The new team will co-produce and develop original content after the current Red Hour’s pact with Paramount ends.
According to The Wrap, Legendary Television has teamed up with Red Hour Films (headed by Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld) to produce content for both television and digital platforms. This is the first deal for recently-launched Legendary TV and Digital Media.
“All of us at Legendary are thrilled to be working with Ben, Stuart and their Red Hour team,” said Bruce Rosenblum, the president of Television and Digital. He mentioned in addition that, “Their comedic programming is broadly appealing, yet fulfills the edginess and irreverence that is so on brand for Legendary. Red Hour is an ideal addition to our multi-platform efforts, as they have successfully balanced their traditional television programming with a strong track record in creating and producing digital content.”
Debbie Liebling, the president of Red Hour Television has experience in developing shows like South Park and producing movies like Bridesmaids, The Change-Up, Borat and Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story. Liebling will lead Red Hour’s television development for Legendary.
“We are very excited to partner with Legendary, though I am a little concerned that Bruce called me ‘Mr. Affleck’ when discussing the deal on the phone,” said Ben Stiller as reported by The Wrap. “Hopefully, he won’t realize he got the other Ben til after the papers are signed,” Stiller added.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mike Rosenstein, the digital director of Red Hour Films will lead the company’s digital content development. Rosenstein and Tom Lesinski (the president of Legendary Digital Media) worked in the past on Burning Love and the upcoming Zoolander animated digital series.
This is an important deal for Legendary, which is known for co-financing films like Man of Steel and The Dark Knight.