BBC boss Tim Davie has said he hasn’t ruled out an external investigation relating to the allegations against comedian Russell Brand.
Over the weekend Brand was the subject of an in-depth joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary strand “Dispatches” which alleged he had sexually assaulted and raped up to four women at the height of his fame. Brand has strenuously denied the allegations.
Davie was appearing in conversation at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge, U.K. where he was questioned by journalist Kate Bulkley.
Citing the ongoing investigation against BBC DJ Tim Westwood, who is currently the subject of another investigation led by an independent reviewer following allegations of sexual assault, and obliquely referring to the recent Huw Edwards scandal, Bulkley asked Davie “Who’s next?”
“These are very serious allegations,” Davie replied. “We just can’t be complacent.
Over the weekend Brand was the subject of an in-depth joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary strand “Dispatches” which alleged he had sexually assaulted and raped up to four women at the height of his fame. Brand has strenuously denied the allegations.
Davie was appearing in conversation at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge, U.K. where he was questioned by journalist Kate Bulkley.
Citing the ongoing investigation against BBC DJ Tim Westwood, who is currently the subject of another investigation led by an independent reviewer following allegations of sexual assault, and obliquely referring to the recent Huw Edwards scandal, Bulkley asked Davie “Who’s next?”
“These are very serious allegations,” Davie replied. “We just can’t be complacent.
- 9/20/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Stars: Alexandra Faye Sadeghian, Peter Johnson, Dominic Luongo, Nicole Colon, Bill Kennedy, Kim Piazza, Lynn Lowry, Tim O’Hearn | Written and Directed by Gregory Lamberson
Guns of Eden opens with Buffalo cops Megan (Alexandra Faye Sadeghian) and her partner Jeremy (Peter Johnson) running down a purse snatcher. However, when they find themselves in the middle of a convenience store robbery things don’t go as well and Megan shoots a fellow officer.
She resigns and takes up residence at the local bar until Jeremy finds her and suggests she join him and a couple of friends, friends Blake (Dominic Luongo) and Gabriella (Nicole Colon), on a camping trip. She’s initially reluctant but, since it would be a short movie otherwise, ends up going. But as they head out to the woods, something else is about to go down.
Sheriff Preacher (Bill Kennedy) is leading his men in prayer before they...
Guns of Eden opens with Buffalo cops Megan (Alexandra Faye Sadeghian) and her partner Jeremy (Peter Johnson) running down a purse snatcher. However, when they find themselves in the middle of a convenience store robbery things don’t go as well and Megan shoots a fellow officer.
She resigns and takes up residence at the local bar until Jeremy finds her and suggests she join him and a couple of friends, friends Blake (Dominic Luongo) and Gabriella (Nicole Colon), on a camping trip. She’s initially reluctant but, since it would be a short movie otherwise, ends up going. But as they head out to the woods, something else is about to go down.
Sheriff Preacher (Bill Kennedy) is leading his men in prayer before they...
- 11/11/2022
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
Exclusive: Makeready has hired Negin Salmasi to become a production and development executive for film and television. She will report to Makeready Principals, Pam Abdy and Peter Johnson, who oversee film and television.
Salmasi moves from See-Saw Films, where she headed that company’s U.S. office in Los Angeles, overseeing the creative affairs of all Us Film and TV projects. There she worked on films that include the Steve McQueen-directed Widows, the Simon Beaufoy-scripted A Special Relationship, which Bertie+Bertie will direct with Rachel Weisz starring, and Ammonite, the Francis Lee-directed drama that stars Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, among other films.
Prior to that, Salmasi was a Film/TV Development Executive at Pascal Pictures, where she worked on projects including Cleopatra, Maestra and Sweethearts of Rhythm. Salmasi started her career at William Morris Endeavor and her other previous stints included Fox Searchlight and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment.
Salmasi moves from See-Saw Films, where she headed that company’s U.S. office in Los Angeles, overseeing the creative affairs of all Us Film and TV projects. There she worked on films that include the Steve McQueen-directed Widows, the Simon Beaufoy-scripted A Special Relationship, which Bertie+Bertie will direct with Rachel Weisz starring, and Ammonite, the Francis Lee-directed drama that stars Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, among other films.
Prior to that, Salmasi was a Film/TV Development Executive at Pascal Pictures, where she worked on projects including Cleopatra, Maestra and Sweethearts of Rhythm. Salmasi started her career at William Morris Endeavor and her other previous stints included Fox Searchlight and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment.
- 11/18/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Veteran development executive and producer Peter Johnson has joined Makeready, Brad Weston’s independent studio and financier for film, television and branded content, as head of television.
Johnson, who recently departed Mrc after a two-year stint as President of Television Development, succeeds Scott Nemes who recently left Makeready to join Ucp as Evp Development and Current Programming.
At Mrc, Johnson worked on the company’s upcoming series The Great for Hulu and The Outsider for HBO.
Johnson previously served as Evp scripted at Legendary TV for four years. There, he oversaw such series as Colony for USA, Love for Netflix, Lost in Space for Netflix and Looming Tower for Hulu. Prior to that he spent nine years at McG’s Wonderland Sound & Vision, serving as President of Television & Digital Media and Executive Producer of content and shepherding such shows as Supernatural, Nikita, Chuck, Human Target and The Oc. Johnson...
Johnson, who recently departed Mrc after a two-year stint as President of Television Development, succeeds Scott Nemes who recently left Makeready to join Ucp as Evp Development and Current Programming.
At Mrc, Johnson worked on the company’s upcoming series The Great for Hulu and The Outsider for HBO.
Johnson previously served as Evp scripted at Legendary TV for four years. There, he oversaw such series as Colony for USA, Love for Netflix, Lost in Space for Netflix and Looming Tower for Hulu. Prior to that he spent nine years at McG’s Wonderland Sound & Vision, serving as President of Television & Digital Media and Executive Producer of content and shepherding such shows as Supernatural, Nikita, Chuck, Human Target and The Oc. Johnson...
- 7/25/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Mrc Television, the studio behind Netflix’s House of Cards and Ozark and Starz’s Counterpart, said Monday that it has promoted Jennifer Watson to Evp Production. She will continue to oversee all physical TV production for the company and report to Mrc TV president Elise Henderson.
Watson joined Mrc TV in June 2018 as Svp Production. She had been VP Production at Universal Cable Productions, where she worked on series including Suits, Pearson Defiance, Covert Affairs and Girlfriends’ Guild to Divorce and co-productions Colony, Queen of the South, Deadly Class and Ascension.
It’s the latest move for Henderson since coming aboard in April. She recently hired Starz’s Svp Original Programming Ken Segna as Evp and Head of Development, and Mary-Claire Manley, who joined as a VP from Ucp. Peter Johnson exited as Mrc President of Television Development in June.
“Jennifer is a phenomenal executive who brings the right mix of experience,...
Watson joined Mrc TV in June 2018 as Svp Production. She had been VP Production at Universal Cable Productions, where she worked on series including Suits, Pearson Defiance, Covert Affairs and Girlfriends’ Guild to Divorce and co-productions Colony, Queen of the South, Deadly Class and Ascension.
It’s the latest move for Henderson since coming aboard in April. She recently hired Starz’s Svp Original Programming Ken Segna as Evp and Head of Development, and Mary-Claire Manley, who joined as a VP from Ucp. Peter Johnson exited as Mrc President of Television Development in June.
“Jennifer is a phenomenal executive who brings the right mix of experience,...
- 7/8/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Mrc Television has named former Starz executive Ken Segna as executive vice president and head of development, the independent studio announced on Tuesday.
In his new role, Segna will be responsible for shepherding the studio’s development slate as it continues to expand in television. He will report to Mrc president Elise Henderson.
“Ken has amazing relationships, impeccable taste, and a knack for discovering and shaping compelling and entertaining stories,” Henderson said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to have him join Mrc Television to lead development efforts as we continue to grow.”
Also Read: Peter Johnson to Exit as Mrc's Head of TV Development
The news comes a few weeks after Peter Johnson announced he would step down as Mrc’s president of TV development following a two-year tenure.
“I’ve already been lucky enough to work with Mrc in my previous role and this is a tremendous opportunity...
In his new role, Segna will be responsible for shepherding the studio’s development slate as it continues to expand in television. He will report to Mrc president Elise Henderson.
“Ken has amazing relationships, impeccable taste, and a knack for discovering and shaping compelling and entertaining stories,” Henderson said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to have him join Mrc Television to lead development efforts as we continue to grow.”
Also Read: Peter Johnson to Exit as Mrc's Head of TV Development
The news comes a few weeks after Peter Johnson announced he would step down as Mrc’s president of TV development following a two-year tenure.
“I’ve already been lucky enough to work with Mrc in my previous role and this is a tremendous opportunity...
- 6/18/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Starz’s Svp Original Programming Ken Segna has left the pay cable network to join Mrc Television as Evp and Head of Development. Reporting to President Elise Henderson, he will shepherd the indie studio’s slate of development, working closely with creators and producers.
This marks the highest-profile hire to date for Ucp’s Elise Henderson since she joined Mrc as President of Television in April. She has been building up her team by bringing in several other executives, most notably Mary-Claire Manley who joined as a VP from Ucp. Segna’s appointment follows the recent departure of Peter Johnson as Mrc President of Television development.
“Ken has amazing relationships, impeccable taste, and a knack for discovering and shaping compelling and entertaining stories,” said Henderson. “We’re thrilled to have him join Mrc Television to lead development efforts as we continue to grow.”
Mrc’s TV series portfolio includes...
This marks the highest-profile hire to date for Ucp’s Elise Henderson since she joined Mrc as President of Television in April. She has been building up her team by bringing in several other executives, most notably Mary-Claire Manley who joined as a VP from Ucp. Segna’s appointment follows the recent departure of Peter Johnson as Mrc President of Television development.
“Ken has amazing relationships, impeccable taste, and a knack for discovering and shaping compelling and entertaining stories,” said Henderson. “We’re thrilled to have him join Mrc Television to lead development efforts as we continue to grow.”
Mrc’s TV series portfolio includes...
- 6/18/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
MarVista Entertainment has promoted Jennifer Westin to senior vice president, physical production, the company announced on Thursday.
In her new role, Westin will lead the recently formed physical production division and oversee production finance and post-production on all of MarVista’s original films, series and other forms of entertainment content. She will report to MarVista’s COO Tony Vassiliadis.
“With the significant increase of our development and production pipeline over the past few years, it’s crucial for us to create a physical production division in support of our rapid expansion,” MarVista CEO Fernando Szew said in a statement. “With Jennifer leading the team, we are in a position to provide efficient, cost-effective, centralized and superior levels of service to both the creative community and content platforms worldwide. And we are intentionally setting MarVista up for ongoing growth, expanding our physical production footprint around the world. International and cross-border productions...
In her new role, Westin will lead the recently formed physical production division and oversee production finance and post-production on all of MarVista’s original films, series and other forms of entertainment content. She will report to MarVista’s COO Tony Vassiliadis.
“With the significant increase of our development and production pipeline over the past few years, it’s crucial for us to create a physical production division in support of our rapid expansion,” MarVista CEO Fernando Szew said in a statement. “With Jennifer leading the team, we are in a position to provide efficient, cost-effective, centralized and superior levels of service to both the creative community and content platforms worldwide. And we are intentionally setting MarVista up for ongoing growth, expanding our physical production footprint around the world. International and cross-border productions...
- 6/6/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Mrc’s president of television development Peter Johnson is departing after two years in the role, Variety has learned.
The veteran producer, who was formerly Evp of scripted development at Legendary Television, oversaw the development and sale of Mrc’s TV projects, reporting to co-ceo Modi Wiczyk and COO Scott Tenley. Johnson’s move comes less than two months after Mrc tapped Ucp alumna Elise Henderson to head its TV department.
Mrc’s TV slate includes “Ozark,” “The Outsider,” which is set up at HBO, and “The Great” starring Nicholas Hoult and Elle Fanning at Hulu. The independent film and TV studio is also home to Netflix’s “House of Cards” and Starz’s “Counterpart.”
Prior to Legendary, where he oversaw shows such as Netflix’s “Love” and USA’s “Colony,” Johnson was head of TV at McG’s Wonderland Sound + Vision. Johnson spent nine years with Wonderland while it was based at Warner Bros.
The veteran producer, who was formerly Evp of scripted development at Legendary Television, oversaw the development and sale of Mrc’s TV projects, reporting to co-ceo Modi Wiczyk and COO Scott Tenley. Johnson’s move comes less than two months after Mrc tapped Ucp alumna Elise Henderson to head its TV department.
Mrc’s TV slate includes “Ozark,” “The Outsider,” which is set up at HBO, and “The Great” starring Nicholas Hoult and Elle Fanning at Hulu. The independent film and TV studio is also home to Netflix’s “House of Cards” and Starz’s “Counterpart.”
Prior to Legendary, where he oversaw shows such as Netflix’s “Love” and USA’s “Colony,” Johnson was head of TV at McG’s Wonderland Sound + Vision. Johnson spent nine years with Wonderland while it was based at Warner Bros.
- 6/4/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Peter Johnson is leaving Mrc as its president of TV development, where he has been for the past two years.
Johnson is leaving to pursue other opportunities including producing, an individual with knowledge of the decision tells TheWrap.
Johnson is leaving less than two months after Elise Henderson came over from Universal Content Productions to serve as its president of television.
Also Read: Mrc Hires Ucp's Elise Henderson as President of Television
Henderson oversees Mrc’s slate of in-development, current television programming, and the multiple joint venture and strategic production partnerships. Henderson was most recently senior vice president of development at Ucp, where she developed USA’s “Mr. Robot,” Syfy’s “Happy!” and Amazon’s “Homecoming.” She also helped the studio land the rights to Grant Morrison’s “The Invisibles” and George R.R. Martin’s “Wild Cards.”
Mrc’s TV series roster includes “Ozark” on Netflix, the upcoming “The Great” for Hulu,...
Johnson is leaving to pursue other opportunities including producing, an individual with knowledge of the decision tells TheWrap.
Johnson is leaving less than two months after Elise Henderson came over from Universal Content Productions to serve as its president of television.
Also Read: Mrc Hires Ucp's Elise Henderson as President of Television
Henderson oversees Mrc’s slate of in-development, current television programming, and the multiple joint venture and strategic production partnerships. Henderson was most recently senior vice president of development at Ucp, where she developed USA’s “Mr. Robot,” Syfy’s “Happy!” and Amazon’s “Homecoming.” She also helped the studio land the rights to Grant Morrison’s “The Invisibles” and George R.R. Martin’s “Wild Cards.”
Mrc’s TV series roster includes “Ozark” on Netflix, the upcoming “The Great” for Hulu,...
- 6/4/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Peter Johnson will be departing Mrc where he served as President of Television development for the past two years. He is leaving to pursue other opportunities, including producing.
Johnson’s exit follows a string of TV executive hires at Mrc over the past couple of months, led by Ucp’s Elise Henderson joining as President of Television, overseeing Mrc’s slate of development, current programming as well as joint venture and production partnerships. Since her appointment in April, Henderson has built up her team by bringing in several people, most notably Mary-Claire Manley who joined as a VP from Ucp.
Mrc’s TV series roster includes Ozark on Netflix and the upcoming The Great for Hulu, written by Tony McNamara and starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, and The Outsider for HBO, starring Ben Mendelsohn, with Jason Bateman directing and executive producing.
Veteran TV producer and development executive Johnson...
Johnson’s exit follows a string of TV executive hires at Mrc over the past couple of months, led by Ucp’s Elise Henderson joining as President of Television, overseeing Mrc’s slate of development, current programming as well as joint venture and production partnerships. Since her appointment in April, Henderson has built up her team by bringing in several people, most notably Mary-Claire Manley who joined as a VP from Ucp.
Mrc’s TV series roster includes Ozark on Netflix and the upcoming The Great for Hulu, written by Tony McNamara and starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, and The Outsider for HBO, starring Ben Mendelsohn, with Jason Bateman directing and executive producing.
Veteran TV producer and development executive Johnson...
- 6/4/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Ucp’s Elise Henderson has joined Mrc as President of Television. She will oversee Mrc’s slate of development, current programming as well as joint venture and production partnerships.
Henderson most recently served as Svp of Development for Ucp.. Mrc’s Peter Johnson, who was brought in two years ago, as President of Development, is expected to report to her.
“Elise is a unique talent with a proven history of success. She exhibits strong leadership, a clear vision for the future, and a deep background in both the agency and studio worlds,” Mrc said in a statement. “In our efforts to remain true to our DNA as we grow our business, Elise will be an exceptional addition to Mrc leadership.”
In her most recent role at Ucp, Henderson oversaw the development of such projects as USA Network’s Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated Mr. Robot, Syfy’s Happy!, and Amazon’s Homecoming.
Henderson most recently served as Svp of Development for Ucp.. Mrc’s Peter Johnson, who was brought in two years ago, as President of Development, is expected to report to her.
“Elise is a unique talent with a proven history of success. She exhibits strong leadership, a clear vision for the future, and a deep background in both the agency and studio worlds,” Mrc said in a statement. “In our efforts to remain true to our DNA as we grow our business, Elise will be an exceptional addition to Mrc leadership.”
In her most recent role at Ucp, Henderson oversaw the development of such projects as USA Network’s Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated Mr. Robot, Syfy’s Happy!, and Amazon’s Homecoming.
- 4/12/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
HumourTemple Monkeys is known for its edgy humour, and this time it’s the Chennai standup comedy scene that is the subject of its latest video. Tnm StaffTamil comedy group Temple Monkeys, which was one of the first YouTube channels in the language, is known for its edgy take on a wide variety of subjects concerning the state. From the Neet exam to Tn politics and pop culture, the channel has come up with several entertaining videos which pack a punch while getting the point across. The latest from the team takes on the standup comedy scene in Chennai, which has prominent comedians from the Brahmin community who are known to exhibit caste pride onstage. It’s not hard to guess which comedian in particular has been satirised in the video, but Sit Down Comedy, as it is titled, is much more than a critique of one person. The video...
- 2/15/2019
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
Film CommentaryWhile the plot appears to talk about an anti-caste intervention in Carnatic music, in reality, the movie only reinforces various brahmanical myths, prejudices and narratives.Rajesh RajamaniSarvam Thaala Mayam, written and directed by Rajiv Menon, is the story of a dalit youngster Peter Johnson, who aspires to learn playing the percussion instrument mridangam and enter the gates of the Carnatic music world hitherto dominated by brahmins. While the plot appears to talk about an important anti-caste intervention, in reality, the movie only reinforces various brahmanical myths, prejudices and narratives. When one analyses the movie and tries to understand its politics, Sarvam Thaala Mayam reveals itself as brahmanical propaganda that is cloaked in an anti-caste gown. Because the movie is centred around thaala or thalam, it might be a reasonable idea to use the elements of thaala to analyse it. Thaala Dasa Pranas refer to the ten elements of musical...
- 2/8/2019
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
KollywoodWhile the actors have delivered excellent performances, the film fails to question systemic oppression.Priyanka ThirumurthyWhen Sarvam Thaala Mayam's poster first released, the composition of the image immediately sparked interest. Launched into the air, looking up into space with a mridangam in hand was actor Gv Prakash. And what was really intriguing were the contrasting religious symbols around his neck - a cross and a rudraksha kottai. On either side of the actor stood two temples, pushed to the background, colourised much lighter and yet undoubtedly standing out - much like the caste-blind attitude of the film itself. Director Rajiv Menon has returned after a hiatus of 18 years to tell the story of a Dalit Christian, Peter Johnson (Gv Prakash), and his aspirations to become a mrindangam player. Peter, the son of a mrindagam maker, Johnson (Kumaravel) is a natural musician who grudgingly agrees to help his father in his business.
- 2/1/2019
- by Prajwal
- The News Minute
Sarvam Thaala Mayam Movie Review: Soothingly pious, melodiously heartfelt
Sarvam Thaala Mayam movie review is out. Marking the return of noted cinematographer turned filmmaker Rajiv Menon into direction and his reunion with A.R. Rahman for a musical after eighteen years, which is enough to keep the enthusiast of Rahman and Menon excited. Does Rajiv Menon delivers the magic of Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000) and does the winning combo of Rahman and Menon recreate the magic of music seen and heard in Minsara Kanavu (1997) and Kandukondain Kandukondain?!. Let?s find out in Sarvam Thaala Mayam movie review.
The most astonishing/unique/rare thing about Sarvam Thaala Mayam
After a long time, a movie devoted to Carnatic music told in a soothingly feel good manner that sings the power of music, the divine reach of rhythm with an ode to the Indian tradition of guru and shishya (master and his pupil) with a melodious echo.
Sarvam Thaala Mayam movie review is out. Marking the return of noted cinematographer turned filmmaker Rajiv Menon into direction and his reunion with A.R. Rahman for a musical after eighteen years, which is enough to keep the enthusiast of Rahman and Menon excited. Does Rajiv Menon delivers the magic of Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000) and does the winning combo of Rahman and Menon recreate the magic of music seen and heard in Minsara Kanavu (1997) and Kandukondain Kandukondain?!. Let?s find out in Sarvam Thaala Mayam movie review.
The most astonishing/unique/rare thing about Sarvam Thaala Mayam
After a long time, a movie devoted to Carnatic music told in a soothingly feel good manner that sings the power of music, the divine reach of rhythm with an ode to the Indian tradition of guru and shishya (master and his pupil) with a melodious echo.
- 1/30/2019
- GlamSham
KollywoodStarring Gv Prakash Kumar in the role of Peter Johnson, the film has music by Ar Rahman. Tnm StaffThe teaser of Director Rajiv Menon’s upcoming film, Sarvam Thaala Mayam, was released on Friday. This is his third film after Minsara Kanavu and Kandukondein Kandukondein that came out 18 years ago. Starring Gv Prakash Kumar in the role of Peter Johnson, the film has music by Ar Rahman. The teaser gives us a fair idea of Peter’s love for music, and rhythm in particular. It was earlier reported that Gv Prakash had taken drums lessons for his role in this film. This film will be the first time Oscar winning music director Ar Rahman will be teaming up with his nephew Gv Prakash. Sarvam Thaala Mayam is a musical drama that has been written and directed by Rajiv Menon. The film stars Aparna Balamurali of Maheshinte Prathikaaram fame. Actors Nedumudi Venu,...
- 11/23/2018
- by Anjana
- The News Minute
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