Vox Media Studios (VMS) has signed a multi-year first-look deal with 20th Television, Variety has learned exclusively.
Under the deal, VMS and 20th TV will work together to produce scripted and unscripted TV series across all platforms with an emphasis developing shows based on the long-form reporting of Vox Media properties like New York Magazine and Vox Media podcasts for Disney Entertainment Television platforms.
Dana J. Olkkonen is the head of VMS, while Scoop Wasserstein leads Scoop Productions and oversees scripted development and production for New York Magazine on behalf of VMS.
“We’re incredibly excited to delve into the treasure trove of articles from New York Magazine’s fearless reporting and the entire Vox Media Studios portfolio,” said Karey Burke, president of 20th TV. “Through compelling long-form storytelling that captures fascinating subjects, exposes, modern life and pop culture, the opportunities are truly endless. Scoop and Dana’s extraordinary sensibility and deep experience in bringing reporting to life on the screen, makes them perfect producing partners.”
VMS currently has multiple series in the works. Among those is “The Altruists” at Netflix starring Anthony Boyle and Julia Garner, which is inspired by New York Magazine reporting on the rise and fall of FTX. Also in development at Netflix is a drama starring Lizzy Caplan as a crisis PR expert, which is also based on a New York Magazine article.
Variety exclusively reported in February that the company was nearing a series order at Apple TV for a limited series based on the New York Magazine article “The Nanny Squatter” with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cecily Strong attached to star.
Previous titles include unscripted shows like “Monster Factory” at Apple TV, the docuseries “An Update on Our Family” at HBO, and the reality competition series “Best in Dough” at Hulu.
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“We are thrilled to be working with 20th Television and Hulu/ABC to produce a slate that showcases the ambition and breadth of Vox Media’s award-winning journalism,” said Olkkonen. “This partnership is a meaningful milestone for Vox Media Studios and reinforces that our work continues to resonate with passionate audiences and underscores the value of trusted media brands as engines for premium television.”
VMS is repped by by CAA and Del Shaw Moonves.
From Variety US