Taraji P Henson will host a modern version of “Candid Camera” as the beloved show returns to air after its most recent reboot in 2014.
Henson is set to appear in the series, which is currently in development at Village Roadshow Unscripted Television and Candid Camera, alongside series veteran Peter Funt. She will also executive produce through her Tph Productions alongside Funt and Mark Itkin, who EPs through his Tough Lamb Media, Inc.
While the series will maintain the spirit of “Candid Camera” to “highlight our shared humanity through our ability to laugh at ourselves, and the new version will feature modern gags with the same infectious spirit,” per the official logline.
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“If this announcement is some kind of epic prank by Taraji and my friends at Village Roadshow, then I’ve really been had!” Funt said in a statement.
Henson is set to appear in the series, which is currently in development at Village Roadshow Unscripted Television and Candid Camera, alongside series veteran Peter Funt. She will also executive produce through her Tph Productions alongside Funt and Mark Itkin, who EPs through his Tough Lamb Media, Inc.
While the series will maintain the spirit of “Candid Camera” to “highlight our shared humanity through our ability to laugh at ourselves, and the new version will feature modern gags with the same infectious spirit,” per the official logline.
Also Read:
The Horror! ‘Queer Eye’ Makes Over a Fraternity House in Season 7 Trailer (Video)
“If this announcement is some kind of epic prank by Taraji and my friends at Village Roadshow, then I’ve really been had!” Funt said in a statement.
- 4/27/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Village Roadshow Unscripted Television is working with Candid Camera Inc. to develop a new version of the iconic Candid Camera series featuring Taraji P. Henson as host.
She will appear alongside series veteran and executive producer Peter Funt in the reboot, and will also executive produce through her Tph Productions, joining Mark Itkin and his Tough Lamb Media, Inc.
“The original Candid Camera had brought so much laughter into my home, and I look forward to joining Peter and Village Roadshow in spreading the joy to others in this modern-day reinterpretation,” said Henson in a statement.
“If this announcement is some kind of epic prank by Taraji and my friends at Village Roadshow, then I’ve really been had! There couldn’t be a better time to bring back Candid Camera. Folks need stress-free smiles more than ever. Our show has a lot in common with Ted Lasso — minus the cursing.
She will appear alongside series veteran and executive producer Peter Funt in the reboot, and will also executive produce through her Tph Productions, joining Mark Itkin and his Tough Lamb Media, Inc.
“The original Candid Camera had brought so much laughter into my home, and I look forward to joining Peter and Village Roadshow in spreading the joy to others in this modern-day reinterpretation,” said Henson in a statement.
“If this announcement is some kind of epic prank by Taraji and my friends at Village Roadshow, then I’ve really been had! There couldn’t be a better time to bring back Candid Camera. Folks need stress-free smiles more than ever. Our show has a lot in common with Ted Lasso — minus the cursing.
- 4/27/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Taraji P. Henson has signed on to join Village Roadshow Unscripted Television and Candid Camera Inc. as the companies look to revamp their “Candid Camera” series. She will appear alongside series veteran and executive producer Peter Funt.
The new version of the series is said to “feature modern gags with the same infectious spirit” of the original show.
“If this announcement is some kind of epic prank by Taraji and my friends at Village Roadshow, then I’ve really been had! There couldn’t be a better time to bring back Candid Camera. Folks need stress-free smiles more than ever. Our show has a lot in common with ‘Ted Lasso’ — minus the cursing. We celebrate humanity and good sportsmanship, and we manage to do it with a lot of laughs,” said Funt.
Henson adds: “The original Candid Camera had brought so much laughter into my home, and I look forward...
The new version of the series is said to “feature modern gags with the same infectious spirit” of the original show.
“If this announcement is some kind of epic prank by Taraji and my friends at Village Roadshow, then I’ve really been had! There couldn’t be a better time to bring back Candid Camera. Folks need stress-free smiles more than ever. Our show has a lot in common with ‘Ted Lasso’ — minus the cursing. We celebrate humanity and good sportsmanship, and we manage to do it with a lot of laughs,” said Funt.
Henson adds: “The original Candid Camera had brought so much laughter into my home, and I look forward...
- 4/27/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Former The Real co-host Jeannie Mai Jenkins has been tapped as host of America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation on Amazon Freevee. The 10-episode cooking competition series premieres December 9, with new episodes airing weekly until February 10 exclusively on Amazon Freevee in the U.S. and UK.
Each of the 11 contestants will present their dishes throughout a series of challenges that test their culinary abilities and on-camera personality. Each week, the contestants will stand in front of the judges’ panel, composed of America’s Test Kitchen alums Dan Souza, Elle Simone Scott, Jack Bishop, and Julia Collin Davison, as well as special guest judges. The last cook standing will become the newest face of America’s Test Kitchen, have the opportunity to write their own cookbook, and receive a 100,000 prize.
America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation is executive produced by David Lonner, David Nussbaum, Jack Bishop, Mark Levine, Madeline Langlieb,...
Each of the 11 contestants will present their dishes throughout a series of challenges that test their culinary abilities and on-camera personality. Each week, the contestants will stand in front of the judges’ panel, composed of America’s Test Kitchen alums Dan Souza, Elle Simone Scott, Jack Bishop, and Julia Collin Davison, as well as special guest judges. The last cook standing will become the newest face of America’s Test Kitchen, have the opportunity to write their own cookbook, and receive a 100,000 prize.
America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation is executive produced by David Lonner, David Nussbaum, Jack Bishop, Mark Levine, Madeline Langlieb,...
- 10/18/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Freevee, the ad-funded streaming service, has unveiled a raft of renewals, unscripted orders and developments following its rebrand from IMDb TV.
The company unveiled the service’s new name at the start of April, and it went live near at the end of the month. It unveiled the news at its NewFronts advertising event in New York.
Bosch: Legacy, the spinoff of the long-running Amazon crime series, has been renewed ahead of its premiere with Lauren Anderson, who is Co-Head of Content & Programming alongside Ryan Pirozzi, teasing potential plans for even more series in the Bosch universe. It also has renewed LeBron James-exec produced docuseries Top Class: The Life and Times of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers for a third and fourth season.
2022 Amazon Freevee Pilots & Series Orders
In addition to a short-term film deal with Disney, the streamer handed series orders to unscripted formats America’s Test Kitchen:...
The company unveiled the service’s new name at the start of April, and it went live near at the end of the month. It unveiled the news at its NewFronts advertising event in New York.
Bosch: Legacy, the spinoff of the long-running Amazon crime series, has been renewed ahead of its premiere with Lauren Anderson, who is Co-Head of Content & Programming alongside Ryan Pirozzi, teasing potential plans for even more series in the Bosch universe. It also has renewed LeBron James-exec produced docuseries Top Class: The Life and Times of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers for a third and fourth season.
2022 Amazon Freevee Pilots & Series Orders
In addition to a short-term film deal with Disney, the streamer handed series orders to unscripted formats America’s Test Kitchen:...
- 5/2/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Freevee, formerly known as IMDb TV, is increasing its slate of original programming. The service announced several pickups during its Newfronts presentations on Monday.
The new projects include “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation,” “Beyond Black Beauty,” “Play Doh Squished” and “Post Malone: Runaway.”
Freevee also picked up a second season of “Bosch: Legacy,” as well as two more seasons of “Top Class: The Life and Times of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers.”
“Amazon Freevee is a trailblazer in the AVOD space, reimagining, redefining, and leveling up the quality of content offered by a free streaming service,” Lauren Anderson and Ryan Pirozzi, co-heads of content and programming, Amazon Freevee, said in a joint statement. “By developing and programming inspired, fan-favorite Original series and movies — produced and delivered by Amazon Studios in partnership with some of the industry’s best creators and studio partners — and by securing exclusive, highly sought licensed content,...
The new projects include “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation,” “Beyond Black Beauty,” “Play Doh Squished” and “Post Malone: Runaway.”
Freevee also picked up a second season of “Bosch: Legacy,” as well as two more seasons of “Top Class: The Life and Times of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers.”
“Amazon Freevee is a trailblazer in the AVOD space, reimagining, redefining, and leveling up the quality of content offered by a free streaming service,” Lauren Anderson and Ryan Pirozzi, co-heads of content and programming, Amazon Freevee, said in a joint statement. “By developing and programming inspired, fan-favorite Original series and movies — produced and delivered by Amazon Studios in partnership with some of the industry’s best creators and studio partners — and by securing exclusive, highly sought licensed content,...
- 5/2/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
NBC is bringing back College Bowl for a second season.
Hosts Peyton Manning and Cooper Manning will return for the sophomore season along with a new showrunner. Harry Friedman, who spent 25 years exec producing Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, will oversee the show as showrunner and exec producer.
Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV Shows Ended Or Continuing In 2021-22 Season
The show, which is a reboot of the game that originally aired on radio stations in 1953 before moving to TV in 1959, launched in June 2021. It features teams representing various colleges competing in a series of question round – 16 elite teams representing some of the nation’s top schools will go head-to-head.
The winning team will take home a scholarship with sponsor Capital One awarding 1M in tuition assistance.
Friedman, who recently teamed up with former Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron on a new take on Tic-Tac-Dough for NBCUniversal, replaces The Titan Games...
Hosts Peyton Manning and Cooper Manning will return for the sophomore season along with a new showrunner. Harry Friedman, who spent 25 years exec producing Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, will oversee the show as showrunner and exec producer.
Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV Shows Ended Or Continuing In 2021-22 Season
The show, which is a reboot of the game that originally aired on radio stations in 1953 before moving to TV in 1959, launched in June 2021. It features teams representing various colleges competing in a series of question round – 16 elite teams representing some of the nation’s top schools will go head-to-head.
The winning team will take home a scholarship with sponsor Capital One awarding 1M in tuition assistance.
Friedman, who recently teamed up with former Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron on a new take on Tic-Tac-Dough for NBCUniversal, replaces The Titan Games...
- 4/28/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Longtime executive producer Harry Friedman is coming out of retirement to serve as showrunner for the upcoming second season of NBC’s “Capital One College Bowl.”
Friedman had previously retired in 2019, concluding a successful 25-year run as executive producer on Sony Pictures Television’s “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Friedman was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after leaving the pair of game shows.
The hire reunites Friedman with Village Roadshow Entertainment Group CEO Steve Mosko, whose Village Roadshow TV produces “College Bowl” with Universal TV Alternative Studio. Mosko was previously chairman of Sony Pictures TV.
Friedman holds a Guinness World Record for having produced more game show episodes than anybody else in history. Friedman has won 19 Emmy Awards over his career, including two in the same category in a tie with himself — the only such incident in the awards body’s history.
“If we had kept on the same trajectory,...
Friedman had previously retired in 2019, concluding a successful 25-year run as executive producer on Sony Pictures Television’s “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Friedman was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after leaving the pair of game shows.
The hire reunites Friedman with Village Roadshow Entertainment Group CEO Steve Mosko, whose Village Roadshow TV produces “College Bowl” with Universal TV Alternative Studio. Mosko was previously chairman of Sony Pictures TV.
Friedman holds a Guinness World Record for having produced more game show episodes than anybody else in history. Friedman has won 19 Emmy Awards over his career, including two in the same category in a tie with himself — the only such incident in the awards body’s history.
“If we had kept on the same trajectory,...
- 4/28/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
School may be out in summer, but not this year. “College Bowl,” the quiz show that challenged college students and aired on broadcast TV for more than a decade, is poised to make a comeback on NBC as a series starting in June.
Football great Peyton Manning will host the program, which aired on radio stations in the 1950s before moving to CBS and then NBC between 1959 and 1970, and will be assisted by his brother, Cooper Manning. In each show, teams of three representing some of the nation’s top schools must work together to answer questions on a wide variety of subjects. The top two schools advance to the final, where they compete head-to-head for the Capital One College Bowl trophy and a scholarship to put toward their education. Participating schools include University of Alabama, Auburn University, Columbia University, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, Ole Miss, Morehouse College,...
Football great Peyton Manning will host the program, which aired on radio stations in the 1950s before moving to CBS and then NBC between 1959 and 1970, and will be assisted by his brother, Cooper Manning. In each show, teams of three representing some of the nation’s top schools must work together to answer questions on a wide variety of subjects. The top two schools advance to the final, where they compete head-to-head for the Capital One College Bowl trophy and a scholarship to put toward their education. Participating schools include University of Alabama, Auburn University, Columbia University, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, Ole Miss, Morehouse College,...
- 4/12/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBC is down to play “College Bowl” again, with new host Peyton Manning.
The network has ordered a 10-episode, straight-to-series revival of the quiz show hosted by the former NFL player and two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback. A premiere date has yet to be announced.
“I’ve always loved intense college competition, so I’m thrilled to be part of the team bringing back ‘College Bowl,'” said Manning. “Having personally seen the profound impact scholarships can make on deserving students, I can’t wait for the moment when we get to award life-changing scholarships to the winning team.”
The series will pit teams of college students head-to-head in a battle of scholarships and the title of “College Bowl” champions. Twelve selected schools will compete in a bracketed tournament over four rounds, in which teams vie for the most points.
“College Bowl” hails from Universal Television Alternative Studio and Steve Mosko’s Village Roadshow Television.
The network has ordered a 10-episode, straight-to-series revival of the quiz show hosted by the former NFL player and two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback. A premiere date has yet to be announced.
“I’ve always loved intense college competition, so I’m thrilled to be part of the team bringing back ‘College Bowl,'” said Manning. “Having personally seen the profound impact scholarships can make on deserving students, I can’t wait for the moment when we get to award life-changing scholarships to the winning team.”
The series will pit teams of college students head-to-head in a battle of scholarships and the title of “College Bowl” champions. Twelve selected schools will compete in a bracketed tournament over four rounds, in which teams vie for the most points.
“College Bowl” hails from Universal Television Alternative Studio and Steve Mosko’s Village Roadshow Television.
- 11/24/2020
- by Janet W. Lee
- Variety Film + TV
NBC is bringing back gameshow College Bowl with NFL legend Peyton Manning hosting.
The Colts star will front the series, which was handed a ten-episode order by the network.
Steve Mosko’s Village Roadshow and Universal Television Alternative Studio will produce in association with Mark Itkin’s Tough Lamb Media. The Titan Games exec producer David Friedman will be showrunner.
The series, which originally aired on radio stations in 1953 before moving to CBS between 1959 and 1963 and NBC between 1963 and 1970, featured two four-member teams representing various colleges competing in a series of question rounds.
Participating teams will be selected from schools of all sizes with the individuals receiving a scholarship for participating. The winning team members will have a chance to take home even bigger scholarships, as well as bragging rights.
College Bowl will be executive produced by Peyton Manning, Cooper Manning, Eli Manning, Richard Reid via Richard Reid Productions, and...
The Colts star will front the series, which was handed a ten-episode order by the network.
Steve Mosko’s Village Roadshow and Universal Television Alternative Studio will produce in association with Mark Itkin’s Tough Lamb Media. The Titan Games exec producer David Friedman will be showrunner.
The series, which originally aired on radio stations in 1953 before moving to CBS between 1959 and 1963 and NBC between 1963 and 1970, featured two four-member teams representing various colleges competing in a series of question rounds.
Participating teams will be selected from schools of all sizes with the individuals receiving a scholarship for participating. The winning team members will have a chance to take home even bigger scholarships, as well as bragging rights.
College Bowl will be executive produced by Peyton Manning, Cooper Manning, Eli Manning, Richard Reid via Richard Reid Productions, and...
- 11/24/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC is ready to play College Bowl again.
The network has handed out a 10-episode, straight-to-series order for a revival of the quiz show hosted by former NFL great Peyton Manning. A premiere date has not yet been determined.
The series, which pits teams of college students head-to-head for scholarship funds and bragging rights, hails from Universal Television Alternative Studio and Steve Mosko’s Village Roadshow. The company heavily pursued the licensing rights for the original long-running series, reimagined the concept and secured Manning as its host. Former WME partner and unscripted guru Mark Itkin will also exec produce via his ...
The network has handed out a 10-episode, straight-to-series order for a revival of the quiz show hosted by former NFL great Peyton Manning. A premiere date has not yet been determined.
The series, which pits teams of college students head-to-head for scholarship funds and bragging rights, hails from Universal Television Alternative Studio and Steve Mosko’s Village Roadshow. The company heavily pursued the licensing rights for the original long-running series, reimagined the concept and secured Manning as its host. Former WME partner and unscripted guru Mark Itkin will also exec produce via his ...
- 11/24/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
NBC is ready to play College Bowl again.
The network has handed out a 10-episode, straight-to-series order for a revival of the quiz show hosted by former NFL great Peyton Manning. A premiere date has not yet been determined.
The series, which pits teams of college students head to head for scholarship funds and bragging rights, hails from Universal Television Alternative Studio and Steve Mosko’s Village Roadshow. The company heavily pursued the licensing rights for the original long-running series, reimagined the concept and secured Manning as its host. Former WME partner and unscripted guru Mark Itkin will also exec produce ...
The network has handed out a 10-episode, straight-to-series order for a revival of the quiz show hosted by former NFL great Peyton Manning. A premiere date has not yet been determined.
The series, which pits teams of college students head to head for scholarship funds and bragging rights, hails from Universal Television Alternative Studio and Steve Mosko’s Village Roadshow. The company heavily pursued the licensing rights for the original long-running series, reimagined the concept and secured Manning as its host. Former WME partner and unscripted guru Mark Itkin will also exec produce ...
- 11/24/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Mark Itkin, former WME partner and a doyen of the international formats and unscripted world, has joined the board of Plimsoll Productions.
Itkin, who is based in LA and New York, will work closely with CEO Grant Mansfield and VP, Production and Development Saul Goldberg as the Hostile Planet and Yellowstone Live producer focuses on the U.S. market.
He will advise on strategy across the group with a focus on creating and packaging non-scripted content for the U.S. Plimsoll currently has 18 series in production around the world and recently made Netflix’s Night on Earth and Tiny World for Apple+. The company also secured multi-million-dollar investment from private equity firm Ldc last year.
Itkin retired from the agency business in 2015. Regarded as one of the architects of the modern syndication model and the proliferation of the non-scripted genre, Itkin, who came from the Wma side of WME,...
Itkin, who is based in LA and New York, will work closely with CEO Grant Mansfield and VP, Production and Development Saul Goldberg as the Hostile Planet and Yellowstone Live producer focuses on the U.S. market.
He will advise on strategy across the group with a focus on creating and packaging non-scripted content for the U.S. Plimsoll currently has 18 series in production around the world and recently made Netflix’s Night on Earth and Tiny World for Apple+. The company also secured multi-million-dollar investment from private equity firm Ldc last year.
Itkin retired from the agency business in 2015. Regarded as one of the architects of the modern syndication model and the proliferation of the non-scripted genre, Itkin, who came from the Wma side of WME,...
- 10/7/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: I’ve learned that A24 will team on the Ronnie Spector film with New Regency. The two partnered previously on the Robert Eggers-directed The Lighthouse, and they are part of the Malcolm & Marie film.
Exclusive: A24 is putting together a film package that will have Emmy-winning Euphoria star Zendaya attached to play singer Ronnie Spector in a film about her life. Deals have just closed for Spector’s life rights and for Be My Baby, the memoir she wrote with Vince Waldron. I’m hearing that early conversations are happening with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury to write the script.
The film will be produced by Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Mark Itkin, Tom Shelly and Zendaya. Jonathan Greenfield and Spector will be the exec producers.
Much the way that Aretha Franklin personally endorsed Jennifer Hudson to play her in the upcoming MGM biopic Respect, Spector chose...
Exclusive: A24 is putting together a film package that will have Emmy-winning Euphoria star Zendaya attached to play singer Ronnie Spector in a film about her life. Deals have just closed for Spector’s life rights and for Be My Baby, the memoir she wrote with Vince Waldron. I’m hearing that early conversations are happening with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury to write the script.
The film will be produced by Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Mark Itkin, Tom Shelly and Zendaya. Jonathan Greenfield and Spector will be the exec producers.
Much the way that Aretha Franklin personally endorsed Jennifer Hudson to play her in the upcoming MGM biopic Respect, Spector chose...
- 9/29/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
June 1, 2019 marks the official 10-year anniversary of the William Morris Agency-Endeavor merger. It wasn’t a marriage of equals, with 14-year-old Endeavor, then valued at $100 million-plus, joining forces with a Hollywood royalty, the 111-year-old Wma valued at more than twice as much. But, in one of the most shocking Hollywood takeovers, it was Endeavor, with its 80 agents, that came up on top, taking advantage of the existing fractures within Wma leadership to take control of the bigger rival, which boasted more than 300 agents at the time.
“The Wma leadership was totally blindsided; they truly believed that they would be running the combined company,” one insider said. Indeed, Wma was supposed to control five of Wme’s nine board seats versus four for Endeavor, with Wma CEO Jim Wiatt leading Wme as chairman and Wma president Dave Wirtschafter as co-ceo alongside Endeavor toppers Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell.
But the...
“The Wma leadership was totally blindsided; they truly believed that they would be running the combined company,” one insider said. Indeed, Wma was supposed to control five of Wme’s nine board seats versus four for Endeavor, with Wma CEO Jim Wiatt leading Wme as chairman and Wma president Dave Wirtschafter as co-ceo alongside Endeavor toppers Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell.
But the...
- 6/1/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
I lifted this from an interview with Mark Itkin, veteran TV agent and partner at Wme, published on The Hollywood Reporter's website today, in which he discusses, quite candidly, his 3 decades in the industry, trials, triumphs, etc. One of the questions Itkin is asked is about projects he was involved with that "got away," and this is what he said in reply: "I thought Lee Daniels was going to do one with Oprah once, and then they had some issues and it didn't happen. It was a sitcom called 'Fanny.' It was about this black housekeeper from Arkansas who worked for a famous Brentwood couple. They loved her and she loved them, and they become family. Then one day, Fanny gets a...
- 12/17/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
After 34 years, Wme partner Mark Itkin — considered the doyen of syndication and unscripted representation — has announced his retirement from the agency business. He will continue with the company through 2015. His plans beyond that are unclear but Itkin, who is well respected in the TV community, still may stay involved in the entertainment industry in some way. For the last few years, Itkin had been co-running Wme’s unscripted department with partners Lance Klein, Sean…...
- 11/5/2015
- Deadline TV
Shortly after we broke the news of Fox President of Alternative Programming Mike Darnell‘s decision to depart the network after 18 years, I’ve got to speak to Darnell about the bombshell news. “I remember considering leaving the last time,” he said. “This happens every time my contract is up. It’s always an excruciating decision.” This time he couldn’t resist the temptation of other opportunities. “I love it here, but there are all these other things out there.” What are the things he’s most attracted to? “I will take a little time to feel my way through, but it will be something that is creative and exciting that has a sense of entrepreneurship,” Darnell said, indicating that a career as a producer might be in the cards. He has already signed with Mark Itkin, the co-head of TV at Wme. Fox President Of Alternative Programming Mike Darnell...
- 5/24/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
I’ve learned that veteran reality agent and Wme partner Chris Newman has left to go to UTA, where he has joined the agency’s alternative department. UTA has been looking to bring in a senior reality agent following the October exit of partner and head of the alternative department Michael Camacho. The department is now being overseen by UTA board member Jay Sures. Newman is a 16-year Wme veteran who came from the Wma side of the company. After training under former Wma Vice Chairman Jerry Katzman and Evp Mark Itkin, Newman rose to VP in the TV Department of Wma before it merged with Endeavor to form Wme. His clients at Wme have included A. Smith & Co. (Hell’s Kitchen), Mission Control Media, David A. Hurwitz (Fear Factor), Clay Newbill (Shark Tank) and Mike Richards (The Price Is Right). At Wma, he also worked with Ryan Seacrest, Jesse James and Arsenio Hall.
- 1/16/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
It’s a done deal. I’ve learned that FremantleMedia this week will announce the long-rumored appointment of Thom Beers as CEO of FremantleMedia North America. The prolific producer will succeed longtime Fmna CEO Cécile Frot-Coutaz who on July 1st assumed her new position as CEO of the entire FremantleMedia company, which is owned by Rtl. Beers is already in the Fmna fold after the company acquired 75% in his Original Prods. in 2009 for a reported $50 million. He also held a CEO title for 13 years, since launching his Original Prods in 1999. He remained Original CEO after the company’s acquisition by Fmna. There have been a slew of rumored candidates for the Fmna CEO job since Frot-Coutaz’s promotion was announced in April. The list included outside contenders as well as a strong internal candidate, COO Donna Redier Linsk. Beers has produced more than 1,400 hours of original programming, including some of...
- 8/28/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Robin McGraw, author, TV personality and wife of Dr. Phil McGraw, has signed with Wme. McGraw has written a pair of New York Times best-sellers, "Inside My Heart: Choosing to Live with Passion and Purpose" and "What's Age Got to Do with It?: Living Your Happiest and Healthiest Life."' She is working on her third book, which like the first two, will guide women through their lives, particularly adult women seeking greater fulfillment. Mark Itkin, a Wme board member, signed her. McGraw often appears on her husband's daytime talk show, "Dr. Phil" and is...
- 7/30/2012
- by Lucas Shaw
- The Wrap
William Morris' top scripted TV agent, Aaron Kaplan, is leaving to launch a management and production company.
Kaplan, an 18-year Wma veteran, rose to worldwide head of scripted television and packaging after joining the agency's mailroom in 1991.
His exit comes as Wma and Endeavor are going through the regulatory process to finalize their merger into Wme Entertainment.
Kaplan's departure is said to be amicable. The agent, in the midst of an ongoing contract at Wma, had been asked to stay on in the new entity, but after weighing his options, he made the decision Saturday to leave and start a new company.
Details on Kaplan's new company are being worked out, but it is envisioned as a provider of wide range of content.
Kaplan is expected to stay on at Wma to help with transitioning his clients, who include Barry Sonnenfeld, Carlton Cuse, Darren Star and Jenji Kohan.
It is...
Kaplan, an 18-year Wma veteran, rose to worldwide head of scripted television and packaging after joining the agency's mailroom in 1991.
His exit comes as Wma and Endeavor are going through the regulatory process to finalize their merger into Wme Entertainment.
Kaplan's departure is said to be amicable. The agent, in the midst of an ongoing contract at Wma, had been asked to stay on in the new entity, but after weighing his options, he made the decision Saturday to leave and start a new company.
Details on Kaplan's new company are being worked out, but it is envisioned as a provider of wide range of content.
Kaplan is expected to stay on at Wma to help with transitioning his clients, who include Barry Sonnenfeld, Carlton Cuse, Darren Star and Jenji Kohan.
It is...
- 5/17/2009
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Wma board meeting Tuesday afternoon likely was one of the more tense in the storied history of the 120-year-old agency. That's because the 20-member body has to grapple with the fact that a merger with Endeavor means Wma agents on the combined board likely will total just five or six, to mirror the number that comes from the other side.
Many Wma stalwarts soon will have their noses out of joint and their resumes ready if they aren't on the new team.
Among the strongest contenders to be on a combined board, other than Wma CEO Jim Wiatt and president David Wirtschafter, are COO Irv Weintraub, motion picture head John Fogelman and New York-based literary co-head Jennifer Rudolph Walsh. That could leave a lot of heavyweights standing when the music stops, including reality chieftains Mark Itkin and John Ferriter as well as music maven Peter Grosslight. (Reality and music...
Many Wma stalwarts soon will have their noses out of joint and their resumes ready if they aren't on the new team.
Among the strongest contenders to be on a combined board, other than Wma CEO Jim Wiatt and president David Wirtschafter, are COO Irv Weintraub, motion picture head John Fogelman and New York-based literary co-head Jennifer Rudolph Walsh. That could leave a lot of heavyweights standing when the music stops, including reality chieftains Mark Itkin and John Ferriter as well as music maven Peter Grosslight. (Reality and music...
- 4/21/2009
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Beverly Drive likely WMA-Endeavor home
Commentary: Chemistry will be key to merger's success
Endeavor and WMA, two of Hollywood's top-tier talent agencies, have all but tied the knot. Now the town is waiting anxiously for them to announce a wedding date.
Discussions between the companies have been taking place for months, but they reached a crescendo in recent weeks. Barring any last-minute glitches, a formal announcement is expected imminently, though neither firm would comment about the merger status during the weekend.
A deal would unite 14-year-old upstart Endeavor with venerable WMA, founded in 1898, and create a powerhouse in the agency world. The combo would realign the entire agenting biz, affecting every player from top dog CAA to the smallest boutique.
"It will be a viable competitor to CAA," said one rival agent, though most observers still concede CAA will remain the town's dominant player.
Although details of the structure...
Commentary: Chemistry will be key to merger's success
Endeavor and WMA, two of Hollywood's top-tier talent agencies, have all but tied the knot. Now the town is waiting anxiously for them to announce a wedding date.
Discussions between the companies have been taking place for months, but they reached a crescendo in recent weeks. Barring any last-minute glitches, a formal announcement is expected imminently, though neither firm would comment about the merger status during the weekend.
A deal would unite 14-year-old upstart Endeavor with venerable WMA, founded in 1898, and create a powerhouse in the agency world. The combo would realign the entire agenting biz, affecting every player from top dog CAA to the smallest boutique.
"It will be a viable competitor to CAA," said one rival agent, though most observers still concede CAA will remain the town's dominant player.
Although details of the structure...
- 4/20/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bea Arthur, Larry Gelbart, Merv Griffin, Daniel Burke, Tom Murphy and Sherwood Schwartz have been chosen as the latest inductees into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame "is a special recognition for those who have made significant contributions and have left an indelible mark on the television business," ATAS chairman and CEO John Shaffner said.
Hall of Fame candidates are submitted from the academy's membership and the industry at large to the Hall of Fame selection committee, which votes upon the final decision. The committee comprises chairman Mark Itkin, Fred Silverman, Brian Graden, Mike Darnell, Courtney Cox and Anne Sweeney.
The inductees' "respective careers have stood the test of time, and their accomplishments extend over decades," Itkin said.
Arthur is a two-time Emmy-winning and a Tony-winning comedienne-actress-singer best known for her roles on the comedies "Maude" and "The Golden Girls".
Comedy writer Gelbart, also an Emmy and Tony winner, has more than 60 years of credits, including "M*A*S*H," "Tootsie", "Oh, God!" and "Blame It on Rio".
Emmy winner Griffin, who died in August, hosted the long-running talker "The Merv Griffin Show" and created the game shows "Jeopardy!" "Wheel of Fortune" and, most recently, "Merv Griffin's Crosswords".
Burke was president of Capital Cities Communications for 22 years and CEO of Capital Cities/ABC until his retirement in 1994.
The Hall of Fame "is a special recognition for those who have made significant contributions and have left an indelible mark on the television business," ATAS chairman and CEO John Shaffner said.
Hall of Fame candidates are submitted from the academy's membership and the industry at large to the Hall of Fame selection committee, which votes upon the final decision. The committee comprises chairman Mark Itkin, Fred Silverman, Brian Graden, Mike Darnell, Courtney Cox and Anne Sweeney.
The inductees' "respective careers have stood the test of time, and their accomplishments extend over decades," Itkin said.
Arthur is a two-time Emmy-winning and a Tony-winning comedienne-actress-singer best known for her roles on the comedies "Maude" and "The Golden Girls".
Comedy writer Gelbart, also an Emmy and Tony winner, has more than 60 years of credits, including "M*A*S*H," "Tootsie", "Oh, God!" and "Blame It on Rio".
Emmy winner Griffin, who died in August, hosted the long-running talker "The Merv Griffin Show" and created the game shows "Jeopardy!" "Wheel of Fortune" and, most recently, "Merv Griffin's Crosswords".
Burke was president of Capital Cities Communications for 22 years and CEO of Capital Cities/ABC until his retirement in 1994.
- 4/17/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bea Arthur, Larry Gelbart, Merv Griffin, Daniel Burke, Tom Murphy and Sherwood Schwartz have been chosen as the latest inductees into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame "is a special recognition for those who have made significant contributions and have left an indelible mark on the television business," ATAS chairman and CEO John Shaffner said.
Hall of Fame candidates are submitted from the academy's membership and the industry at large to the Hall of Fame selection committee, which votes upon the final decision. The committee comprises chairman Mark Itkin, Fred Silverman, Brian Graden, Mike Darnell, Courtney Cox and Anne Sweeney.
The inductees' "respective careers have stood the test of time, and their accomplishments extend over decades," Itkin said.
Arthur is a two-time Emmy-winning and a Tony-winning comedienne-actress-singer best known for her roles on the comedies Maude and The Golden Girls.
Comedy writer Gelbart, also an Emmy and Tony winner, has more than 60 years of credits, including M*A*S*H, Tootsie, Oh, God! and Blame It on Rio.
Emmy winner Griffin, who died in August, hosted the long-running talker The Merv Griffin Show and created the game shows "Jeopardy!" Wheel of Fortune and, most recently, Merv Griffin's Crosswords.
Burke was president of Capital Cities Communications for 22 years and CEO of Capital Cities/ABC until his retirement in 1994.
The Hall of Fame "is a special recognition for those who have made significant contributions and have left an indelible mark on the television business," ATAS chairman and CEO John Shaffner said.
Hall of Fame candidates are submitted from the academy's membership and the industry at large to the Hall of Fame selection committee, which votes upon the final decision. The committee comprises chairman Mark Itkin, Fred Silverman, Brian Graden, Mike Darnell, Courtney Cox and Anne Sweeney.
The inductees' "respective careers have stood the test of time, and their accomplishments extend over decades," Itkin said.
Arthur is a two-time Emmy-winning and a Tony-winning comedienne-actress-singer best known for her roles on the comedies Maude and The Golden Girls.
Comedy writer Gelbart, also an Emmy and Tony winner, has more than 60 years of credits, including M*A*S*H, Tootsie, Oh, God! and Blame It on Rio.
Emmy winner Griffin, who died in August, hosted the long-running talker The Merv Griffin Show and created the game shows "Jeopardy!" Wheel of Fortune and, most recently, Merv Griffin's Crosswords.
Burke was president of Capital Cities Communications for 22 years and CEO of Capital Cities/ABC until his retirement in 1994.
- 4/17/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mark Itkin, Peter Roth, Nancy Tellem and Bob Wright have been named recipients of NATPE's fifth annual Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Awards.
The awards are set to be handed out Jan. 28 during the NATPE's 2008 Conference & Exhibition at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The recipients were selected by NATPE's Executive Committee.
Itkin is executive vp and worldwide co-head of television and a member of the board of directors at WMA.
Roth became president of Warner Bros. Television in 1999 and last year expanded his duties to include heading the newly created Warner Horizon Television.
Tellem was promoted to the newly created position of CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group president in September 2004, overseeing the network and production studio as well as CBS' interests in the CW.
Wright, former chairman and CEO of NBC Universal, is vice chairman of the board, executive officer and a member of the Corporate Executive Office of its parent company General Electric.
The awards are set to be handed out Jan. 28 during the NATPE's 2008 Conference & Exhibition at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The recipients were selected by NATPE's Executive Committee.
Itkin is executive vp and worldwide co-head of television and a member of the board of directors at WMA.
Roth became president of Warner Bros. Television in 1999 and last year expanded his duties to include heading the newly created Warner Horizon Television.
Tellem was promoted to the newly created position of CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group president in September 2004, overseeing the network and production studio as well as CBS' interests in the CW.
Wright, former chairman and CEO of NBC Universal, is vice chairman of the board, executive officer and a member of the Corporate Executive Office of its parent company General Electric.
- 10/17/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fox's reality guru Mike Darnell and "American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe sparred at a lively panel discussion Thursday night about Britain's role in the reality boom on American television.
At the BAFTA event entitled "Another British Invasion", hosted by BAFTA and CAA, the two fired several back-and-forth zingers good enough to land them their own improv show.
"He's either a brilliant programr or an evil genius bent on hastening the end of civilization as we know it," Lythgoe, who moderated the panel, said in introducing Darnell.
"The latter", Darnell chimed in.
On another instance, Lythgoe turned to Darnell: "You've been a great leader, and when you've not led, you've copied." The barb, which drew laughs from the audience, was a reference to Darnell's reputation for launching copycat shows of his competitors' hits.
"But I've led the copying", Darnell replied.
And when Lythgoe, who serves as judge on Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance", asked what Americans like about British on-air talent, Darnell was quick to note, "Not much, Nigel".
On a more serious note, the panel that included WMA's Mark Itkin, CAA's Michael Camacho and CBS" Ghen Maynard, agreed that there is a lot to like about British presenters hosting U.S reality series.
At the BAFTA event entitled "Another British Invasion", hosted by BAFTA and CAA, the two fired several back-and-forth zingers good enough to land them their own improv show.
"He's either a brilliant programr or an evil genius bent on hastening the end of civilization as we know it," Lythgoe, who moderated the panel, said in introducing Darnell.
"The latter", Darnell chimed in.
On another instance, Lythgoe turned to Darnell: "You've been a great leader, and when you've not led, you've copied." The barb, which drew laughs from the audience, was a reference to Darnell's reputation for launching copycat shows of his competitors' hits.
"But I've led the copying", Darnell replied.
And when Lythgoe, who serves as judge on Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance", asked what Americans like about British on-air talent, Darnell was quick to note, "Not much, Nigel".
On a more serious note, the panel that included WMA's Mark Itkin, CAA's Michael Camacho and CBS" Ghen Maynard, agreed that there is a lot to like about British presenters hosting U.S reality series.
- 9/16/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mark Itkin, executive vp and worldwide co-head of television at WMA, has been named chairman of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
ATAS' Hall of Fame honors individuals or programs that have made outstanding contributions in the arts, sciences or management of telecommunications. The most recent honorees were Tom Brokaw, James Burrows, Leonard Goldberg, Regis Philbin and William Shatner, who were inducted in June 2006.
"It's an honor to be able to head this committee -- to be a part of the process and select the true Hall of Fame in our business for me is a real honor," Itkin said, adding that he will start putting together his committee and meeting to select the next group of inductees soon.
Itkin said an announcement on the next Hall of Fame selections likely would come sometime next year.
ATAS chairman and CEO Dick Askin praised Itkin.
"We are confident that he will do an excellent job in heading up this esteemed group," Askin said.
ATAS' Hall of Fame honors individuals or programs that have made outstanding contributions in the arts, sciences or management of telecommunications. The most recent honorees were Tom Brokaw, James Burrows, Leonard Goldberg, Regis Philbin and William Shatner, who were inducted in June 2006.
"It's an honor to be able to head this committee -- to be a part of the process and select the true Hall of Fame in our business for me is a real honor," Itkin said, adding that he will start putting together his committee and meeting to select the next group of inductees soon.
Itkin said an announcement on the next Hall of Fame selections likely would come sometime next year.
ATAS chairman and CEO Dick Askin praised Itkin.
"We are confident that he will do an excellent job in heading up this esteemed group," Askin said.
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