Ava DuVernay is the latest artist getting into the podcast game. The Oscar-nominated filmmaker has inked a multiyear deal with Spotify, under which she’ll develop and produce exclusive original podcasts via her company, Array. Variety confirmed the news.
Featuring scripted and unscripted programming, DuVernay’s Spotify slate will “amplify a variety of voices and perspectives,” per the audio streamer. Array Filmworks president Sarah Bremner will oversee the projects.
“Recognizing the undeniable power of voice and sound, I’m thrilled to extend Array’s storytelling into the realm of podcasts,” DuVernay stated. “The opportunity to work with Lydia Polgreen [managing director of Spotify’s Gimlet studio] and her passionate team drew us to Spotify as a home for our audio narratives and we couldn’t be more excited to begin this new creative journey.”
“Spotify’s partnership with Array continues our commitment to bringing the world’s most powerful and creative voices into podcasting,” said Dawn Ostroff, Spotify’s chief content and advertising business officer. “We look forward to Spotify listeners hearing from the exceptional creators that Array will be bringing to our global platform.”
Earlier this month DuVernay and Array Alliance, Array’s nonprofit arm, unveiled an inclusive database of below-the-line talent, Array Crew. The resource for execs and hiring managers is in its soft launch stage.
“Selma” and “A Wrinkle in Time” are among DuVernay’s film credits. She made history as the first woman of color to helm a $100 million-plus live-action film with the latter. She received an Oscar nod and two Emmys for “13th,” her documentary linking mass incarceration to slavery. Her packed slate includes HBO Max’s DC comics adaptation “DMZ” and “Sovereign,” a Native American family drama in the works at NBC. DuVernay’s OWN family drama, “Queen Sugar,” returns for its fifth season February 16.
