Exclusive: Nina Lederman, Sony Pictures Television’s global scripted boss, is exiting amid the slowdown.
Veteran TV exec Lederman is leaving in June after six years heading up global scripted development and programing for Spt, with the group understood to be pivoting focus to the core businesses of local international production.
Based in LA, Lederman joined Spt in 2018 to head the global scripted team, working closely with indies in the UK and Australia such as The Crown producer Left Bank, His Dark Materials maker Bad Wolf and Artful Dodger indie Curio Media. As EVP, Global Scripted Development, she worked on development, U.S. pre-sales and international co-productions, with credits including Netflix hit My Life with the Walter Boys and MGM+’s Nine Bodies In A Mexican Morgue.
Lederman will leave in June. Her role is being eliminated and responsibilities being reallocated within the group, we understand, and no others are leaving.
Veteran TV exec Lederman is leaving in June after six years heading up global scripted development and programing for Spt, with the group understood to be pivoting focus to the core businesses of local international production.
Based in LA, Lederman joined Spt in 2018 to head the global scripted team, working closely with indies in the UK and Australia such as The Crown producer Left Bank, His Dark Materials maker Bad Wolf and Artful Dodger indie Curio Media. As EVP, Global Scripted Development, she worked on development, U.S. pre-sales and international co-productions, with credits including Netflix hit My Life with the Walter Boys and MGM+’s Nine Bodies In A Mexican Morgue.
Lederman will leave in June. Her role is being eliminated and responsibilities being reallocated within the group, we understand, and no others are leaving.
- 4/24/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Lille, France — The big news at Series Mania was Warner Bros. Discovery’s European roll-out timeline for Max, announced Thursday at the climax of the Series Mania’s Lille Dialogues.
The most keenly anticipated session was nearly Series Mania’ Forum first: a Netflix showcase hosted by a confident Larry Tanz who significantly proved the only goal streamer exec to drill down on volume commitment.
Nobody was saying at Series Mania the industry is in an easy place. But signs at this year’s edition that, at least in Europe, business may be turning a corner, or at least has the corner in sight. The newest normal will be a far cry from the peak TV of old, however.
Final attendance soared to 4,200 at the Forum, an all-time record. That’s hardly surprising. “You have all the French broadcasters there, a lot of European public broadcasters, a few Scandinavian commercial channels and some platforms.
The most keenly anticipated session was nearly Series Mania’ Forum first: a Netflix showcase hosted by a confident Larry Tanz who significantly proved the only goal streamer exec to drill down on volume commitment.
Nobody was saying at Series Mania the industry is in an easy place. But signs at this year’s edition that, at least in Europe, business may be turning a corner, or at least has the corner in sight. The newest normal will be a far cry from the peak TV of old, however.
Final attendance soared to 4,200 at the Forum, an all-time record. That’s hardly surprising. “You have all the French broadcasters there, a lot of European public broadcasters, a few Scandinavian commercial channels and some platforms.
- 3/22/2024
- by John Hopewell, Elsa Keslassy, Marta Balaga and Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Television’s President of International Production, Wayne Garvie, has said the scripted TV landscape in the post-peak TV era is like “going back to the future” — especially with his Netflix hits The Crown and Sex Education coming to an end.
During a keynote interview here at Series Mania in Lille, France, Garvie acknowledged that levels of global drama production had fallen, and that working with traditional networks and streamers on projects of all types would be critical going forwards.
He added: “The ecology of TV production is a very fragile thing,” and said: “The future is going to be more about collaboration,” but refuted the idea the market is depressed. “Everyone knows that not as much drama is being commissioned as was being commissioned, but more drama is being commissioned now than at most times in human history.”
Spt itself is it gearing up for a slate that...
During a keynote interview here at Series Mania in Lille, France, Garvie acknowledged that levels of global drama production had fallen, and that working with traditional networks and streamers on projects of all types would be critical going forwards.
He added: “The ecology of TV production is a very fragile thing,” and said: “The future is going to be more about collaboration,” but refuted the idea the market is depressed. “Everyone knows that not as much drama is being commissioned as was being commissioned, but more drama is being commissioned now than at most times in human history.”
Spt itself is it gearing up for a slate that...
- 3/20/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The end of “peak TV” — the never-ending expansion in the number of drama series being produced worldwide — could be a good thing, according to Wayne Garvie, President of International Production at Sony Pictures Television (Spt).
Speaking at a keynote at TV festival Series Mania on Wednesday, Garvie noted that despite the sharp decline in commissions for scripted TV in the U.S., “more drama is being commissioned now than most times in human history” and argued that in the boom times, “a lot of stuff that got made that people didn’t get to see (or) didn’t know it was happening.”
The new, post-peak era Garvie described as going “back to the future,” with producers doing more shows with traditional free-to-air broadcasters that they sell to channels worldwide. He highlighted the Sony’s new period drama Dope Girls, starring Mare of Easttown‘s Julianne Nicholson, Eliza Scanlen (Sharp Objects...
Speaking at a keynote at TV festival Series Mania on Wednesday, Garvie noted that despite the sharp decline in commissions for scripted TV in the U.S., “more drama is being commissioned now than most times in human history” and argued that in the boom times, “a lot of stuff that got made that people didn’t get to see (or) didn’t know it was happening.”
The new, post-peak era Garvie described as going “back to the future,” with producers doing more shows with traditional free-to-air broadcasters that they sell to channels worldwide. He highlighted the Sony’s new period drama Dope Girls, starring Mare of Easttown‘s Julianne Nicholson, Eliza Scanlen (Sharp Objects...
- 3/20/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AGC Studios’ chief creative officer Lourdes Diaz has been promoted to partner with a seat on the board and has signed a new multi-year employment deal with the company.
Diaz joined AGC in 2018 as head of television. She was promoted to chief creative officer of the independent film and TV production and finance company in 2022.
Before AGC, she was president of entertainment for Univision Communications and served stints with Viacom International and NBC. She began her career as an agent at ICM.
AGC CEO Stuart Ford and COO Miguel Palos, who themselves signed multi-year employment deals late last year, commented:...
Diaz joined AGC in 2018 as head of television. She was promoted to chief creative officer of the independent film and TV production and finance company in 2022.
Before AGC, she was president of entertainment for Univision Communications and served stints with Viacom International and NBC. She began her career as an agent at ICM.
AGC CEO Stuart Ford and COO Miguel Palos, who themselves signed multi-year employment deals late last year, commented:...
- 3/18/2024
- ScreenDaily
Actor Omar Sy has teamed with Lupin and Fast X director Louis Leterrier and former Pulse Films CEO Thomas Benski to launch Carrousel Studios.
Carrousel Studios is billed as an artists-first European independent studio and media company with a focus on producing commercial films and high-end TV series for global audiences. Carrousel will lean into genres such as elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy.
A statement announcing the launch of Carrousel said the founding trio “plan to modernise the process of developing, financing and producing films and series, and take advantage of myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production,...
Carrousel Studios is billed as an artists-first European independent studio and media company with a focus on producing commercial films and high-end TV series for global audiences. Carrousel will lean into genres such as elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy.
A statement announcing the launch of Carrousel said the founding trio “plan to modernise the process of developing, financing and producing films and series, and take advantage of myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production,...
- 3/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Actor Omar Sy has teamed with Lupin and Fast X director Louis Leterrier and former Pulse Films CEO Thomas Benski to launch Carousel Studios.
Carousel Studios is billed as an artists-first European independent studio and media company with a focus on producing commercial films and high-end TV series for global audiences. Carousel will lean into genres such as elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy.
A statement announcing the launch of Carousel said the founding trio “plan to modernise the process of developing, financing and producing films and series, and take advantage of myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production,...
Carousel Studios is billed as an artists-first European independent studio and media company with a focus on producing commercial films and high-end TV series for global audiences. Carousel will lean into genres such as elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy.
A statement announcing the launch of Carousel said the founding trio “plan to modernise the process of developing, financing and producing films and series, and take advantage of myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production,...
- 3/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Ethan Coen’s action-comedy Drive-Away Dolls leads a quiet weekend at the UK and Ireland box office, opening in 533 cinemas for Universal, as Warner Bros’ Dune: Part Two continues to dominate with over £20m taken after two weeks on release.
The first solo narrative feature from one half of the Coen Brothers follows two lesbian roommates whose road trip quickly escalates to a crime caper when they find a valuable suitcase in the trunk. A notable ensemble cast, led by Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan, features appearances from Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal and Matt Damon.
The last time Ethan Coen...
The first solo narrative feature from one half of the Coen Brothers follows two lesbian roommates whose road trip quickly escalates to a crime caper when they find a valuable suitcase in the trunk. A notable ensemble cast, led by Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan, features appearances from Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal and Matt Damon.
The last time Ethan Coen...
- 3/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Screen’s March 2024 edition explores how Europe is leading the charge for production and distribution groups and profiles some of the key companies in the fold.
The issue also includes an interview with Sony Pictures Television’s Wayne Garvie; a Series Mania preview; and a look at how the Israeli film and TV industry has been impacted by the ongoing conflict.
Click here to read the digital edition
Read Screen’s other digital editions...
The issue also includes an interview with Sony Pictures Television’s Wayne Garvie; a Series Mania preview; and a look at how the Israeli film and TV industry has been impacted by the ongoing conflict.
Click here to read the digital edition
Read Screen’s other digital editions...
- 3/13/2024
- ScreenDaily
French TV festival and industry event Series Mania has unveiled the line-up for its 2024 edition, which runs from March 15-22.
Series Mania returns to the northern French city of Lille with 52 unreleased series, 26 world premieres, 15 international premieres, hailing from 21 countries including three new territories – South Africa, Latvia and New Zealand.
Netflix sci-fi series 3 Body Problem opens the festival. The adaptation of the best-selling book series by Cixin Liu from David Benioff, D.B. Weiss and Alexander Woo follows a group of brilliant scientists to join forces with a detective to confront the greatest threat in humanity’s history.
Series Mania organisers...
Series Mania returns to the northern French city of Lille with 52 unreleased series, 26 world premieres, 15 international premieres, hailing from 21 countries including three new territories – South Africa, Latvia and New Zealand.
Netflix sci-fi series 3 Body Problem opens the festival. The adaptation of the best-selling book series by Cixin Liu from David Benioff, D.B. Weiss and Alexander Woo follows a group of brilliant scientists to join forces with a detective to confront the greatest threat in humanity’s history.
Series Mania organisers...
- 2/7/2024
- ScreenDaily
Sony will take exclusive first rights to UK-based newspaper’s journalism
Sony Pictures Entertainment (Spe) has struck a deal with news organisation Guardian Media Group for exclusive first rights to The Guardian’s journalism with the aim of developing film, TV and documentary projects.
The collaboration spans Spe’s feature film division, which includes labels such as 3000 Pictures, Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures and Screen Gems, as well as Spe’s TV production groups in the US and internationally, including UK scripted companies Left Bank Pictures, Bad Wolf and Eleven.
Under the deal, Spe will have access to the Guardian...
Sony Pictures Entertainment (Spe) has struck a deal with news organisation Guardian Media Group for exclusive first rights to The Guardian’s journalism with the aim of developing film, TV and documentary projects.
The collaboration spans Spe’s feature film division, which includes labels such as 3000 Pictures, Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures and Screen Gems, as well as Spe’s TV production groups in the US and internationally, including UK scripted companies Left Bank Pictures, Bad Wolf and Eleven.
Under the deal, Spe will have access to the Guardian...
- 11/29/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Sony will take exclusive first rights to UK-based newspaper’s journalism
Sony Pictures Entertainment (Spe) has struck a deal with news organisation Guardian Media Group for exclusive first rights to The Guardian’s journalism with the aim of developing film, TV and documentary projects.
The collaboration spans Spe’s feature film division, which includes labels such as 3000 Pictures, Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures and Screen Gems, as well as Spe’s TV production groups in the US and internationally, including UK scripted companies Left Bank Pictures, Bad Wolf and Eleven.
Under the deal, Spe will have access to the Guardian...
Sony Pictures Entertainment (Spe) has struck a deal with news organisation Guardian Media Group for exclusive first rights to The Guardian’s journalism with the aim of developing film, TV and documentary projects.
The collaboration spans Spe’s feature film division, which includes labels such as 3000 Pictures, Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures and Screen Gems, as well as Spe’s TV production groups in the US and internationally, including UK scripted companies Left Bank Pictures, Bad Wolf and Eleven.
Under the deal, Spe will have access to the Guardian...
- 11/29/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Sony Pictures Entertainment has signed a new exclusive first-look deal with U.K. newspaper The Guardian, giving the studio first rights to The Guardian’s reporting for film and TV adaptations.
The deal will give Spe’s film and television production groups, which include film divisions such as Columbia Pictures, TriStar, Screen Gems and 3000 Pictures as well as TV operations Left Bank (The Crown), Bad Wolf (His Dark Materials), and live sports and non-scripted production company Whisper, vision, the agreement includes Spe’s feature film division, development rights to The Guardian’s current and developing news stories, as well as the paper’s archive, reaching back 200 years.
Announcing the agreement Wednesday, Spe and The Guardian said the studio has three option deals already in place that will be announced soon. The Guardian has similar agreements with Netflix, the BBC and Sky. The media group is no stranger to high-end video content.
The deal will give Spe’s film and television production groups, which include film divisions such as Columbia Pictures, TriStar, Screen Gems and 3000 Pictures as well as TV operations Left Bank (The Crown), Bad Wolf (His Dark Materials), and live sports and non-scripted production company Whisper, vision, the agreement includes Spe’s feature film division, development rights to The Guardian’s current and developing news stories, as well as the paper’s archive, reaching back 200 years.
Announcing the agreement Wednesday, Spe and The Guardian said the studio has three option deals already in place that will be announced soon. The Guardian has similar agreements with Netflix, the BBC and Sky. The media group is no stranger to high-end video content.
- 11/29/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sony Pictures Entertainment (Spe) and U.K. news media organisation Guardian Media Group, which publishes the left-leaning The Guardian newspaper, have revealed a strategic creative collaboration.
The agreement will see Spe gain exclusive first rights to all of the Guardian’s global journalism, with the aim of developing suitable materials for audio-visual adaptation. The deal spans the whole of Spe’s television production groups, including U.S. scripted and nonfiction television divisions, to international production. The latter includes scripted companies Left Bank Pictures (“The Crown”) , Bad Wolf (“His Dark Materials”) and Eleven (“Sex Education”) and unscripted, sport and factual entertainment producers like The Whisper Group. The agreement also spans Spe’s feature film division, which includes the 3000 Pictures, Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures and Screen Gems labels.
All these Spe entities will have access to the Guardian’s current and developing news stories, and to the Guardian archive, containing 200 years of history across articles,...
The agreement will see Spe gain exclusive first rights to all of the Guardian’s global journalism, with the aim of developing suitable materials for audio-visual adaptation. The deal spans the whole of Spe’s television production groups, including U.S. scripted and nonfiction television divisions, to international production. The latter includes scripted companies Left Bank Pictures (“The Crown”) , Bad Wolf (“His Dark Materials”) and Eleven (“Sex Education”) and unscripted, sport and factual entertainment producers like The Whisper Group. The agreement also spans Spe’s feature film division, which includes the 3000 Pictures, Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures and Screen Gems labels.
All these Spe entities will have access to the Guardian’s current and developing news stories, and to the Guardian archive, containing 200 years of history across articles,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Entertainment (Spe) has struck a partnership with UK newspaper the Guardian.
The deal will see Spe handed exclusive first rights to the full range of the Guardian’s global journalism to develop video content. Spe will have access to The Guardian’s current and developing news stories, and to the Guardian archive, containing 200 years of history across articles, blogs, columns, videos and podcasts. The agreement, brokered by Curtis Brown, will be overseen by a new executive team appointed by Spe and the Guardian.
The Guardian already has three option deals in place with Spe that will be announced soon. It also has deals in place with the BBC, Netflix and Sky, and won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short two years ago for Colette.
The collaboration spans the whole of Spe’s television production groups, from its U.S. scripted and nonfiction television divisions, to international production,...
The deal will see Spe handed exclusive first rights to the full range of the Guardian’s global journalism to develop video content. Spe will have access to The Guardian’s current and developing news stories, and to the Guardian archive, containing 200 years of history across articles, blogs, columns, videos and podcasts. The agreement, brokered by Curtis Brown, will be overseen by a new executive team appointed by Spe and the Guardian.
The Guardian already has three option deals in place with Spe that will be announced soon. It also has deals in place with the BBC, Netflix and Sky, and won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short two years ago for Colette.
The collaboration spans the whole of Spe’s television production groups, from its U.S. scripted and nonfiction television divisions, to international production,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures Television has launched a new division focusing on music development, headed by Palash Ahmed, an Indian American executive who has worked as a music producer before joining the company in 2017, reports ‘Variety’.
The move is intended to leverage the company’s ties to Sony Music Group and the larger music industry.
In this role, Ahmed, who’ll report to Spt’s President, International Production, Wayne Garvie, will be collaborating on music-related projects across Spt’s production groups, adds ‘Variety’. Ahmed is a former music producer and entrepreneur.
Spt Chairman Ravi Ahuja made the announcement in an internal note to staff obtained by ‘Variety’.
In the note, explaining the rationale for the creation of the new division under Ahmed’s charge, Ahuja said: “We have seen great success with our partnership with PlayStation Productions in producing TV adaptations from popular game IP, and now we want to apply this...
The move is intended to leverage the company’s ties to Sony Music Group and the larger music industry.
In this role, Ahmed, who’ll report to Spt’s President, International Production, Wayne Garvie, will be collaborating on music-related projects across Spt’s production groups, adds ‘Variety’. Ahmed is a former music producer and entrepreneur.
Spt Chairman Ravi Ahuja made the announcement in an internal note to staff obtained by ‘Variety’.
In the note, explaining the rationale for the creation of the new division under Ahmed’s charge, Ahuja said: “We have seen great success with our partnership with PlayStation Productions in producing TV adaptations from popular game IP, and now we want to apply this...
- 6/30/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Exec will report into Spt’s president of international productions Wayne Garvie.
Sony Pictures Television (Spt) has appointed Big Talk managing director Matthew Justice to the newly created role of EVP, head of UK & Europe.
Justice, who announced earlier this week that he was stepping down from The Outlaws producer Big Talk after 16 years, will report into Wayne Garvie, Spt’s president of international productions.
Justice will manage Spt’s international studio operations and European co-productions business, and work closely with Spt production labels and joint ventures. These include: Bad Wolf (His Dark Materials), Eleven Films (Sex Education), Left Bank Pictures...
Sony Pictures Television (Spt) has appointed Big Talk managing director Matthew Justice to the newly created role of EVP, head of UK & Europe.
Justice, who announced earlier this week that he was stepping down from The Outlaws producer Big Talk after 16 years, will report into Wayne Garvie, Spt’s president of international productions.
Justice will manage Spt’s international studio operations and European co-productions business, and work closely with Spt production labels and joint ventures. These include: Bad Wolf (His Dark Materials), Eleven Films (Sex Education), Left Bank Pictures...
- 4/27/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
In what is likely to be considered a major poach, Sony Pictures Television has hired Mathew Justice — a seasoned U.K. industry vet and currently managing director of the ITV Studios-owned Big Talk — for the newly created role of executive vp, head of U.K. and Europe.
Reporting to Spt president of international productions Wayne Garvie, Justice will directly manage the company’s International Studio operations and European co-productions business, as well as work closely with Spt International Production’s wholly owned and joint venture production companies in the region, which include Bad Wolf (His Dark Materials, Industry), Eleven Films (Sex Education) and Left Bank Pictures (The Crown). He joins later this year.
“Joining Wayne and the team at Spt is an opportunity that dreams are made of,” said Justice. “The Spt labels are outstanding, so it is a rare honor to get to work with them and the people behind them.
Reporting to Spt president of international productions Wayne Garvie, Justice will directly manage the company’s International Studio operations and European co-productions business, as well as work closely with Spt International Production’s wholly owned and joint venture production companies in the region, which include Bad Wolf (His Dark Materials, Industry), Eleven Films (Sex Education) and Left Bank Pictures (The Crown). He joins later this year.
“Joining Wayne and the team at Spt is an opportunity that dreams are made of,” said Justice. “The Spt labels are outstanding, so it is a rare honor to get to work with them and the people behind them.
- 4/27/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sony Pictures Television has appointed Matthew Justice as executive VP and head of U.K. and Europe.
In the newly created role, he will report into Wayne Garvie, president of International Productions. Justice will directly manage Spt’s international studio operations and European co-productions business, as well as work closely with Spt International Production’s wholly-owned and joint venture production companies in the region, which includes Bad Wolf, Eleven Films and Left Bank Pictures.
Justice most recently served as managing director at ITV Studios-backed Big Talk. He will start at Spt later this year.
Garvie said: “Matthew is a highly respected figure in the U.K. television and film industry — together he and Kenton Allen have built Big Talk into a significant international player. A smart operator, a strategic thinker and, just as importantly, a very good person, Matthew brings just what we need to build our UK and...
In the newly created role, he will report into Wayne Garvie, president of International Productions. Justice will directly manage Spt’s international studio operations and European co-productions business, as well as work closely with Spt International Production’s wholly-owned and joint venture production companies in the region, which includes Bad Wolf, Eleven Films and Left Bank Pictures.
Justice most recently served as managing director at ITV Studios-backed Big Talk. He will start at Spt later this year.
Garvie said: “Matthew is a highly respected figure in the U.K. television and film industry — together he and Kenton Allen have built Big Talk into a significant international player. A smart operator, a strategic thinker and, just as importantly, a very good person, Matthew brings just what we need to build our UK and...
- 4/27/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Television has bolstered its international team with the hire of respected UK scripted producer Matthew Justice.
Deadline revealed on Monday that Justice was leaving The Outlaws producer Big Talk Studios after 16 years, though his destination was unknown.
Sony has today announced that Justice will join in the newly-created role of EVP, Head of UK & Europe, reporting to Wayne Garvie, President of International Productions. He is expected to join in the fall.
Justice will oversee Sony’s international studio operations, European co-productions, and work closely with its production partners, including The Crown producer Left Bank Pictures and Bad Wolf, which is currently shooting Doctor Who.
Garvie said: “A smart operator, a strategic thinker and, just as importantly, a very good person, Matthew brings just what we need to build our UK and Europe business into an even greater force.”
Justice added: “Helping to grow the Spt UK and European...
Deadline revealed on Monday that Justice was leaving The Outlaws producer Big Talk Studios after 16 years, though his destination was unknown.
Sony has today announced that Justice will join in the newly-created role of EVP, Head of UK & Europe, reporting to Wayne Garvie, President of International Productions. He is expected to join in the fall.
Justice will oversee Sony’s international studio operations, European co-productions, and work closely with its production partners, including The Crown producer Left Bank Pictures and Bad Wolf, which is currently shooting Doctor Who.
Garvie said: “A smart operator, a strategic thinker and, just as importantly, a very good person, Matthew brings just what we need to build our UK and Europe business into an even greater force.”
Justice added: “Helping to grow the Spt UK and European...
- 4/27/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Katherine Pope is returning to the studio fold.
The seasoned executive, who most recently headed originals at Charter Communications, has been tapped to replace Jeff Frost as president of Sony Pictures Television Studios. She begins her new role Aug. 22 and reports to Ravi Ahuja, chairman of global television studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment corporate development.
“Katherine has proven herself as a dynamic leader with impeccable taste and the ability to successfully develop and produce content that resonates with audiences. She is an excellent fit for this role and I’m delighted that she has chosen to join us at Spt,” said Ahuja. “Katherine brings vast experience that will help us build on the overall strength of our global production capabilities at the studio. With Katherine leading our scripted production business in the U.S. and Wayne Garvie leading our international production business, we...
Katherine Pope is returning to the studio fold.
The seasoned executive, who most recently headed originals at Charter Communications, has been tapped to replace Jeff Frost as president of Sony Pictures Television Studios. She begins her new role Aug. 22 and reports to Ravi Ahuja, chairman of global television studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment corporate development.
“Katherine has proven herself as a dynamic leader with impeccable taste and the ability to successfully develop and produce content that resonates with audiences. She is an excellent fit for this role and I’m delighted that she has chosen to join us at Spt,” said Ahuja. “Katherine brings vast experience that will help us build on the overall strength of our global production capabilities at the studio. With Katherine leading our scripted production business in the U.S. and Wayne Garvie leading our international production business, we...
- 7/13/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Katherine Pope is stepping in as president of Sony Pictures Television, Variety has confirmed.
Pope takes over the role from Jeff Frost, who recently announced he was departing the independent studio after five years at the helm.
Pope joins Sony from Charter Communications, where she served as head of Spectrum Originals for the past four years. She will begin her new role on August 22, reporting to Ravi Ahuja, chairman of global television studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment Corporate Development.
“Katherine has proven herself as a dynamic leader with impeccable taste and the ability to successfully develop and produce content that resonates with audiences. She is an excellent fit for this role and I’m delighted that she has chosen to join us at Spt,” said Ahuja. “Katherine brings vast experience that will help us build on the overall strength of our global production capabilities at the studio. With Katherine leading...
Pope takes over the role from Jeff Frost, who recently announced he was departing the independent studio after five years at the helm.
Pope joins Sony from Charter Communications, where she served as head of Spectrum Originals for the past four years. She will begin her new role on August 22, reporting to Ravi Ahuja, chairman of global television studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment Corporate Development.
“Katherine has proven herself as a dynamic leader with impeccable taste and the ability to successfully develop and produce content that resonates with audiences. She is an excellent fit for this role and I’m delighted that she has chosen to join us at Spt,” said Ahuja. “Katherine brings vast experience that will help us build on the overall strength of our global production capabilities at the studio. With Katherine leading...
- 7/13/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Katherine Pope is once again taking the helm of a major TV studio. Pope, who has served as Head of Original Content at Charter Communications’ Spectrum Originals for the past four and a half years, is joining Sony Pictures Television as President of Sony Pictures Television Studios, overseeing all domestic scripted productions. She is in a rare company of just a couple of other women who have held a top post at the indie TV studio, including Barbara Corday, who was President of Columbia Pictures Television in the 1980s, and Helene Michaels, who did a brief stint as President of Network Production for Columbia TriStar TV in 1999-2000. Pope, who starts Aug. 22, will succeed Jeff Frost, who announced last month that he would be stepping down after five years in the job.
Pope, who has extensive studio, network and production company experience and ran NBC Universal TV Studios (now Universal Television) 15 years ago,...
Pope, who has extensive studio, network and production company experience and ran NBC Universal TV Studios (now Universal Television) 15 years ago,...
- 7/13/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Sarah Edwards, creative director and senior vice president of global unscripted entertainment at Sony Pictures Television International (Spt), has departed the company, Variety can confirm.
Edwards stepped down last month with a view to taking a break for family reasons. However she will continue to independently consult on global formats, trading under a company called Edwards Power.
Edwards joined Spt International in 2012 where she oversaw game shows including “The Weakest Link,” “Can’t Touch This” and “Take Me Out” as well as well expansion into new media, such as a partnership with chef and adventurer Kiran Jethwa on “Kiran Jethwa: Fearless Food,” a YouTube channel featuring both new series and previously aired content.
In 2018 she set up a formats unit within the company. Before joining Spt International, Edwards worked at Talkback Thames and 12 Yard.
Laura St Clair, vice president of format sales and production consultancy, will oversee the international unscripted...
Edwards stepped down last month with a view to taking a break for family reasons. However she will continue to independently consult on global formats, trading under a company called Edwards Power.
Edwards joined Spt International in 2012 where she oversaw game shows including “The Weakest Link,” “Can’t Touch This” and “Take Me Out” as well as well expansion into new media, such as a partnership with chef and adventurer Kiran Jethwa on “Kiran Jethwa: Fearless Food,” a YouTube channel featuring both new series and previously aired content.
In 2018 she set up a formats unit within the company. Before joining Spt International, Edwards worked at Talkback Thames and 12 Yard.
Laura St Clair, vice president of format sales and production consultancy, will oversee the international unscripted...
- 7/4/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Happy Friday readers. Tom Grater here looking back on the week’s top international headlines.
Mip TV Comes To An End
We got there eventually: The first Cannes-based Mip TV for three years took place earlier this week and, after some initial travel chaos that had the entire UK contingent scrabbling to reach Nice airport by Sunday night, things settled into a familiar pattern. In a sense, Mip TV felt like an extension of the previous fortnight’s Series Mania in that streamers and European talent were top of everyone’s talking-point lists. Delivering a keynote, HBO Max Global Boss Johannes Larcher talked up his streamer’s position in Europe, declaring “it’s not always best to be first.” Meanwhile, Candle Media Co-Founder Kevin Mayer, one of the founding fathers of Disney+, gave attendees a window into his strategy and Sony International Production Boss Wayne Garvie detailed grand ambitions to...
Mip TV Comes To An End
We got there eventually: The first Cannes-based Mip TV for three years took place earlier this week and, after some initial travel chaos that had the entire UK contingent scrabbling to reach Nice airport by Sunday night, things settled into a familiar pattern. In a sense, Mip TV felt like an extension of the previous fortnight’s Series Mania in that streamers and European talent were top of everyone’s talking-point lists. Delivering a keynote, HBO Max Global Boss Johannes Larcher talked up his streamer’s position in Europe, declaring “it’s not always best to be first.” Meanwhile, Candle Media Co-Founder Kevin Mayer, one of the founding fathers of Disney+, gave attendees a window into his strategy and Sony International Production Boss Wayne Garvie detailed grand ambitions to...
- 4/8/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
MipTV returned to Cannes after two years with a much-reduced list of exhibitors, a compact agenda and bare Palais exteriors, devoid of its usual quirky advertising. Organizer Rx had the “pandemic effect” on its side, with most delegates on the ground — just over 5,000 in all, they say — appreciative of in-person meetings and reconnecting with long-lost contacts. Yet questions remain about the future of MipTV: will Rx sustain the momentum going into 2023 when the events calendar is (hopefully) back to its pre-pandemic configuration? Or, amid all the tectonic changes in the industry, will the global TV industry decide that, in fact, an international meeting point is, in fact, necessary? Read on for Variety’s top takeaways.
New-Look MipTV
Anyone who went to Mipcom in October had already glimpsed the sight of a stripped-down Cannes market, but it was jarring to see bare Palais exteriors (normally adorned with the latest Fremantle drama...
New-Look MipTV
Anyone who went to Mipcom in October had already glimpsed the sight of a stripped-down Cannes market, but it was jarring to see bare Palais exteriors (normally adorned with the latest Fremantle drama...
- 4/6/2022
- by Manori Ravindran, John Hopewell, Elsa Keslassy, K.J. Yossman and Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Bad Wolf’s Jane Tranter reveals Arthurian project in works with Last Kingdom’s Bernard Cornwell
Wayne Garvie has set out ambitions for Sony to become the “biggest drama studio in Britain” as latest addition Bad Wolf lands a Netflix development starring Billie Piper and works up an Arthurian adaption from The Last Kingdom creator.
Speaking with Bad Wolf chief exec Jane Tranter at MipTV, Sony Pictures Television International Production president Garvie said he has an eye on the number of opportunities which exist with European broadcasters.
“It’s a brilliant time to be thinking differently about deals,” he said,...
Wayne Garvie has set out ambitions for Sony to become the “biggest drama studio in Britain” as latest addition Bad Wolf lands a Netflix development starring Billie Piper and works up an Arthurian adaption from The Last Kingdom creator.
Speaking with Bad Wolf chief exec Jane Tranter at MipTV, Sony Pictures Television International Production president Garvie said he has an eye on the number of opportunities which exist with European broadcasters.
“It’s a brilliant time to be thinking differently about deals,” he said,...
- 4/5/2022
- ScreenDaily
Sony Pictures Television International chief Wayne Garvie has set his sights on European production, he revealed during a keynote discussion at MipTV on Monday afternoon.
Garvie was speaking alongside Bad Wolf co-founder Jane Tranter in a panel discussion moderated by Variety international editor Manori Ravindran. Sptv International acquired Bad Wolf, who have produced shows including “His Dark Materials,” in December.
During the discussion, Garvie said that Sptv International had almost accomplished its goal of becoming “the biggest drama studio in Britain” and was now setting its sights on European production. “We can see a demand for European content,” Garvie said.
Garvie and Tranter also discussed why Sptv International and Bad Wolf were a good fit for each other, with Garvie citing “the scale and ambition of the Bad Wolf team” and Tranter saying she had liked how Sptv International had grown another of the companies they had acquired in recent years,...
Garvie was speaking alongside Bad Wolf co-founder Jane Tranter in a panel discussion moderated by Variety international editor Manori Ravindran. Sptv International acquired Bad Wolf, who have produced shows including “His Dark Materials,” in December.
During the discussion, Garvie said that Sptv International had almost accomplished its goal of becoming “the biggest drama studio in Britain” and was now setting its sights on European production. “We can see a demand for European content,” Garvie said.
Garvie and Tranter also discussed why Sptv International and Bad Wolf were a good fit for each other, with Garvie citing “the scale and ambition of the Bad Wolf team” and Tranter saying she had liked how Sptv International had grown another of the companies they had acquired in recent years,...
- 4/4/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Television International Production President Wayne Garvie has revealed his desire for the outfit to be the biggest drama studio in Britain and push into Europe, as he spoke publicly alongside Bad Wolf CEO Jane Tranter for the first time.
Sony now owns the His Dark Materials producer along with The Crown indie Left Bank and Sex Education’s Eleven and Garvie detailed his ambitions during this afternoon’s Mip TV keynote.
He said the trio of powerhouse drama indies are “complementary” and give Sony a huge amount of scale.
“If you pitched me a book to make into a TV show I would know immediately which of these indies to give it to,” he explained. “They are very complementary.”
All drama label acquisitions have been made in the past decade and Garvie is now turning his attention to Europe, as the streamers commission more from territories including France,...
Sony now owns the His Dark Materials producer along with The Crown indie Left Bank and Sex Education’s Eleven and Garvie detailed his ambitions during this afternoon’s Mip TV keynote.
He said the trio of powerhouse drama indies are “complementary” and give Sony a huge amount of scale.
“If you pitched me a book to make into a TV show I would know immediately which of these indies to give it to,” he explained. “They are very complementary.”
All drama label acquisitions have been made in the past decade and Garvie is now turning his attention to Europe, as the streamers commission more from territories including France,...
- 4/4/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Candle Media Founder Kevin Mayer has set out his strategy to take advantage of the wealth of deep-pocketed new buyers, as he unveils a tie-up between kids powerhouse Moonbug Entertainment and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine. He also sidestepped questions on Candle’s relationship with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook, for which it has a 10 stake, stating that Westbrook is a “good company.”
Blackstone-backed Candle owns both CoComelon owner Moonbug and Hello Sunshine and, delivering a Mip TV keynote this afternoon, the former Disney exec told an audience of TV execs and press that “synergies” between their owned companies are a big part of his and fellow Candle Founder Tom Stagg’s plan.
With that in mind, Hello Sunshine and Moonbug are working on a “new product” that takes advantage of Hello Sunshine’s pre-existing position in the global book space due to Reese’s Book...
Blackstone-backed Candle owns both CoComelon owner Moonbug and Hello Sunshine and, delivering a Mip TV keynote this afternoon, the former Disney exec told an audience of TV execs and press that “synergies” between their owned companies are a big part of his and fellow Candle Founder Tom Stagg’s plan.
With that in mind, Hello Sunshine and Moonbug are working on a “new product” that takes advantage of Hello Sunshine’s pre-existing position in the global book space due to Reese’s Book...
- 4/4/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Travel chaos has hit Mip TV, with a string of EasyJet cancellations from the UK causing attendees to scramble to find alternative routes to the Cannes market.
The concurrent Canneseries drama market has been running for two days but the majority of Mip TV attendees are heading down Sunday from the UK, for the event that kicks off tomorrow and lasts for two days.
This morning, however, UK travellers were notified of a number of EasyJet cancellations, leaving the gang of producers, network execs, analysts and press heading to France from the UK scrambling to find alternative routes.
Most of the attendees Deadline has spoken with have managed to do so, going via European destinations including Luxembourg, Amsterdam and Paris on alternative carriers.
“Only at Mip TV,” said one veteran exec of the market, who pointed out that this isn’t the first time the Cannes event has been hit by travel chaos.
The concurrent Canneseries drama market has been running for two days but the majority of Mip TV attendees are heading down Sunday from the UK, for the event that kicks off tomorrow and lasts for two days.
This morning, however, UK travellers were notified of a number of EasyJet cancellations, leaving the gang of producers, network execs, analysts and press heading to France from the UK scrambling to find alternative routes.
Most of the attendees Deadline has spoken with have managed to do so, going via European destinations including Luxembourg, Amsterdam and Paris on alternative carriers.
“Only at Mip TV,” said one veteran exec of the market, who pointed out that this isn’t the first time the Cannes event has been hit by travel chaos.
- 4/3/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Welcome to Deadline’s International Disruptors, a feature where we’ll shine a spotlight on key executives and companies outside of the U.S. shaking up the offshore marketplace. This week, we’re speaking to esteemed UK TV executive Jane Tranter, co-founder of Bad Wolf. The company is behind hits such as His Dark Materials and A Discovery Of Witches and recently sold a majority stake to Sony Pictures Television. In her first interview since the deal, we take a deep dive into Tranter’s career and Bad Wolf’s ambitions for the future.
Jane Tranter doesn’t do things by halves. When the former BBC drama chief decided to launch UK-u.S. indie label Bad Wolf in 2015 with her long-time colleague and former BBC Wales Head of Drama Julie Gardner, she didn’t just want to be the producer of high-end TV content for the global television market, she...
Jane Tranter doesn’t do things by halves. When the former BBC drama chief decided to launch UK-u.S. indie label Bad Wolf in 2015 with her long-time colleague and former BBC Wales Head of Drama Julie Gardner, she didn’t just want to be the producer of high-end TV content for the global television market, she...
- 3/23/2022
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Speakers Unveiled For Mip TV & Series Mania
HBO Max International Boss Johannes Larcher is to deliver a keynote address at this year’s Mip TV, while Series Mania has confirmed its lineup for later this month as the TV world gears up for the big markets. Larcher, who is responsible for driving the international rollout of the streamer, will discuss strategy and wider trends. Speaking on the second day of the market, he joins the likes of Bad Wolf’s Jane Tranter, Sony’s Wayne Garvie and Kevin Mayer in the exclusive keynote list for the Cannes event. Meanwhile, Series Mania, which takes place in Lille next week, has confirmed the likes of WarnerMedia international boss Priya Dogra, Paramount President and CEO International Networks Raffaele Annecchino and Amazon Studios Europe Head Georgia Brown. Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition and Executive Vice-President for a Europe fit for the Digital Age,...
HBO Max International Boss Johannes Larcher is to deliver a keynote address at this year’s Mip TV, while Series Mania has confirmed its lineup for later this month as the TV world gears up for the big markets. Larcher, who is responsible for driving the international rollout of the streamer, will discuss strategy and wider trends. Speaking on the second day of the market, he joins the likes of Bad Wolf’s Jane Tranter, Sony’s Wayne Garvie and Kevin Mayer in the exclusive keynote list for the Cannes event. Meanwhile, Series Mania, which takes place in Lille next week, has confirmed the likes of WarnerMedia international boss Priya Dogra, Paramount President and CEO International Networks Raffaele Annecchino and Amazon Studios Europe Head Georgia Brown. Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition and Executive Vice-President for a Europe fit for the Digital Age,...
- 3/14/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Bad Wolf Co-Founder Jane Tranter And Sony’s Wayne Garvie To Keynote Mip TV
Bad Wolf Co-Founder Jane Tranter and Sony Pictures Television President, International Production, Wayne Garvie, are to both deliver keynotes at this year’s Mip TV in Cannes. The pair will take to the stage on the opening day of the market for the first time since Sony took a majority stake in the His Dark Materials, Industry and Discovery of Witches producer. “After all the disruption of the past couple of years, I’m excited to return to the stage at Mip alongside the incomparable Jane Tranter, who we welcomed to the group last year along with her fantastic Bad Wolf team,” said Garvie. Tranter said the keynote “comes at the perfect time” as Bad Wolf moves to the next stage in the international TV marketplace. The three-day event will take place in person in Cannes...
Bad Wolf Co-Founder Jane Tranter and Sony Pictures Television President, International Production, Wayne Garvie, are to both deliver keynotes at this year’s Mip TV in Cannes. The pair will take to the stage on the opening day of the market for the first time since Sony took a majority stake in the His Dark Materials, Industry and Discovery of Witches producer. “After all the disruption of the past couple of years, I’m excited to return to the stage at Mip alongside the incomparable Jane Tranter, who we welcomed to the group last year along with her fantastic Bad Wolf team,” said Garvie. Tranter said the keynote “comes at the perfect time” as Bad Wolf moves to the next stage in the international TV marketplace. The three-day event will take place in person in Cannes...
- 2/28/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures Television has signaled its big UK drama ambitions by taking a majority stake in His Dark Materials and I Hate Suzie producer Bad Wolf.
The deal includes the Wolf Studios Wales sound stage facility in Cardiff along with Bad Wolf’s 30% stake in sister company Bad Wolf America. Sony also takes over Sky, HBO and Access Entertainment’s minority stakes.
Since being launched by Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner in 2015, Cardiff-based Bad Wolf has been one of the most successful UK drama producers, sweeping up at awards ceremonies for the likes of Sky’s I Hate Suzie and HBO’s The Night Of, along with producing premium offerings such as Sky’s A Discovery of Witches and BBC2/HBO’s Industry.
The indie said it spent £120M ($159.8M) on local suppliers between 2015 and 2020 and created around 2,500 jobs, fulfilling an ambition to deliver a one-in-12 multiplier effect to the...
The deal includes the Wolf Studios Wales sound stage facility in Cardiff along with Bad Wolf’s 30% stake in sister company Bad Wolf America. Sony also takes over Sky, HBO and Access Entertainment’s minority stakes.
Since being launched by Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner in 2015, Cardiff-based Bad Wolf has been one of the most successful UK drama producers, sweeping up at awards ceremonies for the likes of Sky’s I Hate Suzie and HBO’s The Night Of, along with producing premium offerings such as Sky’s A Discovery of Witches and BBC2/HBO’s Industry.
The indie said it spent £120M ($159.8M) on local suppliers between 2015 and 2020 and created around 2,500 jobs, fulfilling an ambition to deliver a one-in-12 multiplier effect to the...
- 12/1/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Confirms Acquisition of ‘His Dark Materials’ Producer Bad Wolf, Buys Out Sky/HBO Minority Stake
Sony Pictures Television has confirmed the long-rumored acquisition of U.K. independent production outfit Bad Wolf.
Bad Wolf’s credits include “His Dark Materials,” “Industry,” “The Night Of,” “A Discovery of Witches” and “I Hate Suzie.”
Sony has taken a majority stake in the company, which includes buying out the minority stakes held in Bad Wolf by Sky/HBO and Access Entertainment. The deal also includes the Wolf Studios Wales sound stage facility in Cardiff, Wales and Bad Wolf’s 30% stake in Bad Wolf America LLC.
While Sony declined to comment on the financial value of the deal, Variety understands that it is in the region of £60 million ($80 million).
Bad Wolf was launched in 2015 by Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner, the former BBC executives responsible for “Doctor Who,” “Torchwood” and “Da Vinci’s Demons,” to produce high-end TV and film for the global television market. The duo were at the helm...
Bad Wolf’s credits include “His Dark Materials,” “Industry,” “The Night Of,” “A Discovery of Witches” and “I Hate Suzie.”
Sony has taken a majority stake in the company, which includes buying out the minority stakes held in Bad Wolf by Sky/HBO and Access Entertainment. The deal also includes the Wolf Studios Wales sound stage facility in Cardiff, Wales and Bad Wolf’s 30% stake in Bad Wolf America LLC.
While Sony declined to comment on the financial value of the deal, Variety understands that it is in the region of £60 million ($80 million).
Bad Wolf was launched in 2015 by Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner, the former BBC executives responsible for “Doctor Who,” “Torchwood” and “Da Vinci’s Demons,” to produce high-end TV and film for the global television market. The duo were at the helm...
- 12/1/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Deal thought to be worth close to £60m.
Sony Pictures Television (Spt) is on the brink of acquiring scripted production powerhouse Bad Wolf, Screen’s sister site Broadcast has learned.
The His Dark Materials producer, co-founded in 2015 by Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner, is set to join Left Bank Pictures-owner Sony in a deal thought to be worth close to £60m.
Existing minority shareholders Access Entertainment and Sky / HBO are expected to have their respective 24.9% and 10% stakes bought out as part of the agreement, leaving Sony as sole majority shareholder.
A rival bidder is understood to have offered a higher sum,...
Sony Pictures Television (Spt) is on the brink of acquiring scripted production powerhouse Bad Wolf, Screen’s sister site Broadcast has learned.
The His Dark Materials producer, co-founded in 2015 by Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner, is set to join Left Bank Pictures-owner Sony in a deal thought to be worth close to £60m.
Existing minority shareholders Access Entertainment and Sky / HBO are expected to have their respective 24.9% and 10% stakes bought out as part of the agreement, leaving Sony as sole majority shareholder.
A rival bidder is understood to have offered a higher sum,...
- 10/11/2021
- by Alex Farber Broadcast¬Chris Curtis Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Feature films could be the next big untapped market for unscripted reboots. HBO Max is making a reality competition series inspired by Magic Mike and now Sony is looking at its movie library.
Holly Jacobs, EVP, Alternative and Syndication Programming for Sony Pictures Television, told Deadline that it is about to take a project to market with a non-scripted format based on a Sony movie.
“Now we’re tapping into our amazing feature titles. We’re about to go out with one with an unscripted lens around it. We’re looking at a number of titles. If a title is well known, it’s fantastic to lean in to what is that movie and is there an unscripted way, what would be the basis. People are looking at things that they feel comfortable with, they remember,” she added.
One could imagine a competition series based on The Karate Kid or...
Holly Jacobs, EVP, Alternative and Syndication Programming for Sony Pictures Television, told Deadline that it is about to take a project to market with a non-scripted format based on a Sony movie.
“Now we’re tapping into our amazing feature titles. We’re about to go out with one with an unscripted lens around it. We’re looking at a number of titles. If a title is well known, it’s fantastic to lean in to what is that movie and is there an unscripted way, what would be the basis. People are looking at things that they feel comfortable with, they remember,” she added.
One could imagine a competition series based on The Karate Kid or...
- 4/16/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Although this year’s edition of the Cannes TV market MipTV is going virtual, the opportunity for distributors to catch the eye is larger than ever as global and regional content are eager to make up for lost time.
The MipDrama showcase in particular still provides the ideal place to drum up interest in a series, according to Rose Hughes, VP of sales at Keshet International which is presenting a look at intense Norwegian-German series “Furia” (pictured below).
“It’s the first step in the strategy of getting this series to the most homes possible, to the best homes possible around the world,” says Hughes. “The show isn’t finished, it’s still in post-production, but this is a chance for buyers to get a sneak peek.”
Arguably the biggest head-turner at MipTV this year is the Jodie Turner-Smith period drama “Anne Boleyn.” Distributor Sony Pictures Television will be playing...
The MipDrama showcase in particular still provides the ideal place to drum up interest in a series, according to Rose Hughes, VP of sales at Keshet International which is presenting a look at intense Norwegian-German series “Furia” (pictured below).
“It’s the first step in the strategy of getting this series to the most homes possible, to the best homes possible around the world,” says Hughes. “The show isn’t finished, it’s still in post-production, but this is a chance for buyers to get a sneak peek.”
Arguably the biggest head-turner at MipTV this year is the Jodie Turner-Smith period drama “Anne Boleyn.” Distributor Sony Pictures Television will be playing...
- 4/9/2021
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Their relationship may have been, um, cut short, but Jodie Turner-Smith’s Anne Boleyn and Mark Stanley’s Henry VIII look pretty cosy in the first image of the pair from the upcoming Channel 5 drama.
In Variety’s exclusive first look, Turner-Smith’s Tudor queen is nestled against the formidable Henry VIII, played by “White House Farm” actor Stanley, when times were, presumably, better.
Boleyn is the most notorious of Henry VIII’s six wives, best known for her untimely demise by execution. The three-part psychological thriller “Anne Boleyn” for ViacomCBS-backed U.K. broadcaster Channel 5 will explore the final months of Boleyn’s life from her perspective, as she struggles to secure a future for her daughter and challenge the powerful patriarchy closing in around her.
The series will depict the key moments that cause Anne to topple, reflecting her strength, fatal vulnerabilities and determination to be an equal among men.
In Variety’s exclusive first look, Turner-Smith’s Tudor queen is nestled against the formidable Henry VIII, played by “White House Farm” actor Stanley, when times were, presumably, better.
Boleyn is the most notorious of Henry VIII’s six wives, best known for her untimely demise by execution. The three-part psychological thriller “Anne Boleyn” for ViacomCBS-backed U.K. broadcaster Channel 5 will explore the final months of Boleyn’s life from her perspective, as she struggles to secure a future for her daughter and challenge the powerful patriarchy closing in around her.
The series will depict the key moments that cause Anne to topple, reflecting her strength, fatal vulnerabilities and determination to be an equal among men.
- 4/8/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The growing popularity, backed by financial clout, of global streamers like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus are forcing U.K. public service broadcasters (PSBs) to face down an existential threat.
This was the overarching theme at the virtual Deloitte and Enders Media and Telecoms conference, which featured top brass from the country’s technology, media and telecom sectors. These included BBC director general Tim Davie, ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall, Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon, and Maria Kyriacou, president of ViacomCBS Networks U.K. and Australia, which operates terrestrial broadcaster Channel 5.
Before the pandemic hit, the U.K. creative industry was going through a period of phenomenal growth, but is now confronting “a point of jeopardy,” said Davie at the conference. “It’s a brilliant British success story and it needs fuelling and [investment].” Describing the sector as an “enlightened blend of the private and public,” Davie...
This was the overarching theme at the virtual Deloitte and Enders Media and Telecoms conference, which featured top brass from the country’s technology, media and telecom sectors. These included BBC director general Tim Davie, ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall, Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon, and Maria Kyriacou, president of ViacomCBS Networks U.K. and Australia, which operates terrestrial broadcaster Channel 5.
Before the pandemic hit, the U.K. creative industry was going through a period of phenomenal growth, but is now confronting “a point of jeopardy,” said Davie at the conference. “It’s a brilliant British success story and it needs fuelling and [investment].” Describing the sector as an “enlightened blend of the private and public,” Davie...
- 3/11/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Channel 5, Fable Pictures, and Sony Pictures Television have released a first-look image of Queen & Slim actress Jodie Turner-Smith as Anne Boleyn in their convention-busting series on the Tudor monarch.
The three-part series, first revealed by Deadline, will examine the downfall of Boleyn through the prism of a psychological thriller rather than a stuffy period drama retreading the demise of King Henry VIII’s second wife.
Penned by newcomer Eve Hedderwick Turner, Anne Boleyn shines a feminist light on the final months of Boleyn’s life, re-imagining her struggle with Tudor England’s patriarchal society, her desire to secure a future for her daughter, Elizabeth, and the brutal reality of her failure to provide Henry with a male heir.
Vogue, which was first with the stills of Turner-Smith in character, spoke to her about taking on the iconic role. She said: “There’s so much about her story that feels modern.
The three-part series, first revealed by Deadline, will examine the downfall of Boleyn through the prism of a psychological thriller rather than a stuffy period drama retreading the demise of King Henry VIII’s second wife.
Penned by newcomer Eve Hedderwick Turner, Anne Boleyn shines a feminist light on the final months of Boleyn’s life, re-imagining her struggle with Tudor England’s patriarchal society, her desire to secure a future for her daughter, Elizabeth, and the brutal reality of her failure to provide Henry with a male heir.
Vogue, which was first with the stills of Turner-Smith in character, spoke to her about taking on the iconic role. She said: “There’s so much about her story that feels modern.
- 2/11/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
There’s a new queen in town.
Variety can reveal the first look of “Queen & Slim” actor Jodie Turner-Smith as Tudor queen Anne Boleyn — the most notorious of Henry VIII’s wives, best known for her untimely demise by execution — in three-part psychological thriller “Anne Boleyn” for ViacomCBS-backed U.K. broadcaster Channel 5. The show wrapped production on location in Yorkshire in December, and is set to air later this year.
Produced by Fable Pictures and Sony Pictures Television, “Anne Boleyn” garnered headlines last year for Turner-Smith’s casting, which marks one of a handful of times a Black actor has portrayed a major royal figure on a British terrestrial broadcaster. More recently, Sophie Okonedo played Queen of England Margaret, who was married to Henry VI, in the BBC’s “The Hollow Crown.” She starred opposite Benedict Cumberbatch.
“Anne Boleyn” — which is gearing up to be Channel 5’s...
Variety can reveal the first look of “Queen & Slim” actor Jodie Turner-Smith as Tudor queen Anne Boleyn — the most notorious of Henry VIII’s wives, best known for her untimely demise by execution — in three-part psychological thriller “Anne Boleyn” for ViacomCBS-backed U.K. broadcaster Channel 5. The show wrapped production on location in Yorkshire in December, and is set to air later this year.
Produced by Fable Pictures and Sony Pictures Television, “Anne Boleyn” garnered headlines last year for Turner-Smith’s casting, which marks one of a handful of times a Black actor has portrayed a major royal figure on a British terrestrial broadcaster. More recently, Sophie Okonedo played Queen of England Margaret, who was married to Henry VI, in the BBC’s “The Hollow Crown.” She starred opposite Benedict Cumberbatch.
“Anne Boleyn” — which is gearing up to be Channel 5’s...
- 2/11/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Adapts Son Heung-Min Series For UK
Amazon has partnered with Zig Zag Productions to adapt a South Korean documentary on Tottenham Hotspur soccer hero Son Heung-Min. Sonsational premieres today on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and is reversioned from an original series produced by Cjenm for broadcast on Korea’s tvN. The 90-minute documentary focuses on Son’s life in 2019 and includes contributions from the likes of Thierry Henry and Mauricio Pochettino. Zig Zag CEO Danny Fenton, a lifelong Tottenham fan, said: “The film features some of greatest talent in the world from South Korea, both on screen and off and we are excited to be able to showcase this talent to a UK audience on Amazon Prime Video.”
Sky Signs Movie Deal With Studiocanal
Comcast’s European pay-tv broadcaster Sky has inked a deal with Studiocanal for hundreds of hours of movies, including upcoming releases such as...
Amazon has partnered with Zig Zag Productions to adapt a South Korean documentary on Tottenham Hotspur soccer hero Son Heung-Min. Sonsational premieres today on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and is reversioned from an original series produced by Cjenm for broadcast on Korea’s tvN. The 90-minute documentary focuses on Son’s life in 2019 and includes contributions from the likes of Thierry Henry and Mauricio Pochettino. Zig Zag CEO Danny Fenton, a lifelong Tottenham fan, said: “The film features some of greatest talent in the world from South Korea, both on screen and off and we are excited to be able to showcase this talent to a UK audience on Amazon Prime Video.”
Sky Signs Movie Deal With Studiocanal
Comcast’s European pay-tv broadcaster Sky has inked a deal with Studiocanal for hundreds of hours of movies, including upcoming releases such as...
- 1/18/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: BBC Studios has been ambitious and wide-ranging in its search for a new chief executive, but after nearly six months of recruiting, sources say that BBC director general Tim Davie is no closer to landing the big name he desires.
Deadline has spoken to several well-placed sources about why the executive hunt, which began in July last year, is yet to be resolved at a crucial time for the Doctor Who and Top Gear producer, as it grapples with the headwinds of coronavirus and the quickening revolution in streaming.
Running BBC Studios remains one of the most prized jobs in the British industry, overseeing a £1.4 billion ($1.9B) empire of production, distribution, and broadcasting assets. But it has proved to be the wrong job or the wrong time for a number of high-profile candidates approached by Egon Zehnder headhunters.
Deadline understands that Davie, himself the former CEO of BBC Studios,...
Deadline has spoken to several well-placed sources about why the executive hunt, which began in July last year, is yet to be resolved at a crucial time for the Doctor Who and Top Gear producer, as it grapples with the headwinds of coronavirus and the quickening revolution in streaming.
Running BBC Studios remains one of the most prized jobs in the British industry, overseeing a £1.4 billion ($1.9B) empire of production, distribution, and broadcasting assets. But it has proved to be the wrong job or the wrong time for a number of high-profile candidates approached by Egon Zehnder headhunters.
Deadline understands that Davie, himself the former CEO of BBC Studios,...
- 1/15/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
After nearly nine years as head of scripted at Fremantle Australia, Jo Porter is moving on to lead Playmaker Media.
Sony Pictures Television (Spt) announced her appointment as managing director today, starting in 2021.
Porter succeeds Playmaker founders David Maher and David Taylor, who announced their departure from company in July to return to independent production.
At Fremantle, Porter executive produced hits such as Foxtel’s Wentworth, which has sold to 171 countries worldwide and Picnic at Hanging Rock, which opened at Berlinale and sold to 160 territories, including Amazon for the US and the BBC for the UK. She also oversaw the production of Mary: Making of a Princess, Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You, Hoges and Wonderland.
Prior to joining Fremantle, Porter worked as a producer at the Seven Network, with credits that included Packed to the Rafters, Always Greener and All Saints.
Of her new role, Porter said: “I have...
Sony Pictures Television (Spt) announced her appointment as managing director today, starting in 2021.
Porter succeeds Playmaker founders David Maher and David Taylor, who announced their departure from company in July to return to independent production.
At Fremantle, Porter executive produced hits such as Foxtel’s Wentworth, which has sold to 171 countries worldwide and Picnic at Hanging Rock, which opened at Berlinale and sold to 160 territories, including Amazon for the US and the BBC for the UK. She also oversaw the production of Mary: Making of a Princess, Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You, Hoges and Wonderland.
Prior to joining Fremantle, Porter worked as a producer at the Seven Network, with credits that included Packed to the Rafters, Always Greener and All Saints.
Of her new role, Porter said: “I have...
- 11/25/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Warner Bros To Sell BBC One Format ‘The Wheel’
Warner Bros International Television Production is to represent BBC One’s ambitious new entertainment show The Wheel on the global stage after striking a deal with producer Hungry McBear Media. Hosted by comedian Michael McIntyre, the show revolves around a spinning wheel of celebrity guests who help a contestant win jackpot prizes. Warner Bros will represent the format and finished tape outside of the U.S. and UK. “The Wheel is a uniquely brilliant concept that has excited us since it’s early development,” said Andrew Zein, SVP of creative format development and sales at Wbitvp. The Wheel is executive produced by Dan Baldwin and Tom Blakeson.
Amazon Orders Italian ‘Lol: Last One Laughing’
Amazon Prime Video has commissioned Endemol Shine Italy to make an Italian version of its comedy entertainment show Lol: Last One Laughing. The format sees 10 comedians go...
Warner Bros International Television Production is to represent BBC One’s ambitious new entertainment show The Wheel on the global stage after striking a deal with producer Hungry McBear Media. Hosted by comedian Michael McIntyre, the show revolves around a spinning wheel of celebrity guests who help a contestant win jackpot prizes. Warner Bros will represent the format and finished tape outside of the U.S. and UK. “The Wheel is a uniquely brilliant concept that has excited us since it’s early development,” said Andrew Zein, SVP of creative format development and sales at Wbitvp. The Wheel is executive produced by Dan Baldwin and Tom Blakeson.
Amazon Orders Italian ‘Lol: Last One Laughing’
Amazon Prime Video has commissioned Endemol Shine Italy to make an Italian version of its comedy entertainment show Lol: Last One Laughing. The format sees 10 comedians go...
- 11/25/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
A new drama about Tudor queen Anne Boleyn, starring Jodie Turner-Smith, has found its Henry VIII.
British actor Mark Stanley has been cast as the iconic monarch. Best known for playing Grenn in the HBO series “Game of Thrones,” Stanley has also had starring roles in “Kajaki,” “Our Kind of Traitor” and “Dickensian.”
Boleyn was the Queen of England from 1533 to 1536 as the second wife of King Henry VIII. Their tempestuous marriage, and her execution for treason, made her one of the most colorful figures in English history. The Fable Pictures drama for U.K. broadcaster Channel 5 will explore the final months of Boleyn’s life from her perspective, and will follow her as she struggles to survive, to secure a future for her daughter, and to challenge the powerful patriarchy closing in around her.
The hotly anticipated series — which is shaping up to be one of the most...
British actor Mark Stanley has been cast as the iconic monarch. Best known for playing Grenn in the HBO series “Game of Thrones,” Stanley has also had starring roles in “Kajaki,” “Our Kind of Traitor” and “Dickensian.”
Boleyn was the Queen of England from 1533 to 1536 as the second wife of King Henry VIII. Their tempestuous marriage, and her execution for treason, made her one of the most colorful figures in English history. The Fable Pictures drama for U.K. broadcaster Channel 5 will explore the final months of Boleyn’s life from her perspective, and will follow her as she struggles to survive, to secure a future for her daughter, and to challenge the powerful patriarchy closing in around her.
The hotly anticipated series — which is shaping up to be one of the most...
- 11/13/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb TV, Amazon’s free, ad-supported streaming service, has confirmed an early season 2 renewal for its hit spy thriller series Alex Rider, from Eleventh Hour Films and Sony Pictures TV.
The renewal, which had been expected, comes ahead of the series’ Season 1 premiere in the U.S., Canada, Italy and Latin America. The first season premieres Nov. 12 on Prime Video in Italy, then on Nov. 13th on IMDb TV in the U.S. and on Prime Video in Canada and Latin America. The series quickly became a hit after it premiered on Prime Video in the UK, Australia and Germany this summer.
The next season will be based on Eagle Strike, the fourth novel in Anthony Horowitz’s best-selling Alex Rider franchise, and will stream exclusively on IMDb TV in the U.S., and Prime Video in Australia, Canada, Italy, Germany, Latin America New Zealand and the UK.
Written by Guy Burt,...
The renewal, which had been expected, comes ahead of the series’ Season 1 premiere in the U.S., Canada, Italy and Latin America. The first season premieres Nov. 12 on Prime Video in Italy, then on Nov. 13th on IMDb TV in the U.S. and on Prime Video in Canada and Latin America. The series quickly became a hit after it premiered on Prime Video in the UK, Australia and Germany this summer.
The next season will be based on Eagle Strike, the fourth novel in Anthony Horowitz’s best-selling Alex Rider franchise, and will stream exclusively on IMDb TV in the U.S., and Prime Video in Australia, Canada, Italy, Germany, Latin America New Zealand and the UK.
Written by Guy Burt,...
- 11/10/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb TV, Amazon’s free streaming service, and Amazon Prime Video announced today that it has renewed the spy thriller series Alex Rider for a second season.
The series has yet to debut stateside, but it will do so on Friday, November 13.
The next season will be based on Eagle Strike, the fourth novel in the best-selling Alex Rider franchise, and will stream exclusively on IMDb TV in the U.S., and Prime Video in Australia, Canada, Italy, Germany, Latin America, New Zealand and the U.K.
Alex Rider became a hit after it premiered on Prime Video in the UK, Australia and Germany this summer.
It stars Otto Farrant as Alex Rider, a London based teenager who has unknowingly been trained since childhood for the dangerous world of espionage.
Executive Producer and franchise author Anthony Horowitz, said of the renewal."
“I couldn’t be happier with the response to...
The series has yet to debut stateside, but it will do so on Friday, November 13.
The next season will be based on Eagle Strike, the fourth novel in the best-selling Alex Rider franchise, and will stream exclusively on IMDb TV in the U.S., and Prime Video in Australia, Canada, Italy, Germany, Latin America, New Zealand and the U.K.
Alex Rider became a hit after it premiered on Prime Video in the UK, Australia and Germany this summer.
It stars Otto Farrant as Alex Rider, a London based teenager who has unknowingly been trained since childhood for the dangerous world of espionage.
Executive Producer and franchise author Anthony Horowitz, said of the renewal."
“I couldn’t be happier with the response to...
- 11/10/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
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