Fox Broadcasting Company has entered into a first-look development deal with JHF, the new production banner of actor, producer and writer Jonah Hill. Under the terms of the agreement, FOX has purchased an untitled single-camera comedy script that Hill wrote on spec and may direct. The network will also have first rights to future JHF projects in television.
“Jonah is one of the most prolific young talents in comedy today, and possesses a fearless, wickedly smart sensibility that’s perfect for FOX,†said Kevin Reilly, President of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “He’s an undeniably terrific comedic actor who also shows tremendous creativity behind the camera, and we’re thrilled to bring his unique voice to our network.â€
Earlier this season, FOX gave a seven-episode commitment to Hill’s new animated series, ALLEN GREGORY. Hill co-created and will voice the lead character in the series, which follows an extremely accomplished 7-year-old embarking on the greatest challenge of his life: attending elementary school. ALLEN GREGORY, which was co-created by Andrew Mogel and Jarrad Paul, will be produced by 20th Century Fox Television, Chernin Entertainment and JHF. The series is tentatively scheduled to premiere on FOX during the 2011-2012 broadcast season.
“Now I can finally make that show I’ve always wanted to make about high school kids singing and dancing in some sort of a ‘singing-club’ type program at their school. Wait…what? There already is a show like that on FOX? What? It’s like the most popular show ever? Uh oh,†said Hill. “I wanted to create JHF so I and all of the talented writers I know could write funny and interesting television shows that we’d love to see: ALLEN GREGORY being the first, and hopefully many more to follow. I am a lucky guy to get to do what I do for a living, and hope to help create that opportunity for talented young writers and performers.â€