Adam Levine’s NBC footprint is about to grow larger.
The “Voice” coach and Maroon 5 frontman has inked a one-year first-look development deal at NBC with his longtime manager-turned-producing partner Jordan Feldstein. Together, the pair will create both scripted and alternative programming to serve as series and specials for the network.
“It would be impossible to quantify Adam’s influence and importance to the success of ‘The Voice,'” noted Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late night programming for NBC Entertainment. “Given those enormous contributions, we’re very anxious to work with him and Jordan to see what future shows they develop that can find a home here at NBC.”
The latest move comes as Levine continues to diversify his resume as he shrewdly capitalizes on the success of “The Voice.” Since the top-rated singing competition launched in spring 2011, Levine has launched an acting career, which has included roles in film (“Can a Song Save Your Life?”) and TV (“American Horror Story”), as well as fashion and fragrance lines. The growing empire includes a suite of endorsement deals (Proactiv among them), a guest hosting gig on Saturday Night Live and a big boost to Maroon 5’s sales as well.
That the network would look to do more business with Levine comes as little surprise given its success with him as a “Voice” coach. Unlike fellow coaches Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green, who sat out the current iteration, Levine is currently participating in his fourth season of the series and will return with the show’s original panel in the fall. In fact, in a THR cover story earlier this spring, Feldstein acknowledged that NBC is “going to have to physically remove Adam from the building [because] he loves doing the show and it’s been great for his career.”
Levine and Feldstein (actor Jonah Hill’s brother) have been close family friends since they were kids growing up in Los Angeles. The duo’s fathers had been best friends since the men were 14. Feldstein, who is now CEO of Los Angeles-based Career Artist Management, has managed Maroon 5 from their formation more than 10 years ago. In addition, he oversees the careers of multi-platinum acts such as Alanis Morissette, Sara Bareilles and Robin Thicke.
It’s worth noting that this is not Levine’s first foray behind the camera. The musician, who is also repped by CAA and Jackoway Tyerman, has dabbled with producing scripted fare before, including a 2011 ensemble comedy set at a karaoke bar that was being developed at NBC. [Billboard.biz]
