Muse Entertainment has signed a first-look deal with The Walrus magazine to adapt investigative journalism into documentary and unscripted television. The partnership allows Muse to mine unpublished stories from the magazine to develop global programming focused on social issues, politics, science, and business.
Why is Muse Entertainment expanding into unscripted content?
Muse Entertainment is pivoting toward the unscripted market to build a pipeline of distinctive stories with global appeal. Jonas Prupas, the managing director of unscripted at Muse Entertainment, stated that the partnership provides a unique opportunity to identify compelling stories early and develop them for film and television audiences.
This strategic expansion follows the company’s hiring of Jennifer Harkness as senior VP of global development and partnerships. Harkness, formerly an executive at Blue Ant Studios, brings experience in high-profile investigative programming, including Peacock’s Epstein’s Shadow: Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew: Banished.
Muse Entertainment was founded in 1998 by Michael Prupas and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
How will the partnership with The Walrus work?
The development partnership focuses on converting the magazine’s investigative reporting into visual media. According to Carmine Starnino, editor-in-chief of The Walrus, the collaboration aims to expand the reach and impact of the publication’s journalism.
The deal covers several key editorial pillars, including:
- Investigative journalism
- Social issues and culture
- Politics and business
- Science and technology
Discussions regarding specific projects are already underway between the production studio and the magazine staff.
What is the shift from scripted to unscripted programming?
Historically, Muse Entertainment has focused on scripted event projects and miniseries. Their portfolio includes high-profile titles such as The Kennedys for Reelz, The Pillars of the Earth for Starz, and Three Pines for Amazon Prime Video.
While their scripted work has established a presence on networks like ABC and WGN America, their new direction targets the rising demand for factual and true-crime content. Muse’s upcoming unscripted slate includes The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith for Amazon and For Heaven’s Sake for Paramount+.
| Content Type | Key Examples |
|---|---|
| Scripted (Previous Focus) | The Kennedys, Ben Hur, Sullivan’s Crossing |
| Unscripted (New Focus) | The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith, Nose Deep |
What role does investigative journalism play in modern streaming?
The move by Muse Entertainment reflects a broader industry trend where streaming platforms seek deep, research-heavy narratives to differentiate their libraries. By partnering with a journalistic entity like The Walrus, studios can access vetted, high-quality source material that has already undergone rigorous fact-checking.
This approach contrasts with the rapid production of “true crime” content that often lacks deep investigative roots. By securing first-look rights to unpublished stories, Muse aims to capture stories that have not yet been exhausted by the mainstream media cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a first-look deal?
A first-look deal gives a production company the first opportunity to develop and produce content based on a specific source, such as a magazine’s stories, before any other studio can bid on them.
Which platforms will host Muse Entertainment’s new content?
According to recent announcements, Muse’s upcoming unscripted projects are slated for Amazon, Paramount+, and Bell Media.
Who is Jennifer Harkness?
Jennifer Harkness is the senior VP of global development and partnerships at Muse Entertainment. She previously worked at Blue Ant Studios on documentaries involving Ghislaine Maxwell and Casey Anthony.
What do you think about the trend of turning journalism into TV series? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more industry updates.
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