Exclusive: Spoke Studios, the Wheelhouse production company behind series including Netflix’s Buying Beverly Hills, is looking for a new boss after the departure of Pam Healey.
Healey has been President of the company for the last two and Deadline understands that she is moving on.
Spoke Studios is behind series including food show Secret Chef, social experiment Got To Get Out and reality series Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez at Hulu and King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch, which has been renewed for a second season at Netflix.
“We appreciate Pam’s contributions over the last two years. Wheelhouse’s deep bench of creative executives continue to drive our current wave of success with new sales and renewals. We are deeply engaged in the search for the long-term leader of our flagship prodco to join our exceptional team,” Wheelhouse CEO Brent Montgomery said.
It comes as Wheelhouse recently secured its first outside investment.
Healey has been President of the company for the last two and Deadline understands that she is moving on.
Spoke Studios is behind series including food show Secret Chef, social experiment Got To Get Out and reality series Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez at Hulu and King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch, which has been renewed for a second season at Netflix.
“We appreciate Pam’s contributions over the last two years. Wheelhouse’s deep bench of creative executives continue to drive our current wave of success with new sales and renewals. We are deeply engaged in the search for the long-term leader of our flagship prodco to join our exceptional team,” Wheelhouse CEO Brent Montgomery said.
It comes as Wheelhouse recently secured its first outside investment.
- 5/3/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Women’s History Month may be over, but that doesn’t mean that women aren’t leading many of Hulu’s top picks for April. The month begins with the premiere of Vanderpump Villa, a Hulu Original reality series that follows Lisa Vanderpump and the hand-selected staff members employed at her lavish French estate, Chateau Rosabelle. This next chapter in the Vanderpump saga is sure to be full of drama, decadence, and debauchery as the staff caters to Vanderpump, her wealthy guests, and their own desires.
Hulu Original Under the Bridge, based on the 1997 true-crime novel of the same name, also premieres this month. This limited series follows the investigation of Reena Virk’s disappearance –the fourteen-year-old left to meet some friends and never returned home. Starring Riley Keough and Academy Award nominee Lily Gladstone, Under the Bridge has all the makings of a true-crime hit. Rounding out this month,...
Hulu Original Under the Bridge, based on the 1997 true-crime novel of the same name, also premieres this month. This limited series follows the investigation of Reena Virk’s disappearance –the fourteen-year-old left to meet some friends and never returned home. Starring Riley Keough and Academy Award nominee Lily Gladstone, Under the Bridge has all the makings of a true-crime hit. Rounding out this month,...
- 4/1/2024
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
Adam Sandler’s movies have their fair share of lovers and haters. The Sandman’s films are popular among some sections of the audience. Despite making some subpar films, everyone seems to root for the actor. However, Sandler revealed that he was never approached by big studios like Marvel to play a role in their films. He also has no hope that the opportunity will ever come in his career.
Adam Sandler as Jakub Procházka in Spaceman (2024)
Interestingly, rumors suggest that Marvel Studios was looking into Sandler to play the role of Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy back in 2013. However, James Gunn shared that he never met the Happy Gilmore actor for the said role.
Adam Sandler Has No Hope For His Marvel Career
Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems
Adam Sandler is a capable actor, whether he’s making absurd comedy films with his friends or starring in...
Adam Sandler as Jakub Procházka in Spaceman (2024)
Interestingly, rumors suggest that Marvel Studios was looking into Sandler to play the role of Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy back in 2013. However, James Gunn shared that he never met the Happy Gilmore actor for the said role.
Adam Sandler Has No Hope For His Marvel Career
Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems
Adam Sandler is a capable actor, whether he’s making absurd comedy films with his friends or starring in...
- 3/23/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
In a year when the Barbenheimer phenomenon dominated the industry, it was Adam Sandler who made the most money among Hollywood A-listers in 2023. The Sandman did not have any theatrical releases in 2023. However, his million-dollar Netflix deal spawned two live-action films and one animated film this year. Along with these movies, Sandler had a busy time doing stand-up comedy shows across the U.S. Adam Sandler earned $73 million from all these projects in 2023.
Adam Sandler with his daughter in Netflix’s You’re So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah
Sandler is way ahead of the next actor on the list. Margot Robbie’s earnings from Barbie made her the second-highest-earning actor of 2023, with $59 million. Tom Cruise and Matt Damon secured the third and fourth positions with $45 million and $43 million, respectively.
Adam Sandler’s Netflix Movies Made Him The Highest-Earning Star Of 2023 Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in Netflix’s...
Adam Sandler with his daughter in Netflix’s You’re So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah
Sandler is way ahead of the next actor on the list. Margot Robbie’s earnings from Barbie made her the second-highest-earning actor of 2023, with $59 million. Tom Cruise and Matt Damon secured the third and fourth positions with $45 million and $43 million, respectively.
Adam Sandler’s Netflix Movies Made Him The Highest-Earning Star Of 2023 Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in Netflix’s...
- 3/7/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Carey Mulligan says she’d love to star in a rom-com with Adam Sandler following their work together in the new Johan Renck-directed Netflix drama “Spaceman.”
“The Wedding Singer’ is one of my favorite movies, ‘50 First Dates,’ everything he’s done with Jennifer Aniston, I am there for it,” Mulligan told me at the “Spaceman” premiere Monday night at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. “We have to do a rom-com 100 percent!”
And she’s already got the pitch – sort of: “We have to pick the location first where we want to have a really nice holiday and then build the story around that.”
Sandler stars in “Spaceman” as an astronaut on a solo, year-long mission in space. As he comes to realize that his marriage is in trouble (Mulligan plays his wife), he also starts seeing and talking to a giant spider (voiced by Paul Dano) that suddenly appears on his ship.
“The Wedding Singer’ is one of my favorite movies, ‘50 First Dates,’ everything he’s done with Jennifer Aniston, I am there for it,” Mulligan told me at the “Spaceman” premiere Monday night at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. “We have to do a rom-com 100 percent!”
And she’s already got the pitch – sort of: “We have to pick the location first where we want to have a really nice holiday and then build the story around that.”
Sandler stars in “Spaceman” as an astronaut on a solo, year-long mission in space. As he comes to realize that his marriage is in trouble (Mulligan plays his wife), he also starts seeing and talking to a giant spider (voiced by Paul Dano) that suddenly appears on his ship.
- 2/27/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Uncut Gems is widely considered a revival movie for Adam Sandler who was struggling with critically panned films. The Safdie brothers, Josh and Benny, directed the anxiety-inducing thriller after their earlier critically acclaimed movie, Good Time. The brothers have since had a fallout and Josh Safdie has been struggling to land a movie while Benny Safdie’s career is thriving. According to reports, Josh has turned to Sandler to save his rocky career.
Adam Sandler and Julia Fox in the Safdie brothers’ Uncut Gems
Reportedly, Sandler and Josh had a few issues going between them, however, the 50 First Dates actor has now given Josh a chance to direct his upcoming Netflix comedy special. The transition from successful movies to a comedy special is reportedly humbling for the director.
Adam Sandler Gives Josh Safdie A Chance Despite Their Alleged Rift Adam Sandler with Benny and Josh Safdie on the sets of Uncut Gems
Not long ago,...
Adam Sandler and Julia Fox in the Safdie brothers’ Uncut Gems
Reportedly, Sandler and Josh had a few issues going between them, however, the 50 First Dates actor has now given Josh a chance to direct his upcoming Netflix comedy special. The transition from successful movies to a comedy special is reportedly humbling for the director.
Adam Sandler Gives Josh Safdie A Chance Despite Their Alleged Rift Adam Sandler with Benny and Josh Safdie on the sets of Uncut Gems
Not long ago,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
BBC Studios Productions CEO Ralph Lee will exit the BBC’s commercial wing in April. He is leaving after six years to “pursue a new challenge outside the organisation.”
BBC Studios has initiated a search for a replacement, with Lee saying “the right time to explore other opportunities.”
Lee joined BBC Studios as Director of Content in 2018 and was made CEO of BBC Studios Productions in 2022, when the BBC pooled its Scripted, Factual, Global Entertainment and Kids & Family divisions into one single production hub.
Former Channel 4 Deputy Chief Creative Officer Lee has overseen production on returning and continuing titles such as Strictly Come Dancing, Happy Valley 3, EastEnders, Doctor Who, Prehistoric Planet, Good Omens, The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final, Planet Earth III, The Coronation of King Charles III, Silent Witness and Black Ops – and original podcast series such as Vishal and Believe in Magic.
He also had oversight of...
BBC Studios has initiated a search for a replacement, with Lee saying “the right time to explore other opportunities.”
Lee joined BBC Studios as Director of Content in 2018 and was made CEO of BBC Studios Productions in 2022, when the BBC pooled its Scripted, Factual, Global Entertainment and Kids & Family divisions into one single production hub.
Former Channel 4 Deputy Chief Creative Officer Lee has overseen production on returning and continuing titles such as Strictly Come Dancing, Happy Valley 3, EastEnders, Doctor Who, Prehistoric Planet, Good Omens, The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final, Planet Earth III, The Coronation of King Charles III, Silent Witness and Black Ops – and original podcast series such as Vishal and Believe in Magic.
He also had oversight of...
- 2/8/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The inclusion of right-wing firebrand politician Nigel Farage and Jamie Lynn Spears in this year’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! failed to spark gangbuster ratings for last night’s launch episode, although you wouldn’t think so reading Gb News producer Ben Leo’s X timeline.
Leo, who is in Australia covering the show featuring Gb News presenter Farage, tweeted this morning that the series opener had been watched by 9.1 million people and a peak of 10.3 million. The figure is in fact 7 million and 7.8 million respectively – I’m a Celeb’s lowest for several years. Leo appears to have been confusing last night’s ratings with 2022’s and hasn’t yet taken his tweet down, which led with “Farage Sparks Bombshell Ratings.”
Farage’s inclusion mirrored last year’s decision to sign up former Health Secretary Matt Hancock and ITV had been hoping the former Ukip leader,...
Leo, who is in Australia covering the show featuring Gb News presenter Farage, tweeted this morning that the series opener had been watched by 9.1 million people and a peak of 10.3 million. The figure is in fact 7 million and 7.8 million respectively – I’m a Celeb’s lowest for several years. Leo appears to have been confusing last night’s ratings with 2022’s and hasn’t yet taken his tweet down, which led with “Farage Sparks Bombshell Ratings.”
Farage’s inclusion mirrored last year’s decision to sign up former Health Secretary Matt Hancock and ITV had been hoping the former Ukip leader,...
- 11/20/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s almost certainly going to be the only time in history the actor sister of a music megastar and a controversial former British politician spend time together in a jungle.
Jamie Lynn Spears, sister of Britney and an actress in Nickelodeon’s Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias, is one of 10 celebrity contestants cast in ITV’s latest season of I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!.
She’ll appear opposite Nigel Farage, one of the key players behind the UK’s exit from the European Union in 2016. He remains a hugely divisive character in the UK.
“There is literally every misconception you can have on a person about me so I don’t take any of it seriously,” said Spears. “But I do think going on I’m A Celebrity will be a nice way for people to see the real me. This is an opportunity to be...
Jamie Lynn Spears, sister of Britney and an actress in Nickelodeon’s Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias, is one of 10 celebrity contestants cast in ITV’s latest season of I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!.
She’ll appear opposite Nigel Farage, one of the key players behind the UK’s exit from the European Union in 2016. He remains a hugely divisive character in the UK.
“There is literally every misconception you can have on a person about me so I don’t take any of it seriously,” said Spears. “But I do think going on I’m A Celebrity will be a nice way for people to see the real me. This is an opportunity to be...
- 11/14/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Nothing gold can stay, and to make room for everything new at Hulu in November, we have to say goodbye to dozens of the series and movies on the platform. The streamer will make room for its upcoming Christmas library by losing some of its horror-themed titles throughout the month, including “Stephen King's It,” most of its “Saw” franchise, and “Shaun Of The Dead.” Other major titles leaving the platform include Emma Stone’s breakthrough comedy “Easy A,” the Nora Ephron classic “Sleeping in Seattle,” and more.
Check out The Streamable’s top picks for what to catch this month on Hulu before they’re gone!
30-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month hulu.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Leaving Hulu in November 2023? “A Walk to Remember” | Friday, Nov. 3
Before “The Notebook,” “A Walk to Remember” was the go-to Nicholas Sparks coming-of-age schmaltz. Mandy Moore makes her film starring debut...
Check out The Streamable’s top picks for what to catch this month on Hulu before they’re gone!
30-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month hulu.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Leaving Hulu in November 2023? “A Walk to Remember” | Friday, Nov. 3
Before “The Notebook,” “A Walk to Remember” was the go-to Nicholas Sparks coming-of-age schmaltz. Mandy Moore makes her film starring debut...
- 10/31/2023
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
First Dates: The Podcast is back for a second series, with more hilarious and heartfelt real-life dating stories. Back as co-hosts are presenter and Sunday Times bestselling author Frankie Bridge and CiCi Coleman, best known to audiences as a waitress from Channel 4's First Dates. Every week, Frankie and CiCi enter the world of romance joined by members of the public share their dating experiences.
- 10/5/2023
- by PodcastingToday
- Podcastingtoday
It’s the most spookiest time of the year, and you’ll find a smorgasbord of creepy content on the Hulu streaming service in October! Not only has the streamer secured recent theatrical releases like Cobweb and Slotherhouse for you, but Huluween is here again to make sure things go bump in the night.
Huluween highlights this year include the first season of Living for the Dead, which comes from the creators of Netflix’s popular Queer Eye. Join five queer ghost hunters – Alex Le May, Juju Bae, Ken Boggle, Logan Taylor and Roz Hernandez – as they travel to a range of the world’s most haunted locations in an attempt to help the living by healing the dead.
Hulu will also premiere Monster Inside: America’s Most Extreme Haunted House from director Andrew Renzi. The new documentary follows the story of “Navy Veteran turned master of horror” Russ McKamey. His home,...
Huluween highlights this year include the first season of Living for the Dead, which comes from the creators of Netflix’s popular Queer Eye. Join five queer ghost hunters – Alex Le May, Juju Bae, Ken Boggle, Logan Taylor and Roz Hernandez – as they travel to a range of the world’s most haunted locations in an attempt to help the living by healing the dead.
Hulu will also premiere Monster Inside: America’s Most Extreme Haunted House from director Andrew Renzi. The new documentary follows the story of “Navy Veteran turned master of horror” Russ McKamey. His home,...
- 10/1/2023
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
Created and marketed in 1959 as a teenage fashion doll alternative to baby dolls — and the star, of course, of the critically acclaimed box office blockbuster — Barbie has not only driven a cultural conversation on gender and feminism but also a desire to look like the doll itself. And now that’s more possible than ever (if not controversial), in almost every way except making human feet permanently arched.
Rachel Evans, a well-known Barbie lookalike in the U.K., has achieved her self-stated goal of being “a human doll … now I am Barbie 24/7,” as she states on her website, rachelevanstv.com, through 35 facial injection procedures. Wearing a pink and white plaid dress and hat akin to Barbie’s (Margot Robbie) traveling look in the movie, Evans explains her fixation in a Zoom interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying that she was bullied as a child, resulting in a broken nose: “I...
Rachel Evans, a well-known Barbie lookalike in the U.K., has achieved her self-stated goal of being “a human doll … now I am Barbie 24/7,” as she states on her website, rachelevanstv.com, through 35 facial injection procedures. Wearing a pink and white plaid dress and hat akin to Barbie’s (Margot Robbie) traveling look in the movie, Evans explains her fixation in a Zoom interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying that she was bullied as a child, resulting in a broken nose: “I...
- 8/16/2023
- by Xennia Hamilton
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nicole Morganti, Amazon Studios head of Italian originals, is being promoted by the streamer to the newly expanded role of head of local originals for Southern Europe encompassing Italy, France and Spain.
Morganti, who has over 20 years of experience in the Italian entertainment industry, joined Amazon Studios as head of unscripted originals for Italy in February 2019 from her previously held position of Discovery Italy’s VP of talent and productions. She was promoted in April 2020 to the role of head of Amazon originals — scripted and unscripted — for Italy.
Since joining Amazon, Morganti has led the streamer’s multi-pronged approach in Italy combining scripted, unscripted and sports content. She has launched a mix of bold scripted shows such as hit dark Mafia comedy “The Bad Guy” and young adult coming-of-age drama “Prisma,” which is about twin brothers who go against gender norms in different ways. She has also worked on the docu-reality series “The Ferragnez,...
Morganti, who has over 20 years of experience in the Italian entertainment industry, joined Amazon Studios as head of unscripted originals for Italy in February 2019 from her previously held position of Discovery Italy’s VP of talent and productions. She was promoted in April 2020 to the role of head of Amazon originals — scripted and unscripted — for Italy.
Since joining Amazon, Morganti has led the streamer’s multi-pronged approach in Italy combining scripted, unscripted and sports content. She has launched a mix of bold scripted shows such as hit dark Mafia comedy “The Bad Guy” and young adult coming-of-age drama “Prisma,” which is about twin brothers who go against gender norms in different ways. She has also worked on the docu-reality series “The Ferragnez,...
- 8/2/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The much-anticipated launch date for Frankie Bridge and Cici Coleman’s new podcast, First Dates: The Podcast has been revealed. Every week, presenter and Sunday Times bestselling author Frankie and Cici, best known as a waitress from Channel 4's First Dates will be joined by members of the public who tell all about their dating experiences, from romantic stories of love at first sight, to dating disasters of epic proportions.
- 7/13/2023
- by PodcastingToday
- Podcastingtoday
First Dates: The Podcast is a new standalone series, separate from the TV show. Presenter and Sunday Times bestselling author Frankie Bridge and Cici Coleman, best as a waitress from Channel 4's First Dates, will front the brand-new podcast this summer. Each week, they hear from people with outrageous, heart-warming, hilarious and inspiring dating stories – the highs and lows of romance, letting them in on the post-date debrief.
- 6/28/2023
- by PodcastingToday
- Podcastingtoday
Ratings for the British edition of “Love Island” have plummeted for a second consecutive season.
The ITV dating reality show’s Season 10 premiere on Monday night drew 1.3 million and an 11% audience share — that’s slightly more than half the viewers from the 2.4 million (15.4% share) who tuned in for the 2022 summer season opener.
It also continues a downward linear ratings trend for “Love Island,” which had a quiet winter season a few months back despite featuring a new host in Maya Jama. The winter premiere episode attracted just 1.4 million viewers and an 8.7% audience share on its terrestrial broadcast.
Figures for catch-up viewing on the fledgling streaming platform hadn’t been released at press time, but it’s clear that this summer season will be a crucial test case for Itvx as it continues to explore where audiences are watching its juggernaut programs.
“Love Island’s” peak years were from 2017 to 2019, when...
The ITV dating reality show’s Season 10 premiere on Monday night drew 1.3 million and an 11% audience share — that’s slightly more than half the viewers from the 2.4 million (15.4% share) who tuned in for the 2022 summer season opener.
It also continues a downward linear ratings trend for “Love Island,” which had a quiet winter season a few months back despite featuring a new host in Maya Jama. The winter premiere episode attracted just 1.4 million viewers and an 8.7% audience share on its terrestrial broadcast.
Figures for catch-up viewing on the fledgling streaming platform hadn’t been released at press time, but it’s clear that this summer season will be a crucial test case for Itvx as it continues to explore where audiences are watching its juggernaut programs.
“Love Island’s” peak years were from 2017 to 2019, when...
- 6/6/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran and Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards will pivot from a live ceremony to a pre-taped show that will air Sunday.
The show changes announced Friday came hours after the Writers Guild of America said it had planned to picket outside of the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, where the awards had been scheduled to be presented in front of a live audience. The WGA has since canceled its intentions to demonstrate.
“As we carefully navigate how best to deliver the fan first awards’ show we envisioned that our team has worked so hard to create, we’re pivoting away from a live event that still enables us to produce a memorable night full of exclusive sneak peeks, irreverent categories our audience has come to expect and countless moments that will both surprise and delight as we honor the best of film and TV over the past year,” Bruce Gillmer, executive producer...
The show changes announced Friday came hours after the Writers Guild of America said it had planned to picket outside of the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, where the awards had been scheduled to be presented in front of a live audience. The WGA has since canceled its intentions to demonstrate.
“As we carefully navigate how best to deliver the fan first awards’ show we envisioned that our team has worked so hard to create, we’re pivoting away from a live event that still enables us to produce a memorable night full of exclusive sneak peeks, irreverent categories our audience has come to expect and countless moments that will both surprise and delight as we honor the best of film and TV over the past year,” Bruce Gillmer, executive producer...
- 5/6/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The U.K.’s first gay dating show is about to air on BBC Three. “I Kissed A Boy,” fronted by Dannii Minogue, features 10 single men hoping to find love in a sunny villa in Italy.
Wait. Hang on. It’s 2023. How is this the U.K.’s first ever gay dating show? LGBTQ+ representation on television has changed immeasurably in the past decade — just look at E!’s “The Bi Life” and Netflix’s “Heartstopper.” It used to be that gay relationships were only explored after the watershed or in soap storylines, but these stories are now more mainstream than ever. Why has it taken this long for the U.K. to produce its first gay dating series?
Of course, British dating shows do feature LGBTQ+ contestants. Channel 4’s “First Dates,” MTV’s “Ex on the Beach” and E4’s “Married at First Sight” have all featured LGBTQ+ participants.
Wait. Hang on. It’s 2023. How is this the U.K.’s first ever gay dating show? LGBTQ+ representation on television has changed immeasurably in the past decade — just look at E!’s “The Bi Life” and Netflix’s “Heartstopper.” It used to be that gay relationships were only explored after the watershed or in soap storylines, but these stories are now more mainstream than ever. Why has it taken this long for the U.K. to produce its first gay dating series?
Of course, British dating shows do feature LGBTQ+ contestants. Channel 4’s “First Dates,” MTV’s “Ex on the Beach” and E4’s “Married at First Sight” have all featured LGBTQ+ participants.
- 4/20/2023
- by Scott Bryan
- Variety Film + TV
Bold Films has tapped studio executive-turned-producer, screenwriter and showrunner Jeff Kleeman as its new chief executive officer.
Kleeman, who has served has the president of Ellen DeGeneres’ A Very Good Production since 2012, replaces Gary Michael Walters, who is exiting to launch his own venture after nearly 20 years with the company.
In his new role, Kleeman will oversee Bold’s current operations and expansion plans. Some of his areas of focus will be building strategic partnerships, with a particular focus on international, and leveraging Bold’s existing IP as well as new IP to generate multiple revenue streams. He will report to Bold Films chairman David Litvak.
“It’s an honor to join David and his team to further expand the company’s diverse library with elevated films, scripted and non-scripted television, animation, and franchises that deliver unforgettable emotional experiences to audiences worldwide,” Kleeman said in a statement.
Also Read:
Regal Cinemas...
Kleeman, who has served has the president of Ellen DeGeneres’ A Very Good Production since 2012, replaces Gary Michael Walters, who is exiting to launch his own venture after nearly 20 years with the company.
In his new role, Kleeman will oversee Bold’s current operations and expansion plans. Some of his areas of focus will be building strategic partnerships, with a particular focus on international, and leveraging Bold’s existing IP as well as new IP to generate multiple revenue streams. He will report to Bold Films chairman David Litvak.
“It’s an honor to join David and his team to further expand the company’s diverse library with elevated films, scripted and non-scripted television, animation, and franchises that deliver unforgettable emotional experiences to audiences worldwide,” Kleeman said in a statement.
Also Read:
Regal Cinemas...
- 4/14/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Jeff Kleeman has stepped in as CEO for Bold Films, taking over for Gary Michael Walters, whose March departure from the company after nearly 20 years was just announced.
The studio executive-turned-producer, screenwriter and showrunner comes to the company from Ellen DeGeneres’ A Very Good Production, where he’s served as President since 2012, overseeing work on 26 series, specials and movies amounting to over 1,615 hours of live-action and animated content.
Kleeman will report to Bold Chairman David Litvak, overseeing the company’s current operations, as well as its plans for expansion. He’ll now focus on building strategic partnerships, with a particular eye on international, while looking to leverage both existing Bold IP and new IP to generate multiple revenue streams.
Kleeman’s appointment comes at a time when Bold Films is looking to take on a more global footprint in development and production, as it continues to develop feature-length projects for both theatrical and streaming,...
The studio executive-turned-producer, screenwriter and showrunner comes to the company from Ellen DeGeneres’ A Very Good Production, where he’s served as President since 2012, overseeing work on 26 series, specials and movies amounting to over 1,615 hours of live-action and animated content.
Kleeman will report to Bold Chairman David Litvak, overseeing the company’s current operations, as well as its plans for expansion. He’ll now focus on building strategic partnerships, with a particular eye on international, while looking to leverage both existing Bold IP and new IP to generate multiple revenue streams.
Kleeman’s appointment comes at a time when Bold Films is looking to take on a more global footprint in development and production, as it continues to develop feature-length projects for both theatrical and streaming,...
- 4/14/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Drew Barrymore is itching for another collab with longtime friend and frequent co-star, Adam Sandler. Barrymore spoke to Et’s Rachel Smith at the Mark Twain Honors in Washington D.C. Sunday, where she said that the pair are actively seeking their next project together.
“We might have mentioned something about it this morning,” Barrymore teased. “We’re actively seeking.”
While she wouldn’t reveal much, “The Drew Barrymore Show” host said that she and Sandler are working on finding that perfect “alchemy” before bringing anything to the big screen.
“I know, I wonder the same thing, ’cause I think that is important for us, to hook into it,” Barrymore said when asked what the two are up to next. “Maybe not be redundant of something we’ve done in the past, but not try to prove we’re doing something different just to prove it. It’s like an alchemy,...
“We might have mentioned something about it this morning,” Barrymore teased. “We’re actively seeking.”
While she wouldn’t reveal much, “The Drew Barrymore Show” host said that she and Sandler are working on finding that perfect “alchemy” before bringing anything to the big screen.
“I know, I wonder the same thing, ’cause I think that is important for us, to hook into it,” Barrymore said when asked what the two are up to next. “Maybe not be redundant of something we’ve done in the past, but not try to prove we’re doing something different just to prove it. It’s like an alchemy,...
- 3/20/2023
- by Sarah Curran
- ET Canada
Exclusive: Channel 4 has handed Taskmaster an unprecedented six-season renewal and greenlit a junior version of the comedy panel show.
Demonstrating the network’s commitment to Avalon’s long-running format, the eight-part Junior Taskmaster will be aimed at older children and young teens. Kids aged nine to 11 will be recruited to bring their athleticism and creativity to the new show, which will reveal hosts soon.
Junior Taskmaster will air before the 9 p.m. GMT (2 p.m. Pt) watershed and joins a roster of Channel 4 spin-offs for younger people including Junior Bake Off and First Dates. PG and family-friendly versions of Taskmaster already air on YouTube and amass big audiences, while a Taskmaster Education project and School Tasking not-for-profit are utilized by schools across the UK.
Avalon, the producer of the main show, is behind Junior Taskmaster. The Starstruck and Catastrophe producer is also in the midst of making a six-part...
Demonstrating the network’s commitment to Avalon’s long-running format, the eight-part Junior Taskmaster will be aimed at older children and young teens. Kids aged nine to 11 will be recruited to bring their athleticism and creativity to the new show, which will reveal hosts soon.
Junior Taskmaster will air before the 9 p.m. GMT (2 p.m. Pt) watershed and joins a roster of Channel 4 spin-offs for younger people including Junior Bake Off and First Dates. PG and family-friendly versions of Taskmaster already air on YouTube and amass big audiences, while a Taskmaster Education project and School Tasking not-for-profit are utilized by schools across the UK.
Avalon, the producer of the main show, is behind Junior Taskmaster. The Starstruck and Catastrophe producer is also in the midst of making a six-part...
- 3/15/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Fox has named John Hesling its new head of Alternative Entertainment, the broadcast network’s in-house unscripted studio.
Responsible for overseeing the development and production of all unscripted series owned by Fox Entertainment (Fae), as well as programs Fae produces for third-party buyers in the U.S. and abroad, Hesling will be based in Los Angeles. Those titles include “The Masked Singer,” “Next Level Chef,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Crime Scene Kitchen,” “Alter Ego,” “Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer,” “Domino Masters” and “Name that Tune,” among others.
Hesling will report to Allison Wallach, the recently named president of unscripted programming, who took over for Rob Wade following his promotion to Fox Entertainment CEO.
“I am so excited for John to join Fae and lead the incredible team we have assembled,” Wallach said. “His creative vision and vast experience as both a producer and an executive working on a...
Responsible for overseeing the development and production of all unscripted series owned by Fox Entertainment (Fae), as well as programs Fae produces for third-party buyers in the U.S. and abroad, Hesling will be based in Los Angeles. Those titles include “The Masked Singer,” “Next Level Chef,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Crime Scene Kitchen,” “Alter Ego,” “Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer,” “Domino Masters” and “Name that Tune,” among others.
Hesling will report to Allison Wallach, the recently named president of unscripted programming, who took over for Rob Wade following his promotion to Fox Entertainment CEO.
“I am so excited for John to join Fae and lead the incredible team we have assembled,” Wallach said. “His creative vision and vast experience as both a producer and an executive working on a...
- 3/1/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Former Maverick USA President John Hesling has been tapped to lead Fox Alternative Entertainment, the broadcaster’s in-house unscripted studio arm.
Hesling will oversee the development and production of all unscripted series owned by Fox Entertainment, TheWrap has confirmed. Those series include “The Masked Singer,” “Next Level Chef,” “Crime Scene Kitchen” and “Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer,” among others, alongside productions for third-party buyers in the U.S. and abroad, including “Love Trip: Paris” for Freeform and “The Big Deal” for Ireland’s Virgin Media Television in partnership with Dublin-based BiggerStage.
The veteran executive will report to Fox Entertainment President of Unscripted Programming Allison Wallach, who was elevated to the position in December 2022 after Rob Wade was promoted to CEO.
Also Read:
Kristen Bell Comedy Series Greenlit at Netflix
“I am so excited for John to join Fae and lead the incredible team we have assembled,” Wallach said. “His...
Hesling will oversee the development and production of all unscripted series owned by Fox Entertainment, TheWrap has confirmed. Those series include “The Masked Singer,” “Next Level Chef,” “Crime Scene Kitchen” and “Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer,” among others, alongside productions for third-party buyers in the U.S. and abroad, including “Love Trip: Paris” for Freeform and “The Big Deal” for Ireland’s Virgin Media Television in partnership with Dublin-based BiggerStage.
The veteran executive will report to Fox Entertainment President of Unscripted Programming Allison Wallach, who was elevated to the position in December 2022 after Rob Wade was promoted to CEO.
Also Read:
Kristen Bell Comedy Series Greenlit at Netflix
“I am so excited for John to join Fae and lead the incredible team we have assembled,” Wallach said. “His...
- 3/1/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Fox Alternative Entertainment, the studio arm of the broadcaster, has a new boss.
Former Maverick USA President John Hesling will run the studio; it comes after Deadline revealed that Allison Wallach, who previously ran the studio, was named President, Unscripted Programming at Fox after Rob Wade was promoted to CEO.
Hesling becomes Head of Fox Alternative Entertainment and EVP, and reports to Wallach.
Other changes among the unscripted staff include a new role for Spike Van Briesen, who is moving from the network to the studio side of the business. Van Briesen, who has exec produced Fox series including Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back and Kristin Davis-fronted sperm donor series Labor of Love, is now SVP, Current, Fox Alternative Entertainment.
Van Briesen will report to Hesling, as will LA-based execs Leela Pon, SVP, Content and Staci Sarkin, SVP, Production.
Hesling spent four years running...
Former Maverick USA President John Hesling will run the studio; it comes after Deadline revealed that Allison Wallach, who previously ran the studio, was named President, Unscripted Programming at Fox after Rob Wade was promoted to CEO.
Hesling becomes Head of Fox Alternative Entertainment and EVP, and reports to Wallach.
Other changes among the unscripted staff include a new role for Spike Van Briesen, who is moving from the network to the studio side of the business. Van Briesen, who has exec produced Fox series including Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back and Kristin Davis-fronted sperm donor series Labor of Love, is now SVP, Current, Fox Alternative Entertainment.
Van Briesen will report to Hesling, as will LA-based execs Leela Pon, SVP, Content and Staci Sarkin, SVP, Production.
Hesling spent four years running...
- 3/1/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Markets
Berlin’s just concluded European Film Market (EFM), which had a physical edition this year after two online editions in 2021 and 2022 due to the pandemic, has reported “record results” according to the organizers. There were 230 stands and 612 companies from 78 countries and more than 11,500 market participants from 132 countries. Some 773 films were shown in 1,533 screenings, including 647 online screenings and 599 market premieres. The total number of buyers also rose to 1,302. 629 film projects were presented on the new Producers & Project Pages.
“After the past two irregular years, we’re pleased to return to the physical in full force, and with a vibrant, bustling and strong market. The exhibition areas at Gropius Bau and the Marriott Hotel were sold out, and the exhibitors reported strong sales and good business. The decision to group all the market happenings together with the Berlinale Series Market and the market screenings at Potsdamer Platz, and to provide the industry with an efficient infrastructure,...
Berlin’s just concluded European Film Market (EFM), which had a physical edition this year after two online editions in 2021 and 2022 due to the pandemic, has reported “record results” according to the organizers. There were 230 stands and 612 companies from 78 countries and more than 11,500 market participants from 132 countries. Some 773 films were shown in 1,533 screenings, including 647 online screenings and 599 market premieres. The total number of buyers also rose to 1,302. 629 film projects were presented on the new Producers & Project Pages.
“After the past two irregular years, we’re pleased to return to the physical in full force, and with a vibrant, bustling and strong market. The exhibition areas at Gropius Bau and the Marriott Hotel were sold out, and the exhibitors reported strong sales and good business. The decision to group all the market happenings together with the Berlinale Series Market and the market screenings at Potsdamer Platz, and to provide the industry with an efficient infrastructure,...
- 2/23/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios is gearing up for next week’s Showcase event by signing a global first-look deal with former Warner Bros. Australia TV boss Shaun Murphy.
The agreement gives the BBC’s commercial arm a first look outside Australia at Big Owl Pictures’ slate of original factual entertainment and entertainment formats. It also includes a commitment to co-develop paper formats through BBC Studios’ global production network, which spans territories including the U.S., the UK, France, Germany and Nordics.
Murphy launched Big Owl in July last year with backing from Californian billionaire Steve Luczo, as we revealed at the time. The company focused on all genres of unscripted content, and select scripted and film projects, working domestically and internationally.
The news comes soon after BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell told Deadline of plans to further expand the organisation’s international production capabilities through acquisition, talent deals and other creative partnerships.
The agreement gives the BBC’s commercial arm a first look outside Australia at Big Owl Pictures’ slate of original factual entertainment and entertainment formats. It also includes a commitment to co-develop paper formats through BBC Studios’ global production network, which spans territories including the U.S., the UK, France, Germany and Nordics.
Murphy launched Big Owl in July last year with backing from Californian billionaire Steve Luczo, as we revealed at the time. The company focused on all genres of unscripted content, and select scripted and film projects, working domestically and internationally.
The news comes soon after BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell told Deadline of plans to further expand the organisation’s international production capabilities through acquisition, talent deals and other creative partnerships.
- 2/23/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Drew Barrymore grew up in the spotlight. She found herself in Hollywood thanks to a family legacy — her dad was actor John Drew Barrymore, while her grandparents, John Barrymore and Dolores Costello, were prominent stage and screen performers. But the E.T. star’s relationships with her parents were less than positive. Learn how she describes them.
Drew Barrymore rose to prominence at just 5 years old
Despite her famous folks, Barrymore doesn’t exactly look back on her childhood with fondness. According to Us Weekly, she said that she “didn’t really have parents” calling this “a detriment to [her] youth.”
Before she was even a teenager, Barrymore began spending time at clubs. She famously went to Studio 54 with her mom, Jaid, becoming exposed to drugs and alcohol early on. The star went to rehab at 12 years old.
Barrymore was treated for her drug and alcohol addiction as a young teenager.
Drew Barrymore rose to prominence at just 5 years old
Despite her famous folks, Barrymore doesn’t exactly look back on her childhood with fondness. According to Us Weekly, she said that she “didn’t really have parents” calling this “a detriment to [her] youth.”
Before she was even a teenager, Barrymore began spending time at clubs. She famously went to Studio 54 with her mom, Jaid, becoming exposed to drugs and alcohol early on. The star went to rehab at 12 years old.
Barrymore was treated for her drug and alcohol addiction as a young teenager.
- 2/20/2023
- by Robert Arissen
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Festival
The 37th edition of BFI Flare: London Lgbtqia+ Film Festival (March 15-26) will open with Kristen Lovell and Zackary Drucker’s Sundance-winning documentary “The Stroll,” which tells the history of New York City’s Meatpacking District from the point of view of the trans women of color who lived and worked there.
Hannes Hirsch’s debut feature, coming-of-age film “Drifter,” fresh off its world premiere at the Berlinale, will close the festival. Tünde Skovrán’s documentary “Who I am Not,” a portrait of the lives of two intersex South Africans and the challenges they face navigating binary sex and gender systems, will be the centerpiece presentation. All filmmakers are expected to be in attendance.
Michael Blyth, BFI Flare’s senior programmer said: “The opening, closing and centerpiece presentations at this year’s BFI Flare offer a fascinating cross section of queer identities, each radically different in both style and content.
The 37th edition of BFI Flare: London Lgbtqia+ Film Festival (March 15-26) will open with Kristen Lovell and Zackary Drucker’s Sundance-winning documentary “The Stroll,” which tells the history of New York City’s Meatpacking District from the point of view of the trans women of color who lived and worked there.
Hannes Hirsch’s debut feature, coming-of-age film “Drifter,” fresh off its world premiere at the Berlinale, will close the festival. Tünde Skovrán’s documentary “Who I am Not,” a portrait of the lives of two intersex South Africans and the challenges they face navigating binary sex and gender systems, will be the centerpiece presentation. All filmmakers are expected to be in attendance.
Michael Blyth, BFI Flare’s senior programmer said: “The opening, closing and centerpiece presentations at this year’s BFI Flare offer a fascinating cross section of queer identities, each radically different in both style and content.
- 2/7/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Channel 4 has renewed Celebrity Cooking School for a second season for youth portfolio channel E4.
Sony Pictures Television (Spt) and Motion Content Group’s format, in which celebrity non-chefs are pitted against each other overseen by a professional, will enter production later this year and greenlight announcement is imminent, Deadline understands.
The first season was overseen by Michelin starred chef Giorgio Locatelli and saw the likes of Kerry Katona, Melvin Odoom and Shaun Ryder take part. One celebrity was knocked out every week and the winner was First Dates star Laura Tott. Season two celebrities will be revealed shortly.
Former Sony-backed indie Electric Ray developed the format but has since been absorbed by Spt, which is now producing its shows.
Celebrity Cooking School is reflective of E4 controller Karl Warner’s desire to order more factual-entertainment formats following a good year for the likes of Married At First Sight...
Sony Pictures Television (Spt) and Motion Content Group’s format, in which celebrity non-chefs are pitted against each other overseen by a professional, will enter production later this year and greenlight announcement is imminent, Deadline understands.
The first season was overseen by Michelin starred chef Giorgio Locatelli and saw the likes of Kerry Katona, Melvin Odoom and Shaun Ryder take part. One celebrity was knocked out every week and the winner was First Dates star Laura Tott. Season two celebrities will be revealed shortly.
Former Sony-backed indie Electric Ray developed the format but has since been absorbed by Spt, which is now producing its shows.
Celebrity Cooking School is reflective of E4 controller Karl Warner’s desire to order more factual-entertainment formats following a good year for the likes of Married At First Sight...
- 2/1/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
British TV executive Jay Hunt was once a formidable voice in the chorus of the U.K. TV industry. But since departing as Channel 4’s chief creative officer in 2017 to join Apple TV+ as its European originals chief, her voice, at least publicly, is seldom — if ever — heard.
It’s this sad reality, that one of the U.K.’s most brilliant thought leaders should be locked away under strict Apple media protocols, that was put in sharp relief on Tuesday evening during a rare public appearance by Hunt, who interviewed another mad genius, Channel 5 boss Ben Frow, as part of a Royal Television Society event in London.
Hunt, who once eviscerated then Vice Media boss Shane Smith during their 2016 interview at the Edinburgh TV Festival, seemed to recognize the unique nature of her circumstance, telling the audience of around 80 people at Fitzrovia’s Cavendish Convention Centre that...
It’s this sad reality, that one of the U.K.’s most brilliant thought leaders should be locked away under strict Apple media protocols, that was put in sharp relief on Tuesday evening during a rare public appearance by Hunt, who interviewed another mad genius, Channel 5 boss Ben Frow, as part of a Royal Television Society event in London.
Hunt, who once eviscerated then Vice Media boss Shane Smith during their 2016 interview at the Edinburgh TV Festival, seemed to recognize the unique nature of her circumstance, telling the audience of around 80 people at Fitzrovia’s Cavendish Convention Centre that...
- 6/7/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Veteran unscripted producer and executive Pam Healey has been named president of Wheelhouse Entertainment’s flagship production company Spoke Studios.
Based in Los Angeles, the former Shed Media and High Noon executive will lead all creative efforts and growth strategies for the prodco. Among Spoke’s marquee projects are four Netflix series – including Hype House and the upcoming Goldin Auctions with Executive Producer Peyton Manning, as well as multiple series for Hulu, More Power for History, starring Tim Allen, and a slate of more than a dozen new series and projects.
Concurrently, Spoke Studios’ Will Nothacker, who has been key to development of the current slate, will return to his production roots in an expanded role as executive vice president of programming for Wheelhouse Entertainment, running the in-house production services and production management arm of the company. For Spoke Studios, Nothacker will work hand in hand with Healey; he...
Based in Los Angeles, the former Shed Media and High Noon executive will lead all creative efforts and growth strategies for the prodco. Among Spoke’s marquee projects are four Netflix series – including Hype House and the upcoming Goldin Auctions with Executive Producer Peyton Manning, as well as multiple series for Hulu, More Power for History, starring Tim Allen, and a slate of more than a dozen new series and projects.
Concurrently, Spoke Studios’ Will Nothacker, who has been key to development of the current slate, will return to his production roots in an expanded role as executive vice president of programming for Wheelhouse Entertainment, running the in-house production services and production management arm of the company. For Spoke Studios, Nothacker will work hand in hand with Healey; he...
- 6/2/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: John Hesling, President of Maverick TV USA, is stepping down after four years at the Chrisley Knows Best producer.
Hesling joined the All3Media-owned company in 2017 and has been responsible for overseeing USA Network’s hit reality series Chrisley Knows Best, which recently wrapped up its ninth season, as well as multiple spinoffs including Growing Up Chrisley, which launched its third season last year.
He also scored a Netflix cooking competition series – American Barbecue Showdown – that has been renewed for a second season at the streamer.
It’s not clear what Hesling is going to do next, but he said that he is “excited” to try something new, adding that the industry is in “such a profound period of change” with distribution channels and creative possibilities that his “head is spinning with new ideas to take out to buyers”.
Simon Knight, Chief Executive of Maverick TV, will now oversee the U.
Hesling joined the All3Media-owned company in 2017 and has been responsible for overseeing USA Network’s hit reality series Chrisley Knows Best, which recently wrapped up its ninth season, as well as multiple spinoffs including Growing Up Chrisley, which launched its third season last year.
He also scored a Netflix cooking competition series – American Barbecue Showdown – that has been renewed for a second season at the streamer.
It’s not clear what Hesling is going to do next, but he said that he is “excited” to try something new, adding that the industry is in “such a profound period of change” with distribution channels and creative possibilities that his “head is spinning with new ideas to take out to buyers”.
Simon Knight, Chief Executive of Maverick TV, will now oversee the U.
- 2/2/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
It doesn’t get more ironic than the hand that’s been dealt the U.K.’s Channel 4.
The publicly owned broadcaster set up by then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher — and known overseas as the creative incubator of shows like “Derry Girls” and “It’s a Sin” — is facing a potential sale by Boris Johnson’s government at the exact moment it delivers the highest content budget in its 39-year history and eyes a record-breaking £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in revenues for 2021.
Ian Katz, chief content officer, tells Variety that £700 million is ear-marked for new shows in 2022 — a cash infusion that will only build on what he brands as an auspicious “purple patch” for the channel.
The broadcaster has had a bumper year, delivering the hard-won free-to-air premieres of British tennis star Emma Raducanu’s historic U.S. Open win and Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 championship run, and airing shows like Peacock co-produced comedy “We Are Lady Parts,...
The publicly owned broadcaster set up by then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher — and known overseas as the creative incubator of shows like “Derry Girls” and “It’s a Sin” — is facing a potential sale by Boris Johnson’s government at the exact moment it delivers the highest content budget in its 39-year history and eyes a record-breaking £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in revenues for 2021.
Ian Katz, chief content officer, tells Variety that £700 million is ear-marked for new shows in 2022 — a cash infusion that will only build on what he brands as an auspicious “purple patch” for the channel.
The broadcaster has had a bumper year, delivering the hard-won free-to-air premieres of British tennis star Emma Raducanu’s historic U.S. Open win and Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 championship run, and airing shows like Peacock co-produced comedy “We Are Lady Parts,...
- 12/17/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Racing
Sky and Channel 4 in the U.K. are partnering to bring Sky Sports’ coverage of this season’s F1 final to the entirety of the territory on both networks simultaneously. It looks to be an historic night for F1 and the U.K.’s highest-profile racer Lewis Hamilton, who could clinch his eighth world title cementing his place at the top of the sport’s all-time winningest drivers. At present, the seven-time world chimp is tied on points with Belgian driver Max Verstappen, meaning that whoever finishes higher at Yas Marina will walk away with this year’s title. The historic race is being billed as Lewis v Max: Decider in the Desert.
“Sunday’s Grand Prix is one of the biggest sporting events in the last decade, and could be an historic moment for British sport,” said Sky executive VP and CEO for Europe and the U.
Sky and Channel 4 in the U.K. are partnering to bring Sky Sports’ coverage of this season’s F1 final to the entirety of the territory on both networks simultaneously. It looks to be an historic night for F1 and the U.K.’s highest-profile racer Lewis Hamilton, who could clinch his eighth world title cementing his place at the top of the sport’s all-time winningest drivers. At present, the seven-time world chimp is tied on points with Belgian driver Max Verstappen, meaning that whoever finishes higher at Yas Marina will walk away with this year’s title. The historic race is being billed as Lewis v Max: Decider in the Desert.
“Sunday’s Grand Prix is one of the biggest sporting events in the last decade, and could be an historic moment for British sport,” said Sky executive VP and CEO for Europe and the U.
- 12/9/2021
- by Jamie Lang and Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Rts Craft Winners Revealed
Channel 4 shows We Are Lady Parts and It’s A Sin were the big winners at last night’s Royal Television Society (Rts) Craft & Design Awards 2021, while the BBC took home 11 of the 29 gongs. Nida Manzoor’s We Are Lady Parts, which was recommissioned yesterday by Channel 4 and US co-producer Peacock, won for Editing – Entertainment & Comedy, Make Up – Entertainment & Non Drama and Production Design – Entertainment & Non Drama, while Russell T Davies’ It’s A Sin took home Director – Drama for Peter Hoar, Editing – Drama and Production Design – Drama. Meanwhile, BBC2/HBO’s Industry won two awards and departing ITV Studios veteran Global Production Director Sally Debonnaire was handed the Outstanding Achievement Award. Sponsored by AppleTV+, the awards celebrate the best in UK off-screen talent.
Warner Australia Betoota Advocate Deal
Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia (Wbitvp) and satirical news site The Betoota Advocate are joining forces on a slate of premium,...
Channel 4 shows We Are Lady Parts and It’s A Sin were the big winners at last night’s Royal Television Society (Rts) Craft & Design Awards 2021, while the BBC took home 11 of the 29 gongs. Nida Manzoor’s We Are Lady Parts, which was recommissioned yesterday by Channel 4 and US co-producer Peacock, won for Editing – Entertainment & Comedy, Make Up – Entertainment & Non Drama and Production Design – Entertainment & Non Drama, while Russell T Davies’ It’s A Sin took home Director – Drama for Peter Hoar, Editing – Drama and Production Design – Drama. Meanwhile, BBC2/HBO’s Industry won two awards and departing ITV Studios veteran Global Production Director Sally Debonnaire was handed the Outstanding Achievement Award. Sponsored by AppleTV+, the awards celebrate the best in UK off-screen talent.
Warner Australia Betoota Advocate Deal
Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia (Wbitvp) and satirical news site The Betoota Advocate are joining forces on a slate of premium,...
- 11/23/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman, Max Goldbart and Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Reality is set to be reworked across 10 ViacomCBS in 2022, with international formats headlining today’s upfronts.
Endemol Shine Australia will adapt UK programs Hunted and Would I Lie To You? Australia as part of next year’s Network 10 slate, as well as reality series The Bridge for Paramount+.
Warner Bros. will also produce a local version of Showtime docuseries Couples Therapy for the ViacomCBS streamer.
The free-to-air premiere schedule is rounded out by a relaunch of First Dates Australia, which joins returning formats I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Australian Survivor, MasterChef Australia, The Masked Singer Australia, The Project, Gogglebox Australia and Have You Been Paying Attention?
ViacomCBS Australia and New Zealand senior vice president for content and programming Daniel Monaghan said the “strong, consistent” line-up was designed to maintain the company’s trajectory.
“Over the past 18 months we’ve grown our viewing share and once again...
Endemol Shine Australia will adapt UK programs Hunted and Would I Lie To You? Australia as part of next year’s Network 10 slate, as well as reality series The Bridge for Paramount+.
Warner Bros. will also produce a local version of Showtime docuseries Couples Therapy for the ViacomCBS streamer.
The free-to-air premiere schedule is rounded out by a relaunch of First Dates Australia, which joins returning formats I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Australian Survivor, MasterChef Australia, The Masked Singer Australia, The Project, Gogglebox Australia and Have You Been Paying Attention?
ViacomCBS Australia and New Zealand senior vice president for content and programming Daniel Monaghan said the “strong, consistent” line-up was designed to maintain the company’s trajectory.
“Over the past 18 months we’ve grown our viewing share and once again...
- 10/20/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Warner Bros. International Television Production Germany (Wbitvp Germany) has acquired the exclusive international rights to bestselling Icelandic author Ragnar Jónasson’s “Dark Iceland” series of crime novels and will co-produce with Herbert L. Kloiber’s Night Train Media.
The “Dark Iceland” series comprises six novels — “Snowblind,” “Blackout,” “Rupture,” “Whiteout,” “Nightblind” and “Winterkill” — published between 2010 and 2020. Set in a remote Icelandic fishing village, they follow protagonist Ari Thór Arason — a rookie detective on his first posting — troubled by a complex past that he is unable to leave behind.
Jónasson said: “I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to be working with Warner Bros. Itvp Germany and Night Train Media. It will be a dream come true to see Ari Thór and the ‘Dark Iceland’ series brought to life on the screen, and I believe that in Warner — with its strong vision and long history of fantastic storytelling — we have found the perfect partner for that adventure.
The “Dark Iceland” series comprises six novels — “Snowblind,” “Blackout,” “Rupture,” “Whiteout,” “Nightblind” and “Winterkill” — published between 2010 and 2020. Set in a remote Icelandic fishing village, they follow protagonist Ari Thór Arason — a rookie detective on his first posting — troubled by a complex past that he is unable to leave behind.
Jónasson said: “I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to be working with Warner Bros. Itvp Germany and Night Train Media. It will be a dream come true to see Ari Thór and the ‘Dark Iceland’ series brought to life on the screen, and I believe that in Warner — with its strong vision and long history of fantastic storytelling — we have found the perfect partner for that adventure.
- 8/6/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Outlander Among BAFTA Scotland Winners
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts in Scotland (BAFTA Scotland) announced the winners of this year’s British Academy Scotland Awards during a digital ceremony last night. Highlights included Glenda Jackson winning in the Actress Category for Elizabeth Is Missing; Ncuti Gatwa winning this year’s Actor Category for Sex Education; and Stanley Baxter receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award and Phyliss Ironside received the Outstanding Contribution to Craft (in memory of Robert McCann). Guilt won two awards (Television Scripted and Director Fiction); Murder Trial: The Disappearance of Margaret Fleming won two awards (Factual Series and Director Factual); and Outlander was the recipient of the Audience Award, in partnership with Screen Scotland, voted for by the British public.
Critical Content, Keshet Pick Up German Format ‘Small Vs. Tall’
Critical Content, the U.S. producer behind MTV’s Catfish, and UK-based...
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts in Scotland (BAFTA Scotland) announced the winners of this year’s British Academy Scotland Awards during a digital ceremony last night. Highlights included Glenda Jackson winning in the Actress Category for Elizabeth Is Missing; Ncuti Gatwa winning this year’s Actor Category for Sex Education; and Stanley Baxter receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award and Phyliss Ironside received the Outstanding Contribution to Craft (in memory of Robert McCann). Guilt won two awards (Television Scripted and Director Fiction); Murder Trial: The Disappearance of Margaret Fleming won two awards (Factual Series and Director Factual); and Outlander was the recipient of the Audience Award, in partnership with Screen Scotland, voted for by the British public.
Critical Content, Keshet Pick Up German Format ‘Small Vs. Tall’
Critical Content, the U.S. producer behind MTV’s Catfish, and UK-based...
- 12/9/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman and Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
With just a few days of November left, we’ve now got a look at what’s coming to Netflix across December and the following breakdown gives us a strong idea of what to expect from the streaming giant next month. As you can see down below, it promises that a number of exciting original releases are on their way. Many of these are some of the most-anticipated titles of the year as well, meaning Netflix has truly saved the best for last.
On December 1st, we know to expect animated sequel Angela’s Christmas Wish and The Holiday Movies That Made Us, a documentary which looks at the best Christmas films around, while a ton of licensed titles will be added as well. Adam Sandler’s beloved 50 First Dates will be joining the platform, along with Jon Favreau’s excellent Chef, two Jurassic Park movies and more.
On the 2nd,...
On December 1st, we know to expect animated sequel Angela’s Christmas Wish and The Holiday Movies That Made Us, a documentary which looks at the best Christmas films around, while a ton of licensed titles will be added as well. Adam Sandler’s beloved 50 First Dates will be joining the platform, along with Jon Favreau’s excellent Chef, two Jurassic Park movies and more.
On the 2nd,...
- 11/24/2020
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Present at Canneseries with “Man in Room 301,” screening today in competition, Warner Bros. Int’l Television Production Finland is ramping up its scripted content. The company is betting on two scripted shows a year, next to local versions of Warner Bros. TV factuals such as “First Dates” and “The Bachelor.”
Seija-Liisa Eskola, Wbitvp Finland’s creative director and head of scripted, said “Man in Room 301” was “a step ahead” as the first high-end international co-production. Launched last December on the local streamer Elisa Viihde, the U.K-Finnish psycho drama proved the most watched series over the Christmas period. About Premium Content just licensed it to territories including the U.S. (Mhz), France and Germany (both Arte).
Two crime shows are currently filming, both for the Finnish streamer C More.
The nine-part psycho-thriller “The Color of Evil” is created by inhouse head-writer Miira Karhula. Rising names Olli-Ilpo Salonen (“Wendy and the...
Seija-Liisa Eskola, Wbitvp Finland’s creative director and head of scripted, said “Man in Room 301” was “a step ahead” as the first high-end international co-production. Launched last December on the local streamer Elisa Viihde, the U.K-Finnish psycho drama proved the most watched series over the Christmas period. About Premium Content just licensed it to territories including the U.S. (Mhz), France and Germany (both Arte).
Two crime shows are currently filming, both for the Finnish streamer C More.
The nine-part psycho-thriller “The Color of Evil” is created by inhouse head-writer Miira Karhula. Rising names Olli-Ilpo Salonen (“Wendy and the...
- 10/11/2020
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
Stephen Amell may have shelved his bow and quiver, having retired from his Star City vigilantism on The CW’s Arrow this past January, but there’s plenty of hard-hitting small screen violence in his future when he headlines Starz’s professional wrestling series, Heels. Indeed, updates from the star—along with casting news—seem to indicate that said series is finally moving things along.
With Amell set to star as struggling wrestling promoter Jack Spade, who doubles as an in-ring competitor, the star clearly needs to maintain his famously impressive Arrow physical conditioning for the new series. Yet, the ubiquitous threat of the pandemic resulted in a lengthy stasis for the project, which Starz initially ordered to series back in August 2019—well before Arrow wrapped. However, the past few days have yielded welcome signs of life for Heels, starting with a tweet from Amell teasing Day 1 at the plot-pertinent...
With Amell set to star as struggling wrestling promoter Jack Spade, who doubles as an in-ring competitor, the star clearly needs to maintain his famously impressive Arrow physical conditioning for the new series. Yet, the ubiquitous threat of the pandemic resulted in a lengthy stasis for the project, which Starz initially ordered to series back in August 2019—well before Arrow wrapped. However, the past few days have yielded welcome signs of life for Heels, starting with a tweet from Amell teasing Day 1 at the plot-pertinent...
- 8/26/2020
- by Joseph Baxter
- Den of Geek
With the streaming wars really starting to heat up now thanks to all the new services that have sprung up over the past few months, it’s more important than ever for the major players to continue delivering truckloads of new content to keep subscribers happy. And thankfully, Hulu intends on doing just that.
Earlier today, the platform announced their September line-up and it’s an exciting mix of films and TV shows covering iconic classics, underrated gems, overlooked projects and true fan favorites. In fact, it’s looking like a particularly strong month compared to what we’ve seen from the streaming site over the summer so far and below, you can check out the entire list of what’s headed to Hulu in the coming weeks.
Released September 1
Mike Tyson Mysteries: Complete Season 4 (Adult Swim)
Jeopardy!: Episode Refresh (ABC)
50 First Dates (2004)
Absolute Power (1997)
Aeon Flux (2005)
American Dragons...
Earlier today, the platform announced their September line-up and it’s an exciting mix of films and TV shows covering iconic classics, underrated gems, overlooked projects and true fan favorites. In fact, it’s looking like a particularly strong month compared to what we’ve seen from the streaming site over the summer so far and below, you can check out the entire list of what’s headed to Hulu in the coming weeks.
Released September 1
Mike Tyson Mysteries: Complete Season 4 (Adult Swim)
Jeopardy!: Episode Refresh (ABC)
50 First Dates (2004)
Absolute Power (1997)
Aeon Flux (2005)
American Dragons...
- 8/18/2020
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Comcast-backed specialty channel Sky Arts is set to go free-to-air from September, after years of speculation around the delivery of the U.K. arts offering.
“It is really timely in a way, particularly because the arts and culture sector is in crisis in many ways,” Philip Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts, told Variety. “Theaters are facing an existential crisis and we need to support the next cohort of creatives.”
The channel is launching a series of bursaries worth £30,000 each, where leading figures from the arts will support and mentor diverse and emerging new artists. “You create diverse voices, you tell diverse stories, you diversify your audience,” says Edgar-Jones. “We want to reflect more of the country, more people.”
The channel has announced a tranche of new original programming, including “Landmark,” a series where artists and local communities across the U.K. will team to create the next great British...
“It is really timely in a way, particularly because the arts and culture sector is in crisis in many ways,” Philip Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts, told Variety. “Theaters are facing an existential crisis and we need to support the next cohort of creatives.”
The channel is launching a series of bursaries worth £30,000 each, where leading figures from the arts will support and mentor diverse and emerging new artists. “You create diverse voices, you tell diverse stories, you diversify your audience,” says Edgar-Jones. “We want to reflect more of the country, more people.”
The channel has announced a tranche of new original programming, including “Landmark,” a series where artists and local communities across the U.K. will team to create the next great British...
- 7/27/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Leading television industry event the Edinburgh TV Festival has added two sessions to its lineup, with “Succession” writer Lucy Prebble and Russell T. Davies, the former “Doctor Who” showrunner, among the speakers.
Davies, executive producer and writer of “Doctor Who,” “Years and Years” and “A Very English Scandal,” will be joined by “Bulletproof,” “The Corrupted” and “Kidulthood” leading actor, writer, director and producer Noel Clarke, on a drama panel that will look at the challenges behind getting scripted TV funded and produced, as well as what the picture for drama post-lockdown is shaping up to be.
They will be accompanied on the panel, hosted by New Pictures’ Willow Grylls, by “Succession” writer Lucy Prebble, controller of BBC Drama Piers Wenger, and Channel 4’s head of drama Caroline Hollick.
The session will also delve into what Britishness means in U.K.-originated, scripted TV especially now there is an emphatic demand for,...
Davies, executive producer and writer of “Doctor Who,” “Years and Years” and “A Very English Scandal,” will be joined by “Bulletproof,” “The Corrupted” and “Kidulthood” leading actor, writer, director and producer Noel Clarke, on a drama panel that will look at the challenges behind getting scripted TV funded and produced, as well as what the picture for drama post-lockdown is shaping up to be.
They will be accompanied on the panel, hosted by New Pictures’ Willow Grylls, by “Succession” writer Lucy Prebble, controller of BBC Drama Piers Wenger, and Channel 4’s head of drama Caroline Hollick.
The session will also delve into what Britishness means in U.K.-originated, scripted TV especially now there is an emphatic demand for,...
- 7/17/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The UK’s Bame TV Task Force has held talks with the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, and is preparing for meetings with Netflix and Amazon just days after publishing a letter demanding action on racial equality.
The group, which sprung up last month amid the Black Lives Matter movement, is lobbying for fundamental change in the television business to stamp out racism and improve representation for diverse storytellers on-screen.
They wrote to the government and all the major networks in the UK demanding action, and the letter gathered 1,200 signatures from industry influencers including former Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi and Charlie Covell, the showrunner on The End Of The F***ing World.
Deadline understands the group has already met with BBC director general Tony Hall, director of content Charlotte Moore, BBC Two controller Patrick Holland and June Sarpong, the public broadcaster’s diversity chief. Around the same time, the...
The group, which sprung up last month amid the Black Lives Matter movement, is lobbying for fundamental change in the television business to stamp out racism and improve representation for diverse storytellers on-screen.
They wrote to the government and all the major networks in the UK demanding action, and the letter gathered 1,200 signatures from industry influencers including former Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi and Charlie Covell, the showrunner on The End Of The F***ing World.
Deadline understands the group has already met with BBC director general Tony Hall, director of content Charlotte Moore, BBC Two controller Patrick Holland and June Sarpong, the public broadcaster’s diversity chief. Around the same time, the...
- 7/1/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The Seven Network’s ‘Extreme Weddings.’
The Seven, Nine and 10 networks insist they are not stockpiling Australian dramas and other local programming despite the suspension of the local content quotas for the rest of this year.
Last week Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner slammed the government’s decision to suspend the quotas for drama, documentary and children’s programming as a very blunt tool which has the “potential of crippling an industry already on its knees.”
Deaner said: “With no incentive for the broadcasters to release hundreds of hours of already delivered but not yet broadcast children’s, drama and documentary content, it harms the Australian public’s ability to access the content which is sitting gathering dust on shelves.”
The Nine Network, which has seen shows including The Voice Australia, The Block and Endemol Shine Australia’s drama Rdfs suspend or delay production, rejects that notion.
“We are...
The Seven, Nine and 10 networks insist they are not stockpiling Australian dramas and other local programming despite the suspension of the local content quotas for the rest of this year.
Last week Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner slammed the government’s decision to suspend the quotas for drama, documentary and children’s programming as a very blunt tool which has the “potential of crippling an industry already on its knees.”
Deaner said: “With no incentive for the broadcasters to release hundreds of hours of already delivered but not yet broadcast children’s, drama and documentary content, it harms the Australian public’s ability to access the content which is sitting gathering dust on shelves.”
The Nine Network, which has seen shows including The Voice Australia, The Block and Endemol Shine Australia’s drama Rdfs suspend or delay production, rejects that notion.
“We are...
- 4/20/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Angus Ross.
Seven’s director of network programming Angus Ross explains how the country’s lockdown is benefiting Seven’s channels and catch-up viewing, the need to rejig the schedule, and flags a raft of upcoming Australian shows.
Q: At-home viewing levels are spiking for the free-to-air networks, Foxtel and the streaming services, resulting in big gains for your primary network, particularly 7News and Sunrise, 7Plus and 7Flix?
A: It is great to see viewers turning to Fta, particularly 7News, Sunrise and The Latest. These programs are Australia’s dominant and most trusted news brands. We are seeing viewing spikes across all of our channels and 7Plus is breaking viewing records on a daily basis.
Q: While this lockdown may last for six months, I assume you are hoping many viewers will have ‘rediscovered’ Fta TV and so you may retain a lot of those viewers?
A: We had banked...
Seven’s director of network programming Angus Ross explains how the country’s lockdown is benefiting Seven’s channels and catch-up viewing, the need to rejig the schedule, and flags a raft of upcoming Australian shows.
Q: At-home viewing levels are spiking for the free-to-air networks, Foxtel and the streaming services, resulting in big gains for your primary network, particularly 7News and Sunrise, 7Plus and 7Flix?
A: It is great to see viewers turning to Fta, particularly 7News, Sunrise and The Latest. These programs are Australia’s dominant and most trusted news brands. We are seeing viewing spikes across all of our channels and 7Plus is breaking viewing records on a daily basis.
Q: While this lockdown may last for six months, I assume you are hoping many viewers will have ‘rediscovered’ Fta TV and so you may retain a lot of those viewers?
A: We had banked...
- 4/8/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Graeme Mason.
Graeme Mason has warned there will be permanent job losses in the entertainment industry once the coronavirus pandemic has passed.
The Screen Australia CEO said some employees “will not be here on the other side of this crisis,” highlighting widespread stand-downs as TV drama productions halted, the loss of 17,000 jobs after cinemas closed and mass lay-offs at Fox Studios Australia-based firms.
“There were a lot of people in screen businesses who were already hurting. It would be unrealistic to think, come 2021, that everyone will be shining and happy,” he said.
“Our job is to figure out how to make the best of what this might be coming out the other end, by working as collaboratively as we can.”
Mason was speaking online last Friday via Zoom with Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner, who said 79 screen productions have been halted or delayed.
However, Mason forecast that if self-isolation...
Graeme Mason has warned there will be permanent job losses in the entertainment industry once the coronavirus pandemic has passed.
The Screen Australia CEO said some employees “will not be here on the other side of this crisis,” highlighting widespread stand-downs as TV drama productions halted, the loss of 17,000 jobs after cinemas closed and mass lay-offs at Fox Studios Australia-based firms.
“There were a lot of people in screen businesses who were already hurting. It would be unrealistic to think, come 2021, that everyone will be shining and happy,” he said.
“Our job is to figure out how to make the best of what this might be coming out the other end, by working as collaboratively as we can.”
Mason was speaking online last Friday via Zoom with Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner, who said 79 screen productions have been halted or delayed.
However, Mason forecast that if self-isolation...
- 3/29/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
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