Jana Bennett, the former president and general manager of the History Channel and top director at the BBC, has died. She was 66.
Bennett was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2019.
In a statement provided to Variety on Thursday, Paul Buccieri, president and chairman of History Channel owner A+E Networks, said: “All of us at A+E Networks deeply mourn the loss of our friend and colleague Jana Bennett. Jana had an extraordinary career in media and her contributions to the A+E Networks family are too enormous to count. She was a groundbreaking, game-changing, generous and beautiful person. She will be terribly missed by all of us, and especially by me. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.”
“Jana Bennett was one of the most talented television producers of her generation and a formidable champion of public service broadcasting,” current BBC director-general Tim Davie said in his own statement to Variety.
Bennett was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2019.
In a statement provided to Variety on Thursday, Paul Buccieri, president and chairman of History Channel owner A+E Networks, said: “All of us at A+E Networks deeply mourn the loss of our friend and colleague Jana Bennett. Jana had an extraordinary career in media and her contributions to the A+E Networks family are too enormous to count. She was a groundbreaking, game-changing, generous and beautiful person. She will be terribly missed by all of us, and especially by me. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.”
“Jana Bennett was one of the most talented television producers of her generation and a formidable champion of public service broadcasting,” current BBC director-general Tim Davie said in his own statement to Variety.
- 1/13/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Jana Bennett, the British and U.S. TV powerhouse who ran BBC TV, BBC Worldwide and History, has died aged 66.
Bennett was open about her rare condition glioblastoma multiforme in an interview with London’s Evening Standard in 2019, at which point she revealed she had become a trustee of OurBrainBank, a cancer research app allowing Gbm patients to share their symptoms with clinicians.
BBC Director General Tim Davie said: “Jana Bennett was one of the most talented television producers of her generation and a formidable champion of public service broadcasting. She was a trailblazer who rose to the top of the industry, tirelessly championing upcoming talent, as well as having the foresight to bring together television and digital services. She was a brilliant and gifted colleague and is a big loss to the television industry.”
The powerhouse of British and U.S. TV was born in New York State in...
Bennett was open about her rare condition glioblastoma multiforme in an interview with London’s Evening Standard in 2019, at which point she revealed she had become a trustee of OurBrainBank, a cancer research app allowing Gbm patients to share their symptoms with clinicians.
BBC Director General Tim Davie said: “Jana Bennett was one of the most talented television producers of her generation and a formidable champion of public service broadcasting. She was a trailblazer who rose to the top of the industry, tirelessly championing upcoming talent, as well as having the foresight to bring together television and digital services. She was a brilliant and gifted colleague and is a big loss to the television industry.”
The powerhouse of British and U.S. TV was born in New York State in...
- 1/13/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, the global film community calls for the release of Sudanese filmmaker Hajooj Kuka, Jana Bennett is announced as Congress ’20 closing speaker, PBS Masterpiece heads to Amazon in Canada, Leonine gets Oliver Vogel for W&b Television role, the Production Guild of Great Britain opens nominations for 2020 Innovation Awards and The Story Lab sells “Game of Clones” format in Brazil.
Call For Release
Sudanese filmmaker Hajooj Kuka, whose films “Beats of the Antonov” and “aKasha” have played the Venice and Toronto film festivals, was among five artists sentenced to two months in prison on Thursday on charges of “public annoyance.”
The artists were involved in an altercation in Khartoum in August, after authorities reportedly responded to noise complaints from neighbors during a theater rehearsal.
Steven Markovitz, who produced both of Kuka’s films, decried what he described as “trumped-up charges” against the director, who was admitted into...
Call For Release
Sudanese filmmaker Hajooj Kuka, whose films “Beats of the Antonov” and “aKasha” have played the Venice and Toronto film festivals, was among five artists sentenced to two months in prison on Thursday on charges of “public annoyance.”
The artists were involved in an altercation in Khartoum in August, after authorities reportedly responded to noise complaints from neighbors during a theater rehearsal.
Steven Markovitz, who produced both of Kuka’s films, decried what he described as “trumped-up charges” against the director, who was admitted into...
- 9/18/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Jana Bennett, the former History president and BBC television chief, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for a fast-growing brain tumor.
Bennett discussed her glioblastoma multiforme (Gbm) diagnosis in an interview with London newspaper The Evening Standard, during which she announced that she has become a trustee of OurBrainBank, a cancer research app allowing Gbm patients to share their symptoms with clinicians.
Bennett told the Standard that her treatment with the UK’s National Health Service is “going well” after she was diagnosed with Gbm earlier this year. She praised the work of OurBrainBank founder and chair Jessica Morris for helping “further research into the disease” so that treatment can be improved.
Bennett said: “The treatment I have had in the NHS — a brilliant surgeon, kind and precise radiologists, etc. isn’t the end of the story but the beginning. Increasingly the focus for brain tumors — as well as...
Bennett discussed her glioblastoma multiforme (Gbm) diagnosis in an interview with London newspaper The Evening Standard, during which she announced that she has become a trustee of OurBrainBank, a cancer research app allowing Gbm patients to share their symptoms with clinicians.
Bennett told the Standard that her treatment with the UK’s National Health Service is “going well” after she was diagnosed with Gbm earlier this year. She praised the work of OurBrainBank founder and chair Jessica Morris for helping “further research into the disease” so that treatment can be improved.
Bennett said: “The treatment I have had in the NHS — a brilliant surgeon, kind and precise radiologists, etc. isn’t the end of the story but the beginning. Increasingly the focus for brain tumors — as well as...
- 12/5/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
History and TLC alum Jana Bennett has signed on with Ozy Media to help the Silicon Valley-based digital content firm expand its TV production and podcast operations.
Bennett joins as senior adviser with a mandate to expand the 5-year-old company’s original content operations. The company, co-founded in 2013 by former CNN and MSNBC anchor Carlos Watson, produces programming for its own digital platforms as well as supplying series to outside buyers.
Ozy Media has produced factual and talk show programs for PBS, BBC, Amazon and Facebook and has a half-dozen more in development. The company’s focus is on highlighting “the new and the next” in arts, politics, pop culture and other arenas. The Ozy Media moniker was inspired by the poem “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Bennett is a veteran cable programmer who launched the Fyi lifestyle channel for A+E Networks in 2014. She advanced to president and g.m.
Bennett joins as senior adviser with a mandate to expand the 5-year-old company’s original content operations. The company, co-founded in 2013 by former CNN and MSNBC anchor Carlos Watson, produces programming for its own digital platforms as well as supplying series to outside buyers.
Ozy Media has produced factual and talk show programs for PBS, BBC, Amazon and Facebook and has a half-dozen more in development. The company’s focus is on highlighting “the new and the next” in arts, politics, pop culture and other arenas. The Ozy Media moniker was inspired by the poem “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Bennett is a veteran cable programmer who launched the Fyi lifestyle channel for A+E Networks in 2014. She advanced to president and g.m.
- 3/27/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
History channel president and general manager Jana Bennett is stepping down from her post, the network announced Friday. The executive took the top post on the cable network in 2015, where she succeeded Dirk Hoogstra. Paul Cabana, History’s Svp of Programming, will oversee the channel until a new president and Gm is named. Also Read: History's New Slate Includes Marvel-dc Comics Origin Stories Doc 'Superheroes Decoded' “This spring, Jana came to me and told me that she wanted to split her time between London and NY and start a new entrepreneurial venture aimed at creating the best of British and American content for.
- 5/5/2017
- by Linda Ge
- The Wrap
History president and general manager Jana Bennett is leaving after 20 months in the job and almost four years at A+E Networks. The British-born veteran UK and U.S. network executive will be launching a production venture based in London and New York which will focus on creating content for both the British and American markets. A replacement is expected to be named soon. In the interim, Evp and Head of Programming Paul Cabana and the rest of History’s senior executive…...
- 5/5/2017
- Deadline TV
The History Channel is Developing a New Anthology Series About U.S. Presidents Called The Commanders
If you're a history buff like I am, or if you're just interested in learning more about U.S. Presidents of the past, you're gonna want to watch this new series that The History Channel is developing. It's called The Commanders, and it's an anthology series that "will dramatize the biggest moments in American history and those that served as commander-in-chief."
The limited series is said to range from four to ten hours long and it will focus on presidents including Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson. According to THR, History Channel is also internally developing projects on George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Dwight Eisenhower.
The stories that the network plans on telling come from a collection of books that they have optioned including The Breach: Inside the Impeachment and Trial of William Jefferson Clinton by Peter Baker, Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris, Thomas Jefferson...
The limited series is said to range from four to ten hours long and it will focus on presidents including Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson. According to THR, History Channel is also internally developing projects on George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Dwight Eisenhower.
The stories that the network plans on telling come from a collection of books that they have optioned including The Breach: Inside the Impeachment and Trial of William Jefferson Clinton by Peter Baker, Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris, Thomas Jefferson...
- 3/26/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
History‘s scripted drama slate is turning into a regular Hall of Presidents: The cabler is developing a scripted anthology series focusing on men who have held the American presidency.
Each annual installment of The Commanders will be between four and 10 hours long and will focus on a specific U.S. president at a defining moment in his administration, the network announced Tuesday.
RelatedSix Renewed for a Beefier Season 2
The first Commanders-in-Chief on tap are Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison; the source material for the scripts includes several bestselling biographies, including The Breach: Inside...
Each annual installment of The Commanders will be between four and 10 hours long and will focus on a specific U.S. president at a defining moment in his administration, the network announced Tuesday.
RelatedSix Renewed for a Beefier Season 2
The first Commanders-in-Chief on tap are Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison; the source material for the scripts includes several bestselling biographies, including The Breach: Inside...
- 3/21/2017
- TVLine.com
History has ordered more than 100 hours of documentaries and specials, including “Superheroes Decoded,” which explores how the origin stories of our superheroes make up the building blocks of American mythology. “Whether it’s a story from our distant past or a contemporary event that will shape our collective future, History’s robust new slate of documentary events will take viewers straight to the heart of epic events that shaped where we are and what we are today,” said Jana Bennett, president and general manager of History. “The network’s increased focus on documentary programming, collaborating with some of the best storytellers in the genre,...
- 3/16/2017
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
History has given a greenlight to more than 100 hours of original, premium documentary limited series and specials to premiere in 2017, including programs examining America’s costly War on Drugs, immigration, cars, terrorism and the mythology of superheroes. The initial slate of programming announced today by Jana Bennett, President and General Manager of History, focuses largely on significant moments and people who have impacted world and modern U.S. history. "Whether…...
- 3/16/2017
- Deadline TV
We have news from Starz, History Channel, Fox and Wgn America.
All of it is wonderful!
Starz announced today that the highly-anticipated eight-episode first season of their original Series American Gods, adapted from Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed contemporary fantasy novel, will make its network premiere on Sunday, April 30th at 9/8c.
Starz also debuted the U.S. key art, which you can see below.
Both announcements come ahead of the World Premiere and extended Q&A of the series at SXSW in March. The series will debut publicly at the festival on March 11 at 11c at the Vimeo Theater in the Austin Convention Center followed by an extended Q&A moderated by Kcrw’s Elvis Mitchell.
Showrunners and cast in attendance will include Bryan Fuller, Michael Green, Ricky Whittle, Ian McShane, Emily Browning, Pablo Schreiber, Crispin Glover, Yetide Badaki, Bruce Langley, Orlando Jones, Jonathan Tucker and Betty Gilpin.
American Gods...
All of it is wonderful!
Starz announced today that the highly-anticipated eight-episode first season of their original Series American Gods, adapted from Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed contemporary fantasy novel, will make its network premiere on Sunday, April 30th at 9/8c.
Starz also debuted the U.S. key art, which you can see below.
Both announcements come ahead of the World Premiere and extended Q&A of the series at SXSW in March. The series will debut publicly at the festival on March 11 at 11c at the Vimeo Theater in the Austin Convention Center followed by an extended Q&A moderated by Kcrw’s Elvis Mitchell.
Showrunners and cast in attendance will include Bryan Fuller, Michael Green, Ricky Whittle, Ian McShane, Emily Browning, Pablo Schreiber, Crispin Glover, Yetide Badaki, Bruce Langley, Orlando Jones, Jonathan Tucker and Betty Gilpin.
American Gods...
- 2/23/2017
- by Carissa Pavlica
- TVfanatic
“Six” has been renewed for another season on History, the network announced on Thursday. The military drama starring Walton Goggins and Barry Sloane will return for a 10-episode season next year. Season 2 is scheduled to begin filming this summer. “Six is a captivating drama series that embraces our recent history, while being immensely relevant in the climate of today’s culture,” said Jana Bennett, President & General Manager of History. “It has struck a genuine chord with our audience and we’re proud to continue to tell the courageous stories, both on and off the battlefield, of the complex lives of this.
- 2/23/2017
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Two weeks ahead of its Season 1 finale, History’s Six has been renewed for a beefed-up sophomore run, it was announced on Thursday.
RelatedCable/Streaming Renewal Scorecard: What’s Coming Back? What’s Cancelled? What’s On the Bubble?
Airing Wednesdays at 10/9c, the military combat drama’s eight-episode freshman season comes to a close on March 8. Season 2, starting production this summer, will run for 10 episodes.
“Six is a captivating drama series that embraces our recent history, while being immensely relevant in the climate of today’s culture,” History president Jana Bennett said in a statement. “It has struck a...
RelatedCable/Streaming Renewal Scorecard: What’s Coming Back? What’s Cancelled? What’s On the Bubble?
Airing Wednesdays at 10/9c, the military combat drama’s eight-episode freshman season comes to a close on March 8. Season 2, starting production this summer, will run for 10 episodes.
“Six is a captivating drama series that embraces our recent history, while being immensely relevant in the climate of today’s culture,” History president Jana Bennett said in a statement. “It has struck a...
- 2/23/2017
- TVLine.com
Vikings: Season 4 Volume 1
Vikings returns for a gripping fourth season. Season 3 culminated with the extraordinary battle in Paris, where Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) seized victory from the jaws of defeat–but still returns to Kattegat dangerously ill. Thoughts of his death galvanize the forces who seek to succeed him as king, including his wife Queen Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) and his oldest son, Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig). Meanwhile, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) continues power struggles with her calculating, former second in command, Kalf (Ben Robson); Rollo (Clive Standen) betrays his Vikings heritage by remaining in Frankia and Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård) is seized for his brutal actions to the Christian priest Athelstan.
Joining the stellar cast this season is Peter Franzén as King Harold Finehair, a complex character who seeks to be King of Norway and a potential threat to Ragnar; Jasper Pääkkönen as Halfdan The Black, King Harold’s violent younger brother; and...
Vikings returns for a gripping fourth season. Season 3 culminated with the extraordinary battle in Paris, where Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) seized victory from the jaws of defeat–but still returns to Kattegat dangerously ill. Thoughts of his death galvanize the forces who seek to succeed him as king, including his wife Queen Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) and his oldest son, Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig). Meanwhile, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) continues power struggles with her calculating, former second in command, Kalf (Ben Robson); Rollo (Clive Standen) betrays his Vikings heritage by remaining in Frankia and Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård) is seized for his brutal actions to the Christian priest Athelstan.
Joining the stellar cast this season is Peter Franzén as King Harold Finehair, a complex character who seeks to be King of Norway and a potential threat to Ragnar; Jasper Pääkkönen as Halfdan The Black, King Harold’s violent younger brother; and...
- 7/29/2016
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Vikings will continue to reign on the History Channel for at least another year. The historical drama, currently in Season 4, has been renewed for a fifth season by the network. Vikings Season 5 will consist of 20 episodes (the same amount as Season 4) and add Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors) to the show’s cast. “The brilliant writing and depth of historical research and authenticity brought to the screen by Michael Hirst paired with our talented cast and crew, has made this series one of the most compelling, visually stunning historical dramas on television,” said Jana Bennett, History President and General
Vikings Renewed for Season 5, Jonathan Rhys Meyers Joins Cast...
Vikings Renewed for Season 5, Jonathan Rhys Meyers Joins Cast...
- 3/18/2016
- by Chris King
- TVovermind.com
History has renewed “Vikings” for a fifth season and added Jonathan Rhys Meyers to the cast, TheWrap has learned. “The brilliant writing and depth of historical research and authenticity brought to the screen by Michael Hirst paired with our talented cast and crew, has made this series one of the most compelling, visually stunning historical dramas on television,” said Jana Bennett, History’s president and general manager. “‘Vikings’ has raided the hearts of audiences and we are thrilled that Jonathan Rhys Myers will become a bigger part of the History family after his incredible performance in our upcoming production of ‘Roots,...
- 3/17/2016
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
Not five episodes into its Season 4 run, the History channel’s Vikings has been renewed for Season 5.
As with the supersized, split current season, the new cycle will span 20 episodes as well as add Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors) to the cast.
RelatedCable/Streaming Renewal Scorecard 2016: What’s Coming Back? What’s Cancelled? What’s On the Bubble?
“The brilliant writing and depth of historical research and authenticity brought to the screen by Michael Hirst paired with our talented cast and crew, has made this series one of the most compelling, visually stunning historical dramas on television,” History president...
As with the supersized, split current season, the new cycle will span 20 episodes as well as add Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors) to the cast.
RelatedCable/Streaming Renewal Scorecard 2016: What’s Coming Back? What’s Cancelled? What’s On the Bubble?
“The brilliant writing and depth of historical research and authenticity brought to the screen by Michael Hirst paired with our talented cast and crew, has made this series one of the most compelling, visually stunning historical dramas on television,” History president...
- 3/17/2016
- TVLine.com
Paul Greenberg, CEO of multi-platform media company and magazine about pop culture, fashion and music, has been named Evp and General Manager of A+E Networks’ Fyi, effective January 19. His appointment ends an executive search Nancy Dubuc, President and CEO of A+E Networks, launched in September when Jana Bennett, then president of Fyi and Lmn, was named president and general manager of History. Lmn, which historically has had close ties with Lifetime, is being reunited…...
- 1/13/2016
- Deadline TV
The History Channel is looking to embark on a mission with The Weinstein Company. They’ve teamed up for a new military series called Six, which will center on Seal Team Six, the team that brought down the Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Operation Neptune Spear.
This will be an eight-episode military action drama that will tell the real life stories of the team and their missions, “capturing SEALs’ complex personal lives, and the life and death decisions they make, with each season set in a different location, starting with Africa.” The series is being written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter and Vietnam veteran William Broyles (Castaway, Jarhead) and his son David Broyles, a military special operations veteran. They were obviously brought in because they have first hand experience.
Why are they starting with Africa? Harvey Weinstein said:
“The idea originally came to me when I read about Boko Haram kidnapping school children in Africa.
This will be an eight-episode military action drama that will tell the real life stories of the team and their missions, “capturing SEALs’ complex personal lives, and the life and death decisions they make, with each season set in a different location, starting with Africa.” The series is being written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter and Vietnam veteran William Broyles (Castaway, Jarhead) and his son David Broyles, a military special operations veteran. They were obviously brought in because they have first hand experience.
Why are they starting with Africa? Harvey Weinstein said:
“The idea originally came to me when I read about Boko Haram kidnapping school children in Africa.
- 1/10/2016
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
History Channel President/Gm Dirk Hoogstra is history: Jana Bennett has replaced him in the role, effectively immediately. Hoogstra will head back to his roots in independent production; Bennett hails from A+E Networks Fyi and Lmn, where she also had the title of president. A search for her replacement there is already underway. In her new digs, Bennett will oversee all strategic planning, programming, marketing and brand development for History and H2 from New York City. Under Bennett’s watchful eye, Fyi was rebranded from Bio last year. It’s since grown by double digits in the ratings, securing...
- 9/18/2015
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
There is another top level executive change at A+E Networks: Fyi and Lmn president Jana Bennett has been promoted to President and General Manager of History. Bennett replaces Dirk Hoogstra, who will return to independent producing. Word is that Hoogstra, who has been passionate about scripted TV, is leaving on good terms and would join a production company later this year. Search for Bennett's replacement at Fyi and Lmn will begin immediately. Bennett will report…...
- 9/18/2015
- Deadline TV
A+E Networks has promoted Laura Fleury to senior vice president, Development & Programming of Lmn, the company announced Tuesday. Fleury will oversee the network’s scripted and unscripted development and programming strategy, and report to Jana Bennett, President of Fyi and Lmn. She will also consult on crime and justice programming development for the flagship A&E Network. “Laura is a skilled executive who has already built an impressive track record of significant accomplishments at Lmn,” said Bennett in a statement. “Her powerful programming slate has led to significant audience growth for the network resulting in Lmn’s placement among the top 25 networks for.
- 9/8/2015
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Veteran A+E Networks exec Laura Fleury has been promoted to Svp, Development & Programming for Lmn, up from her current role as VP. In her new role, Fleury will continue to set the development and programming strategy for the female-focused network, including scripted and unscripted. In addition to her role at Lmn, Fleury will serve as a consultant on development of crime and justice programming for the flagship A&E Network. She will continue to report to Jana Bennett…...
- 9/8/2015
- Deadline TV
Fyi has greenlighted 14 half-hour episodes of Food Porn, hosted by New York restaurateur and The Meatball Shop co-owner Michael Chernow and executive produced by Real Housewives‘ Bethenny Frankel. The news was announced today during A+E Networks’ upfront presentation by Jana Bennett, President of Fyi and Lmn. Production begins immediately. "People are obsessed with photographing, sharing and discussing the food they eat on social media," said Bennett. "Fyi will be…...
- 4/30/2015
- Deadline TV
Sir Peter Bazalgette is to deliver a keynote address exploring ways in which a newly elected government should support the UK creative industries as part of Screen Internationals’ annual Creative Week event (June 1-3, 2015).
The Arts Council chairman and former chairman of Endemol UK will open the Creative Summit on June 2 by discussing the policy decisions which he believes will need to be taken in order for the UK to remain an international creative leader.
Coming just weeks after the general election, Bazalgette’s keynote will assess what needs to happen for the UK creative sector to have a long term sustainable “industrial policy” that will ensure it remains a global leader.
Bazalgette is the latest high profile speaker to be added to a Creative Week programme that features the UK’s major media brands and creative leaders across a three-day event.
Earlier this week it was revealed that IFC president and Boyhood producer Jonathan Sehring discuss...
The Arts Council chairman and former chairman of Endemol UK will open the Creative Summit on June 2 by discussing the policy decisions which he believes will need to be taken in order for the UK to remain an international creative leader.
Coming just weeks after the general election, Bazalgette’s keynote will assess what needs to happen for the UK creative sector to have a long term sustainable “industrial policy” that will ensure it remains a global leader.
Bazalgette is the latest high profile speaker to be added to a Creative Week programme that features the UK’s major media brands and creative leaders across a three-day event.
Earlier this week it was revealed that IFC president and Boyhood producer Jonathan Sehring discuss...
- 4/24/2015
- ScreenDaily
IFC president Jonathan Sehring to discuss the importance of creative risks at Screen International event.Click here for Creative Week tickets
Jonathan Sehring, president of IFC and Sundance Selects, is to deliver the keynote interview at Screen International’s Creative Summit on 2 June 2015 at BAFTA’s London headquarters in Piccadilly.
The Us exec was a producer on Richard Linklater’s Boyhood, which was filmed over more than a decade and picked up the BAFTA and Golden Globe for Best Film earlier this year as well as an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress Patricia Arquette.
Sehring will discuss the necessity of bravery and risky ideas to create truly innovative content. In a film and television landscape where formats and formulas prevail, the exec will explore how he managed and mitigated the creative and financial risks to reap the rewards earned from backing Boyhood’s 12-year journey to the big screen.
Screen International Editor Matt Mueller will moderate the session...
Jonathan Sehring, president of IFC and Sundance Selects, is to deliver the keynote interview at Screen International’s Creative Summit on 2 June 2015 at BAFTA’s London headquarters in Piccadilly.
The Us exec was a producer on Richard Linklater’s Boyhood, which was filmed over more than a decade and picked up the BAFTA and Golden Globe for Best Film earlier this year as well as an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress Patricia Arquette.
Sehring will discuss the necessity of bravery and risky ideas to create truly innovative content. In a film and television landscape where formats and formulas prevail, the exec will explore how he managed and mitigated the creative and financial risks to reap the rewards earned from backing Boyhood’s 12-year journey to the big screen.
Screen International Editor Matt Mueller will moderate the session...
- 4/22/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Fyi has found a hit with Married At First Sight. The new reality show based on couples who fell in love at first sight seemed doomed. The concept was not well liked, but clearly fans adored seeing couples who fell in love instantly. The series was just renewed well ahead of the season finale. This came as a shock as some expected for it to be cancelled. The series concept had trouble landing a Us network, but Fyi took the chance and it has paid off.
The show is clearly a surprise hit, but with TLC’s former head Jana Bennett, it is easy to see she is already making Fyi top. We suspect to see it quickly becoming a basic cable channel at this point. Fans will be asking to see more of a new network that will bring fun series to enjoy. Especially now that fans will see...
The show is clearly a surprise hit, but with TLC’s former head Jana Bennett, it is easy to see she is already making Fyi top. We suspect to see it quickly becoming a basic cable channel at this point. Fans will be asking to see more of a new network that will bring fun series to enjoy. Especially now that fans will see...
- 8/7/2014
- by Sarah Peel
- Boomtron
Last year, A&E announced that they were ending Intervention after 13 seasons on the air. Now, they've announced that the show is returning but it will now air on Lmn. The 15 new episodes will go into production soon and they'll start airing sometime next year.
Here are the details:
A+E Networks Brings Back The Emmy-winning Docuseries "Intervention" After 13 Groundbreaking Seasons To Lmn
Network Orders 15 All-new Episodes From Grb Entertainment
New York, NY - August 5, 2014 - Lmn has ordered an all-new season of the Emmy-winning and critically acclaimed docuseries "Intervention," it was announced today by Jana Bennett, President, Fyi & Lmn. The series, to be produced by the original producers Grb Entertainment, profiles people whose uncontrollable addiction to drugs, alcohol or compulsive behavior has brought them to the brink and follows them as they are...
Here are the details:
A+E Networks Brings Back The Emmy-winning Docuseries "Intervention" After 13 Groundbreaking Seasons To Lmn
Network Orders 15 All-new Episodes From Grb Entertainment
New York, NY - August 5, 2014 - Lmn has ordered an all-new season of the Emmy-winning and critically acclaimed docuseries "Intervention," it was announced today by Jana Bennett, President, Fyi & Lmn. The series, to be produced by the original producers Grb Entertainment, profiles people whose uncontrollable addiction to drugs, alcohol or compulsive behavior has brought them to the brink and follows them as they are...
- 8/7/2014
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
A+E’s Fyi Network will launch July 7 with a slate including food, home and style series, all geared towards the network’s ambition of offering a “personalized experience” for each viewer, network president Jana Bennett announced Wednesday. The network, which will replace the Bio Channel, targets an upscale audience with a “younger, more modern sensibility.” “The network’s programming embraces the way a new generation experiences their lives today, not defined by one passion or interest,” Fyi said in a statement. Also read: A&E Networks Rebranding Bio Channel to Lifestyle Channel Fyi The slate includes three food series,...
- 2/26/2014
- by L.A. Ross
- The Wrap
Fyi, Epic Meal Time is coming to television. Harley Morenstein and his kitchen comrades have cooked up a 16 half-hour episode commitment from Fyi, the A+E contemporary lifestyle network formerly known as Bio that’s set to launch July 7, 2014. The program, dubbed The Epic Meal Show, will be a new, lightly scripted twist on Morenstein and co.’s popular YouTube series according to The Hollywood Reporter, but will still maintain its humor. "It's time for lifestyle to show that it can have a sense of humor," Fyi President Jana Bennett told THR. "There's a lot of comedy in life, and yet the old-fashioned instructional lifestyles shows didn't leave a lot of room for humor." The Epic Meal Show will be the first time Epic Meal Time has successfully transitioned to TV, but the program’s been close before. G4 ordered a pilot based on the series back in late 2011 and...
- 2/26/2014
- by Joshua Cohen
- Tubefilter.com
Eight months after Nancy Dubuc brought in BBC executive Jana Bennett to lead Lmn and Bio and transform Bio into a lifestyle brand, the company has set July 7 as a launch date for Bio’s successor, Fyi, and its inaugural slate of six series and two pilots. The series run the gamut of tried-and-true lifestyle areas: food, home/home renovation and personal makeover, with the network touting its programming as being younger skewing and upscale. Pilots include one featuring actress Jennifer Esposito and her gluten-free bakery. The project was first piloted by E!, which passed on it. Here is the slate: New Original Series: “The Epic Meal Show” (working title) – 16 half-hour episodes With more than 600 million viewsin weekly webisodes and 6 million YouTube subscribers to date, Harley Morenstein, aka the “Sauce Boss,” and his kitchen crew are ready for primetime television. The Epic Meal Time team delivers recipes that are visually...
- 2/26/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
A version of this story first appeared in the March 7 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Fyi has set a date. The A+E-owned lifestyle network formerly known as Bio will relaunch July 7 as an "inspiration engine" for a core audience of upscale women in their early 40s, president Jana Bennett tells THR. The inaugural slate will look to reflect the varied passions of its viewers, with programming devoted to fashion, food, style and design. Among the rebranded cable network's first batch of series: The Epic Meal Show, a new twist on the popular YouTube series, and The
read more...
read more...
- 2/26/2014
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A+E Networks has tapped Thomas Moody as Svp Programming, Planning & Acqusitions for Fyi and Lmn and Laura Fleury has been upped to VP Programming and Development, Lmn. Jana Bennett, President of Fyi and Lmn announced the new positions today which are effective immediately. Both will report to Bennett. Moody has been with A+E Networks since 2001. In his new role, he will oversee program planning, strategy and acquisitions for both Fyi and Lmn. He was previously responsible for developing and implementing the scheduling and acquisition strategies for A&E and Bio. In addition, Moody has also developed and/or served as an executive producer on A+E Networks shows including Hoarders, Private Sessions, Biography, and Celebrity Ghost Stories. As VP Programmming and Development for Lmn, Fleury will oversee all original programming for the network. She has been with A+E Networks for over 15 years. In her previous role, Fleury...
- 1/15/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
A&E Networks is replacing Bio Channel with Fyi, a lifestyle channel geared to an upscale, younger audience that is active online. According to Wednesday’s announcement, Fyi can stand for “For your inspiration, for your imagination or for your innovation, Fyi will be a personalized experience for each viewer.” Fyi will launch in Summer 2014. Currently, it’s set to debut in 70 million homes. Outside the U.S., announcements regarding the Bio brand will be handled market by market. And although the Bio channel will be rebranded, it will continue to exist on various platforms throughout the U.S. Jana Bennett will serve.
- 12/11/2013
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
A+E Networks is rebranding Bio as lifestyle network Fyi in a bid to reach an underserved and lucrative demographic under Jana Bennett. Launching in summer 2014, Bennett -- newly installed president of Fyi and Lmn -- will oversee the network. Known as "for your inspiration" or "for your innovation," Fyi is described as a personalized experience that will embrace the way viewers live their lives -- proudly hyphenated and not constrained by one interest or passion. It will blend the inspiring personal creativity of viewers and the emergence of powerful digital entrants to the space with a linear reach that will create
read more...
read more...
- 12/11/2013
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A+E Networks‘ long-gestating plan to convert Bio Channel into a lifestyle cable network has been made official today with the announcement that Bio will be rebranded as Fyi next summer. (this is the network’s new logo on right) One of Nancy Dubuc’s top priorities after becoming president and CEO of A+E Networks earlier this year has been revamping the group’s emerging networks: Bio, Lmn and H2. As part of her turnaround plans, Dubuc tapped BBC executive Jana Bennett, who helped usher TLC into mainstream programming in the early 2000s, to run Lmn and Bio. Bennett will now oversee Fyi as president of Fyi and Lmn. The hire indicated Dubuc’s desire to add a lifestyle brand to her cable portfolio, led by History, A&E and Lifetime. Since she put the plan into motion in the spring, the lifestyle cable space opened up surprisingly when...
- 12/11/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Number 9 producer Elizabeth Karlsen is the new chair of the Wftv (UK) board of directors.
Karlsen co-founded Number 9 Films with Stephen Woolley in 2002 and her credits include Made In Dagenham, How To Lose Friends & Alienate People, Sounds Like Teen Spirit, Great Expectations and Byzantium.
Karlsen said: “I have long been a supporter of Women in Film and Television and am very honoured to be leading the board at this exciting time in the organisation’s history. I’m looking forward to working with the Board and staff to keep expanding opportunities for our members and all women across the industry.”
Wftv CEO Kate Kinninmont added: “We’re all delighted to welcome Liz as our new Chair of the Board. She is one of the UK’s top producers, a truly inspirational and dynamic woman and we are all greatly looking forward to working with her.”
The previous chair was Jana Bennett.
Wftv holds its...
Karlsen co-founded Number 9 Films with Stephen Woolley in 2002 and her credits include Made In Dagenham, How To Lose Friends & Alienate People, Sounds Like Teen Spirit, Great Expectations and Byzantium.
Karlsen said: “I have long been a supporter of Women in Film and Television and am very honoured to be leading the board at this exciting time in the organisation’s history. I’m looking forward to working with the Board and staff to keep expanding opportunities for our members and all women across the industry.”
Wftv CEO Kate Kinninmont added: “We’re all delighted to welcome Liz as our new Chair of the Board. She is one of the UK’s top producers, a truly inspirational and dynamic woman and we are all greatly looking forward to working with her.”
The previous chair was Jana Bennett.
Wftv holds its...
- 12/5/2013
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Two months after newly minted A+E Networks president and CEO Nancy Dubuc set her top management team, with new responsibilities for Bob DeBitetto, David McKillop,Dirk Hoogstra and Robert Sharenow and the appointment of Jana Bennett to run Lmn and Bio, the company is promoting four more programming executives. Elaine Frontain Bryant, most recently Svp Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming at A&E, has been named Svp, Development and Programming for History, reporting to Hoogstra. She oversaw A&E mega-hit Duck Dynasty. Paul Cabana, who has led H2 for the past 18 months during which period the network has grown more than 60% to become the No.1 emerging ad-supported cable network, has been named to Svp and Head of Programming. Mary Donahue, previously VP Programming & Development at History, has been upped to Svp, Non-Fiction Programming, Lifetime. She was part of the team that developed and launched hit Pawn Stars. Donahue will replace Gena McCarthy...
- 8/12/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
A&E Networks has hired BBC veteran Jana Bennett as president of the company's bio. and Lmn networks, and promoted four others, the company announced Monday. Bennett served as president of BBC Worldwide Networks & Global BBC iPlayer at BBC Worldwide, and also served as Evp/Gm of TLC Network and Discovery Pictures. In addition to Bennett's hiring, the network has promoted Robert DeBitetto to president, brand strategy, business development of A&E Studios. Dirk Hoogstra has been promoted to executive vice president of general manager of History and H2, while David McKillop has been...
- 6/3/2013
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Officially, Nancy Dubuc has been president and CEO of A+E Networks for two days, but she’s already putting her stamp on the company, setting top executives for each of the brands and launching an in-house studio. Under the plan, Bob DeBitetto, General Manager of A&E Networks and Bio, will transition to a new role of head of A+E Studios with a title of President, Brand Strategy, Business Development. He will be succeeded at the helm of A&E by his top lieutenant, David McKillop, Evp Programming, who is adding a general manger title. Dirk Hoogstra, who was promoted to Evp Development and Programming for History and H2 just three months ago, will now add the title of General Manager for the two channels. And as Dubuc moves away from day-to-day oversight of the networks to focus on her role as CEO, Lifetime’s Evp programming Robert Sharenow...
- 6/3/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: I hear that A+E Networks has finalized a plan to launch an in-house studio for scripted and unscripted programming. It will be run by Bob DeBitetto, who will be leaving his post as president and General Manager of A&E Networks and Bio to head the new entity. I hear the move is part of a company-wide restructuring by newly named president and CEO Nancy Dubuc, which also includes the hire of veteran BBC executive Jana Bennett to run Lmn and Bio, which we reported last month. I hear the announcement will be made later today. Launching an in-house production company has been a long-time goal for A+E Networks, with DeBitetto among the top proponents of the idea. The studio will allow the company to work closer with talent and the creative community. Under DeBitetto, A&E has been on fire lately, with the success of Duck Dynasty...
- 6/3/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: Nancy Dubuc is not wasting any time putting her stamp on A+E Networks. While she doesn’t officially transition into her new role as president and CEO of the company until June 1, I hear Dubuc already is working on plans for the brands. With A&E and History in top shape and Lifetime well into the rebuilding process, Dubuc is focusing her attention on the group’s next tier of networks, Bio, Lmn and H2. As part of her turnaround plans, I’ve learned that veteran BBC executive Jana Bennett, who helped usher TLC into mainstream programming in the early 2000s, has been tapped to run Lmn and Bio. (Dirk Hoogstra is in charge of H2.) Bennett spent more than 30 years working for the BBC, most recently as president of worldwide networks and the global BBC iPlayer for the corporation’s commercial arm, BBC Worldwide, a position she...
- 5/24/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
BBC sports presenter, praised for knowledgeable, engaging style during London 2012, wins achievement of the year
Capping a summer that was almost as golden for her as it was for the winning athletes, Clare Balding was recognised on Friday for the Olympic and Paralympic coverage that prompted national admiration of her presenting skills, as she collected achievement of the year at the Women in Film and Television awards.
The sports presenter – praised for her knowledgeable, engaging style during London 2012 – was the best known of three women honoured for their roles in broadcasting the Olympic Games.
Joining her on the awards podium were Tracey Seaward, who took the producer award for her work on Danny Boyle's spectacular opening ceremony, while Barbara Slater, the BBC's first female director of sport, won the inspirational woman award.
"I take the award on behalf of all of the women in sports television," Balding said after accepting her award.
Capping a summer that was almost as golden for her as it was for the winning athletes, Clare Balding was recognised on Friday for the Olympic and Paralympic coverage that prompted national admiration of her presenting skills, as she collected achievement of the year at the Women in Film and Television awards.
The sports presenter – praised for her knowledgeable, engaging style during London 2012 – was the best known of three women honoured for their roles in broadcasting the Olympic Games.
Joining her on the awards podium were Tracey Seaward, who took the producer award for her work on Danny Boyle's spectacular opening ceremony, while Barbara Slater, the BBC's first female director of sport, won the inspirational woman award.
"I take the award on behalf of all of the women in sports television," Balding said after accepting her award.
- 12/8/2012
- by Vicky Frost
- The Guardian - Film News
The list comprises a mixture of executives, producers, actors and writers, but is it a fair reflection and who has been omitted?
See the list of names in full
No one disputes that women have a long way to go in achieving equal status in broadcasting and film. But it is also easy to fall into the trap of whinging about unfairness, rather than saluting those who win through.
That is the point of the Top 50 Powerlist, relaunched on Thursday by Women in Film & TV, in association with Screen International and Broadcast.
After a first stab in 2010, it is timed to mark and chime with International Women's Day. Tonally, it is striving to change the pitch from minor to major: people of achievement clearly come in both sexes.
Kate Kinninmont, Wftv chief executive, says that in "true womanly style" the list is not arranged in any order, though one ambitious...
See the list of names in full
No one disputes that women have a long way to go in achieving equal status in broadcasting and film. But it is also easy to fall into the trap of whinging about unfairness, rather than saluting those who win through.
That is the point of the Top 50 Powerlist, relaunched on Thursday by Women in Film & TV, in association with Screen International and Broadcast.
After a first stab in 2010, it is timed to mark and chime with International Women's Day. Tonally, it is striving to change the pitch from minor to major: people of achievement clearly come in both sexes.
Kate Kinninmont, Wftv chief executive, says that in "true womanly style" the list is not arranged in any order, though one ambitious...
- 3/8/2012
- by Maggie Brown
- The Guardian - Film News
You may not have an invitation to Prince William and Kate Middleton's big day - but BBC will be your ticket into the royal wedding. The network will broadcast internationally live footage of the April 29 nuptials, promising an "authentic British take" on all the events, according to a statement by the broadcaster via the Hollywood Reporter. In the United States, the coverage will be televised on BBC America, while BBC Entertainment will broadcast footage across Asia, India, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. Photos: William & Kate's Fairy-Tale RomanceThe network also promises exclusive access to various points along the wedding route,...
- 3/16/2011
- PEOPLE.com
BBC Vision director Jana Bennett has defended EastEnders' controversial baby-swap plot. It has been confirmed that over 6,000 viewers have now complained about the dark plot, which has seen tragic Ronnie Mitchell lose her son to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Sids) and swap him for Kat and Alfie Moon's newborn baby Tommy. Bennett insisted that the Albert Square drama was "absolutely not" suggesting that Ronnie - played by Samantha Womack - was representative off all mother's who have "suffered such a terrible and tragic loss". "Taking Kat's baby is the action of a character in great distress due to a series of events that have befallen her in the last 18 months," The Guardian quotes her as saying. "It is the culmination (more)...
- 1/7/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Here's the game-changer: BSkyB is thinking about broadcasting the April 29th Royal Wedding in 3D. TV experts wonder if Prince Williams’ wedding to commoner Kate Middleton might be the technology boost that the Queen’s 1953 Coronation was when many England'ers bought their first TV sets to watch that royal spectacle. And it may be that people worldwide do the same thing for this wedding and 3D. Sales of 3D TV sets in the U.S. have been modest so far. (Screen Digest predicts there will be only 4.7 million 3D TV sets installed in the U.S. by the end of 2011.) If Sky does go ahead with 3D then it will feed those signals to its international news affiliates. But BBC Vision boss Jana Bennett sounds pretty unenthused about the prospect of the BBC filming in 3D though -- “although I can see an archive argument,” she tells me. The Beeb...
- 12/6/2010
- by TIM ADLER in London
- Deadline London
As expected, BBC Vision director Jana Bennett, the woman in charge of all the BBC’s TV channels, is moving to the Beeb’s commercial arm. Bennett, who’s an adroit politician, will join BBC Worldwide in February 2011. She will control all of BBC Worldwide’s wholly-owned BBC channels, such as pre-school channel CBeebies. I’m hearing that Bennett may not be directly replaced as BBC director general Mark Thompson needs to cut the number of highly-paid executives. Bennett has been earning £517,000 ($805,172) a year in her current role.
- 12/2/2010
- by TIM ADLER in London
- Deadline London
Jonathan Ross will return to the BBC to feature in a programme about astronomy. Stargazing Live will air across three nights in January and will see Ross being taught about the skies by The One Show's Mark Thompson. Ross will have to prove that he can navigate the skies using just paper, a pencil, and binoculars. According to the Daily Mail, the BBC's director of vision Jana Bennett explained that the broadcaster never "shut the door" on Ross. "There wasn't anything to say he should not be on the BBC," she said. "He (more)...
- 11/26/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.