'Atlanta' Director Hiro Murai Signs With FX to Develop and Produce TV Projects

According to Variety, Hiro Murai—who not only directed seven episodes of the critically acclaimed and universally beloved FX show Atlanta but also made the stunning music video for Childish Gambino’s “This is America”—has just signed a deal to develop and produce TV content for FX Networks.

Murai, who also serves as executive producer for the Donald Glover-starring show, directed some of the series’ most memorable—like last month’s utterly unforgettable “Teddy Perkins” episode. If you add the fact that he directed perhaps the best music video of the year (thus far) to that résumé, it only makes sense for Murai to be an appealing prospect for the network.

“Hiro has excelled as a director and a creative force in commercials, music videos and episodic television, and we welcome the chance to see him develop his own series through FX Productions,” said Nick Grad, original programming president for FX Networks and FX Productions. “He helped make Atlanta the most acclaimed comedy series on television, greatly contributing to its signature style and tone and becoming an integral part of the creative team lead by Donald Glover. With his boundless artistry, Hiro is poised to take the next step as a television creator.”

While that is quite a mouthful, these are all very apparent, warranted, substantiated facts. What remains to be seen, of course, is how Murai will flourish outside of the Donald Glover ecosystem. A quick glance at Murai’s accomplishments, though, make it very clear that this dude knows how to shoot things. There are images vividly running through my mind right now, from Atlanta episodes and music videos Murai directed—which I can’t say for too many other TV directors. It’s safe to say this guy is going places.