Talent deals: Propagate signs Antoine Fuqua; Sony links with ‘Indebted’ producer

Propagate strikes production deal with Antoine Fuqua

US indie studio Propagate Content has struck an overall production deal with Training Day and The Magnificent Seven director Antoine Fuqua and his prodco Fuqua Films.

The deal, which covers both scripted and non-scripted content, is an exclusive multi-year deal that will see the filmmaker expand his TV portfolio.

Fuqua most recently directed and exec produced HBO doc What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali and is directing the forthcoming drama #FreeRayShawn starring Laurence Fishburne and Stephan James for short-form streaming platform Quibi.

In the documentary genre, Fuqua also directed the acclaimed live-blues documentary Lightning In A Bottle, executive produced by Martin Scorsese, and directed and produced American Dream/American Knightmare, about record industry mogul Suge Night.

Last year, Propagate acquired Running Wild With Bear Grylls producer-distributor Electus from IAC, while taking a majority stake in talent agency and Black-ish producer Artists First.

Ben Silverman, chairman and CEO of Propagate Content, said: “Antoine Fuqua has produced and directed some of the most gripping film and television projects of our time and has a singular creative voice.

“He is the rare multi-genre hyphenate with deep production experience across fiction and non-fiction. We are thrilled to collaborate with him in delivering powerful new episodic properties and to help support his efforts to turn Fuqua Films into a global-inclusive production powerhouse.”

Fuqua added: “With all of the new digital platforms and the growing appetite among viewers for fresh, original work, it’s an incredible time to be directing and producing television. I’m excited to be working with the amazing Propagate team to bring great stories to life.”

Sony signs ‘Indebted’ producer Dan Levy

The Goldbergs and Indebted producer Dan Levy has signed a two-year overall deal with Sony Pictures Television (SPT).

The deal will see the exec creating and developing new projects through his prodco Screaming Elliot Productions.

Levy’s Indebted was picked up by NBC in May and marks the return of The Nanny star Fran Drescher. It is to debut midseason.

Levy’s other producing credits include Whitney, Mulaney, Stevie TV and Baby Talk.

He is also an actor and stand-up comedian.