Warner Bros. will produce the film after a competitive bidding process “Pretty Big,”A biopic about Akira Armstrong (founder of the body positive Pretty Big Movement dancing company) will air on HBO Max. Tona Mabry (“Pose,” “Women of The Movement”Dan Steele and he will direct and co-write with him.“Gossip Girl”).
“Pretty Big”Mike Jackson from Get Lifted Film Co. and Poppy Hanks of MACRO and Kristina Srenson at Warner Bros. will produce it. Armstrong will produce the film along with Ty Stiklorius, John Legend, and Charles D. King of Get Lifted.
The film will tell Armstrong’s story as “a young plus-sized woman”Who “takes matters into her own hands when she keeps getting rejected from dance companies, despite her obvious talent. When she starts her own company for bodies of all shapes, sizes, and colors, she sets out to win a prestigious competition and prove to the dance community that anyone can dance at an elite level.”
Get Lifted’s MacKenzie Marlowe will serve as associate producer. Warner Bros. will manage the project under Diamond McNeil and Cate Adams.
“Our mission at Get Lifted Film Co. is to continue telling compelling stories of people that are often marginalized, and we are so thrilled to be a part of bringing Akira’s journey to the world with our friends at MACRO and the incredible creative team led by Tina Mabry. It’s a true gift,”Jackson stated this in a statement.
“The best part about this experience has been getting to know Akira and bring her story to a new medium, everyone can relate to having a dream and having to build their own opportunities. I’m also beyond thrilled to be working with this talented team on this special story,” Sorensen said.
“Akira’s story captures the essence of why we’re in this business. Our experience working alongside Dan, Tina, Kristina and Get Lifted has only amplified our desire to bring this story to the screen. This is a project that speaks to MACRO’s commitment to telling compelling, commercial stories through a culturally authentic lens,”Johnson and Hanks spoke in a joint statement.
Get Lifted is represented by WME and Nina Shaw, Jean Tanaka and Kevin Garlitz of Del, Shaw, Moonves, Tanaka, Finklestein and Lezcano; Sorensen is represented by Jesse Nord at The Nord Group; Mabry is represented by WME, M88 and attorney Tara Kole; Steele is represented by Lit Entertainment Group and attorney Ryan Nord at The Nord Group.