About David Makes Man

Premiering in 2019, "David Makes Man" is a drama series by OWN Network, created by Tarell Alvin McCraney. The story revolves around David, a 14-year-old prodigy from projects, who is haunted by the death of his closest friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty. He is torn between a life on the streets and the path to a brighter future.

Making / Production

The series is produced by OWN in association with Warner Horizon Scripted Television. Tarell Alvin McCraney, who is also the creator of the series, wrote the scripts titled with inspiration from his own life. McCraney co-wrote the screenplay of "Moonlight", which won Best Picture at the 2016 Academy Awards.

Actors

• Akil McDowell as David: A 14-year-old prodigy who is navigating through his complex life situations.
• Alana Arenas as Gloria: David's mother who is hardworking and tries to keep the family afloat.
• Nathaniel Logan McIntyre as Seren: David's closest friend who comes from an abusive home.
• Isaiah Johnson as Sky: David's late friend who appears as a spiritual guide to David.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series is set in South Florida, which is also where creator Tarell Alvin McCraney was raised.
• Tarell Alvin McCraney won an Academy Award for the film "Moonlight", which also explores similar themes of growing up in tough circumstances.
• McCraney's personal life, including his mother's struggle with drug addiction, inspired some elements of the story.

Awards

The show was well-received and was named as one of the best television shows of 2019 by The New York Times. It also received the prestigious Peabody Award in 2020.

Quotes

• "We've got to handle our business"
• "There's a version of peace that doesn't come from running"
• "Life’s about decisions, make one for yourself"

Music, Soundtrack

• The series features an original score composed by Peter Nashel
• The soundtrack includes regional music reflecting the show’s setting in South Florida
• Music genres range from local hip-hop to Latino music, reflecting the diverse cultures within the community.