Titled "Whitney Houston," the television film will mark Bassett's directorial debut. A 2015 premiere is expected. Shem Bitterman penned the script.
"I have such regard for both Whitney’s and Bobby’s amazing talents and accomplishments; and I feel a responsibility in the telling of their story," Bassett said in a statement. "Their humanity and bond fascinates us all. I'm beyond excited to have this opportunity to go behind the camera and into their world."
"Whitney Houston," according to Lifetime, "chronicles the headline-making relationship between the iconic singer, actress, producer and model, and singer, songwriter Bobby Brown -- from the time they first met at the very height of their celebrity, to their courtship and tumultuous marriage. Throughout it all, difficulties followed the superstar couple while they dealt with the overwhelming rewards and consequences of the fame and fortune created by Whitney’s meteoric rise that would soon overshadow them both."
The acclaimed performer died Feb. 11, 2012, at the age of 48 in Beverly Hills.
Playbill.com spoke with several Broadway composers who reflected on her life and career.