La serie española se ha convertido en un fenómeno global, alcanzando los primeros puestos en el ranking de Prime Video en más de 120 países. © Prime Video
Prime Video ha anunciado que habrá una segunda temporada de “Reina Roja” gracias a su gran éxito tanto a nivel nacional como internacional. La serie, protagonizada por Victoria Luengo y Hovik Keuchkerian, ha estado en el top 10 de los títulos más vistos en países como Estados Unidos, Reino Unido, Alemania, India, México y Australia desde su lanzamiento.
María José Rodríguez, Head of Spanish Originals de Prime Video, expresó su entusiasmo: «Estamos encantados de ver que “Reina Roja” ha cautivado al público español y se ha convertido en un éxito rotundo. Antonia y Jon han cautivado a la audiencia mundial de Prime Video con su química y habilidad para resolver crímenes». James Farrell, VP International Originals de Prime Video, también celebró el éxito de la serie: «Reina Roja nos demuestra,...
Prime Video ha anunciado que habrá una segunda temporada de “Reina Roja” gracias a su gran éxito tanto a nivel nacional como internacional. La serie, protagonizada por Victoria Luengo y Hovik Keuchkerian, ha estado en el top 10 de los títulos más vistos en países como Estados Unidos, Reino Unido, Alemania, India, México y Australia desde su lanzamiento.
María José Rodríguez, Head of Spanish Originals de Prime Video, expresó su entusiasmo: «Estamos encantados de ver que “Reina Roja” ha cautivado al público español y se ha convertido en un éxito rotundo. Antonia y Jon han cautivado a la audiencia mundial de Prime Video con su química y habilidad para resolver crímenes». James Farrell, VP International Originals de Prime Video, también celebró el éxito de la serie: «Reina Roja nos demuestra,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Marta Medina
- mundoCine
Lille — Creating a major and ambitious new player on the Spanish-language film-tv scene, Amaya Muruzábal – showrunner, screenwriter, and executive producer on Amazon MGM Studios’ just-out big hit “Red Queen” and creator and executive producer on milestone production “Hernán” – is launching her own film-tv production house, M Content.
M Content is founded with Argentinean Mariano Chihade – the independent producer behind Juan Pablo Kolojdziej’s Netflix Fito Paez bioseries “Love After Music,” working out of Buenos Aires’ Mandarina Contenidos.
The new venture will produce series and films, some large-scale – “for better or for worse, I’ve specialized in big productions,” Muruzábal tells Variety – as well as what she describes as smaller “event” auteur titles.
A first slate will be unveiled in upcoming months. One “priority area” are several feature films: “I need to breathe and handle slightly briefer time periods,” Muruzábal said. Kolojdziej and Muruzábal are collaborating on a series and on a feature.
M Content is founded with Argentinean Mariano Chihade – the independent producer behind Juan Pablo Kolojdziej’s Netflix Fito Paez bioseries “Love After Music,” working out of Buenos Aires’ Mandarina Contenidos.
The new venture will produce series and films, some large-scale – “for better or for worse, I’ve specialized in big productions,” Muruzábal tells Variety – as well as what she describes as smaller “event” auteur titles.
A first slate will be unveiled in upcoming months. One “priority area” are several feature films: “I need to breathe and handle slightly briefer time periods,” Muruzábal said. Kolojdziej and Muruzábal are collaborating on a series and on a feature.
- 3/19/2024
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Malaga, Spain — “The Chapel,” from “Piggy” director Carlota Pereda, Celia Rico’s competition title “Little Loves,” loved by a lot of critics, and “Free Falling,” produced by “Society of the Snow’s” J.A. Bayona and that film’s producer Belén Atienza, looked like three of the hottest tickets at this week’s Malaga market and Spanish Screenings which rated as the most upbeat in years.
Most all sales agents on the films – focusing on titles from Spain and Latin America – whose ranks are now swelled by Antonia Nava’s Neo Art International, forecast or saw deal traction on more than one title or a broad slate of films.
“Malaga was great for our movies,” said Latido Films’ Antonio Saura.
“For us, it’s been the best Spanish Screenings of the last years,” reported Luis Recart at Bendita Film Sales.
Why of course is another matter. 10 takeaways on a Spanish bull market,...
Most all sales agents on the films – focusing on titles from Spain and Latin America – whose ranks are now swelled by Antonia Nava’s Neo Art International, forecast or saw deal traction on more than one title or a broad slate of films.
“Malaga was great for our movies,” said Latido Films’ Antonio Saura.
“For us, it’s been the best Spanish Screenings of the last years,” reported Luis Recart at Bendita Film Sales.
Why of course is another matter. 10 takeaways on a Spanish bull market,...
- 3/8/2024
- by John Hopewell and Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
A sign of Spain’s rising profile as a top market for Prime Video, Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, and James Farrell, the L.A.-based VP of international originals at Prime Video, flew to Madrid this week, with the world premiere of “Red Queen” (“Reina Roja”), the series adaption of the first book in Juan Gómez-Jurado’s hit trilogy, taking place on Monday night.
The streamer is rolling off the record-breaking finale of its first weekly live entertainment show “Operación Triunfo,” and has revealed that the top three of the the ten most-watched Spanish Originals of 2023 – “My Fault,” “Awareness” and “Los Farad” – have received on average 80% of streams outside of Spain, reaching a milestone for the international reach of Prime Video’s non-English language content.
“The last 12 months has been a truly remarkable time for Spanish-language content,” said Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios at Prime Video.
The streamer is rolling off the record-breaking finale of its first weekly live entertainment show “Operación Triunfo,” and has revealed that the top three of the the ten most-watched Spanish Originals of 2023 – “My Fault,” “Awareness” and “Los Farad” – have received on average 80% of streams outside of Spain, reaching a milestone for the international reach of Prime Video’s non-English language content.
“The last 12 months has been a truly remarkable time for Spanish-language content,” said Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios at Prime Video.
- 2/28/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy and John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Prime Video’s upcoming crime thriller “Bambai Meri Jaan” tells an action-packed tale of good vs. evil in post-independence India — but at its core, the show is a story about family.
Premiering Sept. 14 on the streamer, the 10-episode series was created by Rensil D’Silva (“Dial 100”) and Shujaat Saudagar (“The Underbug”), based on a story by longtime crime journalist S. Hussain Zaidi. At the show’s global premiere in London on Tuesday night, the cast and crew — including D’Silva and Saudagar; Excel Media and Entertainment producers Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani and Kassim Jagmagia; stars Kritika Kamra and Avinash Tiwary; and Prime Video execs James Farrell and Aparna Purohit — spoke with Variety‘s Naman Ramachandran about bringing “Bambai Meri Jaan” to life.
“This family unit … really, really engages you beyond the bad guys vs. the good guys,” Akhtar said. “It really stays with you. It’s an emotional journey, you feel what the characters are feeling.
Premiering Sept. 14 on the streamer, the 10-episode series was created by Rensil D’Silva (“Dial 100”) and Shujaat Saudagar (“The Underbug”), based on a story by longtime crime journalist S. Hussain Zaidi. At the show’s global premiere in London on Tuesday night, the cast and crew — including D’Silva and Saudagar; Excel Media and Entertainment producers Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani and Kassim Jagmagia; stars Kritika Kamra and Avinash Tiwary; and Prime Video execs James Farrell and Aparna Purohit — spoke with Variety‘s Naman Ramachandran about bringing “Bambai Meri Jaan” to life.
“This family unit … really, really engages you beyond the bad guys vs. the good guys,” Akhtar said. “It really stays with you. It’s an emotional journey, you feel what the characters are feeling.
- 9/13/2023
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Daniel Grabiner, Amazon’s head of originals for the U.K. and Northern Europe, has exited the company.
He is set to be replaced by Tara Erer, who is head of local original movies for Amazon Studios.
He will formally bow out in mid-October to set up his own production company, Orchard Studios, with ex-The Garden co-ceo Nicola Hill.
The move comes just months after Grabiner was given additional responsibilities and took on the Northern European territories including Germany, the Nordics and the Netherlands. Under his watch Amazon released shows including “Clarkson’s Farm” and the U.K. remake of “Call My Agent,” which was not renewed for a second season.
His boss, Georgia Brown, the former head of European originals, left the streaming platform last year and has not been replaced.
“The exciting news to share today is that Tara Erer will be stepping into Dan’s role, and...
He is set to be replaced by Tara Erer, who is head of local original movies for Amazon Studios.
He will formally bow out in mid-October to set up his own production company, Orchard Studios, with ex-The Garden co-ceo Nicola Hill.
The move comes just months after Grabiner was given additional responsibilities and took on the Northern European territories including Germany, the Nordics and the Netherlands. Under his watch Amazon released shows including “Clarkson’s Farm” and the U.K. remake of “Call My Agent,” which was not renewed for a second season.
His boss, Georgia Brown, the former head of European originals, left the streaming platform last year and has not been replaced.
“The exciting news to share today is that Tara Erer will be stepping into Dan’s role, and...
- 9/8/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Studios appoints new head of originals for UK and Northern Europe following Dan Grabiner exit
Grabiner is leaving after four years at the streamer.
Tara Erer is to replace Dan Grabiner as Amazon Studios’ head of originals for the UK and Northern Europe.
Amazon Studios head of international originals James Farrell announced the departure of Grabiner this morning in an email to staff. Grabiner is leaving to start his own company having worked at Amazon since 2019 on a slate including The Rig, The Devil’s Hour, All Or Nothing and Clarkson’s Farm.
Erer has worked in Amazon’s local originals team for 4 years,working in London for one and leading the centralized original movies team, working...
Tara Erer is to replace Dan Grabiner as Amazon Studios’ head of originals for the UK and Northern Europe.
Amazon Studios head of international originals James Farrell announced the departure of Grabiner this morning in an email to staff. Grabiner is leaving to start his own company having worked at Amazon since 2019 on a slate including The Rig, The Devil’s Hour, All Or Nothing and Clarkson’s Farm.
Erer has worked in Amazon’s local originals team for 4 years,working in London for one and leading the centralized original movies team, working...
- 9/8/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Amazon’s UK content arm, which is behind series such as Clarkson’s Farm and The Rig, is saying goodbye to its boss.
Dan Grabiner, who is Head of UK Originals, UK & Northern Europe, Amazon Studios – Prime Video UK, will leave the company in mid-October. Amazon confirmed his exit to Deadline today and staff were informed this morning.
Grabiner is set to launch his own production business, according to an internal note from Amazon Head of International Originals James Farrell seen by Deadline.
Tara Erer, who is currently Head of Local Original Movies for Amazon Studios, will step into Grabiner’s role. She has been with the Local Originals team for four years, leading a centralized global team on films such as Culpa Mia, Sayen and Argentina 1985.
Grabiner, who was previously Head of Unscripted for Amazon Studios UK, was promoted to Head of UK Originals, UK in June 2021. He had...
Dan Grabiner, who is Head of UK Originals, UK & Northern Europe, Amazon Studios – Prime Video UK, will leave the company in mid-October. Amazon confirmed his exit to Deadline today and staff were informed this morning.
Grabiner is set to launch his own production business, according to an internal note from Amazon Head of International Originals James Farrell seen by Deadline.
Tara Erer, who is currently Head of Local Original Movies for Amazon Studios, will step into Grabiner’s role. She has been with the Local Originals team for four years, leading a centralized global team on films such as Culpa Mia, Sayen and Argentina 1985.
Grabiner, who was previously Head of Unscripted for Amazon Studios UK, was promoted to Head of UK Originals, UK in June 2021. He had...
- 9/8/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Studios TV content group has made some changes to its US and Global content operations team, elevating Kara Smith, Jon Wax and Andy Bourne to executive roles, TheWrap has confirmed.
Smith has been moved up to head of TV development for SVOD Co-Productions, while Bourne takes on the head of limited series and Wax assumes a newly created position of head of global content synergy for TV.
The changes, which follows the launch of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Season 2 on Prime Video, were announced in an internal memo from Amazon Studios’ TV head Vernon Sanders, Laura Lancaster, head of SVOD TV development and series for co-productions and head of international originals James Farrell.
“First and foremost, congratulations to everyone on the successful launch of the second season of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty,'” the memo began. “It has been such an incredible launch that Season 2 has already...
Smith has been moved up to head of TV development for SVOD Co-Productions, while Bourne takes on the head of limited series and Wax assumes a newly created position of head of global content synergy for TV.
The changes, which follows the launch of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Season 2 on Prime Video, were announced in an internal memo from Amazon Studios’ TV head Vernon Sanders, Laura Lancaster, head of SVOD TV development and series for co-productions and head of international originals James Farrell.
“First and foremost, congratulations to everyone on the successful launch of the second season of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty,'” the memo began. “It has been such an incredible launch that Season 2 has already...
- 7/20/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Amazon Studios has made changes to the US/Global content operations, with three executives in Laura Lancaster’s group, Kara Smith, Jon Wax and Andy Bourne, taking on new responsibilities. The announcement was just made internally in a memo by Amazon Studios’ Head of Television Vernon Sanders, Head of International Originals James Farrell, and Lancaster, Head of SVOD TV Development & Series, Co-Productions.
The memo (you can read it in full below), also shares some ratings information on hot Prime Video series The Summer I Turned Pretty, noting that the Season 2 launch already has more than doubled Season 1’s viewership in just three days.
Kara Smith, most recently Head of Limited Series, who worked on The Summer I Turned Pretty, has been named Head of TV Development, SVOD Co-Productions. She will continue to report to Lancaster.
Smith takes on the position previously held jointly by Jon Wax and Andy Bourne.
The memo (you can read it in full below), also shares some ratings information on hot Prime Video series The Summer I Turned Pretty, noting that the Season 2 launch already has more than doubled Season 1’s viewership in just three days.
Kara Smith, most recently Head of Limited Series, who worked on The Summer I Turned Pretty, has been named Head of TV Development, SVOD Co-Productions. She will continue to report to Lancaster.
Smith takes on the position previously held jointly by Jon Wax and Andy Bourne.
- 7/20/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Prime Video is completely willing to take responsibility for “My Fault” if it continues to do this well. The service has announced that the new Spanish film has climbed to the top spot on its list of all-time non-English language original movies released worldwide.
In “My Fault,” Noah has to leave her town, boyfriend, and friends behind and move into the mansion of William Leister, her mother’s new rich husband. Seventeen years old, proud, and independent, Noah resists living in a mansion surrounded by luxury. There, she meets Nick, her new stepbrother, and the clash of their strong personalities becomes evident from the very beginning. Noah soon discovers that behind the image of a model son, Nick hides a life of fighting, gambling, and illegal car racing – exactly what she has always run away from.
30-Day Free Trial $8.99 / month amazon.com
The film, based on Mercedes Ron’s best-selling “Culpables” book trilogy,...
In “My Fault,” Noah has to leave her town, boyfriend, and friends behind and move into the mansion of William Leister, her mother’s new rich husband. Seventeen years old, proud, and independent, Noah resists living in a mansion surrounded by luxury. There, she meets Nick, her new stepbrother, and the clash of their strong personalities becomes evident from the very beginning. Noah soon discovers that behind the image of a model son, Nick hides a life of fighting, gambling, and illegal car racing – exactly what she has always run away from.
30-Day Free Trial $8.99 / month amazon.com
The film, based on Mercedes Ron’s best-selling “Culpables” book trilogy,...
- 6/21/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Prime Video has revealed its top traveling non-English local originals in the history of the service, with Spanish YA romance “My Fault” and French crime thriller “Medellín” topping the list.
Both are feature films that launched in the last two weeks across Prime Video’s footprint in 240 countries around the world. Interestingly, both titles have more than 75% of their viewership coming from outside their country of origin, though Prime Video hasn’t disclosed any further metrics related to ratings or impressions. Of the list (available in full below), 60% are movies and 40% are TV series.
While it makes sense for local originals like Prime Video’s unscripted format “Lol” to perform well in their home countries — “Big local stars and very local comedy — those don’t really travel beyond their borders,” explains James Farrell, VP of international originals for Amazon Studios — the reason the streamer is highlighting this crop of non-English...
Both are feature films that launched in the last two weeks across Prime Video’s footprint in 240 countries around the world. Interestingly, both titles have more than 75% of their viewership coming from outside their country of origin, though Prime Video hasn’t disclosed any further metrics related to ratings or impressions. Of the list (available in full below), 60% are movies and 40% are TV series.
While it makes sense for local originals like Prime Video’s unscripted format “Lol” to perform well in their home countries — “Big local stars and very local comedy — those don’t really travel beyond their borders,” explains James Farrell, VP of international originals for Amazon Studios — the reason the streamer is highlighting this crop of non-English...
- 6/20/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Prime Video is reviving classic Spanish talent gala format Operación Triunfo and has unveiled its latest slate of scripted shows, films and doc series from the nation along with a local version of Takeshi’s Castle.
The 12th season Operación Triunfo, which is filmed in front of a live audience, will stream on the SVoD in Spain and Latin America later this year.
A major ratings hit and cultural phenomenon, the first 11 seasons aired on Spanish public broadcaster Rtve and ran between 2001 and 2020.
The musical talent show follows a series of aspiring contestants as they enter a musical academy to train and display singing and artistic skills. Each week, in a live gala, they compete on stage.
“Operación Triunfo has entertained fans for over 22 years and brought joy to millions of viewers. We are thrilled and honored to bring back this beloved show to fans not only in Spain but also across Latin America,...
The 12th season Operación Triunfo, which is filmed in front of a live audience, will stream on the SVoD in Spain and Latin America later this year.
A major ratings hit and cultural phenomenon, the first 11 seasons aired on Spanish public broadcaster Rtve and ran between 2001 and 2020.
The musical talent show follows a series of aspiring contestants as they enter a musical academy to train and display singing and artistic skills. Each week, in a live gala, they compete on stage.
“Operación Triunfo has entertained fans for over 22 years and brought joy to millions of viewers. We are thrilled and honored to bring back this beloved show to fans not only in Spain but also across Latin America,...
- 4/25/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon’s Prime Video has announced a 2023 Spanish production slate which takes in movies and series from directors, writers and above all producers who have set Spain’s box office and global streamer rankings on fire over the last decade.
Talent attached to the three new movies and three series unveiled Tuesday in Madrid at a Prime Video Presents Spain event include “Hildegart,” from the producers of 2022 Berlin Golden Bear winner “Alcarràs,” “Un hipster en la España vacía,” produced by Lazona Films, which made ”Spanish Affair,” the highest grossing Spanish film ever in Spain; and “Apocalipsis Z: El principio del fin,” backed by Nostromo Pictures, behind “Through My Window,” the sixth-most watched non-English movie ever on Netflix.
Another title, docuseries “El Circo de los Muchachos” is co-written by Pepe Coira, co-scribe of “Hierro” and “Rapa,” two of the most popular series to date on Telefonica’s Movistar+.
The news slate...
Talent attached to the three new movies and three series unveiled Tuesday in Madrid at a Prime Video Presents Spain event include “Hildegart,” from the producers of 2022 Berlin Golden Bear winner “Alcarràs,” “Un hipster en la España vacía,” produced by Lazona Films, which made ”Spanish Affair,” the highest grossing Spanish film ever in Spain; and “Apocalipsis Z: El principio del fin,” backed by Nostromo Pictures, behind “Through My Window,” the sixth-most watched non-English movie ever on Netflix.
Another title, docuseries “El Circo de los Muchachos” is co-written by Pepe Coira, co-scribe of “Hierro” and “Rapa,” two of the most popular series to date on Telefonica’s Movistar+.
The news slate...
- 4/25/2023
- by John Hopewell and Pablo Sandoval
- Variety Film + TV
EntertainmentThe actor, who has enjoyed immense success with his last film ‘Rrr’, hosted the head of international original content at Amazon Studios and several Telugu filmmakers for an intimate dinner.Twitter/tarak9999Telugu actor Junior Ntr recently hosted the Vice President of Amazon Studios James Farrell and a few persons from the Telugu film industry for an intimate dinner at his house in Hyderabad on the night of Wednesday, April 12. Several prominent directors and producers from the Telugu film industry, including Rrr director SS Rajamouli, Koratala Siva, Trivikram Srinivas, Shobu Yarlagadda, Naveen Yerneni, Shirish Reddy, and Naga Vamsi also attended the exclusive dinner. James Farrell is the head of international original content at Amazon Studios. Jr Ntr shared a few pictures from the dinner party and wrote: "An evening well spent with friends and well-wishers. Was great catching up with James and Emily. Thanks for keeping your word and joining us for dinner.
- 4/14/2023
- by AjayR
- The News Minute
Mumbai, April 13 (Ians) Star Ntr Jr. hosted the Vice President of Amazon Studios, James Farrell and few dignitaries from the industry for an intimate dinner at his house in Hyderabad on Wednesday night.
Some prominent filmmakers including S.S. Rajamouli, Koratala Siva, Trivikram, Shobu Yarlagadda, Mythri Naveen, Sirish Reddy, and Nagavamsi also attended the exclusive dinner.
Ntr shared a few pictures from the dinner party. He wrote: “An evening well spent with friends and well-wishers. Was great catching up with James and Emily. Thanks for keeping your word and joining us for dinner.”
The ‘Rrr’ actor kept his look simple and classic in a black t-shirt and ash grey pants. As soon as the pictures surfaced on social media, fans were quick to point out if this was the beginning of a new project following his global success as Bheem in ‘Rrr’.
Ntr Jr. is currently shooting for Koratala Siva’s...
Some prominent filmmakers including S.S. Rajamouli, Koratala Siva, Trivikram, Shobu Yarlagadda, Mythri Naveen, Sirish Reddy, and Nagavamsi also attended the exclusive dinner.
Ntr shared a few pictures from the dinner party. He wrote: “An evening well spent with friends and well-wishers. Was great catching up with James and Emily. Thanks for keeping your word and joining us for dinner.”
The ‘Rrr’ actor kept his look simple and classic in a black t-shirt and ash grey pants. As soon as the pictures surfaced on social media, fans were quick to point out if this was the beginning of a new project following his global success as Bheem in ‘Rrr’.
Ntr Jr. is currently shooting for Koratala Siva’s...
- 4/13/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Resignations come shortly after 21st edition wrapped.
The programme director and three board members of Geneva International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (Fifdh) have all resigned from the festival.
The resignations of programme director Irène Challand and board members Nadia Dresti, Ursula Meier and Stina Werenfels follow a closed meeting of the festival board on March 23.
In a statement, Fifdh said the meeting was called “to discuss the tensions that have arisen in recent months within the Fifdh”.
The statement continued: “Considering that the mission entrusted last year by the Board to the Programme Director to develop the...
The programme director and three board members of Geneva International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (Fifdh) have all resigned from the festival.
The resignations of programme director Irène Challand and board members Nadia Dresti, Ursula Meier and Stina Werenfels follow a closed meeting of the festival board on March 23.
In a statement, Fifdh said the meeting was called “to discuss the tensions that have arisen in recent months within the Fifdh”.
The statement continued: “Considering that the mission entrusted last year by the Board to the Programme Director to develop the...
- 3/27/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
The 2023 edition of Series Mania, which wraps on Friday, looks like it’s succeeded in solidifying its place as Europe’s premier TV festival.
The fest’s main competition was one of its strongest yet, and attendance at the industry-facing Series Mania Forum reached an all-time record of 3,800 delegates. Yet even Series Mania couldn’t escape the big-picture headwinds such as strikes and protests around France’s pension reform, nor the wider market turbulence as global streamers curb content investment around the world.
Read on for Variety’s top takeaways:
Streamers Pull Back in Europe?
One key concern among producers going into Series Mania was that global streamers may be pulling back from producing in Europe. But in fact, despite industry concerns over the financial health of streaming services, Netflix and Amazon aren’t stepping away from local content in key European markets: they and other streamers are simply becoming...
The fest’s main competition was one of its strongest yet, and attendance at the industry-facing Series Mania Forum reached an all-time record of 3,800 delegates. Yet even Series Mania couldn’t escape the big-picture headwinds such as strikes and protests around France’s pension reform, nor the wider market turbulence as global streamers curb content investment around the world.
Read on for Variety’s top takeaways:
Streamers Pull Back in Europe?
One key concern among producers going into Series Mania was that global streamers may be pulling back from producing in Europe. But in fact, despite industry concerns over the financial health of streaming services, Netflix and Amazon aren’t stepping away from local content in key European markets: they and other streamers are simply becoming...
- 3/24/2023
- by John Hopewell, Manori Ravindran and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
National protests in France threatened to disrupt the 2023 Series Mania television festival and international industry summit, but, in the end, the 2023 event went off without a hitch. Members of the global TV industry gathered in the northern French city of Lille to celebrate the best in new small-screen drama and ponder the future of the business.
Here are the four big industry takeaways.
Everyone’s Going Local Netflix original series Transatlantic, is produced out of Germany
A few years back, all the major streamers were touting their global appeal, but with subscription growth slowing, the battle for business has moved to the local level. At Series Mania, execs for Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Paramount+ all touted their local credentials.
Netflix’s heads of European TV programming, including Germany’s Katja Hofem, France’s Damien Couvreur, and the Nordic region’s Jenny Stjernströmer Björk teased the streamer’s Euro slate,...
Here are the four big industry takeaways.
Everyone’s Going Local Netflix original series Transatlantic, is produced out of Germany
A few years back, all the major streamers were touting their global appeal, but with subscription growth slowing, the battle for business has moved to the local level. At Series Mania, execs for Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Paramount+ all touted their local credentials.
Netflix’s heads of European TV programming, including Germany’s Katja Hofem, France’s Damien Couvreur, and the Nordic region’s Jenny Stjernströmer Björk teased the streamer’s Euro slate,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Recipients receive €10,000, training and mentoring.
German broadcaster Dw’s Akademie Film Development Fund has selected 15 filmmakers from Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda as recipients of its 2023 grants. Each will receive one year of funding, mentorship and training opportunities.
The Dw Akademie Film Development Fund was launched in 2021, aiming to contribute to social change, freedom of expression, and the economic empowerment of local African storytellers.
The programme, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (Bmz), helps the grantees to work on the development of their films.
Grant recipients receive €10,000, are matched with an experienced script mentor and have...
German broadcaster Dw’s Akademie Film Development Fund has selected 15 filmmakers from Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda as recipients of its 2023 grants. Each will receive one year of funding, mentorship and training opportunities.
The Dw Akademie Film Development Fund was launched in 2021, aiming to contribute to social change, freedom of expression, and the economic empowerment of local African storytellers.
The programme, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (Bmz), helps the grantees to work on the development of their films.
Grant recipients receive €10,000, are matched with an experienced script mentor and have...
- 3/24/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Series is adaptation of diaries of Dutch author Etty Hillesum, who was murdered in Auschwitz.
Hagai Levi, showrunner of The Affair and Scenes From A Marriage, is writing and will direct the series The Girl Who Learned How to Kneel, which is being produced by Arte France with France’s Les Films du Poisson and the Netherlands’ Topkapi Films.
The loose adaptation of the diaries of Dutch author Etty Hillesum is set in Amsterdam in the late 1930s and early 1940s during the German occupation before she was deported and murdered in Auschwitz. Hillesum was 27 when she wrote the diaries,...
Hagai Levi, showrunner of The Affair and Scenes From A Marriage, is writing and will direct the series The Girl Who Learned How to Kneel, which is being produced by Arte France with France’s Les Films du Poisson and the Netherlands’ Topkapi Films.
The loose adaptation of the diaries of Dutch author Etty Hillesum is set in Amsterdam in the late 1930s and early 1940s during the German occupation before she was deported and murdered in Auschwitz. Hillesum was 27 when she wrote the diaries,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Series is adaptation of diaries of Dutch author Etty Hillesum, who was murdered in Auschwitz.
Hagai Levi, showrunner ofThe Affair and Scenes From A Marriage, is writing and will direct the series The Girl Who Learned How to Kneel, which is being produced by Arte France with France’s Les Films du Poisson and the Netherlands’ Topkapi Films.
The loose adaptation of the diaries of Dutch author Etty Hillesum is set in Amsterdam in the late 1930s and early 1940s during the German occupation before she was deported and murdered in Auschwitz. Hillesum was just over age 40 when she wrote the diaries,...
Hagai Levi, showrunner ofThe Affair and Scenes From A Marriage, is writing and will direct the series The Girl Who Learned How to Kneel, which is being produced by Arte France with France’s Les Films du Poisson and the Netherlands’ Topkapi Films.
The loose adaptation of the diaries of Dutch author Etty Hillesum is set in Amsterdam in the late 1930s and early 1940s during the German occupation before she was deported and murdered in Auschwitz. Hillesum was just over age 40 when she wrote the diaries,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
HBO chairman and CEO talks about challenges of moving from cable to streaming model.
Casey Bloys has admitted that a key challenge facing HBO is to alight on a streaming business model that allows it to keep investing in premium content.
During a Series Mania keynote interview, the HBO and HBO Max chairman and CEO said that streaming is now the way that people like to watch content, but that it is not as profitable as pay-tv has historically been.
“To make the transition from being delivered in a cable bundle to streaming, we have to figure out how to make streaming a profitable business…...
Casey Bloys has admitted that a key challenge facing HBO is to alight on a streaming business model that allows it to keep investing in premium content.
During a Series Mania keynote interview, the HBO and HBO Max chairman and CEO said that streaming is now the way that people like to watch content, but that it is not as profitable as pay-tv has historically been.
“To make the transition from being delivered in a cable bundle to streaming, we have to figure out how to make streaming a profitable business…...
- 3/24/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Exec says streamer is not cutting back on number of shows being commissioned.
James Farrell, head of intenational originals at Amazon Studios, said the streamer is not cutting back on the number of shows it makes but instead is being “responsible” about budgets at a time of wider economic challenges.
In a keynote interview at Series Mania, Farrell was asked about the challenges facing streamers at a time of growing competition and a greater emphasis by many on turning a profit rather than high spending to secure subscribers.
Farrell said: “It’s not impacting the number of shows or films...
James Farrell, head of intenational originals at Amazon Studios, said the streamer is not cutting back on the number of shows it makes but instead is being “responsible” about budgets at a time of wider economic challenges.
In a keynote interview at Series Mania, Farrell was asked about the challenges facing streamers at a time of growing competition and a greater emphasis by many on turning a profit rather than high spending to secure subscribers.
Farrell said: “It’s not impacting the number of shows or films...
- 3/23/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Amazon Studios’ head of international originals, James Farrell, who started overseeing Europe six months ago, said at Series Mania Festival that the service isn’t pulling out of local content but is keeping an eye on costs.
Farrell, who previously worked at Amazon Studios in Japan where he backed the creation of the original format behind “Lol” in 2016, said Amazon “won’t cut down on the number of shows or films” they’re doing, but “want to continue to be really good corporate stewards.”
“The world is having a tough time. There’s wars, you know, political situations are tough. That means, you know, you got to be thoughtful about what you spend,” said Farrell.
“If you can make this great movie with 20 locations instead of 30 to save a little bit of money, let’s do that. If we can reduce the episodes on the scripted show from eight to...
Farrell, who previously worked at Amazon Studios in Japan where he backed the creation of the original format behind “Lol” in 2016, said Amazon “won’t cut down on the number of shows or films” they’re doing, but “want to continue to be really good corporate stewards.”
“The world is having a tough time. There’s wars, you know, political situations are tough. That means, you know, you got to be thoughtful about what you spend,” said Farrell.
“If you can make this great movie with 20 locations instead of 30 to save a little bit of money, let’s do that. If we can reduce the episodes on the scripted show from eight to...
- 3/23/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video is exploring more global franchise opportunities following the success of the Russo Brothers’ Citadel.
James Farrell, the streamer’s VP, International, told a Series Mania audience that it is “highly likely” his non-u.S. team will seek more Citadel-like universes across both scripted and unscripted. A Tomb Raider movie and TV series penned by Phoebe Waller-Bridge are already reported to be in the works.
“It’s such a cool way to take [subscribers] on a journey and no one has really done it before,” said Farrell.
From the Russo’s Agbo, Midnight Radio, Cattleya and Amazon Studios, the spy thriller is airing as three versions from the U.S., India and Italy, starring the likes of Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The U.S. version drops next month.
The idea was born from a conversation between Amazon Studios boss Jennifer Salke and the Russos, according to Farrell,...
James Farrell, the streamer’s VP, International, told a Series Mania audience that it is “highly likely” his non-u.S. team will seek more Citadel-like universes across both scripted and unscripted. A Tomb Raider movie and TV series penned by Phoebe Waller-Bridge are already reported to be in the works.
“It’s such a cool way to take [subscribers] on a journey and no one has really done it before,” said Farrell.
From the Russo’s Agbo, Midnight Radio, Cattleya and Amazon Studios, the spy thriller is airing as three versions from the U.S., India and Italy, starring the likes of Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The U.S. version drops next month.
The idea was born from a conversation between Amazon Studios boss Jennifer Salke and the Russos, according to Farrell,...
- 3/23/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Following closely behind, Bad Sisters, The Crown, The English and Slow Horses also received five nominations apiece.
BBC dramas This is Going To Hurt and The Responder lead the nominations for this year’s Bafta Television and Bafta Craft awards with six nominations each.
Both dramas have received nods in the leading actor category for Ben Wishaw and Martin Freeman’s performances.
Sister’s This is Going To Hurt is up for best drama mini series, while Dancing Ledge’s The Responder, which has been recomissioned for a second series, makes the list for best drama series.
The two dramas...
BBC dramas This is Going To Hurt and The Responder lead the nominations for this year’s Bafta Television and Bafta Craft awards with six nominations each.
Both dramas have received nods in the leading actor category for Ben Wishaw and Martin Freeman’s performances.
Sister’s This is Going To Hurt is up for best drama mini series, while Dancing Ledge’s The Responder, which has been recomissioned for a second series, makes the list for best drama series.
The two dramas...
- 3/22/2023
- by Heather Fallon Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Lille’s Series Mania Forum is kicking off today with a packed schedule of talks, screenings and competitions.
Fighting it out in International Competition are the likes of Prime Video’s Toni Collette starrer The Power, Haven of Grace from Magnetic Beats director Vincent Maël Cardona, and Quoc Dang Tran’s Apple TV+ series Drops of God.
They compete against Greek series Milky Way, which opened the festival, Viaplay’s futuristic Russell Tovey drama The Fortress, Red Skies from Israel, The Actor from Iran and Fleeting Lies from Spain. Each will have its world premiere at the event.
The Power is a fantasy series set in a world where the physical balance of power between men and women switches when electric arcs emerge from the fingers of teenage girls all around the world. Debuting later this month, it comes from Sister, the UK producer behind Chernobyl and is based on Naomi Alderman’s sci-fi novel.
Fighting it out in International Competition are the likes of Prime Video’s Toni Collette starrer The Power, Haven of Grace from Magnetic Beats director Vincent Maël Cardona, and Quoc Dang Tran’s Apple TV+ series Drops of God.
They compete against Greek series Milky Way, which opened the festival, Viaplay’s futuristic Russell Tovey drama The Fortress, Red Skies from Israel, The Actor from Iran and Fleeting Lies from Spain. Each will have its world premiere at the event.
The Power is a fantasy series set in a world where the physical balance of power between men and women switches when electric arcs emerge from the fingers of teenage girls all around the world. Debuting later this month, it comes from Sister, the UK producer behind Chernobyl and is based on Naomi Alderman’s sci-fi novel.
- 3/21/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The blockbuster French cast of Amazon Prime Video’s third season of “Lol: Qui rit, qui sort” speaks volumes about the Japanese variety format’s tremendous popularity in France.
The Amazon Original series, adapted from the format “Lol: Last One Laughing,” scored its biggest launch to date on Prime Video in France since bowing on March 10. The show is one of the streamer’s first unscripted originals in France and has been a major coup as a brand exercise that’s succeeded with limited resources — certainly in comparison to scripted comedy. Adaptations of “Lol” have also thrived in Italy and Germany where they have ranked as the most watched local titles on the service, respectively. Local versions are also available in Spain, Canada, Mexico and Australia (hosted by Rebel Wilson).
On the heels of its milestone success with “Lol: Qui rit, qui sort,” the French teams at Amazon Studios are...
The Amazon Original series, adapted from the format “Lol: Last One Laughing,” scored its biggest launch to date on Prime Video in France since bowing on March 10. The show is one of the streamer’s first unscripted originals in France and has been a major coup as a brand exercise that’s succeeded with limited resources — certainly in comparison to scripted comedy. Adaptations of “Lol” have also thrived in Italy and Germany where they have ranked as the most watched local titles on the service, respectively. Local versions are also available in Spain, Canada, Mexico and Australia (hosted by Rebel Wilson).
On the heels of its milestone success with “Lol: Qui rit, qui sort,” the French teams at Amazon Studios are...
- 3/13/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Austin Butler and his girlfriend Kaia Gerber made a stunning appearance at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
The 31-year-old Oscar nominee swapped his black Saint Laurent tuxedo for another Laurent look. At the same time, Gerber, 21, dazzled in a shiny Celine dress which exposed some leg on the arrival carpet.
Read More: Austin Butler And Ex Vanessa Hudgens Seen Crossing Paths Outside Oscars Afterparty
Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber — Photos (L-r): Karwai Tang/WireImage, Lionel Hahn/Getty
Despite losing his Best Actor nod to Brendan Fraser, the “Elvis” actor still managed to find time to celebrate with his supermodel girlfriend at the notorious afterparty.
“Elvis” was nominated for eight awards at Sunday night’s ceremony but did not take home any wins.
Read More: Riley Keough Says She Was ‘In Tears For A Week’ Over Austin Butler’s Portrayal Of Grandfather Elvis Presley
Gerber did not attend the Oscars with Butler,...
The 31-year-old Oscar nominee swapped his black Saint Laurent tuxedo for another Laurent look. At the same time, Gerber, 21, dazzled in a shiny Celine dress which exposed some leg on the arrival carpet.
Read More: Austin Butler And Ex Vanessa Hudgens Seen Crossing Paths Outside Oscars Afterparty
Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber — Photos (L-r): Karwai Tang/WireImage, Lionel Hahn/Getty
Despite losing his Best Actor nod to Brendan Fraser, the “Elvis” actor still managed to find time to celebrate with his supermodel girlfriend at the notorious afterparty.
“Elvis” was nominated for eight awards at Sunday night’s ceremony but did not take home any wins.
Read More: Riley Keough Says She Was ‘In Tears For A Week’ Over Austin Butler’s Portrayal Of Grandfather Elvis Presley
Gerber did not attend the Oscars with Butler,...
- 3/13/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Angela Bassett sat next to Austin Butler during Oscars 95. However, the fellow nominees went viral for a heartwarming moment ahead of the announcement of one of the night’s most coveted awards, Best Actor. Bassett took Butler’s hand to comfort him as the nominees were read. Their sweet moment has since gone viral.
Austin Butler and Angela Bassett during Oscars 95 | Allen J. Schaben/Cindy Ord/ Getty Images Angela Bassett and Austin Butler were Oscar’s sweetest pair
Angela Bassett was previously nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actress in 1994 for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the biopic What’s Love Got to Do With It. Almost 20 years later, Bassett received her second nomination as Best Supporting Actress as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
The actor lost both times. In 1994, Holly Hunter took home Oscar for her work in the motion picture The Piano. In 2023, Jamie Lee Curtis...
Austin Butler and Angela Bassett during Oscars 95 | Allen J. Schaben/Cindy Ord/ Getty Images Angela Bassett and Austin Butler were Oscar’s sweetest pair
Angela Bassett was previously nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actress in 1994 for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the biopic What’s Love Got to Do With It. Almost 20 years later, Bassett received her second nomination as Best Supporting Actress as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
The actor lost both times. In 1994, Holly Hunter took home Oscar for her work in the motion picture The Piano. In 2023, Jamie Lee Curtis...
- 3/13/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
‘The Woman King’ & ‘Aftersun’ Dominate Girls On Film Awards
The Woman King and Aftersun dominated the main awards at the second annual Girls On Film Awards. The Woman King picked up Best Ensemble, sponsored by Netflix, and Best Female Friendship On Screen. Woman King star Viola Davis was also awarded the Feminist Superhero award. Woman King lead Sheila Atim was there in person to accept the awards. Aftersun nabbed Best Feature Film Sponsored by Eon Productions, while the film’s publicity team also won Best Publicity Campaign. Other big winners included Sebastián Lelio’s The Wonder, which took home Best Cinematography and the Sinéad O’Connor pic Nothing Compares (Best Documentary). Nominees for the awards were chosen by a selection of critics and journalists. Girls On Film was launched by Deadline critic and broadcaster Anna Smith and producer Hedda Archbold with the aim of rewarding excellence in the field of feminism,...
The Woman King and Aftersun dominated the main awards at the second annual Girls On Film Awards. The Woman King picked up Best Ensemble, sponsored by Netflix, and Best Female Friendship On Screen. Woman King star Viola Davis was also awarded the Feminist Superhero award. Woman King lead Sheila Atim was there in person to accept the awards. Aftersun nabbed Best Feature Film Sponsored by Eon Productions, while the film’s publicity team also won Best Publicity Campaign. Other big winners included Sebastián Lelio’s The Wonder, which took home Best Cinematography and the Sinéad O’Connor pic Nothing Compares (Best Documentary). Nominees for the awards were chosen by a selection of critics and journalists. Girls On Film was launched by Deadline critic and broadcaster Anna Smith and producer Hedda Archbold with the aim of rewarding excellence in the field of feminism,...
- 2/24/2023
- by Zac Ntim, Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO, HBO and HBO Max Content will deliver a keynote at Series Mania’s Lille Dialogues whose one-day summit looks set to take the pulse on a global content industry as content investment flattens and ask how to build a more responsible industry in the future.
Marking an early opportunity to hear from streaming platforms after both Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney have announced multi-billion dollar cuts in content investment, the Lille Dialogues also count on a keynote from James Farrell, head of local originals, Prime Video.
Further keynotes will be delivered by top execs at France’s biggest free-to-air service, TF1, as well as its energetic public broadcaster France Télévisions and Europe’s biggest pay TV operator, Sky. Jan Mojto, CEO, Beta Film, can be expected to deliver a wide-angled vision of how stories made in Europe can find a market worldwide.
“With the theme...
Marking an early opportunity to hear from streaming platforms after both Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney have announced multi-billion dollar cuts in content investment, the Lille Dialogues also count on a keynote from James Farrell, head of local originals, Prime Video.
Further keynotes will be delivered by top execs at France’s biggest free-to-air service, TF1, as well as its energetic public broadcaster France Télévisions and Europe’s biggest pay TV operator, Sky. Jan Mojto, CEO, Beta Film, can be expected to deliver a wide-angled vision of how stories made in Europe can find a market worldwide.
“With the theme...
- 2/24/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Beyond the festival element of Series Mania, one major draw for international industry professionals is its industry strand, Series Mania Forum, which runs from March 21-23. The popular event, which largely centers around its Co-Pro Pitching Sessions, panels and conferences, nicely wraps up with its Lille Dialogues one-day summit on March 23.
This year, the Forum is expecting delegates from Europe, North America, South America and Asia to touch down with a number of top industry execs set to speak. Notably, HBO’s Casey Bloys, will be doing an In Conversation keynote speech during the Lille Dialogues titled ‘How HBO and HBO Max Are Diving into The Future.”
The theme for this year’s Lille Dialogues is ‘Shaping the Future with the Audiovisual Sector’ and additional speakers at the summit include: Beta Group’s Jan Mojto; Prime Video’s James Farrell; Sky Studios’ Cécile Frot-Coutaz; and an In Conversation with TF1’s Rodolphe Belmer.
This year, the Forum is expecting delegates from Europe, North America, South America and Asia to touch down with a number of top industry execs set to speak. Notably, HBO’s Casey Bloys, will be doing an In Conversation keynote speech during the Lille Dialogues titled ‘How HBO and HBO Max Are Diving into The Future.”
The theme for this year’s Lille Dialogues is ‘Shaping the Future with the Audiovisual Sector’ and additional speakers at the summit include: Beta Group’s Jan Mojto; Prime Video’s James Farrell; Sky Studios’ Cécile Frot-Coutaz; and an In Conversation with TF1’s Rodolphe Belmer.
- 2/23/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
In the wake of MGM television head Mark Burnett exiting the studio and Amazon on Monday, Amazon is re-organizing MGM’s TV division: folding its Orion Television label into the larger scripted side of MGM and axing the label just two years after it relaunched.
Amazon’s TV chief Vernon Sanders announced the news to staff on Tuesday in a memo obtained by IndieWire, adding that Orion TV head Bradley Gardner is exiting. Gardner is negotiating a producing deal at MGM TV.
The re-launched Orion Television was behind the rebooted “Teen Wolf: The Movie,” which is expected to stream on Paramount+ next year. Gardner came over to lead the division from Paramount Network and focused on comedy and drama series for the label.
As part of the re-organization, Amazon is tapping Rola Bauer, former president of international TV for MGM, to head pan-English scripted SVOD TV and Lindsay Sloane, former...
Amazon’s TV chief Vernon Sanders announced the news to staff on Tuesday in a memo obtained by IndieWire, adding that Orion TV head Bradley Gardner is exiting. Gardner is negotiating a producing deal at MGM TV.
The re-launched Orion Television was behind the rebooted “Teen Wolf: The Movie,” which is expected to stream on Paramount+ next year. Gardner came over to lead the division from Paramount Network and focused on comedy and drama series for the label.
As part of the re-organization, Amazon is tapping Rola Bauer, former president of international TV for MGM, to head pan-English scripted SVOD TV and Lindsay Sloane, former...
- 11/30/2022
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Amazon Studios Head of Television Vernon Sanders has unveiled new roles for Rola Bauer, MGM’s former president of international TV, and Lindsay Sloane, former senior executive vice president of MGM Scripted TV as part of a new reorganization.
According to a memo obtained by TheWrap, Bauer will become the new head of Pan-English scripted SVOD TV, development & series, while Sloane will lead US scripted television for MGM.
Bauer will be responsible for overseeing the development and production of a new slate of English language originals for Prime Video outside of the United States.
“Rola’s new remit will be distinct from the expansive Local Original Series & Movie content developed under James Farrell’s division,” the memo notes.
Meanwhile, Sloane will develop projects for Amazon Studios and “continue to take projects to the external market.” She has been responsible for developing and selling new projects on behalf of MGM and...
According to a memo obtained by TheWrap, Bauer will become the new head of Pan-English scripted SVOD TV, development & series, while Sloane will lead US scripted television for MGM.
Bauer will be responsible for overseeing the development and production of a new slate of English language originals for Prime Video outside of the United States.
“Rola’s new remit will be distinct from the expansive Local Original Series & Movie content developed under James Farrell’s division,” the memo notes.
Meanwhile, Sloane will develop projects for Amazon Studios and “continue to take projects to the external market.” She has been responsible for developing and selling new projects on behalf of MGM and...
- 11/29/2022
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Amazon has restructured leadership operations at MGM Television’s scripted department amid a continuous overhaul of the studio, 10 months after the tech giant closed its 8.5 billion acquisition of the company.
Under the new organization chart, which was announced by Amazon TV chief Vernon Sanders to staff in a memo Tuesday, Rola Bauer, former president of international TV for MGM, will become head of pan-English scripted SVOD TV, development and series. Meanwhile, Lindsay Sloane, the former senior executive vide president of MGM scripted TV will lead U.S. scripted television for MGM.
Additionally, Orion Television, a banner that was just revived two years ago by MGM, will be folded into the studio and its boss, Bradley Gardner, will be stepping down from his role. He is currently in discussions for a producing deal at MGM TV.
The restructuring news is a further shakeup to MGM under Amazon that comes one day after Mark Burnett,...
Under the new organization chart, which was announced by Amazon TV chief Vernon Sanders to staff in a memo Tuesday, Rola Bauer, former president of international TV for MGM, will become head of pan-English scripted SVOD TV, development and series. Meanwhile, Lindsay Sloane, the former senior executive vide president of MGM scripted TV will lead U.S. scripted television for MGM.
Additionally, Orion Television, a banner that was just revived two years ago by MGM, will be folded into the studio and its boss, Bradley Gardner, will be stepping down from his role. He is currently in discussions for a producing deal at MGM TV.
The restructuring news is a further shakeup to MGM under Amazon that comes one day after Mark Burnett,...
- 11/29/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: After recently restructuring Amazon Studios’ original content operations, Head of Television Vernon Sanders now is setting up the MGM scripted TV leadership with new roles for Lindsay Sloane, Senior EVP of MGM Scripted TV, and Rola Bauer, President of International TV for MGM. He laid out the reorganization in an internal memo, a copy of which was obtained by Deadline (you can read it in full below).
Related Story Mark Burnett Exits Amazon’s MGM, Returns To Producing Roots, Will Continue To Oversee “Legacy” Series Related Story Scarlett Johansson To Headline & EP 'Just Cause' In TV Debut; Amazon Orders Limited Series Penned By Christy Hall Related Story Amazon Studios Lands Hot Package 'Red Shirt' From Channing Tatum, David Leitch And Simon Kinberg
Sloane will become Head of MGM US Scripted TV, while Bauer will expand her responsibilities as Head of Pan-English Scripted SVOD TV, Development & Series. Sloane and Bauer...
Related Story Mark Burnett Exits Amazon’s MGM, Returns To Producing Roots, Will Continue To Oversee “Legacy” Series Related Story Scarlett Johansson To Headline & EP 'Just Cause' In TV Debut; Amazon Orders Limited Series Penned By Christy Hall Related Story Amazon Studios Lands Hot Package 'Red Shirt' From Channing Tatum, David Leitch And Simon Kinberg
Sloane will become Head of MGM US Scripted TV, while Bauer will expand her responsibilities as Head of Pan-English Scripted SVOD TV, Development & Series. Sloane and Bauer...
- 11/29/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Prime Video’s latest Spanish original is supernatural horror series Romancero.
The show, written by author and screenwriter Fernando Navarro (Venus, Verónica) and directed by Tomás Peña, comes from The Mediapro Studio-owned producer 100 Balas.
It stars Sasha Cócola (Food & Shelter, Paco’s Men) and Serbian-born actress Elena Matic, making her debut in a dramatic series in Spain, Ricardo Gómez (The Replacement, La Ruta, Cuéntame Cómo), Guillermo Toledo (The Minions of Midas), Belén Cuesta (The Endless Trench) and Julieta Cardinali (The Candidate) and includes a special guest role for Alba Flores (Money Heist, Locked Up).
Earlier today, Deadline revealed Flores is leading another new drama series, Ulterior, which is from Matt Brodlie and Jonathan Kier’s Upgrade Productions and Spanish firm Moreno Films.
Romancero follows Cornelia and Jordan, as they flee “the force of law, powerful supernatural creatures and themselves,” framed within “within the backdrop of a desert-like and cruel Andalusia,...
The show, written by author and screenwriter Fernando Navarro (Venus, Verónica) and directed by Tomás Peña, comes from The Mediapro Studio-owned producer 100 Balas.
It stars Sasha Cócola (Food & Shelter, Paco’s Men) and Serbian-born actress Elena Matic, making her debut in a dramatic series in Spain, Ricardo Gómez (The Replacement, La Ruta, Cuéntame Cómo), Guillermo Toledo (The Minions of Midas), Belén Cuesta (The Endless Trench) and Julieta Cardinali (The Candidate) and includes a special guest role for Alba Flores (Money Heist, Locked Up).
Earlier today, Deadline revealed Flores is leading another new drama series, Ulterior, which is from Matt Brodlie and Jonathan Kier’s Upgrade Productions and Spanish firm Moreno Films.
Romancero follows Cornelia and Jordan, as they flee “the force of law, powerful supernatural creatures and themselves,” framed within “within the backdrop of a desert-like and cruel Andalusia,...
- 11/28/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me, My Policeman, Mammals and The Good Fight.
My Policeman L.A. premiere
Harry Styles and David Dawson brought their Amazon film to Westwood on Tuesday for its L.A. premiere, along with producers Robbie Rogers and Sarah Schechter.
Vp of Amazon Video Albert Cheng, vp of media and entertainment Cory Shields, head of marketing of Amazon Studios Sue Kroll, head of movies Julie Rapaport, Sarah Schechter, David Dawson, head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke, Harry Styles, Robbie Rogers and Bethan Roberts David Dawson and Harry Styles
Glamour Women of the Year
Glamour hosted its annual Women of the Year Awards on Tuesday in NYC, celebrating this year’s distinguished honorees including Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson,...
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me, My Policeman, Mammals and The Good Fight.
My Policeman L.A. premiere
Harry Styles and David Dawson brought their Amazon film to Westwood on Tuesday for its L.A. premiere, along with producers Robbie Rogers and Sarah Schechter.
Vp of Amazon Video Albert Cheng, vp of media and entertainment Cory Shields, head of marketing of Amazon Studios Sue Kroll, head of movies Julie Rapaport, Sarah Schechter, David Dawson, head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke, Harry Styles, Robbie Rogers and Bethan Roberts David Dawson and Harry Styles
Glamour Women of the Year
Glamour hosted its annual Women of the Year Awards on Tuesday in NYC, celebrating this year’s distinguished honorees including Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson,...
- 11/4/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season one has had a “halo effect” on the streamer’s other tentpoles such as The Boys and Wheel of Time, according to Studios boss Jennifer Salke.
Salke talked up the most expensive show of all time’s impact on Amazon Prime Video’s shows, which kept audiences on the platform for longer.
“We have a great collection both locally and globally with the likes of Wheel of Time and The Boys and were able to see a halo effect on engagement with [the impact] of Lord of the Rings and lots of other content,” she said.
Lord of the Rings was dropped weekly on a Friday over the past two months and ended four days ago.
Salke rejected the notion that there was overwhelming pressure on the show to perform due to its multi-hundred-million dollar price tag.
“There was not a lot of anxiety,...
Salke talked up the most expensive show of all time’s impact on Amazon Prime Video’s shows, which kept audiences on the platform for longer.
“We have a great collection both locally and globally with the likes of Wheel of Time and The Boys and were able to see a halo effect on engagement with [the impact] of Lord of the Rings and lots of other content,” she said.
Lord of the Rings was dropped weekly on a Friday over the past two months and ended four days ago.
Salke rejected the notion that there was overwhelming pressure on the show to perform due to its multi-hundred-million dollar price tag.
“There was not a lot of anxiety,...
- 10/18/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Since the service was made available across the Asia Pacific region in 2016, Amazon Prime Video has focused on producing content in the markets where Amazon has a strong retail membership service – India, Japan and Australia. Based in Los Angeles, Erika North, Amazon Studios’ Head of Originals, Asia Pacific, has been tasked with expanding that local content footprint into other Apac territories.
North joined Amazon in February 2020 after similar stints heading production in the region for HBO Asia and Netflix. Although she helped build out local content in Australia and New Zealand, those territories are now handled by a separate team, while she focuses on Southeast Asia and Korea. She has also taken on Japan, previously headed by James Farrell, who was promoted to head of international originals in 2018 and moved to North America. (India is also handled by a separate team in line with Amazon’s structuring of global business divisions.
North joined Amazon in February 2020 after similar stints heading production in the region for HBO Asia and Netflix. Although she helped build out local content in Australia and New Zealand, those territories are now handled by a separate team, while she focuses on Southeast Asia and Korea. She has also taken on Japan, previously headed by James Farrell, who was promoted to head of international originals in 2018 and moved to North America. (India is also handled by a separate team in line with Amazon’s structuring of global business divisions.
- 10/13/2022
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Production is underway in Italy on the Italian instalment of Prime Video’s global “Citadel” spy thriller franchise, produced by the Russo Brothers, with Matilda De Angelis cast as the lead.
De Angelis, a rising Italian star, made her international breakthrough in Susanne Bier’s “The Undoing,” alongside Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. She more recently appeared with Liev Schrieber in the Ernest Hemingway adaptation “Across The River and Into The Trees,” directed by Paula Ortiz.
The “Citadel” start-of-production in Italy and casting announcement was made at Rome’s Mia content market during an Amazon Studios panel.
The previously announced Italian leg of the Amazon event series — which has a U.S.-based “mothership” show as well as offshoot instalments in India, Mexico and Italy — is being directed by Arnaldo Catinari (“Suburra: Blood on Rome”) and written by Alessandro Fabbri who is also the head writer.
Prominent Italian shingle Cattleya,...
De Angelis, a rising Italian star, made her international breakthrough in Susanne Bier’s “The Undoing,” alongside Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. She more recently appeared with Liev Schrieber in the Ernest Hemingway adaptation “Across The River and Into The Trees,” directed by Paula Ortiz.
The “Citadel” start-of-production in Italy and casting announcement was made at Rome’s Mia content market during an Amazon Studios panel.
The previously announced Italian leg of the Amazon event series — which has a U.S.-based “mothership” show as well as offshoot instalments in India, Mexico and Italy — is being directed by Arnaldo Catinari (“Suburra: Blood on Rome”) and written by Alessandro Fabbri who is also the head writer.
Prominent Italian shingle Cattleya,...
- 10/12/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The SVoD giant is seeking a head of EU Originals, content strategy and analysis.
Amazon has begun the hunt for the successor to EU content chief Georgia Brown.
The SVoD giant is seeking a head of EU Originals, content strategy and analysis, to help build on a slate which includes Good Omens, The Grand Tour, Clarkson’s Farm and All Or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur as well as forthcoming drama The Power and an array of live sports.
Reporting to Amazon Studios vice president of international James Farrell, the London-based position has overall responsibility for commissioning, as well as content business reviews and long-term strategy.
Amazon has begun the hunt for the successor to EU content chief Georgia Brown.
The SVoD giant is seeking a head of EU Originals, content strategy and analysis, to help build on a slate which includes Good Omens, The Grand Tour, Clarkson’s Farm and All Or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur as well as forthcoming drama The Power and an array of live sports.
Reporting to Amazon Studios vice president of international James Farrell, the London-based position has overall responsibility for commissioning, as well as content business reviews and long-term strategy.
- 10/4/2022
- by Alex Farber Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Amazon’s Head of German Originals Philip Pratt says an upcoming slew of films and TV series are the culmination of two years’ work, as Prime Video seeks to “stand out in the face of a flood of content” and plots a major local unscripted push.
Later this evening, Pratt and Amazon German Country Manager Kasper Pflueger will unveil several shows and films at a Prime Video Presents event in Munich, including Silver, which Deadline broke the news of earlier today.
In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Pratt said he sees the slate as a culmination of a period of development and production that will position the SVoD uniquely against a field of other global streamers and revitalized local broadcasters, all of whom are spending significant sums on their own original shows. “The last two years have been about building and development and now we’re ready to go.
Later this evening, Pratt and Amazon German Country Manager Kasper Pflueger will unveil several shows and films at a Prime Video Presents event in Munich, including Silver, which Deadline broke the news of earlier today.
In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Pratt said he sees the slate as a culmination of a period of development and production that will position the SVoD uniquely against a field of other global streamers and revitalized local broadcasters, all of whom are spending significant sums on their own original shows. “The last two years have been about building and development and now we’re ready to go.
- 9/12/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Prime Video has inked an overall creative deal with Italian writer-director Antonio Dikele Distefano, who is the originator of groundbreaking Netflix original series “Zero” that in 2021 marked Italy’s first show centered around the present-day lives of black Italian youth.
Dikele, who was born in Italy to Angolan parents, is now making his feature film debut with an Amazon original film titled “Autumn Beat,” a coming-of-age drama about two brothers named Tito and Paco, who grew up in Milan and have the same dream: to break into the rap music world.
“The duo seem destined for success—Paco is a born performer and Tito knows how to write like no other—but ambition, life, and love for the same woman will test their bond,” says the provided synopsis.
The film, which spans three-decades, has a cast mostly made up of Italian rappers comprising Hamed Seydou, Abby 6ix, Geneme, Juliet Joseph,...
Dikele, who was born in Italy to Angolan parents, is now making his feature film debut with an Amazon original film titled “Autumn Beat,” a coming-of-age drama about two brothers named Tito and Paco, who grew up in Milan and have the same dream: to break into the rap music world.
“The duo seem destined for success—Paco is a born performer and Tito knows how to write like no other—but ambition, life, and love for the same woman will test their bond,” says the provided synopsis.
The film, which spans three-decades, has a cast mostly made up of Italian rappers comprising Hamed Seydou, Abby 6ix, Geneme, Juliet Joseph,...
- 9/12/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Brown joined the company five years ago in 2017.
Amazon Studios’ Georgia Brown is stepping down from her role as director of European Originals.
Brown joined the company five years ago in 2017, where she spearheaded the Amazon Europe commissioning team and was the first executive hired to lead originals in the region.
According to an internal memo seen by US trade paper Variety, Brown said: “To the EU Originals team: you are outstanding. The best in the business. Your commitment and drive to raise the bar has delivered exceptional, award winning and genre-defining series and movies in the last five years,...
Amazon Studios’ Georgia Brown is stepping down from her role as director of European Originals.
Brown joined the company five years ago in 2017, where she spearheaded the Amazon Europe commissioning team and was the first executive hired to lead originals in the region.
According to an internal memo seen by US trade paper Variety, Brown said: “To the EU Originals team: you are outstanding. The best in the business. Your commitment and drive to raise the bar has delivered exceptional, award winning and genre-defining series and movies in the last five years,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Heather Fallon Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Amazon Studios Europe’s content chief Georgia Brown is leaving the streamer after five years in the role.
She will exit the business Wednesday, Amazon reps have confirmed. She is expected to land a new role, it is understood, though details aren’t forthcoming. The surprise move comes just a week after she presented Amazon’s latest UK content strategy at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Brown has been with the streamer since February 2017, when she joined from Fremantle’s international division to become Amazon’s first original content hire in the region. She has been the face of Amazon’s European commissioning strategy since that point and is credited with largely building the streamer’s strategy in the continent, hiring local teams and broadly setting the agenda.
Notable orders under her watch have included British fantasy drama Good Omens, high-profile unscripted shows The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm, upcoming UK shows The Power,...
She will exit the business Wednesday, Amazon reps have confirmed. She is expected to land a new role, it is understood, though details aren’t forthcoming. The surprise move comes just a week after she presented Amazon’s latest UK content strategy at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Brown has been with the streamer since February 2017, when she joined from Fremantle’s international division to become Amazon’s first original content hire in the region. She has been the face of Amazon’s European commissioning strategy since that point and is credited with largely building the streamer’s strategy in the continent, hiring local teams and broadly setting the agenda.
Notable orders under her watch have included British fantasy drama Good Omens, high-profile unscripted shows The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm, upcoming UK shows The Power,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Georgia Brown, head of Amazon Studios in Europe, is stepping down after five years in the role, Variety can reveal.
The executive’s last day at the business is Wednesday (Aug. 31), though her departure is understood to have been in the works for some time. Brown is believed to be moving on to another opportunity, though it’s not yet clear what or where her new role will be.
Brown has been a strong and prominent ambassador for Amazon Studios in Europe, and was the first executive hired to lead originals for the continent. In the 2016 to 2018 period, when a number of the global streaming services were first setting up shop internationally and kept their executives largely out of view, Brown was always front and center for Amazon, keen to discuss her local-first strategy.
News of her departure may come as a surprise to some in the U.K. who...
The executive’s last day at the business is Wednesday (Aug. 31), though her departure is understood to have been in the works for some time. Brown is believed to be moving on to another opportunity, though it’s not yet clear what or where her new role will be.
Brown has been a strong and prominent ambassador for Amazon Studios in Europe, and was the first executive hired to lead originals for the continent. In the 2016 to 2018 period, when a number of the global streaming services were first setting up shop internationally and kept their executives largely out of view, Brown was always front and center for Amazon, keen to discuss her local-first strategy.
News of her departure may come as a surprise to some in the U.K. who...
- 8/31/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.