Matt Hastings Signs First-Look Deal With Neshama Entertainment
The writer-director will develop scripted and unscripted projects for the company behind 'The Way Home.'
“Matt is an exceptional storyteller with a remarkable ability to build emotionally rich, commercially compelling worlds.”
Writer, director, and showrunner Matt Hastings has signed a first-look development and production agreement with Neshama Entertainment, according to Deadline.
Under the deal, Hastings will develop and produce original scripted and unscripted programming across television and film for the Canadian production company. Neshama is known for producing Hallmark Channel’s long-running drama The Way Home.
Fox, which holds a stake in Neshama, will handle international distribution for the company’s productions through Fox Entertainment Global.
Dayna Zipursky, Executive Vice President at Neshama, praised Hastings in a statement. “Matt is an exceptional storyteller with a remarkable ability to build emotionally rich, commercially compelling worlds,” Zipursky said. “His track record speaks for itself, and we’re looking forward to developing an exciting slate of original scripted projects together.”
Hastings expressed his own enthusiasm for the partnership. “I’m drawn to stories that are emotionally truthful but unfold on a big cinematic canvas,” he said. “What excited me about Neshama and Fox Entertainment Global was their shared ambition to tell bold, ambitious stories across film and television with real global reach.”
Hastings brings significant production experience to the partnership, having produced more than 300 hours of television and feature films. His credits include work on Emmy winner Fallen, Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Apple TV’s Circuit Breakers, Shadowhunters, The Originals, Eureka, and Alphas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a first-look deal?
A first-look deal is an agreement where a creative talent, like a writer or director, agrees to offer their new projects to a specific studio or production company first before taking them elsewhere. It gives the company the right of first refusal on developing and producing the creator's ideas.
What is Neshama Entertainment?
Neshama Entertainment is a Toronto-based production company known for producing the Hallmark Channel drama The Way Home. Fox owns a stake in the company, and Fox Entertainment Global handles the international distribution of its productions.
Who will distribute projects from this deal?
Fox Entertainment Global will handle international distribution for projects developed under this partnership. Neshama retains local rights for the productions.
More from The Screen Report
The internet lost it over Mike Flanagan's 'Carrie' trailer — and not in the same way
The first look at Flanagan's Prime Video series has fans split. Some are hyped for a modern spin on Stephen King's classic, while others are already side-eyeing another remake.
Luke Bracey Talks Playing a Flawed Charles Ingalls in Netflix's 'Little House on the Prairie'
The Australian actor explains his human take on the pioneer father, as the series leaps to No. 1 on Netflix's charts and secures a second season.
Pamela Anderson Confirms She Won't Return for Baywatch Reboot
The '90s icon has moved on from her lifeguard days, focusing on new creative projects like her upcoming comedic thriller, Rosebush Pruning.
19 Unbelievable Celebrity Family Connections That Predate Fame
A new listicle details the surprising high school friendships, secret cousinships, and shared childhoods that linked stars like Cameron Diaz, Snoop Dogg, and Larry David long before they were famous.