Two inclusive, women-run companies are teaming up. Deadline confirms Stephanie Allain, Mel Jones, and Gabrielle Ebron’s Homegrown Pictures has inked a deal with Abigail Disney’s startup studio, Level Forward. Homegrown will join Level Forward as a producing pod.
Per the source, this partnership will give Level Forward the opportunity “to continue extending the influence of their creative work by upholding the company’s inclusion rider, gun-neutral commitment, and impact programming across its properties.”
Designed to spotlight women and people of color’s voices, Level Forward was launched in January by Disney and media company Killer Content. Since then the startup has invested in Rotten Apples, a database that informs users if a given film or TV show employs/employed individuals accused of sexual misconduct. Level Forward is also backing Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick’s upcoming Hollywood sexual misconduct doc.
Homegrown focuses on projects with authentic representation and diverse perspectives, such as “Dear White People,” “Beyond the Lights,” and “Something New.”
The production company’s upcoming titles include Stella Meghie’s next feature, comedy “The Weekend,” Alfre Woodard-starrer “Juanita,” and Viola Davis and Maggie Betts’ Shirley Chisholm biopic.