Universal Cable Productions (UCP) adds another layer to its prestigious list of producing talent by signing an overall deal with prolificreality television producer, Charlie Ebersol of The Company (“The Profit”, “NFL Characters Unite”). This is the first overall deal The Company has made in scripted television, marking its efforts to expand into the scripted world. As part of the deal, Ebersol will develop and produce scripted programming with UCP for NBCUniversal’s comprehensive portfolio of networks as well as for external and digital networks. The announcement was made today by Dawn Olmstead, Executive Vice President, Development at UCP.
“Charlie Ebersol amazes me,” said Olmstead. “He has his hand in all areas of pop culture in very relevant ways. He’s a big thinker with big ideas who looks at our business from a unique perspective. Meetings with Charlie run the gamut from sports to politics and he is incredibly versed in both. Plus, no one can pull off a three piece suit with argyle socks and sneakers like Charlie can.”
Ebersol’s previous experience includes creating and serving as an executive producer on CNBC’s “The Profit,” the award-winning documentary “NFL Characters Unite” on USA Network, and executive producing TNT’s “The Great Escape.” This new deal plays a key role in The Company’s transition into scripted work.
“Universal Cable Productions has produced some of our favorite shows of all time from ‘Psych’ to ‘Suits’ to ‘Royal Pains,’ but what meant the most to us was that they are the kind of partners who match our enthusiasm for creative freedom and strong, side-by-side collaboration,” said Charlie Ebersol, Founder and CEO of The Company. “As The Company has expanded into feature film and scripted television, we’ve placed a premium on partners who instinctively seek to do big things while always producing content that creates joy, happiness and change. UCP exemplifies that.”
Ebersol joins UCP’s leading producer line-up, including Charlize Theron’s Denver & Delilah Films, Chris Bender, JC Spink and Jake Weiner’s Benderspink, Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Entertainment, Doug Liman’s Hypnotic, Jessica Biel’s Iron Ocean Films, and Steve Carell’s Carousel Television.
