Channel 4, the U.K. network that helped drive Russell Brand’s career in its early days, has now launched its own investigation into sexual assault and misconduct allegations against the actor and TV host that arose over the weekend in a major exposé.
In an email to staff revealed by The Sunday Times‘ media editor Rosamund Urwin, Channel 4 boss Alex Mahon said it had started an internal investigation into whether people at the channel “had knowledge of the alleged behaviors,” adding that it had recently safeguarded and strengthened its whistleblowing policies.
In a joint investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches, four women have come forward with allegations of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse against Brand. He has denied the allegations.
After making a name for himself as a standup comic, Brand rose to fame on Channel 4 as the host of Big Brother spin-off Big...
In an email to staff revealed by The Sunday Times‘ media editor Rosamund Urwin, Channel 4 boss Alex Mahon said it had started an internal investigation into whether people at the channel “had knowledge of the alleged behaviors,” adding that it had recently safeguarded and strengthened its whistleblowing policies.
In a joint investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches, four women have come forward with allegations of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse against Brand. He has denied the allegations.
After making a name for himself as a standup comic, Brand rose to fame on Channel 4 as the host of Big Brother spin-off Big...
- 9/18/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Welcome back Insiders. Hope you’re feeling sufficiently rested and re-energized as the world of TV and film kicks back into gear. Jesse Whittock with you for the first edition of 2023, and we have plenty for you.
Channel (Not) 4 Sale
Channel 4’s London headquarters
“Better ways to secure sustainability”: Max Goldbart here reporting on a phenomenal week for the UK’s Channel 4, which is officially remaining in public hands after the government u-turned on a sale plan. Although we all knew it was coming, Channel 4 execs were simply delighted following first a leaked letter from Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan indicating she would prefer the Gogglebox network to remain public and then the official confirmation from 10 Downing Street the following day, in which Donelan said “there are better ways to secure sustainability.” The abrupt u-turn ends a difficult 18 months for Britain’s alternative broadcaster and puts to bed for...
Channel (Not) 4 Sale
Channel 4’s London headquarters
“Better ways to secure sustainability”: Max Goldbart here reporting on a phenomenal week for the UK’s Channel 4, which is officially remaining in public hands after the government u-turned on a sale plan. Although we all knew it was coming, Channel 4 execs were simply delighted following first a leaked letter from Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan indicating she would prefer the Gogglebox network to remain public and then the official confirmation from 10 Downing Street the following day, in which Donelan said “there are better ways to secure sustainability.” The abrupt u-turn ends a difficult 18 months for Britain’s alternative broadcaster and puts to bed for...
- 1/6/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 boss Alex Mahon has said the government’s new plans for the “It’s a Sin” broadcaster spans “a decade or more” but that the spectre of privatization can never fully disappear for a public organization.
Speaking to Variety a mere hour after the U.K. government formally called off its plans to sell Channel 4, Mahon said: “This is a plan that takes us through a decade or more because there are big commitments here, particular around funding in the nations and regions and making a difference with young people and bringing people into the industry. Those aren’t things you can achieve in 10 minutes; we need time to achieve them.”
Mahon noted that Rishi Sunak’s government is “thinking about this for the medium to long term,” but that “they’ll always have the right as government, or as governments change, to look at these things — as they should have.
Speaking to Variety a mere hour after the U.K. government formally called off its plans to sell Channel 4, Mahon said: “This is a plan that takes us through a decade or more because there are big commitments here, particular around funding in the nations and regions and making a difference with young people and bringing people into the industry. Those aren’t things you can achieve in 10 minutes; we need time to achieve them.”
Mahon noted that Rishi Sunak’s government is “thinking about this for the medium to long term,” but that “they’ll always have the right as government, or as governments change, to look at these things — as they should have.
- 1/5/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon has praised the “smart and sensible” UK Culture Secretary for leading the charge against privatization and revealed plans to allow the network to produce shows in-house are the brainchild of the government.
Speaking to Deadline just hours after Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives confirmed Channel 4 will remain in public hands, Mahon said the government “felt it was important to legislate for” the in-house proposal, which could see Channel 4 producing and owning the rights to its shows for the first time.
The plan has already proved controversial, with UK indie trade body Pact saying it is “disappointed” by a move that will take rights and therefore money away from its member base of hundreds of UK producers.
Mahon stressed that Channel 4’s alternative privatization proposal – unveiled last year with claims that a sale would lose the UK economy £3Bn (3.6Bn) over a decade – did not contain what...
Speaking to Deadline just hours after Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives confirmed Channel 4 will remain in public hands, Mahon said the government “felt it was important to legislate for” the in-house proposal, which could see Channel 4 producing and owning the rights to its shows for the first time.
The plan has already proved controversial, with UK indie trade body Pact saying it is “disappointed” by a move that will take rights and therefore money away from its member base of hundreds of UK producers.
Mahon stressed that Channel 4’s alternative privatization proposal – unveiled last year with claims that a sale would lose the UK economy £3Bn (3.6Bn) over a decade – did not contain what...
- 1/5/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s official: the controversial plan to privatize U.K. network Channel 4 has been canceled.
The news was announced by the British culture secretary Michelle Donelan on Thursday, just a day after a letter of hers to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in which she recommended against going ahead with the sale, was leaked.
The decision represents a dramatic U-turn by Sunak’s Conservative government to that of Boris Johnson, which was forging ahead with privatization proposals last year under then culture secretary Nadine Dorries.
“Channel 4 is a British success story and a linchpin of our booming creative industries” said Donelan, who has been in the post since September. “After reviewing the business case and engaging with the relevant sectors I have decided that Channel 4 should not be sold.”
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said the broadcaster will remain in public ownership “but with greater commercial flexibility,...
The news was announced by the British culture secretary Michelle Donelan on Thursday, just a day after a letter of hers to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in which she recommended against going ahead with the sale, was leaked.
The decision represents a dramatic U-turn by Sunak’s Conservative government to that of Boris Johnson, which was forging ahead with privatization proposals last year under then culture secretary Nadine Dorries.
“Channel 4 is a British success story and a linchpin of our booming creative industries” said Donelan, who has been in the post since September. “After reviewing the business case and engaging with the relevant sectors I have decided that Channel 4 should not be sold.”
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said the broadcaster will remain in public ownership “but with greater commercial flexibility,...
- 1/5/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 will not be privatized, the U.K. government has confirmed.
Channel 4 will remain publicly owned, but with greater commercial flexibility, increased investment in skills and jobs across the U.K. as well as new production arrangements to support its long-term sustainability and growth.
The confirmation comes a day after a leaked letter from Donelan to U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suggested that the privatization process would not go ahead.
The government, following discussions with Channel 4 and the independent production sector, have confirmed a package of measures as an alternative to a sale. This includes reforms via the Media Bill which will eventually allow Channel 4 to make and own some of its content and a new statutory duty on its board members to protect the broadcaster’s long-term financial sustainability. Channel 4 has also committed to increasing roles outside London and providing more opportunities for people from across the U.
Channel 4 will remain publicly owned, but with greater commercial flexibility, increased investment in skills and jobs across the U.K. as well as new production arrangements to support its long-term sustainability and growth.
The confirmation comes a day after a leaked letter from Donelan to U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suggested that the privatization process would not go ahead.
The government, following discussions with Channel 4 and the independent production sector, have confirmed a package of measures as an alternative to a sale. This includes reforms via the Media Bill which will eventually allow Channel 4 to make and own some of its content and a new statutory duty on its board members to protect the broadcaster’s long-term financial sustainability. Channel 4 has also committed to increasing roles outside London and providing more opportunities for people from across the U.
- 1/5/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The UK government has confirmed that Channel 4 will not be sold.
The decision represents a dramatic u-turn from Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives, who had previously been pushing for privatization against the advice of 96 of respondents to a government consultation on the matter when Nadine Dorries was Culture Secretary.
Dorries’ successor Michelle Donelan has since examined the business case for Channel 4 remaining in public hands and recommended a sale not be taken forward, which was rubberstamped by 10 Downing Street.
“Channel 4 is a British success story and a linchpin of our booming creative industries” said Donelan. “After reviewing the business case and engaging with the relevant sectors I have decided that Channel 4 should not be sold.”
In news that was leaked yesterday and obtained by The News Agents journalist Lewis Goodall, Donelan has instead issued a “sustainability package” containing an “ambitious package of measures” that will see Channel 4 able to produce...
The decision represents a dramatic u-turn from Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives, who had previously been pushing for privatization against the advice of 96 of respondents to a government consultation on the matter when Nadine Dorries was Culture Secretary.
Dorries’ successor Michelle Donelan has since examined the business case for Channel 4 remaining in public hands and recommended a sale not be taken forward, which was rubberstamped by 10 Downing Street.
“Channel 4 is a British success story and a linchpin of our booming creative industries” said Donelan. “After reviewing the business case and engaging with the relevant sectors I have decided that Channel 4 should not be sold.”
In news that was leaked yesterday and obtained by The News Agents journalist Lewis Goodall, Donelan has instead issued a “sustainability package” containing an “ambitious package of measures” that will see Channel 4 able to produce...
- 1/5/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Women in Film and Television International has appointed Dr. Susan Liddy as its new president.
The former chair of Women in Film and Television Ireland will step into the role that has been occupied by Swedish producer Helen Granqvist since 2018. The pair will work together for the coming months as co-presidents until Liddy assumes the helm in August 2023.
Welcoming Dr. Liddy to her new role, Ms.Granqvist said: “I’m looking forward to sharing the leadership of Wifti with Dr. Liddy during the transition period. Susan is a researcher and I am a practitioner but we are both activists who work strategically for change. I couldn’t wish for someone better to take over the leadership for Wifti!”
Speaking about her appointment, Liddy said: “I’m honored to be chosen to lead Wifti in the years ahead and I look forward to working with our international colleagues, in uniting chapters and affiliated organisations,...
The former chair of Women in Film and Television Ireland will step into the role that has been occupied by Swedish producer Helen Granqvist since 2018. The pair will work together for the coming months as co-presidents until Liddy assumes the helm in August 2023.
Welcoming Dr. Liddy to her new role, Ms.Granqvist said: “I’m looking forward to sharing the leadership of Wifti with Dr. Liddy during the transition period. Susan is a researcher and I am a practitioner but we are both activists who work strategically for change. I couldn’t wish for someone better to take over the leadership for Wifti!”
Speaking about her appointment, Liddy said: “I’m honored to be chosen to lead Wifti in the years ahead and I look forward to working with our international colleagues, in uniting chapters and affiliated organisations,...
- 11/21/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The board of Britain’s main public service broadcaster, the BBC, has called Queen Elizabeth II “a unifying figure across generations, communities and borders,” as bosses paid tribute to the monarch, who died today aged 96.
The broadcaster has cleared its schedules this evening as the UK comes to terms with a future without Elizabeth on the throne for the first time since 1953 and has switched to rolling news coverage as crowds gather around Buckingham Palace in London to pay tribute. Its bosses have this evening followed up by releasing a heartfelt statement.
“On behalf of everyone at the BBC we offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty The Queen,” said BBC Chairman Richard Sharp and Director General Tim Davie.
“Her Majesty was the absolute embodiment of public service. She was a unifying figure across generations, communities and borders, who represented the very best of our nation.
The broadcaster has cleared its schedules this evening as the UK comes to terms with a future without Elizabeth on the throne for the first time since 1953 and has switched to rolling news coverage as crowds gather around Buckingham Palace in London to pay tribute. Its bosses have this evening followed up by releasing a heartfelt statement.
“On behalf of everyone at the BBC we offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty The Queen,” said BBC Chairman Richard Sharp and Director General Tim Davie.
“Her Majesty was the absolute embodiment of public service. She was a unifying figure across generations, communities and borders, who represented the very best of our nation.
- 9/8/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: A prominent Scottish MP is attempting to block former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries’ path to the House of Lords over her controversial claim that Channel 4 used actors in Love Productions’ reality format Tower Block of Commons.
John Nicolson, who sits on the influential Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Dcmsc) and famously grilled Dorries over Tower Block of Commons in May, has written to House of Lords Appointments Commission Chair Lord Bew and referred the matter to the UK’s Commons Committee of Privileges. Deadline has seen the letter.
Nicolson argues that Dorries’ knowingly misled a parliamentary committee with her “seemingly entirely false” claim and therefore should not be allowed to enter the House of Lords. The former I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! contestant stepped down as Culture Secretary earlier this week and is expected to be given a peerage.
In July, Channel 4 and Tower...
John Nicolson, who sits on the influential Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Dcmsc) and famously grilled Dorries over Tower Block of Commons in May, has written to House of Lords Appointments Commission Chair Lord Bew and referred the matter to the UK’s Commons Committee of Privileges. Deadline has seen the letter.
Nicolson argues that Dorries’ knowingly misled a parliamentary committee with her “seemingly entirely false” claim and therefore should not be allowed to enter the House of Lords. The former I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! contestant stepped down as Culture Secretary earlier this week and is expected to be given a peerage.
In July, Channel 4 and Tower...
- 9/8/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
An additional £104M (127M) and 20,000 full-time jobs will need to be injected into the UK’s film and high-end TV (Hetv) sectors over the next three years for the industry to keep up with demand for projects, according to the BFI.
The body published its long-awaited skills review today, with the key recommendation being that at least 1 of all production budgets are invested in training in order to mitigate the growing skills crisis.
The review, which has had buy-in from major stakeholders in the Hetv and film sectors, said £104M will need to be spent and 20,770 more full-time posts created to meet demand by 2025, with production spend having rocketed over the past four years to £5.6Bn (6.8B). A similar report last week from UK training body ScreenSkills, which predicted film and Hetv could hit £7.7B (9.4B) by 2025, forecast roughly the same number of jobs required but a colossal £300M (368M) investment needed.
The body published its long-awaited skills review today, with the key recommendation being that at least 1 of all production budgets are invested in training in order to mitigate the growing skills crisis.
The review, which has had buy-in from major stakeholders in the Hetv and film sectors, said £104M will need to be spent and 20,770 more full-time posts created to meet demand by 2025, with production spend having rocketed over the past four years to £5.6Bn (6.8B). A similar report last week from UK training body ScreenSkills, which predicted film and Hetv could hit £7.7B (9.4B) by 2025, forecast roughly the same number of jobs required but a colossal £300M (368M) investment needed.
- 6/28/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Critical crew shortages caused by the ongoing U.K. production boom can be alleviated by an industry-led investment approach, a study published by the British Film Institute (BFI) recommends.
Film and high-end television production spend in the U.K. reached over 7.65 billion in 2021 and is forecast to hit 9.3 billion by 2025. A skills review commissioned by the U.K. Department of Digital, Media, Culture and Sport and executed by the BFI found that the boom is leading to increasing crew shortages at all levels, which are beginning to negatively impact the industry and contribute to highly stressed workplaces. The consequent production budget rises are affecting the independent sector most acutely, the review found.
U.K. production will require up to 20,770 additional full-time employees by 2025, needing an overall training investment of over £104 million (128 million) a year, a figure which is approximately 1.4 of the projected level of production spend that year.
To meet the eye-watering demand,...
Film and high-end television production spend in the U.K. reached over 7.65 billion in 2021 and is forecast to hit 9.3 billion by 2025. A skills review commissioned by the U.K. Department of Digital, Media, Culture and Sport and executed by the BFI found that the boom is leading to increasing crew shortages at all levels, which are beginning to negatively impact the industry and contribute to highly stressed workplaces. The consequent production budget rises are affecting the independent sector most acutely, the review found.
U.K. production will require up to 20,770 additional full-time employees by 2025, needing an overall training investment of over £104 million (128 million) a year, a figure which is approximately 1.4 of the projected level of production spend that year.
To meet the eye-watering demand,...
- 6/28/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The heads of the U.K. public service broadcasters (PSBs) are in agreement that the market is undergoing seismic changes and evolution is the way forward.
“There’ll be huge changes going on in this market and we underestimate it at our peril,” said Tim Davie, director general of the BBC. “We’ve got to innovate, innovate, keep innovating. And I think any complacency is always going to end in serious consequences.”
Davie was speaking at a high-powered panel on PSBs at the the Deloitte and Enders Media and Telecoms conference in London on Thursday, alongside Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, Stv CEO Simon Pitts, ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall and Maria Kyriacou, U.K., Canada, Israel and Australia president of Paramount, which owns broadcaster Channel 5.
Davie said that the U.K. market is undergoing a transition with a large segment of the audience, not just the youth, increasingly...
“There’ll be huge changes going on in this market and we underestimate it at our peril,” said Tim Davie, director general of the BBC. “We’ve got to innovate, innovate, keep innovating. And I think any complacency is always going to end in serious consequences.”
Davie was speaking at a high-powered panel on PSBs at the the Deloitte and Enders Media and Telecoms conference in London on Thursday, alongside Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, Stv CEO Simon Pitts, ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall and Maria Kyriacou, U.K., Canada, Israel and Australia president of Paramount, which owns broadcaster Channel 5.
Davie said that the U.K. market is undergoing a transition with a large segment of the audience, not just the youth, increasingly...
- 5/12/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
ITV boss Carolyn McCall has raised concerns that the British cost of living crisis could start hampering broadcaster revenues at a time when they are emerging from the pandemic, while BBC Director General Tim Davie warned against “complacency” over changing audience habits.
ITV’s main source of income is advertising but this income is “heavily tied to the economy,” according to McCall, who said a “gloomy” period could impact the network’s revenues.
She was speaking at the Deloitte and Enders Media and Telecoms Conference a day after ITV unveiled strong Q1 results and several weeks after it posted record ad revenues for full year 2021.
The UK is currently in the midst of a major cost of living crisis, with energy and gas bills soaring and serious concerns being raised by businesses over the knock-on effect this will have on the economy.
Although raising the cost-of-living concerns, she countered that...
ITV’s main source of income is advertising but this income is “heavily tied to the economy,” according to McCall, who said a “gloomy” period could impact the network’s revenues.
She was speaking at the Deloitte and Enders Media and Telecoms Conference a day after ITV unveiled strong Q1 results and several weeks after it posted record ad revenues for full year 2021.
The UK is currently in the midst of a major cost of living crisis, with energy and gas bills soaring and serious concerns being raised by businesses over the knock-on effect this will have on the economy.
Although raising the cost-of-living concerns, she countered that...
- 5/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 has extended its strategic partnership with YouTube to make 1000 hours of full Channel 4 and E4 episodes from new and popular series available to watch across Channel 4’s YouTube network in the U.K. and Ireland by the end of 2022.
Some of the hit shows to be made available on YouTube include: “8 Out Of 10 Cats,” “Sas: Who Dares Wins,” “Nikki Grahame: Who Is She?,” “Unapologetic,” “Location, Location, Location,” “Gemma Collins: Self-Harm and Me,” “Davina McCall’s Language of Love,” “Kathy Burke: Money Talks,” “The Dog House” and “Devon & Cornwall.” Some programs will be made available to watch on YouTube 30 days after first being broadcast on Channel 4 and E4, as part of a wider syndication strategy.
Content will start to roll out from May.
The deal will enable Channel 4 to sell its own advertising around these shows, marking the first deal of its kind across the U.
Some of the hit shows to be made available on YouTube include: “8 Out Of 10 Cats,” “Sas: Who Dares Wins,” “Nikki Grahame: Who Is She?,” “Unapologetic,” “Location, Location, Location,” “Gemma Collins: Self-Harm and Me,” “Davina McCall’s Language of Love,” “Kathy Burke: Money Talks,” “The Dog House” and “Devon & Cornwall.” Some programs will be made available to watch on YouTube 30 days after first being broadcast on Channel 4 and E4, as part of a wider syndication strategy.
Content will start to roll out from May.
The deal will enable Channel 4 to sell its own advertising around these shows, marking the first deal of its kind across the U.
- 5/11/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Film4 has promoted Director Daniel Battsek to Chairman and his place will be taken by Ollie Madden.
Channel 4 said the changes “reflect the current success of Film4 both in the UK and internationally, and will ensure that Film4 continues to make a significant contribution to the film industry as well as strengthening existing relationships and fostering new partnerships.”
Battsek, who joined Film4 from Cohen Media Group in 2016, becomes Chairman and will take on a widened brief to include Film4’s role within Channel4, the distribution and marketing of Film4 titles as well as U.S. distributor and equity co-financing relationships.
Battsek and Madden will continue to have joint responsibility for greenlighting Film4 projects as well as strategy, corporate and press relations.
Formerly Deputy Director and Creative Director having joined in 2017, Madden will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the organization, which spends £25M (30.8M) annually to develop and co-fund British films.
Channel 4 said the changes “reflect the current success of Film4 both in the UK and internationally, and will ensure that Film4 continues to make a significant contribution to the film industry as well as strengthening existing relationships and fostering new partnerships.”
Battsek, who joined Film4 from Cohen Media Group in 2016, becomes Chairman and will take on a widened brief to include Film4’s role within Channel4, the distribution and marketing of Film4 titles as well as U.S. distributor and equity co-financing relationships.
Battsek and Madden will continue to have joint responsibility for greenlighting Film4 projects as well as strategy, corporate and press relations.
Formerly Deputy Director and Creative Director having joined in 2017, Madden will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the organization, which spends £25M (30.8M) annually to develop and co-fund British films.
- 5/11/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Documentary
Liam Gallagher will feature with his sons Lennon and Gene in one-hour Sky special “Liam Gallagher 48 Hours at Rockfield,” where the former Oasis band member heads to the Rockfield Studios in Wales for 48 hours of music and memories. The show is ahead of the release of Gallagher’s new album “C’Mon You Know” and a summer of gigs including a return to Knebworth. Gallagher will perform exclusive tracks from the upcoming album, plus two Oasis classics. In-between the studio sessions Gallagher chats candidly about music, song writing and his upcoming tour.
Gallagher said: “It was great to go back to Rockfield after all these years and see the old firm looking so well. It brought back many memories.”
“Liam Gallagher 48 Hours at Rockfield” was commissioned by Zai Bennett, MD of content for Sky U.K. and Ireland and Phil Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts and Entertainment. Shirley Jones is commissioning editor for Sky.
Liam Gallagher will feature with his sons Lennon and Gene in one-hour Sky special “Liam Gallagher 48 Hours at Rockfield,” where the former Oasis band member heads to the Rockfield Studios in Wales for 48 hours of music and memories. The show is ahead of the release of Gallagher’s new album “C’Mon You Know” and a summer of gigs including a return to Knebworth. Gallagher will perform exclusive tracks from the upcoming album, plus two Oasis classics. In-between the studio sessions Gallagher chats candidly about music, song writing and his upcoming tour.
Gallagher said: “It was great to go back to Rockfield after all these years and see the old firm looking so well. It brought back many memories.”
“Liam Gallagher 48 Hours at Rockfield” was commissioned by Zai Bennett, MD of content for Sky U.K. and Ireland and Phil Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts and Entertainment. Shirley Jones is commissioning editor for Sky.
- 5/10/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Daniel Battsek, director, Film4, has been elevated to chair, while deputy director and creative director Ollie Madden will succeed Battsek as director.
Film4 is the filmmaking arm of U.K. broadcaster Channel 4, which invests £25 million (31 million) annually to develop and co-fund British films with British talent. Since its launch, films it has backed have won 37 Oscars and 84 BAFTAs.
Madden will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the organization. Battsek will continue to work closely with Madden on Film4’s activities and will also take on a widened brief to include Film4’s role within parent company Channel 4, the distribution and marketing of Film4 titles as well as U.S. distributor and equity co-financing relationships. Battsek and Madden will continue to have joint responsibility for greenlighting Film4 projects as well as strategy, corporate and press relations.
Madden joined Film4 in 2017. He has spent 25 years working across film and high-end television,...
Film4 is the filmmaking arm of U.K. broadcaster Channel 4, which invests £25 million (31 million) annually to develop and co-fund British films with British talent. Since its launch, films it has backed have won 37 Oscars and 84 BAFTAs.
Madden will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the organization. Battsek will continue to work closely with Madden on Film4’s activities and will also take on a widened brief to include Film4’s role within parent company Channel 4, the distribution and marketing of Film4 titles as well as U.S. distributor and equity co-financing relationships. Battsek and Madden will continue to have joint responsibility for greenlighting Film4 projects as well as strategy, corporate and press relations.
Madden joined Film4 in 2017. He has spent 25 years working across film and high-end television,...
- 5/10/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Battsek’s role takes on a widened brief within Channel 4.
Film4 has restructured its senior leadership team, with Daniel Battsek taking on the role of chairman and Ollie Madden succeeding Battsek as director.
Madden will take over the day-to-day responsibility for the organisation; Battsek will continue to work on Film4’s activities, while taking on a widened brief to include Film4’s position within parent company Channel 4.
The chairman role will also include overseeing distributing and marketing of Film4 titles, as well as US distributor and equity co-financing relationships.
“In an increasingly over-saturated landscape, what Film4 offers is vital:...
Film4 has restructured its senior leadership team, with Daniel Battsek taking on the role of chairman and Ollie Madden succeeding Battsek as director.
Madden will take over the day-to-day responsibility for the organisation; Battsek will continue to work on Film4’s activities, while taking on a widened brief to include Film4’s position within parent company Channel 4.
The chairman role will also include overseeing distributing and marketing of Film4 titles, as well as US distributor and equity co-financing relationships.
“In an increasingly over-saturated landscape, what Film4 offers is vital:...
- 5/10/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Rts London Unveils Lineup & Warner Bros Discovery’s Priya Dogra As Chair
Priya Dogra, the big winner in the recent Warner Bros Discovery international reshuffle, will chair this year’s Royal Television Society (Rts) London Convention entitled The Fight For Attention, with bosses of all the major channels addressing the event. The day of talks and sessions is the first to be principally sponsored by the newly-combined entity. Dogra, who was recently promoted to become President & Managing Director for Emea in a major reshuffle, will set the tone for the one-day convention featuring keynotes from BBC Director General Tim Davie, ITV CEO Carolyn McCall, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon and Sky Executive Vice President & CEO, UK & Europe, Stephen van Rooyen. More speakers are incoming for the event, which moves between London and Cambridge each year. “With more choice than ever before of what to watch and how to watch it,...
Priya Dogra, the big winner in the recent Warner Bros Discovery international reshuffle, will chair this year’s Royal Television Society (Rts) London Convention entitled The Fight For Attention, with bosses of all the major channels addressing the event. The day of talks and sessions is the first to be principally sponsored by the newly-combined entity. Dogra, who was recently promoted to become President & Managing Director for Emea in a major reshuffle, will set the tone for the one-day convention featuring keynotes from BBC Director General Tim Davie, ITV CEO Carolyn McCall, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon and Sky Executive Vice President & CEO, UK & Europe, Stephen van Rooyen. More speakers are incoming for the event, which moves between London and Cambridge each year. “With more choice than ever before of what to watch and how to watch it,...
- 5/10/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
A privatized Channel 4 could lose the UK economy up to £3Bn (3.8Bn) over the next decade and support 4,000 fewer jobs, according to the It’s a Sin network’s alternative privatization proposal, unveiled to journalists today.
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon this morning publicly sent out and discussed the network’s failed 4: The Next Episode plan, which was presented to Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries in February as a privatization alternative with detailed cost-benefit analysis. It was roundly rejected, as indicated in last week’s UK government Broadcasting White Paper about the future of British television.
According to analysis embedded in 4 The Next Episode, which also included a set of proposals for a reformed publicly-owned Channel 4, privatizing the network would create a total £8Bn-£10Bn for the UK economy over the next 10 years, compared with £11Bn if it was reformed and remained in public ownership.
The most extreme scenario would...
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon this morning publicly sent out and discussed the network’s failed 4: The Next Episode plan, which was presented to Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries in February as a privatization alternative with detailed cost-benefit analysis. It was roundly rejected, as indicated in last week’s UK government Broadcasting White Paper about the future of British television.
According to analysis embedded in 4 The Next Episode, which also included a set of proposals for a reformed publicly-owned Channel 4, privatizing the network would create a total £8Bn-£10Bn for the UK economy over the next 10 years, compared with £11Bn if it was reformed and remained in public ownership.
The most extreme scenario would...
- 5/5/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon has issued her most combative response yet to the government’s decision to privatize the broadcaster, calling the move “disappointing and a shame” and implying it will have damaging consequences for the UK TV industry.
Mahon has so far been walking a tricky tightrope between co-operating with the UK government and making the case for Channel 4 to remain public but she used a journalist briefing this morning to speak candidly about the negative impacts, repeatedly pointing out that the overwhelming majority (96) of respondents to the government’s public privatization consultation are against a sale.
“We have discussed this in detail with the government and I think [privatization] is disappointing and a shame,” she said. “I’ve laid out numerically why I think the move will have a negative impact but of course this is the government’s choice and now we go ahead.”
Unveiling Channel 4’s alternative proposal to privatization,...
Mahon has so far been walking a tricky tightrope between co-operating with the UK government and making the case for Channel 4 to remain public but she used a journalist briefing this morning to speak candidly about the negative impacts, repeatedly pointing out that the overwhelming majority (96) of respondents to the government’s public privatization consultation are against a sale.
“We have discussed this in detail with the government and I think [privatization] is disappointing and a shame,” she said. “I’ve laid out numerically why I think the move will have a negative impact but of course this is the government’s choice and now we go ahead.”
Unveiling Channel 4’s alternative proposal to privatization,...
- 5/5/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4, which is facing the threat of being privatized by Boris Johnson’s government, has revealed an unsuccessful counter-proposal to remain independent.
A key element of the proposal, which is titled “4: The Next Episode,” is creating an intellectual property joint venture (Jv) proposition with an external investor as majority shareholder, which would see a significant private capital investment into Channel 4 for the first time. The broadcaster claims it would bring £1 billion (£1.25 billion) of new British investment in British content by 2030. Some aspects of the plan, which was presented to the government in February, were leaked to the press in April.
Channel 4, which currently operates on a broadcaster-publisher model, where all programming is commissioned from external producers (Channel 4 doesn’t have an in-house production outfit), says that it would “reinvest revenues from the secondary sale of IP [presumably by setting up a distribution outfit] into domestic U.K. content commissioning, bringing new money...
A key element of the proposal, which is titled “4: The Next Episode,” is creating an intellectual property joint venture (Jv) proposition with an external investor as majority shareholder, which would see a significant private capital investment into Channel 4 for the first time. The broadcaster claims it would bring £1 billion (£1.25 billion) of new British investment in British content by 2030. Some aspects of the plan, which was presented to the government in February, were leaked to the press in April.
Channel 4, which currently operates on a broadcaster-publisher model, where all programming is commissioned from external producers (Channel 4 doesn’t have an in-house production outfit), says that it would “reinvest revenues from the secondary sale of IP [presumably by setting up a distribution outfit] into domestic U.K. content commissioning, bringing new money...
- 5/5/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Interested parties have already started lining up to enquire about buying UK broadcaster Channel 4, following this week’s pull on the first lever of the process of sale by the British Government.
After UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries published the policy document ‘White Paper’ outlining the terms of sale, Jp Morgan bankers have begun fielding preliminary offers, reports the Sunday Times. A sum as high as £2billion has been a significant champion of smaller content creators from around the UK.
The plans for sale are yet to go through parliament.
After UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries published the policy document ‘White Paper’ outlining the terms of sale, Jp Morgan bankers have begun fielding preliminary offers, reports the Sunday Times. A sum as high as £2billion has been a significant champion of smaller content creators from around the UK.
The plans for sale are yet to go through parliament.
- 5/1/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
The UK government is pushing ahead with plans to privatize Channel 4.
According to sources, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon sent an email to staff this afternoon saying that the network has been informed by the government that it will proceed with the proposal made last year.
Channel 4 has proposed a vision for privatization and the sale will be pursued up to around £1B (1.3B), according to The Times.
The suggestion was first made last year by former UK culture secretary John Whittingdale and was taken up by incumbent Nadine Dorries, although the decision was delayed on at least two occasions.
The move will shake up the UK broadcasting sector and will be the most dramatic change to Channel 4 in its 40-year history, as it becomes a privately-owned broadcaster.
Channel 4’s unique financing model sees it make money from sources such as advertising and digital, which are then reinvested in programming,...
According to sources, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon sent an email to staff this afternoon saying that the network has been informed by the government that it will proceed with the proposal made last year.
Channel 4 has proposed a vision for privatization and the sale will be pursued up to around £1B (1.3B), according to The Times.
The suggestion was first made last year by former UK culture secretary John Whittingdale and was taken up by incumbent Nadine Dorries, although the decision was delayed on at least two occasions.
The move will shake up the UK broadcasting sector and will be the most dramatic change to Channel 4 in its 40-year history, as it becomes a privately-owned broadcaster.
Channel 4’s unique financing model sees it make money from sources such as advertising and digital, which are then reinvested in programming,...
- 4/4/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Diverse representation in the UK TV industry’s most senior ranks remains poor, according to the latest landmark Diamond diversity report, which showed representation of disabled people at the top is going backwards.
The report, which is the fifth since the Diamond project was launched to monitor diversity across all broadcasters, indies and genres, showed signs of progress but mostly at lower and mid level.
Representation of disabled people in senior roles over the past five years has fallen from 6.6% to 4.5%, miles behind the circa-17% national average and coming at a time when disability representation is firmly in the spotlight.
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people, meanwhile, make up 11.4% of these senior roles, quite a way behind the 14% national average. Although it increased slightly last year, that figure has fluctuated over the past few years.
The most crucial roles to productions are simply not being filled by people from minority groups,...
The report, which is the fifth since the Diamond project was launched to monitor diversity across all broadcasters, indies and genres, showed signs of progress but mostly at lower and mid level.
Representation of disabled people in senior roles over the past five years has fallen from 6.6% to 4.5%, miles behind the circa-17% national average and coming at a time when disability representation is firmly in the spotlight.
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people, meanwhile, make up 11.4% of these senior roles, quite a way behind the 14% national average. Although it increased slightly last year, that figure has fluctuated over the past few years.
The most crucial roles to productions are simply not being filled by people from minority groups,...
- 3/14/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Channel 4’s Speak Up whistleblowing facility was used more times last year than the previous three combined as complaints increased tenfold, according to a Freedom of Information (Foi) request submitted by Deadline. Meanwhile, one complainant has slammed the facility for being “seriously flawed” and escalated his issue to CEO Alex Mahon.
Overall, there were 24 complaints made to Speak Up in 2021, according to the Foi, compared to 12 in the previous three years combined, with only two registered in 2020. The facility, which keeps complainants and the nature of their complaints anonymous, launched in 2015 but data was only available from June 2018 onwards.
The sharp rise came after Channel 4 made it mandatory for all commissioned production companies to include details of the facility on their call sheets, in part to help highlight issues surrounding racism and Covid rule-breaking. The network also carried out “regular spot checks to ensure guidance is followed,” according to a spokeswoman.
Overall, there were 24 complaints made to Speak Up in 2021, according to the Foi, compared to 12 in the previous three years combined, with only two registered in 2020. The facility, which keeps complainants and the nature of their complaints anonymous, launched in 2015 but data was only available from June 2018 onwards.
The sharp rise came after Channel 4 made it mandatory for all commissioned production companies to include details of the facility on their call sheets, in part to help highlight issues surrounding racism and Covid rule-breaking. The network also carried out “regular spot checks to ensure guidance is followed,” according to a spokeswoman.
- 1/5/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 spent nearly £30M ($40M) more than the BBC on indies outside of London last year but the number of new suppliers it worked with declined by 14%.
In a letter to the UK’s Scottish Affairs Committee following a recent hearing, C4 CEO Alex Mahon quoted research from consultant Oliver & Ohlbaum showing the broadcaster spent £171M ($229m) with out-of-London suppliers in 2020, up on the BBC’s £144M ($193M) and more than double ITV’s £77M ($103M), both of which have larger program budgets than C4.
C4 pointed to “strategic interventions” such as opening offices in Leeds, Glasgow and Bristol and its Emerging Indie Fund, which supports new shows from smaller indies.
The move to virtual pitching was also positioned as a “great leveler”, with C4 citing the example of C4 Growth Fund-backed Stockport-based producer Salamanda “pitching from their front rooms and winning valuable business without the cost of travel.
In a letter to the UK’s Scottish Affairs Committee following a recent hearing, C4 CEO Alex Mahon quoted research from consultant Oliver & Ohlbaum showing the broadcaster spent £171M ($229m) with out-of-London suppliers in 2020, up on the BBC’s £144M ($193M) and more than double ITV’s £77M ($103M), both of which have larger program budgets than C4.
C4 pointed to “strategic interventions” such as opening offices in Leeds, Glasgow and Bristol and its Emerging Indie Fund, which supports new shows from smaller indies.
The move to virtual pitching was also positioned as a “great leveler”, with C4 citing the example of C4 Growth Fund-backed Stockport-based producer Salamanda “pitching from their front rooms and winning valuable business without the cost of travel.
- 11/17/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadcasting
Channel 4 and Sky in the U.K. have extended their pre-existing, long-term commercial partnership in a new multi-year agreement which, according to the companies, will facilitate greater opportunity for collaboration, commercial growth and innovation as broadcasting evolves going forward.
Under the terms of the new deal, Sky customers will have access to even more Channel 4 content as more than 1000 hours of All 4 — Channel 4’s VoD platform — exclusives are integrated into Sky’s current and future TV products. Channel 4 will benefit from under the new terms by opening avenues to new digital ad revenue streams which can support its Future4 strategy.
“When we set out our Future4 strategy last year, we made clear that securing strategic distribution partnerships would be a vital part of ensuring we can maximize our reach and impact with viewers in a digital age, grow our revenues and compete more effectively for the future,” said Alex Mahon,...
Channel 4 and Sky in the U.K. have extended their pre-existing, long-term commercial partnership in a new multi-year agreement which, according to the companies, will facilitate greater opportunity for collaboration, commercial growth and innovation as broadcasting evolves going forward.
Under the terms of the new deal, Sky customers will have access to even more Channel 4 content as more than 1000 hours of All 4 — Channel 4’s VoD platform — exclusives are integrated into Sky’s current and future TV products. Channel 4 will benefit from under the new terms by opening avenues to new digital ad revenue streams which can support its Future4 strategy.
“When we set out our Future4 strategy last year, we made clear that securing strategic distribution partnerships would be a vital part of ensuring we can maximize our reach and impact with viewers in a digital age, grow our revenues and compete more effectively for the future,” said Alex Mahon,...
- 7/2/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios CEO Tim Davie has been named as the new director general of the BBC. He succeeds Tony Hall, who is stepping down after seven years leading the British broadcaster.
Davie was the hot favorite for the role, with Deadline revealing that he was the frontrunner back in April. He first joined the BBC in 2005 as marketing director, rising to take charge of the corporation’s audio unit, before being appointed as BBC Studios CEO in 2012. He had a brief spell as interim director general before Hall’s arrival in 2013.
Davie said he was “honored” to be appointed to the biggest job in British media. “This has been a critical time for the UK and these past few months have shown just how much the BBC matters to people. Our mission has never been more relevant, important or necessary. I have a deep commitment to content of the highest quality and impartiality,...
Davie was the hot favorite for the role, with Deadline revealing that he was the frontrunner back in April. He first joined the BBC in 2005 as marketing director, rising to take charge of the corporation’s audio unit, before being appointed as BBC Studios CEO in 2012. He had a brief spell as interim director general before Hall’s arrival in 2013.
Davie said he was “honored” to be appointed to the biggest job in British media. “This has been a critical time for the UK and these past few months have shown just how much the BBC matters to people. Our mission has never been more relevant, important or necessary. I have a deep commitment to content of the highest quality and impartiality,...
- 6/5/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
When eight years ago an internal crisis propelled the then head of BBC Worldwide, Tim Davie, into the job of acting BBC director general, he was criticized for not wearing a tie.
The criticism didn’t stick and Davie, now CEO of BBC Studios and director of global, is emerging as the favored candidate to replace Tony Hall, the outgoing director general, who announced his planned departure in late January.
Under ordinary circumstances, the announcement of Hall’s successor should have been imminent, but the coronavirus pandemic appears to have put the brakes on the recruitment process.
It is possible that headhunters may delay the search for the next head of the BBC still further owing to anxieties that the reported shortlist of four candidates includes only one woman.
Despite sounding out a number of senior women that run British broadcasters and London-based producers, including ITV’s Carolyn McCall, Channel 4...
The criticism didn’t stick and Davie, now CEO of BBC Studios and director of global, is emerging as the favored candidate to replace Tony Hall, the outgoing director general, who announced his planned departure in late January.
Under ordinary circumstances, the announcement of Hall’s successor should have been imminent, but the coronavirus pandemic appears to have put the brakes on the recruitment process.
It is possible that headhunters may delay the search for the next head of the BBC still further owing to anxieties that the reported shortlist of four candidates includes only one woman.
Despite sounding out a number of senior women that run British broadcasters and London-based producers, including ITV’s Carolyn McCall, Channel 4...
- 5/22/2020
- by Steve Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon’s UK Chief Emerges As BBC Director General Contender, But Coronavirus Complicates Hiring Plan
Amazon’s UK boss Doug Gurr has emerged as a contender for the BBC director general role, but sources have told Deadline that the coronavirus crisis has complicated the broadcaster’s plans to have the best possible field of candidates.
The Guardian reported on Thursday that Gurr has joined a shortlist of candidates to succeed Tony Hall, although Amazon said it does not comment on “rumor and speculation” and the BBC also declined to comment. Gurr adds to an already known field of BBC Studios CEO Tim Davie, BBC director of content Charlotte Moore, and Will Lewis, the former Dow Jones CEO and Wall Street Journal publisher. Sources suggest there could be other contenders on the list.
It has taken more than three months to get this point and along the way, several high-profile individuals have counted themselves out of the process. Deadline revealed last month that Jay Hunt, Apple...
The Guardian reported on Thursday that Gurr has joined a shortlist of candidates to succeed Tony Hall, although Amazon said it does not comment on “rumor and speculation” and the BBC also declined to comment. Gurr adds to an already known field of BBC Studios CEO Tim Davie, BBC director of content Charlotte Moore, and Will Lewis, the former Dow Jones CEO and Wall Street Journal publisher. Sources suggest there could be other contenders on the list.
It has taken more than three months to get this point and along the way, several high-profile individuals have counted themselves out of the process. Deadline revealed last month that Jay Hunt, Apple...
- 5/21/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Major broadcasters, Pact, Coba and ITN fire starting gun on return to production.
A blueprint for getting TV production up and running has been unveiled as the industry attempts to get back to business.
The PSBs, Sky, Stv, Pact, Coba and ITN have joined forced to publish the detailed document, broken down into six key areas, which is designed to enable indies to re-enter production. It is designed as complementary to the high-end TV guidelines published by the British Film Commission earlier this month.
Titled TV Production Guidance: Managing the Risk of Covid-19 in Production Making, it provides suggestions for producers across travel,...
A blueprint for getting TV production up and running has been unveiled as the industry attempts to get back to business.
The PSBs, Sky, Stv, Pact, Coba and ITN have joined forced to publish the detailed document, broken down into six key areas, which is designed to enable indies to re-enter production. It is designed as complementary to the high-end TV guidelines published by the British Film Commission earlier this month.
Titled TV Production Guidance: Managing the Risk of Covid-19 in Production Making, it provides suggestions for producers across travel,...
- 5/18/2020
- by 1100365¦Alex Farber Broadcast¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Annual report into the future of the screen industries and was unveiled at the Goteborg Film Festival.
The near future of the global film and TV industries will be a boom time of creativity and growing hours of content, but will also see an industry in chaos, according to thee 2020 Nostradamus report ’A Creative Explosion’.
The repprt was unveiled at the Nordic Film Market at the Goteborg Film Festival on Friday January 31.
“The next three to five years will be a time of creativity and chaos, with many artistic highs and unprecedented amounts of money invested in scripted content,” said the report.
The near future of the global film and TV industries will be a boom time of creativity and growing hours of content, but will also see an industry in chaos, according to thee 2020 Nostradamus report ’A Creative Explosion’.
The repprt was unveiled at the Nordic Film Market at the Goteborg Film Festival on Friday January 31.
“The next three to five years will be a time of creativity and chaos, with many artistic highs and unprecedented amounts of money invested in scripted content,” said the report.
- 2/3/2020
- by 1100142¦Wendy Mitchell¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Annual Nostradamus report report looks into the future of the screen industries and was unveiled at the Goteborg Film Festival.
The near future of the film and TV industries will be a boom time of creativity and growing hours of content, but will also see an industry in chaos.
These are the predictions of the 2020 Nostradamus report – “A Creative Explosion” – which was unveiled on Friday (January 31) at the Nordic Film Market at the Goteborg Film Festival.
“The next three to five years will be a time of creativity and chaos, with many artistic highs and unprecedented amounts of money invested in scripted content,...
The near future of the film and TV industries will be a boom time of creativity and growing hours of content, but will also see an industry in chaos.
These are the predictions of the 2020 Nostradamus report – “A Creative Explosion” – which was unveiled on Friday (January 31) at the Nordic Film Market at the Goteborg Film Festival.
“The next three to five years will be a time of creativity and chaos, with many artistic highs and unprecedented amounts of money invested in scripted content,...
- 2/3/2020
- by 1100142¦Wendy Mitchell¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Annual Nostradamus report report looks into the future of the screen industries and was unveiled at the Goteborg Film Festival.
The near future of the film and TV industries will be a boom time of creativity and growing hours of content, but will also see an industry in chaos.
These are the predictions of the 2020 Nostradamus report – “A Creative Explosion” – which was unveiled on Friday (January 31) at the Nordic Film Market at the Goteborg Film Festival.
“The next three to five years will be a time of creativity and chaos, with many artistic highs and unprecedented amounts of money invested in scripted content,...
The near future of the film and TV industries will be a boom time of creativity and growing hours of content, but will also see an industry in chaos.
These are the predictions of the 2020 Nostradamus report – “A Creative Explosion” – which was unveiled on Friday (January 31) at the Nordic Film Market at the Goteborg Film Festival.
“The next three to five years will be a time of creativity and chaos, with many artistic highs and unprecedented amounts of money invested in scripted content,...
- 2/3/2020
- by 1100142¦Wendy Mitchell¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Rome’s Mia market for TV series, feature films and documentaries kicks off today with hundreds of international buyers descending upon the Eternal City for four-days (Oct. 16-20) of presentations of fresh top-notch mostly European product and dealmaking done in a more relaxed setting than Mipcom.
The new concept mart now at its 5th edition, which dovetails with Mipcom, will see industry executives flying into Rome from Cannes. But there is also a considerable contingent coming to Mia that skipped Mipcom entirely.
From the U.S. this group includes execs from talent agencies Wme and CAA that are increasingly active in packaging overseas projects and representing European talents. Top execs from most of the major U.S. streaming platforms, such as Netflix Director of International Originals Felipe Tewes, will also be attending Mia, as are Hollywood heavyweights Kevin Beggs, chairman of Lionsgate Television Group, who will be a keynote speaker,...
The new concept mart now at its 5th edition, which dovetails with Mipcom, will see industry executives flying into Rome from Cannes. But there is also a considerable contingent coming to Mia that skipped Mipcom entirely.
From the U.S. this group includes execs from talent agencies Wme and CAA that are increasingly active in packaging overseas projects and representing European talents. Top execs from most of the major U.S. streaming platforms, such as Netflix Director of International Originals Felipe Tewes, will also be attending Mia, as are Hollywood heavyweights Kevin Beggs, chairman of Lionsgate Television Group, who will be a keynote speaker,...
- 10/16/2019
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Love Island host Caroline Flack is to present Channel 4 format The Surjury as the producers prep a U.S. remake of the Gobstopper Television series.
The gig is a boon for Flack, who is best known for presenting the ITV2 reality dating format and has presented shows such as The X Factor. It is her first series for C4. The series, produced by Greenbird-backed Gobstopper Television, has wrapped filming in Manchester, where a 12-strong jury of the public must decide if people get the cosmetic surgery they’ve always dreamed of.
From bum-lifts to nose jobs, sculpted abs to breast enlargements, The Surjury allows people to explore their choices more thoroughly, and to take measured advice from their peers, some of whom may previously have gone under the knife themselves and will happily hold court on the subject.
Flack will introduce those wanting the surgery to the Jury,...
The gig is a boon for Flack, who is best known for presenting the ITV2 reality dating format and has presented shows such as The X Factor. It is her first series for C4. The series, produced by Greenbird-backed Gobstopper Television, has wrapped filming in Manchester, where a 12-strong jury of the public must decide if people get the cosmetic surgery they’ve always dreamed of.
From bum-lifts to nose jobs, sculpted abs to breast enlargements, The Surjury allows people to explore their choices more thoroughly, and to take measured advice from their peers, some of whom may previously have gone under the knife themselves and will happily hold court on the subject.
Flack will introduce those wanting the surgery to the Jury,...
- 10/15/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Alex Mahon, the chief executive of British broadcaster Channel 4, has attacked the streaming giants for stuffing their platforms with indistinct “trans-territory filler” and putting their commercial needs above all else.
In a speech at the Royal Television Society’s Cambridge Convention on Thursday, Mahon took the opportunity to restate Channel 4’s public service values and commitment to local content in a world dominated by Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube.
Mahon compared the streamers to the food and drink industry, scaling their business by “distributing the same recipe to lots of different markets.” She added that they nakedly “serve their own content and services first in commercial priority above anything else.”
Mahon said: “When the streamers are good they’re very very good. But alongside the hero titles there’s an awful lot of the same: whether it’s drugs lords, mass killers, real crime or heist thrillers — a mix that...
In a speech at the Royal Television Society’s Cambridge Convention on Thursday, Mahon took the opportunity to restate Channel 4’s public service values and commitment to local content in a world dominated by Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube.
Mahon compared the streamers to the food and drink industry, scaling their business by “distributing the same recipe to lots of different markets.” She added that they nakedly “serve their own content and services first in commercial priority above anything else.”
Mahon said: “When the streamers are good they’re very very good. But alongside the hero titles there’s an awful lot of the same: whether it’s drugs lords, mass killers, real crime or heist thrillers — a mix that...
- 9/19/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky Studios is launching a new Innovation Hub in Leeds, the northern English city that is also set to become the new headquarters of British pubcaster Channel 4. Sky Studios, the production arm of pay-tv giant Sky, said Wednesday that the new regional hub would focus on talent development, scripted partnerships and new content experiences, creating new original drama, comedy and scripted ideas for Sky and its customers.
The hub will be headed by executive producer Vicky Wharton, who has worked as a development executive, script editor and drama producer on shows including “Murphy’s Law” and Hulu’s “Harlots.”
“Our aim at Sky Studios Innovation Hub is to support creative risk from ambitious, diverse talent through mentoring, and forging unconventional ways to allow the very best talent to rise to the top,” Wharton said.
Sky Studios’ move follows British pubcaster Channel 4’s announcement in April that its new headquarters would be based in Leeds.
The hub will be headed by executive producer Vicky Wharton, who has worked as a development executive, script editor and drama producer on shows including “Murphy’s Law” and Hulu’s “Harlots.”
“Our aim at Sky Studios Innovation Hub is to support creative risk from ambitious, diverse talent through mentoring, and forging unconventional ways to allow the very best talent to rise to the top,” Wharton said.
Sky Studios’ move follows British pubcaster Channel 4’s announcement in April that its new headquarters would be based in Leeds.
- 9/18/2019
- by Robert Mitchell
- Variety Film + TV
Sky and Channel 4 have cemented and extended their unusual content partnership in the UK.
In September 2018, the two broadcasters agreed a groundbreaking deal under which Channel 4 got access to Sky original Tin Star and rights to motor racing sport Formula 1. In return, Comcast’s Sky was able to carry Channel 4 box sets, like Paul Abbott’s No Offence, on Sky and its Svod service Now TV.
Now the two companies have gone a step further by signing a “multi-year” deal, which will give Channel 4 continued access to Formula 1 races and highlights, while Sky will bring its customers more Channel 4 shows on-demand, as well as titles from foreign drama catalog Walter Presents.
Furthermore, Channel 4 will also use Sky’s AdSmart technology, which means it will be able to show targeted ads to Sky and Virgin Media customers.
Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon said: “This landmark new partnership with Sky is...
In September 2018, the two broadcasters agreed a groundbreaking deal under which Channel 4 got access to Sky original Tin Star and rights to motor racing sport Formula 1. In return, Comcast’s Sky was able to carry Channel 4 box sets, like Paul Abbott’s No Offence, on Sky and its Svod service Now TV.
Now the two companies have gone a step further by signing a “multi-year” deal, which will give Channel 4 continued access to Formula 1 races and highlights, while Sky will bring its customers more Channel 4 shows on-demand, as well as titles from foreign drama catalog Walter Presents.
Furthermore, Channel 4 will also use Sky’s AdSmart technology, which means it will be able to show targeted ads to Sky and Virgin Media customers.
Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon said: “This landmark new partnership with Sky is...
- 9/17/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
ScreenSkills chair says there is “no silver bullet” but the industry must “play its part”.
UK training body Creative Skillset is rebranding as ScreenSkills as it looks to more clearly reflect the work it does across the country’s wide-reaching screen industries, including film, television, animation, VFX and games.
Accompanying the organisation’s new identity is new initiative Giving Back, which will aim to increase the UK’s skilled workforce to meet the booming production demand. Through the initiative, it is calling for greater contribution from the industry to skills training.
This will include urging productions to pay into the...
UK training body Creative Skillset is rebranding as ScreenSkills as it looks to more clearly reflect the work it does across the country’s wide-reaching screen industries, including film, television, animation, VFX and games.
Accompanying the organisation’s new identity is new initiative Giving Back, which will aim to increase the UK’s skilled workforce to meet the booming production demand. Through the initiative, it is calling for greater contribution from the industry to skills training.
This will include urging productions to pay into the...
- 10/4/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
British broadcaster Channel 4 is to increase its annual programming budget in 2018 thanks to a result of an improving ad market and has targeted a renewed push in late night entertainment. Recently installed Chief Executive Alex Mahon said that it would be boosting its content spend ahead of the arrival of former BBC executive Ian Katz as Director of Programmes in January. C4 spent £501M (Us$670M) on original content last year and £695M (Us$930M) on total content…...
- 12/6/2017
- Deadline TV
Channel 4 is to reignite its investment in British production companies after bringing in the former boss of ITV-owned producer The Garden. Nick Curwin, who co-founded the firm, which produces long-running hit 24 Hours In A&E, has joined C4's Indie Growth Fund Advisory Board. Curtin will work alongside Lorraine Heggessey and Channel 4's executive team, which is now headed up by recently installed Chief Executive Alex Mahon. Curwin, who stepped down from The Garden earlier…...
- 11/30/2017
- Deadline TV
Google will demo the Fantastic Beasts virtual reality experience at the London event on December 6.
Speakers from Google and Sony have joined the line-up for the Vr Creative Summit.
Google Daydream’s head of content and business development Greg Ivanov and the director of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s immersive technology group Simon Benson are the latest additions to the programme at the event, which is being organised by Screen publisher Mbi.
Google will also be demonstrating its latest Vr experience, which has been developed for the release of Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, at the event.
Ivanov is part of the team responsible for the web giant’s forthcoming Daydream View, a Vr headset and controller which will complement its more mainstream Cardboard offering.
Meanwhile former Formula 1 simulation engineer Benson, who joined Sony 16 years ago, heads up a team responsible for bringing immersive experiences to the PlayStation games console.
They join a...
Speakers from Google and Sony have joined the line-up for the Vr Creative Summit.
Google Daydream’s head of content and business development Greg Ivanov and the director of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s immersive technology group Simon Benson are the latest additions to the programme at the event, which is being organised by Screen publisher Mbi.
Google will also be demonstrating its latest Vr experience, which has been developed for the release of Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, at the event.
Ivanov is part of the team responsible for the web giant’s forthcoming Daydream View, a Vr headset and controller which will complement its more mainstream Cardboard offering.
Meanwhile former Formula 1 simulation engineer Benson, who joined Sony 16 years ago, heads up a team responsible for bringing immersive experiences to the PlayStation games console.
They join a...
- 11/22/2016
- ScreenDaily
Twitter exec Bruce Daisley and BuzzFeed UK editor-in-chief Janine Gibson will be among the keynote speakers at this year’s Media Summit.
Organised by Screen publisher Media Business Insight, the two-day conference in June will gather leaders from across film, TV and advertising to debate the future of the creative industries.
Gibson will discuss the changing world of online content on a panel that will also include The Times’ head of digital strategy Alan Hunter and The Lad Bible marketing director Mimi Turner.
Twitter European vice-president Bruce Daisley will explore trends in social media and how they can be harnessed by content makers.
There will also be a separate panel discussion on the explosion in international drama, which will feature former Kudos boss Jane Featherstone and Neal Street Productions co-founder Pippa Harris.
A session on virtual reality will consider whether Vr will live up to the hype, with those discussing the anticipated ‘revolution’ including Alex Mahon, CEO of...
Organised by Screen publisher Media Business Insight, the two-day conference in June will gather leaders from across film, TV and advertising to debate the future of the creative industries.
Gibson will discuss the changing world of online content on a panel that will also include The Times’ head of digital strategy Alan Hunter and The Lad Bible marketing director Mimi Turner.
Twitter European vice-president Bruce Daisley will explore trends in social media and how they can be harnessed by content makers.
There will also be a separate panel discussion on the explosion in international drama, which will feature former Kudos boss Jane Featherstone and Neal Street Productions co-founder Pippa Harris.
A session on virtual reality will consider whether Vr will live up to the hype, with those discussing the anticipated ‘revolution’ including Alex Mahon, CEO of...
- 4/12/2016
- ScreenDaily
The last of Ben Silverman's three musketeers who launched Reveille with him is leaving parent company Shine Group. Chris Grant, who has served as president of sales and distribution arm Shine International since Shine's 2008 acquisition of Reveille, will depart later this year, along with his top lieutenant, Evp John Pollak. The move is a result of News Corp-owned Shine Group's decision to relocate the headquarters of its sales and distribution unit to London, where Shine's main offices are, from Los Angeles. Grant, who has chosen not to relocate, will work through a six-month transitional period and help in the search for a London-based successor. Shine Group President Alex Mahon will be taking oversight of Shine International in the interim. "At this stage of the company’s growth, Shine International needs its headquarters alongside our teams that manage and exploit group formats, brands and digital rights, with local sales experts...
- 5/10/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
London -- Elisabeth Murdoch's Shine Group has hired Discovery exec Alden Mitchell and Channel 4 exec Lucinda Hicks to launch a new global business development division, it was announced Thursday.
The division aims to spearhead new international growth opportunities, looking at strategy, acquisitions and partnership projects in both existing and new markets.
Shine has expanded significantly over the past few years to include production assets in the U.S., U.K., Scandinavia, France, Australia and Germany, making such shows as "Masterchef," "Ashes to Ashes" and "Spooks."
Mitchell, currently vp of U.K. affiliate sales and business development at Discovery Networks International, will become senior vp global business development, while Hicks, currently strategy manager at Channel 4, joins as vp global business development. The new division will report into Shine Group President, Alex Mahon; Mitchell and Hicks will take up their respective posts in the summer.
The division aims to spearhead new international growth opportunities, looking at strategy, acquisitions and partnership projects in both existing and new markets.
Shine has expanded significantly over the past few years to include production assets in the U.S., U.K., Scandinavia, France, Australia and Germany, making such shows as "Masterchef," "Ashes to Ashes" and "Spooks."
Mitchell, currently vp of U.K. affiliate sales and business development at Discovery Networks International, will become senior vp global business development, while Hicks, currently strategy manager at Channel 4, joins as vp global business development. The new division will report into Shine Group President, Alex Mahon; Mitchell and Hicks will take up their respective posts in the summer.
- 6/3/2010
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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