Will Smith, The Fresh Prince of Licensing?

Celebrity Will Smith and director Marc Forster have teamed up to acquire Telepool, a German licensing and distribution company, according to Variety.

The acquisition was carried out through the Smith Family Circle, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Family Office, Elysian Fields and a group of investors associated with Forster. The deal gives the duo an opportunity to create and distribute movies that were initially passed on by the big studios. It also gives the actor and director a foothold on home entertainment and theatrical distribution deals in major overseas markets. It may also assist Smith in funding projects he produces, but does not act in.

The deal allows Smith and producer James Lassiter’s Overbrook Entertainment the option to develop and distribute film and television projects through Telepool, while operating independently.

Similarly, 2dux², an independent production entity run by Forster and producer Renee Wolfe, will also have the option to develop and distribute film and television projects through Telepool but remain independent.