Chris Levinson has closed a joint two-year overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV and its cable division Fox 21. Under the pact, Levinson will develop cable series through Fox 21 and broadcast projects through 20th TV. She already is developing an hourlong show for Fox 21, which has been set up at FX. Written/executive produced by Levinson, it is a psychological thriller set in the world of black hat pharma. Michael Cuesta is executive producing and will likely direct.
Law & Order alumna Levinson first worked at 20th TV when she did a stint on the studio’s 2010 Fox drama series Lone Star. A year later, she inked a two-script deal with 20th TV-based Chernin Entertainment — one for broadcast through 20th TV and one for cable through sibling Fox TV Studios. She also joined the 20th TV/Chernin Fox drama series Touch as co-executive producer. Levinson went on to work as co-executive producer on two cable series for Fox 21, A&E’s Those Who Kill and, most recently, the first season of FX’s Tyrant.
“We had such a fantastic experience with Chris on Those Who Kill and most recently Tyrant that we knew we wanted to be in business with her exclusively,” said Fox 21 president Bert Salke. “Her ability to write rich, multilayered characters is second-to-none and she’s an enormous asset to any staff.” Added Jonnie Davis, 20th TV’s President of Creative Affairs: “We also look forward to developing with Chris for broadcast, where upper level writers of her caliber are in such demand. She’s a huge talent.”
There has been a premium put on senior-level writer-producers for broadcast development recently as many such writers work on cable series. Levinson is repped by WME and Magnolia Entertainment.
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