Audible Inc. has pacted with its sibling Amazon MGM Studios unit to develop TV series based on a slew of podcasts and other original audio-only content featuring such notables as Kerry Washington, author James Patterson, “Suits” creator Aaron Korsh and more.
The deal brings together two high-profile content operations under the Amazon umbrella in the hopes of hitting a few home runs by by developing series from podcasts and other Audible-produced originals that have been successful with listeners in the U.S. and elsewhere. Among the properties in development are the scripted podcasts “The Prophecy,” “Hot White Heist,” “Oracle” and “Nut Jobs” and unscripted concepts such as “Words+Music,” a look at award-winning tunesmiths, and “Breakthrough,” a singing competition.
Audible, the audio entertainment pioneer that Amazon acquired in 2008, will co-develop and co-produce the projects with Amazon MGM Studios. The titles will be shopped to sibling outlets Amazon Prime Video...
The deal brings together two high-profile content operations under the Amazon umbrella in the hopes of hitting a few home runs by by developing series from podcasts and other Audible-produced originals that have been successful with listeners in the U.S. and elsewhere. Among the properties in development are the scripted podcasts “The Prophecy,” “Hot White Heist,” “Oracle” and “Nut Jobs” and unscripted concepts such as “Words+Music,” a look at award-winning tunesmiths, and “Breakthrough,” a singing competition.
Audible, the audio entertainment pioneer that Amazon acquired in 2008, will co-develop and co-produce the projects with Amazon MGM Studios. The titles will be shopped to sibling outlets Amazon Prime Video...
- 3/26/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The fast-paced, high-stakes Audible Original series Hot White Heist will make its grand return on March 7 with an extended cast and even more drama. “I’m thrilled that our sticky heist gang is back for more thrills and debauchery,” leading star, comedian Bowen Yang, shared in a statement. “In season two the stakes are higher, the action is next-level and the story is even more absurd in the best way possible. I’m available for hire if you are planning a heist.”
Yang returns to Hot White Heist as Judy...
Yang returns to Hot White Heist as Judy...
- 1/18/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Variety is returning to the Sundance Film Festival this year with its annual Interview Studio, presented by Audible, the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling. Throughout the festival, videos from the interview studio will be distributed across Variety.com as well as Variety and Audible’s social media channels.
Beginning Friday, January 19, running through Sunday, January 21, the Variety Studio, presented by Audible, will feature interviews with industry-leading directors and top talent from the films premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. Confirmed talent includes Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”); Jodie Foster, Alex Hedison, Alok Vaid-Menon (“Alok”); Lionel Richie, Bao Nguyen, Julia Nottingham (“The Greatest Night in Pop”); Kerry Washington, Angela Patton, Natalie Rae (“Daughters”); June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Clark Gregg, Josh Margolin (“Thelma”); Anna Fleck, Ryan Boden, Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorn, Ji-Young Yoo, Jack Champion (“Freaky Tales”); Richard Linklater, Glen Powell (“Hit Man”); Susanna Fogel,...
Beginning Friday, January 19, running through Sunday, January 21, the Variety Studio, presented by Audible, will feature interviews with industry-leading directors and top talent from the films premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. Confirmed talent includes Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”); Jodie Foster, Alex Hedison, Alok Vaid-Menon (“Alok”); Lionel Richie, Bao Nguyen, Julia Nottingham (“The Greatest Night in Pop”); Kerry Washington, Angela Patton, Natalie Rae (“Daughters”); June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Clark Gregg, Josh Margolin (“Thelma”); Anna Fleck, Ryan Boden, Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorn, Ji-Young Yoo, Jack Champion (“Freaky Tales”); Richard Linklater, Glen Powell (“Hit Man”); Susanna Fogel,...
- 1/17/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Audible, the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, today announced that three veteran leaders of the company have been promoted to new roles within the Content organization. Diana Dapito has been promoted from SVP, Consumer Content to Head of Regional Content, North America, Kate Navin has been promoted from Head of Theater to Head of Creative Development, North America, and Rhonda Adams Medina has been elevated to Head of Business Affairs. As announced in July, all Content globally is under the leadership of Rachel Ghiazza, Chief Content Officer, overseeing content strategy, programming, greenlight decisions and execution around the world.
“Diana, Kate and Rhonda are powerhouse leaders who have been pivotal to Audible’s continued global leadership in audio storytelling,” says Ghiazza. “Their expertise, deep industry contacts, and wealth of institutional knowledge and experience will accelerate Audible’s distinctive reputation for innovative content.”
Diana Dapito (left) will lead Regional Content for North America,...
“Diana, Kate and Rhonda are powerhouse leaders who have been pivotal to Audible’s continued global leadership in audio storytelling,” says Ghiazza. “Their expertise, deep industry contacts, and wealth of institutional knowledge and experience will accelerate Audible’s distinctive reputation for innovative content.”
Diana Dapito (left) will lead Regional Content for North America,...
- 12/14/2023
- Podnews.net
Exclusive: Audible is making some changes to its executive ranks.
The Amazon-owned audio platform has promoted three of its top executives and handed them new roles. Diana Dapito, Kate Navin and Rhonda Adams Medina have all been upped.
Dapito has been promoted from SVP, Consumer Content to Head of Regional Content, North America; Navin has been promoted from Head of Theater to Head of Creative Development, North America, and Adams Medina has been elevated to Head of Business Affairs.
“Diana, Kate and Rhonda are powerhouse leaders who have been pivotal to Audible’s continued global leadership in audio storytelling,” said Ghiazza. “Their expertise, deep industry contacts, and wealth of institutional knowledge and experience will accelerate Audible’s distinctive reputation for innovative content.”
Dapito will oversee content programming, editorial and catalog curation, and Audible Studios, including creative development, casting, and production of Audible Originals. She has been with Audible for nearly two decades.
The Amazon-owned audio platform has promoted three of its top executives and handed them new roles. Diana Dapito, Kate Navin and Rhonda Adams Medina have all been upped.
Dapito has been promoted from SVP, Consumer Content to Head of Regional Content, North America; Navin has been promoted from Head of Theater to Head of Creative Development, North America, and Adams Medina has been elevated to Head of Business Affairs.
“Diana, Kate and Rhonda are powerhouse leaders who have been pivotal to Audible’s continued global leadership in audio storytelling,” said Ghiazza. “Their expertise, deep industry contacts, and wealth of institutional knowledge and experience will accelerate Audible’s distinctive reputation for innovative content.”
Dapito will oversee content programming, editorial and catalog curation, and Audible Studios, including creative development, casting, and production of Audible Originals. She has been with Audible for nearly two decades.
- 12/13/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Twenty years have gone by since the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series reached the end of its seven season run – but on October 12th, Audible will be releasing the original audio drama Slayers: A Buffyverse Story, which features the voices of several Buffy cast members and continues the story of the show, picking up ten years after the events of the series finale.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast member Amber Benson wrote Slayers: A Buffyverse Story with Christopher Golden. Benson and Golden also directed the audio show with Kc Wayland. Slayers promises to bring Buffy fans “a fresh story and a new world, filled with horror, heart, humor, and surprises at every turn.“
The story finds that, since the series finale, Spike (James Marsters) has gone deep undercover in Los Angeles, convincing the forces of darkness that he’s back to his evil ways. When his cover is compromised...
Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast member Amber Benson wrote Slayers: A Buffyverse Story with Christopher Golden. Benson and Golden also directed the audio show with Kc Wayland. Slayers promises to bring Buffy fans “a fresh story and a new world, filled with horror, heart, humor, and surprises at every turn.“
The story finds that, since the series finale, Spike (James Marsters) has gone deep undercover in Los Angeles, convincing the forces of darkness that he’s back to his evil ways. When his cover is compromised...
- 10/9/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Zola Mashariki, the former Fox Searchlight and BET exec who has headed up Audible Studios for the last two years, is leaving the Amazon-owned company.
Mashariki has been in the position since early 2021. She is expected to remain in a transition role through the middle of October.
As head of Audible Studios, she was tasked with spearheading original content for the company, reporting to Chief Content Officer Rachel Ghiazza.
She oversaw series such as singing competition podcast Breakthrough, which starred Sara Bareilles and Kelly Rowland, and was behind signing a slew of talent deals with A-list stars.
Mashariki spent 15 years at Searchlight, where she rose to SVP of production, overseeing projects like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Secret Life of Bees and The Last King of Scotland. As part of the acquisitions team, she also worked on Best Picture Oscar winners Slumdog Millionaire and 12 Years A Slave.
Mashariki has been in the position since early 2021. She is expected to remain in a transition role through the middle of October.
As head of Audible Studios, she was tasked with spearheading original content for the company, reporting to Chief Content Officer Rachel Ghiazza.
She oversaw series such as singing competition podcast Breakthrough, which starred Sara Bareilles and Kelly Rowland, and was behind signing a slew of talent deals with A-list stars.
Mashariki spent 15 years at Searchlight, where she rose to SVP of production, overseeing projects like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Secret Life of Bees and The Last King of Scotland. As part of the acquisitions team, she also worked on Best Picture Oscar winners Slumdog Millionaire and 12 Years A Slave.
- 9/14/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
We'll file this under one of the most shocking pieces of TV news this year.
Audible is removing the stake from The Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe with Slayers: A Buffyverse Story.
Slayers: A Buffyverse Story is set to premiere on October 12, 2023, twenty years after the original series finale.
The audio original was written by original cast member Amber Benson alongside writer Christopher Golden and directed by Benson, Golden, and Kc Wayland.
For the first time in 20 years, the supernatural drama will reunite original series stars James Marsters, Charisma Carpenter, Anthony Head, Juliet Landau, Emma Caulfield, Amber Benson, James Charles Leary, and Danny Strong.
Laya DeLeon Hayes is set as a new cast member.
"The audio original brings fans a fresh story and a new world, filled with horror, heart, humor, and surprises at every turn," Audible teases.
The series "picks up 10 years after the events of the final episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Audible is removing the stake from The Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe with Slayers: A Buffyverse Story.
Slayers: A Buffyverse Story is set to premiere on October 12, 2023, twenty years after the original series finale.
The audio original was written by original cast member Amber Benson alongside writer Christopher Golden and directed by Benson, Golden, and Kc Wayland.
For the first time in 20 years, the supernatural drama will reunite original series stars James Marsters, Charisma Carpenter, Anthony Head, Juliet Landau, Emma Caulfield, Amber Benson, James Charles Leary, and Danny Strong.
Laya DeLeon Hayes is set as a new cast member.
"The audio original brings fans a fresh story and a new world, filled with horror, heart, humor, and surprises at every turn," Audible teases.
The series "picks up 10 years after the events of the final episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
- 9/13/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Listen up, Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans! Many of the original stars of your favorite television series about kicking vampire ass and taking names are returning for Slayers: A Buffyverse Story, an original audio event set 20 years after the series finale of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. James Marsters is reprising his role as the bleach blond, Billy Idol-like villain-turned-hearthrob Spike, with Charisma Carpenter, Anthony Head, Juliet Landau, Emma Caulfield, Amber Benson, James Charles Leary, and Danny Strong, as well as newcomer Laya DeLeon Hayes.
Entertainment Weekly exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Slayers “begins as Spike has gone deep undercover in Los Angeles, convincing the forces of darkness that he’s back to his evil ways. But when his cover is compromised by 16-year-old Indira Nunnally (Hayes), Spike finds himself on baby-slayer-sitting duty once more. While he attempts to track down a watcher for his eager new protégé, their paths...
Entertainment Weekly exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Slayers “begins as Spike has gone deep undercover in Los Angeles, convincing the forces of darkness that he’s back to his evil ways. But when his cover is compromised by 16-year-old Indira Nunnally (Hayes), Spike finds himself on baby-slayer-sitting duty once more. While he attempts to track down a watcher for his eager new protégé, their paths...
- 9/13/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Ask the most powerful people in podcasting whether we’ve reached “peak podcast” and the answer is a resounding no. Or, more specifically, a “hell no,” an “absolutely not” and a “don’t be ridiculous!” Still, the medium isn’t without its challenges. “Podcasting has gone from being an industry that had a ton of speculative money thrown at it, to an industry that now has to figure out how to make money,” notes Audacy’s Jenna Weiss-Berman when asked to describe how it has transformed over the last five years. Here, many of the top hosts, executives and agents in the business, all featured on THR‘s annual list of The 40(ish) Names to Know in Podcasting Now, weigh in with their hopes, plans and pet peeves.
My podcasting pet peeves are…
Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM The idea that all it takes to make a good podcast is a mic and a computer.
My podcasting pet peeves are…
Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM The idea that all it takes to make a good podcast is a mic and a computer.
- 8/21/2023
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hilary Swank, Sanaa Lathan, Aaron Paul and Krysten Ritter are set to lend their voices for Audible Originals releasing next year in collaboration with James Patterson Entertainment.
Audible Inc. announced Monday that the stars will narrate three new originals from the author: Zero Tolerance starring Swank, The Justice starring Lathan, and The Coldest Case Season 2 with Paul and Ritter. The three scripted audio drama releases will be available exclusively on Audible.
In Zero Tolerance, Swank will star as Sergeant Jo Barnes whose all-female U.S. Army investigative team is known for solving sex crime cases within the military. After their new mission takes them to the Mojave Desert amid the mysterious disappearance of Private Nichelle Simmons — a soldier who accused a comrade of assault — things take a turn when the accused is set free.
The original, co-written by Duane Swierczynski and also starring Christine Ko, Melonie Diaz and a full cast,...
Audible Inc. announced Monday that the stars will narrate three new originals from the author: Zero Tolerance starring Swank, The Justice starring Lathan, and The Coldest Case Season 2 with Paul and Ritter. The three scripted audio drama releases will be available exclusively on Audible.
In Zero Tolerance, Swank will star as Sergeant Jo Barnes whose all-female U.S. Army investigative team is known for solving sex crime cases within the military. After their new mission takes them to the Mojave Desert amid the mysterious disappearance of Private Nichelle Simmons — a soldier who accused a comrade of assault — things take a turn when the accused is set free.
The original, co-written by Duane Swierczynski and also starring Christine Ko, Melonie Diaz and a full cast,...
- 8/14/2023
- by Lexy Perez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Audible, the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, today announced Rachel Ghiazza has been appointed Chief Content Officer, effective immediately. In this expanded role, Ghiazza will oversee all aspects of content including development, production, operations and business affairs, as well as talent, publisher and partner relations. She will spearhead the continued globalization of Audible Originals as well as grow Audible’s vast library of podcasts and audiobooks. Ghiazza will continue to report to CEO Bob Carrigan.
Carrigan said: “Rachel has proven to be a formidable leader whose passion and pursuit of excellence has been integral to our success. During her tenure, she has consistently championed great storytelling -- the lifeblood of Audible -- and constructed a best-in-class team that continues to drive our business forward.”
He added: “Her work in developing our impressive slate of originals, and ushering in world-class talent while successfully expanding our unmatched library has been instrumental to our growth.
Carrigan said: “Rachel has proven to be a formidable leader whose passion and pursuit of excellence has been integral to our success. During her tenure, she has consistently championed great storytelling -- the lifeblood of Audible -- and constructed a best-in-class team that continues to drive our business forward.”
He added: “Her work in developing our impressive slate of originals, and ushering in world-class talent while successfully expanding our unmatched library has been instrumental to our growth.
- 7/12/2023
- Podnews.net
The Tribeca Film Festival has announced the 2023 jury members in the 15 different competition categories for this year’s event. Those categories include film, immersive “storyscapes,” games, audio storytelling and more. Among the jury members are Brendan Fraser, Stephanie Hsu, Zoey Deutch, Dianna Agron, Zazie Beetz, Kate Siegel, Mark Duplass, Stephen Kay, Nina Dobrev, Clea DuVall, Piper Perabo, Chance the Rapper, Noah Centineo, Jeremy O. Harris, Andrew Ahn and Chloe Grace Moretz.
Alongside the competitive awards, the fest will present the Nora Ephron Award — created to honor the spirit and vision of the legendary filmmaker and writer. The winning films, projects, filmmakers, storytellers, and actors in each category will be announced at the Tribeca Festival ceremony on June 15th.
“We are thrilled to announce the jury for the 2023 Tribeca Festival,” said Tribeca Festival Executive Vice President of Artist Relations and Special Events Nancy Lefkowitz. “The diversity of perspectives and experiences across...
Alongside the competitive awards, the fest will present the Nora Ephron Award — created to honor the spirit and vision of the legendary filmmaker and writer. The winning films, projects, filmmakers, storytellers, and actors in each category will be announced at the Tribeca Festival ceremony on June 15th.
“We are thrilled to announce the jury for the 2023 Tribeca Festival,” said Tribeca Festival Executive Vice President of Artist Relations and Special Events Nancy Lefkowitz. “The diversity of perspectives and experiences across...
- 6/1/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Audible, Inc., today announced the star-studded cast of its upcoming Audible Original scripted podcast, The Space Within. The thrilling and emotionally-grounded eight episode scripted sci-fi mystery will be executive produced and performed by Academy Award-Winning actress Jessica Chastain, who will be joined by Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale, Academy Award-winner Ellen Burstyn, Michael Stuhlbarg, Shea Whigham, and Carmen Ejogo.
The producers are Topic Studios, in association with Freckle Films, Solaris Productions, and Ramble Road. Written by Greg O’Connor & Josh Fagin, and directed by Stephen Winter, The Space Within will premiere exclusively from Audible on June 15, 2023.
The Audible Original will follow Dr. Madeline Wyle (Chastain), an internationally acclaimed psychiatrist specializing in trauma and Ptsd. When she discovers a string of patients with the same, seemingly supernatural, repressed memories, she is forced to risk her reputation and career to confront the possibility that the memories of alien abduction might be real.
“The Space...
The producers are Topic Studios, in association with Freckle Films, Solaris Productions, and Ramble Road. Written by Greg O’Connor & Josh Fagin, and directed by Stephen Winter, The Space Within will premiere exclusively from Audible on June 15, 2023.
The Audible Original will follow Dr. Madeline Wyle (Chastain), an internationally acclaimed psychiatrist specializing in trauma and Ptsd. When she discovers a string of patients with the same, seemingly supernatural, repressed memories, she is forced to risk her reputation and career to confront the possibility that the memories of alien abduction might be real.
“The Space...
- 4/18/2023
- by Editorial Desk
- GlamSham
Jessica Chastain is getting behind the mic to lead the upcoming Audible sci-fi thriller.
Premiering June 15, The Space Within features Chastain as Dr. Madeline Wyle, an acclaimed Ptsd and trauma psychiatrist who begins treating multiple patients who all seemingly have repressed memories of alien abductions. Wyle, according to Audible’s description of the project, must put her reputation and career at risk to get to the bottom of the memories and consider whether the abductions were indeed real.
The eight-episode series is the fourth — and first fiction work — coming from Audible’s four-project development and production deal with Spotlight producer Topic Studios. Previous projects included The Messenger, a series from the journalist Shiv Malik about his friendship with and later betrayal by a man who claimed to have been a former spokesperson for al-Qaida; American Isis, from journalist Trevor Aaronson about an American man who traveled to Syria to become...
Premiering June 15, The Space Within features Chastain as Dr. Madeline Wyle, an acclaimed Ptsd and trauma psychiatrist who begins treating multiple patients who all seemingly have repressed memories of alien abductions. Wyle, according to Audible’s description of the project, must put her reputation and career at risk to get to the bottom of the memories and consider whether the abductions were indeed real.
The eight-episode series is the fourth — and first fiction work — coming from Audible’s four-project development and production deal with Spotlight producer Topic Studios. Previous projects included The Messenger, a series from the journalist Shiv Malik about his friendship with and later betrayal by a man who claimed to have been a former spokesperson for al-Qaida; American Isis, from journalist Trevor Aaronson about an American man who traveled to Syria to become...
- 4/17/2023
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, King Princess, and Camilo are among the artists that will dig into their “origins” in an upcoming Audible series.
The eight-episode Origins asks emerging musicians simply, “Where are you from?” with each episode revealing each artist’s backstory and influences in their own words.
As Eilish herself says in her episode, “It was so weird to me when I was first coming up and, and the thing everybody said was, like, ‘Billie Eilish’s music is so depressing, and it’s so sad, and it’s too dark,...
The eight-episode Origins asks emerging musicians simply, “Where are you from?” with each episode revealing each artist’s backstory and influences in their own words.
As Eilish herself says in her episode, “It was so weird to me when I was first coming up and, and the thing everybody said was, like, ‘Billie Eilish’s music is so depressing, and it’s so sad, and it’s too dark,...
- 10/26/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Click here to read the full article.
The Obamas’ Higher Ground has struck an exclusive, multiyear first-look deal with Audible, marking a major win for the Amazon-owned audio company as it continues on a streak of production deals with high-profile talent in Hollywood.
The move to Audible follows Higher Ground’s exit from Spotify, where the production company — founded by Barack and Michelle Obama — previously had a multiyear deal to create podcasts exclusively for the Stockholm-based audio giant. Though Audible’s original content, known as Audible Originals, is typically made available only for subscribers, the Amazon-owned company does offer some of its original content on all major audio platforms, providing the Obamas with the opportunity to reach a broader audience in comparison to shows that have previously launched exclusively on Spotify.
In a statement Tuesday, former First Lady Michelle Obama alluded to as much, noting how the deal with Audible...
The Obamas’ Higher Ground has struck an exclusive, multiyear first-look deal with Audible, marking a major win for the Amazon-owned audio company as it continues on a streak of production deals with high-profile talent in Hollywood.
The move to Audible follows Higher Ground’s exit from Spotify, where the production company — founded by Barack and Michelle Obama — previously had a multiyear deal to create podcasts exclusively for the Stockholm-based audio giant. Though Audible’s original content, known as Audible Originals, is typically made available only for subscribers, the Amazon-owned company does offer some of its original content on all major audio platforms, providing the Obamas with the opportunity to reach a broader audience in comparison to shows that have previously launched exclusively on Spotify.
In a statement Tuesday, former First Lady Michelle Obama alluded to as much, noting how the deal with Audible...
- 6/21/2022
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2022 Tribeca Festival has named its jury totaling more than five dozen members across 18 categories with Alan Zweibel, Aidan Quinn, Anne Archer, Rose Troche and Oge Egbuonu judging the U.S. Narrative Feature Competition.
Jessica Alba, Darren Aronofsky and Daryl Hannah are among jurors for the 2022 Human/Nature Prize, a new award this year going “to the project that best illuminates the pressing environmental issues of our time.”
The Nora Ephron Award, created to honor the spirit and vision of the legendary filmmaker and writer and presented for the tenth year, will be juried by Pam Grier along with Amandla Stenberg and Lisa Addario.
Rosanna Arquette, Lucy Boynton, Anthony Edwards and Nikki Karimi are the jury for International Narrative Feature.
Also set to select projects in categories including film, audio storytelling and games are Debra Winger, Andre Holland, Niecy Nash, Alex Winter, Lucy Boynton, Nanfu Wang, Sheila Nevins of MTV Documentary Films...
Jessica Alba, Darren Aronofsky and Daryl Hannah are among jurors for the 2022 Human/Nature Prize, a new award this year going “to the project that best illuminates the pressing environmental issues of our time.”
The Nora Ephron Award, created to honor the spirit and vision of the legendary filmmaker and writer and presented for the tenth year, will be juried by Pam Grier along with Amandla Stenberg and Lisa Addario.
Rosanna Arquette, Lucy Boynton, Anthony Edwards and Nikki Karimi are the jury for International Narrative Feature.
Also set to select projects in categories including film, audio storytelling and games are Debra Winger, Andre Holland, Niecy Nash, Alex Winter, Lucy Boynton, Nanfu Wang, Sheila Nevins of MTV Documentary Films...
- 6/2/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Audible is plotting to bolster its content marketing. The Amazon-owned audio company has tapped former Fox exec James Finn as Head of Content Marketing.
He will oversee marketing of Audible content including its slate of originals in the new senior leadership role. He will report to Rachel Ghiazza, EVP and Head of U.S. Content.
Finn has held various roles at Fox Searchlight, Fox Home Entertainment and Fox Innovation Lab and Home Entertainment and worked on campaigns for films including Slumdog Millionaire, Little Miss Sunshine, Thank You For Smoking, Juno and Napoleon Dynamite. He was most recently EVP and head of marketing at FoxNext, the studio’s virtual reality and theme park unit.
“At Audible, we live and breathe creativity, and James expresses that same innovative spirit. His established track record of award-winning campaigns on some of the most iconic films, shows and games of our time reflect his enthusiasm for entertainment,...
He will oversee marketing of Audible content including its slate of originals in the new senior leadership role. He will report to Rachel Ghiazza, EVP and Head of U.S. Content.
Finn has held various roles at Fox Searchlight, Fox Home Entertainment and Fox Innovation Lab and Home Entertainment and worked on campaigns for films including Slumdog Millionaire, Little Miss Sunshine, Thank You For Smoking, Juno and Napoleon Dynamite. He was most recently EVP and head of marketing at FoxNext, the studio’s virtual reality and theme park unit.
“At Audible, we live and breathe creativity, and James expresses that same innovative spirit. His established track record of award-winning campaigns on some of the most iconic films, shows and games of our time reflect his enthusiasm for entertainment,...
- 2/14/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Amazon is launching its next YA drama Panic later this month.
The series, which stars Camron Jones, Ray Nicholson and Olivia Welch, is also getting an audio companion series, Panic: Ghosts and Legends.
Amazon Prime Video sister company Audible has ordered an original three part “novella” written by Lauren Oliver, author of the book that the series is based on as well as the drama.
It will also launch on May 28 and will feature the voices of the cast members Jones, Nicholson and Welch.
Panic is centered around a legendary game played by graduating seniors in the middle-of-nowhere town of Carp, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher: after a series of challenges ranging from sleeping in a haunted house to running across a highway blindfolded, one winner takes home a cash prize in the tens of thousands at the end of the summer. Participating players are sworn to secrecy,...
The series, which stars Camron Jones, Ray Nicholson and Olivia Welch, is also getting an audio companion series, Panic: Ghosts and Legends.
Amazon Prime Video sister company Audible has ordered an original three part “novella” written by Lauren Oliver, author of the book that the series is based on as well as the drama.
It will also launch on May 28 and will feature the voices of the cast members Jones, Nicholson and Welch.
Panic is centered around a legendary game played by graduating seniors in the middle-of-nowhere town of Carp, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher: after a series of challenges ranging from sleeping in a haunted house to running across a highway blindfolded, one winner takes home a cash prize in the tens of thousands at the end of the summer. Participating players are sworn to secrecy,...
- 5/11/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The talent contest is getting a new medium.
Pop group The Chainsmokers, who are behind hits such as Closer featuring Halsey, are launching Breakthrough, which is thought to be the first ever singing competition developed and launched as a podcast.
The series will launch on Amazon-owned Audible.
Following a group of aspiring professional singers as they work through a series of challenges, the show will allow listeners to connect with undiscovered artists through their music and voices, as they learn from the industry’s best along the way. At the end of the season, one artist is crowned the winner.
The Chainsmokers, otherwise known as Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, will produce through their production banner Kick The Habit Productions, which is run by Adam Alpert and Dan Marcus. The series was created in collaboration with film producer Ethan Russell and Will Malnati from At Will Media, which is...
Pop group The Chainsmokers, who are behind hits such as Closer featuring Halsey, are launching Breakthrough, which is thought to be the first ever singing competition developed and launched as a podcast.
The series will launch on Amazon-owned Audible.
Following a group of aspiring professional singers as they work through a series of challenges, the show will allow listeners to connect with undiscovered artists through their music and voices, as they learn from the industry’s best along the way. At the end of the season, one artist is crowned the winner.
The Chainsmokers, otherwise known as Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, will produce through their production banner Kick The Habit Productions, which is run by Adam Alpert and Dan Marcus. The series was created in collaboration with film producer Ethan Russell and Will Malnati from At Will Media, which is...
- 4/29/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Zola Mashariki, who spent 15 years at Fox Searchlight and also had stints at BET and Just Mercy production company One Community, has been named head of Audible Studios.
The Amazon-owned company said Mashariki will spearhead original content from conception through release. Based in LA, she will report to U.S. content chief Rachel Ghiazza, who joined Audible in 2019 and rose to her current post in 2020.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling,” Ghiazza said. “With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio—a pivotal time when creativity and originality are at a premium and we deepen our commitment to reimagine what audio experiences can mean for audiences.”
Founded in 1995 and acquired by Amazon in 2008, Audible is a leading player in the burgeoning audio sector and has a portfolio of original podcasts.
“I...
The Amazon-owned company said Mashariki will spearhead original content from conception through release. Based in LA, she will report to U.S. content chief Rachel Ghiazza, who joined Audible in 2019 and rose to her current post in 2020.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling,” Ghiazza said. “With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio—a pivotal time when creativity and originality are at a premium and we deepen our commitment to reimagine what audio experiences can mean for audiences.”
Founded in 1995 and acquired by Amazon in 2008, Audible is a leading player in the burgeoning audio sector and has a portfolio of original podcasts.
“I...
- 4/5/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Audible has named Zola Mashariki head of Audible Studios, where she will lead the audio storytelling company’s original content.
Mashariki, a Hollywood veteran and former executive with Fox Searchlight, will have oversight of the entire studio operation from conception through its release, including the development and implementation of content strategy.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling. With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio–a pivotal time when creativity and originality are at a premium and we deepen our commitment to re-imagine what audio experiences can mean for audiences,” Rachel Ghiazza, EVP, Head of US Content, said in a statement. “Zola’s track record of creating award-winning, breakout hits, her exquisite taste, production expertise, and deep understanding of the intersection of audience appetite and quality content is beyond impressive. Her...
Mashariki, a Hollywood veteran and former executive with Fox Searchlight, will have oversight of the entire studio operation from conception through its release, including the development and implementation of content strategy.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling. With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio–a pivotal time when creativity and originality are at a premium and we deepen our commitment to re-imagine what audio experiences can mean for audiences,” Rachel Ghiazza, EVP, Head of US Content, said in a statement. “Zola’s track record of creating award-winning, breakout hits, her exquisite taste, production expertise, and deep understanding of the intersection of audience appetite and quality content is beyond impressive. Her...
- 4/5/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Zola Mashariki, a veteran of Fox Searchlight Pictures and BET Networks, has been named head of Amazon-owned Audible Studios.
In her new role, Mashariki will oversee the creation of all original content and will manage the entire studio operation, including the development and implementation of content strategy. She will be based in Los Angeles, reporting to Rachel Ghiazza, executive vp/head of U.S. content.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling. With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio — a ...
In her new role, Mashariki will oversee the creation of all original content and will manage the entire studio operation, including the development and implementation of content strategy. She will be based in Los Angeles, reporting to Rachel Ghiazza, executive vp/head of U.S. content.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling. With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio — a ...
Zola Mashariki, a veteran of Fox Searchlight Pictures and BET Networks, has been named head of Amazon-owned Audible Studios.
In her new role, Mashariki will oversee the creation of all original content and will manage the entire studio operation, including the development and implementation of content strategy. She will be based in Los Angeles, reporting to Rachel Ghiazza, executive vp/head of U.S. content.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling. With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio — a ...
In her new role, Mashariki will oversee the creation of all original content and will manage the entire studio operation, including the development and implementation of content strategy. She will be based in Los Angeles, reporting to Rachel Ghiazza, executive vp/head of U.S. content.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling. With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio — a ...
Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Sting, Gary Clark Jr., and Sleater-Kinney are among the latest artists that will reflect on their lives and career as part of Audible’s Words + Music series.
The Roots’ Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and Yo-Yo Ma are also slated for the Spring 2021 lineup, with more artists to be announced later in the year.
The 2021 series kicks off March 25th with Sting: Upon Reflection, with the singer recounting his “life in a hard-scrabble Northern England town” to his rise with the Police and his solo career.
The Roots’ Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and Yo-Yo Ma are also slated for the Spring 2021 lineup, with more artists to be announced later in the year.
The 2021 series kicks off March 25th with Sting: Upon Reflection, with the singer recounting his “life in a hard-scrabble Northern England town” to his rise with the Police and his solo career.
- 3/11/2021
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Audible is punching up its scripted comedy podcast lineup with two new shows from Broadway Video: “Hit Job,” a high-concept workplace comedy starring Keke Palmer and “Saturday Night Live” cast member Pete Davidson, and “Hot White Heist,” a queer action comedy featuring “SNL’s” Bowen Yang and directed by Alan Cumming.
Broadway Video, which struck a multiyear deal with Audible in 2019, has eight other comedy projects in development for the Amazon-owned audio platform. Those include podcasts from Fred Armisen; Drew Tarver and Gilli Nissim; Chloe Fineman, Dan Robert and Starlee Kine; Chris Redd and Will Stephen; Max Silvestri and Leah Beckmann; and Billy Kimball.
All of the Broadway Video shows will be available as part of Audible Plus, the subscription service that starts at $7.95/month and provides unlimited access to thousands of audio titles.
The 12-episode “Hit Job” is set to premiere April 22. The show is created and written by...
Broadway Video, which struck a multiyear deal with Audible in 2019, has eight other comedy projects in development for the Amazon-owned audio platform. Those include podcasts from Fred Armisen; Drew Tarver and Gilli Nissim; Chloe Fineman, Dan Robert and Starlee Kine; Chris Redd and Will Stephen; Max Silvestri and Leah Beckmann; and Billy Kimball.
All of the Broadway Video shows will be available as part of Audible Plus, the subscription service that starts at $7.95/month and provides unlimited access to thousands of audio titles.
The 12-episode “Hit Job” is set to premiere April 22. The show is created and written by...
- 2/24/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Amazon-owned Audible is continuing to ramp up its development slate with a first-look deal with Shark Tank star Daymond John.
One of the sharks on the ABC business reality series will create a slate of audio shows for the digital platform. The projects will provide help for aspiring entrepreneurs with the idea of amplifying Black voices.
The founder of Fubu apparel company’s first show is set to be released in early 2021, although no details were offered on the project.
Daymond John said, “By working with Audible, we can create a unique audio experience that expands the reach of the knowledge woven throughout the Originals. My overarching goal is always to share what I’ve learned throughout my own experiences – even and especially the adversity and failures – to as wide of an audience as possible in the hopes that I can provide a better path for those taking their own entrepreneurial journey.
One of the sharks on the ABC business reality series will create a slate of audio shows for the digital platform. The projects will provide help for aspiring entrepreneurs with the idea of amplifying Black voices.
The founder of Fubu apparel company’s first show is set to be released in early 2021, although no details were offered on the project.
Daymond John said, “By working with Audible, we can create a unique audio experience that expands the reach of the knowledge woven throughout the Originals. My overarching goal is always to share what I’ve learned throughout my own experiences – even and especially the adversity and failures – to as wide of an audience as possible in the hopes that I can provide a better path for those taking their own entrepreneurial journey.
- 2/2/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Audible has struck a significant, multi-project deal with Obb Sound, the audio division of Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil producer Obb Media.
The Amazon-owned audio service has signed a multi-project, two-year deal with Michael D. Ratner’s company. Deadline understands that the deal is for a double-digit number of projects and is worth in the seven-figure range.
The agreement will include a second season of Pursuit of Healthiness with Blake Griffin. The series, hosted by the NBA star returns on March 25, with guests including Kevin Durant, Jessica Alba and Malcom Gladwell.
It has also set The Glowing, a ten-part scripted podcast series. The Glowing is part survival tale and part possession horror which chronicles the story of a young woman undergoing a clinical trial cancer treatment who begins hearing a voice in her head that takes her from her home in the U.S. to a mystery buried...
The Amazon-owned audio service has signed a multi-project, two-year deal with Michael D. Ratner’s company. Deadline understands that the deal is for a double-digit number of projects and is worth in the seven-figure range.
The agreement will include a second season of Pursuit of Healthiness with Blake Griffin. The series, hosted by the NBA star returns on March 25, with guests including Kevin Durant, Jessica Alba and Malcom Gladwell.
It has also set The Glowing, a ten-part scripted podcast series. The Glowing is part survival tale and part possession horror which chronicles the story of a young woman undergoing a clinical trial cancer treatment who begins hearing a voice in her head that takes her from her home in the U.S. to a mystery buried...
- 1/26/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The number of podcasts being adapted for television is set to explode over the course of the next few years, with audio IP rivaling books as Hollywood’s go-to source for inspiration.
The podcasting business has been a growing source of intellectual property for the small screen for the last couple of years with the likes of Amazon’s Homecoming, USA Network’s Dirty John and ABC’s Alex, Inc. But Deadline understands that the number of podcasts in various stages of development to be adapted is now well into three figures. These includes the likes of Wondery’s crime drama Over My Dead Body and cult drama Guru: The Dark Side of Enlightenment, paranormal series Welcome to Night Vale, Neil Strauss’ investigative series To Live and Die In LA, basketball cheat scandal Whistleblower, Australian crime series The Teacher’s Pet, ESPN’s 30 for 30 on Clippers owner Donald Sterling The Sterling Affairs,...
The podcasting business has been a growing source of intellectual property for the small screen for the last couple of years with the likes of Amazon’s Homecoming, USA Network’s Dirty John and ABC’s Alex, Inc. But Deadline understands that the number of podcasts in various stages of development to be adapted is now well into three figures. These includes the likes of Wondery’s crime drama Over My Dead Body and cult drama Guru: The Dark Side of Enlightenment, paranormal series Welcome to Night Vale, Neil Strauss’ investigative series To Live and Die In LA, basketball cheat scandal Whistleblower, Australian crime series The Teacher’s Pet, ESPN’s 30 for 30 on Clippers owner Donald Sterling The Sterling Affairs,...
- 12/7/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media is moving into the podcasting world with a first-look deal at Audible.
The company, which has a film and TV deal at Sony, has struck the partnership with the Amazon-owned audio division and has set its first two series – doc series The Greatest Sports Story Never Told and interview series Fifteen Minutes from Home.
“What we realized really quickly after that [Sony] deal, was that we wanted to expand that ecosystem to inspire as much as possible so when you look at Unanimous and all of the tentacles of it one day, hopefully that infrastructure will fit all parts of media. This Audible deal is another tentacle of inspiration,” Erick Peyton, co-founder and chief creative officer at Unanimous Media told Deadline.
The Greatest Sports Story Never Told will offer a deep dive into fascinating stories with roots in the world of athletics, but with...
The company, which has a film and TV deal at Sony, has struck the partnership with the Amazon-owned audio division and has set its first two series – doc series The Greatest Sports Story Never Told and interview series Fifteen Minutes from Home.
“What we realized really quickly after that [Sony] deal, was that we wanted to expand that ecosystem to inspire as much as possible so when you look at Unanimous and all of the tentacles of it one day, hopefully that infrastructure will fit all parts of media. This Audible deal is another tentacle of inspiration,” Erick Peyton, co-founder and chief creative officer at Unanimous Media told Deadline.
The Greatest Sports Story Never Told will offer a deep dive into fascinating stories with roots in the world of athletics, but with...
- 11/10/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Audible has inked a global multi-project, first-look development and production deal with Team Coco. Conan O’Brien’s Emmy-winning digital media company will produce scripted and unscripted episodic series, non-fiction documentaries and other audio original projects.
The first original already has been greenlighted: The episodic scripted comedy podcast A Total Switch Show teams real-life mother-daughter duo Lea Thompson and Zoey Deutch and is set to premiere May 6 exclusively on Audible.
“Conan O’Brien and Team Coco are innovators and brilliant comedic minds with a track record of creating engaging content and distinctive entertainment experiences,” said Rachel Ghiazza, EVP, Head of U.S. Content, at Audible. “We have so much to look forward to with this remarkable team as they bring hilarious entertainment to the Audible content pipeline, including A Total Switch Show, which is a comedic romp performed by extraordinarily talented artists that we know will have our members laughing.”
A...
The first original already has been greenlighted: The episodic scripted comedy podcast A Total Switch Show teams real-life mother-daughter duo Lea Thompson and Zoey Deutch and is set to premiere May 6 exclusively on Audible.
“Conan O’Brien and Team Coco are innovators and brilliant comedic minds with a track record of creating engaging content and distinctive entertainment experiences,” said Rachel Ghiazza, EVP, Head of U.S. Content, at Audible. “We have so much to look forward to with this remarkable team as they bring hilarious entertainment to the Audible content pipeline, including A Total Switch Show, which is a comedic romp performed by extraordinarily talented artists that we know will have our members laughing.”
A...
- 10/5/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Conan O’Brien’s Team Coco has inked a first-look audio development and production deal with Audible.
The pact encompasses scripted and unscripted projects and will also include non-fiction documentaries. Kicking off the multi-project relationship is scripted comedy podcast A Total Switch Show, which will star Zoey Deutch and her mother, Lea Thompson. Future projects will span scripted and unscripted
“We know the Team Coco brand of humor will shine in the series we are creating with them and we can’t wait for Audible audiences to get to hear them,” Team Coco COO Adam Sachs said in a statement.
Rachel Ghiazza, head ...
The pact encompasses scripted and unscripted projects and will also include non-fiction documentaries. Kicking off the multi-project relationship is scripted comedy podcast A Total Switch Show, which will star Zoey Deutch and her mother, Lea Thompson. Future projects will span scripted and unscripted
“We know the Team Coco brand of humor will shine in the series we are creating with them and we can’t wait for Audible audiences to get to hear them,” Team Coco COO Adam Sachs said in a statement.
Rachel Ghiazza, head ...
- 10/5/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Conan O’Brien’s Team Coco has inked a first-look audio development and production deal with Audible.
The pact encompasses scripted and unscripted projects and will also include non-fiction documentaries. Kicking off the multi-project relationship is scripted comedy podcast A Total Switch Show, which will star Zoey Deutch and her mother, Lea Thompson. Future projects will span scripted and unscripted
“We know the Team Coco brand of humor will shine in the series we are creating with them and we can’t wait for Audible audiences to get to hear them,” Team Coco COO Adam Sachs said in a statement.
Rachel Ghiazza, head ...
The pact encompasses scripted and unscripted projects and will also include non-fiction documentaries. Kicking off the multi-project relationship is scripted comedy podcast A Total Switch Show, which will star Zoey Deutch and her mother, Lea Thompson. Future projects will span scripted and unscripted
“We know the Team Coco brand of humor will shine in the series we are creating with them and we can’t wait for Audible audiences to get to hear them,” Team Coco COO Adam Sachs said in a statement.
Rachel Ghiazza, head ...
- 10/5/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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