Alex Cooper and Matt Kaplan have tapped Mina Lefevre as the chief content officer of Television of their newly formed media company, Trending.
Lefevre will report to Kaplan and oversee creative, and strategic oversight for the company in scripted and unscripted.
“I am thrilled to be joining the incredibly talented team at Trending at such a pivotal time,” said Lefevre. “Alex Cooper and Matt Kaplan are a bold creative force that understand not only how to create content but also actively shape the cultural conversations for Gen-z. I am excited about the opportunities ahead to work with today’s leading creators and storytellers.”
“Mina Lefevre has an extraordinary track record in shepherding premium content and prestige television that speaks to the cultural zeitgeist,” said Kaplan and Cooper. “Having worked with her previously at MTV, Mina will once again bring her wealth of experience, robust relationships with talent and create shows...
Lefevre will report to Kaplan and oversee creative, and strategic oversight for the company in scripted and unscripted.
“I am thrilled to be joining the incredibly talented team at Trending at such a pivotal time,” said Lefevre. “Alex Cooper and Matt Kaplan are a bold creative force that understand not only how to create content but also actively shape the cultural conversations for Gen-z. I am excited about the opportunities ahead to work with today’s leading creators and storytellers.”
“Mina Lefevre has an extraordinary track record in shepherding premium content and prestige television that speaks to the cultural zeitgeist,” said Kaplan and Cooper. “Having worked with her previously at MTV, Mina will once again bring her wealth of experience, robust relationships with talent and create shows...
- 11/28/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Trending, the media company launched by Call Her Daddy’s Alex Cooper and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before producer Matt Kaplan, has hired former Meta and MTV exec Mina Lefevre.
Lefevre joins the company as chief content officer of television.
Trending is a Gen-z focused company that includes Ace Entertainment, which was founded by Kaplan, Call Her Daddy and talent network The Unwell Network.
Lefevre will oversee its scripted and unscripted television content.
She left Facebook owner Meta earlier this year as part of a round of layoffs at the social networking company after it moved out of original programming.
Lefevre spent around six years at the company as head of development and programming, where she developed and produced original series for Facebook Watch as well as its other services including Oculus, Messenger, and Instagram. This included Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith...
Lefevre joins the company as chief content officer of television.
Trending is a Gen-z focused company that includes Ace Entertainment, which was founded by Kaplan, Call Her Daddy and talent network The Unwell Network.
Lefevre will oversee its scripted and unscripted television content.
She left Facebook owner Meta earlier this year as part of a round of layoffs at the social networking company after it moved out of original programming.
Lefevre spent around six years at the company as head of development and programming, where she developed and produced original series for Facebook Watch as well as its other services including Oculus, Messenger, and Instagram. This included Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith...
- 11/28/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Meta has announced several new features for Facebook Reels, the non-Instagram version of its short-form video format. As Reels get more visibility within the Facebook Watch hub, Meta is trying to make them more personalized by incorporating input from viewers.
In a blog post, Meta announced that it will include Reels on the main Facebook Watch navigation bar. As a result, Facebook users will be able to access a TikTok-like stream of short-form videos. Similar layouts have been tested and rolled out on platforms like Twitter and Reddit.
Reels are becoming more discoverable on Watch amidst a transitionary period for the on-demand content hub. The recent departure of Head of Development and Programming Mina Lefevre will bring about the end of Facebook Watch’s original programming push (at least in its current form). Rather than spending on scripted and unscripted Watch shows, Meta is prioritizing the development of VR content and short-form videos.
In a blog post, Meta announced that it will include Reels on the main Facebook Watch navigation bar. As a result, Facebook users will be able to access a TikTok-like stream of short-form videos. Similar layouts have been tested and rolled out on platforms like Twitter and Reddit.
Reels are becoming more discoverable on Watch amidst a transitionary period for the on-demand content hub. The recent departure of Head of Development and Programming Mina Lefevre will bring about the end of Facebook Watch’s original programming push (at least in its current form). Rather than spending on scripted and unscripted Watch shows, Meta is prioritizing the development of VR content and short-form videos.
- 5/3/2023
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Add Meta to the list of digital media giants that are pivoting away from original programming. As the company formerly known as Facebook endures another round of layoffs, it is ending its current slate of Facebook Watch originals.
Facebook Watch became a thriving hub for both scripted and unscripted shows after the 2017 hire of MTV vet Mina Lefevre, who became Meta’s Head of Development and Programming. According to Deadline, Meta has let Lefevre go as part of a three-part round of layoffs that will ultimately affect more than 10,000 employees. Those cuts come on the heels of Meta’s November 2022 downsizing, when it let go of 11,000 workers.
During her six-year tenure at Meta, Lefevre helped assemble a varied programming library. The Facebook Watch lineup included some shows that came over from MTV, a number of creator-centric vehicles, and brand-new originals like Red Table Talk, which even earned Facebook a Daytime Emmy nomination.
Facebook Watch became a thriving hub for both scripted and unscripted shows after the 2017 hire of MTV vet Mina Lefevre, who became Meta’s Head of Development and Programming. According to Deadline, Meta has let Lefevre go as part of a three-part round of layoffs that will ultimately affect more than 10,000 employees. Those cuts come on the heels of Meta’s November 2022 downsizing, when it let go of 11,000 workers.
During her six-year tenure at Meta, Lefevre helped assemble a varied programming library. The Facebook Watch lineup included some shows that came over from MTV, a number of creator-centric vehicles, and brand-new originals like Red Table Talk, which even earned Facebook a Daytime Emmy nomination.
- 4/28/2023
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Meta is shutting down its Facebook Watch original programming, a company spokesperson confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter, leaving the future of shows like Red Table Talk in limbo as production company Westbrook Studios shops around the talk show for a new home.
The shuttering of the Facebook Watch originals division, first reported by Deadline, comes as Meta implements wide-ranging cost cuts across the company, with the most recent including a round of layoffs that is expected to impact 10,000 employees. Included in the cuts is Mina Lefevre, the former MTV executive who led development and original programming for Facebook Watch.
One of Facebook Watch’s most well-known shows was Red Table Talk, the talk show co-hosted by Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Banfield-Norris. The series had five seasons on Facebook Watch and led to a spinoff series, Red Table Talk: The Estefans, with Gloria Estefan, Emily Estefan and Lili Estefan.
The shuttering of the Facebook Watch originals division, first reported by Deadline, comes as Meta implements wide-ranging cost cuts across the company, with the most recent including a round of layoffs that is expected to impact 10,000 employees. Included in the cuts is Mina Lefevre, the former MTV executive who led development and original programming for Facebook Watch.
One of Facebook Watch’s most well-known shows was Red Table Talk, the talk show co-hosted by Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Banfield-Norris. The series had five seasons on Facebook Watch and led to a spinoff series, Red Table Talk: The Estefans, with Gloria Estefan, Emily Estefan and Lili Estefan.
- 4/27/2023
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jada Pinkett Smith’s “Red Table Talk” has been cancelled.
The show, that premiered in May 2018, and featured Smith’s daughter Willow and her mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris as co-hosts, is said to have been axed by Meta, Deadline reported.
None of the remaining Fb Watch Originals will be coming back for new seasons amid cuts and a “pivot for Facebook.” “Red Table Talk” — which covered many hot topics, including that Will Smith Oscars slap — was the last remaining Fb Watch original.
Read More: Ashanti Opens Up About Seeing Sister Ahia Douglas In A ‘Gut-Wrenching’ Abusive Relationship On ‘Red Table Talk’
It’s been reported that the show is now looking for a new home.
The news came as it was revealed that Mina Lefevre, Head of Development and Programming at Meta, was exiting Facebook’s parent company amid the latest layoffs.
Read More: Paulina Porizkova Opens Up About The Moment...
The show, that premiered in May 2018, and featured Smith’s daughter Willow and her mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris as co-hosts, is said to have been axed by Meta, Deadline reported.
None of the remaining Fb Watch Originals will be coming back for new seasons amid cuts and a “pivot for Facebook.” “Red Table Talk” — which covered many hot topics, including that Will Smith Oscars slap — was the last remaining Fb Watch original.
Read More: Ashanti Opens Up About Seeing Sister Ahia Douglas In A ‘Gut-Wrenching’ Abusive Relationship On ‘Red Table Talk’
It’s been reported that the show is now looking for a new home.
The news came as it was revealed that Mina Lefevre, Head of Development and Programming at Meta, was exiting Facebook’s parent company amid the latest layoffs.
Read More: Paulina Porizkova Opens Up About The Moment...
- 4/27/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Amid broad cost-cutting moves, Meta is shuttering the Facebook Watch originals group, whose small slate of shows included the hit “Red Table Talk” hosted by Jada Pinkett Smith, Variety has confirmed.
A Meta representative confirmed that the company is shuttering its originals group but declined to provide further comment. The news was first reported by Deadline.
With the shutdown of Facebook Watch originals, Mina Lefevre, head of development and programing for the group, is leaving the company. Lefevre joined Meta (then called Facebook) in 2017, after serving as MTV’s head of scripted development. At Meta, Lefevre reported to Ricky Van Veen, VP of creative strategy.
Lefevre’s exit comes as Meta is cutting 10,000 jobs across the company, coming after it laid off 11,000 staffers at the end of 2022. On Wednesday, Meta announced first-quarter 2023 earnings that beat Wall Street expectations, as its revenue grew 3% for the period.
Facebook Watch’s originals started...
A Meta representative confirmed that the company is shuttering its originals group but declined to provide further comment. The news was first reported by Deadline.
With the shutdown of Facebook Watch originals, Mina Lefevre, head of development and programing for the group, is leaving the company. Lefevre joined Meta (then called Facebook) in 2017, after serving as MTV’s head of scripted development. At Meta, Lefevre reported to Ricky Van Veen, VP of creative strategy.
Lefevre’s exit comes as Meta is cutting 10,000 jobs across the company, coming after it laid off 11,000 staffers at the end of 2022. On Wednesday, Meta announced first-quarter 2023 earnings that beat Wall Street expectations, as its revenue grew 3% for the period.
Facebook Watch’s originals started...
- 4/27/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
“Red Table Talk,” the often-viral online talk show hosted by Jada Pinkett Smith, was canceled by Meta on Wednesday.
It was the last of the Facebook Watch Originals, which included “Steve on Watch” with Steve Harvey and “Piece of Mind with Taraji,” hosted by Taraji P. Henson.
According to Deadline, which first reported the news, series producer Westbrook is shopping the series elsewhere. Smith’s cohosts are her daughter Willow and her mother Adrienne Banfield Norris. TheWrap has reached out to the series’ reps for comment.
The cancellation of the Emmy-winning series comes as Mina Lefevre, Head of Development and Programing at Facebook Watch, exits the tech company amid the most recent round of Meta layoffs.
Also Read:
10,000 More Employee Layoffs to Come at Meta, Mark Zuckerberg Confirms
Among the most memorable “Red Table Talk” episodes were Jada’s chat with husband Will Smith about her romantic “entanglement” with singer August Alsina,...
It was the last of the Facebook Watch Originals, which included “Steve on Watch” with Steve Harvey and “Piece of Mind with Taraji,” hosted by Taraji P. Henson.
According to Deadline, which first reported the news, series producer Westbrook is shopping the series elsewhere. Smith’s cohosts are her daughter Willow and her mother Adrienne Banfield Norris. TheWrap has reached out to the series’ reps for comment.
The cancellation of the Emmy-winning series comes as Mina Lefevre, Head of Development and Programing at Facebook Watch, exits the tech company amid the most recent round of Meta layoffs.
Also Read:
10,000 More Employee Layoffs to Come at Meta, Mark Zuckerberg Confirms
Among the most memorable “Red Table Talk” episodes were Jada’s chat with husband Will Smith about her romantic “entanglement” with singer August Alsina,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Mina Lefevre, who was Head of Development and Programming at Meta, is departing Facebook’s parent company.
Lefevre, who was formerly EVP and Head of Scripted at MTV, is exiting as part of the latest round of layoffs at the Mark Zuckerberg-run company, which has seen more than 20,000 employees leave.
The departure comes amid a pivot for Facebook, which already had scaled back its original programming efforts since the days of scripted series such as Elizabeth Olsen-fronted Sorry For Your Loss and Sacred Lies, shepherded by Lefevre.
None of the remaining Fb Watch Originals, most notably Red Table Talk, are coming back for new seasons as the company is getting out of that business, shifting its focus on creating VR experiences in Meta Horizon Worlds that can also be deployed across Facebook, Instagram and Messenger. Fb Watch remains as video player for such content, while members of Lefevre’s team,...
Lefevre, who was formerly EVP and Head of Scripted at MTV, is exiting as part of the latest round of layoffs at the Mark Zuckerberg-run company, which has seen more than 20,000 employees leave.
The departure comes amid a pivot for Facebook, which already had scaled back its original programming efforts since the days of scripted series such as Elizabeth Olsen-fronted Sorry For Your Loss and Sacred Lies, shepherded by Lefevre.
None of the remaining Fb Watch Originals, most notably Red Table Talk, are coming back for new seasons as the company is getting out of that business, shifting its focus on creating VR experiences in Meta Horizon Worlds that can also be deployed across Facebook, Instagram and Messenger. Fb Watch remains as video player for such content, while members of Lefevre’s team,...
- 4/26/2023
- by Peter White and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Yara Shahidi will kick it with celebrity peers in a new show premiering on Facebook Watch later this month.
The actor, model, activist and self-proclaimed “music nerd” — best known for starring on “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish” — stars in and executive produces Facebook Watch original series “Yara Shahidi’s Day Off.” In each episode, Shahidi will participate in a range of activities with her celeb guests that reflect “their authentic interests outside of their fame,” spanning horseback riding, gymnastics, golfing, soccer and game night.
“Yara Shahidi’s Day Off” premieres Thursday, Sept. 29, at 9 a.m. Pt, on Facebook Watch, Shahidi’s Facebook page (2.2 million followers) and her Instagram page (7.6 million followers).
The premiere episode will feature massively popular TikTok creator Khaby Lame, in one of his first American sit-down interviews. Additional guests on the show will include Liza Koshy, Chloe Kim, Swae Lee, Elsa Majimbo, Amanda Seales, Alton Mason and Nas. Shahidi...
The actor, model, activist and self-proclaimed “music nerd” — best known for starring on “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish” — stars in and executive produces Facebook Watch original series “Yara Shahidi’s Day Off.” In each episode, Shahidi will participate in a range of activities with her celeb guests that reflect “their authentic interests outside of their fame,” spanning horseback riding, gymnastics, golfing, soccer and game night.
“Yara Shahidi’s Day Off” premieres Thursday, Sept. 29, at 9 a.m. Pt, on Facebook Watch, Shahidi’s Facebook page (2.2 million followers) and her Instagram page (7.6 million followers).
The premiere episode will feature massively popular TikTok creator Khaby Lame, in one of his first American sit-down interviews. Additional guests on the show will include Liza Koshy, Chloe Kim, Swae Lee, Elsa Majimbo, Amanda Seales, Alton Mason and Nas. Shahidi...
- 9/16/2022
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Facebook Watch has given a green light to JoJo Goes, a new original hybrid docuseries starring actress, singer and influencer JoJo Siwa.
Per the platform’s official description, Siwa “will be joined by her celebrity friends to partake in some crazy fun adventures she’s always wanted to experience but never got the chance.” The series, produced by B17 Entertainment, will premiere on Facebook Watch this summer and also will be available on Watch Together via Messenger and Instagram video calls.
“JoJo Siwa’s boundless positivity and message of self-love have made her an inspiration to millions who have watched her grow up on stage, tv, and online. This series takes fans along for the ride as soon-to-be 19-year-old JoJo explores all the off-stage passions and quirky paths that haven’t fit into her daily life as a super celebrity,” said Aliyah Silverstein, SVP of Current Programming and Executive Producer,...
Per the platform’s official description, Siwa “will be joined by her celebrity friends to partake in some crazy fun adventures she’s always wanted to experience but never got the chance.” The series, produced by B17 Entertainment, will premiere on Facebook Watch this summer and also will be available on Watch Together via Messenger and Instagram video calls.
“JoJo Siwa’s boundless positivity and message of self-love have made her an inspiration to millions who have watched her grow up on stage, tv, and online. This series takes fans along for the ride as soon-to-be 19-year-old JoJo explores all the off-stage passions and quirky paths that haven’t fit into her daily life as a super celebrity,” said Aliyah Silverstein, SVP of Current Programming and Executive Producer,...
- 5/18/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
JoJo Siwa is getting her own hybrid documentary series. Facebook Watch has greenlit the series “JoJo Goes,” the platform announced Wednesday.
The series, which will premiere this summer, will feature Siwa as she is joined by her celebrity friends to partake in some crazy fun adventures she’s always wanted to experience but never got the chance. It’s a hybrid docuseries because it combines documentary elements and pre-planned adventures in the episode.
“I’m so excited to partner with Facebook Watch for ‘JoJo Goes’! I will be going on some crazy fun adventures and I can’t wait for my fans to see what new things I try out with some of my best friends! Make sure to check it out,” Siwa said in a statement.
Production for “JoJo Goes” has already begun in Los Angeles.
Also Read:
‘So You Think You Can Dance': JoJo Siwa, Stephen ‘tWitch...
The series, which will premiere this summer, will feature Siwa as she is joined by her celebrity friends to partake in some crazy fun adventures she’s always wanted to experience but never got the chance. It’s a hybrid docuseries because it combines documentary elements and pre-planned adventures in the episode.
“I’m so excited to partner with Facebook Watch for ‘JoJo Goes’! I will be going on some crazy fun adventures and I can’t wait for my fans to see what new things I try out with some of my best friends! Make sure to check it out,” Siwa said in a statement.
Production for “JoJo Goes” has already begun in Los Angeles.
Also Read:
‘So You Think You Can Dance': JoJo Siwa, Stephen ‘tWitch...
- 5/18/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
Facebook Watch has greenlit talk show “Face to Face With Becky G” starring the global singer, actor and activist.
On the weekly show, slated to premiere sometime next month on Facebook Watch, Becky G will invite her favorite artists, celebrities and friends for “unfiltered” conversations that cover issues relevant to her generation, the Latino community and beyond, according to Facebook.
Facebook is hoping the new show will draft off Becky G’s social footprint: She has 18 million followers on Facebook.
“Staying connected to mi gente and our cultures is incredibly important to me,” Becky G said in a statement. “My new talk show on Facebook Watch will take this engagement to a whole new level — where we’ll discuss the issues that really matter to us and our communities, have great guests and of course, invite everyone to the conversation.”
“Face to Face With Becky G” is the latest in...
On the weekly show, slated to premiere sometime next month on Facebook Watch, Becky G will invite her favorite artists, celebrities and friends for “unfiltered” conversations that cover issues relevant to her generation, the Latino community and beyond, according to Facebook.
Facebook is hoping the new show will draft off Becky G’s social footprint: She has 18 million followers on Facebook.
“Staying connected to mi gente and our cultures is incredibly important to me,” Becky G said in a statement. “My new talk show on Facebook Watch will take this engagement to a whole new level — where we’ll discuss the issues that really matter to us and our communities, have great guests and of course, invite everyone to the conversation.”
“Face to Face With Becky G” is the latest in...
- 10/21/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Peace Of Mind with Taraji is returning for a second go-round. Facebook Watch has renewed the Daytime Emmy-nominated series, hosted by Golden Globe-winning Taraji P. Henson and her best friend and co-host Tracie Jade, the Executive Director of Henson’s Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, for a second season. Production of the new season is underway in Los Angeles. The 10-episode new season will debut later this year on Facebook Watch.
Peace of Mind with Taraji shines a spotlight on the challenging mental health issues facing the world today – especially those in the Black community. Through personal interviews with celebrities, experts and everyday people, the series shows how to provide support, bring awareness and aims to destigmatize mental health issues.
In Season 1, Henson and Jade talked with best-selling author Gabrielle Union on her experience with Ptsd, singer and television personality Tamar Braxton on the damaging pressure of being a strong Black woman,...
Peace of Mind with Taraji shines a spotlight on the challenging mental health issues facing the world today – especially those in the Black community. Through personal interviews with celebrities, experts and everyday people, the series shows how to provide support, bring awareness and aims to destigmatize mental health issues.
In Season 1, Henson and Jade talked with best-selling author Gabrielle Union on her experience with Ptsd, singer and television personality Tamar Braxton on the damaging pressure of being a strong Black woman,...
- 8/23/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Facebook Watch has greenlit Peace of Mind with Taraji (working title), a talk show focusing on mental wellness with actor Taraji P. Henson and co-host Trace Jade Jenkins, Executive Director of the Boris Lawrence Henson foundation.
The new original series will have the Golden Globe-winning actress and Jenkins dive into pertinent mental health issues, specifically those that affect the Black community.
Through interviews with celebrities, experts and everyday people, the series will show how to provide support, bring awareness and help eliminate the stigmas of mental health issues.
“I’ve long been a mental health advocate for the Black community and created the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in 2018 that has provided resources to thousands of people who are struggling,” said Henson. “I’m looking forward to bringing this new talk series to Facebook Watch, where I can continue to create conversation around an issue that is near and dear to my heart.
The new original series will have the Golden Globe-winning actress and Jenkins dive into pertinent mental health issues, specifically those that affect the Black community.
Through interviews with celebrities, experts and everyday people, the series will show how to provide support, bring awareness and help eliminate the stigmas of mental health issues.
“I’ve long been a mental health advocate for the Black community and created the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in 2018 that has provided resources to thousands of people who are struggling,” said Henson. “I’m looking forward to bringing this new talk series to Facebook Watch, where I can continue to create conversation around an issue that is near and dear to my heart.
- 10/5/2020
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
Taraji P. Henson will shine a spotlight on mental wellness in a new talk show for Facebook Watch, co-hosted with her longtime best friend, Tracie Jade Jenkins.
The original series, “Peace of Mind with Taraji” (working title), is slated to go into production later in 2020. In the show, Henson and Jenkins (executive director of Henson’s Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation) will interview celebrities, experts and everyday people about mental-health issues, particularly those in the Black community.
“I’ve long been a mental health advocate for the Black community and created the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in 2018 that has provided resources to thousands of people who are struggling,” Henson said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to bringing this new talk series to Facebook Watch, where I can continue to create conversation around an issue that is near and dear to my heart.”
“Peace of Mind with Taraji” is the...
The original series, “Peace of Mind with Taraji” (working title), is slated to go into production later in 2020. In the show, Henson and Jenkins (executive director of Henson’s Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation) will interview celebrities, experts and everyday people about mental-health issues, particularly those in the Black community.
“I’ve long been a mental health advocate for the Black community and created the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in 2018 that has provided resources to thousands of people who are struggling,” Henson said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to bringing this new talk series to Facebook Watch, where I can continue to create conversation around an issue that is near and dear to my heart.”
“Peace of Mind with Taraji” is the...
- 10/5/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Facebook Watch is extending — and expanding — its flagship original series, Red Table Talk, headlined and executive produced by Jada Pinkett Smith. Facebook has signed a new three-year deal with Pinkett Smith and Westbrook Studios, her company with Will Smith. The pact will keep the popular Daytime Emmy-nominated talk show exclusively on the platform with new episodes streaming through 2022, featuring Pinkett Smith, her daughter Willow Smith and mother Adrienne Banfield Norris.
Additionally, Facebook Watch is turning Red Table Talk into a franchise with the green light of a second series from Pinkett Smith and Westbrook Studios. Set in Miami, Red Table Talk: The Estefans, features music icon Gloria Estefan, her daughter and rising musician Emily Estefan and her niece and Daytime Emmy Award-winning TV host Lili Estefan. Like the mothership program, the offshoot will feature the three women of different generations discussing social and personal issues with family, celebrity guests and experts.
Additionally, Facebook Watch is turning Red Table Talk into a franchise with the green light of a second series from Pinkett Smith and Westbrook Studios. Set in Miami, Red Table Talk: The Estefans, features music icon Gloria Estefan, her daughter and rising musician Emily Estefan and her niece and Daytime Emmy Award-winning TV host Lili Estefan. Like the mothership program, the offshoot will feature the three women of different generations discussing social and personal issues with family, celebrity guests and experts.
- 1/22/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Facebook is doubling down on dishy, daytime TV-style programming: The social media giant announced a three-year renewal of “Red Table Talk” with Jada Pinkett Smith and Westbrook Studios and ordered a new offshoot of the multi-generational family talk-show format with singer Gloria Estefan.
The pact will keep “Red Table Talk,” one of the most popular shows on Facebook Watch, exclusively on the platform with new episodes of the talker streaming through 2022. The series features host and executive producer Jada Pinkett Smith, her daughter Willow Smith and mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris (aka “Gammy”).
In addition, Facebook Watch greenlit a second “Red Table Talk” franchise from Pinkett Smith and Westbrook Studios: “Red Table Talk: The Estefans,” which will bring the trademark red table to Miami and feature Gloria Estefan, her daughter and rising musician Emily Estefan and her niece Lili Estefan discussing trending and personal topics with celebrity guests and experts.
“Red Table Talk,...
The pact will keep “Red Table Talk,” one of the most popular shows on Facebook Watch, exclusively on the platform with new episodes of the talker streaming through 2022. The series features host and executive producer Jada Pinkett Smith, her daughter Willow Smith and mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris (aka “Gammy”).
In addition, Facebook Watch greenlit a second “Red Table Talk” franchise from Pinkett Smith and Westbrook Studios: “Red Table Talk: The Estefans,” which will bring the trademark red table to Miami and feature Gloria Estefan, her daughter and rising musician Emily Estefan and her niece Lili Estefan discussing trending and personal topics with celebrity guests and experts.
“Red Table Talk,...
- 1/22/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Facebook Watch has ordered a new “Red Table Talk” spinoff featuring Gloria Estefan, her daughter Emily and niece Lili.
The addition of “Red Table Talk: The Estefans” to the existing “Red Table Talk” series comes alongside a new three-year deal signed by original host Jada Pinkett Smith and Westbrook Studios, which will extend the Daytime Emmy-nominated series’ run on the platform through 2022.
On Pinkett Smith’s original “Red Table Talk,” the actress and wife to Will Smith is joined by her daughter Willow Smith, and her mother Adrienne Banfield Norris, also known as “Gammy.” The web television series finds the three generations of women discussing a variety of topics, from sex to immigration.
Also Read: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith Launch Multimedia Company Westbrook Inc
The Estefan’s spinoff will be shot in Miami, and will cover “candid conversations about today’s most timely, social and personal issues with family,...
The addition of “Red Table Talk: The Estefans” to the existing “Red Table Talk” series comes alongside a new three-year deal signed by original host Jada Pinkett Smith and Westbrook Studios, which will extend the Daytime Emmy-nominated series’ run on the platform through 2022.
On Pinkett Smith’s original “Red Table Talk,” the actress and wife to Will Smith is joined by her daughter Willow Smith, and her mother Adrienne Banfield Norris, also known as “Gammy.” The web television series finds the three generations of women discussing a variety of topics, from sex to immigration.
Also Read: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith Launch Multimedia Company Westbrook Inc
The Estefan’s spinoff will be shot in Miami, and will cover “candid conversations about today’s most timely, social and personal issues with family,...
- 1/22/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
The long Emmy campaign takes a bit of a breather next week, after nomination voting ends on Monday at 10 p.m. We won’t know until July 16 how much all the Fyc events, stunts, mailers and coverage paid off, but it’s already been a raucous campaign season — including bigger-than-ever installations from the likes of Netflix and Amazon; one final hurrah for the soon-to-be outlawed DVD screeners; last minute contenders that slid in right under the eligibility window; and an 11th hour mini-scandal involving allegations of “block voting” schemes.
As nominations and phase two of the Emmy campaign gets underway next month, we’re also waiting to see whether this year’s Primetime Emmy telecast on Fox goes host-free; whether “Veep” and “Game of Thrones” are still this year’s frontrunners; and which names Ken Jeong and D’Arcy Carden actually announce on nomination morning.
Here are a few more...
As nominations and phase two of the Emmy campaign gets underway next month, we’re also waiting to see whether this year’s Primetime Emmy telecast on Fox goes host-free; whether “Veep” and “Game of Thrones” are still this year’s frontrunners; and which names Ken Jeong and D’Arcy Carden actually announce on nomination morning.
Here are a few more...
- 6/21/2019
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
In this time of peak TV, content providers are trying to capture — and keep — the audience’s attention not only by allowing them to choose what they watch when they want, but also, to a degree, what happens within those stories.
Interactive television may not be a new idea — the 1950s show “Winky Dink and You” allowed children to complete pictures from the program by sticking a piece of vinyl plastic over the television screen and drawing on it — but newer technology allows for greater impact on the storytelling and gives executives the ability to track user engagement.
More than 90% of “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” viewers engaged with the “choose your own adventure” story from the very first option (selecting a breakfast cereal), Netflix says, and that level of participation was the signal the streaming giant needed to “launch a whole new slate” of adult interactive content, according to the platform’s vice president of product,...
Interactive television may not be a new idea — the 1950s show “Winky Dink and You” allowed children to complete pictures from the program by sticking a piece of vinyl plastic over the television screen and drawing on it — but newer technology allows for greater impact on the storytelling and gives executives the ability to track user engagement.
More than 90% of “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” viewers engaged with the “choose your own adventure” story from the very first option (selecting a breakfast cereal), Netflix says, and that level of participation was the signal the streaming giant needed to “launch a whole new slate” of adult interactive content, according to the platform’s vice president of product,...
- 5/29/2019
- by Christi Carras
- Variety Film + TV
Some 14,000 international TV executives, including around 5,000 buyers from over 100 countries, will be cruising down the Croisette in Cannes this weekend for the annual Mipcom market.
The sun is set to shine in the south of France and the major international distributors, including the Hollywood studios, will hope this helps shift their latest high-end dramas and non-scripted entertainment formats.
The Americans will be back in town, having largely given Mip TV in April a miss, with high-profile buyers from the FAANGs joining traditional buyers from the broadcast networks and cable stations. The likes of Apple’s Morgan Wandell, Hulu’s Craig Erwich, Amazon’s Cj Yu and Euro chief Georgia Brown, Facebook’s Toby Faulkner and Mina Lefevre and YouTube’s Luke Hyams are expected to be joined by Fox’s Rob Wade and teams from Bravo, FX, A+E Networks, Nat Geo and Discovery.
Hollywood talent chief Ari Emanuel will be...
The sun is set to shine in the south of France and the major international distributors, including the Hollywood studios, will hope this helps shift their latest high-end dramas and non-scripted entertainment formats.
The Americans will be back in town, having largely given Mip TV in April a miss, with high-profile buyers from the FAANGs joining traditional buyers from the broadcast networks and cable stations. The likes of Apple’s Morgan Wandell, Hulu’s Craig Erwich, Amazon’s Cj Yu and Euro chief Georgia Brown, Facebook’s Toby Faulkner and Mina Lefevre and YouTube’s Luke Hyams are expected to be joined by Fox’s Rob Wade and teams from Bravo, FX, A+E Networks, Nat Geo and Discovery.
Hollywood talent chief Ari Emanuel will be...
- 10/11/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
A full day of keynote interviews and panel discussion at Variety‘s Entertainment and Technology Summit in L.A. delved into the future of the media business, and the big bets that industry players are making to get there. Here are some of the key takeaways from Thursday’s event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.
Bundles will continue to reform in a digital-streaming world: FX Networks boss John Landgraf talked about the cable network group’s future as part of Disney. One of his points: bundles will still be crucial to achieve scale. “Fifty million people are not going to buy a single branded service,” Landgraf said, calling out the FX Plus authenticated Svod service. “It has to be bundled and aggregated into larger, more convenient ways of buying.”
At&T placing bets on digital media: The telco, with the buyout of Otter Media from former partner Chernin Group,...
Bundles will continue to reform in a digital-streaming world: FX Networks boss John Landgraf talked about the cable network group’s future as part of Disney. One of his points: bundles will still be crucial to achieve scale. “Fifty million people are not going to buy a single branded service,” Landgraf said, calling out the FX Plus authenticated Svod service. “It has to be bundled and aggregated into larger, more convenient ways of buying.”
At&T placing bets on digital media: The telco, with the buyout of Otter Media from former partner Chernin Group,...
- 9/7/2018
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Haven Entertainment has promoted Chanell Hardy to manager, and added Garrett Greer to its literary division.
Chanell, a Los Angeles native, began her career interning for entertainment companies Funny or Die, Gary Sanchez Productions, Red Hour Films, and Mosaic. Her first industry job was working for the egendary Barbra Streisand. She went on to pursue a career in management/production, working for Amy Slomovits and Brady McKay at Evolution, continuing on with them to Haven Entertainment. Her client Usama Siddiquee was just announced as one of the New Faces at Montreal Comedy Festival.
Greer began his career in television as an assistant at the Kaplan Stahler Agency, a boutique television literary agency in Beverly Hills. He later went on to work as a production fellow at ABC Studios, assisting President of Entertainment Kevin Reilly at Fox Broadcasting Company, and later as assistant to Dante Di Loreto at Ryan Murphy Television.
Chanell, a Los Angeles native, began her career interning for entertainment companies Funny or Die, Gary Sanchez Productions, Red Hour Films, and Mosaic. Her first industry job was working for the egendary Barbra Streisand. She went on to pursue a career in management/production, working for Amy Slomovits and Brady McKay at Evolution, continuing on with them to Haven Entertainment. Her client Usama Siddiquee was just announced as one of the New Faces at Montreal Comedy Festival.
Greer began his career in television as an assistant at the Kaplan Stahler Agency, a boutique television literary agency in Beverly Hills. He later went on to work as a production fellow at ABC Studios, assisting President of Entertainment Kevin Reilly at Fox Broadcasting Company, and later as assistant to Dante Di Loreto at Ryan Murphy Television.
- 7/23/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The team that will bring high-profile original content to Facebook just announced a significant hire. Mina Lefevre, who spent more than three years at MTV and most recently served as the network’s Evp and head of scripted development, will become the head of development at Facebook.
At Facebook, Lefevre will help assemble the lineup that will make Facebook’s new video tab into an attractive destination with viewers. While the social media platform has offered few details on the sort of original content it plans to distribute, we do know the plan is to offer a mix of short- and long-form offerings. Lefevre will report to Ricky Van Veen, the former CollegeHumor exec who became Facebook’s head of global creative strategy in June 2016.
At MTV, Lefevre was instrumental in bringing shows like Awkward, The Shannara Chronicles, and Sweet/Vicious to the airwaves. I have always been drawn to...
At Facebook, Lefevre will help assemble the lineup that will make Facebook’s new video tab into an attractive destination with viewers. While the social media platform has offered few details on the sort of original content it plans to distribute, we do know the plan is to offer a mix of short- and long-form offerings. Lefevre will report to Ricky Van Veen, the former CollegeHumor exec who became Facebook’s head of global creative strategy in June 2016.
At MTV, Lefevre was instrumental in bringing shows like Awkward, The Shannara Chronicles, and Sweet/Vicious to the airwaves. I have always been drawn to...
- 2/9/2017
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
MTV’s upcoming fantasy series, “The Shannara Chronicles,” could be considered a huge departure for the network whose best-known scripted fare is teen programming like “Awkward” and “Teen Wolf.” Not only is the series, a co-production between MTV and Sonar Entertainment, the most expensive scripted project taken on by the network, but its sweeping scope is unlike anything the network has done in the past. “Even though this is a departure in a lot of ways, we did that purposefully,” Mina Lefevre, executive vice president and head of scripted development at MTV said in an interview with TheWrap. “We really wanted to.
- 1/5/2016
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Although it was revealed at Comic-Con, MTV has now officially announced that Scream the TV series will return in a second season:
Press Release: Beverly Hills, CA (July 29, 2015) – MTV today announced the second season pick-up of its hit series "Scream" with Dimension Television. More than 21 million viewers have tuned in to the debut season of "Scream" on-air and the series has generated another 7.9 million streams across platforms. Additionally, "Scream" has averaged 60% increases in L+3 over L+Sd ratings week to week.
MTV Executive Vice President of Series Development and Head of Scripted Programming, Mina Lefevre said, "It has been a wonderful experience working with Bob Weinstein and his team who are such connoisseurs of this genre and we are thrilled by how our viewers have responded to the reinvention of 'Scream.' We look forward to another season filled with suspense, horror and more twists and turns."
"We couldn't be...
Press Release: Beverly Hills, CA (July 29, 2015) – MTV today announced the second season pick-up of its hit series "Scream" with Dimension Television. More than 21 million viewers have tuned in to the debut season of "Scream" on-air and the series has generated another 7.9 million streams across platforms. Additionally, "Scream" has averaged 60% increases in L+3 over L+Sd ratings week to week.
MTV Executive Vice President of Series Development and Head of Scripted Programming, Mina Lefevre said, "It has been a wonderful experience working with Bob Weinstein and his team who are such connoisseurs of this genre and we are thrilled by how our viewers have responded to the reinvention of 'Scream.' We look forward to another season filled with suspense, horror and more twists and turns."
"We couldn't be...
- 7/29/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Changes are afoot at MTV. After nearly three years at the cable network, programming president Susanne Daniels is leaving the company. At the same time, the network is elevating scripted topper Mina Lefevre to executive vice president, overseeing all scripted development and programming — an increasingly large portion of its roster. Daniels, who came to MTV from Lifetime and, much earlier, The WB, was charged with refocusing the younger-skewing net when she arrived in 2012. The time since has seen her launch such series as Finding Carter, Faking It, Are You The One?, Broke A$$ Game Show and —
read more...
read more...
- 7/22/2015
- by Michael O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MTV announced Thursday it’s hired Mina Lefevre to be its new senior vice president and head of scripted programming. Lefevre, who had been the vice president of development and programming at ABC Family, will report to Susanne Daniels, who was hired last November as president of programming. “Mina was instrumental in establishing ABC Family as a pop culture player, and she’s demonstrated a proven ability to make hits that connect with young adults,” Daniels said in a statement. “In addition to our diverse roster of reality programming, MTV’s audience is increasingly hungry for more fun and smart scripted shows, and Mina is the perfect creative voice to join the stellar MTV team—that has already ushered in hits ‘Awkward’ and ‘Teen Wolf’—to build upon the network’s diverse lineup.” During her time at ABC, Lefevre worked on “Pretty Little Liars,” “Melissa & Joey,” and “The Lying Game,...
- 1/31/2013
- backstage.com
MTV has a new head of scripted programming, and it is former ABC Family executive Mina Lefevre. Lefevre has been tapped as MTV's new senior vice president and head of scripted programming, a position she will take up in February. Based in Los Angeles, Lefevre will oversee MTV's scripted development and programming. She will report to MTV's president of programming Susanne Daniels, who announced the hire on Thursday. Also read: MTV's Svp of Scripted Clay Spencer Departs Network Lefevre had previously served as vice president of development and programming for ABC Family, where she...
- 1/31/2013
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
MTV’s president of programming Susanne Daniels is putting her imprint on the network. Some two months after accepting the top job, the veteran exec has made her first major hire in Mina Lefevre, who will join MTV as Svp and head of scripted programming. She comes by way of ABC Family, where she served as VP of development and programming and was responsible for such series and made-for-tv movie efforts as Pretty Little Liars and Melissa & Joey. The news comes as the network once best known for since-ended reality show Jersey Shore looks to beef up its scripted
read more...
read more...
- 1/31/2013
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MTV‘s new president of programming Susanne Daniels has made her first major executive hire official. ABC Family’s VP Development and Programming Mina Lefevre is joining MTV as Svp and Head of Scripted Programming. Lefevre, who starts in February, will oversee all of MTV’s scripted development and programming. Based in Los Angeles, she will report to Daniels. Related: ABC Family’s Mina Lefevre To Head Scripted Programming For MTV MTV’s scripted development had been overseen by Svp Justin Levy, who is now expected to report to Lefevre. Levy, who championed MTV’s breakout comedy Awkward, had been flying solo since MTV’s co-head of scripted programming, Svp Clay Spencer, was let go a day after Daniels was announced as new MTV programming topper. Levy and Spencer had been sharing co-head of scripted duties since February 2011. At ABC Family, where Lefevre spent 12 years, she oversaw such series as...
- 1/31/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: I’ve learned that MTV‘s new president of programming Susanne Daniels has made her first major executive hire, tapping ABC Family’s VP Development and Programming Mina Lefevre as Svp and new head of scripted programming. The cable network’s current head of scripted, Svp Justin Levy, is expected to report to Lefevre. MTV had no comment. When Daniels was named president of programming of MTV in November, there was a lot of speculation whether she would bring in top executives from outside, especially people she had worked with at the WB or Lifetime. A day after Daniels’ announcement, MTV’s co-head of scripted programming, Svp Clay Spencer, was let go, leaving Levy as the solo head of scripted. Spencer had been brought in by Daniels’ predecessor David Janollari, while Levy is a homegrown MTV talent, having been at the cable network for over four years, steadily rising through the ranks.
- 1/5/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: Jennifer Lopez is developing an hour-long drama for ABC Family. The so far untitled series is about a lesbian couple who suddenly have their already child heavy household turned upside down when a wayward teenage girl moves in. One of the mothers is a cop, the other is a private school teacher. They have one biological son and adopted teen twins, one a boy, the other a girl. The American idol judge is said to be planning to guest star in the show. Lopez will executive produce the series, which the network is fast tracking, with Simon Fields, her partner at Nuyorican Productions. Peter Paige and Brad Bredeweg, the creators and writers of the show, will also executive produce. Greg Gugliotta, who has worked with ABC Family before on movies like 2003’s Beautiful Girl, is also on board as an executive producer on the show. Executive Mina Lefevre is...
- 7/6/2012
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.