The CW Network, in partnership with CBC, today announced it has renewed the hit series Wild Cards for an expanded 13-episode second season. The second season will debut on The CW in the U.S. and CBC in Canada in 2025.
The procedural, starring Vanessa Morgan (Riverdale) and Giacomo Gianniotti (Grey’s Anatomy), is the network’s #1 new series in 2024 in total audience viewing, according to Nielsen.
“We are thrilled to order a second season of The CW’s breakout series Wild Cards,” said Liz Wise Lyall, Head of Scripted Programming, The CW Network. “Wild Cards has clearly captured the imagination of our viewers thanks to exhilarating storytelling and the crackling chemistry between Vanessa and Giacomo.
“We are confident Wild Cards is the kind of smart and sexy blue-sky drama that could continually build its audience for years.”
“We are excited to team up with The CW again on Wild Cards to build on the first season,...
The procedural, starring Vanessa Morgan (Riverdale) and Giacomo Gianniotti (Grey’s Anatomy), is the network’s #1 new series in 2024 in total audience viewing, according to Nielsen.
“We are thrilled to order a second season of The CW’s breakout series Wild Cards,” said Liz Wise Lyall, Head of Scripted Programming, The CW Network. “Wild Cards has clearly captured the imagination of our viewers thanks to exhilarating storytelling and the crackling chemistry between Vanessa and Giacomo.
“We are confident Wild Cards is the kind of smart and sexy blue-sky drama that could continually build its audience for years.”
“We are excited to team up with The CW again on Wild Cards to build on the first season,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Updated with more signatories: Reaction continues to The Zone of Interest director Jonathan Glazer’s acceptance speech after his film won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film this month.
Some 1,215 Jewish show business professionals now have signed a letter denouncing the filmmaker’s speech, in which he decried the “dehumanization” of the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. See the updated full list below.
“We refute our Jewishness being hijacked for the purpose of drawing a moral equivalence between a Nazi regime that sought to exterminate a race of people, and an Israeli nation that seeks to avert its own extermination,” the letter states (read it in full in full below).
This list includes among its signatories Eli Roth and Amy Sherman-Palladino, Amy Pascal, Debra Messing, Gail Berman, Hawk Koch, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gary Barber, Lawrence Bender, Tovah Feldshuh and Rod Lurie.
You can watch Glazer’s speech here,...
Some 1,215 Jewish show business professionals now have signed a letter denouncing the filmmaker’s speech, in which he decried the “dehumanization” of the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. See the updated full list below.
“We refute our Jewishness being hijacked for the purpose of drawing a moral equivalence between a Nazi regime that sought to exterminate a race of people, and an Israeli nation that seeks to avert its own extermination,” the letter states (read it in full in full below).
This list includes among its signatories Eli Roth and Amy Sherman-Palladino, Amy Pascal, Debra Messing, Gail Berman, Hawk Koch, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gary Barber, Lawrence Bender, Tovah Feldshuh and Rod Lurie.
You can watch Glazer’s speech here,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Blink49 Studios Attaches Kristina Lauren Anderson, Remy Solomon & Natalie Krinsky To Upcoming Dramas
Exclusive: Kristina Lauren Anderson, Remy Solomon and producer Natalie Krinsky are getting in business with Canada’s Blink49 Studios.
Anderson has been attached to write If We Were Villains, the drama series John Morayniss’ Blink49 is co-producing with Sex Education maker Eleven, while Solomon will adapt Marissa Stapley’s novel Things To Do When It’s Raining. Natalie Krinsky has signed a non-writing executive producer deal for the latter.
Anderson will be adapting M.L. Rio’s book, which is billed as a “hauntingly suspenseful novel that follows seven young Shakespearean actors at an elite college where competition is fierce, rivalry is dangerous, and the line between life and art is dangerously thin.” When tragedy strikes in their final year and one dies, the others are forced to prove to the police — and themselves — that they are blameless. The book has sold more than...
Anderson has been attached to write If We Were Villains, the drama series John Morayniss’ Blink49 is co-producing with Sex Education maker Eleven, while Solomon will adapt Marissa Stapley’s novel Things To Do When It’s Raining. Natalie Krinsky has signed a non-writing executive producer deal for the latter.
Anderson will be adapting M.L. Rio’s book, which is billed as a “hauntingly suspenseful novel that follows seven young Shakespearean actors at an elite college where competition is fierce, rivalry is dangerous, and the line between life and art is dangerously thin.” When tragedy strikes in their final year and one dies, the others are forced to prove to the police — and themselves — that they are blameless. The book has sold more than...
- 11/29/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
“Bridgerton” star Charithra Chandran will headline the cast of “Arzu,” a drama series based on the sexy novel of the same name by Mumbai-based Riva Razdan.
Geetika Lizardi, whose writing credits include “Bridgerton,” “Mira, Royal Detective” and “Outsourced,” is attached to write and will also serve as showrunner. The project comes out of the first-look deal between Fifth Season-backed Blink49 Studios and Canadian entertainer, advocate, and bestselling author Lilly Singh’s Unicorn Island Productions.
“Arzu” follows a brilliant, young heiress who escapes scandal in Mumbai and lands in New York City. But while training to enter into glamorous Manhattan high society, Arzu risks throwing it all away for the adventure of living life on her own terms.
The series will be executive produced by Singh and Polly Auritt for Unicorn Island Productions, Carolyn Newman and Virginia Rankin for Blink49 Studios, Chandran and Lizardi.
Chandran said: “I’m delighted to be...
Geetika Lizardi, whose writing credits include “Bridgerton,” “Mira, Royal Detective” and “Outsourced,” is attached to write and will also serve as showrunner. The project comes out of the first-look deal between Fifth Season-backed Blink49 Studios and Canadian entertainer, advocate, and bestselling author Lilly Singh’s Unicorn Island Productions.
“Arzu” follows a brilliant, young heiress who escapes scandal in Mumbai and lands in New York City. But while training to enter into glamorous Manhattan high society, Arzu risks throwing it all away for the adventure of living life on her own terms.
The series will be executive produced by Singh and Polly Auritt for Unicorn Island Productions, Carolyn Newman and Virginia Rankin for Blink49 Studios, Chandran and Lizardi.
Chandran said: “I’m delighted to be...
- 11/27/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The CW is bulking up its roster of scripted series — and again looking north of the border for its two latest shows.
The Nexstar-owned broadcast network has ordered dramas titled Wild Cards and Sight Unseen, targeting both for premieres in 2024. Wild Cards, starring Riverdale alum Vanessa Morgan and Giacomo Gianniotti (Grey’s Anatomy, Reign), is a co-production between The CW and Canada’s CBC, while Sight Unseen is in partnership with Bell Media’s CTV. Both are produced by Blink49 Studios and Front Street Pictures; Sight Unseen is also produced by Sisters Troubetzkoy Productions.
“Wild Cards and Sight Unseen are two unique, binge-worthy shows that reflect The CW’s commitment to compelling, top-tier storytelling that will appeal to our loyal fans and attract a wide range of new viewers,” said Liz Wise Lyall, head of scripted programming at the network. “We are thrilled to collaborate with our partners at Blink49 Studios,...
The Nexstar-owned broadcast network has ordered dramas titled Wild Cards and Sight Unseen, targeting both for premieres in 2024. Wild Cards, starring Riverdale alum Vanessa Morgan and Giacomo Gianniotti (Grey’s Anatomy, Reign), is a co-production between The CW and Canada’s CBC, while Sight Unseen is in partnership with Bell Media’s CTV. Both are produced by Blink49 Studios and Front Street Pictures; Sight Unseen is also produced by Sisters Troubetzkoy Productions.
“Wild Cards and Sight Unseen are two unique, binge-worthy shows that reflect The CW’s commitment to compelling, top-tier storytelling that will appeal to our loyal fans and attract a wide range of new viewers,” said Liz Wise Lyall, head of scripted programming at the network. “We are thrilled to collaborate with our partners at Blink49 Studios,...
- 10/12/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The CW has ordered two new scripted dramas, the crime procedural “Wild Cards” and the detective drama “Sight Unseen.”
“Wild Cards” will see the return of CW stars Vanessa Morgan, known for her work on “Riverdale,” and Giacomo Gianniotti, known for “Reign,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “From Scratch.” As for “Sight Unseen,” the drama will star newcomer Dolly Lewis, “Dmz” star Agam Darshi, “The 100” star Jarod Joseph and Daniel Gillies, known for his work on “Virgin River” and “The Vampire Diaries.”
“’Wild Cards’ and ‘Sight Unseen’ are two unique, binge-worthy shows that reflect The CW’s commitment to compelling, top-tier storytelling that will appeal to our loyal fans and attract a wide range of new viewers,” head of scripted programming for The CW, Liz Wise Lyall, said in a statement.
Wise Lyall also noted that the network is “thrilled” to collaborate with Blink49 Studios, Front Street Pictures and Piller/Segan...
“Wild Cards” will see the return of CW stars Vanessa Morgan, known for her work on “Riverdale,” and Giacomo Gianniotti, known for “Reign,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “From Scratch.” As for “Sight Unseen,” the drama will star newcomer Dolly Lewis, “Dmz” star Agam Darshi, “The 100” star Jarod Joseph and Daniel Gillies, known for his work on “Virgin River” and “The Vampire Diaries.”
“’Wild Cards’ and ‘Sight Unseen’ are two unique, binge-worthy shows that reflect The CW’s commitment to compelling, top-tier storytelling that will appeal to our loyal fans and attract a wide range of new viewers,” head of scripted programming for The CW, Liz Wise Lyall, said in a statement.
Wise Lyall also noted that the network is “thrilled” to collaborate with Blink49 Studios, Front Street Pictures and Piller/Segan...
- 10/12/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
The CW has ordered two scripted series set to premiere in the fall of 2024: crime-solving dramas “Wild Cards” and “Sight Unseen.”
“Wild Cards” is a procedural starring two alumni of the CW: Vanessa Morgan (“Riverdale”) and Giacomo Gianniotti (“Reign”). Ellis (Giannioti) is a gruff, sardonic cop demoted from his role as a detective fown to the maritime unit, while Max (Morgan) is a spirited, clever con woman living a transient life and scamming everyone she meets. When Max gets arrested and ends up helping Ellis solve a local crime, the two are offered the opportunity to redeem themselves, with Ellis going back to detective and Max staying out of jail if they can learn to trust each other and work together.
Michael Konyves created “Wild Cards” and executive produces alongside pilot director James Genn, Shawn Piller, Lloyd Segan, and writers Alexandra Zarowny, James Thorpe, Noelle Carbone and Morwyn Brebner,...
“Wild Cards” is a procedural starring two alumni of the CW: Vanessa Morgan (“Riverdale”) and Giacomo Gianniotti (“Reign”). Ellis (Giannioti) is a gruff, sardonic cop demoted from his role as a detective fown to the maritime unit, while Max (Morgan) is a spirited, clever con woman living a transient life and scamming everyone she meets. When Max gets arrested and ends up helping Ellis solve a local crime, the two are offered the opportunity to redeem themselves, with Ellis going back to detective and Max staying out of jail if they can learn to trust each other and work together.
Michael Konyves created “Wild Cards” and executive produces alongside pilot director James Genn, Shawn Piller, Lloyd Segan, and writers Alexandra Zarowny, James Thorpe, Noelle Carbone and Morwyn Brebner,...
- 10/12/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Blink49 Studios has signed Fifth Season exec Mal Stares as Senior VP, Global Scripted.
Fifth Season is a Blink49 backer and Stares had been working with her new boss Carolyn Newman prior to the appointment to the newly-created role.
She will work across the development and production of Blink49’s current and upcoming slate of scripted content spanning drama and comedy, while linking with creators, authors, writers, producers and broadcasters. Blink49’s slate includes Hallmark’s rodeo-themed family drama series Ride, CTV’s Sight Unseen from Sisters Troubetzkoy Productions and an adaptation of upcoming novel Hold My Girl, amongst others.
At Fifth Season (formerly Endeavor Content), Stares was Vice President of International TV production, leading the company’s expansion into Australia, New Zealand and Canada. During her tenure, she sold Amazon Prime Video’s first Australian original series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart starring Sigourney Weaver, played a role...
Fifth Season is a Blink49 backer and Stares had been working with her new boss Carolyn Newman prior to the appointment to the newly-created role.
She will work across the development and production of Blink49’s current and upcoming slate of scripted content spanning drama and comedy, while linking with creators, authors, writers, producers and broadcasters. Blink49’s slate includes Hallmark’s rodeo-themed family drama series Ride, CTV’s Sight Unseen from Sisters Troubetzkoy Productions and an adaptation of upcoming novel Hold My Girl, amongst others.
At Fifth Season (formerly Endeavor Content), Stares was Vice President of International TV production, leading the company’s expansion into Australia, New Zealand and Canada. During her tenure, she sold Amazon Prime Video’s first Australian original series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart starring Sigourney Weaver, played a role...
- 5/19/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
John Morayniss’ Blink49 Studios and Sex Education producer Eleven are working up a series adaptation of author M.L. Rio’s novel If We Were Villains.
The book, a suspenseful thriller set in an exclusive arts conservatory, has sold more than 180,000 copies in English since publishing in 2017 and is available in 14 languages.
If We Were Villains follows seven young Shakespearean actors at an elite college where competition is fierce, rivalry is dangerous, and the line between life and art is dangerously thin. When tragedy strikes in their final year and one turns up dead, the others face their greatest acting challenge yet: persuading the police, and themselves, that they are blameless.
Canada-headquarted Blink49 and the UK’s Eleven will co-produce, with Executive Producers Jamie Campbell executive producer and Jennifer Pick the co-executive producer for Eleven. Carolyn Newman and Virginia Rankin of Blink49 Studios are also exec producers, along with Rio,...
The book, a suspenseful thriller set in an exclusive arts conservatory, has sold more than 180,000 copies in English since publishing in 2017 and is available in 14 languages.
If We Were Villains follows seven young Shakespearean actors at an elite college where competition is fierce, rivalry is dangerous, and the line between life and art is dangerously thin. When tragedy strikes in their final year and one turns up dead, the others face their greatest acting challenge yet: persuading the police, and themselves, that they are blameless.
Canada-headquarted Blink49 and the UK’s Eleven will co-produce, with Executive Producers Jamie Campbell executive producer and Jennifer Pick the co-executive producer for Eleven. Carolyn Newman and Virginia Rankin of Blink49 Studios are also exec producers, along with Rio,...
- 9/27/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Lilly Singh has struck a long-term pact with John Morayniss’ Blink49 Studios and Canada’s Bell Media.
The Muppets Mayhem star’s Unicorn Island Productions will forge shows with the two producers in a first-look global scripted and second look non-scripted deal, focusing on showcasing underrepresented communities.
Singh is best known for hosting NBC late-night series A Little Late with Lilly Singh between 2019 and 2021.
The projects will be spearheaded by Singh and Polly Auritt, Head of Development at Unicorn Island Productions, as well as Carolyn Newman, Executive Vice President, Global Scripted and Virginia Rankin, Executive Producer for Blink49 Studios. Projects developed under the pact will be executive produced by Singh, Auritt, Newman and Rankin with Blink49 Studios handling production and worldwide distribution.
Singh described Canadian outfits Blink49 and Bell Media as “likeminded champions of underrepresented voices,” adding: “With their support, I’m looking forward to bringing compelling and inclusive stories to audiences around the world.
The Muppets Mayhem star’s Unicorn Island Productions will forge shows with the two producers in a first-look global scripted and second look non-scripted deal, focusing on showcasing underrepresented communities.
Singh is best known for hosting NBC late-night series A Little Late with Lilly Singh between 2019 and 2021.
The projects will be spearheaded by Singh and Polly Auritt, Head of Development at Unicorn Island Productions, as well as Carolyn Newman, Executive Vice President, Global Scripted and Virginia Rankin, Executive Producer for Blink49 Studios. Projects developed under the pact will be executive produced by Singh, Auritt, Newman and Rankin with Blink49 Studios handling production and worldwide distribution.
Singh described Canadian outfits Blink49 and Bell Media as “likeminded champions of underrepresented voices,” adding: “With their support, I’m looking forward to bringing compelling and inclusive stories to audiences around the world.
- 7/20/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
As Lilly Singh turns her attention to TV comedies after her NBC late night show ended, the Canadian entertainer has also signed a first look scripted deal with Blink49 Studios and Bell Media.
The pact includes a second look unscripted deal with Singh’s Unicorn Island Productions banner. She earlier signed a first-look producing deal with NBCUniversal’s Universal Television Alternative Studio to develop unscripted projects for that company.
Blink49 and Bell Media will look to create TV content that spotlights underrepresented communities with Singh and Polly Auritt, head of development at Unicorn Island Productions.
“I am thrilled to be collaborating with Blink49 Studios and Bell Media since they are likeminded champions of underrepresented voices. With their support, I’m looking forward to bringing compelling and inclusive stories to audiences around the world,” Singh said in a statement.
Projects developed under the pact...
As Lilly Singh turns her attention to TV comedies after her NBC late night show ended, the Canadian entertainer has also signed a first look scripted deal with Blink49 Studios and Bell Media.
The pact includes a second look unscripted deal with Singh’s Unicorn Island Productions banner. She earlier signed a first-look producing deal with NBCUniversal’s Universal Television Alternative Studio to develop unscripted projects for that company.
Blink49 and Bell Media will look to create TV content that spotlights underrepresented communities with Singh and Polly Auritt, head of development at Unicorn Island Productions.
“I am thrilled to be collaborating with Blink49 Studios and Bell Media since they are likeminded champions of underrepresented voices. With their support, I’m looking forward to bringing compelling and inclusive stories to audiences around the world,” Singh said in a statement.
Projects developed under the pact...
- 7/20/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Canadian YouTuber and former late night star Lilly Singh has partnered with Blink49 Studios and Bell Media on a unique first-look global scripted and second-look unscripted deal under her Unicorn Island Productions banner.
Under the deal, Singh and Unicorn’s head of development, Polly Auritt, will focus on creating and producing television content that showcases underrepresented communities. Projects created under the pact will be executive produced by Singh and Auritt along with Carolyn Newman, executive VP of global scripted at Bell Media, and Virginia Rankin, executive producer for Blink49 Studios.
Singh, a Scarborough, Ont. native, is also known by her YouTube name Superwoman and has more than 38 million followers across her social media platforms. She is a judge on Rogers Media’s “Canada’s Got Talent,” and is coming off two seasons of her late night series, “A Little Late With Lilly Singh,” which aired until summer 2021 on NBC. Up...
Under the deal, Singh and Unicorn’s head of development, Polly Auritt, will focus on creating and producing television content that showcases underrepresented communities. Projects created under the pact will be executive produced by Singh and Auritt along with Carolyn Newman, executive VP of global scripted at Bell Media, and Virginia Rankin, executive producer for Blink49 Studios.
Singh, a Scarborough, Ont. native, is also known by her YouTube name Superwoman and has more than 38 million followers across her social media platforms. She is a judge on Rogers Media’s “Canada’s Got Talent,” and is coming off two seasons of her late night series, “A Little Late With Lilly Singh,” which aired until summer 2021 on NBC. Up...
- 7/20/2022
- by Amber Dowling
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran producer Sabrina Wind has joined Will Packer Media as Head of Scripted Television and Production. Reporting to Alix Baudin, President of Will Packer Media, Wind will lead development and production for the company’s television projects, working closely with show creators, writers, and producers. She fills a position that has been vacant since Carolyn Newman left last fall.
“I truly believe the key to success in today’s content landscape is working with Executives who have a specific understanding of audience’s tastes and a keen ability to execute on them. Sabrina is that Exec, and her reputation as someone who delivers is unmatched,” said Will Packer Media founder Will Packer.
Added Baudin, “Sabrina is a highly regarded creative executive with a successful track record in developing and producing great stories. We are thrilled to have Sabrina join the Wpm team.”
Wind most recently ran her own production company,...
“I truly believe the key to success in today’s content landscape is working with Executives who have a specific understanding of audience’s tastes and a keen ability to execute on them. Sabrina is that Exec, and her reputation as someone who delivers is unmatched,” said Will Packer Media founder Will Packer.
Added Baudin, “Sabrina is a highly regarded creative executive with a successful track record in developing and producing great stories. We are thrilled to have Sabrina join the Wpm team.”
Wind most recently ran her own production company,...
- 7/14/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: John Morayniss’ Blink49 Studios has struck an overall deal with The Walking Dead: World Beyond co-exec producer Ben Sokolowski.
The deal is the second of its type from the nascent Canadian studio over the past months after it tied with Lucifer exec Sheri Elwood in March.
Sokolowski, whose credits also include The Flash and Cloverfield, will develop shows with Blink49 as a non-writing executive producer. He is the co-exec of AMC Walking Dead spin-off The Walking Dead: World Beyond and has written four episodes.
Sokolowski’s first development project under the deal is Breakers from Netflix’s 21 Thunder co-creator Riley Adams.
Breakers follows three young surfers from Vancouver Island who dream of big-wave glory but one goes missing. When the police refuse to act, the other two must take it upon themselves, plunging into the island’s criminal waters.
Founded by Morayniss, Patrick Theroux, Nelson Kuo-Lee and Jeff Lynas last year,...
The deal is the second of its type from the nascent Canadian studio over the past months after it tied with Lucifer exec Sheri Elwood in March.
Sokolowski, whose credits also include The Flash and Cloverfield, will develop shows with Blink49 as a non-writing executive producer. He is the co-exec of AMC Walking Dead spin-off The Walking Dead: World Beyond and has written four episodes.
Sokolowski’s first development project under the deal is Breakers from Netflix’s 21 Thunder co-creator Riley Adams.
Breakers follows three young surfers from Vancouver Island who dream of big-wave glory but one goes missing. When the police refuse to act, the other two must take it upon themselves, plunging into the island’s criminal waters.
Founded by Morayniss, Patrick Theroux, Nelson Kuo-Lee and Jeff Lynas last year,...
- 6/13/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Hallmark Channel has an exciting new original series in the works.
The cabler on Monday announced a series order for Ride, an all-new, original primetime series set to begin production this summer in Calgary, Alberta in Canada.
The series will premiere on Hallmark Channel in 2023 and is co-produced by Endeavor Content-backed Blink49 Studios and Seven24 Films, in partnership with Bell Media for CTV Drama Channel in Canada.
The series is based on an original script by husband and wife writing team Rebecca Boss & Chris Masi, who along with Sherri Cooper-Landsman are showrunners and executive producers.
The series is described as "a multigenerational family ensemble following the lives of the Murrays, part of a rodeo dynasty going back a generation, as they struggle to keep their beloved ranch afloat."
"After a tragic loss, each character embarks on an empowering journey of transformation and self-discovery while also uncovering a twisted web of secrets,...
The cabler on Monday announced a series order for Ride, an all-new, original primetime series set to begin production this summer in Calgary, Alberta in Canada.
The series will premiere on Hallmark Channel in 2023 and is co-produced by Endeavor Content-backed Blink49 Studios and Seven24 Films, in partnership with Bell Media for CTV Drama Channel in Canada.
The series is based on an original script by husband and wife writing team Rebecca Boss & Chris Masi, who along with Sherri Cooper-Landsman are showrunners and executive producers.
The series is described as "a multigenerational family ensemble following the lives of the Murrays, part of a rodeo dynasty going back a generation, as they struggle to keep their beloved ranch afloat."
"After a tragic loss, each character embarks on an empowering journey of transformation and self-discovery while also uncovering a twisted web of secrets,...
- 6/13/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Exclusive: Saddle up, Hallmark fans: the channel has greenlit Ride, an original primetime series about a rodeo dynasty.
Set to premiere in 2023, Ride is described as a multigenerational family drama that follows the lives of the Murrays as they struggle to keep their beloved ranch afloat. Here’s the logline: “After a tragic loss, each character embarks on an empowering journey of transformation and self-discovery while also uncovering a twisted web of secrets, threatening to tear the family and their small Colorado town apart at the seams. Emotions run high and clashes are common in the complicated Murray clan, but they are a tight-knit group who don’t give up easily. And the three strong women of the family – widowed rodeo queen Missy, matriarch Isabel, and former teen run-away Valeria – resolve to stand strong against all challenges and save their land, come what may.”
Production on Ride is set to begin this summer in Calgary,...
Set to premiere in 2023, Ride is described as a multigenerational family drama that follows the lives of the Murrays as they struggle to keep their beloved ranch afloat. Here’s the logline: “After a tragic loss, each character embarks on an empowering journey of transformation and self-discovery while also uncovering a twisted web of secrets, threatening to tear the family and their small Colorado town apart at the seams. Emotions run high and clashes are common in the complicated Murray clan, but they are a tight-knit group who don’t give up easily. And the three strong women of the family – widowed rodeo queen Missy, matriarch Isabel, and former teen run-away Valeria – resolve to stand strong against all challenges and save their land, come what may.”
Production on Ride is set to begin this summer in Calgary,...
- 6/13/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Rebranding
Germany’s Leonine Studios has rebranded its television subsidiary Odeon Entertainment as Madame Zheng Production to reflect its primary focus of “equality and diversity in every aspect of the production business, both in front of and behind the camera.” Tina Wagner, previously producer and executive producer at RedSeven Entertainment, and Nina Etspüler, co-head of entertainment at Leonine Studios, are joining the management team and will lead the company under Wagner’s direction along with Martin Schneider, Odeon Entertainment’s long-standing managing director.
Fred Kogel, CEO and co-head of entertainment at Leonine Studios, said: “Ever since Nina Etspüler joined Leonine in Jan. 2021, we have jointly pursued the goal of establishing a production brand that advocates for equality and diversity in front of and behind the camera, in order to firmly anchor these themes, which are essential for Leonine Studios, in the production market. The entertainment sector in Germany, in particular,...
Germany’s Leonine Studios has rebranded its television subsidiary Odeon Entertainment as Madame Zheng Production to reflect its primary focus of “equality and diversity in every aspect of the production business, both in front of and behind the camera.” Tina Wagner, previously producer and executive producer at RedSeven Entertainment, and Nina Etspüler, co-head of entertainment at Leonine Studios, are joining the management team and will lead the company under Wagner’s direction along with Martin Schneider, Odeon Entertainment’s long-standing managing director.
Fred Kogel, CEO and co-head of entertainment at Leonine Studios, said: “Ever since Nina Etspüler joined Leonine in Jan. 2021, we have jointly pursued the goal of establishing a production brand that advocates for equality and diversity in front of and behind the camera, in order to firmly anchor these themes, which are essential for Leonine Studios, in the production market. The entertainment sector in Germany, in particular,...
- 3/15/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Blink49 Studios To Adapt ‘Things To Do When It’s Raining’
John Morayniss’ Blink49 Studios has picked up the rights to New York Times bestselling author Marissa Stapley’s romantic drama Things To Do When It’s Raining. The novel, Stapley’s second, is set in Canada’s 1,000 Islands and centers around a woman who is driven by deception and despair to return home from the city to her grandparent’s inn. There, she encounters Gabe, the island-dwelling boy who was her companion as a child and her first love as a teenage girl, but then disappeared from her life without a trace. In-house Blink49 execs Virginia Rankin and Carolyn Newman will exec produce for the newly-formed Endeavor Content-backed studio, which was founded by former eOne TV Chief Morayniss, Patrick Theroux, Jeff Lynas and Nelson Kuo-Lee. Stapley said: “Carolyn Newman and Virginia Rankin’s passion for a book so dear...
John Morayniss’ Blink49 Studios has picked up the rights to New York Times bestselling author Marissa Stapley’s romantic drama Things To Do When It’s Raining. The novel, Stapley’s second, is set in Canada’s 1,000 Islands and centers around a woman who is driven by deception and despair to return home from the city to her grandparent’s inn. There, she encounters Gabe, the island-dwelling boy who was her companion as a child and her first love as a teenage girl, but then disappeared from her life without a trace. In-house Blink49 execs Virginia Rankin and Carolyn Newman will exec produce for the newly-formed Endeavor Content-backed studio, which was founded by former eOne TV Chief Morayniss, Patrick Theroux, Jeff Lynas and Nelson Kuo-Lee. Stapley said: “Carolyn Newman and Virginia Rankin’s passion for a book so dear...
- 3/15/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lucifer exec producer Sheri Elwood has struck a first-look deal with Blink49 Studios, the Endeavor Content-backed studio founded by John Morayniss.
It marks the first showrunner deal for the company, which was founded by the former eOne Television chief and a cadre of former colleagues last year.
Elwood exec produced Fox’s Lucifer as well as ABC’s Whiskey Cavalier and CBC drama Moonshine and she created Jason Priestley’s Canadian comedy drama Call Me Fitz that Morayniss was one of the exec producers of.
She will develop scripted series across broadcast, cable and streaming.
It comes as the company has rebranded slightly from Blink Studios to Blink49 Studios. Current projects for the nascent producer including an adaptation of Charlene Carr’s Hold My Girl, with Snowfall producer Groundswell Productions’ Michael London and Shannon Gaulding set to exec produce.
The deal was brokered by Amanda Burnett of UTA, Leg...
It marks the first showrunner deal for the company, which was founded by the former eOne Television chief and a cadre of former colleagues last year.
Elwood exec produced Fox’s Lucifer as well as ABC’s Whiskey Cavalier and CBC drama Moonshine and she created Jason Priestley’s Canadian comedy drama Call Me Fitz that Morayniss was one of the exec producers of.
She will develop scripted series across broadcast, cable and streaming.
It comes as the company has rebranded slightly from Blink Studios to Blink49 Studios. Current projects for the nascent producer including an adaptation of Charlene Carr’s Hold My Girl, with Snowfall producer Groundswell Productions’ Michael London and Shannon Gaulding set to exec produce.
The deal was brokered by Amanda Burnett of UTA, Leg...
- 3/3/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Adaptation
Blink Studios, the new content venture from Endeavor Content, has acquired the rights to Canadian author Charlene Carr’s next novel “Hold My Girl” and will adapt the book as a series. Blink Studios will serve as the studio for the production, the company’s first since launching in November of last year.
In the book, two women discover that more than a year ago their eggs were switched during IVF, meaning that one has been raising another woman’s child while the other suffered through a devastating stillborn pregnancy of a child that wasn’t hers. Semi-autobiographical, Carr, a Black woman, gave birth to a visibly white child after IVF and the residual fears that one day a mix-up would be discovered and she would learn her daughter wasn’t her biological child.
Executive producing the series adaptation are Oscar and Primetime Emmy nominated producer Michael London and...
Blink Studios, the new content venture from Endeavor Content, has acquired the rights to Canadian author Charlene Carr’s next novel “Hold My Girl” and will adapt the book as a series. Blink Studios will serve as the studio for the production, the company’s first since launching in November of last year.
In the book, two women discover that more than a year ago their eggs were switched during IVF, meaning that one has been raising another woman’s child while the other suffered through a devastating stillborn pregnancy of a child that wasn’t hers. Semi-autobiographical, Carr, a Black woman, gave birth to a visibly white child after IVF and the residual fears that one day a mix-up would be discovered and she would learn her daughter wasn’t her biological child.
Executive producing the series adaptation are Oscar and Primetime Emmy nominated producer Michael London and...
- 1/20/2022
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
‘Animals’ And ‘Black Pond’ Producer Sarah Brocklehurst Launches UK Studio; Ties With BBC Studios
BAFTA-nominated Black Pond and Animals producer Sarah Brocklehurst has launched a production company and struck a partnership deal with BBC Studios. BBC Studios will help develop, produce and distribute Brock Media’s content, which will include TV and film projects for global audiences. BBC Studios has the option to take an equity stake further down the line, having invested in several drama indies recently such as Brexit: The Uncivil War’s House Productions and The End Of The F***ing World’s Clerkenwell Films. Brocklehurst’s Animals was nominated for two BIFAs and she previously picked up an Outstanding Debut BAFTA nom for 2012’s Black Pond. She has hired former ITV and Big Talk exec Katie Brown as Head of Development, Empress Films’ Rohina Cameron-Perera as Associate Producer and Film4’s Mélys Codo as Development Executive.
BAFTA-nominated Black Pond and Animals producer Sarah Brocklehurst has launched a production company and struck a partnership deal with BBC Studios. BBC Studios will help develop, produce and distribute Brock Media’s content, which will include TV and film projects for global audiences. BBC Studios has the option to take an equity stake further down the line, having invested in several drama indies recently such as Brexit: The Uncivil War’s House Productions and The End Of The F***ing World’s Clerkenwell Films. Brocklehurst’s Animals was nominated for two BIFAs and she previously picked up an Outstanding Debut BAFTA nom for 2012’s Black Pond. She has hired former ITV and Big Talk exec Katie Brown as Head of Development, Empress Films’ Rohina Cameron-Perera as Associate Producer and Film4’s Mélys Codo as Development Executive.
- 1/20/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video announced the upcoming series “As We See It” will premiere all eight episodes on Jan. 21, 2022 and released a trailer for it.
The series follows 20-something roommates — Jack (Rick Glassman), Harrison (Albert Rutecki) and Violet (Sue Ann Pien), who are on the autism spectrum — as they strive to get jobs, make friends and fall in love. The trailer features each of the roommates tackling their goals, with the help of family and friends along the way. “I think you are such a beautiful person that you shouldn’t have to hide who you are,” says their aide Mandy (Sosie Bacon) to Jack. “That makes me want to throw up,” he responds.
The series also stars Chris Pang as Violet’s brother Van and Joe Mantegna as Jack’s father Lou. Writer Jason Katim executive produces with Jeni Mulein, Danna Stern, Dana Idisis, Yuval Shafferman and Udi Segal. Jesse Peretz...
The series follows 20-something roommates — Jack (Rick Glassman), Harrison (Albert Rutecki) and Violet (Sue Ann Pien), who are on the autism spectrum — as they strive to get jobs, make friends and fall in love. The trailer features each of the roommates tackling their goals, with the help of family and friends along the way. “I think you are such a beautiful person that you shouldn’t have to hide who you are,” says their aide Mandy (Sosie Bacon) to Jack. “That makes me want to throw up,” he responds.
The series also stars Chris Pang as Violet’s brother Van and Joe Mantegna as Jack’s father Lou. Writer Jason Katim executive produces with Jeni Mulein, Danna Stern, Dana Idisis, Yuval Shafferman and Udi Segal. Jesse Peretz...
- 11/22/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano and Katie Song
- Variety Film + TV
Former Netflix Director of Original Series Carolyn Newman has joined John Morayniss’ fledgling Canadian production venture Blink Studios, with Transplant exec Virginia Rankin also signed as In-House Exec.
Newman starts next week as EVP, Global Scripted, joining from Will Packer Media where she has spent the past year heading up scripted TV and production, selling five shows in development to both streamers and broadcasters.
She is a former Netflix Director of Original Series, where she developed 17 original titles such as Clickbait, The Serpent and Echoes.
Based in LA and reporting to Morayniss, Newman will focus on development of scripted content, working closely with Toronto-based Rankin, whose focus will be on new and diverse voices in Canada and internationally. Rankin’s exec credits include CTV/NBC’s Transplant, CTV police drama 19-2 and Netflix’s Bad Blood.
Former eOne Television Chief Morayniss revealed he was launching Blink Studios earlier this month...
Newman starts next week as EVP, Global Scripted, joining from Will Packer Media where she has spent the past year heading up scripted TV and production, selling five shows in development to both streamers and broadcasters.
She is a former Netflix Director of Original Series, where she developed 17 original titles such as Clickbait, The Serpent and Echoes.
Based in LA and reporting to Morayniss, Newman will focus on development of scripted content, working closely with Toronto-based Rankin, whose focus will be on new and diverse voices in Canada and internationally. Rankin’s exec credits include CTV/NBC’s Transplant, CTV police drama 19-2 and Netflix’s Bad Blood.
Former eOne Television Chief Morayniss revealed he was launching Blink Studios earlier this month...
- 11/22/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Blink Studios, backed by Endeavor Content, has hired former Netflix and Will Packer Media exec Carolyn Newman as executive vp of global scripted, while Virginia Rankin has been named executive producer.
The indie studio recently launched by CEO John Morayniss and other former eOne execs has set Los Angeles-based Newman to focus on developing scripted content. While at the Night School producer Will Packer Media, Newman was head of scripted TV and production, and before that was director of original series for Netflix where her credits included Clickbait, The Serpent, Echoes, Partner Track, Anatomy of a Scandal and Feel Good.
Newman also completed executive ...
The indie studio recently launched by CEO John Morayniss and other former eOne execs has set Los Angeles-based Newman to focus on developing scripted content. While at the Night School producer Will Packer Media, Newman was head of scripted TV and production, and before that was director of original series for Netflix where her credits included Clickbait, The Serpent, Echoes, Partner Track, Anatomy of a Scandal and Feel Good.
Newman also completed executive ...
- 11/22/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Netflix and Mattel released a trailer for “Masters of the Universe: Revelation,” premiering on July 23.
The streamer also announced that joining the voice over cast are Dennis Haysbert as King Grayskull, Adam Gifford as Vikor and Jay Tavare as Wundar.
The action-packed animated series picks up where the iconic “Masters of the Universe” characters left off decades ago. After a battle between He-Man and Skeletor, Eternia is fractured and the Guardians of Grayskull have dispersed, leaving Teela to reunite the broken band of heroes, solve the mystery of the missing Sword of Power and save the universe.
Part 1 premieres with five 30-minute episodes. Showrunner Kevin Smith executive produces alongside Frederic Soulie, Adam Bonnett, Christopher Keenan and Rob David. From Mattel Television, the series is produced by Susan Corbin and written by Marc Bernardin, Eric Carrasco, Diya Mishra and Tim Sheridan.
Watch the trailer below.
Also in today’s TV news...
The streamer also announced that joining the voice over cast are Dennis Haysbert as King Grayskull, Adam Gifford as Vikor and Jay Tavare as Wundar.
The action-packed animated series picks up where the iconic “Masters of the Universe” characters left off decades ago. After a battle between He-Man and Skeletor, Eternia is fractured and the Guardians of Grayskull have dispersed, leaving Teela to reunite the broken band of heroes, solve the mystery of the missing Sword of Power and save the universe.
Part 1 premieres with five 30-minute episodes. Showrunner Kevin Smith executive produces alongside Frederic Soulie, Adam Bonnett, Christopher Keenan and Rob David. From Mattel Television, the series is produced by Susan Corbin and written by Marc Bernardin, Eric Carrasco, Diya Mishra and Tim Sheridan.
Watch the trailer below.
Also in today’s TV news...
- 7/2/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Nickelodeon has rounded out the cast for That Girl Lay Lay, its new live-action comedy series starring teen hip-hop artist Alaya “That Girl Lay Lay” High, slated to premiere later this year.
Joining High are Gabrielle Nevaeh Green as Sadie; Peyton Perrine III (Funny Married Stuff) as Sadie’s brother, Marky; Tiffany Daniels as Sadie’s mom, Trish; Thomas Hobson as Sadie’s dad, Bryce; and Caleb Brown as Lay Lay and Sadie’s classmate, Jeremy.
Created by David A. Arnold, in That Girl Lay Lay, phone avatar Lay Lay is the perfect hype girl and best friend that anyone could ever want from their personal affirmation app. Struggling to make her mark at school and needing a best friend to talk to,...
Joining High are Gabrielle Nevaeh Green as Sadie; Peyton Perrine III (Funny Married Stuff) as Sadie’s brother, Marky; Tiffany Daniels as Sadie’s mom, Trish; Thomas Hobson as Sadie’s dad, Bryce; and Caleb Brown as Lay Lay and Sadie’s classmate, Jeremy.
Created by David A. Arnold, in That Girl Lay Lay, phone avatar Lay Lay is the perfect hype girl and best friend that anyone could ever want from their personal affirmation app. Struggling to make her mark at school and needing a best friend to talk to,...
- 7/2/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Packer’s production company and Red Arrow Studios’ Kinetic Content have secured the film and television rights to “Seven Days in June,” a bestselling romance novel by Tia Williams. Will Packer Media and Kinetic will adapt the novel, a June selection by Reese Witherspoon’s book club, for the small screen.
The novel follows Eva Mercy, a successful erotica author and the daughter she’s raising on her own in Brooklyn. Unbeknownst to Eva, the love of her life is about to return— and she hasn’t seen him since their affair ended abruptly, fifteen years ago.
“Every so often I get to engage in a project that I am absolutely sure will be a game-changer. This is that project. ‘Seven Days in June’ is provocative, timely and wildly entertaining,” Packer said in a statement. “The sexiness, the intensity, the unashamed Blackness makes this an ideal project for us at Team Packer.
The novel follows Eva Mercy, a successful erotica author and the daughter she’s raising on her own in Brooklyn. Unbeknownst to Eva, the love of her life is about to return— and she hasn’t seen him since their affair ended abruptly, fifteen years ago.
“Every so often I get to engage in a project that I am absolutely sure will be a game-changer. This is that project. ‘Seven Days in June’ is provocative, timely and wildly entertaining,” Packer said in a statement. “The sexiness, the intensity, the unashamed Blackness makes this an ideal project for us at Team Packer.
- 6/10/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
In a competitive situation involving multiple bidders, Will Packer Media and Kinetic Content, a Red Arrow Studios company, have secured the rights to Tia Williams’ novel, Seven Days in June to adapt for television.
The book, just released June 8 by Grand Central Publishing, debuted on The New York Times Best Seller Fiction list.
A seductive romance about star-crossed lovers, the novel follows Eva Mercy, a successful erotica author and the daughter she’s raising on her own in Brooklyn. Unbeknownst to Eva, the love of her life is about to return — and she hasn’t see him since their affair ended abruptly, fifteen years ago.
Chris Coelen, CEO of Kinetic Content along with President and Partner Melissa Myers will team up with producer Will Packer and Carolyn Newman, Head of Will Packer Media Scripted Television, to adapt the novel for television and executive produce the project. Williams also will executive produce.
The book, just released June 8 by Grand Central Publishing, debuted on The New York Times Best Seller Fiction list.
A seductive romance about star-crossed lovers, the novel follows Eva Mercy, a successful erotica author and the daughter she’s raising on her own in Brooklyn. Unbeknownst to Eva, the love of her life is about to return — and she hasn’t see him since their affair ended abruptly, fifteen years ago.
Chris Coelen, CEO of Kinetic Content along with President and Partner Melissa Myers will team up with producer Will Packer and Carolyn Newman, Head of Will Packer Media Scripted Television, to adapt the novel for television and executive produce the project. Williams also will executive produce.
- 6/10/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Author Tia Williams’ recent bestseller Seven Days in June is getting the adaptation treatment. Will Packer Media and Kinetic Content, a Red Arrow Studios company, have secured the rights to adapt Williams’ novel for television.
Chris Coelen, CEO of Kinetic Content along with President and Partner Melissa Myers will team up with Packer and Carolyn Newman, Head of Will Packer Media Scripted Television, to executive produce the project. Williams will also executive produce.
“Every so often I get to engage in a project that I am absolutely sure will be a game changer. This is that project,” said Packer. “Seven ...
Chris Coelen, CEO of Kinetic Content along with President and Partner Melissa Myers will team up with Packer and Carolyn Newman, Head of Will Packer Media Scripted Television, to executive produce the project. Williams will also executive produce.
“Every so often I get to engage in a project that I am absolutely sure will be a game changer. This is that project,” said Packer. “Seven ...
- 6/10/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Author Tia Williams’ recent best-seller Seven Days in June is getting the adaptation treatment. Will Packer Media and Kinetic Content, a Red Arrow Studios company, have secured the rights to adapt Williams’ novel for television.
Chris Coelen, CEO of Kinetic Content along with President and Partner Melissa Myers will team up with Packer and Carolyn Newman, Head of Will Packer Media Scripted Television, to executive produce the project. Williams will also executive produce.
“Every so often I get to engage in a project that I am absolutely sure will be a game changer. This is that project,” said Packer. “Seven ...
Chris Coelen, CEO of Kinetic Content along with President and Partner Melissa Myers will team up with Packer and Carolyn Newman, Head of Will Packer Media Scripted Television, to executive produce the project. Williams will also executive produce.
“Every so often I get to engage in a project that I am absolutely sure will be a game changer. This is that project,” said Packer. “Seven ...
- 6/10/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Teen hip-hop star Alaya High, otherwise known as Lay Lay, is to front a live-action comedy series for Nickelodeon – a series that leads the kids’ networks latest original programming slate.
That Girl Lay Lay is joined by a series order for Warped!, a new live-action buddy comedy series from Kevin Kopelow & Heath Seifert, the EPs/showrunners of Nickelodeon’s All That and two animated series Zj Sparkleton and The Hamster Show.
That Girl Lay Lay was created by David A. Arnold, a writer-producer on Netflix’s Fuller House and follows Lay Lay, an avatar from a personal affirmation app that magically comes to life, and her best friend Sadie as they navigate life as teenagers and discover who they truly are.
The 13-part series is produced by Will Packer and his production company Will Packer Media with production set to begin this spring for a summer premiere.
It marks the...
That Girl Lay Lay is joined by a series order for Warped!, a new live-action buddy comedy series from Kevin Kopelow & Heath Seifert, the EPs/showrunners of Nickelodeon’s All That and two animated series Zj Sparkleton and The Hamster Show.
That Girl Lay Lay was created by David A. Arnold, a writer-producer on Netflix’s Fuller House and follows Lay Lay, an avatar from a personal affirmation app that magically comes to life, and her best friend Sadie as they navigate life as teenagers and discover who they truly are.
The 13-part series is produced by Will Packer and his production company Will Packer Media with production set to begin this spring for a summer premiere.
It marks the...
- 3/18/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Packer Media has tapped Netflix’s Carolyn Newman as Head of Scripted Television and Production. Reporting to Alix Baudin, President of Will Packer Media, Newman will oversee the development and production of the company’s television projects.
“Carolyn’s highly respected reputation throughout the industry is well deserved,” said Will Packer. “She’s got a keen eye for material and talent, which makes her an incredible addition to our team.”
In scripted TV, Will Packer Media most recently produced NBC’s comedy pilot Night School, based on the movie.
Newman most recently was Director of Original Series for Netflix, where she developed 17 original series including Anatomy of a Scandal and Feel Good and was involved in the acquisition of Darren Star’s series Emily in Paris. Prior to that she was SVP of Scripted Programming at Entertainment One, where she developed and broadened the company’s scripted television business.
“Carolyn’s highly respected reputation throughout the industry is well deserved,” said Will Packer. “She’s got a keen eye for material and talent, which makes her an incredible addition to our team.”
In scripted TV, Will Packer Media most recently produced NBC’s comedy pilot Night School, based on the movie.
Newman most recently was Director of Original Series for Netflix, where she developed 17 original series including Anatomy of a Scandal and Feel Good and was involved in the acquisition of Darren Star’s series Emily in Paris. Prior to that she was SVP of Scripted Programming at Entertainment One, where she developed and broadened the company’s scripted television business.
- 12/16/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Carolyn Newman has been named the head of scripted television and production at Will Packer Media, where she will develop and produce the company’s television projects and work with show creators, writers and producers.
“Carolyn’s highly respected reputation throughout the industry is well deserved,” said company founder Will Packer. “She’s got a keen eye for material and talent, which makes her an incredible addition to our team.”
Newman was most recently director of original series at Netflix, where she developed 17 original series, from “Anatomy of a Scandal” to “Feel Good” and had a hand in acquiring Darren Star’s “Emily in Paris.” Prior to that, she served as senior vice president of scripted programming at Entertainment One, expanding the company’s scripted TV business. Newman has previously held development and production roles at Amazon Studios and Canadian production company Sphere Media Plus.
“I am so excited to be joining Will,...
“Carolyn’s highly respected reputation throughout the industry is well deserved,” said company founder Will Packer. “She’s got a keen eye for material and talent, which makes her an incredible addition to our team.”
Newman was most recently director of original series at Netflix, where she developed 17 original series, from “Anatomy of a Scandal” to “Feel Good” and had a hand in acquiring Darren Star’s “Emily in Paris.” Prior to that, she served as senior vice president of scripted programming at Entertainment One, expanding the company’s scripted TV business. Newman has previously held development and production roles at Amazon Studios and Canadian production company Sphere Media Plus.
“I am so excited to be joining Will,...
- 12/16/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Carolyn Newman has lined up her next act.
Newman has been tapped to serve as head of scripted television and production at Will Packer Media. Newman will be charged with developing and producing the production company’s TV projects and working closely with creators, writers and producers. She reports to Alix Baudin, president of Will Packer Media.
Newman arrives at Will Packer Media two months after being let go at Netflix amid the streamer’s executive restructuring. She replaces Sheila Ducksworth in the role at the company. Ducksworth departed in October for a job overseeing the NAACP’s production deal with CBS ...
Newman has been tapped to serve as head of scripted television and production at Will Packer Media. Newman will be charged with developing and producing the production company’s TV projects and working closely with creators, writers and producers. She reports to Alix Baudin, president of Will Packer Media.
Newman arrives at Will Packer Media two months after being let go at Netflix amid the streamer’s executive restructuring. She replaces Sheila Ducksworth in the role at the company. Ducksworth departed in October for a job overseeing the NAACP’s production deal with CBS ...
- 12/16/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Carolyn Newman has lined up her next act.
Newman has been tapped to serve as head of scripted television and production at Will Packer Media. Newman will be charged with developing and producing the production company’s TV projects and working closely with creators, writers and producers. She reports to Alix Baudin, president of Will Packer Media.
Newman arrives at Will Packer Media two months after being let go at Netflix amid the streamer’s executive restructuring. She replaces Sheila Ducksworth in the role at the company. Ducksworth departed in October for a job overseeing the NAACP’s production deal with CBS ...
Newman has been tapped to serve as head of scripted television and production at Will Packer Media. Newman will be charged with developing and producing the production company’s TV projects and working closely with creators, writers and producers. She reports to Alix Baudin, president of Will Packer Media.
Newman arrives at Will Packer Media two months after being let go at Netflix amid the streamer’s executive restructuring. She replaces Sheila Ducksworth in the role at the company. Ducksworth departed in October for a job overseeing the NAACP’s production deal with CBS ...
- 12/16/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
BBC One will premiere its gruesome reworking of Bram Stoker’s Dracula on New Year’s Day.
The Netflix co-production, written by Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, will air on three consecutive nights from January 1, 2020. No word yet on when it will drop globally on Netflix.
Your New Year is gonna suck but never fear… #Dracula, a three day reign of terror, starts 1st January on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. pic.twitter.com/SNuSUjQoEO
— BBC One (@BBCOne) December 3, 2019
The three-part series stars Claes Bang as Count Dracula and is produced by Hartswood Films. Gatiss, Moffat and Sue Vertue executive produce for Hartswood, Ben Irving for the BBC, and it will be handled by Larry Tanz and Carolyn Newman for Netflix.
BBC One also revealed that its adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol will debut on December 22 — three days after FX’s December 19 premiere. The remake...
The Netflix co-production, written by Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, will air on three consecutive nights from January 1, 2020. No word yet on when it will drop globally on Netflix.
Your New Year is gonna suck but never fear… #Dracula, a three day reign of terror, starts 1st January on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. pic.twitter.com/SNuSUjQoEO
— BBC One (@BBCOne) December 3, 2019
The three-part series stars Claes Bang as Count Dracula and is produced by Hartswood Films. Gatiss, Moffat and Sue Vertue executive produce for Hartswood, Ben Irving for the BBC, and it will be handled by Larry Tanz and Carolyn Newman for Netflix.
BBC One also revealed that its adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol will debut on December 22 — three days after FX’s December 19 premiere. The remake...
- 12/3/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has lifted the coffin lid on the first teaser trailer for Dracula, its co-production with Netflix from the makers of Sherlock.
The three-part series, which stars Claes Bang as Count Dracula, is written by Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat and produced by Hartswood Films.
The series, which finished filming in August, is inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic novel and will re-introduce the world to Dracula, the vampire who made evil sexy.
In Transylvania in 1897, the blood-drinking Count is drawing his plans against Victorian London, and judging by the teaser, the series will be full of gruesome nastiness that will not be for the faint of heart.
The trailer features blood-spattered letters, a fly in an eyeball, loose fingernails, and Bang whispering menacingly to a terrified victim: “Try and stay calm, you’re doing very well.”
Jonny Campbell (Westworld), Damon Thomas (Killing Eve) and Paul McGuigan (Sherlock) direct the series.
The three-part series, which stars Claes Bang as Count Dracula, is written by Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat and produced by Hartswood Films.
The series, which finished filming in August, is inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic novel and will re-introduce the world to Dracula, the vampire who made evil sexy.
In Transylvania in 1897, the blood-drinking Count is drawing his plans against Victorian London, and judging by the teaser, the series will be full of gruesome nastiness that will not be for the faint of heart.
The trailer features blood-spattered letters, a fly in an eyeball, loose fingernails, and Bang whispering menacingly to a terrified victim: “Try and stay calm, you’re doing very well.”
Jonny Campbell (Westworld), Damon Thomas (Killing Eve) and Paul McGuigan (Sherlock) direct the series.
- 10/28/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Victoria’s Jenna Coleman, Dunkirk’s Billy Howle and Nocturnal Animals’ Ellie Bamber are to lead BBC/Netflix drama The Serpent.
The trio join Tahar Rahim, who plays Charles Sobrhaj, one of the most elusive criminals of the 20th century. Filming has begun in Thailand on the eight-part Mammoth Screen-produced series.
Coleman will play Marie-Andrée Leclerc, Sobhraj’s partner and frequent accomplice, with Howle and Bamber cast as Herman and Angela Knippenberg.
Charles Sobhraj (Rahim) was the chief suspect in the unsolved murders of up to 20 young Western travellers across India, Thailand and Nepal’s ‘Hippie Trail’ in 1975 and 1976. Psychopath, con man, thief and master of disguise, having slipped repeatedly from the grasp of authorities worldwide, by 1976 serial killer Sobhraj was Interpol’s most wanted man and had arrest warrants on three different continents.
When Herman Knippenberg (Howle), a junior diplomat at the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok, unwittingly walks into...
The trio join Tahar Rahim, who plays Charles Sobrhaj, one of the most elusive criminals of the 20th century. Filming has begun in Thailand on the eight-part Mammoth Screen-produced series.
Coleman will play Marie-Andrée Leclerc, Sobhraj’s partner and frequent accomplice, with Howle and Bamber cast as Herman and Angela Knippenberg.
Charles Sobhraj (Rahim) was the chief suspect in the unsolved murders of up to 20 young Western travellers across India, Thailand and Nepal’s ‘Hippie Trail’ in 1975 and 1976. Psychopath, con man, thief and master of disguise, having slipped repeatedly from the grasp of authorities worldwide, by 1976 serial killer Sobhraj was Interpol’s most wanted man and had arrest warrants on three different continents.
When Herman Knippenberg (Howle), a junior diplomat at the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok, unwittingly walks into...
- 9/8/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC and Netflix have unveiled the first look of their Dracula reboot as they have rounded out the cast.
The three-part series, which stars Claes Bang as Count Dracula, is written by Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat and produced by Hartswood Films. the series is inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic novel and will re-introduce the world to Dracula, the vampire who made evil sexy. In Transylvania in 1897, the blood drinking Count is drawing his plans against Victorian London.
Lyndsey Marshal (The League of Gentlemen), Chanel Cresswell (This Is England), Matthew Beard (The Imitation Game), Lydia West (Years & Years), Paul Brennen (Happy Valley), Sarah Niles (Catastrophe), Sofia Oxenham (Poldark), John McCrea (God’s Own Country), Phil Dunster (Humans) and newcomer Millicent Wong have joined the series alongside John Heffernan, Joanna Scanlan, Dolly Wells, Sacha Dhawan, Jonathan Aris, Morfydd Clark and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett.
Jonny Campbell (Westworld), Damon Thomas...
The three-part series, which stars Claes Bang as Count Dracula, is written by Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat and produced by Hartswood Films. the series is inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic novel and will re-introduce the world to Dracula, the vampire who made evil sexy. In Transylvania in 1897, the blood drinking Count is drawing his plans against Victorian London.
Lyndsey Marshal (The League of Gentlemen), Chanel Cresswell (This Is England), Matthew Beard (The Imitation Game), Lydia West (Years & Years), Paul Brennen (Happy Valley), Sarah Niles (Catastrophe), Sofia Oxenham (Poldark), John McCrea (God’s Own Country), Phil Dunster (Humans) and newcomer Millicent Wong have joined the series alongside John Heffernan, Joanna Scanlan, Dolly Wells, Sacha Dhawan, Jonathan Aris, Morfydd Clark and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett.
Jonny Campbell (Westworld), Damon Thomas...
- 7/3/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Designated Survivor producer Entertainment One has hired Paramount Network and TV Land exec Amanda Bowman Gerisch following the departure of Carolyn Newman.
Gerisch joins as Vice President, Development – Scripted, Television, reporting to Pancho Mansfield, President, Global Scripted Programming, Television.
She will focus on the development and packaging of television projects from the U.S. market and securing intellectual property from the global market to bring to the U.S. She will also work closely with global teams under Television and Film Chief Strategy Officer Peter Micelli. Her appointment is effective immediately.
At Viacom’s Paramount Network and TV Land Gerisch was the executive-in-charge of hit series Younger as well as comedy Teachers. She helped launch the network’s first single camera comedy American Woman and shepherded Paramount Network’s comedy series First Wives Club and Darren Star’s upcoming comedy series Emily in Paris.
Prior to that, Gerisch was at Alloy Entertainment where,...
Gerisch joins as Vice President, Development – Scripted, Television, reporting to Pancho Mansfield, President, Global Scripted Programming, Television.
She will focus on the development and packaging of television projects from the U.S. market and securing intellectual property from the global market to bring to the U.S. She will also work closely with global teams under Television and Film Chief Strategy Officer Peter Micelli. Her appointment is effective immediately.
At Viacom’s Paramount Network and TV Land Gerisch was the executive-in-charge of hit series Younger as well as comedy Teachers. She helped launch the network’s first single camera comedy American Woman and shepherded Paramount Network’s comedy series First Wives Club and Darren Star’s upcoming comedy series Emily in Paris.
Prior to that, Gerisch was at Alloy Entertainment where,...
- 10/1/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Entertainment One’s Svp Scripted Programming Carolyn Newman has left the independent studio after two years. She has joined Netflix, reporting to Larry Tanz, VP of Content Acquisition at Netflix. Newman will be part of the Scripted Co-licensed and Original TV team and will focus on English language scripted TV.
This marks a return to the streaming world for Newman who worked at Amazon Studios before joining eOne Television in 2016 as VP Scripted Programming, overseeing the company’s U.S. slate and reporting to Pancho Mansfield, President of Global Scripted Programming at eOne Television. Last year, she was promoted to Svp Scripted Programming, adding oversight of acquisition of intellectual property from the global market for the U.S. and securing co-productions and pre-sales, working closely with eOne’s other development hubs.
Entertainment One, now run by new president Mark Gordon, is expected to name a replacement for Newman to work under Mansfield.
This marks a return to the streaming world for Newman who worked at Amazon Studios before joining eOne Television in 2016 as VP Scripted Programming, overseeing the company’s U.S. slate and reporting to Pancho Mansfield, President of Global Scripted Programming at eOne Television. Last year, she was promoted to Svp Scripted Programming, adding oversight of acquisition of intellectual property from the global market for the U.S. and securing co-productions and pre-sales, working closely with eOne’s other development hubs.
Entertainment One, now run by new president Mark Gordon, is expected to name a replacement for Newman to work under Mansfield.
- 9/8/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Entertainment One has acquired TV rights for adventure novel “They Came to Baghdad” by Agatha Christie. Carolyn Newman and Polly Williams will oversee the project for Entertainment One. James Prichard and Basi Akpabio are set to serve as executive producers of the series on behalf of Agatha Christie Limited.
Entertainment One will serve as the studio on the series, and will also handle international rights.
First published in 1951, “They Came to Baghdad” tells the story of Victoria Jones, whose ability to spin a good yarn gets her from place to place and keeps her employed, even if it’s only for a short stint at a time. After getting fired, a chance encounter with a stranger sees Victoria set her sights on the Middle East and she earns passage as a travel companion to a woman of wealth. In Baghdad, she encounters a small circle of ex-patriots. But things get...
Entertainment One will serve as the studio on the series, and will also handle international rights.
First published in 1951, “They Came to Baghdad” tells the story of Victoria Jones, whose ability to spin a good yarn gets her from place to place and keeps her employed, even if it’s only for a short stint at a time. After getting fired, a chance encounter with a stranger sees Victoria set her sights on the Middle East and she earns passage as a travel companion to a woman of wealth. In Baghdad, she encounters a small circle of ex-patriots. But things get...
- 6/14/2018
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
The importance of diversity and representation in television cannot be understated — and four female TV execs sat with The Hollywood Reporter's Lesley Goldberg to discuss just how vital it is and what they're doing to continue to change things.
Sarah Aubrey (executive vice president original programming at TNT), Lauren Whitney (president of television at Miramax), Karey Burke (executive vp programming and development at Freeform) and Carolyn Newman (senior vice president scripted programming at eOne) talked about how to encourage diversity in front of and behind the camera and in the executive ranks, how to champion new voices ...
Sarah Aubrey (executive vice president original programming at TNT), Lauren Whitney (president of television at Miramax), Karey Burke (executive vp programming and development at Freeform) and Carolyn Newman (senior vice president scripted programming at eOne) talked about how to encourage diversity in front of and behind the camera and in the executive ranks, how to champion new voices ...
Exclusive: Fresh from playing Hercule Poirot in Murder On The Orient Express, Kenneth Branagh is to re-team with Mark Gordon in Entertainment One’s television adaptation of A Gentleman in Moscow.
I hear the Dunkirk star is attached to star in and produce Tom Harper’s adaptation of Amor Towles’ novel, which tells the story of an man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel.
Branagh will play the novel’s protagonist Count Alexander Rostov, starting in Russia’s turbulent early 1920s and spanning 30 years. When the Count is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, he is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Having never worked a day in his life, he must now live in one room as history is being made outside.
Branagh, who has been nominated for five Academy Awards,...
I hear the Dunkirk star is attached to star in and produce Tom Harper’s adaptation of Amor Towles’ novel, which tells the story of an man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel.
Branagh will play the novel’s protagonist Count Alexander Rostov, starting in Russia’s turbulent early 1920s and spanning 30 years. When the Count is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, he is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Having never worked a day in his life, he must now live in one room as history is being made outside.
Branagh, who has been nominated for five Academy Awards,...
- 4/3/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Phoebe Waller-Bridge and producing partner Vicky Jones working on series.
Entertainment One has boarded a new series from Fleabag creators Phoebe Waller-Bridge and producing partner Vicky Jones.
Romantic thriller Run follows ex-lovers who made a pact 15 years ago that if they ever needed to escape life, they could text one another the word ‘run’ and disappear together. The story will follow the aftermath of the plan.
Jones and Waller-Bridge will exec produce for their DryWrite indie, alongside Emily Leo of Wigwam Films. The series will be spearheaded by eOne vice-president of scripted programming Carolyn Newman and vice-president of scripted development Polly Williams.
Waller-Bridge is the creative force behind BBC America’s forthcoming spy thriller Killing Eve, produced by Sid Gentle Films and co-written by Jones.
No broadcaster is yet attached to the project. Entertainment One will handle worldwide sales of the series.
Jones said: “In eOne, we found a team passionate about storytelling and committed to making...
Entertainment One has boarded a new series from Fleabag creators Phoebe Waller-Bridge and producing partner Vicky Jones.
Romantic thriller Run follows ex-lovers who made a pact 15 years ago that if they ever needed to escape life, they could text one another the word ‘run’ and disappear together. The story will follow the aftermath of the plan.
Jones and Waller-Bridge will exec produce for their DryWrite indie, alongside Emily Leo of Wigwam Films. The series will be spearheaded by eOne vice-president of scripted programming Carolyn Newman and vice-president of scripted development Polly Williams.
Waller-Bridge is the creative force behind BBC America’s forthcoming spy thriller Killing Eve, produced by Sid Gentle Films and co-written by Jones.
No broadcaster is yet attached to the project. Entertainment One will handle worldwide sales of the series.
Jones said: “In eOne, we found a team passionate about storytelling and committed to making...
- 2/22/2018
- by Manori Ravindran Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Carolyn Newman has been promoted to Svp Scripted Programming for eOne Television. In her expanded position, Newman, previously VP, will continue to oversee the company’s U.S. slate while also spearheading acquisition of intellectual property from the global market for the U.S. and securing co-productions and pre-sales, working closely with eOne’s other development hubs. For her first project in her new role, Newman has secured the television rights to Amor Towles…...
- 8/18/2017
- Deadline TV
Mediterranean-set love story is told in reverse
The company announced on Wednesday it has acquired television rights to Peter Nichols’s novel.
BAFTA-nominated Tom Harper (pictured) will direct The Rocks and Laura Eason is attached to adapt the screenplay. Harper’s credits include the War & Peace mini-series and horror feature The Woman In Black 2: Angel Of Death.
The book was published in 2015 and is a love story told in reverse set on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca.
The story starts in the present day with the death of an older married couple who fall from a cliff after an argument.
It rewinds through time, following the intertwined lives of the couple and their families over the course of 50 years.
The series, developed in the Us and the UK, is being spearheaded by eOne’s Carolyn Newman and Polly Williams. eOne controls worldwide rights to the series.
“Dark, funny and romantic, with a unique...
The company announced on Wednesday it has acquired television rights to Peter Nichols’s novel.
BAFTA-nominated Tom Harper (pictured) will direct The Rocks and Laura Eason is attached to adapt the screenplay. Harper’s credits include the War & Peace mini-series and horror feature The Woman In Black 2: Angel Of Death.
The book was published in 2015 and is a love story told in reverse set on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca.
The story starts in the present day with the death of an older married couple who fall from a cliff after an argument.
It rewinds through time, following the intertwined lives of the couple and their families over the course of 50 years.
The series, developed in the Us and the UK, is being spearheaded by eOne’s Carolyn Newman and Polly Williams. eOne controls worldwide rights to the series.
“Dark, funny and romantic, with a unique...
- 3/29/2017
- ScreenDaily
Steve Buscemi, Stanley Tucci and Wren Arthur’s company credits include recent Berlinale premiere Final Portrait.
The entertainment titan will serve as the studio and will control worldwide rights to television projects produced from the new partnership, which expands eOne Television’s roster of creative partnerships with renowned talent.
New York-based Olive produces an eclectic array of TV projects, fiction and documentary features.
Recent Olive Productions projects include Final Portrait (pictured), which Tucci wrote and directed and stars Geoffrey Rush and Armie Hammer.
The slate includes Amber Tamblyn’s directorial debut Paint It Black starring Janet McTeer and Alia Shawkat, which Imagination is set to release in May; Check It, a documentary about an African-American gay street gang directed by Toby Oppenheimer and Dana Flor; Submission, based on the Francine Prose novel; and Blue Angel, written and directed by Richard Levine and starring Tucci, Addison Timlin and Kyra Sedgwick.
Olive is lining up a New York-based feature...
The entertainment titan will serve as the studio and will control worldwide rights to television projects produced from the new partnership, which expands eOne Television’s roster of creative partnerships with renowned talent.
New York-based Olive produces an eclectic array of TV projects, fiction and documentary features.
Recent Olive Productions projects include Final Portrait (pictured), which Tucci wrote and directed and stars Geoffrey Rush and Armie Hammer.
The slate includes Amber Tamblyn’s directorial debut Paint It Black starring Janet McTeer and Alia Shawkat, which Imagination is set to release in May; Check It, a documentary about an African-American gay street gang directed by Toby Oppenheimer and Dana Flor; Submission, based on the Francine Prose novel; and Blue Angel, written and directed by Richard Levine and starring Tucci, Addison Timlin and Kyra Sedgwick.
Olive is lining up a New York-based feature...
- 2/23/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
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