| MUMBAI:
HBO has signed stand-up comedian Dane Cook to a multi-faceted deal that will include
series, specials and other projects, it was announced by HBO chairman and CEO
Chris Albrecht. Among the initial projects
under the agreement are a feature-length stand-up film, development of a scripted
series and a comedy documentary series. In addition, HBO will have exclusive rights
to Cook for all nontraditional media platforms. Cook will executive produce
all projects with Barry Katz and Brian Volk-Weiss through his production company,
SUperFInger Entertainment, in association with New Wave Entertainment. "Dane
Cook is one of the most exciting comedy stars to emerge on the scene in many years,
and his ability to connect with audiences is truly remarkable. HBO will be able
to give this gifted performer the broadest, most unrestricted showcase for his
talent, and we're delighted to welcome him to the network," said Albrecht.
"This is a dream come
true. HBO is the highest echelon in the world for a stand-up comedian to attain.
Throughout my career I've trusted my instincts to lead me down the right path,
and I am honored to work together with this network while contributing to the
legacy that is HBO," said Cook. Cook will shoot his stand-up concert film,
directed by Marty Callner (the HBO specials Rolling Stones: Live from Madison
Square Garden and Robin Williams: Live on Broadway), at the TD Banknorth
Garden in Cook's hometown of Boston on 15 April. The first show completely
sold out through his website presale in 72 hours, setting a new box-office record;
a second show was then added and sold out more quickly than the first, racking
up an unprecedented 35,000 tickets in five days with no advertising. Cook
will also star in the comedy documentary series Tourgasm, following Cook
and three other comedians (Gary Gulman, Robert Kelly and Jay Davis) last spring
on their college tour, which covered 20 shows in 30 days across 28 states. Jay
Blumenfield and Anthony Marsh (Family Business) will executive produce
along with Cook, Katz and Volk-Weiss. In addition, Cook and HBO will develop
a pilot for a scripted HBO comedy series. Other projects will be announced as
they are confirmed. Cook recently hosted an episode of Saturday Night
Live, which was the highest-rated episode of the season. His second comedy
album, Retaliation, debuted at number four on the Billboard charts, making
him the highest-charting comedian of the last 25 years. Retaliation has
also earned platinum status, surpassing the near-gold status of his first release,
Harmful If Swallowed. Earlier this year, Cook started shooting Employee
of the Month, with Jessica Simpson, for Lions Gate and will follow that with
Disney's Dan in Real Life, with Steve Carell. | 
