Soo Hugh signs Apple TV+, Media Res pact, taps UCP exec to lead new prodco

Soo Hugh, the creator and showrunner of Pachinko, has struck a joint overall deal with Apple TV+ and Media Res, the streamer and production company behind the drama series.

Soo Hugh

Through the multi-year deal, Hugh will create, write and produce content for the companies via her newly announced Moonslinger Productions banner.

The writer and producer was previously under an overall deal with NBCUniversal’s UCP, where she worked on the development of titles including an adaptation of the Korean novel Plotters from author Un Su Kim.

Meanwhile, Margo Klewans, who was formerly VP at UCP and oversaw Hugh’s overall deal, has  joined Moonslinger Productions as president.

During her time at UCP, Klewans oversaw shows including Joe vs Carole, Lockerbie and Battlestar Galactica, in addition to deals with the likes of Sam Esmail, Selwyn Hinds, Etan Frankel and Hugh.

The first season of Pachinko, which follows a Korean immigrant family across four generations, launched on Apple TV+ in 2022, with the second set to premiere later this year.

For Media Res, which is led by former HBO executive Michael Ellenberg, the announcement of the deal comes two months after it was announced that Jeff Zucker’s big-spending media vehicle RedBird IMI made an investment in the production studio.

“For the last six years, I’ve been fortunate to call Apple and Media Res my creative family,” said Hugh.

“Together, we dreamed big and I am thrilled to be able to continue working with so many people I admire and cherish. Now, the homecoming is official.”