Mary J. Blige Signs New Three-Picture Deal with Lifetime

Mary J. Blige has extended her partnership with Lifetime with a deal for three original films.

The first picture launching is Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy, premiering on February 7, with Academy Award nominee Gabourey Sidibe to direct. Tisha Campbell, Mekhi Phifer and Russell Hornsby are set to star in the film.

Blige will executive produced three original movies inspired by her iconic music: “Real Love,” “Strength of a Woman” and “Family Affair’”. The first film under her new deal, Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy, marks a collaboration between Blue Butterfly Productions, Blige’s production company, and Mona Scott-Young for Monami Productions and is produced in association with Motion Entertainment and Swirl Films.

Through Blue Butterfly Productions, Bruce Miller and Milana Edwards Brooks serve as co-producers. Scott-Young and Angela White serve as producers, and Nick Roses, Mychael G. Chinn, Stephanie R. Gayle and Michael Lang serve as executive producers for Monami Productions. Chet Fenster executive produces for Motion Entertainment, a WPP Media Company, while Eric Tomosunas executive produces for Swirl Films.

Sidibe will make her television film directorial debut and will direct from a script by Cameron J. Ross. The film explores themes of reinvention, intimacy and the turning points that define midlife as one woman embarks on a journey to rediscover her purpose and her voice to reshape her future.