Wbd Unveils Canal+, Amazon Deals For Max In France & Spain Along With Launch Date
Warner Bros. Discovery (Wbd) has struck deals with Amazon and Canal+ to distribute streamer Max in France and Spain, as much-anticipated European launch dates inch closer. The House of the Dragon platform will kick off in France, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium on June 11, a couple of weeks after the Nordics, Iberia, and Central and Eastern Europe. Wbd’s newly-struck distribution deals, which apply to Canal+ in France and Prime Video in France and Spain, hand the streamer major coverage across the two crucial territories as it launches internationally later than most of its rivals. Other partnerships have also been struck with the majority of French and Spanish mobile, broadband and pay TV providers including Telefonica, Free, Vodafone, Orange, Sfr, and MasMovil. Previously, Wbd and Amazon had a Warner Pass deal in France that saw HBO...
Warner Bros. Discovery (Wbd) has struck deals with Amazon and Canal+ to distribute streamer Max in France and Spain, as much-anticipated European launch dates inch closer. The House of the Dragon platform will kick off in France, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium on June 11, a couple of weeks after the Nordics, Iberia, and Central and Eastern Europe. Wbd’s newly-struck distribution deals, which apply to Canal+ in France and Prime Video in France and Spain, hand the streamer major coverage across the two crucial territories as it launches internationally later than most of its rivals. Other partnerships have also been struck with the majority of French and Spanish mobile, broadband and pay TV providers including Telefonica, Free, Vodafone, Orange, Sfr, and MasMovil. Previously, Wbd and Amazon had a Warner Pass deal in France that saw HBO...
- 5/7/2024
- by Max Goldbart and Sara Merican
- Deadline Film + TV
Fremantle has backed the new indie forged by Channel 4’s former entertainment boss Phil Harris.
Harris has unveiled Boldprint Studios and Fremantle, his former employer, has taken a minority stake.
Deadline revealed Harris’ departure several months ago and we understand he had for a long time planned to set up his own production outfit. He has also signed a Creative Director, Lou Hutchinson, who used to be the Head of Entertainment at I Kissed a Boy producer Twofour.
Harris said Boldprint will “be built on creating bold, scalable global formats; an ambition which aligns perfectly with Fremantle’s global distribution plans.”
Fremantle UK CEO Amelia Brown, who herself was set to exit the Britain’s Got Talent maker last year, said Harris and Hutchinson have “been behind some of the most talked about and cutting-edge shows of recent years and we are thrilled to welcome them back to the Fremantle...
Harris has unveiled Boldprint Studios and Fremantle, his former employer, has taken a minority stake.
Deadline revealed Harris’ departure several months ago and we understand he had for a long time planned to set up his own production outfit. He has also signed a Creative Director, Lou Hutchinson, who used to be the Head of Entertainment at I Kissed a Boy producer Twofour.
Harris said Boldprint will “be built on creating bold, scalable global formats; an ambition which aligns perfectly with Fremantle’s global distribution plans.”
Fremantle UK CEO Amelia Brown, who herself was set to exit the Britain’s Got Talent maker last year, said Harris and Hutchinson have “been behind some of the most talked about and cutting-edge shows of recent years and we are thrilled to welcome them back to the Fremantle...
- 1/23/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Another two senior execs at The Apprentice UK producer Naked have exited – commercial boss Tamara Howe and Head of Formats Cam de la Huerta.
The Fremantle label also saw its factual entertainment chief James Lessell leave earlier this year to set up an indie, while MD Fatima Salaria left at the start of 2023.
In an all-staff email, Naked MD Tom O’Brien said Howe “leaves Naked in a better place” after a three-year stint as Director of Commercial and Operations, while de la Huerta was thanked for “passion and hard work.”
Howe is an experienced and well-liked exec, who was previously MD of Vice TV Emea. Prior to that, she spent 13 years in various senior roles for the BBC, including Controller of Business for the comedy and entertainment team.
She joined Naked on a three-month contract in 2020 following its merger with Fremantle stablemate Boundless “but became indispensable for us all...
The Fremantle label also saw its factual entertainment chief James Lessell leave earlier this year to set up an indie, while MD Fatima Salaria left at the start of 2023.
In an all-staff email, Naked MD Tom O’Brien said Howe “leaves Naked in a better place” after a three-year stint as Director of Commercial and Operations, while de la Huerta was thanked for “passion and hard work.”
Howe is an experienced and well-liked exec, who was previously MD of Vice TV Emea. Prior to that, she spent 13 years in various senior roles for the BBC, including Controller of Business for the comedy and entertainment team.
She joined Naked on a three-month contract in 2020 following its merger with Fremantle stablemate Boundless “but became indispensable for us all...
- 12/7/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Naked and Thames, two unscripted labels under the Fremantle U.K. banner, have unveiled their new managing directors, who will report to Fremantle U.K.’s CEO Amelia Brown.
Tom O’Brien, who is currently acting managing director at Naked following the exit of Fatima Salaria, will remain in the position on a permanent basis. Meanwhile Thames has upped Charlie Irwin from director of programs to MD.
O’Brien and Irwin will oversee each label’s strategic direction as well as its creative and commercial output.
O’Brien has been at Naked for seven years, where he has created/exec produced shows including “Brian Cox: How the Other Half Live” and “The Rap Game U.K.” Before that he worked at Remarkable Television, TwoFour and Electric Ray.
Irwin started his career at Thames over 20 years ago, working on the first season of “The X Factor.” He has since worked there and at other companies,...
Tom O’Brien, who is currently acting managing director at Naked following the exit of Fatima Salaria, will remain in the position on a permanent basis. Meanwhile Thames has upped Charlie Irwin from director of programs to MD.
O’Brien and Irwin will oversee each label’s strategic direction as well as its creative and commercial output.
O’Brien has been at Naked for seven years, where he has created/exec produced shows including “Brian Cox: How the Other Half Live” and “The Rap Game U.K.” Before that he worked at Remarkable Television, TwoFour and Electric Ray.
Irwin started his career at Thames over 20 years ago, working on the first season of “The X Factor.” He has since worked there and at other companies,...
- 6/12/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
There’s new blood at the top of Fremantle UK’s Too Hot to Handle co-producer Thames and The Apprentice maker Naked.
At Thames, Charlie Irwin has been upped to Managing Director from his current post as Director of Programmes, while Tom O’Brien’s acting Managing Director role at Naked has been made permanent.
They’ll both report into Amelia Brown, who was named CEO of Fremantle UK following the resignation of Simon Andreae, whose departure we told you first about in April.
O’Brien has been with Naked since 2016 and succeeds Fatima Salaria, whose departure was announced back in January. She had replaced Andreae, who we revealed had faced internal misconduct complaints before his exit. Irwin replaces Brown, who was initially set to exit Fremantle but took on the CEO post after Andreae’s exit.
In further news, Leilah Mason has been appointed Head of Production and Helen Moore...
At Thames, Charlie Irwin has been upped to Managing Director from his current post as Director of Programmes, while Tom O’Brien’s acting Managing Director role at Naked has been made permanent.
They’ll both report into Amelia Brown, who was named CEO of Fremantle UK following the resignation of Simon Andreae, whose departure we told you first about in April.
O’Brien has been with Naked since 2016 and succeeds Fatima Salaria, whose departure was announced back in January. She had replaced Andreae, who we revealed had faced internal misconduct complaints before his exit. Irwin replaces Brown, who was initially set to exit Fremantle but took on the CEO post after Andreae’s exit.
In further news, Leilah Mason has been appointed Head of Production and Helen Moore...
- 6/12/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Fremantle has promoted its long-time distribution boss Jens Richter to CEO of Commercial and International.
Under his expanded remit, alongside leading Fremantle’s distribution business, Richter will oversee all commercial activity, including Fremantle’s digital and social business and Fast channels.
As CEO International — a role he has held since joining Fremantle in 2014 — Richter oversees the global distribution of Fremantle’s finished programs, international content and acquisitions, and co-production strategy models. As CEO Commercial and International, he now also takes responsibility for Fremantle’s digital business.
Working with all major platforms in multiple geographies, Fremantle’s Fast offering includes Buzzr as well as channels based on IP including Jamie Oliver, “Baywatch” and “American Idol.” Fremantle has also recently launched genre channels Quip, Sleuth, Places and Spaces and Cook, Chop, Chat.
Richter will be based in London, reporting to Group CEO Jennifer Mullin.
Mullin said: “Jens is an outstanding and commercially savvy executive,...
Under his expanded remit, alongside leading Fremantle’s distribution business, Richter will oversee all commercial activity, including Fremantle’s digital and social business and Fast channels.
As CEO International — a role he has held since joining Fremantle in 2014 — Richter oversees the global distribution of Fremantle’s finished programs, international content and acquisitions, and co-production strategy models. As CEO Commercial and International, he now also takes responsibility for Fremantle’s digital business.
Working with all major platforms in multiple geographies, Fremantle’s Fast offering includes Buzzr as well as channels based on IP including Jamie Oliver, “Baywatch” and “American Idol.” Fremantle has also recently launched genre channels Quip, Sleuth, Places and Spaces and Cook, Chop, Chat.
Richter will be based in London, reporting to Group CEO Jennifer Mullin.
Mullin said: “Jens is an outstanding and commercially savvy executive,...
- 4/26/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Jens Richter has added commercial duties to his Fremantle International CEO role.
He’s been named CEO of Commercial and International — a post giving him responsibility for all commercial activity, including the digital, social and Fast channel businesses.
Rtl-owned Fremantle is working towards a revenue target of €3B ($3.3B) by 2025, and digital represents one avenue to growing its turnover.
Richter will continue to be based in London and reports to Fremantle Group CEO Jennifer Mullin. He’ll sit on Fremantle’s global leadership team.
Fremantle claims 470 million fans across 1,500 social accounts on Facebook and YouTube and scored 34 billion views across all platforms in 2022. Its Fast biz includes game show channel Buzzr and online nets based on Jamie Oliver, Baywatch and American Idol IP. Quip, Sleuth, Places and Spaces and Cook, Chop, Chat represent recent genre channel launches.
Richter, a former Red Arrow International boss, has been CEO of International...
He’s been named CEO of Commercial and International — a post giving him responsibility for all commercial activity, including the digital, social and Fast channel businesses.
Rtl-owned Fremantle is working towards a revenue target of €3B ($3.3B) by 2025, and digital represents one avenue to growing its turnover.
Richter will continue to be based in London and reports to Fremantle Group CEO Jennifer Mullin. He’ll sit on Fremantle’s global leadership team.
Fremantle claims 470 million fans across 1,500 social accounts on Facebook and YouTube and scored 34 billion views across all platforms in 2022. Its Fast biz includes game show channel Buzzr and online nets based on Jamie Oliver, Baywatch and American Idol IP. Quip, Sleuth, Places and Spaces and Cook, Chop, Chat represent recent genre channel launches.
Richter, a former Red Arrow International boss, has been CEO of International...
- 4/26/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Roll up, roll up, Insiders. Cannes has been in the headlines for both film festival and Mip TV reasons this week, so plenty to follow. Jesse Whittock taking you through. Don’t forget to subscribe to this newsletter by clicking here.
Fremantle Moves On From Andreae Britains Got Talent
Allegations emerge: It’s been a rocky few weeks for Fremantle UK, the production giant behind the Got Talent franchise, Too Hot to Handle and The Responder. Early last Friday UK time, Jake broke the story that Fremantle UK CEO Simon Andreae was leaving his role, with the exec citing “health” issues. But Deadline then revealed the story could be a bit more complicated than that. In fact, the former Channel 4, Discovery and Fox unscripted boss had been investigated internally after facing complaints of workplace misconduct, one coming at a Fremantle diversity event in March. It was a shocking turn of events,...
Fremantle Moves On From Andreae Britains Got Talent
Allegations emerge: It’s been a rocky few weeks for Fremantle UK, the production giant behind the Got Talent franchise, Too Hot to Handle and The Responder. Early last Friday UK time, Jake broke the story that Fremantle UK CEO Simon Andreae was leaving his role, with the exec citing “health” issues. But Deadline then revealed the story could be a bit more complicated than that. In fact, the former Channel 4, Discovery and Fox unscripted boss had been investigated internally after facing complaints of workplace misconduct, one coming at a Fremantle diversity event in March. It was a shocking turn of events,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Amelia Brown has been named chief executive officer of Fremantle’s business in the UK.
In her new role, Brown will oversee the strategic direction of UK corporate functions as well as the output of labels Thames, Talkback and Naked – the producers of programming including “Britain’s Got Talent,” “Too Hot To Handle,” “Never Mind the Buzzcocks,” “Qi,” “The Apprentice” and “The Rap Game UK.” Majority investment Label 1 will also report to Brown.
Brown, who has worked with Fremantle for twenty years, most recently served as managing director of the Thames label. She first joined the company in 2003 as a freelancer before being placed on a permanent basis in 2013. In 2017, Brown as appointed as a managing director.
Also Read:
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ Filmmaker Edward Berger Sets First-Look Deal With Fremantle
During her tenure, Brown has been a key creative on almost every series of “Britain’s Got Talent” and...
In her new role, Brown will oversee the strategic direction of UK corporate functions as well as the output of labels Thames, Talkback and Naked – the producers of programming including “Britain’s Got Talent,” “Too Hot To Handle,” “Never Mind the Buzzcocks,” “Qi,” “The Apprentice” and “The Rap Game UK.” Majority investment Label 1 will also report to Brown.
Brown, who has worked with Fremantle for twenty years, most recently served as managing director of the Thames label. She first joined the company in 2003 as a freelancer before being placed on a permanent basis in 2013. In 2017, Brown as appointed as a managing director.
Also Read:
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ Filmmaker Edward Berger Sets First-Look Deal With Fremantle
During her tenure, Brown has been a key creative on almost every series of “Britain’s Got Talent” and...
- 4/19/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Former Thames boss - who was slated to leave - will replace Simon Andreae.
Thames’ managing director Amelia Brown has paused plans to set up her own business after Fremantle named her Simon Andrae’s successor as chief executive of its UK business.
Following Andreae’s resignation last week, Brown steps up after six years in her Thames role to take on the role with immediate effect.
Prior to accepting the role, she had been slated to leave the company in July to set up her own indie. She will now stay to oversee the strategic direction of Fremantle UK...
Thames’ managing director Amelia Brown has paused plans to set up her own business after Fremantle named her Simon Andrae’s successor as chief executive of its UK business.
Following Andreae’s resignation last week, Brown steps up after six years in her Thames role to take on the role with immediate effect.
Prior to accepting the role, she had been slated to leave the company in July to set up her own indie. She will now stay to oversee the strategic direction of Fremantle UK...
- 4/19/2023
- by Ellie Kahn Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Veteran Fremantle executive Amelia Brown has been appointed the new CEO of Fremantle U.K., replacing Simon Andreae who abruptly stepped down from the role earlier this month citing health reasons.
Brown, who has been with Fremantle for 20 years, is the former managing director of its U.K. label Thames and has been a key creative on trademark Fremantle hit shows as “Britain’s Got Talent” and “The X Factor.”
Fremantle in a statement noted that Brown has been instrumental in strengthening Thames’ slate of programming and expanding the scripted production outfit into the world of reality television with shows like “Too Hot To Handle” for Netflix and upcoming entertainment show “Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream” for ITV. Her successor as MD of Thames will be announced soon.
In her new role Brown will join Fremantle Global Leadership team and directly manage the output of Fremantle’s British labels Thames,...
Brown, who has been with Fremantle for 20 years, is the former managing director of its U.K. label Thames and has been a key creative on trademark Fremantle hit shows as “Britain’s Got Talent” and “The X Factor.”
Fremantle in a statement noted that Brown has been instrumental in strengthening Thames’ slate of programming and expanding the scripted production outfit into the world of reality television with shows like “Too Hot To Handle” for Netflix and upcoming entertainment show “Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream” for ITV. Her successor as MD of Thames will be announced soon.
In her new role Brown will join Fremantle Global Leadership team and directly manage the output of Fremantle’s British labels Thames,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Long-time Fremantle executive Amelia Brown has been named the new CEO of Fremantle UK, where she will oversee the strategic direction of the group’s U.K. corporate functions as well as the output of Fremantle Brit labels Thames, Talkback, Naked.
Label 1, producers of Hospital, World’s Collide: The Manchester Bombing, which is majority-owned by Fremantle, will also report to Brown.
Brown has been with the production giant for twenty years, most recently in the position of managing director of UK label Thames. She’s been a key creative force on many of the group’s biggest hits, including Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor and was instrumental in strengthening Thames’ slate of programming and expanding the scripted production outfit into the world of reality television with shows like Too Hot To Handle for Netflix and the upcoming entertainment show Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream for ITV. Her...
Label 1, producers of Hospital, World’s Collide: The Manchester Bombing, which is majority-owned by Fremantle, will also report to Brown.
Brown has been with the production giant for twenty years, most recently in the position of managing director of UK label Thames. She’s been a key creative force on many of the group’s biggest hits, including Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor and was instrumental in strengthening Thames’ slate of programming and expanding the scripted production outfit into the world of reality television with shows like Too Hot To Handle for Netflix and the upcoming entertainment show Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream for ITV. Her...
- 4/19/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fremantle UK has named departing Thames boss Amelia Brown as its new CEO just days after Simon Andreae stepped down following misconduct complaints.
Brown was due to leave the Fremantle-owned Got Talent producer over the summer but will instead immediately take the reins from Andreae, who resigned earlier this week. Andreae stepped down citing health reasons before Deadline subsequently revealed he had faced misconduct complaints prior to resigning. The prominent British television executive had faced two recent investigations into alleged comments he made to female colleagues and Fremantle hired an external lawyer to examine accusations about his conduct in February.
Brown will oversee Fremantle labels Thames, Talkback and Naked, which make the likes of Got Talent, Too Hot to Handle and The Apprentice. Majority investment indie Label1, which makes Hospital, will also report to Brown. Wreck producer Euston Films will report to Christian Vesper, CEO of Global Drama. Recent...
Brown was due to leave the Fremantle-owned Got Talent producer over the summer but will instead immediately take the reins from Andreae, who resigned earlier this week. Andreae stepped down citing health reasons before Deadline subsequently revealed he had faced misconduct complaints prior to resigning. The prominent British television executive had faced two recent investigations into alleged comments he made to female colleagues and Fremantle hired an external lawyer to examine accusations about his conduct in February.
Brown will oversee Fremantle labels Thames, Talkback and Naked, which make the likes of Got Talent, Too Hot to Handle and The Apprentice. Majority investment indie Label1, which makes Hospital, will also report to Brown. Wreck producer Euston Films will report to Christian Vesper, CEO of Global Drama. Recent...
- 4/19/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Fremantle Hr boss Nicky Gray has exited the Got Talent and Normal People super-indie after more than two decades.
In a note to staff, seen by Deadline, Fremantle Group CEO Jennifer Mullin said Gray, who was Chief People and Culture Officer, “leaves the business in terrific shape and her contributions have made our culture what it is today.”
London-based Gray was part of Fremantle’s Executive Committee that includes Mullin, Group COO & CEO Continental Europe Andrea Scrosati, Group CFO Andrew Bott and Group General Counsel Matthew Wilson. She joined Fremantle in the late-1990s and worked her way up during a lengthy tenure, while past employers include Express Newspapers and food manufacturer Tate & Lyle. Succession plans will be announced in due course.
“After an incredible 21 years of service, I am writing to let you know that Nicky Gray is stepping down from her role as Chief People and Culture Officer,...
In a note to staff, seen by Deadline, Fremantle Group CEO Jennifer Mullin said Gray, who was Chief People and Culture Officer, “leaves the business in terrific shape and her contributions have made our culture what it is today.”
London-based Gray was part of Fremantle’s Executive Committee that includes Mullin, Group COO & CEO Continental Europe Andrea Scrosati, Group CFO Andrew Bott and Group General Counsel Matthew Wilson. She joined Fremantle in the late-1990s and worked her way up during a lengthy tenure, while past employers include Express Newspapers and food manufacturer Tate & Lyle. Succession plans will be announced in due course.
“After an incredible 21 years of service, I am writing to let you know that Nicky Gray is stepping down from her role as Chief People and Culture Officer,...
- 4/3/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Fremantle is planning to once again merge Britain’s Got Talent producer Thames with Talkback under a restructure that will be unveiled in the coming months.
Deadline understands plans are being drawn up to consolidate Fremantle’s UK entertainment labels, with the coming together of the two stalwart British production houses a strong possibility. The Apprentice producer Naked, which was merged with Fremantle stablemate Boundless in 2020, could also be brought within the newly-merged entity.
If rubberstamped, Deadline understands a label boss will be hired to oversee the new Talkback Thames shingle and a redundancy process will likely take place. We revealed late last month that Thames MD Amelia Brown is exiting after two decades to set up her own production company, while Naked MD Fatima Salaria is also departing shortly.
If the plans are pushed through, the move will be the third time Thames has been combined with Talkback. They...
Deadline understands plans are being drawn up to consolidate Fremantle’s UK entertainment labels, with the coming together of the two stalwart British production houses a strong possibility. The Apprentice producer Naked, which was merged with Fremantle stablemate Boundless in 2020, could also be brought within the newly-merged entity.
If rubberstamped, Deadline understands a label boss will be hired to oversee the new Talkback Thames shingle and a redundancy process will likely take place. We revealed late last month that Thames MD Amelia Brown is exiting after two decades to set up her own production company, while Naked MD Fatima Salaria is also departing shortly.
If the plans are pushed through, the move will be the third time Thames has been combined with Talkback. They...
- 2/7/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Commission
Reese Witherspoon‘s production company Hello Sunshine, which is a part of Candle Media, has secured its first U.K. commission. Fronted by TV presenter and bestselling author Stacey Solomon, Channel 4 DIY series “Bricking It” gives viewers easy and helpful tips to makeover their homes themselves.
Hello Sunshine’s U.K. unscripted division opened last year and is headed by executive VP Sarah Lazenby. The show was commissioned by senior commissioning editor Clemency Green and head of daytime and features, Jo Street, for Channel 4. The series will be executive produced by Witherspoon, Sara Rea and Lazenby.
Solomon said: “From an early age, my dad taught me DIY and the importance of fixing things yourself where you can. I still find it so satisfying to build or repair around the house and it saves loads of money. I am beyond excited to work with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine on their first ever U.
Reese Witherspoon‘s production company Hello Sunshine, which is a part of Candle Media, has secured its first U.K. commission. Fronted by TV presenter and bestselling author Stacey Solomon, Channel 4 DIY series “Bricking It” gives viewers easy and helpful tips to makeover their homes themselves.
Hello Sunshine’s U.K. unscripted division opened last year and is headed by executive VP Sarah Lazenby. The show was commissioned by senior commissioning editor Clemency Green and head of daytime and features, Jo Street, for Channel 4. The series will be executive produced by Witherspoon, Sara Rea and Lazenby.
Solomon said: “From an early age, my dad taught me DIY and the importance of fixing things yourself where you can. I still find it so satisfying to build or repair around the house and it saves loads of money. I am beyond excited to work with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine on their first ever U.
- 1/27/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Amelia Brown, Managing Director of Britain’s Got Talent, The X Factor and Too Hot to Handle producer Thames, is leaving after two decades to set up an entertainment production company.
Brown handed her resignation in several weeks ago and will exit in July. She has been with Thames since 2003 and became MD when the company merged with Talkback in 2017 – a merger that was undone two years later at which point she kept her post.
She will launch her own production company later this year and becomes the second Fremantle label boss to be revealed to be leaving in the past fortnight, following Fatima Salaria, who is exiting The Apprentice indie Naked in the spring.
Amelia Brown (left) with David Walliams and Britain’s Got Talent execs at the BAFTAs
During her lengthy stint with Thames, Brown has shepherded ITV stalwarts The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, for which...
Brown handed her resignation in several weeks ago and will exit in July. She has been with Thames since 2003 and became MD when the company merged with Talkback in 2017 – a merger that was undone two years later at which point she kept her post.
She will launch her own production company later this year and becomes the second Fremantle label boss to be revealed to be leaving in the past fortnight, following Fatima Salaria, who is exiting The Apprentice indie Naked in the spring.
Amelia Brown (left) with David Walliams and Britain’s Got Talent execs at the BAFTAs
During her lengthy stint with Thames, Brown has shepherded ITV stalwarts The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, for which...
- 1/27/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream’ Competition Set At ITV
Abba musical Mamma Mia! is seeking its next lead via an ITV entertainment show from The X Factor producer Thames and Littlestar. Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream will see contestants whittled down to two to be leads Sophie and Sky, who were played by Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper in the movie version. The show will be filmed in the Greek Islands and final will take place in London’s West End. Contestants will be mentored by guest industry stars through unique workshops and judged by a panel of well-known industry experts in both music and theater. The show has shades of BBC series Any Dream Will Do, which found the next Joseph star, and I’d Do Anything, which did the same for Oliver towards the end of the Noughties. ITV Head of Entertainment Commissioning Katie Rawcliffe said Mamma Mia!
Abba musical Mamma Mia! is seeking its next lead via an ITV entertainment show from The X Factor producer Thames and Littlestar. Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream will see contestants whittled down to two to be leads Sophie and Sky, who were played by Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper in the movie version. The show will be filmed in the Greek Islands and final will take place in London’s West End. Contestants will be mentored by guest industry stars through unique workshops and judged by a panel of well-known industry experts in both music and theater. The show has shades of BBC series Any Dream Will Do, which found the next Joseph star, and I’d Do Anything, which did the same for Oliver towards the end of the Noughties. ITV Head of Entertainment Commissioning Katie Rawcliffe said Mamma Mia!
- 12/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Spoiler alert: This article discusses “Too Hot to Handle” Season 2 in its entirety.
The second season of “Too Hot to Handle” was filled with just as many twists and Nsfw situations as the first, as our robot hero Lana worked to prevent as many islanders as possible from frivolous sex in order to find actual love.
Although the season finale revealed French model Marvin as the winner, there are still many burning questions after watching it. Luckily, creator Laura Gibson and executive producers Ros Coward and Amelia Brown chatted with Variety about some of the biggest burning questions about the second season.
What is the casting process like to get people with such high sex drives who are willing to talk about it all of the time?
Coward: We speak to about 1,000 people, and we’ve probably auditioned about 500 of them. So really, it’s reaching out to people that...
The second season of “Too Hot to Handle” was filled with just as many twists and Nsfw situations as the first, as our robot hero Lana worked to prevent as many islanders as possible from frivolous sex in order to find actual love.
Although the season finale revealed French model Marvin as the winner, there are still many burning questions after watching it. Luckily, creator Laura Gibson and executive producers Ros Coward and Amelia Brown chatted with Variety about some of the biggest burning questions about the second season.
What is the casting process like to get people with such high sex drives who are willing to talk about it all of the time?
Coward: We speak to about 1,000 people, and we’ve probably auditioned about 500 of them. So really, it’s reaching out to people that...
- 6/30/2021
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Kenan Thompson, Danielle Brooks, Simu Liu Among Banff Rockie Award Gala Recipients (TV News Roundup)
The Banff World Media Festival announced Kenan Thompson, Danielle Brooks, Simu Liu and Sinking Ship Ent. are this year’s Rockie Award Gala recipients. Hosted by Jasmeet Raina, the ceremony will stream live on YouTube June 15 at 3 p.m.
Thompson, best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and now headlining the NBC sitcom “Kenan,” will be bestowed the Sir Peter Ustinov Award, which recognizes a creative talent who has made an outstanding comedic contribution to the media industry. Past honorees include Sean Hayes, John Cleese, Tracey Ullman, Bob Newhart, Tantoo Cardinal, John Candy and Bill Hader.
Brooks, who recently starred in “Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia” and was on the long-running “Orange is the New Black,” will receive the A+E Inclusion Award, which recognizes an individual whose efforts and vision in the media realm champion and reflect the diversity of the world we live in. Past honorees include LeVar Burton,...
Thompson, best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and now headlining the NBC sitcom “Kenan,” will be bestowed the Sir Peter Ustinov Award, which recognizes a creative talent who has made an outstanding comedic contribution to the media industry. Past honorees include Sean Hayes, John Cleese, Tracey Ullman, Bob Newhart, Tantoo Cardinal, John Candy and Bill Hader.
Brooks, who recently starred in “Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia” and was on the long-running “Orange is the New Black,” will receive the A+E Inclusion Award, which recognizes an individual whose efforts and vision in the media realm champion and reflect the diversity of the world we live in. Past honorees include LeVar Burton,...
- 5/19/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s hit reality show Too Hot To Handle will return for Season 2 on June 23.
Deadline first revealed that the show has been greenlit for a second and third season, with Fremantle companies Thames and Talkback producing the two seasons back-to-back at a new location on the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Netflix will drop Season 2 in two batches of episodes. The first four will go live on June 23, while the remaining six installments are being lined up for June 30.
The show involves a bunch of singletons being transported to an exotic location where they hope to find love, but there’s a catch — they are forbidden from kissing, canoodling, and self-gratification. Every fumble results in their $100,000 cash prize dropping.
Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos hailed Too Hot to Handle as its “biggest competition show ever” after the series premiered last April. Executive producers on Season 2 are Amelia Brown, Saul Fearnley, and...
Deadline first revealed that the show has been greenlit for a second and third season, with Fremantle companies Thames and Talkback producing the two seasons back-to-back at a new location on the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Netflix will drop Season 2 in two batches of episodes. The first four will go live on June 23, while the remaining six installments are being lined up for June 30.
The show involves a bunch of singletons being transported to an exotic location where they hope to find love, but there’s a catch — they are forbidden from kissing, canoodling, and self-gratification. Every fumble results in their $100,000 cash prize dropping.
Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos hailed Too Hot to Handle as its “biggest competition show ever” after the series premiered last April. Executive producers on Season 2 are Amelia Brown, Saul Fearnley, and...
- 5/19/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix, which introduced viewers around the world to the full-season binge drop, is experimenting with new scheduling around two of its biggest non-scripted shows.
The Circle and Too Hot to Handle are returning later this spring, and their release pattern looks a lot more like traditional broadcasting scheduling than it used to.
Season 2 of Studio Lambert’s The Circle, which sees a cast of eight contestants flirt, befriend, piss off and compete in challenges against each other to earn a cash prize as top influencer and catfisher, will premiere on Wednesday, April 14.
It will begin with the first four episodes and will be followed the following Wednesday, April 21 with the next four episodes and Wednesday April 28 with four more before the finale drops May 5.
The four-week event comes after the first season aired in three drops starting in January 2020.
The move towards a more traditional style scheduling pattern, albeit with a binge-able twist,...
The Circle and Too Hot to Handle are returning later this spring, and their release pattern looks a lot more like traditional broadcasting scheduling than it used to.
Season 2 of Studio Lambert’s The Circle, which sees a cast of eight contestants flirt, befriend, piss off and compete in challenges against each other to earn a cash prize as top influencer and catfisher, will premiere on Wednesday, April 14.
It will begin with the first four episodes and will be followed the following Wednesday, April 21 with the next four episodes and Wednesday April 28 with four more before the finale drops May 5.
The four-week event comes after the first season aired in three drops starting in January 2020.
The move towards a more traditional style scheduling pattern, albeit with a binge-able twist,...
- 3/23/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The U.S. edition of “The Circle” will finally return for a second season in April, Netflix announced Tuesday.
The new season will begin rolling out on Wednesday, April 14, with multiple episodes dropping each week leading up to the May 5 finale. The four-week run will precede a June rollout of “Too Hot to Handle” Season 2, which was also announced Tuesday in a blog post from Netflix unscripted exec Brandon Riegg.
“Although these shows may have felt a little too real at times, fans all over the world rallied around them with an energy and excitement we could not have imagined,” Riegg wrote. “We can’t wait for our members to see what’s in store in their second seasons. We’ve added new twists and surprises to keep the games fresh — and all new players that we think fans will love rooting for.”
“The Circle” was a hit for Netflix...
The new season will begin rolling out on Wednesday, April 14, with multiple episodes dropping each week leading up to the May 5 finale. The four-week run will precede a June rollout of “Too Hot to Handle” Season 2, which was also announced Tuesday in a blog post from Netflix unscripted exec Brandon Riegg.
“Although these shows may have felt a little too real at times, fans all over the world rallied around them with an energy and excitement we could not have imagined,” Riegg wrote. “We can’t wait for our members to see what’s in store in their second seasons. We’ve added new twists and surprises to keep the games fresh — and all new players that we think fans will love rooting for.”
“The Circle” was a hit for Netflix...
- 3/23/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
HBO and Sky’s nuclear drama “Chernobyl” has emerged as the frontrunner at this year’s Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards and British Academy Television Craft Awards with 14 nominations.
“Chernobyl’s” impressive haul matches “Killing Eve’s” record 14 BAFTA nods last year, making it the most nominated show in the history of the awards.
“Chernobyl’s” nominations span multiple categories in the TV and craft awards: costume design, director fiction, editing fiction, make-up and hair design, original music, photography and lighting fiction, production design, scripted casting, sound fiction, special, visual and graphic effects, writer (drama), leading actor (for Jared Harris), mini-series and supporting actor (for Stellan Skarsgard).
Meanwhile, Netflix hit “The Crown” follows with seven BAFTA nods, while Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s BBC and Amazon-backed comedy “Fleabag” and BBC and Netflix thriller “Giri/Haji” have six each.
BBC and HBO’s Philip Pullman adaptation “His Dark Materials” and Channel 4...
“Chernobyl’s” impressive haul matches “Killing Eve’s” record 14 BAFTA nods last year, making it the most nominated show in the history of the awards.
“Chernobyl’s” nominations span multiple categories in the TV and craft awards: costume design, director fiction, editing fiction, make-up and hair design, original music, photography and lighting fiction, production design, scripted casting, sound fiction, special, visual and graphic effects, writer (drama), leading actor (for Jared Harris), mini-series and supporting actor (for Stellan Skarsgard).
Meanwhile, Netflix hit “The Crown” follows with seven BAFTA nods, while Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s BBC and Amazon-backed comedy “Fleabag” and BBC and Netflix thriller “Giri/Haji” have six each.
BBC and HBO’s Philip Pullman adaptation “His Dark Materials” and Channel 4...
- 6/4/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Forget Baywatch, bring on Baewatch. Fremantle may have started discussing a reboot of the classic beach drama but in the meantime its UK production label Thames is putting its own spin on the title for its latest reality dating format.
Channel 4’s youth-skewing network E4 has commissioned eight-part series Baewatch (w/t) from the unscripted production company, which produces series including The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, and Love Island co-producer Motion Content Group.
The show sees a group of beautiful young contestants test their relationships in a luxury beach setting. The twist? It’s their in-laws that are setting them a series of tasks and challenges.
Each self-contained episode sees the unknowing couple fly out to a luxury villa where they believe they are taking part in a gameshow where they will be challenged to prove how strong their relationship is. While taking part in the fictional series,...
Channel 4’s youth-skewing network E4 has commissioned eight-part series Baewatch (w/t) from the unscripted production company, which produces series including The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, and Love Island co-producer Motion Content Group.
The show sees a group of beautiful young contestants test their relationships in a luxury beach setting. The twist? It’s their in-laws that are setting them a series of tasks and challenges.
Each self-contained episode sees the unknowing couple fly out to a luxury villa where they believe they are taking part in a gameshow where they will be challenged to prove how strong their relationship is. While taking part in the fictional series,...
- 11/29/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Glee’s Matthew Morrison is to star in Simon Cowell’s British entertainment format The Greatest Dancer.
The American actor, who has starred in a number of Broadway hits including Finding Neverland, will present the series alongside former Girls Aloud star Cheryl Tweedy and Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse. The trio will make up the panel of Dance Captains in the BBC One show, which is hosted by Alesha Dixon and Jordan Banjo.
Auditions for The Greatest Dancer, a co-production between creator Syco Entertainment and FremantleMedia’s Thames, are taking place in Birmingham ahead of its launch in 2019.
The show marks Cowell’s first co-pro for the BBC, having launched a number of shows on rival ITV. The broadcaster has ordered eight episodes of the entertainment format for Saturday night. The series will feature a host of talent from across the world of dance as they give the performances...
The American actor, who has starred in a number of Broadway hits including Finding Neverland, will present the series alongside former Girls Aloud star Cheryl Tweedy and Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse. The trio will make up the panel of Dance Captains in the BBC One show, which is hosted by Alesha Dixon and Jordan Banjo.
Auditions for The Greatest Dancer, a co-production between creator Syco Entertainment and FremantleMedia’s Thames, are taking place in Birmingham ahead of its launch in 2019.
The show marks Cowell’s first co-pro for the BBC, having launched a number of shows on rival ITV. The broadcaster has ordered eight episodes of the entertainment format for Saturday night. The series will feature a host of talent from across the world of dance as they give the performances...
- 8/10/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix shows “The Crown” and “Black Mirror” each landed three nominations Wednesday for BAFTA Television Awards, as did BBC dramas “Line of Duty” and “Three Girls.”
Royal chronicle “The Crown” received nominations for best drama; for Claire Foy, who plays Queen Elizabeth II, as leading actress; and for Vanessa Kirby, who plays Princess Margaret, as best supporting actress. “Black Mirror,” the dark, dystopian anthology series, also bagged nominations in the leading actor, single drama, and supporting actor categories.
Police drama “Line of Duty’s” trio of nominations included one for drama series and one for lead actress Thandie Newton. “Three Girls,” about sexual abuse in a community in northern England, will compete for the best miniseries award.
The nominations were unveiled Wednesday morning at BAFTA’s Piccadilly headquarters in London, with Michelle Keegan and presenter and “Strictly Come Dancing Winner” Ore Oduba making the announcements.
BAFTA chairwoman Jane Lush told...
Royal chronicle “The Crown” received nominations for best drama; for Claire Foy, who plays Queen Elizabeth II, as leading actress; and for Vanessa Kirby, who plays Princess Margaret, as best supporting actress. “Black Mirror,” the dark, dystopian anthology series, also bagged nominations in the leading actor, single drama, and supporting actor categories.
Police drama “Line of Duty’s” trio of nominations included one for drama series and one for lead actress Thandie Newton. “Three Girls,” about sexual abuse in a community in northern England, will compete for the best miniseries award.
The nominations were unveiled Wednesday morning at BAFTA’s Piccadilly headquarters in London, with Michelle Keegan and presenter and “Strictly Come Dancing Winner” Ore Oduba making the announcements.
BAFTA chairwoman Jane Lush told...
- 4/4/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Britain's Got Talent will begin its biggest-ever audition tour this month, visiting 11 cities across the UK and Ireland in the search for new talent.
Open auditions begin on October 11 in Newcastle, before moving on to Cardiff, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Leeds, Dublin, Norwich, Glasgow, Bristol, London and Manchester. This will be followed by the judges audition tour in 2015.
Auditions are open to any performer of any age and from any background, and all skills are welcomed: from comedians to acrobats to animal acts.
ITV has released a promotional video featuring previous winners Susan Boyle, Paul Potts and Diversity to encourage viewers to "take a chance" and enter the show.
This year's winners, musical theatre group Collabro, have achieved a number one album with Stars since winning the show. They will embark on a tour next year alongside fellow 2014 finalist Lucy Kay, who released her debut album Fantasia this week.
Bgt executive producer,...
Open auditions begin on October 11 in Newcastle, before moving on to Cardiff, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Leeds, Dublin, Norwich, Glasgow, Bristol, London and Manchester. This will be followed by the judges audition tour in 2015.
Auditions are open to any performer of any age and from any background, and all skills are welcomed: from comedians to acrobats to animal acts.
ITV has released a promotional video featuring previous winners Susan Boyle, Paul Potts and Diversity to encourage viewers to "take a chance" and enter the show.
This year's winners, musical theatre group Collabro, have achieved a number one album with Stars since winning the show. They will embark on a tour next year alongside fellow 2014 finalist Lucy Kay, who released her debut album Fantasia this week.
Bgt executive producer,...
- 10/1/2014
- Digital Spy
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