Universal Cable Productions Aligns with Steve Carell, Jessica Biel

UNIVERSAL CITY: Universal Cable Productions (UCP) had added two new pod deals to its roster, inking exclusive development agreements with Steve Carell’s Carousel Television and Jessica Biel’s Iron Ocean Productions.

Steve Carell’s Carousel Television and UCP are collaborating on a one-hour untitled project about the golden age of Hollywood in its budding infancy. The story focuses on actual Hollywood events and characters dating back 100 years. Biel’s Iron Ocean Productions currently has two projects in development with UCP. Pop Culture tells the story of a bachelor living the high life in NYC who has a sudden change of heart after babysitting his nephew. He hires an aspiring actress to play his wife and things get complicated when he finds himself falling for her. Moguls is a half-hour workplace comedy about the eccentric twentysomethings employed at a family-owned Colorado ski resort whose way of life is challenged when the mountain is purchased by a corporate giant.

“At a time when compelling content is thriving across multiple platforms and distribution channels, it’s critical to partner with creative individuals who can develop potentially evergreen entertainment," said Jeff Wachtel, the president and chief content officer at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group. “Premier talent like Steve Carell and Jessica Biel will bring a tremendous added value to our development slate.”  
 
Dawn Parouse Olmstead, the executive VP of development at UCP, added, “Steve Carell and Campbell Smith at Carousel Television bring to UCP an undeniable comedic flair and wit, while Michelle Purple and Jessica Biel of Iron Ocean Productions bring a strong female sensibility to a broad range of projects. Diversified product is a key component of our development strategy as we focus on properties that have long-term asset potential.”

"Carousel is thrilled to be in this new deal with UCP. They share our vision, and they're great kissers,” said Carell. “We're looking forward to working with everyone on the UCP team.”

“It’s been great to find a home at UCP. We are looking forward to our continued collaboration with them,” said Biel.