Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers star point guard who lit last year’s NBA Playoffs on fire, is headed to Hollywood — but not via some sort of trade to the Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers.
Haliburton, a two-time NBA All-Star and an Olympic gold medalist, is launching a production company, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. His Zero Doubt Creative has signed a multiyear production and development partnership with Brent Montgomery‘s Wheelhouse; Zero Doubt Creative and Wheelhouse Sports will collaborate on original entertainment and branded content.
Some of the Zero Doubt/Wheelhouse stuff will be pitched for sale across the broader landscape, other content will be for Haliburton’s YouTube and social media channels.
“I’ve always been inspired by the power of content,” said Haliburton. “Especially the ability to create ideas, moments and experiences that can connect people through storytelling. As I’ve gotten older and experienced pivotal moments in my life, I wanted to find the right way to tell those stories. Launching Zero Doubt is the start. Our goal is simple — tell honest compelling stories and build a platform that will grow with me throughout my career and beyond, all the while, setting up a community with like-minded individuals who lead with authenticity. I’m excited for what’s next.”
Their first project is a no-brainer, an original documentary series called Time Out. The docuseries will follow Haliburton’s (painful) journey back to the court after rupturing his right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of last year’s NBA Finals. Without their star, the Pacers simply couldn’t keep pace with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Portal A, a Wheelhouse-backed content studio, also produces Time Out; the premiere date will be announced at a later time.
Stan Kaufman and Chad Millman will executive produce Time Out on behalf of Wheelhouse, while Kristina Kozica and Zachery Remy are executive producers for Zero Doubt. Portal A’s Nate Houghteling is executive producer and director.
“Ty brings the same passion to creating and storytelling that he brings to the court,” said Montgomery. “Wheelhouse looks forward to expanding those ambitions with him, Kristina and the whole Zero Doubt team.”
This Zero Doubt Create/Wheelhouse deal was brokered by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Haliburton’s reps.
In addition to rehabbing his achilles, which is a very rough injury itself, Haliburton’s recovery has been slowed by a bout with shingles — in his face — a horrible disease that will probably make for good TV, somewhat fortunately and very unfortunately.
