Beyond Black Beauty Production Begins

Amazon Studios, Sinking Ship Entertainment and Leif Films have begun principal photography on Beyond Black Beauty, inspired by Anna Sewell’s novel Black Beauty, for Amazon Freevee.

The series follows Olympic-driven equestrian Jolie, whose journey is suddenly halted when her mother moves them from their posh Belgium life to her childhood home in Baltimore. As Jolie bonds with a spirited horse named Black Beauty, she learns to embrace the family’s ranch where Black cowboys have been entrenched in their DNA.

Kaya Coleman (The Sinners) stars as Jolie, alongside other cast members Sagine Sémajuste (13: The Musical), Gina James (Hogtown: Code\Switch) and Lisa Berry (Workin’ Moms). Executive producers are Leif and Agnes Bristow, Blair Powers, Carla de Jong, Pilar Golden and J.J. Johnson.

The Canadian-Belgian co-production began filming in August in Canada, and production is scheduled to wrap in Belgium in October. The series is slated to debut on Amazon Freevee as part of its 2023 slate.

“Having the opportunity to film in both Canada and Belgium provides a vast canvas that enriches the series’ authenticity,” said Golden, executive producer. “As we near the end of our Canadian production shoot, the cast have developed a beautiful bond, and as filming continues in Belgium in October, their relationships are sure to strengthen in ways that will only help buoy the theme of the value of family.”

“Sinking Ship Entertainment is thrilled to bring this coming-of-age story to the screen,” said de Jong of Sinking Ship Entertainment. “We’re confident that this all-new take on the classic book will resonate with youth around the world.”

Leif Bristow added, “Generations of children and families around the globe have experienced the power of Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty in film, television and as readers. Beyond Black Beauty is the right story at this moment in history to bring this new and inspiring series to life. Together, with the support of Amazon Freevee, Sinking Ship Entertainment and all of our partners, we are excited to share this series with a new generation of viewers.”