Vin Diesel’s One Race Television is partnering with Universal Television on a multi-year, first-look production deal. One of the first offerings going to market will be a television series complement to Diesel and writer/directorDavid Twohy’s highly successful sci-fi franchise,Riddick.Vin Dieselannounced the TV series last month, revealing it will be calledMerc City, which will follow the Mercs and Bounty Hunters in theRiddickuniverse.
One Race, founded in 1995 by writer, director, producer and actorDiesel, has produced the four highest-grossing films in the seven filmFastfranchise -Furious 7,Fast & Furious 6,Fast Fiveas well asFast & Furious. The franchise has earned $3.9 billion at the worldwidebox-office. He has directedMultifacial, Strays and Los Bandoleros.
Previously, One Race launched multiple franchises in the action genre, including thescience-fictionthrillerPitch Blackand the two follow-up films,The Chronicles of RiddickandRiddick, along with the hitxXxand the follow upXXX: The Return of Xander Cage, in pre-production now. Diesel’s business acumen also extends to thegaming universe, where his Tigon Studios produced three critically acclaimed console titles includingChronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bayand original propertyThe Wheelman. Here’s whatJennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment, had to say in his statement.
“In addition to being a huge star for our feature division, Vin is a true creative force as a producer. After sitting down with him and his team at One Race Television, it’s clear he will now also be an incredible asset to both the network and our television studio. We feel really fortunate to be in business with, not only an international powerhouse, but a truly thoughtful and passionate producer.”
Diesel has hired industry veteranShana C. Watermanas Head of Television.Watermanwill oversee development and production under this multi-year, first-look deal. Prior to taking the helm at One Race Television,Watermanserved as Senior Vice President, Event Series at Fox Broadcasting Co. where she produced long-form series including24: Live Another Day, sci-fi thriller,Wayward Pinesand commissioned the upcoming specials,Grease: LiveandThe Rocky Horror Picture Show Event. Here’s whatVin Dieselhad to say about this executive in his statement.
“I have dreamt about expanding the One Race brand into television and now we’ve found the perfect creative partners in Bob, Jen and the team at Universal Television.Shanais an incredible addition to this team.”
Before taking that role,Watermanwas Senior Vice President of Current Programming where she oversaw several prime-time, scripted series includingFringe,Glee,Family Guy,American Dad,The Cleveland Show,Raising Hope,The Mindy ProjectandHouse.Watermanalso conceived of and produced the company’s inaugural, “Seizing Opportunities Forum,” which spurs dialogue among creative partners about the shifting demographics of television audiences around the globe. For her efforts,Shana C. Watermanwas named a NAMIC 2014 Next Generation Leader. Here’s whatShana C. Watermanhad to say in her statement.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the exceptionally smart, innovative team Vin’s built at One Race. Both he and fellow producer Samantha Vincent, alongside their partners at Universal, have grown a formidable global brand ready-made for this diverse and highly creative time in the world of television.”
Universal Television is one of the largest and most successful television production companies in the United States. The studio currently produces nearly 20 primetime series as well as late-night and reality programs for a variety of network, cable, and digital platforms. Acclaimed series produced by Universal Television include Master of None, Brooklyn Nine-Nine,The Mindy Project,Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,Chicago FireandBates Motel, among numerous others, and all of NBC’s successful late-night programs. Universal Television is a division of NBCUniversal, which develops, produces and markets the best entertainment, news and information to a global audience.
