Emmy Award-winning legal journalist and The View co-host Sunny Hostin announced on May 4 that she would be launching a new project, “Roots & Wings” productions, a global, multi-platform media company that will create film and television content to highlight important social justice issues and promote inclusivity.
In an interview with Variety, Hostin said, “I want to make sure that someone watches and knows that seeing an Afro Latina journalist on screen is a possibility.”
The first project the company will be working on is based on her latest novel, “Summer on the Bluffs,” created in partnership with ABC Signature and Octavia Spencer’s Orit Entertainment banner.
On the new drama series, Hostin said, “I’m humbled to have the backing of a company like Disney.”
“We’re going to create really intentional premium and diverse content together that centers on women and people of color, as well as people in the LGBTQ+ community — stories that I think will be fresh and that you haven’t seen before.”
She also announced another project launch named “The Counsel,” based on her life and career as a federal prosecutor.
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“People don’t think of criminal trial lawyers as storytellers because we’re seeking justice on behalf of victims. But we’re telling stories to juries, and, as a legal journalist, there may be some intersection with social justice. So telling those types of stories comes quite naturally to me, and it’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’ve sketched books out and created worlds and characters, and they’re just was a point where I had to get behind the camera,” Hostin explained.
“Roots & Wings” has also brought on Ranard Caldwell as head of development to work with Hostin and the partners to help develop original programming, films and series adapted from Hostin’s IP and aid in search of hidden talent.
Caldwell said, “Sunny is one of America’s most trusted voices with fantastic creative taste and a gutsy instinct regarding what resonates with viewers. I’m excited to help her grow Roots & Wings Productions while developing impactful stories that are authentic, timely, and compelling.”
When asked how she imagined “Roots and Wings” to impact Hollywood, Hostin shared, “I am very hopeful as to where the industry is headed in terms of diversity and inclusion.”
“I mean, if you look at just the Oscars, you have this incredible celebration of talent and of the work. I think that there’s this incredible thirst for more diverse content…”
Hostin, who never grew up watching women or people of color headlining news shows, decided that this project will be a turning point for America.
