HBO Max, the newest streaming arm of premium content giant HBO, has signed prolific actor, producer and director Salma Hayek to a two-year first-look deal, the company announced Thursday.
Per the agreement, the Oscar-nominated Hayek will show projects to HBO Max for potential development through her production company, Ventanarosa, before shopping them elsewhere.
“We are delighted to welcome the exceptionally multitalented powerhouse Salma Hayek and Ventanarosa into the HBO Max family,” Sarah Aubrey, head of original content for HBO Max, said.
Hayek, 53, was nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and a BAFTA Award for her leading performance in 2002 biopic “Frida.” She won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing in a Children/Youth/Family Special for 2004’s “The Maldonado Miracle,” which she also produced.
Hayek also owns a Golden Globe for Best Musical or Comedy TV Series for her work as a producer of “Ugly Betty,” as well as an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series after guest-starring on the show.
“We are thrilled to be joining HBOMAX and Warner Media. Their team of passionate, talented and open-minded executives are a great support in our mission to make high quality global television that explores and celebrates diversity and inclusivity,” Hayek said.
Ventanarosa’s president is José Tamez, who has worked with Hayek on numerous projects over the past 20 years. Siobhan Flynn is the company’s head of production & development.
“Ventanarosa has a history of bringing the most lively and rich stories to life and we are eager to hear all of the wonderful ideas that will be borne out of this partnership,” Joey Chavez, executive vice president of original drama at HBO Max, said.
Hayek’s deal falls in line with HBO Max’s recent push to bring in additional original content just weeks after launching – earlier Thursday, the streamer announced an overall deal with “Love Is Blind” showrunner Sam Dean’s for unscripted content, as well.