Future Shack ramps up its ambitious plans with new series and partnerships
Exploring new horizons in TV production
Jeff Wachtel’s Future Shack Entertainment is on a roll after the successful premiere of its latest Fox drama, Murder in a Small Town. With the momentum from this hit, Future Shack is pushing forward with an exciting development slate, entering a first-look agreement with a prominent media executive for a suite of fresh projects.
Collaborations that promise compelling content
One highlight of this collaboration is an adaptation of MSNBC anchor Katy Tur’s memoir, Rough Draft. This project delves deep into Tur’s personal experiences, focusing on her relationship with her parent, Zoey Tur, a pioneer in helicopter journalism. The series is set against the vibrant backdrop of 1990s Los Angeles, bringing to life the era’s dynamic blend of local news and reality TV.
Another intriguing project in the pipeline is Base Camp, a drama that unravels the intense, often harrowing journey to the summit of Mt. Everest. Scribed by Anchuli Felicia King, this series is described as “White Lotus meets Into Thin Air,” and promises to be a gripping exploration of human ambition and peril.
Unveiling diverse storytelling
Future Shack and its partners are not stopping there. The company has additional scripts in the works, including one inspired by the creators of the Freeform drama The Bold Type. These alliances are driven by a shared vision of producing content that pushes boundaries and introduces audiences to new genres.
Cleat Cute, from celebrated athletes Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, will showcase a contemporary queer romance set in the world of soccer. This series is primed to capture the hearts of viewers with its blend of ambition, sportsmanship, and blossoming relationships.
High-end and budget-savvy productions
Future Shack’s vision extends beyond high-end content for streaming platforms. The company is also innovating with cost-effective production models suitable for various markets. An exemplary result of this strategy is Murder in a Small Town, a murder mystery that pairs Kristin Kreuk and Rossif Sutherland in a compelling Canadian setting. The show’s success on Fox has solidified Future Shack’s reputation for producing engaging, accessible narratives at competitive price points.
Jeff Wachtel emphasizes the value of crafting “high quality, very accessible, long-running series” like Suits and Mr. Robot, both known for their impactful storytelling and economic production.
Targeting international markets
Future Shack’s strategy includes developing English-language content tailored to the UK, Canada, and Australia. This approach opens doors to broader international partnerships and financing opportunities. A notable project in this realm is Good Cop/Bad Cop, a midseason drama produced with backing from The CW, Roku, Australia’s Stan, and distributed through ITV. Featuring Leighton Meester, this series is a dark comedy infused with intrigue, humor, and a touch of the macabre.
Embracing new business models
Wachtel’s innovative business models reflect a keen understanding of the current economic climate in the television industry. By aligning creative efforts with cost-effective strategies, Future Shack is paving the way for sustainable, yet captivating programming. Wachtel notes, “As networks emerge that are cost-conscious and unable to compete with Netflix budgets, there’s an opportunity to create something truly special.”
Rich characters and evocative themes
In addition to these major projects, Future Shack is working on “The Long Fall”, a mystery by acclaimed writer Walter Mosley. This narrative follows a former boxer-turned-private detective, immersing viewers in a world of gritty realism and complex characters. Another intriguing project, “Grand Stand-In”, explores the unique premise of a woman who works as a faux grandparent, based on a short story by Kevin Wilson.
Toward a bright future in entertainment
With such a diverse and ambitious slate of projects, Future Shack is not just keeping pace with the ever-evolving entertainment landscape – it’s setting the standard. Wachtel’s commitment to innovative storytelling and strategic business planning is positioning the company as a formidable player in the world of television production.
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