Blumhouse scores Striker deal

US producer Blumhouse Television has agreed a first-look development deal with LA-based licensing agency Striker Entertainment.

Striker, which has worked on shows including AMC’s The Walking Dead, will collaborate with Blumhouse to develop franchises based on existing brands, video games and consumer product franchises.

The licensing company will attempt to source IP from “less traditional areas” that offer “growing communities of fans that have potential for traditional media exploitation.”

A potential film based on video game Five Nights at Freddy’s is already in the works.

“Often times consumer products are an afterthought when films and television series are being developed, but ultimately they can play a huge role in marketing these projects, and in generating ancillary revenue and building community,” said Russell Binder, founding partner at Striker.

Marci Wiseman, co-president at Blumhouse Television, added: “With so much content being pushed out, it is more important than ever to find new ways to break through to engage the audience, making marketing and consumer products more important than ever.”

Blumhouse launched its TV division in 2017, backed by ITV. Its output includes HBO’s The Normal Heart and The Jinx. In March it appointed a former Paramount executive to oversee scripted output.