EXCLUSIVE : StudioCanal is returning to the UK television production investment scene as it finalizes a deal with an outfit co-founded by a Vigil and Downton Abbey director. The French production group will back Strong Film & Television, which was co-founded by BAFTA-winner James Strong and Matt Tombs, a former BBC and Paramount executive. Strong Film & Television was established in late 2020 and appears to have added Loretta Preece to its ranks. Preece was most recently the series producer on Casualty , the long-running, BAFTA-winning BBC continuing drama. StudioCanal is close to finalizing an announcement for the investment, which would mark one of its first notable television deals in the UK for years. In 2016, the Canal+ Group company took stakes in Urban Myth Films , producer of Fox’s War of the Worlds , and SunnyMarch , co-founded by Benedict Cumberbatch. StudioCanal has not been inactive in the acquisitions space but has focused on … [Read more...] about StudioCanal Returns To UK Production Investment By Backing ‘Vigil’ Director
Vietnam soldiers returning home
CNBC Drops ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’ From Primetime Lineup
CNBC is dropping Jay Leno ’s Garage , the classic car series that capitalized on the comedian’s prized collection, after seven seasons. The network chose not to renew the series after seven seasons, a source confirmed. KC Sullivan, named president last year, has chosen to focus on business oriented reality shows in the primetime lineup, including Shark Tank and Undercover Boss . But Jay Leno’s Garage , which started as a special in 2014 and became a series the next year, drew attention given Leno’s status as a former host of The Tonight Show and his ability to draw marquee guest stars, including President Joe Biden, who taped an appearance last year. In an earlier appearance, when he was serving as vice president, Biden appeared with former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Sullivan also dropped Shepard Smith’s high profile newscast The News with Shepard Smith , which aired at 7 PM. The Hollywood Reporter was the first to report on the cancellation of … [Read more...] about CNBC Drops ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’ From Primetime Lineup