Warner Bros. Lands ‘Black Samurai’ Movie From ‘The Color Purple’ Director Blitz Bazawule (Exclusive)
In a competitive situation, Warner Bros. has landed “The Color Purple” director Blitz Bazawule’s next project, which takes on the legendary Yasuke, an African warrior who became the first Black samurai.
Sources tell Variety that Warner Bros. beat out three other studios and streamers’ bids on the script, tentatively titled “Black Samurai,” which Bazawule wrote on spec and will direct and produce under his Inward Gaze banner.
After impressing the industry with his 2018 debut “The Burial of Kojo,” helming episodes of Ava DuVernay’s “Cherish the Day” and working with Beyoncé on her feature-length visual album “Black Is King,” Bazawule made his major studio debut with 2023’s “The Color Purple.”
The Ghanaian filmmaker, who brought his unique visual language to the Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg-produced musical movie, is said to have done the same with his take on Yasuke, an African warrior who served under Japanese daimyo...
Sources tell Variety that Warner Bros. beat out three other studios and streamers’ bids on the script, tentatively titled “Black Samurai,” which Bazawule wrote on spec and will direct and produce under his Inward Gaze banner.
After impressing the industry with his 2018 debut “The Burial of Kojo,” helming episodes of Ava DuVernay’s “Cherish the Day” and working with Beyoncé on her feature-length visual album “Black Is King,” Bazawule made his major studio debut with 2023’s “The Color Purple.”
The Ghanaian filmmaker, who brought his unique visual language to the Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg-produced musical movie, is said to have done the same with his take on Yasuke, an African warrior who served under Japanese daimyo...
- 4/10/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Pureplay Entertainment is ready to play in Nashville.
The film, TV and digital production entity is expanding its reach by confirming the opening of a new Nashville office in partnership with music industry insiders Hannah Martin Eason and Joseph Martin. The pair will work as advisors at the company, which was founded by CEO Dan McClung in 2016. In other Pureplay moves, the company has signed with WME for representation.
“I’ve known Hannah and Joseph since the beginning of their careers in L.A. over a decade ago,” McClung said. “Their work ethic and passion for Nashville stories make them exceptional partners. They have an organic love for country music and a deep understanding of the industry, which is invaluable as we tell stories from this perspective to a wider audience.”
L.A.-based Pureplay’s newest project is Written in the Sand. The film, currently in post-production, was developed out of Pureplay Nashville.
The film, TV and digital production entity is expanding its reach by confirming the opening of a new Nashville office in partnership with music industry insiders Hannah Martin Eason and Joseph Martin. The pair will work as advisors at the company, which was founded by CEO Dan McClung in 2016. In other Pureplay moves, the company has signed with WME for representation.
“I’ve known Hannah and Joseph since the beginning of their careers in L.A. over a decade ago,” McClung said. “Their work ethic and passion for Nashville stories make them exceptional partners. They have an organic love for country music and a deep understanding of the industry, which is invaluable as we tell stories from this perspective to a wider audience.”
L.A.-based Pureplay’s newest project is Written in the Sand. The film, currently in post-production, was developed out of Pureplay Nashville.
- 1/25/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Veteran TV and film producer Gail Berman has been tapped to receive the Norman Lear Achievement Award at 2024 Producers Guild Awards ceremony next month.
Berman, whose most recent hits include Netflix’s “Wednesday” and 2022’s “Elvis,” will be feted at the 25th annual Producers Guild Awards on Feb. 25. Berman’s long resume includes a five-year run as head of entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Co. and serving as the No. 2 executive at Paramount Pictures from 2005 to 2007. She is also a previous president of the Producers Guild, serving alongside producer Lucy Fisher from 2018-2022.
“Gail’s impact on the television industry is nothing short of groundbreaking. Whether it’s the contemporary successes of shows like ‘Wednesday’ or her extensive role as a television executive overseeing critical and commercial hits such as ‘American Idol,’ ’24,’ ‘House,’ ‘Family Guy’ and ‘Arrested Development,’ her commitment as a producer speaks volumes and her impact has left...
Berman, whose most recent hits include Netflix’s “Wednesday” and 2022’s “Elvis,” will be feted at the 25th annual Producers Guild Awards on Feb. 25. Berman’s long resume includes a five-year run as head of entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Co. and serving as the No. 2 executive at Paramount Pictures from 2005 to 2007. She is also a previous president of the Producers Guild, serving alongside producer Lucy Fisher from 2018-2022.
“Gail’s impact on the television industry is nothing short of groundbreaking. Whether it’s the contemporary successes of shows like ‘Wednesday’ or her extensive role as a television executive overseeing critical and commercial hits such as ‘American Idol,’ ’24,’ ‘House,’ ‘Family Guy’ and ‘Arrested Development,’ her commitment as a producer speaks volumes and her impact has left...
- 1/17/2024
- by Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety Film + TV
Deadline reports that Amazon is developing Halcyon, a sci-fi thriller based on Christopher Long’s graphic novel Hiding In Time. Halcyon comes from Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow, who will executive produce through his Metronome Film Company alongside Andrew Mittman’s 1.21 banner.
Halcyon is a “paranoid sci-fi thriller in which the Witness Protection Program relocates families to various eras in time. The series unravels a conspiracy that emerges when this seemingly infallible system is breached.” Sounds interesting. In addition to producing Halcyon, Colin Trevorrow will also direct the pilot of the series. Davey Holmes (Shameless) will serve as showrunner of the project, and will executive produce alongside Trevorrow, Mittman, and Lloyd Braun.
Related Jurassic World: Chaos Theory teaser gives a preview of what happens after Camp Cretaceous
After helming Jurassic World, Colin Trevorrow stepped back for J.A. Bayona to take the reins of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, but he returned for Jurassic World: Dominion.
Halcyon is a “paranoid sci-fi thriller in which the Witness Protection Program relocates families to various eras in time. The series unravels a conspiracy that emerges when this seemingly infallible system is breached.” Sounds interesting. In addition to producing Halcyon, Colin Trevorrow will also direct the pilot of the series. Davey Holmes (Shameless) will serve as showrunner of the project, and will executive produce alongside Trevorrow, Mittman, and Lloyd Braun.
Related Jurassic World: Chaos Theory teaser gives a preview of what happens after Camp Cretaceous
After helming Jurassic World, Colin Trevorrow stepped back for J.A. Bayona to take the reins of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, but he returned for Jurassic World: Dominion.
- 12/15/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Amazon is developing Halcyon, a sci-fi thriller drama series for Prime Video, based on Christopher Long’s graphic novel Hiding In Time, from Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow and his Metronome Film Company and Andrew Mittman’s 1.21. MGM Television, where Mittman is under an overall deal, is the studio. Trevorrow directs the pilot.
Created by Richard Smith, who penned the pilot, Halcyon is a paranoid sci-fi thriller in which the Witness Protection Program relocates families to various eras in time. The series unravels a conspiracy that emerges when this seemingly infallible system is breached.
Davey Holmes will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Smith will executive produce along with Trevorrow via Metronome, Mittman for 1.21, and Lloyd Braun.
Trevorrow made his directing debut with Sundance hit Safety Not Guaranteed. Handpicked by Steven Spielberg, Trevorrow went on to relaunch the Jurassic Park franchise with Jurassic World in 2015, which...
Created by Richard Smith, who penned the pilot, Halcyon is a paranoid sci-fi thriller in which the Witness Protection Program relocates families to various eras in time. The series unravels a conspiracy that emerges when this seemingly infallible system is breached.
Davey Holmes will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Smith will executive produce along with Trevorrow via Metronome, Mittman for 1.21, and Lloyd Braun.
Trevorrow made his directing debut with Sundance hit Safety Not Guaranteed. Handpicked by Steven Spielberg, Trevorrow went on to relaunch the Jurassic Park franchise with Jurassic World in 2015, which...
- 12/15/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Larry David helped turn Jerry Seinfeld’s standup comedy into the hit sitcom Seinfeld. But, David left after season 7 and Seinfeld lasted two more. While some fans lamented the loss of David’s perspective, there were still some great Seinfeld episodes after he left. In fact, Seinfeld was still doing so well that NBC tried to persuade Seinfeld to do season 10.
John O’Hurley and Julia Louis-Dreyfus | Joseph Del Valle/NBCU Photo Bank
Had Seinfeld taken the deal, there may have been even more post-David episodes to choose from. As it stands, here are just nine of the great Seinfeld episodes that came after David’s departure.
‘The Muffin Tops’ was a classic ‘Seinfeld’ frustration episode
When Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) observed that the top of the muffin was the best part, it was a classic Seinfeld observation. She’s not wrong, but only on Seinfeld would Elaine have the idea to...
John O’Hurley and Julia Louis-Dreyfus | Joseph Del Valle/NBCU Photo Bank
Had Seinfeld taken the deal, there may have been even more post-David episodes to choose from. As it stands, here are just nine of the great Seinfeld episodes that came after David’s departure.
‘The Muffin Tops’ was a classic ‘Seinfeld’ frustration episode
When Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) observed that the top of the muffin was the best part, it was a classic Seinfeld observation. She’s not wrong, but only on Seinfeld would Elaine have the idea to...
- 3/28/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Endeavor has named Maura McGreevy, most recently the head of communications at Endeavor subsidiary Img, to the company’s top communications role.
McGreevy will take over the position from longtime executive Christian Muirhead, who oversaw communications for Endeavor since 2014. In September, Muirhead was promoted to co-chairman of WME, along with WME partner Richard Weitz. The two succeeded Lloyd Braun, who joined Endeavor in 2019 and stepped down as chairman at the end of 2022.
In taking on the chief communications position, McGreevy will be responsible for Endeavor’s corporate communications across Endeavor and its subsidiaries, which includes talent agency WME and sports groups like the UFC and Professional Bull Riders.
“Maura will serve as a key strategic partner for all aspects of our business,” said Endeavor President Mark Shapiro. “I’ve seen first-hand her unique understanding of the Endeavor network and her thoughtful storytelling abilities. In her nearly nine years with the company,...
McGreevy will take over the position from longtime executive Christian Muirhead, who oversaw communications for Endeavor since 2014. In September, Muirhead was promoted to co-chairman of WME, along with WME partner Richard Weitz. The two succeeded Lloyd Braun, who joined Endeavor in 2019 and stepped down as chairman at the end of 2022.
In taking on the chief communications position, McGreevy will be responsible for Endeavor’s corporate communications across Endeavor and its subsidiaries, which includes talent agency WME and sports groups like the UFC and Professional Bull Riders.
“Maura will serve as a key strategic partner for all aspects of our business,” said Endeavor President Mark Shapiro. “I’ve seen first-hand her unique understanding of the Endeavor network and her thoughtful storytelling abilities. In her nearly nine years with the company,...
- 2/6/2023
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It was exactly 20 years ago on January 26, 2003, when Jimmy Kimmel left Comedy Central and came to network television to host ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’
Kimmel expressed his gratitude to everyone who has helped make the show what it is today and walked down memory lane to show how long he’s been on the airwaves.
“Thank you. I appreciate that,” Kimmel said, as he was met with thunderous applause from his studio audience. “I’m not retiring. This is just an anniversary show.”
Kimmel joked that his late-night show was an instant hit after reading reviews after the show first debuted in 2003.
“And right out of the gate – we were an immediate hit,” Kimmel said. “The next day ‘The New Yorker’ said… ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live,’ a dead on-arrival talk show with a charisma-free host.'”
Kimmel continued, “The Seattle Post-Intelligencer raved… ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live,’ is a gloopy mess. Not an interesting,...
Kimmel expressed his gratitude to everyone who has helped make the show what it is today and walked down memory lane to show how long he’s been on the airwaves.
“Thank you. I appreciate that,” Kimmel said, as he was met with thunderous applause from his studio audience. “I’m not retiring. This is just an anniversary show.”
Kimmel joked that his late-night show was an instant hit after reading reviews after the show first debuted in 2003.
“And right out of the gate – we were an immediate hit,” Kimmel said. “The next day ‘The New Yorker’ said… ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live,’ a dead on-arrival talk show with a charisma-free host.'”
Kimmel continued, “The Seattle Post-Intelligencer raved… ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live,’ is a gloopy mess. Not an interesting,...
- 1/27/2023
- by Joshua Vinson
- The Wrap
The odds that “Jimmy Kimmel Live” would still be here, 20 years after its launch on Jan. 26, 2003, were astronomically low. The network hadn’t done a traditional late-night talk show since the short-lived “Into the Night With Rick Dees” in 1991, and the time slot’s previous inhabitant, “Politically Incorrect,” had been canceled due to declining ratings — and controversy over 9/11-related comments host Bill Maher had made.
Those early reviews were rough and the show struggled in its early months to book guests. And soon, Kimmel’s biggest backer at the network, then-abc chairman Lloyd Braun, was out the door.
But there was a glimmer of promise from the start: Early on, ABC execs said they were encouraged by the show’s first week national ratings, especially among young male viewers..
Among all of those hosts — Leno, Letterman, O’Brien, Kilborn — Kimmel is the only one left standing in late night, and...
Those early reviews were rough and the show struggled in its early months to book guests. And soon, Kimmel’s biggest backer at the network, then-abc chairman Lloyd Braun, was out the door.
But there was a glimmer of promise from the start: Early on, ABC execs said they were encouraged by the show’s first week national ratings, especially among young male viewers..
Among all of those hosts — Leno, Letterman, O’Brien, Kilborn — Kimmel is the only one left standing in late night, and...
- 1/26/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
What if TV advertising meant something other than buying commercials that run on TV?
Paramount Global’s CBS is about to start listing its programs on a start-up service that aims to match TV programs with marketers eager to launch campaigns that use the shows to gain attention. Imagine a regional fast-food chain or a start-up online retailer — not to mention a big national consumer-goods manufacturer — being able to incorporate characters from “Young Sheldon” or the logo of “NCIS” to capture the attention of new customers.
The idea is to unlock the ability of advertisers “to hook up with programs,” says Alan Gould, a co-founder of the new exchange, MutualMarkets. “There is no easy way now for brands to do deals with those shows.”
People who want to date have Tinder. TV networks and advertisers are getting something similar.
The concept surfaces as TV networks and their streaming rivals are...
Paramount Global’s CBS is about to start listing its programs on a start-up service that aims to match TV programs with marketers eager to launch campaigns that use the shows to gain attention. Imagine a regional fast-food chain or a start-up online retailer — not to mention a big national consumer-goods manufacturer — being able to incorporate characters from “Young Sheldon” or the logo of “NCIS” to capture the attention of new customers.
The idea is to unlock the ability of advertisers “to hook up with programs,” says Alan Gould, a co-founder of the new exchange, MutualMarkets. “There is no easy way now for brands to do deals with those shows.”
People who want to date have Tinder. TV networks and advertisers are getting something similar.
The concept surfaces as TV networks and their streaming rivals are...
- 1/4/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
UTA announced new roles for two senior leadership members, promoting Jay Sures to vice chairman while naming David Kramer as president. The pair had served together as co-presidents of the company since 2017.
In addition to his roles in building UTA’s television group, Sures oversees UTA’s news, speakers, and culture and leadership practices, while also representing a wide roster of talent. He was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2016.
The company did not specify what new responsibilities Kramer would assume as solo president.
“The ultimate power player, Jay’s contributions to UTA over three decades are enormous,” wrote UTA co-founder and CEO Jeremy Zimmer wrote in a company-wide email. He has played a major role in systematically building our television group, including literary and talent, into an industry leader, while representing a wide roster of clients. He also oversees, and continues to grow, our news, speakers, and culture and leadership groups.
In addition to his roles in building UTA’s television group, Sures oversees UTA’s news, speakers, and culture and leadership practices, while also representing a wide roster of talent. He was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2016.
The company did not specify what new responsibilities Kramer would assume as solo president.
“The ultimate power player, Jay’s contributions to UTA over three decades are enormous,” wrote UTA co-founder and CEO Jeremy Zimmer wrote in a company-wide email. He has played a major role in systematically building our television group, including literary and talent, into an industry leader, while representing a wide roster of clients. He also oversees, and continues to grow, our news, speakers, and culture and leadership groups.
- 9/13/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
WME veterans Christian Muirhead and Richard Weitz have been promoted to co-chairmen of the powerful talent agency that is a cornerstone of Endeavor.
The pair will succeed Lloyd Braun, who will step down from the WME chairman role at year’s end. Muirhead is the agency’s longtime communications chief. Weitz is one of the industry’s most respected literary agents who joined Endeavor when that agency when in its infancy in 1997.
“The appointment of Richard and Christian marks a truly transformative day for WME, which continues to be the inspirational core of Endeavor,” said Endeavor president Mark Shapiro. “I’ve seen first-hand their innate ability to lead, to build meaningful relationships, and to leverage the broader Endeavor network in service to our clients’ aspirations. Coupled with their deep understanding of the entertainment landscape, I can say with certainty that there are no better or more complementary individuals to now lead the agency.
The pair will succeed Lloyd Braun, who will step down from the WME chairman role at year’s end. Muirhead is the agency’s longtime communications chief. Weitz is one of the industry’s most respected literary agents who joined Endeavor when that agency when in its infancy in 1997.
“The appointment of Richard and Christian marks a truly transformative day for WME, which continues to be the inspirational core of Endeavor,” said Endeavor president Mark Shapiro. “I’ve seen first-hand their innate ability to lead, to build meaningful relationships, and to leverage the broader Endeavor network in service to our clients’ aspirations. Coupled with their deep understanding of the entertainment landscape, I can say with certainty that there are no better or more complementary individuals to now lead the agency.
- 9/8/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
WME announced Thursday that executives Richard Weitz and Christian Muirhead will replace Lloyd Braun as co-chairmen.
Braun will exit the role he served for three years at the end of 2022.
“I would like to thank Lloyd for his leadership over these past three years, navigating WME through the pandemic and setting the agency on course for its best financial year on record,” said Mark Shapiro, president of WME’s parent company Endeavor. “Lloyd has left an indelible mark on WME and laid a strong foundation for the future.”
Weitz, who first joined the talent agency in 1997, became a WME partner and head of its television packaging department in 2002. He previously worked at InterTalent Agency and ICM.
Also Read:
‘Ted Lasso’ Star Brett Goldstein Signs With WME
“WME is home to me, and I’m thrilled to carry on its century-long history and help set the course for its next 100 years.
Braun will exit the role he served for three years at the end of 2022.
“I would like to thank Lloyd for his leadership over these past three years, navigating WME through the pandemic and setting the agency on course for its best financial year on record,” said Mark Shapiro, president of WME’s parent company Endeavor. “Lloyd has left an indelible mark on WME and laid a strong foundation for the future.”
Weitz, who first joined the talent agency in 1997, became a WME partner and head of its television packaging department in 2002. He previously worked at InterTalent Agency and ICM.
Also Read:
‘Ted Lasso’ Star Brett Goldstein Signs With WME
“WME is home to me, and I’m thrilled to carry on its century-long history and help set the course for its next 100 years.
- 9/8/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Richard Weitz and Christian Muirhead have been upped to co-chairmen of Endeavor’s WME talent agency, succeeding Lloyd Braun who will step down as chairman at the end of 2022 when his contract is up. Both are agency veterans, having come from the two companies that formed WME, Endeavor (Weitz) and Wma (Muirhead), and also come from different backgrounds, agenting and corporate communications, respectively. Ari Greenburg remains WME president and will now report to Weitz and Muirhead.
“I would like to thank Lloyd for his leadership over these past three years, navigating WME through the pandemic and setting the agency on course for its best financial year on record,” said Mark Shapiro, President, Endeavor. “Lloyd has left an indelible mark on WME and laid a strong foundation for the future.”
Former ABC Entertainment Television Group chairman Braun was a rare outsider brought into WME’s top ranks in late 2019 as chairman.
“I would like to thank Lloyd for his leadership over these past three years, navigating WME through the pandemic and setting the agency on course for its best financial year on record,” said Mark Shapiro, President, Endeavor. “Lloyd has left an indelible mark on WME and laid a strong foundation for the future.”
Former ABC Entertainment Television Group chairman Braun was a rare outsider brought into WME’s top ranks in late 2019 as chairman.
- 9/8/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
WME is shaking up its top leadership ranks, promoting two long-tenured executives to jointly oversee the talent agency and its representation business.
The Beverly Hills-based firm named Richard Weitz and Christian Muirhead as co-chairmen, succeeding Lloyd Braun in the role, the agency said Thursday. Braun, a veteran entertainment exec who joined WME’s Ari Emanuel-run parent company Endeavor in 2019 to oversee its representation business, will exit at the end of the year.
“I would like to thank Lloyd for his leadership over these past three years, navigating WME through the pandemic and setting the agency on course for its best financial year on record,” said Endeavor president Mark Shapiro. “Lloyd has left an indelible mark on WME and laid a strong foundation for the future.”
Ari Greenburg, who was named president of WME in Dec. 2018 and was an early partner at the agency,...
WME is shaking up its top leadership ranks, promoting two long-tenured executives to jointly oversee the talent agency and its representation business.
The Beverly Hills-based firm named Richard Weitz and Christian Muirhead as co-chairmen, succeeding Lloyd Braun in the role, the agency said Thursday. Braun, a veteran entertainment exec who joined WME’s Ari Emanuel-run parent company Endeavor in 2019 to oversee its representation business, will exit at the end of the year.
“I would like to thank Lloyd for his leadership over these past three years, navigating WME through the pandemic and setting the agency on course for its best financial year on record,” said Endeavor president Mark Shapiro. “Lloyd has left an indelible mark on WME and laid a strong foundation for the future.”
Ari Greenburg, who was named president of WME in Dec. 2018 and was an early partner at the agency,...
- 9/8/2022
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Jack Quaid is moving into scripted podcasts.
The Boys star is leading the lineup of Echoverse’s Grim Death & Bill The Electrocuted Criminal series, which comes from Hellboy’s Mike Mignola and author Thomas Sniegoski.
Mignola and Sniegoski are adapting their novel into an audio drama series.
Quaid will star as Bentley Hawthorne, aka Grim Death, who works in the service of Death, avenging the wrongful deaths of those in need of justice. Helping him are an acerbic raven named Roderick, his wry and long-suffering butler Pym, headstrong and intelligent investigative journalist Gwendolyn, and the subject of the first season’s investigation, Bill, a strong but gentle man who has been wrongfully convicted of the murder of his trapeze-artist girlfriend Tianna.
Quaid plays Hughie Campbell in the Amazon superhero series The Boys, which is heading into production on its fourth season. He also recently starred in the latest Scream...
The Boys star is leading the lineup of Echoverse’s Grim Death & Bill The Electrocuted Criminal series, which comes from Hellboy’s Mike Mignola and author Thomas Sniegoski.
Mignola and Sniegoski are adapting their novel into an audio drama series.
Quaid will star as Bentley Hawthorne, aka Grim Death, who works in the service of Death, avenging the wrongful deaths of those in need of justice. Helping him are an acerbic raven named Roderick, his wry and long-suffering butler Pym, headstrong and intelligent investigative journalist Gwendolyn, and the subject of the first season’s investigation, Bill, a strong but gentle man who has been wrongfully convicted of the murder of his trapeze-artist girlfriend Tianna.
Quaid plays Hughie Campbell in the Amazon superhero series The Boys, which is heading into production on its fourth season. He also recently starred in the latest Scream...
- 8/17/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Echoverse, the podcast company run by former Syfy executive Mark Stern, is moving into unscripted podcasts.
The company, which was launched in 2020 by Lloyd Braun’s Whalerock Industries, has focused on scripted science fiction, supernatural and fantasy audio dramas with shows from the likes of Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, Minnie Driver, Alison Pill and Paul Feig.
It has now teamed with public media organization Prx on five unscripted podcast pilots.
The series, which will be produced by Prx Productions, focus on the paranormal and sci-fi.
Series (full details below) include Deep Dive, Hunting the Unknown, This is Kinda F’D Up, Escape Pod and Tales of the Unknown.
“Echoverse’s expansion into unscripted is a natural extension of our commitment to deliver best-in-class original audio in science fiction, supernatural, and fantasy. Prx’s expertise in this field makes them the perfect partner to help create shows with a unique...
The company, which was launched in 2020 by Lloyd Braun’s Whalerock Industries, has focused on scripted science fiction, supernatural and fantasy audio dramas with shows from the likes of Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, Minnie Driver, Alison Pill and Paul Feig.
It has now teamed with public media organization Prx on five unscripted podcast pilots.
The series, which will be produced by Prx Productions, focus on the paranormal and sci-fi.
Series (full details below) include Deep Dive, Hunting the Unknown, This is Kinda F’D Up, Escape Pod and Tales of the Unknown.
“Echoverse’s expansion into unscripted is a natural extension of our commitment to deliver best-in-class original audio in science fiction, supernatural, and fantasy. Prx’s expertise in this field makes them the perfect partner to help create shows with a unique...
- 7/7/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
William Morris Endeavor (WME) has elected to nix its annual Academy Awards party, instead choosing to donate one million dollars to Unicef to support civilians in Ukraine amid the ongoing invasion of the country by Russian military forces.
The agency’s chairman Lloyd Braun informed WME staff of the decision through a letter circulated through the company on Tuesday.
“I’ve been following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in shock, processing heartbreaking stories and images while wondering how we can best lend our support,” Braun’s statement reads. “With that in mind, our leadership team in partnership with our Talent and Motion Picture groups has decided to donate $1 million to Unicef in lieu of a large Oscar event this year.”
Clients of WME that are Oscar-nominated this year include Javier Bardem, Kenneth Branagh, Guillermo del Toro, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam McKay, Kristen Stewart and Denzel Washington.
Deadline was first to report the story.
The agency’s chairman Lloyd Braun informed WME staff of the decision through a letter circulated through the company on Tuesday.
“I’ve been following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in shock, processing heartbreaking stories and images while wondering how we can best lend our support,” Braun’s statement reads. “With that in mind, our leadership team in partnership with our Talent and Motion Picture groups has decided to donate $1 million to Unicef in lieu of a large Oscar event this year.”
Clients of WME that are Oscar-nominated this year include Javier Bardem, Kenneth Branagh, Guillermo del Toro, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam McKay, Kristen Stewart and Denzel Washington.
Deadline was first to report the story.
- 3/9/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
In light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, sources tell Deadline that WME will not be hosting its agency’s Oscar party this year, and instead will be donating $1 million to Unicef to support families in Ukraine and other areas displaced by war.
WME chairman Lloyd Braun just sent out a note to the agency informing them of the news.
Insiders add that agency still may do some small dinners to support their nominees, but as for the big party decided that this year their resources were best served elsewhere. WME’s Oscar nominees this year include Kenneth Branagh, Guillermo del Toro, Javier Bardem, Kristen Stewart, Adam McKay, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Denzel Washington and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Here is Braun’s note to staff:
To: WME All
Like so many of you, I’ve been following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in shock, processing heartbreaking stories and images while wondering how we can best lend our support.
WME chairman Lloyd Braun just sent out a note to the agency informing them of the news.
Insiders add that agency still may do some small dinners to support their nominees, but as for the big party decided that this year their resources were best served elsewhere. WME’s Oscar nominees this year include Kenneth Branagh, Guillermo del Toro, Javier Bardem, Kristen Stewart, Adam McKay, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Denzel Washington and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Here is Braun’s note to staff:
To: WME All
Like so many of you, I’ve been following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in shock, processing heartbreaking stories and images while wondering how we can best lend our support.
- 3/9/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Alison Pill is getting into the scripted podcast universe.
The Star Trek: Picard and Devs star is to star in and produce supernatural audio drama The Doctor Is In.
The series was created and written by Cassie Keet and is produced by Paul Feig and Laura Fischer’s Powderkeg Media for podcast studio Echoverse.
The Doctor Is In is a darkly comedic supernatural drama that features medical student-turned-veterinarian Dr. Kate Spencer, voiced by Pill, who works the graveyard shift at an animal hospital in Chicago. When her late-night patients begin to shift from household pets to more exotic creatures like werewolves and vampires, Kate suddenly finds herself in the middle of a brewing underground war.
Greg Lubin and Kesila Childers will produce on behalf of Powderkeg Media.
Powderkeg Media is behind podcast Close To Death with UCP Audio and is in development with a project at Spotify. It also...
The Star Trek: Picard and Devs star is to star in and produce supernatural audio drama The Doctor Is In.
The series was created and written by Cassie Keet and is produced by Paul Feig and Laura Fischer’s Powderkeg Media for podcast studio Echoverse.
The Doctor Is In is a darkly comedic supernatural drama that features medical student-turned-veterinarian Dr. Kate Spencer, voiced by Pill, who works the graveyard shift at an animal hospital in Chicago. When her late-night patients begin to shift from household pets to more exotic creatures like werewolves and vampires, Kate suddenly finds herself in the middle of a brewing underground war.
Greg Lubin and Kesila Childers will produce on behalf of Powderkeg Media.
Powderkeg Media is behind podcast Close To Death with UCP Audio and is in development with a project at Spotify. It also...
- 2/10/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Minnie Driver is getting into the scripted podcast world.
The Speechless star has been tapped to star in The Lesser Dead, a supernatural audio drama series.
Christopher Buehlman is adapting his own novel – about a colony of vampires – for the audio medium.
The Lesser Dead comes from podcast studio Echoverse, which was launched in 2020 by Lloyd Braun’s Whalerock Industries, the production and consulting company behind such unscripted series as Battlebots, Hyperdrive and Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness, and is run by former Syfy executive Mark Stern.
The book, which was published in 2014, is set in 1978 New York City and stars Driver as Margaret McMannis, the formidable leader of a colony of vampires.
Narrated by one of McMannis’s clan, Joey Peacock, an irreverent, eternally-young 19-year-old who quite literally never grew up. When a dangerous new adversary enters their world, Margaret and Joey’s unconventional family of vampires...
The Speechless star has been tapped to star in The Lesser Dead, a supernatural audio drama series.
Christopher Buehlman is adapting his own novel – about a colony of vampires – for the audio medium.
The Lesser Dead comes from podcast studio Echoverse, which was launched in 2020 by Lloyd Braun’s Whalerock Industries, the production and consulting company behind such unscripted series as Battlebots, Hyperdrive and Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness, and is run by former Syfy executive Mark Stern.
The book, which was published in 2014, is set in 1978 New York City and stars Driver as Margaret McMannis, the formidable leader of a colony of vampires.
Narrated by one of McMannis’s clan, Joey Peacock, an irreverent, eternally-young 19-year-old who quite literally never grew up. When a dangerous new adversary enters their world, Margaret and Joey’s unconventional family of vampires...
- 1/13/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Seinfeld’s classic anti-holiday episode “The Strike” has been re-gifted so many times it is almost as annoying as the holiday itself. We’re taking a strike from Festivus, because that non-holiday was only one of the many moments Jerry and the gang destroyed festivities in ways black and white cookies could never fix.
Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld), Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), George (Jason Alexander), and Kramer (Michael Richards), have soiled baptisms, weddings, anniversaries, Thanksgiving dinners, Puerto Rican Day marches, and even Super Bowl parties, which gave birth to the very phrase “re-gifting.” They’ve mugged old ladies for chocolate babkas, punctured the Woody Woodpecker balloon in the Macy’s Day Parade, and even convinced a tenant association to pass on upgrading an apartment to a survivor of the Andrea Doria shipwreck during the holiday season. Without an airing of grievances, the rest of us are pretty much covered, and it doesn...
Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld), Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), George (Jason Alexander), and Kramer (Michael Richards), have soiled baptisms, weddings, anniversaries, Thanksgiving dinners, Puerto Rican Day marches, and even Super Bowl parties, which gave birth to the very phrase “re-gifting.” They’ve mugged old ladies for chocolate babkas, punctured the Woody Woodpecker balloon in the Macy’s Day Parade, and even convinced a tenant association to pass on upgrading an apartment to a survivor of the Andrea Doria shipwreck during the holiday season. Without an airing of grievances, the rest of us are pretty much covered, and it doesn...
- 12/22/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: While WME dropped C&w star Morgen Wallen back in February after he used racist language in comments to his friends on a private video that made the rounds on the internet, top WME exec Lloyd Braun today addressed agents in the music department after word surfaced that the agency might still be quietly commissioning him.
Insiders at the agency said it was more complicated and far less sinister than that. Deadline was told that some concerts WME originally booked for Wallen before he became embroiled in controversy, which got canceled by the pandemic, were re-booked. That happened through the agency’s internal system, and that is how word spread internally and prompted staffers to ask for answers. But the agency said no new work was booked, and the agency tells Deadline that any commissions that come from Wallen’s touring will be donated to charity.
WME said it...
Insiders at the agency said it was more complicated and far less sinister than that. Deadline was told that some concerts WME originally booked for Wallen before he became embroiled in controversy, which got canceled by the pandemic, were re-booked. That happened through the agency’s internal system, and that is how word spread internally and prompted staffers to ask for answers. But the agency said no new work was booked, and the agency tells Deadline that any commissions that come from Wallen’s touring will be donated to charity.
WME said it...
- 10/28/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, former Law & Order: Svu showrunner Neal Baer and Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Amber Benson are among a slew of creatives working on a slate of scripted podcasts for Echoverse.
The podcast studio, which focuses on scripted science fiction, supernatural and fantasy audio drama, has a slate of more than two dozen projects in development or prepping for production with its first series set to launch this fall.
Echoverse was launched last year by Lloyd Braun’s Whalerock Industries, the production and consulting company behind such unscripted series as Battlebots, Hyperdrive and Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness, and is run by former Syfy executive Mark Stern.
“It’s been a very busy year and we couldn’t be more excited about the growing slate of projects that we are helping this talented group of writers and producers bring to fruition. I can...
The podcast studio, which focuses on scripted science fiction, supernatural and fantasy audio drama, has a slate of more than two dozen projects in development or prepping for production with its first series set to launch this fall.
Echoverse was launched last year by Lloyd Braun’s Whalerock Industries, the production and consulting company behind such unscripted series as Battlebots, Hyperdrive and Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness, and is run by former Syfy executive Mark Stern.
“It’s been a very busy year and we couldn’t be more excited about the growing slate of projects that we are helping this talented group of writers and producers bring to fruition. I can...
- 7/28/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s hard to believe now, but it took until 1996 for the broadcast networks to finally hire their first-ever female entertainment president, when ABC recruited Jamie Tarses away from NBC to take the job. There had been a handful of other women in powerful slots, including Lucie Salhany, who was briefly chair of the Fox Broadcasting Co. before launching Upn. But until streaming upended the business, “entertainment president” was the most visible, and arguably the most important, leadership job at a network. And until Tarses, it had been all men.
Tarses’ rise at ABC coincided with the start of my career as a cub reporter, covering the network TV business in Los Angeles, and one of my first duties was to chronicle the tenure of the young trailblazer. But from the start, Tarses was faced with many in Hollywood looking to tear her down — be it rivals jealous of her age,...
Tarses’ rise at ABC coincided with the start of my career as a cub reporter, covering the network TV business in Los Angeles, and one of my first duties was to chronicle the tenure of the young trailblazer. But from the start, Tarses was faced with many in Hollywood looking to tear her down — be it rivals jealous of her age,...
- 2/1/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: At today’s year-end virtual meeting, WME minted its largest partner class ever.
The agency named 25 new partners, spanning a variety of WME departments and offices. WME also announced internally that compensation is being fully restored, across the entirety of Endeavor, starting January 1. Pay reductions came into play in April, after the Covid pandemic shut down theaters, film and TV production and live events, placing financial strain on every agency’s cash flow.
The agency confirmed the news to Deadline.
“We are proud to recognize our new partners who come from many different groups throughout WME but each share the same common threads: They are passionate advocates for artists, take an entrepreneurial approach to their business and have distinguished themselves as leaders both within and outside the agency,” said Lloyd Braun, Endeavor Client Group President and Chairman of WME. “As our industry undergoes unprecedented changes, the different perspectives of...
The agency named 25 new partners, spanning a variety of WME departments and offices. WME also announced internally that compensation is being fully restored, across the entirety of Endeavor, starting January 1. Pay reductions came into play in April, after the Covid pandemic shut down theaters, film and TV production and live events, placing financial strain on every agency’s cash flow.
The agency confirmed the news to Deadline.
“We are proud to recognize our new partners who come from many different groups throughout WME but each share the same common threads: They are passionate advocates for artists, take an entrepreneurial approach to their business and have distinguished themselves as leaders both within and outside the agency,” said Lloyd Braun, Endeavor Client Group President and Chairman of WME. “As our industry undergoes unprecedented changes, the different perspectives of...
- 12/16/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Courtney Braun has been elevated to General Counsel of Endeavor’s client representation group while Michelle Walter has been promoted to CFO of WME, effective immediately.
Lloyd Braun, President of Endeavor Client Group and WME Chairman made the appointments today. Courtney Braun will be responsible for all legal matters across WME and Endeavor’s fashion representation business, including Img Models, Art + Commerce, and The Wall Group. Braun will also continue her other legal responsibilities across Endeavor. Walter will continue to oversee all financial and operational aspects of the agency with an eye on strategic planning.
“Courtney and Michelle have been indispensable members of WME for years, serving as trusted advisors to our clients and colleagues on a range of business matters,” said Lloyd Braun. “Courtney’s combination of strategic thinking and sound judgment uniquely suit her to the legal complexities of the representation business. Michelle’s operational mindset and forward-thinking...
Lloyd Braun, President of Endeavor Client Group and WME Chairman made the appointments today. Courtney Braun will be responsible for all legal matters across WME and Endeavor’s fashion representation business, including Img Models, Art + Commerce, and The Wall Group. Braun will also continue her other legal responsibilities across Endeavor. Walter will continue to oversee all financial and operational aspects of the agency with an eye on strategic planning.
“Courtney and Michelle have been indispensable members of WME for years, serving as trusted advisors to our clients and colleagues on a range of business matters,” said Lloyd Braun. “Courtney’s combination of strategic thinking and sound judgment uniquely suit her to the legal complexities of the representation business. Michelle’s operational mindset and forward-thinking...
- 12/15/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Endeavor has promoted Courtney Braun to general counsel of its client representation group, while Michelle Walter is upped to chief financial officer of WME.
The executive moves by longtime WME and Endeavor execs, unveiled by Lloyd Braun, president of Endeavor Client Group and WME chairman, will see Courtney Braun oversee all legal matters across WME and Endeavor’s fashion representation business, including Img Models, Art + Commerce and The Wall Group.
Braun will also continue her other legal responsibilities across Endeavor. Walter will continue to oversee all financial and operational matters for the agency, with an eye on strategic planning.
“Courtney ...
The executive moves by longtime WME and Endeavor execs, unveiled by Lloyd Braun, president of Endeavor Client Group and WME chairman, will see Courtney Braun oversee all legal matters across WME and Endeavor’s fashion representation business, including Img Models, Art + Commerce and The Wall Group.
Braun will also continue her other legal responsibilities across Endeavor. Walter will continue to oversee all financial and operational matters for the agency, with an eye on strategic planning.
“Courtney ...
- 12/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Endeavor has promoted Courtney Braun to general counsel of its client representation group, while Michelle Walter has been upped to chief financial officer of WME.
The executive moves by longtime WME and Endeavor execs, unveiled by Lloyd Braun, president of Endeavor Client Group and WME chairman, will see Courtney Braun oversee all legal matters across WME and Endeavor’s fashion representation business, including Img Models, Art + Commerce and The Wall Group.
Braun will also retain her other legal responsibilities across Endeavor. Walter will continue to oversee all financial and operational matters for the agency, with an eye on strategic planning....
The executive moves by longtime WME and Endeavor execs, unveiled by Lloyd Braun, president of Endeavor Client Group and WME chairman, will see Courtney Braun oversee all legal matters across WME and Endeavor’s fashion representation business, including Img Models, Art + Commerce and The Wall Group.
Braun will also retain her other legal responsibilities across Endeavor. Walter will continue to oversee all financial and operational matters for the agency, with an eye on strategic planning....
- 12/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
A “Dial M for Murder” anthology series from Alicia Vikander and Terence Winter is in development at MGM/UA Television, TheWrap has learned.
Winter will executive produce the series, based on the 1952 Frederick Knott play and subsequent Alfred Hitchcock film adaptation. The series is said to retell the crime drama from a female perspective, with Vikander eyed to star.
“Vinyl” alum Michael Mitnick is writer and creator on the series, with Winter overseeing.
Charles Collier of Vikander’s Vikarious Film banner will also executive produce alongside Andrew Mittman of 1.21 and Lloyd Braun.
Knott previously adapted his own play for Hitchcock’s 1954 film adaptation, which starred Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings, Anthony Dawson, and John Williams. NBC previously aired a feature adaptation starring the original Broadway cast in 1958, and ABC produced its own version in 1968. No network is attached to the new anthology.
Should Vikander star in the series herself, it...
Winter will executive produce the series, based on the 1952 Frederick Knott play and subsequent Alfred Hitchcock film adaptation. The series is said to retell the crime drama from a female perspective, with Vikander eyed to star.
“Vinyl” alum Michael Mitnick is writer and creator on the series, with Winter overseeing.
Charles Collier of Vikander’s Vikarious Film banner will also executive produce alongside Andrew Mittman of 1.21 and Lloyd Braun.
Knott previously adapted his own play for Hitchcock’s 1954 film adaptation, which starred Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings, Anthony Dawson, and John Williams. NBC previously aired a feature adaptation starring the original Broadway cast in 1958, and ABC produced its own version in 1968. No network is attached to the new anthology.
Should Vikander star in the series herself, it...
- 11/16/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Alicia Vikander is picking up the phone and is about to dial.
The actor is developing a “Dial M For Murder” anthology series at MGM/UA Television with “Boardwalk Empire” and “The Sopranos” alum Terence Winter, Variety has confirmed.
Vikander is eyeing a central role in the project which is based on Frederick Knott’s play and the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name. The prospective series is said to re-imagine the thriller from a female point of view.
Vikander is also on board to executive produce via her Vikarious Film banner, alongside the banner’s top exec Charlies Collier. Michael Mitnick, who previously worked with Winter on HBO’s “Vinyl,” is on board to create and write the show. Winter and Andrew Mittman of 1.21 and Lloyd Braun are both signed on as exec producers.
Should the series find a network and Vikander sign on the dotted line for a role,...
The actor is developing a “Dial M For Murder” anthology series at MGM/UA Television with “Boardwalk Empire” and “The Sopranos” alum Terence Winter, Variety has confirmed.
Vikander is eyeing a central role in the project which is based on Frederick Knott’s play and the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name. The prospective series is said to re-imagine the thriller from a female point of view.
Vikander is also on board to executive produce via her Vikarious Film banner, alongside the banner’s top exec Charlies Collier. Michael Mitnick, who previously worked with Winter on HBO’s “Vinyl,” is on board to create and write the show. Winter and Andrew Mittman of 1.21 and Lloyd Braun are both signed on as exec producers.
Should the series find a network and Vikander sign on the dotted line for a role,...
- 11/16/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
MGM/UA Television is developing limited series Dial M For Murder, based on the 1952 play of the same name by Frederick Knott, which was adapted into the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock movie.
Oscar winner Alicia Vikander is executive producing through her Vikarious Film banner with an eye to potentially star in the series, which reimagines the classic suspense thriller story from the female perspective. In Hitchcock’s film, the role was played by Grace Kelly.
Michael Mitnick (The Giver) is creating and writing the series with Boardwalk Empire creator Terence Winter overseeing. Mitnick is a playwright-screenwriter whose sole previous TV series writing credit was on HBO’s Vinyl, co-created and executive produced by Winter.
Winter executive produces alongside Vikander and Charles Collier via Vikarious Film. Andrew Mittman of 1.21, who has a deal at MGM/UA TV, and Lloyd Braun will also serve as executive producers.
Dial M For Murder is being developed as...
Oscar winner Alicia Vikander is executive producing through her Vikarious Film banner with an eye to potentially star in the series, which reimagines the classic suspense thriller story from the female perspective. In Hitchcock’s film, the role was played by Grace Kelly.
Michael Mitnick (The Giver) is creating and writing the series with Boardwalk Empire creator Terence Winter overseeing. Mitnick is a playwright-screenwriter whose sole previous TV series writing credit was on HBO’s Vinyl, co-created and executive produced by Winter.
Winter executive produces alongside Vikander and Charles Collier via Vikarious Film. Andrew Mittman of 1.21, who has a deal at MGM/UA TV, and Lloyd Braun will also serve as executive producers.
Dial M For Murder is being developed as...
- 11/16/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Dan Limerick has been promoted to chief operating officer of WME.
The executive’s new title was announced Monday by the talent agency’s chairman, Lloyd Braun. In his new role, Limerick will work closely with Braun — who is also the president of WME owner Endeavor’s client group — and WME president Ari Greenburg, overseeing all areas of the agency, business priorities and strategic initiatives.
“Dan has been a critical thought partner to our agency and clients throughout his time at WME, serving as a steady hand amidst transformational changes in our industry,” Braun said in a statement. “Dan’s character and judgment are emblematic of who we strive to be, and we look forward to him playing a larger role in the growth of WME.”
Limerick previously served as head of business affairs for Endeavor Client Group, overseeing business strategy for client deals, and helping manage guild relationships for the agency.
The executive’s new title was announced Monday by the talent agency’s chairman, Lloyd Braun. In his new role, Limerick will work closely with Braun — who is also the president of WME owner Endeavor’s client group — and WME president Ari Greenburg, overseeing all areas of the agency, business priorities and strategic initiatives.
“Dan has been a critical thought partner to our agency and clients throughout his time at WME, serving as a steady hand amidst transformational changes in our industry,” Braun said in a statement. “Dan’s character and judgment are emblematic of who we strive to be, and we look forward to him playing a larger role in the growth of WME.”
Limerick previously served as head of business affairs for Endeavor Client Group, overseeing business strategy for client deals, and helping manage guild relationships for the agency.
- 11/2/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Dan Limerick has been promoted to chief operating officer of WME, the agency said Monday, moving up from his previous role as Head of Business Affairs at Endeavor Client Group.
In the newly created position, he will now work with Endeavor Client Group president and WME chairman Lloyd Braun and WME president Ari Greenburg to oversee all areas of the agency, business priorities and strategic initiatives. In addition, he will continue to oversee the business affairs function at Endeavor Client Group.
“Dan has been a critical thought partner to our agency and clients throughout his time at WME, serving as a steady hand amidst transformational changes in our industry,” said Braun today. “Dan’s character and judgment are emblematic of who we strive to be, and we look forward to him playing a larger role in the growth of WME.”
Limerick joined WME as Head of Television Business Affairs in...
In the newly created position, he will now work with Endeavor Client Group president and WME chairman Lloyd Braun and WME president Ari Greenburg to oversee all areas of the agency, business priorities and strategic initiatives. In addition, he will continue to oversee the business affairs function at Endeavor Client Group.
“Dan has been a critical thought partner to our agency and clients throughout his time at WME, serving as a steady hand amidst transformational changes in our industry,” said Braun today. “Dan’s character and judgment are emblematic of who we strive to be, and we look forward to him playing a larger role in the growth of WME.”
Limerick joined WME as Head of Television Business Affairs in...
- 11/2/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Whalerock Industries, Lloyd Braun’s West Hollywood-based production and consulting company behind such unscripted series as Battlebots, Hyperdrive and Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness, is making a push into podcasting. The company has launched Echoverse, a first-of-its-kind podcast studio focusing on science fiction, supernatural, and fantasy audio experiences, headed by former Syfy executive Mark Stern.
The studio is funded by Whalerock, along with individual investors.
“The sci-fi, supernatural, and fantasy genres represent a significant opportunity in the scripted podcasting market, and Mark Stern is the ideal executive to bring this vision to life.” said Anne-Marie O’Neill, CEO of Whalerock.
Stern was most recently president of Fearless Media Group, which he launched in 2018 as an extension of the work he began as the head of Im Global Television. Prior to that, Stern was president of original content at Syfy for 11 years, where he developed and produced dozens of...
The studio is funded by Whalerock, along with individual investors.
“The sci-fi, supernatural, and fantasy genres represent a significant opportunity in the scripted podcasting market, and Mark Stern is the ideal executive to bring this vision to life.” said Anne-Marie O’Neill, CEO of Whalerock.
Stern was most recently president of Fearless Media Group, which he launched in 2018 as an extension of the work he began as the head of Im Global Television. Prior to that, Stern was president of original content at Syfy for 11 years, where he developed and produced dozens of...
- 8/19/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix has released the “Lucifer” Season 5 trailer, and HBO Max has acquired the rights to “Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness,” premiering Aug. 27.
Renewals
Umc has announced the renewal of four original series: “Craig Ross Jr.’s Monogamy,” “A House Divided,” “Stuck With You” and “Double Cross.” “Craig Ross Jr.’s Monogamy” and “A House Divided” will be returning for their third seasons, whereas “Stuck With You” and “Double Cross” have been renewed for second seasons. The renewals are due to the rapid growth of Umc, AMC Networks’ streaming service focusing on Black TV and film, which has seen a 200% increase in subscribers over the last year.
Dates
Logo has announced that “Canada’s Drag Race” will make its U.S. debut on July 27 at 8 p.m. The 10-episode series is the Canadian extension of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and is hosted by season 11 runner-up Brooke Lynn Hytes.
Renewals
Umc has announced the renewal of four original series: “Craig Ross Jr.’s Monogamy,” “A House Divided,” “Stuck With You” and “Double Cross.” “Craig Ross Jr.’s Monogamy” and “A House Divided” will be returning for their third seasons, whereas “Stuck With You” and “Double Cross” have been renewed for second seasons. The renewals are due to the rapid growth of Umc, AMC Networks’ streaming service focusing on Black TV and film, which has seen a 200% increase in subscribers over the last year.
Dates
Logo has announced that “Canada’s Drag Race” will make its U.S. debut on July 27 at 8 p.m. The 10-episode series is the Canadian extension of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and is hosted by season 11 runner-up Brooke Lynn Hytes.
- 7/13/2020
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
HBO Max has acquired “Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness,” a four-part original series from CNN.
The buddy comedy docuseries will now become an HBO Max Original. It follows actor, documentarian and philanthropist Ravi Patel (“Meet the Patels”) as he “travels the world seeking answers surrounding life’s universal questions,” according to the streaming service.
It is set to debut on August 27.
Here is the full synopsis:
“At each stop throughout this comedically heartfelt journey, Patel is joined by a friend or family member, with whom he shares a big conflict or question about life. He travels to Mexico with his parents to discuss retirement and aging; Japan with his wife to explore parenting and gender roles; Korea with his entrepreneur friend to confront their issues with work/life balance; Denmark with his Muslim friend to explore an immigration crisis not unlike ours here in America. Driven by an obsession to constantly learn and grow,...
The buddy comedy docuseries will now become an HBO Max Original. It follows actor, documentarian and philanthropist Ravi Patel (“Meet the Patels”) as he “travels the world seeking answers surrounding life’s universal questions,” according to the streaming service.
It is set to debut on August 27.
Here is the full synopsis:
“At each stop throughout this comedically heartfelt journey, Patel is joined by a friend or family member, with whom he shares a big conflict or question about life. He travels to Mexico with his parents to discuss retirement and aging; Japan with his wife to explore parenting and gender roles; Korea with his entrepreneur friend to confront their issues with work/life balance; Denmark with his Muslim friend to explore an immigration crisis not unlike ours here in America. Driven by an obsession to constantly learn and grow,...
- 7/13/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
HBO Max has acquired the CNN four-part original series Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness for a August 27 premiere on the WarnerMedia streaming service. The buddy comedy docuseries follows actor/documentarian/philanthropist Ravi Patel (Meet the Patels) as he travels the world seeking answers surrounding life’s universal questions.
Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness had been produced for WarnerMedia’s CNN and was one of the top highlights of the cable news network’s March upfront presentation for advertisers. It will now become an HBO Max original. The strategy has been used between sibling linear networks and streaming platforms, including Nat Geo’s docuseries The World According To Jeff Goldblum moving to Disney+.
At each stop throughout his journey on the show, Patel is joined by a friend or family member, with whom he shares a big conflict or question about life. He travels to Mexico with his parents...
Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness had been produced for WarnerMedia’s CNN and was one of the top highlights of the cable news network’s March upfront presentation for advertisers. It will now become an HBO Max original. The strategy has been used between sibling linear networks and streaming platforms, including Nat Geo’s docuseries The World According To Jeff Goldblum moving to Disney+.
At each stop throughout his journey on the show, Patel is joined by a friend or family member, with whom he shares a big conflict or question about life. He travels to Mexico with his parents...
- 7/13/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
WME said Thursday that Marc Geiger, a partner and the agency’s longtime worldwide Head of Music, is leaving after 17 years as part of a restructure in the division. The moves include WME’s Co-Head of Music Sara Newkirk Simon transitioning to a consultant role at WME’s parent Endeavor, where she will continue to advise the Music division.
In the new structure, Lucy Dickins has been elevated to Co-Head of WME Music, joining current Co-Heads Scott Clayton and Kirk Sommer. The trio will guide strategy and operations for the division moving forward.
No reason was given for Geiger’s departure, though Endeavor like others in the industry has been slammed by the coronavirus shutdown and notably its reliance on live events — from sports to fashion to concerts — as well as the shutdown of film and TV production. In May, WME announced that 20% of its employees will either be laid off,...
In the new structure, Lucy Dickins has been elevated to Co-Head of WME Music, joining current Co-Heads Scott Clayton and Kirk Sommer. The trio will guide strategy and operations for the division moving forward.
No reason was given for Geiger’s departure, though Endeavor like others in the industry has been slammed by the coronavirus shutdown and notably its reliance on live events — from sports to fashion to concerts — as well as the shutdown of film and TV production. In May, WME announced that 20% of its employees will either be laid off,...
- 6/25/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran MGM executive Andrew Mittman is continuing his relationship with the company, signing an exclusive MGM/UA Television production and first-look MGM film deal as head of newly launched prodco 1.21. Joining Mittman at 1.21 is MGM/UA Television alum Kai Dolbashian as the company’s Director of Development.
“I’ve admired Andrew’s thoughtful, intelligent grasp of story and structure since the day we met, said Steve Stark, President of MGM/UA Television. “We recruited him to join our executive team and then were quick to extend his deal when it came up for renewal this year. When Andrew told us that he wanted to segue back into producing, we were thrilled to find a way to make that happen for him right here at MGM.”
Mittman previously served as a Svp, Television Development at MGM for over two years. During that time, he also executive produced The Addams Family animated movie for the studio,...
“I’ve admired Andrew’s thoughtful, intelligent grasp of story and structure since the day we met, said Steve Stark, President of MGM/UA Television. “We recruited him to join our executive team and then were quick to extend his deal when it came up for renewal this year. When Andrew told us that he wanted to segue back into producing, we were thrilled to find a way to make that happen for him right here at MGM.”
Mittman previously served as a Svp, Television Development at MGM for over two years. During that time, he also executive produced The Addams Family animated movie for the studio,...
- 3/9/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Harry and Meghan’s exit from the British royal family could not have come at a better time for CNN. However, it’s not just the constant news coverage that is a boon for the WarnerMedia brand but the fact that its six-part docuseries, The Windsors: Inside The Royal Dynasty, launches on February 16.
Amy Entelis, Evp, Talent and Content Development, CNN, opened up to Deadline in an extensive interview about the story behind the royal series, the company’s latest programming slate as well as opportunities to “expand its universe” through upcoming streaming service HBO Max.
The Windsors: Inside The Royal Dynasty, produced by Three Identical Strangers and Gold Rush producer Raw Television, is narrated by A Private War star Rosamund Pike. It tells the dramatic and emotional story of the British royal family from the calamity of Wallis Simpson to the tragedy of Diana and Harry and Meghan’s...
Amy Entelis, Evp, Talent and Content Development, CNN, opened up to Deadline in an extensive interview about the story behind the royal series, the company’s latest programming slate as well as opportunities to “expand its universe” through upcoming streaming service HBO Max.
The Windsors: Inside The Royal Dynasty, produced by Three Identical Strangers and Gold Rush producer Raw Television, is narrated by A Private War star Rosamund Pike. It tells the dramatic and emotional story of the British royal family from the calamity of Wallis Simpson to the tragedy of Diana and Harry and Meghan’s...
- 2/12/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney CEO Bob Iger sees ESPN eventually becoming “far more of a direct-to-consumer product” as the streaming eruption continues to alter the entertainment landscape.
The executive shared that outlook and touched on topics like the launch of Disney+, sports rights negotiations and Kobe Bryant’s death, during a podcast conversation with Bill Simmons, who spent 16 years at ESPN. The discussion was posted overnight Sunday on Simmons’ Bs Podcast on The Ringer, his upstart media outfit that announced last week it is being acquired by Spotify.
Iger touched on his memoir, which was published last fall, and summed up his strategic view of running a media company in a turbulent era. “If you’re running a business in a dynamic world … and you try to maintain any kind of status quo, you will become irrelevant,” he said.
Case in point: ESPN, which has lost about one-quarter of its traditional subscribers over the past few years.
The executive shared that outlook and touched on topics like the launch of Disney+, sports rights negotiations and Kobe Bryant’s death, during a podcast conversation with Bill Simmons, who spent 16 years at ESPN. The discussion was posted overnight Sunday on Simmons’ Bs Podcast on The Ringer, his upstart media outfit that announced last week it is being acquired by Spotify.
Iger touched on his memoir, which was published last fall, and summed up his strategic view of running a media company in a turbulent era. “If you’re running a business in a dynamic world … and you try to maintain any kind of status quo, you will become irrelevant,” he said.
Case in point: ESPN, which has lost about one-quarter of its traditional subscribers over the past few years.
- 2/10/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Late-night television is the subject of an original documentary series for CNN.
Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Trevor Noah, Seth Meyers and Lorne Michaels are among the contributors to The Story of Late Night, from Canadian producer Cream Productions (The Dictator’s Playbook).
The series will track the history of late-night TV from its inception, featuring stories about hosts such as Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, David Letterman, O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Kimmel, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. It will lift the curtain on some of late-night’s most memorable moments as these legendary hosts tackled politics, pop culture and entertainment.
Other interview subjects include James Corden, Chelsea Handler, Hasan Minhaj, Andy Richter, Ray Romano, Busy Philipps and Andy Cohen as well as executives including Paul Telegdy, George Cheeks, Jeff Zucker, Warren Littlefield, Rick Ludwin, Debbie Vickers, Lloyd Braun, Nina Tassler, Jeff Ross, Dick Cavett and Merrill Markoe.
Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Trevor Noah, Seth Meyers and Lorne Michaels are among the contributors to The Story of Late Night, from Canadian producer Cream Productions (The Dictator’s Playbook).
The series will track the history of late-night TV from its inception, featuring stories about hosts such as Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, David Letterman, O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Kimmel, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. It will lift the curtain on some of late-night’s most memorable moments as these legendary hosts tackled politics, pop culture and entertainment.
Other interview subjects include James Corden, Chelsea Handler, Hasan Minhaj, Andy Richter, Ray Romano, Busy Philipps and Andy Cohen as well as executives including Paul Telegdy, George Cheeks, Jeff Zucker, Warren Littlefield, Rick Ludwin, Debbie Vickers, Lloyd Braun, Nina Tassler, Jeff Ross, Dick Cavett and Merrill Markoe.
- 12/18/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: As it continues to build out its mid- and long-form content capabilities, WarnerMedia sports brand Bleacher Report has hired former Epix executive Rachel Brill as Svp and Gm of the recently created B/R Studio.
In the role, Brill will look to build a roster of projects targeting an estimated 200 million millennial and Gen Z fans of B/R. Her primary mission is to help the outfit establish a clear programming voice in a marketplace for sports-themed fare that has grown relatively crowded in recent years. Upstarts and established players alike, among them Dazn, Facebook, Showtime and HBO have stepped up their efforts to compete with ESPN in the unscripted sports space.
Subscription service B/R Live, which launched in March 2018, and the ad-supported Bleacher Report app, are in the process of gradually merging into a single entity. At the same time, WarnerMedia is also focused on developing HBO Max,...
In the role, Brill will look to build a roster of projects targeting an estimated 200 million millennial and Gen Z fans of B/R. Her primary mission is to help the outfit establish a clear programming voice in a marketplace for sports-themed fare that has grown relatively crowded in recent years. Upstarts and established players alike, among them Dazn, Facebook, Showtime and HBO have stepped up their efforts to compete with ESPN in the unscripted sports space.
Subscription service B/R Live, which launched in March 2018, and the ad-supported Bleacher Report app, are in the process of gradually merging into a single entity. At the same time, WarnerMedia is also focused on developing HBO Max,...
- 11/13/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Wme parent company Endeavor announced on Friday that it has acquired speakers agency The Harry Walker Agency.
Hwa president Don Walker and managing director Ellen Kazis-Walker will continue to lead Hwa under Endeavor and the agency will continue to operate as an affiliate of Wme under the Hwa banner.
Wme’s existing speakers division will be fully integrated into Hwa. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“The Harry Walker Agency has been the gold standard for almost 75 years,” Endeavor CEO Ariel Emanuel said in a statement. “Their standard of excellence has long been imitated, but never replicated, and we’re proud to welcome them to the Endeavor family.”
Also Read: Endeavor Names Whalerock CEO Lloyd Braun President of Representation and Management Business
Hwa speakers include world leaders, authors, Nobel laureates, prominent corporate executives, journalists, activists, celebrities and other thought leaders. Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are Hwa clients,...
Hwa president Don Walker and managing director Ellen Kazis-Walker will continue to lead Hwa under Endeavor and the agency will continue to operate as an affiliate of Wme under the Hwa banner.
Wme’s existing speakers division will be fully integrated into Hwa. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“The Harry Walker Agency has been the gold standard for almost 75 years,” Endeavor CEO Ariel Emanuel said in a statement. “Their standard of excellence has long been imitated, but never replicated, and we’re proud to welcome them to the Endeavor family.”
Also Read: Endeavor Names Whalerock CEO Lloyd Braun President of Representation and Management Business
Hwa speakers include world leaders, authors, Nobel laureates, prominent corporate executives, journalists, activists, celebrities and other thought leaders. Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are Hwa clients,...
- 11/8/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Endeavor has recruited industry veteran Lloyd Braun to oversee Wme and the rest of the company’s portfolio of representation and management businesses.
As part of the arrangement, Endeavor has invested in Braun’s Whalerock Industries consulting banner. Whalerock will continue to function with Endeavor as operating partner. Whalerock chief operating officer Anne-Marie O’Neill will become CEO of Whalerock as Braun adds Endeavor duties.
Braun will report to Mark Shapiro, president of Endeavor. His appointment comes about six weeks after Endeavor tabled its plan for an Ipo amid market volatility and lukewarm investor demand. Shapiro and Braun previously worked together under the Disney umbrella during Braun’s years at ABC and Shapiro’s time at ESPN.
“Lloyd is an innovative, creative executive with an innate ability to identify and grow successful businesses for individuals and brands,” said Shapiro. “In this new role, Lloyd will be charged with harnessing our...
As part of the arrangement, Endeavor has invested in Braun’s Whalerock Industries consulting banner. Whalerock will continue to function with Endeavor as operating partner. Whalerock chief operating officer Anne-Marie O’Neill will become CEO of Whalerock as Braun adds Endeavor duties.
Braun will report to Mark Shapiro, president of Endeavor. His appointment comes about six weeks after Endeavor tabled its plan for an Ipo amid market volatility and lukewarm investor demand. Shapiro and Braun previously worked together under the Disney umbrella during Braun’s years at ABC and Shapiro’s time at ESPN.
“Lloyd is an innovative, creative executive with an innate ability to identify and grow successful businesses for individuals and brands,” said Shapiro. “In this new role, Lloyd will be charged with harnessing our...
- 11/7/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Endeavor is consolidating its representation and management businesses in a new unit run by Lloyd Braun. The former ABC Entertainment Television Group chairman has been named President of Endeavor’s Client Group, which includes entertainment agency Wme; fashion management companies Img Models, The Wall Group, Art + Commerce and Lens; and Img’s global licensing business. All leaders of those divisions will now report to Lloyd, including Wme President Ari Greenburg.
The move is likely to further fuel speculation about Endeavor possibly spinning off its representation businesses, though sources close to the company indicate that the goal of the reorganization is to have better communication and coordination between the various representation units. It comes a month and a half after Endeavor shelved its planned Ipo.
As part of Braun’s appointment, Endeavor has bought a major stake in his digital media company Whalerock Industries, which specializes in strategic consulting and organization design.
The move is likely to further fuel speculation about Endeavor possibly spinning off its representation businesses, though sources close to the company indicate that the goal of the reorganization is to have better communication and coordination between the various representation units. It comes a month and a half after Endeavor shelved its planned Ipo.
As part of Braun’s appointment, Endeavor has bought a major stake in his digital media company Whalerock Industries, which specializes in strategic consulting and organization design.
- 11/7/2019
- by Patrick Hipes and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Endeavor has invested as a strategic operating partner in Lloyd Braun’s Whalerock Industries, and Braun will become the president of Endeavor’s representation and management businesses, the company announced Thursday. That includes Wme, Img Models, The Wall Group, Art + Commerce, Lens, and Img’s global licensing business,
The news of partnering with the former ABC chief comes a month after Endeavor withdrew plans to go public.
Whalerock will be led by its current COO, Anne-Marie O’Neill, who will now become CEO. The Whalerock team will work closely with 160over90, the global creative agency within Endeavor.
Also Read: Why Ari Emanuel Couldn't Sell Wall Street on Endeavor
“Lloyd is an innovative, creative executive with an innate ability to identify and grow successful businesses for individuals and brands,” Mark Shapiro, president of Endeavor, said in a statement. “In this new role, Lloyd will be charged with harnessing our collective...
The news of partnering with the former ABC chief comes a month after Endeavor withdrew plans to go public.
Whalerock will be led by its current COO, Anne-Marie O’Neill, who will now become CEO. The Whalerock team will work closely with 160over90, the global creative agency within Endeavor.
Also Read: Why Ari Emanuel Couldn't Sell Wall Street on Endeavor
“Lloyd is an innovative, creative executive with an innate ability to identify and grow successful businesses for individuals and brands,” Mark Shapiro, president of Endeavor, said in a statement. “In this new role, Lloyd will be charged with harnessing our collective...
- 11/7/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
It started out with a simple enough concept. After struck with inspiration during a family vacation to Hawaii during the summer of 2003, then-ABC Entertainment chairman Lloyd Braun returned to the Burbank, Calif. offices of the network that had slid to fourth place in the ratings under his watch and not posted a profit in seven years with a nugget of an idea: a show that was a cross between the Tom Hanks film Cast Away and the recent game-changing reality show Survivor. Its name? Even simpler: Lost. When Braun shared his idea at a corporate retreat at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel a few weeks later, the gathered network executives weren't exactly sold. "Deafening silence," he recalled...
- 9/22/2019
- E! Online
Gail Berman On Starting Anew With SideCar & How “Content Accelerator” Company Operates Alongside Fox
During her career so far, Gail Berman has reinvented herself a number of times, from a wunderkind theater producer straight out of college to a TV producer and an executive running TV production companies like Buffy the Vampire Slayer maker Sandollar TV, a Big 4 broadcast network with Fox, and a movie studio with Paramount. Along the way, she has launched a string of companies — she was the founding president of Malcolm In the Middle studio Regency Television, a co-venture between New Regency and Fox TV Studios; a founding partner with Lloyd Braun in BermanBraun; and also started The Jackal Group in partnership with the Fox Network Group.
With such extensive startup experience, it was probably not surprising that when Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier looked for a production unit to go with the newly independent “startup network” Fox, he turned to Berman, who launched and is running SideCar Content Accelerator.
With such extensive startup experience, it was probably not surprising that when Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier looked for a production unit to go with the newly independent “startup network” Fox, he turned to Berman, who launched and is running SideCar Content Accelerator.
- 9/5/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
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