Tina Fey’s Little Stranger Inks First-Look Deal With Universal
Universal Pictures has signed Tina Fey’s Little Stranger, Inc. production banner to a two-year first-look production deal with the company.
“With her trademark wit, unparalleled voice and business acumen, Tina has found success on nearly every platform — both in front of and behind the camera,” said Donna Langley, chairman of Universal Pictures. “We are thrilled to continue our relationship with her team and develop projects that entertain global audiences. She is a comedic icon whose fearless commitment to her craft has made her one of the entertainment industry’s most in-demand talents. We could not be more fortunate now that we are able to call Universal her home.”
The news comes following the box office success of Fey’s comedy “Sisters,” which made $86 million domestically despite opening the same weekend as “Star Wars: the Force Awakens.”
Fey has also named Eric Gurian executive vice president of Little Stranger. Gurian and Fey have worked together for 11 years, dating back to their time at Saturday Night Live and through all seven seasons of NBC’s “30 Rock.” Gurian co-produced “Sisters” and is currently serving as a co-executive producer on the Emmy Award-nominated Universal Television/ Netflix comedy series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”
“Universal has proven to be such a great home for comedy. I’m very excited to continue collaborating with, and learning from, Donna Langley, Peter Cramer and the entire production team,” said Fey.
It was recently announced that Fey will produce “Do Nothing Bitches” via Little Stranger alongside longtime friend and collaborator Paula Pell. Pell will write the screenplay, and Fey will star opposite UFC champion Ronda Rousey.
Additionally, Little Stranger is developing a project based on the Good Housekeeping article “You Bet!” by Ruth Palmer. “You Bet!” is based on the true story of three women who, when struggling financially, learn to count cards in Atlantic City. Fey is attached to star and Sarah Heyward (HBO’s “Girls”) recently signed on to write the screenplay.
In addition to her many film and television credits, Fey’s bestselling memoir “Bossypants” has sold more than 3 million copies to date and her various projects have earned recognition from the voting membership of the Emmys, Golden Globes, WGA, PGA, SAG, BFCA, Grammys, Peabody, Gracies and The Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize, among many others.
Fey was represented in the deal by WME, 3 Arts and Ziffren Brittenham.
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