Exclusive: Ryan Heller has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Film & Documentary at Topic Studios, the award-winning studio from First Look Media.
In his new role, he will continue to lead the feature film group, while adding feature-length documentaries to his purview, formalizing an area in which he had already been operating. He will oversee the doc arena with Vice President, Nonfiction, Christine Connor, continuing to report to CEO Michael Bloom.
A key player in the launch and critical successes of Topic Studios, who has since 2018 built and managed its feature film slate through development, financing, production and distribution, Heller most recently served as Senior Vice President of Film and Acquisitions.
He has long been a champion for new directorial voices, in recent years shepherding such breakout projects as the psychological horror Nanny and the acclaimed buddy comedy, The Climb. The former title from rising star director Nikyatu Jusu was...
In his new role, he will continue to lead the feature film group, while adding feature-length documentaries to his purview, formalizing an area in which he had already been operating. He will oversee the doc arena with Vice President, Nonfiction, Christine Connor, continuing to report to CEO Michael Bloom.
A key player in the launch and critical successes of Topic Studios, who has since 2018 built and managed its feature film slate through development, financing, production and distribution, Heller most recently served as Senior Vice President of Film and Acquisitions.
He has long been a champion for new directorial voices, in recent years shepherding such breakout projects as the psychological horror Nanny and the acclaimed buddy comedy, The Climb. The former title from rising star director Nikyatu Jusu was...
- 1/12/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: In a competitive situation, Topic Studios has secured the rights to Amanda Montell’s book Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism for adaptation as a television docuseries.
Published by Harper Wave in June of 2021, Montell’s second book, following Wordslut, dissects how cultish groups from Jonestown and Scientology to SoulCycle and social media gurus use language as the ultimate form of power.
The docuseries will be a powerful and timely deep dive into how cults maintain their power, per producers. According to Montell, whose own father escaped from a cult as a teenager, “we’ve been thinking about cults in completely the wrong way. While there have long been dark, dangerous cults (such as the Manson Family), fanatical groups actually fall along a spectrum, from Heaven’s Gate all the way to SoulCycle and Taylor Swift stans. Using an incisive, compelling and often funny tone, Cultish will unpack what cult influence looks,...
Published by Harper Wave in June of 2021, Montell’s second book, following Wordslut, dissects how cultish groups from Jonestown and Scientology to SoulCycle and social media gurus use language as the ultimate form of power.
The docuseries will be a powerful and timely deep dive into how cults maintain their power, per producers. According to Montell, whose own father escaped from a cult as a teenager, “we’ve been thinking about cults in completely the wrong way. While there have long been dark, dangerous cults (such as the Manson Family), fanatical groups actually fall along a spectrum, from Heaven’s Gate all the way to SoulCycle and Taylor Swift stans. Using an incisive, compelling and often funny tone, Cultish will unpack what cult influence looks,...
- 11/15/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired worldwide rights to the documentary “Turn Every Page — The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb.” The film premiered at Tribeca Festival as part of its spotlight documentary programming.
Robert Gottlieb’s daughter Lizzie Gottlieb directed “Turn Every Page,” which explores the legendary editor’s creative collaboration with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro. According to a press release, “They have worked and fought together for 50 years, forging one of publishing’s most iconic and productive partnerships. Now 86, Caro is working to complete the final volume of his masterwork, ‘The Years of Lyndon Johnson’; Gottlieb, 91, waits to edit it. The task of finishing their life’s work looms before them.”
“I was incredibly fortunate to discover the true meaning of collaboration while making this film, through witnessing the extraordinary partnership of Robert Caro and my father Robert Gottlieb, who have, individually and together, brought the world...
Robert Gottlieb’s daughter Lizzie Gottlieb directed “Turn Every Page,” which explores the legendary editor’s creative collaboration with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro. According to a press release, “They have worked and fought together for 50 years, forging one of publishing’s most iconic and productive partnerships. Now 86, Caro is working to complete the final volume of his masterwork, ‘The Years of Lyndon Johnson’; Gottlieb, 91, waits to edit it. The task of finishing their life’s work looms before them.”
“I was incredibly fortunate to discover the true meaning of collaboration while making this film, through witnessing the extraordinary partnership of Robert Caro and my father Robert Gottlieb, who have, individually and together, brought the world...
- 6/15/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired worldwide rights to the documentary Turn Every Page – The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb, on the heels of its June 12th world premiere in the Spotlight Documentary section of the Tribeca Film Festival.
The film’s subjects are Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro and legendary editor Robert Gottlieb, who have worked and fought together for 50 years, forging one of publishing’s most iconic and productive partnerships. Now 86, Caro is working to complete the final volume of his masterwork, The Years of Lyndon Johnson; Gottlieb, 91, waits to edit it. The task of finishing their life’s work looms before them.
Directed by Gottlieb’s daughter, Lizzie Gottlieb, Turn Every Page explores Caro and Robert Gottlieb’s remarkable creative collaboration, including the behind-the-scenes drama of the making of Caro’s The Power Broker and the Lbj series. With humor and insight, the unique double portrait reveals the work habits,...
The film’s subjects are Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro and legendary editor Robert Gottlieb, who have worked and fought together for 50 years, forging one of publishing’s most iconic and productive partnerships. Now 86, Caro is working to complete the final volume of his masterwork, The Years of Lyndon Johnson; Gottlieb, 91, waits to edit it. The task of finishing their life’s work looms before them.
Directed by Gottlieb’s daughter, Lizzie Gottlieb, Turn Every Page explores Caro and Robert Gottlieb’s remarkable creative collaboration, including the behind-the-scenes drama of the making of Caro’s The Power Broker and the Lbj series. With humor and insight, the unique double portrait reveals the work habits,...
- 6/15/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures Classics has secured the worldwide rights to “Turn Every Page – The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb” out of Tribeca Film Festival. The film premiered Sunday as part of the festival’s Spotlight Documentary program.
Directed by Lizzie Gottlieb, the film chronicles the 50-year partnership between her father – the legendary editor of The New Yorker and publishing houses Simon & Schuster and Alfred A. Knopf – and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Robert Caro. “Turn Every Page” examines the contours of their prolific partnership as Caro completes his fifth and final book in his “The Years of Lyndon Johnson” series, and Gottlieb prepares to edit it.
The film will also dive into their individual accomplishments and idiosyncrasies, from Caro’s famous writing process to Gottlieb’s storied career as a ballet critic and historian. According to Tribeca’s synopsis, it will also feature commentary from the likes of Conan O’Brien,...
Directed by Lizzie Gottlieb, the film chronicles the 50-year partnership between her father – the legendary editor of The New Yorker and publishing houses Simon & Schuster and Alfred A. Knopf – and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Robert Caro. “Turn Every Page” examines the contours of their prolific partnership as Caro completes his fifth and final book in his “The Years of Lyndon Johnson” series, and Gottlieb prepares to edit it.
The film will also dive into their individual accomplishments and idiosyncrasies, from Caro’s famous writing process to Gottlieb’s storied career as a ballet critic and historian. According to Tribeca’s synopsis, it will also feature commentary from the likes of Conan O’Brien,...
- 6/15/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Doc charts lifelong friendship between Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro and editor Robert Gottlieb.
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all worldwide rights from Cinetic Media to Tribeca selection Turn Every Page – The Adventures Of Robert Caro And Robert Gottlieb.
Lizzie Gottlieb directed the film, which premiered in Spotlight Documentary over the weekend and screens again today (June 15) and on Saturday and Sunday. Gottlieb produced alongside Joanne Nerenberg and Jen Small and Topic Studios in association with Left/Right.
Turn Every Page centres on the lifelong friendship between Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro and legendary editor Robert Gottlieb. Now 86, Caro is working...
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all worldwide rights from Cinetic Media to Tribeca selection Turn Every Page – The Adventures Of Robert Caro And Robert Gottlieb.
Lizzie Gottlieb directed the film, which premiered in Spotlight Documentary over the weekend and screens again today (June 15) and on Saturday and Sunday. Gottlieb produced alongside Joanne Nerenberg and Jen Small and Topic Studios in association with Left/Right.
Turn Every Page centres on the lifelong friendship between Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro and legendary editor Robert Gottlieb. Now 86, Caro is working...
- 6/15/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Entertainment studio Topic Studios and New York-based production company Loveless have entered into an all-media first-look deal, partnering to develop scripted and unscripted projects across TV, film and podcasts.
Topic Studios, the entertainment studio from First Look Media, which recently produced the Golden Globe-nominated legal thriller “The Mauritanian,” and Loveless, the production company founded by Emmy-nominees Carly Hugo and Matt Parker, have come together for the new venture, with aims to curate a homegrown slate of new content. The new pact between has already produced an early development slate, which includes a scripted TV series, a docuseries and a feature film.
“Matt and Carly are two of the hardest-working and most innovative producers out there,” Maria Zuckerman, head of Topic Studios, said in a statement announcing the partnership. “With their prodigious relationships, endless creativity, and great eye, we at Topic Studios are excited to partner with Loveless and ignite many great new projects to come.
Topic Studios, the entertainment studio from First Look Media, which recently produced the Golden Globe-nominated legal thriller “The Mauritanian,” and Loveless, the production company founded by Emmy-nominees Carly Hugo and Matt Parker, have come together for the new venture, with aims to curate a homegrown slate of new content. The new pact between has already produced an early development slate, which includes a scripted TV series, a docuseries and a feature film.
“Matt and Carly are two of the hardest-working and most innovative producers out there,” Maria Zuckerman, head of Topic Studios, said in a statement announcing the partnership. “With their prodigious relationships, endless creativity, and great eye, we at Topic Studios are excited to partner with Loveless and ignite many great new projects to come.
- 2/23/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
First Look Media’s Topic Studios has announced the appointments of Alysse Bezahler and Christine Connor, who will take on the Senior Vice President of Production and Vice President of Nonfiction roles, respectively. The new executives, announced Friday, will report directly to Maria Zuckerman, Executive Vice President of Topic Studios.
Bezahler, who comes into the new position following her time at AMC Studios, will oversee all physical production needs for Topic Studios’ content across television, film, podcasts, documentary features and premium nonfiction series. The industry vet will also helm Topic Studio’s dedicated in-house production and postproduction executives and boost the company’s presence in the production community.
“With her sterling bona fides as both an independent producer and studio executive, Alysse’s boots-on-the-ground know-how, problem-solving spirit and proven track record across media position Topic Studios to provide best-in-class support to creators and partners alike,” said Zuckerman.
Connor, as the...
Bezahler, who comes into the new position following her time at AMC Studios, will oversee all physical production needs for Topic Studios’ content across television, film, podcasts, documentary features and premium nonfiction series. The industry vet will also helm Topic Studio’s dedicated in-house production and postproduction executives and boost the company’s presence in the production community.
“With her sterling bona fides as both an independent producer and studio executive, Alysse’s boots-on-the-ground know-how, problem-solving spirit and proven track record across media position Topic Studios to provide best-in-class support to creators and partners alike,” said Zuckerman.
Connor, as the...
- 10/23/2020
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC has unveiled its line-up of summer premiere dates, including the final season of “Marvel’s Agents of Shield” and “Holey Moley II: The Sequel.”
The “extreme mini-golf competition series” will kick off the network’s “Summer Fun and Games” programming on Thursday, May 21 with its 13-episode sophomore season. It’ll be followed that same night by the fifth season of the Anthony Anderson-hosted reboot of “To Tell the Truth.”
“Celebrity Family Feud,” “Press Your Luck” and “Match Game” will all return the following week on Sunday, May 31.
Also Read: ABC Sets Star-Studded 'Disney Family Singalong' Special Featuring Celebs Belting Out Tunes From Home
“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is set to complete its run with the show’s seventh and final season, debuting Wednesday, May 27.
The final round of episodes will see Coulson and the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. thrust backward in time and stranded in 1931 New York City. With the...
The “extreme mini-golf competition series” will kick off the network’s “Summer Fun and Games” programming on Thursday, May 21 with its 13-episode sophomore season. It’ll be followed that same night by the fifth season of the Anthony Anderson-hosted reboot of “To Tell the Truth.”
“Celebrity Family Feud,” “Press Your Luck” and “Match Game” will all return the following week on Sunday, May 31.
Also Read: ABC Sets Star-Studded 'Disney Family Singalong' Special Featuring Celebs Belting Out Tunes From Home
“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is set to complete its run with the show’s seventh and final season, debuting Wednesday, May 27.
The final round of episodes will see Coulson and the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. thrust backward in time and stranded in 1931 New York City. With the...
- 4/14/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
ABC has set May premiere dates for the farewell season of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and a new series from ABC News, The Genetic Detective, along with the Summer Fun & Games lineup. Returning in May are Holey Moley II: The Sequel and To Tell The Truth on Thursdays and Celebrity Family Feud, Press Your Luck and Match Game on Sundays.
Holey Moley II: The Sequel kicks things off on Thursday, May 21 at 9 Pm, and will move to a new timeslot (8 Pm) on Thursday, June 11. The fifth season of To Tell The Truth, hosted by Black-ish star Anthony Anderson, premieres at 10 Pm May 21. Celebrity Family Feud, hosted by Steve Harvey, debuts its sixth season at 8 Pm Sunday, May 31. Elizabeth Banks-hosted Press Your Luck follows with its second-season debut at 9 Pm; and the fifth season of Alec Baldwin-hosted Match Game rounds out the night at 10 Pm.
More from DeadlineSpring...
Holey Moley II: The Sequel kicks things off on Thursday, May 21 at 9 Pm, and will move to a new timeslot (8 Pm) on Thursday, June 11. The fifth season of To Tell The Truth, hosted by Black-ish star Anthony Anderson, premieres at 10 Pm May 21. Celebrity Family Feud, hosted by Steve Harvey, debuts its sixth season at 8 Pm Sunday, May 31. Elizabeth Banks-hosted Press Your Luck follows with its second-season debut at 9 Pm; and the fifth season of Alec Baldwin-hosted Match Game rounds out the night at 10 Pm.
More from DeadlineSpring...
- 4/14/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
As we put the finishing touches on our “25 New Faces” list — which comes out this week — I’ll note the latest project of one of last year’s selections, director Alrick Brown. Last fall he had his Sundance hit Kinyarwanda arrive in theaters, and now he’s directed an episode of a new ABC series, Final Witness, that airs tomorrow night, July 18 at 10Pm Est on ABC.
The Wall Street Journal covered this show this past weekend, describing the style as “Sundance-era poetic indie film”:
Over seven Wednesdays each stand-alone true crime story dramatized and documented on “Final Witness,” braids a deceased victim’s fictionalized first-person voice-over with ambitiously staged re-enactments and interviews with actual friends, relatives and law enforcement. The result is a unique docudrama hybrid anchored in both the truth of fact and the emotional truth of fiction. “I’ve done a lot of work in true...
The Wall Street Journal covered this show this past weekend, describing the style as “Sundance-era poetic indie film”:
Over seven Wednesdays each stand-alone true crime story dramatized and documented on “Final Witness,” braids a deceased victim’s fictionalized first-person voice-over with ambitiously staged re-enactments and interviews with actual friends, relatives and law enforcement. The result is a unique docudrama hybrid anchored in both the truth of fact and the emotional truth of fiction. “I’ve done a lot of work in true...
- 7/17/2012
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
ABC announced their summer offering schedule, though the big kick is coming as early May 14th with The Bachelorette. New and returning shows are likely to get a fair amount of marketing love, as summer programming, especially with the influx of cable hotlist shows, has taken off over the last few years.
Rookie Blue looks fairly interesting, and Secret Millionaire did pretty well before, so we’ve got that at least. Keep a close eye on Trust Us With Your Life, and mark your calendars. The odd spin on improv comedy could be hilarious.
Check out the rundown below.
Thursday, May 24:
8:00-10:00 p.m. “Duets” (series premiere) 10:00-11:00 p.m. “Rookie Blue”
Sunday, June 3:
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Secret Millionaire” 9:00-11:00 p.m. “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition“
Thursday, June 28:
9:00-10:00 p.m. “Wipeout”
Tuesday, July 10:
9:00-10:00 p.
Rookie Blue looks fairly interesting, and Secret Millionaire did pretty well before, so we’ve got that at least. Keep a close eye on Trust Us With Your Life, and mark your calendars. The odd spin on improv comedy could be hilarious.
Check out the rundown below.
Thursday, May 24:
8:00-10:00 p.m. “Duets” (series premiere) 10:00-11:00 p.m. “Rookie Blue”
Sunday, June 3:
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Secret Millionaire” 9:00-11:00 p.m. “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition“
Thursday, June 28:
9:00-10:00 p.m. “Wipeout”
Tuesday, July 10:
9:00-10:00 p.
- 4/6/2012
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Chicago – ABC just announced the premiere dates for their summer series, including three new shows — “Duets,” “Final Witness,” and “Trust Us with Your Life” — along with the return of summer hits — “Secret Millionaire,” “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition,” “Wipeout,” “The Bachelorette,” “Bachelor Pad,” and a show that we often get calls about on Wgn, “Rookie Blue.”
It starts with “The Bachelorette,” which returns to Monday nights on May 14, 2012 and features fan favorite Emily Maynard. The one-two reality TV punch of “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Bachelorette” should be a potent one to start the week. As for other series news, “Rookie Blue” returns to Thursday nights at 9pm Cst on May 24, “Secret Millionaire” and “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” take over Sunday nights on June 3, “Wipeout” joins Thursday nights at 8pm Cst on June 28, “Trust Us With Your Life” and “Final Witness” premiere on Tuesday nights on July 10 (starting...
It starts with “The Bachelorette,” which returns to Monday nights on May 14, 2012 and features fan favorite Emily Maynard. The one-two reality TV punch of “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Bachelorette” should be a potent one to start the week. As for other series news, “Rookie Blue” returns to Thursday nights at 9pm Cst on May 24, “Secret Millionaire” and “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” take over Sunday nights on June 3, “Wipeout” joins Thursday nights at 8pm Cst on June 28, “Trust Us With Your Life” and “Final Witness” premiere on Tuesday nights on July 10 (starting...
- 4/5/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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