Hulu will be the home of a new entertainment initiative that spotlights projects from Black creators and other creators of color.
The Onyx Collective was announced by Walt Disney Television Chairman of Entertainment Dana Walden, with Freeform President Tara Duncan spearheading the brand. The initial line-up of creators involved includes Oprah Winfrey and musician Questlove, alongside Natasha Rothwell and Black Panther director Ryan Coogler. Though Hulu will be the primary home for Onyx Collective titles, the creators will be able to develop projects for other Disney platforms; Coogler, for example, has a deal to develop a Wakanda series as part of a five-year deal he struck with Disney under his Proximity Media banner.
"Our industry is immeasurably enriched by the incredible talents of emerging and established creators of color. Launching Onyx Collective allows us to be the best partners to those creators, providing them with the support they need to do their best work," Walden said. "Tara Duncan is a gifted executive with fantastic instincts. With her leading this talented team, we have the opportunity to tell transformative stories that authentically represent our audience and are essential to our success."
"We’re building a home where creators of color are inspired, empowered and have unparalleled access to reach audiences around the world. This artist-first approach will make Onyx Collective synonymous with entertaining, brave and bold ideas told from a distinct point of view. I’m humbled by the opportunity and all of the possibilities," Duncan added.
Onyx's first projects include Summer of Soul (...or, When the Revolution Could Not be Televised), a documentary directed by Questlove, and The 1619 Project produced by Winfrey and Lionsgate. The former arrives on Hulu July 2.
Source: Disney General Entertainment Content