VH1 plans first hourlong scripted series

NEW YORK, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- VH1 says it has teamed up with Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit Entertainment on "Single Ladies," a U.S. comedic drama film and series about relationships.

Co-starring Stacey Dash, LisaRaye McCoy, Charity Shea and DB Woodside, the series will mark VH1's first foray into the hourlong scripted genre.

A "Single Ladies" movie, featuring guest appearances by Lauren London, Eve, Common, Chili and Kim Porter,

was shot last summer. The series is set to begin production later this year with executive producer Queen Latifah to make a guest appearance.

The movie and series will both premiere in July 2011. They follow Val, Keisha, and April -- three best friends with different philosophies on sex and relationships, the network said.

"This movie and now the series is the perfect way for VH1 to jump into the scripted arena. It taps directly into relationship issues and life questions that we know our audience loves, and it does it via a gorgeous, funny, diverse and talented cast of strong female characters. Their complex lives and loves play out against a super-hip Atlanta backdrop which is sure to be a character in the movie," Jeff Olde, VH1's executive vice president of original programming and production, said in a statement Tuesday. "Once we saw an early cut of the movie we knew right away we needed to make this a series."

"My partner Shakim (Compere) and I are excited to collaborate with VH1, as they have a similar vision on how to bring this show to life. I think 'Single Ladies' will really fill a hole in what is needed on television today," added Queen Latifah.