HBO Signs Russell Simmons to Overall Production & Development Deal

LOS ANGELES: HBO has entered into an overall first-look deal for TV projects with Russell Simmons' new media company All Def Digital (ADD).

Under the new pact, Simmons and his team will create and develop a wide range of television projects for HBO. Simmons currently has five active projects with the network, three of which are being developed through ADD. This slate includes a new series that curates the best acts from ADD's weekly live comedy night. HBO and ADD are also developing These Are My Friends, a new comedy series inspired by indie filmmaker Shaka King that spotlights hip-hop culture. There's a new comedy series being worked on by ADD with the Broken Lizard comedy troupe as well, The Broken Lizard Show.

Simmons is also executive producing the HBO limited series Codes of Conduct, directed and developed by Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave). Simmons, alongside Stan Lathan, is producing a Def Comedy Jam 25th anniversary special for HBO as well.

"We always speak of having distinct voices at HBO, and few in the industry are as unique and intelligent as Russell," said Michael Lombardo, the president of HBO Programming. "He's been a part of our family for a long time, and we are so pleased to be continuing our relationship."

"HBO has been like a home to me for a generation," added Simmons. "I am enormously proud of the broad range of programming they have nurtured. Together, we have discovered new voices and helped launch emerging artists that deserved a mainstream platform. I am even more excited by the next generation of talent and shows that we are developing through All Def Digital TV."