Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate company, has selected Effie Brown to produce the feature film adaptation of the acclaimed Flyy Girl book trilogy written by New York Times bestselling author Omar Tyree. Brown and her company Duly Noted Inc. will oversee development and the recruitment of the creative team on the project alongside Codeblack Films’ Jeff Clanagan and Quincy Newell.
Brown is known for 2002’s “Real Women Have Curves”, 2007’s “Rocket Science”, and 2014’s Sundance Film festival darling, “Dear White People.” Brown also recently joined the cast of HBO’s “Project Greenlight” reboot assuming the role of producer and mentor to the winner of the filmmaking competition. Industry veteran Christina Sibul is also part of the development team.
“I’m so excited to be working with Codeblack Films and Lionsgate on releasing the film adaptation of Omar Tyree’s culturally iconic Flyy Girl trilogy,” said Brown. “These books were a rite of passage for readers worldwide and will prove to be the foundation for an exciting cinematic release.”
With Nicole Jefferson-Asher on board to write the script, the story explores the journey of Tracey Ellison, a successful businesswoman and workaholic who believes that money is always the key to happiness. In the midst of her life journey, Ellison is forced to reinvent herself and rethink her relationships, her career and her definition of success. The second book in the series, “For the Love of Money,” won an NAACP Image Award (2001, Outstanding Book, Fiction).
Tyree’s books have been read by over 8 million people worldwide and have grossed more than $30 million for publishing giant Simon & Schuster. His brand is one of the most talked about in the urban community, and his products can be found in 12 countries.
“Effie Brown comes to us with a wealth of experience, and we are elated to have her on our team to produce this much anticipated film,” said Codeblack Films President Jeff Clanagan. “She has a track record of excellence, and we’re confident that she will bring her magic touch to this project as well.”
