Looks like Sarah Gertrude Shapiro will be creating more content for A+E Studios. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the “UnREAL” co-creator has signed a multiyear overall deal with the production company behind the Lifetime drama “UnREAL,” which Shapiro co-created with Marti Noxon (“Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce,” “Mad Men”). “UnREAL” star Shiri Appleby made a similar deal with A+E in March.
Under this pact, Shapiro “will continue writing and executive producing ‘UnREAL’ while also developing, creating, and producing new original projects for the A+E portfolio of networks as well as outside buyers,” THR details. This is her first overall deal.
“Sarah is an extraordinarily talented writer, producer, and director,” A+E Studios senior vp Tana Nugent Jamieson said in a statement. “Her unique voice has made ‘UnREAL’ a cultural phenomenon, and we are thrilled to continue this prolific partnership.”
Shapiro, a former “Bachelor” producer, added, “Launching ‘UnREAL’ together [with A+E] has been the highlight of my career thus far, and I’m looking forward to continuing our fruitful collaboration.”
Shapiro serves as a writer, director, and producer on “UnREAL.” Her other credits include “The Faith Diaries” — an “UnREAL” spinoff centering on Breeda Wool’s first-season character, Faith — and the short films “2nd Best” and “Sequin Raze.”
Based on the premise of “Sequin Raze,” “UnREAL” follows Rachel Goldberg (Appleby), a self-professed feminist who excels at manipulating other women in her job as a producer on a “Bachelor”-esque reality TV show, “Everlasting.” Season 3 of the Peabody Award-winning show will feature a female suitor on “Everlasting,” played by “Masters of Sex’s” Caitlin FitzGerald. The third season is currently in production, and will premiere sometime this year.