With demand surging for sports-themed films and TV series, Authentic Brands Group and David Glasser’s 101 Studios have launched Sports Illustrated Studios, an exclusive home for film and TV adaptations of the magazine’s work. Plans call for several scripted or unscripted feature films and TV series per year, as well as podcasts. Their basis will be the magazine’s “unique looks at the culture and characters that transcend the game,” in the words of the official announcement. In charge of all production, distribution and marketing for Sports Illustrated Studios will be 101 Studios, which Glasser started after leaving his longtime post at the Weinstein Company. First out of the gate will be Covers , an episodic look at SI ’s top cover stories of all time, culled from a roster of thousands involving a host of sports figures, teams, celebrities and political figures. “Sports Illustrated has covered every major story in sports since the 1950s and, before the … [Read more...] about Sports Illustrated Studios Launches As Joint Film/TV Venture By Authentic Brands And 101 Studios
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Universal’s Rebranded Parks Division Taps Brian Robinson & Eric Parr As It Fires Up Creative Unit
The recently renamed Universal Destinations & Experiences (previously Parks & Resorts) has named two executives to key roles at its growing creative division. In a memo to staff today, Destinations’ chairman-CEO Mark Woodbury said Brian Robinson has been named to the role of EVP, Chief Creative Officer and will lead the division’s Creative Studio, including ATI (Advanced Technology Initiatives), Media, Architecture and Planning, and Attraction Development. Currently EVP, Brand Strategy & Creative at Universal Products & Experiences, he will transition out of that role with a planned move to Orlando later this year. Eric Parr has been promoted to the new role of SVP, Creative Studio, reporting to Robinson and taking on expanded leadership of creative design on new attractions, destinations and experiences worldwide. “Universal Destinations & Experiences has an exciting future with a powerful aspiration, phenomenal product, a differentiated brand … [Read more...] about Universal’s Rebranded Parks Division Taps Brian Robinson & Eric Parr As It Fires Up Creative Unit
UK Government Publishes Long-Awaited Media Bill To Help Bring Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video Under Regulatory Framework
The UK government has published its long-awaited draft Media Bill to bring the U.S. streamers under its regulatory framework and help public broadcasters “embrace the digital age.” The bill marks the next step in long-planned legislation that, once passed, could see the likes of Netflix , Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video fined up to £250,000 ($308,000) or restricted in the UK entirely if they break rules around harmful material that have applied to the public broadcasters for decades. The White Paper that laid out plans for the bill in April 2022 had initially floated the idea that these streamers either be fined the £250,000 maximum or 5% of their local revenues, whichever was higher, but the latter option has been removed from today’s draft bill. Once passed, media regulator Ofcom will be given “more robust powers to investigate and take action to enforce standards if they consider it appropriate,” added the UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). … [Read more...] about UK Government Publishes Long-Awaited Media Bill To Help Bring Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video Under Regulatory Framework
‘Britannia’ Canceled By Sky After Season 3’s Cliffhanger Finale
EXCLUSIVE : Britannia will leave its army of fans on a cliffhanger finale after Sky decided not to renew the epic fantasy historical drama for Season 4. Produced by UK companies Neal Street Productions and Vertigo Films , Britannia has been canceled despite building a loyal and engaged fan base. The series featured The Walking Dead actor David Morrissey as General Aulus, a power-hungry military leader who spearheads the Roman invasion of Britannia. The first season was carried by Amazon Prime Video in the U.S., while Epix streamed Seasons 2 and 3. Season 3 ended with Cait (Eleanor Worthington Cox) in Rome after being betrayed by her mentor, who has apparently wed General Aulus. Britannia was created by Jez Butterworth, Tom Butterworth, and James Richardson. Sky declined to comment. … [Read more...] about ‘Britannia’ Canceled By Sky After Season 3’s Cliffhanger Finale
BBC News Channel To Bench Seasoned Presenters From Next Week As Output Is Relaunched
EXCLUSIVE : BBC News will make sweeping changes to its news channel presenting line-up from next week, with a number of seasoned anchors dropping off air. The British broadcaster is merging its UK and World News stations into a single channel, with changes gradually being introduced from April 3. Audiences are unlikely to notice a “big bang” overhaul, but one of the most notable differences will be the channel’s presenter lineup. Newsroom sources also expect BBC management to rethink plans to reduce UK news amid fears that the merger could dilute domestic output and damage viewing figures. The BBC said the channel always planned to carry UK news for local viewers. From next week, five journalists will take up Chief Presenter roles, including Matthew Amroliwala, Yalda Hakim, Christian Fraser, Lucy Hockings, and Maryam Moshiri. A further 10 UK-based presenters were unsuccessful in applying for these roles , and Deadline hears that many have dropped off BBC News’ … [Read more...] about BBC News Channel To Bench Seasoned Presenters From Next Week As Output Is Relaunched
‘Dead Ringers’: Prime Video Delays Release Of Trailer Due To Nashville School Shooting
The official trailer for Dead Ringers , Prime Video ’s upcoming psychological thriller limited series starring Rachel Weisz , has been delayed for a day due to the Nashville school shooting which left three children and three adults dead. Dead Ringers , a reimagining with a gender swap of David Cronenberg’s cult classic 1980s film, stars Weisz in the lead dual roles of Elliot and Beverly Mantle. They are twin gynocologists who share everything: drugs, lovers, and an unapologetic desire to do whatever it takes—including pushing the boundaries on medical ethics—in an effort to challenge antiquated practices and bring women’s health care to the forefront. Weisz also serves as an executive producer for the limited series, which is created, written, and executive produced by Emmy-nominated writer and playwright Alice Birch ( Normal People , Succession ). The series’ ensemble cast includes Britne Oldford as Genevieve, Poppy Liu as Greta, Michael Chernus as Tom, … [Read more...] about ‘Dead Ringers’: Prime Video Delays Release Of Trailer Due To Nashville School Shooting
Tom Sandoval Breaks Silence on Raquel, Ariana Cheating Scandal
BACKGRID Tom Sandoval has opened up publicly, at least kinda sorta, saying he couldn't handle the whole cheating thing better, but at the same time, he gives himself some wiggle room by talking about the clarity of hindsight. Tom was outside Pop Music Studios in the San Fernando Valley Monday night when a photog asked if he had regrets about cheating on Ariana with Raquel . He says he does, but also says, "Hindsight's always 20/20, man." As for why he's taking so much heat, given it's not the first-ever cheating scandal on "Vanderpump Rules," Tom passes it off this way ... "I just think it was really unexpected." He says he regrets cheating, but the fact is ... he's still with Raquel. We got photos of Tom and Raquel out after the explosive reunion show. They were chowing down at Musso and Frank in Hollywood and looked very much like a couple. TMZ broke the story of details from the yet-to-be-aired reunion show, in which things got … [Read more...] about Tom Sandoval Breaks Silence on Raquel, Ariana Cheating Scandal
Universal Digs In On Revamp Of ‘The Mole People’; Chris Winterbauer Scripting, Skybound’s Robert Kirkman & Dave Alpert Producing
EXCLUSIVE : Universal Pictures continues to tap into its classic monsters vault. The studio has acquired a pitch for a revamp of 1956 horror film The Mole People pitched by Chris Winterbauer , who’ll write the script. In the new take, a woman travels to a town veiled in a conspiracy to rescue her grandchildren from their father. To do this, she must fight through hell in the underground tunnels where the Mole People reside. In the 1956 original, archaeologists stumble into the underground lair of a race of darkness-dwellers who can see in low light and have no pigmentation after being out of the light for so long. The high priest who rules the small pocket of mole people is threatened by the newcomers and wants them dead. While not on the popularity level of, say, the upcoming April 14 Uni release Renfield – that Chris McKay-directed drama stars Nicolas Cage as Dracula and Nicholas Hoult as his weary title henchman – The Mole People certainly has a cool … [Read more...] about Universal Digs In On Revamp Of ‘The Mole People’; Chris Winterbauer Scripting, Skybound’s Robert Kirkman & Dave Alpert Producing
‘The Secrets Of Hillsong’ Docuseries Based On Vanity Fair’s Megachurch Exposé Set At FX For Spring Premiere
FX has ordered The Secrets of Hillsong , an investigative docuseries based on Vanity Fair ‘s exposé of the controversial megachurch, which counted celebritries such as Justin Bieber, Kevin Durant, and Selena Gomez among its worshippers. The four-episode docuseries, which Deadline exclusively reported had been in development since 2021, hails from Oscar and Emmy-winning Queer Eye producer Scout Productions and Vanity Fair Studios. It’s set to premiere Friday, May 19 at 10 PM with the first two episodes. The final two episodes will air May 26. All episodes will stream the next day on Hulu. The series will be available on Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories. Directed by Stacey Lee, the docuseries will feature the first interviews from former pastors Carl and Laura Lentz following their public ouster from the church that had been mired in scandal after Carl Lentz admitted an extramarital affair. Vanity Fair’s initial … [Read more...] about ‘The Secrets Of Hillsong’ Docuseries Based On Vanity Fair’s Megachurch Exposé Set At FX For Spring Premiere
Former DGA Presidents Paris Barclay & Thomas Schlamme Named Co-Chairs Of Guild’s Outreach Team Ahead Of “Difficult” Contract Talks
Former Directors Guild presidents Paris Barclay and Thomas Schlamme have been named co-chairs of the DGA Outreach Team in advance of what the guild predicts will be “difficult” negotiations for a new film and TV contract, which are set to start May 10 . The guild says that the mission of the Outreach Team, which is which is made up of a broad cross section of DGA members, is to “support increased member engagement and awareness as we prepare for negotiations.” The DGA’s current contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers expires June 30. “With their experience as former presidents of the DGA and their unrivaled knowledge of our industry, Paris and Tommy will serve as incredible representatives of our guild to our members as we prepare to win the best possible contract for our members,” said DGA president Lesli Linka Glatter . “With their guidance, the DGA Outreach Team is ready to unite our 19,000 members to fight for our future.” … [Read more...] about Former DGA Presidents Paris Barclay & Thomas Schlamme Named Co-Chairs Of Guild’s Outreach Team Ahead Of “Difficult” Contract Talks