Cirque du Soleil Inks Development Deal With 20th Television

Cirque du Soleil Media is looking to bring its creations to the small screen.

The company behind artistic and acrobatic live shows, including Mystere, Zumanity and more, has inked a first-look development deal with 20th Century Fox Television, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Under the pact, the companies will develop new and innovative live-action primetime scripted television projects. Cirque du Soleil Media, a joint-venture between Cirque du Soleil and Bell Media, will team to develop properties for television that go beyond the Cirque du Soleil brand and its live shows.

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“Cirque du Soleil is recognized for its incredible, high-quality, artistic live entertainment. I am confident that by joining forces with 20th Century Fox Television, we will propel our brand to new heights by creating distinctive high-quality television productions,” said Jacques Methe, president of Cirque du Soleil Media. “Our goal with this partnership is not to televise our live performances, but rather create content in the primetime scripted arena that will elevate the genre by drawing from Cirque’s creative vision.”

Added 20th president of creative affairs Jonnie Davis: “The Cirque du Soleil brand is so vibrant and colorful and mind-bending. Their productions have such soul and imagination. We think the combination of Cirque and 20th is a perfect fit, and we’re already searching for writers who can tap into their world to create scripted series that are as distinctive and exciting as the world famous Cirque live events.”

CAA brokered the deal.

The project comes after Saban Brands teamed with Cirque on a cross-platform kids property that called for a TV series, online content and merchandising, among others. Cirque in June also united with cross-platform producer Marblemedia to co-produce TV content, including a miniseries, hourlong drama and live musical event inspired by the Canadian-based circus troupe.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
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