eOne Inks First-Look Deal with Levity

LOS ANGELES/TORONTO: Entertainment One (eOne) has signed a two-year television development and distribution deal with Levity Entertainment Group.

The deal sees eOne developing and producing half-hour scripted original content with A-list comedy artists and writers from Levity Entertainment Group’s catalogue, which includes Jim Breuer, Pablo Francisco, Hal Sparks and Maz Jobrani, among others. Levity will also provide eOne with eight to ten titles per year for distribution in all home video platforms as well as audio platforms.

“This first-look deal offers major opportunity for us to continue our growth in the comedy and non-scripted arena by producing and developing original content with Levity,” said Noreen Halpern, the president of dramatic programming at eOne Television. “They are a powerhouse in this area and we’re thrilled to be in business with them.”

“Levity has been the leading provider of comedy and we’re confident that in bringing them on as a studio partner we will not only increase eOne’s distribution in multiple platforms but elevate our comedy programming,” commented Allen Blackwell, the VP of urban film and comedy programming at eOne. “This collaboration will give Levity the unique opportunity to take projects from concept to creation through our eOne production studios and directly to the networks.”

“Our partnership with eOne helps us to accelerate comedy series opportunities with talent that we have identified and developed,” added Judi Brown-Marmel, the senior partner at Levity Entertainment Group. “eOne has become a leading supplier of prime-time programming. We are excited to create this comedy platform with them.”