Now she’s serving entertainment!
Serena Williams may have retired from tennis, but she is still playing big off the court. Even before announcing her exit from the game, Williams had already begun dabbling in a number of business endeavors, from her venture capital firm to helping increase diversity in tech. Now the tennis phenom has announced her first undertaking post retirement, 926 Productions, a new multimedia production company aimed at empowering women and diverse voices.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Williams has already inked a first-look TV deal at Amazon Studios, appointing former Grand Electric VP Caroline Currier as president of 926 Productions. The company will focus on producing content that appeals to a variety of demographics, amplifying the stories of those who are not often heard.
“With the launch of 926 Productions, we aim to elevate female and diverse voices through content that speaks to everyone. I’m so excited to begin this next chapter of my career alongside Caroline, a woman who understands the art of storytelling and is passionate about evoking the entertainment industry in new directions. I look forward to collaborating with her and developing unique projects that inspire audiences across all platforms,” said Williams.
Currier got her career start as an assistant before serving as a writer on FX’s hit drama Tyrant. She pivoted to production, working on television series like The Rookie and Designated Survivor before being named senior VP television at Grand Electric where she produced Kevin Hart’s True Story and Pete Berg’s upcoming Painkiller drama for Netflix. Currier says she is excited to continue this next chapter of her career with Williams by her side.
“I have long admired Serena not only as one of the greatest athletes of all time, but also a cultural icon. She is a once-in-a-generation talent who transcends sport and her commitment to excellence on and off the court is inspiring. As we bring our creative instincts together, I am thrilled to partner with Serena and build out a company that centers on championing impactful and entertaining stories yet to be told,” said Currier.
Williams most recently produced the 2021 film King Richard alongside sisters Venus Williams and Isha Price. The heartwarming tale, based on her father Richard Williams, and starring Will Smith, earned six Academy Award nominations including best picture, Smith earning the Oscar for best actor during the 2022 Academy Awards. Williams is set to release multiple projects under the new 926 Productions banner including a soccer documentary entitled Copa 71 about the 1971 Women’s World Cup.
Congratulations Serena!
Cover photo: Serena Williams launches new multimedia company aimed at empowering women/Photo Courtesy of Dia Dipasupil