Updated: Viacom is making significant cuts at Awesomeness, disclosing plans to lay off nearly 100 employees — or around half of the digital-media company it acquired last month from NBCUniversal, Verizon and Hearst.
In addition, as Viacom previously announced would happen, former Awesomeness CEO Jordan Levin has left the company.
While sources previously indicated Awesomeness was laying off more than 30 staffers this week, the cutbacks are much deeper than that. According to a notice filed with California’s Employment Development Department, Awesomeness will terminate 50 employees on Oct. 15; 33 who will be let go shortly after Oct. 15; and 15 who will lose their employment on Dec. 31.
Santa Monica-based Awesomeness filed the notice Aug. 16 with the agency under the requirements of the state’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (Warn) Act, which requires at least 60-day advance notice of mass layoffs. Awesomeness’ filing of the Warn notice was previously reported by Deadline.
“As we begin to...
In addition, as Viacom previously announced would happen, former Awesomeness CEO Jordan Levin has left the company.
While sources previously indicated Awesomeness was laying off more than 30 staffers this week, the cutbacks are much deeper than that. According to a notice filed with California’s Employment Development Department, Awesomeness will terminate 50 employees on Oct. 15; 33 who will be let go shortly after Oct. 15; and 15 who will lose their employment on Dec. 31.
Santa Monica-based Awesomeness filed the notice Aug. 16 with the agency under the requirements of the state’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (Warn) Act, which requires at least 60-day advance notice of mass layoffs. Awesomeness’ filing of the Warn notice was previously reported by Deadline.
“As we begin to...
- 8/17/2018
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
AwesomenessTV has hired Brad Buchanan to head up its business and legal affairs department, the Gen Z-leaning media company announced this afternoon. In his new role as Evp of business and legal affairs, Buchanan will oversee negotiation, deals, litigation, and other corporate legal matters for the company’s four key divisions: AwesomenessTV, Awesomeness Films, Awestruck, and DreamWorksTV.
Buchanan was most recently employed as Svp of business affairs and operations at WWE Studios, where he provided business and legal counsel for the wrestling compay's theatrical and direct-to-home productions. He has also held similar roles at stop-motion animation studio Laika as well as The Weinstein Company and Miramax Films.
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Buchanan was most recently employed as Svp of business affairs and operations at WWE Studios, where he provided business and legal counsel for the wrestling compay's theatrical and direct-to-home productions. He has also held similar roles at stop-motion animation studio Laika as well as The Weinstein Company and Miramax Films.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
- 6/16/2017
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
In this round-up, we have details as well as several photos for Sideshow's T-45 collectible figure from the popular RPG video game Fallout 4. Also: acquisition details for Sleight, You're Killing Me release info and a Villainous teaser trailer.
Fallout 4 Figure: "Sideshow and Threezero are excited to announce the T-45 Fallout 4 Collectible Figure. The T-45 stands approximately 14.5 inches tall with incredible details and over 35 articulated parts. Featuring an interchangeable male head and helmet that includes Led light-up functions. All outer-armor pieces are detachable and weathered with incredible paint application based on the appearance in the video game."
The T-45 Fallout 4 figurine has a retail price of $380.00 and is expected to ship July 2016 - September 2016. To learn more, visit:
http://www.sideshowtoy.com/collectibles/fallout-4-t-45-threezero
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Sleight: Press Release: "Park City, Ut (January 28th, 2016) - WWE Studios and Blumhouse Productions announced today that they have acquired all worldwide rights to the Sundance film Sleight.
Fallout 4 Figure: "Sideshow and Threezero are excited to announce the T-45 Fallout 4 Collectible Figure. The T-45 stands approximately 14.5 inches tall with incredible details and over 35 articulated parts. Featuring an interchangeable male head and helmet that includes Led light-up functions. All outer-armor pieces are detachable and weathered with incredible paint application based on the appearance in the video game."
The T-45 Fallout 4 figurine has a retail price of $380.00 and is expected to ship July 2016 - September 2016. To learn more, visit:
http://www.sideshowtoy.com/collectibles/fallout-4-t-45-threezero
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Sleight: Press Release: "Park City, Ut (January 28th, 2016) - WWE Studios and Blumhouse Productions announced today that they have acquired all worldwide rights to the Sundance film Sleight.
- 1/29/2016
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Exclusive: WWE Studios and Gene Simmons’ Erebus Pictures joint venture has struck a sales deal with Voltage Pictures, who are in Cannes talking up the pipeline.
The partnership kicks off with Temple, which WWE Studios acquired and developed with screenwriter Matt Savelloni.
A director will be announced shortly on the story of a crew that infiltrates an isolated military compound inhabited by strange phenomena.
“The entire Voltage team and I are incredibly excited to partner with the legendary Gene Simmons, Michael Luisi and the entire WWE Studios team on this exciting slate of films,” said Voltage president and COO Jonathan Deckter.
“With WWE’s marketing muscle and Michael and Gene’s creative direction we are confident that the Erebus brand will quickly become synonymous with high-quality, smart genre films the world over.”
“We are excited to introduce our label internationally with a sales partner that understands and influences the international market place,” said Simmons...
The partnership kicks off with Temple, which WWE Studios acquired and developed with screenwriter Matt Savelloni.
A director will be announced shortly on the story of a crew that infiltrates an isolated military compound inhabited by strange phenomena.
“The entire Voltage team and I are incredibly excited to partner with the legendary Gene Simmons, Michael Luisi and the entire WWE Studios team on this exciting slate of films,” said Voltage president and COO Jonathan Deckter.
“With WWE’s marketing muscle and Michael and Gene’s creative direction we are confident that the Erebus brand will quickly become synonymous with high-quality, smart genre films the world over.”
“We are excited to introduce our label internationally with a sales partner that understands and influences the international market place,” said Simmons...
- 5/16/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
WWE and the media entrepreneur and former Kiss idol will finance and produce ‘elevated’ horror fare, kicking off with a three-film deal led by Temple.
WWE Studios originally acquired and developed Temple, which is set to begin shooting this summer and follows elite operatives trapped inside an isolated military compound with a terrifying history.
Matt Savelloni wrote the screenplay and a director and cast will be announced shortly. The second Erebus production is forecast to begin shooting before the end of the year.
“The horror genre continues to fascinate me as it proves to be endlessly thrilling and engaging for audiences,” said Simmons. “I am so thrilled to be working with the masterminds from WWE Studios in launching Erebus Pictures.”
“Horror films fall into a genre that thrives on genuine passion and I believe this partnership truly capitalises on that sentiment and supports our vision,” said WWE Studios president Michael Luisi. “I am confident...
WWE Studios originally acquired and developed Temple, which is set to begin shooting this summer and follows elite operatives trapped inside an isolated military compound with a terrifying history.
Matt Savelloni wrote the screenplay and a director and cast will be announced shortly. The second Erebus production is forecast to begin shooting before the end of the year.
“The horror genre continues to fascinate me as it proves to be endlessly thrilling and engaging for audiences,” said Simmons. “I am so thrilled to be working with the masterminds from WWE Studios in launching Erebus Pictures.”
“Horror films fall into a genre that thrives on genuine passion and I believe this partnership truly capitalises on that sentiment and supports our vision,” said WWE Studios president Michael Luisi. “I am confident...
- 3/26/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The Hangover‘s Ken Jeong has signed on to star in a comedy currently known as Untitled Celebrity Death Pool, to be co-produced by Ashok Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment, Image Nation Abu Dhabi, and WWE Studios. Jeong will play a struggling nightclub owner in debt to a loan shark who sets out to win his long-running celebrity death pool by offing his chosen celebrity: David Hasselhoff.
The Hoff himself is aboard to co-star and also will produce with WWE Studios President Michael Luisi, Hyde Park’s Amritraj, Michele Berk, Patrick Hughes and Warren Zide. Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan also has signed on for a role. Diary Of A Mad Black Woman helmer Darren Grant is directing from a spec script by Peter Hoare. It’s the latest collaboration between WWE Studios and Hyde Park, which pacted last year on the Dwayne Johnson film adaptation of The Fall Guy,...
The Hoff himself is aboard to co-star and also will produce with WWE Studios President Michael Luisi, Hyde Park’s Amritraj, Michele Berk, Patrick Hughes and Warren Zide. Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan also has signed on for a role. Diary Of A Mad Black Woman helmer Darren Grant is directing from a spec script by Peter Hoare. It’s the latest collaboration between WWE Studios and Hyde Park, which pacted last year on the Dwayne Johnson film adaptation of The Fall Guy,...
- 8/20/2014
- by Jen Yamato
- Deadline
WWE Studios' next film with the first ladies of horror, Jen and Sylvia Soska (See No Evil 2, is going to be Vendetta, starring WWE Superstar Paul "The Big Show" White, and it sounds like we're in for one hell of a giant-sized bloodbath!
"We honestly couldn’t have finished Vendetta if there was just one of us," Jen says of being able to have her sister assist her with directing. Given that they pretty much share the same mind, it allows our favorite twisted twins to divide and conquer.
Jen continues, "We were watching our editor’s edit of it, and there were scenes that I had never seen because we had different units and shot the movie and rejoined. We shot in 15 days, we killed 47 people, it was insane."
Yep, we are so fucking there.
About Vendetta
The popular directing team of Jen and Sylvia Soska (See No Evil 2,...
"We honestly couldn’t have finished Vendetta if there was just one of us," Jen says of being able to have her sister assist her with directing. Given that they pretty much share the same mind, it allows our favorite twisted twins to divide and conquer.
Jen continues, "We were watching our editor’s edit of it, and there were scenes that I had never seen because we had different units and shot the movie and rejoined. We shot in 15 days, we killed 47 people, it was insane."
Yep, we are so fucking there.
About Vendetta
The popular directing team of Jen and Sylvia Soska (See No Evil 2,...
- 7/26/2014
- by Steve Barton
- DreadCentral.com
World Wrestling Entertainment has been dipping its toes into the horror genre of late, co-producing Oculus with Blumhouse and recently completing a reboot of Leprechaun and sequel to See No Evil. Up next...
From the Press Release
Lionsgate (NYSE: Lgf), the premier next generation global content leader, and WWE Studios (NYSE: WWE) are extending their longstanding partnership to encompass six new action films which will serve as starring vehicles for WWE Superstars as well as incubators for new and emerging talent, the two companies announced today.
The popular directing team of Jen and Sylvia Soska (See No Evil 2, American Mary) will return to the WWE Studios and Lionsgate fold to direct Vendetta, the first installment of the “Action Six-Pack” series, which will commence photography this summer and feature WWE Superstar Big Show® (pictured above). The second installment of the "Six-Pack" series, which is currently in development, will commence photography this fall.
From the Press Release
Lionsgate (NYSE: Lgf), the premier next generation global content leader, and WWE Studios (NYSE: WWE) are extending their longstanding partnership to encompass six new action films which will serve as starring vehicles for WWE Superstars as well as incubators for new and emerging talent, the two companies announced today.
The popular directing team of Jen and Sylvia Soska (See No Evil 2, American Mary) will return to the WWE Studios and Lionsgate fold to direct Vendetta, the first installment of the “Action Six-Pack” series, which will commence photography this summer and feature WWE Superstar Big Show® (pictured above). The second installment of the "Six-Pack" series, which is currently in development, will commence photography this fall.
- 5/22/2014
- by John Squires
- DreadCentral.com
It has been announced that WWE Studios and Blumhouse Productions are teaming up for Incarnate, a new horror movie featuring Aaron Eckhart as an exorcist:
“WWE Studios and Blumhouse Productions announced today a partnership on “Incarnate,” the micro-budget thriller from Blumhouse directed by Brad Peyton (“Journey 2: The Mysterious Island”), scripted by Ronnie Christensen (“Dark Tide”) and starring Aaron Eckhart. WWE Superstar Mark Henry has been cast in a cameo role, and WWE Studios will leverage its extensive multi-platform reach for the film.
Jason Blum (“Paranormal Activity,” “Insidious,” “The Purge” and “Sinister” franchises) is producing the film for Blumhouse which is co-financing the production with Im Global. Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President, is Executive Producing alongside Couper Samuelson, Michael Seitzman, Trevor Engelson, Stuart Ford and Charles Layton. Universal Pictures will distribute the film in the U.S. and Blumhouse International is overseeing foreign rights.
“Incarnate” stars Aaron Eckhart as an...
“WWE Studios and Blumhouse Productions announced today a partnership on “Incarnate,” the micro-budget thriller from Blumhouse directed by Brad Peyton (“Journey 2: The Mysterious Island”), scripted by Ronnie Christensen (“Dark Tide”) and starring Aaron Eckhart. WWE Superstar Mark Henry has been cast in a cameo role, and WWE Studios will leverage its extensive multi-platform reach for the film.
Jason Blum (“Paranormal Activity,” “Insidious,” “The Purge” and “Sinister” franchises) is producing the film for Blumhouse which is co-financing the production with Im Global. Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President, is Executive Producing alongside Couper Samuelson, Michael Seitzman, Trevor Engelson, Stuart Ford and Charles Layton. Universal Pictures will distribute the film in the U.S. and Blumhouse International is overseeing foreign rights.
“Incarnate” stars Aaron Eckhart as an...
- 11/26/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Good news for fans who are eagerly anticipating the new spooker Incarnate from Blumhouse. The flick is now in the more than capable hands of WWE Studios to get it into theatres to score a pinfall. Read on for details.
From the Press Release
WWE Studios (NYSE:wwe) and Blumhouse Productions announced today a partnership on Incarnate, the micro-budget thriller from Blumhouse directed by Brad Peyton (Journey 2: The Mysterious Island), scripted by Ronnie Christensen (Dark Tide) and starring Aaron Eckhart. WWE Superstar® Mark Henry has been cast in a cameo role, and WWE Studios will leverage its extensive multi-platform reach for the film.
Jason Blum (Paranormal Activity, Insidious, The Purge and Sinister franchises) is producing the film for Blumhouse, which is co-financing the production with Im Global. Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President, is executive producing alongside Couper Samuelson, Michael Seitzman, Trevor Engelson, Stuart Ford, and Charles Layton. Universal Pictures will...
From the Press Release
WWE Studios (NYSE:wwe) and Blumhouse Productions announced today a partnership on Incarnate, the micro-budget thriller from Blumhouse directed by Brad Peyton (Journey 2: The Mysterious Island), scripted by Ronnie Christensen (Dark Tide) and starring Aaron Eckhart. WWE Superstar® Mark Henry has been cast in a cameo role, and WWE Studios will leverage its extensive multi-platform reach for the film.
Jason Blum (Paranormal Activity, Insidious, The Purge and Sinister franchises) is producing the film for Blumhouse, which is co-financing the production with Im Global. Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President, is executive producing alongside Couper Samuelson, Michael Seitzman, Trevor Engelson, Stuart Ford, and Charles Layton. Universal Pictures will...
- 11/25/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Warner Bros. and WWE Studios today announced they are once again teaming up; this time to co-produce a Flintstones animated movie to be released in early 2015.
Fred, Barney and the whole Bedrock gang join up with Vince McMagma (Vince McMahon), and WWE Superstars and Divas including John Cenastone (John Cena®) and Cm Punkrock (Cm Punk®) as part of the very first WWE main event.
Michael Luisi, President, WWE Studios said:
“WWE is family-friendly entertainment, so partnering with Warner Bros. on a Flintstones/WWE project was a natural extension of our Scooby Doo deal. This new, animated feature allows us to showcase our brand with young fans and loyal Flintstones enthusiasts alike.”
Jeff Brown said:
“Warner Bros. is thrilled to continue our partnership with WWE Studios as we begin production of the latest Flintstones animated feature. Our recent production collaborations have proven successful and we have the utmost confidence that the...
Fred, Barney and the whole Bedrock gang join up with Vince McMagma (Vince McMahon), and WWE Superstars and Divas including John Cenastone (John Cena®) and Cm Punkrock (Cm Punk®) as part of the very first WWE main event.
Michael Luisi, President, WWE Studios said:
“WWE is family-friendly entertainment, so partnering with Warner Bros. on a Flintstones/WWE project was a natural extension of our Scooby Doo deal. This new, animated feature allows us to showcase our brand with young fans and loyal Flintstones enthusiasts alike.”
Jeff Brown said:
“Warner Bros. is thrilled to continue our partnership with WWE Studios as we begin production of the latest Flintstones animated feature. Our recent production collaborations have proven successful and we have the utmost confidence that the...
- 5/29/2013
- by Kellvin Chavez
- LRMonline.com
Warner Bros and WWE Studios are tag-teaming to co-produce a Flintstones animated movie to be released in early 2015. Here, fixtures of the ’60s Hanna-Barbera cartoon including Fred and Barney will be joined by WWE staples including Vince McMagma (voiced by Vince McMahon) and such WWE superstars and divas including John Cenastone (John Cena) and Cm Punkrock (Cm Punk). They will take part in a prehistoric WWE main event. Considering the cartoon’s love for all things named for all things geological, it seems a glaring absence not to have Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson here, particularly since he occasionally gets in the ring. But maybe that’s too obvious, or too expensive. After all Johnson has been killing it this summer in G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Pain & Gain and Fast & Furious 6, and this one doesn’t look like it’s going to hit theaters. Warner Bros Home Entertainment will handle worldwide distribution on Blu-ray,...
- 5/29/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
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