Oscar-winning filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry is starting a new chapter in his career, beginning with his freshly-inked deal with Warner Bros TV, Variety reports.
Let's get it! https://t.co/XvRvLWyu2B
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) June 17, 2020
The “Hair Love” creator is taking his talents back to television under the terms of a multi-year first-look developmental deal where he will “create, develop and produce new material for multiple platforms,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I am beyond excited to be joining the Warner Bros. Television family in this exciting new capacity,” Cherry said. “It’s an important time to be a Black creative working in this industry, and I look forward to creating impactful projects and partnering with other talented marginalized voices in our community.”
Cherry’s deal with Warner Bros. TV makes this his first for television.
Cherry, best known for Academy Award-winning project “Hair Love,” has years invested in the entertainment industry, previously directing episodes of shows like “Black-ish,” “Mixed-ish,” “The Unicorn,” “Saved by the Bell” and “The Last O.G.” as well as films like “The Last Fall” and “9 Rides.”
He’s also worked on numerous music videos for several recording artists including Michelle Williams featuring Beyoncé & Kelly Rowland, Snoop Dogg, Chloe x Halle and more, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Undefeated reports prior to his entertainment career, Cherry was a wide receiver in the NFL playing for teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, and Baltimore Ravens.
Cherry recently stood up for actor John Boyega following his moving speech against racism and police brutality during a protest in London.
“As Black creatives, you want to work, you want to continue to use your instrument to make the world a better place and put out great depictions of people that look like you, but a lot of times when you want to speak your mind, there’s always a question: ‘Am I going to get blackballed for this?’ John just saying it plainly, for me, I wanted people to speak up and say they got his back,” Cherry told The Hollywood Reporter.
Cherry continues to advocate for Black voices in Hollywood and has plans to create more opportunities for Black artists and POC in the industry through his deal.