Sarah Gertrude Shapiro is putting down roots.
The UnREAL co-creator has signed a multiyear overall deal with A+E Studios, the production company behind her Lifetime drama, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Under the exclusive pact, Shapiro will continue writing and executive producing UnREAL while also developing, creating and producing new original projects for the A+E portfolio of networks as well as outside buyers. The pact is Shapiro’s first overall deal.
“Sarah is an extraordinarily talented writer, producer and director,” A+E Studios senior vp Tana Nugent Jamieson said Friday in a statement. “Her unique voice has made UnREAL a cultural phenomenon, and we are thrilled to continue this prolific partnership at A+E Studios.”
Shapiro joins UnREAL co-star Shiri Appleby, who also has an overall deal with A+E Studios.
“I’m honored and excited to be solidifying my partnership with the incredible creative team at A+E Studios,” said Shapiro. “Launching UnREAL together has been the highlight of my career thus far, and I’m looking forward to continuing our fruitful collaboration.”
The Peabody-winning UnREAL launched to critical raves before cooling in season two. The series has been the subject of behind-the-scenes turmoil. Shapiro co-created the show with Marti Noxon, who exited the series on the early side of season two. Veteran producer Carol Barbee was brought in to serve as showrunner on season two of the Constance Zimmer starrer. She left at the end of last season with Stacy Rukeyser — Noxon’s first hire on the series — tapped to take over as showrunner. (Read about her vision for season three here.)
Shapiro is repped by UTA.
