Exclusive: Eugene Levy is heading out on his travels again for Apple TV+.
The Schitt’s Creek star will present and executive produce a second season of The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy after Season 1 premiered earlier this year.
Levy will travel through Europe in Season 2 after taking in the likes of Costa Rica, Japan, and South Africa during his first adventure for Apple.
The Reluctant Traveler is produced by Twofour, the British production company. It hails from Jay Hunt’s Europen team at Apple, where Alison Kirkham oversees unscripted commissioning. David Brindley is the executive producer alongside Levy.
Levy said: “After experiencing Season 1, I’ve come to realize it’s true what they say about travel broadening the mind — and, I guess my mind could still take some broadening. So I’m packing my suitcase once again and looking forward, with a healthy dose of trepidation, to whatever adventures lie in store.
The Schitt’s Creek star will present and executive produce a second season of The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy after Season 1 premiered earlier this year.
Levy will travel through Europe in Season 2 after taking in the likes of Costa Rica, Japan, and South Africa during his first adventure for Apple.
The Reluctant Traveler is produced by Twofour, the British production company. It hails from Jay Hunt’s Europen team at Apple, where Alison Kirkham oversees unscripted commissioning. David Brindley is the executive producer alongside Levy.
Levy said: “After experiencing Season 1, I’ve come to realize it’s true what they say about travel broadening the mind — and, I guess my mind could still take some broadening. So I’m packing my suitcase once again and looking forward, with a healthy dose of trepidation, to whatever adventures lie in store.
- 4/24/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Spotify exec Erika Clarke and ex-Lifetime exec Colleen Grogan have joined Apple TV+ as the streamer ramps up its non-scripted efforts.
The two hires are the first U.S.-based unscripted executives hired by Molly Thompson since the A& IndieFilms founder Molly Thompson joined as Head of Documentaries and Unscripted in 2019.
Both join as Unscripted Creative Executives reporting to Thompson.
Clarke, who joined in January, was previously exec producer at Spotify Studios, where she co-ran the company’s podcast studio division. Before that, she spent ten years at MTV, part of the team behind Cribs, and was also a producer and director of shows such as The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Travel Channel’s Follow Your Past and CNN Heroes. She was also nominated for an Emmy for her work on White People, a documentary for MTV’s Look Different strand. She will be based in LA.
Grogan,...
The two hires are the first U.S.-based unscripted executives hired by Molly Thompson since the A& IndieFilms founder Molly Thompson joined as Head of Documentaries and Unscripted in 2019.
Both join as Unscripted Creative Executives reporting to Thompson.
Clarke, who joined in January, was previously exec producer at Spotify Studios, where she co-ran the company’s podcast studio division. Before that, she spent ten years at MTV, part of the team behind Cribs, and was also a producer and director of shows such as The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Travel Channel’s Follow Your Past and CNN Heroes. She was also nominated for an Emmy for her work on White People, a documentary for MTV’s Look Different strand. She will be based in LA.
Grogan,...
- 4/5/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Green Door will produce features and series for Apple TV+.
Apple has struck a first-look deal with UK actor and producer Idris Elba.
Under the agreement, the Luther star will produce series and feature films for SVoD service Apple TV+ through his independent company Green Door Pictures.
Apple has struck several such agreements as it competes with the likes of Amazon, HBO Max and Netflix. It has been keen on British talent, signing an exclusive deal with Sharon Horgan in December 2019 and another with Us-based filmmaker Simon Kinberg earlier in the year.
It recently hired BBC docs chief Alison Kirkham...
Apple has struck a first-look deal with UK actor and producer Idris Elba.
Under the agreement, the Luther star will produce series and feature films for SVoD service Apple TV+ through his independent company Green Door Pictures.
Apple has struck several such agreements as it competes with the likes of Amazon, HBO Max and Netflix. It has been keen on British talent, signing an exclusive deal with Sharon Horgan in December 2019 and another with Us-based filmmaker Simon Kinberg earlier in the year.
It recently hired BBC docs chief Alison Kirkham...
- 7/13/2020
- by 1101334¦Jesse Whittock Broadcast¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
BBC factual controller Alison Kirkham is set to join streaming platform Apple TV Plus.
Kirkham will join Apple TV Plus this summer, reporting into creative director for Europe Jay Hunt. Based in London, the executive will have responsibility in Europe for unscripted original series and films.
Kirkham is the first major hire for Apple’s U.K. team since film producer Joe Oppenheimer joined the tech giant in 2018.
Apple TV+ global team is led by heads of worldwide video Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht.
The appointment comes as the platform, in common with other streamers, looks to expand its non-scripted output. Apple’s non-scripted commissions include “Prehistoric Planet” and “Long Way Up” with Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman.
Kirkham joined the BBC in 2005 as an executive producer and became controller of factual commissioning in 2015. Programming highlights include “Planet Earth II” and “Blue Planet II,” “Ambulance,” “Exodus,” “Hospital,” ”Muslims Like...
Kirkham will join Apple TV Plus this summer, reporting into creative director for Europe Jay Hunt. Based in London, the executive will have responsibility in Europe for unscripted original series and films.
Kirkham is the first major hire for Apple’s U.K. team since film producer Joe Oppenheimer joined the tech giant in 2018.
Apple TV+ global team is led by heads of worldwide video Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht.
The appointment comes as the platform, in common with other streamers, looks to expand its non-scripted output. Apple’s non-scripted commissions include “Prehistoric Planet” and “Long Way Up” with Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman.
Kirkham joined the BBC in 2005 as an executive producer and became controller of factual commissioning in 2015. Programming highlights include “Planet Earth II” and “Blue Planet II,” “Ambulance,” “Exodus,” “Hospital,” ”Muslims Like...
- 5/6/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Apple has hired BBC factual controller Alison Kirkham as its new unscripted chief in the UK, reporting to creative director of worldwide video Europe, Jay Hunt.
Kirkham will join the Apple TV+ international creative development team this summer after 15 years at the BBC, the last six of which she has spent in charge of factual programming.
During her time at the BBC, she has overseen shows including Planet Earth II, coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, and the recent breakout Studio Lambert hit Race Across The World.
As well as overseeing unscripted shows at Apple, she will have some exposure to drama and comedy, with recent shows coming out of Hunt’s team including Trying and Gary Oldman spy drama Slow Horses.
“I will forever be proud that, for six years, I was able to walk into New Broadcasting House as the controller of factual commissioning at the BBC.
Kirkham will join the Apple TV+ international creative development team this summer after 15 years at the BBC, the last six of which she has spent in charge of factual programming.
During her time at the BBC, she has overseen shows including Planet Earth II, coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, and the recent breakout Studio Lambert hit Race Across The World.
As well as overseeing unscripted shows at Apple, she will have some exposure to drama and comedy, with recent shows coming out of Hunt’s team including Trying and Gary Oldman spy drama Slow Horses.
“I will forever be proud that, for six years, I was able to walk into New Broadcasting House as the controller of factual commissioning at the BBC.
- 5/6/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
David Attenborough is heading back to the BBC with a documentary on extinction. BBC One has commissioned hour-long doc Extinction: The Facts from BBC Studios’ Science Unit.
The series, presented by the Blue Planet star, will investigate what the future holds for the planet. It comes after a WWF report, published last year, stated that the mammal, bird, fish, reptile and amphibian populations have shrunk by 60% in just over 40 years. According to a separate Un report, nearly a third of corals around the world and more than a third of marine mammals are threatened with extinction. The abundance of native species in most major land habitats has fallen by a fifth, mostly since 1900, and earlier this year, scientists from around the world published their most thorough review of the current state of the natural world to date.
Extinction: The Facts will feature leading scientists exploring why species are disappearing at...
The series, presented by the Blue Planet star, will investigate what the future holds for the planet. It comes after a WWF report, published last year, stated that the mammal, bird, fish, reptile and amphibian populations have shrunk by 60% in just over 40 years. According to a separate Un report, nearly a third of corals around the world and more than a third of marine mammals are threatened with extinction. The abundance of native species in most major land habitats has fallen by a fifth, mostly since 1900, and earlier this year, scientists from around the world published their most thorough review of the current state of the natural world to date.
Extinction: The Facts will feature leading scientists exploring why species are disappearing at...
- 8/22/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has partnered with PBS on a new big-budget natural history series, Green Planet, while Sir David Attenborough is back with a new landmark factual project.
Green Planet (w/t) is the latest in a long line of major series from the BBC’s Natural History Unit (Nhu) following the success of Blue Planet and Planet Earth. It tells the story of planet earth from the perspective of plants. Using brand new technological advances and over two decades of new discoveries, it will show how plants are as aggressive, competitive and dramatic as animals – locked in desperate battles for food, for light, to reproduce and to scatter their young. They are social – they communicate with each other, they care for their young, they help their weak and injured. They can plan, they can count, they can remember. Plants are the stars of this series but there will also be “box-office” animals.
Green Planet (w/t) is the latest in a long line of major series from the BBC’s Natural History Unit (Nhu) following the success of Blue Planet and Planet Earth. It tells the story of planet earth from the perspective of plants. Using brand new technological advances and over two decades of new discoveries, it will show how plants are as aggressive, competitive and dramatic as animals – locked in desperate battles for food, for light, to reproduce and to scatter their young. They are social – they communicate with each other, they care for their young, they help their weak and injured. They can plan, they can count, they can remember. Plants are the stars of this series but there will also be “box-office” animals.
- 1/31/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC is looking to commission more Whitney: Can I Be Me-style feature documentaries as it looks to compete against global digital giants such as Netflix and Amazon.
This comes as the British public broadcaster lines up a feature doc about boyband Bros, which is premiering at next month’s London Film Festival.
Alison Kirkham, Controller of Factual Commissioning at the BBC, urged producers to bring it more large-scale feature docs in a webinar organized by British producers’ association Pact.
“We did Whitney [Can I Be Me] and in fact that’s something we’d like to do more of,” she said. “I’d like to be pitched more feature docs, in truth, we’re not pitched enough of them. The bar is really high but they deliver a sense of event.”
Whitney: Can I Be Me, directed by Kurt & Courtney director Nick Broomfield, was produced for BBC Two and Showtime and aired in...
This comes as the British public broadcaster lines up a feature doc about boyband Bros, which is premiering at next month’s London Film Festival.
Alison Kirkham, Controller of Factual Commissioning at the BBC, urged producers to bring it more large-scale feature docs in a webinar organized by British producers’ association Pact.
“We did Whitney [Can I Be Me] and in fact that’s something we’d like to do more of,” she said. “I’d like to be pitched more feature docs, in truth, we’re not pitched enough of them. The bar is really high but they deliver a sense of event.”
Whitney: Can I Be Me, directed by Kurt & Courtney director Nick Broomfield, was produced for BBC Two and Showtime and aired in...
- 9/5/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC is going inside the Bank of England and exploring gun crime in Britain in a series of factual commissions. The public broadcaster has also picked up feature doc Under The Wire, which tells the story of Sunday Times war correspondent Marie Colvin and photographer Paul Conroy’s mission to Syria.
The shows were revealed at the Sheffield Doc/Fest by Alison Kirkham, Controller BBC Factual Commissioning.
Inside The Bank of England (w/t) lets cameras inside the financial institution throughout 2018 as Governor Mark Carney and his staff try to revive the UK economy. The two-part series, which will air on BBC Two, will look at how the bank’s decisions impact people’s lives and aims to demystify central banking and explores the gold and incredible architecture of the fortress-like Threadneedle Street building. The series is produced by Gold Rush producer Raw and was commissioned by BBC Two Controller Patrick Holland,...
The shows were revealed at the Sheffield Doc/Fest by Alison Kirkham, Controller BBC Factual Commissioning.
Inside The Bank of England (w/t) lets cameras inside the financial institution throughout 2018 as Governor Mark Carney and his staff try to revive the UK economy. The two-part series, which will air on BBC Two, will look at how the bank’s decisions impact people’s lives and aims to demystify central banking and explores the gold and incredible architecture of the fortress-like Threadneedle Street building. The series is produced by Gold Rush producer Raw and was commissioned by BBC Two Controller Patrick Holland,...
- 6/11/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Just 11% of top talent from diverse background.
Just one-tenth of the BBC’s top on-screen talent is from a black, ethnic, minority background (Bame), the corporation’s Annual Report has revealed (reports Broadcast).
Bame stars make up 11% of the corporation’s top earners, with the likes of BBC Radio DJ Trevor Nelson and newsreader George Alagiah among the highest paid, with salaries of between £250,000 and £300,000.
Radio 4 Today programme presenter Mishal Husain earns between £200,000 and £250,000, less than half than her colleague John Humphrys’ £600,000-£650,000 salary.
Across the BBC, some 14% of its workforce is from a Bame background, in line with the national average.
Bame stars’ salaries pale in comparison with some of the corporation’s biggest earners, which include Radio 2 presenter and former Top Gear host Chris Evans, who topped the payroll with a salary of around £2.2m.
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman, who also hosted a Michael Buble special at Christmas and Film 2016, was the highest...
Just one-tenth of the BBC’s top on-screen talent is from a black, ethnic, minority background (Bame), the corporation’s Annual Report has revealed (reports Broadcast).
Bame stars make up 11% of the corporation’s top earners, with the likes of BBC Radio DJ Trevor Nelson and newsreader George Alagiah among the highest paid, with salaries of between £250,000 and £300,000.
Radio 4 Today programme presenter Mishal Husain earns between £200,000 and £250,000, less than half than her colleague John Humphrys’ £600,000-£650,000 salary.
Across the BBC, some 14% of its workforce is from a Bame background, in line with the national average.
Bame stars’ salaries pale in comparison with some of the corporation’s biggest earners, which include Radio 2 presenter and former Top Gear host Chris Evans, who topped the payroll with a salary of around £2.2m.
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman, who also hosted a Michael Buble special at Christmas and Film 2016, was the highest...
- 7/19/2017
- ScreenDaily
Just 11% of top talent from diverse background.
Just one-tenth of the BBC’s top on-screen talent is from a black, ethnic, minority background (Bame), the corporation’s Annual Report has revealed (reports Broadcast).
Bame stars make up 11% of the corporation’s top earners, with the likes of BBC Radio DJ Trevor Nelson and newsreader George Alagiah among the highest paid, with salaries of between £250,000 and £300,000.
Radio 4 Today programme presenter Mishal Husain earns between £200,000 and £250,000, less than half than her colleague John Humphrys’ £600,000-£650,000 salary.
Across the BBC, some 14% of its workforce is from a Bame background, in line with the national average.
Bame stars’ salaries pale in comparison with some of the corporation’s biggest earners, which include Radio 2 presenter and former Top Gear host Chris Evans, who topped the payroll with a salary of around £2.2m.
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman, who also hosted a Michael Buble special at Christmas and Film 2016, was the highest...
Just one-tenth of the BBC’s top on-screen talent is from a black, ethnic, minority background (Bame), the corporation’s Annual Report has revealed (reports Broadcast).
Bame stars make up 11% of the corporation’s top earners, with the likes of BBC Radio DJ Trevor Nelson and newsreader George Alagiah among the highest paid, with salaries of between £250,000 and £300,000.
Radio 4 Today programme presenter Mishal Husain earns between £200,000 and £250,000, less than half than her colleague John Humphrys’ £600,000-£650,000 salary.
Across the BBC, some 14% of its workforce is from a Bame background, in line with the national average.
Bame stars’ salaries pale in comparison with some of the corporation’s biggest earners, which include Radio 2 presenter and former Top Gear host Chris Evans, who topped the payroll with a salary of around £2.2m.
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman, who also hosted a Michael Buble special at Christmas and Film 2016, was the highest...
- 7/19/2017
- ScreenDaily
BBC One has announced a one-off programme featuring motorists with poor driving skills.
So You Think You Can Drive will see Dom Littlewood and Cherry Healey help change the habits of two drivers, who are putting themselves and others in danger.
Two drivers will have been nominated by their family and friends, before completing a special driver training course.
The show will also explore a police unit specialising in the causes of serious road incidents, and the science behind bad driving.
BBC One's Head of Commissioning Factual, Alison Kirkham, said: "Viewers have always found bad driving on television an interesting and amusing subject to watch, and while I hope this show will sometimes make the audience smile, it will also spotlight some of the very real dangers of bad driving and make us more aware of our terrible habits."
Helen Veale, Creative Director at Outline Productions, added: "Driving is something everyone can relate to,...
So You Think You Can Drive will see Dom Littlewood and Cherry Healey help change the habits of two drivers, who are putting themselves and others in danger.
Two drivers will have been nominated by their family and friends, before completing a special driver training course.
The show will also explore a police unit specialising in the causes of serious road incidents, and the science behind bad driving.
BBC One's Head of Commissioning Factual, Alison Kirkham, said: "Viewers have always found bad driving on television an interesting and amusing subject to watch, and while I hope this show will sometimes make the audience smile, it will also spotlight some of the very real dangers of bad driving and make us more aware of our terrible habits."
Helen Veale, Creative Director at Outline Productions, added: "Driving is something everyone can relate to,...
- 5/16/2014
- Digital Spy
Alexander Armstrong and Giles Coren have been announced as the hosts of 12 Drinks of Christmas.
The comedian and restaurant critic, who are brothers-in-law, will put various types of booze to the test in the hour-long BBC Two show to create their definitive 12-strong Christmas selection pack.
"This year, Xander and I are not just getting blotto at Christmas, we're looking into Why we're getting blotto at Christmas, and how best to do it," said Coren.
"We're seeking answers to the big cultural questions such as 'eggnog or mulled wine, dear?' and asking 'what would Jesus have drunk?'"
Armstrong added: "At last we have the opportunity to nail that most complicated issue that dogs the end of each year: the one that starts with the question 'What are you having?'
"We've done all the work so you don't need to and here - after back-breaking research - we...
The comedian and restaurant critic, who are brothers-in-law, will put various types of booze to the test in the hour-long BBC Two show to create their definitive 12-strong Christmas selection pack.
"This year, Xander and I are not just getting blotto at Christmas, we're looking into Why we're getting blotto at Christmas, and how best to do it," said Coren.
"We're seeking answers to the big cultural questions such as 'eggnog or mulled wine, dear?' and asking 'what would Jesus have drunk?'"
Armstrong added: "At last we have the opportunity to nail that most complicated issue that dogs the end of each year: the one that starts with the question 'What are you having?'
"We've done all the work so you don't need to and here - after back-breaking research - we...
- 11/8/2013
- Digital Spy
Ronnie Corbett is to present brand new BBC One pet show Ronnie's Pedigree Pals.
The six-part series will follow the 82-year-old entertainer, comedian and lifelong dog owner as he uncovers how much the British public love their animals.
The series will feature breeders and owners of everything from dogs, cats, miniature pigs, camels and skunks as they compete in competitions, while revealing the lengths some people will go to for their animals to be the best in show.
Corbett said: "This series celebrates our nation's love of animals which I share.
"Though I am finding the latest addition to my family a bit of handful; he's a very playful rescue dog called Baz, and this series will also be following his progress as he adapts to life in the Corbett household."
Meanwhile BBC Commissioning Editor for Factual Features and Formats Alison Kirkham added: "It is fantastic to be able to welcome a true national treasure,...
The six-part series will follow the 82-year-old entertainer, comedian and lifelong dog owner as he uncovers how much the British public love their animals.
The series will feature breeders and owners of everything from dogs, cats, miniature pigs, camels and skunks as they compete in competitions, while revealing the lengths some people will go to for their animals to be the best in show.
Corbett said: "This series celebrates our nation's love of animals which I share.
"Though I am finding the latest addition to my family a bit of handful; he's a very playful rescue dog called Baz, and this series will also be following his progress as he adapts to life in the Corbett household."
Meanwhile BBC Commissioning Editor for Factual Features and Formats Alison Kirkham added: "It is fantastic to be able to welcome a true national treasure,...
- 6/28/2013
- Digital Spy
Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge and Cyrus Todiwala & Tony Singh have joined BBC Two's food lineup, landing new shows about pub food and reinventing British home cooking.
Kerridge will front his own Proper Pub Food series, while Todiwala and Singh are reflecting the new multicultural nature of Britain in The Incredible Spice Men.
Kerridge found fame as the first British chef to pick up two Michelin stars by cooking in pub The Hand & Flowers.
His six-episode series will reveal the secrets behind dishes such as mussels cooked in ale, treacle-cured roast beef with ultimate Yorkshire puddings, and date and toffee pudding with caramelised banana.
The Incredible Spice Men will feature Todiwala and Singh "on a mission to convince Britain to wake up to the versatility of spices and exotic ingredients".
BBC commissioner Alison Kirkham said: "Both these programmes will offer fresh ideas and inspire people across Britain to get busy in the kitchen this summer.
Kerridge will front his own Proper Pub Food series, while Todiwala and Singh are reflecting the new multicultural nature of Britain in The Incredible Spice Men.
Kerridge found fame as the first British chef to pick up two Michelin stars by cooking in pub The Hand & Flowers.
His six-episode series will reveal the secrets behind dishes such as mussels cooked in ale, treacle-cured roast beef with ultimate Yorkshire puddings, and date and toffee pudding with caramelised banana.
The Incredible Spice Men will feature Todiwala and Singh "on a mission to convince Britain to wake up to the versatility of spices and exotic ingredients".
BBC commissioner Alison Kirkham said: "Both these programmes will offer fresh ideas and inspire people across Britain to get busy in the kitchen this summer.
- 5/30/2013
- Digital Spy
Great British Sewing Bee has been given a second series.
The BBC confirmed today that the show will return in 2014 for a 6 x 60-minute run.
Controller of BBC Two Janice Hadlow said: "I'm delighted that BBC Two viewers have taken this series to their hearts.
"It has proved that an ill-fitting zip or badly placed dart can make for compelling television in much the same way as a soggy bottom on Great British Bake Off and I can't wait for the next series."
Last night's series finale was watched by 2.7 million viewers.
Great British Sewing Bee was hosted by Claudia Winkleman and featured eight competitors, the winner being 81-year-old Ann.
The series is commissioned for BBC Features by Hadlow, alongside commissioning editor Alison Kirkham and commissioning executive Emma Willis.
It will be executive produced by Anna Beattie for Love Productions.
The BBC confirmed today that the show will return in 2014 for a 6 x 60-minute run.
Controller of BBC Two Janice Hadlow said: "I'm delighted that BBC Two viewers have taken this series to their hearts.
"It has proved that an ill-fitting zip or badly placed dart can make for compelling television in much the same way as a soggy bottom on Great British Bake Off and I can't wait for the next series."
Last night's series finale was watched by 2.7 million viewers.
Great British Sewing Bee was hosted by Claudia Winkleman and featured eight competitors, the winner being 81-year-old Ann.
The series is commissioned for BBC Features by Hadlow, alongside commissioning editor Alison Kirkham and commissioning executive Emma Willis.
It will be executive produced by Anna Beattie for Love Productions.
- 4/24/2013
- Digital Spy
The BBC is reportedly in talks to produce a new series with Sophie Dahl. Earlier this year, Dahl hosted the cookery show The Delicious Miss Dahl but the programme was axed after one series. In an interview with The Guardian, BBC One and BBC Two's commissioning editor for factual features and formats Alison Kirkham suggested that Dahl could return to the broadcaster. (more)...
- 11/22/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
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