Exclusive: There’s a famous line from the Spanish poet Antonio Machado that is familiar to most Spaniards: “Caminante, no hay camino. Se hace camino al andar,” which translates as “Traveler, there is no path. The path is made by walking.”
If there’s one Spanish company that is determinedly paving the way for Spanish-language content in the global sphere, it’s Secuoya Content Group, a fully-fledged independent studio bidding to become a global destination for content, all while putting Spain on the map in an unprecedented way.
The company counts Hollywood stalwarts Chris Albrecht and Ted Sarandos among its array of international friends and the Netflix content chief tells Deadline the streamer is committed to deepening its roots there. Former HBO, Starz and Legendary Television exec Albrecht, meanwhile has partnered with Secuoya’s film and TV content production arm, Secuoya Studios, through his new banner Rubicon Global Media and...
If there’s one Spanish company that is determinedly paving the way for Spanish-language content in the global sphere, it’s Secuoya Content Group, a fully-fledged independent studio bidding to become a global destination for content, all while putting Spain on the map in an unprecedented way.
The company counts Hollywood stalwarts Chris Albrecht and Ted Sarandos among its array of international friends and the Netflix content chief tells Deadline the streamer is committed to deepening its roots there. Former HBO, Starz and Legendary Television exec Albrecht, meanwhile has partnered with Secuoya’s film and TV content production arm, Secuoya Studios, through his new banner Rubicon Global Media and...
- 1/23/2024
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Starz on Wednesday canceled Shining Vale after two seasons and removed the horror comedy starring Courteney Cox from its digital platforms. In an interview published Thursday, Minx star Jake Johnson told Deadline that he did not expect a Season 3 renewal for the period erotic comedy, which had been rescued by Starz after its cancellation by Max.
Shining Vale and Minx are Starz’s last remaining current comedy series. The premium network, which is in the process of separating from Minx producer Lionsgate Television, has about a half-dozen upcoming scripted series, all of them dramas.
According to sources, Starz executives in private conversations with producers have lamented that comedy is not working on the network.
There have not been development announcements for comedy projects set up at Starz in a year and a half, and I hear the network is not top of mind when comedy pitches are taken out.
Sources...
Shining Vale and Minx are Starz’s last remaining current comedy series. The premium network, which is in the process of separating from Minx producer Lionsgate Television, has about a half-dozen upcoming scripted series, all of them dramas.
According to sources, Starz executives in private conversations with producers have lamented that comedy is not working on the network.
There have not been development announcements for comedy projects set up at Starz in a year and a half, and I hear the network is not top of mind when comedy pitches are taken out.
Sources...
- 12/22/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Content Americas, the fast-rising trade event in Miami, has unveiled the finalists for its 2024 Content Americas CoPro Pitch and Content Americas Hispanic Kids Programming Pitch.
According to event organizer C21, more than 80 submissions rolled in for the CoPro Pitch and over 50 for the Kids Pitch from seasoned producers across Latin America, Spain and Portugal.
Among the CoPro Pitch finalists are scripted series “Hot Sur,” an adaptation of the Laura Restrepo bestseller about an undocumented Mexican immigrant looking after her bipolar sister in the U.S. This hails from Chilean powerhouse shingle, Fabula, run by Pablo and Juan de Dios Larrain, in partnership with Fremantle. Spain’s The Mediapro Studio submitted “El mal,” an 8-episode thriller based on actual events. Set in Barcelona during the pandemic lockdown, a serial killer has been targeting those who literally have no refuge, the homeless.
Leading the Hispanic Kids Programming Pitch entries are animated adventure pic,...
According to event organizer C21, more than 80 submissions rolled in for the CoPro Pitch and over 50 for the Kids Pitch from seasoned producers across Latin America, Spain and Portugal.
Among the CoPro Pitch finalists are scripted series “Hot Sur,” an adaptation of the Laura Restrepo bestseller about an undocumented Mexican immigrant looking after her bipolar sister in the U.S. This hails from Chilean powerhouse shingle, Fabula, run by Pablo and Juan de Dios Larrain, in partnership with Fremantle. Spain’s The Mediapro Studio submitted “El mal,” an 8-episode thriller based on actual events. Set in Barcelona during the pandemic lockdown, a serial killer has been targeting those who literally have no refuge, the homeless.
Leading the Hispanic Kids Programming Pitch entries are animated adventure pic,...
- 12/21/2023
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: BET Media Group is developing the unscripted series The Twins from Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s G-Unit Film & Television and Lionsgate’s Pilgrim Media Group.
The series centers around the Flores brothers, Margarito and Pedro, identical twins who became multi-millionaire, cocaine kingpins by the age of 18 and who would eventually assist in the capture and take-down of drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
The Twins will serve as a companion to the award-winning podcast Surviving El Chapo: The Twins Who Brought Down A Drug Lord, which was produced by Lionsgate Sound and G-Unit Audio, and recently released a second season.
Following their arrest, Margarito and Pedro Flores turned their backs on their lucrative drug operation and cooperated with the DEA in exchange for more lenient sentences. Both served 14 years in prison before being released in 2022 to the witness protection program. Margarito Flores continues to walk on the right side of the law.
The series centers around the Flores brothers, Margarito and Pedro, identical twins who became multi-millionaire, cocaine kingpins by the age of 18 and who would eventually assist in the capture and take-down of drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
The Twins will serve as a companion to the award-winning podcast Surviving El Chapo: The Twins Who Brought Down A Drug Lord, which was produced by Lionsgate Sound and G-Unit Audio, and recently released a second season.
Following their arrest, Margarito and Pedro Flores turned their backs on their lucrative drug operation and cooperated with the DEA in exchange for more lenient sentences. Both served 14 years in prison before being released in 2022 to the witness protection program. Margarito Flores continues to walk on the right side of the law.
- 12/14/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Latin Grammy-winner Eladio Carrión is going Hollywood. A comedy series that will draw inspiration from the life of the Urban Latino star is in development in collaboration between Carrión and Chris Albrecht and Jorge Granier’s Rubicon Global Media. Carrión is set to produce and will potentially star.
The series will draw inspiration from Carrión’s own life, sharing the journey of an American teenager who finds himself uprooted to Puerto Rico from the states. Navigating the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, the series will be a blissful and unique blend of bi-cultural humor, heart and cultural exploration.
“This project will start a new era of my career, opening the door to Film and Television, something I’ve been passionate about since I was a kid. I’m excited to embark on this journey with Rubicon Global Media to bring to life a story based...
The series will draw inspiration from Carrión’s own life, sharing the journey of an American teenager who finds himself uprooted to Puerto Rico from the states. Navigating the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, the series will be a blissful and unique blend of bi-cultural humor, heart and cultural exploration.
“This project will start a new era of my career, opening the door to Film and Television, something I’ve been passionate about since I was a kid. I’m excited to embark on this journey with Rubicon Global Media to bring to life a story based...
- 12/6/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is teaming up with Jorge Granier and Chris Albrecht of Rubicon Global Media to develop and co-produce the Spanish and English-language crime drama, Prey Before You Eat (w/t).
The series follows anti-hero Andres Hernandez who is on the run as life goes sideways in New York City. He returns to Puerto Rico to reconnect with family only to discover their true history and a whole new set of problems to navigate in his new home.
The project reunites Jackson and Albrecht, former CEO and President of Starz who greenlit the Power series that has spawned three successful spinoff series thus far.
“I am excited to join forces again with Chris, we have had great success together with the Power Universe. I look forward to bringing more premium content to underserved audiences and doing it with my friend Chris makes it that much better,” Jackson tells Deadline in an exclusive statement.
The series follows anti-hero Andres Hernandez who is on the run as life goes sideways in New York City. He returns to Puerto Rico to reconnect with family only to discover their true history and a whole new set of problems to navigate in his new home.
The project reunites Jackson and Albrecht, former CEO and President of Starz who greenlit the Power series that has spawned three successful spinoff series thus far.
“I am excited to join forces again with Chris, we have had great success together with the Power Universe. I look forward to bringing more premium content to underserved audiences and doing it with my friend Chris makes it that much better,” Jackson tells Deadline in an exclusive statement.
- 11/8/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Speakers included Chris Albrecht, the founder of Rubicon Global Media and former president of Legendary Television.
The challenges of financing series at a time of rising production costs and reduced spending by streamers and broadcasters was one of the major talking points at this week’s inaugural South International Series Festival in Cadiz, which ran from October 6-12.
Panellists at the festival’s industry programme debated how to finance series when the market is contracting. Speakers agreed fewer projects will be greenlit in the near future, as many as 25% fewer according to one exec, as streamers and broadcasters retrenched and dealt with higher production costs.
The challenges of financing series at a time of rising production costs and reduced spending by streamers and broadcasters was one of the major talking points at this week’s inaugural South International Series Festival in Cadiz, which ran from October 6-12.
Panellists at the festival’s industry programme debated how to finance series when the market is contracting. Speakers agreed fewer projects will be greenlit in the near future, as many as 25% fewer according to one exec, as streamers and broadcasters retrenched and dealt with higher production costs.
- 10/12/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Cadiz-based festival kicks off today with gala for refugee drama ’La Ley Del Mar’.
The inaugural South International Series Festival has unveiled its industry programme which runs alongside its progamme of public screenings and events from October 6-12.
Based in the ancient port city of Cadiz, the festival launches today with an opening gala for refugee drama La Ley del Mar, starring Luis Tosar and Blanca Portillo, produced by Studio 60, Rtve and A punt. Some 45 series will play in the festival’s official selection in five different sections. Another 60 titles, spanning both fiction and non-fiction, will have previews and screenings.
The inaugural South International Series Festival has unveiled its industry programme which runs alongside its progamme of public screenings and events from October 6-12.
Based in the ancient port city of Cadiz, the festival launches today with an opening gala for refugee drama La Ley del Mar, starring Luis Tosar and Blanca Portillo, produced by Studio 60, Rtve and A punt. Some 45 series will play in the festival’s official selection in five different sections. Another 60 titles, spanning both fiction and non-fiction, will have previews and screenings.
- 10/6/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Rubicon Global Media, the company recently formed by Chris Albrecht and Jorge Granier to aggregate leading intellectual property from Latin America and Spain, has entered a strategic partnership with Mexico-based film and television production firm Btf Media.
Building on Rubicon’s partnership with Madrid’s Secuoya Studios, Btf Media will provide development funding for select Rubicon projects, accelerating its efforts to aggregate IP from Mexico and transform it into story driven content with multi-national appeal. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Led by entrepreneurs and producers Francisco E Cordero and Ricardo Coeto, Btf Media has produced several series including Maradona: Blessed Dream for Amazon Prime Video, Papas por Encargo for Disney+ and La Muchacha que Limpia for HBO Max, among others.
The company recently announced the premiere of Villa: El Centauro del Norte for Star+ and Te Quiero y me Duele for Max. In addition, Btf has produced...
Building on Rubicon’s partnership with Madrid’s Secuoya Studios, Btf Media will provide development funding for select Rubicon projects, accelerating its efforts to aggregate IP from Mexico and transform it into story driven content with multi-national appeal. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Led by entrepreneurs and producers Francisco E Cordero and Ricardo Coeto, Btf Media has produced several series including Maradona: Blessed Dream for Amazon Prime Video, Papas por Encargo for Disney+ and La Muchacha que Limpia for HBO Max, among others.
The company recently announced the premiere of Villa: El Centauro del Norte for Star+ and Te Quiero y me Duele for Max. In addition, Btf has produced...
- 8/28/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Jason Clodfelter is leaving Sony Pictures Television after a nearly two-decade run.
Clodfelter, who most recently served as co-president of the studio under the recently installed Katherine Pope, has joined Legendary Television and will become the president of the studio behind shows including Amazon’s Carnival Row. He will work closely with vice chairman of worldwide production Mary Parent to develop new scripted series across all platforms.
Clodfelter replaces Chris Albrecht atop Legendary TV. Albrecht, the former Starz chief, was placed on administrative leave at Legendary in October 2022 after new details emerged about the executive’s former time at HBO. He departed not long afterward and this week launched a Spanish-language media studio.
“We are pleased to welcome Jason to the Legendary team, where he will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow our television business with compelling content that resonates with our audiences worldwide. His creative instincts,...
Clodfelter, who most recently served as co-president of the studio under the recently installed Katherine Pope, has joined Legendary Television and will become the president of the studio behind shows including Amazon’s Carnival Row. He will work closely with vice chairman of worldwide production Mary Parent to develop new scripted series across all platforms.
Clodfelter replaces Chris Albrecht atop Legendary TV. Albrecht, the former Starz chief, was placed on administrative leave at Legendary in October 2022 after new details emerged about the executive’s former time at HBO. He departed not long afterward and this week launched a Spanish-language media studio.
“We are pleased to welcome Jason to the Legendary team, where he will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow our television business with compelling content that resonates with our audiences worldwide. His creative instincts,...
- 8/2/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Legendary Entertainment has a new President of Television.
The studio has hired Sony Pictures Television Studios Co‐President Jason Clodfelter in the role.
Clodfelter, who is leaving Sony after 17 years, will develop new scripted series and limited series at Legendary, which is behind series such as Amazon’s Carnival Row and Apple’s Drops of God. He essentially replaces Chris Albrecht, who left the company last year.
Clodfelter will work closely with Mary Parent, Legendary Pictures’ Vice Chairman of Worldwide Production. Carmi Zlotnik remains at the company, overseeing the production side.
Clodfelter was named Co-President of Sony Pictures Television Studios in 2017, where he oversaw U.S. drama and comedy development, U.S. scripted and current programming, global programming and development, talent and casting, TriStar Television, marketing, and research. His last day is August 11.
During his tenure, the company produced series such as The Night Agent, The Boys franchise, Cobra Kai,...
The studio has hired Sony Pictures Television Studios Co‐President Jason Clodfelter in the role.
Clodfelter, who is leaving Sony after 17 years, will develop new scripted series and limited series at Legendary, which is behind series such as Amazon’s Carnival Row and Apple’s Drops of God. He essentially replaces Chris Albrecht, who left the company last year.
Clodfelter will work closely with Mary Parent, Legendary Pictures’ Vice Chairman of Worldwide Production. Carmi Zlotnik remains at the company, overseeing the production side.
Clodfelter was named Co-President of Sony Pictures Television Studios in 2017, where he oversaw U.S. drama and comedy development, U.S. scripted and current programming, global programming and development, talent and casting, TriStar Television, marketing, and research. His last day is August 11.
During his tenure, the company produced series such as The Night Agent, The Boys franchise, Cobra Kai,...
- 8/2/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Former HBO topper Chris Albrecht and Jane the Virgin executive producer Jorge Granier have partnered to launch Rubicon Global Media with an eye to producing Spanish-language content for the world market.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Rubicon Global Media has struck a strategic partnership with Spain’s Secuoya Content Group, led by former HBO exec James Costos, that will see Albrecht and Granier produce story-driven content for Latin American audiences by aggregating intellectual property from the U.S. and Spain.
Albrecht most recently served as managing director of Legendary Television (the executive left the company after being placed on a leave of absence last October). He previously was president and CEO of Starz following a run as chairman and CEO of HBO, and president of HBO original programming. While at HBO, Albrecht oversaw popular series like Sex and the City, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Deadwood, Band of Brothers,...
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Rubicon Global Media has struck a strategic partnership with Spain’s Secuoya Content Group, led by former HBO exec James Costos, that will see Albrecht and Granier produce story-driven content for Latin American audiences by aggregating intellectual property from the U.S. and Spain.
Albrecht most recently served as managing director of Legendary Television (the executive left the company after being placed on a leave of absence last October). He previously was president and CEO of Starz following a run as chairman and CEO of HBO, and president of HBO original programming. While at HBO, Albrecht oversaw popular series like Sex and the City, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Deadwood, Band of Brothers,...
- 8/1/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Former Legendary Television President and Starz CEO Chris Albrecht and Jane the Virgin executive producer Jorge Granier have formed Rubicon Global Media, a firm designed to aggregate leading intellectual property from Latin America and Spain, transforming it into content with worldwide appeal. The company also will produce story-driven content for Latin American audiences.
In addition, Rubicon Global Media has entered a strategic partnership with Spanish-language production and distribution outfit Secuoya Studios, a division of Madrid-based Secuoya Content Group, which will provide development funding and deficit financing for select Rubicon Global Media projects. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Secuoya Studios, led by former HBO executive James Costos (who also was U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra from 2013-17), creates fiction series, docuseries, unscripted television and feature films focused on the Latin American, Spanish and Spanish-speaking U.S. markets. The studio, with offices in Latin America, Miami, Los Angeles and Spain,...
In addition, Rubicon Global Media has entered a strategic partnership with Spanish-language production and distribution outfit Secuoya Studios, a division of Madrid-based Secuoya Content Group, which will provide development funding and deficit financing for select Rubicon Global Media projects. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Secuoya Studios, led by former HBO executive James Costos (who also was U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra from 2013-17), creates fiction series, docuseries, unscripted television and feature films focused on the Latin American, Spanish and Spanish-speaking U.S. markets. The studio, with offices in Latin America, Miami, Los Angeles and Spain,...
- 8/1/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
When the time came for the cast and crew of Party Down to reassemble for an improbable sequel season, the first order of business was to find out when Adam Scott would be available to do it. “The truth is,” explains Party Down co-creator Rob Thomas, “that we found a window for Adam, started with that window, and said, ‘Who all can make it in here?’”
Part of this is simply that Scott is perhaps the busiest of all the many successful alums of the once and future Starz comedy...
Part of this is simply that Scott is perhaps the busiest of all the many successful alums of the once and future Starz comedy...
- 2/24/2023
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel has often staked out a moral high ground as he built Endeavor, most recently calling on companies doing business with Kanye West to end their relationships with the rapper after an anti-Semitic rant. In 2010, he famously cut ties with WME client Mel Gibson after racist slurs. Now, he faces a conundrum at his company’s crown jewel, UFC, whose longtime CEO Dana White was seen on a rather shocking leaked video smacking his wife on New Year’s Eve.
Neither Endeavor nor Emanuel have yet weighed in on White, and Endeavor reps weren’t immediately available to comment Wednesday.
On Kanye West, Emanuel was a bystander. White’s situation is closer to home.
Video footage posted by TMZ of an argument on the balcony of a VIP suite at the Cabo San Lucas nightclub in Mexico, shows White’s wife Anne slap him after he grabs her wrist.
Neither Endeavor nor Emanuel have yet weighed in on White, and Endeavor reps weren’t immediately available to comment Wednesday.
On Kanye West, Emanuel was a bystander. White’s situation is closer to home.
Video footage posted by TMZ of an argument on the balcony of a VIP suite at the Cabo San Lucas nightclub in Mexico, shows White’s wife Anne slap him after he grabs her wrist.
- 1/4/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Chris Albrecht is officially departing Legendary TV and vacating his role as president, an insider with knowledge of the situation confirmed to TheWrap.
The executive was placed on administrative leave in October after details of his time at HBO emerged from Felix Gillette and John Koblin’s book, “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO.” That book detailed allegations that he had choked former HBO executive Sasha Emerson in the summer of 1991 — months after they ended a consensual affair while both were married.
Also Read:
Legendary Television Head Chris Albrecht Placed on Administrative Leave
At that time, Albrecht was in charge of original programming and worked with Emerson on HBO Independent Productions. A police report was not filed at the time of the alleged incident.
The allegations found within the book were made public in October of this year, after which a spokesman for Albrecht denied the incident took place.
The executive was placed on administrative leave in October after details of his time at HBO emerged from Felix Gillette and John Koblin’s book, “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO.” That book detailed allegations that he had choked former HBO executive Sasha Emerson in the summer of 1991 — months after they ended a consensual affair while both were married.
Also Read:
Legendary Television Head Chris Albrecht Placed on Administrative Leave
At that time, Albrecht was in charge of original programming and worked with Emerson on HBO Independent Productions. A police report was not filed at the time of the alleged incident.
The allegations found within the book were made public in October of this year, after which a spokesman for Albrecht denied the incident took place.
- 12/23/2022
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Chris Albrecht‘s time at Legendary Television is just about over.
Deadline has confirmed that Albrecht is expected to vacate his post as president. He was placed on leave in October after new details from his days at HBO emerged from the book “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO” By Felix Gillette and John Koblin.
The book covers how Albrecht allegedly choked former HBO executive Sasha Emerson in the summer of 1991 — months after they ended their consensual affair while they were both married. At the time, Albrecht was in charge of original programming and worked with Emerson on HBO Independent Productions. A police report was not filed.
When the contents of the book were made public in October, a spokesman for Albrecht denied the incident took place. Albrecht released his own statement, which in part said, “After more than 30 years an old, flawed story...
Deadline has confirmed that Albrecht is expected to vacate his post as president. He was placed on leave in October after new details from his days at HBO emerged from the book “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO” By Felix Gillette and John Koblin.
The book covers how Albrecht allegedly choked former HBO executive Sasha Emerson in the summer of 1991 — months after they ended their consensual affair while they were both married. At the time, Albrecht was in charge of original programming and worked with Emerson on HBO Independent Productions. A police report was not filed.
When the contents of the book were made public in October, a spokesman for Albrecht denied the incident took place. Albrecht released his own statement, which in part said, “After more than 30 years an old, flawed story...
- 12/23/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
"The Sopranos" features some incredible episodes. It was more cinematic than a gangster show was expected to be in the '90s and, as /Film's Shae Sennett writes, creator David Chase was aware of its potential as a national phenomenon. It was a television show about a Mafia man, of course, but borne of Chase's experiences in therapy, this mob boss would learn everything about himself and change little — a concept that would eventually dominate the wave of prestige TV to come.
For its six-season run from 1999 to 2007, the HBO crime series mostly stayed in northern New Jersey, where the Dimeo crime family would operate with Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) at the top. But some of its most celebrated episodes — Christopher goes to Hollywood, Carmela and Rosalie go to Paris — broke free of the show's own boundaries and gave a chance for the traveler-protagonist to add some depth to their character arc.
For its six-season run from 1999 to 2007, the HBO crime series mostly stayed in northern New Jersey, where the Dimeo crime family would operate with Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) at the top. But some of its most celebrated episodes — Christopher goes to Hollywood, Carmela and Rosalie go to Paris — broke free of the show's own boundaries and gave a chance for the traveler-protagonist to add some depth to their character arc.
- 11/16/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
Budd Friedman, the comedy club pioneer who founded the original Improv in New York in 1963 and gave early career breaks to the likes of Jay Leno, Robert Klein, Bette Midler, Richard Pryor and Andy Kaufman, has died. He was 90.
Friedman died Saturday of heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his wife, Alix, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Three years after Johnny Carson and The Tonight Show departed Manhattan for Burbank, Friedman opened a Hollywood outpost of the Improv on Melrose Avenue in 1975 in his first expansion of the brand.
There were 22 Improvs across 12 states in February 2018 when Friedman and partner Mark Lonow sold the company to Levity Entertainment Group, whose investors included Irving Azoff.
At his flagship New York hotspot, located at West 44th Street and Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, Friedman also employed Rodney Dangerfield as an Mc, Elayne Boosler...
Friedman died Saturday of heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his wife, Alix, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Three years after Johnny Carson and The Tonight Show departed Manhattan for Burbank, Friedman opened a Hollywood outpost of the Improv on Melrose Avenue in 1975 in his first expansion of the brand.
There were 22 Improvs across 12 states in February 2018 when Friedman and partner Mark Lonow sold the company to Levity Entertainment Group, whose investors included Irving Azoff.
At his flagship New York hotspot, located at West 44th Street and Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, Friedman also employed Rodney Dangerfield as an Mc, Elayne Boosler...
- 11/13/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After writing “The Sopranos” episodes, Matthew Weiner thought he was part of the HBO “family.”
However, the “Mad Men” creator revealed that new executive management at the network following visionary Chris Albrecht’s exit led to him being ignored, per the new book “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO” by Felix Gillette and John Koblin.
According to the oral history of the network, then-hbo President Carolyn Strauss “snubbed” Weiner and HBO did not even respond to the “Mad Men” pitch, despite “The Sopranos” showrunner David Chase urging “everyone at the network to give it a look.”
Weiner recalled, “It was very disappointing to me, as I pushed the rock up the hill, that they did not notice me. Because I was part of the family.”
Eventually, “Mad Men” landed at cable network AMC, whose goal was to “do an HBO kind of series,” as Weiner said.
However, the “Mad Men” creator revealed that new executive management at the network following visionary Chris Albrecht’s exit led to him being ignored, per the new book “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO” by Felix Gillette and John Koblin.
According to the oral history of the network, then-hbo President Carolyn Strauss “snubbed” Weiner and HBO did not even respond to the “Mad Men” pitch, despite “The Sopranos” showrunner David Chase urging “everyone at the network to give it a look.”
Weiner recalled, “It was very disappointing to me, as I pushed the rock up the hill, that they did not notice me. Because I was part of the family.”
Eventually, “Mad Men” landed at cable network AMC, whose goal was to “do an HBO kind of series,” as Weiner said.
- 11/1/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Operatic epic “The Sopranos” almost received a name change for sounding a little too much like a sitcom about singers — and potentially being too much like “Moonstruck.”
New book “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO,” by Felix Gillette and John Koblin, revealed that initially “HBO executives didn’t like the name since it sounded like a show about opera,” and the pilot for Emmy-winning “The Sopranos” scored poorly with the core demographics.
Former HBO executive Chris Albrecht noted that the biggest emphasis for the long-running mafia series was authenticity, including being filmed on location in New Jersey.
“That was my big beef about ‘Moonstruck’: phony Italians, phony New York,” Albrecht said. “We always knew it would be more money. But we wanted to make sure that we weren’t full of shit. And making those kinds of commitments would tell people that we were for real.
New book “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO,” by Felix Gillette and John Koblin, revealed that initially “HBO executives didn’t like the name since it sounded like a show about opera,” and the pilot for Emmy-winning “The Sopranos” scored poorly with the core demographics.
Former HBO executive Chris Albrecht noted that the biggest emphasis for the long-running mafia series was authenticity, including being filmed on location in New Jersey.
“That was my big beef about ‘Moonstruck’: phony Italians, phony New York,” Albrecht said. “We always knew it would be more money. But we wanted to make sure that we weren’t full of shit. And making those kinds of commitments would tell people that we were for real.
- 11/1/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Deadwood Creator David Milch Says It's A Waste Of Time To Feel 'Betrayed' By The Show's Cancellation
Here's a challenge. Read a random "TV shows canceled too soon" listicle floating around the internet. A series that will be on every single one (at least any that was written with a little bit of taste) is "Deadwood," HBO's gone-too-soon western.
The series ran a respectable three seasons (36 episodes) on HBO from 2004 to 2006, but ended inconclusively. The cast and crew also had more to tell. While everyone eventually got the chance to conclude the story with a two-hour wrap-up movie in 2019, "Deadwood: The Movie" was an epilogue, not a full new season of material.
Set in the eponymous South Dakota town during the 1870s, "Deadwood" was Shakespearean — literally, for most of the dialogue was written in iambic pentameter (and bounced from tragedy to farce just like the Bard's work did). The show was fairly faithful (but not bound) to history, with real men as the two leads: lawman Seth...
The series ran a respectable three seasons (36 episodes) on HBO from 2004 to 2006, but ended inconclusively. The cast and crew also had more to tell. While everyone eventually got the chance to conclude the story with a two-hour wrap-up movie in 2019, "Deadwood: The Movie" was an epilogue, not a full new season of material.
Set in the eponymous South Dakota town during the 1870s, "Deadwood" was Shakespearean — literally, for most of the dialogue was written in iambic pentameter (and bounced from tragedy to farce just like the Bard's work did). The show was fairly faithful (but not bound) to history, with real men as the two leads: lawman Seth...
- 10/25/2022
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
Welcome to the 189th episode of TV’s Top 5, The Hollywood Reporter’s TV podcast.
Every week, hosts Lesley Goldberg (West Coast TV editor) and Daniel Fienberg (chief TV critic) break down the latest TV news with context from the business and critical sides, welcome showrunners, executives and other guests, and provide a critical guide of what to watch (or skip, as the case may be).
During this week’s episode, we are joined by multihyphenate Clea DuVall to discuss adapting Tegan and Sara Quinn’s memoir into Freevee’s well-reviewed series High School as other segments feature discussions on the latest round of layoffs at Warner Bros. Discovery, Ryan Murphy’s future at Netflix and much more.
Here’s how the episode plays out:
1. Headlines
Netflix’s ad tier, Kurt Sutter, Devil in the White City, Trevor Noah and Chris Albrecht are...
Welcome to the 189th episode of TV’s Top 5, The Hollywood Reporter’s TV podcast.
Every week, hosts Lesley Goldberg (West Coast TV editor) and Daniel Fienberg (chief TV critic) break down the latest TV news with context from the business and critical sides, welcome showrunners, executives and other guests, and provide a critical guide of what to watch (or skip, as the case may be).
During this week’s episode, we are joined by multihyphenate Clea DuVall to discuss adapting Tegan and Sara Quinn’s memoir into Freevee’s well-reviewed series High School as other segments feature discussions on the latest round of layoffs at Warner Bros. Discovery, Ryan Murphy’s future at Netflix and much more.
Here’s how the episode plays out:
1. Headlines
Netflix’s ad tier, Kurt Sutter, Devil in the White City, Trevor Noah and Chris Albrecht are...
- 10/14/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Legendary Television boss Chris Albrecht has been placed on administrative leave, individuals with knowledge of the matter confirmed to TheWrap.
No reason has been given for the company taking this action, nor has Legendary released a statement on the matter. However, the leave comes after news that an upcoming book about the history of HBO includes an allegation that Albrecht physically assaulted another HBO executive early during his tenure at the cable channel. “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution and Future of HBO” is written by Felix Gillette and John Koblin.
Also Read:
Art Laboe, Pioneering Music Radio DJ Who Coined ‘Oldies but Goodies,’ Dies at 97
According to the book, in 1991, Albrecht tried to strangle Sasha Emerson, a former HBO executive with whom he’d had an affair. The book says she left the company and an unspecified settlement with the network was later reached.
The book includes a statement from Albrecht,...
No reason has been given for the company taking this action, nor has Legendary released a statement on the matter. However, the leave comes after news that an upcoming book about the history of HBO includes an allegation that Albrecht physically assaulted another HBO executive early during his tenure at the cable channel. “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution and Future of HBO” is written by Felix Gillette and John Koblin.
Also Read:
Art Laboe, Pioneering Music Radio DJ Who Coined ‘Oldies but Goodies,’ Dies at 97
According to the book, in 1991, Albrecht tried to strangle Sasha Emerson, a former HBO executive with whom he’d had an affair. The book says she left the company and an unspecified settlement with the network was later reached.
The book includes a statement from Albrecht,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Legendary Television president Chris Albrecht has been placed on a leave of absence by the company, a spokesperson for Legendary confirmed to Variety Monday. No official reason for the exec’s leave of absence was provided.
Albrecht has been benched just as an upcoming book, “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution and Future of HBO” by Felix Gillette and John Koblin, offers details on the executive’s long tenure at HBO, including a 1991 incident in which Albrecht allegedly choked Sasha Emerson, a former HBO executive VP. Albrecht denies the allegations as detailed in the book. On Monday, a spokesman for Albrecht reiterated his denial of the account.
The book, set for release on Nov. 1, alleges that Albrecht lunged at and strangled Emerson. At the time both executives were married and had allegedly been involved in an affair that had since ended. Emerson later engaged outside counsel and a...
Albrecht has been benched just as an upcoming book, “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution and Future of HBO” by Felix Gillette and John Koblin, offers details on the executive’s long tenure at HBO, including a 1991 incident in which Albrecht allegedly choked Sasha Emerson, a former HBO executive VP. Albrecht denies the allegations as detailed in the book. On Monday, a spokesman for Albrecht reiterated his denial of the account.
The book, set for release on Nov. 1, alleges that Albrecht lunged at and strangled Emerson. At the time both executives were married and had allegedly been involved in an affair that had since ended. Emerson later engaged outside counsel and a...
- 10/11/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Chris Albrecht has been placed on administrative leave from his position as president of Legendary Television after new details from his days at HBO have emerged from the upcoming book “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO” By Felix Gillette and John Koblin.
The book covers how Albrecht allegedly choked former HBO executive Sasha Emerson in the summer of 1991 — months after they ended their consensual affair while they were both married. A spokesman for Albrecht denied the incident took place. A police report was not filed.
At the time, Albrecht was in charge of original programming and worked with Emerson on HBO Independent Productions.
“After more than 30 years an old, flawed story is now being refurbished and recycled for the sake of sales,” Albrecht said in a statement provided to Deadline. “I have sincerely apologized to those whom I offended with disrespect and unacceptable behavior.
The book covers how Albrecht allegedly choked former HBO executive Sasha Emerson in the summer of 1991 — months after they ended their consensual affair while they were both married. A spokesman for Albrecht denied the incident took place. A police report was not filed.
At the time, Albrecht was in charge of original programming and worked with Emerson on HBO Independent Productions.
“After more than 30 years an old, flawed story is now being refurbished and recycled for the sake of sales,” Albrecht said in a statement provided to Deadline. “I have sincerely apologized to those whom I offended with disrespect and unacceptable behavior.
- 10/11/2022
- by Lynette Rice and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Chris Albrecht, the former chairman of HBO and current president of Legendary Television, has been placed on administrative leave, according to the company.
The suspension comes as a forthcoming book, It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO by Felix Gillette and John Koblin, reveals new details about how Albrecht allegedly disparaged a staffer who exited HBO following a settlement that was brokered by HBO. (Albrecht’s rep denies the allegations.)
A Legendary spokesperson said Monday that Albrecht has been placed on a leave of absence, and declined to comment further.
According to an early draft of the book reviewed by The Hollywood Reporter, the authors detail a previously reported allegation that Albrecht choked Sasha Emerson, a former exec vp and rising star at HBO in late 1980s and early 1990s (Albrecht’s rep denies the allegation). The incident,...
Chris Albrecht, the former chairman of HBO and current president of Legendary Television, has been placed on administrative leave, according to the company.
The suspension comes as a forthcoming book, It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO by Felix Gillette and John Koblin, reveals new details about how Albrecht allegedly disparaged a staffer who exited HBO following a settlement that was brokered by HBO. (Albrecht’s rep denies the allegations.)
A Legendary spokesperson said Monday that Albrecht has been placed on a leave of absence, and declined to comment further.
According to an early draft of the book reviewed by The Hollywood Reporter, the authors detail a previously reported allegation that Albrecht choked Sasha Emerson, a former exec vp and rising star at HBO in late 1980s and early 1990s (Albrecht’s rep denies the allegation). The incident,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s time at Lionsgate Television may have come to an end but the prolific producer still has a few show remaining in the works at the independent studio.
Jackson and his G-Unit Film & TV banner has set up unscripted show Property Players at A&e, for the basic cable network’s Home.Made.Nation lifestyle block.
The project, which landed at A&e for development following a bidding war, follows DJ Envy, Cesar Pina and their team as they continue to manage and grow their family-run real estate empire as they flip their own houses for big profits, or mentor celebrities and their community entering the real estate investment world.
DJ Envy is a hip-hop producer, musician, real estate investor and entrepreneur who co-hosts the nationally syndicated radio show The Breakfast Club. He teamed with Pina in 2018 and the duo began investing in properties,...
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s time at Lionsgate Television may have come to an end but the prolific producer still has a few show remaining in the works at the independent studio.
Jackson and his G-Unit Film & TV banner has set up unscripted show Property Players at A&e, for the basic cable network’s Home.Made.Nation lifestyle block.
The project, which landed at A&e for development following a bidding war, follows DJ Envy, Cesar Pina and their team as they continue to manage and grow their family-run real estate empire as they flip their own houses for big profits, or mentor celebrities and their community entering the real estate investment world.
DJ Envy is a hip-hop producer, musician, real estate investor and entrepreneur who co-hosts the nationally syndicated radio show The Breakfast Club. He teamed with Pina in 2018 and the duo began investing in properties,...
- 10/10/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"The Sopranos" was instrumental in bringing about a new Golden Age of Television, and it remains one of the most critically well-regarded shows of all time, with a bundle of Emmy Awards to its name (among numerous other accolades). However, the show's success wasn't always guaranteed. Back in 1997, after the actors shot the series pilot, they were kept in suspense about whether HBO would even pick up "The Sopranos" and give it an order for a full first season.
One of those actors was Lorraine Bracco, who was already mob movie royalty thanks to her Oscar-nominated performance in Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas." In the book "Woke Up This Morning: The Definitive Oral History of The Sopranos" by series actors Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa (with Philip Lerman), Bracco recalls how she was left in the dark for months after shooting the "Sopranos" pilot:
"I called up ['Sopranos' creator] David [Chase] eight, nine, ten...
One of those actors was Lorraine Bracco, who was already mob movie royalty thanks to her Oscar-nominated performance in Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas." In the book "Woke Up This Morning: The Definitive Oral History of The Sopranos" by series actors Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa (with Philip Lerman), Bracco recalls how she was left in the dark for months after shooting the "Sopranos" pilot:
"I called up ['Sopranos' creator] David [Chase] eight, nine, ten...
- 10/10/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" may be one of television's longest-running sitcoms, but Larry David originally just intended the show's de facto pilot, an hour-long HBO special, as a joke about his return to stand-up comedy. Structured as a mockumentary, "Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm" followed a similar metanarrative as season 4 of "Seinfeld" (the one in which George tries to sell his concept of "a show about nothing" to NBC) and traced Larry's attempts at creating a — you guessed it — an hour-long special for HBO.
David himself wasn't too enthused about the idea of a documentary crew tracking his stand-up career, but the format inspired the look and feel of "Curb." It turns out the material that stuck wasn't actually Larry's stand-up career, but the fictionalized plot structured around the behind-the-scenes component. Rather than his stage performance, Larry's day-to-day life turned out to be what inspired "Curb Your Enthusiasm" as an entire television show.
David himself wasn't too enthused about the idea of a documentary crew tracking his stand-up career, but the format inspired the look and feel of "Curb." It turns out the material that stuck wasn't actually Larry's stand-up career, but the fictionalized plot structured around the behind-the-scenes component. Rather than his stage performance, Larry's day-to-day life turned out to be what inspired "Curb Your Enthusiasm" as an entire television show.
- 8/30/2022
- by Andrew Housman
- Slash Film
For the 20th anniversary of "The Sopranos," creator David Chase talked about the times he clashed with HBO. The network did not like the title "The Sopranos" because it caused some confusion over what kind of show it would be, but what troubled them the most was the fifth episode in the first season, "College," which critics now regard as one of the greatest in both the series and television history. While taking Meadow on college tours, Tony spots a rat who entered witness protection, Fabian "Febby" Petrulio, and brutally strangles him. "College" is a crucial narrative turning point because it is the first time the audience witnesses Tony kill someone. Chase describes HBO's initial reaction to the scene:
"I got a call from Chris Albrecht, who ran HBO, screaming about, 'How could you do this?! You've created one of the most dynamic characters of the past 20 years, and you're just going to ruin him.
"I got a call from Chris Albrecht, who ran HBO, screaming about, 'How could you do this?! You've created one of the most dynamic characters of the past 20 years, and you're just going to ruin him.
- 8/21/2022
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
Two decades beyond its pilot episode, HBO crime drama "The Wire" signaled a creative upheaval in cable TV. Called the great American novel put on screen by some and a Greek tragedy writ large by others, the show explored, in uncommon depth, the social and political nuances of the failed "war on drugs" that had been chugging along since 1971. Focused on an array of Baltimore characters and unpacking a different institution over each of its five seasons, creator David Simon and a formidable team of writers defied the neatly enclosed constraints of episodic television and proved viewers can immerse and invest themselves into a cumulative narrative that builds upon the last. It's a conceit that found success with concurrent HBO series like "The Sopranos" and "Oz," the latter of which had a greater influence on "The Wire" than anyone knew.
In a 20th anniversary interview with the New York Times,...
In a 20th anniversary interview with the New York Times,...
- 8/12/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
Over its five seasons in the early aughts, David Simon's HBO series "The Wire" threw viewers off every now and then. The creator originally sold the show to HBO CEO Chris Albrecht and entertainment division president Carolyn Strauss as an inverted cop-and-criminal drama -- one that broadened the horizons of Simon's previous Emmy-winning HBO series, itself an adaptation of his 1997 book co-written with homicide detective Ed Burns.
In print and on screen, "The Corner" cast an exasperated glare over the war on drugs, showcasing its failure through the distilled microcosm of a destitute Baltimore family -- what "The Corner" director Charles S....
The post Fans Weren't The Only People Put Off By The Wire's Seasonal Whiplash appeared first on /Film.
In print and on screen, "The Corner" cast an exasperated glare over the war on drugs, showcasing its failure through the distilled microcosm of a destitute Baltimore family -- what "The Corner" director Charles S....
The post Fans Weren't The Only People Put Off By The Wire's Seasonal Whiplash appeared first on /Film.
- 6/29/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
Spoiler Alert: This post contain details about James Andrew Miller’s book Tinderbox, an oral history of HBO, which was published today.
On the eve of yet another corporate reframing, HBO has received its own Magna Carta with the publication of James Andrew Miller’s Tinderbox today.
Coming from the keyboard that literally wrote the book on ESPN, Saturday Night Live and 2016’s Powerhouse: The Untold Story of CAA, the 975-page Tinderbox: HBO’s Ruthless Pursuit of New Frontiers peels off the corporate and creative layers in the legendary rise of the premium cabler from less than humble beginnings with Charles Dolan and code-name The Green Channel in 1972 to the Thrilla In Manila and all the way up to scripted glory with The Sopranos, The Wire, Game of Thrones, Veep, Watchmen, Lovecraft County and Succession to name a few.
Put another way, if this isn’t the comprehensive story, so far,...
On the eve of yet another corporate reframing, HBO has received its own Magna Carta with the publication of James Andrew Miller’s Tinderbox today.
Coming from the keyboard that literally wrote the book on ESPN, Saturday Night Live and 2016’s Powerhouse: The Untold Story of CAA, the 975-page Tinderbox: HBO’s Ruthless Pursuit of New Frontiers peels off the corporate and creative layers in the legendary rise of the premium cabler from less than humble beginnings with Charles Dolan and code-name The Green Channel in 1972 to the Thrilla In Manila and all the way up to scripted glory with The Sopranos, The Wire, Game of Thrones, Veep, Watchmen, Lovecraft County and Succession to name a few.
Put another way, if this isn’t the comprehensive story, so far,...
- 11/24/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
James Andrew Miller’s upcoming book “Tinderbox: HBO’s Ruthless Pursuit of New Frontiers” arrives November 23, and a lengthy excerpt published by Vulture this week gives television fans a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes HBO drama they can expect to learn about in the 1,024-page book. The excerpt is devoted to how James Gandolfini landed the iconic role of Tony Soprano in “The Sopranos” and the ensuing highs and lows of the casting decision. According to Miller, there was “fitful bouts of disruptive incredulousness” between Gandolfini and the show’s creative team over certain scripts.
As Miller writes: “Gandolfini, who once remarked that after a day of shooting, he often had to take a shower because he felt ‘dirty’ playing the role, would sometimes balk at a particular scene and instead of asking Chase, ‘Do I have to do this?’ he would wonder out loud, ‘What the fuck is this?’ and then declare flatly,...
As Miller writes: “Gandolfini, who once remarked that after a day of shooting, he often had to take a shower because he felt ‘dirty’ playing the role, would sometimes balk at a particular scene and instead of asking Chase, ‘Do I have to do this?’ he would wonder out loud, ‘What the fuck is this?’ and then declare flatly,...
- 10/20/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Editor’s note: First in a series of remembrances on the 20 years since 9/11.
Exclusive: “We halted for two weeks, then continued, providing a sobering tonic, I think,” says Tom Hanks of the debut of the acclaimed Band of Brothers in 2001 and the terror attacks of 9/11 that followed two days later.
Long a custodian of nation’s better angels and a chronicler of our everyday heroes, it is almost impossible now to think of the leap the multiple Oscar winner and miniseries co-creator Steven Spielberg took with HBO 20 years ago. Ushering in the era of what became known as “Prestige TV,” the 10-episode World War II drama based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose’s 1992 best seller of the same name also proved a bracer to an America battered by seeing four commercial airliners were turned into fatal missiles by 19 Al-Qaeda members.
Today a Band of Brothers podcast debuted to examine the...
Exclusive: “We halted for two weeks, then continued, providing a sobering tonic, I think,” says Tom Hanks of the debut of the acclaimed Band of Brothers in 2001 and the terror attacks of 9/11 that followed two days later.
Long a custodian of nation’s better angels and a chronicler of our everyday heroes, it is almost impossible now to think of the leap the multiple Oscar winner and miniseries co-creator Steven Spielberg took with HBO 20 years ago. Ushering in the era of what became known as “Prestige TV,” the 10-episode World War II drama based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose’s 1992 best seller of the same name also proved a bracer to an America battered by seeing four commercial airliners were turned into fatal missiles by 19 Al-Qaeda members.
Today a Band of Brothers podcast debuted to examine the...
- 9/9/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
A new series about the relationship between Hollywood fixer Sidney Korshak and the late McA media titan Lew Wasserman is stirring up some present-day back lot drama, multiple insiders tell Variety.
The issue at hand with the recently announced project “The Last Mogul,” which has attached Jonah Hill to star as Korshak and Oscar winning screenwriter William Monahan to adapt, is what sources called a misrepresentation of support from Wasserman’s power-player grandson Casey Wasserman to grease the wheels of a potential sale to a streamer or network.
“The Last Mogul” executive producers Allen Shapiro, the former CEO of Dick Clark Productions, and “300” filmmaker Mark Canton have told prospective buyers that the Wasserman family raised no objections to the scripted examination of Lew Wasserman’s friendship with notorious Mafia attorney Korshak, sources told Variety.
“The idea that Casey Wasserman somehow endorsed the ‘Last Mogul’ project at any time, to...
The issue at hand with the recently announced project “The Last Mogul,” which has attached Jonah Hill to star as Korshak and Oscar winning screenwriter William Monahan to adapt, is what sources called a misrepresentation of support from Wasserman’s power-player grandson Casey Wasserman to grease the wheels of a potential sale to a streamer or network.
“The Last Mogul” executive producers Allen Shapiro, the former CEO of Dick Clark Productions, and “300” filmmaker Mark Canton have told prospective buyers that the Wasserman family raised no objections to the scripted examination of Lew Wasserman’s friendship with notorious Mafia attorney Korshak, sources told Variety.
“The idea that Casey Wasserman somehow endorsed the ‘Last Mogul’ project at any time, to...
- 6/9/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Jennifer Breslow, most recently a content executive at Netflix, is joining Legendary Television as its executive vice president of TV and digital media.
“Jennifer’s proven track record of identifying, developing and creating world class storytelling for global audiences makes her the ideal candidate to join Legendary as we continue to scale our television and digital media footprint,” said Legendary head of television Chris Albrecht. “We are excited to have her as a leader on the Legendary team.”
Breslow, who will report to Albrecht in her new role, was most recently responsible for Netflix’s “Fate: The Winx Saga” and “Firefly Lane.” She first joined the streaming company in 2016 as director of content for international original series and has worked on a variety of series in Mexico, Brazil, India, Korea, France, Sweden and Italy. Breslow spent most of 2018 building out Netflix’s team and European content hub from Amsterdam, while...
“Jennifer’s proven track record of identifying, developing and creating world class storytelling for global audiences makes her the ideal candidate to join Legendary as we continue to scale our television and digital media footprint,” said Legendary head of television Chris Albrecht. “We are excited to have her as a leader on the Legendary team.”
Breslow, who will report to Albrecht in her new role, was most recently responsible for Netflix’s “Fate: The Winx Saga” and “Firefly Lane.” She first joined the streaming company in 2016 as director of content for international original series and has worked on a variety of series in Mexico, Brazil, India, Korea, France, Sweden and Italy. Breslow spent most of 2018 building out Netflix’s team and European content hub from Amsterdam, while...
- 4/15/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix content executive Jennifer Breslow has joined Legendary Television as executive vice president of TV and digital media, the studio announced Thursday.
Breslow will report to Chris Albrecht, who was named head of Legendary TV back in February, when the studio moved to combine its domestic and international operations.
“Jennifer’s proven track record of identifying, developing and creating world class storytelling for global audiences makes her the ideal candidate to join Legendary as we continue to scale our television and digital media footprint,” Albrecht said in a statement. “We are excited to have her as a leader on the Legendary team.”
“I’m thrilled to join Legendary and their remarkable brand of escapist entertainment,” Breslow said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to work at a company whose stellar library of IP has global appeal for audiences and talent. I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues and humbled to build on their efforts.
Breslow will report to Chris Albrecht, who was named head of Legendary TV back in February, when the studio moved to combine its domestic and international operations.
“Jennifer’s proven track record of identifying, developing and creating world class storytelling for global audiences makes her the ideal candidate to join Legendary as we continue to scale our television and digital media footprint,” Albrecht said in a statement. “We are excited to have her as a leader on the Legendary team.”
“I’m thrilled to join Legendary and their remarkable brand of escapist entertainment,” Breslow said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to work at a company whose stellar library of IP has global appeal for audiences and talent. I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues and humbled to build on their efforts.
- 4/15/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Legendary Television has appointed Netflix’s original series executive Jennifer Breslow as EVP, Television & Digital Media. She will report to Chris Albrecht, Head of Legendary Television.
As Director of Content for International Original Series at Netflix, a position Breslow held since 2016, she worked on a variety of series in such territories as Mexico, Brazil (O Mecanismo), India (Sacred Games), Korea (Love Alarm), France, Italy and Sweden (Quicksand). She spent most of 2018 living in Amsterdam to help build Netflix’s team and content hub in Europe while overseeing the slates for France and Italy.
In April of 2019, Breslow transitioned from international originals to US series, and was responsible for such popular new shows as Fate: The Winx Saga and Firefly Lane.
Prior to joining Netflix, Breslow was SVP and VP of Scripted Series at A+E Networks’ Lifetime,...
As Director of Content for International Original Series at Netflix, a position Breslow held since 2016, she worked on a variety of series in such territories as Mexico, Brazil (O Mecanismo), India (Sacred Games), Korea (Love Alarm), France, Italy and Sweden (Quicksand). She spent most of 2018 living in Amsterdam to help build Netflix’s team and content hub in Europe while overseeing the slates for France and Italy.
In April of 2019, Breslow transitioned from international originals to US series, and was responsible for such popular new shows as Fate: The Winx Saga and Firefly Lane.
Prior to joining Netflix, Breslow was SVP and VP of Scripted Series at A+E Networks’ Lifetime,...
- 4/15/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Legendary Television is adding Netflix executive Jennifer Breslow to its team.
The independent studio has hired Breslow as executive vp television and digital media, reporting to head of Legendary TV Chris Albrecht. She’ll be charged with helping grow Legendary’s portfolio both across platforms and in markets around the world.
“Jennifer’s proven track record of identifying, developing and creating world class storytelling for global audiences makes her the ideal candidate to join Legendary as we continue to scale our television and digital media footprint,” said Albrecht. “We are excited to have her as a leader ...
The independent studio has hired Breslow as executive vp television and digital media, reporting to head of Legendary TV Chris Albrecht. She’ll be charged with helping grow Legendary’s portfolio both across platforms and in markets around the world.
“Jennifer’s proven track record of identifying, developing and creating world class storytelling for global audiences makes her the ideal candidate to join Legendary as we continue to scale our television and digital media footprint,” said Albrecht. “We are excited to have her as a leader ...
- 4/15/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Legendary Television is adding Netflix executive Jennifer Breslow to its team.
The independent studio has hired Breslow as executive vp television and digital media, reporting to head of Legendary TV Chris Albrecht. She’ll be charged with helping grow Legendary’s portfolio both across platforms and in markets around the world.
“Jennifer’s proven track record of identifying, developing and creating world class storytelling for global audiences makes her the ideal candidate to join Legendary as we continue to scale our television and digital media footprint,” said Albrecht. “We are excited to have her as a leader ...
The independent studio has hired Breslow as executive vp television and digital media, reporting to head of Legendary TV Chris Albrecht. She’ll be charged with helping grow Legendary’s portfolio both across platforms and in markets around the world.
“Jennifer’s proven track record of identifying, developing and creating world class storytelling for global audiences makes her the ideal candidate to join Legendary as we continue to scale our television and digital media footprint,” said Albrecht. “We are excited to have her as a leader ...
- 4/15/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Range Media Partners and Legendary Television have teamed to develop and co-finance a series adaptation of the Ken Follett novel “The Evening and the Morning.”
The book is a prequel to Follett’s 1989 novel “The Pillars of the Earth.” It is set in 997 Ce, the end of the Dark Ages. England is facing attacks from the Welsh in the west and the Vikings in the east. Those in power bend justice according to their will, regardless of ordinary people and often in conflict with the king. Without a clear rule of law, chaos reigns. In these turbulent times, three characters find their lives intertwined: A young boatbuilder’s life is turned upside down when the only home he’s ever known is raided by Vikings, forcing him and his family to move and start their lives anew in a small hamlet where he does not fit in; A Norman noblewoman marries for love,...
The book is a prequel to Follett’s 1989 novel “The Pillars of the Earth.” It is set in 997 Ce, the end of the Dark Ages. England is facing attacks from the Welsh in the west and the Vikings in the east. Those in power bend justice according to their will, regardless of ordinary people and often in conflict with the king. Without a clear rule of law, chaos reigns. In these turbulent times, three characters find their lives intertwined: A young boatbuilder’s life is turned upside down when the only home he’s ever known is raided by Vikings, forcing him and his family to move and start their lives anew in a small hamlet where he does not fit in; A Norman noblewoman marries for love,...
- 3/30/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Former Legendary Television President Nick Pepper is joining Amazon Studios.
Pepper, who exited the Carnival Row producer last month after Chris Albrecht took over the company’s entire TV operation, becomes Head of Studio Creative Content.
The hire marks the final step of Amazon Studios’ recent restructure, which, in February, saw Head of Drama Marc Resteghini promoted to US/Global Head of Development and former NBC Head of Drama and Alcon TV President Laura Lancaster hired as Head of Series.
The streamer said at the time that it was looking for a third piece of the puzzle to oversee big franchise properties and overall deals and Pepper will now fill this position.
Pepper, like Resteghini and Lancaster, will report to Amazon Studios co-heads of TV Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng, who also is COO.
He will work with its creators and producers to find ideas and IP, package them with...
Pepper, who exited the Carnival Row producer last month after Chris Albrecht took over the company’s entire TV operation, becomes Head of Studio Creative Content.
The hire marks the final step of Amazon Studios’ recent restructure, which, in February, saw Head of Drama Marc Resteghini promoted to US/Global Head of Development and former NBC Head of Drama and Alcon TV President Laura Lancaster hired as Head of Series.
The streamer said at the time that it was looking for a third piece of the puzzle to oversee big franchise properties and overall deals and Pepper will now fill this position.
Pepper, like Resteghini and Lancaster, will report to Amazon Studios co-heads of TV Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng, who also is COO.
He will work with its creators and producers to find ideas and IP, package them with...
- 3/24/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Studios is bringing in Nick Pepper as head of studio creative content, where he’ll oversee IP and talent management.
Last month, Amazon said it would refocus its TV development around three areas: development, series and IP/talent management. Marc Resteghini and Laura Lancaster serve as the heads of development and series, respectively.
Pepper’s team will be tasked with acquiring and managing the studio’s IP — its largest being the rights to “Lord of the Rings” — and talent deals (such as overall and first-look pacts). The Studio Creative Content Team will work with creators and producers to find original ideas and IP, package them with talent and deliver those projects to the Prime Video and IMDb TV development teams.
Pepper will report into TV Co-Heads Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng.
This department will include two Creative Content executives, Amanda Greenblatt and Steve Prinz, who manage first look & overall deals,...
Last month, Amazon said it would refocus its TV development around three areas: development, series and IP/talent management. Marc Resteghini and Laura Lancaster serve as the heads of development and series, respectively.
Pepper’s team will be tasked with acquiring and managing the studio’s IP — its largest being the rights to “Lord of the Rings” — and talent deals (such as overall and first-look pacts). The Studio Creative Content Team will work with creators and producers to find original ideas and IP, package them with talent and deliver those projects to the Prime Video and IMDb TV development teams.
Pepper will report into TV Co-Heads Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng.
This department will include two Creative Content executives, Amanda Greenblatt and Steve Prinz, who manage first look & overall deals,...
- 3/24/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Legendary is putting its entire television business under Chris Albrecht, who was named Head of Legendary TV. As part of the move, the studio is combining its domestic and international TV businesses under one roof.
As part of the move, current Legendary TV president Nick Pepper will transition to an executive producer role on the studio’s projects. The studio says the move should better position Legendary to capitalize on the global expansion of the US streamers and the heightened need for platform defining content.
Albrecht, who left as Starz’s CEO in 2019, teamed with Legendary TV at the end of that year on an international production venture. His leadership role within the company had been increasing since last fall.
The studio’s current domestic TV series include Amazon’s “Carnival Row” and NBC’s upcoming drama “Debris.”
Additionally, Legendary has named former CAA executive Danny Grover as the division...
As part of the move, current Legendary TV president Nick Pepper will transition to an executive producer role on the studio’s projects. The studio says the move should better position Legendary to capitalize on the global expansion of the US streamers and the heightened need for platform defining content.
Albrecht, who left as Starz’s CEO in 2019, teamed with Legendary TV at the end of that year on an international production venture. His leadership role within the company had been increasing since last fall.
The studio’s current domestic TV series include Amazon’s “Carnival Row” and NBC’s upcoming drama “Debris.”
Additionally, Legendary has named former CAA executive Danny Grover as the division...
- 2/4/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Legendary is combining its international and domestic television businesses in a bid to better position itself in a streaming-heavy world.
Chris Albrecht, who has expanded his leadership role since last fall, will lead the merged business as head of Legendary TV, while president of TV Nick Pepper will shift into an executive producing role on the company’s projects.
Former HBO and Starz head Albrecht had initially teamed up with Legendary at the end of 2019 on a Legendary-backed venture to produce and finance TV for the international market amid an increasingly vertically integrated studio entertainment in the U.S. Now he will directly oversee the combined entity as it seeks to boost its operational efficiency and performance of its TV business.
As part of the move, Legendary has named Danny Grover as Legendary TV’s new head of business affairs. Until he departed last summer, the 30-year CAA veteran was...
Chris Albrecht, who has expanded his leadership role since last fall, will lead the merged business as head of Legendary TV, while president of TV Nick Pepper will shift into an executive producing role on the company’s projects.
Former HBO and Starz head Albrecht had initially teamed up with Legendary at the end of 2019 on a Legendary-backed venture to produce and finance TV for the international market amid an increasingly vertically integrated studio entertainment in the U.S. Now he will directly oversee the combined entity as it seeks to boost its operational efficiency and performance of its TV business.
As part of the move, Legendary has named Danny Grover as Legendary TV’s new head of business affairs. Until he departed last summer, the 30-year CAA veteran was...
- 2/4/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
A year after Legendary brought in Chris Albrecht to launch Legendary Global, the former Starz CEO is taking over the company’s entire TV operation.
Legendary is consolidating its international (Legendary Global) and domestic TV businesses under Albrecht, who has been named Head of Legendary Television. Nick Pepper, who served as President of Legendary Television for the past three years, will transition to an executive producer role on projects he had developed.
The move had been in the works for the last couple of months, with Albrecht gradually expanding his responsibilities. It aims at better positioning the company to capitalize on the global expansion of the U.S. streamers and the heightened need for platform defining content. Accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic, the combining of the entities also increases operational efficiency and performance.
Joining the consolidated unit in a newly created role is CAA veteran Danny Grover as head of Business Affairs.
Legendary is consolidating its international (Legendary Global) and domestic TV businesses under Albrecht, who has been named Head of Legendary Television. Nick Pepper, who served as President of Legendary Television for the past three years, will transition to an executive producer role on projects he had developed.
The move had been in the works for the last couple of months, with Albrecht gradually expanding his responsibilities. It aims at better positioning the company to capitalize on the global expansion of the U.S. streamers and the heightened need for platform defining content. Accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic, the combining of the entities also increases operational efficiency and performance.
Joining the consolidated unit in a newly created role is CAA veteran Danny Grover as head of Business Affairs.
- 2/4/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Legendary Television is consolidating its studio operations.
The company has merged its international and domestic arms and tapped former Starz chief Chris Albrecht to lead the combined business. Albrecht takes over the lead of the studio from Nick Pepper, who was tapped in early 2018 to lead Legendary’s TV business. Pepper will transition to an executive producer role on various Legendary shows.
As part of the merged studio, former CAA co-head of TV business affairs Danny Grover has joined Legendary and will serve as its new head of business affairs after his 30-year career at the agency.
The consolidation helps ...
The company has merged its international and domestic arms and tapped former Starz chief Chris Albrecht to lead the combined business. Albrecht takes over the lead of the studio from Nick Pepper, who was tapped in early 2018 to lead Legendary’s TV business. Pepper will transition to an executive producer role on various Legendary shows.
As part of the merged studio, former CAA co-head of TV business affairs Danny Grover has joined Legendary and will serve as its new head of business affairs after his 30-year career at the agency.
The consolidation helps ...
Legendary Television is consolidating its studio operations.
The company has merged its international and domestic arms and tapped former Starz chief Chris Albrecht to lead the combined business. Albrecht takes over the lead of the studio from Nick Pepper, who was tapped in early 2018 to lead Legendary’s TV business. Pepper will transition to an executive producer role on various Legendary shows.
As part of the merged studio, former CAA co-head of TV business affairs Danny Grover has joined Legendary and will serve as its new head of business affairs after his 30-year career at the agency.
The consolidation helps ...
The company has merged its international and domestic arms and tapped former Starz chief Chris Albrecht to lead the combined business. Albrecht takes over the lead of the studio from Nick Pepper, who was tapped in early 2018 to lead Legendary’s TV business. Pepper will transition to an executive producer role on various Legendary shows.
As part of the merged studio, former CAA co-head of TV business affairs Danny Grover has joined Legendary and will serve as its new head of business affairs after his 30-year career at the agency.
The consolidation helps ...
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