The executive producers of Bronzeville, Laurence Fishburne and Larenz Tate, were in NYC on Thursday for a fireside chat to discuss the scripted series drama. The event was held at the Spotify offices and moderated by Tamron Hall. Black Sports Online was in attendance and got a chance to speak with them.
Bronzeville is a story about the Copeland family, who ran the policy game in Chicago during the 1940s. But, more broadly, Bronzeville is the story of the Black experience in America. The series was initially conceived over thirteen years ago when Tate was wrapping up the movie Ray. Initially planned as a film, but for various reasons was shot down. Now that the series had a successful initial debut, there is talk about adapting it for television.
In many ways a scripted audio series was the only way Bronzeville would have come to fruition. But, the audio format gives the series some advantages, particularly as it relates to language. Fishburne believes that as an actor, when you are creating for an auditory medium, the energy requirements are different.
The series debuted in the top 15 on iTunes and the first episode is currently available. Episode #2 will release on podcast platforms Tuesday February 14th.