Emma Thompson of Sense and Sensibility and Love Actually and Ruth Wilson of The Affair and I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House have signed on to star in the Apple TV+ thriller series Down Cemetery Road, Deadline reports. The series is based on a novel by author Mick Herron, whose Slough House novels serve as inspiration for the Apple TV+ show Slow Horses that has been running for three seasons (Apple plans to keep it going for at least five) and has proven to be very successful for the streaming service.
Down Cemetery Road will tell the story of Sarah Tucker, who becomes obsessed with finding a neighbor girl who disappeared in the aftermath of a house explosion in a quiet Oxford suburb. After enlisting the help of private investigator Zoë Boehm in her quest, the pair find themselves in a complex conspiracy that reveals that...
Down Cemetery Road will tell the story of Sarah Tucker, who becomes obsessed with finding a neighbor girl who disappeared in the aftermath of a house explosion in a quiet Oxford suburb. After enlisting the help of private investigator Zoë Boehm in her quest, the pair find themselves in a complex conspiracy that reveals that...
- 4/22/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Emma Thompson y Ruth Wilson protagonizan esta nueva serie de la plataforma de streaming.
Apple TV+ ha anunciado su nueva serie, “Down Cemetery Road”. Se trata de un thriller que adaptará la novela homónima del galardonado autor Mick Herron, que forma parte de su “Serie de Oxford”.
Cuando una casa explosiona en un tranquilo barrio de Oxford y como consecuencia desaparece una niña, la vecina Sarah Tucker se obsesiona con encontrarla y solicita la ayuda de la investigadora privada Zoë Boehm. Zoë y Sarah se topan de repente con una compleja conspiración que revela que las personas a las que se creía muertas desde hace mucho tiempo siguen entre los vivos, mientras que los vivos se unen rápidamente a los muertos.
“Down Cemetery Road” está protagonizada y producida por la ganadora de un Oscar, un BAFTA, un Globo de Oro y un Emmy Emma Thompson (“Sentido y Sensibilidad”), que interpreta...
Apple TV+ ha anunciado su nueva serie, “Down Cemetery Road”. Se trata de un thriller que adaptará la novela homónima del galardonado autor Mick Herron, que forma parte de su “Serie de Oxford”.
Cuando una casa explosiona en un tranquilo barrio de Oxford y como consecuencia desaparece una niña, la vecina Sarah Tucker se obsesiona con encontrarla y solicita la ayuda de la investigadora privada Zoë Boehm. Zoë y Sarah se topan de repente con una compleja conspiración que revela que las personas a las que se creía muertas desde hace mucho tiempo siguen entre los vivos, mientras que los vivos se unen rápidamente a los muertos.
“Down Cemetery Road” está protagonizada y producida por la ganadora de un Oscar, un BAFTA, un Globo de Oro y un Emmy Emma Thompson (“Sentido y Sensibilidad”), que interpreta...
- 4/19/2024
- by Marta Medina
- mundoCine
Apple TV+ and producers of Slow Horses are teaming up on another series.
Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson will star in Down Cemetery Road, a thriller based on a novel by Mick Herron, whose Slough House spy series is the source material for Slow Horses. The new project is the third Apple TV+ series from producer 60Forty Films, which is also behind Slow Horses — which was renewed for a fifth season earlier this year — and Hijack. Morwenna Banks, who has penned several episodes of Slow Horses, will be the lead writer.
Down Cemetery Road kicks off with a house exploding in a quiet Oxford suburb and a girl disappearing in the aftermath. Sarah Tucker (Wilson, The Affair), who lives nearby, becomes obsessed with finding the girl and enlists the help of private investigator Zoë Boehm (Oscar and Emmy winner Thompson). They find themselves in a complex conspiracy that reveals that...
Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson will star in Down Cemetery Road, a thriller based on a novel by Mick Herron, whose Slough House spy series is the source material for Slow Horses. The new project is the third Apple TV+ series from producer 60Forty Films, which is also behind Slow Horses — which was renewed for a fifth season earlier this year — and Hijack. Morwenna Banks, who has penned several episodes of Slow Horses, will be the lead writer.
Down Cemetery Road kicks off with a house exploding in a quiet Oxford suburb and a girl disappearing in the aftermath. Sarah Tucker (Wilson, The Affair), who lives nearby, becomes obsessed with finding the girl and enlists the help of private investigator Zoë Boehm (Oscar and Emmy winner Thompson). They find themselves in a complex conspiracy that reveals that...
- 4/16/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Apple TV+ has ordered a series adaptation of Mick Herron’s “Down Cemetery Road” with Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson attached to star, Variety has learned.
This is now the second adaptation of Herron’s books to get the series treatment at Apple, with the other being the popular spy series “Slow Horses” starring Gary Oldman. Morwenna Banks, who is a writer on “Slow Horses,” will serve as lead writer on “Down Cemetery Road.”
The official logline of the new series states, “When a house explodes in a quiet Oxford suburb and a girl disappears in the aftermath, neighbor Sarah Tucker (Wilson) becomes obsessed with finding her and enlists the help of private investigator Zoë Boehm (Thompson). Zoë and Sarah suddenly find themselves in a complex conspiracy that reveals that people long believed dead are still among the living, while the living are fast joining the dead.”
Banks and Thompson...
This is now the second adaptation of Herron’s books to get the series treatment at Apple, with the other being the popular spy series “Slow Horses” starring Gary Oldman. Morwenna Banks, who is a writer on “Slow Horses,” will serve as lead writer on “Down Cemetery Road.”
The official logline of the new series states, “When a house explodes in a quiet Oxford suburb and a girl disappears in the aftermath, neighbor Sarah Tucker (Wilson) becomes obsessed with finding her and enlists the help of private investigator Zoë Boehm (Thompson). Zoë and Sarah suddenly find themselves in a complex conspiracy that reveals that people long believed dead are still among the living, while the living are fast joining the dead.”
Banks and Thompson...
- 4/16/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson (Luther) have been tapped to star in Down Cemetery Road, a thriller series for Apple TV+ based on the book from Gold Dagger Award-winning author Mick Herron.
The project comes to Apple following the streamer’s work with Herron on Slow Horses, its hugely popular espionage drama based on his Slough House novels. Thus far airing three seasons, the show starring Gary Oldman has garnered multiple BAFTA nominations and has been renewed through Season 5.
A writer on that series, Morwenna Banks, will serve as lead writer and exec producer of Down Cemetery Road. The show centers on Sarah Tucker (Wilson), who becomes obsessed with finding a neighbor girl who disappeared in the aftermath of a house explosion in a quiet Oxford suburb. After enlisting the help of private investigator Zoë Boehm (Thompson) in her quest, the pair find themselves...
The project comes to Apple following the streamer’s work with Herron on Slow Horses, its hugely popular espionage drama based on his Slough House novels. Thus far airing three seasons, the show starring Gary Oldman has garnered multiple BAFTA nominations and has been renewed through Season 5.
A writer on that series, Morwenna Banks, will serve as lead writer and exec producer of Down Cemetery Road. The show centers on Sarah Tucker (Wilson), who becomes obsessed with finding a neighbor girl who disappeared in the aftermath of a house explosion in a quiet Oxford suburb. After enlisting the help of private investigator Zoë Boehm (Thompson) in her quest, the pair find themselves...
- 4/16/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
During the reading of the U.K. government’s spring budget on Wednesday, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt revealed a 40% corporate tax relief for film and TV studios through 2034.
The plan also includes a new tax credit for independent films shot in the U.K. that have a budget less than $19 million (£15 million), and a 5% increase in credit for visual effects in film and high-end TV along with the removal of the 80% cap.
“We have become Europe’s largest film and TV production center, with Idris Elba, Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom all filming their latest productions here,” Hunt said. “Studio space in the U.K. has doubled in the last three years, and at the current rate of expansion, next year we will be second only to Hollywood globally.”
Hunt continued to say that the government had listened “carefully to representations from companies like Pinewood, Warner Bros. and Sky Studios” when making the decision.
The plan also includes a new tax credit for independent films shot in the U.K. that have a budget less than $19 million (£15 million), and a 5% increase in credit for visual effects in film and high-end TV along with the removal of the 80% cap.
“We have become Europe’s largest film and TV production center, with Idris Elba, Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom all filming their latest productions here,” Hunt said. “Studio space in the U.K. has doubled in the last three years, and at the current rate of expansion, next year we will be second only to Hollywood globally.”
Hunt continued to say that the government had listened “carefully to representations from companies like Pinewood, Warner Bros. and Sky Studios” when making the decision.
- 3/6/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
The UK government is to introduce an indie movie tax credit for films that have budgets up to £15M ($19M), along with bringing in business rates relief for big studios and additional VFX relief.
From April 1, the new indie relief will be separate to the pre-existing film and high-end TV tax credit but both will fall under the new Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit system. The local industry has been calling for the move for months. Films will qualify if they pass a “new British film Institute test.” Productions can make claims from April 1 2025 in respect of expenditure incurred from April 1 2024.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also announced in the past few moments that there will be a 5% increase in tax relief for UK VFX costs in film and high-end TV, while the cost cap of 80% will be removed. The government will also consult on the types of expenditure that will be in scope...
From April 1, the new indie relief will be separate to the pre-existing film and high-end TV tax credit but both will fall under the new Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit system. The local industry has been calling for the move for months. Films will qualify if they pass a “new British film Institute test.” Productions can make claims from April 1 2025 in respect of expenditure incurred from April 1 2024.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also announced in the past few moments that there will be a 5% increase in tax relief for UK VFX costs in film and high-end TV, while the cost cap of 80% will be removed. The government will also consult on the types of expenditure that will be in scope...
- 3/6/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The U.K. government of Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak unveiled a 40 percent corporate tax relief for film and TV studio facilities until 2034 on Wednesday, introduced a new independent film incentive of 40 percent and announced an increase to an existing incentive for visual effects. The moves earned praise from entertainment industry leaders who also said that the new Jurassic World movie would start shooting in the country later this year.
Sunak’s chancellor, or finance minister, Jeremy Hunt made the announcements during his spring budget speech.
“We have become Europe’s largest film and TV production center, with Idris Elba, Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom all filming their latest productions here,” said Hunt, adding that if production space growth continues at its current pace, the country will next year rank “second only to Hollywood” in that regard. “Studio space in the U.K. has doubled in the last three years and...
Sunak’s chancellor, or finance minister, Jeremy Hunt made the announcements during his spring budget speech.
“We have become Europe’s largest film and TV production center, with Idris Elba, Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom all filming their latest productions here,” said Hunt, adding that if production space growth continues at its current pace, the country will next year rank “second only to Hollywood” in that regard. “Studio space in the U.K. has doubled in the last three years and...
- 3/6/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Christopher Nolan was presented with his BFI Fellowship last night (Feb 14) at the Rosewood London by his Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy, who introduced the director he has worked with on six films as “the most important bromance of my career” and “one of the greatest directors in the world”.
The visibly moved filmmaker paid tribute to his wife and long-time producer Emma Thomas in front of a packed industry audience.
“I was asked if in all of those years fighting to shoot on film, did you ever feel alone doing that?” said Nolan. “I was able to say I did...
The visibly moved filmmaker paid tribute to his wife and long-time producer Emma Thomas in front of a packed industry audience.
“I was asked if in all of those years fighting to shoot on film, did you ever feel alone doing that?” said Nolan. “I was able to say I did...
- 2/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Idris Elba stars in Apple TV+’s ‘Hijack’
Emmy Award nominee Idris Elba (Luther) will return to star in and executive produce a second season of Apple TV+’s Hijack. The first season premiered in June 2023 and followed Elba as Sam Nelson, a passenger on board a plane that’s hijacked. Sam’s negotiating skills were pivotal in bringing about a positive resolution.
The renewal announcement didn’t include any details on what Sam will encounter in season two.
“I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after season one. It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson, but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!” stated Idris Elba.
Created by George Kay (Lupin) and Jim Field (Criminal), the seven-episode first season is one of Apple TV+’s top dramas. It currently sits at 88% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Elba’s performance in the real-time thriller.
Emmy Award nominee Idris Elba (Luther) will return to star in and executive produce a second season of Apple TV+’s Hijack. The first season premiered in June 2023 and followed Elba as Sam Nelson, a passenger on board a plane that’s hijacked. Sam’s negotiating skills were pivotal in bringing about a positive resolution.
The renewal announcement didn’t include any details on what Sam will encounter in season two.
“I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after season one. It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson, but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!” stated Idris Elba.
Created by George Kay (Lupin) and Jim Field (Criminal), the seven-episode first season is one of Apple TV+’s top dramas. It currently sits at 88% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Elba’s performance in the real-time thriller.
- 1/31/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Idris Elba will be taking to the skies again as his 2023 series, Hijack, has now been renewed by Apple to have a follow-up season for their streaming service, according to Deadline. Told in real-time, Hijack is a tense thriller that follows the journey of a hijacked plane as it makes its way to London over a seven-hour flight, and authorities on the ground scramble for answers. The series comes from George Kay and Jim Field Smith.
The first season was a hit as it became one of the most-viewed dramas on AppleTV+ and would even crack the Nielsen Streaming Originals Top 10 list. Elba served as an executive producer on the show in addition to starring in it and responded to the reception, saying, “I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after season one. It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson but I can assure you...
The first season was a hit as it became one of the most-viewed dramas on AppleTV+ and would even crack the Nielsen Streaming Originals Top 10 list. Elba served as an executive producer on the show in addition to starring in it and responded to the reception, saying, “I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after season one. It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson but I can assure you...
- 1/31/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Sam Nelson is going to be getting into another dangerous situation. Apple TV+ has renewed Hijack for a second season. The hit thriller followed a hijacked flight in real time across seven episodes in Season 1. The series is created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith and since its debut in June 2023, has become one of Apple TV+’s top dramas. “I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after season one,” Elba said in a statement. “It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!” Added Jay Hunt, creative director, Europe, Apple TV+, “Global audiences were on tenterhooks watching Idris’s riveting performance in Hijack, and we’re thrilled to be working again with 60Forty and Idiotlamp on an equally compelling season two.” When TV Insider spoke with Elba ahead of the Season 1 premiere, he’d said,...
- 1/31/2024
- TV Insider
Strap in, dear readers, because Hijack, AppleTV+’s high concept thriller has just been renewed for season 2. More here.
AppleTV+’s winning streak continues with the news that Hijack, their 2023 hit TV show starring Idris Elba, has been renewed for season 2.
The 7-part season 1 originally premiered on AppleTV+ in late June 2023. The series starred Elba as Sam, a business negotiator, who finds himself on a hijacked flight and must negotiate the plane’s safe landing. It was met with positive reviews and a strong word of mouth, making it one of the streaming service’s top shows in 2023.
No one seems more surprised by the news than Idris Elba himself.
“I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after season one,” said Elba, who executive produces as well as stars. “It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!
AppleTV+’s winning streak continues with the news that Hijack, their 2023 hit TV show starring Idris Elba, has been renewed for season 2.
The 7-part season 1 originally premiered on AppleTV+ in late June 2023. The series starred Elba as Sam, a business negotiator, who finds himself on a hijacked flight and must negotiate the plane’s safe landing. It was met with positive reviews and a strong word of mouth, making it one of the streaming service’s top shows in 2023.
No one seems more surprised by the news than Idris Elba himself.
“I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after season one,” said Elba, who executive produces as well as stars. “It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!
- 1/31/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
Will Idris Elba get stuck on another fateful plane ride?
The gritty details aren’t available just yet but Apple TV+ has given the go-ahead for a second season of Hijack from George Kay and Jim Field Smith.
The first season of Hijack became one of the top dramas on the streamer by landing on the Nielsen Streaming Originals Top 10 list. Elba starred alongside the likes of Archie Panjabi, The Crown’s Ben Miles and Max Beesley as Sam Nelson, an accomplished business negotiator forced to use his guile to save the lives of passengers onboard a hijacked plane making its way to London.
The second season of Hijack will be executive produced by Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta and Tom Nash at 60Forty Films, alongside executive producers Kay and Field Smith’s own production company Idiotlamp Productions. Field Smith also serves as lead director for the series.
The gritty details aren’t available just yet but Apple TV+ has given the go-ahead for a second season of Hijack from George Kay and Jim Field Smith.
The first season of Hijack became one of the top dramas on the streamer by landing on the Nielsen Streaming Originals Top 10 list. Elba starred alongside the likes of Archie Panjabi, The Crown’s Ben Miles and Max Beesley as Sam Nelson, an accomplished business negotiator forced to use his guile to save the lives of passengers onboard a hijacked plane making its way to London.
The second season of Hijack will be executive produced by Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta and Tom Nash at 60Forty Films, alongside executive producers Kay and Field Smith’s own production company Idiotlamp Productions. Field Smith also serves as lead director for the series.
- 1/31/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple TV+ has booked a return flight for its drama series Hijack.
The tech behemoth’s streaming service has ordered a second season of the thriller starring and executive produced by Idris Elba. Details on the story for season two are being kept under wraps, but Elba will reprise his role as Sam Nelson — a corporate negotiator who in the first season used his skills to bring about a resolution to the hijacking of a flight on which he was a passenger.
“I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after season one,” Elba said in a statement. “It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson, but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!”
Hijack, which concluded its seven-episode first season in August, drew solid viewership for Apple TV+, becoming the second series on the platform (after Ted Lasso) to earn a spot...
The tech behemoth’s streaming service has ordered a second season of the thriller starring and executive produced by Idris Elba. Details on the story for season two are being kept under wraps, but Elba will reprise his role as Sam Nelson — a corporate negotiator who in the first season used his skills to bring about a resolution to the hijacking of a flight on which he was a passenger.
“I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after season one,” Elba said in a statement. “It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson, but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!”
Hijack, which concluded its seven-episode first season in August, drew solid viewership for Apple TV+, becoming the second series on the platform (after Ted Lasso) to earn a spot...
- 1/31/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s a good day for fans of Idris Elba’s nail-biting limited series “Hijack.”
Apple TV+ has confirmed that Elba is set to return as negotiator Sam Nelson in a second season of the high-octane drama, which quickly became one of the streamer’s top shows when it dropped last year.
Told almost in real-time, the series follows Nelson on a seven-hour plane ride from Dubai to London which is hijacked by terrorists. A seasoned negotiator, Nelson quickly steps in to try and diffuse the situation before anyone gets killed – but soon realizes there is more to the hijackers’ plot than first seems. Archie Panjabi, Christine Adams, Max Beesley and Ben Miles also starred.
“I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after Season 1,” Elba said. “It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson, but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!
Apple TV+ has confirmed that Elba is set to return as negotiator Sam Nelson in a second season of the high-octane drama, which quickly became one of the streamer’s top shows when it dropped last year.
Told almost in real-time, the series follows Nelson on a seven-hour plane ride from Dubai to London which is hijacked by terrorists. A seasoned negotiator, Nelson quickly steps in to try and diffuse the situation before anyone gets killed – but soon realizes there is more to the hijackers’ plot than first seems. Archie Panjabi, Christine Adams, Max Beesley and Ben Miles also starred.
“I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after Season 1,” Elba said. “It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson, but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!
- 1/31/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Apple TV+ European creative director Jay Hunt is the first streamer executive to take up the mantle.
There has been a mixed reaction to the appointment of Jay Hunt, Apple TV+ European creative director, as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI), at a time when the independent UK film community is grappling with acute challenges, from a dampening of production funding options to soaring costs impacting both filmmaking and exhibition.
Calls for the introduction of a levy of some kind on the US streamers to invest in the homegrown independent sector have been growing louder due to...
There has been a mixed reaction to the appointment of Jay Hunt, Apple TV+ European creative director, as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI), at a time when the independent UK film community is grappling with acute challenges, from a dampening of production funding options to soaring costs impacting both filmmaking and exhibition.
Calls for the introduction of a levy of some kind on the US streamers to invest in the homegrown independent sector have been growing louder due to...
- 1/12/2024
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Antoine Fuqua directs, Graham King produces.
Production on Michael will get underway on January 22 as Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International line up a day-and-date global launch for the Michael Jackson biopic on April 18, 2025.
Antoine Fuqua directs from a screenplay by John Logan, with Gk Films’ Graham King producing.
Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson stars as the musical icon in what the companies say will be a “riveting and honest” portrayal of the gifted and controversial performer.
The film will show Jackson’s triumphs and tragedies on an “epic, cinematic scale”.
It remains to be seen how the filmmakers will tackle...
Production on Michael will get underway on January 22 as Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International line up a day-and-date global launch for the Michael Jackson biopic on April 18, 2025.
Antoine Fuqua directs from a screenplay by John Logan, with Gk Films’ Graham King producing.
Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson stars as the musical icon in what the companies say will be a “riveting and honest” portrayal of the gifted and controversial performer.
The film will show Jackson’s triumphs and tragedies on an “epic, cinematic scale”.
It remains to be seen how the filmmakers will tackle...
- 1/11/2024
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Antoine Fuqua directs, Graham King produces.
Production on Michael will get underway on January 22 as Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International line up a day-and-date global launch for the Michael Jackson biopic on April 18, 2025.
Antoine Fuqua directs from a screenplay by John Logan, with Gk Films’ Graham King producing.
Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson stars as the musical icon in what the companies say will be a “riveting and honest” portrayal of the gifted and controversial performer.
The film will show Jackson’s triumphs and tragedies on an “epic, cinematic scale”.
It remains to be seen how the filmmakers will tackle...
Production on Michael will get underway on January 22 as Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International line up a day-and-date global launch for the Michael Jackson biopic on April 18, 2025.
Antoine Fuqua directs from a screenplay by John Logan, with Gk Films’ Graham King producing.
Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson stars as the musical icon in what the companies say will be a “riveting and honest” portrayal of the gifted and controversial performer.
The film will show Jackson’s triumphs and tragedies on an “epic, cinematic scale”.
It remains to be seen how the filmmakers will tackle...
- 1/11/2024
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Hunt is renowned for her vast experience in the UK TV landscape.
In Jay Hunt, the BFI has landed one of the most experienced UK media executives of her generation as its new chair, appointed by the government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
Hunt has run three of the UK’s biggest TV channels at the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5, and also has US streamer experience from leading the European team of Apple TV+.
“Whatever space Jay is working in, she brings incredible energy, spirit and creative rigour to her role,” said Piers Wenger, A24’s Europe head of TV,...
In Jay Hunt, the BFI has landed one of the most experienced UK media executives of her generation as its new chair, appointed by the government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
Hunt has run three of the UK’s biggest TV channels at the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5, and also has US streamer experience from leading the European team of Apple TV+.
“Whatever space Jay is working in, she brings incredible energy, spirit and creative rigour to her role,” said Piers Wenger, A24’s Europe head of TV,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Jay Hunt has been appointed chair of the British Film Institute.
A hugely well-respected name in British TV, Hunt is currently the creative director for Apple TV+ in Europe, and has been a governor of the British Film Institute since 2020.
Prior to joining Apple, she was chief creative officer at Channel 4 and, thanks to previous positions at the BBC and Channel 5, is the only person to have run three terrestrial broadcasters in the U.K.
Hunt’s commissions comprise some of the U.K.’s biggest and globally renowned TV shows over the last decade, including Apple TV+ hits “Slow Horses” and “Bad Sisters,” plus “Luther,” “Sherlock,” “Black Mirror,” “Derry Girls,” “Catastrophe” and “Gogglebox.”
“The BFI plays such a vital role in supporting great British storytellers and I’m delighted I’ll be chairing the organisation at such an exciting and challenging time,” Hunt said in a statement.
A hugely well-respected name in British TV, Hunt is currently the creative director for Apple TV+ in Europe, and has been a governor of the British Film Institute since 2020.
Prior to joining Apple, she was chief creative officer at Channel 4 and, thanks to previous positions at the BBC and Channel 5, is the only person to have run three terrestrial broadcasters in the U.K.
Hunt’s commissions comprise some of the U.K.’s biggest and globally renowned TV shows over the last decade, including Apple TV+ hits “Slow Horses” and “Bad Sisters,” plus “Luther,” “Sherlock,” “Black Mirror,” “Derry Girls,” “Catastrophe” and “Gogglebox.”
“The BFI plays such a vital role in supporting great British storytellers and I’m delighted I’ll be chairing the organisation at such an exciting and challenging time,” Hunt said in a statement.
- 1/10/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Apple TV+ exec Jay Hunt has been confirmed as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI).
Hunt, who has commissioned the likes of Slow Horses, Bad Sisters, and Tiny World at the streamer, joins the BFI for a term of four years commencing 16 February 2024 at the appointment of the UK’s Culture, Media & Sport (Cms) department.
The role takes around two part-time days of work per month and, like former BFI chair Tim Richards, CEO of Vue, Hunt could continue working for Apple.
Hunt – who is the only UK TV commissioner to have run three channels – has been overseeing Apple TV+’s commissioning in Europe for nearly six years. After a slow start, she has nurtured a string of hits including the likes of Gary Oldman-starrer Slow Horses and Sharon Horgan’s Bad Sisters. She is well respected and introduced a...
Hunt, who has commissioned the likes of Slow Horses, Bad Sisters, and Tiny World at the streamer, joins the BFI for a term of four years commencing 16 February 2024 at the appointment of the UK’s Culture, Media & Sport (Cms) department.
The role takes around two part-time days of work per month and, like former BFI chair Tim Richards, CEO of Vue, Hunt could continue working for Apple.
Hunt – who is the only UK TV commissioner to have run three channels – has been overseeing Apple TV+’s commissioning in Europe for nearly six years. After a slow start, she has nurtured a string of hits including the likes of Gary Oldman-starrer Slow Horses and Sharon Horgan’s Bad Sisters. She is well respected and introduced a...
- 1/10/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Jay Hunt, the creative director for Apple TV+ in Europe, has been named chair of the British Film Institute for a term of four years starting on Feb. 16, the organization and the U.K. government said on Wednesday.
She has been a governor of the BFI since 2020 and served on the board of the government’s Culture Recovery Fund. Before joining Apple, Hunt served as chief creative officer of British broadcaster Channel 4. “She is the only person to have run three terrestrial broadcast channels, also serving as controller of BBC One and director of programs at Channel 5,” the BFI said.
Her commissions have included such global hits as Bad Sisters, Slow Horses, Luther, Sherlock, Black Mirror, and Catastrophe. She started her career at BBC News. In 2023, she was named one of the Top 20 Most Powerful Women in Global Entertainment by The Hollywood Reporter.
“Film is at the heart of the U.
She has been a governor of the BFI since 2020 and served on the board of the government’s Culture Recovery Fund. Before joining Apple, Hunt served as chief creative officer of British broadcaster Channel 4. “She is the only person to have run three terrestrial broadcast channels, also serving as controller of BBC One and director of programs at Channel 5,” the BFI said.
Her commissions have included such global hits as Bad Sisters, Slow Horses, Luther, Sherlock, Black Mirror, and Catastrophe. She started her career at BBC News. In 2023, she was named one of the Top 20 Most Powerful Women in Global Entertainment by The Hollywood Reporter.
“Film is at the heart of the U.
- 1/10/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Apple TV+ exec will take over from Vue CEO Tim Richards.
Jay Hunt, AppleTV+ European creative director, has been confirmed as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI).
She will take over from Vue CEO Tim Richards for a four year-term on February 16.
The BFI chair is appointed by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) and ratified by culture secretary Lucy Frazer.
Australia-born Hunt will be the first female chair since Joan Bakewell, who was in post from 1999-2002, and the first chair to come from a streaming platform.
“The BFI plays...
Jay Hunt, AppleTV+ European creative director, has been confirmed as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI).
She will take over from Vue CEO Tim Richards for a four year-term on February 16.
The BFI chair is appointed by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) and ratified by culture secretary Lucy Frazer.
Australia-born Hunt will be the first female chair since Joan Bakewell, who was in post from 1999-2002, and the first chair to come from a streaming platform.
“The BFI plays...
- 1/10/2024
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Today, Netflix released character descriptions along with some additional casting for their upcoming limited series, Zero Day.
Zero Day asks the question on everyone’s mind -- how do we find truth in a world in crisis, one seemingly being torn apart by forces outside our control?
And in an era rife with conspiracy theory and subterfuge, how much of those forces are products of our own doing, perhaps even of our own imagining?
As previously announced, Robert De Niro leads the cast as George Mullen, a massively popular but complicated former American President who is pulled from retirement to head a commission tasked with investigating a devastating global cyber-attack.
Angela Bassett, Dan Stevens, Matthew Modine, Bill Camp, and McKinley Belcher III have been added to the cast, along with Gaby Hoffman, Clark Gregg, and Mark Ivan.
Bassett will play President Mitchell, a brilliant and perceptive political tactician with an allegiance to Mullen.
Zero Day asks the question on everyone’s mind -- how do we find truth in a world in crisis, one seemingly being torn apart by forces outside our control?
And in an era rife with conspiracy theory and subterfuge, how much of those forces are products of our own doing, perhaps even of our own imagining?
As previously announced, Robert De Niro leads the cast as George Mullen, a massively popular but complicated former American President who is pulled from retirement to head a commission tasked with investigating a devastating global cyber-attack.
Angela Bassett, Dan Stevens, Matthew Modine, Bill Camp, and McKinley Belcher III have been added to the cast, along with Gaby Hoffman, Clark Gregg, and Mark Ivan.
Bassett will play President Mitchell, a brilliant and perceptive political tactician with an allegiance to Mullen.
- 12/19/2023
- by Carissa Pavlica
- TVfanatic
On the heels of the celebrated season one finale, Apple TV+ has announced a season two renewal for “The Buccaneers,” the acclaimed drama from The Forge inspired by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton’s unfinished final novel of the same name. The series stars Kristine Frøseth as Nan St. George, Alisha Boe as Conchita Closson, Josie Totah (“Saved by the Bell”) as Mabel Elmsworth, Aubri Ibrag (“Dive Club”) as Lizzy Elmsworth and Imogen Waterhouse as Jinny St. George. Emmy Award winner Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men”) is Mrs. St. George, with Mia Threapleton as Honoria Marable. The complete first season of “The Buccaneers” is now streaming on Apple TV+. Since its global premiere on November 8, “The Buccaneers” has been hailed as a “lavish period drama that feels fresh and modern, with a fast-paced, twisting narrative” that is a “decadent and delicious” “shot of adrenaline” and “a ton of fun to watch.
- 12/19/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Apple TV+ is staying on course with The Buccaneers.
The tech giant’s streaming service has ordered a second season of The Buccaneers, its period drama based on an unfinished novel by Edith Wharton. The renewal comes less than a week after the show’s Dec. 13 season finale.
“It’s been a complete thrill to watch people all over the world fall in love with these characters, who’ve been brought to such vibrant life by our spectacular cast,” series creator Katherine Jakeways said in a statement. “We know season one left audiences desperate to know what’s next for our buccaneers, so I’m absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to explore the further adventures of this smart, joyful, messy sisterhood.”
The Buccaneers follows a group of young American women who, after seeing one of their friends marry a British lord, travel to 1870s London in search of their...
The tech giant’s streaming service has ordered a second season of The Buccaneers, its period drama based on an unfinished novel by Edith Wharton. The renewal comes less than a week after the show’s Dec. 13 season finale.
“It’s been a complete thrill to watch people all over the world fall in love with these characters, who’ve been brought to such vibrant life by our spectacular cast,” series creator Katherine Jakeways said in a statement. “We know season one left audiences desperate to know what’s next for our buccaneers, so I’m absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to explore the further adventures of this smart, joyful, messy sisterhood.”
The Buccaneers follows a group of young American women who, after seeing one of their friends marry a British lord, travel to 1870s London in search of their...
- 12/19/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“The Buccaneers” has been renewed for a second season at Apple TV+.
The 19th century period drama from U.K. scripted production company The Forge is based on Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel of the same name. It tells the story of a group of party-loving American girls in 1870 who descend upon London to bag a husband and inadvertently find themselves navigating an Anglo-American culture clash.
“Sent to secure husbands and titles, the buccaneers’ hearts are set on much more than that, and saying ‘I do’ is just the beginning…” reads the logline.
Leading the cast are Kristine Frøseth (“The Assistant”) as Nan St. George, Alisha Boe (“13 Reasons Why”) as Conchita Closson, Josie Totah (“Saved by the Bell”) as Mabel Elmsworth, Aubri Ibrag (“Dive Club”) as Lizzy Elmsworth and Imogen Waterhouse (“Nocturnal Animals”) as Jinny St. George.
Also starring are Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men”) as Mrs. St. George while...
The 19th century period drama from U.K. scripted production company The Forge is based on Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel of the same name. It tells the story of a group of party-loving American girls in 1870 who descend upon London to bag a husband and inadvertently find themselves navigating an Anglo-American culture clash.
“Sent to secure husbands and titles, the buccaneers’ hearts are set on much more than that, and saying ‘I do’ is just the beginning…” reads the logline.
Leading the cast are Kristine Frøseth (“The Assistant”) as Nan St. George, Alisha Boe (“13 Reasons Why”) as Conchita Closson, Josie Totah (“Saved by the Bell”) as Mabel Elmsworth, Aubri Ibrag (“Dive Club”) as Lizzy Elmsworth and Imogen Waterhouse (“Nocturnal Animals”) as Jinny St. George.
Also starring are Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men”) as Mrs. St. George while...
- 12/19/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Apple TV+ Europe commissioner Tom Williams is leaving the streamer after a year to join the expanding BBC Studios Drama Productions team.
Williams was part of Jay Hunt’s European commissioning team, having joined from indie Wall to Wall towards the end of last year. His departure runs contrary to the trend of recent years in the UK, which has broadly seen execs exiting indies and networks to join streamers.
Williams will become Head of Development, Drama at BBC Studio Drama Productions. His prior credits include Ten Percent and The Man in the High Castle for Prime Video and The English Game for Netflix.
He takes the newly created role less than a week after it emerged Kate Oates had become Head of Drama Productions at BBC Studios, effectively replacing Priscilla Parish and making her the leader of the largest UK drama hub outside of London. Also joining is Roxanne Harvey,...
Williams was part of Jay Hunt’s European commissioning team, having joined from indie Wall to Wall towards the end of last year. His departure runs contrary to the trend of recent years in the UK, which has broadly seen execs exiting indies and networks to join streamers.
Williams will become Head of Development, Drama at BBC Studio Drama Productions. His prior credits include Ten Percent and The Man in the High Castle for Prime Video and The English Game for Netflix.
He takes the newly created role less than a week after it emerged Kate Oates had become Head of Drama Productions at BBC Studios, effectively replacing Priscilla Parish and making her the leader of the largest UK drama hub outside of London. Also joining is Roxanne Harvey,...
- 11/14/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Disney+ executive Johanna Devereaux is joining AppleTV+’s development team in Europe led by creative director Jay Hunt, known for greenlighting series including “Slow Horses,” “Hijack” and “Bad Sisters.”
Devereaux, who will be based in London, most recently served as vice president of scripted content and diversity, equity and inclusion strategy for Disney+’s Europe, Middle East and Africa division.
She has been a driving force behind the launch of 34 originals on the streamer, with more than 40 further titles greenlit, including “Wedding Season,” “Extraordinary,” “Culprits,” “Playdate,” “Renegade Nell,” and “The Good Mothers.”
Before joining the Disney+ Emea team, Devereaux served as ABC Studios International’s director of development, where she established the studio’s first scripted strategy outside of North America and built a slate across the Emea and Asia-Pacific regions, spearheading series including “Harrow” and “The Gloaming.” Prior to Disney, she worked in intellectual property at Curtis Brown...
Devereaux, who will be based in London, most recently served as vice president of scripted content and diversity, equity and inclusion strategy for Disney+’s Europe, Middle East and Africa division.
She has been a driving force behind the launch of 34 originals on the streamer, with more than 40 further titles greenlit, including “Wedding Season,” “Extraordinary,” “Culprits,” “Playdate,” “Renegade Nell,” and “The Good Mothers.”
Before joining the Disney+ Emea team, Devereaux served as ABC Studios International’s director of development, where she established the studio’s first scripted strategy outside of North America and built a slate across the Emea and Asia-Pacific regions, spearheading series including “Harrow” and “The Gloaming.” Prior to Disney, she worked in intellectual property at Curtis Brown...
- 9/29/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Disney+ UK scripted exec Johanna Devereaux has swapped the Mouse House for Apple TV+.
Devereaux, who was VP of Scripted Content and DE&I Strategy and has been a driving force behind Disney+’s scripted content outside the U.S., will join Apple TV+ Europe boss Jay Hunt’s scripted development team.
She will work in a drama team that has greenlit hits such as Slow Horses, Hijack and Bad Sisters.
At Disney, she had a hand in the launch of 34 originals including the likes of Extraordinary, Wedding Season and The Good Mothers. She worked in Liam Keelan’s team and closely with fellow scripted exec Lee Mason, the former It’s a Sin commissioner, while also overseeing the streamer’s Emea inclusion policy.
Going forwards, Mason will lead the team featuring Jonny Richards and Hannah Scott, with Mason assuming all responsibility for projects set to launch from January onwards as...
Devereaux, who was VP of Scripted Content and DE&I Strategy and has been a driving force behind Disney+’s scripted content outside the U.S., will join Apple TV+ Europe boss Jay Hunt’s scripted development team.
She will work in a drama team that has greenlit hits such as Slow Horses, Hijack and Bad Sisters.
At Disney, she had a hand in the launch of 34 originals including the likes of Extraordinary, Wedding Season and The Good Mothers. She worked in Liam Keelan’s team and closely with fellow scripted exec Lee Mason, the former It’s a Sin commissioner, while also overseeing the streamer’s Emea inclusion policy.
Going forwards, Mason will lead the team featuring Jonny Richards and Hannah Scott, with Mason assuming all responsibility for projects set to launch from January onwards as...
- 9/29/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Apple TV+ has quietly axed its thriller series Suspicion after one season.
Suspicion was a remake of Israeli drama series False Flag, produced by Keshet Productions, the UK-based arm of the Israeli broadcaster, producer and distributor behind the original.
The show followed 21-year-old Leo’s abduction from a large, upmarket hotel in central New York, which is captured on video and goes viral. Four British citizens staying at the hotel swiftly become prime suspects and have their lives turned upside down as they fight to absolve themselves of suspicion.
Starring as Katherine Newman, Oscar-nominee Uma Thurman appeared in six of the eight episodes and wasn’t due to feature in any further seasons, we understand. She was joined in Season 1 by the likes of Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory), Noah Emmerich (The Americans), Georgina Campbell (Black Mirror), Elyes Gabel (Scorpion), Elizabeth Henstridge (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Angel Coulby...
Suspicion was a remake of Israeli drama series False Flag, produced by Keshet Productions, the UK-based arm of the Israeli broadcaster, producer and distributor behind the original.
The show followed 21-year-old Leo’s abduction from a large, upmarket hotel in central New York, which is captured on video and goes viral. Four British citizens staying at the hotel swiftly become prime suspects and have their lives turned upside down as they fight to absolve themselves of suspicion.
Starring as Katherine Newman, Oscar-nominee Uma Thurman appeared in six of the eight episodes and wasn’t due to feature in any further seasons, we understand. She was joined in Season 1 by the likes of Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory), Noah Emmerich (The Americans), Georgina Campbell (Black Mirror), Elyes Gabel (Scorpion), Elizabeth Henstridge (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Angel Coulby...
- 8/1/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
New governor appointed by BFI chair Tim Richards, whose own tenure ends next year.
The BFI has appointed screen technologies professor Declan Keeney to its board of governors as Northern Ireland governor, confirmed by Dcms secretary of state Lucy Frazer.
Keeney is director of the Ulster Screen Academy and professor of screen technologies and innovation at Ulster University, based in Belfast. He has been appointed on a four-year term starting June 27, 2023, until June 2027.
His appointment brings the BFI board to its maximum number of 15 members. The board is chaired by Vue Cinemas founder and CEO Tim Richards, whose tenure comes to an end next year.
The BFI has appointed screen technologies professor Declan Keeney to its board of governors as Northern Ireland governor, confirmed by Dcms secretary of state Lucy Frazer.
Keeney is director of the Ulster Screen Academy and professor of screen technologies and innovation at Ulster University, based in Belfast. He has been appointed on a four-year term starting June 27, 2023, until June 2027.
His appointment brings the BFI board to its maximum number of 15 members. The board is chaired by Vue Cinemas founder and CEO Tim Richards, whose tenure comes to an end next year.
- 7/27/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Welcome to It’s a Hit! In this series, IndieWire speaks to creators and showrunners behind a few of our favorite television programs about the moment they realized their show was breaking big.
Sharon Horgan has seen success in her day. After cracking through in 2006 with the cult favorite and two-time BAFTA nominee “Pulling,” the England-born, Ireland-raised writer and actor co-created a sharp-tongued and moving modern rom-com in “Catastrophe,” the Prime Video and Channel 4 original that landed Horgan her first Emmy nomination. Since then, she’s created a three-season series for HBO (“Divorce”), earned two additional BAFTA nods (for “Motherland”), and launched a production company, Merman, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, and London.
Now she leads “Bad Sisters,” a black-comic thriller for Apple TV+ about five siblings who swore to protect each other after their parents’ untimely death — and how that promise gets tested when they decide...
Sharon Horgan has seen success in her day. After cracking through in 2006 with the cult favorite and two-time BAFTA nominee “Pulling,” the England-born, Ireland-raised writer and actor co-created a sharp-tongued and moving modern rom-com in “Catastrophe,” the Prime Video and Channel 4 original that landed Horgan her first Emmy nomination. Since then, she’s created a three-season series for HBO (“Divorce”), earned two additional BAFTA nods (for “Motherland”), and launched a production company, Merman, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, and London.
Now she leads “Bad Sisters,” a black-comic thriller for Apple TV+ about five siblings who swore to protect each other after their parents’ untimely death — and how that promise gets tested when they decide...
- 6/21/2023
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
One of Sharon Horgan’s goals in an already illustrious career as a showrunner and actor (including beloved British series such as “Pulling” and “Catastrophe”) was to create more varied, interesting roles for women. AppleTV+’s “Bad Sisters” allowed her the chance to do it five times over, in a twisty, addictive yarn about siblings who band together in the aftermath of a creep husband’s mysterious demise. (He’s not called “The Prick” in the show for nothing.)
Sharon Horgan, Eve Hewson, Eva Birthistle and Sarah Greene in “Bad Sisters”
First, congratulations on making probably the funniest drama series of all time. The narrative genre lines really do seem to be blurring on TV, don’t they?
I’m just going to accept a compliment and not be Irish about it. [Laughs] You know, I come from a sitcom background. So that’s where I felt my most comfortable, but...
Sharon Horgan, Eve Hewson, Eva Birthistle and Sarah Greene in “Bad Sisters”
First, congratulations on making probably the funniest drama series of all time. The narrative genre lines really do seem to be blurring on TV, don’t they?
I’m just going to accept a compliment and not be Irish about it. [Laughs] You know, I come from a sitcom background. So that’s where I felt my most comfortable, but...
- 6/19/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Eugene Levy is heading out on his travels again for Apple TV+.
The Schitt’s Creek star will present and executive produce a second season of The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy after Season 1 premiered earlier this year.
Levy will travel through Europe in Season 2 after taking in the likes of Costa Rica, Japan, and South Africa during his first adventure for Apple.
The Reluctant Traveler is produced by Twofour, the British production company. It hails from Jay Hunt’s Europen team at Apple, where Alison Kirkham oversees unscripted commissioning. David Brindley is the executive producer alongside Levy.
Levy said: “After experiencing Season 1, I’ve come to realize it’s true what they say about travel broadening the mind — and, I guess my mind could still take some broadening. So I’m packing my suitcase once again and looking forward, with a healthy dose of trepidation, to whatever adventures lie in store.
The Schitt’s Creek star will present and executive produce a second season of The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy after Season 1 premiered earlier this year.
Levy will travel through Europe in Season 2 after taking in the likes of Costa Rica, Japan, and South Africa during his first adventure for Apple.
The Reluctant Traveler is produced by Twofour, the British production company. It hails from Jay Hunt’s Europen team at Apple, where Alison Kirkham oversees unscripted commissioning. David Brindley is the executive producer alongside Levy.
Levy said: “After experiencing Season 1, I’ve come to realize it’s true what they say about travel broadening the mind — and, I guess my mind could still take some broadening. So I’m packing my suitcase once again and looking forward, with a healthy dose of trepidation, to whatever adventures lie in store.
- 4/24/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Banijay has backed a TV drama indie set up by Peaky Blinders EP Tommy Bulfin and Apple TV+ commissioner Kim Varvell.
The duo, who count Line of Duty, Normal People, Bad Sisters and Des amongst an enviable list of credits, have launched Conker Pictures and will focus on making TV drama series for both local and global buyers.
Banijay has taken a minority stake in Conker via its £50M ($62M) UK Growth Fund and Conker has struck a first-look deal with distributor Banijay Rights. Hires and development projects are imminent.
Bulfin has just finished a five-year stint as BBC Commissioning Editor during which time he worked on the likes of Peaky Blinders, Line of Duty, Normal People and The Gold. Varvell has spent the last three years in Jay Hunt’s Apple TV+ commissioning team, with credits including Sharon Horgan’s Bad Sisters, the Uma Thurman-starring Suspicion and upcoming Idris Elba-starrer Hijack.
The duo, who count Line of Duty, Normal People, Bad Sisters and Des amongst an enviable list of credits, have launched Conker Pictures and will focus on making TV drama series for both local and global buyers.
Banijay has taken a minority stake in Conker via its £50M ($62M) UK Growth Fund and Conker has struck a first-look deal with distributor Banijay Rights. Hires and development projects are imminent.
Bulfin has just finished a five-year stint as BBC Commissioning Editor during which time he worked on the likes of Peaky Blinders, Line of Duty, Normal People and The Gold. Varvell has spent the last three years in Jay Hunt’s Apple TV+ commissioning team, with credits including Sharon Horgan’s Bad Sisters, the Uma Thurman-starring Suspicion and upcoming Idris Elba-starrer Hijack.
- 4/13/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
You know what? Maybe "Jurassic Park" had it all wrong. Who needs to bring dinosaurs to the modern day when we could instead take a trip millions and millions of years back to the prehistoric past and imagine how they would've lived in their own natural environments? Apple TV+ apparently had the same idea with last year's debut of "Prehistoric Planet," the nature documentary series depicting Earth as it would've been in the Cretaceous Period. Spearheaded by Jon Favreau and narrated by the dulcet tones of Sir David Attenborough, the state-of-the-art graphics, up-to-date scientific research, and surprisingly compelling narratives all led to positive reactions all across the board (you can read /Film's review by Sarah Milner here).
Now, the streaming service is gearing up for round two of "Prehistoric Planet." Apple announced that the "epic natural history documentary event" has been greenlit for season 2, which will debut with five episodes...
Now, the streaming service is gearing up for round two of "Prehistoric Planet." Apple announced that the "epic natural history documentary event" has been greenlit for season 2, which will debut with five episodes...
- 3/3/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Tarchia brothers in season 2 of Apple TV+’s ‘Prehistoric Planet’
Apple TV+ is once again delving into the world of dinosaurs with season two of Prehistoric Planet. The five-episode first season premiered in May 2022, and season two is scheduled to debut on May 22, 2023.
Sir David Attenborough returns to narrate the critically acclaimed series. Two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer wrote the original score.
“The award-winning first season of Prehistoric Planet brought dinosaurs back to life in a way global audiences had never seen before,” stated Jay Hunt, Creative Director, Europe, Apple TV+. “Collaborating with the brilliant Jon Favreau and our fantastic partners at the BBC, we are thrilled that viewers will once again have the opportunity to be immersed in our world as it was 66 million years ago and to experience even more weird and wonderful creatures.”
BBC Studios Natural History Unit produced, and Jon Favreau and Mike Gunton served as executive producers.
Apple TV+ is once again delving into the world of dinosaurs with season two of Prehistoric Planet. The five-episode first season premiered in May 2022, and season two is scheduled to debut on May 22, 2023.
Sir David Attenborough returns to narrate the critically acclaimed series. Two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer wrote the original score.
“The award-winning first season of Prehistoric Planet brought dinosaurs back to life in a way global audiences had never seen before,” stated Jay Hunt, Creative Director, Europe, Apple TV+. “Collaborating with the brilliant Jon Favreau and our fantastic partners at the BBC, we are thrilled that viewers will once again have the opportunity to be immersed in our world as it was 66 million years ago and to experience even more weird and wonderful creatures.”
BBC Studios Natural History Unit produced, and Jon Favreau and Mike Gunton served as executive producers.
- 3/2/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
“Prehistoric Planet” – exec produced by Jon Favreau and narrated by naturalist David Attenborough – has been given a second season order from Apple TV+.
The five-episode season promises new dinosaurs, habitats and scientific discoveries when it returns for a week-long event on May 22 as well as glimpses of fan favorites such as Tyrannosaurus rex.
Favreau returns to exec produce alongside Mike Gunton and BBC Studios Natural History Unit while Hans Zimmer, Anže Rozman and Kara Talve for Bleeding Fingers Music provide a soaring prehistoric score.
The show combines high tech wildlife filmmaking alongside state-of-the-art technology and insight from dinosaur and natural history experts with support from the photorealistic visual effects of Mpc (“The Lion King”) applied to concept art created by Jellyfish Pictures (“The Book of Boba Fett”). The result is an immersive experience that transports the viewer back to the prehistoric age.
“The award-winning first season of ‘Prehistoric Planet’ brought...
The five-episode season promises new dinosaurs, habitats and scientific discoveries when it returns for a week-long event on May 22 as well as glimpses of fan favorites such as Tyrannosaurus rex.
Favreau returns to exec produce alongside Mike Gunton and BBC Studios Natural History Unit while Hans Zimmer, Anže Rozman and Kara Talve for Bleeding Fingers Music provide a soaring prehistoric score.
The show combines high tech wildlife filmmaking alongside state-of-the-art technology and insight from dinosaur and natural history experts with support from the photorealistic visual effects of Mpc (“The Lion King”) applied to concept art created by Jellyfish Pictures (“The Book of Boba Fett”). The result is an immersive experience that transports the viewer back to the prehistoric age.
“The award-winning first season of ‘Prehistoric Planet’ brought...
- 3/2/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Prehistoric Planet will be back for a second season. Apple TV+ has renewed the award-winning natural history series from executive producers Jon Favreau and Mike Gunton and BBC Studios Natural History Unit (Planet Earth). Narrated by David Attenborough, the five-episode second season will premiere globally in a five-day week-long event beginning May 22 on Apple TV+.
“The award-winning first season of Prehistoric Planet brought dinosaurs back to life in a way global audiences had never seen before,” said Jay Hunt, Creative Director, Europe, Apple TV+. “Collaborating with the brilliant Jon Favreau and our fantastic partners at the BBC, we are thrilled that viewers will once again have the opportunity to be immersed in our world as it was 66 million years ago and to experience even more weird and wonderful creatures.”
Prehistoric Planet combines award-winning wildlife filmmaking, the latest paleontology learnings and state-of-the-art technology to unveil the spectacular habitats and inhabitants of...
“The award-winning first season of Prehistoric Planet brought dinosaurs back to life in a way global audiences had never seen before,” said Jay Hunt, Creative Director, Europe, Apple TV+. “Collaborating with the brilliant Jon Favreau and our fantastic partners at the BBC, we are thrilled that viewers will once again have the opportunity to be immersed in our world as it was 66 million years ago and to experience even more weird and wonderful creatures.”
Prehistoric Planet combines award-winning wildlife filmmaking, the latest paleontology learnings and state-of-the-art technology to unveil the spectacular habitats and inhabitants of...
- 3/2/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Despite the fact that Apple TV+ series “Bad Sisters” follows four of the Garvey sisters as they spend almost ten episodes trying to kill a (somewhat) innocent man, Eva, Bibi, Ursula and Becka have captured viewers’ imaginations. The Ireland-based adaptation of Belgian limited series “Clan” has become something of a sleeper hit, gathering an increasing number of fans cheering the Garvey girls on as the show races to its inevitable conclusion.
Hours after the finale episode hit Apple on Friday (Oct. 14), Variety talked to writer, executive producer and star Sharon Horgan, who plays would-be matriarch Eva, to discuss the reaction to the show, as Claes Bang’s casting as villain John Paul (Jp) and whether the Garvey sisters might ever make a return to the small screen.
What has the reaction been like to the series and the finale?
I haven’t managed to delve in as much as I...
Hours after the finale episode hit Apple on Friday (Oct. 14), Variety talked to writer, executive producer and star Sharon Horgan, who plays would-be matriarch Eva, to discuss the reaction to the show, as Claes Bang’s casting as villain John Paul (Jp) and whether the Garvey sisters might ever make a return to the small screen.
What has the reaction been like to the series and the finale?
I haven’t managed to delve in as much as I...
- 10/14/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The British Film Institute has announced five new board members including Netflix’s film chief Scott Stuber.
Stuber joins the BFI’s board of governors along with eminent British industry exec and academic Monica Chada; producer Elizabeth Karlsen, co-founder of Number 9 Films (“Carol”); Laura Miele, vice-president and COO of interactive entertainment giant Electronic Arts; and writer, producer and director Edgar Wright.
The appointments were announced by U.K. Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries.
Each new BFI board member will serves a term of four years beginning in May 2022.
“It’s a privilege to be appointed a Governor of the BFI, an institution I have long admired,” Stuber said in a statement
“I wholeheartedly endorse their mission to promote the next generation of U.K. storytellers, widen access to screen culture and support the continued growth of this extraordinary sector,” he added, noting that,...
Stuber joins the BFI’s board of governors along with eminent British industry exec and academic Monica Chada; producer Elizabeth Karlsen, co-founder of Number 9 Films (“Carol”); Laura Miele, vice-president and COO of interactive entertainment giant Electronic Arts; and writer, producer and director Edgar Wright.
The appointments were announced by U.K. Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries.
Each new BFI board member will serves a term of four years beginning in May 2022.
“It’s a privilege to be appointed a Governor of the BFI, an institution I have long admired,” Stuber said in a statement
“I wholeheartedly endorse their mission to promote the next generation of U.K. storytellers, widen access to screen culture and support the continued growth of this extraordinary sector,” he added, noting that,...
- 4/8/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The British Film Institute (BFI) has added five experienced executives to its Board of Governors.
Joining BFI chair Tim Richards, the CEO of cinema chain Vue, are: Monica Chadha, Board advisor and consultant; Elizabeth Karlsen (Carol), producer and co-founder of Number 9 Films; Laura Miele, Executive Vice-President and COO of Electronic Arts; Scott Stuber, Head of Global Film at Netflix; and writer, producer and director Edgar Wright (Baby Driver).
Each board member serves a term of four years and starts in May 2022. Recruitment for new BFI Governors to represent Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales is currently underway, the org said in a release.
The quintet join existing BFI Governors Michael Birshan, Idris Elba, Gerry Fox, Jay Hunt, Robin Saunders, Andrew Smith, Phil Stokes and Nell Whitley.
BFI Chair Tim Richards, said: “I am honored to be welcoming five new incredibly talented industry professionals to the BFI Board of Governors. These...
Joining BFI chair Tim Richards, the CEO of cinema chain Vue, are: Monica Chadha, Board advisor and consultant; Elizabeth Karlsen (Carol), producer and co-founder of Number 9 Films; Laura Miele, Executive Vice-President and COO of Electronic Arts; Scott Stuber, Head of Global Film at Netflix; and writer, producer and director Edgar Wright (Baby Driver).
Each board member serves a term of four years and starts in May 2022. Recruitment for new BFI Governors to represent Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales is currently underway, the org said in a release.
The quintet join existing BFI Governors Michael Birshan, Idris Elba, Gerry Fox, Jay Hunt, Robin Saunders, Andrew Smith, Phil Stokes and Nell Whitley.
BFI Chair Tim Richards, said: “I am honored to be welcoming five new incredibly talented industry professionals to the BFI Board of Governors. These...
- 4/8/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The governors will serve four-year terms starting in May 2022.
Scott Stuber, the Los Angeles-based head of global film at Netflix, producer Elizabeth Karlsen of Number 9 FIlms, and Last Night In Soho writer, director and producer Edgar Wright are among five new members appointed to the board of the British Film Institute (BFI).
Each will serve four-year terms starting from May 2022.
They are joined by Laura Miele, executive vice president and COO of Electronic Arts (EA); and Monica Chadha, a board advisor and consultant.
BFI chair Tim Richards worked with the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) on the recruitment process.
Scott Stuber, the Los Angeles-based head of global film at Netflix, producer Elizabeth Karlsen of Number 9 FIlms, and Last Night In Soho writer, director and producer Edgar Wright are among five new members appointed to the board of the British Film Institute (BFI).
Each will serve four-year terms starting from May 2022.
They are joined by Laura Miele, executive vice president and COO of Electronic Arts (EA); and Monica Chadha, a board advisor and consultant.
BFI chair Tim Richards worked with the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) on the recruitment process.
- 4/8/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes starrer “The Essex Serpent” has confirmed its release date.
The series, based on Sarah Perry’s novel of the same name, will debut globally on Apple TV Plus on May 13.
Two episodes will be released on that date with more to follow.
To accompany the news, the streamer also released a new image of “Loki” star Hiddleston and “Homeland” lead Danes dressed in period clothing walking through a desolate English countryside.
“The Essex Serpent” tells the story of Cora (played by Danes), a Victorian-era widow looking for a fresh start following her escape from an abusive marriage.
Cora relocates to a small Essex village plagued by a local superstition about a mythical serpent. There she encounters Will (Hiddleston), a trusted community leader trying to contain rumors about the beast.
Rounding out the cast are Frank Dillane (“The Girlfriend Experience”), Clémence Poésy (Harry Potter) Hayley Squires...
The series, based on Sarah Perry’s novel of the same name, will debut globally on Apple TV Plus on May 13.
Two episodes will be released on that date with more to follow.
To accompany the news, the streamer also released a new image of “Loki” star Hiddleston and “Homeland” lead Danes dressed in period clothing walking through a desolate English countryside.
“The Essex Serpent” tells the story of Cora (played by Danes), a Victorian-era widow looking for a fresh start following her escape from an abusive marriage.
Cora relocates to a small Essex village plagued by a local superstition about a mythical serpent. There she encounters Will (Hiddleston), a trusted community leader trying to contain rumors about the beast.
Rounding out the cast are Frank Dillane (“The Girlfriend Experience”), Clémence Poésy (Harry Potter) Hayley Squires...
- 3/16/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
It doesn’t get more ironic than the hand that’s been dealt the U.K.’s Channel 4.
The publicly owned broadcaster set up by then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher — and known overseas as the creative incubator of shows like “Derry Girls” and “It’s a Sin” — is facing a potential sale by Boris Johnson’s government at the exact moment it delivers the highest content budget in its 39-year history and eyes a record-breaking £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in revenues for 2021.
Ian Katz, chief content officer, tells Variety that £700 million is ear-marked for new shows in 2022 — a cash infusion that will only build on what he brands as an auspicious “purple patch” for the channel.
The broadcaster has had a bumper year, delivering the hard-won free-to-air premieres of British tennis star Emma Raducanu’s historic U.S. Open win and Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 championship run, and airing shows like Peacock co-produced comedy “We Are Lady Parts,...
The publicly owned broadcaster set up by then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher — and known overseas as the creative incubator of shows like “Derry Girls” and “It’s a Sin” — is facing a potential sale by Boris Johnson’s government at the exact moment it delivers the highest content budget in its 39-year history and eyes a record-breaking £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in revenues for 2021.
Ian Katz, chief content officer, tells Variety that £700 million is ear-marked for new shows in 2022 — a cash infusion that will only build on what he brands as an auspicious “purple patch” for the channel.
The broadcaster has had a bumper year, delivering the hard-won free-to-air premieres of British tennis star Emma Raducanu’s historic U.S. Open win and Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 championship run, and airing shows like Peacock co-produced comedy “We Are Lady Parts,...
- 12/17/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Comedy Director Jon Petrie has unveiled his new-look comedy commissioning team following a spate of recent departures, with AppleTV+’s Trying producer Emma Lawson joining alongside E4 digital commissioner Navi Lamba and Roughcut TV’s Seb Barwell.
Petrie’s appointment earlier this year came off the back of the departure of former Comedy Director Shane Allen, Head of Comedy Kate Daughton and Commissioning Editors Alex Moody and Sarah Asante, all within a few weeks of each other.
Replacements in the Commissioning Editor team are revealed today as Lawson, whose previous credits include Cuckoo and Peep Show, Mandy’s Ben Caudell, who has been acting but joins on a permanent basis, and Roughcut TV’s Stath Lets Flats producer Seb Barwell, who conversely joins on an acting basis for the next six months.
Lawson most recently worked on Rafe Spall’s AppleTV+ comedy Trying, which led to an in-house commissioning...
Petrie’s appointment earlier this year came off the back of the departure of former Comedy Director Shane Allen, Head of Comedy Kate Daughton and Commissioning Editors Alex Moody and Sarah Asante, all within a few weeks of each other.
Replacements in the Commissioning Editor team are revealed today as Lawson, whose previous credits include Cuckoo and Peep Show, Mandy’s Ben Caudell, who has been acting but joins on a permanent basis, and Roughcut TV’s Stath Lets Flats producer Seb Barwell, who conversely joins on an acting basis for the next six months.
Lawson most recently worked on Rafe Spall’s AppleTV+ comedy Trying, which led to an in-house commissioning...
- 11/3/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Discovery Orders 26 Hours Of Arrow True Crime Content
True crime channel Investigation Discovery has commissioned 26 hours worth of content from UK indie Arrow Media – 20 hours of high-rating brand American Monster and new offering Love, Honor Betray. The latter will explore shocking stories of betrayal by husbands and wives, including a wife who hired a hitman to kill her husband and a conman who cheats his wife out of $227,000. Arrow Media also produces See No Evil, Body Cam and Mind of a Monster for Discovery channels.
Wftv Kickstarts Four Nations Scheme
Women in Film and Television UK has kickstarted its Four Nations Mentoring Scheme for mid-career women in the screen industries. Applications opened this week and the scheme will commence in March, as 41 mentees are paired up with senior industry professionals such as Gentleman Jack writer Sally Wainwright or Apple Europe TV boss Jay Hunt. Past scheme alumni include Amazon Studios...
True crime channel Investigation Discovery has commissioned 26 hours worth of content from UK indie Arrow Media – 20 hours of high-rating brand American Monster and new offering Love, Honor Betray. The latter will explore shocking stories of betrayal by husbands and wives, including a wife who hired a hitman to kill her husband and a conman who cheats his wife out of $227,000. Arrow Media also produces See No Evil, Body Cam and Mind of a Monster for Discovery channels.
Wftv Kickstarts Four Nations Scheme
Women in Film and Television UK has kickstarted its Four Nations Mentoring Scheme for mid-career women in the screen industries. Applications opened this week and the scheme will commence in March, as 41 mentees are paired up with senior industry professionals such as Gentleman Jack writer Sally Wainwright or Apple Europe TV boss Jay Hunt. Past scheme alumni include Amazon Studios...
- 10/21/2021
- by Max Goldbart and Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Launched in time for tomorrow’s Earth Day, Apple’s The Year Earth Changed documentary special, narrated by David Attenborough, has premiered as the #1 unscripted program on the platform.
The Year Earth Changed, which debuted on April 16, is the most-viewed documentary/docuseries currently on Apple TV+ in the U.S., ahead of such high-profile titles as The Oprah Conversation, Beastie Boys Story, Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry, Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You and Boys State. The special also is topping unscripted viewing globally, with the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Russia, India, France, Brazil, Mexico and Japan as standout territories.
Watch the trailer here.
Premiering on Apple TV+ in more than 100 countries, The Year Earth Changed is a timely documentary special that takes a new approach to the global lockdown and the uplifting stories that have come out of it. From hearing birdsong in deserted cities to witnessing...
The Year Earth Changed, which debuted on April 16, is the most-viewed documentary/docuseries currently on Apple TV+ in the U.S., ahead of such high-profile titles as The Oprah Conversation, Beastie Boys Story, Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry, Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You and Boys State. The special also is topping unscripted viewing globally, with the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Russia, India, France, Brazil, Mexico and Japan as standout territories.
Watch the trailer here.
Premiering on Apple TV+ in more than 100 countries, The Year Earth Changed is a timely documentary special that takes a new approach to the global lockdown and the uplifting stories that have come out of it. From hearing birdsong in deserted cities to witnessing...
- 4/21/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
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