MARY J. BLIGE is venturing into the world of TV, as she prepares to launch her own firm after signing a first-look deal with Lionsgate studio bosses.

The Family Affair hitmaker has been delving deeper into acting over the past few years, and most recently earned high praise for her Oscar-nominated performance in the 2017 movie Mudbound

Now, Blige will be stepping behind the camera to create and develop her own smalls creen ideas via her new company, Blue Butterfly Productions.

In a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Blige said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Lionsgate. They are incredible collaborators and have been natural partners from when we first started talking. I can’t wait to bring all of our projects to life.”

Lionsgate Television Group chairman Kevin Beggs added: “Mary is a very talented artist, fearless visionary and an incredible human being. We’re delighted to be working with someone with such a powerful and impactful creative voice. Every art she touches blossoms, and we’re humbled she’s chosen us as her home.

“We look forward to all the exciting new content Mary and her Blue Butterfly banner will bring to our television slate and Lionsgate 360 orbit.”

The 48-year-old singer was most recently seen in Netflix show The Umbrella Academy and she picked up a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 BET Awards last week.