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Vin Diesel signs first-look producing deal with Universal Television

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Thu, Dec 17th 2015 01:45 pm

Launches One Race Television and hires Shana C. Waterman as head of TV

Vin Diesel's One Race Television is partnering with Universal Television on a multiyear, first-look production deal.

One Race, founded in 1995 by writer, director, producer and actor Diesel, has produced the four highest-grossing films in the seven film "Fast" franchise - "Furious 7," "Fast and Furious 6," "Fast Five," as well as "Fast & Furious." The franchise has earned $3.9 billion at the worldwide box office. Diesel has directed "Multifacial," "Strays" and "Los Bandoleros."

Previously, One Race launched multiple franchises in the action genre, including the science-fiction thriller "Pitch Black" and the two follow-up films, "Chronicles of Riddick" and "Riddick," along with the hit "xXx" and the follow up "xXx: Return of Xander Cage," in pre-production now. Diesel's business acumen also extends to the gaming universe, where his Tigon Studios produced three critically acclaimed console titles, including "Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay" and original property "The Wheelman."

One of the first offerings going to market will be a television series complement to Diesel and writer/director David Twohy's highly successful sci-fi franchise "Riddick."

"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," said Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment. "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 veteran Shana C. Waterman as head of television. Waterman will oversee development and production under this deal.

"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," Diesel said. "Shana is an incredible addition to this team."

"I'm incredibly excited to join the exceptionally smart, innovative team Vin's built at One Race," Waterman said. "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."

Prior to taking the helm at One Race Television, Waterman served as senior vice president, event series, at Fox Broadcasting Co. She produced long-form series including "24: Live Another Day" and sci-fi thriller "Wayward Pines," and commissioned the upcoming specials, "Grease Live" and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

Before taking that role, Waterman was senior vice president of current programming, where she oversaw several primetime scripted series, including "Fringe," "Glee," "Family Guy," "American Dad," "The Cleveland Show," "Raising Hope," "The Mindy Project" and "House." Waterman also 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, Waterman was named a NAMIC 2014 Next Generation Leader.

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