Maria Zuckerman Signs First-Look Deal with Fox Entertainment

Former Topic Studios head and HBO Films executive Maria Zuckerman is headed to Fox — as a producer.

Zuckerman has signed a first-look deal with Fox Entertainment Studios that covers both TV and film projects. Under the multi-year deal, she’ll develop and produce scripted series and feature films and nonfiction projects including feature documentaries and series.

“Maria is one of the industry’s most dynamic creative forces — a producer with vision, discipline, impeccable instincts, and the deep talent relationships needed to bring exceptional stories to life,” said Hannah Pillemer, head of scripted at Fox Entertainment Studios. “She has a remarkable track record for identifying great storytellers and creating content that makes noise and shapes culture, which is exactly why she’s an ideal partner as we continue to expand Fox’s creative footprint.”

Zuckerman won an Emmy earlier this year as an executive producer of 100 Foot Wave, the HBO series that won the award for best documentary or nonfiction series. Her credits as an executive producer also include Theater Camp, The Mauritanian, Spencer and the upcoming HBO doc It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley.

Zuckerman currently is the founder and principal at Sea Lion Media. She joined 100 Foot Wave producer Topic Studios in 2019 and was elevated to its president in 2021 before departing in 2022. Prior to that, Zuckerman spent two decades at HBO Films, rising to senior vp and overseeing productions including the Deadwood movie, The Wizard of Lies, Grey Gardens and O.G., among others.

“Fox Entertainment Studios has a clear and ambitious vision for the future of storytelling,” said Zuckerman. “I’m thrilled to partner with Hannah and her team on premium, high-impact projects across formats that combine bold creative vision with broad audience appeal — and to do so in collaboration with a globally-minded studio that values both artistry and agility.”