Key Facts
- ✓ Issa Rae has secured a three-year first-look producing deal with Paramount for both film and television projects.
- ✓ The agreement officially commenced this month, marking the beginning of her exclusive partnership with the studio.
- ✓ Rae's previous arrangement was an eight-figure overall pact with WarnerMedia, highlighting the significant financial scale of her industry standing.
- ✓ At WarnerMedia, she established a strong portfolio of television shows including 'A Black Lady Sketch Show,' 'Rap Sh!t,' and 'Sweet Life.'
- ✓ The first-look deal structure gives Paramount the right of first refusal on projects developed by Rae's production company.
A Major Hollywood Move
Issa Rae is embarking on a new creative chapter. The acclaimed writer, producer, and actress has officially entered into a three-year first-look film and television producing deal with Paramount. This strategic partnership represents a significant evolution in her career trajectory.
The agreement, which commenced this month, positions Rae to develop exclusive content for one of Hollywood's most storied studios. This move signals a fresh collaborative era between the innovative creator and the historic film and television powerhouse.
The Deal Details
The newly announced partnership is structured as a first-look deal, a coveted arrangement in the entertainment industry. This means that any film or television projects developed by Rae and her production team will be presented to Paramount first, giving the studio the opportunity to review and potentially greenlight the content.
The multi-year commitment provides both stability and creative freedom for the multi-hyphenate creator. It allows her to build a consistent slate of projects under the Paramount umbrella while maintaining her role as a leading voice in contemporary storytelling.
- Three-year duration
- Covers both film and television production
- First-look rights for Paramount
- Commenced in January 2026
"I'm so looking forward [...]"
— Issa Rae
A Legacy of Success
This new chapter follows a highly productive period at WarnerMedia, where Rae operated under an eight-figure overall pact. During that time, she established herself as a powerhouse producer, creating and shepherding several groundbreaking series that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Her production credits from that tenure include the Emmy-nominated sketch comedy series A Black Lady Sketch Show, the hip-hop inspired comedy Rap Sh!t, and the coming-of-age drama Sweet Life. This track record of developing diverse, compelling content demonstrates her unique ability to identify and cultivate stories that capture the cultural zeitgeist.
Creative Vision
Rae has built a reputation for championing authentic narratives and providing a platform for underrepresented voices in Hollywood. Her work is characterized by its sharp wit, cultural specificity, and deep connection with contemporary audiences. The move to Paramount opens new avenues for her creative vision to flourish.
"I'm so looking forward [...]"
As she embarks on this partnership, the industry watches with anticipation. The collaboration between Rae's production company and Paramount's studio infrastructure is poised to yield innovative projects across both film and television landscapes.
What's Next
The partnership between Issa Rae and Paramount represents more than just a business transaction—it's a union of creative vision and studio resources. As the deal is now officially in effect, attention turns to the first projects that will emerge from this collaboration.
With a proven track record of success and a clear creative voice, Rae is well-positioned to continue her trajectory as one of Hollywood's most influential producers. The three-year agreement provides a solid foundation for developing the next generation of television and film content that reflects her unique perspective and storytelling prowess.
