Sony Pictures Television has signed a first-look deal with Asian and Asian-American focused music and entertainment company 88rising. 88rising is to develop scripted series for Sony that are based around “Asian and Asian-American culture,” according to Deadline.
88rising started as a record label in 2015 and made its name from hyper-online musicians such as Joji and Rich Brian. The company has its own SiriusXM radio channel, as well as its own Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival. Currently, a former NBCUniversal development executive, Alex Lin, is developing film and TV projects with 88rising, according to Deadline.
Founder and CEO of 88rising, Sean Miyashiro said he is excited to use this platform to give voice to Asians and Asian Americans.
“Our company was founded on the goal of providing more authentic representation of Asian and Asian Americans and giving them a platform and an opportunity to be at the center of stories,” Miyashiro said, according to Deadline. “We are thrilled to expand our work and vision to television with the support of Sony.”
Executive vice president of comedy development at Sony Pictures Television, Glenn Adilman said 88rising has accomplished much for media and that Sony would like to bring their voice to the small screen.
“We are incredibly impressed with all that 88rising has achieved in music, media and storytelling,” Adilman said, according to Deadline. “We love everything they stand for and are thrilled to help bring their very unique and important Asian and Asian American stories to television and for the chance to work with their brilliant roster of artists.”