2 days Ago By Denise Petski
EXCLUSIVE: Emmy-winning Vox Media Studios has signed with CAA for representation in scripted film and television, and has named Dana J. Olkkonen as its new Head of studios. In her new role, Olkkonen oversees the television and film business for the entire Vox Media publishing portfolio.
Scoop Wasserstein , who oversees scripted development and production for New York Magazine on behalf of Vox Media Studios will continue in his role. In addition to multiple scripted projects in the works including, as Deadline exclusively reported, developing a series with Lizzy Caplan and A24 about a crisis PR executive, the division announced in December their partnership with Charlize Theron’s Secret Menu and Sony’s Maxine Productions to develop the documentary and scripted formats of Bridget Read and James D. Walsh’s reporting for New York Magazine about the Alexander brothers.
Related Stories Charlize Theron's Secret Menu, Sony's Maxine Productions & Vox Media Studios Developing Documentary On The Alexander Brothers; Scripted Series Also In Works Scotty Landes Tapped To Pen 'Thicc,' Comedy On Offensive Lineman Turned Male Model For Paramount Pictures “Scoop’s leadership in the scripted space has positioned New York Magazine’ s IP to be front and center with the biggest names in entertainment,” said Olkkonen. “With CAA’s support and our access to incredible journalism, Vox Media Studios will be able to adapt even more of the most sought-after stories to the screen.” Watch on Deadline Vox Media Studios has also previously announced the development of The Stolen Kids of Sarah Lawrence with Blumhouse and Amazon based on Ezra Marcus and James D.
Walsh’s New York cover story and the adaptation of Matthew Schneier’s article, “At the Russian Baths With the Big Boys of Brawn” with Paramount Pictures. This week, with Hartbeat, the division will be at SXSW for the world premiere of Deepfaking Sam Altman , a new feature documentary based on Elizabeth Weil’s reporting. In addition, Netflix will be premiering Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure , a three-part documentary series, on March 27 based on Benjamin Wallace’s feature.
Olkkonen joined Vox Media Studios in 2017 as vice president of development and led the entertainment division’s LA-based development team. She most recently served as vice president of TV & film. Olkkonen has received multiple Daytime Emmy nominations, received a Gracie Award and was named a Media Industry Leader for the 2022 Cynopsis Women in Media Awards.
Prior to joining Vox Media Studios, Olkkonen led development for Toronto-based production company JV Productions and served as Vice President of Development for Authentic Entertainment. In addition to the Lizzy Caplan/A24 project mentioned above, Wasserstein’s upcoming projects include the story of students at Sarah Lawrence College lured into a sinister cult, in conjunction with Blumhouse and Amazon; a documentary about Sam Altman and Open AI premiering at SXSW, in conjunction with HartBeat; and THICC , a comedy about a plus-size football player breaking into the competitive world of male modeling, in association with Todd Garner and Paramount. Recent productions include The Outfit ( Focus/FilmNation) , Good One (Peacock), Sex Diaries (HBO) and The Watcher (Netflix), plus development projects with Amazon, Netflix, FilmNation, Apple, FX, and Netflix.
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