FX Orders Comedy Pilot ‘Atlanta’

FX Networks has commissioned production of comedy series pilot Atlanta from actor/writer Donald Glover, the network said Friday.

Glover (Community, 30 Rock) will serve as executive producer of the pilot, which revolves around the exploits of two cousins making their way up the Atlanta rap music scene, said network officials.

“Donald Glover is a uniquely talented actor and performer who brings real-life experience to this subject matter,” said Nick Grad, president of original programming for FX Networks and FX Productions. “Not only is Donald a very gifted actor, he has achieved tremendous success and acclaim as the musical artist Childish Gambino.  He, along with Paul Simms, has a very honest, sometimes serious, and funny perspective on life, the world of rap music and the city of Atlanta.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.