John Singleton has not made a theatrical feature since 2011’s ABDUCTION. But, he got a taste of small screen directing when he helmed an episode of FOX’s Empire earlier this year. Singleton has now developed his own drama series, Snowfall, which has been officially picked up by FX. Singleton co-wrote the series with Eric Amadio and will direct the pilot.
Snowfall, originally setup at Showtime, follows the rise of the crack cocaine epidemic. FX recently wrapped two crime-centric series, Sons of Anarchy and Justified, and is on the lookout for another series that will connect with audiences. It is unknown whether the series will take a broad approach like the film TRAFFIC or if it will be more street level like The Wire. John Singleton is best known for directing BOYZ IN THE HOOD, so he is familiar with street level plots.
FX president of original programming Eric Schrier had this to say about the series.
“Snowfall takes us on a wild ride through one of LA’s most fascinating cultural and social periods, and no one can tell this story better than John Singleton. The pilot script by John and Eric brilliantly depicts the era through the story of three captivating characters, and we can’t wait to see John’s execution of it.”
John Singleton offered this comment.
“I have always been fascinated with that volatile moment in time before crack changed everything. It’s a tense, insane and sexy era that touched every aspect of our culture. I couldn’t have better partners for this journey.”
John Singleton has had a varied career as a director with his mainstream fare (SHAFT, 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS) paling in comparison to his older output (POETIC JUSTICE, HIGHER LEARNING). I think the subject matter for Snowfall is intriguing for a small screen exploration so I hope this one ends up getting a season order.
Production on Snowfall is expected to begin this summer for a fall premiere.