Velvet Hammer Media, the non-scripted production company founded by Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn, has received a minority investment from global sports and entertainment company Endeavor.
William Morris Endeavor, talent agency within Endeavor, represents athletes from sports organizations like the NHL and NFL. Endeavor currently owns UFC and Pbr (Professional Bull Riders).
Vhm just recently secured series such as “The Big Bakeover” and Roku’s “Empty Nest Refresh” along with other unannounced development deals with Netflix, NBCU and other platforms. Together, O’Connell and Quinn serve as EPs on all Vhm projects. The pair founded Vhm earlier this year after departing their roles at Max (formerly HBO Max).
“Since starting Vhm, we have been inspired by the support and well wishes we received from across the industry, including from our colleagues and crew we’ve worked with over many years,” said O’Connell and Quinn in a statement. “For the last several months,...
William Morris Endeavor, talent agency within Endeavor, represents athletes from sports organizations like the NHL and NFL. Endeavor currently owns UFC and Pbr (Professional Bull Riders).
Vhm just recently secured series such as “The Big Bakeover” and Roku’s “Empty Nest Refresh” along with other unannounced development deals with Netflix, NBCU and other platforms. Together, O’Connell and Quinn serve as EPs on all Vhm projects. The pair founded Vhm earlier this year after departing their roles at Max (formerly HBO Max).
“Since starting Vhm, we have been inspired by the support and well wishes we received from across the industry, including from our colleagues and crew we’ve worked with over many years,” said O’Connell and Quinn in a statement. “For the last several months,...
- 7/7/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Endeavor Group Holdings has taken a minority stake in Velvet Hammer Media, a non-scripted production company co-founded by Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn in February.
With a focus on both premium and global formats, Vhm has secured multiple series greenlights with a range of streamers and networks, including “The Big Bakeover” for The CW, Roku’s “Empty Nest Refresh” and others not yet announced. O’Connell and Quinn serve as executive producers on all projects, with Vhm also providing production services.
Vhm also has development deals and projects in the works at Netflix and NBCUniversal, among other platforms. Development executive and producer Nick Alarcon joined Vhm as vice president. Additionally, Vhm has launched an “Inside Access Program,” which aims to hire and develop underrepresented talent behind the camera.
“Over the course of their careers, Jen and Rebecca have developed and produced some of television’s most provocative shows, entertained broad audiences,...
With a focus on both premium and global formats, Vhm has secured multiple series greenlights with a range of streamers and networks, including “The Big Bakeover” for The CW, Roku’s “Empty Nest Refresh” and others not yet announced. O’Connell and Quinn serve as executive producers on all projects, with Vhm also providing production services.
Vhm also has development deals and projects in the works at Netflix and NBCUniversal, among other platforms. Development executive and producer Nick Alarcon joined Vhm as vice president. Additionally, Vhm has launched an “Inside Access Program,” which aims to hire and develop underrepresented talent behind the camera.
“Over the course of their careers, Jen and Rebecca have developed and produced some of television’s most provocative shows, entertained broad audiences,...
- 7/7/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Exclusive: UTA has signed award-winning writer, director and producer Andre Gaines (After Jackie), as well as his production company Cinemation Studios, for worldwide representation in all areas. The agency will now look to help expand his business across film, television, podcasts and gaming, also working with him on several hosted programs based on popular brands.
Most recently, Gaines directed and executive produced the feature documentary After Jackie, in partnership with LeBron James and Stanley Nelson. The film examining the second wave of Black professional baseball players who followed Jackie Robinson’s trailblazing path is set to premiere on The History Channel on June 18, as part of the network’s Juneteenth celebration programming.
Gaines previously directed and produced Showtime’s The One and Only Dick Gregory, in partnership with Kevin Hart and Lena Waith. The doc on legendary comedian and activist Dick Gregory, featuring appearances by Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart,...
Most recently, Gaines directed and executive produced the feature documentary After Jackie, in partnership with LeBron James and Stanley Nelson. The film examining the second wave of Black professional baseball players who followed Jackie Robinson’s trailblazing path is set to premiere on The History Channel on June 18, as part of the network’s Juneteenth celebration programming.
Gaines previously directed and produced Showtime’s The One and Only Dick Gregory, in partnership with Kevin Hart and Lena Waith. The doc on legendary comedian and activist Dick Gregory, featuring appearances by Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart,...
- 6/10/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Top Entertainment lawyers Todd Weinstein and Tara Senior have departed Del Shaw as partners to start the new firm Weinstein Senior. Seasoned lawyer Mitch Federer will also be joining Weinstein Senior as partner.
Weinstein and Senior together at Del Shaw oversaw and spearheaded the firms Unscripted, Digital and Alternative Practice group. The duo represents a dynamic range of clients including many of Hollywood’s top production companies, executives, creator/influencers, writers, directors, on-camera talent and brands.
“It has been a true honor to work alongside such brilliant and talented lawyers at Del Shaw and our time with the firm has been invaluable,” said Weinstein and Senior We had the privilege of working together there as co-heads of the department and given our aligned passion and expertise, we are excited for our next iteration with the formation of Weinstein Senior where we will continue to provide a proactive and collaborative...
Weinstein and Senior together at Del Shaw oversaw and spearheaded the firms Unscripted, Digital and Alternative Practice group. The duo represents a dynamic range of clients including many of Hollywood’s top production companies, executives, creator/influencers, writers, directors, on-camera talent and brands.
“It has been a true honor to work alongside such brilliant and talented lawyers at Del Shaw and our time with the firm has been invaluable,” said Weinstein and Senior We had the privilege of working together there as co-heads of the department and given our aligned passion and expertise, we are excited for our next iteration with the formation of Weinstein Senior where we will continue to provide a proactive and collaborative...
- 5/12/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: More change is afoot at Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang.
Having added long time colleagues Gordon M. Bobb and Loan T. Dang as name partners earlier this year, one of Hollywood’s most powerful and far reaching law firms is now moving some of their chess pieces around internally, I’ve learned
As partners Todd Weinstein and Tara Senior exit to form their own firm, 33-year old Del Shaw is restructuring its unscripted and non-fiction entertainment practice group. As a part of that strategy towards greater synergy, partner Ethan Cohan has been tapped to lead the newly revitalized and expanding group.
“It continues to be a privilege to work alongside the amazing group of attorneys at Del Shaw,” said Cohan. “It is an opportunity of a lifetime to lead the unscripted practice group in its expansion and continued innovation,” the former head of production and business...
Having added long time colleagues Gordon M. Bobb and Loan T. Dang as name partners earlier this year, one of Hollywood’s most powerful and far reaching law firms is now moving some of their chess pieces around internally, I’ve learned
As partners Todd Weinstein and Tara Senior exit to form their own firm, 33-year old Del Shaw is restructuring its unscripted and non-fiction entertainment practice group. As a part of that strategy towards greater synergy, partner Ethan Cohan has been tapped to lead the newly revitalized and expanding group.
“It continues to be a privilege to work alongside the amazing group of attorneys at Del Shaw,” said Cohan. “It is an opportunity of a lifetime to lead the unscripted practice group in its expansion and continued innovation,” the former head of production and business...
- 3/30/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Comedian Bill Engvall has signed on to star as host of the new weekly Circle TV series “Blue Collar Auction.” The series, from Venture 10 Studio and Parallel Entertainment (which founded the Blue Collar Comedy Tour), “Blue Collar Auction” will feature Engvall as head auctioneer, engaging viewers in competition as various items are sold to the highest bidder.
The series will auction off collectors’ items, such as celebrity memorabilia and automobiles, to virtual buyers. The show will also focus on the personal stories behind the items.
“I love making people laugh,” said Engvall, who also serves as executive producer. “I’m a collector myself, so who knows? Maybe I’ll even trick myself into buying something.”
Circle TV is a country-themed music and lifestyle network owned by Gray Television and Opry Entertainment Group, and found on broadcast digital subchannels throughout the country (including Kcal’s 9.3 in Los Angeles), in addition to some AVOD services.
The series will auction off collectors’ items, such as celebrity memorabilia and automobiles, to virtual buyers. The show will also focus on the personal stories behind the items.
“I love making people laugh,” said Engvall, who also serves as executive producer. “I’m a collector myself, so who knows? Maybe I’ll even trick myself into buying something.”
Circle TV is a country-themed music and lifestyle network owned by Gray Television and Opry Entertainment Group, and found on broadcast digital subchannels throughout the country (including Kcal’s 9.3 in Los Angeles), in addition to some AVOD services.
- 6/17/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
ABC is developing a new reality competition series that might be described as an “American Idol” for the social media influencer set. “#FollowMe,” from Venture 10 Studio Group, will feature aspiring online stars as they compete in various business-themed challenges to build their follower bases. The winner will receive an undisclosed cash prize, a new car and potential brand deals with partner sponsors.
Venture 10 Studio Group has landed Mars Wrigley as corporate integration partner, which means many of the show’s challenges will weave candy and gum products such as M&Ms, Skittles, Snickers, Starburst, Twix, Orbit and Extra into the mix.
“The contestants will have to incorporate the brand points as ‘pitch points’ across their social media – so the challenges will be critiqued on how well they align with the brands messaging as they create mini video campaigns in each episode,” said executive producer John Stevens. “Think of a more...
Venture 10 Studio Group has landed Mars Wrigley as corporate integration partner, which means many of the show’s challenges will weave candy and gum products such as M&Ms, Skittles, Snickers, Starburst, Twix, Orbit and Extra into the mix.
“The contestants will have to incorporate the brand points as ‘pitch points’ across their social media – so the challenges will be critiqued on how well they align with the brands messaging as they create mini video campaigns in each episode,” said executive producer John Stevens. “Think of a more...
- 6/1/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Ahead of tonight’s Season 3 premiere of Live Pd, A&E has given another massive order to its flagship series, picking up an additional 150 episodes of the hit real-time reality police docuseries. Totaling 450 hours, the deal extends the series’ run into 2019, with the new order bringing the number of commissioned episodes to date to 293.
Live Pd, from Big Fish Entertainment, an MGM company, was a risky proposition when A&E committed to an eight-episode run in fall 2016. The show quickly caught on, earning ever growing additional episode orders, starting with 13 and most recently 100 in July 2017.
The expanding orders mirror the series’ ratings trajectory. Since its premiere in October 2016, Live Pd has grown by more than 150% in total viewers (L+Sd and L+3), hitting a series high of 2.7 million total viewers on April 7, 2018. Over the course of the 80-episode second season, Live Pd was the No. 1 show of the night on all of television 28 times. In August, Live Pd was the #1 program on all of TV among A25-54 and A18-49 on Fridays and Saturdays, propelling A&E to be the #1 TV network on Fridays and Saturdays for the month with A25-54 and A18-49.
“Live Pd has tapped into the cultural zeitgeist in ways we never imaged, said Elaine Frontain Bryant, Evp and Head of Programming for A&E. “Our viewers are passionate and are truly engaged with the show. In fact, they have helped law enforcement agencies find missing children and wanted fugitives.”
Hosted by Dan Abrams with analysis from Tom Morris Jr. and Sgt. Sean ‘Sticks’ Larkin, Live Pd follows diverse police departments from across the country in real time as they patrol their communities. Using dash cams along with fixed rig and handheld cameras, the series captures the work of a varied mix of urban and rural police forces on a typical Friday and Saturday night. Live Pd also features law enforcement officers from the series who appear in-studio as guest analysts to provide additional commentary.
Among the agencies Live Pd will be following at the beginning of season three are the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the El Paso Police Department, the Warwick Police Department, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Mission Police Department, the Salinas Police Department and the Nye County Sheriff’s Office.
In a throwback to America’s Most Wanted, Live Pd has two popular features. In partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the show’s “Missing” segments highlight the stories of missing children. Tips from “Live Pd” viewers have helped law enforcement to recover seven children. The “Wanted” segment, in which law enforcement agencies across the country ask viewers for help in finding suspects wanted in crimes, has led to 11 fugitives being caught.
Cesareo, John Zito and Kara Kurcz executive produce for Big Fish Entertainment. A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights.
Live Pd airs Friday and Saturday nights at 9 Pm Et/Pt.
Big Fish Entertainment was repped in the deal by CAA and attorneys Todd Weinstein and Tara Senior at Del Shaw Moonves.
Live Pd, from Big Fish Entertainment, an MGM company, was a risky proposition when A&E committed to an eight-episode run in fall 2016. The show quickly caught on, earning ever growing additional episode orders, starting with 13 and most recently 100 in July 2017.
The expanding orders mirror the series’ ratings trajectory. Since its premiere in October 2016, Live Pd has grown by more than 150% in total viewers (L+Sd and L+3), hitting a series high of 2.7 million total viewers on April 7, 2018. Over the course of the 80-episode second season, Live Pd was the No. 1 show of the night on all of television 28 times. In August, Live Pd was the #1 program on all of TV among A25-54 and A18-49 on Fridays and Saturdays, propelling A&E to be the #1 TV network on Fridays and Saturdays for the month with A25-54 and A18-49.
“Live Pd has tapped into the cultural zeitgeist in ways we never imaged, said Elaine Frontain Bryant, Evp and Head of Programming for A&E. “Our viewers are passionate and are truly engaged with the show. In fact, they have helped law enforcement agencies find missing children and wanted fugitives.”
Hosted by Dan Abrams with analysis from Tom Morris Jr. and Sgt. Sean ‘Sticks’ Larkin, Live Pd follows diverse police departments from across the country in real time as they patrol their communities. Using dash cams along with fixed rig and handheld cameras, the series captures the work of a varied mix of urban and rural police forces on a typical Friday and Saturday night. Live Pd also features law enforcement officers from the series who appear in-studio as guest analysts to provide additional commentary.
Among the agencies Live Pd will be following at the beginning of season three are the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the El Paso Police Department, the Warwick Police Department, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Mission Police Department, the Salinas Police Department and the Nye County Sheriff’s Office.
In a throwback to America’s Most Wanted, Live Pd has two popular features. In partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the show’s “Missing” segments highlight the stories of missing children. Tips from “Live Pd” viewers have helped law enforcement to recover seven children. The “Wanted” segment, in which law enforcement agencies across the country ask viewers for help in finding suspects wanted in crimes, has led to 11 fugitives being caught.
Cesareo, John Zito and Kara Kurcz executive produce for Big Fish Entertainment. A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights.
Live Pd airs Friday and Saturday nights at 9 Pm Et/Pt.
Big Fish Entertainment was repped in the deal by CAA and attorneys Todd Weinstein and Tara Senior at Del Shaw Moonves.
- 9/21/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
MGM has just acquired Big Fish Entertainment, the producer of A&E’s Live Pd, VH1’s Black Ink Crew and other shows. The company will continue to operate under the Big Fish moniker, and founder and president Dan Cesareo will remain President but now report to Barry Poznick, president of Unscripted Television at MGM. Big Fish will also continue to run out of New York.
The announcement was made this morning by Mark Burnett who is President, Television Group & Digital at MGM. The acquisition of Big Fish expands MGM television’s roster of unscripted producers and production companies that are part of the division led by Burnett. The Big Fish deal joins MGM Television’s prior acquisition of Evolution Media. We understand that this an...
The announcement was made this morning by Mark Burnett who is President, Television Group & Digital at MGM. The acquisition of Big Fish expands MGM television’s roster of unscripted producers and production companies that are part of the division led by Burnett. The Big Fish deal joins MGM Television’s prior acquisition of Evolution Media. We understand that this an...
- 6/20/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
MGM has acquired Big Fish Entertainment, the New York-based unscripted production banner that is home to A&E’s “Live Pd,” VH1’s “Black Ink Crew,” and WeTV’s “Hustle and Soul,” among other shows.
Financial details of the sale were not disclosed. Big Fish will continue to operate under its own moniker and be led by president Dan Cesareo, who reports to MGM unscripted TV head Barry Poznick.
The purchase brings another busy unscripted TV shop into the MGM tent. The Lion has been shopping for producers who are active in the cable reality market to complement the broadcast network strength delivered by MGM Television and Digital president Mark Burnett, who remains a hands-on producer of reality franchises such as “The Voice,” “Survivor,” and “Shark Tank.” MGM bought Burnett’s One Three Media banner in 2015 and 2016. Since then, it has also scooped up “Real Housewives” producer Evolution Media and Orion Television.
Financial details of the sale were not disclosed. Big Fish will continue to operate under its own moniker and be led by president Dan Cesareo, who reports to MGM unscripted TV head Barry Poznick.
The purchase brings another busy unscripted TV shop into the MGM tent. The Lion has been shopping for producers who are active in the cable reality market to complement the broadcast network strength delivered by MGM Television and Digital president Mark Burnett, who remains a hands-on producer of reality franchises such as “The Voice,” “Survivor,” and “Shark Tank.” MGM bought Burnett’s One Three Media banner in 2015 and 2016. Since then, it has also scooped up “Real Housewives” producer Evolution Media and Orion Television.
- 6/20/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Scooter Braun and Jd Roth have joined together to form a new unscripted content studio, Variety has learned.
Braun is the founder of Sb Projects, while Roth is the co-founder and former CEO of 3 Ball Entertainment. GoodStory Entertainment, as their new venture will be called, will develop and produce in the unscripted, live event, and feature documentary spaces. To accelerate growth, GoodStory, backed by Braun’s Ithaca fund, will pursue strategic acquisitions to integrate some of the top unscripted production companies in the world. GoodStory also already has several projects in various stages of development.
“I’ve always admired Scooter’s work professionally and have been lucky to get to know him as a friend and family man,” said Roth. “We are equally determined to use GoodStory as a vehicle to tell compelling stories and take the unscripted space to another level. No one knows talent better than Scooter...
Braun is the founder of Sb Projects, while Roth is the co-founder and former CEO of 3 Ball Entertainment. GoodStory Entertainment, as their new venture will be called, will develop and produce in the unscripted, live event, and feature documentary spaces. To accelerate growth, GoodStory, backed by Braun’s Ithaca fund, will pursue strategic acquisitions to integrate some of the top unscripted production companies in the world. GoodStory also already has several projects in various stages of development.
“I’ve always admired Scooter’s work professionally and have been lucky to get to know him as a friend and family man,” said Roth. “We are equally determined to use GoodStory as a vehicle to tell compelling stories and take the unscripted space to another level. No one knows talent better than Scooter...
- 6/12/2018
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Talent manager and producer Scooter Braun and his Sb Projects, who have guided the careers of some of the top music artists, has teamed with veteran reality producer Jd Roth, co-founder and former CEO of 3 Ball Entertainment, to form GoodStory Entertainment, a new unscripted content studio. It will focus on developing and producing character-driven stories in the unscripted, live event, and feature documentary spaces.
Backed by Braun’s Ithaca investment fund, which has assets reportedly valued at $500 million, GoodStory will target accelerated growth via strategic acquisitions of unscripted production companies.
Roth will be handling business development, acquisitions, and CEO duties for GoodStory. He will be joined by another 3 Ball alum, Adam Greener, former COO of 3 Ball and president of Maverick Television. Greener, who was behind USA’s hit reality series Chrisley Knows Best, will serve as GoodStory co-ceo, handling development, sales, and execution.
Additionally, Braun has tapped his longtime COO Scott Manson,...
Backed by Braun’s Ithaca investment fund, which has assets reportedly valued at $500 million, GoodStory will target accelerated growth via strategic acquisitions of unscripted production companies.
Roth will be handling business development, acquisitions, and CEO duties for GoodStory. He will be joined by another 3 Ball alum, Adam Greener, former COO of 3 Ball and president of Maverick Television. Greener, who was behind USA’s hit reality series Chrisley Knows Best, will serve as GoodStory co-ceo, handling development, sales, and execution.
Additionally, Braun has tapped his longtime COO Scott Manson,...
- 6/12/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Producer Ellen Rakieten has teamed with Los Angeles Media Fund — the financing and production vehicle of Jeffrey Soros and Simon Horsman — to launch Very Tall Productions. The new company will develop, finance and produce unscripted and scripted content for television and digital platforms. Very Tall Productions will also produce documentaries and films as well as live events around the world.
Rakieten, who’s Very Tall Productions’ CEO, is the prolific 13-time Emmy winner who produced The Oprah Winfrey Show over two decades, The Marriage Ref with Jerry Seinfeld, the Jillian Michaels-starrer Losing it with Jillian, the Emmy-winning Food Network show Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, Welcome Back Potter (Hgtv), All About Sex (TLC), Zoe Saldana Presents My Hero (AOL), Joyride (Esquire), Car Matchmaker (Esquire/NBC Sports), and Undateable for NBC, latter based on a book co-written by Rakieten.
One of Very Tall Productions’ first projects is the multi-generational series,...
Rakieten, who’s Very Tall Productions’ CEO, is the prolific 13-time Emmy winner who produced The Oprah Winfrey Show over two decades, The Marriage Ref with Jerry Seinfeld, the Jillian Michaels-starrer Losing it with Jillian, the Emmy-winning Food Network show Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, Welcome Back Potter (Hgtv), All About Sex (TLC), Zoe Saldana Presents My Hero (AOL), Joyride (Esquire), Car Matchmaker (Esquire/NBC Sports), and Undateable for NBC, latter based on a book co-written by Rakieten.
One of Very Tall Productions’ first projects is the multi-generational series,...
- 5/3/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
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