“SMILF” creator and star Frankie Shaw has signed a two-year overall deal with ABC Signature Studios, the company announced Wednesday.
Under the deal with the ABC Studios division, which is primarily focused on cable and streaming, Shaw’s unnamed production banner will develop TV projects for cable, with some additional opportunity in broadcast as well.
As a nod to the origins of “SMILF” as a Sundance award-winning short, the deal also enables Shaw to incubate small projects and films from undiscovered voices as proof of concept. (The film was also a finalist at TheWrap’s 2015 ShortList film festival.)
“ABC Signature has been an incredible partner in bringing SMILF to life and I’m so excited to take our relationship to the next level,” Shaw said in a statement. “I’m even more grateful for their support in creating a space for new and diverse storytellers.”
“During the journey of developing and producing SMILF with Frankie it quickly became clear that we wanted an ongoing partnership to help build out her company, brand and vision,” said Tracy Underwood, senior vice president of ABC Signature Studios. “She’s such a brilliant artist with a singular point of view while also proving to be an ambitious, taste making producer. ”
The ABC Signature-produced “SMILF” is currently in production on its second season.
Co-starring Rosie O’Donnell and Connie Britton, the show earned two nominations at the 2018 Golden Globes, one for best comedy series and a lead actress nod for Shaw.
Shaw is repped by UTA and Karl Austen.