Zak Santiago Biopic Series ‘Deacon’ in the Works, Jonathan Lloyd Walker to Showrun (Exclusive)

Front Street Pictures has acquired the life story rights to actor, former boxer, DJ and ordained deacon Zak Santiago for a biopic TV series to be launched to international buyers at the upcoming Toronto Film Festival as part of its inaugural Content Market.

Front Street, backed by Blink49 Studios, has tapped veteran writer and producer Jonathan Lloyd Walker (Van Helsing, House of David) to showrun and produce the drama alongside fellow creators John Cassini and Santiago. As an actor, Santiago has credits like recurring roles in Netflix’s Virgin River and Untamed dramas, a multi-episode arc in HBO’s Peacemaker and season three of MGM’s Western series Billy the Kid.

He also served as a technical advisor and coach on the Emmy-winning Shogun series and as a faith content consultant on the Showtime series Yellowjackets. “At its heart, Deacon is about showing up for people, especially when they feel forgotten, and believing that everyone deserves the opportunity to find their way back,” Santiago said in a statement on Monday.

The Canadian indie series is set to move between the worlds of faith, boxing, music, acting and community service. “The series follows Santiago ‘Santi’ Luna, a former boxer and street criminal who finds redemption as a Catholic deacon, moving between an East Vancouver church, federal prison, boxing gym, community center and nightclub DJ booth,” a synopsis from the producers states.

Vancouver-based Front Street, which is backed by indie banner Blink49 Studios, also co-produce other TV series like Wild Cards and the upcoming mystery thriller YAGA, which will world premiere at TIFF as part of the festival’s Primetime program. 

Cassini, an executive producer and head of development at Front Street Pictures, also has acting credits in Watson, Accused, Daughter, Intelligence, A Dog’s Way Home, Alive, Se7en and The Game.