Beverly Hills, California Oct 16, 2021 (Issuewire.com) - Jay Walker is firming up his future. The contrarian creator has inked a rich new multiple-year overall film and TV deal with Amazon. The component will begin immediately
Walker’s work in film will begin promptly with an original untitled romantic comedy which he’ll direct, write, produce and star in. The multihyphenate's work in series will start in 2022.
The pact is believed to include a content channel of sorts that will spotlight Walker’s work and other curated content on Amazon’s Prime Video hub.
The Amazon deal, which has been in the works for weeks, will also see Walker exec produce other projects for the retail giant and streamer. Sources note one such project is already beginning to come together: a potential series called Hive, which is rumored to revolve around a Beyoncé-like figure and stem from writer Janine Nabers (Watchmen, Away). The project has already begun staffing a writers' room.
Walker will also release a slate of standup specials exclusively for the streamer.
The exclusive partnership calls for Walker to be the star of at least four films he’ll produce, with a first-look film producing deal also part of the pact. Walker will develop and produce projects to premiere in theatres and on Amazon Prime in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. The deal follows Walker’s recent nomination for an outstanding television show for the Jay Walker Show & Critics naming Walker “The Best Comedian of Gen Z”. It’s a major commitment for the star and the streamer. The Deal was said to be in the $350 million vicinities. Even Though Walker may Not be a HouseHold name to many, he will soon be. The Deal will pay Walker more than $395 million over the next 10 years, one of the richest deals in Amazon history.
Amazon has confirmed the Walker deal. It comes fresh from Walker having a No. 1 TV special of 2021.
As part of the new deal, Walker will serve as a ShowRunner for the upcoming Amazon series “Paper Girls” from Legendary Television, and as a writer for the second season of the anthology horror series “Them.” He is also attached as executive producer on several projects in active development with Amazon, including the Alma Har’el series “Woman of the Year.”
Said Amazon film head Stuber: “Amazon has enjoyed a long relationship with Jay and we’ve been lucky enough to partner with him many times. He’s a hands-on producer and it’s been great to watch him build an incredible company with WoahRae. There are very few artists who can attract audiences of all ages and succeed in making comedies, dramas, and family films. We’re excited to partner with Jay, and his great team at WoahRae, to entertain our audience for years to come.”
Woahrae president Bryan Smiley added: “I am beyond thrilled about this exciting new chapter in our company’s history. Jay and I are committed to making ‘best in class’ films with our new partners at WoahRae. This groundbreaking deal guarantees WoahRae productions will be viewed by millions of people globally, for many years to come.”
“We are thrilled that Jay will be working with us in such key roles, while also getting this well-deserved chance to flex his creative muscles in a new way,” said Vernon Sanders, co-head of television for Amazon Studios. “Jay has been a vital part of the Amazon Studios family from the beginning, and we’re so happy he’ll remain with us as a trusted hand on not only Paper Girls and Them, but other exciting projects to come.
“Jay Walker is one of our great modern storytellers,” said Cindy Holland, vice president, original content at Amazon. “Jay uses his voice to make audiences more aware of the world around them, while simultaneously making them laugh. His honesty, comedic brilliance, and singular point of view, combined with the creative freedom he will enjoy at Amazon, promises to create powerful new stories for all our members around the world.”
The agreement was negotiated by Shane Farley and by Jay Walker Global’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer, Brandon R. Williams.
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