CBS’ ‘Ghosts’ Meets Movie ‘Ghost’ In Super Bowl Promo, ‘Fire Country’ Does Halftime Pep Talk – Watch
CBS is using the Super Bowl on Sunday to promote its entire lineup of returning series which will roll out during the premiere week that will follow the sporting event. Two of them, comedy Ghosts and drama Fire Country, are getting special promos created specifically for the Big Game.
The Ghosts spot features Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), Sam (Rose McIver) and their house ghosts doing a running commentary while sitting on the couch watching the Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg movie Ghost.
The Fire Country promo, designed to run during half-time features co-creator, executive producer and star Max Thieriot delivering a speech akin to an rousing coach half-time pep talk from a movie or TV series.
“Both are really high performing shows, and we think there is still a lot of opportunity to grow the audience for both,” Mike Benson, CBS’ President and Chief Marketing Officer, said about the...
The Ghosts spot features Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), Sam (Rose McIver) and their house ghosts doing a running commentary while sitting on the couch watching the Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg movie Ghost.
The Fire Country promo, designed to run during half-time features co-creator, executive producer and star Max Thieriot delivering a speech akin to an rousing coach half-time pep talk from a movie or TV series.
“Both are really high performing shows, and we think there is still a lot of opportunity to grow the audience for both,” Mike Benson, CBS’ President and Chief Marketing Officer, said about the...
- 2/9/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
On Sunday night, Mike Benson gets a little over seven minutes to cap off weeks of work.
The CBS marketing chief will use promo time allotted to Paramount Global during the Super Bowl to turbocharge a broad array of campaigns he has set in motion in the past few months aimed at getting viewers excited about one of the most unorthodox TV seasons in history.
“Think about what we are up against here,” says Benson, a veteran of the business of promoting programming who has also worked at ABC and Amazon. “It’s the first time going back to 1954 that a broadcast network is launching a season outside of the fall” due to the recent Hollywood talent strikes.
CBS will use the Super Bowl to tout not just the new drama “Tracker,” which gets its debut right after the end of the game, but also “Ghosts,” “Fire Country,” “So Help Me Todd” and “Young Sheldon.
The CBS marketing chief will use promo time allotted to Paramount Global during the Super Bowl to turbocharge a broad array of campaigns he has set in motion in the past few months aimed at getting viewers excited about one of the most unorthodox TV seasons in history.
“Think about what we are up against here,” says Benson, a veteran of the business of promoting programming who has also worked at ABC and Amazon. “It’s the first time going back to 1954 that a broadcast network is launching a season outside of the fall” due to the recent Hollywood talent strikes.
CBS will use the Super Bowl to tout not just the new drama “Tracker,” which gets its debut right after the end of the game, but also “Ghosts,” “Fire Country,” “So Help Me Todd” and “Young Sheldon.
- 2/9/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Fox Entertainment has struck a first-of-its-kind drama development deal with a trio of production companies, Walter Iuzzolino’s Eagle Eye, The Serial Killer’s Wife producer Clapperboard and Newen Studios label Aux Singuliers.
Fox Scripted Programming President Michael Thorn said the U.S. network and UK producers will “identify and implement entirely new production models,” while similar discussions are taking place with producers and studios in Europe, Australia and Canada.
With Clapperboard and Aux Singuliers, Fox is working on Dead Space [working title] from Young Wallander scribe Ben Harris.
Grounded in the reality of the current space race, the series attempts to redefine the traditional police procedural as it explores the complex moral, political and real legal machinations after a murder is committed aboard the International Space Station. It follows in the footsteps of the BBC’s Vigil, which took a similar approach to a murder mystery on a Navy submarine.
Fox Scripted Programming President Michael Thorn said the U.S. network and UK producers will “identify and implement entirely new production models,” while similar discussions are taking place with producers and studios in Europe, Australia and Canada.
With Clapperboard and Aux Singuliers, Fox is working on Dead Space [working title] from Young Wallander scribe Ben Harris.
Grounded in the reality of the current space race, the series attempts to redefine the traditional police procedural as it explores the complex moral, political and real legal machinations after a murder is committed aboard the International Space Station. It follows in the footsteps of the BBC’s Vigil, which took a similar approach to a murder mystery on a Navy submarine.
- 10/13/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“Yellowstone” brought 6.6 million viewers to CBS when it made its broadcast debut last week, a number that climbed to nearly 7.5 million when accounting for three days of delayed viewing via VOD, DVR and other platforms. According to new data, around 50% of those viewers had never seen the cable drama before, while the other half was made up of fans who already knew the ways of the Dutton family ranch.
The Taylor Sheridan-created drama premiered on Paramount Network, one of CBS’ sister cable channels, in 2018 with 2.8 million viewers. It grew into a massive hit over time, with Season 5 opening to an audience of 8.8 million in November.
Set in Montana and starring a cowboy hat-wearing Kevin Costner, “Yellowstone” is certainly the kind of mainstream primetime fare that was likely already popular with the CBS audience. But as chief marketing officer Mike Benson told Variety earlier this month, research conducted before last...
The Taylor Sheridan-created drama premiered on Paramount Network, one of CBS’ sister cable channels, in 2018 with 2.8 million viewers. It grew into a massive hit over time, with Season 5 opening to an audience of 8.8 million in November.
Set in Montana and starring a cowboy hat-wearing Kevin Costner, “Yellowstone” is certainly the kind of mainstream primetime fare that was likely already popular with the CBS audience. But as chief marketing officer Mike Benson told Variety earlier this month, research conducted before last...
- 9/27/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
As “Survivor” hits its 45th season this fall, CBS is building a new marketing campaign for the show inspired by its signature piece of clothing: The “Buff.” That versatile cloth that “Survivor” contestants have used as tube tops, bandanas and headbands since Season 1, will be seen at landmarks across the country over the next week, leading up to the series premiere on Wednesday, Sept. 27.
As part of the “Survivor Buff Takeover,” famous locations that will be decked out with Buffs include the Green Giant in Blue Earth, Minn.; Make Way for Ducklings in Boston; Forever Marilyn in Palm Springs, Calif.; Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Los Angeles; Monster Monument at Dover Motor Speedway in Dover, Del.; Gulfstream Park’s Pegasus and The Dragon in Hallandale Beach, Fla.; the Tuska statue at University of Alabama; and the Ralphie statue at University of Colorado, Boulder.
“We wanted to create something that...
As part of the “Survivor Buff Takeover,” famous locations that will be decked out with Buffs include the Green Giant in Blue Earth, Minn.; Make Way for Ducklings in Boston; Forever Marilyn in Palm Springs, Calif.; Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Los Angeles; Monster Monument at Dover Motor Speedway in Dover, Del.; Gulfstream Park’s Pegasus and The Dragon in Hallandale Beach, Fla.; the Tuska statue at University of Alabama; and the Ralphie statue at University of Colorado, Boulder.
“We wanted to create something that...
- 9/20/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Here we are, just days away from the start of the 2023-24 television season… and the major networks still aren’t 100% sure what they’re doing. Just last week, several broadcasters scrambled to make even more last minute schedule changes — on top of other recently announced tweaks. The fall lineups that viewers tune into later this month will be remarkably different than the ones first announced in May.
At CBS, the Paramount+ Australia import “NCIS: Sydney” has suddenly landed on our shores, and will run on Monday nights. Fox just decided to push the return of its unscripted music gamer “I Can See Your Voice” to midseason and replace it with “9-1-1: Lone Star” repeats on Tuesdays. The CW made the snap decision to swap its Monday and Thursday slates after ABC had created a last-minute Thursday night “The Golden Bachelor”/”Bachelor in Paradise” one-two punch. And speaking of the Alphabet network…...
At CBS, the Paramount+ Australia import “NCIS: Sydney” has suddenly landed on our shores, and will run on Monday nights. Fox just decided to push the return of its unscripted music gamer “I Can See Your Voice” to midseason and replace it with “9-1-1: Lone Star” repeats on Tuesdays. The CW made the snap decision to swap its Monday and Thursday slates after ABC had created a last-minute Thursday night “The Golden Bachelor”/”Bachelor in Paradise” one-two punch. And speaking of the Alphabet network…...
- 9/13/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount+ is making a UK TV drama about a woman whose butter-wouldn’t-melt husband is arrested for the murder of his former assistant, while the streamer has entered production on French series …
The Serial Killer’s Wife will star Annabel Scholey, Jack Farthing and Luke Treadaway. Set in an idyllic English town, Beth Fairchild has prepared a surprise birthday party for her husband Tom (Farthing: Rain Dogs). With most of the village present as Tom is the beloved local doctor, Beth’s world is turned upside down when the party is interrupted by the police and Tom is arrested for murder. Beth believes her husband has been wrongly accused but she soon makes some shocking discoveries that cast doubt on his innocence, and she confides her worries in Adam, (Treadaway), Luke’s best friend from childhood.
Produced by Clapperboard Studios and BlackBox Multimedia, The Serial Killer’s Wife...
The Serial Killer’s Wife will star Annabel Scholey, Jack Farthing and Luke Treadaway. Set in an idyllic English town, Beth Fairchild has prepared a surprise birthday party for her husband Tom (Farthing: Rain Dogs). With most of the village present as Tom is the beloved local doctor, Beth’s world is turned upside down when the party is interrupted by the police and Tom is arrested for murder. Beth believes her husband has been wrongly accused but she soon makes some shocking discoveries that cast doubt on his innocence, and she confides her worries in Adam, (Treadaway), Luke’s best friend from childhood.
Produced by Clapperboard Studios and BlackBox Multimedia, The Serial Killer’s Wife...
- 6/29/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Justin Hartley is about to get a prime berth on CBS: His new drama Tracker will debut after the network’s telecast of Super Bowl Lviii on February 11.
Previously known as The Never Game, the series follows a lone-wolf survivalist named Colter Shaw (Hartley), who roams the country as a “reward seeker,” using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement solve all manner of mysteries while contending with his own fractured family.
Related: 2023-24 CBS Schedule
Robin Weigert, Abby McEnany, Eric Graise and Fiona Rene also star. The series is based on the bestselling novel The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver.
Related: CBS New Series Trailers: ‘Elsbeth’, ‘Matlock’
CBS has already started to build anticipation for the series. The network’s marketing department under President Mike Benson kicked off a promotional campaign during March Madness.
“We are going to be strategic about this and build anticipation,...
Previously known as The Never Game, the series follows a lone-wolf survivalist named Colter Shaw (Hartley), who roams the country as a “reward seeker,” using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement solve all manner of mysteries while contending with his own fractured family.
Related: 2023-24 CBS Schedule
Robin Weigert, Abby McEnany, Eric Graise and Fiona Rene also star. The series is based on the bestselling novel The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver.
Related: CBS New Series Trailers: ‘Elsbeth’, ‘Matlock’
CBS has already started to build anticipation for the series. The network’s marketing department under President Mike Benson kicked off a promotional campaign during March Madness.
“We are going to be strategic about this and build anticipation,...
- 5/10/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sheridan Smith and Céline Buckens have been cast as sisters in The Castaways, a Paramount+ drama series based on Lucy Clarke’s novel.
Smith will play Lori and Buckens is her sibling Erin in the thriller, which marks Clarke’s second series adaptation for Paramount+’s UK service.
After they have a huge flight, Lori boards a plane to Fiji, while Erin does not. The flight never arrives at its tropical destination and months later no wreckage has been located. Erin suddenly hears Lori’s credit card has been used on a remote Fijian island and she later recognizes the pilot on CCTV. She boards a plane to Fiji to track down the truth.
The show jumps between the perspectives of the two sisters, with Erin undertaking an investigation in the modern day and Lori struggling to survive after surviving a crash on a remote island. The truth about...
Smith will play Lori and Buckens is her sibling Erin in the thriller, which marks Clarke’s second series adaptation for Paramount+’s UK service.
After they have a huge flight, Lori boards a plane to Fiji, while Erin does not. The flight never arrives at its tropical destination and months later no wreckage has been located. Erin suddenly hears Lori’s credit card has been used on a remote Fijian island and she later recognizes the pilot on CCTV. She boards a plane to Fiji to track down the truth.
The show jumps between the perspectives of the two sisters, with Erin undertaking an investigation in the modern day and Lori struggling to survive after surviving a crash on a remote island. The truth about...
- 5/2/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: CBS is getting a head start on boosting the profile of its new Justin Hartley drama, now named Tracker.
Previously known as The Never Game, the series is scheduled to air during the 2023-24 broadcast season. But the network’s marketing department under President Mike Benson plans to kick off the drama’s promotional campaign this Thursday during March Madness. Watch a preview below.
Related Story CBS Sets Dates For Season Finales & Two-Part ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Series Ender Related Story 'Matlock': Jason Ritter Joins Cast Of CBS Reboot Pilot Related Story 'Fire Country': Rebecca Mader Joins Cast Of CBS Drama Series As Recurring
“We’ve never had an opportunity like this where we picked up a show so soon so we can start promoting it this soon,” Benson tells Deadline about Tracker, which CBS first committed to piloting in September 2021. The network ordered it to...
Previously known as The Never Game, the series is scheduled to air during the 2023-24 broadcast season. But the network’s marketing department under President Mike Benson plans to kick off the drama’s promotional campaign this Thursday during March Madness. Watch a preview below.
Related Story CBS Sets Dates For Season Finales & Two-Part ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Series Ender Related Story 'Matlock': Jason Ritter Joins Cast Of CBS Reboot Pilot Related Story 'Fire Country': Rebecca Mader Joins Cast Of CBS Drama Series As Recurring
“We’ve never had an opportunity like this where we picked up a show so soon so we can start promoting it this soon,” Benson tells Deadline about Tracker, which CBS first committed to piloting in September 2021. The network ordered it to...
- 3/15/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Since he first stepped into the ring in 2018, Jake Paul has fought in six matches and won them all. The seventh official bout of his career will take place in Saudi Arabia on February 26, and if he earns another victory, he’ll begin a new chapter in his boxing career. Wbc President Mauricio Sulaiman has said that Paul will place in the cruiserweight world rankings should he defeat British reality star Tommy Fury.
Paul’s pugilistic proclivities have earned him the nickname “The Problem Child,” but in spite of his success, he has struggled to gain recognition from the mainstream boxing world. Several of his scheduled opponents — including Fury — have dropped out of matches with him. Those cancellations have denied him chances to advance his reputation in the ring, though he still has some impressive wins to his name. Last year, he took on UFC legend Anderson Silva and extended his unbeaten streak.
Paul’s pugilistic proclivities have earned him the nickname “The Problem Child,” but in spite of his success, he has struggled to gain recognition from the mainstream boxing world. Several of his scheduled opponents — including Fury — have dropped out of matches with him. Those cancellations have denied him chances to advance his reputation in the ring, though he still has some impressive wins to his name. Last year, he took on UFC legend Anderson Silva and extended his unbeaten streak.
- 2/15/2023
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
CBS is screening the Season 2 premiere of “Ghosts” in theaters across the country — and you’re not invited. Well, unless you’re dead.
In a marketing stunt tied to this Thursday’s return of the hit Eye comedy, the season opener of “Ghosts” is being showcased in the middle of the night at venues in Los Angeles, Savannah, Ga., and Portland, Ore., but to empty seats. Instead, CBS is inviting actual ghosts to view the show — mortals be damned.
“We are using social media and we’ve got some mediums and some other folks that we’re using to put the word out to people who are not amongst the living, to stop by any of these theaters and attend the screenings,” says CBS chief marketing officer Mike Benson.
And that’s what they’re actually doing, including switching out the marquees and showing the episode in the middle of...
In a marketing stunt tied to this Thursday’s return of the hit Eye comedy, the season opener of “Ghosts” is being showcased in the middle of the night at venues in Los Angeles, Savannah, Ga., and Portland, Ore., but to empty seats. Instead, CBS is inviting actual ghosts to view the show — mortals be damned.
“We are using social media and we’ve got some mediums and some other folks that we’re using to put the word out to people who are not amongst the living, to stop by any of these theaters and attend the screenings,” says CBS chief marketing officer Mike Benson.
And that’s what they’re actually doing, including switching out the marquees and showing the episode in the middle of...
- 9/29/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The concept of a fall TV season may seem a bit outdated in this streaming age. Yet, broadcasters know that this is their moment in the spotlight. And the marketers at the major networks hope to embrace autumn as one of the best times to break through the noise and introduce their new and returning series.
“Some people may feel that fall is irrelevant, that you just launch shows all year round, and we understand that that’s happening, but we have a different approach,” says CBS chief marketing officer Mike Benson. “We actually have made a statement that we love fall. We love not only the change of seasons and warm sweaters and the pumpkin spice lattes, but we love all the new shows coming back.”
Observes Fox Entertainment marketing president Darren Schillace: “Even the streamers are pushing out some of their big products at this time of year.
“Some people may feel that fall is irrelevant, that you just launch shows all year round, and we understand that that’s happening, but we have a different approach,” says CBS chief marketing officer Mike Benson. “We actually have made a statement that we love fall. We love not only the change of seasons and warm sweaters and the pumpkin spice lattes, but we love all the new shows coming back.”
Observes Fox Entertainment marketing president Darren Schillace: “Even the streamers are pushing out some of their big products at this time of year.
- 9/22/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
“Ghosts” is entering the metaverse. The hit CBS comedy has launched an immersive experience in the Web3 gaming platform Decentraland, allowing fans to experience the show and its haunted mansion in a new, unique way. The “Ghosts” experience will be accessible at the site ghostsmetaverse.com through September.
The “Ghosts” metaverse experience was developed with Web3 marketing agency CreativeDepartmint. In the experience, fans take on an avatar from the show, and enter Woodstone Mansion to solve puzzles, experience various adventures and land collectible NFTs. The metaverse activation is part of CBS’ “Summer of ‘Ghosts’” marketing campaign leading into the show’s second season.
In re-creating Woodstone Mansion, CreativeDepartmint mirrored the series’ sets, and features the show’s characters, voiced by the series stars.
“We are continually looking for innovative ways to further develop new audiences for CBS programming, and our hit series ‘Ghosts,’ with its significant following, wide-ranging otherworldly characters and expansive setting,...
The “Ghosts” metaverse experience was developed with Web3 marketing agency CreativeDepartmint. In the experience, fans take on an avatar from the show, and enter Woodstone Mansion to solve puzzles, experience various adventures and land collectible NFTs. The metaverse activation is part of CBS’ “Summer of ‘Ghosts’” marketing campaign leading into the show’s second season.
In re-creating Woodstone Mansion, CreativeDepartmint mirrored the series’ sets, and features the show’s characters, voiced by the series stars.
“We are continually looking for innovative ways to further develop new audiences for CBS programming, and our hit series ‘Ghosts,’ with its significant following, wide-ranging otherworldly characters and expansive setting,...
- 7/21/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Project Funding
The Asian Cinema Fund, a bursary scheme for film and documentary projects operated alongside the Busan International Film Festival, has announced six Korean recipients and seven hailing from elsewhere in Asia. The fund was put on hiatus during the two years of Covid, which also reduced the festival in size and turned the Asian Contents & Film Market into a virtual event. Three winners – “In the Land of Brothers,” by Raha Amirfazali, “Life I Stole,” by Putri Purnama Sugua and “Smart City,” by Rohin Raveendran – each receive KRW10 million for script development and are invited to participate in the Acfm’s Asian Project Market. Three films currently in post-production — “Birth,” by Yoo Jiyoung, “Juhee from 5 to 7,” by Jang Kunjae and “Mariam,” by Arvind Pratap — will receive in-kind support for digital intermediates, Dcp production, sound mixing and sub-titling, and are expected to premiere as finished works at the Busan festival.
The Asian Cinema Fund, a bursary scheme for film and documentary projects operated alongside the Busan International Film Festival, has announced six Korean recipients and seven hailing from elsewhere in Asia. The fund was put on hiatus during the two years of Covid, which also reduced the festival in size and turned the Asian Contents & Film Market into a virtual event. Three winners – “In the Land of Brothers,” by Raha Amirfazali, “Life I Stole,” by Putri Purnama Sugua and “Smart City,” by Rohin Raveendran – each receive KRW10 million for script development and are invited to participate in the Acfm’s Asian Project Market. Three films currently in post-production — “Birth,” by Yoo Jiyoung, “Juhee from 5 to 7,” by Jang Kunjae and “Mariam,” by Arvind Pratap — will receive in-kind support for digital intermediates, Dcp production, sound mixing and sub-titling, and are expected to premiere as finished works at the Busan festival.
- 7/15/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Producer Mike Finnell (Joe Dante’s long time producing partner) joins Josh and Joe to discuss a few of his favorite movies.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Avalanche (1978)
Airport (1970)
Earthquake (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Matinee (1993) – Illeana Douglas’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s review, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Hollywood Boulevard (1976) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Deceived (1991)
Newsies (1992)
Milk Money (1994)
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) – Eli Roth’s trailer commentary
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary celebration
Explorers (1985) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Innerspace (1987) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The ’Burbs (1989) – Ti West’s trailer commentary, Tfh’s ’Burbs Mania
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Small Soldiers (1998)
A Matter of Life and Death (1946) – Glenn Erickson’s...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Avalanche (1978)
Airport (1970)
Earthquake (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Matinee (1993) – Illeana Douglas’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s review, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Hollywood Boulevard (1976) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Deceived (1991)
Newsies (1992)
Milk Money (1994)
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) – Eli Roth’s trailer commentary
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary celebration
Explorers (1985) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Innerspace (1987) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The ’Burbs (1989) – Ti West’s trailer commentary, Tfh’s ’Burbs Mania
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Small Soldiers (1998)
A Matter of Life and Death (1946) – Glenn Erickson’s...
- 7/12/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Ask Jose Velasco, 60, what he thinks about the Conecta Fiction Honorary award he’s receiving on Thursday June 23 and his first response is, “Why?”
The self-effacing founder and president of powerhouse content producer iZen Group says he is grateful to those who decided to give it to him, “rightly or not.” “I guess it’s because I’ve been in this business for 35 years and have done everything from fiction to reality to game shows,” he muses, adding: “But if they think this will make me retire, they’re mistaken.”
“I guess I am of the generation of people in Spain who were trying the shape the country’s television landscape,” he notes. Indeed, Velasco founded and ran one of the pioneering entertainment giants of Spain, Globomedia. He later established Zeppelin TV as well as Diagonal TV and Linze Producciones, all of which formed part of Endemol, then owned by Telefonica Media.
The self-effacing founder and president of powerhouse content producer iZen Group says he is grateful to those who decided to give it to him, “rightly or not.” “I guess it’s because I’ve been in this business for 35 years and have done everything from fiction to reality to game shows,” he muses, adding: “But if they think this will make me retire, they’re mistaken.”
“I guess I am of the generation of people in Spain who were trying the shape the country’s television landscape,” he notes. Indeed, Velasco founded and ran one of the pioneering entertainment giants of Spain, Globomedia. He later established Zeppelin TV as well as Diagonal TV and Linze Producciones, all of which formed part of Endemol, then owned by Telefonica Media.
- 6/22/2022
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
CBS is going old school this summer to help promote its most-watched daytime lineup.
Beginning tonight, the network is bringing back its iconic “Feel the Heat” campaign from 1985 that featured the Robert Palmer song “Some Like It Hot”over scenes of CBS soap stars canoodling, hugging and, ahem, taking showers.
The new, pastel-colored promos use the same song and have the same feel. They will promote the CBS sudsers The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful, as well as The Talk, The Price is Right, and Let’s Make a Deal.
The idea to dust off the old campaign came from CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl.
“He stumbles upon things and we share with each other. Kelly was cracking up looking at the old spots from daytime, and so I asked why can’t we bring that back in some way?” said President and Chief Marketing Officer Mike Benson.
Beginning tonight, the network is bringing back its iconic “Feel the Heat” campaign from 1985 that featured the Robert Palmer song “Some Like It Hot”over scenes of CBS soap stars canoodling, hugging and, ahem, taking showers.
The new, pastel-colored promos use the same song and have the same feel. They will promote the CBS sudsers The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful, as well as The Talk, The Price is Right, and Let’s Make a Deal.
The idea to dust off the old campaign came from CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl.
“He stumbles upon things and we share with each other. Kelly was cracking up looking at the old spots from daytime, and so I asked why can’t we bring that back in some way?” said President and Chief Marketing Officer Mike Benson.
- 6/8/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
The adaptation of T.M. Logan’s novel “The Holiday” has an exclusive trailer and a U.S. release date as it announces a raft of sales.
The four-part limited drama – about “a dream family vacation that quickly turns into a nightmare” – will bow on Spectrum in the U.S. on June 20.
It stars Jill Halfpenny (“Humans”), Owen McDonnell (“Killing Eve”), Lara McDonnel (“Belfast”), and Aidan McArdle (“The Trial of Christine Keeler”). Rounding out the cast are Siobhan Hewlett (“Sherlock”), Liv Mjönes (“Hostage”), Andrew Macklin (“Doctor Who”), Cat Simmons (“Killing Eve”), Milly McCann (“Herself”), Aidan McCann (“Red Rock”) and newcomer Shaun O’Callaghan Wade.
“The Holiday,” which was shot in Malta, tells the story of a family who set off on an idyllic break, joined by some old friends. Things quickly begin to unravel, however, when Kate (Halfpenny) realizes her husband is having an affair with one of the them. “Tensions run...
The four-part limited drama – about “a dream family vacation that quickly turns into a nightmare” – will bow on Spectrum in the U.S. on June 20.
It stars Jill Halfpenny (“Humans”), Owen McDonnell (“Killing Eve”), Lara McDonnel (“Belfast”), and Aidan McArdle (“The Trial of Christine Keeler”). Rounding out the cast are Siobhan Hewlett (“Sherlock”), Liv Mjönes (“Hostage”), Andrew Macklin (“Doctor Who”), Cat Simmons (“Killing Eve”), Milly McCann (“Herself”), Aidan McCann (“Red Rock”) and newcomer Shaun O’Callaghan Wade.
“The Holiday,” which was shot in Malta, tells the story of a family who set off on an idyllic break, joined by some old friends. Things quickly begin to unravel, however, when Kate (Halfpenny) realizes her husband is having an affair with one of the them. “Tensions run...
- 6/6/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount Plus has revealed a further slate of scripted and unscripted U.K. original series ahead of the launch of the streaming service in the U.K. this summer.
Scripted original series commissioned by Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer, U.K., Paramount, as part of the streamer’s plans to greenlight 50 new international scripted originals in 2022, include “The Ex-Wife” (4×60″), based on Jess Ryder’s the hit psychological thriller novel, where a woman’s world of a perfect house, a loving husband and a beautiful little girl is turned upside down when her husband’s ex-wife won’t leave them alone.
Céline Buckens (“Showtrial”) plays the lead role in the series, which is co-produced by Clapperboard Studios, BlackBox Multimedia and Night Train Media, with Night Train Media financing and controlling worldwide distribution rights.
“The Ex-Wife” is written by Catherine Steadman who will also serve as executive producer on the series alongside Mike Benson for Clapperboard,...
Scripted original series commissioned by Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer, U.K., Paramount, as part of the streamer’s plans to greenlight 50 new international scripted originals in 2022, include “The Ex-Wife” (4×60″), based on Jess Ryder’s the hit psychological thriller novel, where a woman’s world of a perfect house, a loving husband and a beautiful little girl is turned upside down when her husband’s ex-wife won’t leave them alone.
Céline Buckens (“Showtrial”) plays the lead role in the series, which is co-produced by Clapperboard Studios, BlackBox Multimedia and Night Train Media, with Night Train Media financing and controlling worldwide distribution rights.
“The Ex-Wife” is written by Catherine Steadman who will also serve as executive producer on the series alongside Mike Benson for Clapperboard,...
- 4/4/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
“Ghosts” may be the unlikeliest comedy hit in recent CBS history. It’s a single-camera half-hour, adapted from a cult U.K. series, and it’s not from Chuck Lorre. Yet the show, which was just renewed for a second season, has already become a breakout for the Eye network, averaging 8.1 million viewers season-to-date, and improving its time period 15% from last year.
And that’s just on linear, where “Ghosts” is the No. 2 comedy on broadcast, behind only CBS’ “Young Sheldon.” It is also performing well on Paramount Plus, which reports that it’s the No. 1 comedy on the streamer.
“It’s the most pleasant kind of surprise,” says CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl. “Material we fell in love with, a pilot we fell in love with. It’s like most hits, nothing screamed that, ‘hey, this is gonna be a breakout hit.’ We hoped for it. We always do.
And that’s just on linear, where “Ghosts” is the No. 2 comedy on broadcast, behind only CBS’ “Young Sheldon.” It is also performing well on Paramount Plus, which reports that it’s the No. 1 comedy on the streamer.
“It’s the most pleasant kind of surprise,” says CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl. “Material we fell in love with, a pilot we fell in love with. It’s like most hits, nothing screamed that, ‘hey, this is gonna be a breakout hit.’ We hoped for it. We always do.
- 2/3/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
CBS will utilize this Sunday’s AFC championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals to unveil a new fan-centric marketing campaign tied around the theme “Get Into Something Good.”
And here’s the unique angle to the spots that viewers will see on Sunday: They don’t actually include clips from the shows. Instead, they focus on the superfans behind series like “Survivor,” the “FBI” franchise and freshman comedy sensation “Ghosts.”
“We’re trying to really break some norms and look at things differently,” said CBS president and chief marketing officer Mike Benson. “I think it’s a more innovative and modern way to consume a show or to promote a show. And the way we’ve strategically looked at these is, why does every single promo have to be something that is a clip-based promo? Is there a way to actually look at our marketing where...
And here’s the unique angle to the spots that viewers will see on Sunday: They don’t actually include clips from the shows. Instead, they focus on the superfans behind series like “Survivor,” the “FBI” franchise and freshman comedy sensation “Ghosts.”
“We’re trying to really break some norms and look at things differently,” said CBS president and chief marketing officer Mike Benson. “I think it’s a more innovative and modern way to consume a show or to promote a show. And the way we’ve strategically looked at these is, why does every single promo have to be something that is a clip-based promo? Is there a way to actually look at our marketing where...
- 1/29/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Before the characters of CBS’ venerable “CSI” return to solve murders and mysteries, fans of the show can get a head start.
For two weeks before the launch of the ten-episode series “CSI: Vegas,” CBS will drop clues to a new case daily across social media, on its air, and across other networks owned by parent ViacomCBS. Followers who figure things out will be rewarded with a virtual meet-and-greet with the cast and creators of the show as well as an advance screening of the debut episode. The series is a sequel, of sorts, to the original “CSI,” which ran on CBS for 15 seasons and launched a broader franchise of forensic whodunnit dramas on the network.
TV networks have long tested all kinds of interesting gimmicks aimed at getting people to try a new show. That task has become exponentially more difficult in the streaming era, and Mike Benson, president...
For two weeks before the launch of the ten-episode series “CSI: Vegas,” CBS will drop clues to a new case daily across social media, on its air, and across other networks owned by parent ViacomCBS. Followers who figure things out will be rewarded with a virtual meet-and-greet with the cast and creators of the show as well as an advance screening of the debut episode. The series is a sequel, of sorts, to the original “CSI,” which ran on CBS for 15 seasons and launched a broader franchise of forensic whodunnit dramas on the network.
TV networks have long tested all kinds of interesting gimmicks aimed at getting people to try a new show. That task has become exponentially more difficult in the streaming era, and Mike Benson, president...
- 9/22/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
This is the fourth installment of a five-part series examining the transformation of television as the industry prepares to celebrate the Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 19.
Each fall, as part of a long-held ritual, TV networks release dozens of new programs — and dozens of gimmicks, promotions, and marketing schemes to call attention to them.
In years past, CBS tattooed supermarket eggshells with show logos and dispensed cups of yogurt with flavors like “Sheldon’s Bazinga Blueberry” to hawk “The Big Bang Theory.” Fox dispatched pounds and pounds of Halloween candy to media reportes to tout “The Simpsons’ ” annual “Treehouse of Horror” Halloween special. The CW lined up a “Dynasty” bus to take people to the Hamptons with tank tops and tumblers devoted to the soapy reboot. And ABC offered up sessions of “goat yoga” to drum up publicity for a comic drama called “Kevin (Probably) Saves The World.”
As more TV viewers become digital streamers,...
Each fall, as part of a long-held ritual, TV networks release dozens of new programs — and dozens of gimmicks, promotions, and marketing schemes to call attention to them.
In years past, CBS tattooed supermarket eggshells with show logos and dispensed cups of yogurt with flavors like “Sheldon’s Bazinga Blueberry” to hawk “The Big Bang Theory.” Fox dispatched pounds and pounds of Halloween candy to media reportes to tout “The Simpsons’ ” annual “Treehouse of Horror” Halloween special. The CW lined up a “Dynasty” bus to take people to the Hamptons with tank tops and tumblers devoted to the soapy reboot. And ABC offered up sessions of “goat yoga” to drum up publicity for a comic drama called “Kevin (Probably) Saves The World.”
As more TV viewers become digital streamers,...
- 9/16/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
If you’ve watched CBS in the past several months, including during the Super Bowl, you’ve probably heard the network’s new five-note mnemonic. The cue now appears in most CBS promos and I.D.s and has become CBS’ audio signature, often paired with the classic network tagline “This Is CBS.”
Now, CBS is taking the mnemonic a step further, hiring dance music DJ and producer Cid to create three new songs that incorporate both the five-note cue and old audio of a network announcer intoning, “This… Is CBS.” Each song incorporates a different music style: “Oculus Audax” (Latin for “Bold Eye”) comes with an Edm beat; “Unum Oculum” (Latin for “Unified Eye”) is more of a rhythmic chill sound; and “Oculus Fortem” (Latin for “Strong Eye”) is a pop/rock mix. Scroll down to hear more.
The three songs will be released this weekend to music streaming...
Now, CBS is taking the mnemonic a step further, hiring dance music DJ and producer Cid to create three new songs that incorporate both the five-note cue and old audio of a network announcer intoning, “This… Is CBS.” Each song incorporates a different music style: “Oculus Audax” (Latin for “Bold Eye”) comes with an Edm beat; “Unum Oculum” (Latin for “Unified Eye”) is more of a rhythmic chill sound; and “Oculus Fortem” (Latin for “Strong Eye”) is a pop/rock mix. Scroll down to hear more.
The three songs will be released this weekend to music streaming...
- 3/12/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
CBS is upping its game this Sunday. The Eye network’s coverage of Super Bowl Lv comes slightly more than a year after the corporation’s re-merger with Viacom, as well as the arrival of Mike Benson as the network’s new president and chief marketing officer. Not only is priority one promoting their relationship with the NFL and getting viewers to the big day, but there are also several internal initiatives to be had — including a rebrand of CBS and the launch of new streamer Paramount Plus.
Now, it’s kick off time.
Benson and CBS have worked together with their ViacomCBS siblings and the NFL to craft a media plan around the Super Bowl that included promos across networks including CBS, MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Network and TV Land, as well as AVOD streamer Pluto TV.
In recent days, Super Bowl Lv countdown assets,...
Now, it’s kick off time.
Benson and CBS have worked together with their ViacomCBS siblings and the NFL to craft a media plan around the Super Bowl that included promos across networks including CBS, MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Network and TV Land, as well as AVOD streamer Pluto TV.
In recent days, Super Bowl Lv countdown assets,...
- 2/7/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Australian Thriller Gets North America Deal
Exclusive: Gravitas Ventures has acquired rights to Australian indie feature film Rage for VOD release in North America and a Vimeo On Demand release in Australia from February 23rd, 2021. Matt Theo (Night Shift), Hayley Beveridge (Dead Moon Circus) and Richard Norton (Mad Max: Fury Road) star in the film about a man who waked up after a violent home invasion to find that one of the attackers is still on the loose. Director is John Balazs and writer is Michael J. Kospiah. Producers are Marlane Ghmed and Vikki Blinks for Prima Lux Films in association with Adam La Rosa for La Rosa Productions.
Channel 5/Acorn TV Team For ‘The Reluctant Madame Blanc’
ViacamCBS network Channel 5 and AMC streamer Acorn TV have partnered on their second drama series together: The Reluctant Madame Blanc (working title). Produced by Clapperboard and Saffron Cherry Productions, the six-part...
Exclusive: Gravitas Ventures has acquired rights to Australian indie feature film Rage for VOD release in North America and a Vimeo On Demand release in Australia from February 23rd, 2021. Matt Theo (Night Shift), Hayley Beveridge (Dead Moon Circus) and Richard Norton (Mad Max: Fury Road) star in the film about a man who waked up after a violent home invasion to find that one of the attackers is still on the loose. Director is John Balazs and writer is Michael J. Kospiah. Producers are Marlane Ghmed and Vikki Blinks for Prima Lux Films in association with Adam La Rosa for La Rosa Productions.
Channel 5/Acorn TV Team For ‘The Reluctant Madame Blanc’
ViacamCBS network Channel 5 and AMC streamer Acorn TV have partnered on their second drama series together: The Reluctant Madame Blanc (working title). Produced by Clapperboard and Saffron Cherry Productions, the six-part...
- 1/20/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman and Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
In the latest rebranding effort at CBS since its reunion with Viacom, the company has rebranded its syndication division as CBS Media Ventures.
Previously known as CBS Television Distribution, the unit is known for top-viewed syndicated shows like Judge Judy and Wheel of Fortune.
“Syndication has traditionally meant distribution, but as the media landscape has evolved so have we,” said Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures, in a press release. “In addition to our core business of producing and distributing leading first-run series, we also have a robust ad sales and partnerships business, create digital content for multiple platforms and run the lifestyle network Dabl. This new name better reflects who we are and positions us for limitless opportunities in the future.”
The name change is accompanied by branding features like a custom version of the five-tone mnemonic that runs before many shows on the main broadcast network. Chief...
Previously known as CBS Television Distribution, the unit is known for top-viewed syndicated shows like Judge Judy and Wheel of Fortune.
“Syndication has traditionally meant distribution, but as the media landscape has evolved so have we,” said Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures, in a press release. “In addition to our core business of producing and distributing leading first-run series, we also have a robust ad sales and partnerships business, create digital content for multiple platforms and run the lifestyle network Dabl. This new name better reflects who we are and positions us for limitless opportunities in the future.”
The name change is accompanied by branding features like a custom version of the five-tone mnemonic that runs before many shows on the main broadcast network. Chief...
- 1/11/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Since its founding in 2006, CBS Entertainment’s first-run distribution division has been known as CBS Television Distribution. But starting today, in an attempt to fuse with an evolved media landscape and CBS’ brand strategy to-date, the syndication company has been rebranded to CBS Media Ventures. With a new name comes a new brand identity, which includes a logo that draws on the iconic CBS Eye and a remix of CBS’ current five-note mnemonic on its programming.
“This new name better reflects who we are and positions us for limitless opportunities in the future,” Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures, said in a statement. “In addition to our core business of producing and distributing leading first-run series, we also have a robust ad sales and partnerships business, create digital content for multiple platforms and run the lifestyle network Dabl.”
CBS Media Ventures is home to several highly-rated first-run strips, including “Judge Judy,...
“This new name better reflects who we are and positions us for limitless opportunities in the future,” Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures, said in a statement. “In addition to our core business of producing and distributing leading first-run series, we also have a robust ad sales and partnerships business, create digital content for multiple platforms and run the lifestyle network Dabl.”
CBS Media Ventures is home to several highly-rated first-run strips, including “Judge Judy,...
- 1/11/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, Discovery Plus U.K. commissions Diego Maradona doc; BBC One marks 80th anniversary of the Blitz with a new TV special; Channel 5 orders “The Holiday” series; The TV Collective (Tvc), Fremantle and Indigo Talent Breakthrough Leaders team on Breakthrough Leaders initiative; Viasat and Zdfe deal on a raft of programming and InWild will broadcast the #terramatters Festival this holiday season.
Commissions
Following the death of Argentine soccer superstar Diego Maradona, Discovery U.K. has commissioned ITN Productions to produce the fast-turnaround documentary “What Killed Maradona?”
After his Nov. 25 death, the official cause was given as a heart attack. Discovery’s new special will examine the accumulating circumstances of the player’s life which may have contributed to his untimely end. It will feature interviews with sports scientists, doctors and people close to Maradona who discuss how his career and off-field habits likely impacted his health and personal life.
Commissions
Following the death of Argentine soccer superstar Diego Maradona, Discovery U.K. has commissioned ITN Productions to produce the fast-turnaround documentary “What Killed Maradona?”
After his Nov. 25 death, the official cause was given as a heart attack. Discovery’s new special will examine the accumulating circumstances of the player’s life which may have contributed to his untimely end. It will feature interviews with sports scientists, doctors and people close to Maradona who discuss how his career and off-field habits likely impacted his health and personal life.
- 12/16/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Fremantle Backs Diversity Leadership Scheme
Fremantle has teamed with The TV Collective, Indigo Talent, and former ITV Studios executive Remy Blumenfeld to launch a scheme that will work with 50 middle-to-senior Bame professionals to help them break into industry leadership roles. Under the Breakthrough Leaders initiative, those chosen will be mentored by a top industry figure, have access to coaching, and be part of a cohort of fellow executives. Nominations can be submitted here, with a deadline for entries being set for January 15. The scheme is designed to address industry concerns that there are plenty of entry-level initiatives for people from diverse backgrounds, but Bame professionals are hitting a glass ceiling when it comes to breaking into top roles. Fremantle’s own global leadership team is made up entirely of white executives, while in the UK, Fatima Salaria and Athena Witter are part of the top team.
Discovery Orders Maradona Doc...
Fremantle has teamed with The TV Collective, Indigo Talent, and former ITV Studios executive Remy Blumenfeld to launch a scheme that will work with 50 middle-to-senior Bame professionals to help them break into industry leadership roles. Under the Breakthrough Leaders initiative, those chosen will be mentored by a top industry figure, have access to coaching, and be part of a cohort of fellow executives. Nominations can be submitted here, with a deadline for entries being set for January 15. The scheme is designed to address industry concerns that there are plenty of entry-level initiatives for people from diverse backgrounds, but Bame professionals are hitting a glass ceiling when it comes to breaking into top roles. Fremantle’s own global leadership team is made up entirely of white executives, while in the UK, Fatima Salaria and Athena Witter are part of the top team.
Discovery Orders Maradona Doc...
- 12/16/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, WarnerMedia appoints Vanessa Brookman as head of kids for Emea, Discovery commissions two new unscripted series while Channel 5 gets a pair of dramas and the Göteborg Film Festival selects “Tove” as its opening film.
Appointment
WarnerMedia has announced that Vanessa Brookman will be promoted to the newly created position of head of kids for Emea, effective immediately.
The move brings, for the first time, all WarnerMedia’s operational, editorial and creative responsibilities for kids’ content and channel brands in the region under a single remit. The consolidated portfolio includes Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Boing and Cartoonito as well as digital properties on third-party and WarnerMedia streaming platforms.
Brookman will collaborate closely with Johannes Larcher and Christina Sulebakk at HBO Max to improve the platform’s offerings for kids before it launches across Emea markets.
A near-six-year vet at WarnerMedia, Brookman has worked in senior content,...
Appointment
WarnerMedia has announced that Vanessa Brookman will be promoted to the newly created position of head of kids for Emea, effective immediately.
The move brings, for the first time, all WarnerMedia’s operational, editorial and creative responsibilities for kids’ content and channel brands in the region under a single remit. The consolidated portfolio includes Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Boing and Cartoonito as well as digital properties on third-party and WarnerMedia streaming platforms.
Brookman will collaborate closely with Johannes Larcher and Christina Sulebakk at HBO Max to improve the platform’s offerings for kids before it launches across Emea markets.
A near-six-year vet at WarnerMedia, Brookman has worked in senior content,...
- 12/11/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
UK Indie Pic Sets Cast
Exclusive: Crissy Rock, Paul Barber and Kayleigh-Paige Rees will lead the cast of UK indie movie Kate & Jake. The pic is being helmed by Jack McLoughlin, his feature debut, and is based on the filmmaker’s own experiences of love and loss. It is privately funded and will shoot in the UK from January. Rees, known for her role in ITV drama Sanditon, is producing the project through her banner Raspberry Films alongside Thomas Griffiths, with Debbie Honeywood as executive producer. Rock is most recognized for her role as Maggie Conlan in the 1994 film Ladybird and is also a stand-up comedian and author. Barber is known for playing Denzil in Only Fools And Horses as well as his role as Horse in The Full Monty.
WarnerMedia Appoints Head Of Kids Emea
WarnerMedia has appointed Vanessa Brookman to the new role of Head of Kids Emea.
Exclusive: Crissy Rock, Paul Barber and Kayleigh-Paige Rees will lead the cast of UK indie movie Kate & Jake. The pic is being helmed by Jack McLoughlin, his feature debut, and is based on the filmmaker’s own experiences of love and loss. It is privately funded and will shoot in the UK from January. Rees, known for her role in ITV drama Sanditon, is producing the project through her banner Raspberry Films alongside Thomas Griffiths, with Debbie Honeywood as executive producer. Rock is most recognized for her role as Maggie Conlan in the 1994 film Ladybird and is also a stand-up comedian and author. Barber is known for playing Denzil in Only Fools And Horses as well as his role as Horse in The Full Monty.
WarnerMedia Appoints Head Of Kids Emea
WarnerMedia has appointed Vanessa Brookman to the new role of Head of Kids Emea.
- 12/11/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: In a fall TV season turned upside-down by Covid-19, how does the leading broadcast network by total audience get that audience to tune in?
That’s been the promotional challenge faced by Mike Benson and his troops at CBS as the network reaches an inflection point in its pandemic-adjusted season tonight. The Thursday schedule features return of Young Sheldon and Mom and the debut of comedy B Positive.
Benson joined CBS last year as president and chief marketing officer after previous executive stints at Amazon Studios and Time Warner. One of his first major projects came to fruition last week when the revamped CBS brand identity and five-tone audio tag started hitting the air.
“People want comfort food and a sense of safety,” he told Deadline in an interview about the backdrop of fall TV in 2020. “The idea of football coming back, going back to school, the new fall...
That’s been the promotional challenge faced by Mike Benson and his troops at CBS as the network reaches an inflection point in its pandemic-adjusted season tonight. The Thursday schedule features return of Young Sheldon and Mom and the debut of comedy B Positive.
Benson joined CBS last year as president and chief marketing officer after previous executive stints at Amazon Studios and Time Warner. One of his first major projects came to fruition last week when the revamped CBS brand identity and five-tone audio tag started hitting the air.
“People want comfort food and a sense of safety,” he told Deadline in an interview about the backdrop of fall TV in 2020. “The idea of football coming back, going back to school, the new fall...
- 11/5/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS is rolling out a major revamp and consolidation of its brand identity across its various platforms and divisions in an effort to retain its standing in a rapidly evolving, streaming-obsessed media landscape.
The initiative, which got under way before the ViacomCBS merger closed last December, will change logos, promos and marketing materials for shows and business units across the board. A more unified look will draw on the 91-year-old company’s heritage, preserving its “eye” logo, for example, while adding some newer elements.
A five-tone audio signature will be added as an accompaniment to the voiceover, “This is CBS,” along with animation at the top of each programming hour on the main broadcast network.
The overhaul was spearheaded by Mike Benson with assistance from outside agency Gretel New York. Benson joined CBS last year as president and chief marketing officer after previous executive stints at Amazon Studios and Time Warner.
The initiative, which got under way before the ViacomCBS merger closed last December, will change logos, promos and marketing materials for shows and business units across the board. A more unified look will draw on the 91-year-old company’s heritage, preserving its “eye” logo, for example, while adding some newer elements.
A five-tone audio signature will be added as an accompaniment to the voiceover, “This is CBS,” along with animation at the top of each programming hour on the main broadcast network.
The overhaul was spearheaded by Mike Benson with assistance from outside agency Gretel New York. Benson joined CBS last year as president and chief marketing officer after previous executive stints at Amazon Studios and Time Warner.
- 10/8/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS is launching a refresh of its brand identity, adding audio and visual cues while retaining well-known elements like the CBS Eye logo.
The refreshed logo and cues began rolling out this week ahead of the fall season and will be featured during CBS News’ election coverage and next year’s Super Bowl broadcast. The agency Gretel developed the refresh alongside CBS president and CMO Mike Benson. It includes an animated take on the CBS Eye and a five-note audio cue derived from the “this is CBS” voiceover slogan.
The company is also planning to lean into the CBS brand ...
The refreshed logo and cues began rolling out this week ahead of the fall season and will be featured during CBS News’ election coverage and next year’s Super Bowl broadcast. The agency Gretel developed the refresh alongside CBS president and CMO Mike Benson. It includes an animated take on the CBS Eye and a five-note audio cue derived from the “this is CBS” voiceover slogan.
The company is also planning to lean into the CBS brand ...
- 10/8/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
CBS is launching a refresh of its brand identity, adding audio and visual cues while retaining well-known elements like the CBS Eye logo.
The refreshed logo and cues began rolling out this week ahead of the fall season and will be featured during CBS News’ election coverage and next year’s Super Bowl broadcast. The agency Gretel developed the refresh alongside CBS president and CMO Mike Benson. It includes an animated take on the CBS Eye and a five-note audio cue derived from the “this is CBS” voiceover slogan.
The company is also planning to lean into the CBS brand ...
The refreshed logo and cues began rolling out this week ahead of the fall season and will be featured during CBS News’ election coverage and next year’s Super Bowl broadcast. The agency Gretel developed the refresh alongside CBS president and CMO Mike Benson. It includes an animated take on the CBS Eye and a five-note audio cue derived from the “this is CBS” voiceover slogan.
The company is also planning to lean into the CBS brand ...
- 10/8/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
James Cameron To Appear At Wildscreen
Avatar director James Cameron is to headline the Wildscreen Festival 2020. Cameron will appear at the natural history event in conversation with BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit producer Orla Doherty. They will discuss his National Geographic series OceanXplorers (which is made by BBC Studios) and Secrets of the Whales. Cameron said: “I feel very much at home in the natural history film-making community, so I’m pleased to be joining everyone at Wildscreen to share some of my personal experiences working in the field.” Wildscreen takes place October 19-23.
Netflix Underway On ‘We Were Songs’
Netflix has rolled cameras on original film We Were Songs (Fuimos canciones), the Spanish-language project based on the two-part book series by Elísabet Benavent. Goya-nominated Juana Macías is directing from a screenplay by Laura Sarmiento. Production will take place in Madrid and Lisbon with producers Zeta Studios. María Valverde and Alex González lead the cast,...
Avatar director James Cameron is to headline the Wildscreen Festival 2020. Cameron will appear at the natural history event in conversation with BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit producer Orla Doherty. They will discuss his National Geographic series OceanXplorers (which is made by BBC Studios) and Secrets of the Whales. Cameron said: “I feel very much at home in the natural history film-making community, so I’m pleased to be joining everyone at Wildscreen to share some of my personal experiences working in the field.” Wildscreen takes place October 19-23.
Netflix Underway On ‘We Were Songs’
Netflix has rolled cameras on original film We Were Songs (Fuimos canciones), the Spanish-language project based on the two-part book series by Elísabet Benavent. Goya-nominated Juana Macías is directing from a screenplay by Laura Sarmiento. Production will take place in Madrid and Lisbon with producers Zeta Studios. María Valverde and Alex González lead the cast,...
- 10/5/2020
- by Jake Kanter and Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 5 Plans Feature-Length Princess Diana Film
ViacomCBS-owned Channel 5 has commissioned a documentary that will tell the inside story of Princess Diana’s explosive BBC Panorama interview in 1995, during which she was candid about her faltering relationship with Prince Charles. Diana: The Interview That Shocked The World will premiere on October 11 and is produced by Rogan Productions. Channel 5 commissioner Daniel Pearl said: “This is an incredibly compelling and empowering film, looking back at this iconic interview 25 years on, and shining a light on revelations that have never been uncovered before.”
My5 Signs Up AMC Channels
Channel 5 streamer My5 has struck a deal with AMC Networks International to launch CBS Reality and Horror Channel as branded channels on its service. The channels, a joint venture between ViacomCBS and AMC in the UK, will bring 400 additional hours of content to My5 over the next year, including original true-crime series Murder by the Sea...
ViacomCBS-owned Channel 5 has commissioned a documentary that will tell the inside story of Princess Diana’s explosive BBC Panorama interview in 1995, during which she was candid about her faltering relationship with Prince Charles. Diana: The Interview That Shocked The World will premiere on October 11 and is produced by Rogan Productions. Channel 5 commissioner Daniel Pearl said: “This is an incredibly compelling and empowering film, looking back at this iconic interview 25 years on, and shining a light on revelations that have never been uncovered before.”
My5 Signs Up AMC Channels
Channel 5 streamer My5 has struck a deal with AMC Networks International to launch CBS Reality and Horror Channel as branded channels on its service. The channels, a joint venture between ViacomCBS and AMC in the UK, will bring 400 additional hours of content to My5 over the next year, including original true-crime series Murder by the Sea...
- 10/1/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
With the kids back in school and Labor Day fast approaching, this is traditionally the time of year when the networks kick their fall-season campaigns into high gear. Promos begin airing, billboards pop up all over the country and executives start examining awareness and intent-to-view data on their new shows.
But this is fall 2020. And it’s hard to track awareness or intent to view when most of the networks aren’t even sure when — or if — their lineups will make it to air. The last time real life encroached on fall in this way was in 2001, when the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks pushed the official season to November. But production wasn’t impacted then the way it is now; that’s why 2020 may be more like 1981, when a Writers Guild strike kept sets dark and shows off the air until late fall.
Of course, television was a very different business back then,...
But this is fall 2020. And it’s hard to track awareness or intent to view when most of the networks aren’t even sure when — or if — their lineups will make it to air. The last time real life encroached on fall in this way was in 2001, when the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks pushed the official season to November. But production wasn’t impacted then the way it is now; that’s why 2020 may be more like 1981, when a Writers Guild strike kept sets dark and shows off the air until late fall.
Of course, television was a very different business back then,...
- 8/25/2020
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive, Updated with more information: Two days after the latest round of ViacomCBS post-merger layoffs, which was focused primarily on the entities within the CBS Entertainment Group, more details about the scope of the cuts are emerging.
One of the most impacted divisions was CBS Marketing, which saw 30-40 layoffs, I hear. That was almost 10% of all pink slips handed out on Wednesday, believed to be around 400. The list of departures included the three most senior CBS veterans in the department: Garen van de Beek, Evp and Creative Director, CBS Marketing, Lori Shefa, Svp and Creative Director, CBS Marketing, and Lesli Lawrence, Svp & Creative Director Print Advertising.
Van de Beek had been at the network 21 years, Shefa – 23, Lawrence – 12. Along with Evp Marketing Anne O’Grady, who departed in March, they were key members of former Marketing President George Schweitzer’s team behind the marketing campaigns that helped CBS’ rise to...
One of the most impacted divisions was CBS Marketing, which saw 30-40 layoffs, I hear. That was almost 10% of all pink slips handed out on Wednesday, believed to be around 400. The list of departures included the three most senior CBS veterans in the department: Garen van de Beek, Evp and Creative Director, CBS Marketing, Lori Shefa, Svp and Creative Director, CBS Marketing, and Lesli Lawrence, Svp & Creative Director Print Advertising.
Van de Beek had been at the network 21 years, Shefa – 23, Lawrence – 12. Along with Evp Marketing Anne O’Grady, who departed in March, they were key members of former Marketing President George Schweitzer’s team behind the marketing campaigns that helped CBS’ rise to...
- 5/29/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Another veteran CBS executive is leaving the company, now part of ViacomCBS.
CBS’ Evp Marketing Anne O’Grady is exiting after more than three decades at the network. Her last day is today.
O’Grady’s departure is believed to be her decision and not part of the recent second round of layoffs at the newly re-merged ViacomCBS. It comes amid a changing of the guard in CBS’ marketing department.
In September, Amazon Studios’ Mike Benson was named President and Chief Marketing Officer of CBS Corp., with CBS’ long-time President of Marketing George Schweitzer becoming Chairman, CBS Marketing. At the end of the 2019-20 broadcast season, Schweitzer will segue to a new role as a special advisor to the company, with Benson firmly taking the top marketing post.
O’Grady joined CBS as Manager, Promotion Marketing in September 1989. She has been climbing the ranks since and was named Evp...
CBS’ Evp Marketing Anne O’Grady is exiting after more than three decades at the network. Her last day is today.
O’Grady’s departure is believed to be her decision and not part of the recent second round of layoffs at the newly re-merged ViacomCBS. It comes amid a changing of the guard in CBS’ marketing department.
In September, Amazon Studios’ Mike Benson was named President and Chief Marketing Officer of CBS Corp., with CBS’ long-time President of Marketing George Schweitzer becoming Chairman, CBS Marketing. At the end of the 2019-20 broadcast season, Schweitzer will segue to a new role as a special advisor to the company, with Benson firmly taking the top marketing post.
O’Grady joined CBS as Manager, Promotion Marketing in September 1989. She has been climbing the ranks since and was named Evp...
- 3/2/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Ad campaigns for Joker, Us, Game of Thrones and Legion all won big at Clio Entertainment, hosted by Craig Robinson on Thursday night. Formerly the Clio Key Art Awards, Clio Entertainment was established in 1971 by The Hollywood Reporter. The awards program became a Clio property in 2015 while The Hollywood Reporter continues to be a partner of the awards.
The jury included Amazon Studios' Mike Benson, WarnerMedia's Chris Spadaccini, Twitch's John Koller, Cirque du Soleil's Kristina Heney, Warner Bros. Pictures' Massey Rafani and many more.
A partial list of winners follows. The full list, along with other key information, can be found ...
The jury included Amazon Studios' Mike Benson, WarnerMedia's Chris Spadaccini, Twitch's John Koller, Cirque du Soleil's Kristina Heney, Warner Bros. Pictures' Massey Rafani and many more.
A partial list of winners follows. The full list, along with other key information, can be found ...
- 11/22/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Ad campaigns for Joker, Us, Game of Thrones and Legion all won big at Clio Entertainment, hosted by Craig Robinson on Thursday night. Formerly the Clio Key Art Awards, Clio Entertainment was established in 1971 by The Hollywood Reporter. The awards program became a Clio property in 2015 while The Hollywood Reporter continues to be a partner of the awards.
The jury included Amazon Studios' Mike Benson, WarnerMedia's Chris Spadaccini, Twitch's John Koller, Cirque du Soleil's Kristina Heney, Warner Bros. Pictures' Massey Rafani and many more.
A partial list of winners follows. The full list, along with other key information, can be found ...
The jury included Amazon Studios' Mike Benson, WarnerMedia's Chris Spadaccini, Twitch's John Koller, Cirque du Soleil's Kristina Heney, Warner Bros. Pictures' Massey Rafani and many more.
A partial list of winners follows. The full list, along with other key information, can be found ...
- 11/22/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The origin of CBS’ new thriller-drama, “Evil,” came from a conversation the creators — and married couple — Robert and Michelle King have been having for more than 30 years: What is the nature of evil?
“Robert’s more religious, so he typically goes toward a divine explanation,” Michelle King told TheWrap. “I am more secular, so I tend to think things are the result of psychology or science.”
The outcome is a series that studies the intersection of science and religion — and the places where the lines blur.
Also Read: CBS Taps Amazon's Mike Benson as Cmo - George Schweitzer to Move to Special Adviser Role in 2020
Premiering Sept. 26, “Evil” centers on skeptical but open-minded psychologist Kristen Bouchard (“Manhattan” star Katja Herbers), who meets and begins working with priest-in-training David Acosta (“Luke Cage” star Mike Colter) and a blue-collar contractor (Aasif Mandvi) to determine whether or not a man on trial...
“Robert’s more religious, so he typically goes toward a divine explanation,” Michelle King told TheWrap. “I am more secular, so I tend to think things are the result of psychology or science.”
The outcome is a series that studies the intersection of science and religion — and the places where the lines blur.
Also Read: CBS Taps Amazon's Mike Benson as Cmo - George Schweitzer to Move to Special Adviser Role in 2020
Premiering Sept. 26, “Evil” centers on skeptical but open-minded psychologist Kristen Bouchard (“Manhattan” star Katja Herbers), who meets and begins working with priest-in-training David Acosta (“Luke Cage” star Mike Colter) and a blue-collar contractor (Aasif Mandvi) to determine whether or not a man on trial...
- 9/26/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
In a significant changing of the marketing guard, CBS will hand the main duties of promoting its shows and platforms to Mike Benson, who has spent the past four years as marketing chief for Amazon Studios.
George Schweitzer, who joined CBS in 1972 and has been a key contributor to the flagship broadcast network’s top-rated run in recent years, will pass the baton to Benson at the end of the 2019-2020 season.
Benson is joining the company as president and Chief Marketing Officer, with Schweitzer becoming Chairman, CBS Marketing. In spring 2020, Schweitzer will become a special advisor to the company, with Benson taking the top marketing post. Prior to Amazon, Benson held senior positions at ABC and Time Warner.
The transition will play out against the backdrop of CBS coming together with longtime corporate sibling Viacom in a $30 billion, all-stock deal. The companies have projected the deal will close by...
George Schweitzer, who joined CBS in 1972 and has been a key contributor to the flagship broadcast network’s top-rated run in recent years, will pass the baton to Benson at the end of the 2019-2020 season.
Benson is joining the company as president and Chief Marketing Officer, with Schweitzer becoming Chairman, CBS Marketing. In spring 2020, Schweitzer will become a special advisor to the company, with Benson taking the top marketing post. Prior to Amazon, Benson held senior positions at ABC and Time Warner.
The transition will play out against the backdrop of CBS coming together with longtime corporate sibling Viacom in a $30 billion, all-stock deal. The companies have projected the deal will close by...
- 9/17/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
George Schweitzer has enjoyed a broad career out of a very narrow practice. He finds new ways to get people to watch more TV.
Those methods can range wide. He once tucked a paper-thin interactive video player into the pages of Entertainment Weekly so readers could sample new CBS shows. He got supermarkets to use a technology known as “Visual Ice” that would fog up freezer doors in supermarkets with tune-in information about a new CBS drama, “Moonlight.”He had logos from CBS shows laser-encoded on more than 35 million eggs to promote the network’s 2006-07 season. He did something similar the following year with wrappers tucked around turkey and ham at supermarket-deli counters. He had a hand in getting David Letterman and Jay Leno to sit down for a promo during CBS’ 2010 broadcast of the Super Bowl that made jaws drop.
Now Schweitzer is testing one more trick: orchestrating a departure.
Those methods can range wide. He once tucked a paper-thin interactive video player into the pages of Entertainment Weekly so readers could sample new CBS shows. He got supermarkets to use a technology known as “Visual Ice” that would fog up freezer doors in supermarkets with tune-in information about a new CBS drama, “Moonlight.”He had logos from CBS shows laser-encoded on more than 35 million eggs to promote the network’s 2006-07 season. He did something similar the following year with wrappers tucked around turkey and ham at supermarket-deli counters. He had a hand in getting David Letterman and Jay Leno to sit down for a promo during CBS’ 2010 broadcast of the Super Bowl that made jaws drop.
Now Schweitzer is testing one more trick: orchestrating a departure.
- 9/17/2019
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
CBS has hired Mike Benson as president and chief marketing officer, moving longtime marketing head George Schweitzer to a chairman role for the 2019-2020 TV season.
After that, Schweitzer will transition to a special adviser role, with Benson becoming the top marketing executive at the company. Benson, who has served as head of marketing for Amazon Studios since 2015, will start at CBS in October.
“George Schweitzer is a marketing legend whose leadership and showmanship has defined both excellence and innovation,” Nevins said. “His resume of accomplishment spans every division and daypart of CBS, with boundless admiration and respect for his work coming from every corner of the company. From Super Bowls and ’60 Minutes,’ to long-running primetime hits and late night franchises, he and his team have played a huge role in making CBS one of America’s leading brands. We’re incredibly proud to appoint him to this new position...
After that, Schweitzer will transition to a special adviser role, with Benson becoming the top marketing executive at the company. Benson, who has served as head of marketing for Amazon Studios since 2015, will start at CBS in October.
“George Schweitzer is a marketing legend whose leadership and showmanship has defined both excellence and innovation,” Nevins said. “His resume of accomplishment spans every division and daypart of CBS, with boundless admiration and respect for his work coming from every corner of the company. From Super Bowls and ’60 Minutes,’ to long-running primetime hits and late night franchises, he and his team have played a huge role in making CBS one of America’s leading brands. We’re incredibly proud to appoint him to this new position...
- 9/17/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
CBS has named a successor to longtime network marketing head George Schweitzer, although Schweitzer isn't stepping down anytime soon.
Schweitzer has been named chairman of CBS Marketing, a position he'll hold through the 2019-20 season. The network has also hired Amazon executive Mike Benson as president and chief marketing officer; he's due to start in October. In the spring, Benson will take over as chairman and Schweitzer will transition to a role as special adviser to the company.
"George Schweitzer is a marketing legend whose leadership and showmanship has defined both excellence and innovation,” said ...
Schweitzer has been named chairman of CBS Marketing, a position he'll hold through the 2019-20 season. The network has also hired Amazon executive Mike Benson as president and chief marketing officer; he's due to start in October. In the spring, Benson will take over as chairman and Schweitzer will transition to a role as special adviser to the company.
"George Schweitzer is a marketing legend whose leadership and showmanship has defined both excellence and innovation,” said ...
- 9/17/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
A column chronicling events and conversations on the awards circuit.
Final voting for this year’s Emmy Awards — which start with Creative Emmy ceremonies on September 14 and 15, followed by Fox’s Primetime Emmy broadcast on September 22 — has been going in earnest since Thursday and will continue until 10 p.m. Pt August 29. If you think campaign events and gimmicks have slowed down in the meantime since what appears to be all-time record spending in Phase 1, think again. Netflix, HBO, Amazon, FX and many others have ratcheted up the events intended to draw voting members, which now number around 24,000 including this columnist, to give them one last pitch to actually watch the endless amount of content nominated by the Television Academy this year. It is daunting to say the least.
To try to set themselves apart, a couple of networks — streamer and broadcast — came up with inventive pitches to members. Amazon Prime...
Final voting for this year’s Emmy Awards — which start with Creative Emmy ceremonies on September 14 and 15, followed by Fox’s Primetime Emmy broadcast on September 22 — has been going in earnest since Thursday and will continue until 10 p.m. Pt August 29. If you think campaign events and gimmicks have slowed down in the meantime since what appears to be all-time record spending in Phase 1, think again. Netflix, HBO, Amazon, FX and many others have ratcheted up the events intended to draw voting members, which now number around 24,000 including this columnist, to give them one last pitch to actually watch the endless amount of content nominated by the Television Academy this year. It is daunting to say the least.
To try to set themselves apart, a couple of networks — streamer and broadcast — came up with inventive pitches to members. Amazon Prime...
- 8/21/2019
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
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