CHELSEA HANDLER ENLISTS THE SERVICES OF IRVING AZOFF
LOS ANGELES, CA. – One of the most powerful people in Hollywood, Irving Azoff, has officially joined forces with comedian, talk show host, and best-selling author, Chelsea Handler. In addition to guiding Handler’s personal brand, Azoff will serve as a key adviser to Borderline Amazing Productions, the production outfit she operates with ‘Chelsea Lately’ EP, Tom Brunelle, and Co-EP, Brad Wollack.
The host of E!’s top rated late night show, ‘Chelsea Lately,’ Handler is busy positioning herself for life after her current contract expires at the end of 2014.
“I have many more things I want to achieve – in addition to my nightly show, of course. I’ve known Irving for a while – actually, since he auditioned for Chuy’s job. I know he’s primarily a music manager, so just to stop the rumors before they start… I won’t be dropping an album.”
Azoff added, “She is an original and there’s no one else like her in comedy and on television. She can be a total bitch, but I’ve dealt with a lot of those before. Chelsea is damn good at what she does and has an undeniably strong brand. She and the guys have exciting ideas for the future of her career and production company. My goal is to assist them in facilitating and realizing their vision.”
In addition to ‘Lately,’ Borderline Amazing Productions produces E!’s newest talk show success, ‘Hello Ross,’ with Ross Mathews. On the scripted front, the company produced three seasons of ‘After Lately’ – a comedy about the lives of the ‘Chelsea Lately’ staff behind the scenes – as well as the NBC sitcom, ‘Are You There, Chelsea?’ Last season the company had four scripts in contention at FOX, NBC and ABC.
Until now, Azoff has functioned in an unofficial advisory capacity, including orchestrating the deal to get Pharrell to write ‘Chelsea Lately’s’ current theme music. Now he intends to get paid for his services. “They obviously know comedy and how to produce it really well,” Azoff said. “I want to help them exploit their content in the most profitable – yet most appropriate – way possible. I like money, too.”
Handler concluded, “As I move forward, I only want to deal with the biggest and best minds in this business. Hopefully Irving introduces me to those people before he crosses over.”
Handler and Borderline Amazing continue to be represented by CAA as well as her attorney Craig Jacobson at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller & Hoberman.
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