No hostage left behind.
So many of your favorite stars have come together to thank President Biden for his efforts in working to peace amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Amid the news that two American hostages and two Israeli hostages have been released from captivity, Hollywood heavyweights are hoping for the safe return of the 220 innocent people who are still being held hostage by Hamas.
“We are heartened by Friday’s release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity,” the letter read.
The letter continued, “But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered – women raped, families burned alive,...
So many of your favorite stars have come together to thank President Biden for his efforts in working to peace amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Amid the news that two American hostages and two Israeli hostages have been released from captivity, Hollywood heavyweights are hoping for the safe return of the 220 innocent people who are still being held hostage by Hamas.
“We are heartened by Friday’s release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity,” the letter read.
The letter continued, “But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered – women raped, families burned alive,...
- 10/24/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
MRC has tapped Scott Free Television copresident Jordan Sheehan as the company’s newest head of TV development.
In the role, Sheehan will spearhead development and producer deals for MRC, and will report to MRC president of TV Jenna Santoianni, who was elevated to TV head in March after former president Elise Henderson left the position.
MRC’s current slate of TV projects include Peacock mystery comedy series “Poker Face,” Amazon Prime Video’s “The Terminal List,” as well as its untitled prequel, which was announced in early 2023 and will follow Taylor Kitsch’s Ben Edwards. The production company also has a hand in upcoming projects including Apple TV+’s “Time Bandits” and Peacock’s “Ted” series.
Prior to joining MRC, Sheehan worked at Scott Free Television for more than a decade, and was elevated to co-president in 2021. During her time at Scott Free Television, Sheehan assisted in the development...
In the role, Sheehan will spearhead development and producer deals for MRC, and will report to MRC president of TV Jenna Santoianni, who was elevated to TV head in March after former president Elise Henderson left the position.
MRC’s current slate of TV projects include Peacock mystery comedy series “Poker Face,” Amazon Prime Video’s “The Terminal List,” as well as its untitled prequel, which was announced in early 2023 and will follow Taylor Kitsch’s Ben Edwards. The production company also has a hand in upcoming projects including Apple TV+’s “Time Bandits” and Peacock’s “Ted” series.
Prior to joining MRC, Sheehan worked at Scott Free Television for more than a decade, and was elevated to co-president in 2021. During her time at Scott Free Television, Sheehan assisted in the development...
- 10/17/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
4th Update, Oct 16: Casey Wasserman is the latest Hollywood heavyweight to speak out in support of Israel.
“There is no justification for this,” the Wasserman chairman-ceo – and chairman of the L.A. 2028 committee – reportedly said at an International Olympic Committee session in Mumbai on Monday. “I unequivocally stand in solidarity with Israel, but let me be clear I also stand with the innocent civilians in Gaza who did not choose this war.”
Referencing the terrorist kidnapping of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Games, Wasserman continued, “Unfortunately, the Olympics are not immune to the world we live in.
“At its worst, it is a platform for hate to express itself on the stage and we will always remember the 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team who were taken hostage and murdered in Munich.
“But at its best it is an opportunity for sport to show the world a better path with peace and unity,...
“There is no justification for this,” the Wasserman chairman-ceo – and chairman of the L.A. 2028 committee – reportedly said at an International Olympic Committee session in Mumbai on Monday. “I unequivocally stand in solidarity with Israel, but let me be clear I also stand with the innocent civilians in Gaza who did not choose this war.”
Referencing the terrorist kidnapping of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Games, Wasserman continued, “Unfortunately, the Olympics are not immune to the world we live in.
“At its worst, it is a platform for hate to express itself on the stage and we will always remember the 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team who were taken hostage and murdered in Munich.
“But at its best it is an opportunity for sport to show the world a better path with peace and unity,...
- 10/16/2023
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
“The DGA unequivocally condemns terrorism.”
The Directors Guild of America (DGA) has condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel and said it stands against the “growing spread of antisemitism here in the US and abroad”.
In a statement issued on Wednesday the Guild said: “The DGA unequivocally condemns terrorism and joins the many voices in our community decrying the recent Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel and violence against innocent civilians.
“We stand against the growing spread of antisemitism here in the US and abroad, and remain committed in our actions, words and deeds to supporting the Jewish people.”
Earlier in the week MRC,...
The Directors Guild of America (DGA) has condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel and said it stands against the “growing spread of antisemitism here in the US and abroad”.
In a statement issued on Wednesday the Guild said: “The DGA unequivocally condemns terrorism and joins the many voices in our community decrying the recent Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel and violence against innocent civilians.
“We stand against the growing spread of antisemitism here in the US and abroad, and remain committed in our actions, words and deeds to supporting the Jewish people.”
Earlier in the week MRC,...
- 10/11/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Independent TV and film studio MRC has named Jenna Santoianni its president of television.
MRC CEO Scott Tenley made the announcement Tuesday morning. Santoianni will oversee MRC’s current programming, its development slate, joint ventures, production partnerships, operational unites, business, legal affairs and production finance. She is expected to begin this week.
“Jenna is an incredibly talented television executive with invaluable high-level experience and knowledge of all aspects of the industry, including development, production and packaging,” Tenley said in a press release. “With sharp creative instincts, Jenna’s strength is her commitment to fostering a collaborative internal culture along with an impressive track record for producing groundbreaking and compelling series. She is that rare entrepreneurial leader who can help deliver the successful growth of our television slate for years to come.”
Also Read:
‘Poker Face’ Renewed for Season 2 at Peacock
Santoianna, who most recently served as executive VP and head...
MRC CEO Scott Tenley made the announcement Tuesday morning. Santoianni will oversee MRC’s current programming, its development slate, joint ventures, production partnerships, operational unites, business, legal affairs and production finance. She is expected to begin this week.
“Jenna is an incredibly talented television executive with invaluable high-level experience and knowledge of all aspects of the industry, including development, production and packaging,” Tenley said in a press release. “With sharp creative instincts, Jenna’s strength is her commitment to fostering a collaborative internal culture along with an impressive track record for producing groundbreaking and compelling series. She is that rare entrepreneurial leader who can help deliver the successful growth of our television slate for years to come.”
Also Read:
‘Poker Face’ Renewed for Season 2 at Peacock
Santoianna, who most recently served as executive VP and head...
- 3/7/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
MRC has set Jenna Santoianni as the studio’s new president of television, following the exit of former president Elise Henderson.
In her new role, Santoianni will oversee MRC’s current programming, its full slate of development, all joint ventures and production partnerships, as well as all of the television studio’s operational units, including production, business and legal affairs and production finance.
Reporting to recently named MRC CEO Scott Tenley, Santoianni is expected to begin this week.
She joins the studio amid a restructuring that saw Tenley elevated, while co-founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu assumed the new roles of chairmen. Jonathan Golfman and Brye Adler remain co-presidents of film and Amit Dey as head of non-fiction.
“Jenna is an incredibly talented television executive with invaluable high-level experience and knowledge of all aspects of the industry, including development, production and packaging,” Tenley said. “With sharp creative instincts, Jenna’s...
In her new role, Santoianni will oversee MRC’s current programming, its full slate of development, all joint ventures and production partnerships, as well as all of the television studio’s operational units, including production, business and legal affairs and production finance.
Reporting to recently named MRC CEO Scott Tenley, Santoianni is expected to begin this week.
She joins the studio amid a restructuring that saw Tenley elevated, while co-founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu assumed the new roles of chairmen. Jonathan Golfman and Brye Adler remain co-presidents of film and Amit Dey as head of non-fiction.
“Jenna is an incredibly talented television executive with invaluable high-level experience and knowledge of all aspects of the industry, including development, production and packaging,” Tenley said. “With sharp creative instincts, Jenna’s...
- 3/7/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Former Paramount Television Studios executive Jenna Santoianni has joined MRC as President of Television. She will replace Elise Henderson who is leaving the company after a four-year stint. The personnel change comes on the heels of Scott Tenley’s elevation to CEO as part of a new executive structure the studio announced last week, with co-founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu assuming the new roles of Chairmen. (Jonathan Golfman and Brye Adler continue as co-Presidents of Film and Amit Dey as Head of Non-Fiction.)
This marks the first executive move by Tenley and comes amid a major TV ramp-up at the indie studio over the past few years under Henderson with such series as Peacock’s breakout hit Poker Face, Hulu’s The Great, Prime Video’s The Terminal List and a recently greenlit prequel, Apple TV+’s The Shrink Next Door, Shining Girls and Hello Tomorrow!. The company also...
This marks the first executive move by Tenley and comes amid a major TV ramp-up at the indie studio over the past few years under Henderson with such series as Peacock’s breakout hit Poker Face, Hulu’s The Great, Prime Video’s The Terminal List and a recently greenlit prequel, Apple TV+’s The Shrink Next Door, Shining Girls and Hello Tomorrow!. The company also...
- 3/7/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Independent entertainment studio MRC has promoted longtime exec Scott Tenley to CEO.
Tenley had been serving as Chief Business Officer for the company, which has backed film and episodic projects including Knives Out, Poker Face and Ozark. The former corporate entertainment attorney arrived at MRC 16 years ago and has racked up a number of accomplishments, including negotiating the company’s separation from Valence Media.
As CEO, Tenley will oversee the studio’s film, TV and non-fiction divisions, strategic partnerships, as well as all shared service functions of the company, including finance, legal, and Hr. In the new executive structure, founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu will become Chairmen.
“Scott Tenley has a hand in nearly every single deal, every single accomplishment at MRC over the past 16 years. He has blazed trails in almost every facet of our business, from selling House of Cards to Netflix to setting up The Academy...
Tenley had been serving as Chief Business Officer for the company, which has backed film and episodic projects including Knives Out, Poker Face and Ozark. The former corporate entertainment attorney arrived at MRC 16 years ago and has racked up a number of accomplishments, including negotiating the company’s separation from Valence Media.
As CEO, Tenley will oversee the studio’s film, TV and non-fiction divisions, strategic partnerships, as well as all shared service functions of the company, including finance, legal, and Hr. In the new executive structure, founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu will become Chairmen.
“Scott Tenley has a hand in nearly every single deal, every single accomplishment at MRC over the past 16 years. He has blazed trails in almost every facet of our business, from selling House of Cards to Netflix to setting up The Academy...
- 3/2/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
MRC, the independent film and TV studio behind hits like “Poker Face” and “Knives Out,” has found a new leader, elevating the company’s veteran chief business officer Scott Tenley to CEO.
MRC’s founders (and now-former co-CEOs) Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu will become chairmen as part of Tenley’s promotion. Tenley will now oversee all film and television divisions at MRC, as well as its strategic partnerships, legal, financial, and Hr departments. He’ll also look for “growth opportunities” for the studio, MRC said on Thursday.
Tenley has been the driving force behind MRC’s latest hot streak. Way back in 2012 he sold “House of Cards” to Netflix, but more recently he shepherded the deals for “Poker Face” to Peacock and “Fair Play” to Netflix for $20 million (Sundance 2023’s biggest deal). Tenley also pushed projects to Amazon, like Emerald Fennell’s upcoming film “Saltburn,” the second season of “The Terminal List,...
MRC’s founders (and now-former co-CEOs) Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu will become chairmen as part of Tenley’s promotion. Tenley will now oversee all film and television divisions at MRC, as well as its strategic partnerships, legal, financial, and Hr departments. He’ll also look for “growth opportunities” for the studio, MRC said on Thursday.
Tenley has been the driving force behind MRC’s latest hot streak. Way back in 2012 he sold “House of Cards” to Netflix, but more recently he shepherded the deals for “Poker Face” to Peacock and “Fair Play” to Netflix for $20 million (Sundance 2023’s biggest deal). Tenley also pushed projects to Amazon, like Emerald Fennell’s upcoming film “Saltburn,” the second season of “The Terminal List,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
MRC — the studio behind titles like Ozark, Baby Driver and the first Knives Out film — has named a CEO in Scott Tenley, who previously served as the company’s chief business officer. In his role, Tenley will oversee the company’s film and TV divisions, as well as nonfiction and strategic partnerships, among other divisions.
As part of the restructuring, MRC founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu will become chairmen.
“Scott Tenley has a hand in nearly every single deal, every single accomplishment at MRC over the past 16 years. He has blazed trails in almost every facet of our business, from selling House of Cards to Netflix to setting up The Academy of Country Music Awards on Amazon Prime Video, to ever-evolving credit facilities, equity arrangements and beyond,” said Wiczyk and Satchu. “But Scott is so much more than a deal person: he is our cultural heart, our loudest cheerleader,...
As part of the restructuring, MRC founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu will become chairmen.
“Scott Tenley has a hand in nearly every single deal, every single accomplishment at MRC over the past 16 years. He has blazed trails in almost every facet of our business, from selling House of Cards to Netflix to setting up The Academy of Country Music Awards on Amazon Prime Video, to ever-evolving credit facilities, equity arrangements and beyond,” said Wiczyk and Satchu. “But Scott is so much more than a deal person: he is our cultural heart, our loudest cheerleader,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Scott Tenley, chief business officer at entertainment studio MRC, has been promoted to CEO, the company announced Thursday.
As part of the new executive structure, MRC founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu will become chairmen.
Tenley’s elevation comes seven months after he successfully negotiated MRC’s separation from Valence Media, reconstituting the company as a premier independent film and television studio. In his new role, Tenley will oversee the studio’s film, TV and non-fiction divisions, strategic partnerships, as well as all shared service functions of the company, including finance, legal, and Hr.
“Scott Tenley has a hand in nearly every single deal, every single accomplishment at MRC over the past 16 years. He has blazed trails in almost every facet of our business, from selling ‘House of Cards’ to Netflix to setting up The Academy of Country Music Awards on Amazon Prime Video, to ever-evolving credit facilities, equity arrangements and beyond,...
As part of the new executive structure, MRC founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu will become chairmen.
Tenley’s elevation comes seven months after he successfully negotiated MRC’s separation from Valence Media, reconstituting the company as a premier independent film and television studio. In his new role, Tenley will oversee the studio’s film, TV and non-fiction divisions, strategic partnerships, as well as all shared service functions of the company, including finance, legal, and Hr.
“Scott Tenley has a hand in nearly every single deal, every single accomplishment at MRC over the past 16 years. He has blazed trails in almost every facet of our business, from selling ‘House of Cards’ to Netflix to setting up The Academy of Country Music Awards on Amazon Prime Video, to ever-evolving credit facilities, equity arrangements and beyond,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
MRC has promoted veteran leader and current chief business officer Scott Tenley to chief executive officer, the company announced on Thursday.
Tenley’s elevation comes seven months after he successfully negotiated the company’s separation from Valence Media, reconstituting MRC as the premier independent film and television studio.
In his new role, Tenley will oversee the studio’s film, TV and non-fiction divisions, strategic partnerships, as well as all shared service functions of the company, including finance, legal and Hr.
Also Read:
‘Poker Face’ Renewed for Season 2 at Peacock
As part of the new executive structure, founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu will become Chairmen.
“Scott Tenley has a hand in nearly every single deal, every single accomplishment at MRC over the past 16 years. He has blazed trails in almost every facet of our business, from selling House of Cards to Netflix to setting up The Academy of Country Music Awards on Amazon Prime Video,...
Tenley’s elevation comes seven months after he successfully negotiated the company’s separation from Valence Media, reconstituting MRC as the premier independent film and television studio.
In his new role, Tenley will oversee the studio’s film, TV and non-fiction divisions, strategic partnerships, as well as all shared service functions of the company, including finance, legal and Hr.
Also Read:
‘Poker Face’ Renewed for Season 2 at Peacock
As part of the new executive structure, founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu will become Chairmen.
“Scott Tenley has a hand in nearly every single deal, every single accomplishment at MRC over the past 16 years. He has blazed trails in almost every facet of our business, from selling House of Cards to Netflix to setting up The Academy of Country Music Awards on Amazon Prime Video,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Kanye West’s Yeezy no longer has an Adidas deal.
The company issued a statement after social media pressure to cut ties with the Grammy-winning rapper amid antisemitic and white supremacist comments. Adidas assured customers and investors that the company “does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech,” calling West’s actions “unacceptable, hateful, and dangerous.”
Adidas has effectively ended production of Yeezy branded products and will now “stop all payments to Ye and his companies. Adidas will stop the Adidas Yeezy business with immediate effect.”
The cost of cutting ties with West marks an estimated loss of 246 million in 2022 alone.
West recently was also dropped by Balenciaga, Vogue, and agency CAA. He recently canceled his Gap deal. Financiers at MRC have since shelved the documentary “Ye” despite the film being finished.
“We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform,” MRC CEOs Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu...
The company issued a statement after social media pressure to cut ties with the Grammy-winning rapper amid antisemitic and white supremacist comments. Adidas assured customers and investors that the company “does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech,” calling West’s actions “unacceptable, hateful, and dangerous.”
Adidas has effectively ended production of Yeezy branded products and will now “stop all payments to Ye and his companies. Adidas will stop the Adidas Yeezy business with immediate effect.”
The cost of cutting ties with West marks an estimated loss of 246 million in 2022 alone.
West recently was also dropped by Balenciaga, Vogue, and agency CAA. He recently canceled his Gap deal. Financiers at MRC have since shelved the documentary “Ye” despite the film being finished.
“We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform,” MRC CEOs Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu...
- 10/25/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Kanye West has been dropped by talent management company CAA. In addition, a completed documentary about rapper will be shelved in light of his recent antisemitic comments, MRC studio executives Modi Wiczyk, Asif Satchu and Scott Tenley announced in a memo on Monday.
“This morning, after discussion with our filmmakers and distribution partners, we made the decision not to proceed with any distribution for our recently completed documentary about Kanye West. We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform,” they wrote, reports ‘Variety’.
“Kanye is a producer and sampler of music. Last week he sampled and remixed a classic tune that has charted for over 3,000 years — the lie that Jews are evil and conspire to control the world for their own gain.”
They added: “The silence from leaders and corporations when it comes to Kanye or antisemitism in general is dismaying but not surprising. What is new and sad,...
“This morning, after discussion with our filmmakers and distribution partners, we made the decision not to proceed with any distribution for our recently completed documentary about Kanye West. We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform,” they wrote, reports ‘Variety’.
“Kanye is a producer and sampler of music. Last week he sampled and remixed a classic tune that has charted for over 3,000 years — the lie that Jews are evil and conspire to control the world for their own gain.”
They added: “The silence from leaders and corporations when it comes to Kanye or antisemitism in general is dismaying but not surprising. What is new and sad,...
- 10/25/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
A completed documentary about Kanye West has been shelved amid his recent slew of antisemitic remarks.
MRC studio executives Modi Wiczyk, Asif Satchu and Scott Tenley announced in a memo Monday: “We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform.”
West was recently restricted from posting on Twitter and Instagram over antisemitic posts that the social networks said violated their policies. He has also suggested slavery was a choice and called the Covid-19 vaccine the “mark of the beast.” Earlier this month, the rapper was criticized for wearing a “White Lives Matter” T-shirt to the showing of his latest collection at Paris Fashion Week.
Read More: Kanye West Dropped As A Client By Johnny Depp’s Lawyer Camille Vasquez
Wiczyk and Satchu are co-founders and co-CEOs of MRC Entertainment. Tenley is the chief business officer. Shelving the documentary comes just days after the French fashion house Balenciaga cut ties with Ye,...
MRC studio executives Modi Wiczyk, Asif Satchu and Scott Tenley announced in a memo Monday: “We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform.”
West was recently restricted from posting on Twitter and Instagram over antisemitic posts that the social networks said violated their policies. He has also suggested slavery was a choice and called the Covid-19 vaccine the “mark of the beast.” Earlier this month, the rapper was criticized for wearing a “White Lives Matter” T-shirt to the showing of his latest collection at Paris Fashion Week.
Read More: Kanye West Dropped As A Client By Johnny Depp’s Lawyer Camille Vasquez
Wiczyk and Satchu are co-founders and co-CEOs of MRC Entertainment. Tenley is the chief business officer. Shelving the documentary comes just days after the French fashion house Balenciaga cut ties with Ye,...
- 10/25/2022
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
The question of anti-Semitism is one that has traditionally made Hollywood profoundly uncomfortable as an industry full of Jewish people who would rather not talk about Jews, Jewish people, Israel or – God forbid – anti-Semitism.
Why that’s true requires a Ph.D. in psycho-Semitism (if that were a thing), but Kanye “Ye” West has managed to get shut out of much of Hollywood this past week after a series of anti-Semitic rants that have been embraced by hate groups and spread over social media. He’s lost his agency (CAA), his lawyer at Brown Rudnick and lucrative partnerships with fashion giants such as Balenciaga and others.
Also on Monday, MRC announced the cancellation of an already completed, 2 million documentary called “The Myth of Ye” that it had financed and produced and hoped to sell for as much as 10 million in distribution revenues. Director Zach Heinzerling sought to explore the relationship between the rapper,...
Why that’s true requires a Ph.D. in psycho-Semitism (if that were a thing), but Kanye “Ye” West has managed to get shut out of much of Hollywood this past week after a series of anti-Semitic rants that have been embraced by hate groups and spread over social media. He’s lost his agency (CAA), his lawyer at Brown Rudnick and lucrative partnerships with fashion giants such as Balenciaga and others.
Also on Monday, MRC announced the cancellation of an already completed, 2 million documentary called “The Myth of Ye” that it had financed and produced and hoped to sell for as much as 10 million in distribution revenues. Director Zach Heinzerling sought to explore the relationship between the rapper,...
- 10/24/2022
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, has found himself in hot water after giving a series of inflammatory interviews where he spouts anti-Semitic rhetoric. Multiple collaborators have dropped the rapper, citing his remarks as the reason. But one place that Ye will remain is Netflix, via the “Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy” documentaries, TheWrap has confirmed.
The three documentaries, it should be noted, feature West as the subject matter; he wasn’t involved in the creation or promotion of the movies. The documentaries are also free of the kind of hate speech that has embroiled him in his most recent controversy.
Netflix has taken a similarly hands-off approach for things like the Dave Chappelle’s comedy specials which feature anti-trans sentiment and were still allowed to exist as part of the streamer’s vast catalog.
Also Read:
Kim Kardashian Condemns Anti-Semitism, Doesn’t Call Out Ye by Name: ‘Hate...
The three documentaries, it should be noted, feature West as the subject matter; he wasn’t involved in the creation or promotion of the movies. The documentaries are also free of the kind of hate speech that has embroiled him in his most recent controversy.
Netflix has taken a similarly hands-off approach for things like the Dave Chappelle’s comedy specials which feature anti-trans sentiment and were still allowed to exist as part of the streamer’s vast catalog.
Also Read:
Kim Kardashian Condemns Anti-Semitism, Doesn’t Call Out Ye by Name: ‘Hate...
- 10/24/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Kanye West’s latest burnt bridge is his connection to the talent agency CAA. The rapper is no longer represented by the prominent Hollywood agency, Rolling Stone can confirm. CAA severed ties with him this month in response to ongoing erratic behaviors that have been defined by continuous, and dangerous, antisemitic comments.
West has nowhere left to go now that CAA has tapped out. The company rounds out a trifecta of major agencies in Hollywood, alongside WME and UTA, who have both already issued statements calling for a complete boycott...
West has nowhere left to go now that CAA has tapped out. The company rounds out a trifecta of major agencies in Hollywood, alongside WME and UTA, who have both already issued statements calling for a complete boycott...
- 10/24/2022
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
For years, the entertainment industry has accepted Kanye West’s erratic public behavior as a necessary cost of doing business with the superstar. But for many, his recent anti-semitic tirades were a step too far. Fashion house Balenciaga got the ball rolling by severing all ties with the rapper, and now the film industry is following suit.
West was the subject of “Ye,” an upcoming documentary financed by the film and television studio MRC*. While that film has already been completed, the company announced on Monday that the film will not be released due to his anti-semitic comments.
“This morning, after discussion with our filmmakers and distribution partners, we made the decision not to proceed with any distribution for our recently completed documentary about Kanye West,” CEOs Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu and COO Scott Tenley wrote in an open letter. “We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform.
West was the subject of “Ye,” an upcoming documentary financed by the film and television studio MRC*. While that film has already been completed, the company announced on Monday that the film will not be released due to his anti-semitic comments.
“This morning, after discussion with our filmmakers and distribution partners, we made the decision not to proceed with any distribution for our recently completed documentary about Kanye West,” CEOs Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu and COO Scott Tenley wrote in an open letter. “We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform.
- 10/24/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
MRC said Monday that it was not moving forward with its recently completed documentary about Kanye West, the news coming amid growing criticism of the rapper/entrepreneur’s recent anti-Semitic statements.
“We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform,” MRC’s co-leaders Modi Wiczyk, Asif Satchu and Scott Tenley said in a statement.
The latest move comes as more in Hollywood have been calling for companies to sever ties with West, who has been increasingly vocal about his views toward Jewish people. Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, Gersh’s Bob Gersh and UTA’s Jeremy Zimmer are among the most recent big names to speak out over West, who has since been dropped by fashion house Balenciaga. Sportswear company Adidas is facing similar pressure.
Last week, the rapper’s appearance on The Shop: Uninterrupted was pulled according to host Maverick Carter, who said West “used The Shop to reiterate more...
“We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform,” MRC’s co-leaders Modi Wiczyk, Asif Satchu and Scott Tenley said in a statement.
The latest move comes as more in Hollywood have been calling for companies to sever ties with West, who has been increasingly vocal about his views toward Jewish people. Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, Gersh’s Bob Gersh and UTA’s Jeremy Zimmer are among the most recent big names to speak out over West, who has since been dropped by fashion house Balenciaga. Sportswear company Adidas is facing similar pressure.
Last week, the rapper’s appearance on The Shop: Uninterrupted was pulled according to host Maverick Carter, who said West “used The Shop to reiterate more...
- 10/24/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
MRC has canceled its Kanye “Ye” West documentary, the company said Monday. The decision comes after outcry over the rapper’s anti-Semitic rants, which have already led to him being dropped by talent agent CAA and fashion label Balenciaga and locked out of his Twitter and Instagram accounts.
“I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On Jewish People,” the rapper wrote on Oct. 10 in a now-deleted tweet, while also claiming that he “can’t be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also.”
“This morning, after discussion with our filmmakers and distribution partners, we made the decision not to proceed with any distribution for our recently completed documentary about Kanye West. We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform,” MRC said in a letter shared with TheWrap.
Also Read:
CAA Severs Ties With Kanye ‘Ye’ West
“The silence from...
“I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On Jewish People,” the rapper wrote on Oct. 10 in a now-deleted tweet, while also claiming that he “can’t be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also.”
“This morning, after discussion with our filmmakers and distribution partners, we made the decision not to proceed with any distribution for our recently completed documentary about Kanye West. We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform,” MRC said in a letter shared with TheWrap.
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“The silence from...
- 10/24/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
The Golden Globes are returning to NBC in 2023, the network, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and Dick Clark Prods. announced on Tuesday. The ceremony will return to the Beverly Hilton in time for its 80th anniversary on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 8 p.m. Et/ 5 p.m. Pt. The telecast will also be streamed live on Peacock.
According to the network, that date was chosen due to NFL football that Sunday, while the NCAA National Championship Game takes place that Monday — leaving NBC to push the Globes to Tuesday.
NBC declined comment on terms of the deal, including whether the show’s 60 million license fee had been cut. But it’s clear a renegotiation had taken place, as NBC’s new deal with the Globes is just a one-year agreement, “which allows the HFPA and Dcp to explore new opportunities for domestic and global distribution across a variety of platforms in the future,...
According to the network, that date was chosen due to NFL football that Sunday, while the NCAA National Championship Game takes place that Monday — leaving NBC to push the Globes to Tuesday.
NBC declined comment on terms of the deal, including whether the show’s 60 million license fee had been cut. But it’s clear a renegotiation had taken place, as NBC’s new deal with the Globes is just a one-year agreement, “which allows the HFPA and Dcp to explore new opportunities for domestic and global distribution across a variety of platforms in the future,...
- 9/20/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
It started out as an exciting business roll-up: The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard would combine forces with Golden Globes telecast producer Dick Clark Productions and the hot producing duo of MRC Entertainment, Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu, makers of “House of Cards” and “Ozark.”
The new venture would be owned by one of Hollywood’s most passionate investors, insurance billionaire Todd Boehly, and run by Wiczyk and Satchu — the CEOs of the new company, Valence — with an eye to exiting at a multibillion-dollar valuation.
But now four years later, the whole thing has fallen apart, ending in an acrimonious divorce between Boehly and the two producers, driven by the unsolvable mess of the Golden Globes and financial disappointment with MRC, whose sole TV hit of late has been Netflix’s just-ended drama series “Ozark.”
Valence is gone. THR and Billboard have been sold. And Boehly has barely spoken to his two deputies since last October,...
The new venture would be owned by one of Hollywood’s most passionate investors, insurance billionaire Todd Boehly, and run by Wiczyk and Satchu — the CEOs of the new company, Valence — with an eye to exiting at a multibillion-dollar valuation.
But now four years later, the whole thing has fallen apart, ending in an acrimonious divorce between Boehly and the two producers, driven by the unsolvable mess of the Golden Globes and financial disappointment with MRC, whose sole TV hit of late has been Netflix’s just-ended drama series “Ozark.”
Valence is gone. THR and Billboard have been sold. And Boehly has barely spoken to his two deputies since last October,...
- 9/6/2022
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
The MRC Entertainment has separated its media assets from Todd Boehly’s Eldridge Industries in a reorg in which MRC co-CEOs Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu will take bigger stakes in production with Eldridge keeping Dick Clark Productions and a Penske Media joint venture.
MRC will retain and control its existing operations as a leading independent studio, with three distinct divisions — film, TV and nonfiction. MRC will also retain its stakes in Civic Center Media and T-Street, the companies said Friday in a news release.
Eldridge will retain Dick Clark Productions, investments in A24, Fulwell 73, Sugar 23 and Luminate, as well as the Penske Media Corporation, which includes The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Deadline Hollywood, Vibe, Music Business Worldwide, Life Is Beautiful and a majority investment in South by Southwest. Eldridge will also remain as a significant minority shareholder in MRC.
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MRC will retain and control its existing operations as a leading independent studio, with three distinct divisions — film, TV and nonfiction. MRC will also retain its stakes in Civic Center Media and T-Street, the companies said Friday in a news release.
Eldridge will retain Dick Clark Productions, investments in A24, Fulwell 73, Sugar 23 and Luminate, as well as the Penske Media Corporation, which includes The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Deadline Hollywood, Vibe, Music Business Worldwide, Life Is Beautiful and a majority investment in South by Southwest. Eldridge will also remain as a significant minority shareholder in MRC.
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HFPA Votes to Sell...
- 8/5/2022
- by Jeremy Bailey
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Entertainment and sports mogul Todd Boehly is making changes to his Hollywood portfolio. The former Guggenheim Partners executive, who founded his own firm, Eldridge Industries, in 2015, has arranged to split production company MRC from Dick Clark Productions, the producer of the Golden Globes.
Under the deal terms, Boehly’s Eldridge will move from a majority stakeholder in House of Cards and Ozark producer MRC, run by executives Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk, to a minority stakeholder. MRC will keep stakes in Civic Center Media and T-Street. And assets like Dcp and Luminate, a music data firm that powers Billboard charts, will go to Eldridge and be separated from MRC holdings. MRC’s stake in The Hollywood Reporter will also be transferred to Eldridge Industries under the deal.
Boehly — whose Eldridge Industries also owns stakes in entertainment companies like A24 and Fullwell Productions and Film Expo Group,...
Entertainment and sports mogul Todd Boehly is making changes to his Hollywood portfolio. The former Guggenheim Partners executive, who founded his own firm, Eldridge Industries, in 2015, has arranged to split production company MRC from Dick Clark Productions, the producer of the Golden Globes.
Under the deal terms, Boehly’s Eldridge will move from a majority stakeholder in House of Cards and Ozark producer MRC, run by executives Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk, to a minority stakeholder. MRC will keep stakes in Civic Center Media and T-Street. And assets like Dcp and Luminate, a music data firm that powers Billboard charts, will go to Eldridge and be separated from MRC holdings. MRC’s stake in The Hollywood Reporter will also be transferred to Eldridge Industries under the deal.
Boehly — whose Eldridge Industries also owns stakes in entertainment companies like A24 and Fullwell Productions and Film Expo Group,...
- 8/5/2022
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated with memo from MRC leaders: Eldridge and MRC said today that they have completed the separation of combined media assets.
MRC, led by founders and co-CEOs Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu, will retain and control its existing operations as the leading independent studio, with three divisions: Film, Television and Non-Fiction. MRC also will retain its stakes in Civic Center Media and T-Street. Read the internal memo from Wiczyk and Satchu below
Eldridge will retain dick clark productions and investments in South by Southwest, A24, Fulwell 73, Sugar 23 and Luminate, as well as the Penske Media Corporation — which includes Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Vibe, Music Business Worldwide, Life is Beautiful. Eldridge also will remain as a significant minority shareholder in MRC.
“When we combined forces in 2018, we set out to accomplish an ambitious set of objectives. We are immensely proud of our team’s resulting success.
MRC, led by founders and co-CEOs Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu, will retain and control its existing operations as the leading independent studio, with three divisions: Film, Television and Non-Fiction. MRC also will retain its stakes in Civic Center Media and T-Street. Read the internal memo from Wiczyk and Satchu below
Eldridge will retain dick clark productions and investments in South by Southwest, A24, Fulwell 73, Sugar 23 and Luminate, as well as the Penske Media Corporation — which includes Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Vibe, Music Business Worldwide, Life is Beautiful. Eldridge also will remain as a significant minority shareholder in MRC.
“When we combined forces in 2018, we set out to accomplish an ambitious set of objectives. We are immensely proud of our team’s resulting success.
- 8/5/2022
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
MRC leaders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu and Todd Boehly’s Eldridge holding company have reached a deal to carve up their jointly owned assets into separate business entities.
Wiczyk and Satchu will retain the MRC production entity, home to TV series including Netflix’s “Ozark” and Hulu “The Great,” and MRC’s investments in content shops Civic Center Media and T-Street.
Eldridge will retain Dick Clark Productions and investments in hot indie studio A24, James Corden and Ben Winston’s Fulwell 73, Michael Sugar’s Sugar 23 and entertainment data and insights company Luminate. Eldridge also holds on toits minority stake in the Pmrc joint venture established in 2020 that is the parent company of Variety, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Vibe, The Hollywood Reporter, Music Business Worldwide, the annual Life is Beautiful music festival and an investment in the SXSW festival franchise that is expanding beyond its Austin, Texas roots next year with an edition in Sydney,...
Wiczyk and Satchu will retain the MRC production entity, home to TV series including Netflix’s “Ozark” and Hulu “The Great,” and MRC’s investments in content shops Civic Center Media and T-Street.
Eldridge will retain Dick Clark Productions and investments in hot indie studio A24, James Corden and Ben Winston’s Fulwell 73, Michael Sugar’s Sugar 23 and entertainment data and insights company Luminate. Eldridge also holds on toits minority stake in the Pmrc joint venture established in 2020 that is the parent company of Variety, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Vibe, The Hollywood Reporter, Music Business Worldwide, the annual Life is Beautiful music festival and an investment in the SXSW festival franchise that is expanding beyond its Austin, Texas roots next year with an edition in Sydney,...
- 8/5/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: MRC has appointed Chris O’Connell Chief Financial Officer, and he’ll report to the entertainment company’s co-CEOs and co-founders Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk.
O’Connell, who recently served as EVP, Corporate Finance and CFO, Global Content and Distribution at Eros STX, will oversee MRC’s corporate finance, financial planning & analysis, financial operations, treasury, accounting, and tax matters. He will lead optimization and servicing of the capital structure of MRC, and along with the leadership team, determine the best mix of debt, equity and financing structures at the project and corporate levels.
At Eros STX, O’Connell steered the publicly traded company through its merger and capital raise, and managed financial planning and analysis, corporate development and treasury. Since joining the startup STX in 2015, he also worked to secure the company’s Series C and Series D equity raises, JPMorgan led credit facility and slate co-financings.
“Chris will...
O’Connell, who recently served as EVP, Corporate Finance and CFO, Global Content and Distribution at Eros STX, will oversee MRC’s corporate finance, financial planning & analysis, financial operations, treasury, accounting, and tax matters. He will lead optimization and servicing of the capital structure of MRC, and along with the leadership team, determine the best mix of debt, equity and financing structures at the project and corporate levels.
At Eros STX, O’Connell steered the publicly traded company through its merger and capital raise, and managed financial planning and analysis, corporate development and treasury. Since joining the startup STX in 2015, he also worked to secure the company’s Series C and Series D equity raises, JPMorgan led credit facility and slate co-financings.
“Chris will...
- 9/28/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
MRC Names Kristin Robinson SVP Communications; Emily Spence Promoted To Chief Communications Officer
MRC said Friday that it has named former Shondaland VP Brand Marketing and Communications Kristin Robinson as the media company’s new SVP Communications, while elevating Emily Spence to Chief Communications Officer.
Robinson will report Spence. Spence will continue to report to MRC CEOs and founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu.
In her new role, Robinson will oversee external communications across MRC’s portfolio of TV, film, non-fiction and live & alternative. Robinson and Spence will work across internal and corporate communications including awards, branding and MRC’s partnerships and investments.
“I’m proud to have Kristin as a partner, she is a very talented and well-respected communications executive who will undoubtedly make an imprint on our team and business as we continue to elevate the story of MRC internally and across the industry,” said Spence.
“Emily has been an integral part of our leadership team; her communications expertise and insights...
Robinson will report Spence. Spence will continue to report to MRC CEOs and founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu.
In her new role, Robinson will oversee external communications across MRC’s portfolio of TV, film, non-fiction and live & alternative. Robinson and Spence will work across internal and corporate communications including awards, branding and MRC’s partnerships and investments.
“I’m proud to have Kristin as a partner, she is a very talented and well-respected communications executive who will undoubtedly make an imprint on our team and business as we continue to elevate the story of MRC internally and across the industry,” said Spence.
“Emily has been an integral part of our leadership team; her communications expertise and insights...
- 9/17/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
MRC has promoted Emily Spence to the role of chief communications officer, with Kristin Robinson also joining the company as senior vice president of communications.
In her new role, Robinson will oversee external communications across MRC’s portfolio of television, film, non-fiction and live/alternative programming. She will report to Spence and work with her across internal and corporate communications, inclusive of awards, branding and the company’s partnerships and investments. Spence will continue to report to MRC CEOs and founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu.
“Emily has been an integral part of our leadership team; her communications expertise and insights have greatly impacted our success and culture,” said Wiczyk and Satchu. “It’s been gratifying to see her build an expert, cross functional team to support our evolving business, and we look forward to her continued journey here.”
Robinson most recently served as vice president of brand marketing and communications at Shondaland.
In her new role, Robinson will oversee external communications across MRC’s portfolio of television, film, non-fiction and live/alternative programming. She will report to Spence and work with her across internal and corporate communications, inclusive of awards, branding and the company’s partnerships and investments. Spence will continue to report to MRC CEOs and founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu.
“Emily has been an integral part of our leadership team; her communications expertise and insights have greatly impacted our success and culture,” said Wiczyk and Satchu. “It’s been gratifying to see her build an expert, cross functional team to support our evolving business, and we look forward to her continued journey here.”
Robinson most recently served as vice president of brand marketing and communications at Shondaland.
- 9/17/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Adam Stotsky, a two-decade veteran of NBCUniversal executive who last served as global president of the E! Entertainment, has been named president of MRC’s live entertainment and alternative division — a rebranding of the production company formerly known as Dick Clark Productions.
The division produces multiple live TV productions, including the American Music Awards, which airs Nov. 22 on ABC, and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest.” Other projects include the Streamy Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards, which will move from CBS to Amazon Prime next year.
The move marks an abrupt end for Dick Clark Productions, which will no longer use the dcp moniker.
The production company, launched in 1957 by Dick Clark, had been sold multiple times, and merged — along with several other media companies — with MRC in 2018 to form Valance Media. That company was rebranded as MRC in April 2020 with all...
The division produces multiple live TV productions, including the American Music Awards, which airs Nov. 22 on ABC, and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest.” Other projects include the Streamy Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards, which will move from CBS to Amazon Prime next year.
The move marks an abrupt end for Dick Clark Productions, which will no longer use the dcp moniker.
The production company, launched in 1957 by Dick Clark, had been sold multiple times, and merged — along with several other media companies — with MRC in 2018 to form Valance Media. That company was rebranded as MRC in April 2020 with all...
- 9/13/2021
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
MRC has tapped NBCUniversal alum Adam Stotsky as president of the newly created MRC Live & Alternative, which will absorb the operations of Dick Clark Productions.
MRC has slowly been phasing out the Dick Clark Prods. moniker. Stotsky will oversee a division that produces major awards franchises including the American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards and ABC’s annual New Year’s Eve special “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”
Stotsky’s hire is sign that MRC intends to invest in its live event and unscripted production capabilities, after a long period of uncertainty around Dick Clark Prods. The company was shopped to prospective buyers a few years ago and came close to being sold to China conglomerate Dalian Wanda in 2017.
“Adam is well positioned to lead MRC Live & Alternative as we go through a period of rapid growth and innovation. He brings...
MRC has slowly been phasing out the Dick Clark Prods. moniker. Stotsky will oversee a division that produces major awards franchises including the American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards and ABC’s annual New Year’s Eve special “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”
Stotsky’s hire is sign that MRC intends to invest in its live event and unscripted production capabilities, after a long period of uncertainty around Dick Clark Prods. The company was shopped to prospective buyers a few years ago and came close to being sold to China conglomerate Dalian Wanda in 2017.
“Adam is well positioned to lead MRC Live & Alternative as we go through a period of rapid growth and innovation. He brings...
- 9/13/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Former E! president Adam Stotsky has been named president of MRC Live & Alternative. He replaces Amy Thurlow, who exited as president of Dick Clark Productions in June, and will report to MRC CEOs and co-founders Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu.
The dcp moniker will not be used going forward. The production company, launched in 1957 by Dick Clark, had been sold multiple times, and merged — along with several other media companies — with MRC in 2018 to form Valance Media. That company was rebranded as MRC in April 2020 with all of its divisions carrying the same name, including MRC Live & Alternative, which housed dick clark productions. The transition from dcp to MRC Live & Alternative completes the rebranding process.
“We continue to celebrate Dick Clark’s legacy on our top-rated Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, and through his son R.A. Clark’s terrific work on the Academy of Country Music Awards,...
The dcp moniker will not be used going forward. The production company, launched in 1957 by Dick Clark, had been sold multiple times, and merged — along with several other media companies — with MRC in 2018 to form Valance Media. That company was rebranded as MRC in April 2020 with all of its divisions carrying the same name, including MRC Live & Alternative, which housed dick clark productions. The transition from dcp to MRC Live & Alternative completes the rebranding process.
“We continue to celebrate Dick Clark’s legacy on our top-rated Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, and through his son R.A. Clark’s terrific work on the Academy of Country Music Awards,...
- 9/13/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Rob Jonas has been named CEO of P-mrc Data, a joint venture of Penske Media and MRC and database of global music and entertainment consumption, behavior and trends, powering the Billboard and Rolling Stone charts.
Jonas will be based at the group’s Los Angeles headquarters, tasked with unifying and expanding its portfolio of data products, increasing value for existing and new customers and partners, and solidifying its role as an authoritative, independent data company for the music and entertainment industries.
P-mrc, created last fall, includes MRC Data (formerly Nielsen Music), Alpha Data and Variety Business Intelligence. It serves more than 750 media and entertainment brands.
Jonas most recently served as chief revenue officer at enterprise data company Foursquare where he was responsible for all sales, partnerships, business development and international markets across the company’s product portfolio. He joined Foursquare in 2020 through a merger with Factual, an industry innovator in geospatial data,...
Jonas will be based at the group’s Los Angeles headquarters, tasked with unifying and expanding its portfolio of data products, increasing value for existing and new customers and partners, and solidifying its role as an authoritative, independent data company for the music and entertainment industries.
P-mrc, created last fall, includes MRC Data (formerly Nielsen Music), Alpha Data and Variety Business Intelligence. It serves more than 750 media and entertainment brands.
Jonas most recently served as chief revenue officer at enterprise data company Foursquare where he was responsible for all sales, partnerships, business development and international markets across the company’s product portfolio. He joined Foursquare in 2020 through a merger with Factual, an industry innovator in geospatial data,...
- 7/21/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The CMT Music Awards will no longer air on the channel they’re named after. ViacomCBS announced Monday that next year’s show will air exclusively on CBS.
A date for the show has not been set. As the name suggests, the awards show has previously aired on ViacomCBS’ country music cable channel CMT.
For the 2022 event, CMT will kick off the company’s first-ever Country Music Week by hosting week-long special programming and events capped by exclusive director’s cut airings of the Awards later on CMT and various ViacomCBS platforms.
The CMT news comes as CBS is negotiating with Dick Clark Productions to renew its contract to keep the Academy of Country Music Awards, which are set for next April from Las Vegas. As TheWrap reported, CBS has balked at a staggering demand of $22 million a year.
CBS, which has aired the ACM Awards since 1998, declined to counter...
A date for the show has not been set. As the name suggests, the awards show has previously aired on ViacomCBS’ country music cable channel CMT.
For the 2022 event, CMT will kick off the company’s first-ever Country Music Week by hosting week-long special programming and events capped by exclusive director’s cut airings of the Awards later on CMT and various ViacomCBS platforms.
The CMT news comes as CBS is negotiating with Dick Clark Productions to renew its contract to keep the Academy of Country Music Awards, which are set for next April from Las Vegas. As TheWrap reported, CBS has balked at a staggering demand of $22 million a year.
CBS, which has aired the ACM Awards since 1998, declined to counter...
- 6/28/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
When Elise Henderson joined MRC as President of Television in April 2019, the company had one series on the air, Netflix’s Ozark, was about to start production on HBO limited series The Outsider and had just finished a pilot for Hulu’s The Great.
Two years — and a pandemic — later, MRC Television has eight series, the most the indie studio has had at the same time: Ozark, The Great as well as the upcoming The Terminal List at Amazon Prime Video, starring Chris Pratt; The Shrink Next Door (limited series), headlined by Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd, Shining Girls, starring Elisabeth Moss, and Hello Tomorrow!, headlined by Billy Crudup, all at Apple TV+; as well as Rian Johnson’s Poker Face, starring Natasha Lyonne; and Ted, a prequel to the 2012 movie, with Seth MacFarlane, at Peacock. Additionally, I hear Taika Waititi’s Time Bandits is nearing a series order at...
Two years — and a pandemic — later, MRC Television has eight series, the most the indie studio has had at the same time: Ozark, The Great as well as the upcoming The Terminal List at Amazon Prime Video, starring Chris Pratt; The Shrink Next Door (limited series), headlined by Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd, Shining Girls, starring Elisabeth Moss, and Hello Tomorrow!, headlined by Billy Crudup, all at Apple TV+; as well as Rian Johnson’s Poker Face, starring Natasha Lyonne; and Ted, a prequel to the 2012 movie, with Seth MacFarlane, at Peacock. Additionally, I hear Taika Waititi’s Time Bandits is nearing a series order at...
- 6/17/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS has balked at a staggering demand of $22 million a year to license the 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards, leaving show producer Dick Clark Productions scrambling to negotiate a new deal amid declining ratings and internal executive turmoil, TheWrap has learned. CBS, which has aired the ACM Awards since 1998, declined to counter the $22 million demand to renew its deal, according to two individuals with knowledge of the negotiations. The insiders said the new price was well above the previous $20 million annual price for a show that has lost almost half of its viewership since 2018. A rep for CBS declined to comment, while Dcp and parent company MRC would not confirm the licensing fee. As a result of CBS’ response, Dick Clark Productions and MRC co-CEOs Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu are negotiating with NBC as part of a package deal that would renegotiate the network’s $60 million-a-year Golden Globes contact...
- 6/14/2021
- by Tim Baysinger and Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
Amy Thurlow is leaving as president of Dick Clark Productions at the end of June, two months after an exclusive investigation by TheWrap into her workplace behavior that led to the departure of five senior executives earlier this year.
Thurlow’s exit ends a rocky 19-month tenure as Dcp president that was marked by numerous complaints about her bruising and “toxic” management style. One insider described Thurlow as someone who was “very, very challenging” to work for, calling out a management style “that could be classified as toxic.”
TheWrap also reported that Thurlow was the subject of complaints about her drinking, abusive behavior and inappropriate language in a previous executive role as CFO of TV Guide Network from 2011 to 2014.
Thurlow joined Dcp in 2014 and was elevated to president in November 2019. Her departure also comes as Dcp is without a home for the 2022 Golden Globes, which were effectively canceled this spring...
Thurlow’s exit ends a rocky 19-month tenure as Dcp president that was marked by numerous complaints about her bruising and “toxic” management style. One insider described Thurlow as someone who was “very, very challenging” to work for, calling out a management style “that could be classified as toxic.”
TheWrap also reported that Thurlow was the subject of complaints about her drinking, abusive behavior and inappropriate language in a previous executive role as CFO of TV Guide Network from 2011 to 2014.
Thurlow joined Dcp in 2014 and was elevated to president in November 2019. Her departure also comes as Dcp is without a home for the 2022 Golden Globes, which were effectively canceled this spring...
- 6/8/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Amy Thurlow is leaving dick clark productions after seven years, the last one as president. Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu, co-CEOs of Dcp parent MRC, just announced Thurlow’a departure internally, and she also shared the news with her staff. (You can read the two notes below.)
Thurlow is expected to take some time off this summer as she contemplates her next steps. A search is underway for her replacement.
Previously dcp’s COO and CFO, Thurlow was promoted to president in November 2019 and assumed the post in Q2 of 2020 amid the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Dcp was hit particularly hard by Covid as the company’s core business is televised live entertainment, one of the areas most impacted by the pandemic. Spring 2020 live events were postponed across the board, and some summer awards shows switched to pre-taped format. When live specials started to come back in the fall,...
Thurlow is expected to take some time off this summer as she contemplates her next steps. A search is underway for her replacement.
Previously dcp’s COO and CFO, Thurlow was promoted to president in November 2019 and assumed the post in Q2 of 2020 amid the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Dcp was hit particularly hard by Covid as the company’s core business is televised live entertainment, one of the areas most impacted by the pandemic. Spring 2020 live events were postponed across the board, and some summer awards shows switched to pre-taped format. When live specials started to come back in the fall,...
- 6/8/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Amy Thurlow, the president of Dick Clark Productions whose management style has led to at least five executive departures this year, was the subject of complaints about her drinking, abusive behavior and inappropriate language in a previous executive role at TV Guide, TheWrap has learned. Before joining Dcp, which produces the annual Golden Globes and Academy of Country Music awards, Thurlow drew criticism for her work as CFO of TV Guide Network from 2011 to 2014. Thurlow was “despised” by her colleagues for bullying subordinates, was often “pass-out” drunk at company events and made an inappropriate remark to an Asian American colleague that led to an Hr complaint, according to at least one individual who worked with her at the time. Lionsgate, which owned TV Guide Network, said it would not comment on a personnel issue. Through a Dcp spokesperson, Thurlow declined to address these allegations or complaints about a toxic culture at Dick Clark Productions.
- 4/9/2021
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
Five senior executives have abruptly quit Dick Clark Productions, the company behind the Golden Globes and the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards, amid complaints of what one insider called a “toxic culture,” TheWrap has learned. In the past few weeks, the production company has seen an exodus of top executives, including Linda Gierahn, executive vice president of production; Mark Bracco, executive vice president of programming and development; Amy Pfister, vice president of communications; Rika Camizianos, VP of creative content and postproduction — brand, marketing and digital strategy; and Ben Roy, vice president of programming and development. Another top executive, EVP of Digital Strategy Ariel Elazar, has moved out of Dcp into another division of parent company MRC, which is co-owned by Modi Wiczyk, Asif Satchu and Todd Boehly. A spokeswoman for the company confirmed Bracco had left Dcp and said the others would be leaving after this year’s ACMs...
- 4/7/2021
- by Tim Baysinger and Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
Former Netflix original series executive Cindy Holland has a new gig as a board member for a special purpose acquisition company geared towards the entertainment industry.
Led by Eldridge Industries CEO Todd Boehly, Horizon Acquisition Corp. II disclosed Holland’s role in an SEC filing on Monday, though she started on Nov. 17. Other board members include DraftKings CEO Jason Robins, and MRC Entertainment Co-CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk. Holland’s role is not full-time.
In October, the company raised $500 million in an IPO. “While the Company may pursue an initial business combination target in any industry, it currently intends to concentrate its search for a target business operating in the media and entertainment industries, with a focus on businesses with differentiated product and service offerings,” the company said in a press release announcing the IPO.
Cindy Holland exited Netflix after 18 years after Bela Bajaria was named global head of television.
Led by Eldridge Industries CEO Todd Boehly, Horizon Acquisition Corp. II disclosed Holland’s role in an SEC filing on Monday, though she started on Nov. 17. Other board members include DraftKings CEO Jason Robins, and MRC Entertainment Co-CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk. Holland’s role is not full-time.
In October, the company raised $500 million in an IPO. “While the Company may pursue an initial business combination target in any industry, it currently intends to concentrate its search for a target business operating in the media and entertainment industries, with a focus on businesses with differentiated product and service offerings,” the company said in a press release announcing the IPO.
Cindy Holland exited Netflix after 18 years after Bela Bajaria was named global head of television.
- 11/24/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Cindy Holland, whose departure from Netflix after an 18-year run this year highlighted the changes rippling through the streaming giant, has joined the board of a newly formed entity called Horizon Acquisition Corp II.
The November 17 appointment was disclosed Monday in an SEC filing. Holland left Netflix in September as Bela Bajaria became global head of TV. Given her pedigree at Netflix, where she worked closely with co-ceo Ted Sarandos to build the massive content operation, her next moves in entertainment have been the subject of active speculation.
By design, though, the exact nature of Horizon’s path is not clear yet. The company, which had a $544 million initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in August, is classified as a special-purpose acquisition company, or Spac. Also known in financial circles as “blank check” companies, SPACs essentially are vehicles for taking other businesses public. They have become popular...
The November 17 appointment was disclosed Monday in an SEC filing. Holland left Netflix in September as Bela Bajaria became global head of TV. Given her pedigree at Netflix, where she worked closely with co-ceo Ted Sarandos to build the massive content operation, her next moves in entertainment have been the subject of active speculation.
By design, though, the exact nature of Horizon’s path is not clear yet. The company, which had a $544 million initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in August, is classified as a special-purpose acquisition company, or Spac. Also known in financial circles as “blank check” companies, SPACs essentially are vehicles for taking other businesses public. They have become popular...
- 11/23/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles – Leading independent media and entertainment companies MRC and Penske Media Corporation (Pmc) announced a new joint venture to bring together their respective data businesses. The newly formed company combines MRC Data (formerly Nielsen Music), Alpha Data and Variety Business Intelligence, with MRC and Pmc sharing equal ownership and control. The announcement, effective today with a transition period through early-2021, was made by MRC CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk and Pmc CEO Jay Penske. Current MRC Data President Deanna Brown will serve as interim head, overseeing day-to-day operations.
- 10/22/2020
- by RS Editors
- Rollingstone.com
Penske Media Corp., parent company of Variety, and MRC announced a new joint venture bringing together their respective data businesses.
The newly formed company combines Pmc’s Alpha Data, Variety Business Intelligence and MRC Data (formerly Nielsen Music). MRC and Pmc will share equal ownership and control. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Last month, Pmc and MRC announced the formation of Pmrc Holdings, a joint venture bringing together Variety, the Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Vibe and Music Business Worldwide. It also announced a content partnership to produce TV, film and other formats whereby MRC will access the intellectual property across the portfolio of Pmrc brands.
The announcement about the combo of Pmc and MRC’s data businesses is effective Thursday with a transition period through early 2021. The deal was announced by MRC CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk and Pmc CEO Jay Penske. Current MRC Data...
The newly formed company combines Pmc’s Alpha Data, Variety Business Intelligence and MRC Data (formerly Nielsen Music). MRC and Pmc will share equal ownership and control. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Last month, Pmc and MRC announced the formation of Pmrc Holdings, a joint venture bringing together Variety, the Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Vibe and Music Business Worldwide. It also announced a content partnership to produce TV, film and other formats whereby MRC will access the intellectual property across the portfolio of Pmrc brands.
The announcement about the combo of Pmc and MRC’s data businesses is effective Thursday with a transition period through early 2021. The deal was announced by MRC CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk and Pmc CEO Jay Penske. Current MRC Data...
- 10/22/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Deadline parent Penske Media Corp and MRC, which recently formed the Pmrc joint venture that includes Variety, Hollywood Reporter, Billboard and Vibe, have formed another joint venture. This one aims to combine their respective data businesses. Here’s the release:
Penske Media And MRC Form Data Joint Venture
Company Brings Together MRC Data, Alpha Data and Variety Business Intelligence
Los Angeles – October 22, 2020 – Leading independent media and entertainment companies MRC and Penske Media Corporation (Pmc) announced today a new joint venture to bring together their respective data businesses. The newly formed company combines MRC Data (formerly Nielsen Music), Alpha Data and Variety Business Intelligence, with MRC and Pmc sharing equal ownership and control. The announcement, effective today with a transition period through early-2021, was made by MRC CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk and Pmc CEO Jay Penske. Current MRC Data President Deanna Brown will serve as interim head, overseeing day-to-day operations.
Penske Media And MRC Form Data Joint Venture
Company Brings Together MRC Data, Alpha Data and Variety Business Intelligence
Los Angeles – October 22, 2020 – Leading independent media and entertainment companies MRC and Penske Media Corporation (Pmc) announced today a new joint venture to bring together their respective data businesses. The newly formed company combines MRC Data (formerly Nielsen Music), Alpha Data and Variety Business Intelligence, with MRC and Pmc sharing equal ownership and control. The announcement, effective today with a transition period through early-2021, was made by MRC CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk and Pmc CEO Jay Penske. Current MRC Data President Deanna Brown will serve as interim head, overseeing day-to-day operations.
- 10/22/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
MRC and Penske Media Corporation on Thursday unveiled a new joint venture to bring together their respective data businesses.
The newly formed company combines MRC Data (formerly Nielsen Music), Alpha Data and Variety Business Intelligence, with MRC and Pmc sharing equal ownership and control.
The announcement, effective immediately with a transition period through early 2021, was made by MRC CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk and Pmc CEO Jay Penske. Current MRC Data president Deanna Brown will serve as interim head, overseeing day-to-day operations.
“As we compete with industry titans who have an arsenal of data at their fingertips,...
The newly formed company combines MRC Data (formerly Nielsen Music), Alpha Data and Variety Business Intelligence, with MRC and Pmc sharing equal ownership and control.
The announcement, effective immediately with a transition period through early 2021, was made by MRC CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk and Pmc CEO Jay Penske. Current MRC Data president Deanna Brown will serve as interim head, overseeing day-to-day operations.
“As we compete with industry titans who have an arsenal of data at their fingertips,...
- 10/22/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MRC and Penske Media Corporation on Thursday unveiled a new joint venture to bring together their respective data businesses.
The newly formed company combines MRC Data (formerly Nielsen Music), Alpha Data and Variety Business Intelligence, with MRC and Pmc sharing equal ownership and control.
The announcement, effective immediately with a transition period through early 2021, was made by MRC CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk and Pmc CEO Jay Penske. Current MRC Data president Deanna Brown will serve as interim head, overseeing day-to-day operations.
“As we compete with industry titans who have an arsenal of data at their fingertips,...
The newly formed company combines MRC Data (formerly Nielsen Music), Alpha Data and Variety Business Intelligence, with MRC and Pmc sharing equal ownership and control.
The announcement, effective immediately with a transition period through early 2021, was made by MRC CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk and Pmc CEO Jay Penske. Current MRC Data president Deanna Brown will serve as interim head, overseeing day-to-day operations.
“As we compete with industry titans who have an arsenal of data at their fingertips,...
- 10/22/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Tough news Thursday as PMRC, the recently announced joint venture between Deadline parent company PMC and MRC, will lay off around 50 of the 250 employees who are coming over from Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter and Vibe. I got from a THR source a copy of an internal email sent out this morning by MRC co-CEOs Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu (read it below).
Editorial is not expected to be among those laid off. As often happens in a joint venture like this, layoffs will fall in the area of brand support employees, where there are shared positions in the back offices of PMC and MRC. Those impacted are being told this morning and the memo discloses that there will be exit packages and up to six months of Cobra insurance, and job placement assistance offered. There will be approximately 40 layoffs today, while the rest will stay temporarily in a transitioning process.
Editorial is not expected to be among those laid off. As often happens in a joint venture like this, layoffs will fall in the area of brand support employees, where there are shared positions in the back offices of PMC and MRC. Those impacted are being told this morning and the memo discloses that there will be exit packages and up to six months of Cobra insurance, and job placement assistance offered. There will be approximately 40 layoffs today, while the rest will stay temporarily in a transitioning process.
- 10/1/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Leading independent media and entertainment companies Penske Media Corporation (Pmc) and MRC announced today a deal to create two joint ventures in publishing and content, with both companies holding significant ownership. The announcement, effective today with a transition period through the end of 2020, was made by Pmc CEO Jay Penske and MRC CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk.
The first joint venture is the establishment of Pmrc which includes some of the most iconic, trade and consumer brands in entertainment and music. These distinguished brands include Pmc’s Variety, Rolling Stone and Music Business Worldwide interests along with MRC’s The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard and Vibe. Together, these brands offer clients opportunities to reach an influential audience at scale through editorial, advertising and other marketing solutions. Pmrc’s day-to-day operations will be led by Pmc, a digital media pioneer and platform innovator whose ever-growing constellation of iconic brands include Deadline,...
The first joint venture is the establishment of Pmrc which includes some of the most iconic, trade and consumer brands in entertainment and music. These distinguished brands include Pmc’s Variety, Rolling Stone and Music Business Worldwide interests along with MRC’s The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard and Vibe. Together, these brands offer clients opportunities to reach an influential audience at scale through editorial, advertising and other marketing solutions. Pmrc’s day-to-day operations will be led by Pmc, a digital media pioneer and platform innovator whose ever-growing constellation of iconic brands include Deadline,...
- 9/23/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
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