Exclusive: It’s a tough time to be a mid-sized unscripted production company right now.
A slow-down of greenlights amid cost cutting within all of the major media conglomerates, and seemingly no bump from the writers and actors strike despite what many were expecting, has led to doom and gloom across the non-scripted sector.
This has led to many companies having to undergo layoffs. Deadline understands that companies including Bunim/Murray, Half-Yard Productions and Propagate Content have all cut staff recently and more are expected to follow suit. ITV America-backed High Noon Entertainment informed its local production staff in Denver that due to production cycles, the number of workers contracted when shows weren’t in production would be reduced. We hear Hot Snakes Media is in a similar situation.
“It’s the toughest time to be in unscripted that I can remember,” one unscripted producer told Deadline.
Another source...
A slow-down of greenlights amid cost cutting within all of the major media conglomerates, and seemingly no bump from the writers and actors strike despite what many were expecting, has led to doom and gloom across the non-scripted sector.
This has led to many companies having to undergo layoffs. Deadline understands that companies including Bunim/Murray, Half-Yard Productions and Propagate Content have all cut staff recently and more are expected to follow suit. ITV America-backed High Noon Entertainment informed its local production staff in Denver that due to production cycles, the number of workers contracted when shows weren’t in production would be reduced. We hear Hot Snakes Media is in a similar situation.
“It’s the toughest time to be in unscripted that I can remember,” one unscripted producer told Deadline.
Another source...
- 8/16/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Paramount Global is cutting back the Smithsonian Channel’s New York Hub as more details about the U.S. layoffs emerge.
Staff at the channel’s New York office were told mid-last week, we understand, and third-party producers were subsequently informed that most of their shows will now be handled by execs at Smithsonian Channel’s Washington HQ. The Washington team will also be impacted.
Around two-dozen people work in the New York office, Deadline understands. One of those at risk is Rachel Watson, VP Development for the Smithsonian Channel.
The move comprises part of Paramount Media Networks’ 25% domestic layoffs, a “very hard but necessary decision” revealed by President and CEO Chris McCarthy in an all-staff note last week. “Through the elimination of some units and by streamlining others, we will be able to reduce costs and create a more effective approach to our business as we move forward,...
Staff at the channel’s New York office were told mid-last week, we understand, and third-party producers were subsequently informed that most of their shows will now be handled by execs at Smithsonian Channel’s Washington HQ. The Washington team will also be impacted.
Around two-dozen people work in the New York office, Deadline understands. One of those at risk is Rachel Watson, VP Development for the Smithsonian Channel.
The move comprises part of Paramount Media Networks’ 25% domestic layoffs, a “very hard but necessary decision” revealed by President and CEO Chris McCarthy in an all-staff note last week. “Through the elimination of some units and by streamlining others, we will be able to reduce costs and create a more effective approach to our business as we move forward,...
- 5/15/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with more detail and names: In the latest wave of industry layoffs, the recently combined Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios as well as Paramount Media Networks, overseen by the division’s President and CEO Chris McCarthy, is reducing its domestic team by 25% today. McCarthy addressed the cuts, which he called a “very hard but necessary decision”, in a company memo. (You can read it in full below.)
According to sources, the basic cable networks were most heavily impacted, with a number of units being shut down as part of consolidation, mostly on the operations side.
Also folding is MTV News, the news production division of MTV, which was launched in the late 1980s. The unit already had undergone significant downsizing over the last six years. MTV News staffers took to social media to share the layoff news.
Among the senior-level executives impacted are Jessica Zalkind, SVP, Talent and Series Development,...
According to sources, the basic cable networks were most heavily impacted, with a number of units being shut down as part of consolidation, mostly on the operations side.
Also folding is MTV News, the news production division of MTV, which was launched in the late 1980s. The unit already had undergone significant downsizing over the last six years. MTV News staffers took to social media to share the layoff news.
Among the senior-level executives impacted are Jessica Zalkind, SVP, Talent and Series Development,...
- 5/9/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
MTV has shared a first look at its new docuseries “The Real Friends of WeHo,” which premieres Jan. 20 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt following “RuPaul’s Drag Race”
The show follows a group of friends living, loving and pursuing their passions in West Hollywood. The group includes celebrity stylist Brad Goreski and choreographer and singer Todrick Hall, both of whom have coincidentally been judges on iterations of “Drag Race” themselves.
“Surviving Compton” and “Insecure” actor Curtis Hamilton, Buttah Skincare CEO Dorión Renaud, OUTBound owner and TV host Jaymes Vaughan and social media influencer and digital entrepreneur Joey Zauzig also star.
“In a town and community where image and status are everything, they’re ready to pull back the Hollywood curtain and reveal their most authentic selves not just to one another but the world,” the show’s description states.
Also Read:
‘Foundation’ Season 2: First Teaser Trailer Promises New Characters and...
The show follows a group of friends living, loving and pursuing their passions in West Hollywood. The group includes celebrity stylist Brad Goreski and choreographer and singer Todrick Hall, both of whom have coincidentally been judges on iterations of “Drag Race” themselves.
“Surviving Compton” and “Insecure” actor Curtis Hamilton, Buttah Skincare CEO Dorión Renaud, OUTBound owner and TV host Jaymes Vaughan and social media influencer and digital entrepreneur Joey Zauzig also star.
“In a town and community where image and status are everything, they’re ready to pull back the Hollywood curtain and reveal their most authentic selves not just to one another but the world,” the show’s description states.
Also Read:
‘Foundation’ Season 2: First Teaser Trailer Promises New Characters and...
- 1/5/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
MTV is launching a new reality series titled The Real Friends of WeHo that will follow the lives of celebrity stylist Brad Goreski, choreographer and singer Todrick Hall, actor Curtis Hamilton, CEO of Buttah Skincare Dorión Renaud, TV host and business owner Jaymes Vaughan and digital entrepreneur Joey Zauzig. The show is set to premiere on Friday, January 20 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt following RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The cable network describes The Real Friends of WeHo as an “unfiltered and honest look at a select group of friends living, loving and pursuing their passions in the West Hollywood community. Consisting of some of Hollywood’s most influential and successful LGBTQ+ celebrities, personalities and entrepreneurs.”
Meet the cast members of The Real Friends of WeHo
Brad Goreski continues to be one of Hollywood’s most coveted and highly desired stylists working with a bevy of actresses and high end clientele. Married...
The cable network describes The Real Friends of WeHo as an “unfiltered and honest look at a select group of friends living, loving and pursuing their passions in the West Hollywood community. Consisting of some of Hollywood’s most influential and successful LGBTQ+ celebrities, personalities and entrepreneurs.”
Meet the cast members of The Real Friends of WeHo
Brad Goreski continues to be one of Hollywood’s most coveted and highly desired stylists working with a bevy of actresses and high end clientele. Married...
- 1/5/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Nina L. Diaz will now head up unscripted and adult animation for Paramount Plus, Variety has learned exclusively.
The promotion was announced by Chris McCarthy in a memo to MTV Entertainment Group staffers on Thursday, which can be read in full below.
Diaz will now serve as chief creative officer for unscripted entertainment and adult animation at Paramount Plus, while remaining Cco and president of content for MTV Entertainment Group. She will continue to report to McCarthy. In addition, Grant Gish’s role as head of adult animation is expanding to include Paramount Plus across series and movies, with Gish still reporting to Diaz.
Furthermore, Lily Neumeyer will now be head of development for unscripted entertainment for Paramount Plus and MTV Entertainment, while Tolani Holmes is being promoted to the new role of senior vice president for development of unscripted entertainment for Paramount Plus and MTV Entertainment.
Unscripted executives Ben Hurvitz,...
The promotion was announced by Chris McCarthy in a memo to MTV Entertainment Group staffers on Thursday, which can be read in full below.
Diaz will now serve as chief creative officer for unscripted entertainment and adult animation at Paramount Plus, while remaining Cco and president of content for MTV Entertainment Group. She will continue to report to McCarthy. In addition, Grant Gish’s role as head of adult animation is expanding to include Paramount Plus across series and movies, with Gish still reporting to Diaz.
Furthermore, Lily Neumeyer will now be head of development for unscripted entertainment for Paramount Plus and MTV Entertainment, while Tolani Holmes is being promoted to the new role of senior vice president for development of unscripted entertainment for Paramount Plus and MTV Entertainment.
Unscripted executives Ben Hurvitz,...
- 8/12/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Hulu released a trailer for the third and final season of “Shrill,” which premieres on May 7.
The third season finds Annie (played by Aidy Bryant) energized by new momentum at work and her breakup with dud boyfriend Ryan. In the trailer, Annie goes on dates and new adventures while finding her voice. The series stars Bryant, Lolly Adefope, Ian Owens, John Cameron Mitchell, E.R. Fightmaster and Patti Harrison.
“Shrill” is executive produced by Ali Rushfield, who also serves as showrunner, Aidy Bryant, Lindy West, Rob Klein, Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman, Lorne Michaels and Andrew Singer. The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television, Broadway Video, and Brownstone Productions. Warner Bros. Television serves as the international distributor.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
Apple TV Plus announced that “Lisey’s Story,” the limited thriller series based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, will debut on June...
The third season finds Annie (played by Aidy Bryant) energized by new momentum at work and her breakup with dud boyfriend Ryan. In the trailer, Annie goes on dates and new adventures while finding her voice. The series stars Bryant, Lolly Adefope, Ian Owens, John Cameron Mitchell, E.R. Fightmaster and Patti Harrison.
“Shrill” is executive produced by Ali Rushfield, who also serves as showrunner, Aidy Bryant, Lindy West, Rob Klein, Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman, Lorne Michaels and Andrew Singer. The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television, Broadway Video, and Brownstone Productions. Warner Bros. Television serves as the international distributor.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
Apple TV Plus announced that “Lisey’s Story,” the limited thriller series based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, will debut on June...
- 4/13/2021
- by Antonio Ferme and Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Double Shot at Love is returning to MTV for a third season.
The ViacomCBS cable network renewed the dating competition, which is produced by SallyAnn Salsano’s 495 Productions.
The third run of the spinoff of Tila Tequila’s Shot at Love format will air later this year and again will star Jersey Shore’s DJ Pauly D and Vinny Guadagnino. Pauly found love with Nikki in Season 2, which aired last year, and now the pair are looking to hook his friend Vinny up.
The show is produced by Todd Radnitz, Dan Caster, Diana Morelli and Salsano.
This comes as Salsano has had a busy year, shooting a slew of shows during the pandemic, scoring her first Discovery+ order and moving into new non-scripted genres.
Salsano told Deadline that she’s been “amazed” by what the non-scripted community has been able to achieve during Covid.
Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV...
The ViacomCBS cable network renewed the dating competition, which is produced by SallyAnn Salsano’s 495 Productions.
The third run of the spinoff of Tila Tequila’s Shot at Love format will air later this year and again will star Jersey Shore’s DJ Pauly D and Vinny Guadagnino. Pauly found love with Nikki in Season 2, which aired last year, and now the pair are looking to hook his friend Vinny up.
The show is produced by Todd Radnitz, Dan Caster, Diana Morelli and Salsano.
This comes as Salsano has had a busy year, shooting a slew of shows during the pandemic, scoring her first Discovery+ order and moving into new non-scripted genres.
Salsano told Deadline that she’s been “amazed” by what the non-scripted community has been able to achieve during Covid.
Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV...
- 4/13/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, VH1 revealed a first look at “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Vegas Rescue,” and Netflix released a trailer for Season 2 of “Trinkets.”
Dates
The third season of “Big Hero 6: The Series” will premiere Sept. 21 on Disney Xd and DisneyNow. The new season will feature two 11-minute stories and follow the Big Hero 6 team as they face off against Noodle Burger Boy, in order to save San Fransokyo. The Emmy-nominated series is voiced by K-pop stars Nichkhun Horvejkul and Jae Park, as well as guest stars Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Nichole Bloom. It is produced by Disney Television Animation.
Spectrum Originals announced the second season of “L.A.’s Finest” will premiere Sept. 9, and the eight-part crime drama “Temple” is set to premiere Oct. 26. In the new season of “L.A.’s Finest,” Syd Burnett (Gabrielle Union) mourns the loss of her friend, while Nancy McKenna (Jessica Alba) must...
Dates
The third season of “Big Hero 6: The Series” will premiere Sept. 21 on Disney Xd and DisneyNow. The new season will feature two 11-minute stories and follow the Big Hero 6 team as they face off against Noodle Burger Boy, in order to save San Fransokyo. The Emmy-nominated series is voiced by K-pop stars Nichkhun Horvejkul and Jae Park, as well as guest stars Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Nichole Bloom. It is produced by Disney Television Animation.
Spectrum Originals announced the second season of “L.A.’s Finest” will premiere Sept. 9, and the eight-part crime drama “Temple” is set to premiere Oct. 26. In the new season of “L.A.’s Finest,” Syd Burnett (Gabrielle Union) mourns the loss of her friend, while Nancy McKenna (Jessica Alba) must...
- 8/13/2020
- by Janet W. Lee
- Variety Film + TV
VH1 “Ru-vealed” today that the RuPaul Drag universe will continue to expand and slay with the new docuseries RuPaul’s Drag Race: Vegas Revue, which is set to premiere at 8 p.m. Friday, August 21. An extended first look will air during Friday the season finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 5.
The new series will follow six legendary drag queens in their professional and personal journeys as performers in RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! residency, which kicked off at the Flamingo Las Vegas in early 2020. The cast includes Season 11 winner Yvie Oddly, as well as fan favorites Asia O’Hara, Derrick Barry, Kameron Michaels, Naomi Smalls and Vanessa “Vanjie” Mateo.
The series will give a behind the scenes look at the Las Vegas strip stage show on and puts the spotlight on the queens as they slay the stage at the Flaming with their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.
Summer...
The new series will follow six legendary drag queens in their professional and personal journeys as performers in RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! residency, which kicked off at the Flamingo Las Vegas in early 2020. The cast includes Season 11 winner Yvie Oddly, as well as fan favorites Asia O’Hara, Derrick Barry, Kameron Michaels, Naomi Smalls and Vanessa “Vanjie” Mateo.
The series will give a behind the scenes look at the Las Vegas strip stage show on and puts the spotlight on the queens as they slay the stage at the Flaming with their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.
Summer...
- 7/22/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Prepare for the gayest thing to happen to Sin City since Friends gave us Viva Las Gaygas.
VH1 has given a series order to RuPaul’s Drag Race: Vegas Revue, a six-episode docuseries following the cast of the RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! residency, giving fans a look into “their professional and personal journeys as they take on Las Vegas.” The cast includes iconic queens Yvie Oddly, Asia O’Hara, Derrick Barry, Kameron Michaels, Naomi Smalls and Vanessa “Vanjie” Mateo. (Click here to see photos of the queens in all their shiny Vegas glory.)
More from TVLineRuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 5 Finale: Who Will Win?...
VH1 has given a series order to RuPaul’s Drag Race: Vegas Revue, a six-episode docuseries following the cast of the RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! residency, giving fans a look into “their professional and personal journeys as they take on Las Vegas.” The cast includes iconic queens Yvie Oddly, Asia O’Hara, Derrick Barry, Kameron Michaels, Naomi Smalls and Vanessa “Vanjie” Mateo. (Click here to see photos of the queens in all their shiny Vegas glory.)
More from TVLineRuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 5 Finale: Who Will Win?...
- 7/22/2020
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
The “Drag Race” parade just. Won’t. Stop!
For the third time this year, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is expanding its brand with a new series, “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Vegas Revue.” VH1 announced on Wednesday that the six-episode docuseries will follow six former “Drag Race” contestants as they prepare to launch the “RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!” show in Las Vegas.
The cast will include Yvie Oddly (Season 11 winner), Asia O’Hara (Season 10), Derrick Barry (Season 8 and Season 5 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars”), Kameron Michaels (Season 10), Naomi Smalls (Season 8 and Season 4 of “All Stars”), and Vanessa “Vanjie” Mateo (Season 10 and Season 11). As with all things “Drag Race,” World of Wonder Productions produced “Vegas Revue,” with Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, Danielle King, and RuPaul Charles as executive producers. Tim Palazzola and Todd Radnitz executive produced the show for VH1, with Jen Passovoy as producer.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!
For the third time this year, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is expanding its brand with a new series, “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Vegas Revue.” VH1 announced on Wednesday that the six-episode docuseries will follow six former “Drag Race” contestants as they prepare to launch the “RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!” show in Las Vegas.
The cast will include Yvie Oddly (Season 11 winner), Asia O’Hara (Season 10), Derrick Barry (Season 8 and Season 5 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars”), Kameron Michaels (Season 10), Naomi Smalls (Season 8 and Season 4 of “All Stars”), and Vanessa “Vanjie” Mateo (Season 10 and Season 11). As with all things “Drag Race,” World of Wonder Productions produced “Vegas Revue,” with Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, Danielle King, and RuPaul Charles as executive producers. Tim Palazzola and Todd Radnitz executive produced the show for VH1, with Jen Passovoy as producer.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!
- 7/22/2020
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
VH1 has ordered celebrity real estate docuseries “Love & Listings” starring Suge Jacob Knight, son of infamous hip-hop producer Suge Knight.
In eight one-hour episodes, the series explores the “glamorous and scandalous lives of Southern California’s young, ambitious real estate agents and their elite celebrity clientele,” per VH1.
Following the young Knight on his journey to becoming a real estate mogul while struggling with family relationships, the series features appearances from celebrities like Jermaine Dupri, Jordin Sparks, Amber Rose, Ray J, Brandy Norwood and Laz Alonso.
“I feel like my dad had bad communication. He didn’t know how to talk,” Knight says tearfully in the first-look trailer, which you can watch above. “I don’t wanna let my dad down… getting that real estate license and becoming the top real estate agent in L.A. is the first step to making my father proud.”
As of now, it’s...
In eight one-hour episodes, the series explores the “glamorous and scandalous lives of Southern California’s young, ambitious real estate agents and their elite celebrity clientele,” per VH1.
Following the young Knight on his journey to becoming a real estate mogul while struggling with family relationships, the series features appearances from celebrities like Jermaine Dupri, Jordin Sparks, Amber Rose, Ray J, Brandy Norwood and Laz Alonso.
“I feel like my dad had bad communication. He didn’t know how to talk,” Knight says tearfully in the first-look trailer, which you can watch above. “I don’t wanna let my dad down… getting that real estate license and becoming the top real estate agent in L.A. is the first step to making my father proud.”
As of now, it’s...
- 6/26/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Viacom’s Music Group, which comprises of MTV, VH1, Cmt and Logo, has tapped Mala Chapple and Todd Radnitz to join its executive team, Variety has learned.
Chapple will assume the position of Svp of content strategy, operations and media partnerships, while Todd Radnitz will be the company’s new Svp of original series.
“Mala and Todd are at the top of their game, with long track records of proven success,” said Nina L. Diaz, president of entertainment for Viacom’s Music Group. “As we develop more original hours on linear than ever before, and build on that momentum to deliver content across every platform, we’re fortunate to have these two enterprising leaders joining our team of all-stars.”
Chapple’s new role will involve working with Diaz and group president Chris McCarthy to help grow MTV Studios, as well as identify marketplace opportunities and form partnerships with streaming, direct-to-consumer and Svod platforms.
Chapple will assume the position of Svp of content strategy, operations and media partnerships, while Todd Radnitz will be the company’s new Svp of original series.
“Mala and Todd are at the top of their game, with long track records of proven success,” said Nina L. Diaz, president of entertainment for Viacom’s Music Group. “As we develop more original hours on linear than ever before, and build on that momentum to deliver content across every platform, we’re fortunate to have these two enterprising leaders joining our team of all-stars.”
Chapple’s new role will involve working with Diaz and group president Chris McCarthy to help grow MTV Studios, as well as identify marketplace opportunities and form partnerships with streaming, direct-to-consumer and Svod platforms.
- 4/25/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Viacom’s Music Group has added two new players. The unit that comprises MTV, VH1, Cmt and Logo has named Mala Chapple as Svp Content Strategy, Operations and Media Partnerships and Todd Radnitz as Svp Original Series.
Emmy-nommed and Peabody-winning producer Chapple will be instrumental in growing MTV Studios, working with Nina L. Diaz, President of Entertainment for Viacom’s Music Group, and Group President Chris McCarthy to identify marketplace opportunities and form partnerships with streaming, direct-to-consumer and Svod platforms.
Radnitz, an Emmy-nominated producer, showrunner and network executive based in Los Angeles, will be working with Diaz and Head of Development Lily Neumeyer to shepherd several new and returning series.
“Mala and Todd are at the top of their game, with long track records of proven success,” Diaz said. “As we develop more original hours on linear than ever before and build on that momentum to deliver content across every platform,...
Emmy-nommed and Peabody-winning producer Chapple will be instrumental in growing MTV Studios, working with Nina L. Diaz, President of Entertainment for Viacom’s Music Group, and Group President Chris McCarthy to identify marketplace opportunities and form partnerships with streaming, direct-to-consumer and Svod platforms.
Radnitz, an Emmy-nominated producer, showrunner and network executive based in Los Angeles, will be working with Diaz and Head of Development Lily Neumeyer to shepherd several new and returning series.
“Mala and Todd are at the top of their game, with long track records of proven success,” Diaz said. “As we develop more original hours on linear than ever before and build on that momentum to deliver content across every platform,...
- 4/25/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
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