The director-producer, who will focus on both network and cable, has brought aboard former RipCord exec David Bernad to EP with him.
Ruben Fleischer is making a big push into television.
The Zombieland director has launched a new production company, The District, and has inked a two-year overall pact with Universal Television. As part of the new pod deal, Fleischer will create and develop new drama and comedy programming for both network and cable, as well as work with and supervise other writers on projects that he’ll exec produce and occasionally direct. Additionally, he has tapped former RipCord Prods. exec David Bernad to come aboard as his producing partner.
“Ruben is wildly creative and his work successfully spans comedy and drama. His talent and enthusiasm will be a welcome addition to our strong team of creators at Universal Television,” said Universal Television executive vp Bela Bajaria in a statement announcing the news Tuesday.
Fleischer is best known for directing the genre hit Zombieland, and is attached to direct and produce the sequel for Sony. His other directorial work includes Gangster Squad for Warner Bros., 30 Minutes or Less for Columbia and the forthcoming Spy Hunter for producer Dan Lin and Warner Bros. As a producer, Fleischer is behind the upcoming Miles Teller rom-com vehicle Two Night Stand.
The Universal TV deal marks a return to the small screen, where Fleischer co-created and produced MTV’s Rob & Big, among other projects. More recently, he’s served as an EP on Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory on MTV. Fleischer, who began his career as a music video director, has also helmed numerous videos for Funny or Die.
For his part, Bernad most recently served as president of film and TV for RipCord, Mike White’s production company. In that role, he produced such efforts as HBO dramedy Enlightened and Sebastian Silva’s Magic Magic. He appeared in The Hollywood Reporter’s prestigious Next Generation list in 2012.
