EXCLUSIVE: Dakota Johnson and Ro Donnelly‘s TeaTime Pictures production company has signed a first-look deal with Sony Pictures Television Under the pact, they will develop and produce scripted content for the indie studio targeting streaming and cable platforms.
The pact reunites Johnson with Sony Pictures TV Studios President Katherine Pope. In her role as TV President of Chernin Entertainment, Pope executive produced the 2012 Fox comedy series Ben & Kate with Johnson as Kate in her first starring turn and first TV role.
“Having worked with Dakota previously, I’ve witnessed firsthand her passion and integrity as a storyteller,” Pope said. “Dakota and Ro bring a unique and intuitive understanding of what makes characters and narratives genuinely compelling. Their work reflects a commitment to authentic, nuanced storytelling that perfectly aligns with our vision. We’re thrilled to support their creative ambitions and help amplify their distinctive voice for television audiences.”
Since Johnson and Donnelly founded TeaTime in 2019, the company had been under TV deals at Boat Rocker. The partnership yielded the Roku comedy series Slip, created, directed by, and starring Zoe Lister-Jones, which was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards in 2024. At the 2023 Boat Rocker deal renewal, Johnson and Donnelly brought in Samantha Racanelli, who serves as their President of Production.
“We have long admired Katherine Pope and are thrilled to be working alongside her and all of the brilliant people at Sony,” Johnson and Donnelly said. “We can’t wait to collaborate on fresh and enticing new projects together,”
On the feature side, TeaTime Pictures recently premiered the Neon comedy Splitsville, at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Michael Covino, the film stars Johnson, Covino, and Adria Arjona. Other credits include the 2022 Sundance Audience Award-winning film Cha Cha Real Smooth, which was acquired by Apple TV+, and another 2022 entry, Am I Ok?, which was acquired by Max. TeaTime also produced Daddio, which starred Johnson and Sean Penn and premiered at both Telluride and Toronto Film Festivals and was distributed by Sony Classics. Johnson’s experience with Sony on the feature side also spans the movie Madame Web.
Johnson and TeaTime Pictures are repped by CAA.