CBS and Aaron Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment will enter into a new strategic partnership, the companies announced on Friday.
As part of the agreement, CBS has acquired an ownership stake in Kapital Entertainment. CBS will provide co-financing for Kapital to invest in its future programming and serve as its worldwide distributor. Kapital will continue to operate as an independent production company, separate from CBS Television Studios and the CBS Television Network, and maintain its ability to sell to all buyers in the television marketplace.
Kaplan will continue to run Kapital Entertainment as its chief executive officer, with CBS chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves joining Kapital’s four-person board of directors.
“CBS is a content company, and this new venture immediately establishes another source to create more programming assets for our distribution pipeline,” Moonves said. “Aaron is a talented and creative producer, a skilled program packager and a very smart businessperson. We’re excited to build this partnership together.”
“This venture enables Kapital to continue matching a creator’s vision to the broadcast, cable or streaming home best suited for their project. And we will continue to work with all of our valued studio partners in the process,” said Kaplan. “At the same time, I have the support of an incredible media company at CBS Corporation, led by Leslie Moonves, whose creative and business accomplishments are unmatched.”
The first new project in the partnership is the Dana Klein and Marc Feuerstein pilot “9J, 9K and 9L,” which is being co-produced by Kapital with CBS Television Studios for CBS.
Kapital is a prominent independent production company with current series such as “Santa Clarita Diet” (Netflix), “Divorce” (HBO), “American Housewife” (ABC), “Secrets and Lies” (ABC), “The Chi” (Showtime) and “Life in Pieces” (CBS). For the upcoming television season, the company is currently producing seven pilots across broadcast and cable networks.
Kaplan has operated Kapital as a self-funded company since 2009. Prior to Kapital, Kaplan was head of scripted content at the William Morris Agency, where he also served on the board of directors.
17 Breakout TV Stars to Watch for In 2017, From Ricky Whittle to Rose Leslie (Photos)
Another year, another crop of TV stars ready to steal audiences' hearts and attentions. Here are 17 up-and-comers we're keeping an eye on in 2017.
Camila Mendes, "Riverdale" The entire cast of The CW's teen drama are about to become huge stars, but our safe bet is on Mendes, the new Veronica Lodge, the troubled bad girl whose arrival in town coincides with some big changes for Archie and his friends.
The CW
Corey Hawkins, "24: Legacy" Stepping into Kiefer Sutherland's shoes is no small task, but could reap big rewards for Hawkins, who's been poised for a breakout since last summer's hit "Straight Outta Compton."
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Sonequa Martin-Green, "Star Trek Discovery" We don't know anything about the new "Star Trek" series ... but it's a new "Star Trek" series, and if you're the star of it, you're going to have a big breakout moment.
Getty
Ricky Whittle, "American Gods" Bringing a sizable fanbase from "The 100" with him, Whittle is set to endear a whole new set of rabid fans in Bryan Fuller's Neil Gaiman adaptation.
Starz
Rachel Keller, "Legion" After impressing Noah Hawley on "Fargo," the showrunner is giving Keller an even bigger breakout platform, as the female lead opposite Dan Stevens in FX's X-Men superhero series.
FX
Finn Jones, "Iron Fist" Marvel's latest superhero will do his best to keep up with the likes of "Daredevil," "Jessica Jones" and "Luke Cage," all of whom have been breakout stars and critical and fan favorites.
Netflix
Adria Arjona, "Emerald City" "Wizard of Oz" fans, get ready to meet your new Dorothy. From director Tarsem, NBC's new fantasy drama should be visually stunning if nothing else.
NBC
Jermaine Fowler, "Superior Donuts" CBS has been high on the stand-up comedian and retooled this sitcom for him twice before ordering it to series - time for the world to see Fowler's talents.
CBS
Rose Leslie, "The Good Fight" This "Game of Thrones" alum no longer has to share the spotlight with a cast of thousands as the lead of CBS All Access' "The Good Wife" spinoff.
CBS
Jacob Lofland, "The Son" As the younger version of the central character, Lofland is central to the sprawling Texas-set family drama, setting the groundwork for his character to grow up to be Pierce Brosnan.
AMC
Allison Tolman, "Downward Dog" After her impressive turn on "Fargo," it's about time Tolman got her own show - hopefully that talking pooch doesn't hog all the limelight.
ABC
Austin P. Mckenzie, "When We Rise" The Broadway alum plays a young LGBT activist in Dustin Lance Black's chronicle of the early days of the gay movement.
ABC
Logan Browning, "Dear White People" The Justin Simien movie made Tessa Thompson a breakout star, and Browning is set to take over the role in the Netflix series.
Netflix
Dylan Minnette, "13 Reasons Why" The "Goosebumps" star plays the lead in the long-gestating Jay Asher YA novel, from producer Selena Gomez.
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Pearl Mackie, "Doctor Who" The new Doctor's Companion should prepare herself to become a star. Just ask her predecessors Karen Gillan and Jenna Coleman.
BBC
Freddie Stroma, "Time After Time" After endearing audiences on "UnREAL," Stroma takes a lead role as H.G. Wells in Kevin Williamson's "Time After Time."
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Jodie Comer, "The White Princess" The star of the sequel to "The White Queen" could find herself becoming the next Rebecca Ferguson.
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The new Kiefer Sutherland, the new Veronica Lodge, the newest Marvel superhero and other stars poised to have big years on the small screen
Another year, another crop of TV stars ready to steal audiences' hearts and attentions. Here are 17 up-and-comers we're keeping an eye on in 2017.