Kenyan Woman Signs Lucrative Deal in US After Successful Run at Netflix

  • By Robinson Ndungu on 4 February 2023 - 5:32 pm
    A photo of Kenya-born script writer Mary Waireri.
    A photo of Kenya-born script writer Mary Waireri.
    Sinema Focus

  • Kenya-born script writer Mary Waireri was elated after landing a deal with the United States entertainment company, Sony Pictures, in the production of a Kenyan-based film series. 

    Waireri's landmark selection came after her impeccable run in global film competitions over the past years including the FilmarketHub 2020 in the United Kingdom. 

    In her journey to the pinnacle of scriptwriting, Waireri passed through Realness Institute and Netflix Africa Episodic Lab where she developed her profile as an astute scriptwriter. 

    Mary Waireri
    A photo of Kenyan-born scriptwriter Mary Waireri.
    Mary Waireri

    She earned recognition from prominent players in the film industry culminating in the deal with the US-based company. 

    The UK-raised scriptwriter will now work with Sony in the production of the series called Exiles before, eventually, taking it to the market.

    Exiles is centred around the story of a Kenyan-born doctor of British descent who comes back to the country to look for her twin brother who goes missing while investigating a government cover-up. In the process of tracing her brother, she is implicated in criminal activities.

    The series will be produced in a partnership between Sony Pictures and a pan-African entertainment channel, Ebony Life. 

    While reacting to the new deal, Waireri expressed her excitement and her interest in "exploring the many dimensions of the African diaspora and diaspora experiences through a grounded genre lens."

    "I am excited to work with the teams at Sony Pictures Television and EbonyLife to bring Exiles to life,” she stated. 

    On his part, Ebony Life Chief Executive Officer, Mo Abudu, congratulated Waireri for her progress in the film industry. 

    He described Exiles as an opportunity to have an African story told to the world. In addition, he affirmed his company's commitment to ensuring that the series is successfully produced and brought to the screens.

    Waireri's breakthrough in producing the series comes at a time the government was keen on creating opportunities for the youth in the creative space.

    Silhouetteof a film crew at a production set. Kenyan-born comedian Njambi McGrath's first book has been optioned for a TV show production.
    Silhouette of a film crew at a production set. Kenyan-born comedian Njambi McGrath's first book has been optioned for a TV show production.
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