At the Oscars in 2019, one production company was at the center of the year’s most talked about films and on the cusp of the industry’s sweeping trends. The man who backed it, however, wasn’t at the ceremony.
That year the films made by Participant Media collected 17 Oscar nominations, for Green Book, which eventually won best picture and went on to gross $321.8 million worldwide; Roma, which broke Netflix into the best picture race for the first time; and Rbg, the documentary about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg that managed to become one of the highest-grossing independent films of 2018.
In an indicator of Participant and its backer, tech billionaire Jeff Skoll’s unique, dual missions, the Oscar gatherings Participant threw that year included a viewing party for the National Domestic Workers Alliance at The Jane Club, a nod to the lead character in Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, and...
That year the films made by Participant Media collected 17 Oscar nominations, for Green Book, which eventually won best picture and went on to gross $321.8 million worldwide; Roma, which broke Netflix into the best picture race for the first time; and Rbg, the documentary about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg that managed to become one of the highest-grossing independent films of 2018.
In an indicator of Participant and its backer, tech billionaire Jeff Skoll’s unique, dual missions, the Oscar gatherings Participant threw that year included a viewing party for the National Domestic Workers Alliance at The Jane Club, a nod to the lead character in Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, and...
- 4/19/2024
- by Rebecca Keegan and Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It wasn’t all that long ago that a billionaire buying a storied news publication was a sign of hope and optimism. After all, they had money to lose, and they earned their fortunes by creating something new. Maybe they could figure out how to make media work?
And what about private equity? It’s an industry premised on turnarounds: acquiring underperforming companies, reimagining them and making them succeed.
Or the classic family-owned publication: Keeping a business in the family with no goal of excessive profits, just a certain amount of stability to keep the legacy alive.
Unfortunately, it seems, no category of owner appears able to salvage a media business in decline, with business models still stuck in the past (programmatic, anyone?) and editorial models built for a world before Facebook, TikTok and artificial intelligence.
The media sector is facing a crisis unlike anything seen since the 2008 financial mess,...
And what about private equity? It’s an industry premised on turnarounds: acquiring underperforming companies, reimagining them and making them succeed.
Or the classic family-owned publication: Keeping a business in the family with no goal of excessive profits, just a certain amount of stability to keep the legacy alive.
Unfortunately, it seems, no category of owner appears able to salvage a media business in decline, with business models still stuck in the past (programmatic, anyone?) and editorial models built for a world before Facebook, TikTok and artificial intelligence.
The media sector is facing a crisis unlike anything seen since the 2008 financial mess,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kino Lorber and First Look Media have formed a joint venture to operate their respective streaming services, MHz Choice and Topic.
The new entity will be run by Kino Lorber, which will also take a majority stake. Programming, marketing and technology will be handled by MHz Networks founder Frederick Thomas. Topic Gm Ryan Chanatry and Jennifer Liang, who oversaw acquisitions for the streaming service, will consult through the transition period. Kino Lorber’s streaming services are overseen by Chief Strategy Officer Ed Carroll, the former longtime AMC Networks exec who joined the company earlier this year.
Programming for both Topic streaming and MHz Choice will be overseen by Lance Schwulst, SVP of Content Strategy for MHz Networks. Monica Bloom, VP of Marketing for Topic, will join the Jv as Chief Marketing Officer for both services.
Topic, which launched as an effort to showcase high-caliber international series and eventually focused in on the crime genre,...
The new entity will be run by Kino Lorber, which will also take a majority stake. Programming, marketing and technology will be handled by MHz Networks founder Frederick Thomas. Topic Gm Ryan Chanatry and Jennifer Liang, who oversaw acquisitions for the streaming service, will consult through the transition period. Kino Lorber’s streaming services are overseen by Chief Strategy Officer Ed Carroll, the former longtime AMC Networks exec who joined the company earlier this year.
Programming for both Topic streaming and MHz Choice will be overseen by Lance Schwulst, SVP of Content Strategy for MHz Networks. Monica Bloom, VP of Marketing for Topic, will join the Jv as Chief Marketing Officer for both services.
Topic, which launched as an effort to showcase high-caliber international series and eventually focused in on the crime genre,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the first things Reality Winner did when she was released from federal prison in June was start building a paddock for a horse named Trouble, and a small shed for her gym equipment beside it.
Winner, a former Nsa contractor, was training for a powerlifting competition when she was arrested in June 2017, accused of leaking classified information to The Intercept. When the FBI showed up at her house that day, her main preoccupation was getting her perishable groceries into the fridge and figuring out who would feed her...
Winner, a former Nsa contractor, was training for a powerlifting competition when she was arrested in June 2017, accused of leaking classified information to The Intercept. When the FBI showed up at her house that day, her main preoccupation was getting her perishable groceries into the fridge and figuring out who would feed her...
- 11/24/2021
- by Tessa Stuart
- Rollingstone.com
‘Entertainment Tonight’ Supervising Producer Joe Siyam Exits for VP Role at Talkshoplive (Exclusive)
Veteran television producer Joe Siyam has left his position as Supervising Producer at CBS Media Ventures’ “Entertainment Tonight” to join startup livestream commerce platform, talkshoplive, as vice president of talent and entertainment partnerships.
Siyam had been with “Et” for nearly 7 years, during which he oversaw the brand’s coverage of music and major red carpet events including the Grammys, Golden Globe Awards, BET Awards, American Music Awards, CMA Awards and Billboard Music Awards. He collected four Emmy Awards for his work during his “Et” tenure, where he earned a stellar reputation as one of the show’s most well-regarded producers among industry publicists and executives.
Among Siyam’s notable accomplishments at the show include some of “Et’s” biggest gets: Britney Spears 2018 sit-down, Adam Levine’s only pre Super Bowl interview, Mariah Carey on a yacht in Capri and behind-the-scenes tour exclusives with artists like Demi Lovato, the Jonas Brothers,...
Siyam had been with “Et” for nearly 7 years, during which he oversaw the brand’s coverage of music and major red carpet events including the Grammys, Golden Globe Awards, BET Awards, American Music Awards, CMA Awards and Billboard Music Awards. He collected four Emmy Awards for his work during his “Et” tenure, where he earned a stellar reputation as one of the show’s most well-regarded producers among industry publicists and executives.
Among Siyam’s notable accomplishments at the show include some of “Et’s” biggest gets: Britney Spears 2018 sit-down, Adam Levine’s only pre Super Bowl interview, Mariah Carey on a yacht in Capri and behind-the-scenes tour exclusives with artists like Demi Lovato, the Jonas Brothers,...
- 3/22/2021
- by Shirley Halperin and Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
First Look Media has appointed Ian Stratford as its new chief legal officer and head of business affairs.
Prior to joining First Look Media, Stratford served as SVP, associate general counsel at Endeavor where he helped found Endeavor Content, the agency’s production, financing and sales arm. In this role, he built and led Endeavor Content’s expansive business and legal affairs team, working across its motion picture, scripted television, non-scripted/documentary, and podcast studios, as well as the company’s partnerships, investments, and joint ventures. Prior to Endeavor, Stratford was partner at Gray Krauss Stratford Sandler Des Rochers Llp, where he served as a strategic advisor to various media companies, and led the firm’s finance practice.
In his new role at First Look, Stratford will lead the company’s overall business and legal affairs team and strategy across all divisions of the company. These include Topic Studios, the entertainment studio which develops,...
Prior to joining First Look Media, Stratford served as SVP, associate general counsel at Endeavor where he helped found Endeavor Content, the agency’s production, financing and sales arm. In this role, he built and led Endeavor Content’s expansive business and legal affairs team, working across its motion picture, scripted television, non-scripted/documentary, and podcast studios, as well as the company’s partnerships, investments, and joint ventures. Prior to Endeavor, Stratford was partner at Gray Krauss Stratford Sandler Des Rochers Llp, where he served as a strategic advisor to various media companies, and led the firm’s finance practice.
In his new role at First Look, Stratford will lead the company’s overall business and legal affairs team and strategy across all divisions of the company. These include Topic Studios, the entertainment studio which develops,...
- 2/5/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
First Look Media has announced former PBS Distribution and AMC Networks’ executive Jen O’Connell Robertson as Senior VP of Marketing. Monica Bloom, from Tribeca Shortlist, was named VP, Marketing.
O’Connell-Robertson will oversee marketing across film and TV production, led by Topic Studios, new streaming service Topic, investigative journalism outlet The Intercept, documentary division Field of Vision, and the Press Freedom Defense Fund, which provides legal aid to journalists, news organizations and whistleblowers. She’ll report to First Look Media CEO Michael Bloom.
Monica Bloom (no relation) will support O’Connell-Robertson with a focus on direct-to-consumer growth for Topic and B2B brand campaigns.
First Look hired the duo in June and November, respectively, but waited to make the formal announcement.
O’Connell-Robertson joined First Look Media from PBS Distribution. There, as VP of marketing, she supported marketing, communications and creative services teams across multiple brands and businesses with...
O’Connell-Robertson will oversee marketing across film and TV production, led by Topic Studios, new streaming service Topic, investigative journalism outlet The Intercept, documentary division Field of Vision, and the Press Freedom Defense Fund, which provides legal aid to journalists, news organizations and whistleblowers. She’ll report to First Look Media CEO Michael Bloom.
Monica Bloom (no relation) will support O’Connell-Robertson with a focus on direct-to-consumer growth for Topic and B2B brand campaigns.
First Look hired the duo in June and November, respectively, but waited to make the formal announcement.
O’Connell-Robertson joined First Look Media from PBS Distribution. There, as VP of marketing, she supported marketing, communications and creative services teams across multiple brands and businesses with...
- 1/13/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
First Look Media’s Topic Studios announced Christy Gressman, formerly with podcast network Night Vale Presents, as VP, executive producer of podcasts, and revealed several new shows in development.
Gressman was formerly a partner and executive producer at Night Vale Presents, whose podcasts include “Welcome to Night Vale,” “Sleep With Me,” “Conversations With People Who Hate Me,” and “The Orbiting Human Circus.” At Night Vale, she oversaw network-wide show development, production and distribution.
Based in New York, Gressman — who first joined Topic Studios in January 2020 — reports to Maria Zuckerman, EVP of Topic Studios. In her new role, Gressman will lead Topic Studios’ podcast vertical, overseeing all aspects of series creative and production, as well as distribution strategy. She will help define the editorial vision, build the brand’s presence in the podcast marketplace, and drive the audio business as part of Topic Studios’ overall strategy across TV, film and documentaries,...
Gressman was formerly a partner and executive producer at Night Vale Presents, whose podcasts include “Welcome to Night Vale,” “Sleep With Me,” “Conversations With People Who Hate Me,” and “The Orbiting Human Circus.” At Night Vale, she oversaw network-wide show development, production and distribution.
Based in New York, Gressman — who first joined Topic Studios in January 2020 — reports to Maria Zuckerman, EVP of Topic Studios. In her new role, Gressman will lead Topic Studios’ podcast vertical, overseeing all aspects of series creative and production, as well as distribution strategy. She will help define the editorial vision, build the brand’s presence in the podcast marketplace, and drive the audio business as part of Topic Studios’ overall strategy across TV, film and documentaries,...
- 6/23/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Visual journalism outfit Field of Vision is teaming with Spotlight production co Topic Studios to offer $250,000 in emergency financial help for struggling documentary freelancers during the coronavirus lockdown.
The two companies are divisions of First Look Media, the org set up by eBay founder and philanthropist Pierre Omidyar with doc heavyweights Glenn Greenwald, Jeremy Scahill, and Laura Poitras.
More from Deadline'Lambs Of God': Streamer Topic Takes North American Rights To Australian Drama Starring Jessica Barden, Essie Davis & Ann DowdAwkwafina Teams With Topic Studios For Feature Exploring Role Of Chinatown Restaurants In Rise Of West Coast Punk SceneStreamer Topic Picks Up 10 Fremantle Shows, Including 'The Miracle' From 'Young Pope' Producer Wildside
Industry freelancers have been particularly hard hit by the economic aspects of the crisis, with film and TV production halted around the world. As such, the fund is aiming to support the most vulnerable by providing life assistance grants,...
The two companies are divisions of First Look Media, the org set up by eBay founder and philanthropist Pierre Omidyar with doc heavyweights Glenn Greenwald, Jeremy Scahill, and Laura Poitras.
More from Deadline'Lambs Of God': Streamer Topic Takes North American Rights To Australian Drama Starring Jessica Barden, Essie Davis & Ann DowdAwkwafina Teams With Topic Studios For Feature Exploring Role Of Chinatown Restaurants In Rise Of West Coast Punk SceneStreamer Topic Picks Up 10 Fremantle Shows, Including 'The Miracle' From 'Young Pope' Producer Wildside
Industry freelancers have been particularly hard hit by the economic aspects of the crisis, with film and TV production halted around the world. As such, the fund is aiming to support the most vulnerable by providing life assistance grants,...
- 4/7/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The 10 features and shorts that First Look Media has playing at this year’s Sundance must be up there in terms of a record for a single studio, though festival officials won’t say for sure. First Look didn’t intend to make a statement at Sundance, but the 10 titles the media organization and its labels Topic Studios and Field of Vision are touting are a big part of the second phase of growth for the company founded by Pierre Omidyar. TheWrap sat down with First Look CEO Michael Bloom and Evp of Topic Studios Maria Zuckerman, who joined the company this past May, to discuss the good fortune that led to their banner year at the festival. Also Read: Magnolia Nearing 7-Figure Deal for Topic Studios' Aclu Doc 'The Fight' “It’s a crop cycle. You plant seeds, you develop them and see where the harvest ends up,” Bloom told TheWrap.
- 1/31/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
In this week’s International TV Newswire, longtime Discovery executive Susanne Dinnage leaves the company as the Animal Planet Network shifts to the company’s factual division, Beta Film clinches a milestone sale on “The Pleasure Principle,” and All3Media finds the right Job for its newest non-scripted position. Also making news, new North American Svod Topic picks up a raft of Australian content and Netflix shares photos of “The Stranger,” and announces key cast for “Los Favoritas de Midas.”
Susanne Dinnage to Leave Discovery, Animal Planet Moved to Factual Division
Susanna Dinnage, Discovery’s global president of Animal Planet since 2017, will leave the company as part of a restructuring which sees Animal Planet moved to Discovery’s factual division, managed by chief brand officer Nancy Daniels, who currently runs Discovery Channel and Science Channel.
Under her guidance, Animal Planet was rebranded and became Discovery’s first network to be managed globally.
Susanne Dinnage to Leave Discovery, Animal Planet Moved to Factual Division
Susanna Dinnage, Discovery’s global president of Animal Planet since 2017, will leave the company as part of a restructuring which sees Animal Planet moved to Discovery’s factual division, managed by chief brand officer Nancy Daniels, who currently runs Discovery Channel and Science Channel.
Under her guidance, Animal Planet was rebranded and became Discovery’s first network to be managed globally.
- 11/1/2019
- by Jamie Lang and John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
A small round of layoffs has hit Topic Studios this week in the television division, insiders familiar with the company told Variety.
One of the insiders said three executives at the New York-based producer and distributor are out: senior vice president of scripted programming and Viacom alum Lisa Leingang, vice president of development Mona Panchal and scripted programming director Kate Zabinsky.
A spokesperson for Topic Studios declined to comment on personnel, but said the scripted television division is in the process of relocating to Los Angeles. Topic operates as an arm of Pierre Omidyar’s First Look Media, and has been making cost-cutting moves since HBO vet Maria Zuckerman replaced Adam Pincus as executive vice president in May.
In late June, First Look shuttered the studio’s digital publication Topic Magazine, dedicated to nonfiction storytelling, and cut off funding to the political cartoon website the Nib. In mid-July, New York...
One of the insiders said three executives at the New York-based producer and distributor are out: senior vice president of scripted programming and Viacom alum Lisa Leingang, vice president of development Mona Panchal and scripted programming director Kate Zabinsky.
A spokesperson for Topic Studios declined to comment on personnel, but said the scripted television division is in the process of relocating to Los Angeles. Topic operates as an arm of Pierre Omidyar’s First Look Media, and has been making cost-cutting moves since HBO vet Maria Zuckerman replaced Adam Pincus as executive vice president in May.
In late June, First Look shuttered the studio’s digital publication Topic Magazine, dedicated to nonfiction storytelling, and cut off funding to the political cartoon website the Nib. In mid-July, New York...
- 9/21/2019
- by Matt Donnelly and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Author and religious scholar Reza Aslan will host an interview show that will be the first original series on Topic’s new streaming service, the company announced Tuesday.
“Rough Draft With Reza Aslan,” which will begin shooting in September and debut on the platform when it launches this fall, will feature an in-depth, long-form conversation between Aslan and a contemporary writer about their work and creative process.
Aslan previously hosted a talk show of the same name on Ovation, and this new version has essentially the same formula — two chairs, a few well-mixed cocktails and a long conversation.
Guests for the eight-episode series have yet to be announced, but the show’s previous iteration featured interviews with Norman Lear, Damon Lindelof and Jill Soloway.
Also Read: Former HBO Films Exec Maria Zuckerman Joins Topic Studios as Executive Vice President
“Writers are more than just storytellers,” Aslan said in a statement about the series.
“Rough Draft With Reza Aslan,” which will begin shooting in September and debut on the platform when it launches this fall, will feature an in-depth, long-form conversation between Aslan and a contemporary writer about their work and creative process.
Aslan previously hosted a talk show of the same name on Ovation, and this new version has essentially the same formula — two chairs, a few well-mixed cocktails and a long conversation.
Guests for the eight-episode series have yet to be announced, but the show’s previous iteration featured interviews with Norman Lear, Damon Lindelof and Jill Soloway.
Also Read: Former HBO Films Exec Maria Zuckerman Joins Topic Studios as Executive Vice President
“Writers are more than just storytellers,” Aslan said in a statement about the series.
- 8/6/2019
- by Kylie Harrington
- The Wrap
The Guardian newspaper is eyeing its first move into long-form feature docs following its success in short-to-medium length online films.
This comes as it rolls out its latest online doc – Crisanto Street – a film about gentrification in Silicon Valley.
Charlie Phillips, Head of Documentaries at the Guardian, told Deadline that it is in the early stages of plotting a move to become a funder and partner for longer form films and documentaries.
“That’s definitely something that we are wanting to do and are figuring out the best model for, especially when it comes to in-house Guardian ideas. There’s a ton of great investigative journalism going on and big stories that people are working on and there’s definitely a space in which that IP could be matched up with a really great doc filmmaker and we could have an incubation lab for those kinds of ideas. It takes...
This comes as it rolls out its latest online doc – Crisanto Street – a film about gentrification in Silicon Valley.
Charlie Phillips, Head of Documentaries at the Guardian, told Deadline that it is in the early stages of plotting a move to become a funder and partner for longer form films and documentaries.
“That’s definitely something that we are wanting to do and are figuring out the best model for, especially when it comes to in-house Guardian ideas. There’s a ton of great investigative journalism going on and big stories that people are working on and there’s definitely a space in which that IP could be matched up with a really great doc filmmaker and we could have an incubation lab for those kinds of ideas. It takes...
- 12/18/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Adam Pincus, First Look Media’s executive VP of programming and content, has left the New York-based film and TV company.
A First Look spokesperson told Variety that Pincus is no longer with the organization, founded by eBay billionaire Pierre Omidyar, and that a search is underway for his replacement. Reasons for his exit are unknown.
Pincus did not immediately respond to request for comment. Interim leadership was not clear at the studio behind films like Oscar best picture winner “Spotlight,” the acclaimed “Leave No Trace” starring Ben Foster and directed by Debra Granik, and the Sony release “Roman J. Israel, Esq.,” with Denzel Washington. In early 2017 the studio brought in AMC and Paramount TV executive Jason Fisher to head production, as well as Ryan Heller to take the lead on acquisitions.
In addition to film and TV arms, First Look counts an editorial and activist division that includes web publication the Intercept,...
A First Look spokesperson told Variety that Pincus is no longer with the organization, founded by eBay billionaire Pierre Omidyar, and that a search is underway for his replacement. Reasons for his exit are unknown.
Pincus did not immediately respond to request for comment. Interim leadership was not clear at the studio behind films like Oscar best picture winner “Spotlight,” the acclaimed “Leave No Trace” starring Ben Foster and directed by Debra Granik, and the Sony release “Roman J. Israel, Esq.,” with Denzel Washington. In early 2017 the studio brought in AMC and Paramount TV executive Jason Fisher to head production, as well as Ryan Heller to take the lead on acquisitions.
In addition to film and TV arms, First Look counts an editorial and activist division that includes web publication the Intercept,...
- 10/4/2018
- by Matt Donnelly and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Shopping for sports items online is fun when you are on a popular and reputable e-commerce site. There are thousands of e-commerce sites for sporting items online.
Listed below is a comprehensive list of 20 of the best online sports stores based on the page visits they get and their popularity.
List of Online Sports Stores
1. Amazon: Amazon ranks top on the list of best e-commerce sites globally. Jeff Bezos founded the e-commerce corporation on July 5, 1994. Amazon is the third largest Internet Company by revenue in the world. The company has its headquarters in Seattle, Washington DC. Amazon operates based on three principles that include a commitment to operational excellence, passion for innovation and customer obsession instead of competitor focus.
The e-commerce platform offers consumers a wide range of products. You can also buy sports items from the platform. Amazon offers great prices and a vast selection of sports apparel,...
Listed below is a comprehensive list of 20 of the best online sports stores based on the page visits they get and their popularity.
List of Online Sports Stores
1. Amazon: Amazon ranks top on the list of best e-commerce sites globally. Jeff Bezos founded the e-commerce corporation on July 5, 1994. Amazon is the third largest Internet Company by revenue in the world. The company has its headquarters in Seattle, Washington DC. Amazon operates based on three principles that include a commitment to operational excellence, passion for innovation and customer obsession instead of competitor focus.
The e-commerce platform offers consumers a wide range of products. You can also buy sports items from the platform. Amazon offers great prices and a vast selection of sports apparel,...
- 7/16/2018
- by Sharmaine
- SoundOnSight
First Look Media has hired entertainment industry veteran Drew Wilson as chief financial officer to oversee finance, strategic planning, and business development.
He will work on the entertainment studio, consumer businesses, and journalism operations, and will support all the company’s brands including Topic, the Intercept, Field of Vision and the Nib.
“Drew is perfect for this role given his expertise in studio and consumer businesses and his desire to make an impact with our company’s unique mission,” Michael Bloom, CEO of First Look Media, said. “He joins at an opportune time as we build upon the great momentum we’re enjoying across film, TV, digital and journalism.”
Wilson was most recently the CFO of AwesomenessTV, which is majority owned by Comcast-NBCU and minority investors Verizon and Hearst Corporation. Earlier in his career, he was CFO of Rlj Entertainment. He also spent over a decade at Discovery Communications,...
He will work on the entertainment studio, consumer businesses, and journalism operations, and will support all the company’s brands including Topic, the Intercept, Field of Vision and the Nib.
“Drew is perfect for this role given his expertise in studio and consumer businesses and his desire to make an impact with our company’s unique mission,” Michael Bloom, CEO of First Look Media, said. “He joins at an opportune time as we build upon the great momentum we’re enjoying across film, TV, digital and journalism.”
Wilson was most recently the CFO of AwesomenessTV, which is majority owned by Comcast-NBCU and minority investors Verizon and Hearst Corporation. Earlier in his career, he was CFO of Rlj Entertainment. He also spent over a decade at Discovery Communications,...
- 4/3/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Glenn Greenwald unleashed a bit of vitriol over the weekend, taking out his knives for his former friend, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow. “I used to be really good friends with Rachel Maddow,” he told New York Magazine in an interview published Sunday. “And I’ve seen her devolution from this really interesting, really smart, independent thinker into this utterly scripted, intellectually dishonest, partisan hack.” Greenwald snagged a Pulitzer Prize in 2013 for his work with Nsa leaker Edward Snowden and later founded his own company, First Look Media, with the help of billionaire Pierre Omidyar. A spokesperson for MSNBC did not immediately respond to...
- 1/22/2018
- by Jon Levine
- The Wrap
President Trump's youngest son is heading to a new school just outside of D.C. -- and sports will be a big part of his time there. Melania Trump confirmed reports Monday Barron will attend St. Andrew's Episcopal in Maryland starting this fall. According to school officials the First Kid will have to join a sport for 2 out of the 3 trimesters each year. Here are some of his options: - Fall trimester ... cross-country, equestrian,...
- 5/15/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
First Look Media is bolstering its film, TV and digital ranks and has tapped AMC Networks and Paramount Television veteran Jason Fisher as senior vp and head of production and Ryan Heller as vp acquisitions. Fisher and Heller join First Look Media’s programming and content team as the three-year-old, New York-based media company, launched by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and run by Michael Bloom, continues to build its slate of programming.
Fisher and Heller join First Look, which produced and co-financed Oscar best picture winner Spotlight, as it ramps up its output. Fisher will oversee scripted and unscripted...
Fisher and Heller join First Look, which produced and co-financed Oscar best picture winner Spotlight, as it ramps up its output. Fisher will oversee scripted and unscripted...
- 2/22/2017
- by Tatiana Siegel
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
First Look Media, which co-financed the Best Picture Oscar winner “Spotlight” as its first project and helped produce Laura Poitras’ upcoming Julian Assange documentary “Risk,” has hired Todd Green as its Senior Vice President of Content Distribution and Licensing and Carrie Lieberman as Director of Content Distribution and Licensing.
Read More: Cannes: With ‘Risk,’ Laura Poitras Ignites Demand For Julian Assange’s Release
Green and Lieberman will identify and secure distribution partnerships and licensing deals for content produced and acquired by First Look across film, television and short form digital. Green was previously a Senior Vice President of Digital Distribution at the now-defunct Alchemy, prior to which he was a General Manager at Tribeca Film and a Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising at AMC Networks.
“Todd brings a wealth of experience with a range of distribution deals, partners and models from his extensive time at AMC Networks and Tribeca Film,...
Read More: Cannes: With ‘Risk,’ Laura Poitras Ignites Demand For Julian Assange’s Release
Green and Lieberman will identify and secure distribution partnerships and licensing deals for content produced and acquired by First Look across film, television and short form digital. Green was previously a Senior Vice President of Digital Distribution at the now-defunct Alchemy, prior to which he was a General Manager at Tribeca Film and a Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising at AMC Networks.
“Todd brings a wealth of experience with a range of distribution deals, partners and models from his extensive time at AMC Networks and Tribeca Film,...
- 9/21/2016
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
The company said on Wednesday that Todd Green has been named senior vice-president of content distribution and licensing and Carrie Lieberman director of content distribution and licensing.
First Look Media also announced that Lydia Cheuk has been named senior vice president, business and legal affairs. Josh Epstein, executive vice-president and chief business officer, made the announcements. Green and Lieberman are pictured.
eBay founder and philanthropist Pierre Omidyar launched the company in 2013. It co-financed Spotlight and the slate of projects include Risk by Laura Poitras and director Aj Schnack’s docuseries on the presidential campaign, NomiNation.
Chinese actress Jing Tian will star alongside John Boyega, Scott Eastwood and Cailee Spaeny in Legendary Entertainment’s Pacific Rim sequel, set to open through Universal Pictures on February 23, 2018. Legendary will distribute directly in China through its parent company Wanda. Steven S. DeKnight directs. Tian’s Chinese credits include New Police Story and Special ID with Donnie Yen. She will next...
First Look Media also announced that Lydia Cheuk has been named senior vice president, business and legal affairs. Josh Epstein, executive vice-president and chief business officer, made the announcements. Green and Lieberman are pictured.
eBay founder and philanthropist Pierre Omidyar launched the company in 2013. It co-financed Spotlight and the slate of projects include Risk by Laura Poitras and director Aj Schnack’s docuseries on the presidential campaign, NomiNation.
Chinese actress Jing Tian will star alongside John Boyega, Scott Eastwood and Cailee Spaeny in Legendary Entertainment’s Pacific Rim sequel, set to open through Universal Pictures on February 23, 2018. Legendary will distribute directly in China through its parent company Wanda. Steven S. DeKnight directs. Tian’s Chinese credits include New Police Story and Special ID with Donnie Yen. She will next...
- 9/21/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
“The revolution will be podcasted and it will be hilarious,” says W. Kamau Bell, one half of the funny duo behind the new podcast “Politically Re-Active with W. Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu,” which premieres June 29 on Slate’s podcast network, Panoply. The comedians and friends will speak to special guest politicos and comedians in each 20-25 minute episode. Each episode will have a specific theme and will include signature comedy segments.
Bell calls himself a “socio-political comedian,” and was the host of the short-lived FX comedy series “Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell,” for which Kondabolu served as a writer and correspondent. Boasting Chris Rock as executive producer, the show hired all stand-up comedians as writers, including up-and-comers Aparna Nancherla (recently named one of Variety’s Top Ten Comics to Watch) and Guy Branum (“Awkward,” “Chelsea Lately”). As a regular on the public radio circuit (Terry Gross has him...
Bell calls himself a “socio-political comedian,” and was the host of the short-lived FX comedy series “Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell,” for which Kondabolu served as a writer and correspondent. Boasting Chris Rock as executive producer, the show hired all stand-up comedians as writers, including up-and-comers Aparna Nancherla (recently named one of Variety’s Top Ten Comics to Watch) and Guy Branum (“Awkward,” “Chelsea Lately”). As a regular on the public radio circuit (Terry Gross has him...
- 6/27/2016
- by Judith Dry
- Indiewire
Billionaire eBay founder Pierre Omidyar could rescue Gawker from its financial troubles after his arch-rival has been revealed as the person bankrolling anti-Gawker lawsuits. Omidyar’s First Look Media is reaching out to other media organizations to help Gawker fund its appeal of the $140 million Hulk Hogan payout, according to the New York Post. “First Look Media is looking into organizing amicus support for Gawker in its legal fight and appeal against Hulk Hogan,” Lynn Oberlander, First Look’s general counsel, told The Post Friday. Also Read: Who Is Peter Thiel? A Brief History of the Billionaire Trying to Destroy...
- 5/27/2016
- by Brian Flood
- The Wrap
The riveting true story of the dedicated investigative team that blew the lid off a monumental cover up, Spotlight is now available on Digital HD, and comes to Blu-ray combo pack, DVD and On Demand on February 23, 2016, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Directed by Academy Award nominee Tom McCarthy (Up, The Station Agent), this taut drama goes behind the scenes of one of the most notorious scandals in recent history as a small group of intrepid journalists take on a seemingly unbeatable opponent — and win. “A tour de force” (Variety), Spotlight on Blu-ray and DVD features an insightful “making-of” documentary and revealing conversations with the filmmakers.
“A masterpiece” according to Brian Truitt, USA Today, Spotlight is one of the most important and critically acclaimed films of the year, nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Additionally, the...
“A masterpiece” according to Brian Truitt, USA Today, Spotlight is one of the most important and critically acclaimed films of the year, nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Additionally, the...
- 2/23/2016
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
With an ambitious new visual-journalism unit at The Intercept, the Citizenfour director is planning to take non-fiction film-making into the unknown
Laura Poitras doesn’t like to rest on her laurels. Less than a year after winning a Pulitzer prize for reporting on Edward Snowden’s Nsa revelations and netting an Oscar for the ensuing documentary Citizenfour, she’s back in the spotlight with Asylum: a new short-form episodic series. In it she shadows Julian Assange as he publishes classified diplomatic cables and seeks asylum in Ecuador’s London embassy.
Three episodes of her series, which serve as a prequel of sorts to Citizenfour, premiered on Sunday at the New York film festival. The shorts – scored by Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails – were completed under the banner of Poitras’s new visual journalism unit, Field of Vision, which she recently launched with fellow film-maker Aj Schnack and producer/writer Charlotte Cook,...
Laura Poitras doesn’t like to rest on her laurels. Less than a year after winning a Pulitzer prize for reporting on Edward Snowden’s Nsa revelations and netting an Oscar for the ensuing documentary Citizenfour, she’s back in the spotlight with Asylum: a new short-form episodic series. In it she shadows Julian Assange as he publishes classified diplomatic cables and seeks asylum in Ecuador’s London embassy.
Three episodes of her series, which serve as a prequel of sorts to Citizenfour, premiered on Sunday at the New York film festival. The shorts – scored by Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails – were completed under the banner of Poitras’s new visual journalism unit, Field of Vision, which she recently launched with fellow film-maker Aj Schnack and producer/writer Charlotte Cook,...
- 9/30/2015
- by Nigel M Smith
- The Guardian - Film News
First Look Media is aiming for a bit of a restart after a staff exodus, and has hired digital media veteran Michael Bloom as President and General Manager, CEO Pierre Omidyar announced Wednesday. Bloom, who’s served as Chief Digital Officer for Rolling Stone and Us Weekly; CEO of Guardian News and Media; Evp of Dr. Oz Digital; Senior VP of MTV Digital, will be charged with running the journalistic aspect of Fl along with developing commercial opportunities. “Michael brings years of experience in technology, entertainment, media and journalism that spans both coasts,” Omidyar said in a statement. “He’s passionate about working with journalists,...
- 3/11/2015
- by Jordan Chariton
- The Wrap
The First Look Media exodus that spread like wildfire in 2014 is apparently not finished as investigative reporter Ken Silverstein penned a scorching series of resignation posts this weekend about the company owned by Pierre Omidyar. Silverstein, an investigative reporter who worked at The Racket and The Intercept, took to Facebook to announce he was quitting the company. In posts spanning across Saturday and Sunday, the former Harper’s Washington editor dubbed his experience at First Look as “Welcome to the Slaughterhouse.” Also Read: First Look Media Exodus: John Cook Bolts ‘The Intercept’ for Gawker Return on Heels of Matt Taibbi Exit “You.
- 2/23/2015
- by Jordan Chariton
- The Wrap
Where there are winners there are also losers, and as TheWrap already declared our our top 5 media winners of 2014 so must follow the year’s most prominent losers.
Fortunately, in the media world, it’s not a challenge to see who is in a funk and who is in full-on demolition mode.
Also Read: Top 5 Media Winners of the Year: TheWrap’s Best & Worst 2014
Here are the top 5 media losers of 2014.
Getty Images
1. When journalists and billionares collide: Pierre Omidyar
For a guy who had the vision, determination and talent to create eBay, Pierre Omidyar sure seems to have trouble running a media company.
Fortunately, in the media world, it’s not a challenge to see who is in a funk and who is in full-on demolition mode.
Also Read: Top 5 Media Winners of the Year: TheWrap’s Best & Worst 2014
Here are the top 5 media losers of 2014.
Getty Images
1. When journalists and billionares collide: Pierre Omidyar
For a guy who had the vision, determination and talent to create eBay, Pierre Omidyar sure seems to have trouble running a media company.
- 12/30/2014
- by Jordan Chariton
- The Wrap
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