MGM Worldwide Television chairman Mark Burnett has announced that Simon Baker (The Mentalist, The Devil Wears Prada, Breath) has signed an exclusive multi-year, first-look agreement with MGM International Television Productions.
As part of the agreement, Baker will look to develop scripted projects with MGM with an international focus, with an eye for Baker to potentially direct and/or star.
Rola Bauer, president of international television productions, MGM: “Simon Baker is an international star whose creative instincts and expertise as a director, producer and clearly as an actor, puts him in rarefied company. We are thrilled to support his passion to tell global stories with the amazing talent coming out of Australia.”
Simon Baker said: “It’s definitely a great time to use the medium to bridge cultures and evolve perspectives on storytelling. I’m excited to put together a talented and creative team to present bold and engaging stories that can enrich, entertain and connect with international audiences. MGM International TV Productions are the perfect partners, I believe together we can grow something very special.”
Baker is known to audiences around the world for his performances in film and television. His film credits include the 1997 Academy award winning film L.A. Confidential, The Devil Wears Prada, and Margin Call. He won international acclaim in the television series The Mentalist which played in over 130 countries and garnered him Best Actor nominations for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Emmy and Golden Globe Awards.
Baker’s award-winning directorial debut Breath, the film adaptation of Tim Winton’s novel, screened at multiple international film festivals. It won Best Director at Australia’s DGA awards, and received nine AACTA (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts) award nominations. Baker himself received four nominations; Best Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and won for Best Supporting Actor. His recent film credits include High Ground, directed by Stephen Johnson, which Baker also executive produced. Set for release in 2022 is award-winning Australian artist Del Kathryn Barton’s feature directorial debut Blaze, in which Baker stars alongside young newcomer Julia Savage.