Leading independent entertainment studio Sonar Entertainment has entered into a first-look TV and digital deal with Jordan Peele’s production company Monkeypaw Productions. The announcement was made today by Thomas Lesinski, CEO, Sonar Entertainment and Jordan Peele.
“Jordan Peele is one of the brightest stars in our business – a true hyphenate – actor, writer, producer and director. We are excited to partner with him and Monkeypaw,” said Lesinski. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with Sonar’s vision for developing, producing and distributing premium programming with the highest profile talent for a broad, global audience.”
“I am thrilled to partner with the incredible folks at Sonar Entertainment as they are committed to truly elevated quality content. Especially now as I move into this next chapter in television, my aim is to help develop untapped voices as well as my own dream shows, and continue to push the boundaries of television,” said Jordan Peele.
Monkeypaw Productions was founded by Peele in 2012. In TV, Monkeypaw produced the Emmy award winning “Key & Peele” on Comedy Central for its five-season run, and next up will be a Tracy Morgan comedy series at TBS, set for production later this year.
The partnership with Monkeypaw Productions is the latest in a series of first-look deals announced by Sonar. Other Sonar overall producer deals include George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures, and Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey’s Team Downey.
Peele and Monkeypaw Productions are represented by CAA, Principato-Young and Jared Levine.
Sonar Entertainment, a full-service studio and global distribution company, develops, produces, finances and distributes premium content for global audiences. Current Sonar series on-air, in production or slated to commence production include Season Two of internationally successful “The Shannara Chronicles” for MTV; “The Son,” starring Pierce Brosnan for AMC; Stephen King’s “Mr. Mercedes,” written by David E. Kelley, with the AT&T AUDIENCE Network for DIRECTV and AT&T U-verse; and “Das Boot,” an eight-part series based on the acclaimed movie, for Sky.
Monkeypaw Productions was founded by Jordan Peele in 2012. Monkeypaw’s aim is to tell stories in comedy, horror and all the genres in the between, and to give platforms to untapped voices in those mediums. Monkeypaw previously released “Keanu,” and next up will release Peele’s directorial debut, “Get Out” this weekend, starring Daniel Kaluuya and Alison Williams.
