SANTA MONICA, December 12, 2017 — Polygram Entertainment, Universal Music Group’s film and television production company, is developing an untitled Pras Michel television series based on a story from Jean Claude LaMarre that is inspired by the real-life Rap Intelligence Unit (RUI), a division of the NYPD that generated controversy for its focus on people connected to the hip-hop music scene.

Emmy and Grammy award-winning musician and documentary filmmaker Pras Michel created the project with LaMarre marking his second venture in scripted television. Pras and LaMarre will serve as Executive Producers along with Steven Victor, EVP of Def Jam Recordings, and David Blackman, Head of Polygram Entertainment. Mick Betancourt (The Purge, Chicago Fire, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) has signed on to write the project.

In making the announcement, Pras said, “The idea for this project was born out of my own experiences as an artist and hearing about the experiences that others had with the RUI. We’re excited to develop a show that will not only entertain but inform fans about the world of hip-hop, given its prominence in popular culture.”

Victor said, “As the landscape of media and entertainment continues to evolve, we are constantly looking for new opportunities to tell stories, entertain and help our artists build strong connections with their fans. With hip-hop’s growing influence on popular culture, the time is right for this show and I couldn’t be more thrilled to work with Pras to bring this project to life.”

The story follows a young man who goes undercover at one of New York’s most successful rap labels and is exposed to the lavish and intoxicating lifestyle of a hip-hop underworld.

The project is represented by Jennifer Baltimore, SVP Business & Legal Affairs, Universal Music Group.

About Pras Michel

Pras Michel rose to international super-stardom as a member of the multi-platinum Grammy winning group The Fugees.  He is also an actor, producer and documentarian.  His film Sweet Micky for President received critical acclaim and won the Jury Award for Best Documentary at Slam Dance and Documentary Edge Festival in 2015.   Pras is repped by APA and attorney Robert Wallerstein. 

About Polygram Entertainment

Polygram Entertainment produces film and television programs that provide deeper narratives and perspectives on the recording artists, music and cultural events that came to define generations. Owned by Universal Music Group, the world leader in music-based entertainment, Polygram develops, produces, finances and distributes documentary features and original, scripted projects for music fans of all ages and tastes around the world. Polygram most recently co-distributed, with Studio Canal, The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years and is currently in production on the first fully authorized Motown documentary, with Berry Gordy serving as Executive Producer. Additionally, Polygram is fully financing the upcoming Luciano Pavarotti documentary directed by Ron Howard.

Date: