclaimed, and commercially successful projects across film and television,” said Albert Cheng, COO and co-head of Television, Amazon Studios in a statement. “We are looking forward to working with Significant Productions as they continue to develop fresh voices to tell even more important, inclusive stories.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.