Wolf Entertainment Eyes Global Scripted Format Deals, Hires Leslie Jones To Lead Unit

deadline.com:

The Law & Order, Chicago and FBI franchises are set for a renewed global format push after Wolf Entertainment and Universal Studio Group set up a new sales unit to drive international business.Dick Wolf’s company has hired former NBCUniversal TV Distribution exec Leslie Jones to lead the division.Jones was responsible for striking format deals for the Law & Order brand, which saw it adapted in the UK, via ITV, with SVU being remade in Russia and Criminal Intent adapted in France.It marks a slightly unusual arrangement given that scripted format deals are typically solely handled by the international distribution division of the studio, in this case NBCU.“We are getting back into the format business, and I am thrilled that Leslie is back doing what she does best… selling international formats of our shows,“ Wolf said.  “As our company grows and our brands expand, Leslie is the ideal partner to reignite the business.”USG Chairman Pearlena Igbokwe added, “While the majority of Universal Studio Group content will continue to be sold through the NBCUniversal Formats team, we believe this targeted approach to our Wolf product will yield significant results.”Jones held numerous positions including International Sales and Format Production for NBCUniversal TV Distribution and before that was VP, International Sales and Format Production for NBC Enterprises, where she oversaw format sales for non-scripted series.

Most recently, she ran her own consulting firm.Wolf Entertainment produces Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which is in its 23rd season, as well as Law & Order: Organized Crime, the original Law & Order returning for its 21st season, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, FBI, FBI Most Wanted and FBI: International as