Max Unveils Unscripted Originals In Spain; Viaplay Netherlands Boss; Beyond Buy Back – Global Briefs
Max Unveils Unscripted originals In Spain
Naked Attraction, Naked and Afraid and a revamped Peking Express will make up the first tranche of unscripted Max originals in Spain. The rebranded Warner Bros. Discovery streamer will launch in Spain in the spring replete with the trio of series. Peking Express has aired for multiple seasons in Spain over the past decade but not for a little while, and has been revamped for Max, with seven combined couples of famous and anonymous people who will have a backpack as their only luggage and will compete against each other in the race of their lives. Produced by Fremantle, dating show Naked Attraction showcases six singletons and their totally naked bodies inside colorful booths where details of their physiques are revealed little by little, while Naked and Afraid is a survival contest. Laura Carafoli, SVP TV Networks & Digital Local Production Italy & Iberia, said the...
Naked Attraction, Naked and Afraid and a revamped Peking Express will make up the first tranche of unscripted Max originals in Spain. The rebranded Warner Bros. Discovery streamer will launch in Spain in the spring replete with the trio of series. Peking Express has aired for multiple seasons in Spain over the past decade but not for a little while, and has been revamped for Max, with seven combined couples of famous and anonymous people who will have a backpack as their only luggage and will compete against each other in the race of their lives. Produced by Fremantle, dating show Naked Attraction showcases six singletons and their totally naked bodies inside colorful booths where details of their physiques are revealed little by little, while Naked and Afraid is a survival contest. Laura Carafoli, SVP TV Networks & Digital Local Production Italy & Iberia, said the...
- 1/11/2024
- by Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
French TV giant Banijay has sold back the production arm of Beyond International — the Australian producer and distributor best known for “Mythbusters” it fully acquired in Dec. 2022 — to the company’s managing director, Mikael Borgland.
“Both parties confirm the buy-back of the production division of the Beyond group and its current production subsidiaries by Mikael Borglund’s personal holding, Byi Holdings Pty Limited,” the companies said in a statement.
Under the deal, Banijay will retain control of Beyond’s distribution business, which Variety understands has already been integrated into its own operations, and Beyond’s catalog of more than 8,000 hours of programming, also including shows such as “Highway Thru Hell,” “Heavy Rescue: 401,” “Massive Engineering Mistakes,” and “Deadly Women.” Beyond will own future projects with immediate effect, while ongoing productions will not be affected.
Beyond International and Banijay Rights have also concluded a five-year first-look distribution deal with regard to...
“Both parties confirm the buy-back of the production division of the Beyond group and its current production subsidiaries by Mikael Borglund’s personal holding, Byi Holdings Pty Limited,” the companies said in a statement.
Under the deal, Banijay will retain control of Beyond’s distribution business, which Variety understands has already been integrated into its own operations, and Beyond’s catalog of more than 8,000 hours of programming, also including shows such as “Highway Thru Hell,” “Heavy Rescue: 401,” “Massive Engineering Mistakes,” and “Deadly Women.” Beyond will own future projects with immediate effect, while ongoing productions will not be affected.
Beyond International and Banijay Rights have also concluded a five-year first-look distribution deal with regard to...
- 1/10/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Acclaimed director James Cameron, who released his massive box office hit ‘Avatar 2: The Way of Water’ in 2022, will now be executive producing a new Maori centric drama film called ‘Taonga’, by new comer director Shane Rangi. Shane, while new to direction, is no stranger to filmmaking as such, having worked with Jameson production and writing of his ‘Avatar’ films.
Shane has written the script for the feature and will also be directing it
Drawing on his own life, Shane, who is of Ngati Porou descent, wrote ‘Taonga’ to tell the story of an indigenous Polynesian rugby star who ends up becoming homeless; before a violent encounter with law enforcement leaves him for dead and changes his life.
The story aims to navigate the realities of homelessness and modern-day policing, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
Many of these things were in fact a reality for Shane himself, a lifetime ago...
Shane has written the script for the feature and will also be directing it
Drawing on his own life, Shane, who is of Ngati Porou descent, wrote ‘Taonga’ to tell the story of an indigenous Polynesian rugby star who ends up becoming homeless; before a violent encounter with law enforcement leaves him for dead and changes his life.
The story aims to navigate the realities of homelessness and modern-day policing, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
Many of these things were in fact a reality for Shane himself, a lifetime ago...
- 9/19/2023
- by Agency News Desk
Acclaimed director James Cameron, who released his massive box office hit ‘Avatar 2: The Way of Water’ in 2022, will now be executive producing a new Maori centric drama film called ‘Taonga’, by new comer director Shane Rangi. Shane, while new to direction, is no stranger to filmmaking as such, having worked with Jameson production and writing of his ‘Avatar’ films.
Shane has written the script for the feature and will also be directing it
Drawing on his own life, Shane, who is of Ngati Porou descent, wrote ‘Taonga’ to tell the story of an indigenous Polynesian rugby star who ends up becoming homeless; before a violent encounter with law enforcement leaves him for dead and changes his life.
The story aims to navigate the realities of homelessness and modern-day policing, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
Many of these things were in fact a reality for Shane himself, a lifetime ago...
Shane has written the script for the feature and will also be directing it
Drawing on his own life, Shane, who is of Ngati Porou descent, wrote ‘Taonga’ to tell the story of an indigenous Polynesian rugby star who ends up becoming homeless; before a violent encounter with law enforcement leaves him for dead and changes his life.
The story aims to navigate the realities of homelessness and modern-day policing, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
Many of these things were in fact a reality for Shane himself, a lifetime ago...
- 9/19/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Avatar filmmaker James Cameron will executive produce Taonga, a Maori-centric drama from actor and first-time director Shane Rangi.
Rangi, who worked with Cameron on the Avatar movies, which were shot in New Zealand, wrote the script and will direct the feature that has the backing of Fandomodo Films, a boutique development, production and financing company that seeks to raise underrepresented voices.
Drawing on his own life, Rangi, who is of Ngāti Porou descent, wrote Taonga to tell the story of an indigenous Polynesian rugby star who becomes homeless before a violent encounter with law enforcement leaves him for dead. The story aims to navigate the realities of homelessness and modern-day policing.
Many of those realities were a lifetime ago for Rangi, who managed to drag himself out of those dire straits to become an actor and stunt performer on major Hollywood productions that shot in that part of the world.
Rangi, who worked with Cameron on the Avatar movies, which were shot in New Zealand, wrote the script and will direct the feature that has the backing of Fandomodo Films, a boutique development, production and financing company that seeks to raise underrepresented voices.
Drawing on his own life, Rangi, who is of Ngāti Porou descent, wrote Taonga to tell the story of an indigenous Polynesian rugby star who becomes homeless before a violent encounter with law enforcement leaves him for dead. The story aims to navigate the realities of homelessness and modern-day policing.
Many of those realities were a lifetime ago for Rangi, who managed to drag himself out of those dire straits to become an actor and stunt performer on major Hollywood productions that shot in that part of the world.
- 9/18/2023
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Production giant Banijay on Wednesday signed a Scheme Implementation Deed to acquire Beyond International Limited, the scripted and nonscripted production company behind such shows as Discovery Channel’s Mythbusters, Hulu’s new dating series Back in the Groove, and the eight-part scripted series Troppo, co-produced with Eq Media, which screens on Freevee in the U.S and on ABC Australia.
Beyond has been publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange since 1987, but the deal will see the group become a wholly owned subsidiary of Banijay and be withdrawn from the market.
The agreement adds Beyond’s catalog of more than 8,000 hours of programming, including such titles as Highway Thru Hell, Heavy Rescue: 401, and Halifax: Retribution, to Banijay’s vast existing library of some 130,000 hours.
“As content demand continues to soar, catalogue remains key, and in acquiring Beyond, we would take our offering up considerably,” Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti said in a statement.
Beyond has been publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange since 1987, but the deal will see the group become a wholly owned subsidiary of Banijay and be withdrawn from the market.
The agreement adds Beyond’s catalog of more than 8,000 hours of programming, including such titles as Highway Thru Hell, Heavy Rescue: 401, and Halifax: Retribution, to Banijay’s vast existing library of some 130,000 hours.
“As content demand continues to soar, catalogue remains key, and in acquiring Beyond, we would take our offering up considerably,” Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti said in a statement.
- 1/4/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Banijay Takes Full Control Of Beyond And Prepares For Rebrand
Banijay has taken full control of Mythbusters firm Beyond International and intends to rename and rebrand the Australian outfit as the “necessary integration process” kicks off. The circa-30M acquisition was first revealed in October last year, giving the acquisitive French powerhouse control of an 8,000-hour catalog including factual hits such as Highway Thru Hell, Heavy Rescue: 401, Massive Engineering Mistakes, Halifax: Retribution and Deadly Women. The move leaves distributor Banijay Rights, which shops the likes of MasterChef and Big Brother, with a circa-130,000 hour catalog. Today, Banijay took full control and a spokeswoman said the intention is that “[Beyond’s] distribution activities will fall under Banijay Rights’ name.” The acquisition was carried out via a Scheme Implementation Deed which, once implemented, means Beyond ceases to be publicly traded. Beyond Managing Director and CEO Mikael Borglund is remaining in his current role. Banijay...
Banijay has taken full control of Mythbusters firm Beyond International and intends to rename and rebrand the Australian outfit as the “necessary integration process” kicks off. The circa-30M acquisition was first revealed in October last year, giving the acquisitive French powerhouse control of an 8,000-hour catalog including factual hits such as Highway Thru Hell, Heavy Rescue: 401, Massive Engineering Mistakes, Halifax: Retribution and Deadly Women. The move leaves distributor Banijay Rights, which shops the likes of MasterChef and Big Brother, with a circa-130,000 hour catalog. Today, Banijay took full control and a spokeswoman said the intention is that “[Beyond’s] distribution activities will fall under Banijay Rights’ name.” The acquisition was carried out via a Scheme Implementation Deed which, once implemented, means Beyond ceases to be publicly traded. Beyond Managing Director and CEO Mikael Borglund is remaining in his current role. Banijay...
- 1/4/2023
- by Max Goldbart and Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Deal is super indie group’s biggest since acquiring Endemol Shine Group in 2020.
Banijay is set to acquire Australian producer and distributor Beyond International.
The deal will add more than 8,000 hours of IP to Banijay’s existing catalogue of over 130,000 hours of content.
In English-language markets, Beyond Productions’ titles include eight-part scripted series Troppo, co-produced with Eq Media, airing on Freevee USA and ABC Australia.
Beyond’s sales arm, Beyond Rights, represents titles including Highway Thru Hell, Heavy Rescue: 401, Massive Engineering Mistakes, Halifax: Retribution, MythBusters and Deadly Women.
The deal is Banijay’s biggest since it acquired Endemol Shine Group...
Banijay is set to acquire Australian producer and distributor Beyond International.
The deal will add more than 8,000 hours of IP to Banijay’s existing catalogue of over 130,000 hours of content.
In English-language markets, Beyond Productions’ titles include eight-part scripted series Troppo, co-produced with Eq Media, airing on Freevee USA and ABC Australia.
Beyond’s sales arm, Beyond Rights, represents titles including Highway Thru Hell, Heavy Rescue: 401, Massive Engineering Mistakes, Halifax: Retribution, MythBusters and Deadly Women.
The deal is Banijay’s biggest since it acquired Endemol Shine Group...
- 10/6/2022
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Banijay announced its plans to formally acquire scripted and non-scripted multi-territory content group Beyond International on Wednesday.
Under the terms of the agreement, Banijay would assume full control of the Beyond International group of companies and departments — as well as its more than 8,000 hours of IP — with all elements of the business boarding the Banijay production and distribution footprint. Beyond’s titles includes “Highway Thru Hell,” “Heavy Rescue: 401,” “Massive Engineering Mistakes,” “Halifax: Retribution,” “MythBusters” and “Deadly Women.”
The deal remains subject to certain conditions, including Beyond shareholders’ approval, court approval and other customary closing conditions. It is hoped the deal will close at the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023. Once the deal is completed, Beyond International will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Banijay and its Australian Stock Exchange-listed shares will cease to be publicly traded.
Beyond International Managing Director and CEO, Mikael Borglund, will remain in his role through the acquisition.
Under the terms of the agreement, Banijay would assume full control of the Beyond International group of companies and departments — as well as its more than 8,000 hours of IP — with all elements of the business boarding the Banijay production and distribution footprint. Beyond’s titles includes “Highway Thru Hell,” “Heavy Rescue: 401,” “Massive Engineering Mistakes,” “Halifax: Retribution,” “MythBusters” and “Deadly Women.”
The deal remains subject to certain conditions, including Beyond shareholders’ approval, court approval and other customary closing conditions. It is hoped the deal will close at the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023. Once the deal is completed, Beyond International will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Banijay and its Australian Stock Exchange-listed shares will cease to be publicly traded.
Beyond International Managing Director and CEO, Mikael Borglund, will remain in his role through the acquisition.
- 10/5/2022
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Production giant Banijay has struck a deal to acquire scripted and non-scripted producer/distributor Beyond International (MythBusters), the company said on Wednesday.
Beyond has been listed on the Australian Securities Exchange since 1987, but will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Banijay and its shares will cease to be publicly traded. Headquartered in Dublin, it operates internationally.
Banijay has grown through acquisitions over the years, including its takeover of Zodiak Media in 2016 and Endemol Shine Group in 2020. Banijay — owned by Fl Entertainment, which in July became listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange — said the deal would complement its existing content catalog of more than 130,000 hours of content.
Beyond Productions listed its recently announced titles as “Back in the Groove, a new dating series for Hulu, produced in partnership with Walt Disney Television Alternative; multi-territory franchise, Love It or List It Australia; the eight-part...
Production giant Banijay has struck a deal to acquire scripted and non-scripted producer/distributor Beyond International (MythBusters), the company said on Wednesday.
Beyond has been listed on the Australian Securities Exchange since 1987, but will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Banijay and its shares will cease to be publicly traded. Headquartered in Dublin, it operates internationally.
Banijay has grown through acquisitions over the years, including its takeover of Zodiak Media in 2016 and Endemol Shine Group in 2020. Banijay — owned by Fl Entertainment, which in July became listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange — said the deal would complement its existing content catalog of more than 130,000 hours of content.
Beyond Productions listed its recently announced titles as “Back in the Groove, a new dating series for Hulu, produced in partnership with Walt Disney Television Alternative; multi-territory franchise, Love It or List It Australia; the eight-part...
- 10/5/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Arclight Films represents worldwide sales.
Screen Media has picked up North American rights from Arclight Films to the Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth thriller Poker Face.
RZA and Elsa Pataky also star in the story set in the world of high stakes poker as a tech billionaire and gambler offers friends the chance to make more money than they’ve ever dreamed of so long as they give up their secrets.
Crowe directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Stephen M. Coates. Arclicht Films head Gary Hamilton and Keith Rodger served as producers alongside Ying Ye and Ryan Hamilton, Addam Bramich,...
Screen Media has picked up North American rights from Arclight Films to the Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth thriller Poker Face.
RZA and Elsa Pataky also star in the story set in the world of high stakes poker as a tech billionaire and gambler offers friends the chance to make more money than they’ve ever dreamed of so long as they give up their secrets.
Crowe directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Stephen M. Coates. Arclicht Films head Gary Hamilton and Keith Rodger served as producers alongside Ying Ye and Ryan Hamilton, Addam Bramich,...
- 9/9/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Screen Media, a division of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, has acquired North American rights to “Poker Face,” a thriller starring Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth.
Crowe also directed the film, which is scheduled to release in theaters on Nov. 16. It’ll land on digital platforms on Nov. 22.
Set in the world of high-stakes betting, “Poker Face” stars Crowe as tech billionaire and gambler Jake Foley, who offers his best friends a chance to win more money than they’ve ever dreamed of. But to play, they’ll have to give up the one thing they spend their lives trying to keep…their secrets. As the game unfolds, the long-time pals will discover what is really at stake.
Along with Crowe and Hemsworth, the cast includes RZA of Wu-Tang Clan fame and “Fast and Furious” star Elsa Pataky. Stephen M. Coates wrote the screenplay with Crowe.
Arclight Films handled worldwide rights for the film.
Crowe also directed the film, which is scheduled to release in theaters on Nov. 16. It’ll land on digital platforms on Nov. 22.
Set in the world of high-stakes betting, “Poker Face” stars Crowe as tech billionaire and gambler Jake Foley, who offers his best friends a chance to win more money than they’ve ever dreamed of. But to play, they’ll have to give up the one thing they spend their lives trying to keep…their secrets. As the game unfolds, the long-time pals will discover what is really at stake.
Along with Crowe and Hemsworth, the cast includes RZA of Wu-Tang Clan fame and “Fast and Furious” star Elsa Pataky. Stephen M. Coates wrote the screenplay with Crowe.
Arclight Films handled worldwide rights for the film.
- 9/8/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Academy Award winner Russell Crowe directs and stars in the upcoming thriller Poker Face, from a script he co-wrote with Stephen M. Coates (John Doe: Vigilante). The cast includes Emmy nominee Liam Hemsworth, Elsa Pataky and Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA. Set in the world of high stakes poker, Crowe stars as billionaire gambler Jake Foley who gives his best friends a night they’ll never forget, a chance to win more money than they’ve ever dreamed of. But to play, they’ll have to give up the one thing they’ve spent their lives doing everything to keep….their secrets. As the game unfolds, the friends will discover the real stakes they’re playing for, the biggest stakes of them all. The film, which was shot in New South Wales, Australia, is currently in post-production.
Poker Face is produced by Gary Hamilton (Arclight Films) and Keith Rodger (Fear Of...
Poker Face is produced by Gary Hamilton (Arclight Films) and Keith Rodger (Fear Of...
- 5/17/2022
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Liam Hemsworth to co-star in thriller; Arclight Films launching sales in Cannes.
Arclight Films kicks off worldwide sales this week and has released an exclusive first image from the thriller Poker Face directed by and starring Russell Crowe alongside Liam Hemsworth.
Crowe plays a billionaire gambler who offers his best friends the chance to win more money than they have ever dreamed of. However, in return, they will have to give up the secrets they have spent their lives protecting and will learn the true nature of what is at stake.
Elsa Pataky and Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA round out...
Arclight Films kicks off worldwide sales this week and has released an exclusive first image from the thriller Poker Face directed by and starring Russell Crowe alongside Liam Hemsworth.
Crowe plays a billionaire gambler who offers his best friends the chance to win more money than they have ever dreamed of. However, in return, they will have to give up the secrets they have spent their lives protecting and will learn the true nature of what is at stake.
Elsa Pataky and Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA round out...
- 5/17/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Australian murder mystery series “Troppo” will premiere on Amazon Freevee May 20, as one of the first originals to launch on the newly renamed streaming platform.
Based on the novel “Crimson Lake” by Cameron Fox, “Troppo” stars Thomas Jane as Ted Conkaffey, an ex-cop accused of a crime that he didn’t commit. Hiding out in the Far North Queensland, he’s recruited by private investigator Amanda Pharrell (Nicole Chamoun) into helping her investigate a bizarre murder case and track down a missing person. In addition to Jane and Chamoun, the cast also includes David Lyons, Yerin Ha, Sun Park, Ling Cooper Tang, Kate Beahan, Cramer Cain, Peta Wilson, Angela Punch McGregor, Damien Garvey, Josh Helman and Radha Mitchell.
“Troppo” initially premiered in Australia this past February on ABC TV. News of it being picked up for a U.S. release on IMDb TV was announced last August. “Troppo” will...
Based on the novel “Crimson Lake” by Cameron Fox, “Troppo” stars Thomas Jane as Ted Conkaffey, an ex-cop accused of a crime that he didn’t commit. Hiding out in the Far North Queensland, he’s recruited by private investigator Amanda Pharrell (Nicole Chamoun) into helping her investigate a bizarre murder case and track down a missing person. In addition to Jane and Chamoun, the cast also includes David Lyons, Yerin Ha, Sun Park, Ling Cooper Tang, Kate Beahan, Cramer Cain, Peta Wilson, Angela Punch McGregor, Damien Garvey, Josh Helman and Radha Mitchell.
“Troppo” initially premiered in Australia this past February on ABC TV. News of it being picked up for a U.S. release on IMDb TV was announced last August. “Troppo” will...
- 4/14/2022
- by Carson Burton and Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
David Smyth has been appointed the CEO of Beyond Rights, with Kate Llewellyn-Jones having decided to step down.
Most recently, Smyth was the founder and CEO of YouLook.tv, the UK’s first multi-channel AVOD service. Prior to, he was SVP and managing director at Twentieth Century Fox and head of acquisitions at Sky 1.
Smyth will begin his new role January 3, reporting into Mikael Borglund, CEO and MD of Beyond International.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining this dynamic business at such a pivotal and changing time for our industry,” Smyth said.
“I’m thrilled at the prospect of working with the talented Beyond Rights team, honoured to be taking over from Kate and thankful to Mikael and the board for placing their trust in me. I am also looking forward to getting to know the other businesses in the wider Beyond group and seeking new opportunities to...
Most recently, Smyth was the founder and CEO of YouLook.tv, the UK’s first multi-channel AVOD service. Prior to, he was SVP and managing director at Twentieth Century Fox and head of acquisitions at Sky 1.
Smyth will begin his new role January 3, reporting into Mikael Borglund, CEO and MD of Beyond International.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining this dynamic business at such a pivotal and changing time for our industry,” Smyth said.
“I’m thrilled at the prospect of working with the talented Beyond Rights team, honoured to be taking over from Kate and thankful to Mikael and the board for placing their trust in me. I am also looking forward to getting to know the other businesses in the wider Beyond group and seeking new opportunities to...
- 11/29/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Festival
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival (Dec. 6-15), the kingdom’s first full fledged international film event, will close with the world premiere of Kabir Khan‘s Bollywood cricket-themed film “’83.” The film tells the true story of the underdog Indian men’s cricket team led by Kapil Dev, played by Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, which defeated reigning champions the West Indies at the 1983 World Cup finals.
Khan, the film’s leading lady Deepika Padukone, Dev and his winning team members Mohinder Amarnath and Krishnamachari Srikkanth will attend the premiere.
The film, produced by Reliance Entertainment, Phantom Films and Kabir Khan Films, will release across the Gulf region on Dec. 23 and worldwide on Dec. 24.
On the eve of the Red Sea festival, Saudi Arabia’s nascent national film commission has revealed its overall plan to kickstart a local film industry in the kingdom where cinemas and filmmaking were...
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival (Dec. 6-15), the kingdom’s first full fledged international film event, will close with the world premiere of Kabir Khan‘s Bollywood cricket-themed film “’83.” The film tells the true story of the underdog Indian men’s cricket team led by Kapil Dev, played by Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, which defeated reigning champions the West Indies at the 1983 World Cup finals.
Khan, the film’s leading lady Deepika Padukone, Dev and his winning team members Mohinder Amarnath and Krishnamachari Srikkanth will attend the premiere.
The film, produced by Reliance Entertainment, Phantom Films and Kabir Khan Films, will release across the Gulf region on Dec. 23 and worldwide on Dec. 24.
On the eve of the Red Sea festival, Saudi Arabia’s nascent national film commission has revealed its overall plan to kickstart a local film industry in the kingdom where cinemas and filmmaking were...
- 11/29/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Nicole Chamoun will star opposite US actor Thomas Jane in ABC crime drama Troppo, with cameras now rolling in Queensland.
Produced by Beyond Entertainment and Eq Media Group in association with Jane’s production company Renegade Entertainment, the Fnq-set series is created by Yolanda Ramke and based on the novel Crimson Lake by Candice Fox.
Chamoun, best known for her roles in On The Ropes, The Gloaming, Safe Harbour and Romper Stomper, plays Amanda Pharrell, an eccentric Pi with a disturbing criminal past. She begrudgingly recruits disgraced ex-cop Ted Conkaffey (Jane) to investigate the murder of a brilliant research scientist.
As they battle to uncover the truth, and the tightly held secrets of Crimson Lake, their own traumatic pasts are dragged painfully into the present – tearing them apart, as each of them faces their own fight for sanity and survival.
The supporting cast includes David Lyons, Sun Park, Simon Lyndon,...
Produced by Beyond Entertainment and Eq Media Group in association with Jane’s production company Renegade Entertainment, the Fnq-set series is created by Yolanda Ramke and based on the novel Crimson Lake by Candice Fox.
Chamoun, best known for her roles in On The Ropes, The Gloaming, Safe Harbour and Romper Stomper, plays Amanda Pharrell, an eccentric Pi with a disturbing criminal past. She begrudgingly recruits disgraced ex-cop Ted Conkaffey (Jane) to investigate the murder of a brilliant research scientist.
As they battle to uncover the truth, and the tightly held secrets of Crimson Lake, their own traumatic pasts are dragged painfully into the present – tearing them apart, as each of them faces their own fight for sanity and survival.
The supporting cast includes David Lyons, Sun Park, Simon Lyndon,...
- 8/12/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
IMDb TV has picked up the first season of Australian drama series Troppo, based on Candice Fox’s bestselling novel Crimson Lake, starring and executive produced by Thomas Jane (The Expanse The Vanished) via his Renegade Entertainment. The upcoming series comes from Eq Media Group, Beyond Entertainment and AGC Television, the television production and distribution division of Stuart Ford’s AGC Studios. Production is currently underway in Australia.
Adapted for television by Yolanda Ramke, Troppo is the story of Ted Conkaffey (Jane), an ex-cop falsely accused of committing a disturbing crime, who has escaped to hide away in the tropics of Far North Queensland. As he tries to avoid discovery, he’s drawn into investigating a wild murder and a missing person, alongside a complicated woman, with dark secrets of her own.
Troppo is based on Fox’s book Crimson Lake, the first novel of a gripping contemporary crime series set in Queensland,...
Adapted for television by Yolanda Ramke, Troppo is the story of Ted Conkaffey (Jane), an ex-cop falsely accused of committing a disturbing crime, who has escaped to hide away in the tropics of Far North Queensland. As he tries to avoid discovery, he’s drawn into investigating a wild murder and a missing person, alongside a complicated woman, with dark secrets of her own.
Troppo is based on Fox’s book Crimson Lake, the first novel of a gripping contemporary crime series set in Queensland,...
- 8/5/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
US star Thomas Jane has been announced as the lead for ABC crime series Troppo, due to shoot on the Gold Coast and Far North Queensland mid-year.
Based on Candice Fox’s bestselling novel Crimson Lake, the eight-part series centres on disgraced ex-cop Ted Conkaffey (Jane), who is mismatched with eccentric private investigator Amanda Pharrell to help uncover the whereabouts of a missing Korean family man and tech pioneer.
As they begin to uncover a string of bizarre deaths, the unlikely duo is thrust into a mutual fight for survival and sanity in the wilds of Far North Queensland.
Produced by Eq Media and Beyond Entertainment, with AGC Television onboard as co-financier and co-producer, Troppo is created by Yolanda Ramke, with Jocelyn Moorhouse the set-up director.
The series producer is Karl Zwicky, with executive producers including Quail, Lisa Duff and Simonne Overend (Eq Media Group), Mikael Borglund and David Ogilvy...
Based on Candice Fox’s bestselling novel Crimson Lake, the eight-part series centres on disgraced ex-cop Ted Conkaffey (Jane), who is mismatched with eccentric private investigator Amanda Pharrell to help uncover the whereabouts of a missing Korean family man and tech pioneer.
As they begin to uncover a string of bizarre deaths, the unlikely duo is thrust into a mutual fight for survival and sanity in the wilds of Far North Queensland.
Produced by Eq Media and Beyond Entertainment, with AGC Television onboard as co-financier and co-producer, Troppo is created by Yolanda Ramke, with Jocelyn Moorhouse the set-up director.
The series producer is Karl Zwicky, with executive producers including Quail, Lisa Duff and Simonne Overend (Eq Media Group), Mikael Borglund and David Ogilvy...
- 4/22/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
PBS Distribution has snapped up US rights to Halifax: Retribution, to premiere on Amazon Prime Video’s PBS Masterpiece Channel.
Originally commissioned by the Nine Network and produced by Beyond Lonehand, the procedural drama stars Rebecca Gibney and Anthony Lapaglia in a reboot of Halifax F.P.
Original creator and writer Roger Simpson returns as writer, alongside Mac Gudgeon , Peter Gawler and Jan Sardi.
The series sees Gibney reprise her role as forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax, who returns to work in the field after a two-decade hiatus when a sniper starts terrorising the city and Commander Tom Saracen (Lapaglia) urgently needs her assistance.
Jane comes to realise that the killer’s invisibility to the surveillance cameras and his sophisticated hacking skills hold the clue to what he wants.
Halifax: Retribution was recently nominated in the Best Drama Series category for the prestigious 2020 Aacta Awards, while Rebecca Gibney was nominated for...
Originally commissioned by the Nine Network and produced by Beyond Lonehand, the procedural drama stars Rebecca Gibney and Anthony Lapaglia in a reboot of Halifax F.P.
Original creator and writer Roger Simpson returns as writer, alongside Mac Gudgeon , Peter Gawler and Jan Sardi.
The series sees Gibney reprise her role as forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax, who returns to work in the field after a two-decade hiatus when a sniper starts terrorising the city and Commander Tom Saracen (Lapaglia) urgently needs her assistance.
Jane comes to realise that the killer’s invisibility to the surveillance cameras and his sophisticated hacking skills hold the clue to what he wants.
Halifax: Retribution was recently nominated in the Best Drama Series category for the prestigious 2020 Aacta Awards, while Rebecca Gibney was nominated for...
- 12/9/2020
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Kate Llewellyn-Jones.
Beyond International is merging its two London-based distribution outfits, Beyond Distribution and the recently acquired Tcb Media Rights.
Kate Llewellyn-Jones, a former MD of Tcb Media Rights, has been named CEO of the new entity, Beyond Rights.
In addition to the Beyond and Tcb teams in London, the new business will incorporate Beyond’s office in Dublin and team members based in Sydney, including Joanne Azzopardi, senior VP, international sales and acquisitions for Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
For the past 18 months, Llewellyn-Jones has been a commercial consultant. She served as MD of Tcb Media Rights from 2015 to 2018. Before that she spent 12 years at Cineflix Rights.
Michael Murphy, Beyond Distribution’s general manager, will remain with the Beyond Group in an executive director role, working alongside Mikael Borglund, CEO and MD of Beyond International, on recent joint venture BeyondTNC, as well as corporate administration and business development.
Beyond...
Beyond International is merging its two London-based distribution outfits, Beyond Distribution and the recently acquired Tcb Media Rights.
Kate Llewellyn-Jones, a former MD of Tcb Media Rights, has been named CEO of the new entity, Beyond Rights.
In addition to the Beyond and Tcb teams in London, the new business will incorporate Beyond’s office in Dublin and team members based in Sydney, including Joanne Azzopardi, senior VP, international sales and acquisitions for Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
For the past 18 months, Llewellyn-Jones has been a commercial consultant. She served as MD of Tcb Media Rights from 2015 to 2018. Before that she spent 12 years at Cineflix Rights.
Michael Murphy, Beyond Distribution’s general manager, will remain with the Beyond Group in an executive director role, working alongside Mikael Borglund, CEO and MD of Beyond International, on recent joint venture BeyondTNC, as well as corporate administration and business development.
Beyond...
- 7/26/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Sam Mendes’ Theatre Arts Fund has raised £1.6 million ($2 million) to support out-of-work theater professionals across the U.K. by offering quick and easy access to a £1000 grant. Although the fund has supported 1,600 freelancers so far, it’s a far cry from the nearly 4,000 applications it received in just one week.
Launched July 6, the fund was established with a £500,000 donation from Netflix, and has since received another £85,000 in donations from public and industry donors via the online donation platform Enthuse. The rest of the $2 million total came from various organizations such as The Estate of Sir Peter and Lady Suanders which joined Netflix as a headline supporter, as well as The Mackintosh Foundation, Eileen Davidson Productions, Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the Linbury Trust and others.
After recognizing generous support from high-profile individuals such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Eddie Redmayne, Colin Firth, Tom Hiddleston, Edgar Wright, Michaela Coel, Emma Thompson, Mark Strong,...
Launched July 6, the fund was established with a £500,000 donation from Netflix, and has since received another £85,000 in donations from public and industry donors via the online donation platform Enthuse. The rest of the $2 million total came from various organizations such as The Estate of Sir Peter and Lady Suanders which joined Netflix as a headline supporter, as well as The Mackintosh Foundation, Eileen Davidson Productions, Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the Linbury Trust and others.
After recognizing generous support from high-profile individuals such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Eddie Redmayne, Colin Firth, Tom Hiddleston, Edgar Wright, Michaela Coel, Emma Thompson, Mark Strong,...
- 7/24/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Mikael Borglund.
Beyond International has acquired the UK arm of Seven West Media’s Seven Studios and Swm’s 51 per cent stake in Los Angeles-based 7Beyond.
Both Seven Studios UK, headed by Damon Pattison, and 7Beyond will be re-branded as Beyond Productions and will report to John Luscombe, Beyond Productions’ general manager and exec VP.
As part of the deal, Beyond gets the international format rights to Pooch Perfect and the UK and Australian versions.
Striving to reduce Swm’s debt of more than $540 million, in February CEO James Warburton appointed investment bank Morgan Stanley to conduct a strategic review of Seven Studios after receiving a number of “partnership inquiries.”
Warburton said on Thursday: “As part of our ongoing transformation, we’ve reassessed our appetite for investment in offshore production interests and have elected to divest Seven Studios UK and our interest in the 7Beyond Jv.
“Our longstanding relationship with...
Beyond International has acquired the UK arm of Seven West Media’s Seven Studios and Swm’s 51 per cent stake in Los Angeles-based 7Beyond.
Both Seven Studios UK, headed by Damon Pattison, and 7Beyond will be re-branded as Beyond Productions and will report to John Luscombe, Beyond Productions’ general manager and exec VP.
As part of the deal, Beyond gets the international format rights to Pooch Perfect and the UK and Australian versions.
Striving to reduce Swm’s debt of more than $540 million, in February CEO James Warburton appointed investment bank Morgan Stanley to conduct a strategic review of Seven Studios after receiving a number of “partnership inquiries.”
Warburton said on Thursday: “As part of our ongoing transformation, we’ve reassessed our appetite for investment in offshore production interests and have elected to divest Seven Studios UK and our interest in the 7Beyond Jv.
“Our longstanding relationship with...
- 7/9/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Paul Heaney and Dina Subhani, the founders of UK sales house Tcb Media Rights, are stepping down just weeks after it exited the collapsed Kew Media Group and was acquired by Australian producer and distributor Beyond International.
CEO Heaney and executive director Subhani have quit with immediate effect. They founded Tcb together in 2012 and grew the company to the point where it had £16M ($20M) in revenues.
According to court filings in Ontario, the Canadian base of bust TV empire Kew Media, Heaney and Subhani did not consent to the Beyond takeover and made their own offer to buy Tcb out of receivership.
Heaney said: “We created an outstanding team at Tcb, who in turn have built a solid creative and commercial community for both producers and buyers for which they should be very proud.
“We have an established culture and integrity that few would deny is exemplary in the unscripted distribution world.
CEO Heaney and executive director Subhani have quit with immediate effect. They founded Tcb together in 2012 and grew the company to the point where it had £16M ($20M) in revenues.
According to court filings in Ontario, the Canadian base of bust TV empire Kew Media, Heaney and Subhani did not consent to the Beyond takeover and made their own offer to buy Tcb out of receivership.
Heaney said: “We created an outstanding team at Tcb, who in turn have built a solid creative and commercial community for both producers and buyers for which they should be very proud.
“We have an established culture and integrity that few would deny is exemplary in the unscripted distribution world.
- 6/17/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Mikael Borglund.
Beyond International has made a deal to acquire the UK-based factual distributor Tcb Media Rights from the receivers of the failed Kew Media Group.
Founded in 2012 by Paul Heaney, Tcb’s portfolio includes Cjz’s Go Back To Where You Came From, Media Stockade’s Debi Marshall Investigates: Frozen Lies and international docs Extreme Ice Machines, Hitler’s Supercars and Egypt’s Unexplained Mysteries.
Receivers Fti Consulting Canada have been looking for buyers of Kew Media’s assets since the Toronto-based media company collapsed in February.
Last month Essential Media Group (Emg) CEO Greg Quail and North American president Jesse Fawcett purchased the Essential companies from the receivers.
Beyond said the acquisition would be funded by existing cash and debt facilities and completed through its Ireland-based subsidiary Beyond Entertainment Limited.
The price was not disclosed but Beyond told investors the sum is less than 10 per cent of its...
Beyond International has made a deal to acquire the UK-based factual distributor Tcb Media Rights from the receivers of the failed Kew Media Group.
Founded in 2012 by Paul Heaney, Tcb’s portfolio includes Cjz’s Go Back To Where You Came From, Media Stockade’s Debi Marshall Investigates: Frozen Lies and international docs Extreme Ice Machines, Hitler’s Supercars and Egypt’s Unexplained Mysteries.
Receivers Fti Consulting Canada have been looking for buyers of Kew Media’s assets since the Toronto-based media company collapsed in February.
Last month Essential Media Group (Emg) CEO Greg Quail and North American president Jesse Fawcett purchased the Essential companies from the receivers.
Beyond said the acquisition would be funded by existing cash and debt facilities and completed through its Ireland-based subsidiary Beyond Entertainment Limited.
The price was not disclosed but Beyond told investors the sum is less than 10 per cent of its...
- 4/2/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Australia’s Beyond International is to acquire U.K. distributor Tcb Media Rights, previously owned by Kew Media Group, which became insolvent last month.
Beyond is buying Tcb from Fti Consulting Canada Inc., the official receiver for Kew Media Group.
The acquisition will be completed through Beyond’s Ireland-based subsidiary, Beyond Entertainment Limited (Bel).
In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange, Beyond said it will acquire 100% of the share capital of Tcb for cash and will also advance funding to Tcb to repay an intercompany debt owing to Kew.
Financial details of the transaction were not revealed. However, Beyond said the deal, which will be paid for with cash and debt facilities, is worth less than 10% of Byi’s current assets as at Dec. 31, 2019.
Founded in 2012 by Paul Heaney, non-scripted factual specialist Tcb’s television sales portfolio includes “Abandoned Engineering,” “Combat Ships,” “Egypt’s Unexplained Mysteries,” and the recently...
Beyond is buying Tcb from Fti Consulting Canada Inc., the official receiver for Kew Media Group.
The acquisition will be completed through Beyond’s Ireland-based subsidiary, Beyond Entertainment Limited (Bel).
In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange, Beyond said it will acquire 100% of the share capital of Tcb for cash and will also advance funding to Tcb to repay an intercompany debt owing to Kew.
Financial details of the transaction were not revealed. However, Beyond said the deal, which will be paid for with cash and debt facilities, is worth less than 10% of Byi’s current assets as at Dec. 31, 2019.
Founded in 2012 by Paul Heaney, non-scripted factual specialist Tcb’s television sales portfolio includes “Abandoned Engineering,” “Combat Ships,” “Egypt’s Unexplained Mysteries,” and the recently...
- 4/2/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Anthony Lapaglia and Jessica Marais will star alongside Rebecca Gibney in Australian drama series “Halifax: Retribution.”
The crime thriller follows forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax and was on Australian free-tv network Nine in the 1990s and early 2000s. It has resurrected the Melbourne-set show, with production getting underway this month, on location.
Other cast for the new miniseries include Jacqueline McKenzie (“Romper Stomper”), Rick Donald (“Wentworth”), Hannah Monson (“Glitch”), Craig Hall (“The Doctor Blake Mysteries”), Mavournee Hazel (“Neighbours”), and Louisa Mignone (“Rake”).
After years on the police frontline, Halifax has carved out a new career as a university professor in the new series. She has to return to the field when a serial sniper starts terrorizing Melbourne, and Halifax finds herself in his sights.
“’Halifax’ has a rich and revered heritage and I am very much looking forward to working opposite the legend that is Rebecca Gibney in this latest iteration,...
The crime thriller follows forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax and was on Australian free-tv network Nine in the 1990s and early 2000s. It has resurrected the Melbourne-set show, with production getting underway this month, on location.
Other cast for the new miniseries include Jacqueline McKenzie (“Romper Stomper”), Rick Donald (“Wentworth”), Hannah Monson (“Glitch”), Craig Hall (“The Doctor Blake Mysteries”), Mavournee Hazel (“Neighbours”), and Louisa Mignone (“Rake”).
After years on the police frontline, Halifax has carved out a new career as a university professor in the new series. She has to return to the field when a serial sniper starts terrorizing Melbourne, and Halifax finds herself in his sights.
“’Halifax’ has a rich and revered heritage and I am very much looking forward to working opposite the legend that is Rebecca Gibney in this latest iteration,...
- 7/1/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Rebecca Gibney, Anthony Lapaglia and Jessica Marais head the cast of crime thriller mini-series “Halifax: Retribution.” The show is the revival of an iconic Australian series that ran on the Nine Network for six seasons from 1994 to 2002, starring Gibney.
In the new show, produced for Nine, Gibney’s forensic psychiatrist character is called back from academia to the police front line when a serial sniper begins attacking Melbourne.
Original creator and writer Roger Simpson returns as writer and producer, alongside executive producer Mikael Borglund and writers Mac Gudgeon (“Killing Time”), Peter Gawler (“Underbelly”) and the Oscar-nominated Jan Sardi (“Shine”).
Production starts next month in Melbourne with Jacqueline McKenzie, Rick Donald, Hannah Monson (“Glitch”), Craig Hall, Mavournee Hazel and Louisa Mignone among the supporting cast.
“Halifax: Retribution” is a Beyond Lonehand Production with major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Film Victoria. Beyond Distribution is handling international sales of...
In the new show, produced for Nine, Gibney’s forensic psychiatrist character is called back from academia to the police front line when a serial sniper begins attacking Melbourne.
Original creator and writer Roger Simpson returns as writer and producer, alongside executive producer Mikael Borglund and writers Mac Gudgeon (“Killing Time”), Peter Gawler (“Underbelly”) and the Oscar-nominated Jan Sardi (“Shine”).
Production starts next month in Melbourne with Jacqueline McKenzie, Rick Donald, Hannah Monson (“Glitch”), Craig Hall, Mavournee Hazel and Louisa Mignone among the supporting cast.
“Halifax: Retribution” is a Beyond Lonehand Production with major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Film Victoria. Beyond Distribution is handling international sales of...
- 7/1/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Anthony Lapaglia, Jessica Marais.
Anthony Lapaglia and Jessica Marais will co-star with Rebecca Gibney in the Nine Network’s crime thriller miniseries Halifax: Retribution, which will start shooting in Melbourne later this month.
Jacqueline McKenzie, Rick Donald, Hannah Monson, Craig Hall, Mavournee Hazel and Louisa Mignone round out the cast of the Halifax reboot produced by Beyond Lonehand.
Original creator and writer Roger Simpson returns as writer and producer alongside executive producer Mikael Borglund and writers Mac Gudgeon, Peter Gawler and Oscar-nominated Jan Sardi.
Gudgeon and Sardi both worked with Simpson on Halifax f.p., which ran for seven seasons on Nine and ended in 2002. Rebecca Gibney reprises her role as forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax, who has carved out a new career as a university professor.
When a serial sniper starts terrorising Melbourne, she is lured back into the field to help the police task force find the killer. As...
Anthony Lapaglia and Jessica Marais will co-star with Rebecca Gibney in the Nine Network’s crime thriller miniseries Halifax: Retribution, which will start shooting in Melbourne later this month.
Jacqueline McKenzie, Rick Donald, Hannah Monson, Craig Hall, Mavournee Hazel and Louisa Mignone round out the cast of the Halifax reboot produced by Beyond Lonehand.
Original creator and writer Roger Simpson returns as writer and producer alongside executive producer Mikael Borglund and writers Mac Gudgeon, Peter Gawler and Oscar-nominated Jan Sardi.
Gudgeon and Sardi both worked with Simpson on Halifax f.p., which ran for seven seasons on Nine and ended in 2002. Rebecca Gibney reprises her role as forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax, who has carved out a new career as a university professor.
When a serial sniper starts terrorising Melbourne, she is lured back into the field to help the police task force find the killer. As...
- 7/1/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Rebecca Gibney in ‘Halifax f.p.’
Rebecca Gibney will return to the Nine Network next year as forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax in the miniseries Halifax: Retribution, which looks at the character 20 years after the original series.
Roger Simpson, who created and was the lead writer on Halifax f.p., which ran for seven seasons and ended in 2002, returns as writer and producer, together with writers Mac Gudgeon and Jan Sardi, who both worked on the series.
Produced by Beyond Lonehand, a Jv between Beyond and Simpson, with Mikael Borglund as executive producer, the new version will see Halifax hunting for a killer who is terrorising an entire city, potentially putting herself and her family in danger. Beyond Distribution has the worldwide sales rights outside Australia/Nz.
“I’ve had people asking me for years if we could bring Jane Halifax back,” Gibney told 9Honey Celebrity. “I loved the character – Roger...
Rebecca Gibney will return to the Nine Network next year as forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax in the miniseries Halifax: Retribution, which looks at the character 20 years after the original series.
Roger Simpson, who created and was the lead writer on Halifax f.p., which ran for seven seasons and ended in 2002, returns as writer and producer, together with writers Mac Gudgeon and Jan Sardi, who both worked on the series.
Produced by Beyond Lonehand, a Jv between Beyond and Simpson, with Mikael Borglund as executive producer, the new version will see Halifax hunting for a killer who is terrorising an entire city, potentially putting herself and her family in danger. Beyond Distribution has the worldwide sales rights outside Australia/Nz.
“I’ve had people asking me for years if we could bring Jane Halifax back,” Gibney told 9Honey Celebrity. “I loved the character – Roger...
- 11/22/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Veteran writer and executive producer David Ogilvy has been appointed head of Beyond.s new scripted drama division, marking the company's return to the genre after 11 years.
The former ABC executive will develop scripted content across a broad range of genres for local and international markets, working with emerging and established writing, directing and producing talent.
Beyond's last drama series was Stingers, which wrapped production in 2004 after eight seasons on the Nine Network.
Ogilvy joins from ABC TV where he was commissioning editor of fiction since 2012. His credits as Ep at the ABC include The Code, Rake, Anzac Girls, Janet King, Hiding, Mabo, An Accidental Soldier, Paper Giants: Magazine Wars and The Straits.
Previously he worked as a writer and script producer on a broad range of adult and children.s drama.. His writing credits include East West 101, The Strip, Young Lions, Lockie Leonard, Dance Academy, Outriders, Blue Water High and Escape from Jupiter.
The former ABC executive will develop scripted content across a broad range of genres for local and international markets, working with emerging and established writing, directing and producing talent.
Beyond's last drama series was Stingers, which wrapped production in 2004 after eight seasons on the Nine Network.
Ogilvy joins from ABC TV where he was commissioning editor of fiction since 2012. His credits as Ep at the ABC include The Code, Rake, Anzac Girls, Janet King, Hiding, Mabo, An Accidental Soldier, Paper Giants: Magazine Wars and The Straits.
Previously he worked as a writer and script producer on a broad range of adult and children.s drama.. His writing credits include East West 101, The Strip, Young Lions, Lockie Leonard, Dance Academy, Outriders, Blue Water High and Escape from Jupiter.
- 10/14/2015
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
Screen Australia.s guidelines for funding documentaries will remain in place for the rest of this year after the agency decided to extend a review of its funding policy.
The reasons for the postponement have been questioned by the Australian Directors Guild and some documentary filmmakers who want the draft guidelines to be implemented.
"It is concerning," Adg executive director Kingston Anderson told If today. "We have been discussing this for the last six months. We think the draft guidelines are a great step forward. We need to know why the process is being delayed." .
Yarra Bank Films' Dr Trevor Graham said, "The draft documentary guidelines composed by Screen Australia were a welcome attempt to address the decline in the one-off documentary in the Oz landscape that resulted from public broadcasters turning their back on them in favour of factual series.
"Screen Australia.s own research acknowledges this decline. And...
The reasons for the postponement have been questioned by the Australian Directors Guild and some documentary filmmakers who want the draft guidelines to be implemented.
"It is concerning," Adg executive director Kingston Anderson told If today. "We have been discussing this for the last six months. We think the draft guidelines are a great step forward. We need to know why the process is being delayed." .
Yarra Bank Films' Dr Trevor Graham said, "The draft documentary guidelines composed by Screen Australia were a welcome attempt to address the decline in the one-off documentary in the Oz landscape that resulted from public broadcasters turning their back on them in favour of factual series.
"Screen Australia.s own research acknowledges this decline. And...
- 7/30/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Local production house Beyond International plans to buy Q Group.s digital marketing operations for $3.25 million.
The assets will form a new digital division within Beyond, which will be headed by Q.s current chief executive Jon Ostler.
Beyond produces a slate of successful television programs, including the popular MythBusters series, and posted a 14 per cent rise in net profit to $3.99 million over the December half-year.
Beyond chief executive Mikael Borglund said the company has been expanding its digital capabilities.
.This proposed acquisition will provide Beyond with access to a diverse range of digital expertise, IP and assets covering digital strategy, creative, development, marketing and media,. he said in a statement.
The sale, which will require the approval of Q.s shareholders, will end a period of turmoil for the digital marketing and advertising company.
In a letter to shareholders, Q.s executive chairman Paul Choiselat said it had been...
The assets will form a new digital division within Beyond, which will be headed by Q.s current chief executive Jon Ostler.
Beyond produces a slate of successful television programs, including the popular MythBusters series, and posted a 14 per cent rise in net profit to $3.99 million over the December half-year.
Beyond chief executive Mikael Borglund said the company has been expanding its digital capabilities.
.This proposed acquisition will provide Beyond with access to a diverse range of digital expertise, IP and assets covering digital strategy, creative, development, marketing and media,. he said in a statement.
The sale, which will require the approval of Q.s shareholders, will end a period of turmoil for the digital marketing and advertising company.
In a letter to shareholders, Q.s executive chairman Paul Choiselat said it had been...
- 3/27/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
Local production house Beyond International plans to buy Q Group.s digital marketing operations for $3.25 million. The assets will form a new digital division within Beyond, which will be headed by Q.s current chief executive Jon Ostler. Beyond produces a slate of successful television programs, including the popular MythBusters series, and posted a 14 per cent rise in net profit to $3.99 million over the December half-year. Beyond chief executive Mikael Borglund said the company has been expanding its digital capabilities. .This proposed acquisition will provide Beyond with access to a diverse range of digital expertise, IP and assets covering digital strategy, creative, development, marketing and media,. he said in a statement. The sale, which...
- 3/27/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
Red Dog, Oranges and Sunshine, Face to Face and The Eye of the Storm have received nominations for Best Feature Film at this year’s If Awards.
Red Dog won the most nominations, appearing in nine categories, with Oranges and Sunshine nominated in eight and Face to Face in six categories.
Nominated in the Best Direction category is Michael Rymer for Face to Face, Kriv Stenders for Red Dog and Justin Kurzel for Snowtown while Best Script nominees are Michael Rymer for Face to Face, Rona Munro for Oranges and Sunshine and Daniel Taplitz for Red Dog.
Best Documentary nominees are Mrs Carey’s Concert directed by Bob Connolly, I Am Eleven directed by Genevieve Bailey and Orchids: My Intersex Adventure directed by Phoebe Hart.
With its strong ensemble cast the Face to Face actors are up against David Wenham for Oranges and Sunshine, Josh Lucas for Red Dog and...
Red Dog won the most nominations, appearing in nine categories, with Oranges and Sunshine nominated in eight and Face to Face in six categories.
Nominated in the Best Direction category is Michael Rymer for Face to Face, Kriv Stenders for Red Dog and Justin Kurzel for Snowtown while Best Script nominees are Michael Rymer for Face to Face, Rona Munro for Oranges and Sunshine and Daniel Taplitz for Red Dog.
Best Documentary nominees are Mrs Carey’s Concert directed by Bob Connolly, I Am Eleven directed by Genevieve Bailey and Orchids: My Intersex Adventure directed by Phoebe Hart.
With its strong ensemble cast the Face to Face actors are up against David Wenham for Oranges and Sunshine, Josh Lucas for Red Dog and...
- 10/11/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Sydney-based production company Beyond Productions have secured an Emmy nomination for program MythBusters in the Outstanding Reality Program category.
The nomination is the company’s third in as many years for the category. Last year it was beaten by Jamie’s Food Revolution and before that Intervention, a show about interventions.
“It’s a slightly funny category to be in there with Antiques Road Show, and Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List and Deadliest Catch.” John Luscombe, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Beyond Productions told Encore. “It’s a very diverse program slate, as oppose to best drama where it’s a bit more obvious what you’re up against.”
So, third time’s a charm? “You’d hope so but because it’s a broad category it’s hard to pick where people will vote. You’ve got Deadliest Catch from Discovery where one of the...
The nomination is the company’s third in as many years for the category. Last year it was beaten by Jamie’s Food Revolution and before that Intervention, a show about interventions.
“It’s a slightly funny category to be in there with Antiques Road Show, and Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List and Deadliest Catch.” John Luscombe, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Beyond Productions told Encore. “It’s a very diverse program slate, as oppose to best drama where it’s a bit more obvious what you’re up against.”
So, third time’s a charm? “You’d hope so but because it’s a broad category it’s hard to pick where people will vote. You’ve got Deadliest Catch from Discovery where one of the...
- 7/15/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
For the second consecutive year, Encore has chosen a select group of screen professionals who have achieved new heights in 2010/2011, whose decisions influence and shape Australia’s audiovisual industry, and whose work has stood out from the crowd. These are our Power 50.
1. Emile Sherman – Producer
Last February, Sherman became the first Australian producer to receive an Academy Award for Best Picture, alongside his See-Saw Films partner Iain Canning, and Bedlam Productions’ Gareth Unwin. It also won at the BAFTAs and the Producers Guild of America, in addition to the many other honours for its cast and crew.
While technically a UK production, the Australianness of the film is undeniable – and so is its success; with a modest U$15m budget, The King’s Speech has grossed more than $405m worldwide – one of the most successful independent films of all time. Read Emile Sherman interview
2. Baz Luhrmann – Director, writer, producer
There...
1. Emile Sherman – Producer
Last February, Sherman became the first Australian producer to receive an Academy Award for Best Picture, alongside his See-Saw Films partner Iain Canning, and Bedlam Productions’ Gareth Unwin. It also won at the BAFTAs and the Producers Guild of America, in addition to the many other honours for its cast and crew.
While technically a UK production, the Australianness of the film is undeniable – and so is its success; with a modest U$15m budget, The King’s Speech has grossed more than $405m worldwide – one of the most successful independent films of all time. Read Emile Sherman interview
2. Baz Luhrmann – Director, writer, producer
There...
- 6/9/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Some call it the ‘kangaroos and koalas’ requirement forcing producers to include stereotypical Australian elements in their work; others object that projects with no visible ‘kangaroos and koalas’ should not be eligible for the Producer Offset. Can the Significant Australian Content test be improved to stop this debate?
Beyond productions’ documentary series Taboo was the first project to be denied the Producer Offset based on the incentive’s crucial Significant Australian Content test. It is also the first to be challenged in both the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and Federal Court.
“To date Beyond has incurred over $200,000 in legal fees as a result of appealing the Screen Australia decision to reject our application,” said the company’s managing director Mikael Borglund. “Screen Australia engaged Senior Counsel and a junior barrister, plus they have the use of their in-house legal department. I imagine their costs would be similar.”
This expensive legal fight...
Beyond productions’ documentary series Taboo was the first project to be denied the Producer Offset based on the incentive’s crucial Significant Australian Content test. It is also the first to be challenged in both the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and Federal Court.
“To date Beyond has incurred over $200,000 in legal fees as a result of appealing the Screen Australia decision to reject our application,” said the company’s managing director Mikael Borglund. “Screen Australia engaged Senior Counsel and a junior barrister, plus they have the use of their in-house legal department. I imagine their costs would be similar.”
This expensive legal fight...
- 5/17/2011
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
SYDNEY -- Australian TV production and distribution house Beyond International is accepting a takeover offer from Navis Media, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based private equity firm Navis Capital Partners, the companies said Tuesday.
The offer of AUS$1.22 ($1.01) per share values the producer of programs such as "Mythbusters" and "Hot Property" at AUS$74.6 million, topping an AUS$68 million bid made Friday by Australian fund manager Mariner Financial Ltd. (HR 9/17).
Beyond said that the offer represents a 46% premium to the 12-month volume weighted average price of AUS$0.85 per share.
In a statement, Beyond chairman Ian Ingram said the board had reviewed various strategic options and considered a number of proposals from third parties.
"The other proposals presented to the board have either been less attractive for Beyond International's shareholders than the Navis Media proposal, or were not sufficiently certain to enable the board to properly assess them," he said. "We believe in Navis Media we have found excellent buyers for the business, and have achieved a structure which provides liquidity for the shareholders."
Beyond CEO Mikael Borglund will continue in his role if the Navis bid is successful, Beyond said.
The offer of AUS$1.22 ($1.01) per share values the producer of programs such as "Mythbusters" and "Hot Property" at AUS$74.6 million, topping an AUS$68 million bid made Friday by Australian fund manager Mariner Financial Ltd. (HR 9/17).
Beyond said that the offer represents a 46% premium to the 12-month volume weighted average price of AUS$0.85 per share.
In a statement, Beyond chairman Ian Ingram said the board had reviewed various strategic options and considered a number of proposals from third parties.
"The other proposals presented to the board have either been less attractive for Beyond International's shareholders than the Navis Media proposal, or were not sufficiently certain to enable the board to properly assess them," he said. "We believe in Navis Media we have found excellent buyers for the business, and have achieved a structure which provides liquidity for the shareholders."
Beyond CEO Mikael Borglund will continue in his role if the Navis bid is successful, Beyond said.
- 9/19/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SYDNEY -- Australian TV production and distribution outfit Beyond International Ltd. is eyeing several overseas acquisitions and an expansion of its U.S. operations in the wake of a 40% jump in annual profits, managing director Mikael Borglund said Monday.
The company -- which, with such shows as "Mythbusters" for Discovery Networks, has refashioned itself as a key producer of factual programming -- reported a boost in after-tax profit to AUS$4.34 million ($3.5 million), despite revenue rising just 4% to AUS$68.4 million ($56 million) for the 12 months through June 30.
Earnings rose 29% to AUS$12.14 million ($9.9 million) in the same period.
Beyond attributed the rise in profit to the "consistent" performance of its factual and kids TV production division, increased international sales and 10 months of earnings from DVD distributor Force Entertainment, which it acquired during the year.
Borglund said the company is looking at production businesses in Australia, the U.S. and the U.K. for possible acquisition but did not give further details.
The company -- which, with such shows as "Mythbusters" for Discovery Networks, has refashioned itself as a key producer of factual programming -- reported a boost in after-tax profit to AUS$4.34 million ($3.5 million), despite revenue rising just 4% to AUS$68.4 million ($56 million) for the 12 months through June 30.
Earnings rose 29% to AUS$12.14 million ($9.9 million) in the same period.
Beyond attributed the rise in profit to the "consistent" performance of its factual and kids TV production division, increased international sales and 10 months of earnings from DVD distributor Force Entertainment, which it acquired during the year.
Borglund said the company is looking at production businesses in Australia, the U.S. and the U.K. for possible acquisition but did not give further details.
- 8/28/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TORONTO -- The bon mots fly fast and furious in A Good Woman, which transplants Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan to a new place and time.
But while screenwriter Howard Himelstein and director Mike Barker have done a workable job of drawing the Wilde social satire out of the drawing room, the film never quite manages to travel at the same buoyant velocity as the acerbic wit.
The tone trouble and problematic casting (more about that later) prevent the adaptation from being considered truly Oscar-worthy -- that's referring both to the statuette and Mr. Wilde -- though the delicious dialogue and opulent backdrops still make for a reasonably pleasant viewing experience.
Reverting to Wilde's original title for his play, A Good Woman has been moved up to the 1930s and relocated to the decidedly airier Amalfi coast in Italy.
Several of the characters, meanwhile, now have become Americans.
That would include Robert (Mark Umbers) and Meg (Scarlett Johansson) Windermere, a young newlywed couple in good standing who have left New York's sticky summer behind for some sensible vacationing on the Italian Riviera.
Having the same idea is Mrs. Stella Erlynne (Helen Hunt), a woman of a certain age with a certain reputation to match, who has seemingly exhausted her supply of the wealthy, married New York men who served as her meal ticket.
It doesn't take long before the penniless vamp appears to have landed Robert as her latest conquest, and their frequent sightings together have set the tongues of the sunbathing aristocracy a-flapping.
Meg's discovery that Robert has been issuing a number of checks to Mrs. Erlynne would seem to confirm those rampant rumors, and she receives little solace in the enamored attention paid to her by eligible Lord Darlington (Stephen Campbell Moore).
Of course, things, as it turns out, aren't quite as they appear.
Director Barker (1999's Best Laid Plans), along with cinematographer Ben Seresin, production designer Ben Scott and costume designer John Bloomfield, get the look and feel of the picture up to Merchant Ivory snuff, but there's a prevailing wistfulness hanging over the entire enterprise that has the effect of signaling that weightier third-act twist earlier than necessary.
As for the cast, while Johansson seems to have a natural affinity for period dress, Hunt fares less successfully in the role of the calculating seductress.
She effectively conveys Mrs. Erlynne's vulnerability and pain later on, but Hunt never seems entirely comfortable in her character's skin when she's required to play the shameless vamp with a knack for insinuating herself into the beds and checkbook registers of men who should know better.
As her quite willing next victim, the very wealthy but lonely Tuppy (Tom Wilkinson) nails the required tragicomic pitch with a great deal of self-effacing charm.
A Good Woman
Beyond Films
Credits:
Director: Mike Barker
Screenwriter: Howard Himelstein
Based on the play Lady Windermere's Fan by: Oscar Wilde
Producers: Alan Greenspan, Jonathan English, Steven Siebert, Howard Himelstein
Executive producers: John Evangelides, Mikael Borglund, Hilary Davis, Jimmy De Brabant, Michael Dounaev, Liam Badger, Duncan Hopper, Rupert Preston
Director of photography: Ben Seresin
Production designer: Ben Scott
Editor: Neil Farrell
Costume designer: John Bloomfield
Music: Richard G. Mitchell
Cast:
Mrs. Erlynne: Helen Hunt
Meg Windermere: Scarlett Johansson
Tuppy: Tom Wilkinson
Lord Darlington: Stephen Campbell Moore
Robert Windermere: Mark Umbers
Contessa Lucchino: Milena Vukotic
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 93 minutes...
But while screenwriter Howard Himelstein and director Mike Barker have done a workable job of drawing the Wilde social satire out of the drawing room, the film never quite manages to travel at the same buoyant velocity as the acerbic wit.
The tone trouble and problematic casting (more about that later) prevent the adaptation from being considered truly Oscar-worthy -- that's referring both to the statuette and Mr. Wilde -- though the delicious dialogue and opulent backdrops still make for a reasonably pleasant viewing experience.
Reverting to Wilde's original title for his play, A Good Woman has been moved up to the 1930s and relocated to the decidedly airier Amalfi coast in Italy.
Several of the characters, meanwhile, now have become Americans.
That would include Robert (Mark Umbers) and Meg (Scarlett Johansson) Windermere, a young newlywed couple in good standing who have left New York's sticky summer behind for some sensible vacationing on the Italian Riviera.
Having the same idea is Mrs. Stella Erlynne (Helen Hunt), a woman of a certain age with a certain reputation to match, who has seemingly exhausted her supply of the wealthy, married New York men who served as her meal ticket.
It doesn't take long before the penniless vamp appears to have landed Robert as her latest conquest, and their frequent sightings together have set the tongues of the sunbathing aristocracy a-flapping.
Meg's discovery that Robert has been issuing a number of checks to Mrs. Erlynne would seem to confirm those rampant rumors, and she receives little solace in the enamored attention paid to her by eligible Lord Darlington (Stephen Campbell Moore).
Of course, things, as it turns out, aren't quite as they appear.
Director Barker (1999's Best Laid Plans), along with cinematographer Ben Seresin, production designer Ben Scott and costume designer John Bloomfield, get the look and feel of the picture up to Merchant Ivory snuff, but there's a prevailing wistfulness hanging over the entire enterprise that has the effect of signaling that weightier third-act twist earlier than necessary.
As for the cast, while Johansson seems to have a natural affinity for period dress, Hunt fares less successfully in the role of the calculating seductress.
She effectively conveys Mrs. Erlynne's vulnerability and pain later on, but Hunt never seems entirely comfortable in her character's skin when she's required to play the shameless vamp with a knack for insinuating herself into the beds and checkbook registers of men who should know better.
As her quite willing next victim, the very wealthy but lonely Tuppy (Tom Wilkinson) nails the required tragicomic pitch with a great deal of self-effacing charm.
A Good Woman
Beyond Films
Credits:
Director: Mike Barker
Screenwriter: Howard Himelstein
Based on the play Lady Windermere's Fan by: Oscar Wilde
Producers: Alan Greenspan, Jonathan English, Steven Siebert, Howard Himelstein
Executive producers: John Evangelides, Mikael Borglund, Hilary Davis, Jimmy De Brabant, Michael Dounaev, Liam Badger, Duncan Hopper, Rupert Preston
Director of photography: Ben Seresin
Production designer: Ben Scott
Editor: Neil Farrell
Costume designer: John Bloomfield
Music: Richard G. Mitchell
Cast:
Mrs. Erlynne: Helen Hunt
Meg Windermere: Scarlett Johansson
Tuppy: Tom Wilkinson
Lord Darlington: Stephen Campbell Moore
Robert Windermere: Mark Umbers
Contessa Lucchino: Milena Vukotic
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 93 minutes...
- 9/27/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SYDNEY -- Australian companies Beyond International and Southern Cross Broadcasting Media have reported strong end-of-year financial results on the back of a thriving advertising market. Production and sales entity Beyond International announced a net profit of AUS$2.1 million ($1.5 million) for the year ending June 30, 1,309% up on the previous year. In a statement Monday, Beyond attributed the improved trading to "an increase in the volume of nonfiction television program production, the increased sales of the Beyond Group Media Fund 2004, improved foreign-exchange exposure management and the strict control of fixed overhead costs." Beyond managing director Mikael Borglund said that during the past 12 months the company has successfully focused on increasing production income from the United States and United Kingdom, while maintaining a policy of cost-containment in all operational areas of the business.
- 8/31/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SYDNEY -- Sydney-based Beyond International Ltd. will open an office in the United States this month to facilitate the production of a new daily program for the Discovery Channel. The new office will be in Maryland, where Discovery Networks and Beyond's other major client, National Geographic, are based. Beyond CEO and managing director Mikael Borglund said he couldn't give any more details about the program because it is still being finalized. It will be the second time Beyond has opened a U.S. office. In the late 1980s, Beyond had an office in Los Angeles for the production of the science series "Beyond Tomorrow". John Luscombe, Beyond's head of production, will oversee the setting up of the new office. Borglund said that while Luscombe will remain Sydney-based, other senior producers, production and finance staff will relocate to Maryland.
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