The Ukrainian edition of “The Bachelor” is set to return with 28-year-old war veteran Oleksandr Budko as the lead.
Produced by Starlight Media (an Stb channel) and Warner Bros. International Television, the iconic dating format has been adapted in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Budko’s casting is a key part of that. The war vet signed up to defend his country in February 2022 and within six months was promoted to platoon commander. But his army career was cut short during the battle for Kharkiv when a shell landed near him, causing Budko to lose both his legs. He has since undergone extensive rehabilitation and had prosthetics fitted.
Budko has continued to achieve great things, competing in Prince Harry’s international athletics tournament for injured veterans, the Invictus Games, where he won a medal, and taking part in a ballet performance alongside the United Ukrainian Ballet in California.
Produced by Starlight Media (an Stb channel) and Warner Bros. International Television, the iconic dating format has been adapted in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Budko’s casting is a key part of that. The war vet signed up to defend his country in February 2022 and within six months was promoted to platoon commander. But his army career was cut short during the battle for Kharkiv when a shell landed near him, causing Budko to lose both his legs. He has since undergone extensive rehabilitation and had prosthetics fitted.
Budko has continued to achieve great things, competing in Prince Harry’s international athletics tournament for injured veterans, the Invictus Games, where he won a medal, and taking part in a ballet performance alongside the United Ukrainian Ballet in California.
- 5/13/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
In what marks Sony Pictures Television’s (Spt) first international format deal for its non-fiction unit since its distribution takeover in 2022, Spt has sold the Nordics and Benelux region format rights of “So You Think You Can Dance” to Warner Bros. International Television Production (Wbitvp).
The deal comes just as the dance competition series returns to Fox in the U.S. for a milestone 18th season on March 4. Wbitvp has optioned the title for six of their European production companies and extends to the Netherlands, Belgium (Flemish), and across the Nordics in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. Attendees at Spt’s London Screenings Showcase on Thursday Feb. 29 will get a sneak peek preview of the new U.S. Season.
Since its U.S. debut in 2005, the reality show has become a global phenomenon, adapted in 32 territories worldwide and spawning a Next Generation Junior version in the Netherlands and most recently in Poland.
The deal comes just as the dance competition series returns to Fox in the U.S. for a milestone 18th season on March 4. Wbitvp has optioned the title for six of their European production companies and extends to the Netherlands, Belgium (Flemish), and across the Nordics in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. Attendees at Spt’s London Screenings Showcase on Thursday Feb. 29 will get a sneak peek preview of the new U.S. Season.
Since its U.S. debut in 2005, the reality show has become a global phenomenon, adapted in 32 territories worldwide and spawning a Next Generation Junior version in the Netherlands and most recently in Poland.
- 2/28/2024
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Picking up on Berlinale Series Market hits, such as “Lost Boys & Fairies,” and teasing some of the big main competition swings at Series Mania – “Apples Never Fall,” “Rematch,” “So Long, Marianne” – the 2024 London TV Screenings are a powerhouse showcase of some of the biggest TV highlights of 2024, plus the trends shaping TV markets.
To help you cut through the slates, here’s Variety’s picks of 20 shows that will whet buyers’ appetites.
“Apples Never Fall” (NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution)
One highlight for NBCU, hosting the first London TV Screenings showcase on Monday Feb. 26 evening, is “The Day of the Jackal,” starring Eddie Redmayne, produced by “Top Boy” showrunner Ronan Bennett and directed by Brian Kirk (“Game of Thrones”). Highest profile, however – given its cast and now status as the biggest swing in Series Mania main competition – may be Peacock limited series “Apples Never Fall,” with Annette Bening as the...
To help you cut through the slates, here’s Variety’s picks of 20 shows that will whet buyers’ appetites.
“Apples Never Fall” (NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution)
One highlight for NBCU, hosting the first London TV Screenings showcase on Monday Feb. 26 evening, is “The Day of the Jackal,” starring Eddie Redmayne, produced by “Top Boy” showrunner Ronan Bennett and directed by Brian Kirk (“Game of Thrones”). Highest profile, however – given its cast and now status as the biggest swing in Series Mania main competition – may be Peacock limited series “Apples Never Fall,” with Annette Bening as the...
- 2/26/2024
- by John Hopewell and Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Intl. Television Prod. (Wbitvp) has appointed former Fremantle exec Harry Gamsu as new VP, creative, for format, development and sales. He will report to Andrew Zein, SVP creative, for format development and sales and oversee relations between Wbitvp’s international division and the WB’s U.S. TV production units Warner Horizon, Telepictures and Shed.
Gamsu will also evaluate formats in WB’s catalogue for international exploitation and format sales to Canada. He succeeds Adam Steinman, who ankled Wbitvp earlier this year.
In his previous role as VP of non-scripted content acquisitions at Fremantle, Gamsu managed the U.S. content acquisition team and working on factual and entertainment series.
Wbitvp distributes “The Golden Egg”
“The Golden Egg”
In related news, Wbitvp is partnering with Belgian format house Glow Media on the newly launched format “The Golden Egg.” Wbitvp will represent the format in selected territories, including the U.
Gamsu will also evaluate formats in WB’s catalogue for international exploitation and format sales to Canada. He succeeds Adam Steinman, who ankled Wbitvp earlier this year.
In his previous role as VP of non-scripted content acquisitions at Fremantle, Gamsu managed the U.S. content acquisition team and working on factual and entertainment series.
Wbitvp distributes “The Golden Egg”
“The Golden Egg”
In related news, Wbitvp is partnering with Belgian format house Glow Media on the newly launched format “The Golden Egg.” Wbitvp will represent the format in selected territories, including the U.
- 4/19/2023
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Distribution
“The Song of Scorpions,” starring Irrfan Khan, Golshifteh Farahani and Waheeda Rehman, written and directed by Anup Singh, will be released in India by Panorama Films and 70mm Talkies on April 28. The film’s release in India was withheld due to the pandemic in 2021.
“The Song of Scorpions” is a story of twisted love, revenge and the redemptive power of a song. Nooran, carefree and defiantly independent, is a tribal woman learning the ancient art of healing from her grandmother, a revered scorpion-singer. When Aadam, a camel trader in the Rajasthan desert, hears her sing, he falls desperately in love. But even before they can get to know each other better, Nooran is poisoned by a treachery that sets her on a perilous journey to avenge herself and find her song.
The film had its world premiere at Locarno in 2017 and had festival play at Rotterdam, London, Singapore and Dubai among many others.
“The Song of Scorpions,” starring Irrfan Khan, Golshifteh Farahani and Waheeda Rehman, written and directed by Anup Singh, will be released in India by Panorama Films and 70mm Talkies on April 28. The film’s release in India was withheld due to the pandemic in 2021.
“The Song of Scorpions” is a story of twisted love, revenge and the redemptive power of a song. Nooran, carefree and defiantly independent, is a tribal woman learning the ancient art of healing from her grandmother, a revered scorpion-singer. When Aadam, a camel trader in the Rajasthan desert, hears her sing, he falls desperately in love. But even before they can get to know each other better, Nooran is poisoned by a treachery that sets her on a perilous journey to avenge herself and find her song.
The film had its world premiere at Locarno in 2017 and had festival play at Rotterdam, London, Singapore and Dubai among many others.
- 4/19/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Celebrated actor Nigel Havers and French journalist Sophie Davant will join Warner Bros. International Television Production (Wbitvp) and Zdf Studios to celebrate 10 years and a now 10 territory roll-out of antique auction show “Cash or Trash.”
The property is produced by Wbitvp and distributed internationally by Zdf Studios. Celebrations will take place as part of Wbitvp’s Formats Showcase, held March 2 at BAFTA during this year’s London TV Screenings.
Havers and Davant host the adaptations of “Cash or Trash,” on BBC One (“The Bidding Room”) and French public TV channel France 2 (“Affair Conclue”).
The celebration takes place as Zdf Studios confirmed Monday that brand new episodes of the format will air in 2023 in Austria (Servus TV), Greece (Star Channel), Germany (Zdf), France (France 2), Italy (Discovery), Poland (Polsat), and the U.K. (BBC One). Slovakian Markiza TV and Czech TV Nova have also licensed their territories.
A Moroccan version broadcast this...
The property is produced by Wbitvp and distributed internationally by Zdf Studios. Celebrations will take place as part of Wbitvp’s Formats Showcase, held March 2 at BAFTA during this year’s London TV Screenings.
Havers and Davant host the adaptations of “Cash or Trash,” on BBC One (“The Bidding Room”) and French public TV channel France 2 (“Affair Conclue”).
The celebration takes place as Zdf Studios confirmed Monday that brand new episodes of the format will air in 2023 in Austria (Servus TV), Greece (Star Channel), Germany (Zdf), France (France 2), Italy (Discovery), Poland (Polsat), and the U.K. (BBC One). Slovakian Markiza TV and Czech TV Nova have also licensed their territories.
A Moroccan version broadcast this...
- 2/27/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
A panel discussion took place today (June 30) at the British Screen Forum’s 2022 conference in London.
Senior executives from the UK screen sectors expressed mixed feelings about the TV, film and gaming industries’ return to post-pandemic form at the British Screen Forum’s 2022 conference in London.
One TV executive predicted a looming UK recession could have an even bigger impact on industry trends than Covid.
Andrew Zein, senior vice president creative, format development and sales at Warner Bros International TV Production, said: “I wouldn’t underestimate recession and inflation as being defining factors for the next two or three years.
Senior executives from the UK screen sectors expressed mixed feelings about the TV, film and gaming industries’ return to post-pandemic form at the British Screen Forum’s 2022 conference in London.
One TV executive predicted a looming UK recession could have an even bigger impact on industry trends than Covid.
Andrew Zein, senior vice president creative, format development and sales at Warner Bros International TV Production, said: “I wouldn’t underestimate recession and inflation as being defining factors for the next two or three years.
- 6/30/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Acorn/Sundance Acquire ‘The Drowning’
AMC Networks streamers Acorn TV and Sundance Now have swooped for the U.S. and Canadian rights to four-part identity thriller The Drowning. Produced by Noel Clarke and Jason Maza’s All3Media-backed Unstoppable Film & Television, the series will premiere on the streamers on May 6 after becoming a hit in the UK, where it premiered to 2.8 million viewers on Channel 5. Starring Jill Halfpenny, Jonas Armstrong, and Rupert Penry-Jones, it follows Jodie, who is convinced that a teenage boy is her missing son. Sold by All3Media International, other deals include C More, Sky Network Television (New Zealand), and Hellenic Telecommunications (Greece). Dazzler Media has also secured DVD rights for UK and Eire. Written by Tim Dynevor, Francesca Brill, and Luke Watson, The Drowning is directed by Carolina Giammetta (Vera) and produced by Mary McCarthy. Executive producers are Clarke (Bulletproof), Maza (Bulletproof), Alexandra Stone,...
AMC Networks streamers Acorn TV and Sundance Now have swooped for the U.S. and Canadian rights to four-part identity thriller The Drowning. Produced by Noel Clarke and Jason Maza’s All3Media-backed Unstoppable Film & Television, the series will premiere on the streamers on May 6 after becoming a hit in the UK, where it premiered to 2.8 million viewers on Channel 5. Starring Jill Halfpenny, Jonas Armstrong, and Rupert Penry-Jones, it follows Jodie, who is convinced that a teenage boy is her missing son. Sold by All3Media International, other deals include C More, Sky Network Television (New Zealand), and Hellenic Telecommunications (Greece). Dazzler Media has also secured DVD rights for UK and Eire. Written by Tim Dynevor, Francesca Brill, and Luke Watson, The Drowning is directed by Carolina Giammetta (Vera) and produced by Mary McCarthy. Executive producers are Clarke (Bulletproof), Maza (Bulletproof), Alexandra Stone,...
- 4/13/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. International Television Production (Wbitvp) has swooped for global distribution rights to International Emmy-nominated series “How to Buy a Baby.”
The digital original from Canadian public broadcaster CBC is produced by Toronto-based LoCo Motion Pictures and follows a couple struggling to conceive a baby. The series, created by Wendy Litner, provides a voyeuristic view of a marriage under pressure and shows just how much suffering a couple will endure for a child.
The format has already been adapted in Sweden by Wbitvp, with season 1 of locally titled “Alla Utom Vi” (Everyone Except Us) having premiered on Sweden’s Discovery Plus platform in February as a 10 x 22′ series. A second season has also been commissioned.
Commenting on the deal, Andrew Zein, senior VP of creative format development and sales at Wbitvp, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Lauren [Corber] and her company LoCo Motion to bring this fantastic dramatic...
The digital original from Canadian public broadcaster CBC is produced by Toronto-based LoCo Motion Pictures and follows a couple struggling to conceive a baby. The series, created by Wendy Litner, provides a voyeuristic view of a marriage under pressure and shows just how much suffering a couple will endure for a child.
The format has already been adapted in Sweden by Wbitvp, with season 1 of locally titled “Alla Utom Vi” (Everyone Except Us) having premiered on Sweden’s Discovery Plus platform in February as a 10 x 22′ series. A second season has also been commissioned.
Commenting on the deal, Andrew Zein, senior VP of creative format development and sales at Wbitvp, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Lauren [Corber] and her company LoCo Motion to bring this fantastic dramatic...
- 4/13/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros To Sell BBC One Format ‘The Wheel’
Warner Bros International Television Production is to represent BBC One’s ambitious new entertainment show The Wheel on the global stage after striking a deal with producer Hungry McBear Media. Hosted by comedian Michael McIntyre, the show revolves around a spinning wheel of celebrity guests who help a contestant win jackpot prizes. Warner Bros will represent the format and finished tape outside of the U.S. and UK. “The Wheel is a uniquely brilliant concept that has excited us since it’s early development,” said Andrew Zein, SVP of creative format development and sales at Wbitvp. The Wheel is executive produced by Dan Baldwin and Tom Blakeson.
Amazon Orders Italian ‘Lol: Last One Laughing’
Amazon Prime Video has commissioned Endemol Shine Italy to make an Italian version of its comedy entertainment show Lol: Last One Laughing. The format sees 10 comedians go...
Warner Bros International Television Production is to represent BBC One’s ambitious new entertainment show The Wheel on the global stage after striking a deal with producer Hungry McBear Media. Hosted by comedian Michael McIntyre, the show revolves around a spinning wheel of celebrity guests who help a contestant win jackpot prizes. Warner Bros will represent the format and finished tape outside of the U.S. and UK. “The Wheel is a uniquely brilliant concept that has excited us since it’s early development,” said Andrew Zein, SVP of creative format development and sales at Wbitvp. The Wheel is executive produced by Dan Baldwin and Tom Blakeson.
Amazon Orders Italian ‘Lol: Last One Laughing’
Amazon Prime Video has commissioned Endemol Shine Italy to make an Italian version of its comedy entertainment show Lol: Last One Laughing. The format sees 10 comedians go...
- 11/25/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Pretty Little Liars is getting an Asian remake after Warner Bros struck a deal with pan-regional digital service Viu.
The teen drama, which ran for seven seasons on ABC Family and Freeform, is to be localized in Bahasa and filmed in Bali as part of the Indonesian and Malaysian adaptation. Set in the fictional town of Amerta, the series will be directed by The Night Bus filmmaker Emil Heradi.
Similar to the U.S. version, it follows a group of four estranged undergrads whose group had fallen apart when their former leader went missing. The girls come back together in the face of danger, when they begin receiving messages from a mysterious figure known as “A”, who threatens to expose their darkest secrets.
Anya Geraldine stars as Hanna, Eyka Farhana as Ema, Valerie Thomas as Sabrina, Shindy Huang as Aria, and Yuki Kato as Alissa.
The deal was done between...
The teen drama, which ran for seven seasons on ABC Family and Freeform, is to be localized in Bahasa and filmed in Bali as part of the Indonesian and Malaysian adaptation. Set in the fictional town of Amerta, the series will be directed by The Night Bus filmmaker Emil Heradi.
Similar to the U.S. version, it follows a group of four estranged undergrads whose group had fallen apart when their former leader went missing. The girls come back together in the face of danger, when they begin receiving messages from a mysterious figure known as “A”, who threatens to expose their darkest secrets.
Anya Geraldine stars as Hanna, Eyka Farhana as Ema, Valerie Thomas as Sabrina, Shindy Huang as Aria, and Yuki Kato as Alissa.
The deal was done between...
- 8/27/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
“Game of Games” is going global with the first international version of the hit format commissioned in Spain. Warner Bros. International Television Production Spain announced Tuesday that it had been commissioned by Artresmedia to produce a local version of the game show format for its terrestrial channel Antena 3.
“We’re thrilled to announce Antena 3 as our first broadcast partner for ‘Game of Games’ and we look forward to bringing this hugely successful show to Spanish audiences,” said Andrew Zein, senior vice president, creative, format development and sales for Warner Bros. International Television Production.
This first international commission for the format follows the success of the U.S. version, “Ellen’s Game of Games” (pictured), hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, which debuted with a special preview episode Dec. 18 last year ahead of its official premiere Jan. 2 on NBC. The show saw an average of just over 8 million viewers across its eight,...
“We’re thrilled to announce Antena 3 as our first broadcast partner for ‘Game of Games’ and we look forward to bringing this hugely successful show to Spanish audiences,” said Andrew Zein, senior vice president, creative, format development and sales for Warner Bros. International Television Production.
This first international commission for the format follows the success of the U.S. version, “Ellen’s Game of Games” (pictured), hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, which debuted with a special preview episode Dec. 18 last year ahead of its official premiere Jan. 2 on NBC. The show saw an average of just over 8 million viewers across its eight,...
- 4/10/2018
- by Robert Mitchell
- Variety Film + TV
Former Shine Australia executive producer Shaun Murphy has joined Warner Bros. Australian production company.
Murphy takes the newly created role of head of entertainment at Warner Bros International Television Production (Wbitvp) Australia.
That.s the rebranded name of Eyeworks Australia following the Hollywood studio.s acquisition of the Eyeworks Group last year.
Murphy's executive producer credits include three seasons of The Bachelor Australia, Australia's Next Top Model for Foxtel and Crips & Bloods: Made in America for PBS.
Wbitvp is producing a seventh season of Who Do You Think You Are? for Sbs and What Really Happens in Thailand, a co-production with McAvoy Media, for the Seven Network.
Andrew Zein, senior VP of creative, format development and sales at Wbitvp, said: .Shaun joining underlines our commitment and ambition for growing our Australian production business..
Murphy takes the newly created role of head of entertainment at Warner Bros International Television Production (Wbitvp) Australia.
That.s the rebranded name of Eyeworks Australia following the Hollywood studio.s acquisition of the Eyeworks Group last year.
Murphy's executive producer credits include three seasons of The Bachelor Australia, Australia's Next Top Model for Foxtel and Crips & Bloods: Made in America for PBS.
Wbitvp is producing a seventh season of Who Do You Think You Are? for Sbs and What Really Happens in Thailand, a co-production with McAvoy Media, for the Seven Network.
Andrew Zein, senior VP of creative, format development and sales at Wbitvp, said: .Shaun joining underlines our commitment and ambition for growing our Australian production business..
- 8/3/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Australian multi-platform production company The Feds has won the top prize at the Mip formats international pitch competition in Cannes.
Warner Bros. International Television Production will invest up to €25,000 ($A37,000) to develop Zombie Boot Camp, a hybrid of reality, horror and gameshow.
The format was developed from an original idea by Claire Marshall, The Feds. associate producer, development.. It's an endurance challenge with 16 contestants in each episode, which envisions how each would survive a Zombie apocalypse.
Two teams compete in a test of skills in everything from skull protection to improvised bullets. The winning team gets immunity while the losers must choose three contestants to face the Zombies.
Two are allowed to escape but the last to reach the escape hatch will be .eaten.. In the finale the remaining two will face 200 Zombies, including their old team members.
Marshall and The Feds' head of content Lisa Gray made the pitch to TV delegates in Cannes,...
Warner Bros. International Television Production will invest up to €25,000 ($A37,000) to develop Zombie Boot Camp, a hybrid of reality, horror and gameshow.
The format was developed from an original idea by Claire Marshall, The Feds. associate producer, development.. It's an endurance challenge with 16 contestants in each episode, which envisions how each would survive a Zombie apocalypse.
Two teams compete in a test of skills in everything from skull protection to improvised bullets. The winning team gets immunity while the losers must choose three contestants to face the Zombies.
Two are allowed to escape but the last to reach the escape hatch will be .eaten.. In the finale the remaining two will face 200 Zombies, including their old team members.
Marshall and The Feds' head of content Lisa Gray made the pitch to TV delegates in Cannes,...
- 4/6/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Warner Bros International Television Production has acquired format rights to distribute BBC One’s new quiz show, The Link. BBC One has commissioned 25 episodes for a daytime slot. The show is produced by Stv Productions in association with Ltv. Not to be confused with the BBC’s The Weakest Link, the game show pits teams against each other as they race to find the link between questions. Guess the connections, break the links, win money. “We know that great game shows are back at the top of broadcasters’ wish lists. The Link is that rare thing — an original new quiz show with a strong identity in terms of both its game play and visual elements, commissioned in a key market. Our excitement is shared by Mike Darnell and his team at the Warner Bros Television Group, who will be bringing it to market in the U.S.,” says Wbitp’s Andrew Zein.
- 3/6/2014
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
(March 28, 2012 — Burbank, CA) — Warner Bros. International Television Production (Wbitvp) is delighted to be bringing to the world’s television market the format rights for one of the most successful TV series, ER, it was announced today by Wbitvp’s Andrew Zein, Senior Vice President, Creative Format Development and Sales. First broadcast in 1994 on NBC, ER’s 331-episode run became the most Emmy®-nominated primetime series in U.S. television history. It has been sold to over 50 countries as a finished programme – both in English language and dubbed for local audiences. Combining the extraordinary talents of best-selling author Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park), award-winning producer John Wells (The West Wing, Third Watch) and Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television, ER explores the inner workings of an urban teaching hospital and the critical issues faced by the dedicated physicians and staff of its overburdened emergency room. These medical professionals remain determined to save lives...
- 3/28/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Warner Bros.' international TV production unit will be courting foreign producers to say yes to localizing the format of its reality franchise "The Bachelor" during next week's Mipcom TV trade show in Cannes.
The focus on getting more localized versions up and running of "The Bachelor" is indicative of Warners' stepped-up strategy to be a key player in the international non-scripted game the way it already is with primetime drama and sitcoms.
"The Bachelor" recently launched in a customized version in Romania, where it ranked No. 1 in its time period on Antena 1 and improved the channel's audience share by +125% during its run this summer.
The development and production of local versions will be supervised for Warner Bros. intl. TV Production by Ronald Goes, E VP of International Television Production, and Andrew Zein, S VP of Creative Format Development and Sales.
" 'The Bachelor' has been a strong performer around the globe,...
The focus on getting more localized versions up and running of "The Bachelor" is indicative of Warners' stepped-up strategy to be a key player in the international non-scripted game the way it already is with primetime drama and sitcoms.
"The Bachelor" recently launched in a customized version in Romania, where it ranked No. 1 in its time period on Antena 1 and improved the channel's audience share by +125% during its run this summer.
The development and production of local versions will be supervised for Warner Bros. intl. TV Production by Ronald Goes, E VP of International Television Production, and Andrew Zein, S VP of Creative Format Development and Sales.
" 'The Bachelor' has been a strong performer around the globe,...
- 9/30/2010
- by By Elizabeth Guider
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Boosting its U.K. television production operations further, Warner Bros. said Wednesday that its London production division has teamed up with John de Mol's format factory, Talpa Media, to make British versions of its most successful formats.
The Warner-Talpa cooperation will be overseen by Andrew Zein, svp Warner Bros. International Production, and will have exclusive rights to sell, produce and adapt all Talpa formats, including such fare as "Dating In The Dark," "Viper's Nest" and "The Golden Cage."
The deal was jointly announced by Warner Bros evp and head of international production Ronald Goes and Talpa Media CEO Pim Schmitz.
Netherlands-based Talpa is in the process of rapidly expanding its production alliances across Europe in order to have local production partnerships in major territories. In the past eight months it has set up deals in 13 territories including the U.S., Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the U.
The Warner-Talpa cooperation will be overseen by Andrew Zein, svp Warner Bros. International Production, and will have exclusive rights to sell, produce and adapt all Talpa formats, including such fare as "Dating In The Dark," "Viper's Nest" and "The Golden Cage."
The deal was jointly announced by Warner Bros evp and head of international production Ronald Goes and Talpa Media CEO Pim Schmitz.
Netherlands-based Talpa is in the process of rapidly expanding its production alliances across Europe in order to have local production partnerships in major territories. In the past eight months it has set up deals in 13 territories including the U.S., Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the U.
- 9/1/2010
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paris-based Zodiak has bought an 8% stake in UK independent TV producer Shed Media. Another 2% more and Zodiak could stymie Time Warner, which is trying to buy Shed. Cyrte Investments, the investment company of Endemol-founder John De Mol, sold its 7.8% Shed stake to Zodiak on June 1. But the deal has only just come to light in a Stock Market footnote to another Shed investor, Aviva, selling 6% of its shares. Last month, Zodiak closed a deal to acquire U.K.’s Rdf Media Group, already creating the third largest independent TV production company in the world. Time Warner could pay up to £90 million ($135 million) for Shed. The studio wants Shed, which makes Supernanny for America, because it wants to expand overseas, replicating the success it has had in America with hit shows such as The Wire and Gossip Girl – both of which have exported well. It recently hired ex-Tiger Aspect managing director...
- 7/30/2010
- by TIM ADLER
- Deadline London
London -- Warner Bros. is in talks to buy "Supernanny" and "Who Do You Think You Are?" producer Shed Media, the companies said Monday.
Shed, which owns production assets including Ricochet Media, Twenty Twenty and Wall to Wall, has been seeking a buyer for much of the last year. Earlier this month the company said it had walked away from talks with private equity funds Bowmark Capital and Darwin Private Equity but was in talks with another possible suitor.
The move is being handled by Warner Bros. U.K., which recently hired former Tiger Aspect managing director Andrew Zein to oversee its commercial operations and grow its U.K. footprint.
"The independent directors confirm that the company is in discussions with Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Time Warner, working with certain members of Shed management," Shed Media said in a statement. "There is no certainty that an...
Shed, which owns production assets including Ricochet Media, Twenty Twenty and Wall to Wall, has been seeking a buyer for much of the last year. Earlier this month the company said it had walked away from talks with private equity funds Bowmark Capital and Darwin Private Equity but was in talks with another possible suitor.
The move is being handled by Warner Bros. U.K., which recently hired former Tiger Aspect managing director Andrew Zein to oversee its commercial operations and grow its U.K. footprint.
"The independent directors confirm that the company is in discussions with Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Time Warner, working with certain members of Shed management," Shed Media said in a statement. "There is no certainty that an...
- 6/21/2010
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Managers of the UK production company hope Time Warner will end up paying £90 million ($135 million) for Shed Media. They own 65% of the company between them. Analysts say that Shed may go for up to £85 million. Time Warner wants Shed, which makes Supernanny for America, because it wants to expand overseas, replicating the success it has had in American with hit shows such as The Wire and Gossip Girl – both of which have exported well. It recently hired ex-Tiger Aspect managing director Andrew Zein to buy independent TV producers and grow Warner Bros’ UK production business. Apart [...]...
- 6/21/2010
- by TIM ADLER
- Deadline London
Showtime has signed up for a fourth and final season of "Secret Diary of a Call Girl."
The premium cable network will run another round of the U.K.-based comedy series, which chronicles the adventures of a British escort played by Billie Piper. The season will be the last for the show, whose fate on both shores had been uncertain in recent weeks.
Season 4 includes eight half-hour episodes continuing the story of Belle, a writer torn between her secret career and her feelings for best friend Ben. The series likely will return early next year.
Piper recently was quoted as saying the series could be adapted into a feature film.
"Diary" is produced by Img/Tiger Aspect/Silverapples Media/Arg and is exec produced by Michael Foster, Billie Piper and Andrew Zein.
The premium cable network will run another round of the U.K.-based comedy series, which chronicles the adventures of a British escort played by Billie Piper. The season will be the last for the show, whose fate on both shores had been uncertain in recent weeks.
Season 4 includes eight half-hour episodes continuing the story of Belle, a writer torn between her secret career and her feelings for best friend Ben. The series likely will return early next year.
Piper recently was quoted as saying the series could be adapted into a feature film.
"Diary" is produced by Img/Tiger Aspect/Silverapples Media/Arg and is exec produced by Michael Foster, Billie Piper and Andrew Zein.
- 6/17/2010
- by By James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Andrew Zein has been tapped by Warner Bros. as programming head for its recently formed international television production unit based in London. As senior VP, creative, format development and sales at Warner Bros Intl. TV Distribution, the British production exec will play a key role in the unit's core business team of senior execs, reporting to Ronald Goes, who joined the group last year and serves as Evp and head of International Television Production.
Established last summer, the production unit has a mandate to acquire or build production companies in major territories to develop original local shows and to adapt the output from the Hollywood studio on a market-by-market basis.
In his new post, Zein will work closely with Goes to develop and implement the unit's creative and licensing strategy. Zein will directly oversee all operations related to the development and production of shows for the unit throughout the world,...
Established last summer, the production unit has a mandate to acquire or build production companies in major territories to develop original local shows and to adapt the output from the Hollywood studio on a market-by-market basis.
In his new post, Zein will work closely with Goes to develop and implement the unit's creative and licensing strategy. Zein will directly oversee all operations related to the development and production of shows for the unit throughout the world,...
- 1/19/2010
- by By Elizabeth Guider
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Endemol has acquired British production companies Tiger Aspect, Darlow Smithson and Darlow Smithson's Tigress from Img.
The pact, said to be in the neighborhood of $50 million, comes a month after global sports and modeling agency/entertainment company Img Worldwide announced that it was looking at potentially offloading Tiger Aspect and Darlow Smithson.
The move is part of Endemol's aggressive acquisition strategy of the past couple of years that has expanded the company's entertainment portfolio.
Tiger Aspect was arguably the top entertainment property under Igm's umbrella. The company, one of the U.K.'s best-known producers, is behind such hits as "Billy Elliot" and kids animation "Charlie and Lola," as well as comedy "Diary of a Call Girl," which ran on Showtime, dramas "Robin Hood" and "Vicar of Dibley" and reality series "Make Me a Supermodel" for Bravo and "Cook Yourself Thin" for Lifetime.
Meanwhile, factual features producer Darlow Smithson, is...
The pact, said to be in the neighborhood of $50 million, comes a month after global sports and modeling agency/entertainment company Img Worldwide announced that it was looking at potentially offloading Tiger Aspect and Darlow Smithson.
The move is part of Endemol's aggressive acquisition strategy of the past couple of years that has expanded the company's entertainment portfolio.
Tiger Aspect was arguably the top entertainment property under Igm's umbrella. The company, one of the U.K.'s best-known producers, is behind such hits as "Billy Elliot" and kids animation "Charlie and Lola," as well as comedy "Diary of a Call Girl," which ran on Showtime, dramas "Robin Hood" and "Vicar of Dibley" and reality series "Make Me a Supermodel" for Bravo and "Cook Yourself Thin" for Lifetime.
Meanwhile, factual features producer Darlow Smithson, is...
- 11/23/2009
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- A third of the 24 companies identified as the U.K.'s "top creative businesses of tomorrow" are television production outfits, according to a report released Wednesday by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts.
The 24 companies identified as "high growth" by Nesta and its partners -- U.K. film and TV trade body Pact and business research firm Grant Thornton -- include 14 digital media firms and a pair of advertising shingles. Each of the companies selected is being teamed with individual mentors to guide them to greater heights.
The move will see TV production company house Avatar Prods. team up with BBC Worldwide content and production director Wayne Garvie while M&C Saatchi Global CEO Moray MacLennan offers his guidance and support to digital media company Novarising.
Other couplings will see All3Media managing director Louise Pedersen lend her expertise to TV production company October Films and...
The 24 companies identified as "high growth" by Nesta and its partners -- U.K. film and TV trade body Pact and business research firm Grant Thornton -- include 14 digital media firms and a pair of advertising shingles. Each of the companies selected is being teamed with individual mentors to guide them to greater heights.
The move will see TV production company house Avatar Prods. team up with BBC Worldwide content and production director Wayne Garvie while M&C Saatchi Global CEO Moray MacLennan offers his guidance and support to digital media company Novarising.
Other couplings will see All3Media managing director Louise Pedersen lend her expertise to TV production company October Films and...
- 4/15/2009
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It's "No Heroics" for ABC this pilot season.
The network has greenlighted a single-camera comedy pilot based on the British series.
Written by "Will & Grace" alum Jeff Greenstein and original show creator Drew Pearce, "No Heroics" is about a group of superheroes with less-than-formidable powers who hang out at a bar.
ABC Studios is producing. Greenstein and Pearce are exec producing with Andrew Zein of Tiger Aspect, which produces the British series for ITV.
Icm-repped Greenstein most recently worked on the ABC/ABC Studios dramedy "Desperate Housewives."
Pearce is repped by Endeavor.
The network has greenlighted a single-camera comedy pilot based on the British series.
Written by "Will & Grace" alum Jeff Greenstein and original show creator Drew Pearce, "No Heroics" is about a group of superheroes with less-than-formidable powers who hang out at a bar.
ABC Studios is producing. Greenstein and Pearce are exec producing with Andrew Zein of Tiger Aspect, which produces the British series for ITV.
Icm-repped Greenstein most recently worked on the ABC/ABC Studios dramedy "Desperate Housewives."
Pearce is repped by Endeavor.
- 2/10/2009
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kelsey Grammer is eyeing a quick return to primetime with a starring role on ABC's comedy pilot Roman's Empire.
Empire is a single-camera comedy that centers on Leo (Nick Thune), a lovable guy who, after getting dumped by his girlfriend (Christine Woods), tries but cannot extricate himself from her wealthy family, the Prettys, and her outrageous, overbearing father, Roman Pretty (Grammer).
Also cast in the CBS Par/ABC Studios pilot are Laura Leigh and Carla Gallo as Roman's other two daughters and Zachary Knighton as the boyfriend of one of them.
The single-camera Roman's Empire marks a departure for Grammer from the multi-camera format after his 20-year stint as Dr. Frasier Crane on NBC's Cheers and Frasier and his starring role on Fox's Back to You this past season.
Al Higgins penned the script for Roman's Empire and is exec producing with Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Karey Burke, Andrew Zein and Ben Cavey.
Empire is a single-camera comedy that centers on Leo (Nick Thune), a lovable guy who, after getting dumped by his girlfriend (Christine Woods), tries but cannot extricate himself from her wealthy family, the Prettys, and her outrageous, overbearing father, Roman Pretty (Grammer).
Also cast in the CBS Par/ABC Studios pilot are Laura Leigh and Carla Gallo as Roman's other two daughters and Zachary Knighton as the boyfriend of one of them.
The single-camera Roman's Empire marks a departure for Grammer from the multi-camera format after his 20-year stint as Dr. Frasier Crane on NBC's Cheers and Frasier and his starring role on Fox's Back to You this past season.
Al Higgins penned the script for Roman's Empire and is exec producing with Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Karey Burke, Andrew Zein and Ben Cavey.
- 5/23/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- British detective drama Murphy's Law could be the latest crime drama to cross the Atlantic after indie producer Tiger Aspect said Thursday it had sold the format to Touchstone Television. A U.S. pilot of Murphy's Law is currently in development with Fox Broadcasting. The show is being produced by Jeff Kline and writer Alison Cross at Touchstone Television with a view to production in Spring 2005. Greg Brenman and Tiger Aspect managing director Andrew Zein will exec produce.
- 11/25/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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