NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AOL and Queen Latifah today announced a content partnership, where Queen Latifah will executive produce and also star in a variety of original video web series to be featured across AOL’s network of sites. AOL’s Blackvoices.com, a leading website for African-Americans, will showcase the series in a specially created hub designed to enhance the site’s current video offerings that are increasingly popular with its audience.
In addition, Queen Latifah’s production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, will serve as the main producer of the original web series. The short form, talk show format web series will cover topics ranging from entertainment and sports, to social issues and entrepreneurialism. Viewers will have the ability to influence potential future series that are produced.
“With Queen Latifah’s proven track record to create content that resonates with a broad audience, AOL is excited to partner with such a dynamic personality and bring her unique perspective to the digital space,” said Tim Armstrong, Chairman and CEO of AOL.
"Our production company, Flavor Unit is always in search for a perfect partner when we create original content and with this new web series, AOL is certainly it,” said Queen Latifah. “It’s very exciting to collaborate with them as they are leaders and will help bring our show to the masses."
Today’s announcement follows a number of recent acquisitions and partnership deals from AOL including the agreement to acquire The Huffington Post, the acquisitions of the TechCrunch network of sites, the social software start up Think Labs, Inc., and 5min Media, the Web’s largest video content syndication platform.
In the second half of 2010 alone, AOL has closed deals with more than 20 premium content partners and digital studios to deliver a mix of high quality programming to AOL’s audiences. Video franchises across AOL’s owned and operated properties include, AOL Sessions; The Engadget Show; Translogic on AOL Autos; a number of shows on Cambio.com - Cambio Connect, Cambio Style, Cambio Goes Home and Cambio Cares; and The Secret Millionaire's Club on AOL Kids.
About AOL
AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL) is a leading global Web services company with an extensive suite of brands and offerings and a substantial worldwide audience. AOL's business spans online content, products and services that the company offers to consumers, publishers and advertisers. AOL is focused on attracting and engaging consumers and providing valuable online advertising services on both AOL's owned and operated properties and third-party websites. In addition, AOL operates one of the largest Internet subscription access services in the United States, which serves as a valuable distribution channel for AOL's consumer offerings.
About Flavor Unit Entertainment
Flavor Unit Entertainment is owned and operated by Shakim Compere and Queen Latifah. After being long time veterans in the music business, Compere and Latifah spread their wings into the film world and television world and are quickly becoming one of the strongest producer teams in the business. One of the reasons they began to delve into the world of TV and film is they felt Hollywood wasn’t telling the type of stories they could relate to with any authenticity and that there weren’t enough roles being created for the talented actors who may not fit the “typical Hollywood mold.” Over the years, when Latifah got involved with projects as an actress, she and Shakim often found themselves consulting on the films on a broader level than expected. Among their many accomplishments, they have served as producers on Paramount’s box office hit THE PERFECT HOLIDAY, Disney’s # 1 film BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE, MGM’s BEAUTY SHOP and Lions Gate THE COOKOUT. On the small screen, they executive produced HBO’s critically acclaimed film LIFE SUPPORT in which Queen Latifah won a Golden Globe and was nominated for a an Emmy. Flavor Unit Entertainment recently made a multi-year deal with BET to create new original programming including the original movie THE COOKOUT 2 and its first-ever scripted romantic comedy titled LET’S STAY TOGETHER. They also have a deal in place with VH1 for an original series called “Single Ladies” starring Stacy Dash and Lauren London which will premiere in May. Currently, Latifah is filming the Warner Brothers film, JOYFUL NOISE, alongside Dolly Parton.