Painless Productions & Dan Pearson Ink Co-Pro Pact

Painless Productions has signed a co-production agreement with Dan Pearson and his Dan 4 Entertainment (D4E).

Per the deal, Painless will work with Pearson to develop and produce premium unscripted programming with a focus on social justice, organized crime and unique subculture programming, as well as African American-led celebrity formats. Pearson will work closely alongside Jim Casey, CEO of Painless Productions, as well as VP of Development Nicole Reed and VP of Creative Ross Kaiman.

Pearson is currently producing a 1980s mob series for Showtime with Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way as well as The Secret Life of Ralph Natale, based on his book The Last Don Standing. Previously, Pearson developed and served as executive producer for the ID series I Married a Mobster and produced the award-winning Discovery documentary Harlem Diaries: Nine Voices of Resilience and the feature documentary Justifiable Homicide for Gabriel Films. Considered an expert on organized crime, he has been asked to consult, write and speak on the topic for various companies.

Casey said: “Dan has led an interesting and multi-faceted life that has given him unprecedented access into unique worlds, everything from social justice to organized crime. Through this partnership, we’re able to continue to explore and prioritize more diversity in our content.”

Pearson added: “As a Black man in America, oftentimes, our stories are an afterthought; not any longer. We’re excited to partner with Painless Productions to give voice to the voiceless and bring light to the darkness. No matter the topic, we will tell everyone’s story with respect and dignity but most importantly the truth.”