BET signs exclusive deal with The Game producers

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The premiere of “The Game” was so successful for BET, drawing 7.7 million viewers, that BET has announced a multi-year programming deal with its executive producers, Salim and Mara Brock Akil.


In addition to serving as the executive producers and director for The Game, the husband and wife team, through Akil Productions, will develop new shows for BET Networks.

“We’re thrilled to build on the very important relationship between our network and the Hollywood creative community, especially with two proven powerhouses in entertainment – Salim and Mara Brock Akil,” said Loretha Jones, President of Original Programming at BET Networks. “Through this partnership we hope to continue to bring our audience high quality content that reflects their lives and our communities.”

“Our goal is to expand on our existing brand, by way of Akil Productions, to create new opportunities for ourselves and others,” said the Akils. “BET has provided us with a tremendous platform to create smart, funny and dramatic, quality programming with multi-layered and multi-dimensional characters appealing to millions of viewers.”

Mara Brock Akil created The Game and executive produced the series with Salim, who also directed. It aired on The CW for three seasons, but was brought back with new episodes by BET. Salim recently made his feature film directorial debut with “Jumping the Broom,” which stars Laz Alonso, Paula Patton and Angela Bassett. In 2000, Mara created and executive produced the hit series, “Girlfriends,” which currently airs on BET.
 
Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil are represented by ICM and Morris Yorn Barnes Levine Krintzman Rubenstein & Kohner.