Malcolm D. Lee’s Blackmaled Productions Launches ‘Love & Laughs’ Initiative With Tribeca Studios and Universal (EXCLUSIVE)

Malcolm D. Lee‘s Blackmaled Productions is teaming up with Tribeca Studios and Universal Film to launch ” Love & Laughs,” a new initiative supporting emerging filmmakers with a passion for telling comedic and romantic stories.

Developed by Lee, the team at Blackmaled Productions and Universal’s Filmmaker & Content Strategies team, “Love & Laughs” encourages filmmakers to share stories that “capture the complexities of relationships while exploring how people connect, clash or fall for each other.”

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“I am extremely excited to be partnering with Universal’s Filmmaker and Content Strategies team and Tribeca Studios to find that next voice that will bring love and laughs into the world,” Lee said in a statement announcing the initiative. “It has long been my mission to help amplify the voices of aspiring storytellers and filmmakers that will bring us movies with heart and humor. My team at Blackmaled Productions and I are ready to roll up our sleeves with the next great filmmaker.”

The move expands Lee’s, the visionary filmmaker behind “The Best Man” franchise, successful long-term relationship with Universal and its related entities. Peacock produced “The Best Man: The Final Chapters,” which became the streamer’s most-watched original at launch and the first to break into Nielsen’s Top 10; Lee’s next film, “Strung,” debuts on Peacock in June. He also directed the uber-successful comedy “Girls Trip” for the studio.

“Malcolm has an incredible instinct for blending sharp comedy with genuine heart,” said Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer. “We’re thrilled to be working with him to find the newest voices in romantic comedy and can’t wait to meet the first group.”

Universal’s Filmmaker & Content Strategies division is an extension of the studio’s production and development team, focused on working with production talent and creative executives to identify and champion breakthrough writers, directors and actors. The group’s flagship initiative, “No Drama,” with Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw, launched in 2024.

“All of us in Filmmaker & Content Strategies could not be prouder to bring Malcolm’s vision to fruition,” said Janine Jones-Clark, who heads the division. “On top of that, we are incredibly fortunate to have our partners at Tribeca Studios on this journey as we join forces to invest in a new generation of comedy and romantic storytellers.”

For “Love & Laughs,” up to three participants will create short films to serve as proofs of concept with the goal of developing them into full-length projects over the course of the one-year non-exclusive talent experience. Each filmmaker will receive a $50,000 grant from Tribeca Studios, the content division of Tribeca Enterprises, to produce their films, as well as exposure to the major studio production process, access to creative and production executives to develop their professional networks and the opportunity to screen their projects at a Los Angeles premiere in 2027.

“At Tribeca Studios, we’re focused on building meaningful pathways for emerging talent,” said Rebecca Glashow, CEO of Tribeca Enterprises. “’Love & Laughs’ is a powerful example of what can happen when partners align around that goal. Together with Blackmaled Productions and Universal, we’re creating a space for filmmakers to develop bold, emotionally resonant stories in a genre that thrives on fresh perspective, with real support behind them at every step.”

The submission window for “Love & Laughs” is now open and will close on Wednesday, May 20. The application and additional information on the initiative can be found on the Tribeca Film website.

Blackmaled Productions is represented by IAG, Del Shaw Moonves and Bazan Entertainment.