Former Topic Studios & HBO Films Exec Maria Zuckerman Strikes First-Look Deal With Fox Entertainment Studios

Maria Zuckerman has a new producing deal.

The former Topic Studios President, who has produced series including HBO’s 100 Foot Wave and movies including Spencer and Theatre Camp, has struck a first-look deal with Fox Entertainment Studios.

The move will see Zuckerman produce scripted series and feature films, as well as non-fiction projects, out of the studio. It marks a new area for Fox Entertainment Studios, which is largely not in the premium documentary space.

Zuckerman left Topic in 2022 after three years, having previously spent 20 years at HBO Films, where she worked on films such as Grey Gardens and Bessie.

“Fox Entertainment Studios has a clear and ambitious vision for the future of storytelling,” said Zuckerman. “I’m thrilled to partner with Hannah and her team on premium, high-impact projects across formats that combine bold creative vision with broad audience appeal — and to do so in collaboration with a globally-minded studio that values both artistry and agility.”

“Maria is one of the industry’s most dynamic creative forces — a producer with vision, discipline, impeccable instincts, and the deep talent relationships needed to bring exceptional stories to life,” added Hannah Pillemer, Head of Scripted at Fox Entertainment Studios. “She has a remarkable track record for identifying great storytellers and creating content that makes noise and shapes culture, which is exactly why she’s an ideal partner as we continue to expand Fox’s creative footprint.”