Vin Diesel Inks First-Look Deal With Universal TV

Vin Diesel and his One Race Television has signed a multi-year, first-look production deal with Universal TV.

One of the first projects under the pact will be a television series complement to Diesel and writer/director David Twohy’s successful sci-fi franchise, Riddick. In addition, Diesel has hired industry vet Shana C. Waterman as Head of Television. Waterman will oversee development and production under the multi-year, first-look deal.

One Race, founded in 1995 by 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. He 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 also has a hand in 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.

“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, NBC Entertainment. “We feel really fortunate to be in business with, not only an international powerhouse, but a truly thoughtful and passionate producer.”

Prior to taking the helm at One Race Television, Waterman served as Senior Vice President, Event Series at Fox where she produced long-form series including 24: Live Another Day, sci-fi thriller, Wayward Pines and commissioned the upcoming specials, Grease Live and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

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