“The Penguin” Showrunner Lauren LeFranc Expands with New Production Hire
Lauren LeFranc, the acclaimed showrunner behind the critically lauded HBO series “The Penguin,” has announced her first key hire for acid and Tender Productions. this move signals a important step forward for the newly launched company, established under an overall deal with HBO and HBO Max.
Building a Visionary Team
LeFranc has tapped Rachel Jacobs to serve as Head of Television and Film.Jacobs brings a wealth of experience to the role, poised to help LeFranc realize the company’s ambitious, artist-driven vision.
“I am thrilled to be joining Lauren at Acid and Tender Productions,” Jacobs stated. “I have so much respect for her viewpoint and approach to the business. Her aspiration for the company is bold and artist-driven; it’s exactly the kind of work I want to support.”
Jacobs’ Impressive Background
Prior to joining Acid and Tender Productions, Jacobs held the position of Senior Vice President of Film and Television at Borderless Pictures. There, she cultivated projects with notable writers such as Gina Welch and Will Arbery.
Her career path demonstrates a diverse and impressive skillset. Jacobs began in publishing at Penguin Random House before transitioning to film with Steven Zalian’s Film Rites.
Moreover, her resume includes impactful work on acclaimed projects like HBO’s “The night Of” and the feature film “Bad Education.” She also contributed to the Sundance institute and Sight Unseen Pictures, where she developed and executive produced the award-winning film “A Thousand and One.”
Riding the Momentum of “The Penguin”
LeFranc’s success with “The Penguin” undoubtedly fuels this expansion.The series, which premiered in September 2024, resonated deeply with both audiences and critics.
Consider these accolades:
Emmy Recognition: The show garnered an impressive 24 emmy nominations.
Key Nominations: These included Best Limited Series, as well as acting nominations for Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, and Deirdre O’Connell.
* Industry Standing: “the Penguin” secured the second-highest number of Emmy nominations this year, trailing only Apple TV+’s “Severance.”
This success positions Acid and Tender Productions for significant growth and influence within the television and film landscape. You can expect exciting new projects to emerge as LeFranc and Jacobs build upon this strong foundation.








