Jackson's films will land at NL
NL, Jackson ink deal
SepT 19, 2006
New Line Cinema has signed a two-year, first-look production deal with Samuel L. Jackson.
Jackson and his still-untitled company will set up offices in Los Angeles. He is searching for an executive to run the shingle and is expected to hire staff soon.
New Line approached Jackson after the success of the actor's "Snakes on a Plane." The film was an Internet phenomenon, and while the movie's boxoffice didn't match the online hype, it did respectable business, grossing $33.5 million to date.
The company liked Jackson's eye for commercial material as well as how his resume is filled with movies ranging from popcorn fare to genre films to more serious subjects. The movies Jackson produces will be a mix of starring vehicles and ones that his company develops. Sources say he will be very hands-on with material.
"Sam's career has been highlighted by his success in a variety of genres; it's clear that he knows what makes a movie work," New Line production president Toby Emmerich said. "This deal is about tapping into his experience, knowledge and instincts to make good movies together."
This is New Line's second high-profile deal with a boxoffice talent in recent months; in June, the company signed Matthew McConaughey and his j.k. livin' Prods. to a first-look deal.
"I have made four movies with New Line so far, and they have all been immensely positive experiences for me," Jackson said. "I feel like Toby and (New Line co-CEO and co-chairman) Bob (Shaye) have allowed me to express my creative vision in the past, and I'm thrilled that we will continue to collaborate more closely on future projects together."
Jackson has worked as a producer on such films as "Eve's Bayou" and as an executive producer on "The Caveman's Valentine" and "Formula 51." He also is producing and voicing the title character in the upcoming Spike TV animated series "Afro Samurai."
Jackson is one Hollywood's most prolific actors, usually appearing in several films a year. He is filming the Doug Liman-directed sci-fi thriller "Jumper" and also stars in "Black Snake Moan" and "1408." Jackson also stars as an Iraq War veteran in Irwin Winkler's "Home of the Brave" and as a former boxing legend in "Resurrecting the Champ."
He is repped by ICM and Anonymous Content and attorney Debbie Klein.
Jackson and his still-untitled company will set up offices in Los Angeles. He is searching for an executive to run the shingle and is expected to hire staff soon.
New Line approached Jackson after the success of the actor's "Snakes on a Plane." The film was an Internet phenomenon, and while the movie's boxoffice didn't match the online hype, it did respectable business, grossing $33.5 million to date.
The company liked Jackson's eye for commercial material as well as how his resume is filled with movies ranging from popcorn fare to genre films to more serious subjects. The movies Jackson produces will be a mix of starring vehicles and ones that his company develops. Sources say he will be very hands-on with material.
"Sam's career has been highlighted by his success in a variety of genres; it's clear that he knows what makes a movie work," New Line production president Toby Emmerich said. "This deal is about tapping into his experience, knowledge and instincts to make good movies together."
This is New Line's second high-profile deal with a boxoffice talent in recent months; in June, the company signed Matthew McConaughey and his j.k. livin' Prods. to a first-look deal.
"I have made four movies with New Line so far, and they have all been immensely positive experiences for me," Jackson said. "I feel like Toby and (New Line co-CEO and co-chairman) Bob (Shaye) have allowed me to express my creative vision in the past, and I'm thrilled that we will continue to collaborate more closely on future projects together."
Jackson has worked as a producer on such films as "Eve's Bayou" and as an executive producer on "The Caveman's Valentine" and "Formula 51." He also is producing and voicing the title character in the upcoming Spike TV animated series "Afro Samurai."
Jackson is one Hollywood's most prolific actors, usually appearing in several films a year. He is filming the Doug Liman-directed sci-fi thriller "Jumper" and also stars in "Black Snake Moan" and "1408." Jackson also stars as an Iraq War veteran in Irwin Winkler's "Home of the Brave" and as a former boxing legend in "Resurrecting the Champ."
He is repped by ICM and Anonymous Content and attorney Debbie Klein.
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