David Farnor | On 07, Dec 2017

Shawn Levy is entering into a multi-year exclusive deal with Netflix to produce television series.

Levy is something of a household name, thanks to his directing of the Night at the Museum franchise, as well as films such as Real Steal and Cheaper by the Dozen. But it’s his production work that’s really put him on the Hollywood map. His production company, 21 Laps, has been behind such projects as The Spectacular Now, last year’s Oscar-nominated Arrival, mainstream comedies Why Him and Fist Fight, plus ABC’s popular comedy series, Last Man Standing, starring Tim Allen which aired for six seasons.

Netflix and 21 Laps first joined forces on Stranger Things, which has seen similar success with 18 Emmy nominations and five wins. Levy, along with show creators The Duffer Brothers, 21 Laps’ Dan Cohen and fellow executive producer Iain Paterson, also earned the 2017 Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Drama in this year’s Producers Guild Awards for Stranger Things.

Now, Netflix is clearly aiming to keep that golden touch going.

“I don’t know any other company that would have taken a chance on a show about kids and inter-dimensional monsters, created by young unknown twin brothers and produced by a movie director’s production company,” says Levy. “Netflix did, and they bet big, and it’s been truly thrilling to take this wild ride with such exceptional partners. My aspiration for 21 Laps has always been to create content that is eclectic, bold, humanist and surprising. As such, Netflix is the perfect home for us and our collaborators.”

In addition, Levy has named Josh Barry as President of 21 Laps Television. Barry is a television producer and creative executive with 15+ years executive experience in the entertainment industry including work at studio, network, and as an executive producer.m

Until he left earlier this year, Josh Barry spent six years as the Head of Television and a Partner at THE FIRM, spearheading their development and production across all major networks and studios. In 2016/2017, he executive produced three series: Salem, on its third season for WGN/Fox21; the comedy Haters Back Off starring Miranda Sings for Netflix; and the ABC/Sony fall 2016 series Notorious.

“My partners Dan Levine and Dan Cohen, along with President of Television Josh Barry and the rest of our 21 Laps colleagues and I, can’t wait to craft and usher more singular shows into the world with this empowering platform and partner,” adds Levy.

“Shawn and 21 Laps are courageous and adept storytellers who lean into risk both narratively and by nurturing great young talent,” comments Cindy Holland, Vice President, Original Content for Netflix. ”They have an admirable track record for telling ambitious stories that have incredible heart and which resonate with audiences all over the world.”

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