Tyra Banks is shaking things up at her production company.
Formerly known as Bankable Productions, the production shingle will now go by the name SMiZE Productions. The move is a nod to Banks’ ice cream company, SMiZE & Dream. In addition, SMiZE Productions has signed with Echo Lake Entertainment to manage their scripted content slate. SMiZE continues to be represented by UTA for unscripted.
“I am a serious hands-on producer that gets extreme pleasure in crafting unscripted concepts and scripted stories that excite people to the max. I love it so much!” said Banks. “Developing compelling, innovative content and experiences for an engaged global audience is a key priority of mine, and I’m tirelessly analyzing our projects to assess their financial upsides for all parties involved – after all, it’s the entertainment BUSINESS, right? Years of being a student and teacher at some of the best business schools has been the ultimate education for me on ROI. We strive to make audiences and executives very happy!”
SMiZE most recently announced that the company will release a graphic novel series based on the ice cream brand’s characters, which are inspired by Banks’ family. The graphic novels are co-written by Banks and Sabrina Besla, SMiZE’s vice president of development. Fans will have an opportunity to influence the look and feel of the characters, as well as the title, during the upcoming Comic-Con LA between Dec. 1-3. Fans will even be able to be a character in the graphic novel. The final decisions will be revealed at the SMiZE & Dream booth at the convention.
“We look forward to working with Tyra and her team to collaborate with her unique and multi-layered approach to scripted entertainment” said Matt Horwitz of Echo Lake. “This exciting venture has so many non-traditional dimensions and we’re thrilled to be working with such a creative and business focused entrepreneur, entertainer and producer.”
