Originally posted Wednesday, June 27, 2018 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Atlanta producer Will Packer, known for such hit films as "Ride Along," "Girls Trip" and "Think Like a Man," is now getting deep in TV and his new OWN series "Ambitions" will be shot in his current home base of Atlanta.
Packer confirmed the news to me via text. He said he just completed the film "What Men Want" starring Taraji P. Henson here (inspired by the 2000 Mel Gibson vehicle "What Women Want") and is starting production of his newest comedy "Little" with "Black-ish" star Marsai Martin. He said he tries to do as much as possible in Atlanta.
Packer said casting for “Ambitions” has not been finalized yet for the soapy drama, which is described as “a multi-generational family saga centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city.”
He said Atlanta will also be the fictional heart of the show and will in effect be a character.
This would be Packer's second show on OWN after signing a deal with OWN parent Discovery Communications, which invested in Will Packer Media. A Packer-produced dating reality show "Ready to Love" will air first on OWN and is shooting in Atlanta as well.
“Ambitions” is set to begin production this fall locally and will debut on OWN next year.
Other executive producers include Sheila Ducksworth ("Soul Food") and Jamey Giddens. The writers room will be set in Atlanta, which is unusual. Most scripted shows shot here use writers based in Los Angeles.
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