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Paramount Television Signs First-Look Deal With Robert Zemeckis

Paramount Television inks a first-look deal with Oscar-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis; first project will be a drama series inspired by Nicholson Baker’s bestselling novel 'The Fermata.'

Paramount Television has inked a first-look deal with Oscar-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, Deadline reports.

The two-year, first-look deal includes all television programming developed by Zemeckis, Jack Rapke and their production company, Compari Entertainment. Their first project will be a drama series inspired by Nicholson Baker’s bestselling novel The Fermata, which is being adapted by David Hollander.

“Not only is Bob one of the all-time greatest filmmakers but he has been an important member of the Paramount family for more than 20 years,” said Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures. “His ability to tell and capture a story so brilliantly on any screen is second to none and we look forward to partnering creatively with him, Jack and their team on the television side of our business.”

“I know Brad and Amy share a deep appreciation for creating inspired entertainment and I look forward to making great television together,” said Zemeckis.

“Bob is a masterful storyteller, and we’re thrilled to be developing character-driven, visually creative programming in the television space that reflects his beloved cinematic approach,” said Amy Powell, President, Paramount Television.

Zemeckis’ relationship with Paramount Pictures goes back to the 1994 Oscar-winning pic Forrest Gump for which Zemeckis won the Best Directing Academy Award. The film starring Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise and Robin Wright grossed $677 million worldwide and won a total of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hanks. In 2012, the studio and Zemeckis partnered on Denzel Washington-starrer Flight, which received two Oscar nominations.

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Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.