Participant Media, the Reliance Group and Entertainment One have partnered to create Amblin Partners, a new film, television and digital content company. Dreamwork’s Steven Spielberg finalized the deal with Jeff Skoll of Participant, Aninl Ambani of Reliance and Darren Throop of eOne. J.P.Morgan Chase structured the company with $500 million debt syndication along with a personal investment by Steven Spielberg. Under the pact, Amblin Partners will develop and produces films using all three labels: Amblin, DreamWorks and Participant. Universal Pictures will facilitate the marketing and distribution under a multi-year pact covering four to seven films, beginning with DreamWorks’ The Girl on the Train.
Comedian Dulcé Sloan was awarded top honors at the 12th annual StandUp NBC comedy showcase. With this win, Sloan has been signed to a talent holding deal with NBCUniversal. StandUp NBC alumni who went on to star in NBC series include Brandon T. Jackson (Mr. Robinson), Ron Funches (Undateable) and Lil’Rel Howery (The Carmichael Show).
Lionsgate UK now has a 25% equity stake in indie Kindle Entertainment. Kindle has won BAFTA awards for its drama and comedy series across family, kids, primetime and young adult audiences. Among its credits are the Sky/Syfy mini Treasure Island, Henry Winkler series Hank Zipzer and interactive mystery Dixi.
Actress-producer Ashley Tisdale and her shingle Blondie Girl Productions have inked a two-year exclusive development deal with Warner Horizon Television. Under the two-year deal, Blondie Girl will develop scripted dramas and comedies, unscripted programming and digital projects =. Ally Lattman, VP scripted development at Warner Horizon, will come aboard the shingle as their Head of Development. Tisdale’s sister, Jennifer Tisdale, will continue as EVP of Production and Development.
E-commerce billionaire Jack Ma, internet mega-corporation Tencent and China’s top private film company Huayi Bros. are partnering to develop, produce and finance English language films. Ma will invest in the joint venture through his Yunfeng Capital equity fund. The new company, which will be based in Hong Kong, will produce 10 live-action films and invest an estimated $50 million in the films. In addition, three animated features will be produced with an initial investment from China Jiuhao of $24 million.
Vertigo Entertainment has signed a two-year exclusive deal with Warner Bros. TV to develop drama and comedy series. Vertigo previously had a first-look deal with Fox 21 for cable series. The company’s TV operations will be based on the studio lot and led by Michael Connolly, who previously founded management/production company Mad Hatter Entertainment. Vertigo has also hired Melissa Lora from Bad Robot to serve as coordinator for the division.
Fargo creator/executive producer Noah Hawley has signed a new three-year overall deal with FX Productions and FX Networks. Under the pact, Hawley will remain creator/showrunner of Fargo and develop new projects. Fargo garnered several Golden Globe nominations including those for Kirsten Dunst, Patrick Wilson along with Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. Hawley’s other projects in development include the X-Men-themed pilot Legion for FX and FX Prods, Cat’s Cradle, a limited series, Hellhound On His Tail and Hot Rock.