Peter Chernin has signed a two-year deal with NBCUniversal, aligning his company with Universal Television’s writers and producers. Under the terms, Chernin Entertainment will still be able to independently produce for cable and other streaming platforms.
In conjunction with the deal, Jenno Topping has been promoted to president of Film and Television at Chernin’s company. There are also plans to name a head of television development and production soon.
“Peter Chernin is, without a doubt, one of the most forward-thinking and successful producers and executives in the media business today,” said NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt. “He’s an innovator and strategist, but at the same time he loves entertaining broad audiences on a big scale with great storytelling. I can’t think of anyone better to help us aggressively expand our television business and build hits for all platforms through Universal Television.”
“This marks the fourth time that Bob and I have worked together,” Chernin added. “Over that time, I can’t think of a more talented, creative and visionary executive, so I’m particularly excited to establish a studio presence at NBCU alongside his talented leadership and his industry-leading creative team. This one-of-a-kind deal provides us with the ability to develop great programing while maintaining the autonomy and flexibility we need to continue to be successful in this new era of television.”
“I grew up as an executive at News Corp. under Peter’s tenure when the company was transformed into a worldwide powerhouse and I know first-hand his mastery of both the big picture and the smallest detail,” added Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment and head of Universal Television. “On behalf of myself and Bela Bajaria, president of Universal Television, we look forward to working with him and Jenno Topping to create distinctive new television series.”
Chernin Entertainment’s film division produced “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “The Heat,” “Spy” and “St. Vincent, among other big movies. The company’s TV division produces “New Girl” for Fox, which was renewed for a fifth season.