Universal Pictures has signed a two-year, first-look production deal with Eva Longoria and her UnbeliEVAble Entertainment production banner, the studio announced Monday.
Under the deal, the studio has acquired an original pitch from Lauren Iungerich, the creator of the MTV series “Awkward.” The film titled “My Daughter’s Quinceañera” will be produced by Longoria and producing partner Ben Spector. Iungerich will write, direct and co-produce.
“While audiences have identified with Eva through her iconic television roles, she is also an extremely savvy producer with a keen eye for projects that appeal to a broad range of diverse audiences,” Peter Cramer, president of production, said. “We are fortunate that Eva has a found a home with Universal, sharing with us her creative instincts and passion for storytelling.”
“Building upon our continued success as producers in television, we were seeking a home to expand the UnbeliEVAble brand into features,” Longoria added. “There’s simply no better place I could think of than Universal Pictures, whose diverse portfolio of releases is inspirational. Jeff, Donna and Peter’s passion was instrumental in keeping us in the Comcast family, and, beginning with ‘My Daughter’s Quinceañera,’ we look forward to a long relationship with all our partners at the studio. Lauren’s pitch was so brilliant and funny, and to bring this experience to life is like reliving my 15th birthday.”
Quinceañera refers to the coming of age celebration 15 year girls have in the Latino community.
Longoria also appointed Will Rack as vice president of feature films. He joins the production banner from Shawn Levy‘s Fox-based 21 Laps Entertainment where he served as associate producer on “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” and “The Internship.”
The 41-year-old actress is currently filming BBC Two’s comedy miniseries “Decline and Fall.” She will next be seen in Ricardo De Montreuil’s “Lowriders,” produced by Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Blumhouse Productions’ Jason Blum.
Longoria was represented in the deal by CAA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners, while Iungerich was represented by CAA and Madhouse Entertainment.