EXCLUSIVE: Deniese Davis and her Reform Media Group banner have inked a development deal with Tyler Perry Studios. The pact includes TV, screenplay and first look feature film projects with the goal of enabling richer storytelling in both TV and film. In addition to the deal announcement, Reform also announced Monday that it has hired Melora Rivera as a producer.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Deniese Davis and usher in a new era at Tyler Perry Studios, where we invite creatives to have the freedom to tell the kinds of stories they truly believe in,” said Perry .
It’s rare for Tyler Perry Studios to do business with other creators/writers/producers. Perry has another deal with former Lionsgate manager Tim Palen. The two teamed up to form Peachtree & Vine Productions, a non-exclusive joint venture focused on film, television, and digital scripted and unscripted content.
Three-time Emmy nominee Davis began her career producing music videos, short films and digital content, including the acclaimed Issa Rae web series The misadventures of the clumsy black girl. She then served as co-executive producer of Rae’s HBO comedy series Unsure. Other recent credits include two other HBO comedy series. She continued to act as a producer A black lady sketch show and Executive Producer for Rap Sh!t.
Davis is also co-founder of ColorCreative, a management company dedicated to supporting diverse creators. In 2020 she founded Reform Media Group to produce socially and culturally relevant TV and film content. The company is focused on amplifying marginalized voices across the entertainment industry.
Davis is represented by CAA and Gang, Tire, Ramer, Brown & Passman. Perry is represented by WME and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.