Mo Abudu Partners Sony Pictures For African Writers Initiative

Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu is teaming up with Sony Pictures Television to put in place a writers initiative involving Africans named 'Alo'.

According to a report by Variety, the deal sees Abudu's EbonyLife Media and Sony Pictures Television come together to create a platform for African writers to submit story documents and television scripts.

'Alo' is a Yoruba word and translates as "once upon a time", an obvious nod to the stories expected from the participants. Abudu revealed that the word is an inspiration to her.

Mo Abudu

"The name of this initiative inspires me, as we chose a word which holds so much personal meaning for me", she said. "I am particularly thrilled about the writers’ initiative because it is in line with our continent-wide vision to harness and grow our creative economy.

"It is focused on global storytelling that is authentically African and that gives African writers access to the biggest international broadcasters in the world.

"It is a dream come true for me.”

The 'Alo' initiative will be open for submissions from September 24, 2021, to  November 5, 2021, and will be scrutinized by the executives at EbonyLife and Sony Pictures.

Shortlisted participants will be mandated to create a pilot script and after completion, they will be given the opportunity to pitch their works to reputable international broadcasters.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sony Pictures Television executive Nina Lederman stated, "We know from our many, many conversations developing this initiative with Mo and her team at EbonyLife that there are countless stories from across the African continent yet to be told.

"We hope that this provides a unique platform to writers of African heritage with a story they want to bring to the world.”