FOX Nabs Zadan & Meron Hip-Hop Dance Drama Inspired by Choreographer Fatima Robinson

Deadline reports that FOX has given a script commitment plus penalty to a hip-hop dance drama inspired by the life of dancer-turned-choreographer Fatima Robinson. Tentatively titled TAKE IT FROM THE TOP, the hour-long drama will be produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. After the prolific duo worked with Robinson on the 86th ACADEMY AWARDS and NBC's THE WIZ LIVE!, they pitched her the idea of a series based on her life.

Joe Wilson and Abdul Williams will pen the project which will take place in the streets and clubs of 1990s Los Angeles, just as hip-hop dance was burgeoning onto the scene. The show will center on "Fatima and her crew as she rises in this exploding new world set against her stifling family obligations and personal life." Robinson will serve as choreographer of the potential series.

Zadan and Meron are behind NBC's recent string of live musical broadcasts, including THE SOUND OF MUSIC LIVE!, PETER PAN LIVE!, THE WIZ LIVE! and most recently, HAIRSPRAY LIVE! They have also produced THE ACADEMY AWARDS ceremony from 2013-2015. Their upcoming projects include JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR LIVE!, airing on NBC on Easter Sunday 2018, and Aaron Sorkin's A FEW GOOD MEN LIVE, starring Alec Baldwin, also heading to NBC.

Robinson's choreography credits include DREAMGIRLS, ALI, and NBC's THE WIZ LIVE! She has also choreographed such big events as the Oscars, the SUPER BOWL and THE GRAMMYS for artists including Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, Future, Halsey, Rihanna, and The Black Eyed Peas.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos