THE SEVEN, a global strategy studio, under Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) Holdings, helmed by Chief Content Officer, Akira Morii (Tokyo, Japan) has entered into a film/series co-development agreement with Permut Presentations led by David Permut (Los Angeles, USA).

The two companies have begun development on a Hollywood film project slated for shooting in Japan, with full-scale development and pre-production work set to commence in the United States alongside a showrunner. Japanese producer Motoko Kimura, based in Los Angeles, joins this deal, aiming for a global expansion in a new form that transcends traditional U.S.-Japan frameworks.

Morii has an impressive portfolio that includes the International Emmy nominated series MOZU (TBS Television / WOWOW), and the global hit Netflix series ALICE IN BORDERLAND and YU YU HAKUSHO. He joined THE SEVEN in 2022.

Permut, at the helm of his own production company, Permut Presentations, has an extensive roster of credits as a producer and executive producer on a multitude of films and drama series. Among his many credits are blockbuster films such as John Woo’s FACE/OFF starring John Travolta and Nicolas Cage, and Mel Gibson’s global hit HACKSAW RIDGE starring Andrew Garfield. HACKSAW RIDGE which garnered two Academy Awards, including a Best Picture nomination and the long awaited sequel FACE/OFF 2 is in development at Paramount.

Akira Morii, Chief Content Officer, THE SEVEN said “With a solid background in the film industry, I am truly excited to collaborate with David Permut, who has been behind the production of films I have admired since my youth.”

David Permut, Chief Executive Officer, Permut Presentations comments that “It is a privilege and honor to be in business with Akira Morii and THE SEVEN on a project that has global appeal with such universal themes that relate to Asian culture.”