ABC’s ‘Scandal’ season 5 star Kerry Washington signs new deal with ABC Studios

We already knew that Kerry Washington wasn’t going anywhere on “Scandal” for some time; now, we’ve also figured out that she is making quite the large commitment of her own to ABC Studios.

As said via The Hollywood Reporter, the actress has inked a new two-year deal with ABC Studios, where she could develop future projects both here and for sister studio ABC Signature. She has her own banner in Simpson Street, and has hired Sharla Sumpter Bridgett to work as a development executive for it. It’s a chance for her to expand her brand beyond just “Scandal” in a way that many other TV stars working in TV already have. One other such example of this is Michael Weatherly over on “NCIS,” or Viola Davis of “How to Get Away with Murder.”

In a statement, here is what Washington had to say about this opportunity:

“I believe strongly in the importance of having a seat at the table, which makes starting this production company thrilling for me … It’s an honor to be at a point in my career when I can help generate projects that are exciting, necessary and truly reflect the world around us. I’m grateful to be on this journey with ABC, a network that remains unparalleled in its commitment to inclusive storytelling.”

As for when we could start seeing some projects come out of this deal for Kerry, it’s a little too late in this particular pilot season when you consider that the networks have all figured out the shows in which they are considering. However, who knows what will happen either over the summer or next year?

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