Village Roadshow Developing Scripted Limited Series Based on the Life of Rev. Jesse Jackson (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeVillage Roadshow Television has secured the life rights of civil rights, religious and political leader the Rev.

Jesse Jackson to adapt his story into a limited series. The company is working closely with Rev. Jackson, as well as his wife, Jaqueline Jackson, and their family to develop the project.Casting is under way to find a lead to play Rev.

Jackson, as development begins on the project. The series, currently untitled, will be developed and executive produced by Rev.

Jackson’s son Yusef D. Jackson, as well as William F. Keys. News of the scripted series comes soon after Rev. Jackson and his family also announced plans for a simultaneous documentary about the leader’s life, directed by Shola Lynch (“Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed,” “Free Angela & All Political Prisoners”). “Reverend Jackson has lived an extraordinary life, not only through his actions and deeds for America as a nation but also based on what he has personally witnessed and participated in around the world, from the best our country and the world has to offer to some of the lowest points in our history,” said Village Roadshow Entertainment Group CEO Steve Mosko, who announced the project on Thursday.The project was brought into Village Roadshow Television and the deal negotiated by Michael Linowes, exec VP, business affairs.