Channel 4 has confirmed Ollie Madden, director of Film4, is expanding his role to encompass TV drama commissioning as part of the ongoing restructuring at the UK broadcaster.
As director of Film4 and C4 drama, he takes over from Caroline Hollick, the Leeds-based head of TV drama for Channel 4, who departed Channel 4 on March 21.
”Ollie is a creative powerhouse who has been at the heart of Film4’s extraordinary success and has a bold and ambitious vision for what Channel 4 drama can be,” said Ian Katz, Channel 4’s chief content officer, today.
Channel 4 has previously confirmed the film and TV...
As director of Film4 and C4 drama, he takes over from Caroline Hollick, the Leeds-based head of TV drama for Channel 4, who departed Channel 4 on March 21.
”Ollie is a creative powerhouse who has been at the heart of Film4’s extraordinary success and has a bold and ambitious vision for what Channel 4 drama can be,” said Ian Katz, Channel 4’s chief content officer, today.
Channel 4 has previously confirmed the film and TV...
- 3/28/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Channel 4 bosses will take home reduced bonuses in 2024 as 250 staffers are laid off.
Deadline can reveal that the vast majority of Channel 4 staff will receive a bonus this year around half the level of 2023, including CEO Alex Mahon, content boss Ian Katz and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Allan. The trio will see their pay reduced by around 30% to 40% from last year’s record highs, we are also told.
The decision on bonuses was recently rubberstamped by the network’s Remuneration Committee and a Channel 4 spokesman told Deadline the bonus was calculated from the network’s “annual targets, remit and business goals.” This decision to award them bonuses was made in the past few weeks as the redundancy program has been in full flow – the biggest such program initiated by the broadcaster for 15 years.
Senior bosses’ separate six-figure loyalty bonuses, which Deadline revealed had been indefinitely deferred last year amidst a revolt from producers,...
Deadline can reveal that the vast majority of Channel 4 staff will receive a bonus this year around half the level of 2023, including CEO Alex Mahon, content boss Ian Katz and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Allan. The trio will see their pay reduced by around 30% to 40% from last year’s record highs, we are also told.
The decision on bonuses was recently rubberstamped by the network’s Remuneration Committee and a Channel 4 spokesman told Deadline the bonus was calculated from the network’s “annual targets, remit and business goals.” This decision to award them bonuses was made in the past few weeks as the redundancy program has been in full flow – the biggest such program initiated by the broadcaster for 15 years.
Senior bosses’ separate six-figure loyalty bonuses, which Deadline revealed had been indefinitely deferred last year amidst a revolt from producers,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The race to replace Ralph Lee at the helm of BBC Studios Productions is underway, with the studio signaling its ambition by approaching some of the UK’s top unscripted executives.
Lee will step down as the CEO of BBC Studios Productions next month after a six-year stint to “pursue a new challenge” but Deadline is told that headhunter Russell Reynolds Associates is already scoping out successors.
The successful candidate will run a production unit that contributed heavily to BBC Studios’ £1.6B ($2B) content revenue last year, overseeing hits including Good Omens, Strictly Come Dancing, and David Attenborough’s natural history tentpoles.
Deadline understands that Russell Reynolds has held tentative early conversations with potential candidates including Stv Studios managing director David Mortimer, ITV Studios unscripted director Angela Jain and Karl Warner, Channel 4’s outgoing head of youth and digital.
Fatima Salaria, who previously ran The Apprentice producer Naked,...
Lee will step down as the CEO of BBC Studios Productions next month after a six-year stint to “pursue a new challenge” but Deadline is told that headhunter Russell Reynolds Associates is already scoping out successors.
The successful candidate will run a production unit that contributed heavily to BBC Studios’ £1.6B ($2B) content revenue last year, overseeing hits including Good Omens, Strictly Come Dancing, and David Attenborough’s natural history tentpoles.
Deadline understands that Russell Reynolds has held tentative early conversations with potential candidates including Stv Studios managing director David Mortimer, ITV Studios unscripted director Angela Jain and Karl Warner, Channel 4’s outgoing head of youth and digital.
Fatima Salaria, who previously ran The Apprentice producer Naked,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Max Goldbart and Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Festival season 2024 is well underway, Insiders, as our team decamps to Berlin. That and plenty more news to report from around the world to follow. Jesse Whittock with you. Sign up for the Insider newsletter here.
Berlin Kicks Off
Protests on the red carpet: The build-up to the 74th Berlin Film Festival has been highly politicized and Thursday evening’s opening ceremony was no different. The ceremony began with a red carpet awash with political statements. The festival held what it described as a ‘Filmmakers for Democracy, Diversity, and Peaceful Togetherness’ demonstration featuring between 50 and 60 filmmakers. Meanwhile, a series of attendees used their time in front of media pens to display their own political messages. The most eye-catching included American filmmaker Eliza Hittman, last at Berlin with her Silver Bear-winning Never Rarely Sometimes Always, who had ‘ceasefire now’ stitched to the back of her dress. The message was a reference...
Berlin Kicks Off
Protests on the red carpet: The build-up to the 74th Berlin Film Festival has been highly politicized and Thursday evening’s opening ceremony was no different. The ceremony began with a red carpet awash with political statements. The festival held what it described as a ‘Filmmakers for Democracy, Diversity, and Peaceful Togetherness’ demonstration featuring between 50 and 60 filmmakers. Meanwhile, a series of attendees used their time in front of media pens to display their own political messages. The most eye-catching included American filmmaker Eliza Hittman, last at Berlin with her Silver Bear-winning Never Rarely Sometimes Always, who had ‘ceasefire now’ stitched to the back of her dress. The message was a reference...
- 2/16/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Channel 4’s drama boss and head of youth channel E4 are both expected to leave the British broadcaster as it cuts up to 250 jobs.
Deadline is told that Couple Next Door commissioner Caroline Hollick and Married at First Sight’s Karl Warner are likely to leave under the cost savings plan.
Their departure has not been finalized and Channel 4 remains in discussion with both commissioners under its 45-day consultation period.
Hollick’s TV drama department is set to be brought together with Film4 under one commissioning lead. Film 4 is run by newly-promoted Ollie Madden, who is expected to take the lead role.
E4, which Warner has overseen since 2018, is also restructuring, with commissions for the youth channel now going through relevant genres and digital commissioning reporting straight to content boss Ian Katz.
Both Hollick and Warner joined Channel 4 in the summer of 2018, soon after Katz was appointed.
Deadline is told that Couple Next Door commissioner Caroline Hollick and Married at First Sight’s Karl Warner are likely to leave under the cost savings plan.
Their departure has not been finalized and Channel 4 remains in discussion with both commissioners under its 45-day consultation period.
Hollick’s TV drama department is set to be brought together with Film4 under one commissioning lead. Film 4 is run by newly-promoted Ollie Madden, who is expected to take the lead role.
E4, which Warner has overseen since 2018, is also restructuring, with commissions for the youth channel now going through relevant genres and digital commissioning reporting straight to content boss Ian Katz.
Both Hollick and Warner joined Channel 4 in the summer of 2018, soon after Katz was appointed.
- 2/14/2024
- by Max Goldbart and Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Australia’s Seven Network and Channel 4 have greenlit the first version of smash reality format Made in outside the UK.
The pair are heading to Sydney, where Made in Bondi [working title] will follow the lives and loves of the Australian city’s young, social elite. Set in one of Sydney’s most exclusive neighborhoods, the show looks set to follow a similar format to Made in Chelsea, with episodes “providing a front-row seat to jaw-dropping parties, breathtaking fashion and sizzling romances,” according to the logline.
Made in Bondi will air on Channel 4 portfolio channel E4 in the UK and Channel 7/7plus in Australia. Made in Chelsea producer Monkey and Australia’s Matchbox Pictures, which are both owned by Universal International Studios, are co-producing. NBCUniversal Global Distribution will handle international sales.
“The BAFTA Award-winning Made in Chelsea is a true phenomenon of the reality TV genre and we can’t wait...
The pair are heading to Sydney, where Made in Bondi [working title] will follow the lives and loves of the Australian city’s young, social elite. Set in one of Sydney’s most exclusive neighborhoods, the show looks set to follow a similar format to Made in Chelsea, with episodes “providing a front-row seat to jaw-dropping parties, breathtaking fashion and sizzling romances,” according to the logline.
Made in Bondi will air on Channel 4 portfolio channel E4 in the UK and Channel 7/7plus in Australia. Made in Chelsea producer Monkey and Australia’s Matchbox Pictures, which are both owned by Universal International Studios, are co-producing. NBCUniversal Global Distribution will handle international sales.
“The BAFTA Award-winning Made in Chelsea is a true phenomenon of the reality TV genre and we can’t wait...
- 10/18/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Channel 4 has renewed Celebrity Cooking School for a second season for youth portfolio channel E4.
Sony Pictures Television (Spt) and Motion Content Group’s format, in which celebrity non-chefs are pitted against each other overseen by a professional, will enter production later this year and greenlight announcement is imminent, Deadline understands.
The first season was overseen by Michelin starred chef Giorgio Locatelli and saw the likes of Kerry Katona, Melvin Odoom and Shaun Ryder take part. One celebrity was knocked out every week and the winner was First Dates star Laura Tott. Season two celebrities will be revealed shortly.
Former Sony-backed indie Electric Ray developed the format but has since been absorbed by Spt, which is now producing its shows.
Celebrity Cooking School is reflective of E4 controller Karl Warner’s desire to order more factual-entertainment formats following a good year for the likes of Married At First Sight...
Sony Pictures Television (Spt) and Motion Content Group’s format, in which celebrity non-chefs are pitted against each other overseen by a professional, will enter production later this year and greenlight announcement is imminent, Deadline understands.
The first season was overseen by Michelin starred chef Giorgio Locatelli and saw the likes of Kerry Katona, Melvin Odoom and Shaun Ryder take part. One celebrity was knocked out every week and the winner was First Dates star Laura Tott. Season two celebrities will be revealed shortly.
Former Sony-backed indie Electric Ray developed the format but has since been absorbed by Spt, which is now producing its shows.
Celebrity Cooking School is reflective of E4 controller Karl Warner’s desire to order more factual-entertainment formats following a good year for the likes of Married At First Sight...
- 2/1/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Leonine And Lionsgate Strike Germany/Austria Film Deal
Leonine Studios has extended its relationship with Lionsgate by securing the rights to a premium feature film slate for Germany and Austria. The blockbuster deal incorporates high-profile titles for the region such as Keanu Reeves’ John Wick: Chapter 4, the Ana De Armas-starring Ballerina, Sebastian Maniscalco’s About My Father, Kerry Washington’s Shadow Force and a new comedy from Crazy Rich Asian’s Adele Lim. “All the films we release in cooperation with Lionsgate are made for the big screen,” said Leonine CEO Fred Kogel. “We’re delighted to be able to offer this excellent new slate of high-profile titles to both audiences and our licensing partners alike.” Lionsgate International President Helen Lee-Kim praised Leonine for “building a world-class content and distribution studio.”
Channel 4 Goes Big On ‘Married At First Sight UK’
UK broadcaster Channel 4 has agreed a two-series deal...
Leonine Studios has extended its relationship with Lionsgate by securing the rights to a premium feature film slate for Germany and Austria. The blockbuster deal incorporates high-profile titles for the region such as Keanu Reeves’ John Wick: Chapter 4, the Ana De Armas-starring Ballerina, Sebastian Maniscalco’s About My Father, Kerry Washington’s Shadow Force and a new comedy from Crazy Rich Asian’s Adele Lim. “All the films we release in cooperation with Lionsgate are made for the big screen,” said Leonine CEO Fred Kogel. “We’re delighted to be able to offer this excellent new slate of high-profile titles to both audiences and our licensing partners alike.” Lionsgate International President Helen Lee-Kim praised Leonine for “building a world-class content and distribution studio.”
Channel 4 Goes Big On ‘Married At First Sight UK’
UK broadcaster Channel 4 has agreed a two-series deal...
- 2/1/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Oven-shy celebrities are to be thrown into the dining deep end in an E4 celebrity cooking format from Sony Pictures Television’s Electric Ray and Motion Content Group.
Airing next year, Celebrity Cooking School [working title] will pit non-chefs against each other in weekly challenges, overseen by a yet-to-be-named chef who will teach them how to conquer the kitchen.
Channel 4 Commissioning Editor Vivienne Molokwu called the format a “glossy new celebrity cooking show with a reality twist.”
It is reflective of E4 controller Karl Warner’s desire to order more factual-entertainment formats for the youth-skewing Channel 4 portfolio channel, which is having a strong year following the success of Married At First Sight UK and its Australian counterpart. Warner founded Electric Ray with Meredith Chambers in 2014 before moving to E4 in 2018.
The show is Electric Ray’s first revealed commission since the label was absorbed by Sony Pictures Television due to the impact of the pandemic,...
Airing next year, Celebrity Cooking School [working title] will pit non-chefs against each other in weekly challenges, overseen by a yet-to-be-named chef who will teach them how to conquer the kitchen.
Channel 4 Commissioning Editor Vivienne Molokwu called the format a “glossy new celebrity cooking show with a reality twist.”
It is reflective of E4 controller Karl Warner’s desire to order more factual-entertainment formats for the youth-skewing Channel 4 portfolio channel, which is having a strong year following the success of Married At First Sight UK and its Australian counterpart. Warner founded Electric Ray with Meredith Chambers in 2014 before moving to E4 in 2018.
The show is Electric Ray’s first revealed commission since the label was absorbed by Sony Pictures Television due to the impact of the pandemic,...
- 11/8/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. public broadcaster Channel 4 has rung in management structure changes as the organization prepares for its Future4 strategy that was revealed in November.
In commissioning, all of Channel 4’s creative and editorial decision making across linear, streaming and social will be brought together under director of programs Ian Katz, who is now chief content officer.
The org’s features commissioning responsibilities will be moved to the U.K. nations and regions, boosting the content spend and commissioning power outside London. With this move, head of features and format, Sarah Lazenby, who commissioned hit show “The Great British Bake Off,” is leaving Channel 4 after nearly six years. The existing formats and features slate will be distributed across other departments, including factual entertainment, entertainment and features and daytime — including responsibility for More4 commissioning — which will be led by Jo Street.
The vacant role of head of specialist factual will not be filled,...
In commissioning, all of Channel 4’s creative and editorial decision making across linear, streaming and social will be brought together under director of programs Ian Katz, who is now chief content officer.
The org’s features commissioning responsibilities will be moved to the U.K. nations and regions, boosting the content spend and commissioning power outside London. With this move, head of features and format, Sarah Lazenby, who commissioned hit show “The Great British Bake Off,” is leaving Channel 4 after nearly six years. The existing formats and features slate will be distributed across other departments, including factual entertainment, entertainment and features and daytime — including responsibility for More4 commissioning — which will be led by Jo Street.
The vacant role of head of specialist factual will not be filled,...
- 1/27/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Channel 4 has promoted its programming boss Ian Katz to chief content officer in a sweeping reorganization aimed at helping the UK broadcaster secure 40% of its £985 million ($1.3 billion) revenue from sources other than traditional TV advertising by 2025.
Katz will have total authority over editorial decision making across linear, streaming, and social, with seven genre commissioning chiefs reporting directly to him. He will also formally oversee acquisitions, beefing up his responsibility for buying shows, like Hulu’s The Handmaids Tale, where previously he just had creative sign-off.
As part of the changes, Katz’s deputy will Kelly Webb-Lamb will not be replaced after announcing her departure this month. Sarah Lazenby, Channel 4’s head of features and formats, is also leaving after nearly six years, with her duties — including overseeing The Great British Bake Off — being handed to other genre teams. It means that Katz’s report lines will be:
Karl Warner,...
Katz will have total authority over editorial decision making across linear, streaming, and social, with seven genre commissioning chiefs reporting directly to him. He will also formally oversee acquisitions, beefing up his responsibility for buying shows, like Hulu’s The Handmaids Tale, where previously he just had creative sign-off.
As part of the changes, Katz’s deputy will Kelly Webb-Lamb will not be replaced after announcing her departure this month. Sarah Lazenby, Channel 4’s head of features and formats, is also leaving after nearly six years, with her duties — including overseeing The Great British Bake Off — being handed to other genre teams. It means that Katz’s report lines will be:
Karl Warner,...
- 1/27/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 is to relive some of Big Brother‘s greatest ever episodes in a 10-part celebration of the reality show’s 20th anniversary in the UK.
The broadcaster’s youth network E4 has commissioned Endemol Shine Group company Initial to make Big Brother: Best Shows Ever Show, in which original host Davina McCall and Rylan Clark-Neal will reflect on their favorite moments from the entertainment juggernaut.
Channel 4 premiered the British version of Big Brother in 2000, creating a cultural phenomenon, launching the careers of a new breed of celebrity and providing a training ground for some top UK television executives.
The show was axed by Channel 4 in 2010 and a year later it moved to ViacomCBS-owned Channel 5, where it ran until 2018, with Clark-Neal being part of the presenting line-up.
McCall said: “I lived and breathed Big Brother for 11 years of my life. I didn’t miss one single episode.
The broadcaster’s youth network E4 has commissioned Endemol Shine Group company Initial to make Big Brother: Best Shows Ever Show, in which original host Davina McCall and Rylan Clark-Neal will reflect on their favorite moments from the entertainment juggernaut.
Channel 4 premiered the British version of Big Brother in 2000, creating a cultural phenomenon, launching the careers of a new breed of celebrity and providing a training ground for some top UK television executives.
The show was axed by Channel 4 in 2010 and a year later it moved to ViacomCBS-owned Channel 5, where it ran until 2018, with Clark-Neal being part of the presenting line-up.
McCall said: “I lived and breathed Big Brother for 11 years of my life. I didn’t miss one single episode.
- 5/13/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Channel 4’s director of programs Ian Katz has said he would consider bringing back Big Brother, and revealed that youth channel E4 is conducting a major hunt for a new reality show.
In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Katz said he would not dismiss out of hand an approach from Endemol Shine Group producer Initial after Viacom’s Channel 5 ditched the longrunning reality show last year.
Asked if he would revisit Big Brother, he said: “I’d keep an open mind about pretty much any format.” Katz later added: “One of the things we’ve learned in the last few years is how effectively almost any historic format can be rebooted in really interesting, creative ways.”
His comments come amid rumors that Endemol Shine is keen to find a new UK home for Big Brother, although Katz did make clear he has not held any direct talks with the production group.
In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Katz said he would not dismiss out of hand an approach from Endemol Shine Group producer Initial after Viacom’s Channel 5 ditched the longrunning reality show last year.
Asked if he would revisit Big Brother, he said: “I’d keep an open mind about pretty much any format.” Katz later added: “One of the things we’ve learned in the last few years is how effectively almost any historic format can be rebooted in really interesting, creative ways.”
His comments come amid rumors that Endemol Shine is keen to find a new UK home for Big Brother, although Katz did make clear he has not held any direct talks with the production group.
- 12/18/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Channel 4 is working to salvage a format from Sony Pictures Television’s British production outfit Electric Ray following casting issues.
The British broadcaster commissioned factual entertainment show One Click Away in April last year, with the intention of testing it with viewers as a broadcast pilot. Twenty months on, however, the format is still not close to being aired.
The premise of the show is to reunite estranged relatives, who have found each other online, through a reconnection process overseen by experts. The idea is to help people navigate this emotional experience at a time when long lost family members can be identified through a simple social media search.
But Electric Ray’s production team struggled to find the right participants for One Click Away last year and have since re-worked the show and embarked on another casting push.
One Click Away now has the title Relative Strangers...
The British broadcaster commissioned factual entertainment show One Click Away in April last year, with the intention of testing it with viewers as a broadcast pilot. Twenty months on, however, the format is still not close to being aired.
The premise of the show is to reunite estranged relatives, who have found each other online, through a reconnection process overseen by experts. The idea is to help people navigate this emotional experience at a time when long lost family members can be identified through a simple social media search.
But Electric Ray’s production team struggled to find the right participants for One Click Away last year and have since re-worked the show and embarked on another casting push.
One Click Away now has the title Relative Strangers...
- 11/27/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 in the UK has acquired U.S. series Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Star Trek: Discovery and Man With A Plan in deals with Lionsgate and CBS Studios International.
The deal for Star Trek: Discovery is a first linear window deal after the drama launched globally on Netflix, while Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and Man With A Plan are first-run rights.
The shows will air on E4 in the UK.
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist launches midseason on NBC and is being sold by Lionsgate at Mipcom.
Karl Warner, Controller of E4 said, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist will make you laugh, make you cry and make you sing. It’s a brilliant piece of uplifting television that we’re thrilled to have coming to E4.”
Agapy Kapouranis, Lionsgate’s President of International Television & Digital Distribution added, “We’re delighted to partner with E4 in bringing our beloved drama to the UK.
The deal for Star Trek: Discovery is a first linear window deal after the drama launched globally on Netflix, while Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and Man With A Plan are first-run rights.
The shows will air on E4 in the UK.
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist launches midseason on NBC and is being sold by Lionsgate at Mipcom.
Karl Warner, Controller of E4 said, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist will make you laugh, make you cry and make you sing. It’s a brilliant piece of uplifting television that we’re thrilled to have coming to E4.”
Agapy Kapouranis, Lionsgate’s President of International Television & Digital Distribution added, “We’re delighted to partner with E4 in bringing our beloved drama to the UK.
- 10/15/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
British entertainment channel E4 has acquired U.K. rights to upcoming musical dramedy “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” from Lionsgate.
Set to air on NBC, it stars Jane Levy as Zoey Clarke, a whip-smart computer coder forging her way in San Francisco. After an unusual event she starts to hear the innermost wants and desires of the people around her through songs. At first, she questions her own sanity but soon realizes this unwanted curse may just be an incredibly wonderful gift.
“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” was ordered to series by NBC in May 2019, after a pilot order in January 2019.
The series is produced by Lionsgate and Universal Television in association with the Tannenbaum Company, Feigco Entertainment and Universal Music Group.
In addition to Levy, the cast also includes Skylar Astin, Peter Gallagher, Alex Newell, John Clarence Stewart, Carmen Cusack, and Mary Steenburgen.
Karl Warner, controller of E4 said, ““Zoey’s...
Set to air on NBC, it stars Jane Levy as Zoey Clarke, a whip-smart computer coder forging her way in San Francisco. After an unusual event she starts to hear the innermost wants and desires of the people around her through songs. At first, she questions her own sanity but soon realizes this unwanted curse may just be an incredibly wonderful gift.
“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” was ordered to series by NBC in May 2019, after a pilot order in January 2019.
The series is produced by Lionsgate and Universal Television in association with the Tannenbaum Company, Feigco Entertainment and Universal Music Group.
In addition to Levy, the cast also includes Skylar Astin, Peter Gallagher, Alex Newell, John Clarence Stewart, Carmen Cusack, and Mary Steenburgen.
Karl Warner, controller of E4 said, ““Zoey’s...
- 10/15/2019
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Youth-skewing British broadcaster E4 has struck a first-look development deal with the production team behind YouTube channel Wall of Comedy and stars of hit teen drama Youngers.
It has inked the overall del with Percelle Ascott and Joivan Wade, who run Wall of Production with Tafara Makopa. The deal will see the company develop a raft of scripted and non-scripted projects at the Channel 4-backed network as it looks to bolster its programming for younger audiences.
The deal is unusual in the UK as overall development deals with broadcasters are few and far between.
The pair star and co-produce online drama Shiro’s Story and they starred in Youngers, which aired on E4. Ascott is also the lead in Netflix series The Innocents, whilst Wade is the lead in Warner Bros. and DC Comics’ series Doom Patrol.
Wade said, “This is a great time for us and now working...
It has inked the overall del with Percelle Ascott and Joivan Wade, who run Wall of Production with Tafara Makopa. The deal will see the company develop a raft of scripted and non-scripted projects at the Channel 4-backed network as it looks to bolster its programming for younger audiences.
The deal is unusual in the UK as overall development deals with broadcasters are few and far between.
The pair star and co-produce online drama Shiro’s Story and they starred in Youngers, which aired on E4. Ascott is also the lead in Netflix series The Innocents, whilst Wade is the lead in Warner Bros. and DC Comics’ series Doom Patrol.
Wade said, “This is a great time for us and now working...
- 7/17/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
‘The Late Late Show’ Producer Fulwell 73 Sets ‘Pants On Fire’ In Extreme Bluffing Format For UK’s E4
The Late Late Show with James Corden producer Fulwell 73 has scored in comedy entertainment for British broadcaster E4.
The producer is making Pants on Fire (w/t) for Channel 4’s youth-skewing network. The show will see new and emerging faces from the world of comedy go head-to-head in an extreme bluffing show to try to impress a celebrity jury.
Hosted by former Big Brother host Emma Willis, who is also to front C4’s reality format The Circle, each episode will see three teams of comics plot their own crazy and outrageous challenges. From swimming with sharks to winning a pro-wrestling battle royale, the teams must then prove to a studio audience and a celebrity jury that they completed their audacious stunts.
The nine-part series is exec produced by Gabe Turner, Andy Price and Leo Pearlman with Sarah Pack as series producer and Toby Baker as series director. It was ordered by Steven Handley,...
The producer is making Pants on Fire (w/t) for Channel 4’s youth-skewing network. The show will see new and emerging faces from the world of comedy go head-to-head in an extreme bluffing show to try to impress a celebrity jury.
Hosted by former Big Brother host Emma Willis, who is also to front C4’s reality format The Circle, each episode will see three teams of comics plot their own crazy and outrageous challenges. From swimming with sharks to winning a pro-wrestling battle royale, the teams must then prove to a studio audience and a celebrity jury that they completed their audacious stunts.
The nine-part series is exec produced by Gabe Turner, Andy Price and Leo Pearlman with Sarah Pack as series producer and Toby Baker as series director. It was ordered by Steven Handley,...
- 6/6/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Rick and Morty is to debut on free-to-air television in the UK for the first time after Channel 4 snapped up the rights to Turner’s animated comedy.
The British broadcaster will launch the fourth season of show on C4 with the first three seasons airing on youth-skewing network E4 from February as part of a deal that will see hundreds of hours of Adult Swim content being made available to stream for free on digital service All 4.
This comes after Turner’s Adult Swim handed the anarchic animated series a bumper 70-episode order last May as part of a long-term deal with the show’s creator Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland. The show has been a huge hit in the U.S., delivering Adult Swim’s highest ratings in history and helped the show claim the title of #1 comedy across all of television for 2017 with millennials.
E4 will also...
The British broadcaster will launch the fourth season of show on C4 with the first three seasons airing on youth-skewing network E4 from February as part of a deal that will see hundreds of hours of Adult Swim content being made available to stream for free on digital service All 4.
This comes after Turner’s Adult Swim handed the anarchic animated series a bumper 70-episode order last May as part of a long-term deal with the show’s creator Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland. The show has been a huge hit in the U.S., delivering Adult Swim’s highest ratings in history and helped the show claim the title of #1 comedy across all of television for 2017 with millennials.
E4 will also...
- 1/14/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Dom Bird, who was responsible for commissioning some of Channel 4’s most recent hits including Hunted and Tattoo Fixers, is set to leave the British broadcaster.
Bird, who is Head of Formats at the broadcaster, is exiting later this summer and is thought to be considering a move into production. He has been at C4 for six years, having joined from the BBC, where he was Creative Director at the company’s entertainment production division, overseeing shows such as Dragon’s Den and Mastermind.
In addition to C4’s Hunted and E4’s Tattoo Fixers, which was one of the youth-skewing broadcasters biggest hits, he ordered the likes of Lego Masters and Celebs Go Dating and oversaw hit reality series Made In Chelsea.
His departure comes after Channel 4 installed former Electric Ray boss Karl Warner as boss of E4.
Bird said: “I feel incredibly privileged to have spent six...
Bird, who is Head of Formats at the broadcaster, is exiting later this summer and is thought to be considering a move into production. He has been at C4 for six years, having joined from the BBC, where he was Creative Director at the company’s entertainment production division, overseeing shows such as Dragon’s Den and Mastermind.
In addition to C4’s Hunted and E4’s Tattoo Fixers, which was one of the youth-skewing broadcasters biggest hits, he ordered the likes of Lego Masters and Celebs Go Dating and oversaw hit reality series Made In Chelsea.
His departure comes after Channel 4 installed former Electric Ray boss Karl Warner as boss of E4.
Bird said: “I feel incredibly privileged to have spent six...
- 7/10/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
British broadcaster Channel 4 has found its man to lead its youth revolution – hiring Karl Warner, founder of Sony-backed producer Electric Ray as head of E4.
Warner, who founded the Million Pound Menu and Alone at Home producer in 2014, becomes Controller of the youth-skewing channel, best known for series such as reality hit Made In Chelsea.
This comes after C4’s Director of Programmes Ian Katz handed the channel an additional budget of £10M (Us$13.4M).
Katz called Warner, a colorful character in British television, known for wearing garish jackets, one of the most “impish” figures in the UK industry. Before setting up Electric Ray, alongside Meredith Chambers, he worked at the BBC, commissioning series such as John Bishop’s Britain, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Live at the Apollo for BBC One and Undercover Princes, Russell Howard’s Good News and Junior Doctors for BBC Three. Before joining the public broadcaster,...
Warner, who founded the Million Pound Menu and Alone at Home producer in 2014, becomes Controller of the youth-skewing channel, best known for series such as reality hit Made In Chelsea.
This comes after C4’s Director of Programmes Ian Katz handed the channel an additional budget of £10M (Us$13.4M).
Katz called Warner, a colorful character in British television, known for wearing garish jackets, one of the most “impish” figures in the UK industry. Before setting up Electric Ray, alongside Meredith Chambers, he worked at the BBC, commissioning series such as John Bishop’s Britain, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Live at the Apollo for BBC One and Undercover Princes, Russell Howard’s Good News and Junior Doctors for BBC Three. Before joining the public broadcaster,...
- 6/26/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s one in, one out at Britain’s Channel 4, with the commercial pubcaster’s head of drama leaving to join the independent sector and a new channel controller joining from the production world.
Karl Warner has signed on as the new controller of E4, joining from his production company, Electric Ray, which is a joint venture with Sony Pictures Television. Leaving Channel 4 is drama head Beth Willis, who is joining indie firm The Forge.
Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon and her director of programs, Ian Katz, have set reaching younger viewers as a key priority. Warner will take the helm of the broadcaster’s channel for younger audiences and will play a key role in delivering on that pledge. Before setting up Electric Ray with Sony, he was a commissioner at the BBC.
“Karl has proven as both a commissioner and producer that he’s one of the most inventive,...
Karl Warner has signed on as the new controller of E4, joining from his production company, Electric Ray, which is a joint venture with Sony Pictures Television. Leaving Channel 4 is drama head Beth Willis, who is joining indie firm The Forge.
Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon and her director of programs, Ian Katz, have set reaching younger viewers as a key priority. Warner will take the helm of the broadcaster’s channel for younger audiences and will play a key role in delivering on that pledge. Before setting up Electric Ray with Sony, he was a commissioner at the BBC.
“Karl has proven as both a commissioner and producer that he’s one of the most inventive,...
- 6/26/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
If you are bored of all the young 20-somethings taking over the television, Close To the Edge might be right up your street.
The scripted factual series follows a group of friends in their 60s, 70s and 80s as they live their lives while exploring the challenges of getting older.
The series follows the cast as they take a frank look at the challenges of ageing, all while still living their lives to the fullest.
There is romance, rivalries and friendships, as well as the tough times coping with illnesses and the feelings of loneliness as they get older.
The final episode of the series will feature interviews from the cast as they share their views on all the social changes they've witnessed during their lifetimes – from the changing role of women through to attitudes towards sexuality, education and divorce.
Cassian Harrison, BBC Four's channel editor, said: "Close to...
The scripted factual series follows a group of friends in their 60s, 70s and 80s as they live their lives while exploring the challenges of getting older.
The series follows the cast as they take a frank look at the challenges of ageing, all while still living their lives to the fullest.
There is romance, rivalries and friendships, as well as the tough times coping with illnesses and the feelings of loneliness as they get older.
The final episode of the series will feature interviews from the cast as they share their views on all the social changes they've witnessed during their lifetimes – from the changing role of women through to attitudes towards sexuality, education and divorce.
Cassian Harrison, BBC Four's channel editor, said: "Close to...
- 6/9/2015
- Digital Spy
In a further move to increase its position in the booming UK production sector, Sony Pictures Television is teaming with execs Kieran Doherty and Matt Worthy to launch Stellify Media. The Belfast-based joint venture is Spt’s first move into production in Northern Ireland which has been the focus of increased attention ever since HBO’s Game Of Thrones set up shop there. Stellify will produce entertainment content for UK broadcasters and international export. It will also collaborate with Spt’s other production companies on development. UK shows and formats will be exported by Spt’s distribution arm. Doherty and Worthy created the international quiz format Secret Fortune (BBC One) and the reality gameshow format Take The Money And Run, which aired on ABC in the States. Most recently, they developed quiz pilots You Against The Nation for BBC One and Divide & Conquer for Channel 4. Spt’s chief creative officer of international production,...
- 3/20/2014
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
Former BBC entertainment commissioner Karl Warner and Sony Pictures Television are partnering to create London-based production company, Electric Ray. Warner will run the new venture as managing director. The plan is for Electric Ray to produce content for UK broadcasters and international export across the factual entertainment and entertainment genres. Electric Ray will also collaborate with Spt’s U.S. and international production companies on development. Spt’s distribution arm will handle sales of Electric Ray’s slate. The UK is a hotbed of TV production these days with the studios backing local companies to access talent and new content. Spt’s UK production business also includes Victory Television, Gogglebox Entertainment, Silver River Productions and Left Bank Pictures. Warner was the BBC’s youngest ever commissioning editor, and greenlit and executive produced such shows as Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, game show Reflex, Junior Doctors, World’s Craziest Fools and The Undercover Princes.
- 1/15/2014
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
London – Former BBC entertainment commissioner Karl Warner and Sony Pictures Television (Spt) are teaming to launch a U.K. production banner named Electric Ray. Warner will head up the new venture as managing director. From its London base, the new Electric Ray will produce TV content for British broadcasters and international export and develop original shows in the factual entertainment and entertainment genres. Photos: 2014's New Broadcast and Cable TV Shows As a member of Spt’s global production group, Electric Ray will also collaborate with Spt’s U.S. and international production companies on development, while its U.K. shows and
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- 1/15/2014
- by Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan and comedian Miranda Hart have been added to this year's Edinburgh TV Festival lineup.
Gilligan will deliver a masterclass at the event, discussing his groundbreaking AMC TV series, which will conclude later this year.
The last season of Breaking Bad will be airing at the same time as the Festival.
Meanwhile, comedy star Hart will take part in this year's Richard Dunn Memorial Interview. The 60-minute chat will feature the actress, comedian and writer discussing her career, work ethic and creative process.
The 38th annual Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival takes place on August 22-24.
Other events at this year's festival include a Great British Bake Off session and a lecture from House of Cards star Kevin Spacey.
Advisory chair of the festival Karl Warner said: "We're thrilled to be welcoming Miranda Hart and Vince Gilligan to this year's Television Festival and proud of a...
Gilligan will deliver a masterclass at the event, discussing his groundbreaking AMC TV series, which will conclude later this year.
The last season of Breaking Bad will be airing at the same time as the Festival.
Meanwhile, comedy star Hart will take part in this year's Richard Dunn Memorial Interview. The 60-minute chat will feature the actress, comedian and writer discussing her career, work ethic and creative process.
The 38th annual Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival takes place on August 22-24.
Other events at this year's festival include a Great British Bake Off session and a lecture from House of Cards star Kevin Spacey.
Advisory chair of the festival Karl Warner said: "We're thrilled to be welcoming Miranda Hart and Vince Gilligan to this year's Television Festival and proud of a...
- 6/17/2013
- Digital Spy
The lineup for the 38th Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival has been released today and a special edition of The Great British Bake Off will open the event.
Hosted between August 22 to 24, the festival celebrates the best in television and features lectures, discussions and Q&As with talent from the UK and Us.
It was previously announced that House of Cards star Kevin Spacey would be delivering this year's MacTaggart Lecture at the event, discussing the rise of Netflix and new methods of TV consumption.
Mel and Sue, Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood will be opening the festival with a Bake Off session, testing the cookery skills of top TV execs.
Brian Henson, the son of Muppets creator Jim Henson, will host a festival session discussing the use of puppets on TV and the big screen, while James Bond composer David Arnold will hold a session about making music for the small screen.
Hosted between August 22 to 24, the festival celebrates the best in television and features lectures, discussions and Q&As with talent from the UK and Us.
It was previously announced that House of Cards star Kevin Spacey would be delivering this year's MacTaggart Lecture at the event, discussing the rise of Netflix and new methods of TV consumption.
Mel and Sue, Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood will be opening the festival with a Bake Off session, testing the cookery skills of top TV execs.
Brian Henson, the son of Muppets creator Jim Henson, will host a festival session discussing the use of puppets on TV and the big screen, while James Bond composer David Arnold will hold a session about making music for the small screen.
- 5/21/2013
- Digital Spy
BBC Three has commissioned a "radical" new sketch show that features real people instead of fictional characters. Boom Town, in which ordinary members of the public will appear to live together in the titular community, has been picked up for a 30-minute pilot. The programme - which features no scripted dialogue - was ordered by BBC Three Controller Zai Bennett and executive editor entertainment Karl Warner. "Boom Town will be the first sketch show to make stars out of real people," Warner said. "Some of the characters we've already met are laugh-out-loud funny and would sit well in any scripted comedy. "BBC Three is always keen to try trying new things and this feels like an original proposition." (more)...
- 4/16/2012
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
The Muppets are set to return to TV. The BBC is to commission an updated version of the show - which follows the adventures of Jim Henson's puppets - which will star Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy alongside a host of new characters for a Saturday teatime programme. Based on a talk show format featuring a host Muppet, who may be based on a well-known face, the host will interview real-life celebrities in a ''cheeky and brash'' way. BBC entertainment executive Karl Warner told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''It's a really early doors development, but we have very high hopes. ''The idea is...
- 3/2/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
BBC and Jim Henson Co team for No Strings Attached. The task is to create a weekend U.K. TV show where a new puppet will interview celebrities in a chat show-style format, reports Variety. There's a pilot being prepped now for No Strings Attached and if the show gets the greenlight, it will be produced in-house by BBC, using muppets supplied by Henson. Karl Warner, The executive editor for entertainment for BBC said "the idea is that it would be very firmly anchored in the world of the chat show, but based around a new character created by the Henson Company. The Muppets are a massive hit even more now after taking home an Oscar...
- 3/2/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Jim Henson and BBC for No Strings Attached with Puppet Interviewing Celebs!
BBC and Jim Henson Co team for No Strings Attached. The task is to create a weekend U.K. TV show where a new puppet will interview celebrities in a chat show-style format, reports Variety. There's a pilot being prepped now for No Strings Attached and if the show gets the greenlight, it will be produced in-house by BBC, using muppets supplied by Henson. Karl Warner, The executive editor for entertainment for BBC said "the idea is that it would be very firmly anchored in the world of the chat show, but based around a new character created by the Henson Company. The Muppets are a massive hit even more now after taking home an Oscar...
- 3/2/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
BBC and Jim Henson Co team for No Strings Attached. The task is to create a weekend U.K. TV show where a new puppet will interview celebrities in a chat show-style format, reports Variety. There's a pilot being prepped now for No Strings Attached and if the show gets the greenlight, it will be produced in-house by BBC, using muppets supplied by Henson. Karl Warner, The executive editor for entertainment for BBC said "the idea is that it would be very firmly anchored in the world of the chat show, but based around a new character created by the Henson Company. The Muppets are a massive hit even more now after taking home an Oscar...
- 3/2/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The company behind The Muppets is working with BBC One to develop a new chat show. The project, which has a working title of No Strings Attached, would be hosted by a puppet and air on Saturday evenings. The series would see the puppet interviewing celebrities in a "quite cheeky and brash" way, Broadcast reports. The host could be based on a real person and the show is also expected to include sketches and games with a number of different characters. The Jim Henson Company, the team behind The Muppets, is involved and Henson's son Brian Henson has had talks with the BBC's executive editor for entertainment Karl Warner. "It's a really (more)...
- 3/2/2012
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
The BBC has commissioned a pilot episode of a hi-tech CGI gameshow for Saturday nights. Cloned sees four contestants attempt to distinguish a real person from their computer-generated clones as they complete a number of tasks and challenges. The programme will utilise green screen technology and post-production techniques to create the identical clones of well-known celebrities, reports The Guardian. Executive editor for entertainment commissioning at the BBC Karl Warner said: "Cloned is an exciting new format which pushes the boundaries of production and gameshow mechanics." Cloned was devised by former English teacher George Hutton, after he took (more)...
- 9/8/2011
- by By Christian Tobin
- Digital Spy
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