Nine-time Emmy nominee Issa Rae is the latest talent creator to be signed by the David Ellison-run Paramount, inking a three-year first-look film and TV production deal. The deal follows Paramount pacts with the Duffer Brothers and Will Smith among others. Rae’s deal starts this month.
The writer, producer and actor behind HBO’s Insecure will work closely with Paramount Pictures co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, Paramount Television Studios president Matt Thunell, and Motion Picture Group president Don Granger.
“I’m so looking forward to starting this next chapter with the incredible team at Paramount to tell stories for and by the diverse communities that have supported my work over the years,” Rae said.
Said Goldberg and Greenstein: “Issa is a true creative force whose work consistently feels fresh, funny, and deeply human. She epitomizes the kind of exceptional artist we’re proud to partner with across film and TV to break new ground in elevated storytelling.”
South L.A. native Rae created and starred in Insecure, which notched multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations as well as a Peabody Award. Following the series’ success, she launched the media company Hoorae which has a mission of breaking boundaries in storytelling and representation in film, TV and digital content.
Among Hoorae’s projects are The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Sweet Life: Los Angeles, Rap Sh!t, Project Greenlight, Seen & Heard, and the Sony R-rated sleeper comedy One of Them Days.
Rae’s recent feature credits include American Fiction, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Barbie.