ABC’s relationship with actress Kerry Washington is only getting started.
ABC Scandal star Kerry Washington signed an “overall deal” with ABC for her new production company, Deadline first reported Tuesday.
The 2-year agreement opens the door for Washington’s company, Simpson Street, to create broadcast, cable and digital projects for ABC Studios and ABC Signature Studios.
Earlier this month, Simpson Street made headlines when it debuted its first project: HBO’s Confirmation which starred Washington as Anita Hill. Not surprisingly, ABC Signature co-produced the controversial film.
But Kerry isn’t afraid of controversial topics. Last year, ABC’s Scandal featured not one but two “groundbreaking” abortion scenes with Washington – both of which were widely applauded by the liberal media.
Still, Kerry appreciates ABC’s method of “storytelling.” In a press statement, Washington expressed her excitement about the recent deal:
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 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.
“So excited! And honored,” she added in a tweet to her 4 million followers.
So excited! And honored. #SimpsonStreet https://t.co/DMJhmGXVQC
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) April 26, 2016
According to ABC, the feeling was mutual.
“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,” responded ABC Studios EVP Patrick Moran. “We’re looking forward to making great television with Kerry both in front of and behind the camera.”
Since its beginning in 2012, ABC’s political drama Scandal has starred Washington as crisis manager Olivia Pope. For her role in the Shonda Rhimes series, Washington won a Golden Globe, Emmy and SAG nominations and an NAACP Image Award.
