Jackson ventures to small screen (VAR, THR)

By Nancy Tartaglione-Vialatte

Samuel L. Jackson is getting into television and has signed a first-look deal with CBS Paramount Network TV to develop and exec produce projects for the small screen through his Uppity Films, today�s trades report.

There is currently no acting component in the deal, although he is open to the idea of limited appearances on a show he develops. The deal is for two years.

Jackson is scouting for a veteran small screen executive to head up TV development and will also be given an office at the CBS Studio Center. He will be meeting with writers in the coming weeks to start scouting out potential development.

Jackson has already started dabbling in TV production, having served as exec producer on Spike TV's "Afro Samurai." Further, he also developed projects earlier at UPN and Showtime,

More recently, he served as narrator of PBS' "The War."

"He's an incredibly versatile person," said CBS Paramount Network TV prexy David Stapf. "There's no limit to what he's interested in. He will attract other really interesting artists and writers."

Stapf said he was particularly interested in making the deal after learning Jackson is a rabid TV fan. �CSI� is reportedly among his favorite shows.

"Samuel Jackson is not only a fan of television but a really astute historian who knows it well," Stapf said. "He knows wherein lies a good story, and he's going to be a fantastic producer who is interested in all the genres on television."

�I look forward to having as great an influence on other's lives as television has had on mine through this collaboration,� Jackson said.

Jackson's recent film appearances include a cameo in "Iron Man," and roles in "Jumper" and "1408."

Next up on Jackson�s feature schedule are: Neil Labute�s �Lakeview Terrace,� Malcolm D. Lee�s �Soul Men� and Frank Miller�s �The Spirit,� all are due for release this year. He�s also about to go into production on Gregor Jordan�s �Unthinkable.�