The Banff World Media Festival has added more names to its lineup.
The event, which runs June 9 – 12 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada, has added executives including CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach.
Reisenbach will sit down for an In Conversation With session to speak about the network’s 2024/25 programming strategy.
Elsewhere, Bing Chen, CEO & Co-Founder, Gold House, Sandra Dewey, COO, Media Res, Lisa Kramer, President, International TV Licensing, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Asif Sadiq, Chief Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery and Cori Wellins, Partner, William Morris Endeavor.
They join the likes of Fox CEO Rob Wade, Warner Bros. TV boss Channing Dungey, Lionsgate’s Television Chair and Chief Creative Officer Kevin Beggs, Universal Television Alternative Studio President Toby Gorman, Universal International Studios and UCP President Beatrice Springborn and Universal Television President Erin Underhill at the event.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these...
The event, which runs June 9 – 12 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada, has added executives including CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach.
Reisenbach will sit down for an In Conversation With session to speak about the network’s 2024/25 programming strategy.
Elsewhere, Bing Chen, CEO & Co-Founder, Gold House, Sandra Dewey, COO, Media Res, Lisa Kramer, President, International TV Licensing, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Asif Sadiq, Chief Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery and Cori Wellins, Partner, William Morris Endeavor.
They join the likes of Fox CEO Rob Wade, Warner Bros. TV boss Channing Dungey, Lionsgate’s Television Chair and Chief Creative Officer Kevin Beggs, Universal Television Alternative Studio President Toby Gorman, Universal International Studios and UCP President Beatrice Springborn and Universal Television President Erin Underhill at the event.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these...
- 4/18/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood studios have long made a point of promoting tentpole movies at the Cannes Film Festival, using the Cote d’Azur location to highlight their A-list titles with splashy promotional campaigns.
A similar, if less flashy, version of the big Cannes launch took place Tuesday for The Americas, the long-awaited premium wildlife documentary series from BBC and NBCUniversal. Producers of the series, narrated by Tom Hanks, revealed how their team used cutting-edge technology to take viewers inside the lives of critters from across the continent.
The footage, screened at international television confab MIPTV, showed extraordinary sights, including a bear making a treacherous half-mile descent down a crumbling cliff face, with two cubs clinging to her for life, images captured by a drone camera.
The Americas filmmaking team went to extraordinary measures crisscrossing the continent to capture its wildlife on screen. The team prepped for five years and made 180 expeditions over...
A similar, if less flashy, version of the big Cannes launch took place Tuesday for The Americas, the long-awaited premium wildlife documentary series from BBC and NBCUniversal. Producers of the series, narrated by Tom Hanks, revealed how their team used cutting-edge technology to take viewers inside the lives of critters from across the continent.
The footage, screened at international television confab MIPTV, showed extraordinary sights, including a bear making a treacherous half-mile descent down a crumbling cliff face, with two cubs clinging to her for life, images captured by a drone camera.
The Americas filmmaking team went to extraordinary measures crisscrossing the continent to capture its wildlife on screen. The team prepped for five years and made 180 expeditions over...
- 4/9/2024
- by Liza Foreman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The producing team behind Tom Hanks’ upcoming wildlife documentary series “The Americas” prepped for five years and made 180 expeditions to deliver the 10-episode show.
For Universal Television Alternative Studios (Utas), who are co-producing the series with BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, “The Americas” represents a big swing: it’s the first time the network is entering the wildlife documentary series space and, according to Utas president Toby Gorman, the show is also the most expensive unscripted project in NBCUniversal’s history.
“We were collectively starting to internally discuss whether this is a genre we wanted to enter,” Gorman recalls during a panel previewing the series at Mip TV in Cannes. When Mike Gunton, creative director of BBC Studios Factual, happened to knock on Gorman’s door, it felt like “kismet.”
Gunton was proposing a “full job” on one of the few areas of the planet that had never been fully...
For Universal Television Alternative Studios (Utas), who are co-producing the series with BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, “The Americas” represents a big swing: it’s the first time the network is entering the wildlife documentary series space and, according to Utas president Toby Gorman, the show is also the most expensive unscripted project in NBCUniversal’s history.
“We were collectively starting to internally discuss whether this is a genre we wanted to enter,” Gorman recalls during a panel previewing the series at Mip TV in Cannes. When Mike Gunton, creative director of BBC Studios Factual, happened to knock on Gorman’s door, it felt like “kismet.”
Gunton was proposing a “full job” on one of the few areas of the planet that had never been fully...
- 4/9/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Execs on NBC’s The Americas were seeking “the American version of David Attenborough” when booking Tom Hanks for the upcoming epic wildlife series.
BBC Studios’ Mike Gunton, a storied natural history exec who has worked on the likes of Planet Earth and Dynasties, said he had “written down who I wanted to do the music and who I wanted to be the narrator” when embarking on making the show nearly five years ago, and had scribbled “‘Tom Hanks?’.”
“That’s who I wanted,” he added at MIPTV. “He had such curiosity and his talent is so immense. He can turn his voice and delivery to every single nuance to the sorts of tone we see in all these stories.”
Toby Gorman, who runs Universal Television Alternative Studio, labeled the show “the most expensive unscripted project in NBCUniversal’s history.”
He said “we talked about who is the American version...
BBC Studios’ Mike Gunton, a storied natural history exec who has worked on the likes of Planet Earth and Dynasties, said he had “written down who I wanted to do the music and who I wanted to be the narrator” when embarking on making the show nearly five years ago, and had scribbled “‘Tom Hanks?’.”
“That’s who I wanted,” he added at MIPTV. “He had such curiosity and his talent is so immense. He can turn his voice and delivery to every single nuance to the sorts of tone we see in all these stories.”
Toby Gorman, who runs Universal Television Alternative Studio, labeled the show “the most expensive unscripted project in NBCUniversal’s history.”
He said “we talked about who is the American version...
- 4/9/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Adventure travel series Destination X has been officially picked up to series by NBC.
The show is expected to air on the network in 2025 and the U.S. version of the Belgian format will be produced by production company Twofour, which is also making a separate British version for the BBC.
The greenlight marks the latest stage for the format; last year, the BBC and NBCUniversal partnered to take the U.S and UK rights to the show, which comes from Belgian producer Geronimo and distributor Be-Entertainment.
The BBC greenlit its own version last year with Twofour producing.
NBC has now followed suit and officially ordered its own version; the show was previously only in development with the broadcast network.
It is a similar model employed on breakout mystery format The Traitors.
Destination X sees a group of contestants go on the road trip of a lifetime but they have no idea of their location.
The show is expected to air on the network in 2025 and the U.S. version of the Belgian format will be produced by production company Twofour, which is also making a separate British version for the BBC.
The greenlight marks the latest stage for the format; last year, the BBC and NBCUniversal partnered to take the U.S and UK rights to the show, which comes from Belgian producer Geronimo and distributor Be-Entertainment.
The BBC greenlit its own version last year with Twofour producing.
NBC has now followed suit and officially ordered its own version; the show was previously only in development with the broadcast network.
It is a similar model employed on breakout mystery format The Traitors.
Destination X sees a group of contestants go on the road trip of a lifetime but they have no idea of their location.
- 4/5/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Cannes TV trade fair MipTV may be its most boutique in recent years, but shows are coming onto the market – or screened at the parallel Canneseries TV festival which begins Friday – that will whet buyers’ appetites. Some roll of buzz from the London TV Screenings or Series Mania. Others are completely fresh, or pretty much off the radar.
To help you cut through the slates, here’s Variety’s picks of 20-plus shows:
“The Americas,” (NBCU, BBC Studios)
Narrated by Tom Hanks, his first unscripted narrator gig, and billed as an epic natural history series from “Planet Earth” producer BBC Studios Natural History Unit in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio. Scored by two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer and using groundbreaking technology to reveal the continent’s natural wonders. Previewed at MipTV, just how that worked will be unveiled at a fireside chat with NBCU’s Toby Gorman, president of...
To help you cut through the slates, here’s Variety’s picks of 20-plus shows:
“The Americas,” (NBCU, BBC Studios)
Narrated by Tom Hanks, his first unscripted narrator gig, and billed as an epic natural history series from “Planet Earth” producer BBC Studios Natural History Unit in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio. Scored by two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer and using groundbreaking technology to reveal the continent’s natural wonders. Previewed at MipTV, just how that worked will be unveiled at a fireside chat with NBCU’s Toby Gorman, president of...
- 4/5/2024
- by John Hopewell and Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Universal Television Alternative Studio (Utas) is getting into business with Depp V. Heard producer Empress Films.
The Universal Studio Group-owned Utas has struck an exclusive first-look deal with the UK indie, which filmmaker Emma Cooper launched in 2020.
Empress is known for Netflix and Channel 4’s Depp V. Heard, as well three other Netflix titles, The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes, Who Killed Jill Dando? and The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann; and Sky and Peacock co-production Ghislaine Maxwell: Epstein’s Shadow.
The partnerships will provide Empress with access to Utas’s transatlantic development resources, IP library and talent roster.
“Emma Cooper is a world class talent who has created some of the most-watched factual hits globally in recent years,” said Toby Gorman, President of Utas. “As we look to grow our documentary and factual output, her track record makes her and the team at Empress ideal...
The Universal Studio Group-owned Utas has struck an exclusive first-look deal with the UK indie, which filmmaker Emma Cooper launched in 2020.
Empress is known for Netflix and Channel 4’s Depp V. Heard, as well three other Netflix titles, The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes, Who Killed Jill Dando? and The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann; and Sky and Peacock co-production Ghislaine Maxwell: Epstein’s Shadow.
The partnerships will provide Empress with access to Utas’s transatlantic development resources, IP library and talent roster.
“Emma Cooper is a world class talent who has created some of the most-watched factual hits globally in recent years,” said Toby Gorman, President of Utas. “As we look to grow our documentary and factual output, her track record makes her and the team at Empress ideal...
- 3/14/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal is developing a U.S. version of The Underdog – the Truman Show-style guessing game format that sees social media influencers compete in a popularity contest alongside one person without an online following – for NBC.
Stv Studios and NBCUniversal have struck a series development deal for the format, which will see the latter develop the version for NBC.
Created by Stv Studios label Primal Media and co-owned by GroupM, The Underdog, which is being made in the UK for E4 under the working title Alan Must Win, sees a cast of conventionally popular contestants – all with big online followings and a knack for influencing people – compete in a popularity contest. In amongst the group is an underdog that no one is expecting, an ordinary person with almost zero online followers, who is unfazed about trying to be the most popular. None of the cast, including the underdog, know that...
Stv Studios and NBCUniversal have struck a series development deal for the format, which will see the latter develop the version for NBC.
Created by Stv Studios label Primal Media and co-owned by GroupM, The Underdog, which is being made in the UK for E4 under the working title Alan Must Win, sees a cast of conventionally popular contestants – all with big online followings and a knack for influencing people – compete in a popularity contest. In amongst the group is an underdog that no one is expecting, an ordinary person with almost zero online followers, who is unfazed about trying to be the most popular. None of the cast, including the underdog, know that...
- 11/1/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Jojo Siwa, host Jimmy Fallon, Jay Pharoah, Jenna Dewan, and Nikki Glaser in ‘That’s My Jam’ (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
NBC’s renewed the celebrity competition game show That’s My Jam for a third season. Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, the Emmy-nominated series will return for a 10-episode (plus a greatest hits hour) third season. Season three’s premiere date was not revealed in the renewal announcement.
“Jimmy brings music, comedy, games and celebrities together in a way that only he can, and it’s what makes That’s My Jam an undeniable hit,” said Corie Henson, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment. “We can’t wait for the show to return for a third season with even more brilliant performances and viral moments audiences can’t seem to get enough of.”
Season two averaged 3.5 million viewers and featured celebrities including Kelsea Ballerini, Quinta Brunson, Taraji P. Henson, Chance the Rapper,...
NBC’s renewed the celebrity competition game show That’s My Jam for a third season. Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, the Emmy-nominated series will return for a 10-episode (plus a greatest hits hour) third season. Season three’s premiere date was not revealed in the renewal announcement.
“Jimmy brings music, comedy, games and celebrities together in a way that only he can, and it’s what makes That’s My Jam an undeniable hit,” said Corie Henson, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment. “We can’t wait for the show to return for a third season with even more brilliant performances and viral moments audiences can’t seem to get enough of.”
Season two averaged 3.5 million viewers and featured celebrities including Kelsea Ballerini, Quinta Brunson, Taraji P. Henson, Chance the Rapper,...
- 10/17/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Exclusive: Jimmy Fallon will keep jamming in primetime for NBC.
That’s My Jam, the musical variety series led by The Tonight Show host, has been renewed for a third season.
It comes after the show entered the Emmy race; That’s My Jam was nominated in the Outstanding Game Show category alongside ABC’s Jeopardy!, Wheel Of Fortune and Family Feud as well as CBS’ The Price Is Right – the first time that game shows were upgraded to the primetime Emmys after having previously been part of the daytime Emmys.
It also performed well for NBC; the season 2 premiere averaged 31% higher ratings than the first season’s average and it continued to outperform season 1 over its run.
The show, which is inspired by segments on Fallon’s late-night show, aired its first season between November 2021 and January 2022 and its second season ran from March to May 2023.
Guests have included Ariana Grande,...
That’s My Jam, the musical variety series led by The Tonight Show host, has been renewed for a third season.
It comes after the show entered the Emmy race; That’s My Jam was nominated in the Outstanding Game Show category alongside ABC’s Jeopardy!, Wheel Of Fortune and Family Feud as well as CBS’ The Price Is Right – the first time that game shows were upgraded to the primetime Emmys after having previously been part of the daytime Emmys.
It also performed well for NBC; the season 2 premiere averaged 31% higher ratings than the first season’s average and it continued to outperform season 1 over its run.
The show, which is inspired by segments on Fallon’s late-night show, aired its first season between November 2021 and January 2022 and its second season ran from March to May 2023.
Guests have included Ariana Grande,...
- 10/17/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The co-founders of “Made in Chelsea” producers Monkey are stepping down after 23 years with the company.
Sources tell Variety that David Granger and Will Macdonald announced their decision to exit as creative directors of Monkey on Friday afternoon. It’s not yet clear why they’re leaving, but it’s believed they may set up another production shingle in the future.
Granger and Macdonald founded Monkey in 2000 and joined Universal International Studios in 2010 when the company was acquired by NBCUniversal. Since that period, Monkey has grown into a reality behemoth in the U.K., best known for the long-running unscripted show “Made in Chelsea” — now on Season 25 on digital channel E4 and also airing on Peacock in the U.S. — as well as “The Real Housewives of Cheshire,” which is on Season 16 for ITVBe.
The company’s other credits include the BBC adaptation of NBC’s “That’s My Jam,” fronted...
Sources tell Variety that David Granger and Will Macdonald announced their decision to exit as creative directors of Monkey on Friday afternoon. It’s not yet clear why they’re leaving, but it’s believed they may set up another production shingle in the future.
Granger and Macdonald founded Monkey in 2000 and joined Universal International Studios in 2010 when the company was acquired by NBCUniversal. Since that period, Monkey has grown into a reality behemoth in the U.K., best known for the long-running unscripted show “Made in Chelsea” — now on Season 25 on digital channel E4 and also airing on Peacock in the U.S. — as well as “The Real Housewives of Cheshire,” which is on Season 16 for ITVBe.
The company’s other credits include the BBC adaptation of NBC’s “That’s My Jam,” fronted...
- 6/9/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Adam Kassen and Liz Yale Marsh have signed exclusive overall deals with Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Through their deals, they will source, develop and produce unscripted projects across various platforms. Both producers are currently working on productions with several Usg partners.
Marsh has multiple projects in the works with Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, Lilly Singh’s Unicorn Island and Questlove and Black Thought’s Two One Five Entertainment. Kassen is working on several projects in different stages of development with Dick Wolf Entertainment for broadcast and premium streaming platforms.
“We are excited to partner with two of the best in the business, Adam and Liz, to build, diversify and propel our premium slate,” Toby Gorman, President, Utas, said in a statement. “It’s been thrilling to make dreams come true with our game shows and competition programs, and we’re putting that...
Through their deals, they will source, develop and produce unscripted projects across various platforms. Both producers are currently working on productions with several Usg partners.
Marsh has multiple projects in the works with Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, Lilly Singh’s Unicorn Island and Questlove and Black Thought’s Two One Five Entertainment. Kassen is working on several projects in different stages of development with Dick Wolf Entertainment for broadcast and premium streaming platforms.
“We are excited to partner with two of the best in the business, Adam and Liz, to build, diversify and propel our premium slate,” Toby Gorman, President, Utas, said in a statement. “It’s been thrilling to make dreams come true with our game shows and competition programs, and we’re putting that...
- 11/3/2022
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
NBC is getting into the dinosaur business.
The broadcast network has ordered an eight-episode natural history series titled Surviving Earth, which will use cutting-edge digital effects to delve into mass extinctions over the course of the planet’s life and the creatures that survived them.
The series comes from Universal Television Alternative Studio and Loud Minds, the production company behind the BBC/Discovery series Walking With Dinosaurs, its sequel Walking With Beasts and scripted series Primeval. A debut date hasn’t been set.
“This epic event series promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen before, with state-of-the-art technology recreating an immersive view of prehistoric Earth,” said Rod Aissa, executive vp unscripted content at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “With a project of this magnitude, we’re in excellent hands with Universal Television Alternative Studio and Loud Minds on board bringing it to life.
NBC is getting into the dinosaur business.
The broadcast network has ordered an eight-episode natural history series titled Surviving Earth, which will use cutting-edge digital effects to delve into mass extinctions over the course of the planet’s life and the creatures that survived them.
The series comes from Universal Television Alternative Studio and Loud Minds, the production company behind the BBC/Discovery series Walking With Dinosaurs, its sequel Walking With Beasts and scripted series Primeval. A debut date hasn’t been set.
“This epic event series promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen before, with state-of-the-art technology recreating an immersive view of prehistoric Earth,” said Rod Aissa, executive vp unscripted content at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “With a project of this magnitude, we’re in excellent hands with Universal Television Alternative Studio and Loud Minds on board bringing it to life.
- 6/28/2022
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The creator of the critically acclaimed BBC natural history series Walking with Dinosaurs has landed a new eight-part docuseries at NBC.
The broadcast network has ordered Surviving Earth that explores the bizarre and amazing creatures and breathtaking landscapes of a vibrant lost world.
The series is a co-production between Loud Minds, the UK production company founded by Walking with Dinosaurs creator Tim Haines, and Universal Television Alternative Studio.
It marks another interesting move in the world of high-end factual programming; the U.S. broadcast networks have generally shied away from big docuseries or natural history programming, leaving the genre to the likes of Discovery Channel and PBS, or more recently streamers such as Netflix and Apple.
However, it comes after NBC ordered ten-part documentary series from the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, the division behind Planet Earth and Blue Planet. The, as-yet-untitled series, which will explore the landscapes, creatures and wilderness of North,...
The broadcast network has ordered Surviving Earth that explores the bizarre and amazing creatures and breathtaking landscapes of a vibrant lost world.
The series is a co-production between Loud Minds, the UK production company founded by Walking with Dinosaurs creator Tim Haines, and Universal Television Alternative Studio.
It marks another interesting move in the world of high-end factual programming; the U.S. broadcast networks have generally shied away from big docuseries or natural history programming, leaving the genre to the likes of Discovery Channel and PBS, or more recently streamers such as Netflix and Apple.
However, it comes after NBC ordered ten-part documentary series from the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, the division behind Planet Earth and Blue Planet. The, as-yet-untitled series, which will explore the landscapes, creatures and wilderness of North,...
- 6/28/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC has ordered eight episodes of “Surviving Earth,” an unscripted series about how life not only survived during the cataclysmic events of the prehistoric era, but thrived. The series aims to find what lessons can be learned from past mass extinctions.
“Surviving Earth” is co-produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio and UK indie production company Loud Minds. Each hour-long episode will use digital technology to visualize prehistoric landscapes and events including meteor falls, eruptions of supervolcanoes, boiling seas and moving land.
“This epic event series promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen before, with state-of-the-art technology recreating an immersive view of prehistoric Earth,” said Rod Aissa, executive vice president of unscripted content at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “With a project of this magnitude, we’re in excellent hands with Universal Television Alternative Studio and Loud Minds on board bringing it to life.”
“This documentary series brings to life the...
“Surviving Earth” is co-produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio and UK indie production company Loud Minds. Each hour-long episode will use digital technology to visualize prehistoric landscapes and events including meteor falls, eruptions of supervolcanoes, boiling seas and moving land.
“This epic event series promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen before, with state-of-the-art technology recreating an immersive view of prehistoric Earth,” said Rod Aissa, executive vice president of unscripted content at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “With a project of this magnitude, we’re in excellent hands with Universal Television Alternative Studio and Loud Minds on board bringing it to life.”
“This documentary series brings to life the...
- 6/28/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
NBC is exploring how life survived prehistoric catastrophes in “Surviving Earth.”
The network announced a series order Tuesday for eight episodes that will transport audiences back to the lost world of prehistoric life, allowing viewers to witness how life finds a way to survive on a planet where meteors fall, super volcanoes erupt, seas boil and the land moves.
A co-production between Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group, and U.K. indie Loud Minds, the series hails from the creators of “Walking with Dinosaurs” and “Primeval.”
“This epic event series promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen before, with state-of-the-art technology recreating an immersive view of prehistoric Earth,” Rod Aissa, executive vice president, Unscripted Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said in a statement. “With a project of this magnitude, we’re in excellent hands with Universal Television Alternative Studio and Loud Minds on board bringing it to life.
The network announced a series order Tuesday for eight episodes that will transport audiences back to the lost world of prehistoric life, allowing viewers to witness how life finds a way to survive on a planet where meteors fall, super volcanoes erupt, seas boil and the land moves.
A co-production between Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group, and U.K. indie Loud Minds, the series hails from the creators of “Walking with Dinosaurs” and “Primeval.”
“This epic event series promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen before, with state-of-the-art technology recreating an immersive view of prehistoric Earth,” Rod Aissa, executive vice president, Unscripted Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said in a statement. “With a project of this magnitude, we’re in excellent hands with Universal Television Alternative Studio and Loud Minds on board bringing it to life.
- 6/28/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
Jordan Moblo has moved from Netflix to Universal Studio Group to oversee its IP charge.
Moblo becomes EVP, Creative Acquisitions and IP Management at the NBCUniversal studio. He was previously Director of IP Scouting at the streamer.
“Jordan has impeccable taste in identifying and securing intellectual property that can be brought to series,” said Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Usg. “We’re beyond pleased to have his expertise in sourcing and acquiring projects across the entire Usg portfolio while building a team to acquire compelling content that aligns with and broadens our notable roster.”
Moblo will be responsible for sourcing and acquiring content for Universal Television, UCP, Universal International Studios and Universal Television Alternative Studio.
He will report directly to Universal Television President Erin Underhill, UCP and Universal International Studios President Beatrice Springborn and Universal Television Alternative Studio President Toby Gorman.
He will expand the studio’s IP team and oversee global...
Moblo becomes EVP, Creative Acquisitions and IP Management at the NBCUniversal studio. He was previously Director of IP Scouting at the streamer.
“Jordan has impeccable taste in identifying and securing intellectual property that can be brought to series,” said Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Usg. “We’re beyond pleased to have his expertise in sourcing and acquiring projects across the entire Usg portfolio while building a team to acquire compelling content that aligns with and broadens our notable roster.”
Moblo will be responsible for sourcing and acquiring content for Universal Television, UCP, Universal International Studios and Universal Television Alternative Studio.
He will report directly to Universal Television President Erin Underhill, UCP and Universal International Studios President Beatrice Springborn and Universal Television Alternative Studio President Toby Gorman.
He will expand the studio’s IP team and oversee global...
- 6/23/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Rising star executive Jordan Moblo is on the move.
Following a year overseeing book and IP scouting at Netflix, the former longtime Disney exec has joined Pearlena Igbokwe’s Universal Studio Group as exec vp creative acquisitions and IP management.
Moblo, who will be charged with expanding the studio’s IP team, will oversee global book and intellectual property acquisitions that align with Usg’s strategy for scripted and unscripted programming across broadcast, premium and basic cable networks, streaming and podcast platforms. He will report jointly to Universal Television president Erin Underhill, Universal Content Productions/Universal International Studios topper Beatrice Springborn and Universal Television Alternative Studios chief Toby Gorman.
“Jordan has impeccable taste in identifying and securing intellectual property that can be brought to series,” said Igbokwe, Usg chairman. “We’re beyond pleased to have his expertise in sourcing and acquiring projects across...
Rising star executive Jordan Moblo is on the move.
Following a year overseeing book and IP scouting at Netflix, the former longtime Disney exec has joined Pearlena Igbokwe’s Universal Studio Group as exec vp creative acquisitions and IP management.
Moblo, who will be charged with expanding the studio’s IP team, will oversee global book and intellectual property acquisitions that align with Usg’s strategy for scripted and unscripted programming across broadcast, premium and basic cable networks, streaming and podcast platforms. He will report jointly to Universal Television president Erin Underhill, Universal Content Productions/Universal International Studios topper Beatrice Springborn and Universal Television Alternative Studios chief Toby Gorman.
“Jordan has impeccable taste in identifying and securing intellectual property that can be brought to series,” said Igbokwe, Usg chairman. “We’re beyond pleased to have his expertise in sourcing and acquiring projects across...
- 6/23/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Universal Studio Group announced on Thursday that it has hired Jordan Moblo as EVP of Creative Acquisitions and IP Management.
Moblo, who is moving to Universal from Netflix, will be responsible for sourcing and acquiring content for Universal Television (Utv), UCP, Universal International Studios (Uis) and Universal Television Alternative Studio (Utas). He will report directly to Erin Underhill, President, Utv; Beatrice Springborn, President, UCP & Uis; and Toby Gorman, President, Utas.
In addition to overseeing global book and IP acquisitions, Moblo will also manage the studio’s podcast division, Usg Audio, and graphic novel imprint, Usg Graphic.
Also Read:
How Seth Meyers Maintained the New Spirit of ‘Late Night’ When the Studio Audience Came Back
“Jordan has impeccable taste in identifying and securing intellectual property that can be brought to series,” said Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Usg. “We’re beyond pleased to have his expertise in sourcing and acquiring projects across the...
Moblo, who is moving to Universal from Netflix, will be responsible for sourcing and acquiring content for Universal Television (Utv), UCP, Universal International Studios (Uis) and Universal Television Alternative Studio (Utas). He will report directly to Erin Underhill, President, Utv; Beatrice Springborn, President, UCP & Uis; and Toby Gorman, President, Utas.
In addition to overseeing global book and IP acquisitions, Moblo will also manage the studio’s podcast division, Usg Audio, and graphic novel imprint, Usg Graphic.
Also Read:
How Seth Meyers Maintained the New Spirit of ‘Late Night’ When the Studio Audience Came Back
“Jordan has impeccable taste in identifying and securing intellectual property that can be brought to series,” said Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Usg. “We’re beyond pleased to have his expertise in sourcing and acquiring projects across the...
- 6/23/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
With the 65 years “Eurovision Song Contest” has under its belt, NBC’s U.S. adaptation of the worldwide phenomenon has a lot to live up to on day one. Luckily, “American Song Contest” also has the full-backing of the Og show’s production powerhouse and a team of Eurovision fanatics preparing for its weekly two-hour live shows hosted by Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg, beginning with Monday’s 8 p.m. kickoff.
“It’s a daunting task because of the legacy,” Toby Gorman, president of “American Song Contest” producer Universal Television Alternative Studio, tells Variety. “I’m British, I grew up with my family watching and adoring Eurovision. It’s a celebration of of so much: creativity, peace, coming together — the things we all need right now. And I distinctively remember as a kid watching the heats and the finale and the country would come to a standstill. The U.K.
“It’s a daunting task because of the legacy,” Toby Gorman, president of “American Song Contest” producer Universal Television Alternative Studio, tells Variety. “I’m British, I grew up with my family watching and adoring Eurovision. It’s a celebration of of so much: creativity, peace, coming together — the things we all need right now. And I distinctively remember as a kid watching the heats and the finale and the country would come to a standstill. The U.K.
- 3/21/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
NBC is about to have a vacancy on its late-night schedule: A Little Late With Lilly Singh will end with its current second season, TVLine has learned. The final episode will air Thursday, June 3 at 1:35 am/12:35c.
A Little Late premiered in September 2019, filling the gap left by Last Call With Carson Daly, which ended a few months earlier after 17 years on the air. An NBC insider tells TVLine that the network is rethinking its 1:30 am time slot and plans to move away from original talk programming.
More from TVLineChicago P.D.: Marina Squerciati Breaks Down That 'Burzek' Development,...
A Little Late premiered in September 2019, filling the gap left by Last Call With Carson Daly, which ended a few months earlier after 17 years on the air. An NBC insider tells TVLine that the network is rethinking its 1:30 am time slot and plans to move away from original talk programming.
More from TVLineChicago P.D.: Marina Squerciati Breaks Down That 'Burzek' Development,...
- 5/6/2021
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
NBC’s extremely late-night forays are coming to a close with the end of A Little Late With Lilly Singh.
The show, which airs at 1:30am, will be coming to an end with its second season and the network is moving out of original programming for the slot that it previously called a “creative playground”.
The move is a blow to the diversity of late-night television as Singh is the only woman hosting a show on a broadcast network, but it is unsurprising given the ratings attached to a show that airs so late. The final episode will air on Thursday June 3.
A Little Late with Lilly Singh launched in September 2019, a replacement for Last Call with Carson Daly, and followed The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers in the schedule. However, there was a large gap between seasons one and two due to...
The show, which airs at 1:30am, will be coming to an end with its second season and the network is moving out of original programming for the slot that it previously called a “creative playground”.
The move is a blow to the diversity of late-night television as Singh is the only woman hosting a show on a broadcast network, but it is unsurprising given the ratings attached to a show that airs so late. The final episode will air on Thursday June 3.
A Little Late with Lilly Singh launched in September 2019, a replacement for Last Call with Carson Daly, and followed The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers in the schedule. However, there was a large gap between seasons one and two due to...
- 5/6/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Singh signs first-look deal with Universal Television Alternative Studio
“A Little Late With Lilly Singh’s” TV tenure will be a little short: the NBC late-night series is ending after less than two years. But Singh isn’t leaving the family; she has signed a first-look deal with Universal Television Alternative Studio to develop unscripted projects through her Unicorn Island Productions.
The final original episode of “A Little Late” will air on June 3. Reruns of the two-season experiment will fill the 1:30 a.m. time slot through the summer, we’re told.
After that, NBC will move away from original talk programming in that time slot, a person with knowledge of the plans told TheWrap. Carson Daly’s “Last Call” talk show aired in the time slot from 2002 to 2019.
As you might expect, Singh and her bosses at Universal Television focused on the positive.
“We are thrilled to bring even...
“A Little Late With Lilly Singh’s” TV tenure will be a little short: the NBC late-night series is ending after less than two years. But Singh isn’t leaving the family; she has signed a first-look deal with Universal Television Alternative Studio to develop unscripted projects through her Unicorn Island Productions.
The final original episode of “A Little Late” will air on June 3. Reruns of the two-season experiment will fill the 1:30 a.m. time slot through the summer, we’re told.
After that, NBC will move away from original talk programming in that time slot, a person with knowledge of the plans told TheWrap. Carson Daly’s “Last Call” talk show aired in the time slot from 2002 to 2019.
As you might expect, Singh and her bosses at Universal Television focused on the positive.
“We are thrilled to bring even...
- 5/6/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
The unscripted TV business has never been as glamorous as the movie business or the premium scripted world, but the past 12 months of the pandemic have highlighted how important the sector is to the entertainment world.
Shows like The Voice, The Masked Singer and The Bachelor franchise have propped up the broadcast networks during a rotten year, and Disney and Fox have launched their own alternative units to double down in the genre.
There’s a growing hunt for talent, both working with A-list stars that have overall deals on the scripted side, and new voices that can help find the next Dancing With the Stars or American Idol, while all of the major suppliers are continuing to search for international formats that can become the next big hit.
Mike Darnell, President, Warner Bros. Unscripted and Alternative Television, said that the unscripted world has done an “exceptional job” during Covid...
Shows like The Voice, The Masked Singer and The Bachelor franchise have propped up the broadcast networks during a rotten year, and Disney and Fox have launched their own alternative units to double down in the genre.
There’s a growing hunt for talent, both working with A-list stars that have overall deals on the scripted side, and new voices that can help find the next Dancing With the Stars or American Idol, while all of the major suppliers are continuing to search for international formats that can become the next big hit.
Mike Darnell, President, Warner Bros. Unscripted and Alternative Television, said that the unscripted world has done an “exceptional job” during Covid...
- 4/7/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
High-end wildlife programming – shows like Planet Earth and Blue Planet – used to be the preserve of the BBC and a handful of cable networks such as Discovery and Nat Geo.
Then the streamers moved in with the likes of Netflix and Apple TV+ looking for their own David Attenborough (or Attenborough himself).
Now it’s the turn of the U.S. broadcast networks, which have been dipping their toe into the water.
It comes as networks such as ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC look to diversify their non-scripted slates with the added introduction of softer, factual entertainment formats that might not be quite as noisy as a Voice or a Masked Singer but can often have a stickier long-tail.
Last January, NBC made a headline-grabbing announcement that it had ordered ten-part series – The Americas – from the BBC’s Natural History Unit.
The series, which explores the vast landscapes, remote wilderness...
Then the streamers moved in with the likes of Netflix and Apple TV+ looking for their own David Attenborough (or Attenborough himself).
Now it’s the turn of the U.S. broadcast networks, which have been dipping their toe into the water.
It comes as networks such as ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC look to diversify their non-scripted slates with the added introduction of softer, factual entertainment formats that might not be quite as noisy as a Voice or a Masked Singer but can often have a stickier long-tail.
Last January, NBC made a headline-grabbing announcement that it had ordered ten-part series – The Americas – from the BBC’s Natural History Unit.
The series, which explores the vast landscapes, remote wilderness...
- 4/6/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Longtime unscripted producer and Universal Television exec Monica Rodman has been promoted to executive vice president of the studio’s alternative division.
Most recently the senior vice president of Universal Television Alternative Studio, Rodman has been with the company since 2015 after spending the prior 12 years producing “The Celebrity Apprentice,” “Fashion Star,” and “Judge Judy,” the latter of which earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination. She first joined Universal TV’s alternative unit as vice president of development.
Reporting to Universal Television Alternative Studio president Toby Gorman, Rodman will continue to shepherd all development across the alternative studio and work with its creative talent. At Universal TV, she and the alternative development have worked on “The Titan Games,” “Songland,” “Making It” and “World of Dance,” among other projects. On her slate next is “That’s My Jam,” hosted by Jimmy Fallon. She also oversees curation of development for talent such as Fallon,...
Most recently the senior vice president of Universal Television Alternative Studio, Rodman has been with the company since 2015 after spending the prior 12 years producing “The Celebrity Apprentice,” “Fashion Star,” and “Judge Judy,” the latter of which earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination. She first joined Universal TV’s alternative unit as vice president of development.
Reporting to Universal Television Alternative Studio president Toby Gorman, Rodman will continue to shepherd all development across the alternative studio and work with its creative talent. At Universal TV, she and the alternative development have worked on “The Titan Games,” “Songland,” “Making It” and “World of Dance,” among other projects. On her slate next is “That’s My Jam,” hosted by Jimmy Fallon. She also oversees curation of development for talent such as Fallon,...
- 3/26/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Universal Television Alternative Studio, which is behind series such as The Titan Games and Making It, has promoted Monica Rodman.
Rodman, who was previously Senior Vice President, Alternative Development, has been upped to Executive Vice President, Alternative Development.
She will continue to oversee all development across Universal Television Alternative Studio and will work closely with the studio’s roster of talent including Dwayne Johnson, Jimmy Fallon and Amy Poehler.
In addition to The Titan Games and Making It, Rodman has overseen projects including Songland and World of Dance as well as Fallon’s upcoming series That’s My Jam.
She has also spearheaded the company’s annual event Diversity Unscripted, which connects a group of diverse showrunners to executives across NBCU.
She joined Universal in 2015 as Vice President of Development and prior to that, her credits included The Celebrity Apprentice, Fashion Star and Judge Judy.
Rodman reports to Utas President Toby Gorman.
Rodman, who was previously Senior Vice President, Alternative Development, has been upped to Executive Vice President, Alternative Development.
She will continue to oversee all development across Universal Television Alternative Studio and will work closely with the studio’s roster of talent including Dwayne Johnson, Jimmy Fallon and Amy Poehler.
In addition to The Titan Games and Making It, Rodman has overseen projects including Songland and World of Dance as well as Fallon’s upcoming series That’s My Jam.
She has also spearheaded the company’s annual event Diversity Unscripted, which connects a group of diverse showrunners to executives across NBCU.
She joined Universal in 2015 as Vice President of Development and prior to that, her credits included The Celebrity Apprentice, Fashion Star and Judge Judy.
Rodman reports to Utas President Toby Gorman.
- 3/26/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Monica Rodman has been promoted at Universal Television Alternative Studio.
Rodman, who oversees development at the unscripted unit, has been upped to executive vp alternative development. She was most recently senior vp alternative development at Utas.
“As a pillar of the team, Monica has played an integral role in the success of the Alternative Studio from day one,” said Toby Gorman, president of Utas. “She has a hand in every project that comes through our doors and we’re fortunate to have her continued leadership across our development slate. Monica has a deep understanding of our brand and audience, which is ...
Rodman, who oversees development at the unscripted unit, has been upped to executive vp alternative development. She was most recently senior vp alternative development at Utas.
“As a pillar of the team, Monica has played an integral role in the success of the Alternative Studio from day one,” said Toby Gorman, president of Utas. “She has a hand in every project that comes through our doors and we’re fortunate to have her continued leadership across our development slate. Monica has a deep understanding of our brand and audience, which is ...
- 3/26/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Monica Rodman has been promoted at Universal Television Alternative Studio.
Rodman, who oversees development at the unscripted unit, has been upped to executive vp alternative development. She was most recently senior vp alternative development at Utas.
“As a pillar of the team, Monica has played an integral role in the success of the Alternative Studio from day one,” said Toby Gorman, president of Utas. “She has a hand in every project that comes through our doors and we’re fortunate to have her continued leadership across our development slate. Monica has a deep understanding of our brand and audience, which is ...
Rodman, who oversees development at the unscripted unit, has been upped to executive vp alternative development. She was most recently senior vp alternative development at Utas.
“As a pillar of the team, Monica has played an integral role in the success of the Alternative Studio from day one,” said Toby Gorman, president of Utas. “She has a hand in every project that comes through our doors and we’re fortunate to have her continued leadership across our development slate. Monica has a deep understanding of our brand and audience, which is ...
- 3/26/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After outlining her exec team, recently appointed Universal Studio Group chief Pearlena Igbokwe is adding another studio to that group.
Igbokwe has announced, via a letter obtained by Variety, that the Universal Television Alternative Studios is being incorporated into Universal Studio Group. As part of the move, Utas president Toby Gorman is joining Igbokwe’s leadership team and will continue to oversee the studio’s biggest shows, including “Making It,” “The Wall,” “The Titan Games,” “Songland” and “World of Dance.”
Utas was previously overseen Meredith Ahr, who left NBC earlier this week. Her exit came little over two months after NBC Entertainment head Paul Telegdy left the company over accusations of racist, sexist and homophobic behavior.
The transition is the latest sign of the seismic corporate restructure happening at the top of NBCU. Igbokwe took over the NBCU TV reins from Bonnie Hammer last month, as the latter into the...
Igbokwe has announced, via a letter obtained by Variety, that the Universal Television Alternative Studios is being incorporated into Universal Studio Group. As part of the move, Utas president Toby Gorman is joining Igbokwe’s leadership team and will continue to oversee the studio’s biggest shows, including “Making It,” “The Wall,” “The Titan Games,” “Songland” and “World of Dance.”
Utas was previously overseen Meredith Ahr, who left NBC earlier this week. Her exit came little over two months after NBC Entertainment head Paul Telegdy left the company over accusations of racist, sexist and homophobic behavior.
The transition is the latest sign of the seismic corporate restructure happening at the top of NBCU. Igbokwe took over the NBCU TV reins from Bonnie Hammer last month, as the latter into the...
- 10/15/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal is moving Universal Television Alternative Studio under Pearlena Igbokwe and the Universal Studio Group, which covers all aspects of TV production.
Utas president Toby Gorman will remain on and join Igbokwe’s leadership team. Gorman will continue to oversee development, domestic sales strategy and creative affairs for the studio.
The decision follows the ouster of top unscripted executive Meredith Ahr, who had oversight of the Alternative Studio. Ahr was fired following an investigation into her and former NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy’s workplace behavior. Telegdy and Ahr were both accused by multiple employees of fostering a toxic workplace environment. Telegdy was let go in August amid a larger NBCU shakeup.
Ahr had led the unscripted TV division since 2018, where she oversaw all facets of the division including syndicated series like “Access Hollywood” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Before that, she was president of Universal Television Alternative Studio. Ahr...
Utas president Toby Gorman will remain on and join Igbokwe’s leadership team. Gorman will continue to oversee development, domestic sales strategy and creative affairs for the studio.
The decision follows the ouster of top unscripted executive Meredith Ahr, who had oversight of the Alternative Studio. Ahr was fired following an investigation into her and former NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy’s workplace behavior. Telegdy and Ahr were both accused by multiple employees of fostering a toxic workplace environment. Telegdy was let go in August amid a larger NBCU shakeup.
Ahr had led the unscripted TV division since 2018, where she oversaw all facets of the division including syndicated series like “Access Hollywood” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Before that, she was president of Universal Television Alternative Studio. Ahr...
- 10/15/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Universal Television Alternative Studios, the division responsible for shows including The Wall and World of Dance, has become part of the Pearlena Igbokwe-run Universal Studio Group.
The move, which becomes official today, follows the departure of Meredith Ahr, who was President of NBC Entertainment’s Alternative and Reality Group, and who oversaw the non-scripted studio.
It means that Utas, which is run by President Toby Gorman, now joins sister studios including Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios under the Universal Studio Group umbrella.
It comes a month after Igbokwe was promoted to Chairman of Universal Studio Group, which was formerly known as NBCUniversal Content Studios last month, succeeding Bonnie Hammer, who is taking on a new role as Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal
Gorman, who joins the Usg leadership team, will continue to oversee development, domestic sales strategy and creative affairs, while collaborating closely across all areas of production, casting,...
The move, which becomes official today, follows the departure of Meredith Ahr, who was President of NBC Entertainment’s Alternative and Reality Group, and who oversaw the non-scripted studio.
It means that Utas, which is run by President Toby Gorman, now joins sister studios including Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios under the Universal Studio Group umbrella.
It comes a month after Igbokwe was promoted to Chairman of Universal Studio Group, which was formerly known as NBCUniversal Content Studios last month, succeeding Bonnie Hammer, who is taking on a new role as Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal
Gorman, who joins the Usg leadership team, will continue to oversee development, domestic sales strategy and creative affairs, while collaborating closely across all areas of production, casting,...
- 10/15/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Pearlena Igbokwe’s purview is expanding.
The newly installed chairman of NBCUniversal’s Content Studios is adding oversight of Toby Gorman’s Universal Television Alternative Studios team. Ousted NBC alternative boss Meredith Ahr previously oversaw Utas, which was behind hits including NBC’s The Titan Games. Igbokwe made the announcement in a memo to staff Thursday.
With the addition, Igbokwe now oversees a portfolio that includes Universal Television, Universal Content Productions, NBCUniversal International Studios and Universal Television Alternative Studios.
The news comes days after Ahr was pushed out from NBC following a nearly 20-year career. She departed Monday following an investigation into claims ...
The newly installed chairman of NBCUniversal’s Content Studios is adding oversight of Toby Gorman’s Universal Television Alternative Studios team. Ousted NBC alternative boss Meredith Ahr previously oversaw Utas, which was behind hits including NBC’s The Titan Games. Igbokwe made the announcement in a memo to staff Thursday.
With the addition, Igbokwe now oversees a portfolio that includes Universal Television, Universal Content Productions, NBCUniversal International Studios and Universal Television Alternative Studios.
The news comes days after Ahr was pushed out from NBC following a nearly 20-year career. She departed Monday following an investigation into claims ...
- 10/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Pearlena Igbokwe’s purview is expanding.
The newly installed chairman of NBCUniversal’s Content Studios is adding oversight of Toby Gorman’s Universal Television Alternative Studios team. Ousted NBC alternative boss Meredith Ahr previously oversaw Utas, which was behind hits including NBC’s The Titan Games. Igbokwe made the announcement in a memo to staff Thursday.
With the addition, Igbokwe now oversees a portfolio that includes Universal Television, Universal Content Productions, NBCUniversal International Studios and Universal Television Alternative Studios.
The news comes days after Ahr was pushed out from NBC following a nearly 20-year career. She departed Monday following an investigation into claims ...
The newly installed chairman of NBCUniversal’s Content Studios is adding oversight of Toby Gorman’s Universal Television Alternative Studios team. Ousted NBC alternative boss Meredith Ahr previously oversaw Utas, which was behind hits including NBC’s The Titan Games. Igbokwe made the announcement in a memo to staff Thursday.
With the addition, Igbokwe now oversees a portfolio that includes Universal Television, Universal Content Productions, NBCUniversal International Studios and Universal Television Alternative Studios.
The news comes days after Ahr was pushed out from NBC following a nearly 20-year career. She departed Monday following an investigation into claims ...
- 10/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
National Geographic has tapped Keegan-Michael Key as host of its Brain Games reboot.
The eight-episode season, produced by Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz’s Alfred Street Industries and Magical Elves, adds a Hollywood twist to its classic mind-bending format by challenging celebrities to realize their special brain power through interactive games, illusions and social experiments.
The first five celebrities to challenge their brain power are Kristin Bell, Dax Shepherd, Drew Brees, Rebel Wilson and Anthony Anderson. Joining Key on stage will be mentalist Lior Surchard, as well as field correspondent and science communicator Cara Santa Maria, who will take the cerebral challenges on the road.
“I’ve always loved science, and when National Geographic called, I jumped at the chance to be part of this really amazing series,” said Key. “I’m going to be bringing some friends along, and together we are...
The eight-episode season, produced by Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz’s Alfred Street Industries and Magical Elves, adds a Hollywood twist to its classic mind-bending format by challenging celebrities to realize their special brain power through interactive games, illusions and social experiments.
The first five celebrities to challenge their brain power are Kristin Bell, Dax Shepherd, Drew Brees, Rebel Wilson and Anthony Anderson. Joining Key on stage will be mentalist Lior Surchard, as well as field correspondent and science communicator Cara Santa Maria, who will take the cerebral challenges on the road.
“I’ve always loved science, and when National Geographic called, I jumped at the chance to be part of this really amazing series,” said Key. “I’m going to be bringing some friends along, and together we are...
- 5/14/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
National Geographic Channel has greenlighted three unscripted series — including its first competition series — and renewed Running Wild with Bear Grylls with Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) and Armie Hammer (Call Me By Your Name) as its first celebrity competitors, set for a November 5 premiere. Nat Geo also ordered more episodes of Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted and is bringing back its Brain Games with a new celebrity twist. Those announcements and more were made at the cable net’s upfront presentation this morning in Manhattan.
Launching December 1, the reimagined Brain Games challenges celebrities to realize their special brain power through interactive games, illusions and social experiments that will reveal the “why” behind the “wow,” the channel said. First five celebrity participants are Kristin Bell (The Good Place), Dax Shepherd (Bless This Mess), Drew Brees, Rebel Wilson (The Hustle), and Anthony Anderson (Blackish).
Among the other returning Nat Geo...
Launching December 1, the reimagined Brain Games challenges celebrities to realize their special brain power through interactive games, illusions and social experiments that will reveal the “why” behind the “wow,” the channel said. First five celebrity participants are Kristin Bell (The Good Place), Dax Shepherd (Bless This Mess), Drew Brees, Rebel Wilson (The Hustle), and Anthony Anderson (Blackish).
Among the other returning Nat Geo...
- 5/14/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV Roundup, Netflix debuts the first trailer for Amy Schumer’s new comedy special, “Amy Schumer: Growing.”
First Looks
Netflix has released the first trailer for Amy Schumer’s new comedy special, “Amy Schumer: Growing,” in which she gives a Chicago audience her unique take on marriage, pregnancy, and personal growth. The special launches March 19 on Netflix.
Renewals
USA Network has renewed the reality series “Temptation Island” for a second season. Filming later this year, host Mark L. Walberg will return for a 12 episode extended run, including a reunion special. The series revolves around four unmarried couples at a crossroads in their relationship, throwing in 24 singles into the mix to see if the couples are ready to commit. The final episode of season one airs tonight, Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 10/9c on USA.
Casting
Karl Makinen (“Twin Peaks”) will return for season two of CBS All Access‘ “Strange Angel...
First Looks
Netflix has released the first trailer for Amy Schumer’s new comedy special, “Amy Schumer: Growing,” in which she gives a Chicago audience her unique take on marriage, pregnancy, and personal growth. The special launches March 19 on Netflix.
Renewals
USA Network has renewed the reality series “Temptation Island” for a second season. Filming later this year, host Mark L. Walberg will return for a 12 episode extended run, including a reunion special. The series revolves around four unmarried couples at a crossroads in their relationship, throwing in 24 singles into the mix to see if the couples are ready to commit. The final episode of season one airs tonight, Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 10/9c on USA.
Casting
Karl Makinen (“Twin Peaks”) will return for season two of CBS All Access‘ “Strange Angel...
- 2/27/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- Variety Film + TV
Updated, 5:12 Pm: Fox said tonight that it has shifted the premiere dates for Season 7 of MasterChef Junior and the series bow of reality competition series Mental Samurai for a second time in two weeks.
The cooking competition now will return with a two-hour special starting at 8 p.m. March 12 — a week later than was announced after it was uprooted from its original date by the rescheduled State of the Union Address. Meanwhile, Fox’s “obstacle course for the mind,” Mental Samurai, will make its debut on at 9 p.m. March 19, following a new episode of MasterChef Junior. The Rob Lowe-hosted series also had been set for March 5. Both unscripted series original were set to premiere on February 26.
Previously, January 31: Premiere dates for Fox’s new reality competition series Mental Samurai and Season 7 of MasterChef Junior have been pushed back a week due to the rescheduling of the State of the Union address.
The cooking competition now will return with a two-hour special starting at 8 p.m. March 12 — a week later than was announced after it was uprooted from its original date by the rescheduled State of the Union Address. Meanwhile, Fox’s “obstacle course for the mind,” Mental Samurai, will make its debut on at 9 p.m. March 19, following a new episode of MasterChef Junior. The Rob Lowe-hosted series also had been set for March 5. Both unscripted series original were set to premiere on February 26.
Previously, January 31: Premiere dates for Fox’s new reality competition series Mental Samurai and Season 7 of MasterChef Junior have been pushed back a week due to the rescheduling of the State of the Union address.
- 2/14/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC will be ready to play early next year. The network today unveiled premiere dates for Season 2 of Ellen’s Game of Games (January 8), new competition series The Titan Games (January 2) and the Agt winter spinoff America’s Got Talent: The Champions (January 7).
Here are the shows’ rundown, per the Peacock:
The Titan Games
Premiere: 8-10 Pm Wednesday, January 2; moves to regularly 8-9 p.m. slot on January 9
The 10-episode series from Universal Television Alternative Studio (World of Dance), A. Smith & Co. Productions (American Ninja Warrior) and Seven Bucks Productions (Rock the Troops) will offer everyday people the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in remarkable feats designed to test mind, body and heart.
Inspired by executive producer and host Dwayne Johnson’s desire to motivate global audiences to reach their potential for greatness, this unparalleled new athletic competition gives men and women across the country the opportunity to step inside...
Here are the shows’ rundown, per the Peacock:
The Titan Games
Premiere: 8-10 Pm Wednesday, January 2; moves to regularly 8-9 p.m. slot on January 9
The 10-episode series from Universal Television Alternative Studio (World of Dance), A. Smith & Co. Productions (American Ninja Warrior) and Seven Bucks Productions (Rock the Troops) will offer everyday people the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in remarkable feats designed to test mind, body and heart.
Inspired by executive producer and host Dwayne Johnson’s desire to motivate global audiences to reach their potential for greatness, this unparalleled new athletic competition gives men and women across the country the opportunity to step inside...
- 10/12/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix is doubling down on unscripted series with a raft of new titles including a new cooking from the producers of MasterChef and a pair of magic projects.
The Svod service has ordered The Final Table, Death by Magic and Derren Brown: Sacrifice alongside confirmation of projects including football doc Sunderland Till I Die and Jackass-meets-Wipeout-style gameshow Flinch.
The new shows were unveiled by Brandon Riegg, VP of Unscripted Originals and Acquisitions for Netflix, at the Edinburgh International TV Festival.
The Final Table is a global culinary competition series that features the world’s most renowned chefs fighting for a spot at the top table. The series features 12 teams of two chefs from around the world cooking the national dishes of Mexico, Spain, England, Brazil, France, Japan, the U.S., India and Italy. Each episode focuses on a different country and its cuisine. Celebrity chefs that will appear in...
The Svod service has ordered The Final Table, Death by Magic and Derren Brown: Sacrifice alongside confirmation of projects including football doc Sunderland Till I Die and Jackass-meets-Wipeout-style gameshow Flinch.
The new shows were unveiled by Brandon Riegg, VP of Unscripted Originals and Acquisitions for Netflix, at the Edinburgh International TV Festival.
The Final Table is a global culinary competition series that features the world’s most renowned chefs fighting for a spot at the top table. The series features 12 teams of two chefs from around the world cooking the national dishes of Mexico, Spain, England, Brazil, France, Japan, the U.S., India and Italy. Each episode focuses on a different country and its cuisine. Celebrity chefs that will appear in...
- 8/23/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Fox has ordered Mental Samurai, hosted and produced by Rob Lowe, described as the first-ever obstacle course for the mind. The series, which hails from Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television and Arthur Smith’s A. Smith & Co. Productions, is scheduled to premiere during the 2018-2019 season on Fox.
It is one of three unscripted series announced today as part of Fox’s portion of the TCA press tour as the soon-to-be-independent network is making a push in reality programming, along with Spin the Wheel and The Masked Singer.
“When I was 15, I won big on ‘The $10,000 Pyramid,’” said Lowe. “I’ve loved mental competition shows ever since. For me, Mental Samurai is addicting. Every time you play, you think: This time I’m gonna win! But this very simple game is almost impossible to crack.
It is one of three unscripted series announced today as part of Fox’s portion of the TCA press tour as the soon-to-be-independent network is making a push in reality programming, along with Spin the Wheel and The Masked Singer.
“When I was 15, I won big on ‘The $10,000 Pyramid,’” said Lowe. “I’ve loved mental competition shows ever since. For me, Mental Samurai is addicting. Every time you play, you think: This time I’m gonna win! But this very simple game is almost impossible to crack.
- 8/2/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Rob Lowe is returning to Fox, but in another guise. “The Grinder” star is now giving TV hosting a try with the new Fox competition series “Mental Samurai.”
Lowe is the host and a producer on the series, which comes from “American Ninja Warrior” and “Hell’s Kitchen” producers A. Smith & Co. The series is described as “the first-ever obstacle course… for the mind.”
“Mental Samurai” features contestants as they “battle the boundaries of their minds to answer questions accurately with speed and precision,” according to the official logline. “Not only does the course test their acumen in categories of knowledge, memory, numbers, and sequencing, but players will also have to contend with being transported around the set at high speeds in a specially designed capsule that is capable of rotating 360 degrees.”
The show is one of several competition programs announced Thursday by Fox, also including the game show...
Lowe is the host and a producer on the series, which comes from “American Ninja Warrior” and “Hell’s Kitchen” producers A. Smith & Co. The series is described as “the first-ever obstacle course… for the mind.”
“Mental Samurai” features contestants as they “battle the boundaries of their minds to answer questions accurately with speed and precision,” according to the official logline. “Not only does the course test their acumen in categories of knowledge, memory, numbers, and sequencing, but players will also have to contend with being transported around the set at high speeds in a specially designed capsule that is capable of rotating 360 degrees.”
The show is one of several competition programs announced Thursday by Fox, also including the game show...
- 8/2/2018
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Fox has given a series order to the competition series “Mental Samurai” with Rob Lowe set as the show’s host.
The announcement was made as part of Fox’s presentation at the TCA summer press tour on Thursday. The show will premiere during the 2018-2019 season.
Each episode will see contestants battle to answer questions accurately with speed and precision on a specially designed course. Not only does the course test their acumen in categories of knowledge, memory, numbers and sequencing, but players will also have to contend with being transported around the set at high speeds in a specially designed capsule that is capable of rotating 360 degrees.
“When I was 15, I won big on ‘The $10,000 Pyramid,’” said Lowe. “I’ve loved mental competition shows ever since. For me, ‘Mental Samurai’ is addicting. Every time you play, you think: ‘This time I’m gonna win!’ But this very simple...
The announcement was made as part of Fox’s presentation at the TCA summer press tour on Thursday. The show will premiere during the 2018-2019 season.
Each episode will see contestants battle to answer questions accurately with speed and precision on a specially designed course. Not only does the course test their acumen in categories of knowledge, memory, numbers and sequencing, but players will also have to contend with being transported around the set at high speeds in a specially designed capsule that is capable of rotating 360 degrees.
“When I was 15, I won big on ‘The $10,000 Pyramid,’” said Lowe. “I’ve loved mental competition shows ever since. For me, ‘Mental Samurai’ is addicting. Every time you play, you think: ‘This time I’m gonna win!’ But this very simple...
- 8/2/2018
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Eighteen years ago, Kent Weed co-founded A. Smith & Co. with the production company’s namesake, Arthur Smith. A lot has happened since. A. Smith & Co. has produced a score of successful reality programs, including “American Ninja Warrior” for NBC and “Hell’s Kitchen” for Fox, as well as the upcoming “Titan Games” with Dwayne Johnson for NBC.
But in recent years, Weed’s life outside the company has been busier. He has two young children, became coach of his son’s baseball team, and joined the board of trustees for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s environmental activism organization Waterkeeper Alliance.
“This business takes it toll,” Weed told Variety. “It takes a lot of hours. Running a company is 10 times more than just doing a show. I wasn’t able to do all of this and run the company at the same time.”
More than a year ago, Weed expressed...
But in recent years, Weed’s life outside the company has been busier. He has two young children, became coach of his son’s baseball team, and joined the board of trustees for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s environmental activism organization Waterkeeper Alliance.
“This business takes it toll,” Weed told Variety. “It takes a lot of hours. Running a company is 10 times more than just doing a show. I wasn’t able to do all of this and run the company at the same time.”
More than a year ago, Weed expressed...
- 6/12/2018
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Done “treading water” between editions of The Voice, NBC execs unveiled a midseason schedule thick with celebrity-studded reality TV series, including America’s Got Talent’s in-season debut.
At this morning’s phone press call unveiling its new plans for the coming season, NBC called the strategy part of “its most ambitious midseason in years.” It includes Simon Cowell-helmed America’s Got Talent championship run on Mondays at 8 Pm, Ellen DeGeneres’ Ellen’s Game of Games making midseason on Tuesdays at 8 Pm, and The Titan Games, from Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and producers of American Ninja Warriors, taking a limited run at Wednesdays 8 Pm hour.
After several seasons in which the “winter period” was a time in which NBC did “some treading water while The Voice is off” NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt said he was “really thrilled” with the “extraordinary lineup of unscripted shows” his network has put together for midseason.
At this morning’s phone press call unveiling its new plans for the coming season, NBC called the strategy part of “its most ambitious midseason in years.” It includes Simon Cowell-helmed America’s Got Talent championship run on Mondays at 8 Pm, Ellen DeGeneres’ Ellen’s Game of Games making midseason on Tuesdays at 8 Pm, and The Titan Games, from Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and producers of American Ninja Warriors, taking a limited run at Wednesdays 8 Pm hour.
After several seasons in which the “winter period” was a time in which NBC did “some treading water while The Voice is off” NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt said he was “really thrilled” with the “extraordinary lineup of unscripted shows” his network has put together for midseason.
- 5/13/2018
- by Lisa de Moraes
- Deadline Film + TV
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