Kerry Washington Concludes ABC Studios Two-Year Overall Deal for Her Simpson Street Production Outfit
Kerry Washington, who has starred in hit shows as 'Scandal" and "Django Unchained," has concluded a two-year contract with ABC Studios, ABC Drama Series, as well as ABC Signature Studios, the cable/digital arm of the company, for her new production outfit, Simpson Street.
She brings with her the development executive and producing partner Sharla Sumpter Bridget in their production company's bid to exclusively develop broadcast, cable, and digital projects for ABC Studios and ABC Signature. Washington's company is named after the street in the Bronx where her mom grew up.
Simpson Street just released its debut project this month, the film "Confirmation," in which Washington herself starred with actors Greg Kinnear and Wendell Pierce. As a first production, the film was a triumph, considering the great reviews it came with. 'Confirmation" was produced with ABC Signature, groundswell Productions, and HBO Films.
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Washington's statement in The Hollywood Reporter read, "I believe strongly in the importance of having a seat at the table, which makes starting this production company thrilling for me. It's an honor to be at a point in my career when I can help generate projects that are exciting, necessary and truly reflect the world around us. I'm grateful to be on this journey with ABC, a network that remains unparalleled in its commitment to inclusive storytelling."
Back in 2012, Washington became the first black woman to headline a network series with her lead on ABC's "Scandal." Viola Davis followed her lead on "How to Get Away with Murder."
Patrick Moran, ABC Studios EVP, shared with Variety, "Kerry Washington is not only a great actress, but a smart, creative producer, and we're thrilled to have her new production company Simpson Street as part of ABC Studios. We're looking forward to making great television with Kerry both in front of and behind the camera."
Washington has received recognition for her portrayal of Olivia Pope on the series "Scandal," including a Golden Globe, an NAACP Image Award, as well as nominations form the Emmy and SAG bodies.
In lighter news, the actress, and now producer, was reported to be pregnant with her second child with husband, Nnamdi Asomugha, although the star, still in her first trimester, was said to have tried keeping it secret.
