MUMBAI: HBO has entered into an exclusive multiplatform development and production deal with Ben Karlin, a multiple Emmy winner for his work on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report.

The agreement covers series, specials, TV movies and new media, as well as a first-look deal for theatrical films, which will tap new writing, directing and performing talent.

“Through his work with Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert, Ben has become one of the most important creative forces in comedy today, known for his smarts, his wit and his great talent relations. We look forward to working with him to bring these same qualities to the theatrical marketplace in nontraditional ways,” said HBO Films president Colin Callender.

“I’ve been an admirer of Ben’s since his Onion days and we are thrilled to finally be in cahoots with him at HBO Entertainment,” added HBO Entertainment president Carolyn Strauss.

Comments Karlin, “When my reps asked me what I wanted to do next, I said firmly, ‘not TV.’ They said, ‘HBO.’ I had to admit, they had me there.”

Karlin was head writer, and then producer, for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart from 1999 to 2006, and was also the co-creator and executive producer of The Colbert Report.