Starz announced new scripted series projects from Ava DuVernay and Tanya Saracho as part of its #TakeTheLead Summit Thursday evening.

Starz has given a three-season commitment to the untitled DuVernay project, which follows two polar opposites who become intertwined in a love affair that turns their worlds -- and those of everyone around them -- upside down, said network officials. The project will star Lauren Ridloff and Joshua Jackson, with DuVernay, Ridloff, Jackson, Kat Candler and Paul Garnes serving as executive producers for the series.

“There is nothing like this series on TV and we are thrilled to be in development with Ava, a trailblazer and unparalleled champion of diversity,” said Kathryn Busby, Starz president of original programming. “Lauren is a true inspiration and together with Joshua, a brilliant veteran actor, they will bring their incredible talents to this project -- both in front of and behind the camera. This series exemplifies our #TakeTheLead mission, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

Vida creator Saracho will develop Lovesong, a half-hour drama that will follow two Mexican-American childhood friends living in London as they both become entangled in a torturous love-triangle with the same singer-songwriter, said the network. Musician Johnny Flynn and Christine Dávila will serve as co-executive producers.

“We are beyond thrilled to partner with Tanya to bring her bold and tantalizing love story to life,” Busby said. “Throughout her career and from Vida to Lovesong on Starz, her dedication to Latin representation embodies the spirit of #TakeTheLead.” ■

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Starz has signed Vida executive producer Tanya Saracho to a three-year production deal, network officials said.

The deal calls for Saracho to produce new projects for the premium channel as well as to remain executive producer of Starz's drama series Vida, which focuses on the lives of two Mexican-American sisters. The series debuts May 6 on the network.

“Tanya Saracho’s unique voice brings a fresh and real perspective to Latinx programming,” said Starz President of Programming Carmi Zlotnik in a statement. “We’re thrilled to have an overall deal with this tenacious playwright-turned-TV writer/executive producer who doesn’t pull any punches when bringing these characters – who are not usually seen in mainstream media –  to life.”

The deal follows Starz’s multi-year production agreement with Power creator Courtney Kemp announced in May 2017.

“I was a playwright who was still learning the ropes when Starz took a chance on me to create and showrun ‘Vida,’” said Saracho in a statement. “They nurtured and supported me during every step of the strenuous process and that is a debt that cannot be repaid. They now open their doors and offer me a home – a fertile ground to grow and amplify my voice as I continue my mission of bringing Latinx and Queer characters to the screen and I am steeped in gratitude."