The Roost Podcast Network, servicing podcasts including This Past Weekend with Theo Von, has a new owner.
Talent management company Night, which represents YouTubers such as MrBeast, has acquired the company from Warner Bros. Discovery.
The studio shut down Rooster Teeth, which was part of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Streaming & Interactive Entertainment, earlier this year. At the time, Rooster Teeth general manager Jordan Levin said that Wbd was evaluating “outside interest in acquiring this growing asset”.
Night will be retaining a majority of the team, including A.J. Feliciano, Head of The Roost Podcast Network.
The Roost receives over 350 million views and 20 million monthly audio downloads. It features 47 podcasts including H3 Podcast, The Phil DeFranco Show, Flashback with Smosh, The Yard and Jeff FM.
Night was founded by Reed Duchscher, a former sports agent turned talent manager, in 2015.
Talent management company Night, which represents YouTubers such as MrBeast, has acquired the company from Warner Bros. Discovery.
The studio shut down Rooster Teeth, which was part of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Streaming & Interactive Entertainment, earlier this year. At the time, Rooster Teeth general manager Jordan Levin said that Wbd was evaluating “outside interest in acquiring this growing asset”.
Night will be retaining a majority of the team, including A.J. Feliciano, Head of The Roost Podcast Network.
The Roost receives over 350 million views and 20 million monthly audio downloads. It features 47 podcasts including H3 Podcast, The Phil DeFranco Show, Flashback with Smosh, The Yard and Jeff FM.
Night was founded by Reed Duchscher, a former sports agent turned talent manager, in 2015.
- 4/9/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
After 21 years, Rooster Teeth is shutting down.
“Since inheriting ownership and control of Rooster Teeth from AT&T following its acquisition of TimeWarner, Warner Bros. Discovery continued its investment in our company, content and community,” Rooster Teeth General Manager Jordan Levin said in a company memo. “Now however, it’s with a heavy heart I announce that Rooster Teeth is shutting down due to challenges facing digital media resulting from fundamental shifts in consumer behavior and monetization across platforms, advertising, and patronage.”
Around 150 staff are being affected, plus dozens of contractors and freelancers. A post from Rooster Teeth Community Manager Chelsea Atkinson asked that fans remember everyone at Rooster Teeth is “processing this in real time just like you,” and announced there will be a livestream about the closure March 7 on the Rooster Teeth website.
The Austin-based media company was founded in 2003 by Burnie Burns, Joel Heyman, Matt Hullum, Geoff Ramsey,...
“Since inheriting ownership and control of Rooster Teeth from AT&T following its acquisition of TimeWarner, Warner Bros. Discovery continued its investment in our company, content and community,” Rooster Teeth General Manager Jordan Levin said in a company memo. “Now however, it’s with a heavy heart I announce that Rooster Teeth is shutting down due to challenges facing digital media resulting from fundamental shifts in consumer behavior and monetization across platforms, advertising, and patronage.”
Around 150 staff are being affected, plus dozens of contractors and freelancers. A post from Rooster Teeth Community Manager Chelsea Atkinson asked that fans remember everyone at Rooster Teeth is “processing this in real time just like you,” and announced there will be a livestream about the closure March 7 on the Rooster Teeth website.
The Austin-based media company was founded in 2003 by Burnie Burns, Joel Heyman, Matt Hullum, Geoff Ramsey,...
- 3/6/2024
- by James Hale
- Tubefilter.com
Rooster Teeth, the pioneering digital-content company known for its webisodes and series like “Red vs. Blue,” “Rwby,” and “Gen: Lock,” is being shut down by parent company Warner Bros. Discovery after 21 years of operation.
Jordan Levin, the production company’s general manager, announced the news to staff on March 6 and sent a company-wide memo also shared to Rooster Teeth’s website. You can read it in full below.
“It’s with a heavy heart I announce that Rooster Teeth is shutting down due to challenges facing digital media resulting from fundamental shifts in consumer behavior and monetization across platforms, advertising, and patronage,” Levin wrote in the memo.
The shuttering of Rooster Teeth will result in the layoff of roughly 150 staffers, as well as numerous other contractors and creators put out of work. The Roost Podcast Network will continue as Wbd looks to sell its associated assets, including “The Rt Podcast,...
Jordan Levin, the production company’s general manager, announced the news to staff on March 6 and sent a company-wide memo also shared to Rooster Teeth’s website. You can read it in full below.
“It’s with a heavy heart I announce that Rooster Teeth is shutting down due to challenges facing digital media resulting from fundamental shifts in consumer behavior and monetization across platforms, advertising, and patronage,” Levin wrote in the memo.
The shuttering of Rooster Teeth will result in the layoff of roughly 150 staffers, as well as numerous other contractors and creators put out of work. The Roost Podcast Network will continue as Wbd looks to sell its associated assets, including “The Rt Podcast,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Animation, comedy and gaming studio Rooster Teeth, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, is shutting down.
“Since inheriting ownership and control of Rooster Teeth from AT&T following its acquisition of TimeWarner, Warner Bros. Discovery continued its investment in our company, content and community. It’s with a heavy heart I announce that Rooster Teeth is shutting down due to challenges facing digital media resulting from fundamental shifts in consumer behavior and monetization across platforms, advertising, and patronage,” wrote Jordan Levin, the general manager of Rooster Teeth.
As part of the shuttering, the Roost Podcast Network, which contains more than 80 podcasts, will remain in operation, as Wbd looks for outside interest in acquiring the network. Additional IP such as Red vs Blue, Rwby and Gen:lock, “remain in discussion,” the company said.
The company, which is headquartered in Austin, Texas, was founded in 2003 and began with the launch of the web series Red vs. Blue,...
“Since inheriting ownership and control of Rooster Teeth from AT&T following its acquisition of TimeWarner, Warner Bros. Discovery continued its investment in our company, content and community. It’s with a heavy heart I announce that Rooster Teeth is shutting down due to challenges facing digital media resulting from fundamental shifts in consumer behavior and monetization across platforms, advertising, and patronage,” wrote Jordan Levin, the general manager of Rooster Teeth.
As part of the shuttering, the Roost Podcast Network, which contains more than 80 podcasts, will remain in operation, as Wbd looks for outside interest in acquiring the network. Additional IP such as Red vs Blue, Rwby and Gen:lock, “remain in discussion,” the company said.
The company, which is headquartered in Austin, Texas, was founded in 2003 and began with the launch of the web series Red vs. Blue,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A pioneer in digital content creation is going away. Rooster Teeth, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Streaming & Interactive Entertainment, announced this morning that it is ceasing operations after 21 years. The process starts today and is expected to take several months.
The news was announced at an all-hands company meeting and shared in an internal memo by Rooster Teeth general manager Jordan Levin.
“It’s with a heavy heart I announce that Rooster Teeth is shutting down due to challenges facing digital media resulting from fundamental shifts in consumer behavior and monetization across platforms, advertising, and patronage,” Levin said in the email (You can read it in full below).
The Roost Podcast Network will remain in operation “while Wbd evaluates outside interest in acquiring this growing asset,” Levin said.
There is Rooster Teeth-branded content in the Wbd pipeline, which also will stay put, including a movie that will be...
The news was announced at an all-hands company meeting and shared in an internal memo by Rooster Teeth general manager Jordan Levin.
“It’s with a heavy heart I announce that Rooster Teeth is shutting down due to challenges facing digital media resulting from fundamental shifts in consumer behavior and monetization across platforms, advertising, and patronage,” Levin said in the email (You can read it in full below).
The Roost Podcast Network will remain in operation “while Wbd evaluates outside interest in acquiring this growing asset,” Levin said.
There is Rooster Teeth-branded content in the Wbd pipeline, which also will stay put, including a movie that will be...
- 3/6/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The Roost, an influential podcast network housed within Warner Bros Discovery, announced the expansion of duties for Aj Feliciano as VP of The Roost Podcast Network, overseeing all sales and partnerships. Additional advancements include Nadia Elias as Executive Director, Sales Operations & Strategy role, and Farid Haji as Head of Partnerships.
As the Head of The Roost, Aj Feliciano has overseen the business’ growth with more than 370 million views and downloads across all platforms where millennial and Gen Z audiences watch or listen to podcasts. Under his leadership, The Roost has risen as a successful and sought-after video-first podcast businesses since its inception six years ago.
Feliciano spearheaded securing creator partnerships that open up multi-layered revenue streams in the form of strategy, production, direct response and brand sales, e-commerce, event sales, multi-platform distribution and analytics. Creators include top internet talent such as Grace Helbig, H3H3, Unbox Therapy, etc. This past year,...
As the Head of The Roost, Aj Feliciano has overseen the business’ growth with more than 370 million views and downloads across all platforms where millennial and Gen Z audiences watch or listen to podcasts. Under his leadership, The Roost has risen as a successful and sought-after video-first podcast businesses since its inception six years ago.
Feliciano spearheaded securing creator partnerships that open up multi-layered revenue streams in the form of strategy, production, direct response and brand sales, e-commerce, event sales, multi-platform distribution and analytics. Creators include top internet talent such as Grace Helbig, H3H3, Unbox Therapy, etc. This past year,...
- 12/19/2023
- Podnews.net
The Hollywood Radio and Television Society has elected 12 new board members and six new advisory council members, and extended CEO Melissa Grego’s contract through 2025, the organization announced Wednesday.
Newly elected to the Hrts Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning in July 2023 are: Kathryn Busby; Ben Davis; Jaime Feld; David Eilenberg (Head of Content – Roku Media); Frank Jung (Co-Founder/Co-head of Digital Media – CAA); Lisa Katz (President, Scripted Content – NBCUniversal); Tim McNeal (Senior Vice President, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion, Disney Television Studios – Disney Entertainment); DJ Nurre (Executive Vice President – Unscripted, Endemol Shine North America); Brett Paul (President, Warner Bros Television – Warner Bros Discovery); Rhonda Price (Managing Partner – The Gersh Agency); Lauren Stein (EVP Drama Development – Sony Pictures Television) and Erin Underhill (President, Universal Television).
Existing board members elected to a new three-year term beginning July 2023 are Kate Adler (EVP,...
Newly elected to the Hrts Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning in July 2023 are: Kathryn Busby; Ben Davis; Jaime Feld; David Eilenberg (Head of Content – Roku Media); Frank Jung (Co-Founder/Co-head of Digital Media – CAA); Lisa Katz (President, Scripted Content – NBCUniversal); Tim McNeal (Senior Vice President, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion, Disney Television Studios – Disney Entertainment); DJ Nurre (Executive Vice President – Unscripted, Endemol Shine North America); Brett Paul (President, Warner Bros Television – Warner Bros Discovery); Rhonda Price (Managing Partner – The Gersh Agency); Lauren Stein (EVP Drama Development – Sony Pictures Television) and Erin Underhill (President, Universal Television).
Existing board members elected to a new three-year term beginning July 2023 are Kate Adler (EVP,...
- 7/19/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Not too many series make it to five seasons and those that do often feel like they've run out of gas by the time they get there. It's incredibly rare for a show's final season to be its best and yet, that's somehow the case with "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" spinoff, "Angel." After a strong, but largely episodic freshman outing, the series evolved into a truly great show in its 2nd and 3rd seasons, expanding on Angel's own mythology and exploring the complexities of what it means to fight an unwinnable battle. Things fell apart with season 4, which, despite having its moments, was far too serialized for its own good and also suffered from creatives whose focus was majorly split.
"Angel" is all about redemption, so what better season could there be than the one in which the show redeems itself? Thanks to a major paradigm shift, the spinoff returned revitalized for its fifth season,...
"Angel" is all about redemption, so what better season could there be than the one in which the show redeems itself? Thanks to a major paradigm shift, the spinoff returned revitalized for its fifth season,...
- 9/26/2022
- by Jamie Gerber
- Slash Film
After a massive leadership change saw its co-founders taking on creatively-focused roles amid the ascension of digital vet Jordan Levin to general manager, and in the wake of its first major round of layoffs, Austin-based digital outfit Rooster Teeth is pressing onward with what it does best: creating content for its global footprint of 45 million YouTube subscribers and 5 million unique monthly visitors to proprietary website.
At a panel yesterday at New York Comic-Con, Rooster Teeth unveiled the trailer for season seven of its long-running anime Rwby. At the same time, Rwby writer/director Kerry Shawcross confirmed that the series had been greenlit through seasons eight and nine, with additional details to follow.
Season seven will follow the quartet of young huntresses -- Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long -- who have fought with their friends to bring an ancient relic to the northernmost kingdom of the Remnant.
At a panel yesterday at New York Comic-Con, Rooster Teeth unveiled the trailer for season seven of its long-running anime Rwby. At the same time, Rwby writer/director Kerry Shawcross confirmed that the series had been greenlit through seasons eight and nine, with additional details to follow.
Season seven will follow the quartet of young huntresses -- Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long -- who have fought with their friends to bring an ancient relic to the northernmost kingdom of the Remnant.
- 10/4/2019
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
A well-traveled online video exec has found a new position. Bonnie Pan, who has spent time in prominent positions at Yahoo, Maker Studios, and Endemol Beyond, has been hired as the new Head of Network at AwesomenessTV.
In her new role, Pan -- who has held content-related positions at all of the companies she has worked for over the past four years -- will oversee strategy and programming for AwesomenessTV on YouTube, social media, and other owned-and-operated platforms. A press release indicates that Pan's role will extend to the Awesomeness News venture announced during the most recent Newfronts. AweomenessTV's DreamworksTV and Awestruck ventures will continue to be headed by Birk Rawlings and Carrie Franklin, respectively, who will work alongside the newly-hired exec.
Pan's most recent role came at Endemol, where she served as the President of the Endemol Beyond USA digital network. Before that, she spent about a year and a half at Maker Studios,...
In her new role, Pan -- who has held content-related positions at all of the companies she has worked for over the past four years -- will oversee strategy and programming for AwesomenessTV on YouTube, social media, and other owned-and-operated platforms. A press release indicates that Pan's role will extend to the Awesomeness News venture announced during the most recent Newfronts. AweomenessTV's DreamworksTV and Awestruck ventures will continue to be headed by Birk Rawlings and Carrie Franklin, respectively, who will work alongside the newly-hired exec.
Pan's most recent role came at Endemol, where she served as the President of the Endemol Beyond USA digital network. Before that, she spent about a year and a half at Maker Studios,...
- 7/26/2017
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Two-and-a-half months after Brian Robbins announced his decision to step down from his role as CEO of AwesomenessTV, his replacement has been selected. Jordan Levin, who most recently worked as the NFL’s first ever Chief Content Officer, will take on Robbins’ former position at the top of the tween- and teen-focused digital media company.
Levin will work with AwesomenessTV President Brian Bouttier to guide the company as it continues to produce a busy slate of content across multiple platforms. AwesomenessTV is a force on YouTube, where many of its partners claim millions of subscribers. It has also produced a number of films, and it has formed a particularly close relationship with Go90 (which is owned by Verizon, an AwesomenessTV investor), releasing several series there.
"I believe Awesomeness has become one of the most relevant brands for young adults across television, film and digital because it quickly cultivated a passionate...
Levin will work with AwesomenessTV President Brian Bouttier to guide the company as it continues to produce a busy slate of content across multiple platforms. AwesomenessTV is a force on YouTube, where many of its partners claim millions of subscribers. It has also produced a number of films, and it has formed a particularly close relationship with Go90 (which is owned by Verizon, an AwesomenessTV investor), releasing several series there.
"I believe Awesomeness has become one of the most relevant brands for young adults across television, film and digital because it quickly cultivated a passionate...
- 5/9/2017
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
NBCUniversal Filmed Entertainment boss Jeff Shell said today that TV veteran Jordan Levin has been named CEO of Awesomeness, the joint-venture digital company run by NBCU, Hearst and Verizon. Levin replaces Brian Robbins, the co-founder of AwesomenessTV, who in February exited the multi-channel network after five years. Awesomeness’ portfolio includes AwesomenessTV, Awesomeness Films, DreamWorksTV and Awestruck and just unveiled its new slate during its NewFront event in…...
- 5/9/2017
- Deadline TV
Jordan Levin has been named the CEO of AwesomenessTV — a multimedia company that produces cross-platform content for younger audiences, TheWrap has learned. Levin was introduced to employees Tuesday in an internal memo sent by Jeff Shell, chairman of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group. The industry veteran joins AwesomenessTV from the NFL Network, where he was the chief content officer. Before that, he was the Executive Vice President at Xbox Entertainment Studios, which was shut down in 2014, and the CEO and President of Programming at the WB Network. Also Read: AwesomenessTV Founder and CEO Brian Robbins to Exit Company “I’m incredibly excited to join this amazing.
- 5/9/2017
- by Carli Velocci
- The Wrap
Touchdown! It seems likely the All or Nothing TV show on Amazon has been renewed for a second season. Narrated by Jon Hamm, the first eight one-hour season of Amazon's original series, All or Nothing: A Season with the Arizona Cardinals, premiered on Prime, July 1st. Showrunner Keith Cossrow, Coordinating Producer at NFL Films, revealed in a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" session, "We look forward to Season Two!" Given Cossrow was posting on AmazonVideo's verified Reddit account, that seems pretty official to us.There is no word on whether season two of the docu-series will again follow the Arizona Cardinals, or move on to another NFL franchise. All or Nothing is executive produced by Jordan Levin, Ross Ketover, and Pat Kelleher. The first season was directed by Jay Jackson, Steve Trout, and...
- 7/20/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Andy Kaplan, Sony Pictures Television’s president of worldwide networks, has been elected chairman of the board of Natpe, the organization announced Tuesday. Kaplan’s tenure begins immediately as he succeeds succeeds Jordan Levin, who served as Natpe’s chairman for four years. “Andy is one of the most respected television executives in the business and we are delighted that he will serve as our new chairman,” said Natpe Content First president and CEO Rod Perth in a statement. “Andy’s extensive knowledge of the domestic and international TV and burgeoning VOD and subscription VOD markets, as well as the multi-platform online entertainment network space,...
- 8/26/2015
- by Linda Ge
- The Wrap
As the NFL slackens its once-tight grip on its video content, it is looking to produce some new programming to accompany game highlights and footage. To that end, it has hired Jordan Levin, a former TV exec who recently served as the Evp of Xbox Studios, as its first ever Chief Content Officer.
Levin will oversee the production of original content that will be distributed across multiple channels, including the NFL’s website, its NFL Now platform, and its mobile and Xbox apps. These efforts are the latest part of the pro football league’s plan to invest more resources in online video. As part of those plans, it has cut deals with a number of digital media companies, including YouTube, Facebook, and Yahoo, the last of which will stream a live NFL game during the upcoming season.
“I’m both honored and humbled to be joining the NFL Media...
Levin will oversee the production of original content that will be distributed across multiple channels, including the NFL’s website, its NFL Now platform, and its mobile and Xbox apps. These efforts are the latest part of the pro football league’s plan to invest more resources in online video. As part of those plans, it has cut deals with a number of digital media companies, including YouTube, Facebook, and Yahoo, the last of which will stream a live NFL game during the upcoming season.
“I’m both honored and humbled to be joining the NFL Media...
- 6/16/2015
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Veteran TV and digital media veteran Jordan Levin has been named the NFL’s first chief content officer, overseeing the league’s programming efforts. Levin will be charged with developing and implementing content for the league’s owned properties, including the NFL Network and NFL Now online platforms, according to the Wall St. Journal. He also will oversee the Super Bowl Halftime Show and work with other media partners that broadcast NFL games. Levin most recently served…...
- 6/15/2015
- Deadline TV
The NFL has hired a new chief of content. Industry veteran Jordan Levin has been tapped to oversee the league's programming efforts as its first chief content officer. Levin, who starts his new job Monday, will oversee the development of content for NFL Network, the NFL Now online platform and other league-owned properties. He also will supervise the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Read More NFL, Yahoo Partner to Live-Stream October Game Levin most recently was executive vp at now-defunct Xbox Entertainment Studios. He joined the company in February 2014, but Microsoft announced five months later that it
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- 6/15/2015
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rod Perth has extended his contact as president and CEO of Natpe//Content First through February 2016, Natpe Board Chairman Jordan Levin said today. At that time he will join the non-profit’s Board of Directors and will help in the choice of a successor and continue to manage the business throughout the transition. "These actions we are taking reflect the culmination of a multi-year turnaround effort made possible by all of the success we've achieved during Rod's watch,"…...
- 3/26/2015
- Deadline TV
Xbox Studios head Nancy Tellem and executive vice president Jordan Levin were let go on Wednesday as part of the final round of layoffs in a massive restructuring by Microsoft. The studio will officially close, according to Reuters. “Nancy and Jordan were key members and visionaries for the Xes team, and we thank them for their leadership and many contributions,” a Microsoft spokesperson said. Microsoft created the entertainment studio in September 2012 and hired former CBS chief Nancy Tellem to run it. Tellem's mandate was to create original shows that complement the movies and TV shows people already watched using their Xbox.
- 10/29/2014
- by Gina Hall
- The Wrap
The Xbox Entertainment Studios era has officially ended at Microsoft. Three months after the Redmond, Washington-based tech giant announced its plan to shutter its original programming wing, it has fired Nancy Tellem and Jordan Levin, who were Xbox Studios' top two executives. Tellem, who was the head of Xbox Studios, and Levin, who was its Evp, both survived the first round of Microsoft's recent wave of layoffs, which occurred in July. It was during those cutbacks that the majority of Xbox Studios employees lost their jobs, but Tellem, Levin, and a few other staffers stayed on in order to finish up existing projects already in development. They reportedly believed they would remain on board until the end of the year, but they instead lost their jobs among 3,000 layoffs at Microsoft. Since Satya Nadella took over as Microsoft's CEO in February, the company has laid off about 18,000 people in all, a...
- 10/29/2014
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Xbox Entertainment Studios has finally closed its doors. Microsoft has shuttered the studio as part of a companywide restructuring that included 18,000 layoffs, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Studio chief Nancy Tellem and executive vp Jordan Levin were part of Wednesday's final round of layoffs, along with a handful of Xbox employees who had remained with the company to help shepherd projects. The studio's closure was first announced in July. Tellem and Levin were given some time to find new homes for some of the more developed projects. Since then, Xes sold drama series Humans to AMC and shopped
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- 10/29/2014
- by Natalie Jarvey
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Microsoft stormed Hollywood two years ago armed with its Xbox and one of the most powerful executives in the television business. It leaves with nothing to show for it. Microsoft will close its Xbox Entertainment Studios in the coming months, the company said Thursday, laying off some 200 employees. President Nancy Tellem and lieutenant Jordan Levin will hang around to finish off a couple of shows, but producing TV shows is no longer in Microsoft's long-term plan. So ends a fitful two-year experiment with an enterprise that never found its footing. Despite partnerships with Steven Spielberg, Sarah Silverman and Ridley Scott,...
- 7/18/2014
- by Lucas Shaw
- The Wrap
Xbox Entertainment Studios won’t be posting casting notices anytime soon. Back in April, Microsoft’s aspiring TV studio, which is based in Santa Monica, was reportedly set to produce a comedy sketch show with Sarah Silverman and Michael Cera’s group Jash. But that project and others in its pipeline appear to be on permanent hiatus after the parent company announced it was closing Xes as part of a massive personnel overhaul that could see 18,000 jobs lost. “As part of the planned reduction to our overall workforce announced today and in light of the Xbox vision to focus more on games and gamers, we plan to streamline a handful of portfolio and engineering development efforts across Xbox,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement. “One such plan is that we will expect to close XboxEntertainment Studios in the coming months.” Nancy Tellem, the former CBS executive hired to lead...
- 7/17/2014
- backstage.com
Another contender for the Netflix crown has fallen.
On Thursday, Microsoft announced that the company will shut down its Xbox Entertainment Studios division, well before any of the studio’s marquee series go live. The news comes hours after Microsoft announced massive restructuring plans that will see the company eliminate up to 18,000 jobs this year.
In an internal memo published by Re/code, Phil Spencer, head of the company’s in-house video game production wing Microsoft Studios, briefly outlined Microsoft’s strategy for the Xbox in light of the sudden upheaval:
“Games are the single biggest digital life category in a mobile-first world.
On Thursday, Microsoft announced that the company will shut down its Xbox Entertainment Studios division, well before any of the studio’s marquee series go live. The news comes hours after Microsoft announced massive restructuring plans that will see the company eliminate up to 18,000 jobs this year.
In an internal memo published by Re/code, Phil Spencer, head of the company’s in-house video game production wing Microsoft Studios, briefly outlined Microsoft’s strategy for the Xbox in light of the sudden upheaval:
“Games are the single biggest digital life category in a mobile-first world.
- 7/17/2014
- by Joshua Rivera
- EW.com - PopWatch
During last year's announcement of the Xbox One, Microsoft received a lot of flack for its focus on television. A key part of the reason for that focus was the company's plans to produce and distribute original content through its Xbox Entertainment Studios division.
This morning those plans changed as the company announced the cutting of approximately 18,000 jobs from the company's global 120,000 strong workforce. Whilst many of the cuts are from former phone company juggernaut Nokia, some of the sharpest are from Xbox Entertainment Studios which they've confirmed will be closed in coming months.
Nancy Tellem, Jordan Levin and some of the team will stay for now to shepherd original programming already announced and in production. This means that their documentary series "Signal to Noise," their digital feature "Halo: Nightfall," their interactive sports content (eg. "NFL on Xbox") and the proposed Spielberg-produced "Halo" TV series will continue as planned.
What...
This morning those plans changed as the company announced the cutting of approximately 18,000 jobs from the company's global 120,000 strong workforce. Whilst many of the cuts are from former phone company juggernaut Nokia, some of the sharpest are from Xbox Entertainment Studios which they've confirmed will be closed in coming months.
Nancy Tellem, Jordan Levin and some of the team will stay for now to shepherd original programming already announced and in production. This means that their documentary series "Signal to Noise," their digital feature "Halo: Nightfall," their interactive sports content (eg. "NFL on Xbox") and the proposed Spielberg-produced "Halo" TV series will continue as planned.
What...
- 7/17/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Amidst company-wide layoffs of up to 18,000, Microsoft has announced that it will be shutting down Xbox Entertainment Studios in the coming months. Studio chief Nancy Tellem will remain with the company along with exec vp Jordan Levin and some of the Xes team to work on existing projects such as documentary series Signal to Noise and the Steven Spielberg-produced Halo television series. The studio will also continue to work on the upcoming digital series Halo: Nightfall, which will be released as part of a collector's edition of the Halo video game franchise this fall. "Every
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- 7/17/2014
- by Natalie Jarvey
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Over the past few months, Xbox Entertainment Studios has revealed its first wave of original programming in dribs and drabs. At Digital Content Newfronts, Microsoft President of Entertainment Nancy Tellem and Evp of Programming Jordan Levin presented a handful Xbox originals, shedding light on a varied lineup of high-quality programs. Xbox Studios' upcoming series are marked by their diversity. The company showed off trailers for a comedy, a sci-fi drama, an experimental romance, a reality competition, and a documentary series. These programs are brought to Xbox by an equally diverse group of producers, including Seth Green's Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, the interactive wizards at Interlude, Academy Award winners Simon and Jonathan Chinn, and the UK's Channel 4. Tellem and Levin's presentation also hinted at a number of upcoming additions to the Xbox lineup. Jash will dip its feet outside of YouTube with a half-hour variety program, while Steven Spielberg is...
- 4/29/2014
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Microsoft execs made a lot of promises, but had little to show, in their Newfront presentation to attract advertising for their Xbox Originals shows. “I know from experience that building something substantial won’t be easy and will take time,” Xbox Entertainment Studios President Nancy Tellem told th NYC gathering. But with 85M Xbox owners, the Internet delivered programming for the game console “is in a unique position to reach audiences everywhere…This is where TV wants to be.” Based on clips from Possibilia — a short film that gives viewers the ability to choose the direction of the story — TV wants to be schizophrenic. The film shows two characters in a troubled relationship whose feelings change with the click of a button as they constantly ask questions such as ”Are you going to stay or are you going to go?”…”You don’t think I can handle unfamiliar territory?” …”Why...
- 4/28/2014
- by DAVID LIEBERMAN, Financial Editor
- Deadline TV
Microsoft’s joining the TV game with a slate of original shows specifically made for the Xbox.
Although Microsoft’s been in talks to get into the original video content game for a year now, the company is just now announcing its twelve shows, dubbed Xbox Originals. Ranging from unscripted comedies to game-based dramas, the shows are expected to begin airing this June.
“Microsoft has a long and rich legacy in the content business,” executive president of Xbox Entertainment Studios Jordan Levin said in a statement. “Games have been part of our DNA for at least the last 15 years, and...
Although Microsoft’s been in talks to get into the original video content game for a year now, the company is just now announcing its twelve shows, dubbed Xbox Originals. Ranging from unscripted comedies to game-based dramas, the shows are expected to begin airing this June.
“Microsoft has a long and rich legacy in the content business,” executive president of Xbox Entertainment Studios Jordan Levin said in a statement. “Games have been part of our DNA for at least the last 15 years, and...
- 4/28/2014
- by Ariana Bacle
- EW - Inside TV
You knew it was only a matter of time. After Netflix scored with original programming like "Orange Is the New Black" and "Arrested Development," Amazon quickly jumped into the game -- and now Xbox is, too. Pretty soon, look forward to new shows from your microwave and blender. Xbox will launch Xbox: Originals this June with 12 projects. They will be available on Xbox 360, Xbox One, and other Microsoft devices, and, of course, the shows will offer "interactive capabilities." To prove they're not kidding around, Xbox Entertainment Studios has attracted names like Steven Spielberg and Ridley Scott, who are attached to two separate scripted projects based on the “Halo” franchise. Because hey, you can never get enough "Halo." Other shows in production include an unscripted series about international street soccer, an original drama about robotic servants in a dystopian world, and a documentary about the search for discarded Atari games in...
- 4/28/2014
- by Liane Bonin Starr
- Hitfix
Xbox is stepping up its efforts to become an original programming player in the digital space with its first development slate, which includes dramas, live-action and animated comedies, unscripted and event series. The company first signaled its entrance into original programming at the unveiling of Xbox One a year ago when Xbox Entertainment Studios president Nancy Tellem announced a drama series based on the popular video game Halo with Steven Spielberg executive producing. That project is still in a development/deal-making stage, but Xbox is moving forward with several other game titles which it plans to turn into series — both scripted and unscripted — Age Of Empires, State Of Decay, Fable, Forza Motorsport and Gears Of War. The announcement was made at a presentation Tellem and Xbox’s newly appointed Evp Jordan Levin held last week. The two also confirmed that a second Halo digital feature, a follow-up to Forward Unto Dawn,...
- 4/28/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Former Regency TV president Peter Aronson is returning to the executive ranks, joining IFC as Evp Original Programming. He succeeds Debbie DeMontreux who resigned in December. Aronson will oversee original programming, working out of the network’s Los Angeles office. New York-based IFC has only had a presence in Los Angeles with a development executive (director Erin Keating) since opening an office last year, so this marks a major West Coast shift for the cable network. Along with fellow TV executive-turned digital entrepreneur Jordan Levin, with whom he co-founded Generate, Aronson had been in play since October when Alloy Digital and Break Media merged to form Defy Media, run largely by the Break Media team. Following Alloy’s 2012 acquisition of Generate, Aronson served as Evp of Alloy Digital in addition to his role at president of Generate. Aronson’s IFC appointment comes a couple of weeks after Levin landed the No.
- 3/13/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Xbox Entertainment Studios has recently show a flurry of activity, and its latest transaction brings a new high-level executive into the fold. Microsoft's upstart digital production wing has snapped up Jordan Levin, the former CEO of the WB Network, hiring him to be the company's executive Vice President. As Evp, Levin will report to Nancy Tellem, whom he worked with back in the 90s at the WB. It was during that time that Levin oversaw the production of several hit shows, including Dawson’s Creek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gilmore Girls. At Xbox Studios, he will head the development of the studio's upcoming original series. “Jordan Levin offers a unique blend of traditional media experience, technical knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit that sets him apart from others in the industry,” said Tellem. “I am thrilled to welcome him to the Xbox Entertainment Studios team as we continue to build our portfolio of premium TV experiences.
- 2/18/2014
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Microsoft announced Tuesday that it has named Jordan Levin executive vp at Xbox Entertainment Studios. Levin will report to president Nancy Tellem and will lead the creative team responsible for developing scripted and unscripted original content for the game console and other devices. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed last week reports that Levin was in talks for the position. Levin was formerly CEO of WB Network, where he oversaw 1990s hits such as Dawson's Creek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gilmore Girls. He also co-founded and served as CEO of Generate, a digital media company acquired by Alloy Digital in
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- 2/18/2014
- by Natalie Jarvey
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Microsoft has appointed former WB Network CEO Jordan Levin as executive vice president of Xbox Entertainment Studios. Levin will report to Xbox Entertainment Studios president Nancy Tellem, working in tandem with Tellem on all of her initiatives, and leading the creative team responsible for developing and producing scripted and unscripted content for Xbox and other Microsoft devices. Also read: Microsoft Reports 76M XBox Consoles Worldwide Levin has also served as CEO of the multi-platform studio/talent management company Generate, and previously the president of Generate-parent Alloy Digital, as well as the chairman of Natpe. The appointment reunites Levin with Tellem,...
- 2/18/2014
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Former WB Network and Generate CEO Jordan Levin will try to combine his network development and digital skills in a new role as Evp of Xbox Entertainment Studios, reporting to Xbox Entertainment Studios president Nancy Tellem. He will be responsible for development and production of scripted and unscripted content for Xbox and other Microsoft devices — an area where the service has been slow to establish a foothold. Levin had been in play since October when Alloy Digital and Break Media merged to form Defy Media. Following Alloy’s 2012 acquisition of Generate, which Levin co-founded, he served as president of Alloy Digital in addition to his role of Generate CEO. In the merger with Break, Keith Richman was named president of Defy Media. “Jordan Levin offers a unique blend of traditional media experience, technical knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit that sets him apart from others in the industry,” said Tellem. At Xbox,...
- 2/18/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
ReelzChannel co-founder and CBS veteran Rod Perth has been named the new president and CEO of television executives' association Natpe, the organization's co-chairs, Jordan Levin and Chris Grant said Tuesday. Perth succeeds Rick Feldman, who stepped down as the organization's president and CEO in February. Also read: Rick Feldman Stepping Down as Natpe President and CEO Levin and Grant said that Perth's "broad range of experience reflects the diverse influences shaping our industry and Natpe’s role in bringing together its various constituencies. Combined with his vast network of relationships and senior management skills,...
- 5/22/2012
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Following an extensive search, Natpe has tapped Rod Perth president and CEO. Perth, who begins immediately, will oversee the vision, evolution, marketing, programming and financial/administrative operations of the organization and report to the executive committee and board of directors, co-chairs Jordan Levin and Chris Grant announced Tuesday. He'll lead a senior management team comprised of six direct reports and a total staff that numbers 20 employees. Before joining Natpe, Perth served as founder and president of Rhp media Consulting, specializing in strategic consulting and planning for digital media, broadcast, cable and new media initiatives. In addition, he was a
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- 5/22/2012
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rod Perth, a former president of USA Network and co-founder of ReelzChannel, has been appointed president and CEO of the National Association of Television Programming Executives. He will oversee the vision, strategic evolution, marketing, programming and financial/administrative operations of the organization and replaces Rick Feldman, who stepped down in February after nine years in the post. “Combined with his vast network of relationships and senior management skills, we believe Rod is ideally suited to evolve Natpe into a dynamic global organization relevant to all who touch content,” said the trade group’s co-chairs Jordan Levin and Chris Grant. “His imprint will be on next year’s conference in Miami, which marks Natpe’s 50th anniversary. It will recognize the considerable milestones in our business and serve as a springboard into our new initiatives for the future.” Korn/Ferry conducted the search on Natpe’s behalf. Most recently, Perth founded and Rhp Media Consulting,...
- 5/22/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Natpe announced the recipients of the 2012 Digital Luminary Awards, which honor leadership in digital media in six categories ranging from Branded Entertainment Series to Online Video Personality. Natpe CEO Rick Feldman announced the winners of the third annual awards, which honor the innovative people and companies who act as catalysts in the content revolution. Recipients in six categories will be honored during a presentation at Natpe || ContentFirst, the premier U.S.-based media marketplace. Alex Albrecht of Fat Dolphin will emcee. The Digital Luminary Awards are produced again with Tubefilter. Each year, digital media continues to redefine itself and mature in terms of content, brand integration and talent,” remarked Feldman. “Natpe is proud to recognize the 2012 Digital Luminary Awards honorees as they lead the charge in uniting the world of media in a truly exciting way.” The 2012 recipients are: Brand Leadership in Online Video: Honoring a brand that has shown...
- 1/10/2012
- by Drew Baldwin
- Tubefilter.com
New York - Online video content creator Alloy Digital, which focuses on the 12-34 year-old demo, has acquired production and talent management firm Generate, the company said Thursday. The partners said the deal, announced by Alloy Inc. CEO Matt Diamond and Generate CEO Jordan Levin, creates "the first of its kind, multi-platform, next generation media company." Financial terms weren't disclosed. Generate's senior management will take leadership positions at the consolidated company. Generate head Jordan Levin, who used to be CEO of The WB Network, will join four of Generate’s early partners at Alloy - president Peter Aronson, head of branded
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- 1/5/2012
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alloy Digital has announced acquisition of Generate to form a new next generation media company. Today Alloy, Inc. CEO Matt Diamond and Generate CEO Jordan Levin made the announcement of their intentions to build a "consolidated enterprise offering Vertically integrated and highly specialized capabilities in content development, talent management, production and distribution targeted to key 12-34 demographic. "The addition of Generate to Alloy Digital firmly places us in a unique position offering expanded and vertically integrated capabilities that will create significant value for our advertisers and consumers, as well as the creative community and potential partners. With this transaction, and with the strength of our combined management teams, we are now the leading next generation media company mirroring the best of both old Hollywood and the new digital era: cost-effective development and production, talent management, distribution, ad sales, social media and promotion all under one roof," Diamond said. Levin commented,...
- 1/5/2012
- by Drew Baldwin
- Tubefilter.com
Generate, the management/TV and digital production company launched in 2006 by Jordan Levin, Pete Aronson, Dave Rath and Kara Welker, has been acquired by Alloy Digital, a division of youth-focused Alloy, Inc. which creates and distributes online video content targeting 12-34 year-olds. Generate will continue as an stand-alone company under the Alloy Digital umbrella, with all of its key executives, including the founding partners led by CEO Levin, staying put. Its New York and Los Angeles offices will be integrated with those of Alloy Digital, whose headquarters are in New York. (Generate’s main campus is in Santa Monica.) Generate consists of talent management division, Generate Management, and TV/digital production unit Generate Studios. The company plans to continue to develop and produce for traditional TV networks, giving parent company Alloy two outfits in the network business, Generate Studios and Alloy Entertainment, which produces such series as Gossip Girls, The Vampire Diaries...
- 1/5/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Is there hope for One Tree Hill beyond season nine? The CW series will welcome back musician Tyler Hilton for the show’s upcoming return to television, as well as the long time villain portrayed by actor Paul Johansson, who will spend some time behind One Tree Hill cameras, too.
Still, many feel season nine will be the show’s last. Executive Producer Mike Tollin is hesitant to announce hopefulness for a longer run, saying to StarNewsOnline, “I’ll believe it when I see it” approach.
“I don’t want to say definitely,” Tollin said during the Television Critics Association summer press tour. “Until they call it off we are still answering the bell.” This sounds to me as if Tollin would jump at a chance to have One Tree Hill continue into a tenth season.
Tollin calls his series “the show that will never die.”
“This is a show...
Still, many feel season nine will be the show’s last. Executive Producer Mike Tollin is hesitant to announce hopefulness for a longer run, saying to StarNewsOnline, “I’ll believe it when I see it” approach.
“I don’t want to say definitely,” Tollin said during the Television Critics Association summer press tour. “Until they call it off we are still answering the bell.” This sounds to me as if Tollin would jump at a chance to have One Tree Hill continue into a tenth season.
Tollin calls his series “the show that will never die.”
“This is a show...
- 8/4/2011
- by Sasha Nova
- Boomtron
Jordan Levin, the former CEO of The WB network and current chief of the firm Generate, predicts that segments of the branded content market – including product placement – will continue to experience double-digit growth over the next three years. Speaking at a media conference in Manhattan Wednesday, Levin said he expects 17.6 percent growth in product placement per year through 2013, and an 18.6 percent yearly growth for webisodes and “advergaming.” “Advertisers are seeking higher audience engagement with more customized and targeted content than can be delivered through traditional ad units,”...
- 4/13/2011
- by Dylan Stableford
- The Wrap
Chris Grant, President, Shine International, and Jordan Levin, CEO, Generate, have been elected Natpe 2011 co-chairs. Newly elected members of the 2011 Natpe Board are Rob Barnett, Founder and CEO, My Damn Channel; Cesar O. Diaz, Vice President of Sales, Venevision International; David Ellender, Global CEO, FremantleMedia Enterprises; Bob Friedman, President, Media and Entertainment, Radical Media; Greg Lipstone, Svp & Head of International TV and Media, Icm; John Morayniss, CEO, Entertainment One Television; Scott Sternberg, President, Scott Sternberg Prods.; and Elizabeth Tumulty, Evp, Distribution, The CW. Returning to the Natpe Board are Lisa Berger, Evp, Entertainment Programming, E!; Paul Buccieri, CEO and President, ITV Studios, Inc.; Nancy Dubuc, President & General Manager, Lifetime and History, A&E Television Networks; Luis Fernandez, President, Entertainment & Univision Studios; Phil Gurin, President, The Gurin Co.; Gary Lico, President & CEO, CABLEready Corporation; Neal Sabin, Evp, Weigel Broadcasting; Hans Schiff, Agent, Creative Artists Agency; Eric Schotz, CEO & President, Lmno Prods.
- 1/19/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Two alums from the underrated ABC comedy (and old favorite of mine) The Job, co-star Diane Farr and co-creator/executive producer Peter Tolan, have set up hourlong projects at Fox. Farr's project is based on her upcoming semi-autobiographical book You Can't Love One of Them, while Tolan's is a medical drama written by Glen Mazzara (The Shield). Both have received script commitments. Farr's show hails from 20th Century Fox TV and production/management company Generate, which has an overall deal with the studio. Farr will write and produce the project, which revolves around several interracial couples living in the South in a post-Obama world. Farr, whose husband is of Korean decent, developed the characters after tracking couples across America for the past five years. Generate principals Pete Aronson (The Bernie Mac Show) and Jordan Levin are executive producing. In addition to her acting credits, which include Rescue Me, Californication and Numbers,...
- 9/8/2010
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Comedy Central on Tuesday unveiled its 2007-08 development slate, which includes pilots from Jamie Tarses and former Saturday Night Live head writer T. Sean Shannon. Also on the Comedy plate are presentation deals for a magazine-show parody hosted by David Alan Grier, executive produced by Peter Aronson and Jordan Levin, and a sketch/variety show featuring Middle Eastern-American comedians.
Lauren Corrao, executive vp original programming and development at Comedy Central, noted the variety of projects ranged from shortform and sketch/variety to scripted narrative and animation.
"What I love about this slate most is the diversity of it in the sense that we've got scripted narrative shows, sketch shows and even a whole new format (with 'faux courtroom' pilot 'Root of All Evil')," she said. "And I love the auspices behind the projects we're working on; there's a lot of great talent."
The pilot orders (all of which are tentatively titled) include Shannon's Night Writer, described as a shortform comedy show that includes live-action sketches, animation shorts and voice-over stills. It centers on a show writer in the midst of writing, with the events occurring in real time; his distinct point-of-view sets up the comedy, while various characters react to the sketches as they unfold.
Lauren Corrao, executive vp original programming and development at Comedy Central, noted the variety of projects ranged from shortform and sketch/variety to scripted narrative and animation.
"What I love about this slate most is the diversity of it in the sense that we've got scripted narrative shows, sketch shows and even a whole new format (with 'faux courtroom' pilot 'Root of All Evil')," she said. "And I love the auspices behind the projects we're working on; there's a lot of great talent."
The pilot orders (all of which are tentatively titled) include Shannon's Night Writer, described as a shortform comedy show that includes live-action sketches, animation shorts and voice-over stills. It centers on a show writer in the midst of writing, with the events occurring in real time; his distinct point-of-view sets up the comedy, while various characters react to the sketches as they unfold.
- 5/30/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Another WB Network veteran is leaving the network. John Litvack, the WB's executive vp current programming and primetime scheduling, has stepped down after seven years to return to producing. Litvack's departure comes on the heels of WB founder and chairman Jamie Kellner's retirement at the end of last season and the ouster last month of CEO Jordan Levin, which were followed by Garth Ancier taking sole control over the network as chairman and David Janollari coming on board as entertainment president. Another top WB executive, president and chief operating officer Jed Petrick, left in January after a long tenure.
- 7/21/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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