Jason Bateman Inks TV, Film Overall Deal at Netflix
His Aggregate production company will team with Michael Costigan for a first-look deal with the streaming giant.
Jason Bateman is putting down his roots at Netflix.
The actor, director and producer is expanding his relationship with the streaming giant, signing a first-look, multiple-year overall film and TV deal with Netflix. The deal comes as Bateman stars in and exec produces Netflix critical hit drama Ozark.
Under the pact, Bateman's Aggregate — which previously had an overall deal with Universal Television — will work with Michael Costigan (American Gangster, Ghost in the Shell) to form a new and shared vision under the company's name. The duo will combine their film and TV slates and develop new film and TV projects for the company that draws on both emerging talent and their relationships with established filmmakers and actors. Bateman exec produces, directs and stars in Ozark, which will launch its second season Aug. 31, and has starred in the Arrested Development revival for the streamer.
"Michael and I are incredibly fortunate that Aggregate has been welcomed into the Netflix fold. Through my experience with Arrested Development and now Ozark, I have seen firsthand the positive, thriving culture that Ted [Sarandos], Cindy [Holland, head of TV] and Scott [Stuber, head of film] have created. We look forward to working hard with their dedicated and creative teams to contribute to the enormous momentum and high-quality content that Netflix delivers."
Bateman's Aggregate becomes Netflix's latest first-look deal as the streamer looks to own more of its content. The streamer's increasingly robust slate of producers includes Ryan Murphy, Shonda Rhimes, Jenji Kohan and Steven S. DeKnight, among others.
"I am excited to continue our long relationship with Jason and watch him excel not only as a talented actor and filmmaker, but also as a producer. We are looking to Aggregate as a major supplier for us here at Netflix," said Netflix chief content officer Sarandos. "Cindy, Scott and I look forward to merging our vision and goals for the future in film and TV alongside Aggregate’s. The combination of Jason and Michael brings an impressive history of industry experience and relationships here to their new home."
For his part, Costigan started his career at Sony Pictures, working on features including The People vs. Larry Flynt, Girl, Interrupted, Charlie's Angels and Snatch. He moved to producing features including Brokeback Mountain, American Gangster and Body of Lies. He launched Cota Films and produced Ghost in the Shell and Woodshock.
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