“ENTOURAGE” CREATOR DOUG ELLIN SIGNS MULTI-YEAR OVERALL DEAL WITH CBS TELEVISION STUDIOS

LOS ANGELES – Dec. 5, 2013 – Doug Ellin, Creator and Executive Producer of “Entourage,” the hit HBO television series and soon-to-be Warner Bros. movie, has signed a three-year overall deal with CBS Television Studios. As part of the agreement, Ellin will develop broadcast and cable projects for the studio under his newly formed production company (name TBD). Jim Lefkowitz will help spearhead development for Ellin and his new production company.

In his first project under his overall deal with CBS Television Studios, Ellin recently received a “put pilot” commitment for the comedy “The Moody’s” from FOX Broadcasting Company. “The Moodys” is based on the Australian series “A Moody Christmas” about a son who abandons his lofty goals to move back home to help run the family business. Ellin will executive produce the pilot with Eric and Kim Tannenbaum and Jason Burrows, along with the creators of the original series, Trent O’Donnell and Phil Lloyd, who will write.

 “With his unique narrative and creative edge, Doug is one of the defining voices in entertainment for today's generation,” stated David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios. “He made his mark in pop culture with ‘Entourage’ by creating engaging and charismatic characters while making the world of Hollywood relatable and endearing. Needless to say, after his long stint at HBO, we jumped at the opportunity to work with him. He is one of the most sought-after comedic talents in the market and an outstanding addition to our growing comedy roster.”

“David, Kate, and the talented team at CBS Television Studios have been great creative collaborators on ‘The Moodys,’ and this experience is what ultimately served as the inspiration for this partnership,” said Ellin.  “They are extremely forward-thinking, supportive, and encouraging of artists and I look forward to what lies ahead.”

Ellin is the Emmy Award-nominated Creator and Executive Producer of “Entourage,” the hit comedy series which ran for eight seasons on HBO, beginning in 2004. Ellin is set to write and direct the highly anticipated “Entourage” movie for Warner Bros., which will begin production in January 2014. Additionally, he was tapped to rewrite “Bad Santa 2,” the sequel to the 2003 classic black comedy for Miramax and Media Talent Group, and did a script polish on “Grudge Match,” Warner Bros.’ boxing comedy directed by Pete Segel, which opens Christmas Day. The native New Yorker moved to Los Angeles in 1990 to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. Shortly thereafter, he was accepted as a Director into the American Film Institute's prestigious Conservatory program, which he attended from 1991-1992.

Ellin is represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

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Press Contact:          Lauri Metrose              818-655-7223              lauri.metrose@cbs.com