Universal Media Inks New Development Deals

 UNIVERSAL CITY, January 16: Universal Media Studios has signed separate first-look deals with actor-producer-director Don Cheadle and his company, Crescendo Productions, as well as Carousel Television, the broadcast and new technologies arm of Steve Carell’s recently formed Carousel Productions.

The two-year, first-look agreement signed with Cheadle and Crescendo Productions, which he runs with producing partners Kay Liberman and Lenore Zerman, is aimed at creating a variety of different TV series projects. "Don Cheadle is such a smart and dynamic presence both on the screen and behind the scenes," said Angela Bromstad, the president of primetime entertainment for NBC and Universal Media Studios. "We are happy to be in business with Don and his team, and are already at work discussing ideas that will bring Don’s strong and creative voice to our prime-time schedule."

A separate three-year, first-look development deal was signed with Carell’s Carousel Television, headed by Thom Hinkle (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) and Hinkle’s longtime associate at North South Productions, Campbell Smith. "Steve Carell is an extraordinary talent," said Ben Silverman, the co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "In addition to his many starring roles, he has written and produced a host of memorable screenplays and beloved episodes of The Office, among numerous other projects. We couldn’t be happier to have such an incredible creative force on our team in an expanded role for years to come."