Empire’s Lee Daniels Signs Overall Deal with Twentieth Century Fox TV

HOLLYWOOD: Lee Daniels, co-creator and executive producer of Empire, has inked a multiyear overall deal with Twentieth Century Fox Television, under which he will develop, write, direct and supervise new projects for the studio.

The projects will come under the Lee Daniels Entertainment banner. Daniels will remain as an executive producer of Empire as well.

“Lee Daniels has a gift for telling authentic, provocative stories that are both truthful and wildly entertaining,” commented Fox Television Group's chairmen and CEOs, Gary Newman and Dana Walden. “His casting instincts are incredible, whether he is discovering tomorrow’s stars or attracting the most accomplished performers to his projects. As a director, he elevates world-class material to even greater heights, balancing heart-wrenching poignancy with surprising moments of levity that are over the top and fun. Quite simply, we love working with this inspired storyteller, and this deal is about extending and deepening our relationship.”

“I’m incredibly excited to continue my relationship with Dana and Gary, and the rest of the Fox team,” added Daniels. “I’m looking forward to developing content and finding alternative voices for both in front of and behind the camera.”