It producing duo David Katzenberg and Seth Grahame-Smith are putting down their TV roots.
The pair have inked a two-year overall deal with 20th Century Fox Television and will create and develop comedy, drama and animation projects for network and cable outlets.
Aaron Schmidt has also been tapped to serve as the duo’s senior vp development at their studio-based pod.
“David and Seth are an undeniable creative force, and have incredible ideas for comedy, drama and animation projects,” 20th TV president of creative affairs Jonnie Davis said Friday in a statement. “We’re excited to bring their unique hybrid of directing, writing and producing to the studio.”
Next up for the frequent collaborators is Warner Bros.’ It, due in theaters Sept. 8. The duo, who first worked together on MTV’s The Hard Times of RJ Berger, are currently developing the Beetlejuice sequel for the studio with Tim Burton as well as a feature based on the viral sensation Kung Fury, among other projects.
“We have huge respect for [20th TV toppers] Gary [Newman], Dana [Walden], Jonnie and everyone on their team. They have great taste, and we’re determined to win for them. Embarking on a TV deal at Fox also fits our corporate philosophy, which is: Do everything [Phil] Lord and [Chris] Miller did four years ago,” Katzenberg and Grahame-Smith said in a joint statement.
Katzenberg and Grahame-Smith join a roster of prolific producers at 20th TV including Ryan Murphy, Lord and Miller, and Seth MacFarlane, as well as Modern Family‘s Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd, among others.
Katzenberg and Grahame-Smith are repped by WME.
