David Oyelowo’s Mansa Studios developing microdrama series with Macro Television Studios

L-R: David Oyelowo, Nate Parker and Zak Tanjeloff

Mansa Studios, the media company founded by actors David Oyelowo and Nate Parker alongside tech entrepreneur Zak Tanjeloff, is expanding its vertical content slate through a partnership with Macro Television Studios.

The two companies will collaborate for the first time by developing an as-yet-unspecified original microdrama series.

They will co-finance the project while sharing the IP rights. Mansa Studios will be the lead production company, with Macro contributing its development and production experience.

Mansa Studios is behind ad-supported streaming platform Mansa, specialising in culture-driven storytelling for black audiences in the US and the global diaspora.

Earlier this year, Parker told C21 how the company saw microdramas as a gateway through which the platform will help nurture creator-owned IP and plug a gap for culture-driven vertical storytelling for black audiences.

Macro Television Studios was founded in 2015 and recently acquired black-focused streamer AllBlk. Its production credits include shows such as Raising Dion and Gentefied (both Netflix).

Oyelowo said: “Mansa was created to ensure that culturally rich stories can reach audiences wherever they are. As viewing habits evolve, we are embracing new storytellers, formats and platforms that allow us to remain connected to our global audience while creating meaningful opportunities for a diverse array of talent.”

Charles D King, founder of Macro Television Studios, added: “Mansa has developed real expertise in the emerging vertical format, and we see this as an exciting opportunity to pair that experience with Macro Television Studios’ vast capabilities across genres.

“We are looking forward to learning from the collaboration and seeing how audiences respond and explore innovation opportunities for the format.”