NBCUniversal strikes TV deal with Tom Hardy’s prodco

NBCUniversal has agreed a first-look deal with Hardy Son & Baker, the production company of British actor and Hollywood star Tom Hardy (Dark Knight Rises).

The two-year agreement between NBCU’s International Television Production division and Hardy Son & Baker will see the pair work up original drama projects. Specifically, JoAnn Alfano, executive VP, scripted Programming at NBCU-ITVP, will work with the prodco to develop ideas for the US and international markets.

She said: “Tom and [Hardy’s production partner Dean Baker] are passionate storytellers with a talent for telling original, unconventional stories and attracting first class talent. We can’t wait to develop all of their exciting ideas and look forward to sharing their compelling stories with audiences around the world.”

Tom Hardy added: “NBCUniversal is a great fit for Hardy Son & Baker and this partnership is a fantastic next step in the endeavour to build our company into a major international TV drama producer.”

Hardy Son & Baker was formed in 2012 and produced Poaching Wars for UK broadcaster ITV and the doc series was fronted by Hardy.

His company is also coproducing drama series, Taboo, with Ridley Scott of Scott Free for BBC One. The period drama will star Hardy as an adventurer setting out to build a shipping empire to rival the dominant East India Company.