Exclusive: One of the most fruitful TV production partnerships in the past five years is over. The first-look/co-financing deal between Paramount Television Studios and Anonymous Content expired at the end of 2019 and was not renewed. This does not mean an abrupt end to the companies’ relationship — they have several series on the air and some 18 projects currently in development that they will continue to collaborate on and set up around town, including the recent sale of The Last of the Mohicans TV series to HBO Max.
“Anonymous Content and Paramount Television Studios have mutually agreed not to renew their first look deal, but look forward to continued collaboration on shared current and future projects,” the two companies said in a statement to Deadline.
Going forward, Anonymous Content plans to stay independent so it can work with everybody and set up projects everywhere, sources said.
Just months after its 2013 launch,...
“Anonymous Content and Paramount Television Studios have mutually agreed not to renew their first look deal, but look forward to continued collaboration on shared current and future projects,” the two companies said in a statement to Deadline.
Going forward, Anonymous Content plans to stay independent so it can work with everybody and set up projects everywhere, sources said.
Just months after its 2013 launch,...
- 1/22/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Nine months after Amy Powell’s surprise exit as President of Paramount Television, she has spoken for the first time about the circumstances surrounding her firing.
Powell was let go last July over what was reported at the time as “racially insensitive” comments allegedly made by her during a conference call discussing characters and storylines in Paramount TV’s First Wives Club comedy series, a reimagining of the 1996 movie with black leads. Powell adamantly denied the accusations and, weeks later, she reached a confidential financial settlement with Paramount.
Powell, who had kept a low profile while prepping the next chapter in her career, recently reflected on the events that led to her dismissal, giving a frank assessment of her actions and taking responsibility for them. She made the comments in a Forbes article titled From Pain To Purpose: Why We Need To Have Difficult Conversations, about the importance of difficult...
Powell was let go last July over what was reported at the time as “racially insensitive” comments allegedly made by her during a conference call discussing characters and storylines in Paramount TV’s First Wives Club comedy series, a reimagining of the 1996 movie with black leads. Powell adamantly denied the accusations and, weeks later, she reached a confidential financial settlement with Paramount.
Powell, who had kept a low profile while prepping the next chapter in her career, recently reflected on the events that led to her dismissal, giving a frank assessment of her actions and taking responsibility for them. She made the comments in a Forbes article titled From Pain To Purpose: Why We Need To Have Difficult Conversations, about the importance of difficult...
- 4/26/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Television has promoted Ken Basin to head of business affairs following the departure of David Goldman, the studio announced on Wednesday.
Goldman, who was promoted to head of business affairs last year, has stepped down from his post to “pursue other opportunities,” the studio said. Basin will step in for Goldman and take lead of the division just months after rising to the executive vice president level in January.
“Ken is an indispensable part of our team–a brilliant mind and great leader–and I couldn’t be more excited to have him oversee this arm of our division,” said Paramount TV president Nicole Clemens, to whom Basin will now report.
Also Read: Paramount TV Hires Jenna Santoianni and Cheryl Bosnak as Part of Executive Restructure
The move continues the executive shake-up at the studio under the leadership of Clemens, who was named president of Paramount Television in September...
Goldman, who was promoted to head of business affairs last year, has stepped down from his post to “pursue other opportunities,” the studio said. Basin will step in for Goldman and take lead of the division just months after rising to the executive vice president level in January.
“Ken is an indispensable part of our team–a brilliant mind and great leader–and I couldn’t be more excited to have him oversee this arm of our division,” said Paramount TV president Nicole Clemens, to whom Basin will now report.
Also Read: Paramount TV Hires Jenna Santoianni and Cheryl Bosnak as Part of Executive Restructure
The move continues the executive shake-up at the studio under the leadership of Clemens, who was named president of Paramount Television in September...
- 4/25/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Hulu has added Ron Cephas Jones and Timothy Simons as series regulars to its adaptation of John Green’s “Looking for Alaska.”
Jones and Simons join a cast that includes Kristine Froseth, Charlie Plummer, Denny Love, Jay Lee, Landry Bender, Sofia Vassilieva, Uriah Shelton and Jordan Connor.
The series, which is based on Green’s novel of the same name, is told through the eyes of teenager Miles “Pudge” Halter, as he enrolls in boarding school to try to gain a deeper perspective on life. After the unexpected death of the girl he loves, Pudge and his close friends attempt to uncover the truth about what happened and make sense of it.
Simons, best known for his role as presidential hopeful Jonah Ryan on “Veep,” has been cast in the role of The Eagle. Stern and humorless, he is devoted to the code of Culver Creek Academy. The Eagle runs...
Jones and Simons join a cast that includes Kristine Froseth, Charlie Plummer, Denny Love, Jay Lee, Landry Bender, Sofia Vassilieva, Uriah Shelton and Jordan Connor.
The series, which is based on Green’s novel of the same name, is told through the eyes of teenager Miles “Pudge” Halter, as he enrolls in boarding school to try to gain a deeper perspective on life. After the unexpected death of the girl he loves, Pudge and his close friends attempt to uncover the truth about what happened and make sense of it.
Simons, best known for his role as presidential hopeful Jonah Ryan on “Veep,” has been cast in the role of The Eagle. Stern and humorless, he is devoted to the code of Culver Creek Academy. The Eagle runs...
- 4/5/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Hulu is building out the cast for its upcoming limited series “Looking For Alaska,” based off the John Green’s 2005 novel of the same name. Six new series regulars have signed on, including Denny Love (“Empire”) as “The Colonel,” Jay Lee (“American Vandal”) as Takumi, Landry Bender (“Fuller House”) as Sara, Sofia Vassilieva (“My Sister’s Keeper”) as Lara, Uriah Shelton (“13 Reasons Why”) as Longwell, and Jordan Connor (“Riverdale”) as Kevin.
The new additions join previously announced leads Kristine Froseth as Alaska Young and Charlie Plummer as Miles “Pudge” Halter.
The eight-episode series follows Miles as he embarks on his first year at boarding school. He soon falls in love with Alaska, who dies unexpectedly, leading Miles and his close friends on a quest to find the truth behind her mysterious death.
Also Read: 'Looking for Alaska': Charlie Plummer and Kristine Froseth to Lead Hulu Limited Series
The series comes from Paramount Television,...
The new additions join previously announced leads Kristine Froseth as Alaska Young and Charlie Plummer as Miles “Pudge” Halter.
The eight-episode series follows Miles as he embarks on his first year at boarding school. He soon falls in love with Alaska, who dies unexpectedly, leading Miles and his close friends on a quest to find the truth behind her mysterious death.
Also Read: 'Looking for Alaska': Charlie Plummer and Kristine Froseth to Lead Hulu Limited Series
The series comes from Paramount Television,...
- 3/21/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Paramount TV has restructured its executive ranks under new president Nicole Clemens, adding Jenna Santoianni as executive vice president and head of development.
As part of the restructure, Paramount TV has created a new Current Department, which is focused on shepherding existing content and building ongoing relationships with its various partners. That will be led by Cheryl Bosnak, who comes over from Disney-ABC where she worked for 14 years. Her title will be executive vice president and head of current programming and will report to Clemens.
Clemens was named president of Paramount Television in September, following the sudden ousting of Amy Powell last summer.
Also Read: Nicole Clemens Named President of Paramount Television
“The creation of a Current Department in tandem with recent leadership changes across the studio will provide a crucial infrastructure that will allow for the continued growth and success of this division,” Clemens said. “Cheryl has...
As part of the restructure, Paramount TV has created a new Current Department, which is focused on shepherding existing content and building ongoing relationships with its various partners. That will be led by Cheryl Bosnak, who comes over from Disney-ABC where she worked for 14 years. Her title will be executive vice president and head of current programming and will report to Clemens.
Clemens was named president of Paramount Television in September, following the sudden ousting of Amy Powell last summer.
Also Read: Nicole Clemens Named President of Paramount Television
“The creation of a Current Department in tandem with recent leadership changes across the studio will provide a crucial infrastructure that will allow for the continued growth and success of this division,” Clemens said. “Cheryl has...
- 3/11/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Paramount TV has bolstered its executive roster, naming a new head of development and creating a current programming department.
The hires are part of a restructuring at the studio under Nicole Clemens, who was named president of Paramount TV in September following the firing of former head Amy Powell.
Jenna Santoianni has been named executive vp and head of development, reporting to Clemens. Former ABC executive Cheryl Bosnak will be executive vp and head of current programming, heading up the new department. Mark Mikutowicz will transition from vp development to vp current, reporting to Bosnak, and Cameron Johnson has been ...
The hires are part of a restructuring at the studio under Nicole Clemens, who was named president of Paramount TV in September following the firing of former head Amy Powell.
Jenna Santoianni has been named executive vp and head of development, reporting to Clemens. Former ABC executive Cheryl Bosnak will be executive vp and head of current programming, heading up the new department. Mark Mikutowicz will transition from vp development to vp current, reporting to Bosnak, and Cameron Johnson has been ...
- 3/11/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The controversy over Viggo Mortensen’s use of the N-word during a recent Q&A for his movie “Green Book” appears to be over, but can he and the film recover enough to emerge as a genuine awards contender?
In the immediate days following the incident, glowing profiles in the likes of USA Today and think pieces over the race-themed film glossed over or entirely omitted mention of the incident. The actor, to his credit, was quick to apologize for using the word, which he uttered during a conversation with “Green Book” costar Mahershala Ali and Film Independent programmer and moderator Elvis Mitchell a little over a week ago.
“I was attempting to make the point that the extreme, dehumanizing ugliness that this word conjures, the hateful attitude behind it, has not disappeared just because white people generally no longer use it as a racist insult,” he wrote in a...
In the immediate days following the incident, glowing profiles in the likes of USA Today and think pieces over the race-themed film glossed over or entirely omitted mention of the incident. The actor, to his credit, was quick to apologize for using the word, which he uttered during a conversation with “Green Book” costar Mahershala Ali and Film Independent programmer and moderator Elvis Mitchell a little over a week ago.
“I was attempting to make the point that the extreme, dehumanizing ugliness that this word conjures, the hateful attitude behind it, has not disappeared just because white people generally no longer use it as a racist insult,” he wrote in a...
- 11/21/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
As 2018 draws to a close, Hollywood continues to find itself under the microscope with regard to inclusion and representation in the industry. It appears some positive steps are indeed being taken toward rectifying a historically shameful track record of excluding women and people of color from executive suites and on both sides of the camera.
While film and television leaders still have miles to go before claiming victory, the consensus among dozens of actors, filmmakers, executives, agents and industry observers interviewed by Variety is that lip service has begun to translate into real action. Agencies, guilds and studios are fortifying their efforts to combat the dearth of underrepresented talent on- and off-screen through a variety of programs and data-point tools, while major stars are leveraging their clout to ensure parity on their productions.
Swift moves have also been made to address racially insensitive remarks by high-profile executives, evidenced by the...
While film and television leaders still have miles to go before claiming victory, the consensus among dozens of actors, filmmakers, executives, agents and industry observers interviewed by Variety is that lip service has begun to translate into real action. Agencies, guilds and studios are fortifying their efforts to combat the dearth of underrepresented talent on- and off-screen through a variety of programs and data-point tools, while major stars are leveraging their clout to ensure parity on their productions.
Swift moves have also been made to address racially insensitive remarks by high-profile executives, evidenced by the...
- 11/14/2018
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Variety Film + TV
Charlie Plummer and Kristine Froseth have been cast to lead the Hulu limited series adaptation of John Green’s Ya novel “Looking for Alaska,” the author announced on Twitter Tuesday.
Plummer will play Miles Halter, and Froseth will play the titular Alaska Young.
Here’s the series’ official logline: “The series is based on the John Green novel of the same name. It is told through the eyes of teenager Miles “Pudge” Halter, as he enrolls in boarding school to try to gain a deeper perspective on life. He falls in love with a girl, Alaska Young, and after her unexpected death, he and his close friends attempt to uncover the truth behind her death and make sense of it.”
In the Looking for Alaska @hulu series, Alaska will be played by Kristine Froseth (kristine_froseth on instagram), and Miles will be played by Charlie Plummer (@charliefplummer here and on...
Plummer will play Miles Halter, and Froseth will play the titular Alaska Young.
Here’s the series’ official logline: “The series is based on the John Green novel of the same name. It is told through the eyes of teenager Miles “Pudge” Halter, as he enrolls in boarding school to try to gain a deeper perspective on life. He falls in love with a girl, Alaska Young, and after her unexpected death, he and his close friends attempt to uncover the truth behind her death and make sense of it.”
In the Looking for Alaska @hulu series, Alaska will be played by Kristine Froseth (kristine_froseth on instagram), and Miles will be played by Charlie Plummer (@charliefplummer here and on...
- 10/30/2018
- by Ashley Boucher
- The Wrap
Paramount Television has signed a first-look TV deal with George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures, the studio announced on Monday.
The two-year agreement covers all episodic television and digital projects from Smokehouse, excluding features.
Smokehouse and Paramount, along with Anonymous Content, are currently in post-production on Hulu’s “Catch-22” adaptation starring Clooney, “Girls” alum Christopher Abbott, Kyle Chandler and Hugh Laurie.
Also Read: Inside the Firing of Paramount TV President Amy Powell
“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Smokehouse. Our experience with them on ‘Catch-22’ has been an absolute joy,” said Paramount Television president Nicole Clemens in a statement. “They are first-class filmmakers and producers with a nose for unique stories with deep thematic resonance. We look forward to this new partnership together.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to be working with Paramount TV. Nicole and her team are great partners and our experience on...
The two-year agreement covers all episodic television and digital projects from Smokehouse, excluding features.
Smokehouse and Paramount, along with Anonymous Content, are currently in post-production on Hulu’s “Catch-22” adaptation starring Clooney, “Girls” alum Christopher Abbott, Kyle Chandler and Hugh Laurie.
Also Read: Inside the Firing of Paramount TV President Amy Powell
“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Smokehouse. Our experience with them on ‘Catch-22’ has been an absolute joy,” said Paramount Television president Nicole Clemens in a statement. “They are first-class filmmakers and producers with a nose for unique stories with deep thematic resonance. We look forward to this new partnership together.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to be working with Paramount TV. Nicole and her team are great partners and our experience on...
- 10/8/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Viacom boss Bob Bakish has set a target for its production businesses, including Paramount Television, to become a billion dollar business over the next few years.
Bakish claimed that the television production division is set to grow from a $400M in 2018 to a $600M in 2019 and has set plans to almost double this in a “few years”.
Speaking at the Royal Television Society London Conference, Viacom CEO Bakish said, “The rise of Paramount Television, which didn’t exist four years ago and this year is a $400M business and next year will be a $600M business going from nine series on air to 16. That rise was very much driven by the rise of the Svod players with shows like 13 Reasons Why… and Amazon’s Jack Ryan.”
He revealed that it is looking for Paramount to collaborate closely with its existing production divisions at Nickelodeon and MTV to grow the business further.
Bakish claimed that the television production division is set to grow from a $400M in 2018 to a $600M in 2019 and has set plans to almost double this in a “few years”.
Speaking at the Royal Television Society London Conference, Viacom CEO Bakish said, “The rise of Paramount Television, which didn’t exist four years ago and this year is a $400M business and next year will be a $600M business going from nine series on air to 16. That rise was very much driven by the rise of the Svod players with shows like 13 Reasons Why… and Amazon’s Jack Ryan.”
He revealed that it is looking for Paramount to collaborate closely with its existing production divisions at Nickelodeon and MTV to grow the business further.
- 9/18/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Pictures is enjoying a reversal of fortune this year on the strength of box office hits such as “A Quiet Place” and the growth of its television production business, Viacom CEO Bob Bakish told investors Wednesday.
After a years-long slump, Paramount has real momentum coming out of a summer in which “A Quiet Place,” “Mission Impossible – Fallout” and “Book Club” performed well at the multiplexes. That’s a “very stark contrast” to 2016 when the studio churned through $1 billion in cash and lost $500 million, he said.
“There’s no question that the mountain is back,” Bakish said during his presentation at Goldman Sachs Communacopia investor conference in New York. “Book Club” and “Quiet Place” are also “killing it in the transactional window,” he said, citing paid downloads and VOD purchases. Paramount’s 2019 slate will feature the first film from Tyler Perry to come from the wide-ranging overall deal the studio...
After a years-long slump, Paramount has real momentum coming out of a summer in which “A Quiet Place,” “Mission Impossible – Fallout” and “Book Club” performed well at the multiplexes. That’s a “very stark contrast” to 2016 when the studio churned through $1 billion in cash and lost $500 million, he said.
“There’s no question that the mountain is back,” Bakish said during his presentation at Goldman Sachs Communacopia investor conference in New York. “Book Club” and “Quiet Place” are also “killing it in the transactional window,” he said, citing paid downloads and VOD purchases. Paramount’s 2019 slate will feature the first film from Tyler Perry to come from the wide-ranging overall deal the studio...
- 9/12/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
A month and a half after Amy Powell’s surprising firing from her post as president of Paramount Television, she has reached a financial settlement with her former employer, Paramount Pictures.
While details of the settlement are confidential, Powell’s payout from Paramount is said to be in the $4 million range. No one’s really talking specifics right now, but with the deal and a possible messy trial avoided, an individual with knowledge of the situation told Deadline that Powell is “very happy” with the arrangement.
“The matter has been resolved,” a rep for Paramount Pictures said, declining further comment. Reps for Powell also had no comment.
Powell was dismissed in July over alleged racially insensitive comments, something she disputed immediately after the firing.
“There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting,” she said at the time. “The...
While details of the settlement are confidential, Powell’s payout from Paramount is said to be in the $4 million range. No one’s really talking specifics right now, but with the deal and a possible messy trial avoided, an individual with knowledge of the situation told Deadline that Powell is “very happy” with the arrangement.
“The matter has been resolved,” a rep for Paramount Pictures said, declining further comment. Reps for Powell also had no comment.
Powell was dismissed in July over alleged racially insensitive comments, something she disputed immediately after the firing.
“There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting,” she said at the time. “The...
- 9/6/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Pictures and former Paramount Television president Amy Powell have reached a settlement to head off litigation in connection with her abrupt firing in July after nearly 15 years with the studio.
Powell was dismissed following allegations that she made racially insensitive remarks during a work-related conference call. Powell vehemently denied saying anything inflammatory. According to sources close to the situation, she disputed the accounts of four other participants on the call.
“The matter has been resolved,” a rep for Paramount Pictures said. A rep for Powell declined to comment.
It’s understood that the settlement involved a financial payout of her employment contract, which had a little more than a year to run at the time she was let go. On Wednesday, Paramount named Nicole Clemens, formerly of Anonymous Content and FX, as Powell’s successor at Paramount TV.
Powell’s ouster shocked the industry. Tapped to relaunch Paramount TV...
Powell was dismissed following allegations that she made racially insensitive remarks during a work-related conference call. Powell vehemently denied saying anything inflammatory. According to sources close to the situation, she disputed the accounts of four other participants on the call.
“The matter has been resolved,” a rep for Paramount Pictures said. A rep for Powell declined to comment.
It’s understood that the settlement involved a financial payout of her employment contract, which had a little more than a year to run at the time she was let go. On Wednesday, Paramount named Nicole Clemens, formerly of Anonymous Content and FX, as Powell’s successor at Paramount TV.
Powell’s ouster shocked the industry. Tapped to relaunch Paramount TV...
- 9/6/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount has reached a settlement with former TV head Amy Powell over her firing in July.
The executive was let go by Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos after she allegedly made racially insensitive comments in the office. Powell later denied that she said anything inflammatory and hired lawyer Bryan Freedman, claiming that the termination was primarily motivated by gender bias.
"The matter has been resolved," a rep for Paramount said Thrusday. Powell's lawyer did not respond to a request for comment. Sources say that the payout is believed to be in the multimillion-dollar range.
Powell ...
The executive was let go by Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos after she allegedly made racially insensitive comments in the office. Powell later denied that she said anything inflammatory and hired lawyer Bryan Freedman, claiming that the termination was primarily motivated by gender bias.
"The matter has been resolved," a rep for Paramount said Thrusday. Powell's lawyer did not respond to a request for comment. Sources say that the payout is believed to be in the multimillion-dollar range.
Powell ...
Former Anonymous Content and FX Networks executive replaces ousted Amy Powell.
Former Anonymous Content and FX Networks executive Nicole Clemens has been named president of Paramount Television, stepping into the post vacated by the controversial ouster of Amy Powell.
Powell was fired by Paramount – the studio behind series including 13 Reasons Why and The Alienist – in July over an allegation that she had made racially insensitive comments, an allegation that Powell quickly denied.
Clemens has worked on series for Apple, Netflix, Showtime, Hulu, YouTube, CBS All Access and other outlets at Anonymous (which has a first-look deal with Paramount TV), as...
Former Anonymous Content and FX Networks executive Nicole Clemens has been named president of Paramount Television, stepping into the post vacated by the controversial ouster of Amy Powell.
Powell was fired by Paramount – the studio behind series including 13 Reasons Why and The Alienist – in July over an allegation that she had made racially insensitive comments, an allegation that Powell quickly denied.
Clemens has worked on series for Apple, Netflix, Showtime, Hulu, YouTube, CBS All Access and other outlets at Anonymous (which has a first-look deal with Paramount TV), as...
- 9/6/2018
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Nicole Clemens has been named president of Paramount Television. She replaces Amy Powell, who was fired in July over alleged racially insensitive comments.
“Nicole brings invaluable institutional experience and knowledge of all aspects of television from development to production to talent representation to programming” said Jim Gianopulos, chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures. “Her excellent creative instincts, deep relationships throughout the industry and breadth of experience make her the ideal candidate for this role. We look forward to many years of great successes from her and the incredible Paramount Television team.”
Clemens joins Paramount from Anonymous Content, where she set up series projects at Apple, Netflix, Showtime, Hulu, YouTube, CBS All Access, USA, Charter, and History Channel.
“I’m thrilled and humbled to be joining Paramount under the forward-thinking leadership of Jim Gianopulos,” said Clemens. “While at Anonymous Content, I’ve had the privilege to work closely with the excellent...
“Nicole brings invaluable institutional experience and knowledge of all aspects of television from development to production to talent representation to programming” said Jim Gianopulos, chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures. “Her excellent creative instincts, deep relationships throughout the industry and breadth of experience make her the ideal candidate for this role. We look forward to many years of great successes from her and the incredible Paramount Television team.”
Clemens joins Paramount from Anonymous Content, where she set up series projects at Apple, Netflix, Showtime, Hulu, YouTube, CBS All Access, USA, Charter, and History Channel.
“I’m thrilled and humbled to be joining Paramount under the forward-thinking leadership of Jim Gianopulos,” said Clemens. “While at Anonymous Content, I’ve had the privilege to work closely with the excellent...
- 9/5/2018
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Nicole Clemens has been named president of Paramount Television, following the sudden ousting of Amy Powell in July, Paramount Pictures announced Wednesday.
She will report to Jim Gianopulos, chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures
“Nicole brings invaluable institutional experience and knowledge of all aspects of television from development to production to talent representation to programming,” said Gianopulos. “Her excellent creative instincts, deep relationships throughout the industry and breadth of experience make her the ideal candidate for this role. We look forward to many years of great successes from her and the incredible Paramount Television team.”
Also Read: Fired Paramount Executive Amy Powell Says Gender Bias Led to Termination
Powell was fired by Paramount in July, after being accused of, and denying, making insensitive and inappropriate comments.
“There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting. The facts will come...
She will report to Jim Gianopulos, chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures
“Nicole brings invaluable institutional experience and knowledge of all aspects of television from development to production to talent representation to programming,” said Gianopulos. “Her excellent creative instincts, deep relationships throughout the industry and breadth of experience make her the ideal candidate for this role. We look forward to many years of great successes from her and the incredible Paramount Television team.”
Also Read: Fired Paramount Executive Amy Powell Says Gender Bias Led to Termination
Powell was fired by Paramount in July, after being accused of, and denying, making insensitive and inappropriate comments.
“There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting. The facts will come...
- 9/5/2018
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Nicole Clemens has been appointed as President, Paramount Television. She will report to Jim Gianopulos, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures. She starts Sept. 10.
Clemens, most recently manager/producer at Anonymous Content, had been a leading contender for the job, which was vacated in July after the sudden ouster of Amy Powell over alleged racially insensitive comments. Former Evp of Series Development for FX Networks and former partner and head of the motion picture lit department at ICM Partners, Clemens was the first name to surface as a potential replacement for Powell. She was virtually in-house — Anonymous Content has a first-look deal with Paramount TV, and Clements was executive producing several projects for Paramount TV through that.
“Nicole brings invaluable institutional experience and knowledge of all aspects of television from development to production to talent representation to programming” said Gianopulos. “Her excellent creative instincts, deep relationships throughout the industry and...
Clemens, most recently manager/producer at Anonymous Content, had been a leading contender for the job, which was vacated in July after the sudden ouster of Amy Powell over alleged racially insensitive comments. Former Evp of Series Development for FX Networks and former partner and head of the motion picture lit department at ICM Partners, Clemens was the first name to surface as a potential replacement for Powell. She was virtually in-house — Anonymous Content has a first-look deal with Paramount TV, and Clements was executive producing several projects for Paramount TV through that.
“Nicole brings invaluable institutional experience and knowledge of all aspects of television from development to production to talent representation to programming” said Gianopulos. “Her excellent creative instincts, deep relationships throughout the industry and...
- 9/5/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Television has found its replacement for Amy Powell, who was fired in July for allegedly making racially insensitive remarks.
Anonymous Content manager Nicole Clemens has been named Paramount TV's new president, reporting to Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos. In the role, which she will begin Monday, Clemens will oversee all aspects of development, production and programming for the television production studio, working closely with David Goldman, president of business operations.
“Nicole brings invaluable institutional experience and knowledge of all aspects of television from development to production to talent representation to programming,” Gianopulos said Wednesday ...
Anonymous Content manager Nicole Clemens has been named Paramount TV's new president, reporting to Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos. In the role, which she will begin Monday, Clemens will oversee all aspects of development, production and programming for the television production studio, working closely with David Goldman, president of business operations.
“Nicole brings invaluable institutional experience and knowledge of all aspects of television from development to production to talent representation to programming,” Gianopulos said Wednesday ...
It’s been a month since Paramount Television president Amy Powell’s surprise dismissal over alleged racially insensitive comments. Since then, there have been a number of names of potential successors that have been rumored about. What they have in common is that all are women with experience as senior-level development executives.
The list of possible candidates that have been buzzed about include Carolyn Bernstein, Evp and head of global scripted development and production for National Geographic Channel, who led the network into original scripted series with the Emmy-nominated anthology Genius. Also rumored as a possibility is Nicole Clements, former Evp of Series Development for FX Networks and former agent at ICM Partners. She is currently manager/producer at Anonymous Content, which has a first-look deal with Paramount TV, and Clements is executive producing several projects for Paramount TV through that. Another name that has been getting attention is FX...
The list of possible candidates that have been buzzed about include Carolyn Bernstein, Evp and head of global scripted development and production for National Geographic Channel, who led the network into original scripted series with the Emmy-nominated anthology Genius. Also rumored as a possibility is Nicole Clements, former Evp of Series Development for FX Networks and former agent at ICM Partners. She is currently manager/producer at Anonymous Content, which has a first-look deal with Paramount TV, and Clements is executive producing several projects for Paramount TV through that. Another name that has been getting attention is FX...
- 8/24/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
When BlackTree TV CEO and executive producer Jamaal Finkley sought opportunities to talk with “Girls Trip” talent prior to the film’s July 2017 release, he ran into an alarming roadblock. After submitting a request to cover the junket, he received an email from a Universal Pictures representative: “‘Girls Trip’ will be hard as we don’t have that many slots for AA,” meaning African-Americans.
Finkley, who shared the emails with IndieWire, replied to the studio: “You don’t have that many slots for AA for ‘Girls Trip’?! I don’t get it. Really. Makes no sense. What movie does have extra AA slots? … If I send a white person, will you have a slot?”
Today, Finkley still finds the exchange unsettling. BlackTree TV has over 226,000 YouTube subscribers, with more than 1 billion video views. “Designating us as limited because of the color of our skin and not because of the reach of our outlet,...
Finkley, who shared the emails with IndieWire, replied to the studio: “You don’t have that many slots for AA for ‘Girls Trip’?! I don’t get it. Really. Makes no sense. What movie does have extra AA slots? … If I send a white person, will you have a slot?”
Today, Finkley still finds the exchange unsettling. BlackTree TV has over 226,000 YouTube subscribers, with more than 1 billion video views. “Designating us as limited because of the color of our skin and not because of the reach of our outlet,...
- 8/23/2018
- by Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
Amazon has been in the process of developing a Galaxy Quest series for a few years. Writer-actor-comedian Paul Scheer (The League) was hired to write the series, and in a recent interview with The Wrap, he explains that the firing of Amy Powell as president of Paramount TV has taken some momentum out of the project, and it's currently on hold.
"We currently are in a little bit of a hold pattern because our executive at Paramount, Amy Powell, was fired for some insensitive comments."
That's kind of a bummer to hear. I was actually looking forward to the series, especially because it was going to continue the story from the film with the members of the same cast and characters. Scheer goes on to compare his Galaxy Quest series to the return of Star Wars with The Force Awakens:
"We want to create this kind of thing that feels like this epic sequel,...
"We currently are in a little bit of a hold pattern because our executive at Paramount, Amy Powell, was fired for some insensitive comments."
That's kind of a bummer to hear. I was actually looking forward to the series, especially because it was going to continue the story from the film with the members of the same cast and characters. Scheer goes on to compare his Galaxy Quest series to the return of Star Wars with The Force Awakens:
"We want to create this kind of thing that feels like this epic sequel,...
- 8/22/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
For the last few years, a follow-up to 2000’s cult sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest has been in the works. A cinematic sequel was on the cards for a while until the sad passing of original star Alan Rickman led to the direction of the franchise being rethought. Last year, plans for a TV series got off the ground, with comedian and screenwriter Paul Scheer being hired as showrunner.
If you’re wondering why we haven’t heard anything more on the project since 2017, though, Scheer has now revealed the reason during an interview with The Wrap. The writer admitted that the Galaxy Quest show’s currently on hold due to a managerial problem, as Paramount TV head Amy Powell has been fired due to some alleged offensive comments.
“We currently are in a little bit of a hold pattern because our executive at Paramount, Amy Powell, was fired for some insensitive comments.
If you’re wondering why we haven’t heard anything more on the project since 2017, though, Scheer has now revealed the reason during an interview with The Wrap. The writer admitted that the Galaxy Quest show’s currently on hold due to a managerial problem, as Paramount TV head Amy Powell has been fired due to some alleged offensive comments.
“We currently are in a little bit of a hold pattern because our executive at Paramount, Amy Powell, was fired for some insensitive comments.
- 8/21/2018
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Paramount Responds To Latino Leaders’ Boycott Call Over “Dismal” Hiring Of Latinos In Films – Update
Updated with Paramount statement, 10:50 Am: Paramount Pictures has issued this statement about the call for boycott: “We recently met with Nhmc in a good faith effort to see how we could partner as we further drive Paramount’s culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging. Under our new leadership team, we continue to make progress — including ensuring representation in front of and behind the camera in upcoming films such as Dora the Explorer, Instant Family, and Limited Partners — and welcome the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships with the Latinx creative community further.”
Earlier: Paramount Pictures was singled out today by Hispanic leaders for its “dismal numbers” in the hiring of Latino and Latina actors, writers and directors. Speaking at a news conference in Pasadena, leaders of the National Hispanic Media Coalition and the National Latino Media Council called for the public to join them in a boycott to force...
Earlier: Paramount Pictures was singled out today by Hispanic leaders for its “dismal numbers” in the hiring of Latino and Latina actors, writers and directors. Speaking at a news conference in Pasadena, leaders of the National Hispanic Media Coalition and the National Latino Media Council called for the public to join them in a boycott to force...
- 7/31/2018
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” director Rian Johnson erased approximately 20,000 of his tweets days after Disney fired “Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn over offensive online remarks.
Johnson explained on Twitter that he wasn’t deleting his tweets under any official directive, but was preemptively destroying ammunition in the event right-wing trolls try digging them up to ruin his career.
“No official directive at all, and I don’t think I’ve ever tweeted anything that bad,” Johnson tweeted. “But it’s nine years of stuff written largely off the cuff as ephemera, if trolls scrutinizing it for ammunition is the new normal, this seems like a “why not?” move.”
No official directive at all, and I don’t think I’ve ever tweeted anything that bad. But it’s nine years of stuff written largely off the cuff as ephemera, if trolls scrutinizing it for ammunition is the new normal,...
Johnson explained on Twitter that he wasn’t deleting his tweets under any official directive, but was preemptively destroying ammunition in the event right-wing trolls try digging them up to ruin his career.
“No official directive at all, and I don’t think I’ve ever tweeted anything that bad,” Johnson tweeted. “But it’s nine years of stuff written largely off the cuff as ephemera, if trolls scrutinizing it for ammunition is the new normal, this seems like a “why not?” move.”
No official directive at all, and I don’t think I’ve ever tweeted anything that bad. But it’s nine years of stuff written largely off the cuff as ephemera, if trolls scrutinizing it for ammunition is the new normal,...
- 7/26/2018
- by Ellis Clopton
- Variety Film + TV
Fired Paramount TV executive Amy Powell has assembled a legal team to challenge her former employer, and will argue that gender bias played a role in her termination.
Powell was let go last week after insiders said she made racial comments on a conference call with several executives. Powell vehemently denied making any such comments, but was fired after a two-day investigation.
“It’s unfortunate that Mr. Freedman has opted to employ a baseless gender bias argument during a time when real, bona fide claims of that nature are being addressed throughout our industry. While we never take the decision to terminate employment lightly, we are confident in our decision with respect to Ms. Powell,” Paramount said in a statement.
Also Read: Inside the Firing of Paramount TV President Amy Powell
Powell has retained Bryan Freedman, the same counsel used by Megan Colligan — Paramount’s former worldwide marketing head who left last year,...
Powell was let go last week after insiders said she made racial comments on a conference call with several executives. Powell vehemently denied making any such comments, but was fired after a two-day investigation.
“It’s unfortunate that Mr. Freedman has opted to employ a baseless gender bias argument during a time when real, bona fide claims of that nature are being addressed throughout our industry. While we never take the decision to terminate employment lightly, we are confident in our decision with respect to Ms. Powell,” Paramount said in a statement.
Also Read: Inside the Firing of Paramount TV President Amy Powell
Powell has retained Bryan Freedman, the same counsel used by Megan Colligan — Paramount’s former worldwide marketing head who left last year,...
- 7/24/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
When Amy Powell returned to her Paramount office from vacation earlier this month, she was met by lawyers for the studio ready to interrogate her about a conference call she had participated in while traveling. A few days later, Powell, a 14-year Paramount executive and head of its TV division, was abruptly terminated and asked to leave the studio lot immediately.
Now, a week after her firing and another high-profile dismissal at Disney have sparked a debate over offensive speech in Hollywood, Powell has enlisted her own legal firepower and is claiming that the termination was primarily motivated by gender ...
Now, a week after her firing and another high-profile dismissal at Disney have sparked a debate over offensive speech in Hollywood, Powell has enlisted her own legal firepower and is claiming that the termination was primarily motivated by gender ...
- 7/24/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
James Gunn found himself the target of an online firestorm when his homophobic posts were unearthed and passed around on social media. One of the key directors in Marvel’s stable, Gunn was quickly forced to apologize for his “poorly worded and offensive” remarks.
The year was 2012, and Gunn was not fired as the director of “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Last week, however, Gunn’s offensive old posts were again unearthed. Again he apologized. Gunn is far more established and powerful this time around, and yet, this time he was fired from “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
Times have changed. In the wake of the Weinstein scandal, dozens of men have been ousted for allegations of sexual misconduct. It was a long time coming, but when it came, it was sudden. Now the same urgency and zero-tolerance mentality are being applied to offensive statements as well as deeds.
“The studios haven’t behaved well.
The year was 2012, and Gunn was not fired as the director of “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Last week, however, Gunn’s offensive old posts were again unearthed. Again he apologized. Gunn is far more established and powerful this time around, and yet, this time he was fired from “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
Times have changed. In the wake of the Weinstein scandal, dozens of men have been ousted for allegations of sexual misconduct. It was a long time coming, but when it came, it was sudden. Now the same urgency and zero-tolerance mentality are being applied to offensive statements as well as deeds.
“The studios haven’t behaved well.
- 7/24/2018
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood, no stranger to loose talk and provocative points of view, has taken a hard turn into zero-tolerance on racially or sexually offensive remarks, with three major entertainment companies swiftly dismissing those who have crossed the line in recent weeks.
In the last month, Paramount, Disney and Netflix each fired high profile executives or talent for the same reason: their public, private or long ago comments were “inconsistent” with the company’s “values.” Paramount TV president Amy Powell, Netflix’s chief communication officer Jonathan Friedland, Marvel director James Gunn and Roseanne Barr were all dismissed with public disavowals by their companies (in some cases by the CEO personally) that seem all but certain to impact the careers of each individual.
The era of #MeToo seems to have sparked a need for companies to react swiftly to accusations of misconduct, but now that mentality is being reflected in the wake of insensitive comments about race,...
In the last month, Paramount, Disney and Netflix each fired high profile executives or talent for the same reason: their public, private or long ago comments were “inconsistent” with the company’s “values.” Paramount TV president Amy Powell, Netflix’s chief communication officer Jonathan Friedland, Marvel director James Gunn and Roseanne Barr were all dismissed with public disavowals by their companies (in some cases by the CEO personally) that seem all but certain to impact the careers of each individual.
The era of #MeToo seems to have sparked a need for companies to react swiftly to accusations of misconduct, but now that mentality is being reflected in the wake of insensitive comments about race,...
- 7/23/2018
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
San Diego Comic-Con was host to some awkward scheduling on Saturday.
During Warner Bros.’ Hall H presentation, Johnny Depp made an appearance as his titular “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” character, helping to debut the latest trailer for the upcoming fantasy film. Roughly an hour later, his ex-wife, Amber Heard, appeared at the convention to promote WB’s “Aquaman,” which released its first trailer at the event.
In court documents, Heard accused Depp of physical abuse while they were married. She won a $7 million settlement in the divorce case, all of which she donated to charity. They settled their divorce in 2016, when she dismissed the claims.
Depp’s appearance was something of a surprise to the audience. It came at the end of the “Fantastic Beast’s” segment, after much of the main cast had already been fielding softball questions along the lines of what they’d do if they had magical powers.
During Warner Bros.’ Hall H presentation, Johnny Depp made an appearance as his titular “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” character, helping to debut the latest trailer for the upcoming fantasy film. Roughly an hour later, his ex-wife, Amber Heard, appeared at the convention to promote WB’s “Aquaman,” which released its first trailer at the event.
In court documents, Heard accused Depp of physical abuse while they were married. She won a $7 million settlement in the divorce case, all of which she donated to charity. They settled their divorce in 2016, when she dismissed the claims.
Depp’s appearance was something of a surprise to the audience. It came at the end of the “Fantastic Beast’s” segment, after much of the main cast had already been fielding softball questions along the lines of what they’d do if they had magical powers.
- 7/21/2018
- by Alex Stedman and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Continuing to reverberate: the stunning take-down of director James Gunn by conservative journalists who bared years-old disgusting tweets that got Gunn ostracized from Disney’s Marvel Comics Universe. His banishment from returning for a third Guardians of the Galaxy film prompted this response from Dave Bautista, the former wrestler and mixed martial artist who began his ascension as an actor in that film series. Said Bautista on his own Twitter thread: “I will have more to say but for right now all I will say is this..@JamesGunn is one of the most loving,caring,good natured people I have ever met. He’s gentle and kind and cares deeply for people and animals. He’s made mistakes. We all have. Im Not ok with what’s happening to him.”
It is admirable for the brawny Bautista to be one of few voices so far who would stand up for his friend,...
It is admirable for the brawny Bautista to be one of few voices so far who would stand up for his friend,...
- 7/21/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Television President Amy Powell had earned a reputation as a rogue operator long before her abrupt dismissal on Thursday over racially charged comments, which studio CEO Jim Gianopulos deemed “inconsistent with our company’s values,” according to multiple individuals familiar with the matter.
A rare holdover from the regime of late Paramount CEO Brad Grey, Powell was known as aggressively independent within the studio, the individuals said. She succeeded despite widespread unpopularity and a tendency to act without consulting her boss, the insiders added.
After 14 years at the studio, the last five as president of the TV division, she was vanquished over her response to a tweet. Specifically, insiders familiar with her firing said the executive made insensitive remarks about black women and anger during a recent conference call about an upcoming TV show based on the 1996 movie “The First Wives Club.”
Also Read: Wyck Godfrey to Become Paramount...
A rare holdover from the regime of late Paramount CEO Brad Grey, Powell was known as aggressively independent within the studio, the individuals said. She succeeded despite widespread unpopularity and a tendency to act without consulting her boss, the insiders added.
After 14 years at the studio, the last five as president of the TV division, she was vanquished over her response to a tweet. Specifically, insiders familiar with her firing said the executive made insensitive remarks about black women and anger during a recent conference call about an upcoming TV show based on the 1996 movie “The First Wives Club.”
Also Read: Wyck Godfrey to Become Paramount...
- 7/20/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Updated (keep refreshing as this shocking story mushrooms): The open question now of whether James Gunn will follow through on plans he tweeted to come to San Diego Comic-Con today for the Sony Pictures panel, where he produced a horror film and was prepared to stump it in a surprise appearance: he’s not. Insiders say he will not attend the session set for 6:15 at Hall H.
Previous: James Gunn has been removed as director of the Guardians Of The Galaxy series after a batch of old social media dispatches were unearthed that touched on areas like pedophilia and rape. In the latest shocking #metoo development in the entertainment industry, Gunn was severed from the Marvel Comics Universe after a slew of social media posts he wrote before getting Guardians of the Galaxy surfaced. According to Fox News, they were posted because Gunn is an outspoken critic of...
Previous: James Gunn has been removed as director of the Guardians Of The Galaxy series after a batch of old social media dispatches were unearthed that touched on areas like pedophilia and rape. In the latest shocking #metoo development in the entertainment industry, Gunn was severed from the Marvel Comics Universe after a slew of social media posts he wrote before getting Guardians of the Galaxy surfaced. According to Fox News, they were posted because Gunn is an outspoken critic of...
- 7/20/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Studio rising star Amy Powell issues denial after dismissal.
In a shock development on Thursday evening (July 19), Paramount TV chief and rising star Amy Powell was fired over alleged insensitive remarks and responded with an emphatic denial.
Not long after studio chief Jim Gianopulos circulated a memo to staff explaining the dismissal, Powell herself issued the following statement: “There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting. The facts will come out and I will be vindicated.”
Earlier in the evening the memo from Gianopulos was leaked to the press,...
In a shock development on Thursday evening (July 19), Paramount TV chief and rising star Amy Powell was fired over alleged insensitive remarks and responded with an emphatic denial.
Not long after studio chief Jim Gianopulos circulated a memo to staff explaining the dismissal, Powell herself issued the following statement: “There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting. The facts will come out and I will be vindicated.”
Earlier in the evening the memo from Gianopulos was leaked to the press,...
- 7/20/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Studio rising star issues denial after dismissal.
In a shock development on Thursday evening (July 19), Paramount TV chief and rising star Amy Powell was fired over alleged insensitive remarks and responded with an emphatic denial.
Not long after studio chief Jim Gianopulos circulated a memo to staff explaining the dismissal, Powell herself issued the following statement: “There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting. The facts will come out and I will be vindicated.”
Earlier in the evening the memo from Gianopulos was leaked to the press, although...
In a shock development on Thursday evening (July 19), Paramount TV chief and rising star Amy Powell was fired over alleged insensitive remarks and responded with an emphatic denial.
Not long after studio chief Jim Gianopulos circulated a memo to staff explaining the dismissal, Powell herself issued the following statement: “There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting. The facts will come out and I will be vindicated.”
Earlier in the evening the memo from Gianopulos was leaked to the press, although...
- 7/20/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Studio rising star issues denial after dismissal.
In a shock development on Thursday evening (July 19), Paramount TV chief and rising star Amy Powell has been fired over alleged insensitive remarks.
Not long after studio chief Jim Gianopulos circulated a memo to staff explaining the dismissal, Powell herself issued the following denial: “There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting,” the statement said. “The facts will come out and I will be vindicated.”
Earlier in the evening the memo from Gianopulos was leaked to the press, although it did not go into specifics.
In a shock development on Thursday evening (July 19), Paramount TV chief and rising star Amy Powell has been fired over alleged insensitive remarks.
Not long after studio chief Jim Gianopulos circulated a memo to staff explaining the dismissal, Powell herself issued the following denial: “There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting,” the statement said. “The facts will come out and I will be vindicated.”
Earlier in the evening the memo from Gianopulos was leaked to the press, although it did not go into specifics.
- 7/20/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Updated with Powell’s statement: Five years after she was hired to head Paramount TV, Amy Powell has been fired. Paramount CEO Jim Gianopulos announced the move to staff in an internal memo Thursday afternoon.
In the memo, Gianopulos noted “multiple individuals” who raised “concerns around comments” made by Powell in a “professional setting, which they believed were inconsistent” with Viacom’s values, something she denies.
“Having spent the past several days conducting a thorough investigation into this matter and speaking to those who were present, our Human Resources and Legal teams came to the same conclusion, and we have made the decision to terminate Amy’s employment, effective immediately,” Gianopulos wrote.
Several hours after the news of her firing got out, Powell on Thursday evening issued a statement disputing the charges.
“There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting,...
In the memo, Gianopulos noted “multiple individuals” who raised “concerns around comments” made by Powell in a “professional setting, which they believed were inconsistent” with Viacom’s values, something she denies.
“Having spent the past several days conducting a thorough investigation into this matter and speaking to those who were present, our Human Resources and Legal teams came to the same conclusion, and we have made the decision to terminate Amy’s employment, effective immediately,” Gianopulos wrote.
Several hours after the news of her firing got out, Powell on Thursday evening issued a statement disputing the charges.
“There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting,...
- 7/20/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
It might seem easiest to blame it on the heat, but the truth of the matter, things were a lot different only 43 years ago.
There weren't any messages or warnings included with American Woman Season 1 Episode 6, but with the world as different as it is now, it almost feels as if there should have been.
When the Paramount TV president gets fired on the night this particular episode of television airs for concerns raised about comments made by Amy Powell in a professional setting, which they believed were inconsistent with our company’s values, well, it makes any discussion about sensitive topics feel very prickly.
But maybe watching this slice of life from 43 years ago will help. I have no doubt it will also hurt. What I mean is I hope it will help the conversation even though bringing it up at all will hurt because thankfully, we've come a long way.
There weren't any messages or warnings included with American Woman Season 1 Episode 6, but with the world as different as it is now, it almost feels as if there should have been.
When the Paramount TV president gets fired on the night this particular episode of television airs for concerns raised about comments made by Amy Powell in a professional setting, which they believed were inconsistent with our company’s values, well, it makes any discussion about sensitive topics feel very prickly.
But maybe watching this slice of life from 43 years ago will help. I have no doubt it will also hurt. What I mean is I hope it will help the conversation even though bringing it up at all will hurt because thankfully, we've come a long way.
- 7/20/2018
- by Carissa Pavlica
- TVfanatic
Former Paramount Television president Amy Powell has denied making racially insensitive comments that led to her being fired from the studio today after a 14-year run.
Paramount Pictures chairman Jim Gianopulos told studio staffers in a memo that Powell was terminated Thursday after complaints from other employees sparked an investigation into her remarks. Powell’s remarks were made last week in what the studio described as “a professional setting.”
A source with knowledge of the situation characterized her comments as racially charged in nature and related to Paramount Television’s adaptation of the 1996 comedy “First Wives Club” as a series for Paramount Network.
“Having spent the past several days conducting a thorough investigation into this matter and speaking to those who were present, our Human Resources and Legal teams came to the same conclusion, and we have made the decision to terminate Amy’s employment, effective immediately,” Gianopulos wrote. “While...
Paramount Pictures chairman Jim Gianopulos told studio staffers in a memo that Powell was terminated Thursday after complaints from other employees sparked an investigation into her remarks. Powell’s remarks were made last week in what the studio described as “a professional setting.”
A source with knowledge of the situation characterized her comments as racially charged in nature and related to Paramount Television’s adaptation of the 1996 comedy “First Wives Club” as a series for Paramount Network.
“Having spent the past several days conducting a thorough investigation into this matter and speaking to those who were present, our Human Resources and Legal teams came to the same conclusion, and we have made the decision to terminate Amy’s employment, effective immediately,” Gianopulos wrote. “While...
- 7/20/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Former Paramount TV president Amy Powell has denied making the insensitive and inappropriate comments that led to her firing on Thursday.
“There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting. The facts will come out and I will be vindicated,” Powell said in a statement to TheWrap.
Her statement came just hours after her dismissal from the company, which was announced in an internal memo from Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos on Thursday afternoon.
Also Read: Fired Hallmark Channel Host Mark Steines to Return to TV Tonight
“Last week, multiple individuals came to us to raise concerns around comments made by Amy Powell in a professional setting, which they believed were inconsistent with our company’s values,” Gianopulos wrote.
Gianopulos did not specify the nature of the comments, though an individual familiar with the situation told TheWrap that they were racially charged.
“There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting. The facts will come out and I will be vindicated,” Powell said in a statement to TheWrap.
Her statement came just hours after her dismissal from the company, which was announced in an internal memo from Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos on Thursday afternoon.
Also Read: Fired Hallmark Channel Host Mark Steines to Return to TV Tonight
“Last week, multiple individuals came to us to raise concerns around comments made by Amy Powell in a professional setting, which they believed were inconsistent with our company’s values,” Gianopulos wrote.
Gianopulos did not specify the nature of the comments, though an individual familiar with the situation told TheWrap that they were racially charged.
- 7/20/2018
- by Reid Nakamura and Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Five years after being tapped to lead the newly relaunched Paramount Television banner, Amy Powell is out.
The news was announced Thursday via an internal memo from Paramount CEO Jim Gianopulos in which he outlined "multiple individuals" who raised "concerns around comments" made by the executive in a "professional setting, which they believed were inconsistent" with Viacom's values. According to sources, the comments included racially charged language. Sources say the inciting incident occurred during a studio notes call for Paramount Network's First Wives Club reboot, which is being penned by Girls Trip co-writer Tracy Oliver and ...
The news was announced Thursday via an internal memo from Paramount CEO Jim Gianopulos in which he outlined "multiple individuals" who raised "concerns around comments" made by the executive in a "professional setting, which they believed were inconsistent" with Viacom's values. According to sources, the comments included racially charged language. Sources say the inciting incident occurred during a studio notes call for Paramount Network's First Wives Club reboot, which is being penned by Girls Trip co-writer Tracy Oliver and ...
- 7/19/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Hulu is sinking its teeth into Anne Rice. The streaming service has picked up the author’s “Vampire Chronicles” TV series, an individual with knowledge of the deal tells TheWrap.
Anne and son Christopher Rice will executive produce the project, alongside Anonymous Content’s David Kanter and Steve Golin, which has been in the works since 2016. There is currently no showrunner attached to the series.
Paramount Television and Anonymous Content optioned the rights to 11 of Rice’s “Vampire Chronicles” books for adaptation in 2017, one year after Rice began developing the project.
Also Read: Anne Rice's 'Vampire Chronicles' in the Works as TV Series From Paramount, Anonymous Content
“It is undeniable that Anne Rice has created the paradigm against which all vampire stories are measured. The rich and vast world she has created with ‘The Vampire Chronicles’ is unmatched and sophisticated with 90’s gothic undertones that will be perfectly suited to captivate audiences,...
Anne and son Christopher Rice will executive produce the project, alongside Anonymous Content’s David Kanter and Steve Golin, which has been in the works since 2016. There is currently no showrunner attached to the series.
Paramount Television and Anonymous Content optioned the rights to 11 of Rice’s “Vampire Chronicles” books for adaptation in 2017, one year after Rice began developing the project.
Also Read: Anne Rice's 'Vampire Chronicles' in the Works as TV Series From Paramount, Anonymous Content
“It is undeniable that Anne Rice has created the paradigm against which all vampire stories are measured. The rich and vast world she has created with ‘The Vampire Chronicles’ is unmatched and sophisticated with 90’s gothic undertones that will be perfectly suited to captivate audiences,...
- 7/17/2018
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Hundreds of fans gathered Tuesday night in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles to remember slain rapper XXXTentacion, who was shot dead in Florida Monday.
According to the Los Angeles Times, between 300 and 500 people thronged Melrose Avenue near Spaulding, blocking traffic. Some climbed onto rooftops, and at one point, a mosh pit formed in the middle of the crowd. Some attendees also formed a candlelight vigil in the middle of a road.
Police became involved around 7:20 p.m., and several police cruisers blocked the intersections around the protesters. Shortly before 9 p.m., more police officers were en route to disperse the crowd.
According to Hollywood Scanner, the crowd became “increasingly aggressive,” including jumping on the hood of a news van, swarming vehicles, and throwing things at police. An on-site Lapd helicopter advised that there were 1,000 people in the area and sent out dispersal orders.
Also on Tuesday, XXX’s...
According to the Los Angeles Times, between 300 and 500 people thronged Melrose Avenue near Spaulding, blocking traffic. Some climbed onto rooftops, and at one point, a mosh pit formed in the middle of the crowd. Some attendees also formed a candlelight vigil in the middle of a road.
Police became involved around 7:20 p.m., and several police cruisers blocked the intersections around the protesters. Shortly before 9 p.m., more police officers were en route to disperse the crowd.
According to Hollywood Scanner, the crowd became “increasingly aggressive,” including jumping on the hood of a news van, swarming vehicles, and throwing things at police. An on-site Lapd helicopter advised that there were 1,000 people in the area and sent out dispersal orders.
Also on Tuesday, XXX’s...
- 6/20/2018
- by Erin Nyren
- Variety Film + TV
13 Reasons Why season two left us with a ton of questions, but hopefully all of those will be resolved soon: Netflix has officially renewed the series for season three! On Wednesday, the streaming service announced the news with an ominous YouTube video, which features a student whose locker has a painted number 3 on it.
The upcoming season will consist of 13 episodes and will return sometime in 2019, with production resuming sometime later this year. While the show's stars like Dylan Minnette (Clay), Miles Heizer (Alex), and Alisha Boe (Jessica), are expected to reprise their roles, Katherine Langford confirmed last month that she would not be reprising her role as Hannah.
Related: Here's What We Already Know About 13 Reasons Why Season 3
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in January, Paramount Television head Amy Powell was asked if the studio's property would be open to creating a third season. "It's up to [showrunner] Brian [Yorkey]," she said.
The upcoming season will consist of 13 episodes and will return sometime in 2019, with production resuming sometime later this year. While the show's stars like Dylan Minnette (Clay), Miles Heizer (Alex), and Alisha Boe (Jessica), are expected to reprise their roles, Katherine Langford confirmed last month that she would not be reprising her role as Hannah.
Related: Here's What We Already Know About 13 Reasons Why Season 3
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in January, Paramount Television head Amy Powell was asked if the studio's property would be open to creating a third season. "It's up to [showrunner] Brian [Yorkey]," she said.
- 6/17/2018
- by Quinn Keaney
- Popsugar.com
A federal judge’s decision to allow At&T’s acquisition of Time Warner is destined to have ripple effects in the media business.
“I think you’ve cleared the way for more consolidation,” Epix president Michael Wright said Wednesday at Variety‘s Tune In! TV Summit. “My personal expectation is you’re probably going to see more of it.”
Wright was joined by studio and network chiefs from across television in a panel moderated by Variety executive editor Debra Birnbaum — who kicked things off with a conversation about Tuesday’s At&T-Time Warner decision.
Several execs shared Wright’s view.
“Unlike some of the fears that it’s going to be anti-competitive, I think it’s going to create a situation where more people are going to be able to compete with some of the streamers who have eaten up some of the environment,” said Lionsgate Television president Sandra Stern.
“I think you’ve cleared the way for more consolidation,” Epix president Michael Wright said Wednesday at Variety‘s Tune In! TV Summit. “My personal expectation is you’re probably going to see more of it.”
Wright was joined by studio and network chiefs from across television in a panel moderated by Variety executive editor Debra Birnbaum — who kicked things off with a conversation about Tuesday’s At&T-Time Warner decision.
Several execs shared Wright’s view.
“Unlike some of the fears that it’s going to be anti-competitive, I think it’s going to create a situation where more people are going to be able to compete with some of the streamers who have eaten up some of the environment,” said Lionsgate Television president Sandra Stern.
- 6/13/2018
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
The adaptation is about an ex-convict and a deaf secretary navigating the worlds of blue- and white-collar crime.
Paramount Television has signed David Manson to an exclusive two-year overall deal, with the first project for the House Of Cards writer and executive producer being a series adaptation of Jacques Audiard’s 2001 French feature Read My Lips (Sur Mes Levres).
Manson will develop the adaptation – about an ex-convict and a deaf secretary navigating the worlds of blue- and white-collar crime – with Nic Sheff, a writer on Paramount’s 13 Reasons Why series and the Us version of The Killing.
The overall deal...
Paramount Television has signed David Manson to an exclusive two-year overall deal, with the first project for the House Of Cards writer and executive producer being a series adaptation of Jacques Audiard’s 2001 French feature Read My Lips (Sur Mes Levres).
Manson will develop the adaptation – about an ex-convict and a deaf secretary navigating the worlds of blue- and white-collar crime – with Nic Sheff, a writer on Paramount’s 13 Reasons Why series and the Us version of The Killing.
The overall deal...
- 4/30/2018
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
David Manson, who has served as executive producer of the Netflix series House of Cards, Ozark and Bloodline, has signed a two-year overall deal with Paramount Television to develop new projects and work on select existing ones for the studio via his Sarabande Productions banner.
The first potential series developed under the deal will be an adaption of Jacques Audiard’s César Award-winning 2001 French film Read My Lips with writer Nic Sheff. Sheff brought the project to Paramount TV and will work on the adaption with Manson. The series tells the unexpected love story between ex-convict Paul and deaf secretary Carla as they help one another navigate the worlds of blue and white-collar crime. The roles of Paul and Carla were played by Vincent Cassel and Emmanuelle Devos in the film.
“We are big fans of David and have connected over our shared vision for identifying cinematic and prestigious projects,...
The first potential series developed under the deal will be an adaption of Jacques Audiard’s César Award-winning 2001 French film Read My Lips with writer Nic Sheff. Sheff brought the project to Paramount TV and will work on the adaption with Manson. The series tells the unexpected love story between ex-convict Paul and deaf secretary Carla as they help one another navigate the worlds of blue and white-collar crime. The roles of Paul and Carla were played by Vincent Cassel and Emmanuelle Devos in the film.
“We are big fans of David and have connected over our shared vision for identifying cinematic and prestigious projects,...
- 4/30/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” has been renewed for a second season ahead of its Season 1 release, Amazon Studios said Tuesday.
“With so much early anticipation for ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ from our customers and personally having the pleasure to preview the exhilarating, action-packed first season, we are excited to greenlight a second season of the series months ahead of its debut,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios.
“The new season will take our unexpected hero to a new, exciting and dangerous world,” she added.
Also Read: Amazon Key Will Deliver Packages Straight to the Trunk of Your Car
The series is a “reinvention” of the hero played by John Krasinski, who will also executive produce. In Season 2, Krasinski will be joined by Wendell Pierce (“The Wire”), who will reprise his role as John Greer in the eight-episode run.
The show is executive produced by co-showrunners Carlton Cuse and Graham Roland, and comes from Paramount Television and Skydance Television.
“We’re thrilled that the first season has generated so much enthusiasm,” said Cuse. “We couldn’t be happier to be working with Amazon and to be filming very near the Amazon to tell the next great Jack Ryan adventure.”
Also Read: Amazon Orders 'Utopia' Series From 'Gone Girl' Writer Gillian Flynn
“From day one we only had one actor on our casting board for this series – John Krasinski,” said president of Paramount Television Amy Powell. “We are so excited that he is our Jack Ryan and we get to make another season with this incredibly talented team. We have been blown away by what our whole team has delivered for season one and we can’t wait for everyone to see it this summer.”
“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” is produced by Paramount Television, Cuse’s Genre Arts, Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and David Ellison’s Skydance Television. Along with Cuse, Roland and Krasinski, Platinum Dune’s Bay, Andrew Form and Brad Fuller will also executive produce. Lindsey Springer, Mace Neufeld, Vince Calandra, Andrew Bernstein and Skydance’s Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Marcy Ross will executive produce the second season with Allyson Seeger as a co-executive producer.
Season 1 of “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” will be released on August 31 on Prime Video.
Read original story Amazon Renews ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ For Second Season Ahead of Premiere At TheWrap...
“With so much early anticipation for ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ from our customers and personally having the pleasure to preview the exhilarating, action-packed first season, we are excited to greenlight a second season of the series months ahead of its debut,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios.
“The new season will take our unexpected hero to a new, exciting and dangerous world,” she added.
Also Read: Amazon Key Will Deliver Packages Straight to the Trunk of Your Car
The series is a “reinvention” of the hero played by John Krasinski, who will also executive produce. In Season 2, Krasinski will be joined by Wendell Pierce (“The Wire”), who will reprise his role as John Greer in the eight-episode run.
The show is executive produced by co-showrunners Carlton Cuse and Graham Roland, and comes from Paramount Television and Skydance Television.
“We’re thrilled that the first season has generated so much enthusiasm,” said Cuse. “We couldn’t be happier to be working with Amazon and to be filming very near the Amazon to tell the next great Jack Ryan adventure.”
Also Read: Amazon Orders 'Utopia' Series From 'Gone Girl' Writer Gillian Flynn
“From day one we only had one actor on our casting board for this series – John Krasinski,” said president of Paramount Television Amy Powell. “We are so excited that he is our Jack Ryan and we get to make another season with this incredibly talented team. We have been blown away by what our whole team has delivered for season one and we can’t wait for everyone to see it this summer.”
“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” is produced by Paramount Television, Cuse’s Genre Arts, Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and David Ellison’s Skydance Television. Along with Cuse, Roland and Krasinski, Platinum Dune’s Bay, Andrew Form and Brad Fuller will also executive produce. Lindsey Springer, Mace Neufeld, Vince Calandra, Andrew Bernstein and Skydance’s Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Marcy Ross will executive produce the second season with Allyson Seeger as a co-executive producer.
Season 1 of “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” will be released on August 31 on Prime Video.
Read original story Amazon Renews ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ For Second Season Ahead of Premiere At TheWrap...
- 4/24/2018
- by Ashley Boucher
- The Wrap
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