V-Wars Comic Book Optioned

October 20, 2013 IDW Publishing has pushed their way through the looking glass. Long known as the go-to guys for adaptations of TV properties, they announced the launch of a new division, IDW Entertainment. The mission of this division: to turn the usual tables and bring some of IDW’s 300 original properties to Television.

David Ozer was tapped to head the new department. He brings executive experience from Sonar Entertainment, Starz Media/IDT Entertainment and DIC Entertainment. His stated goal “to identify, develop and oversee brand extensions across IDW Publishing’s portfolio of comics and graphic novels for the global television market… the financing, development and production of television series.”

The company already has several theatrical projects in development, including Lore, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson set to star, World War Robot, and Zombies vs. Robots. The focus for new projects includes Life Undead, to be co-executive produced by Chris Pollack, with showrunner Paul Zbyszewski (S.H.I.E.L.D., Hawaii Five-O, Lost) who wrote the comic book. Brooklyn Animal Control, and V Wars round out the initial TV push from IDW.

“IDW Publishing’s properties have a proven track record and built-in appeal with today’s sophisticated entertainment consumer,” said Ozer. “Given the Company’s growth and subsequent financial success, investing in the development and production of its projects into television programming is the next logical and strategic step in growing IDW’s media empire, and further solidifies IDW as a key player in both the theatrical and television entertainment arena.”

“The timing couldn’t be better for IDW Publishing to invest in television production,” indicated Rick Jacobs of Circle of Confusion, who oversee packaging and creative development of the division. “IDW is a powerhouse of creativity, and the film studios recognize that potential. By financing its own television projects, the company is now poised to become a major player across all media platforms. We’re very excited to continue to help expand IDW’s reach beyond publishing.”

Courtesy of: http://wordofthenerdonline.com/2013/10/idw-breaking-into-tv-production

Posted in Blog, Comics Optioned