Bethenny Frankel’s ex-fiance, Paul Bernon was just caught getting hot and heavy with a Culpo sister. Paul and Bethenny split in May 2024 though it appeared that this was a long time coming. Now, he seems to have moved on. Keep reading for more details.
Bethenny Frankel’s Ex-Fiance Caught Hot & Heavy With Culpo Sister
It has been roughly a month since Bethenny Frankel and Paul Bernon ended their engagement after three years. The Rhony alum did not seem so enthused about walking down the aisle for the third time. She had mentioned she was happy being in her fiancee era but the idea of planning a wedding did not appeal to her. To be fair, the fifty-three-year-old had already been married twice. The first time, she was married to Peter Sussman for one year and then to Jason Hoppy. Her second marriage ended after one child and just a...
Bethenny Frankel’s Ex-Fiance Caught Hot & Heavy With Culpo Sister
It has been roughly a month since Bethenny Frankel and Paul Bernon ended their engagement after three years. The Rhony alum did not seem so enthused about walking down the aisle for the third time. She had mentioned she was happy being in her fiancee era but the idea of planning a wedding did not appeal to her. To be fair, the fifty-three-year-old had already been married twice. The first time, she was married to Peter Sussman for one year and then to Jason Hoppy. Her second marriage ended after one child and just a...
- 6/28/2024
- by Amanda Lauren
- TV Shows Ace
Bethenny Frankel isn’t holding back anymore. The former The Real Housewives of New York City star and businesswoman has launched a brand new podcast, and in this one, she’ll be taking fans on a wild ride through her divorce from Jason Hoppy. In a recent episode, Frankel opens up about how close she and Hoppy came to not exchanging vows in the first place.
Bethenny Frankel says she almost didn’t marry Jason Hoppy many times
Bethenny Frankel’s marriage to Jason Hoppy unraveled on national TV and in tabloids. Their divorce, much like their marriage, was contentious. It took nearly a decade for the duo to dissolve their marriage, and now Frankel is opening up about their journey together. In a recent episode of Just B Divorced with Bethenny Frankel, Frankel said she knew marrying Hoppy was a bad idea before they walked down the aisle, but...
Bethenny Frankel says she almost didn’t marry Jason Hoppy many times
Bethenny Frankel’s marriage to Jason Hoppy unraveled on national TV and in tabloids. Their divorce, much like their marriage, was contentious. It took nearly a decade for the duo to dissolve their marriage, and now Frankel is opening up about their journey together. In a recent episode of Just B Divorced with Bethenny Frankel, Frankel said she knew marrying Hoppy was a bad idea before they walked down the aisle, but...
- 4/24/2024
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Former The Real Housewives of New York star Bethenny Frankel has been involved in plenty of reality TV drama over the years, but her love life has also been chaotic. Her marriage to pharmaceutical sales executive Jason Hoppy ended in a nasty divorce and legal trouble for Frankel.
When a love like this turns so toxic, it’s natural for someone to wonder how they ended up in such a situation. In Frankel’s case, she lays the blame for this doomed romance at the feet of Andy Cohen.
Frankel’s whirlwind marriage ended in acrimony
Frankel married her second husband, Hoppy, after two years of dating in an ornate televised wedding in March 2010. (She was married to entertainment executive Peter Sussman from 1996–97.) Bethenny was already pregnant at the time. The couple welcomed their daughter Bryn into the world two months later.
But the marital bliss didn’t last long afterward.
When a love like this turns so toxic, it’s natural for someone to wonder how they ended up in such a situation. In Frankel’s case, she lays the blame for this doomed romance at the feet of Andy Cohen.
Frankel’s whirlwind marriage ended in acrimony
Frankel married her second husband, Hoppy, after two years of dating in an ornate televised wedding in March 2010. (She was married to entertainment executive Peter Sussman from 1996–97.) Bethenny was already pregnant at the time. The couple welcomed their daughter Bryn into the world two months later.
But the marital bliss didn’t last long afterward.
- 9/7/2023
- by Suse Forrest
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The fascination over American Gladiators isn’t over just yet: Three weeks after ESPN aired 30 for 30: The American Gladiators Documentary, Netflix is now shining a spotlight on the inimitable ’80s competition show that gave us Nitro, Gemini and thrilling jousts with what looked like giant, padded Q-tips.
Like ESPN’s penetrative two-parter from director Ben Berman (The Amazing Jonathan Documentary), the new Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators (dropping June 28 on Netflix) reminds us that TV’s first big reality show stars weren’t privileged women who throw wine in fits of rage. They were pumped-up athletes who donned patriotic colors while playing Goliath to some poor civilian’s David in a makeshift battledome.
But while ESPN’s documentary from Vice Media focuses more of its narrative on Johnny Ferraro, the infamous figurehead behind the memorable franchise, Muscles & Mayhem keeps the attention on the gladiators and how,...
Like ESPN’s penetrative two-parter from director Ben Berman (The Amazing Jonathan Documentary), the new Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators (dropping June 28 on Netflix) reminds us that TV’s first big reality show stars weren’t privileged women who throw wine in fits of rage. They were pumped-up athletes who donned patriotic colors while playing Goliath to some poor civilian’s David in a makeshift battledome.
But while ESPN’s documentary from Vice Media focuses more of its narrative on Johnny Ferraro, the infamous figurehead behind the memorable franchise, Muscles & Mayhem keeps the attention on the gladiators and how,...
- 6/28/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has unveiled the official trailer for “Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators,” which will offer a behind-the-scenes look into one of the biggest spectacles on television during the height of the ’90s.
The five-part docuseries includes firsthand accounts from the stars who lived through it, sharing untold stories of American Gladiators’ triumph, turmoil and the ultimate price of fame. They include Dan “Nitro” Clark, Debbie “Storm” Clark, Erika “Diamond” Andersch Bunker, Jim “Laser” Kalafat, Lori “Ice” Fetrick, Michael “Gemini” Horton, Raye “Zap” Olson, Shari E “Blaze” Pendleton Mitchell, Shirley “Sky” Eson-Korito, Steve “Tower” Hennebery
“Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators” is directed by Tony Vainuku and Jared Hess, produced by Campfire Studios and Game Seven Media and executive produced by Clark, Vainuku, Hess, Ross M. Dinerstein, Kyle McCutcheon, Peter Sussman and Chris Koras.
Also Read:
‘American Gladiators’ Star Michael Horton on the Sacrifices...
The five-part docuseries includes firsthand accounts from the stars who lived through it, sharing untold stories of American Gladiators’ triumph, turmoil and the ultimate price of fame. They include Dan “Nitro” Clark, Debbie “Storm” Clark, Erika “Diamond” Andersch Bunker, Jim “Laser” Kalafat, Lori “Ice” Fetrick, Michael “Gemini” Horton, Raye “Zap” Olson, Shari E “Blaze” Pendleton Mitchell, Shirley “Sky” Eson-Korito, Steve “Tower” Hennebery
“Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators” is directed by Tony Vainuku and Jared Hess, produced by Campfire Studios and Game Seven Media and executive produced by Clark, Vainuku, Hess, Ross M. Dinerstein, Kyle McCutcheon, Peter Sussman and Chris Koras.
Also Read:
‘American Gladiators’ Star Michael Horton on the Sacrifices...
- 6/22/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Netflix’s Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators documentary series takes an in-depth look at the world of American Gladiators, the competition series that premiered in 1989 and ran through 1996. The series was briefly revived in 2008.
Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators will premiere on June 28, 2023 and, per Netflix, “chronicles the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and gripping behind-the-scenes stories of one of the biggest spectacles on television during the height of the ’90s. Told first hand from the stars who lived through it, this five part series reveals untold stories of the iconic American Gladiators’ triumph, turmoil, and ultimate price of fame.”
Dan “Nitro” Clark, Debbie “Storm” Clark, Erika “Diamond” Andersch Bunker, Jim “Laser” Kalafat, Lori “Ice” Fetrick, Michael “Gemini” Horton, and Raye “Zap” Olson participated in the five-episode documentary series. Past American Gladiators competitors Shari E “Blaze” Pendleton Mitchell, Shirley “Sky” Eson-Korito, and Steve “Tower” Hennebery...
Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators will premiere on June 28, 2023 and, per Netflix, “chronicles the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and gripping behind-the-scenes stories of one of the biggest spectacles on television during the height of the ’90s. Told first hand from the stars who lived through it, this five part series reveals untold stories of the iconic American Gladiators’ triumph, turmoil, and ultimate price of fame.”
Dan “Nitro” Clark, Debbie “Storm” Clark, Erika “Diamond” Andersch Bunker, Jim “Laser” Kalafat, Lori “Ice” Fetrick, Michael “Gemini” Horton, and Raye “Zap” Olson participated in the five-episode documentary series. Past American Gladiators competitors Shari E “Blaze” Pendleton Mitchell, Shirley “Sky” Eson-Korito, and Steve “Tower” Hennebery...
- 5/23/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Longtime Kew Media Group exec Steven Katz has landed at Shout! Factory to head up its business and legal affairs.
Named vp of business and legal affairs at Shout, based in Los Angeles, Katz will oversee dealmaking in film and TV acquisitions, development, production, distribution and other company divisions.
He left Kew Media as vp of business and legal affairs in February 2020 as co-founders Peter Sussman and Steven Silver tipped the company into a court-directed bankruptcy, before their assets were sold off. That corporate collapse followed Kew Media in 2017 bulking up by acquiring six TV producers to avoid ...
Named vp of business and legal affairs at Shout, based in Los Angeles, Katz will oversee dealmaking in film and TV acquisitions, development, production, distribution and other company divisions.
He left Kew Media as vp of business and legal affairs in February 2020 as co-founders Peter Sussman and Steven Silver tipped the company into a court-directed bankruptcy, before their assets were sold off. That corporate collapse followed Kew Media in 2017 bulking up by acquiring six TV producers to avoid ...
Longtime Kew Media Group exec Steven Katz has landed at Shout! Factory to head up its business and legal affairs.
Named vp of business and legal affairs at Shout, based in Los Angeles, Katz will oversee dealmaking in film and TV acquisitions, development, production, distribution and other company divisions.
He left Kew Media as vp of business and legal affairs in February 2020 as co-founders Peter Sussman and Steven Silver tipped the company into a court-directed bankruptcy, before their assets were sold off. That corporate collapse followed Kew Media in 2017 bulking up by acquiring six TV producers to avoid ...
Named vp of business and legal affairs at Shout, based in Los Angeles, Katz will oversee dealmaking in film and TV acquisitions, development, production, distribution and other company divisions.
He left Kew Media as vp of business and legal affairs in February 2020 as co-founders Peter Sussman and Steven Silver tipped the company into a court-directed bankruptcy, before their assets were sold off. That corporate collapse followed Kew Media in 2017 bulking up by acquiring six TV producers to avoid ...
Exclusive: After nearly three months navigating perilously choppy waters, with some of its best talent abandoning ship and a steady drip of damaging press, Canada’s Kew Media Group (Kmg) finally sunk last Friday. The global producer-distributor’s eight directors resigned, scores of others lost their jobs, and the company will now be stripped of its assets. For insiders caught up in the wreckage, the post-mortem has begun on how this still-young company unraveled, taking down with it a profitable UK distribution arm that had a library boasting some of the biggest TV shows of 2019.
Founded by media financiers Peter Sussman and Steven Silver, Kmg announced itself to the world with a $50M Ipo on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2016. It embarked on a spending spree, acquiring or taking stakes in around 15 companies over two years, including Dance Moms producer Collins Avenue, Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions, which made HBO...
Founded by media financiers Peter Sussman and Steven Silver, Kmg announced itself to the world with a $50M Ipo on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2016. It embarked on a spending spree, acquiring or taking stakes in around 15 companies over two years, including Dance Moms producer Collins Avenue, Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions, which made HBO...
- 3/3/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Canada’s embattled Kew Media Group will continue to cease all trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Tsx) following a permanent cease trade order by the Ontario Securities Commission, as the firm’s portfolio of production companies scrambles to exit what one executive has called “a sinking ship.”
Several people with direct knowledge of the company’s finances have told Variety that the producers of HBO and Channel 4 documentary “Leaving Neverland,” one of Kew Media Distribution’s top-earning titles last year – selling into every territory in the world except China, Kew said in July – are among those who are heavily out of pocket, with large amounts of royalties still unpaid.
It is understood that discussions around payment are still ongoing with Kew Media Group, whose financial turmoil was first revealed in its third-quarter earnings in November, which showed a net loss of Cad$6.4 million ($4.8 million) for the period and...
Several people with direct knowledge of the company’s finances have told Variety that the producers of HBO and Channel 4 documentary “Leaving Neverland,” one of Kew Media Distribution’s top-earning titles last year – selling into every territory in the world except China, Kew said in July – are among those who are heavily out of pocket, with large amounts of royalties still unpaid.
It is understood that discussions around payment are still ongoing with Kew Media Group, whose financial turmoil was first revealed in its third-quarter earnings in November, which showed a net loss of Cad$6.4 million ($4.8 million) for the period and...
- 2/1/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Two Rivers Media has bought out parent group Kew Media Group’s minority stake in the business.
Formed by former Stv Productions head Alan Clements in January 2019, the production outfit behind Channel 5’s recent “Susan Hill’s Ghost Story” launched with the backing of Kew, Noble Grossart Investments and Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund.
Noble Grossart Investments and Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund are increasing their interests to facilitate the buy-out.
The buy-out comes a month after Kew Media Group triggered a strategic review of its business, revealing that the company could be broken up or sold completely following a financially turbulent period for Kew.
Kew was launched by Steven Silver and Peter Sussman in 2017, and owns a roster of Canadian production companies such as Bristow Global Media, Frantic Films and Our House Media, as well as distribution outfits Content Media, which became Kew Media Distribution, and Tcb Media Rights.
Formed by former Stv Productions head Alan Clements in January 2019, the production outfit behind Channel 5’s recent “Susan Hill’s Ghost Story” launched with the backing of Kew, Noble Grossart Investments and Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund.
Noble Grossart Investments and Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund are increasing their interests to facilitate the buy-out.
The buy-out comes a month after Kew Media Group triggered a strategic review of its business, revealing that the company could be broken up or sold completely following a financially turbulent period for Kew.
Kew was launched by Steven Silver and Peter Sussman in 2017, and owns a roster of Canadian production companies such as Bristow Global Media, Frantic Films and Our House Media, as well as distribution outfits Content Media, which became Kew Media Distribution, and Tcb Media Rights.
- 1/20/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Founded in 2012 by finance vet Tim Haslam and long-time distribution exec Hugo Grumbar, U.K.-based sales banner Embankment charged out of the blocks with its first title, the Naomi Watts-starring Princess of Wales biopic Diana. Seven years and 29 films on, the company — owned entirely by its seven-strong exec team alongside a board that includes industry stalwarts Terry Back and Peter Sussman — has landed its first Oscar nomination thanks to Glenn Close in The Wife. Working as a self-declared “convertor” of IP — be it an idea, storyline, one-pager or fully-drafted script — and one that now ...
Founded in 2012 by finance vet Tim Haslam and long-time distribution exec Hugo Grumbar, U.K.-based sales banner Embankment charged out of the blocks with its first title, the Naomi Watts-starring Princess of Wales biopic Diana. Seven years and 29 films on, the company — owned entirely by its seven-strong exec team alongside a board that includes industry stalwarts Terry Back and Peter Sussman — has landed its first Oscar nomination thanks to Glenn Close in The Wife. Working as a self-declared “convertor” of IP — be it an idea, storyline, one-pager or fully-drafted script — and one that now ...
Kew Media has paid $25M to acquire the non-scripted arm of Australian and U.S. producer Essential Media. The producer and distributor, which works across TV and film, has struck a deal to buy Essential Quail Media Group, the company behind Diy’s Texas Flip ‘n Move.
This comes after FremantleMedia acquired Essential Media’s drama division, which produces series including legal drama Rake and Jack Irish, in September 2017.
The deal to buy Essential Quail Media Group, which was set up in 2006, was made up of Au$ 20M (Us$15M) in cash and Au$12.8M (Us$9.7M) in shares. In addition to Texas Flip ‘n Move, Essential Quail Media Group produces series including Diy’s Restored, Mom and Me for Hgtv and Cooking Channel’s Holiday Cookie Builds. In Australia, it produces shows including Seven Network’s Find My Family, Todd Sampson’s Body Hack, scripted comedy At Home With...
This comes after FremantleMedia acquired Essential Media’s drama division, which produces series including legal drama Rake and Jack Irish, in September 2017.
The deal to buy Essential Quail Media Group, which was set up in 2006, was made up of Au$ 20M (Us$15M) in cash and Au$12.8M (Us$9.7M) in shares. In addition to Texas Flip ‘n Move, Essential Quail Media Group produces series including Diy’s Restored, Mom and Me for Hgtv and Cooking Channel’s Holiday Cookie Builds. In Australia, it produces shows including Seven Network’s Find My Family, Todd Sampson’s Body Hack, scripted comedy At Home With...
- 4/30/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Industry veteran was formerly head of Content Film.
Jamie Carmichael
La-based international sales veteran Jamie Carmichael is stepping down from his role as president of film at Kew Media Group.
The long-time Content Film head is understood to be lining up another venture in the film and TV sector but details have yet to be confirmed.
Kew told Screen in a statement:
”Kew is further combining its film and television units. This allows for more cohesion and synergies across our sales and marketing teams and better positions the company for its growth and expansion. The new joint division will be led by Greg Phillips, President, Distribution. Jamie Carmichael, President of Film, has decided to leave the company to pursue new opportunities.”
Recent titles on the Kew slate include Zach Fox and Omri Dorani’s teen comedy How To Get Girls, Bees Make Honey starring Alice Eve, comedy An Actor Prepares with Jeremy Irons and Jack Huston and sci-fi...
Jamie Carmichael
La-based international sales veteran Jamie Carmichael is stepping down from his role as president of film at Kew Media Group.
The long-time Content Film head is understood to be lining up another venture in the film and TV sector but details have yet to be confirmed.
Kew told Screen in a statement:
”Kew is further combining its film and television units. This allows for more cohesion and synergies across our sales and marketing teams and better positions the company for its growth and expansion. The new joint division will be led by Greg Phillips, President, Distribution. Jamie Carmichael, President of Film, has decided to leave the company to pursue new opportunities.”
Recent titles on the Kew slate include Zach Fox and Omri Dorani’s teen comedy How To Get Girls, Bees Make Honey starring Alice Eve, comedy An Actor Prepares with Jeremy Irons and Jack Huston and sci-fi...
- 1/12/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- ScreenDaily
Bethenny finally found the love of her life & now she’s telling you how to do the same!
Bethenny Frankel knows a thing or two about the dating world. After a brief marriage to her former best friend Peter Sussman in 1996, Bethenny had to play the dating game in NYC until she married the love of her life, Jason Hoppy, in 2010. Now Bethenny is sharing what she learned about trying to find Mr. Right!
“You have to find out exactly who you are and be honest with yourself,” the 40-year-old Bethenny Getting Married? star tells HollywoodLife.com exclusively Jan. 25 at the Pampers Gifts to Grow Spa Day at Oasis Day Spa in NYC. “Not until you really know what it is that you want, do you get someone else involved in your stuff nor should you look [until then].”
She also says you need to figure out what type of life partner you want.
Bethenny Frankel knows a thing or two about the dating world. After a brief marriage to her former best friend Peter Sussman in 1996, Bethenny had to play the dating game in NYC until she married the love of her life, Jason Hoppy, in 2010. Now Bethenny is sharing what she learned about trying to find Mr. Right!
“You have to find out exactly who you are and be honest with yourself,” the 40-year-old Bethenny Getting Married? star tells HollywoodLife.com exclusively Jan. 25 at the Pampers Gifts to Grow Spa Day at Oasis Day Spa in NYC. “Not until you really know what it is that you want, do you get someone else involved in your stuff nor should you look [until then].”
She also says you need to figure out what type of life partner you want.
- 1/26/2011
- by lindsey
- HollywoodLife
The indie matrimonial comedy "The Big Question" will be helmed by "30 Rock" Emmy nominee Michael Engler who will make his feature-length directorial debut. This also marks the big screen debut for TV writer Andrew Lenchewski. Apparently, the a man plans to propose to a woman on New Year's Eve but her deadline is Christmas Day. The film focuses on the mind games involved. Producers Morris S. Levy, Martin E. Caan and Peter Sussman are developing the project to shart shooting sometime either in summer or fall next year.
- 10/30/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The indie matrimonial comedy "The Big Question" will be helmed by "30 Rock" Emmy nominee Michael Engler who will make his feature-length directorial debut. This also marks the big screen debut for TV writer Andrew Lenchewski. Apparently, the a man plans to propose to a woman on New Year's Eve but her deadline is Christmas Day. The film focuses on the mind games involved. Producers Morris S. Levy, Martin E. Caan and Peter Sussman are developing the project to shart shooting sometime either in summer or fall next year.
- 10/30/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The indie matrimonial comedy "The Big Question" will be helmed by "30 Rock" Emmy nominee Michael Engler who will make his feature-length directorial debut. This also marks the big screen debut for TV writer Andrew Lenchewski. Apparently, the a man plans to propose to a woman on New Year's Eve but her deadline is Christmas Day. The film focuses on the mind games involved.Producers Morris S. Levy, Martin E. Caan and Peter Sussman are developing the project to shart shooting sometime either in summer or fall next year. Andrew Lenchewski wrote a single episode of "Uc: Undercover" back in 2002.
- 10/30/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The indie matrimonial comedy "The Big Question" will be helmed by "30 Rock" Emmy nominee Michael Engler who will make his feature-length directorial debut. This also marks the big screen debut for TV writer Andrew Lenchewski. Apparently, the a man plans to propose to a woman on New Year's Eve but her deadline is Christmas Day. The film focuses on the mind games involved. Producers Morris S. Levy, Martin E. Caan and Peter Sussman are developing the project to shart shooting sometime either in summer or fall next year.
- 10/30/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
"30 Rock" Emmy nominee Michael Engler is taking the plunge into feature directing with the matrimonial comedy "The Big Question."
Morris S. Levy's M.E.G.A Films production also will mark the big-screen debut for TV writer Andrew Lenchewski.
"Question" will explore the mind games that take place when a man quietly plans to propose marriage on New Year's Eve as his girlfriend secretly makes Christmas her unspoken deadline.
Producers Levy, Martin E. Caan ("National Lampoon's Adam & Eve") and Peter Sussman ("How to Rob a Bank") are developing the indie project for a summer/fall 2009 shoot. M.E.G.A recently produced David Wain's comedy "The Ten," starring Paul Rudd, and producer-star Rosario Dawson's drama "Descent."
The Endeavor-repped Engler directed several episodes of "Sex and the City" and "Six Feet Under" before his nom for the "Rosemary's Baby" episode of "Rock" this year. USA Networks recently picked...
Morris S. Levy's M.E.G.A Films production also will mark the big-screen debut for TV writer Andrew Lenchewski.
"Question" will explore the mind games that take place when a man quietly plans to propose marriage on New Year's Eve as his girlfriend secretly makes Christmas her unspoken deadline.
Producers Levy, Martin E. Caan ("National Lampoon's Adam & Eve") and Peter Sussman ("How to Rob a Bank") are developing the indie project for a summer/fall 2009 shoot. M.E.G.A recently produced David Wain's comedy "The Ten," starring Paul Rudd, and producer-star Rosario Dawson's drama "Descent."
The Endeavor-repped Engler directed several episodes of "Sex and the City" and "Six Feet Under" before his nom for the "Rosemary's Baby" episode of "Rock" this year. USA Networks recently picked...
- 10/30/2008
- by By Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New York -- As Cinetic Media transforms from one of the top indie film sales and financing outfits to a one-stop shop for packaging features with new management and digital rights arms, it now has more ammo in its arsenal: a muiltimilion-dollar film-finishing fund.
Cinetic founder John Sloss said that the company has closed on financing from Aver Media to establish a fund for features in varying states of completion. It marks Cinetic's first fund of any kind.
"This is set up as a tool for us to assist filmmakers and financiers," Sloss said. "We've seen countless films that could benefit from funds such as these, and we are now in a position to help."
The new service comes on the heels of the 2007 launch of Cinetic's digital-rights management company, Crm, a platform for the sale of digital rights, and Cinetic Management, created upon the arrival of new partner Bart Walker. Partner Robert Nathan will take on a more active role with the company's new venture and Crm, which recently hired former South by Southwest Film Festival producer Matt Dentler as head of marketing and programming operations.
Through Cinetic, Sloss has forged several of the biggest indie film sales, including "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Napoleon Dynamite," and consulted on everything from capital structure to asset sales. He said the financing deal with Aver has no set time limit, and the fund will be able to add varying amounts to complete features that have begun production, an increasingly important service in the tough film financing marketplace.
"We see around 1,000 films a year and sell about 50, and we've had scores of opportunities to go into the film financing business, but we've been very disciplined about it," Sloss said. "This is our first toe in the water on any kind of investment (service). Right now we see an opportunity in the marketplace as we step up with a wide range of activities."
Aver is a private, institutionally capitalized financial company led by Peter Sussman, formerly controlling shareholder of Alliance Atlantis Communications and CEO of its Entertainment Group. Alliance Atlantis was sold last year to CanWest Global Communications and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners for $2 billion.
Cinetic founder John Sloss said that the company has closed on financing from Aver Media to establish a fund for features in varying states of completion. It marks Cinetic's first fund of any kind.
"This is set up as a tool for us to assist filmmakers and financiers," Sloss said. "We've seen countless films that could benefit from funds such as these, and we are now in a position to help."
The new service comes on the heels of the 2007 launch of Cinetic's digital-rights management company, Crm, a platform for the sale of digital rights, and Cinetic Management, created upon the arrival of new partner Bart Walker. Partner Robert Nathan will take on a more active role with the company's new venture and Crm, which recently hired former South by Southwest Film Festival producer Matt Dentler as head of marketing and programming operations.
Through Cinetic, Sloss has forged several of the biggest indie film sales, including "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Napoleon Dynamite," and consulted on everything from capital structure to asset sales. He said the financing deal with Aver has no set time limit, and the fund will be able to add varying amounts to complete features that have begun production, an increasingly important service in the tough film financing marketplace.
"We see around 1,000 films a year and sell about 50, and we've had scores of opportunities to go into the film financing business, but we've been very disciplined about it," Sloss said. "This is our first toe in the water on any kind of investment (service). Right now we see an opportunity in the marketplace as we step up with a wide range of activities."
Aver is a private, institutionally capitalized financial company led by Peter Sussman, formerly controlling shareholder of Alliance Atlantis Communications and CEO of its Entertainment Group. Alliance Atlantis was sold last year to CanWest Global Communications and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners for $2 billion.
- 7/21/2008
- by By Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
'Flashpoint' sparks at CBS
TORONTO -- Canadian broadcaster CTV said Tuesday that it has sold the homegrown action drama Flashpoint to CBS. It marks the first Canadian program sale to U.S. networks since the start of the writers strike.
CBS has acquired 13 episodes of the one-hour drama about an elite anti-terror squad. Production on the series, independently produced by Toronto-based Pink Sky Entertainment and Avamar Entertainment, is set to begin in April.
Susanne Boyce, president of creative, content and channels at CTV, said Flashpoint was developed by the network as a pilot produced in the summer by Pink Sky, which then teamed with fellow Toronto producer Avamar.
The recent pitch to CBS on behalf of Pink Sky and Avamar was made by Peter Sussman, the former co-producer of the "CSI" franchise when he was at Alliance Atlantis Communications.
Boyce said the Flashpoint deal is a win-win for CTV and CBS as the U.S. network can put fewer production dollars into a drama on its schedule and CTV gets a North American platform on a Big Four network for one of its dramas.
CBS has acquired 13 episodes of the one-hour drama about an elite anti-terror squad. Production on the series, independently produced by Toronto-based Pink Sky Entertainment and Avamar Entertainment, is set to begin in April.
Susanne Boyce, president of creative, content and channels at CTV, said Flashpoint was developed by the network as a pilot produced in the summer by Pink Sky, which then teamed with fellow Toronto producer Avamar.
The recent pitch to CBS on behalf of Pink Sky and Avamar was made by Peter Sussman, the former co-producer of the "CSI" franchise when he was at Alliance Atlantis Communications.
Boyce said the Flashpoint deal is a win-win for CTV and CBS as the U.S. network can put fewer production dollars into a drama on its schedule and CTV gets a North American platform on a Big Four network for one of its dramas.
- 1/30/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Royal helmer: Wyle directs 'Prince'
Noah Wyle will make his directorial debut with Prince Test, an indie romantic comedy being produced by Peter Sussman of Steppingstone Park, Arthur Sarkissian and Morris Levy.
Prince centers on a female private investigator who uses unorthodox methods to check the fidelity of engaged or married men. The script was written by Rachel Weinhaus, a USC film school graduate, with a rewrite by J.P. Manoux.
Production is set to begin in April in Chicago, with Dolphin Entertainment financing. The movie will mark the first foray into features for Dolphin, known for producing television series and telefilms.
The executive producers are Dolphin's Bill O'Dowd and Winding Road's Barry Tropp and Michael Espensen.
Wyle, repped by ICM, Brillstein-Grey and attorney Geoffrey Oblath, starred on NBC's ER since the show's inception in 1994, departing last season. He is starring in The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines, a sequel to TNT's popular adventure telefilm The Librarian: Quest for the Spear.
Prince centers on a female private investigator who uses unorthodox methods to check the fidelity of engaged or married men. The script was written by Rachel Weinhaus, a USC film school graduate, with a rewrite by J.P. Manoux.
Production is set to begin in April in Chicago, with Dolphin Entertainment financing. The movie will mark the first foray into features for Dolphin, known for producing television series and telefilms.
The executive producers are Dolphin's Bill O'Dowd and Winding Road's Barry Tropp and Michael Espensen.
Wyle, repped by ICM, Brillstein-Grey and attorney Geoffrey Oblath, starred on NBC's ER since the show's inception in 1994, departing last season. He is starring in The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines, a sequel to TNT's popular adventure telefilm The Librarian: Quest for the Spear.
- 11/28/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alliance eyes cuts within film, TV biz
TORONTO -- Canadian media group Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc. said Wednesday that it is looking at "significantly" reducing its film and TV production business amid a global broadcast industry downturn and possibly emerging only with its successful "CSI" TV franchise intact. Shrinking film and TV production for Toronto-based Alliance Atlantis will mean the loss of 60-70 jobs, the closure of undisclosed offices and the exit of longtime executives Peter Sussman, CEO of Alliance Atlantis Entertainment Group, and Alliance Atlantis president of production Seaton McLean. "I am pleased to say that both Peter and Seaton have offered their unqualified support for this overall refocusing and redirection of the entertainment group," Alliance Atlantis chairman and CEO Michael MacMillan said in a statement. Aside from continuing to co-produce CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and CSI: Miami with CBS Prods., Alliance Atlantis is expected to focus on two remaining businesses, specialty channel broadcasting and film distribution. The move marks the possible end of film and TV production in Canada for a company that grew to be Canada's largest production powerhouse during the late 1990s on the strength of taxpayer subsidies and strong foreign programming sales.
- 12/11/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alliance eyes cuts within film, TV biz
TORONTO -- Canadian media group Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc. said Wednesday that it is looking at "significantly" reducing its film and TV production business amid a global broadcast industry downturn and possibly emerging only with its successful "CSI" TV franchise intact. Shrinking film and TV production for Toronto-based Alliance Atlantis will mean the loss of 60-70 jobs, the closure of undisclosed offices and the exit of longtime executives Peter Sussman, CEO of Alliance Atlantis Entertainment Group, and Alliance Atlantis president of production Seaton McLean. "I am pleased to say that both Peter and Seaton have offered their unqualified support for this overall refocusing and redirection of the entertainment group," Alliance Atlantis chairman and CEO Michael MacMillan said in a statement. Aside from continuing to co-produce "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and "CSI: Miami" with CBS Prods., Alliance Atlantis is expected to focus on two remaining businesses, specialty channel broadcasting and film distribution. The move marks the possible end of film and TV production in Canada for a company that grew to be Canada's largest production powerhouse during the late 1990s on the strength of taxpayer subsidies and strong foreign programming sales.
- 12/11/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MGM warms up to duo's 'Covers'
MGM has jumped into bed with scribes Robin Schiff and Ken Levine, folding up their spec script Between the Covers for an undisclosed sum for studio-based Arthur Sarkissian to produce. The romantic comedy centers on a free-spirited woman who writes a book espousing freedom and independence and who winds up having an affair with a married writer considered America's foremost expert on marital problems. At the studio, Covers is being overseen by MGM executive vp Elizabeth Cantillon. It was brought into Sarkissian's Arthur Sarkissian Prods. by vp development Peter Sussman, who also will oversee it through development. "It's a very smart and totally character-driven romantic comedy," Sarkissian said. "It's very well done and reminded me of movies like 'When Harry Met Sally' and old Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy movies -- very well written and castable." Schiff and Levine, who met on the set of Almost Perfect in 1997, are repped by Broder-Webb-Chervin-Silbermann. Schiff is additionally repped by attorney Melanie Cook. Levine is additionally repped by attorney Tom Hansen.
- 10/17/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hitler
9-11 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday, May 18 and 20
CBS
Part history, part cautionary tale, "Hitler" rumbles onto the sweep scene like one of those tornadoes that recently bedeviled the Midwest -- powerful, awesome and traveling in a somewhat unpredictable pattern.
The initial announcement of this four-hour event was met with skepticism. Any fears, however, that this production would glorify the greatest monster of the 20th century are unfounded. Indeed, Adolf Hitler's psychopathic personality is evident even before the completion of the opening credits.
The other controversy surrounding the project was the sacking of Alliance Atlantis executive and exec producer Ed Gernon over remarks that suggested the possibility of parallels between contemporary America and a fearful Germany after World War I. The observation, while debatable, has as much merit as many propositions over which historians argue.
Considering Gernon's major role in a miniseries that forcefully warns of the soft spots in democracy's underbelly, his firing seems at the very least ironic.
Public justification for the project has been that despite an abundance of movies on World War II and, particularly, the Holocaust, little has been done to show how Adolf Hitler, an outwardly pathetic and awkward individual, was able to grab the reins of power on behalf of his demented vision and plunge the world into the largest darkness it has known. In this, "Hitler" admirably succeeds.
From his start as an obscure zealot who blends strident anti-Semitism with fervent nationalism, we are shown how, year by year, rung by rung, Hitler climbed the ladder of political success. The first night ends with Hitler's mild punishment following his failed Munich beer hall putsch in 1923. The second night takes us through 1934, when Hitler wrests complete control of the German government.
The miniseries is a triumph of collaboration by Robert Carlyle, who plays Hitler, and director Christian Duguay. Carlyle brilliantly depicts a humorless and twisted Hitler who becomes more brazen and intimidating over time. It is a characterization of evil that lingers long after the miniseries ends.
Frame after frame, Duguay never lets viewers forget how Hitler, though ungraceful and slight of physical stature, nonetheless imposed his will on others through ruthless intimidation, brazen self-confidence, willful manipulation and occasional violence.
The project is marked by meticulous istoric research, almost to the detriment of the script from John Pielmeier and G. Ross Parker. Striving to be true to fact as much as possible meant, in this case, that several main characters were absent from scenes for long stretches and that dialogue carried an unduly heavy burden of historical exposition. This is not to argue with the compromises, only to note that some simply had to be made.
There was no compromise, however, in production values. Production designer Marek Dobrowolski takes full advantage of the Prague location to create convincing settings inside and out. He and costume designer Maria Schicker enhance the production with their careful attention to detail. n
HITLER: THE RISE OF EVIL
CBS
Alliance Atlantis
Credits:
Executive producers: Peter Sussman, Ed Gernon
Co-executive producers: Diana Kerew, Christian Duguay
Co-producer: John Pielmeier
Producer: John Ryan
Supervising producers: Ian McDougall, Philip Von Alvensleben
Director: Christian Duguay
Writers: John Pielmeier, G. Ross Parker
Director of photography: Pierre Gill
Production designer: Marek Dobrowolski
Editors: Hank Van Eeghen, Sylvain Lebel
Music: Normand Corbeil
Costume designer: Maria Schicker
Casting: Deirdre Bowen, Susan Glicksman, Alex Wald, Sue Jones
Cast:
Adolf Hitler: Robert Carlyle
President Hindenburg: Peter O'Toole
Klara Hitler: Stockard Channing
Geli Raubal: Jena Malone
Helene Hanfstaengl: Julianna Margulies
Fritz Gerlich: Matthew Modine
Ernst Hanfstaengl: Liev Schreiber
Ernst Rohm: Peter Stormare
Gen Erich Von Ludendorff: Friedrich Von Thun
Eva Braun: Zoe Telford...
CBS
Part history, part cautionary tale, "Hitler" rumbles onto the sweep scene like one of those tornadoes that recently bedeviled the Midwest -- powerful, awesome and traveling in a somewhat unpredictable pattern.
The initial announcement of this four-hour event was met with skepticism. Any fears, however, that this production would glorify the greatest monster of the 20th century are unfounded. Indeed, Adolf Hitler's psychopathic personality is evident even before the completion of the opening credits.
The other controversy surrounding the project was the sacking of Alliance Atlantis executive and exec producer Ed Gernon over remarks that suggested the possibility of parallels between contemporary America and a fearful Germany after World War I. The observation, while debatable, has as much merit as many propositions over which historians argue.
Considering Gernon's major role in a miniseries that forcefully warns of the soft spots in democracy's underbelly, his firing seems at the very least ironic.
Public justification for the project has been that despite an abundance of movies on World War II and, particularly, the Holocaust, little has been done to show how Adolf Hitler, an outwardly pathetic and awkward individual, was able to grab the reins of power on behalf of his demented vision and plunge the world into the largest darkness it has known. In this, "Hitler" admirably succeeds.
From his start as an obscure zealot who blends strident anti-Semitism with fervent nationalism, we are shown how, year by year, rung by rung, Hitler climbed the ladder of political success. The first night ends with Hitler's mild punishment following his failed Munich beer hall putsch in 1923. The second night takes us through 1934, when Hitler wrests complete control of the German government.
The miniseries is a triumph of collaboration by Robert Carlyle, who plays Hitler, and director Christian Duguay. Carlyle brilliantly depicts a humorless and twisted Hitler who becomes more brazen and intimidating over time. It is a characterization of evil that lingers long after the miniseries ends.
Frame after frame, Duguay never lets viewers forget how Hitler, though ungraceful and slight of physical stature, nonetheless imposed his will on others through ruthless intimidation, brazen self-confidence, willful manipulation and occasional violence.
The project is marked by meticulous istoric research, almost to the detriment of the script from John Pielmeier and G. Ross Parker. Striving to be true to fact as much as possible meant, in this case, that several main characters were absent from scenes for long stretches and that dialogue carried an unduly heavy burden of historical exposition. This is not to argue with the compromises, only to note that some simply had to be made.
There was no compromise, however, in production values. Production designer Marek Dobrowolski takes full advantage of the Prague location to create convincing settings inside and out. He and costume designer Maria Schicker enhance the production with their careful attention to detail. n
HITLER: THE RISE OF EVIL
CBS
Alliance Atlantis
Credits:
Executive producers: Peter Sussman, Ed Gernon
Co-executive producers: Diana Kerew, Christian Duguay
Co-producer: John Pielmeier
Producer: John Ryan
Supervising producers: Ian McDougall, Philip Von Alvensleben
Director: Christian Duguay
Writers: John Pielmeier, G. Ross Parker
Director of photography: Pierre Gill
Production designer: Marek Dobrowolski
Editors: Hank Van Eeghen, Sylvain Lebel
Music: Normand Corbeil
Costume designer: Maria Schicker
Casting: Deirdre Bowen, Susan Glicksman, Alex Wald, Sue Jones
Cast:
Adolf Hitler: Robert Carlyle
President Hindenburg: Peter O'Toole
Klara Hitler: Stockard Channing
Geli Raubal: Jena Malone
Helene Hanfstaengl: Julianna Margulies
Fritz Gerlich: Matthew Modine
Ernst Hanfstaengl: Liev Schreiber
Ernst Rohm: Peter Stormare
Gen Erich Von Ludendorff: Friedrich Von Thun
Eva Braun: Zoe Telford...
- 5/13/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alliance Atlantis trims 33 L.A. jobs
TORONTO -- Canadian producer Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc. said Tuesday that it will cut another 33 jobs at its Los Angeles development office as it continues putting the brakes on high-cost film and TV production. Toronto-based Alliance Atlantis also indicated that Peter Sussman, CEO of the company's entertainment division, will relocate to Toronto. "While making a decision to reduce staff is a very difficult one, it is imperative that we align our human resources to our production levels," Sussman, who could not be reached at press time, said in a statement. Aside from co-producing CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and CSI: Miami, Alliance Atlantis is drastically reducing its TV production.
- 3/19/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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