Universal Pictures has signed a two-year, first-look deal with Fake Empire, the company run by “Fun Size” producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. Universal will get first dibs on all projects that Fake Empire develops for the big screen.
The studio and Fake Empire already worked together on the 2014 film “Endless Love,” a movie about young love, and are collaborating on “Monster High,” based on the Mattel franchise.
Schwartz and Savage have had tremendous success in television, producing ‘The O.C.,” “Gossip Girl” and “Chuck.” Those TV shows target the same young audience Universal would like to attract on the feature side.
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“Josh and Stephanie’s ability to generate quality entertainment with a particular appeal for younger audiences has fuelled their success, and we look forward to working with them as they expand their film presence,” Universal co-production chief Peter Cramer said in a statement.
Fake Empire previously held a deal at Paramount, and select projects will remain at the rival studio. Fake Empire will move onto the Universal lot.
“We already feel at home at Universal,” said Schwartz and Savage in a joint statement. “We’ve had a great time developing ‘Monster High’ and producing ‘Endless Love.’”
WME and attorney Joel McKuin represented Fake Empire in the deal.