The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today that they have signed an exclusive first-look deal with Shawn ‘Jay Z’ Carter (Annie, Top Five, The Great Gatsby). The deal is a two-year overall deal where TWC will have first-look options with Jay Z to produce both scripted and unscripted television projects and film projects. TWC and Jay Z have projects already in development under the deal that will be formally announced in the coming weeks. This will be the second first-look deal for The Weinstein Company since they announced a multi-year overall deal with director Antoine Fuqua earlier this year.
Jay Z has translated his entrepreneurial expertise for the music industry into an all-encompassing multi-media company, Roc Nation. He has bridged the connection between music, sports, fashion, and more, developing a brand that touches nearly every area of media and entertainment. His past film credits include the Jamie Foxx remake of Annie, where he served as producer, Chris Rock’s Top Five, which he co-produced, and Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, which he executive produced. With his deal with TWC, Jay Z will continue to expand this work and bring the same vision he brought to music into television and film.
Commented Jay Z: “I’m excited to tell stories from real life prophets, whom through their struggles have changed the world for the better, and others whose stories are filled with fantasy and delight. Harvey and David are visionaries both of whom have done this time and time again. I’m already passionate about what we currently have in the pipeline and I’m looking forward to discovering others.”
“Having known Jay on a personal level for many years we are thrilled by the opportunity to expand our relationship,” Commented TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein. “Jay’s ability to influence entertainment and pop culture has gone well beyond music for many years. He approaches every aspect of his career with both determination and effortlessness, making him one of the leading power players in entertainment history. We already have some exceptional projects in the works and are excited to see what more is to come.”
TWC President and COO David Glasser commented: “JAY Z is an entertainment mogul with an unparalleled sense of the industry and limitless creativity. It’s an incredible opportunity to be able to collaborate with him as we continue to grow our TV division and look towards many more opportunities to create fresh content.
(Photo Credit: WENN.com)
