TRACEY EDMONDS AND PROTEUS SPANN TO PRODUCE NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR E. LYNN HARRIS NOVEL

Proteus E2 Productions purchases E. Lynn Harris’ complete catalog of published works

Tracey Edmonds (Edmonds Entertainment) and Proteus Spann (Proteus E2 Productions), have structured a multi-picture deal to develop the extensive library of novels by New York Times best selling author E. Lynn Harris into feature films.

The first production in this over all creative development deal will be E. Lynn Harris’s blockbuster first novel, Invisible Life, which will be jointly produced by Edmonds Entertainment and Proteus E2 productions with Shelia Ducksworth, Glendon Palmer and Javon Johnson as co-producers. Screenwriter Ted Witcher (“Love Jones”) has been brought on to adapt the novel for the motion picture screen.

E. Lynn Harris passed away 2 years ago, but had already brokered this deal before his untimely death. Harris authored ten consecutive New York Times Bestseller books and his first novel Invisible Life sold over one million copies and is still in print fifteen years after publication. Invisible Life is the story of Raymond Tyler, Jr. a handsome, athletic first born son of god fearing Southern parents, about to graduate from college with dreams of a future as a lawyer and family man. Despite Raymond’s commitment and deep love for his longtime girlfriend, he is seduced into a “forbidden” romance by a star football player, who proves dangerous to Raymond’s American dream. Confused and troubled Raymond escapes on a journey towards self-discovery and self-acceptance. Along the way, Raymond attracts a cornucopia of friends including a Broadway diva with whom he falls madly in love and shares dreams of marriage and life in a perfect world. Raymond’s chance-reunion with the football player reignites battles with his family values, religion and sexuality.

Edmonds says about Harris “E. Lynn Harris entrusted Proteus and myself with his dream of seeing his books translated into film. After his tragic passing, we are even more determined to see his dream become a reality. With his first blockbuster novel, Invisible Life, we begin the journey that millions of his fans have travelled.”

Spann adds that “My dear friend E. Lynn was a man with an unshakeable spirit and an unbreakable passion to inspire and change lives. He entrusted with me his vision and the responsibility to produce this American coming of age love story accurately through the lens of sensitivity in which it was originally created. This project is a must for his millions of fans. Because if we were all honest, we would acknowledge, that we all live a portion of our lives “invisible.”

Edmonds (Jumping the Broom, Soul Food, Good Luck Chuck), a veteran of the entertainment industry, award-winning producer, and accomplished studio executive, has created and produced groundbreaking projects for television, music and film both independently and with major studios.

Spann began his entertainment career casting roles for film and television for major studios and networks in New York City. After acquiring exclusive theatrical, film and television rights to author E. Lynn Harris' complete literary catalog, Spann conceptualized, developed and co-wrote "Invisible Life (The Musical)" with original music by Motown legends Ashford and Simpson. In addition Spann has produced the award winning musical stage play "Sanctified" which ran at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. Spann is a Syracuse University graduate.