A group of veteran online video execs are Fixated on creators and their professional concerns. That’s the name of a new company that exists as a hybrid between a talent management firm and a content studio.
The co-founders of Fixated are experienced operators within the creator economy. CEO Zach Katz was formerly the President and COO of FaZe Clan, and Fixated President Jason Wilhelm comes to the company after previously working with creator groups like Sway House as the co-founder of management firm TalentX. Another TalentX vet, Dean Johnson, is on board as the Chief Studio Officer of the new venture. The fourth Fixated co-founder is Luc Boulch, a creator who will take on the Chief Content Officer role.
Fixated has been operating quietly since last year and has already built an impressive group of creator partners. The names on its talent roster include sports-loving streamer Sketch, the chess-playing Botez Sisters,...
The co-founders of Fixated are experienced operators within the creator economy. CEO Zach Katz was formerly the President and COO of FaZe Clan, and Fixated President Jason Wilhelm comes to the company after previously working with creator groups like Sway House as the co-founder of management firm TalentX. Another TalentX vet, Dean Johnson, is on board as the Chief Studio Officer of the new venture. The fourth Fixated co-founder is Luc Boulch, a creator who will take on the Chief Content Officer role.
Fixated has been operating quietly since last year and has already built an impressive group of creator partners. The names on its talent roster include sports-loving streamer Sketch, the chess-playing Botez Sisters,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Exclusive: Lionsgate India is teaming with Vikram Malhotra’s Abundantia Entertainment and Kavita Sharma Gandhi’s Efar Films for a pair of movies.
Lionsgate, Airlift producer Abundantia and content developer and distributor Efar Films are lining up the films, which are billed as “a genre-bending adventure” and a “rom-com like no other.”
Details on the pics are scant, but the first will blend comedy with action in a story “that promises thrills and drama loaded with fun.” The romantic comedy will include “loveable and memorable characters.” Scripting is underway on both, with “exciting, top-of-the-line create talent” leading them.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Abundantia Entertainment and Efar Films on two exciting upcoming projects,” said Rohit Jain, President of Lionsgate Play Asia. “The projects underscore our commitment to delivering innovative and culturally resonant films to audience world over, and we are thrilled to bring this to life for our audiences in India.
Lionsgate, Airlift producer Abundantia and content developer and distributor Efar Films are lining up the films, which are billed as “a genre-bending adventure” and a “rom-com like no other.”
Details on the pics are scant, but the first will blend comedy with action in a story “that promises thrills and drama loaded with fun.” The romantic comedy will include “loveable and memorable characters.” Scripting is underway on both, with “exciting, top-of-the-line create talent” leading them.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Abundantia Entertainment and Efar Films on two exciting upcoming projects,” said Rohit Jain, President of Lionsgate Play Asia. “The projects underscore our commitment to delivering innovative and culturally resonant films to audience world over, and we are thrilled to bring this to life for our audiences in India.
- 5/8/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Back in December, the folks at Spooky Pinball announced that they were making a very limited edition pinball machine inspired by Tobe Hooper’s 1974 classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. If you (like me) weren’t able to get one of those 888 machines, well, at least that wasn’t our only chance to play a Chainsaw pinball game. A while back, Zen Studios brought a horror-themed pinball game called Pinball M to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Pinball M includes pinball games inspired by the likes of John Carpenter’s The Thing, the Chucky franchise, Dead by Daylight, Duke Nukem, and Zen Studios’ Lovecraft-inspired Wrath of the Elder Gods Director’s Cut – and on June 6th, it will be adding a pinball game inspired by the 2022 film Texas Chainsaw Massacre!
Directed by David Blue Garcia from a script by...
Directed by David Blue Garcia from a script by...
- 5/3/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The Broken News season one was a good insight into how the news media worked, and it mirrored many instances that may or may not have occurred in real life. There is no shortage of television news channels anymore, and each of them runs only after Trp and forgets about presenting news to the people. An opinion and an agenda are already formed, as are the power dynamics when multinational companies begin to invest in them for their own benefit.
Season one ended with Radha Bhargava being sent to prison for speaking up against the Operation Umbrella, followed by Dipankar Sanyal openly declaring her to be a terrorist for speaking up against the surveillance program packaged beautifully as something that would benefit the people in the long run. The second season is directed by Vinay Waikul and written for the screen by Sambit Mishra. They are back, continuing the stories of Amina Qureshi,...
Season one ended with Radha Bhargava being sent to prison for speaking up against the Operation Umbrella, followed by Dipankar Sanyal openly declaring her to be a terrorist for speaking up against the surveillance program packaged beautifully as something that would benefit the people in the long run. The second season is directed by Vinay Waikul and written for the screen by Sambit Mishra. They are back, continuing the stories of Amina Qureshi,...
- 5/3/2024
- by Smriti Kannan
- Film Fugitives
’12 Digit Masterstroke – The Untold Story of Aadhaar’, a documentary series that unravels a behind-the-scenes story of the creation of the world’s largest social identity programme, culminating into what is today known as ‘Aadhaar Card’, has been announced by streaming service DocuBay.
The documentary explores the challenges faced by the team, spearheaded by tech wizard Nandan Nilekani, in achieving what had never been attempted before in the country.
Team Aadhaar worked under two governments, led by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Girish Dwibhashyam, COO of DocuBay, said in a statement: “While there is a lot of awareness about the remarkable initiatives that have benefited over a billion beneficiaries of various government schemes through the Aadhaar project, not many people are aware of the gigantic efforts required from a team of technocrats led by Nandan Nilekani that executed the project to fruition.”
The documentary is...
The documentary explores the challenges faced by the team, spearheaded by tech wizard Nandan Nilekani, in achieving what had never been attempted before in the country.
Team Aadhaar worked under two governments, led by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Girish Dwibhashyam, COO of DocuBay, said in a statement: “While there is a lot of awareness about the remarkable initiatives that have benefited over a billion beneficiaries of various government schemes through the Aadhaar project, not many people are aware of the gigantic efforts required from a team of technocrats led by Nandan Nilekani that executed the project to fruition.”
The documentary is...
- 5/3/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
As return to production in Los Angeles continues to be slow in the wake of Hollywood’s 2023 strikes, production tracking service ProdPro is launching a new tool that aims to help film workers find upcoming jobs and connect with colleagues.
The new service, ProdPro Network, provides a platform for crew members to see ProdPro’s research on film and television projects in prep and in development and locate the department heads who will be working on those titles. By filling out their work history and connecting with past colleagues on the platform, crew members can be served projects to which they have some professional connection. Early-career users with shorter resumés and fewer relationships, meanwhile, can follow hiring managers and track titles that are in the pipeline. Once they have thrown their hat into the ring for a job, users can track their applications through the platform.
IATSE Local 871 — the crew union that represents writers assistants,...
The new service, ProdPro Network, provides a platform for crew members to see ProdPro’s research on film and television projects in prep and in development and locate the department heads who will be working on those titles. By filling out their work history and connecting with past colleagues on the platform, crew members can be served projects to which they have some professional connection. Early-career users with shorter resumés and fewer relationships, meanwhile, can follow hiring managers and track titles that are in the pipeline. Once they have thrown their hat into the ring for a job, users can track their applications through the platform.
IATSE Local 871 — the crew union that represents writers assistants,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dev Patel, Jason Momoa, Olivia Rodrigo and James Wan are the entertainers topping Gold House’s A100 list of the most influential Asian Pacifics across culture for 2024.
Annually released on the first day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month since 2018, this year’s A100 also includes Keanu Reeves, Hayao Miyazaki, BTS member Jung Kook, Academy president Janet Yang and — in a sign of the relative plenitude of Api-fronted content today — key creatives and cast members from Avatar: The Last Airbender, 3 Body Problem, Past Lives, One Piece, Expats, Elemental, Shōgun and The Sympathizer.
“This year was special: Asian Pacific leaders had a record number of records broken while building a more inclusive tomorrow for all, particularly in new avenues like AI,” Gold House CEO Bing Chen and COO Jeremy Tran said in a joint statement. “Gold House is honored to celebrate so many new and established leaders who are committed to both equity and excellence.
Annually released on the first day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month since 2018, this year’s A100 also includes Keanu Reeves, Hayao Miyazaki, BTS member Jung Kook, Academy president Janet Yang and — in a sign of the relative plenitude of Api-fronted content today — key creatives and cast members from Avatar: The Last Airbender, 3 Body Problem, Past Lives, One Piece, Expats, Elemental, Shōgun and The Sympathizer.
“This year was special: Asian Pacific leaders had a record number of records broken while building a more inclusive tomorrow for all, particularly in new avenues like AI,” Gold House CEO Bing Chen and COO Jeremy Tran said in a joint statement. “Gold House is honored to celebrate so many new and established leaders who are committed to both equity and excellence.
- 5/1/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In Summer 2024, Universal Orlando Resort will debut a collection of new, must-see experiences that offer exciting entertainment for the whole family from day to night. The lineup of summertime adventures includes the June 14 grand opening of DreamWorks Land, the vibrant new themed environment inspired by beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda.
Also coming is CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, a riveting new nighttime lagoon show, and Hogwarts Always, an all-new castle projection show in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. On July 3, guests will enjoy the debut of Universal’s largest daytime parade to date, the Universal Mega Movie Parade.
“We are thrilled to debut an array of never-before-seen experiences for the entire family to enjoy from day to night,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “These new experiences—coupled with the amazing attractions currently in our theme parks—will...
Also coming is CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, a riveting new nighttime lagoon show, and Hogwarts Always, an all-new castle projection show in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. On July 3, guests will enjoy the debut of Universal’s largest daytime parade to date, the Universal Mega Movie Parade.
“We are thrilled to debut an array of never-before-seen experiences for the entire family to enjoy from day to night,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “These new experiences—coupled with the amazing attractions currently in our theme parks—will...
- 4/30/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Escape from Tarkov, the multiplayer first-person shooter title from Battlestate Games, has been the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons. The developer recently announced its new $250 upgrade called The Unheard Edition, with a brand-new PvE mode that sparked controversy in the community.
Fans have termed the developer selfish and said that it is making the game “pay-to-win” with the new edition. The developer has now released a statement about The Unheard Edition controversy, but instead of helping, it has only made things worse.
Escape from Tarkov: The Unheard Edition Controversy Continues
Battlestate responds to the Escape from Tarkov: The Unheard Edition controversy.
Escape from Tarkov’s The Unheard Edition includes exclusive access to content for the players who buy the edition, including a PvE game mode as well as other features such as expanded Pmc pockets and increased fence standing, giving players an advantage over others.
SUGGESTEDEscape...
Fans have termed the developer selfish and said that it is making the game “pay-to-win” with the new edition. The developer has now released a statement about The Unheard Edition controversy, but instead of helping, it has only made things worse.
Escape from Tarkov: The Unheard Edition Controversy Continues
Battlestate responds to the Escape from Tarkov: The Unheard Edition controversy.
Escape from Tarkov’s The Unheard Edition includes exclusive access to content for the players who buy the edition, including a PvE game mode as well as other features such as expanded Pmc pockets and increased fence standing, giving players an advantage over others.
SUGGESTEDEscape...
- 4/29/2024
- by Rohit Tiwari
- FandomWire
Following the release of the new bundle known as The Unheard Edition, the Escape from Tarkov community has taken a stand against the game’s studio, accusing them of selling a dreadful PvE mode. This edition costs $250, and only their owners can access the new mode, which has broken NPCs and simply doesn’t work.
Fans on Reddit are furious after seeing the latest answers from an unpublished interview with the COO of Battlestate Games, Nikita Buyanov, director of the title. The statement seemingly shows that the studio doesn’t care if the game loses more than half of its player base.
The Escape From Tarkov Community Will Presumably Not Return to the Game The Unheard Edition of Escape from Tarkov could make the players abandon the game for good.
The hardcore Fps players are about to abandon one of the few games that offers its own ecosystem. Escape from...
Fans on Reddit are furious after seeing the latest answers from an unpublished interview with the COO of Battlestate Games, Nikita Buyanov, director of the title. The statement seemingly shows that the studio doesn’t care if the game loses more than half of its player base.
The Escape From Tarkov Community Will Presumably Not Return to the Game The Unheard Edition of Escape from Tarkov could make the players abandon the game for good.
The hardcore Fps players are about to abandon one of the few games that offers its own ecosystem. Escape from...
- 4/29/2024
- by Lucas Lapetina
- FandomWire
Multi award-winning Filipina actress Ruby Ruiz has landed her first major screen role following her appearance in Amazon’s “Expats.” She will lead “First Light,” the feature directorial debut of James. J. Robinson.
Principal photography is now underway on the Australian-Filipino co-production, which comes with funding from Screen Australia. Veteran actress Maricel Soriano (“Mother Nanny”), Rez Cortez (“Bukal”), Soliman Cruz (“Blue Room”) and Kidlat Tahimik round out the cast.
Set in the remote mountains of the Philippines, “First Light” sees the death of a young construction worker force an elderly nun to confront the muddied ethics of an institution she has dedicated her life to. The script, also by Robinson, is a deeply personal story exploring the intersection of duty, faith and institutional power.
“Developing ‘First Light’ over the past two years has been an incredibly profound journey into the heart of pre-colonial Filipino philosophy,” Robinson said. “To be able...
Principal photography is now underway on the Australian-Filipino co-production, which comes with funding from Screen Australia. Veteran actress Maricel Soriano (“Mother Nanny”), Rez Cortez (“Bukal”), Soliman Cruz (“Blue Room”) and Kidlat Tahimik round out the cast.
Set in the remote mountains of the Philippines, “First Light” sees the death of a young construction worker force an elderly nun to confront the muddied ethics of an institution she has dedicated her life to. The script, also by Robinson, is a deeply personal story exploring the intersection of duty, faith and institutional power.
“Developing ‘First Light’ over the past two years has been an incredibly profound journey into the heart of pre-colonial Filipino philosophy,” Robinson said. “To be able...
- 4/25/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Ari Emanuel, in his capacity as CEO of Tko Group Holdings — the parent company of UFC and WWE — had a compensation package last year that hit nearly $65 million.
Tko granted Emanuel, who also is CEO of Endeavor, a base salary of $911,538, plus a $24 million cash bonus and stock awards worth $40 million in 2023, per a regulatory filing by Tko. All told, the exec’s pay package totaled $64.91 million.
Tko previously disclosed that Emanuel received stock grants worth $40 million, vesting over a four-year period, in conjunction with the closing of the UFC-wwe merger in September 2023 (which is majority owned by Endeavor).
Among other Tko execs, WWE president Nick Khan had a 2023 compensation package worth $32 million. That included a salary of $515,385, a bonus of $15 million, stock grants worth $12.1 million and a cash incentive compensation of $4.5 million. Vince McMahon, WWE’s former CEO who resigned from Tko’s board earlier this year in the...
Tko granted Emanuel, who also is CEO of Endeavor, a base salary of $911,538, plus a $24 million cash bonus and stock awards worth $40 million in 2023, per a regulatory filing by Tko. All told, the exec’s pay package totaled $64.91 million.
Tko previously disclosed that Emanuel received stock grants worth $40 million, vesting over a four-year period, in conjunction with the closing of the UFC-wwe merger in September 2023 (which is majority owned by Endeavor).
Among other Tko execs, WWE president Nick Khan had a 2023 compensation package worth $32 million. That included a salary of $515,385, a bonus of $15 million, stock grants worth $12.1 million and a cash incentive compensation of $4.5 million. Vince McMahon, WWE’s former CEO who resigned from Tko’s board earlier this year in the...
- 4/24/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Endeavor’s $21 billion deal to merge its UFC with the WWE and create Tko Group Holdings last year created a live sports powerhouse. The deal, orchestrated by the Ari Emanuel-led holding company, also delivered rich compensation packages for its top executives.
Emanuel took home a package valued at nearly $65 million last year, including a $911,538 salary (it is prorated to reflect only Sept. 12, 2023 to the end of the year), a $24 million bonus, and $40 million in stock awards, per Tko’s 2023 proxy filing disclosed on Wednesday.
As always with CEO pay packages (including Emanuel’s $300 million-plus package in 2021), that number is dependent on the company hitting key metrics, and the share price consistently moving upwards.
Tko president and COO Mark Shapiro earned a package valued at $16.1 million last year, while CFO Andrew Schleimer took home an $8.8 million package. WWE president Nick Khan, who is also a board member of the company,...
Emanuel took home a package valued at nearly $65 million last year, including a $911,538 salary (it is prorated to reflect only Sept. 12, 2023 to the end of the year), a $24 million bonus, and $40 million in stock awards, per Tko’s 2023 proxy filing disclosed on Wednesday.
As always with CEO pay packages (including Emanuel’s $300 million-plus package in 2021), that number is dependent on the company hitting key metrics, and the share price consistently moving upwards.
Tko president and COO Mark Shapiro earned a package valued at $16.1 million last year, while CFO Andrew Schleimer took home an $8.8 million package. WWE president Nick Khan, who is also a board member of the company,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
United Talent Agency is making changes to the leadership of its news and broadcasting department, the unit that negotiates on behalf of journalists and news personalities.
According to a memo sent to staff Tuesday by UTA vice-chairman Jay Sures and COO and co-head of UTA Sports Andrew Thau, the agency is elevating Ryan Hayden and Marc Paskin to be co-heads of its news and broadcasting department.
Peter Goldberg, who had led the department since 2017, will stay with the company as a partner and senior agent. Goldberg joined UTA in its acquisition of N.S. Bienstock, the agency that helped create the market for news and journalism talent under the leadership of the late Richard Leibner.
Paskin and Hayden will report to Sures in their new roles, with Hayden also continuing to oversee UTA Sports alongside Jerry Silbowitz, reporting in to Thau.
“We are excited for the next chapter for these groups...
According to a memo sent to staff Tuesday by UTA vice-chairman Jay Sures and COO and co-head of UTA Sports Andrew Thau, the agency is elevating Ryan Hayden and Marc Paskin to be co-heads of its news and broadcasting department.
Peter Goldberg, who had led the department since 2017, will stay with the company as a partner and senior agent. Goldberg joined UTA in its acquisition of N.S. Bienstock, the agency that helped create the market for news and journalism talent under the leadership of the late Richard Leibner.
Paskin and Hayden will report to Sures in their new roles, with Hayden also continuing to oversee UTA Sports alongside Jerry Silbowitz, reporting in to Thau.
“We are excited for the next chapter for these groups...
- 4/23/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC presenter Huw Edwards has resigned from the corporation after receiving “medical advice” from his doctors.
“Huw Edwards has today resigned and left the BBC,” the corporation said in a statement on Monday. “After 40 years of service, Huw has explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors. The BBC has accepted his resignation which it believes will allow all parties to move forward. We don’t believe it appropriate to comment further.”
The news broke in early July 2023 that a top BBC presenter was facing allegations of paying a teenager for sexually explicit photographs, later revealed to be Edwards.
Edwards’ wife, Vicky Flind, issued a statement on July 12 saying Edwards was suffering “serious mental health issues” and had been hospitalized. “As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years,” she said. “The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters.
“Huw Edwards has today resigned and left the BBC,” the corporation said in a statement on Monday. “After 40 years of service, Huw has explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors. The BBC has accepted his resignation which it believes will allow all parties to move forward. We don’t believe it appropriate to comment further.”
The news broke in early July 2023 that a top BBC presenter was facing allegations of paying a teenager for sexually explicit photographs, later revealed to be Edwards.
Edwards’ wife, Vicky Flind, issued a statement on July 12 saying Edwards was suffering “serious mental health issues” and had been hospitalized. “As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years,” she said. “The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters.
- 4/22/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The Banff World Media Festival has added CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach to its ‘In Conversation With’ session lineup ahead of its 45th edition in June.
On Thursday, the Canadian Rockies festival also announced as additional speakers Lisa Kramer, president, international TV licensing at Paramount Global Content Distribution; Asif Sadiq, chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Warner Bros. Discovery; and Cori Wellins, William Morris Endeavor partner, for the June 9 to 12 gathering in Banff, Alberta.
Also joining the Banff lineup is Gold House CEO Bing Chen and Sandra Dewey, COO of Media Res as festival headliners during a conference expected to focus this year on international financing and co-productions for global TV content.
Banff earlier announced that Channing Dungey, Warner Bros. Television Group chairman and CEO, and Rob Wade, CEO of Fox Entertainment keynote speakers this year. Their appearance in Banff comes as Hollywood’s studios and streamers emerge...
On Thursday, the Canadian Rockies festival also announced as additional speakers Lisa Kramer, president, international TV licensing at Paramount Global Content Distribution; Asif Sadiq, chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Warner Bros. Discovery; and Cori Wellins, William Morris Endeavor partner, for the June 9 to 12 gathering in Banff, Alberta.
Also joining the Banff lineup is Gold House CEO Bing Chen and Sandra Dewey, COO of Media Res as festival headliners during a conference expected to focus this year on international financing and co-productions for global TV content.
Banff earlier announced that Channing Dungey, Warner Bros. Television Group chairman and CEO, and Rob Wade, CEO of Fox Entertainment keynote speakers this year. Their appearance in Banff comes as Hollywood’s studios and streamers emerge...
- 4/18/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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
A “Golden Axe” animated series has been greenlit at Comedy Central, Variety has learned.
Based on the beloved Sega games of the same name, the show hails from co-creators Mike McMahan and Joe Chandler. Matthew Rhys, Danny Pudi, Lisa Gilroy, Liam McIntyre, and Carl Tart will lead the voice cast.
Comedy Central has ordered 10 episodes. The official description of the series states the show “follows veteran warriors Ax Battler (McIntyre), Tyris Flare (Gilroy), and Gilius Thunderhead (Rhys) as they once again battle to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder who just won’t seem to stay dead. Fortunately, this time they have the inexperienced and underprepared Hampton Squib (Pudi) on their side.”
Full character descriptions can be found below.
McMahan and Chandler will co-write the first episode of the series and serve as executive producers, with Chandler also serving as showrunner. Haruki Satomi, President and CEO of Sega Sammy Holdings Inc.
Based on the beloved Sega games of the same name, the show hails from co-creators Mike McMahan and Joe Chandler. Matthew Rhys, Danny Pudi, Lisa Gilroy, Liam McIntyre, and Carl Tart will lead the voice cast.
Comedy Central has ordered 10 episodes. The official description of the series states the show “follows veteran warriors Ax Battler (McIntyre), Tyris Flare (Gilroy), and Gilius Thunderhead (Rhys) as they once again battle to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder who just won’t seem to stay dead. Fortunately, this time they have the inexperienced and underprepared Hampton Squib (Pudi) on their side.”
Full character descriptions can be found below.
McMahan and Chandler will co-write the first episode of the series and serve as executive producers, with Chandler also serving as showrunner. Haruki Satomi, President and CEO of Sega Sammy Holdings Inc.
- 4/17/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Fremantle and Fabula have renewed their first-look partnership with an agreement they say will result in them working even more closely to develop a fresh slate of original dramas and films.
Under the accord, Fremantle’s international sales wing, Fmi, will distribute the drama projects worldwide.
Global production and distribution company Fremantle and Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín’s Santiago, Chile-based banner Fabula struck their original first-look deal in 2019.
Under the accord, Fabula has produced prize-winning series La Jauría and Señorita 89 as well as the upcoming Midnight Family for Apple TV+, a 10-episode medical drama inspired by the award-winning documentary of the same name.
On the feature film front, Fabula and Fremantle have just wrapped production on Sebastián Lelio’s film musical The Wave, in partnership with Participant Media.
The drama tells the story of the mass university rallies that took place during Chile’s so-called “Feminist May” in...
Under the accord, Fremantle’s international sales wing, Fmi, will distribute the drama projects worldwide.
Global production and distribution company Fremantle and Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín’s Santiago, Chile-based banner Fabula struck their original first-look deal in 2019.
Under the accord, Fabula has produced prize-winning series La Jauría and Señorita 89 as well as the upcoming Midnight Family for Apple TV+, a 10-episode medical drama inspired by the award-winning documentary of the same name.
On the feature film front, Fabula and Fremantle have just wrapped production on Sebastián Lelio’s film musical The Wave, in partnership with Participant Media.
The drama tells the story of the mass university rallies that took place during Chile’s so-called “Feminist May” in...
- 4/16/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: MindRiot Entertainment, the transatlantic indie behind Danielle Deadwyler’s Parallel, and the upcoming OceanGate pic Salvaged is moving into production on Trash Talk, a docuseries about NBA Hall-Of-Famer Gary Payton.
Filmmaker Scott Waugh will direct the series. Cameras are set to officially begin rolling Thursday in Nashville, Tennessee, where Payton will make an appearance at the Ama Supercross Championship.
Specific details on the series and its focus are currently under wraps, but MindRiot COO Randa Minkarah told Deadline that audiences “will get to see Payton aka “The Glove” — whose legendary athletic grit and tongue was showcased on Netflix’s The Last Dance – talk trash while on horseback with rodeo cowboys, fly fishing with producer John Dietsch (A River Runs Through It), and maybe even go head to head selling cookies with a bad-ass troupe of kids.”
MindRiot founder Jonathan Keasey and the company’s Head of Sports Content,...
Filmmaker Scott Waugh will direct the series. Cameras are set to officially begin rolling Thursday in Nashville, Tennessee, where Payton will make an appearance at the Ama Supercross Championship.
Specific details on the series and its focus are currently under wraps, but MindRiot COO Randa Minkarah told Deadline that audiences “will get to see Payton aka “The Glove” — whose legendary athletic grit and tongue was showcased on Netflix’s The Last Dance – talk trash while on horseback with rodeo cowboys, fly fishing with producer John Dietsch (A River Runs Through It), and maybe even go head to head selling cookies with a bad-ass troupe of kids.”
MindRiot founder Jonathan Keasey and the company’s Head of Sports Content,...
- 4/15/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Lava for Good co-founders Jason Flom and Jeff Kempler, along with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Gilbert King, will partner with Oscar-winning film and television producer Cathy Schulman’s Welle Entertainment and Primary Wave Music to develop and produce a multi-season scripted television series inspired by Lava for Good’s award-winning podcast Bone Valley. Veteran screenwriter and TV producer Dana Stevens will adapt.
Written and hosted by King along with producer and researcher Kelsey Decker, the show chronicles the chilling story of Leo Schofield, the Central Florida man who was wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for killing his wife, Michelle. Schofield has spent over three decades in prison — even after another incarcerated man, Jeremy Scott, confessed in detail to the crime. The attention that King and the podcast have brought to the case was cited in Schofield’s most recent parole hearing in May of 2023, which resulted in Schofield being transferred to the Everglades Re-Entry Center.
Written and hosted by King along with producer and researcher Kelsey Decker, the show chronicles the chilling story of Leo Schofield, the Central Florida man who was wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for killing his wife, Michelle. Schofield has spent over three decades in prison — even after another incarcerated man, Jeremy Scott, confessed in detail to the crime. The attention that King and the podcast have brought to the case was cited in Schofield’s most recent parole hearing in May of 2023, which resulted in Schofield being transferred to the Everglades Re-Entry Center.
- 4/10/2024
- Podnews.net
Distributors who adhere to longer exclusive theatrical windows can mitigate against digital piracy, the CinemaCon panel ‘Changing Tastes And Changing Landscapes’ head on Monday.
Cinepolis COO Miguel Mier said digital content was an easier target for criminals, concluding: “The longer the window, the better our business and the less pirated it is.”
Rebecca Kearey, EVP/head of business operations and international at Searchlight Pictures agreed. “If you’re a studio and you control global distribution, you can mitigate some of this because you’re working on windows. If you’re an independent, it’s much harder.”
The panel also addressed the success of local-language cinema.
Cinepolis COO Miguel Mier said digital content was an easier target for criminals, concluding: “The longer the window, the better our business and the less pirated it is.”
Rebecca Kearey, EVP/head of business operations and international at Searchlight Pictures agreed. “If you’re a studio and you control global distribution, you can mitigate some of this because you’re working on windows. If you’re an independent, it’s much harder.”
The panel also addressed the success of local-language cinema.
- 4/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Los Angeles Times is removing “interim” from executive editor Terry Tang’s job title.
The newspaper announced on Monday that it was making things official with its former editorial page editor, who was elevated to the leadership role on a provisional basis in January. “We’re thrilled to have Terry Tang leading the L.A. Times newsroom,” owners Patrick and Michele Soon-Shiong said in a statement. “We made a decision in December to make changes in leadership to revitalize the L.A. Times. Terry in short order has demonstrated the capability of building on our legacy of excellence in journalism with stories that matter.”
In particular, the Soon-Shiongs highlighted Tang’s comprehension of their mission to make the paper “a thriving pillar of democracy” and to highlight the “issues that matter most, especially for those whose voices are often unheard.” Tang also understands that the paper must build new audiences...
The newspaper announced on Monday that it was making things official with its former editorial page editor, who was elevated to the leadership role on a provisional basis in January. “We’re thrilled to have Terry Tang leading the L.A. Times newsroom,” owners Patrick and Michele Soon-Shiong said in a statement. “We made a decision in December to make changes in leadership to revitalize the L.A. Times. Terry in short order has demonstrated the capability of building on our legacy of excellence in journalism with stories that matter.”
In particular, the Soon-Shiongs highlighted Tang’s comprehension of their mission to make the paper “a thriving pillar of democracy” and to highlight the “issues that matter most, especially for those whose voices are often unheard.” Tang also understands that the paper must build new audiences...
- 4/8/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Trafalgar Releasing and Cj 4DPlex are launching a strategic partnership that will focus on producing, programming, delivering and marketing four K-pop cinema releases globally in 2024. The films will be shown across a combination of premium formats such as ScreenX, 4Dx, Ultra 4Dx and traditional cinema locations.
Trafalgar Releasing moved into the K-pop market with the 2018 concert film, “BTS: Burn the Stage the Movie.” The company said it has since generated more than $120 million in box office revenue from K-pop releases.
The first project to launch the partnership is “aespa: World Tour” in cinemas, a special cinematic presentation capturing the group’s global tour, which will screen in more than 45 countries on April 24 and 27. The additional three titles will be announced throughout the year.
Trafalgar Releasing and Cj 4Dplex have worked together on previous global cinema releases since 2021 including the live broadcast of Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres Tour, as...
Trafalgar Releasing moved into the K-pop market with the 2018 concert film, “BTS: Burn the Stage the Movie.” The company said it has since generated more than $120 million in box office revenue from K-pop releases.
The first project to launch the partnership is “aespa: World Tour” in cinemas, a special cinematic presentation capturing the group’s global tour, which will screen in more than 45 countries on April 24 and 27. The additional three titles will be announced throughout the year.
Trafalgar Releasing and Cj 4Dplex have worked together on previous global cinema releases since 2021 including the live broadcast of Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres Tour, as...
- 4/8/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Fast-expanding Scandi production group Anagram, credited for the first Disney+ Nordic original series “To Cook a Bear” and hit series “Thin Blue Line,” has taken a stake in Helsinki-based Just Republic, becoming the largest owner of the Finnish production outfit, Variety has just learned.
Recently founded by producer Sasu Norhomaa and creator/writer Jemina Jokisalo – formerly at Solar Republic – the banner is in the limelight at Canneseries with the porn biz comedy “Money Shot,” due to world premiere April 9 at the TV festival’s short form competition.
With this acquisition, Newen Studios-owned Anagram, has added Finland to its Swedish and Norwegian production divisions and consolidated its position as a heavyweight provider of quality films, series and live entertainment in the Nordics.
“Our aim is to be a true pan-Nordic operation,” said Miira Paasilinna, Anagram COO and Anagram Sweden’s managing director. “We are active in Sweden and Norway and...
Recently founded by producer Sasu Norhomaa and creator/writer Jemina Jokisalo – formerly at Solar Republic – the banner is in the limelight at Canneseries with the porn biz comedy “Money Shot,” due to world premiere April 9 at the TV festival’s short form competition.
With this acquisition, Newen Studios-owned Anagram, has added Finland to its Swedish and Norwegian production divisions and consolidated its position as a heavyweight provider of quality films, series and live entertainment in the Nordics.
“Our aim is to be a true pan-Nordic operation,” said Miira Paasilinna, Anagram COO and Anagram Sweden’s managing director. “We are active in Sweden and Norway and...
- 4/8/2024
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
At Wrestlemania 40 this past weekend, WWE chief content officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque took to the stage at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and opened the events by declaring it a “new era” for the company.
It was the first Wrestlemania to be held under the ownership of Tko Group Holdings, formed when Endeavor spun out its UFC business and merged it with the WWE last year. And it was the first Wrestlemania in the WWE’s history without Vince McMahon behind the curtain, with the executive exiting the company in January after being hit with a lawsuit alleging battery and sex trafficking.
Now, McMahon – who remains the largest outside shareholder in the company – is taking another step toward a more complete break from the sports entertainment firm.
On Monday, Tko and Endeavor disclosed that McMahon is selling some $311.2 million worth of stock in the company, $165 million to Tko in...
It was the first Wrestlemania to be held under the ownership of Tko Group Holdings, formed when Endeavor spun out its UFC business and merged it with the WWE last year. And it was the first Wrestlemania in the WWE’s history without Vince McMahon behind the curtain, with the executive exiting the company in January after being hit with a lawsuit alleging battery and sex trafficking.
Now, McMahon – who remains the largest outside shareholder in the company – is taking another step toward a more complete break from the sports entertainment firm.
On Monday, Tko and Endeavor disclosed that McMahon is selling some $311.2 million worth of stock in the company, $165 million to Tko in...
- 4/8/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Editor’s note: Does It Fly? releases new episodes Fridays through Den of Geek, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and DoesItFlyPod.com.
After pioneering the future of science fiction on television for decades, Roddenberry Entertainment digs into the real-world science behind pop culture’s most iconic conceits, vehicles, and gadgets with the original video podcast series Does It Fly?. Hosted by noted astrophysicist and science educator Hakeem Oluseyi and television host, actor, and pop culture enthusiast Tamara Krinsky, the show examines devices from the most beloved sci-fi movies and shows, explaining the theoretical science behind them and if they’d actually function properly outside of the comforts of fiction.
To commemorate First Contact Day, the pivotal date where humanity first met intelligent life from another world, as depicted in the classic 1996 movie Star Trek: First Contact, the inaugural episode of the podcast focuses on if Star Trek’s transporter could theoretically work.
After pioneering the future of science fiction on television for decades, Roddenberry Entertainment digs into the real-world science behind pop culture’s most iconic conceits, vehicles, and gadgets with the original video podcast series Does It Fly?. Hosted by noted astrophysicist and science educator Hakeem Oluseyi and television host, actor, and pop culture enthusiast Tamara Krinsky, the show examines devices from the most beloved sci-fi movies and shows, explaining the theoretical science behind them and if they’d actually function properly outside of the comforts of fiction.
To commemorate First Contact Day, the pivotal date where humanity first met intelligent life from another world, as depicted in the classic 1996 movie Star Trek: First Contact, the inaugural episode of the podcast focuses on if Star Trek’s transporter could theoretically work.
- 4/5/2024
- by Chris Longo
- Den of Geek
Made In Network is leveling up its content team. The organization known for its partnerships with creators like Bailey Sarian and the Babish Culinary Universe has hired Jeremy Azevedo as its Head of Production.
Azevedo will work alongside Made In Network COO Keith Johnson to streamline and oversee all of the company’s creator content, including programming born out of partnerships with brands like WeTransfer and Wayfair. Azevedo’s work will span multiple platforms and will include some full channel builds, according to a Made In Network press release.
The new Made In Network exec comes to the company with a wealth of digital media production experience. Azevedo’s long career in the creator economy has taken him through multiple positions, including gigs at Machinima, Discovery Digital, and 100 Thieves. Most recently, he served as the VP of Branded Content & Development at gaming-oriented talent management firm Loaded.
In recent years,...
Azevedo will work alongside Made In Network COO Keith Johnson to streamline and oversee all of the company’s creator content, including programming born out of partnerships with brands like WeTransfer and Wayfair. Azevedo’s work will span multiple platforms and will include some full channel builds, according to a Made In Network press release.
The new Made In Network exec comes to the company with a wealth of digital media production experience. Azevedo’s long career in the creator economy has taken him through multiple positions, including gigs at Machinima, Discovery Digital, and 100 Thieves. Most recently, he served as the VP of Branded Content & Development at gaming-oriented talent management firm Loaded.
In recent years,...
- 4/4/2024
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Silver Lake’s plan to take Endeavor private includes an investment of $250 million of seed equity “into a new business to be founded, managed and controlled” by executive chairman Patrick Whitesell.
The business will include “investing in and providing services to companies in the entertainment, media and sports industries; developing, producing, financing and exploiting film, television and digital audio visual content; talent management; and consulting with other entertainment companies,” according to an SEC filing today that include new contract details for Endeavor’s top executives.
So Whitesell, while continuing to be a big Endeavor shareholder and board member and remaining in a central role in WME, will be branching out. That’s all there was about the new company in the filing, which also laid out new employment letters for CEO Ari Emanuel and president and COO Mark Shapiro, who will be running Endeavor.
The document also refers a number...
The business will include “investing in and providing services to companies in the entertainment, media and sports industries; developing, producing, financing and exploiting film, television and digital audio visual content; talent management; and consulting with other entertainment companies,” according to an SEC filing today that include new contract details for Endeavor’s top executives.
So Whitesell, while continuing to be a big Endeavor shareholder and board member and remaining in a central role in WME, will be branching out. That’s all there was about the new company in the filing, which also laid out new employment letters for CEO Ari Emanuel and president and COO Mark Shapiro, who will be running Endeavor.
The document also refers a number...
- 4/3/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s a familiar arc in movies: The person who doesn’t want the job is the best candidate for it. And so it was with Dan Lin, the producer and founder of Rideback, who this week starts his tenure as Netflix’s film head.
Lin was not looking for a new job, but then came an incoming call in early February from Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria. According to two people familiar with the meeting that followed, Lin was blunt in his assessment of Netflix’s output: The movies were not great and the financials didn’t add up. Bajaria appreciated the honesty and, shortly after, she asked Lin if he would be open to leaving Rideback, the company the producer had spent the better part of two decades building.
Lin had been down this path before, being courted for a top studio post at a division...
Lin was not looking for a new job, but then came an incoming call in early February from Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria. According to two people familiar with the meeting that followed, Lin was blunt in his assessment of Netflix’s output: The movies were not great and the financials didn’t add up. Bajaria appreciated the honesty and, shortly after, she asked Lin if he would be open to leaving Rideback, the company the producer had spent the better part of two decades building.
Lin had been down this path before, being courted for a top studio post at a division...
- 4/1/2024
- by Mia Galuppo and Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Since the realm of gaming is expanding significantly each day, it becomes more and more crucial for companies to get a hold of the public in the industry as the market expands. On the console side of things, PlayStation has a firm grasp on the market with a staggering 70.6% share to its name.
And all of that was thanks to the exceptional contributions of Jim Ryan, the President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment who made the PlayStation The Console for the masses.
“Jim rayn (via YouTube @Gamesindustry.biz)
After assuming the role of the CEO in 2019 and the release of the iconic PlayStation 5 in 2020, Ryan has confirmed previously that his time as the man behind the success of the console has come to an end, which is why he will be stepping down as CEO and President of Sie on Saturday.
Thus, many people are curious about how much...
And all of that was thanks to the exceptional contributions of Jim Ryan, the President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment who made the PlayStation The Console for the masses.
“Jim rayn (via YouTube @Gamesindustry.biz)
After assuming the role of the CEO in 2019 and the release of the iconic PlayStation 5 in 2020, Ryan has confirmed previously that his time as the man behind the success of the console has come to an end, which is why he will be stepping down as CEO and President of Sie on Saturday.
Thus, many people are curious about how much...
- 3/31/2024
- by Deepak Bisht
- FandomWire
French TV giant Banijay is losing its second C-suite exec in just over a month.
The company has confirmed to Variety that COO Peter Langenberg is departing, with his last day set to be March 31. Langenberg will remain with Banijay on a consultancy basis in the Esg space. Reasons for his departure were not disclosed.
“Banijay has been my home for eight years and it has been a total pleasure working with the hugely talented leaders and producers across the footprint globally. Together with Stéphane, Marco, and the broader executive team, I have watched the group grow exponentially and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of the business’ journey in becoming the largest European studio,” said Langenberg. “In that time, Esg has become increasingly important for both us as a business, and the content industry at-large, and I look forward to working with Edouard to drive tangible, positive change in this space.
The company has confirmed to Variety that COO Peter Langenberg is departing, with his last day set to be March 31. Langenberg will remain with Banijay on a consultancy basis in the Esg space. Reasons for his departure were not disclosed.
“Banijay has been my home for eight years and it has been a total pleasure working with the hugely talented leaders and producers across the footprint globally. Together with Stéphane, Marco, and the broader executive team, I have watched the group grow exponentially and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of the business’ journey in becoming the largest European studio,” said Langenberg. “In that time, Esg has become increasingly important for both us as a business, and the content industry at-large, and I look forward to working with Edouard to drive tangible, positive change in this space.
- 3/28/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: There’s a lot of movement from agents that used to work at A3 Artists Agency.
A pair of agents – Marienor Madrilejo and Emma Clarke – who joined Gersh from A3 after the former acquired the latter in a deal in January are now leaving the Phil Gersh-founded agency.
Madrilejo was VP, Digital and Clarke was an agent in its digital and alternative programming division.
Madrilejo was previously a senior agent in A3’s alternative programming, digital media, licensing and branding division, having spent over eight years at the company. She is understood to be leaving the representation business.
Clarke spent four years at A3 including nearly three of them as an agent in the alternative division. Clarke is believed to be moving into the management side of the business at a boutique agency specializing in digital representation.
This comes after A3 sold its digital and alternative departments to Gersh,...
A pair of agents – Marienor Madrilejo and Emma Clarke – who joined Gersh from A3 after the former acquired the latter in a deal in January are now leaving the Phil Gersh-founded agency.
Madrilejo was VP, Digital and Clarke was an agent in its digital and alternative programming division.
Madrilejo was previously a senior agent in A3’s alternative programming, digital media, licensing and branding division, having spent over eight years at the company. She is understood to be leaving the representation business.
Clarke spent four years at A3 including nearly three of them as an agent in the alternative division. Clarke is believed to be moving into the management side of the business at a boutique agency specializing in digital representation.
This comes after A3 sold its digital and alternative departments to Gersh,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Ileen Maisel, who served as a studio executive at Paramount, Lorimar and New Line Cinema and as a producer on films including Onegin, Ripley’s Game and The Golden Compass, has died. She was 68.
Maisel died Feb. 16 of cancer in London, her home for the past 34 years, her sister, Hollywood publicist Cheryl Maisel, announced.
Maisel received a BAFTA nomination for best British film for producing Samuel Goldwyn’s Onegin (1999), starring Ralph Fiennes, and was said to be most proud of her work on the Fine Line Features thriller Ripley’s Game (2002), starring John Malkovich.
In addition to the New Line fantasy The Golden Compass (2007), which starred Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig and grossed $372.2 million at the global box office, her other producing credits included Twelfth Night (1996), Inkheart (2008), and Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism (2015).
Born in Los Angeles on April 6, 1955, Ileen Marla Maisel began working for entertainment journalist Rona Barrett...
Maisel died Feb. 16 of cancer in London, her home for the past 34 years, her sister, Hollywood publicist Cheryl Maisel, announced.
Maisel received a BAFTA nomination for best British film for producing Samuel Goldwyn’s Onegin (1999), starring Ralph Fiennes, and was said to be most proud of her work on the Fine Line Features thriller Ripley’s Game (2002), starring John Malkovich.
In addition to the New Line fantasy The Golden Compass (2007), which starred Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig and grossed $372.2 million at the global box office, her other producing credits included Twelfth Night (1996), Inkheart (2008), and Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism (2015).
Born in Los Angeles on April 6, 1955, Ileen Marla Maisel began working for entertainment journalist Rona Barrett...
- 3/26/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fremantle Completes Asacha Deal
Fremantle has completed its big-money acquisition of Death in Paradise producer Asacha Media Group. The super-indie notified this morning that the deal, which was revealed several weeks ago, has gone through, and will see the Poor Things maker acquire the group from Asacha’s founding partners, managers and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management. Fremantle hasn’t revealed how much Asacha cost but has said it has spent more than €200M ($216M) on both Asacha and 80% of Singapore’s Beach House Pictures since the start of this year. Fremantle takes hold of an eight-label group including Death in Paradise producer Red Planet, Arrow Media and Italy’s Stand By Me. Headquartered in Paris, France, Asacha will continue to be run by Co-Founder and Group CEO Gaspard de Chavagnac who will report to Fremantle’s Andrea Scrosati. De Chavagnac will continue to be supported by Marina Williams...
Fremantle has completed its big-money acquisition of Death in Paradise producer Asacha Media Group. The super-indie notified this morning that the deal, which was revealed several weeks ago, has gone through, and will see the Poor Things maker acquire the group from Asacha’s founding partners, managers and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management. Fremantle hasn’t revealed how much Asacha cost but has said it has spent more than €200M ($216M) on both Asacha and 80% of Singapore’s Beach House Pictures since the start of this year. Fremantle takes hold of an eight-label group including Death in Paradise producer Red Planet, Arrow Media and Italy’s Stand By Me. Headquartered in Paris, France, Asacha will continue to be run by Co-Founder and Group CEO Gaspard de Chavagnac who will report to Fremantle’s Andrea Scrosati. De Chavagnac will continue to be supported by Marina Williams...
- 3/25/2024
- by Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jonathan Keasey, the scribe behind Danielle Deadwyler’s Parallel and Demi Lovato’s Tow, has signed on to adapt The Barracks Thief, a novella from award-winning author Tobias Wolff.
Keasey joins playwright Tyler Rivenbark on the project. The pair will collaborate on the screenplay based on Wolff’s novella.
Wolff, an Emeritus professor at Stanford, is best known as a memoirist. Most notably, his 1989 book This Boy’s Life: A Memoir was adapted for the screen by Michael Caton-Jones, with Leonardo DiCaprio starring as the teenage Wolff in his breakout big-screen performance and Robert De Niro as his abusive step-father Dwight.
The Barracks Thief is the story of three young paratroopers waiting to be shipped out to Vietnam. Brought together one sweltering afternoon to stand guard over an ammunition dump threatened by a forest fire, they discover in each other an unexpected capacity for recklessness and violence. Far from being alarmed by this discovery,...
Keasey joins playwright Tyler Rivenbark on the project. The pair will collaborate on the screenplay based on Wolff’s novella.
Wolff, an Emeritus professor at Stanford, is best known as a memoirist. Most notably, his 1989 book This Boy’s Life: A Memoir was adapted for the screen by Michael Caton-Jones, with Leonardo DiCaprio starring as the teenage Wolff in his breakout big-screen performance and Robert De Niro as his abusive step-father Dwight.
The Barracks Thief is the story of three young paratroopers waiting to be shipped out to Vietnam. Brought together one sweltering afternoon to stand guard over an ammunition dump threatened by a forest fire, they discover in each other an unexpected capacity for recklessness and violence. Far from being alarmed by this discovery,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
AGC Studios’ chief creative officer Lourdes Diaz has been promoted to partner with a seat on the board and has signed a new multi-year employment deal with the company.
Diaz joined AGC in 2018 as head of television. She was promoted to chief creative officer of the independent film and TV production and finance company in 2022.
Before AGC, she was president of entertainment for Univision Communications and served stints with Viacom International and NBC. She began her career as an agent at ICM.
AGC CEO Stuart Ford and COO Miguel Palos, who themselves signed multi-year employment deals late last year, commented:...
Diaz joined AGC in 2018 as head of television. She was promoted to chief creative officer of the independent film and TV production and finance company in 2022.
Before AGC, she was president of entertainment for Univision Communications and served stints with Viacom International and NBC. She began her career as an agent at ICM.
AGC CEO Stuart Ford and COO Miguel Palos, who themselves signed multi-year employment deals late last year, commented:...
- 3/18/2024
- ScreenDaily
It’s been eight years since the release of the last Star Trek movie, which, believe it or not, is actually the largest gap between movies since the franchise first hit the big screen in 1979. There have been several potential Star Trek movies in the works during those years, but they have either been scrapped or stuck in development hell. We still don’t know exactly what the future will bring, but Paramount apparently has “a plan” for the franchise’s return to theaters.
Related Paramount+ ditches Star Trek movies in latest accidental case for physical media
ScreenRant spoke with Roddenberry Entertainment COO Trevor Roth, who assured fans that there is a plan in the works. While I might be tempted to say that it feels like Paramount is just throwing things at the wall to see what sticks, I would love to see a proper Star Trek movie once again.
Related Paramount+ ditches Star Trek movies in latest accidental case for physical media
ScreenRant spoke with Roddenberry Entertainment COO Trevor Roth, who assured fans that there is a plan in the works. While I might be tempted to say that it feels like Paramount is just throwing things at the wall to see what sticks, I would love to see a proper Star Trek movie once again.
- 3/15/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
A recently leaked old email from Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney is suddenly the talk of the town, at least on X. Epic Games has long been on the losing side of a lopsided race as they promoted The Epic Games Store to rival Valve’s Steam. The leaked email showed Tim Sweeney losing his composure while talking about the policies of Apple and Steam.
The email was originally sent on 3rd December 2018 to Gabe Newell, President of the Valve corporation. The document was leaked to netizens on 12th March 2024 and ever since fans have been having quite a laugh at the expense of the Epic Games CEO. The creator of Unreal Engine had some choice words in store for the people of Valve in the email that he sent.
Epic Games CEO Swears at Valve in Official Mail
Usually, official emails between competitors do not feature a whole lot of animosity.
The email was originally sent on 3rd December 2018 to Gabe Newell, President of the Valve corporation. The document was leaked to netizens on 12th March 2024 and ever since fans have been having quite a laugh at the expense of the Epic Games CEO. The creator of Unreal Engine had some choice words in store for the people of Valve in the email that he sent.
Epic Games CEO Swears at Valve in Official Mail
Usually, official emails between competitors do not feature a whole lot of animosity.
- 3/15/2024
- by Arkaneel Khan
- FandomWire
Exclusive: 101 Studios has brought in Matt Summers, an Emmy-winning entertainment and sports executive, with decades of experience in film, television, sports and entertainment marketing, to serve as SVP of Sports, Deadline has learned.
Summers joins after nearly a decade at NASCAR, where he served as Managing Director and head of the L.A.-based entertainment division, overseeing scripted and unscripted original content as well as all entertainment integrations. In his new role, he will oversee and build a portfolio full of sports content, distribution and experiences across 101 Studios’ platforms. Based out of the company’s Beverly Hills office, Summers will focus on securing distribution partners, create an ambitious slate of original and ancillary IP, and collaborate internally on brand partnerships and events, reporting directly to COO David Hutkin.
“We are thrilled to have Matt join our ever-growing team,” said Hutkin in a statement to Deadline. “At 101 we look to...
Summers joins after nearly a decade at NASCAR, where he served as Managing Director and head of the L.A.-based entertainment division, overseeing scripted and unscripted original content as well as all entertainment integrations. In his new role, he will oversee and build a portfolio full of sports content, distribution and experiences across 101 Studios’ platforms. Based out of the company’s Beverly Hills office, Summers will focus on securing distribution partners, create an ambitious slate of original and ancillary IP, and collaborate internally on brand partnerships and events, reporting directly to COO David Hutkin.
“We are thrilled to have Matt join our ever-growing team,” said Hutkin in a statement to Deadline. “At 101 we look to...
- 3/13/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
As a sports fan, “you want to pull your hair out” when trying to toggle between streaming and linear TV, in the view of Nexstar President and COO Mike Biard.
That “less-than-ideal” user experience helps explain why 60% of viewership for Thursday Night Football occurs on broadcast stations in team markets rather than on Prime Video, the exec said, citing internal research. Biard, who joined Nexstar last summer after a long career at Fox, made the comments during an appearance Tuesday at Deutche Bank’s Media, Internet & Telecom Conference.
Under the terms of the NFL’s media rights deals, any games carried on streaming or cable TV are also made available free and over-the-air via local TV stations in the two home markets of the teams playing in the game. Prime Video is two years into an 11-year deal for Thursday Night Football, and recorded a 24% jump in total viewership in its sophomore season.
That “less-than-ideal” user experience helps explain why 60% of viewership for Thursday Night Football occurs on broadcast stations in team markets rather than on Prime Video, the exec said, citing internal research. Biard, who joined Nexstar last summer after a long career at Fox, made the comments during an appearance Tuesday at Deutche Bank’s Media, Internet & Telecom Conference.
Under the terms of the NFL’s media rights deals, any games carried on streaming or cable TV are also made available free and over-the-air via local TV stations in the two home markets of the teams playing in the game. Prime Video is two years into an 11-year deal for Thursday Night Football, and recorded a 24% jump in total viewership in its sophomore season.
- 3/12/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Fox Corp. COO John Nallen says the company is “much more focused on growing the business than we are on selling the business” despite accelerating pay-tv declines and other challenges.
In an appearance Monday at Deutsche Bank’s Media, Internet & Telecom Conference, Nallen was asked if the time may be right for Fox to consider selling given the likelihood of more consolidation in the media sector. Questions about the company’s future have multiplied as the pay-tv bundle has shrunk, given the company’s traditional linear holdings. Additional fuel for speculation came last fall when Rupert Murdoch stepped down as chairman of Fox and sibling News Corp. Murdoch turned 93 years old Monday.
“I was about to say we’re not good sellers, but five years ago we were good sellers,” Nallen dryly observed, drawing a few chuckles in the room. He was referring to the $71.3 billion sale to Disney of...
In an appearance Monday at Deutsche Bank’s Media, Internet & Telecom Conference, Nallen was asked if the time may be right for Fox to consider selling given the likelihood of more consolidation in the media sector. Questions about the company’s future have multiplied as the pay-tv bundle has shrunk, given the company’s traditional linear holdings. Additional fuel for speculation came last fall when Rupert Murdoch stepped down as chairman of Fox and sibling News Corp. Murdoch turned 93 years old Monday.
“I was about to say we’re not good sellers, but five years ago we were good sellers,” Nallen dryly observed, drawing a few chuckles in the room. He was referring to the $71.3 billion sale to Disney of...
- 3/11/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Hayao Miyazaki received his second Academy Award on Sunday for his semi-autobiographical Japanese animated feature picture The Boy and the Heron. The movie, which is rumored to be the last work of renowned Japanese filmmaker Miyazaki, took home the Best Animated Feature Film Oscar at the 96th Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron
Miyazaki’s Oscar triumph makes him the oldest filmmaker to win in the animated feature film category in 21 years. The Japanese anime film previously won a BAFTA and a Golden Globe, positioning it as a serious candidate for accolades. The semi-autobiographical picture, which takes place during World War Two, tells the story of a youngster who, after losing his mother, meets a mysterious speaking heron.
The Boy and the Heron faced out against Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Elemental, Nimona, and Robot Dreams, but emerged victorious. However, the creators of the...
Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron
Miyazaki’s Oscar triumph makes him the oldest filmmaker to win in the animated feature film category in 21 years. The Japanese anime film previously won a BAFTA and a Golden Globe, positioning it as a serious candidate for accolades. The semi-autobiographical picture, which takes place during World War Two, tells the story of a youngster who, after losing his mother, meets a mysterious speaking heron.
The Boy and the Heron faced out against Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Elemental, Nimona, and Robot Dreams, but emerged victorious. However, the creators of the...
- 3/11/2024
- by Tarun Kohli
- FandomWire
The upcoming streaming documentary ‘Bogus Phone Operators’ unravels one of the biggest call centre scams in India. The documentary exposes the ‘Thane Call Centre Scam’ and goes behind the criminal networks operating from India that swindled the American citizens while sitting in India.
A group of 600 deceptive call centre employees in Maharashtra’s Thane, allegedly collaborated to pull off a fraud involving over 15,000 Americans, resulting in estimated losses exceeding $50 million.
The documentary provides an in-depth exploration of this scam, which prompted collaboration between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Indian Police to uncover the ‘Thane Call Centre Scam’.
The investigative crime documentary will be available to stream on IN10 Media Network’s global premium membership-based Ott platform, DocuBay.
Girish Dwibhashyam, COO of DocuBay, explained the motive behind producing the documentary, as he said: “The shocking ‘Thane Call Centre Scam’ compelled us to act. The story of hundreds of employees...
A group of 600 deceptive call centre employees in Maharashtra’s Thane, allegedly collaborated to pull off a fraud involving over 15,000 Americans, resulting in estimated losses exceeding $50 million.
The documentary provides an in-depth exploration of this scam, which prompted collaboration between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Indian Police to uncover the ‘Thane Call Centre Scam’.
The investigative crime documentary will be available to stream on IN10 Media Network’s global premium membership-based Ott platform, DocuBay.
Girish Dwibhashyam, COO of DocuBay, explained the motive behind producing the documentary, as he said: “The shocking ‘Thane Call Centre Scam’ compelled us to act. The story of hundreds of employees...
- 3/8/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Fremantle is getting into the Rachel Weisz business.
The international production powerhouse has signed a first-look and development deal with Astral Projection, the production company run by the Oscar-winning actress and her Dead Ringers producer Polly Stokes.
The three-year deal will see Fremantle become the primary home for all of Astral Projection’s TV and film projects. Astral will work closely with Fremantle’s Global Drama division under Global Drama CEO Christian Vesper and COO Seb Shorr, as well as its international distribution team.
“We are thrilled to have found such experienced and trusting partners in Fremantle,” said Weisz in a statement. “As soon as we met Christian and Seb, we knew they were a perfect fit for our taste and energy and that this would be a brilliant home for Astral.”
Added Stokes: “We want to tell stories that are surprising and affirming — that find joy in unexpected and daring places.
The international production powerhouse has signed a first-look and development deal with Astral Projection, the production company run by the Oscar-winning actress and her Dead Ringers producer Polly Stokes.
The three-year deal will see Fremantle become the primary home for all of Astral Projection’s TV and film projects. Astral will work closely with Fremantle’s Global Drama division under Global Drama CEO Christian Vesper and COO Seb Shorr, as well as its international distribution team.
“We are thrilled to have found such experienced and trusting partners in Fremantle,” said Weisz in a statement. “As soon as we met Christian and Seb, we knew they were a perfect fit for our taste and energy and that this would be a brilliant home for Astral.”
Added Stokes: “We want to tell stories that are surprising and affirming — that find joy in unexpected and daring places.
- 3/7/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘Camomile Lawn’ Novelist’s Estate Snapped Up By Ilp
International Literary Properties has acquired the estate of British The Camomile Lawn novelist Mary Wesley. Channel 4’s adaptation of The Camomile Lawn is Channel 4’s second most successful drama series of all time, according to Ilp, and the deal will see Ilp manage the rights to Wesley’s work. Having famously published her first novel aged 70, she also wrote the likes of Jumping the Queue, Harnessing Peacocks and The Vacillations of Poppy Carew, all of which have previously been adapted for film and TV. “Mary was an incredible woman, an extraordinary author and a very close member of my family,” said Wesley’s daughter in law, the author Xinran Xue. Deadline revealed last year that Ilp, which holds rights to the literary estates of Langston Hughes and Evelyn Waugh, had headed on a West Coast charm offensive and snapped up the estate of Somerset Maugham.
International Literary Properties has acquired the estate of British The Camomile Lawn novelist Mary Wesley. Channel 4’s adaptation of The Camomile Lawn is Channel 4’s second most successful drama series of all time, according to Ilp, and the deal will see Ilp manage the rights to Wesley’s work. Having famously published her first novel aged 70, she also wrote the likes of Jumping the Queue, Harnessing Peacocks and The Vacillations of Poppy Carew, all of which have previously been adapted for film and TV. “Mary was an incredible woman, an extraordinary author and a very close member of my family,” said Wesley’s daughter in law, the author Xinran Xue. Deadline revealed last year that Ilp, which holds rights to the literary estates of Langston Hughes and Evelyn Waugh, had headed on a West Coast charm offensive and snapped up the estate of Somerset Maugham.
- 3/7/2024
- by Max Goldbart, Jesse Whittock and Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The actor’s new film Origin sees him star as the husband of Pulitzer-winner Isabel Wilkerson. He reflects on the fight for social justice and avoiding the new film seeming like a ‘woke agenda’
As Jon Bernthal’s face pings on to the screen from his California home, I’m peering in to his giant living room, looking for his three pit bull terriers. While he was, for a long time, mainly thought of as the square-jawed beefcake Shane Walsh in The Walking Dead, and later as the iron-pecced Punisher in two eponymous series and various episodes of Daredevil, the 47-year-old has become more associated with social conscience, on screen and off.
He has a podcast, Real Ones, where he talks to people on the frontlines of big issues – police officers, gang members, doctors, soldiers. He runs a community empowerment Ngo, Drops Fill Buckets, with his brother Nick, an orthopaedic...
As Jon Bernthal’s face pings on to the screen from his California home, I’m peering in to his giant living room, looking for his three pit bull terriers. While he was, for a long time, mainly thought of as the square-jawed beefcake Shane Walsh in The Walking Dead, and later as the iron-pecced Punisher in two eponymous series and various episodes of Daredevil, the 47-year-old has become more associated with social conscience, on screen and off.
He has a podcast, Real Ones, where he talks to people on the frontlines of big issues – police officers, gang members, doctors, soldiers. He runs a community empowerment Ngo, Drops Fill Buckets, with his brother Nick, an orthopaedic...
- 3/1/2024
- by Zoe Williams
- The Guardian - Film News
Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish derided a planned streaming venture backed by Disney, Fox Corp. and Warner Bros. Discovery for having “only a subset of sports.”
In his first public comments since the announcement of the service, which does not include any Paramount or NBCUniversal properties, Bakish noted several gaps it will have.
“There’s still a lot we don’t know about this service, things like price, packaging, consumer appetite,” he said on Paramount’s fourth-quarter earnings call. “To the consumer point, for the true sports fan, this product only has a subset of sports. It’s missing half the NFL, a lot of college, has virtually no soccer or golf, etc. It’s hard to believe that’s ideal, especially at the price points that have been speculated.”
Related: Paramount Global Put On “Credit Watch Negative” By Ratings Agency S&P Due To “Weak” Cash Flow Trends
Pricing...
In his first public comments since the announcement of the service, which does not include any Paramount or NBCUniversal properties, Bakish noted several gaps it will have.
“There’s still a lot we don’t know about this service, things like price, packaging, consumer appetite,” he said on Paramount’s fourth-quarter earnings call. “To the consumer point, for the true sports fan, this product only has a subset of sports. It’s missing half the NFL, a lot of college, has virtually no soccer or golf, etc. It’s hard to believe that’s ideal, especially at the price points that have been speculated.”
Related: Paramount Global Put On “Credit Watch Negative” By Ratings Agency S&P Due To “Weak” Cash Flow Trends
Pricing...
- 2/28/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
TikTok‘s leadership team is stepping up to ensure that the company makes progress in its trust and safety division. A reorganization will install Head of Operations Adam Presser as the overseer of the unit that has received scrutiny from regulators in the U.S. and abroad.
As reported by The Information, TikTok’s executive shuffle will give it more control over its trust and safety operations. Previously, that department was led by Erich Andersen, the general counsel for TikTok parent ByteDance. Presser, who took over as the leader of TikTok ops after the departure of former COO V Pappas, reports to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew rather than ByteDance CEO Rubo Liang.
After Presser’s promotion from Chief of Staff to Head of Operations, he instituted changes in his department. A reorg announced last year looked to make TikTok’s ops more efficient as the app seeks partnerships with creators,...
As reported by The Information, TikTok’s executive shuffle will give it more control over its trust and safety operations. Previously, that department was led by Erich Andersen, the general counsel for TikTok parent ByteDance. Presser, who took over as the leader of TikTok ops after the departure of former COO V Pappas, reports to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew rather than ByteDance CEO Rubo Liang.
After Presser’s promotion from Chief of Staff to Head of Operations, he instituted changes in his department. A reorg announced last year looked to make TikTok’s ops more efficient as the app seeks partnerships with creators,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Dan Lin, the producer behind the Lego movies and the new live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, has been tapped as the new head of film for Netflix, according to sources.
Lin steps into the role vacated by Scott Stuber, who announced in January he would step down in March.
Lin’s name had been in the mix since the early days of the headhunting, along with former Disney executive Sean Bailey and Twilight producer Wyck Godfrey, among a handful of others. Bailey seemed like the choice until he wasn’t, with the Feb. 26 shake-up at Disney resulting in his departure after a 15-year run at the Burbank-based studio.
Making a deal with Lin was not a slam dunk. Lin remained strongly tied to Rideback, his prolific production company, and Rideback Rise, his equally robust nonprofit endeavor. The two entities proved to be stumbling blocks on previous occasions when...
Lin steps into the role vacated by Scott Stuber, who announced in January he would step down in March.
Lin’s name had been in the mix since the early days of the headhunting, along with former Disney executive Sean Bailey and Twilight producer Wyck Godfrey, among a handful of others. Bailey seemed like the choice until he wasn’t, with the Feb. 26 shake-up at Disney resulting in his departure after a 15-year run at the Burbank-based studio.
Making a deal with Lin was not a slam dunk. Lin remained strongly tied to Rideback, his prolific production company, and Rideback Rise, his equally robust nonprofit endeavor. The two entities proved to be stumbling blocks on previous occasions when...
- 2/28/2024
- by Borys Kit and Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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