FIRST OFF . . .

Actress/comedian Carol Burnett (and her production company, Kalola Productions) has signed a two-year development deal with the Walt Disney Studios, it was announced Wednesday by Disney Studios Chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg. The deal includes projects for theatrical and cable release and for network and syndicated television, but Burnett is free to pursue acting deals outside of Disney (unless it’s a TV series). Said Burnett of the deal, which was for an undisclosed amount: “Maybe now I can push my cartoons.”