Shonda Rhimes Sells TV Pilot About Crisis Manager Judy Smith, Another Successful Black Woman Doing Her Thing!

Talk about keeping black folks employed!

After successfully launching 'Grey's Anatomy and 'Private Practice,' series creator Shonda Rhimes has just sold ABC another television pilot inspired by the career of legendary public relations consultant Judy Smith.

This one, rumored to be called 'In Crisis,' involves a woman and her dysfunctional staff who help popular figures get through scandals in the media unscathed.

Smith's claim to fame is being the first black woman ever to hold the deputy press secretary position at the White House (under former president George W. Bush)

Through her Washington DC based firm, Impact Strategies, Smith has an impressive client roster, including some big-name politicians such as Bill Clinton, former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, and New York Governor David Paterson.

Having also worked with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Vick in the midst of his dog fighting case, Smith's foray into Hollywood will be interesting to follow.

Slated for the 2011-2012 television season, Rhimes penned the pilot and is executive producing through her Shondaland production company. The African American television dynamo (she's the first black woman ever to create and executive produce an hour-long broadcast series that lasted longer than one season) is also developing and executive producing a comedic drama, 'Life After Marriage,' which centers on divorce and starting over.

Rhimes's third ABC show, a new medical drama, called 'Off the Map' premieres in January 2011.

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