TruTv Sets Shaq Series
TruTV will tap former NBA All-Star Shaquille O’Neal to produce and star in a new pilot sitcom, the network announced Friday.
The series, Shaq Inq. Is loosely based on the frenetic business empire of the NBA legend and will follow O’Neal and the team who runs his numerous ventures, said network officials.
O’Neal, who serves as an analyst for Turner Sports' basketball coverage, which also airs on TruTV during March Madness, will executive produce the show along with Mike Tollin (Smallville, Arli$$). and will be produced by Mandalay Sports Media.
“There is no denying Shaq’s multifaceted appeal,” said Chris Linn, president, head of programming for truTV in a statement. “Thus, we couldn’t be happier to be collaborating with him, as well as Mike Tollin and Mandalay Sports Media, as we continue to push into new formats.”
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R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.