(Royal) kids say the darndest things. Meghan Markle revealed during her and Prince Harry’s Nigeria trip what their soon-to-be 3-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet, told her just weeks earlier. Ahead, what Lilibet said to the Duchess of Sussex, 42. Plus, how Meghan interpreted the comment “in a different way.”
Lilibet saw her reflection in Meghan’s eyes
During the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s time in Nigeria from May 10-12, 2024, which also happened to be Mother’s Day weekend, Meghan made a rare comment about her and Harry’s daughter.
Lilibet, along with her 5-year-old brother, Prince Archie, are kept largely out of the spotlight as they grow up in Montecito, California. (Although that may change with Meghan’s new Netflix show drops.)
So when Meghan name-dropped Lilibet in Nigeria, it was a rare treat. While visiting a school, Meghan recalled an observation the 2-year-old made.
Referring to “our daughter,...
Lilibet saw her reflection in Meghan’s eyes
During the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s time in Nigeria from May 10-12, 2024, which also happened to be Mother’s Day weekend, Meghan made a rare comment about her and Harry’s daughter.
Lilibet, along with her 5-year-old brother, Prince Archie, are kept largely out of the spotlight as they grow up in Montecito, California. (Although that may change with Meghan’s new Netflix show drops.)
So when Meghan name-dropped Lilibet in Nigeria, it was a rare treat. While visiting a school, Meghan recalled an observation the 2-year-old made.
Referring to “our daughter,...
- 6/1/2024
- by Mandi Kerr
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
For Bonnie Hammer, work has always been a team sport.
The NBCUniversal vice chair thrived in her career as a cable programming pioneer, leading the executive teams that transformed USA Network, Syfy Channel, E! and other channels. More recently, she galvanized the troops that got the Peacock streamer off the ground.
For years, Hammer also nursed the idea of writing a book that would capture her decades of experience navigating business, financial and personal pressures at the highest levels of Big Media’s C-suites. The pandemic and her job transition to vice chair in 2020 gave Hammer the time she needed to make the book a priority. “15 Lies Women Are Told at Work…And the Truth We Need to Succeed” was published this month by Simon & Schuster.
One of the biggest challenges Hammer faced in getting the book to the finish line was having to work solo as a writer for such a long period.
The NBCUniversal vice chair thrived in her career as a cable programming pioneer, leading the executive teams that transformed USA Network, Syfy Channel, E! and other channels. More recently, she galvanized the troops that got the Peacock streamer off the ground.
For years, Hammer also nursed the idea of writing a book that would capture her decades of experience navigating business, financial and personal pressures at the highest levels of Big Media’s C-suites. The pandemic and her job transition to vice chair in 2020 gave Hammer the time she needed to make the book a priority. “15 Lies Women Are Told at Work…And the Truth We Need to Succeed” was published this month by Simon & Schuster.
One of the biggest challenges Hammer faced in getting the book to the finish line was having to work solo as a writer for such a long period.
- 5/24/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
While the sunny beaches of Bermuda beckon, Hoda Kotb is notably absent from the set of Today Show. On May 8th, Savannah Guthrie hinted that Hoda had an exciting assignment ahead with Jenna Bush Hager in Bermuda. Exciting Episode Development An Instagram post by Hoda revealed her excitement: Brought along a great book – perfect for your graduate! Bonnie Hammer is a legend in the TV business…she is one of my trusted mentors who guided my career. The show celebrated its 5th anniversary with these special episodes, flying down to Bermuda to bask in its beauty and engage with local
The post Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager in Bermuda for Today Show Special first appeared on TVovermind.
The post Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager in Bermuda for Today Show Special first appeared on TVovermind.
- 5/19/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Hoda Kotb is taking a break from the busy streets of New York City to enjoy the serene beaches of Bermuda. She missed the May 8 episode of Today, which was addressed by her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who said, Hoda’s in Bermuda with Jenna , working hard. Co-host Craig Melvin humorously added, Yeah, or hardly working. Kotb revealed on Instagram that she was about to board a flight. She mentioned a book by Bonnie Hammer, saying, Brought along a great book — perfect for your graduate! Bonnie Hammer is a legend in the TV business… she is one of
The post Hoda Kotb Takes a Break from Today to Film Special Bermuda Episodes first appeared on TVovermind.
The post Hoda Kotb Takes a Break from Today to Film Special Bermuda Episodes first appeared on TVovermind.
- 5/19/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Though the Duchess of Sussex, 42, has moved on from acting, there was once a time when it was her world and she did her best, as most other young talent, to grow in her role.
According to a high-powered Hollywood exec, she wasn’t afraid to speak out on things that will help drive her career forward.
See what it’s like to know Meghan Markle the actress long before she became Meghan Markle the Duchess.
Meghan Markle’s Work Ethics Praised By Top NBC Exec
Even though “Suits” will be coming back without Meghan Markle, let’s take a moment to reflect on how she was a mainstay character in the show up until the point she left it in season 7 to marry Britain’s Prince Harry.
However, she didn’t start out as one of the top stars – or top guns, should I say? – she got there by her grit and determination.
According to a high-powered Hollywood exec, she wasn’t afraid to speak out on things that will help drive her career forward.
See what it’s like to know Meghan Markle the actress long before she became Meghan Markle the Duchess.
Meghan Markle’s Work Ethics Praised By Top NBC Exec
Even though “Suits” will be coming back without Meghan Markle, let’s take a moment to reflect on how she was a mainstay character in the show up until the point she left it in season 7 to marry Britain’s Prince Harry.
However, she didn’t start out as one of the top stars – or top guns, should I say? – she got there by her grit and determination.
- 5/13/2024
- by Nmesoma Okechukwu
- Soap Opera Spy
Liz Claman. (Photo courtesy Fox News Media)
Fox Business Network host Liz Claman was formally inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame at an industry event last week.
The ceremony took place at the Syndeo Institute on April 18, and saw Claman honored with several peer cable executives and stakeholders.
Claman was introduced by former Showtime Chairman and CEO Matt Blank, who now serves as a senior advisor to Raine Group, and former Cox Communications CEO Patt Esser.
Members of Claman’s production staff and executives and colleagues from Fox Business Network were on hand to witness her induction, including “Claman Countdown” executive producer Brad Hirst and senior producer Milanee Kapadia. Fox Business Network Senior Vice President of Programming Ralph Giordano, Vice President Charlie Brady, Cheryl Cassone, Kennedy and Charlie Gasparino.
“I value this award more than you’ll ever know,” Claman said at the event, acknowledging and thanking Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott,...
Fox Business Network host Liz Claman was formally inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame at an industry event last week.
The ceremony took place at the Syndeo Institute on April 18, and saw Claman honored with several peer cable executives and stakeholders.
Claman was introduced by former Showtime Chairman and CEO Matt Blank, who now serves as a senior advisor to Raine Group, and former Cox Communications CEO Patt Esser.
Members of Claman’s production staff and executives and colleagues from Fox Business Network were on hand to witness her induction, including “Claman Countdown” executive producer Brad Hirst and senior producer Milanee Kapadia. Fox Business Network Senior Vice President of Programming Ralph Giordano, Vice President Charlie Brady, Cheryl Cassone, Kennedy and Charlie Gasparino.
“I value this award more than you’ll ever know,” Claman said at the event, acknowledging and thanking Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
The Last Airbender director M. Night Shyamalan landed himself in controversy after employing a rather unethical marketing strategy for his film, The Village. To create buzz around the Joaquin Phoenix film, Syfy Channel (earlier Sci Fi) aired a documentary, The Buried Secret of M. Night Shyamalan, that claimed to reveal deep secrets about the director. The documentary was later revealed to be a hoax, blending real-life events with fiction.
The Last Airbender director M. Night Shyamalan undertook a questionable marketing tactic for his film The Village
The documentary was created by Nathaniel Kahn and Callum Greene. It allegedly uncovered events from Shyamalan’s life through interviews, reenactments, and supposedly leaked footage. The documentary suggested that Shyamalan had a direct connection to the supernatural.
The Last Airbender Director Created A Fake Documentary To Promote His Film
The Buried Secret of M. Night Shyamalan was created as a marketing strategy for The Village...
The Last Airbender director M. Night Shyamalan undertook a questionable marketing tactic for his film The Village
The documentary was created by Nathaniel Kahn and Callum Greene. It allegedly uncovered events from Shyamalan’s life through interviews, reenactments, and supposedly leaked footage. The documentary suggested that Shyamalan had a direct connection to the supernatural.
The Last Airbender Director Created A Fake Documentary To Promote His Film
The Buried Secret of M. Night Shyamalan was created as a marketing strategy for The Village...
- 4/11/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Television fans know that The Office is one of the most popular sitcoms in history. Originally a British mockumentary spin-off starring Ricky Gervais and co-created by Steven Knight, the series received numerous international versions, each dealing with the life of a small company dealing, in most cases, with paper.
Alongside the British original, the following countries also produced their own version of the series: Australia, Canada, Chile, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, and the United States. Of course, the American version of the series became the most popular one, but also the longest-running one with nine seasons and 201 episodes.
And while the American version ended in 2013, it has recently been confirmed that original showrunner Greg Daniels is indeed moving forward with a new version of the series. Plans for a spin-off of The Office have been there since 2008, and in 2019, Bonnie Hammer,...
Alongside the British original, the following countries also produced their own version of the series: Australia, Canada, Chile, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, and the United States. Of course, the American version of the series became the most popular one, but also the longest-running one with nine seasons and 201 episodes.
And while the American version ended in 2013, it has recently been confirmed that original showrunner Greg Daniels is indeed moving forward with a new version of the series. Plans for a spin-off of The Office have been there since 2008, and in 2019, Bonnie Hammer,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Fox Business Network host Liz Claman has been chosen as one of six cable pioneers to be inducted into Syndeo Institute’s Cable Hall of Fame this year.
Claman, who hosts “The Claman Countdown” for the network, holds the honor of being the only on-air talent named among the 2024 honorees, which honors influential and trailblazing members of the cable television industry.
Liz Claman, the host of “The Claman Countdown” on Fox Business Network. (Photo courtesy Fox News Media)
Claman has worked in cable news for more than two decades, first joining CNBC as an anchor in 1998 before moving to the Fox Business Network upon its launch in 2007. She began her television career as a production assistant at Kcbs-tv (Channel 2) in 1986, where she was the youngest person at the station to win a regional Emmy Award.
In addition to Claman, the other five inductees who will be honored at the...
Claman, who hosts “The Claman Countdown” for the network, holds the honor of being the only on-air talent named among the 2024 honorees, which honors influential and trailblazing members of the cable television industry.
Liz Claman, the host of “The Claman Countdown” on Fox Business Network. (Photo courtesy Fox News Media)
Claman has worked in cable news for more than two decades, first joining CNBC as an anchor in 1998 before moving to the Fox Business Network upon its launch in 2007. She began her television career as a production assistant at Kcbs-tv (Channel 2) in 1986, where she was the youngest person at the station to win a regional Emmy Award.
In addition to Claman, the other five inductees who will be honored at the...
- 2/8/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
A reboot of “The Office” is reportedly in the works from series co-creator Greg Daniels, according to Puck journalist Matthew Belloni.
In his Sunday newsletter about what may happen in the wake of the WGA strike coming to an end, Belloni cautioned that once the ratification of the WGA’s deal with the AMPTP happens there will be a “stampede” that revolves around “every show and movie fighting for the same resources as studios try to salvage their 2024 slates.”
“We’re also about to see a firehose of announcements of projects and castings that have been held back for fear of bad optics or violating guild rules. Greg Daniels is set to do a reboot of ‘The Office,’ for instance,” Belloni wrote. “Disney’s Dana Walden will finally be able to announce the return of her Bff Ryan Murphy from Netflix. A ton of high-profile movie scripts will come in.
In his Sunday newsletter about what may happen in the wake of the WGA strike coming to an end, Belloni cautioned that once the ratification of the WGA’s deal with the AMPTP happens there will be a “stampede” that revolves around “every show and movie fighting for the same resources as studios try to salvage their 2024 slates.”
“We’re also about to see a firehose of announcements of projects and castings that have been held back for fear of bad optics or violating guild rules. Greg Daniels is set to do a reboot of ‘The Office,’ for instance,” Belloni wrote. “Disney’s Dana Walden will finally be able to announce the return of her Bff Ryan Murphy from Netflix. A ton of high-profile movie scripts will come in.
- 9/25/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Exclusive: The CW is continuing its push into unscripted.
The network has hired former NBCUniversal exec Betsy Slenzak as VP, Unscripted Programming. She reports to Head of Unscripted Programming Heather Olander and will develop and run current production on alternative reality series, events and specials for the network.
Slenzak was previously VP, Entertainment Unscripted Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, where she worked across reality competition, talent competition and game show formats for networks NBC, Bravo, E! and USA Network and streamer Peacock.
Her slate included series including NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, Peacock’s Love Island, The Traitors and Frogger.
The move follows the departure of Cyle Zezo, who was VP and Head of Alternative and Digital Programming, who Deadline revealed was leaving after nine years and was planning a move into production.
Olander joined earlier this year and has already been busy outlining the Nexstar-owned network’s unscripted strategy to producers,...
The network has hired former NBCUniversal exec Betsy Slenzak as VP, Unscripted Programming. She reports to Head of Unscripted Programming Heather Olander and will develop and run current production on alternative reality series, events and specials for the network.
Slenzak was previously VP, Entertainment Unscripted Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, where she worked across reality competition, talent competition and game show formats for networks NBC, Bravo, E! and USA Network and streamer Peacock.
Her slate included series including NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, Peacock’s Love Island, The Traitors and Frogger.
The move follows the departure of Cyle Zezo, who was VP and Head of Alternative and Digital Programming, who Deadline revealed was leaving after nine years and was planning a move into production.
Olander joined earlier this year and has already been busy outlining the Nexstar-owned network’s unscripted strategy to producers,...
- 3/30/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
M. Night Shayamalan has had more than a tumultuous career. His breakout hit, "The Sixth Sense," made him one of the few directors that became an instantly recognizable household name. A series of critical flops, however, turned him into an easy target for the butt of many a joke about his need for twist endings. The filmmaker has had a bit of a comeback in recent years, earning respect and profits for the mid-budget work he has done for NBCUniversal such as "The Visit" and "Split." His nadir, however, was a brutal one, even by Hollywood standards. And this low point in his career was only exacerbated by the public's poor perception of him. Case in point: The head-scratching phenomenon of "The Buried Secret of M. Night Shyamalan."
As an elaborate marketing stunt for "The Village," Shyamalan orchestrated a mockumentary about his own life and career complete with ominous music,...
As an elaborate marketing stunt for "The Village," Shyamalan orchestrated a mockumentary about his own life and career complete with ominous music,...
- 1/5/2023
- by Andrew Housman
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
On Oct. 24, the head of Hollywood’s most beloved charity, the century-old Motion Picture & Television Fund, warned of its “imminent demise” if it didn’t raise at least 10 million by the end of this year. CEO Bob Beitcher wrote in an open letter sent to industry members the next day that, since the onset of the pandemic, the organization, which provides social services and residential options for currently employed and retired entertainment workers, had incurred a massive operating shortfall largely stemming from Covid-related expenses and lost earnings from philanthropic events.
“Never sufficiently endowed, MPTF has always survived year to year and deficit to deficit,” he explained in the letter, which also ran as an ad in The Hollywood Reporter. “We are now operating in dangerous territory, rapidly depleting our cash reserves.” Beitcher argued that the organization’s capacity to help the thousands...
On Oct. 24, the head of Hollywood’s most beloved charity, the century-old Motion Picture & Television Fund, warned of its “imminent demise” if it didn’t raise at least 10 million by the end of this year. CEO Bob Beitcher wrote in an open letter sent to industry members the next day that, since the onset of the pandemic, the organization, which provides social services and residential options for currently employed and retired entertainment workers, had incurred a massive operating shortfall largely stemming from Covid-related expenses and lost earnings from philanthropic events.
“Never sufficiently endowed, MPTF has always survived year to year and deficit to deficit,” he explained in the letter, which also ran as an ad in The Hollywood Reporter. “We are now operating in dangerous territory, rapidly depleting our cash reserves.” Beitcher argued that the organization’s capacity to help the thousands...
- 11/8/2022
- by Gary Baum and Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Yes, there’s still a Fall TV season, and yes, it’s now well under way. Broadcast TV got a little pep in its step last year thanks to two freshman sitcom phenoms: ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” and CBS’ “Ghosts.” When asked to tout their new wares, several network execs instead opted to shine more spotlight on returning shows they hope to keep buzzing as sophomore sensations.
It’s time for Variety’s annual fall check-in with network heads across broadcast, cable and streaming — although how to do that proves tricky these days. Many execs’ gigs transcend platforms, after all — like Disney’s Craig Erwich, who serves as entertainment president for both ABC and Hulu, or the NBCUniversal duo of Susan Rovner and Frances Berwick, whose domain stretches across programming for broadcast, network and streaming.
But they all are toiling away in this new landscape, and all facing the same issues.
It’s time for Variety’s annual fall check-in with network heads across broadcast, cable and streaming — although how to do that proves tricky these days. Many execs’ gigs transcend platforms, after all — like Disney’s Craig Erwich, who serves as entertainment president for both ABC and Hulu, or the NBCUniversal duo of Susan Rovner and Frances Berwick, whose domain stretches across programming for broadcast, network and streaming.
But they all are toiling away in this new landscape, and all facing the same issues.
- 9/30/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Tribeca and Chanel have sights set on the next installment of their collaboration, Through Her Lens.
Founded in 2015 by Tribeca and Chanel and in collaboration with Pulse Films, the mentorship program provides industry support, artistic development and funding to emerging U.S.-based self-identifying women and nonbinary writers and directors while also hosting finalists, industry jurors and mentors for in-person events, workshops, classes and peer-to-peer sessions.
The partners today announced the names of its 2022 leadership committee. It’s comprised of jurors, mentors and masterclass participants. Jury members include actor and director Jennifer Morrison, producer Bonnie Hammer, actor Alexandra Shipp, producer Paula Weinstein and actor Thuso Mbedu.
Mentors include Annette Bening, writer and showrunner Annie Weisman, producer Effie Brown, producer Haifaa Al-Mansour and producer Maria Zuckerman. Writing mentors include writer Becky Johnston, producer Kelly Carmichael, writer and showrunner Angela Kang, writer and showrunner Deepa Mehta...
Tribeca and Chanel have sights set on the next installment of their collaboration, Through Her Lens.
Founded in 2015 by Tribeca and Chanel and in collaboration with Pulse Films, the mentorship program provides industry support, artistic development and funding to emerging U.S.-based self-identifying women and nonbinary writers and directors while also hosting finalists, industry jurors and mentors for in-person events, workshops, classes and peer-to-peer sessions.
The partners today announced the names of its 2022 leadership committee. It’s comprised of jurors, mentors and masterclass participants. Jury members include actor and director Jennifer Morrison, producer Bonnie Hammer, actor Alexandra Shipp, producer Paula Weinstein and actor Thuso Mbedu.
Mentors include Annette Bening, writer and showrunner Annie Weisman, producer Effie Brown, producer Haifaa Al-Mansour and producer Maria Zuckerman. Writing mentors include writer Becky Johnston, producer Kelly Carmichael, writer and showrunner Angela Kang, writer and showrunner Deepa Mehta...
- 9/15/2022
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In 2004, Disney’s cable networks executive Anne Sweeney was named co-chair, Disney Media Networks, and president, Disney/ABC Television Group. The promotion, announced by then-Disney CEO Bob Iger, to whom Sweeney reported, set off a decade-long reign of Sweeney as one of the most powerful women in entertainment, with a vast TV portfolio encompassing a broadcast network and cable networks, Disney’s TV studio and news.
When Iger announced that he planned to step down in 2016 (he ultimately did not leave and ended up postponing his retirement four times since 2013), Sweeney had to be considered a contender as one of the most senior executives under Iger who was coming up the same route he had taken to the top job, via Disney’s TV operation.
But in 2014, Sweeney announced her exit to become a TV director. (She actually never went into directing.) According to insiders at the time, the fact...
When Iger announced that he planned to step down in 2016 (he ultimately did not leave and ended up postponing his retirement four times since 2013), Sweeney had to be considered a contender as one of the most senior executives under Iger who was coming up the same route he had taken to the top job, via Disney’s TV operation.
But in 2014, Sweeney announced her exit to become a TV director. (She actually never went into directing.) According to insiders at the time, the fact...
- 6/10/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Recently commemorating its 100th anniversary, MPTF (the Motion Picture & Television Fund) is expanding its Board of Governors with four new additions from different walks of the entertainment industry: Greg Berlanti, writer, director, and producer, Berlanti Productions; Lauren Shuler Donner, producer; Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, director, entrepreneur, actor, and producer; and Ann Sarnoff, former Chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group.
Together they serve on a Board for the philanthropic organization, which received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy Awards in 2021 and has announced future plans to expand its campus and services for those in the entertainment industry.
“I’m so honored to be part of the leadership of this extraordinary organization,” said Grammy winner Jackson. “Being able to give back to this industry is something we should all strive for, and I can’t wait for all the exciting changes we have in store.”
“I support MPTF because...
Together they serve on a Board for the philanthropic organization, which received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy Awards in 2021 and has announced future plans to expand its campus and services for those in the entertainment industry.
“I’m so honored to be part of the leadership of this extraordinary organization,” said Grammy winner Jackson. “Being able to give back to this industry is something we should all strive for, and I can’t wait for all the exciting changes we have in store.”
“I support MPTF because...
- 4/14/2022
- Look to the Stars
Exclusive: Greg Berlanti, Lauren Shuler Donner, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Ann Sarnoff have been added to the board of governors of the Motion Picture & Television Fund, the 100-year-old charitable organization that supports working and retired members of the entertainment industry through a safety net of health and social services, including temporary financial assistance, case management and residential living.
“We’re more than thrilled to have these four incredible leaders in their fields join our board of governors,” said Bob Beitcher, president and CEO of the MPTF. “Our future is truly looking bright as we move ahead to a new era of taking care of our own.”
Berlanti, the creative force behind dozens of hit television shows, was the recipient of the Producers Guild of America’s prestigious Norman Lear Achievement Award last month, and the Icg Publicists Awards’ Television Showman of the Year honor in 2019. Named one of Time magazine...
“We’re more than thrilled to have these four incredible leaders in their fields join our board of governors,” said Bob Beitcher, president and CEO of the MPTF. “Our future is truly looking bright as we move ahead to a new era of taking care of our own.”
Berlanti, the creative force behind dozens of hit television shows, was the recipient of the Producers Guild of America’s prestigious Norman Lear Achievement Award last month, and the Icg Publicists Awards’ Television Showman of the Year honor in 2019. Named one of Time magazine...
- 4/11/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
In a world of reboots, spin-offs and reimaginations, The Office remains one of the most vaunted.
The launch of NBCUniversal streamer Peacock and the company’s $500M deal to get the rights back from Netflix to the Steve Carrell-fronted adaptation of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s comedy put the idea of a reboot back in focus.
NBCU content chief Susan Rovner today told Deadline that “whenever Greg Daniels wants to do one, we’re standing by”.
Rovner, who is Chairman, Entertainment Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, was speaking to Deadline at the Edinburgh International TV Festival. In a panel session, she initially said “no comment” to the question of plans for a reboot, before adding that it was up to Daniels, who developed the NBC adaptation.
It comes after NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell said in January that The Office was being more actively streamed on Peacock than it had been on Netflix.
The launch of NBCUniversal streamer Peacock and the company’s $500M deal to get the rights back from Netflix to the Steve Carrell-fronted adaptation of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s comedy put the idea of a reboot back in focus.
NBCU content chief Susan Rovner today told Deadline that “whenever Greg Daniels wants to do one, we’re standing by”.
Rovner, who is Chairman, Entertainment Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, was speaking to Deadline at the Edinburgh International TV Festival. In a panel session, she initially said “no comment” to the question of plans for a reboot, before adding that it was up to Daniels, who developed the NBC adaptation.
It comes after NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell said in January that The Office was being more actively streamed on Peacock than it had been on Netflix.
- 8/23/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Bonnie Hammer got her earliest lessons in leadership while pacing around a talk show set at Wcvb-tv Boston in the early 1980s. The executive, who is now vice chairman of NBCUniversal, was promoted to produce the station’s “Good Day” morning show six months after she joined Wcvb as a coordinating producer. It was her first big move up the ladder in the TV business. It would not be her last.
“Doing morning talk was an interesting education,” Hammer recalls. “We could produce a four-minute segment on anything in the world.”
Hammer’s career path eventually would lead her out of Boston and local TV into the “wild, wild West” of cable, where she was destined to rise to prominence as one of the industry’s most accomplished and respected executives. In recognition of her track record as an innovator, leader and mentor, Variety is presenting its inaugural TV Legacy...
“Doing morning talk was an interesting education,” Hammer recalls. “We could produce a four-minute segment on anything in the world.”
Hammer’s career path eventually would lead her out of Boston and local TV into the “wild, wild West” of cable, where she was destined to rise to prominence as one of the industry’s most accomplished and respected executives. In recognition of her track record as an innovator, leader and mentor, Variety is presenting its inaugural TV Legacy...
- 6/9/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Variety is pleased to announce programming for its second annual TV Fest on June 8-10. Keynote conversations include a “New Girl” 10th Anniversary reunion, a conversation with Netflix’s Global Head of TV Bela Bajaria, plus Queen Latifah and producer Debra Martin Chase.
“New Girl” creator Elizabeth Meriwether and stars Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, Jake Johnson, Lamorne Morris and Hannah Simone will reunite to share stories about their work on the show and discuss its continued influence on today’s comedy series.
Queen Latifah will be joined by producer Debra Martin Chase to talk about their collaboration on the CBS hit drama, “The Equalizer.”
Bajaria will speak to how she and her team lead, develop, produce and acquire Netflix programming worldwide.
A “Supporting Actor Roundtable” will feature Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”), Nicola Coughlan (“Bridgerton”), Michael K. Williams (“Lovecraft Country”), Anthony Ramos (“In Treatment”), Rosie Perez (“The Flight Attendant”) and Courtney B. Vance...
“New Girl” creator Elizabeth Meriwether and stars Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, Jake Johnson, Lamorne Morris and Hannah Simone will reunite to share stories about their work on the show and discuss its continued influence on today’s comedy series.
Queen Latifah will be joined by producer Debra Martin Chase to talk about their collaboration on the CBS hit drama, “The Equalizer.”
Bajaria will speak to how she and her team lead, develop, produce and acquire Netflix programming worldwide.
A “Supporting Actor Roundtable” will feature Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”), Nicola Coughlan (“Bridgerton”), Michael K. Williams (“Lovecraft Country”), Anthony Ramos (“In Treatment”), Rosie Perez (“The Flight Attendant”) and Courtney B. Vance...
- 5/3/2021
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Another longtime NBCUniversal executive is leaving the company as a result of its corporate restructuring.
Heather Olander, who most recently served as exec vp alternative at Peacock, USA Network and Syfy, will exit the company following a transition period. A homegrown talent who spent a decade with the conglomerate, she ushered USA Network into the unscripted space and greenlit veteran hit Chrisley Knows Best as well as reboots of Temptation Island, The Biggest Loser and Cannonball.
Olander joined the company in 2011 as senior vp alternative at USA Network and added Syfy to her purview three years later. When Bonnie Hammer hand-picked ...
Heather Olander, who most recently served as exec vp alternative at Peacock, USA Network and Syfy, will exit the company following a transition period. A homegrown talent who spent a decade with the conglomerate, she ushered USA Network into the unscripted space and greenlit veteran hit Chrisley Knows Best as well as reboots of Temptation Island, The Biggest Loser and Cannonball.
Olander joined the company in 2011 as senior vp alternative at USA Network and added Syfy to her purview three years later. When Bonnie Hammer hand-picked ...
- 12/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Another longtime NBCUniversal executive is leaving the company as a result of its corporate restructuring.
Heather Olander, who most recently served as exec vp alternative at Peacock, USA Network and Syfy, will exit the company following a transition period. A homegrown talent who spent a decade with the conglomerate, she ushered USA Network into the unscripted space and greenlit veteran hit Chrisley Knows Best as well as reboots of Temptation Island, The Biggest Loser and Cannonball.
Olander joined the company in 2011 as senior vp alternative at USA Network and added Syfy to her purview three years later. When Bonnie Hammer hand-picked ...
Heather Olander, who most recently served as exec vp alternative at Peacock, USA Network and Syfy, will exit the company following a transition period. A homegrown talent who spent a decade with the conglomerate, she ushered USA Network into the unscripted space and greenlit veteran hit Chrisley Knows Best as well as reboots of Temptation Island, The Biggest Loser and Cannonball.
Olander joined the company in 2011 as senior vp alternative at USA Network and added Syfy to her purview three years later. When Bonnie Hammer hand-picked ...
- 12/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock offers a free ad-supported plan for subscribers, but anyone hoping to stream “The Office” when it becomes available on Peacock in 2021 is going to have to break out their wallets. According to The Wrap, NBCUniversal is paywalling “The Office” on Peacock starting in Season 3. The first two seasons of the beloved NBC comedy will be available to stream via the platform’s base free ad-supported plan, but the last six seasons will only available on Peacock Premium ($4.99 a month with ads or $9.99 a month with no ads).
“The Office” has called Netflix its streaming home for the last several years, but it was announced in summer 2019 that the sitcom would be leaving Netflix at the end of 2020. Moving “The Office” from Netflix to Peacock is a big blow to the former, where “The Office” has long ranked as one of the platform’s most popular titles.
“The Office” has called Netflix its streaming home for the last several years, but it was announced in summer 2019 that the sitcom would be leaving Netflix at the end of 2020. Moving “The Office” from Netflix to Peacock is a big blow to the former, where “The Office” has long ranked as one of the platform’s most popular titles.
- 12/14/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Longtime programming exec Bill McGoldrick is leaving NBCUniversal after spending the better part of more than 20 years at the company and its predecessors.
McGoldrick’s departure comes amid a restructuring of NBCUniversal’s television and streaming content teams under new programming chief Susan Rovner, who on Tuesday unveiled her new leadership team. In his own memo to staff, McGoldrick wrote, “As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed. That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.”
Most recently, McGoldrick served as head of programming for Peacock, the NBCU direct-to-consumer streaming service that launched earlier this year. Under a broader restructuring that began in August, NBCU has been combining its programming operations for streaming, broadcasting and cable.
McGoldrick’s...
McGoldrick’s departure comes amid a restructuring of NBCUniversal’s television and streaming content teams under new programming chief Susan Rovner, who on Tuesday unveiled her new leadership team. In his own memo to staff, McGoldrick wrote, “As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed. That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.”
Most recently, McGoldrick served as head of programming for Peacock, the NBCU direct-to-consumer streaming service that launched earlier this year. Under a broader restructuring that began in August, NBCU has been combining its programming operations for streaming, broadcasting and cable.
McGoldrick’s...
- 11/17/2020
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Bill McGoldrick is departing his post as President, Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer. He just informed his staff of his exit in an email.
“As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed,” he wrote. “That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.” (You can read the full letter below).
McGoldrick, a well liked executive within and outside NBCU, is the latest top-level veteran NBCU TV executive to leave in the last couple of months as the company’s Television and Streaming division, run by Mark Lazarus, underwent a reorganization.
The first announcement in August, in which Lazarus unveiled the new centralized structure, included the exit of NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy as all NBCU English-language linear...
“As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed,” he wrote. “That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.” (You can read the full letter below).
McGoldrick, a well liked executive within and outside NBCU, is the latest top-level veteran NBCU TV executive to leave in the last couple of months as the company’s Television and Streaming division, run by Mark Lazarus, underwent a reorganization.
The first announcement in August, in which Lazarus unveiled the new centralized structure, included the exit of NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy as all NBCU English-language linear...
- 11/17/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
After outlining her exec team, recently appointed Universal Studio Group chief Pearlena Igbokwe is adding another studio to that group.
Igbokwe has announced, via a letter obtained by Variety, that the Universal Television Alternative Studios is being incorporated into Universal Studio Group. As part of the move, Utas president Toby Gorman is joining Igbokwe’s leadership team and will continue to oversee the studio’s biggest shows, including “Making It,” “The Wall,” “The Titan Games,” “Songland” and “World of Dance.”
Utas was previously overseen Meredith Ahr, who left NBC earlier this week. Her exit came little over two months after NBC Entertainment head Paul Telegdy left the company over accusations of racist, sexist and homophobic behavior.
The transition is the latest sign of the seismic corporate restructure happening at the top of NBCU. Igbokwe took over the NBCU TV reins from Bonnie Hammer last month, as the latter into the...
Igbokwe has announced, via a letter obtained by Variety, that the Universal Television Alternative Studios is being incorporated into Universal Studio Group. As part of the move, Utas president Toby Gorman is joining Igbokwe’s leadership team and will continue to oversee the studio’s biggest shows, including “Making It,” “The Wall,” “The Titan Games,” “Songland” and “World of Dance.”
Utas was previously overseen Meredith Ahr, who left NBC earlier this week. Her exit came little over two months after NBC Entertainment head Paul Telegdy left the company over accusations of racist, sexist and homophobic behavior.
The transition is the latest sign of the seismic corporate restructure happening at the top of NBCU. Igbokwe took over the NBCU TV reins from Bonnie Hammer last month, as the latter into the...
- 10/15/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Universal Television Alternative Studios, the division responsible for shows including The Wall and World of Dance, has become part of the Pearlena Igbokwe-run Universal Studio Group.
The move, which becomes official today, follows the departure of Meredith Ahr, who was President of NBC Entertainment’s Alternative and Reality Group, and who oversaw the non-scripted studio.
It means that Utas, which is run by President Toby Gorman, now joins sister studios including Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios under the Universal Studio Group umbrella.
It comes a month after Igbokwe was promoted to Chairman of Universal Studio Group, which was formerly known as NBCUniversal Content Studios last month, succeeding Bonnie Hammer, who is taking on a new role as Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal
Gorman, who joins the Usg leadership team, will continue to oversee development, domestic sales strategy and creative affairs, while collaborating closely across all areas of production, casting,...
The move, which becomes official today, follows the departure of Meredith Ahr, who was President of NBC Entertainment’s Alternative and Reality Group, and who oversaw the non-scripted studio.
It means that Utas, which is run by President Toby Gorman, now joins sister studios including Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios under the Universal Studio Group umbrella.
It comes a month after Igbokwe was promoted to Chairman of Universal Studio Group, which was formerly known as NBCUniversal Content Studios last month, succeeding Bonnie Hammer, who is taking on a new role as Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal
Gorman, who joins the Usg leadership team, will continue to oversee development, domestic sales strategy and creative affairs, while collaborating closely across all areas of production, casting,...
- 10/15/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
For the second time in that many months, a top TV programming job has opened that is bringing up the names of some of the TV business’ most accomplished female executives.
NBCUniversal’s head of TV and streaming content post ultimately went to Warner Bros. TV President Susan Rovner. Now her vacant Wbtv position is attracting attention, with the Hollywood rumor mill in overdrive who may succeed her. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that, while Rovner held the job, she had been in line to succeed Peter Roth as head of the entire Warner Bros. TV operation.
The names that have been circulating for the past couple of weeks include Channing Dungey, VP and head of drama at Netflix; Amy Israel EVP, Scripted Programming, Showtime Networks; and Ucp President Dawn Olmstead. According to sources, there are no formal conversations, and there is no indication any of the executives,...
NBCUniversal’s head of TV and streaming content post ultimately went to Warner Bros. TV President Susan Rovner. Now her vacant Wbtv position is attracting attention, with the Hollywood rumor mill in overdrive who may succeed her. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that, while Rovner held the job, she had been in line to succeed Peter Roth as head of the entire Warner Bros. TV operation.
The names that have been circulating for the past couple of weeks include Channing Dungey, VP and head of drama at Netflix; Amy Israel EVP, Scripted Programming, Showtime Networks; and Ucp President Dawn Olmstead. According to sources, there are no formal conversations, and there is no indication any of the executives,...
- 10/8/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Pearlena Igbokwe wasted no time in setting her leadership team for the Universal Studio Group, which covers all aspects of TV production at the company.
Masami Yamamoto was named president of business affairs and operations, overseeing all aspects of business affairs for the global studio group including negotiations and deal-making for Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
Brad Melnick will be chief financial officer, responsible for financial performance, production finance, long-range planning and strategy.
Tracy St. Pierre was promoted to EVP of communications and marketing; Bryan Mu was made SVP of content and cultural insights, leading resarch and analytics to drive strategic planning and audience insights.
Jodi Dicenzo was elevated to global head of human resources, and Marni Pedorella was named general counsel of Universal Studio Group reporting to both Igbokwe and Kim Harris, EVP and general counsel for NBCUniversal.
Universal Studio Group is comprised of Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
Masami Yamamoto was named president of business affairs and operations, overseeing all aspects of business affairs for the global studio group including negotiations and deal-making for Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
Brad Melnick will be chief financial officer, responsible for financial performance, production finance, long-range planning and strategy.
Tracy St. Pierre was promoted to EVP of communications and marketing; Bryan Mu was made SVP of content and cultural insights, leading resarch and analytics to drive strategic planning and audience insights.
Jodi Dicenzo was elevated to global head of human resources, and Marni Pedorella was named general counsel of Universal Studio Group reporting to both Igbokwe and Kim Harris, EVP and general counsel for NBCUniversal.
Universal Studio Group is comprised of Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
- 9/17/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Bonnie Hammer is moving up to NBCUniversal’s corporate office, taking the role of vice chairman held by Ron Meyer until his abrupt resignation last month.
In addition, Universal Television president Pearlena Igbokwe will now run the entire TV group as chairman of Universal Studio Group. She will have responsibility over Universal Television, Universal Content Productions (Ucp) and NBCUniversal International Studios and report directly to NBCU CEO Jeff Shell.
As president of Universal Television, Igbokwe oversaw such critical and commercial hits as “Russian Doll,” “The Good Place,” “Superstore,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “New Amsterdam,” and Dick Wolf’s new “FBI” and “FBI: Most Wanted.” Dawn Olmstead, president of Ucp, and Jeff Wachtel, president of NBCUniversal International Studios, will now report directly to Igbokwe.
Hammer, who joined Universal Television as a programming executive in 1989, most recently served as chair of NBCUniversal Content Studios. She will now serve as a corporate adviser, still reporting...
In addition, Universal Television president Pearlena Igbokwe will now run the entire TV group as chairman of Universal Studio Group. She will have responsibility over Universal Television, Universal Content Productions (Ucp) and NBCUniversal International Studios and report directly to NBCU CEO Jeff Shell.
As president of Universal Television, Igbokwe oversaw such critical and commercial hits as “Russian Doll,” “The Good Place,” “Superstore,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “New Amsterdam,” and Dick Wolf’s new “FBI” and “FBI: Most Wanted.” Dawn Olmstead, president of Ucp, and Jeff Wachtel, president of NBCUniversal International Studios, will now report directly to Igbokwe.
Hammer, who joined Universal Television as a programming executive in 1989, most recently served as chair of NBCUniversal Content Studios. She will now serve as a corporate adviser, still reporting...
- 9/9/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
NBCUniversal is making more top executive changes in the company’s TV operations.
Universal TV President Pearlena Igbokwe has been upped to Chairman, Universal Studio Group (fka NBCUniversal Content Studios), which encompasses Universal Television, Universal Content Productions (Ucp) and NBCUniversal International Studios. She will report directly to Jeff Shell, CEO, NBCUniversal.
Igbokwe will succeed in the top NBCU TV studio job company veteran Bonnie Hammer who is taking on a new role as Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal. Hammer fills a void left by the abrupt recent departure of NBCU Vice Chairman Ron Meyer. While the corporate advisor job title is the same, I hear Hammer’s role will be different, leaning on her strengths as an accomplished TV executive. She also will focus on prosocial initiatives across the entire company. Hammer will continue to report to Shell.
Dawn Olmstead, President of Ucp, and Jeff Wachtel, President of NBCUniversal International Studios, will now report to Igbokwe.
Universal TV President Pearlena Igbokwe has been upped to Chairman, Universal Studio Group (fka NBCUniversal Content Studios), which encompasses Universal Television, Universal Content Productions (Ucp) and NBCUniversal International Studios. She will report directly to Jeff Shell, CEO, NBCUniversal.
Igbokwe will succeed in the top NBCU TV studio job company veteran Bonnie Hammer who is taking on a new role as Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal. Hammer fills a void left by the abrupt recent departure of NBCU Vice Chairman Ron Meyer. While the corporate advisor job title is the same, I hear Hammer’s role will be different, leaning on her strengths as an accomplished TV executive. She also will focus on prosocial initiatives across the entire company. Hammer will continue to report to Shell.
Dawn Olmstead, President of Ucp, and Jeff Wachtel, President of NBCUniversal International Studios, will now report to Igbokwe.
- 9/9/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal Television chief Pearlena Igbokwe has been elevated to head of TV content for NBCUniversal as part of the broader shakeup of NBCU’s senior executive ranks. Bonnie Hammer, the NBCU veteran who had been overseeing all TV production, segues into the NBCU vice chairman role that was hastily vacated last month by Ron Meyer.
The shuffle in NBCUniversal’s content group comes at the same time the company is poised to bring in longtime Warner Bros. TV executive Susan Rovner as head of programming for NBC, USA Network, Bravo, E! and the rest of the entertainment outlets in NBCU’s cable portfolio, plus the fledgling Peacock streamer. Rovner has formally announced her exit from Warner Bros. TV as of Oct. 2 and is in the final stages of negotiating a deal with NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell and Mark Lazarus, NBCU’s chairman of television and streaming.
The promotion for Igbokwe...
The shuffle in NBCUniversal’s content group comes at the same time the company is poised to bring in longtime Warner Bros. TV executive Susan Rovner as head of programming for NBC, USA Network, Bravo, E! and the rest of the entertainment outlets in NBCU’s cable portfolio, plus the fledgling Peacock streamer. Rovner has formally announced her exit from Warner Bros. TV as of Oct. 2 and is in the final stages of negotiating a deal with NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell and Mark Lazarus, NBCU’s chairman of television and streaming.
The promotion for Igbokwe...
- 9/9/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal continues to shake up its leadership team.
The conglomerate on Wednesday extended Bonnie Hammer’s contract and moved the 30-year company veteran to a vice chairman role in which she will serve as a key adviser to NBCU CEO Jeff Shell. Additionally, and as has been expected, the company has promoted Universal TV president Pearlena Igbokwe to chairman of NBCUniversal’s Content Studios, taking over the role previously occupied by Hammer.
Igbokwe’s new role with the studio group gives her a considerably bigger fiefdom. There had been rumblings that she was approached about the NBCUniversal entertainment programming job ...
The conglomerate on Wednesday extended Bonnie Hammer’s contract and moved the 30-year company veteran to a vice chairman role in which she will serve as a key adviser to NBCU CEO Jeff Shell. Additionally, and as has been expected, the company has promoted Universal TV president Pearlena Igbokwe to chairman of NBCUniversal’s Content Studios, taking over the role previously occupied by Hammer.
Igbokwe’s new role with the studio group gives her a considerably bigger fiefdom. There had been rumblings that she was approached about the NBCUniversal entertainment programming job ...
NBCUniversal continues to shake up its leadership team.
The conglomerate on Wednesday extended Bonnie Hammer’s contract and moved the 30-year company veteran to a vice chairman role in which she will serve as a key adviser to NBCU CEO Jeff Shell. Additionally, and as has been expected, the company has promoted Universal TV president Pearlena Igbokwe to chairman of NBCUniversal’s Content Studios, taking over the role previously occupied by Hammer.
Igbokwe’s new role with the studio group gives her a considerably bigger fiefdom. There had been rumblings that she was approached about the NBCUniversal entertainment programming job ...
The conglomerate on Wednesday extended Bonnie Hammer’s contract and moved the 30-year company veteran to a vice chairman role in which she will serve as a key adviser to NBCU CEO Jeff Shell. Additionally, and as has been expected, the company has promoted Universal TV president Pearlena Igbokwe to chairman of NBCUniversal’s Content Studios, taking over the role previously occupied by Hammer.
Igbokwe’s new role with the studio group gives her a considerably bigger fiefdom. There had been rumblings that she was approached about the NBCUniversal entertainment programming job ...
After stepping down as senior members of the British royal family in March, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are taking on a new venture with Netflix. According to The New York Times, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have
signed a multi-year deal with the streamer
, where they will produce a variety of projects including documentaries, docuseries, feature films, scripted shows, and children's programming, exclusively for Netflix. Though Meghan and Harry might appear on-camera in a documentary or two, the publication noted that Meghan will not be returning to her acting roots as part of the new deal.
"Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope," the couple said in a statement. "As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us," adding that Netflix's "unprecedented reach will help us share impactful content that unlocks action."
Variety recently reported that the couple was taking meetings with various networks,...
signed a multi-year deal with the streamer
, where they will produce a variety of projects including documentaries, docuseries, feature films, scripted shows, and children's programming, exclusively for Netflix. Though Meghan and Harry might appear on-camera in a documentary or two, the publication noted that Meghan will not be returning to her acting roots as part of the new deal.
"Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope," the couple said in a statement. "As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us," adding that Netflix's "unprecedented reach will help us share impactful content that unlocks action."
Variety recently reported that the couple was taking meetings with various networks,...
- 9/4/2020
- by Kelsie Gibson
- Popsugar.com
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are coming for Hollywood! After officially stepping down as senior members of the British royal family in March, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly shopping an idea for a new project to a variety of media companies. While the concept of their pitch is unknown, according to Variety, Meghan and Harry took meetings in June with different networks, including Bonnie Hammer from NBCUniversal. There are currently no other details about the top-secret project, however, sources say that Meghan has no plans to return to acting.
Following their royal exit, Meghan marked her return to the spotlight by teaming up with Disney+ to narrate its Elephants documentary, while Harry recently made an appearance in Netflix's trailer for the upcoming Rising Phoenix documentary and is currently gearing up for the 2021 release of
his Apple TV+ series about mental health
with Oprah Winfrey.
It's also...
Following their royal exit, Meghan marked her return to the spotlight by teaming up with Disney+ to narrate its Elephants documentary, while Harry recently made an appearance in Netflix's trailer for the upcoming Rising Phoenix documentary and is currently gearing up for the 2021 release of
his Apple TV+ series about mental health
with Oprah Winfrey.
It's also...
- 8/23/2020
- by Monica Sisavat
- Popsugar.com
Vida creator Tanya Saracho is getting into business with Ucp, signing a development deal with the studio, a division of Universal Studio Group. Under the pact, Saracho will develop and create original content for television as well as podcasts via the studio’s Ucp Audio extension. As part of the deal, Saracho will establish a lab and incubator program for Latinx voices.
“To say that I’m immensely enthusiastic about this union is not enough. This partnership with Ucp is a vital opportunity to keep amplifying the voices and stories that matter to me – those brown, queer narratives which have been missing from the landscape, and which are so important to tell,” said Saracho.
“I’m also elated and looking forward to establishing a lab and incubator program aimed to nurture, amplify and empower intersectional Latinx voices,” Saracho added. “And on a personal level, it is greatly gratifying to find...
“To say that I’m immensely enthusiastic about this union is not enough. This partnership with Ucp is a vital opportunity to keep amplifying the voices and stories that matter to me – those brown, queer narratives which have been missing from the landscape, and which are so important to tell,” said Saracho.
“I’m also elated and looking forward to establishing a lab and incubator program aimed to nurture, amplify and empower intersectional Latinx voices,” Saracho added. “And on a personal level, it is greatly gratifying to find...
- 8/19/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Tanya Saracho has signed an overall deal with Universal Content Productions (Ucp).
Under the deal, Saracho will develop original television projects for Ucp as well as podcasts via the studio’s Ucp Audio division. She will also establish a lab and incubator program aimed to nurture, amplify, guide, and empower intersectional Latinx voices. She was previously under an overall deal with Starz that was due to expire in 2021, but will exit that deal for Ucp.
“To say that I’m immensely enthusiastic about this union is not enough,” said Saracho. “This partnership with Ucp is a vital opportunity to keep amplifying the voices and stories that matter to me – those brown, queer narratives which have been missing from the landscape, and which are so important to tell. I’m also elated and looking forward to establishing a lab and incubator program aimed to nurture, amplify and empower intersectional Latinx voices.
Under the deal, Saracho will develop original television projects for Ucp as well as podcasts via the studio’s Ucp Audio division. She will also establish a lab and incubator program aimed to nurture, amplify, guide, and empower intersectional Latinx voices. She was previously under an overall deal with Starz that was due to expire in 2021, but will exit that deal for Ucp.
“To say that I’m immensely enthusiastic about this union is not enough,” said Saracho. “This partnership with Ucp is a vital opportunity to keep amplifying the voices and stories that matter to me – those brown, queer narratives which have been missing from the landscape, and which are so important to tell. I’m also elated and looking forward to establishing a lab and incubator program aimed to nurture, amplify and empower intersectional Latinx voices.
- 8/19/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Ever since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to California earlier this year, rumors have swirled that they had a plan to gain a foothold in Hollywood. They now seem to be taking steps to do that. According to sources, the couple has been quietly shopping an idea for a project around town, Variety has learned.
While the concept behind their pitch is unknown, the world-famous couple took meetings in June with networks. Also unknown: if the pitch is supposed to be for a scripted or unscripted TV series, or something else. But whatever it is, the couple would like to serve as joint producers on the project, according to a source with knowledge of the top-secret idea.
Insiders indicate their pitch has been shopped to numerous media companies. One venue that has heard the pitch is NBCUniversal where a meeting was set with top executives at the company, including Bonnie Hammer,...
While the concept behind their pitch is unknown, the world-famous couple took meetings in June with networks. Also unknown: if the pitch is supposed to be for a scripted or unscripted TV series, or something else. But whatever it is, the couple would like to serve as joint producers on the project, according to a source with knowledge of the top-secret idea.
Insiders indicate their pitch has been shopped to numerous media companies. One venue that has heard the pitch is NBCUniversal where a meeting was set with top executives at the company, including Bonnie Hammer,...
- 8/18/2020
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
Rarely has a high-level TV-exec job opening been announced quite so loudly.
When NBCUniversal pulled the trigger on a massive reorganization of its television business last week, the company made clear that one key position in the new structure had yet to be filled — a new head of entertainment programming who would oversee creative decisions for NBC, cable channels including USA and Bravo, and fledgling streaming service Peacock. A version of that role had, as Variety reported prior to the reorg, been offered to Netflix local-language originals chief Bela Bajaria, who turned it down.
But when the job opening was effectively posted on Thursday, speculation immediately began swirling about who might ultimately land the role.
The internal name most commonly being surfaced is that of Pearlena Igbokwe, president of Universal Television. A highly regarded creative executive, Igbokwe runs a studio that has produced multiple series for outside streamers, most recently...
When NBCUniversal pulled the trigger on a massive reorganization of its television business last week, the company made clear that one key position in the new structure had yet to be filled — a new head of entertainment programming who would oversee creative decisions for NBC, cable channels including USA and Bravo, and fledgling streaming service Peacock. A version of that role had, as Variety reported prior to the reorg, been offered to Netflix local-language originals chief Bela Bajaria, who turned it down.
But when the job opening was effectively posted on Thursday, speculation immediately began swirling about who might ultimately land the role.
The internal name most commonly being surfaced is that of Pearlena Igbokwe, president of Universal Television. A highly regarded creative executive, Igbokwe runs a studio that has produced multiple series for outside streamers, most recently...
- 8/10/2020
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
The reorganization of NBCUniversal’s television business was prefaced by a windup that company insiders characterized as tortuous and demoralizing. When the moment finally came, it provided only some clarity as to whom the internal winners and losers would be in a restructuring that is expected to be broad in scope. But it did demonstrate that NBCUniversal, like its peers, is having to discard old ideas about troop placement in the age of the streaming wars.
NBCU announced Thursday a new leadership structure under Mark Lazarus, chairman of the television and streaming units. The headline news was the departure of NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy — the architect NBC’s unscripted success who launched franchises such as “The Voice” and “America’s Got Talent,” and recently became the subject of allegations of racist, sexist, and homophobic behavior.
An investigation into claims against Telegdy will continue even after the exec’s exit. So...
NBCU announced Thursday a new leadership structure under Mark Lazarus, chairman of the television and streaming units. The headline news was the departure of NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy — the architect NBC’s unscripted success who launched franchises such as “The Voice” and “America’s Got Talent,” and recently became the subject of allegations of racist, sexist, and homophobic behavior.
An investigation into claims against Telegdy will continue even after the exec’s exit. So...
- 8/7/2020
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Telegdy has parted ways with NBC Entertainment, following allegations of racist, sexist and homophobic behavior, as parent company NBCUniversal engineers a sprawling corporate overhaul meant to streamline its network and direct-to-consumer businesses.
Most recently head of NBCUniversal’s lifestyle networks, Frances Berwick will now lead its television entertainment business, overseeing daily operations across all networks and dayparts, commissioning and acquiring programming that will work across platforms, and implement “creative windowing and scheduling strategies” across both broadcast network NBC and NBCU’s cable networks.
The entertainment programming division, consisting of scripted, unscripted, late-night and alternative programming, will oversee all original entertainment programming for NBC, the cable networks and direct-to-consumer service Peacock.
With Telegdy’s exit, no leader has been named for the entertainment-programming unit, although multiple sources had recently told Variety that Netflix’s VP of local language originals and former NBCU exec Bela Bajaria had been approached for the job,...
Most recently head of NBCUniversal’s lifestyle networks, Frances Berwick will now lead its television entertainment business, overseeing daily operations across all networks and dayparts, commissioning and acquiring programming that will work across platforms, and implement “creative windowing and scheduling strategies” across both broadcast network NBC and NBCU’s cable networks.
The entertainment programming division, consisting of scripted, unscripted, late-night and alternative programming, will oversee all original entertainment programming for NBC, the cable networks and direct-to-consumer service Peacock.
With Telegdy’s exit, no leader has been named for the entertainment-programming unit, although multiple sources had recently told Variety that Netflix’s VP of local language originals and former NBCU exec Bela Bajaria had been approached for the job,...
- 8/6/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal is stepping up efforts to reorganize its top leadership structure with the goal of streamlining content and programming operations as it prepares for significant layoffs across the company.
At the same time, NBCU is poised to launch an investigation into allegations that NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy has made racist, sexist and homophobic statements and questionable behaviors that have alienated some employees.
Multiple sources close to the situation said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s VP of local language originals and an NBCU alumnus, was approached within the last month by senior NBCU executives about taking a job that would have involved oversight of the NBC broadcast network as well as other cablers in the NBCU fold including USA Network, Syfy and Bravo. Bajaria is understood to have turned down the overture. She declined to comment on the matter late Monday.
The approach to Bajaria underscores the focus of newly appointed...
At the same time, NBCU is poised to launch an investigation into allegations that NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy has made racist, sexist and homophobic statements and questionable behaviors that have alienated some employees.
Multiple sources close to the situation said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s VP of local language originals and an NBCU alumnus, was approached within the last month by senior NBCU executives about taking a job that would have involved oversight of the NBC broadcast network as well as other cablers in the NBCU fold including USA Network, Syfy and Bravo. Bajaria is understood to have turned down the overture. She declined to comment on the matter late Monday.
The approach to Bajaria underscores the focus of newly appointed...
- 8/4/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal’s vast television group is bracing for a significant downsizing as part of the pending layoffs that are expected to hit next month.
A plan for layoffs and restructuring of operations have been signaled recently by newly appointed NBCU CEO Jeff Shell. Multiple sources said division heads in TV, including NBCU Television and Streaming chairman Mark Lazarus and NBCUniversal Content Studios chairman Bonnie Hammer have been evaluating production, programming, marketing and distribution operations in light of a fast-changing market for content.
At NBCU’s film studio Universal Pictures, global operations are also expected to take a hit.
The downsizing and restructuring has been compared by sources to the recent retooling of the NBC News division. Three separate arms of Lazarus’ TV group could be combined into one, eliminating dozens of jobs at all levels, according to multiple sources close to the discussions.
These groups include NBC Entertainment, which encompasses...
A plan for layoffs and restructuring of operations have been signaled recently by newly appointed NBCU CEO Jeff Shell. Multiple sources said division heads in TV, including NBCU Television and Streaming chairman Mark Lazarus and NBCUniversal Content Studios chairman Bonnie Hammer have been evaluating production, programming, marketing and distribution operations in light of a fast-changing market for content.
At NBCU’s film studio Universal Pictures, global operations are also expected to take a hit.
The downsizing and restructuring has been compared by sources to the recent retooling of the NBC News division. Three separate arms of Lazarus’ TV group could be combined into one, eliminating dozens of jobs at all levels, according to multiple sources close to the discussions.
These groups include NBC Entertainment, which encompasses...
- 7/23/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Matt Strauss, a veteran Comcast exec who took the helm of NBCUniversal streaming service Peacock last fall, knew one thing for certain when he started: He wasn’t creating a copycat offering.
“TV tends to be very dynamic,” he told Deadline in an interview ahead of Peacock’s July 15 nationwide expansion. “It’s current. It’s social. Many streaming services feel more like a casino. There’s no sense of time or place.”
Emphasizing live and timely programming “plays to our strengths. Why not go broader with the ambition of not limiting ourselves to just movies and TV and kids? Why not lean into sports or news or reality?” Peacock will seek to do that with features like a “channels” tab on the home screen, which pulls up an on-screen programming guide highlighting programming tied to networks, show brands and talent. Another element is a “trending” section, which points users...
“TV tends to be very dynamic,” he told Deadline in an interview ahead of Peacock’s July 15 nationwide expansion. “It’s current. It’s social. Many streaming services feel more like a casino. There’s no sense of time or place.”
Emphasizing live and timely programming “plays to our strengths. Why not go broader with the ambition of not limiting ourselves to just movies and TV and kids? Why not lean into sports or news or reality?” Peacock will seek to do that with features like a “channels” tab on the home screen, which pulls up an on-screen programming guide highlighting programming tied to networks, show brands and talent. Another element is a “trending” section, which points users...
- 7/12/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock’s marquee library offering, The Office, is coming to the platform in January 2021. It is expected to make a splash, with the streamer planning a campaign around the event. An Office reboot is not part of the plans.
“Because it does not launch until January, we have not talked specifically about The Office reboots for Peacock; we’ve talked about things we can do to support The Office once it gets to our service but a reboot has not come up specifically for Peacock,” Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, told Deadline during an interview tied to Peacock’s July 15 launch.
NBCU last year acquired streaming rights to NBC’s The Office for $500+ million, taking it away from Netflix where the series starring Steve Carell has flourished. Another hugely popular TV comedy that moved away Netflix with a blockbuster deal, Friends, was slated to...
“Because it does not launch until January, we have not talked specifically about The Office reboots for Peacock; we’ve talked about things we can do to support The Office once it gets to our service but a reboot has not come up specifically for Peacock,” Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, told Deadline during an interview tied to Peacock’s July 15 launch.
NBCU last year acquired streaming rights to NBC’s The Office for $500+ million, taking it away from Netflix where the series starring Steve Carell has flourished. Another hugely popular TV comedy that moved away Netflix with a blockbuster deal, Friends, was slated to...
- 7/10/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
In September 2019, Steve Burke, then NBCUniversal chief executive, called Matt Strauss, with a question: Would he take the wheel of the Peacock project?
Strauss would need to unleash the service across the U.S. on a dauntingly short timeline — in just 10 months, pegged to the Tokyo Olympics (more on that later). Peacock would face massive competitors and come to the starting line with comparatively very low brand recognition. Comcast and NBCU wouldn’t be investing as much in the project as peers Disney or WarnerMedia planned to in their respective streaming vehicles.
Peacock also would involve a more complex and, to consumers, potentially confusing go-to-market strategy, with various free, ad-supported versions and premium no-advertising options. The job required coordinating the work of teams in the U.K., New York, Los Angeles and other locations — Peacock today has a staff of about 1,000 — and collaborating with most of NBCU’s other business units.
Strauss would need to unleash the service across the U.S. on a dauntingly short timeline — in just 10 months, pegged to the Tokyo Olympics (more on that later). Peacock would face massive competitors and come to the starting line with comparatively very low brand recognition. Comcast and NBCU wouldn’t be investing as much in the project as peers Disney or WarnerMedia planned to in their respective streaming vehicles.
Peacock also would involve a more complex and, to consumers, potentially confusing go-to-market strategy, with various free, ad-supported versions and premium no-advertising options. The job required coordinating the work of teams in the U.K., New York, Los Angeles and other locations — Peacock today has a staff of about 1,000 — and collaborating with most of NBCU’s other business units.
- 7/7/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
While NBCUniversal continues to hope for a reboot of “The Office” on the upcoming Peacock streaming platform, a new and unexpected continuation of the beloved sitcom is taking shape online. Leslie David Baker, who starred as Stanley Hudson on all nine seasons of “The Office,” has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund a spinoff centered around his character. Baker’s Stanley was a recurring character on the first season of “The Office” before being upped to a series regular for the remaining eight seasons.
Baker’s “Office” spinoff is titled “Uncle Stan: Coming Out of Retirement.” The synopsis for the project reads: “After enjoying his retirement in Florida, carving wood, enjoying the white sand beaches, and dancing to old disco, Uncle Stan (Baker) gets a call from his nephew Lucky in Los Angeles asking for help with his two kids and running his motorcycle/flower shop. With his business failing,...
Baker’s “Office” spinoff is titled “Uncle Stan: Coming Out of Retirement.” The synopsis for the project reads: “After enjoying his retirement in Florida, carving wood, enjoying the white sand beaches, and dancing to old disco, Uncle Stan (Baker) gets a call from his nephew Lucky in Los Angeles asking for help with his two kids and running his motorcycle/flower shop. With his business failing,...
- 7/6/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using my time in quarantine to address one of my biggest failures as a mother: My son, Jesse, had never seen the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica.
In addition to being one of the best and most consequential science-fiction TV series of the past two decades, Battlestar Galactica was one of the first shows I greenlit as president of the Syfy channel in the early 2000s. The show tells the story of a small group of humans who, after surviving a deadly attack that devastated their home worlds, search for “Earth” aboard a fleet ...
In addition to being one of the best and most consequential science-fiction TV series of the past two decades, Battlestar Galactica was one of the first shows I greenlit as president of the Syfy channel in the early 2000s. The show tells the story of a small group of humans who, after surviving a deadly attack that devastated their home worlds, search for “Earth” aboard a fleet ...
- 6/11/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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