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Law & Order prodco Wolf teams up with USG to launch scripted format sales firm

Dick Wolf’s production company Wolf Entertainment, which is behind mega franchises including Law & Order, Chicago and FBI, is partnering with Universal Studio Group (USG) to launch a boutique sales entity focused on distributing the formats internationally.

Leslie Jones

Veteran NBCUniversal sales and production executive Leslie Jones has been tapped to lead the division, which aims to capitalise on the success of projects produced through the long-standing collaboration between NBCUniversal (NBCU) and Wolf Entertainment.

The launch of the new entity was revealed on Wednesday by USG chairman Pearlena Igbokwe and prolific TV franchise-builder Wolf, who has long been under an overall deal with NBCU.

During her time at NBCU, Jones has held multiple executive positions overseeing international sales and format production for NBCU TV Distribution.

She was a pivotal figure in using NBCU’s existing library assets to launch the company into the formats business, inking groundbreaking deals for the Law & Order brand, including the first international format deal for any US procedural drama. Prior to that she was VP of international sales and format production for NBC Enterprises, overseeing worldwide programme and format sales of NBC’s non-scripted programming.

“We are getting back into the format business, and I am thrilled that Leslie is back doing what she does best: selling international formats of our shows,” said Wolf in a statement.

“As our company grows and our brands expand, Leslie is the ideal partner to reignite the business.”

Igbokwe added that while the majority of USG’s content will continue to be sold by the NBCU Formats team, the “targeted approach” to selling the Wolf Entertainment formats will “yield significant results.”

Wolf Entertainment, founded in 1985, and Universal Television produce NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, now in its 23rd season, Law & Order: Organized Crime, the original Law & Order, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD and Chicago Med, in addition to CBS’s FBI, FBI Most Wanted and FBI: International.

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