Vin Diesel Signs First-Look Deal with Universal Television

Vin Diesel's One Race Television is partnering with Universal Television on a multi-year, 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. 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 "xx" and the follow up "xx: 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, NBC Entertainment. "We feel really fortunate to be in business with, not only an international powerhouse, but a truly thoughtful and passionate producer."

"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."

Diesel has hired industry veteran Shana C. Waterman as Head of Television. Waterman will oversee development and production under this multi-year, first-look deal.

"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. 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." Before taking that role, Waterman was Senior Vice President of Current Programming where she oversaw several prime-time, 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.

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: SVU," "Chicago Fire" and "Bates 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.

Photos Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

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