The Origins of John Singleton's Snowfall Empire
John Singleton, a renowned director, initially dismissed television, but eventually created one of the most important shows about Black Los Angeles for the small screen.
In the early 1990s, being referred to as a "TV director" was considered a slur, with Singleton comparing the work to selling drugs:
Once you get in, there’s no getting out.
Despite this, Singleton signed a seven-figure development and production deal with Warner Bros. TV in November 1997 to create programs for the studio, including a six-episode commitment for CRASH, a one-hour drama about the LAPD SWAT team.
Singleton continued to explore television, developing a show with Menace II Society writer Tyger Williams at FX in the early 2000s and selling an hourlong drama about high-class sex workers to Showtime in 2007 called Trade.
Author's summary: John Singleton's journey to creating Snowfall began with a shift in his views on television.
- Singleton's initial perception of TV direction was negative.
- He signed a development deal with Warner Bros. TV in 1997.
- Singleton developed several TV shows, including CRASH and Trade.