Tina Fey and her production company Little Stranger have signed a two-year, first-look deal with Universal Pictures, the studio behind her hit comedy “Sisters,” which has grossed more than $100 million worldwide, it was announced Wednesday by Donna Langley, chairman of Universal Pictures.
Fey has named Eric Gurian the executive VP of Little Stranger. Gurian and Fey have worked together for 11 years, dating back to their time together at “Saturday Night Live” and through all seven seasons of NBC’s “30 Rock.” Gurian also co-produced Sisters and is currently serving as a co-executive producer on the Emmy-nominated Netflix series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” which hails from Universal Television.
Fey recently signed on to star opposite UFC champion Ronda Rousey in Universal’s “Do Nothing Bitches,” which Fey will produce under Little Stranger along with her longtime friend and collaborator Paula Pell (“Sisters”), who will also write the script.
Additionally, Little Stranger is developing a project based on the Good Housekeeping article “You Bet!” by Ruth Palmer. “You Bet!” is based on the true story of three women who learn to count cards in Atlantic City in the wake of financial struggles. Fey is attached to star and Sarah Heyward (HBO’s “Girls”) was recently hired to write the screenplay.
“With her trademark wit, unparalleled voice and business acumen, Tina has found success on nearly every platform–both in front of and behind the camera. We are thrilled to continue our relationship with her team and develop projects that entertain global audiences,” said Langley. “She is a comedic icon whose fearless commitment to her craft has made her one of the entertainment industry’s most in-demand talents. We could not be more fortunate now that we are able to call Universal her home.”
“Universal has proven to be such a great home for comedy. I’m very excited to continue collaborating with, and learning from, Donna Langley, Peter Cramer and the entire production team,” said Fey.
Fey is an Emmy-winning actress, writer, producer and bestselling author whose bestselling memoir “Bossypants” has sold more than 3 million copies to date. She was awarded The Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2010.
Fey was represented in the deal by WME, 3 Arts and Ziffren Brittenham.